Cast for Broadway Evita starring Ricky Martin and Elena Roger

The box office opened today for the Broadway revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita which begins previews at the Marquis Theatre on March 12th with an official opening on April 5th.

The cast will feature Grammy winner Ricky Martin as Che Guevara, Olivier Award winner Elena Roger in her Broadway debut as Eva Perón, Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris as Juan Perón, Max von Essen (Dance of the Vampires, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Magaldi and Rachel Potter (The Addams Family) as the Mistress. Christina DeCicco (Sister Act) will be the alternate for Eva Perón.

They will be joined by Ashley Amber, George Lee Andrews, Wendi Bergamini, Eric L. Christian, Kristine Covillo, Colin Cunliffe, Margot de La Barre, Bradley Dean, Rebecca Eichenberger, Melanie Field, Jennie Ford, Maya Jade Frank, Bahiyah Sayyed Gaines, Constantine Germanacos, Laurel Harris, Nick Kenkel, Brad Little, Erica Mansfield, Emily Mechler, Isabela Moner, Sydney Morton, Jessica Lea Patty, Aleks Pevec, Kristie Dale Sanders, Timothy Shew, Michaeljon Slinger, Johnny Stellard, Alex Michael Stoll, Daniel Torres and Matt Wall.

This is the first new Broadway production of the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical since it debuted on Broadway over 30 years ago.  It is directed Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage with choreography by Tony Award winner Rob Ashford.

The revival features songs from the original staging including "Don’t Cry for Me Argentina," "Buenos Aires," "Rainbow High" and "High Flying Adored," as well as "You Must Love Me" which was written for the 1996 film adaptation.

Orchestrations are by Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Cullen (Sunset Boulevard) and dance arrangements are by David Chase (Billy Elliot).

Meredith Braun Solo Album

West End star Meredith Braun returns after a ten year absence from musical theatre with the release of her debut solo album Someone Else's Story which is due for release on March 26th 2012. It is a hand-picked collection of songs by composers including Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Michel Legrand, Stiles and Drewe and Stephen Schwartz.

Meredith Braun has originated and recorded roles including Betty Schaeffer in Sunset Boulevard, Lily in the The Secret Garden and played Eponine in Les Misérables and Christine in 'The Phantom of the Opera. She also starred as Belle in the 1992 Disney film The Muppet Christmas Carol opposite Michael Caine.

The album tracks are:
1. Someone Else's Story (Chess)
2. China Doll (Marguerite)
3. No One Is Alone/Not While I'm Around (Into The Woods / Sweeney Todd)
4. Meadowlark (The Baker's Wife)
5. Close Your Eyes (based on Fauré's Pavane)
6. Love Never Dies (Love Never Dies)
7. Papa Can You Hear Me? (Yentl)
8. You Must Love Me (Evita)
9. Rainbow Collection  (The Muppet Movie)
10. Wait a Bit (Just So)
11. Good Thing Going/Not a Day Goes By (Merrily We Roll Along)
12. Take Me Home (film One From The Heart)
13. Se Dormi (Close Your Eyes - Italian Version)
14. L'arc en Ciel  (Rainbow Connection - French Version)

Pre-order Meredith Braun’s Someone Else’s Story from Amazon for £6.56

George Blagden to play Grantaire in Les Miserables Movie

Newcomer George Blagden has joined the star-studded cast of the Les Miserables film which director King's Speech Tom Hooper is pulling together.  It  includes Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, Sacha Baron Cohen as Thernardier, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, Aaron Tveit as Enjolras, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Samantha Barks as Eponine, Anne Hathaway as Fantine and Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier.

Blagden will play Grantaire and is a newcomer to film and has just finished shooting on the indie The Philosophers and can be seen next in Wrath of the Titans starring Liam Neeson.


Blagden attended Guildhall School of Music & Drama and has been a singer since he age of  13 at Oundle's Stahl Theatre with roles including Marc in ART and The Baker in Sondheim's Into the Woods. Last September he appeared in Opening Doors:  a selection of new musical theatre writing at the Soho Theatre in London.

Claire Moore, Niamh Perry, Michael Cantwell & James Gillan in Song Cycle for Soho

A Song Cycle for Soho explores Soho's rich history showcasing the work of several British composers and lyricists, both new and established, including Douglas Hodge, Christopher Hamilton, Stuart Matthew Price, Dougal Irvine, Susannah Pearse, Tim Sutton and Stiles & Drewe.  It runs at the Soho Theatre from 27th February until 3rd March.

The West End performers include Michael Cantwell (Passion/Queen’s Theatre, Assassins/ Donmar Warehouse), James Gillan (Wicked/Apollo Theatre, Peter Pan/Royal Festival Hall), Claire Moore (London Road/National Theatre, Miss Saigon/Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) and Niamh Perry (Love Never Dies/Adelphi Theatre, Mamma Mia/Prince Edward Theatre).

A Song Cycle for Soho is directed by Mercury Musical Developments associate Simon Greiff, with musical direction from Tony Award winner Sarah Travis.

Buy tickets for A Song Cycle for Soho

Sierra Boggess in off-Broadway's Love, Loss and What I Wore

As previously mentioned, the Broadway production of Rebecca now been postponed but West End star Sierra Boggess who was playing the lead is wasting no time and is now appearing in off-Broadway's Love, Loss and What I Wore. It is based on Ilene Beckerman’s best-selling book and features a rotating cast of female stars chatting about clothing and relationships

Alexandra Silber, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Zuzanna Szadkowski and Ally Walker will also join the production at the Westside Theatre. Bernstine, Silber and Szadkowski begin performances on February 1st and continue with the show to February 26th and Boggess and Walker will appear from February 29th to April 1st.

They will be joined by Robin Strasser (One Life to Live) and Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island). Boggess and Walker will perform alongside Erica Watson (Precious).

