A subjective list of artists the world has lost in 2020. If there are notable omissions please let me know. … [Read more...] about In Memoriam 2020: Singers, Dancers, Actors, Writers, Directors
Stephen Sondheim
Balanchine saves the day – a triple bill at La Scala: La Valse, Symphony in C and Scheherazade
An odd evening at La Scala saw Balanchine’s pure, sparkling choreography for Symphony in C sandwiched between two new contemporary creations on music which has already had phenomenally successful … [Read more...] about Balanchine saves the day – a triple bill at La Scala: La Valse, Symphony in C and Scheherazade
Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson to star in Sweeney Todd in London
After the success of Sweeney Todd in concert with the New York Philharmonic in March of this year, Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson return in their roles for thirteen performances at the London … [Read more...] about Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson to star in Sweeney Todd in London
Alessandra Ferri’s classy comeback
There are comebacks and comebacks: the rather sad, end-of-the-pier affair, because money's run out and there's alimony to pay; the small cameo 'because I miss the applause'; and Alessandra … [Read more...] about Alessandra Ferri’s classy comeback
Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
Q&A When did you start dancing? At age 8. A short time ago. Why did you start dancing? Apparently I preferred it to walking; actually I still do. Music was frequently played at home. My … [Read more...] about Cynthia Harvey answers the Gramilano Questionnaire… Dancers’ Edition
A new Mama Rose gets her turn in Italy’s first ever ‘Gypsy’
On 15 January, Milan will welcome a new Rose to the stage as Gyspy opens in Italy. Loretta Goggi has been a household name in Italy for half a century. She made her début in television as a girl … [Read more...] about A new Mama Rose gets her turn in Italy’s first ever ‘Gypsy’
Dame Judi Dench takes bit part in school play
Judi Dench is to be the voice of the giant in the Giggleswick school production of Into the Woods. She delighted pupils at the North Yorkshire boarding school by agreeing to take a part in their … [Read more...] about Dame Judi Dench takes bit part in school play
Elaine Stritch at the Town Hall: an idiosyncratic mix of old-fashioned patter and perfect timing
The Los Angeles Times have many wonderful entertainment journalists, the sort that have you reading a review of something you'd never want to see. Christopher Smith writes about Elaine Stritch's … [Read more...] about Elaine Stritch at the Town Hall: an idiosyncratic mix of old-fashioned patter and perfect timing
Stephen Sondheim to receive the Handel Medallion from Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Stephen Sondheim is to receive New York City's highest honour for achievement in the arts. The award is given by the City of New York for contribution to the city's intellectual and cultural … [Read more...] about Stephen Sondheim to receive the Handel Medallion from Mayor Michael Bloomberg
London’s new Mrs Lovett, Imelda Staunton, on loneliness
Imelda Staunton has returned to the musical stage as Mrs Lovett in Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd. She talked to The Telegraph: “I read somewhere that, if you want to be different, you have to be … [Read more...] about London’s new Mrs Lovett, Imelda Staunton, on loneliness
Four artists who influenced Patti LuPone
The Los Angeles Times asked Patti Lupone to name four people who have influenced her artistically: Edith Piaf I'm an Italian and my emotions are just under my skin.... There's just a purity and … [Read more...] about Four artists who influenced Patti LuPone
Tom Aldredge, character actor, dies at 83
Tom Aldredge, an Emmy-winning actor who for five decades was ubiquitous on stage and screen, seen in everything from Sondheim to “The Sopranos,” died on Friday in Tampa, Fla. He was 83. “I knew at … [Read more...] about Tom Aldredge, character actor, dies at 83
‘Latest’ Stephen Sondheim musical to play at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in June
Stephen Sondheim’s ‘new’ musical, ‘Road Show’ is the third collaboration between Sondheim and book writer John Weidman (Pacific Overtures and Assassins). But 'Road Show' is yet another version of … [Read more...] about ‘Latest’ Stephen Sondheim musical to play at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in June
Big-eyed, big-voiced and bubbly Caroline O’Connor will make an ideal Mrs Lovett in Paris
Best known for her energetic performances in Chicago, Mack and Mabel and the film "Moulin Rouge", multi-talented Caroline O'Connor will now step into Mrs Lovett's shoes as part of a starry cast for … [Read more...] about Big-eyed, big-voiced and bubbly Caroline O’Connor will make an ideal Mrs Lovett in Paris
Elaine Paige on why she’s still here… and there, in Washington DC, for Follies
On May 7 for five weeks there will be a production of Stephen Sondheim's Follies where Elaine Paige will sing "I'm Still Here" for the first time. A strong cast includes Bernadette Peters. Paige … [Read more...] about Elaine Paige on why she’s still here… and there, in Washington DC, for Follies
Angela Lansbury’s tribute to Stephen Sondheim at the 2011 Olivier Awards
At the 2011 Olivier Award ceremony this year Stephen Sondheim was presented with a lifetime achievement award. Part of the tribute to the 80 year-old composer was from his 85 year-old star Angela … [Read more...] about Angela Lansbury’s tribute to Stephen Sondheim at the 2011 Olivier Awards
The great Frank Rich leaves The New York Times… and moves on
Rich will leave the paper to join the New York Magazine. He has been an op-ed columnist at the New York Times since 1994, and was the paper’s chief drama critic from 1980 to 1993. New York Magazine … [Read more...] about The great Frank Rich leaves The New York Times… and moves on
Barbra Streisand rumored to be the next Mama Rose in ‘Gypsy’
The role of Mama Rose in "Gypsy" has always attracted great divas, from Ethel Merman to Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly to Patti LuPone. And now comes word that the greatest diva of them all -- Barbra … [Read more...] about Barbra Streisand rumored to be the next Mama Rose in ‘Gypsy’
‘It’s alarming how charming I feel.’ – Stephen Sondheim calls his ‘West Side Story’ lyrics ’embarrassing’
Stephen Sondheim appeared on ABC’s 'Nightline' on Tuesday night, and during the interview, the theater legend disclosed that he found the words to his 1957 masterpiece 'West Side Story', written with … [Read more...] about ‘It’s alarming how charming I feel.’ – Stephen Sondheim calls his ‘West Side Story’ lyrics ’embarrassing’
