Puppet space drama's out of this world by Frank Scheck

The first sign that "Baby Uni verse: A Puppet Odyssey" isn't your ordinary puppet show comes in the lobby, when a small, wheelchair-bound robot with a striking resemblance to Stephen Hawking…

Feature: The Perfect Year

Mike Leigh, Lesley Manville, Jim Broadbent, and Ruth Sheen discuss their new film Another Year.

A giant leap for this artist by Taylor Adams, Globe Correspondent

Q. How does it feel to have your work featured on something that will be worn by thousands of Bostonians?

This 'Dolly' hits all the high notes by Chris Jones

THEATER REVIEW: “Hello, Dolly!” ★★★ Through Jan. 2 at the Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston; running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes; tickets $32-$92 at 847-869-3000 or lightope…

An appreciation for all types by Cate McQuaid, Globe Correspondent

Consider Helvetica, the humble font designed in 1957 by Swiss designer Max Miedinger with help from Eduard Hoffmann. It was based on a German typeface of the late 19th century, Akzidenz-Grot…

Critics' Picks Video: 'Waking Life' by The New York Times

Have you seen "Waking Life"? Share your thoughts on the film.

Snow Storm Hurts TKTS Sales this Holiday Season

According to the NY Times, the snow storm that has taken over the east coast has made a big impact on tickets sales at TKTS. Though the holiday season usually brings big audiences to Broadw…

Portrait of the artist: Jo Brand, comedian by Laura Barnett

'I played a fairy in a Christmas show called Only Fools and Turkeys. It was set in a cafe – and builders took the mickey'What got you started?I thought I was funny as a kid. I used to play…

ArtsBeat: Snowstorm Takes its Toll on Broadway by Patrick Healy

Tellingly, the three so-called half-price ticket booths of TKTS had more shows on the board on Sunday compared with a year ago, yet sold fewer tickets.

Best plays of 2010: 'Aliens' and 'Angels' top the list

Even if 2010 wasn't a banner year in theater, there was still much to savor. That includes stars and newcomers delivering A-plus performances to boost B-minus shows, from Mark Rylance as a h…

Matilda: Thank heaven for little girls by Maddy Costa

Matthew Warchus spent two years turning Matilda into a musical. So was it hard work? Not compared to Lord of the Rings, the director tells Maddy CostaFor many theatre directors, transforming…

AMERICAN IDIOT to Give New Year's Eve Performance in Times Square

The cast of Green Day's smash hit Broadway musical American Idiot and teen viral video phenomenon Greyson Chance help ring in 2011 by performing live on NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly…

Snowstorm Takes its Toll on Broadway by Patrick Healy

Tellingly, the three so-called half-price ticket booths of TKTS had more shows on the board on Sunday compared to a year ago, yet sold fewer tickets.

Photo Flash: Public Theater's UNDER THE RADAR 2011

The Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis, Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson, Producer Mark Russell and The Association of Performing Arts Presenters APAP President and CEO Sand…

Chenoweth , Rudnick et al. Now to Lead 'Prairie Home Companion' Concert 1/1

Coming to you wrapped in ribbons and bows from the Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center in New York City is a very unique live broadcast performance of A Prairie Home Companion.

ArtsBeat: Producers Will Get Back Their Money, and Then Some, As 'Rain' Recoups by Erik Piepenburg

The biographical show, with four cast members impersonating the Beatles in a concert setting, will close at the Neil Simon Theater on Jan. 9 and resume performances at the Helen Hayes Theate…

Producers Will Get Back Their Money, and Then Some, As 'Rain' Recoups by Erik Piepenburg

The biographical show, with four cast members impersonating the Beatles in a concert setting, will close at the Neil Simon Theater on Jan. 9 and resume performances at the Helen Hayes Theate…

Dan Lauria Talks Lombardi on "Good Morning America" (Video) by Thomas Peter

Dan Lauria visited “Good Morning America” Dec. 27 to discuss playing legendary football coach Vince Lombardi in Lombardi. Lauria, best known for playing the dad on “The Won…

RAIN a Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway Has Recouped

RAIN A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway RECOUPS INITIAL INVESTMENT SPECIAL HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES ADDED DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND PLAYS FINAL PERFORMANCE AT THE NEIL SIMON THE…

John Barrowman Wins British Strictly Come Ballroom Christmas Edition

Stage and screen star John Barrowman and dance partner Kristina Rihanoff won the Christmas edition of the BBC One television dance competition Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday, December 25.…