Russell Grant on the Dancing Wizard of Oz

Russell Grant is due to take over the role of The Wizard of Oz from Michael Crawford next month at the London Palladium. He starts previewing the role on 7th February with his official opening on the 14th,

Russell has just been talking to Alan Titchmarsh on ITV1 and has said he turned down the role three times because he was daunted by the idea and unsure whether he could do it or not.

Andrew Lloyd Webber telephoned him to ask what was needed to persuade him. Russell explained he couldn't follow in Michael Crawford's footsteps per se and needed to make the role his own by adding some dancing. So courtesy of the Lord changing some numbers and Arlene Phillips new choreography there is now some Charleston, American Smooth and a Paso Doble in the show.

David Shannon Competing to Represent Ireland in Eurovision Song Content

West End star David Shannon has been selected to compete to represent Ireland at the 57th Eurovision Song Contest which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in May 2012.

There will be five acts competing and the winner will be chosen through the live The Late Late Show: Eurosong 2012 organised by the Irish broadcaster RTÉ on 24th February.

David Shannon will perform as a duo with Una Gibney and they are being mentored by show business agent Julian Benson. Una Gibney is a singer with the band Boogie Nights and spent a year on tour singing with Michael Flatley’s show Celtic Tiger. David Shannon has played leading roles in London’s West End including Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Cats and Sweeney Todd.

They are the third act to be announced and they are currently up against Donna McCaul and Jedward. Donna previously represented the Emerald Isle in 2005 but failed to qualify for the final. Jedward represented Ireland last year and came eighth.  The other two competitors are expected to be revealed in the coming days.

Colm Wilkinson & Frances Ruffelle in Les Miserables Film

Colm Wilkinson (the first Jean Valjean) and Frances Ruffelle, who created the part of Eponine have been given feature roles in the Les Miserables movie.

Wilkinson will play the Bishop of Digne and Ruffelle will play “the most fabulous whore” in the group of prostitutes who sing the number Lovely Ladies.

Wilkinson has played Valjean in London and on Broadway and said that as he takes on the role of the bishop his journey with Les Miserables has ended “and I have come full circle”.

The director Tom Hooper has already spent three weeks working with Hugh Jackman on his characterisation of Jean Valjean with rehearsals starting at Pinewood studios next week for seven weeks. There’s also talk of some filming being done in France.

Russell Crowe (Inspector Javert) will be arriving in the UK next week, along with Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Eddie Redmayne (Marius), Amanda Seyfried (Cosette) and Aaron Tveit (Enjolras). Taylor Swift (Eponine) arrived here earlier this week. Other key roles are still in negotiation.

The stage show has 28 actors playing a variety of roles but Cameron Mackintosh said the film version will have scores of parts for West End performers saying:  “It’s the same as when the musical Oliver! was being made and dozens — probably hundreds — of people from London stage shows took part”.

Casting for Wonderful Town starring Connie Fisher & Michael Xavier

The tour of Wonderful Town starring Connie Fisher  and Michael Xavier kicks off at the Salford Lowry on 31st March.

Connie plays aspiring writer Ruth Sherwood who arrives in New York with her beautiful younger sister Eileen played by Lucy Van Gasse. Michael Xavier plays Bob Baker and he wil be joined by Haydn Oakley/Frank Lippencott: Joseph Alessi/Chick Clark: Michael Matus/Valenti: Sevan Stephan/Mr Appopolous: Nic Greenshields/Wreck: Graves/Helen Tiffany: Annette Yeo/Mrs Wade & Violet and Paul Hawkyard as Officer Lonigan.

Plus members of the ensemble: Natalie Moore-Williams, Katy Hards, Lucinda Lawrence, Lucy James, Frankie Jenna, Oliver Roll, Bob Harms, Peter McPherson, Matt Wilman, Giovanni Spanó, Liam Wrate and Alain Terzoli.

Geronimo Rauch to play Jean Valjean in Les Miserables

Ramin Karimloo is playing Jean Valjean for a limited season in Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre and is due to leave the show on 3rd March.  

Geronimo Rauch, who is currently starring in the Spanish production of Les Miserables, will make his West End debut as Jean Valjean when the cast change takes place on 18th June 2012.  He is contracted to play the role for a year to 14th June 2013.

He will begin rehearsals in London on the 14th May and Rauch said: "I began my vocal teaching 17 years ago, listening to Colm Wilkinson singing as Jean Valjean, I can´t believe that I´ve been given this chance. I never imagined then that today I´d take this role."

Geronimo Rauch was born in Argentina in 1978 and reached popularity in his native country after winning the reality show PopStars in 2002 when he became a member of the hugely successful pop group Mambru.

His debut in musical theatre was in the Argentinean production of Les Miserables. He has played the role of Doody in Grease and starred in Jesus Christ Superstar and Chicago also in Argentina. He was then selected to lead the Spanish production of Les Miserables as Jean Valjean.

Ramin Karimloo Album Launch

The new debut album by West End star Ramin Karimloo was launched at the Café de Paris earlier this week at a reception attended by Cameron Mackintosh.

Ramin is currently playing Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre and recently appeared as the Phantom in Lover Never Dies and The Phantom of the Opera, including the 25th anniversary spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall.

He leaves LesMis on 3rd March and then embarks on Ramin in Concert tour during May.
 
His debut album Ramin is out on March 5th on Sony Music. It includes his own compositions and covers of Bryan Adams and Muse songs, plus the Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera as well as brand new material from song-writing heavyweights like Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis’ Bleeding Love).

"I always wanted to record my own album," says Ramin. "I'm so glad I now have."  His legion of fans, and there are many, will undoubtedly think likewise.

Tracklisting:

1.    Show Me light
2.    Coming Home
3.    Till I Hear You Sing
4.    Broken Home
5.    Guiding Light
6.    Human Heart
7.    Constant Angel
8.    Music of The Night
9.    Eyes Of A Child
10.  Inside My World
11.  Everything I do (I Do It For You)
12.  Cathedrals

Legally Blonde to Close Five Months Early

Legally Blonde the Musical was booking until 27th October at the Savoy Theatre, but is now due to close 5 months early on 7th April.

The production opened in December 2009 at the Savoy Theatre and went on to win seven major theatre awards including the Olivier Award for Best Musical. According to press material, “plans are in place for an Australian production to open in Sydney later this year”.

Legally Blonde the Tour is at UK theatres until 25th August with Ray Quinn and Les Dennis taking on leadng roles.

Noel Sullivan new Galileo in We Will Rock You

He has been playing the role of Galileo on the 2011 tour of We Will Rock You and Noel Sullivan is about to reprise the role in London’s West End when he takes over from Alex Gaumond who leaves the show at the Dominion on 18th February.

Sullivan was a member of the British pop group Hear'Say which was formed through the talent show Popstars.  In July 2008 he played the lead role in Flashdance and from November 2009 starred as Danny Zuko in Grease in London’s West End.

New Cowardly Lion in Oz

As already revealed there are a number of cast changes taking place at The Wizard of Oz in February with Russell Grant taking over from Michael Crawford as the Wizard and Sophie Evans taking over Dorothy full time from Danielle Hope.

David Ganly who plays the Cowardly Lion is also leaving and his role will be taken by Martin Callaghan (pictured) who will join Paul Keating (Scarecrow), Edward Baker-Duly (Tin Man), Emily Tierney (Glinda) and Marianne Benedict (The Wicked Witch of the West).

Martin Callaghan's extensive theatre credits include Chess, My Fair Lady, Aspects of Love, (UK Tours); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour); Uncle Pumblechook in Great Expectations (UK Tour); Turkey in HONK! (National Theatre Tour); Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd (Derby Playhouse); Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls (Sheffield Crucible); Uncle Henry/The Emerald City Guard in The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep and The West Yorkshire Playhouse); The Typesetter in Personals (Apollo Theatre London); Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar (UK Tour and Lyceum Theatre London); Amos Hart in Chicago (UK and International Tours); Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (UK Tour)  and Smee in Peter Pan (West Yorkshire Playhouse).

Crazy For You Closing Early on 17th March

George and Ira Gershwin's comedy musical Crazy For You was the final production of last year's season at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. It subsequently transferred into the Novello Theatre in London's West End with an initial booking period to 28th July 2012.

The show will now close four months earlier than planned and is due to end its run on 17th March 2012.

The next production currently announced for the Novello Theatre is Mamma Mia! which closes on 1st September at the Prince of Wales Theatre which has been its home for seven years and re-opens at the Novello on 6th September 2012.

Cast List for Tour of Avenue Q

The new tour of Avenue Q kicks off at Plymouth Theatre Royal on Monday and tours the UK until 28th July.

The cast list is as follows: Princeton/Rod - Sam Lupton
Kate/Lucy - Katherine Moraz
Nicky/Trekkie/Bear - Chris Thatcher
Mrs T/Bear - Daniella Gibb (and u/s Kate/Lucy]
Gary - Matthew J Henry
Christmas Eve - Julia Yammanee
Brian - Edward Judge

Understudies/ensemble:
Luke Striffler - Princeton/Rod, Nicky/Trekkie, Brian
Jonny Fines - Nicky/Trekkie, Princeton/Rod, Brian
Kayi Ushe - Gary Arina Ii - Mrs T/Bear, Christmas Eve
Gabrielle Brooks - Gary, Mrs T/Bear
Rina Takasaki - Christmas Eve

Rock of Ages Film Opening Delayed

The film version of the smash hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages is set to open slightly later than previously announced and will now be shown on 15th June instead of the 1st as previously announced.

It stars Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx, Diego Boneta as Drew, Julianne Hough as Sherrie, Russell Brand as Lonny, Alec Baldwin as Dennis, Mary J Blige as Justice, Brian Cranston as the Mayor, Malin Ackerman as Constance Sack, Paul Giamatti as Paul Gill and Catherine Zeta-Jones as the Mayor's Wife.

The story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams is told through the hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison and  Whitesnake.

Rock of Ages is currently playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End with Shayne Ward, Justin Lee Collins and Oliver Tompsett playing the lead roles.

Sir Tim Rice Opposes ITV Show to Cast Jesus Christ Superstar

Sir Tim Rice is in strong disagreement over the ITV show which Lord Lloyd Webber has launched this week  to find someone to play the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar  for an arena tour later this year. They originally wrote Jesus Christ Superstar as an album in 1969 which became a hit a West End musical in 1972.

The Lord previously found stars for West End productions of The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver! and The Wizard of Oz on BBC talent shows,

Sir Tim who wrote the musical's lyrics has called the search to find the next Jesus as "tasteless", "tacky" and "relentlessly downmarket".

Sir Tim said that Lord Lloyd Webber had ignored his requests not to cast a new production of the musical via a television contest and said: "I've had several meetings with Andrew and said that I don't want this done, but now it appears it's been signed and sealed.  Andrew wants to rehash things all the time, but I really don't think Superstar needs that tasteless reality television treatment. Those shows are relentlessly downmarket, which is fine if the show is a lightweight bit of fluff. I am fully behind an arena show, but I just don't think you need another television series to do that."

Sir Tim said that the musical's religious and political themes could become a source of ridicule in a television talent show with the judges telling hopeful contestants: "You could be Jesus"

He said: "It opens up a lot of opportunities for spoofs and I think it would be ill-advised to have people voting for who should be Jesus. It's just possible that it might be the most sophisticated, tasteful show hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, but I doubt it. It sounds tacky and I really don't think Andrew should do it."