2010 Year End Countdown: Most-Viewed Videos

As 2010 comes to a close, we've put together highlights from your top five favorite videos of the year. What Playbill videos got the most views this year? Meet a shirtless actor backstage, h…

This Week's Broadway Grosses Delayed Till Tuesday

We've received word from the Broadway League that the weekly grosses report due out today has been delayed until Tuesday, December 28th due to today's inclement weather. Stay tuned to Broadw…

John Barrowman Wins 'Strictly Come Dancing' Holiday Special

Stage star John Barrownman was named the winner of the British Dance competition show holiday edition, Christmas Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday, December 25. For the segment, Barrowman pe…

Photo Coverage: 2010 Curtain Call Highlights - Part Two

2010 was quite a year for Broadway with some spectacular opening nights. We'll be sharing highlights from the year in photos, videos, interviews and more throughout this final week of the ye…

Photo Coverage: 2010 Curtain Call Highlights - Part One

2010 was quite a year for Broadway with some spectacular opening nights. We'll be sharing highlights from the year in photos, videos, interviews and more throughout this final week of the ye…

RAIN - A Tribute to The Beatles On Broadway Recoups Investment; Holiday Shows Added

RAIN - A Tribute to The Beatles On Broadway, currently playing the Neil Simon Theatre, has recouped its initial investment of $2million in seven weeks. In addition, the show has added three…

RAIN Recoups Initial Investment on Broadway; Adds Holiday Shows

The producers of RAIN - A Tribute to The Beatles On Broadway announced today that it has recouped its initial investment of 2 million in seven weeks. Additionally, due to overwhelming demand…

Tovah Feldshuh Brings GOLDA'S BALCONY To Palace Theatre, 1/29

Four-time Tony-Nominee Tovah Feldshuh will recreate her award-winning performance as Golda Meir in GOLDAS BALCONY, when the acclaimed William Gibson play comes to PlayhouseSquares Palace The…

BEST OF 2010: Martha Lavey of Steppenwolf Theatre is my Chicagoan of the Year by Chris Jones

Here's a photo gallery of all of the Tribune's Chicagoans of the Year. In 1995, Steppenwolf Theatre Company made Martha Lavey its acting artistic director. The “acting” part of that titl…

John Cullum Reads "’Twas the Night Before Christmas" (Video) by Thomas Peter

If you’re on the East Coast and looking to escape the blizzard blues, or if you’re just still in the mood for some holiday warmth and cheer, here’s a video of two-time Tony…

AD:

ArtsBeat: The Man Behind the Curtain: Lloyd Webber Plans Changes to 'Wizard of Oz' by Dave Itzkoff

The composer said he is adding new songs as well as a new opening and ending to his London production of "The Wizard of Oz."

Despite Snow, Shows Will Go On as Scheduled by Broadway.com Staff

Despite a winter snow storm that has hit New York City, all Broadway and off-Broadway shows are still scheduled to play as planned on Monday, December 27, 2010. All performances on Sunday, D…

ELF Breaks B.O. Record Again at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in association with Unique Features announced today that the new Broadway musical ELF shattered the box office record at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre 302 W 45th St…

ELF Breaks Box Office Record at Al Hirschfeld Theatre for the Third Time

THE BROADWAY MUSICAL FOR EVERY ‘BUDDY’ ELF SMASHES BOX OFFICE RECORD FOR THE THIRD TIME AT THE AL HIRSCHFELD THEATRE   GROSSING $1,572,835.50 FOR WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 26, 2010…

The Man Behind the Curtain: Lloyd Webber Plans Changes to 'Wizard of Oz' by Dave Itzkoff

The composer said he is adding new songs as well as a new opening and ending to his London production of "The Wizard of Oz."

STAGE TUBE: LOMBARDI's Lauria Appears On Good Morning America

Dan Lauria, star of Broadways LOMBARDI, braved blizzard conditions this morning to be part of GOOD MORNING AMERICAs annual coat drive.

Natalie Portman & Benjamin Millepied Get Engaged; Expecting First Child in 2011

People.com reports that stage and screen darling Natalie Portman is engaged to boyfriend Benjamin Millepied. The couple, who met on the set of Black Swan, is also expecting their first chil…

Matthew Morrison Gives a Sneak Peek at His Solo Album (Video) by Thomas Peter

Broadway and “Glee” star Matthew Morrison offers a look at the process of recording his upcoming solo album in this special teaser video. Morrison, a Tony Award nominee for The L…

Freshest Fresh Faces for 2010? A Normal Girl, Wicked's Glinda, a Tony Winner & More by Broadway.com Staff

Broadway.com editors keep an eagle eye out for emerging talent whenever we go to the theater, and our favorite newcomers are spotlighted in weekly Fresh Face profiles. As 2010 comes to a clo…

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Milliepied Are Engaged and Expecting Child

Stage and screen star Natalie Portman, is engaged to choreographer Benjamin Millepied, and the couple are expecting their first child, according to People magazine. Portman and Millepied me…

Santino Fontana of The Importance of Being Earnest Swears Off Jersey Shore in the Year Ahead by Broadway.com Staff

As the curtain goes down on 2010, Broadway.com is looking ahead to the new year. We’ve asked the brightest stars on Broadway to reflect on their personal highlights from the past year …

Broadway Shows Will Go Despite Blizzard

All Broadway shows scheduled to perform on Monday, December 27 will go on in spite of the 20-inch snowfall in New York City, according to the Broadway League. Because of holiday week schedu…

Broadway Shows Will Go On Despite Blizzard

All Broadway shows scheduled to perform on Monday, December 27 will go on in spite of the 20-inch snowfall in New York City, according to the Broadway League. Because of holiday week schedu…

Switching Shows for a Night Proves Unforgettable for Sara Jean Ford of Phantom by Broadway.com Staff

As the curtain goes down on 2010, Broadway.com is looking ahead to the new year. We’ve asked the brightest stars on Broadway to reflect on their personal highlights from the past year …

Darren Criss, Lea Michele and Lin-Manuel Miranda's Wedding Rank Among Fan Favorite Clips of the Year by Broadway.com Staff

Broadway.com is saying so long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye to 2010 by looking back at the many enthralling theater events of the year. Heading to a Broadway theater isn't the onl…

New York Theatre Workshop Extends THREE PIANOS Through Sun, Jan 16

NEW YORK THEATRE WORKSHOP TO EXTEND ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF THREE PIANOS WRITTEN, ARRANGED, AND PERFORMED BY RICK BURKHARDT, ALEC DUFFY, AND DAVE MALLOY DIRECTED BY RACHEL CHAVKIN  &nbs…

Jason Robert Brown to Bring 13, The Last Five Years to Screen & More

Jason Robert Brown has announced on his official website that he is at work on adapting his musicals 13 and The Last Five Years for the big screen, in addition to working on several new musi…

Brian Dykstra, Leslie Hendrix, Michael Puzzo, et al. Set for The Body Politic

Casting has been announced for Richard Abrons and Margarett Perry's The Body Politic, to run February 10-March 6 at 59E59 Theatres. Perry will direct the play, which is described as an…

Attention Playbill.com readers! What was your most memorable theatre moment of the year? by Blake Ross

You’ve heard from us, now we want to hear from you! What was your most memorable theatre moment of 2010? From the triumphant Broadway debuts from the likes of Douglas Hodge and Scarlet…

Constantine Maroulis and Angel Reed Welcome Baby Malena by Thomas Peter

Rock of Ages Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis and his girlfriend, fellow Broadway performer Angel Reed, welcomed daughter Malena James on the night of Dec. 23, according to the Los An…

Klea Blackhurst, Christine Lavin, Karen Ziemba, et al. Set for January Appearances at Birdland

Birdland has announced the acts that will play the famed club in January. Highlights of the month include singer Klea Blackhurst (January 10), singer-songwriters Christine Lavin and Julie G…

Memphis Star Chad Kimball's Obama Moments Cap a Fabulous Year by Broadway.com Staff

As the curtain goes down on 2010, Broadway.com is looking ahead to the new year. We’ve asked the brightest stars on Broadway to reflect on their personal highlights from the past year …

ArtsBeat: Reviews for 'Spider-Man' Start Spinning Out Early by Dave Itzkoff

Linda Winer of Newsday and Jeremy Gerard of Bloomberg News both wrote about their recent experiences at "Spider-Man," which is scheduled to open at the Foxwoods Theater on Feb. 7.