Sir Tim also added that he is prepared to veto the winning contestant "They can't cast the show without my approval. I have the right to veto casting so if Andrew casts it on TV and I didn't like the person, I could say so." He has also written to ITV, saying he "does not feel comfortable with the concept of the show".

While there has long been speculation about tensions between them they have always been careful to stress their amicable relationship. Lord Lloyd Webber said in a recent interview: "There has never been a feud. We have been great friends for a very long time."  They worked together in 2010 on two new songs for a West End production of The Wizard of Oz.

Regional auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar will begin next month and the programme will air every night for three weeks on ITV1 during June and July.

Lord Lloyd Webber declined to comment on Sir Tim's concerns.

Ray Quinn Dancing on Ice this Weekend

Dancing on Ice airs tomorrow night Sunday 22nd January on ITV1 at 6:10 pm. This week’s show is all about movies and the silver screen. 

Ex Dancing on Ice champion Ray Quinn is due to join the Tour of Legally Blonde taking on the role of Warner at the end of this month, but  he has been at the Movies Week rehearsals this weekend helping out on some of the programmes.

Russell Grant Taking over from Michael Crawford as the Wizard of Oz

Michael Crawford will be leaving Andrew Lloyd Webber's  The Wizard of Oz on 5th February. The part of the Wizard will be taken over by media personality Russell Grant whose first love is singing and dancing.  He will perform the role from 14th February for a limited 12 week run.

He is playing Snake in the Children of Eden Gala on 29th January and will be guesting in Raymond Gubbay's production of HMS Pinafore at the Barbican, Manchester and Birmingham between March 11th and 18th.

Russell has recently shot back into the limelight by winning over so many viewers votes with his warmth and sense of humour in Strictly Come Dancing.  He originally trained for musical theatre and in 1983 Russell Grant And The Starlettes released cover versions of the songs No Matter What Sign You Are and Where Is Love?

But he is best known for his television presenting and various astrology programmes. In 1986 he joined TV-am as resident astrologer appearing on Good Morning and After Nine until 1990. Then from 1992-95 he was a regular on This Morning with Richard and Judy offering astrological advice.

Michael Ball, Martin Shaw and Biggins Rockin’ Horses Charity Gala

On Sunday 26th February at 7:30 pm at the Playhouse Theatre Michael Ball, Martin Shaw, Christopher Biggins, Natasha Hamilton, Jenny Seagrove, Nicola McAuliffe, Roy Marsden, Clive Rowe, HarDeep Singh Kholi and Sylvia Syms present Rockin’ Horses.

They will perform poetry, prose, songs and anecdotes in aid of Mane Chance Sanctuary and Shooting Star CHASE, hospice care for children and teenagers.

Michael Ball is a patron of Shooting Star CHASE hospice and Jenny Seagrove is a trustee of Mane Chance Sanctuary which is devoted to helping animals (mainly horses) who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and left to die. Some of the animals visit The Shooting Star CHASE hospice for the children to pet, and it is the Sanctuary’s dream to expand and be able to welcome special needs children and riding for the disabled in a friendly and encouraging environment.

Shooting Star CHASE is the children's hospice service, supporting local families with a child or teenager not expected to reach their 19th birthday. They currently help over 500 families living in western London, Surrey and West Sussex and are committed to caring for these families, offering practical, nursing and emotional support.

Tickets: £55, £45, £35, £25. £55 premium tickets include best seats, a glass of champagne and a programme.

Buy tickets online for Rockin' Horses or call the box office on 0844 871 7627

Ghost the Musical Broadway Cast

Ghost The Musical has announced full casting for the Broadway production. Joining West End stars Richard Fleeshman (Sam Wheat) and Caissie Levy (Molly Jensen) will be  Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Oda Mae Brown), Bryce Pinkham (Carl Bruner) with Tyler McGee, Lance Roberts, Moya Angela, Jason Babinsky, Michael Balderrama, James Brown III, Stephen Carrasco, Jeremy Davis, Sharona D’Ornellas, Josh Franklin, Albert Guerzon, Afra Hines, Carly Hughes, Karen Hyland, Alison Luff, Vasthy Mompoint, Jennifer Noble, Joe Aaron Reid, Constantine Rousouli, Jennifer Sanchez, Daniel Watts, and Jesse Wildman.

Ghost The Musical begins previews on Thursday, March 15th at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre with opening night on Monday April 23rd.

Ghost the Musical is still playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London's West End where it is  booking until 30th October 2012.

Nicole Scherzinger to join panel searching for Jesus Christ Superstar ?

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has approached Nicole Scherzinger to be a judge on his ITV search for Jesus Christ Superstar.

He recently persuaded her to perform the part of Christine at the Royal Variety Performance accompanied by three Phantoms and she was one of the highlights singing the part perfectly.  

Steve Balsamo, who starred in the West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar in the 90’s has already been confirmed as a judge, and Lord Lloyd Webber has met with Nicole in London several times to discuss the possibility of her joining the panel.

It's believed that Lloyd Webber has already cast Nicole as Mary Magdalene in the film adaptation of the show.

Audition Details for Lloyd Webber new Jesus Christ Superstar

As mentioned Andrew Lloyd Webber has now officially launched his search on ITV1 for an actor to play the lead in his new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.

If you are interested in auditioning for the part then the team will be seeing people from 16^th February  to 20^th March in London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.

Visit  www.itv.com/superstar  for full details on how to apply and audition.  The application period opens today and closes on Wednesday 15^th February. Anyone can apply over the age of 18 years: professional or amateur.

Andrew Lloyd Webber launches search for Jesus Christ Superstar

As already blogged, after five years with the BBC Lord Lloyd-Webber is moving to ITV1 for a new talent show searching for the lead of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar which will open at London’s O2 Arena.

The format will be similar to Lloyd Webber’s previous talent searches with BBC when he found a Maria (Connie Fisher) for  The Sound of Music, Joseph (Lee Mead) for the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nancy (Jodie Prenger) forOliver! and Danielle Hope for Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. All of these winners have gone on to forge sucessful careers in musical theatre.

The new ITV series will feature a performance at the O2 Arena rather than in the West End with Lloyd Webber saying: “Presenting a new, 2012 version of Jesus Christ Superstar for arenas is truly exciting. Some of the best performances of this show have been in rock venues and I'm thrilled to see the show return to its roots. ITV is providing the perfect platform for us to find a new, British Superstar.It is the public who lead the casting process and they’ve got it absolutely right four times already. It’s been wonderful to see the careers of so many of the contestants blossom, so it will be especially fascinating to see who the public chooses as their Superstar".

Auditions will take place during February and March in London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. It is yet to be revealed who the panel of judges are that will join ALW to choose the finalists but Steve Balsamo (his original West End Jesus) has been rumoured.

Sheridan Smith and Michael Xavier Bridget Jones Diary Workshop

Update 17th January: Looks like things are still moving ahead for the musical of Bridget Jones Diary.

Sheridan Smith (who is playing Bridget) and Michael Xavier are back at another workshop this week to do some more development work on it.  Xavier is working on the Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) part at the workshop. He is due to join Connie Fisher on a short tour of Leonard Bernstein’s musical comedy Wonderful Town in March.

They will be joined by other West End stars including Caroline Keiff (Legally Blonde, Wicked!), Bertie Carvel (Matilda),  Richard Cordery (Spring Awakening, Love Story the Musical) and Julie Le Grand (Wicked!).

Brigget Jones the musical will be directed by Stephen Daldry (The Hours, Billy Elliot) with choreography by Peter Darling (Billy Elliot). The musical is being developed by Working Title who are currently in development on a third Bridget Jones movie.

 Lily Allen has said she has finished the songs so hopefully this new musical will be ready for the West End at the end of this year or beginning of 2013.

Sierra Boggess and Tam Mutu Engaged

They starred together and fell in love in Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre and are currently in London (but soon returning to New York) preparing to open in Rebecca the Musical: Sierra Boggess and Tam Mutu have just announced their engagement with their romantic roles spilling over into real life . They are to be married later this year.

Sierra will play the leading role of “I” in the upcoming Broadway musical Rebecca and Tam Mutu will co-star as her new husband Maxim de Winter. Rebecca will begin previews on March 27th at the Broadhurst Theatre and open on April 22nd.

Tim Rice's From Here to Eternity opening at Shaftesbury

Updated 26th October:  Tim Rice's new musical From Here to Eternity will begin previews at the Shaftesbury Theatre from September 30th next year, opening on October 23rd

Ex Bill and Priscilla Queen of the Desert star Ben Richards finishes playing Hook in Peter Pan at Southampton tomorrow and is then taking part in a workshop for the new Tim Rice musical From Here to Eternity next week.

So it looks as if the project is moving forward. and Richards is playing Sergeant Warden which is the part originally played by Burt Lancaster (who I think he bears more than a passing resemblance to).

The 1953 film version was about life in a US military fort on the Hawaiian island of Oahu before Pearl Harbour and deals with the troubles of the soldiers played by Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Frank Sinatra and Ernest Borgnine with Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed playing  the women in their lives. It featured that wonderful Lancaster/Kerr beach scene which was considered very risqué in those days.

Rice explained that the stage show is based on the book and not Daniel Taradash’s movie screenplay. He said: “It’s taken several years to secure full stage rights. It’s only really now that we are all gung-ho”. 

Rice is the co-producer with a score by  young British composer Stuart Brayson. He said last year: “I've got a director (Tamara Harvey - Tell Me On A Sunday): I've got a book writer (Bill Oakes ): and I found myself becoming the producer - it took me quite a while to get the rights. We still need some new songs, and Stuart wants me to do the lyrics, so I've already done one new song with him and we've got a few more in the works. I hope to get From Here To Eternity off the ground next year."

Wizard Michael Crawford and Dorothy leaving Oz next month

It has now been confirmed that Michael Crawford and Danielle Hope are leaving The Wizard of Oz on February 5th, 2012. They have been with the show since it began previews in February 2011.

No replacements have yet been announced for either role.

Casting news for Wonderful Town Tour

Soprano Lucy Van Gasse (pictured) will be joining Connie Fisher and Michael Xavier in the tour of Leonard Bernstein’s Wonderful Town.

Connie Fisher (star of The Sound of Music and winner of the BBC’s How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?) plays aspiring writer Ruth Sherwood who arrives in New York with her beautiful younger sister Eileen played by Lucy van Gasse. She will be joined by Michael Xavier (Love Story and Into the Woods) playing Bob Baker.

Lucy has recently appeared in the West End covering the leading role of Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies.

Gary Wilmot & Clare Buckfield in Bowl of Cherries Musical Revue

The Charing Cross Theatre is presenting A Bowl of Cherries musical revue from 6th-31st March.  It looks at life through a cycle of plays and songs observed by two theatre ghosts from the last war who are trapped between this world and the next.

Clare Buckfield and Gary Wilmot play Penny Riddle and Albert Farthing and they are joined by eight versatile actors and musicians.

The humorous, sexy, and thought provoking book is written by Carolyn Pertwee with music from Ivor Novello award winning David Martin who wrote Can't Smile Without You.

The plays and songs illustrate life’s bitter sweet experiences and take you on a journey from the cradle to infinity. Albert is tired of being in limbo and wants to move on but is held back by Penny who is in denial, believing she is still alive and waiting for her big theatrical moment.

Buy tickets for A Bowl of Cherries

Final Episode of The Story of the Musicals

Part three of this excellent series can be seen on BBC Four on Tuesday 17th January at 21:00.

The final episode of The Story of Musicals brings it up to the 90s and beyond. It covers the rise of  jukebox musicals like Mamma Mia! with Bjorn Ulvaeus and Judy Craymer telling the story of how the show was created,  and Ben Elton and Brian May revealing how We Will Rock You became a smash hit.

Pop culture invaded musical theatre with celebrities like Jason Donovan appearing in Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and shows like the Jerry Springer Opera proving a step too far.

The hit movie Billy Elliot was recreated for the stage and Andrew Lloyd Webber went to the BBC to find new stars for Joseph, Oliver! and The Wizard of Oz.

Eddie Redmayne on Les Miserables film rehearsals

Eddie Redmayne is currently playing Richard II at London's Donmar Warehouse and also stars in the BBC's forthcoming version of Birdsong. At the end of this month he stars rehearsals for the film of Les Miserables which The King’s Speech Tom Hooper is directing and which stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Redmayne is playing student Marius the romantic lead and said he has been testing his live singing skills as the director wants to capture his all star cast singing live - not miming to a soundtrack - for his version of the hit musical

The 30-year-old actor said he was attracted by the "spontaneity" of singing live. Redmayne told the BBC "I'm in hardcore singing lessons. I was down in Pinewood yesterday doing some tests with Tom and it's all happening. If you record an album and then make a music video to that album you are restricted by the choices you made. It is months in advance of what you know what your character is actually going to be doing. So the idea is that the piano will play and we'll sing live - they've tested it all and I think it will be good.”

On his approach to singing his solo Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Redmayne said: "You have to forget all the versions you've heard and deconstruct the song and try to find your own way through it. We'll have to wait and see whether it works or not."  I'm sure it will with its high profile, that cast and Hooper directing ...

Full line up for Children of Eden Concert

The Children of Eden charity concert will be held at the Prince of Wales Theatre on 29th January in London. It is in aid of of Crohn's and Colitis UK and will be hosted by Stephen Schwartz.

The latest casting information is Oliver Thornton/Adam: Anton Stephans/Father: Louise Dearman/Eve (replacing Emma Barton): Gareth Gates/Cain: John Wilding/Abel: Brenda Edwards/Mama Noah: Lauren Samuels/Yonah: Waylon Jacobs/Japeth: Aaron Sidwell/Ham: Russell Grant/Snake: Tom Pearce (Noah): Jamie Papanicolaou (Shem) and Kerry Ellis as a special guest closing the concert.

The storytellers are: Craig Rhys Barlow, Matt Brinkler, Chloe Hart, Joanna Kirkland, Gemma Sandzer and Robbie Scotcher. Young Cain will be played by Ben Radcliffe and Young Abel by Marcus Billany.

Children of Eden Choir: Ross Barnes, Kimberley Blake,  Sam Cassidy,  Kelly Everitt,  Mark Gillon, Kay Victoria Hindmarsh,  Matthew  McBrier,Ben McMath,  Camille Mesnard,  Rebekah Thawley,  Katy Treharne, William Whelton

GSA Students: Laura Benazaize,  Christina Bennington,  Kayleigh McKnight,  Hannah Boyce, Francesca Bunce, Abigail Simpson,  Steffan Jones,  Adam Bal, Martin Hovland,  Kim Strommen,  Tom Wright and  Richard King

MGA Students: Rio Brady,  Ali Colam, Sean Fitzpatrick,  Stuart Gray,  Paddy Hornig,  Lara Kidd,  Scott Kidd, Stefanie Meikle,  Emma Simpson, Anna Slorach,  Abbie Stenhouse and  Peter Vint.

Dancers: John Walsh Brannoch,  Steven Cleverley,  Will Peaco Jr and John Phoenix

Swings: Archie Duffie, Jamie Gildberg, Lee Greenaway, Ashleigh Jones, Josh Little, George Olney, Freya Sutton and  Isabelle Tranter

The music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz and the book is by John Caird.  It is  based on the Book of Genesis with Act I telling the story of Adam and Eve, Cain, and Abel and Act II dealing with Noah and the Flood.

Buy tickets at: https://tickets.delfont-mackintosh.com/

Strictly Come Dancing’s Flavia & Vincent Midnight Tango at Aldwych

Strictly Come Dancing’s Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone open in Midnight Tango at the Aldwych Theatre in London's West End for ten weeks from 20th January until 31st March before it embarks on a UK tour from April through to July.

The show is produced by Arlene Phillips and Adam Spiegel and has been created and choreographed by Simone and Cacace who are joined on stage by a company of ten other tango dancers.

Simone and Cacace have been partnering each other for 17 years and were a couple for 13. Flavia said: "It's very different to most other dance performances we've done. It actually tells a story. There's a beautiful set – it's all located in a bar in Buenos Aires. We've got two brilliant actors who are basically the bar owners. You spend two hours with us at the bar. Different characters come in, people meet, people have fights, people fall in love, what generally tends to happen. There is light and shade within it. All dance, no dialogue. It's a very clear story."

Elaine Paige stays with Follies in Los Angeles

The Broadway production of James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s Follies closes on 22nd January and is now due to transfer from Marquis Theatre to the Center Theatre in Los Angeles for six weeks from 3rd May (opens 9th May) to 9th June 2012. 

Bernadette Peters is leaving the cast with Tony winner Victoria Clark (pictured) taking over the role of Sally in her place. Also now officially confirmed to transfer with the production are co-stars Jan Maxwell, Danny Burstein, Ron Raines and Elaine Paige. Announcements regarding the rest of the cast are expected shortly.

Clark's theatre credits include roles in the Broadway musicals Sunday in the Park with George (1985), Guys and Dolls (1992-93), A Grand Night for Singing (1993-94), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1995-96, as Smitty), Titanic (1997-99, creating the role of Alice Beane), Cabaret (1999-2000, as Fraulein Kost) and Urinetown (2003, as Penelope Pennywise), as well as numerous roles off-Broadway, in national tours and in regional theatre.

Tali Pelman becomes ATG Co-Producer

Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) has just announced a co-producing partnership with Tali Pelman who is a West End and Broadway Producer.

She will develop and produce productions for ATG venues having previously spent four years there as in-house producer where her impressive credits included The Mountaintop by Katori Hall (West End and on Broadway starring Samuel L Jackson and Angela Bassett), Keira Knightley and Damian Lewis starring in The Misanthrope by Martin Crimp, Kris Marshall, Joanna Page, and Robert Webb starring in Fat Pig written and directed by Neil LaBute, Felicity Kendal starring in The Last Cigarette by Simon Gray and Hugh Whitemore, John Hannah and Paul Hilton starring in Riflemind by Andrew Upton and directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Richard Coyle, Gina McKee, Timothy West and Charlie Cox starring in The Lover/The Collection by Harold Pinter and as Associate Producer for ATG, with Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon Starring in Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco (Broadway).

Co-founded by husband and wife team Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire the Ambassador Theatre Group is the largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK with 39 venues, an internationally recognised theatre producer and a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets.

Current and recent co-productions include Ghost the Musical, South Pacific, All New People, Monkee Business, Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker!, Legally Blonde the Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Elling, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Company, Exit the King and The Rocky Horror Show

Jason Howard rejoins South Pacific Tour in Cardiff

When the tour of South Pacific opens at the Southampton Mayflower Theatre on 17th January Matthew Cammelle will be playing the role of Emile de Becque opposite Samantha Womack as Nellie Forbush.

When the show is at the Wales Millennium Centre from 17th-28th April Jason Howard will return to his native Wales to play the role of the French plantation owner. He will take over from Matthew Cammelle just for the Cardiff leg of the tour to make sure his Welsh National Opera fans get to see him in a very different role

Film of Jersey Boys

The musical Jersey Boys tells the story of the remarkable rise to stardom of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons who are one of the most successful bands in pop music history. 

Tony Award winner John Logan will adapt the Broadway hit Jersey Boys to a screenplay with GK Films who are expected to partner with Columbia Pictures for distribution, though no dates for the film have yet been announced at this stage.

Logan's previous film work includes Sweeney Todd (Golden Globe Award); The Aviator (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); Gladiator (Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and WGA nominations); The Last Samurai; Any Given Sunday, and RKO 281 (WGA Award, Emmy nomination).

Film of Sondheim and Lapine’s Into the Woods

Oscar-nominated director Rob Marshall is working with Disney on a film adaptation of Into the Woods.  The musical was last presented in London at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park in 2010.

Into the Woods is based on stories of the Brothers Grimm which Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine have adapted to give a dark and humorous twist.  The famous tales of Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and Rapunzel (who lets her hair down) are interwoven with the story of the Baker and his Wife who are trying to have children.  

This tale goes way beyond the usual “happily ever after” we have come to expect as the characters find themselves in unfamiliar circumstances and their hopes and dreams are shattered.

Lapine is workibg on the script which Marshall expects to feature new songs by Sondheim who Marshall has worked with as a choreographer in the 1990s on ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' and 'Company'.

Marshall at one point had thought of directing Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd but the timing wasn’t right and it was made as a film by director Tim Burton with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter starring.

There have been other attempts to bring Into the Woods to the screen: in 1994 with Robin Williams, Goldie Hawn and Cher and later at Columbia Pictures with director Rob Minkoff attached  with Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan and Susan Sarandon.

The Story of Musicals BBC Four Last night

Episode 2 of The Story of Musicals on BBC Four last night again provided a fascinating insight of the glory days of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh.

One of the productions it featured was Cats which was deemed to be a flop before it even opened and the producers being so desperate to raise funds that they were even asking the cast if they wanted to put some money into it. Wayne Sleep who played Magical Mr Mistoffelees gave it three months and Paul Nicholas (Rum Tum Tugger) also said no and still regrets it to this day.

I went to see Cats when it opened and it was the most exciting and innovative night I have spent in musical theatre which I still remember vividly and it is the show which pushed me into this business.

Robert Stigwood also told the story of his trying to get Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to collaborate again on Phantom.  After finally managing to get them to agree to have dinner together at Rice’s house they moved into his music room where ALW played a few numbers to be greeted by Rice’s comment “that is the most boring music you’ve ever written!”

If you missed it last night The Story of the Musicals is repeated again on BBC Four on Thursday 12th January at 23:30 and on Sunday at 19:00 and 23:00

The final Episode 3 will air on Tuesday 17th January at 21:00

Steven Pacey is new King Arthur in Spamalot Tour

Steven Pacey is taking over from Marcus Brigstocke as King Arthur on the new tour of Monty Python's Spamalot.  Brigstocke leaves the show at the end of its Oxford run on 21st January and Pacey takes over on 23rd January when the show opens at Oxford. He remains with the show until 21st April at Sunderland Empire.

When he opens at Oxford he will be joined by Bonnie Langford who takes over from Jodie Prenger as the Lady of the Lake.

Stephen Pacey is an impressive performer with recent West End theatre credits including George in La Cage Aux Folles, he was an original Tony in West Side Story and an original Jesus in Godspell. His comedy work includes creating the role of Bertie Wooster in By Jeeves for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actor in A Musical.

TV work includes Wallander, Spooks, Murder in Mind and a spoof Tony Blair in Jeffrey Archer- The Truth

Sondheim’s Assassins at Pleasance Theatre

The musical Assassins with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman is being performed at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington from 20th March-8th April.

I went to see this musical at the Donmar Warehouse in 1992 and really recommend  it.  It was directed by Sam Mendes with a cast that included Henry Goodman as Charles Guiteau, Gareth Snook as Lee Harvey Oswald, Anthony Barclay as the Balladeer and Louise Gold as Sara Jane Moore.

Assassins cleverly uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a portrayal of men and women who attempted to assassinate Presidents of the United States from Abraham Lincoln to Ronald Reagan. The music reflects the eras depicted.

The cast includes John Jo Flynn -Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald: Paul Burnham – Proprietor: Martin Dickenson – John Wilkes Booth: Alexander Forsyth – Leon Czolgosz: Bronwyn Boys – Sara Jane Moore: Marcia Brown – Lynette Fromme: Bo Frazier – John Hinckley: Padraid Breathnach – Guiseppe Zangara: Tim McArthur – Samuel Byck: Brandon Force – Charles Guiteau and Nova Skipp – Emma Goldman. They will be joined by ensemble members Angela Nesi, Aideen McCartney, Curtis Skinner, David Shorter and Mark Philip Compton.

Directed by Ray Rackham, with musical direction by Joe Bunker, and brand-new orchestral arrangements by David Keefe, this production is not suitable for the under 10s

Tickets from www.pleasance.co.uk/

Andrew Lloyd Webber to launch search for Jesus Christ Superstar on ITV

Today's tabloid press are confirming the story that Andrew Lloyd Webber is launching another of his musical reality shows in the autumn.  This time it is to find a leading man for a relaunch of his 1972 West End musical Jesus Christ Superstar, but with ITV and not the BBC.

Lloyd Webber will be head judge as before, and Welsh singer Steve Balsamo who played Jesus in a 1996 London revival  is said to be on board.

This new large scale production is not heading for a West End run but will go on a countrywide arena tour  including London's O2 Arena.

The Lord has already fronted four musical reality shows with the BBC:  How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, I'd Do Anything, Any Dream Will Do and Over The Rainbow. He has moved to ITV because apparently the Beeb were dragging their heels as they "Had issues about auditioning for Jesus. They feared Christians would get hot under the collar". They also kept being criticised for effectively promoting Andrew's commercial interests.

The project still has some hurdles to get over as Tim Rice, who wrote the original lyrics to Jesus Christ, is said not to be keen. The source added: "He is not a massive fan of TV musical shows, he's old school. It could be a sticking point."

Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice already have Canada's Stratford Shakespeare Festival production of Jesus Christ Superstar opening at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway in March..

The Book of Mormon to Open at the Prince of Wales next year

According to Baz in today’s Mail executives from New York are in discussions to open The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End early next year. Mamma Mia! is due to run there until 1st September and transfers to the Novello a week later.  There will be a limited run of another show at the Prince of Wales before the Mormons arrive.

The Broadway hit show has been mooted as moving to London for some time.  The book has been created by South Park maestros Trey Parker and Matt Stone with Robert Lopez (Avenue Q).

It is a comedy musical about two disciples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who are shipped off to northern Uganda to convert the locals.

Hugh Jackman confirms Houdini on Broadway

Hugh Jackman is heading to the UK at the end of this month to start rehearsals on the movie version of the musical Les Miserables in which he is playing Jean Valjean.  Shooting starts in February and the film is due to be released in December.

Jackman has just finished a record breaking run of his ten week one man show on Broadway (which he will hopefully bring to London’s West End) and this has obviously given him a taste for theatre again as has finally signed up to play Harry Houdini on Broadway in a new musical saying "In many ways I've been preparing for this role my whole life. I have been deeply fascinated by the life of Houdini since I was young”. He has already played an illusionist in 2006 film The Prestige.

The musical has an incredibly strong creative team and is to be written by West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin with Stephen Schwartz (of Wicked! fame) providing the music and lyrics and Jack O’Brien directing.  The show will open in New York in 2013 or 2014.

Sorkin said the musical "tells the story of an epic battle that took place between the world's greatest illusionist and a trio of women, known as 'Spiritualists'".

Simon Bailey playing Raoul in Phantom of the Opera Tour

It has just been confirmed that Simon Bailey is playing Raoul in the Phantom of the Opera Tour alongside phantoms John Owen-Jones and Earl Carpenter and Christine played by Katie Hall.

Simon’s West End theatre credits include Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the New London Theatre, We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre and Enjolras in Les Miserables.

He is a founder member of Teatro (theatreland's first supergroup) and has travelled all over the world performing with them in concert.

Most recently Simon has been playing Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre and performed in Passion at the Donmar Warehouse as part of Sondheim's 80th birthday celebrations.

The Story of Musicals Episode 2

This excellent three part series started on BBC Four last night.  The next episode is at 21:00 on Tuesday 10th January considers the gestation and influence of such blockbusters as Blood Brothers, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats: Andrew Lloyd Webber's monstrously profitable adaptation of TS Eliot's feline poetry which was predicted to be commercial suicide.

With contributions from Lord Lloyd Webber, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Sir Tim Rice, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Stephen Fry, Trevor Nunn, Sir Cliff Richard, Elaine Paige, Gillian Lyne, Paul Nicholas, Bonnie Langford, Richard Stilgoe, John Caird, John Napier, Bill Kenwright, Willy Russell, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schonberg, Anthony Pye-Jeary, Arlene Phillips, Charles Hart, Don Black, Harold Prince and Michael Ball.

Frances Ruffelle Beneath the Dress at Menier

Frances Ruffelle was the original Eponine in Les Misérables 25 years ago and has recently has starred as Roxie Hart in Chicago. She  is currently appearing in the musical Pippin at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

For one night only on Sunday 12th February at 7:30 pm she is performing her show Beneath the Dress at the Menier.

Following a successful stint at the Edinburgh Festival, Frances Ruffelle presented Beneath the Dress at the Garrick Theatre.The concert is an exploration of her musical influences with songs by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington & Kurt Weill, plus lesser-known song writers whose work has inspired her. 

Tickets for Beneath the Dress