Jordan Lage, Nicole Lewis, John Preston, and Ray Anthony Thomas Set for PTC's Race

Casting has been announced for the Philadelphia Theatre Company's production of David Mamet's Race, January 21-February 13 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. The production will be di…

Lauren Flanigan to Perform Goodnight Moon at Barnes & Noble Upper East Side

Internationally acclaimed soprano Lauren Flanigan will join accompanist/composer Glen Roven to perform music set to the classic children's favorite Goodnight Moon at 7pm onTuesday, Janu…

Lage, Lewis et al. Lead RACE at Philadelphia Theatre Company

How do you discuss the undiscussable Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the Philadelphia premiere of David Mamets provocative play Race, running January 21 through February 13, 2011 at t…

Earnest’s Dana Ivey on the Wonders of Wilde and Joining ‘The Greatest Club in the World’ by Gemma Wilson

The lilting rhythms of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest may as well be Dana Ivey’s mother tongue. The indomitable actress is tackling her fourth production of the pl…

They're already in the seats, I bet some would stay. by Ken Davenport

Ahhhh, memories. I was just thinking about my days of doing dinner theater in Baltimore (pre-The Wire). Every once in a while we used to do these things called "Post-Shows". The ca…

Signature Wicked Song Proves Most 'Popular' Among Kristin Chenoweth Fans by Broadway.com Staff

As fans voted Promises, Promises leading lady Kristin Chenoweth Broadway.com's Star of the Year, we asked you to further chime in and vote for your favorite song from the Tony winner'…

Broadway Pulse: NY Times Says 'We'll Wait, But Not Forever' to Review SPIDER-MAN

Update The New York Times has now weighed in on the early reviews of SPIDER-MAN, in which they spoke to Manuela Hoelterhoff, the Executive Editor of Bloomberg News about their decision to re…

Reviews for 'Spider-Man' Start Spinning Out Early by Dave Itzkoff

Linda Winer of Newsday and Jeremy Gerard of Bloomberg News both wrote about their recent experiences at "Spider-Man," which is scheduled to open at the Foxwoods Theater on Feb. 7.

Broadway Holiday

Legit Reviews: Intended for the whole family but will mostly appeal to the grandfolks.

Corrie! to Tour UK in 2011

Corrie!, the stage show version of the U.K. soap opera Coronation Street, will go on a six-month UK tour, beginning in February, according to a report on Whatsonstage.com. Fiona Buffini will…

The Year in Review 2010

It sure has been a productive year here at Light Cue 23. Over a hundred blog posts, most of them 1-2 page essays (if written in a non-digital format), so somewhere between 100-200 pages of t…

Kennedy Center Honors: Others Who Wait for the Award

As we get ready to celebrate the annual Kennedy Center Honors with Tuesday night's broadcast on CBS-TV at 9 p.m. -- including (finally!) Broadway composer Jerry Herman, along with Oprah Winf…

RIALTO CHATTER: Chloe Sevigny to Join Katie Holmes in EXTREMITIES on Broadway?

EW.com is reporting that Big Love's Chloe Sevigny is in talks to join Katie Holmes on Broadway in the near future with William Mastrosimone's Extremities. As BroadwayWorld previously reporte…

'Snow Day' Broadway Show Update: The Show Must Go On!

Snowfall is expected to be heavy in the New York City area tonight, but cancellations for Broadway shows are VERY rare and as of now, all shows are still on for tonight.

Museum Art Talks Set for Long Wharf's "The Old Masters" Premiere

Yale University Art Gallery will present several special lectures on European art and collecting in association with the Long Wharf Theatre production of Simon Gray's "The Old Masters." The …

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson by Richard Seff

I knew little about Andrew Jackson, our seventh President, when I entered the Jacobs Theatre on Broadway at an Actors’ Fund Benefit performance this past week.  When I left, I knew quite …

Rehearsals Begin for Australian DOCTOR ZHIVAGO

Rehearsals for the new musical production DOCTOR ZHIVAGO began in Sydney today, with the full cast assembled for the first time. The creative team, a mix of US and Australian, were thrilled …

BWW's On This Day - December 27, 2010

Here are the Broadway, Off-Broadway and West End shows which opened on December 27 along with all of the upcoming show openings, closings and special events

What happened next? Political comedy by Brian Logan

In the summer Brian Logan bemoaned a lack of it. So have any comedians made him reconsider?In August, I wrote an article in G2 about the lack of political comedy on the Edinburgh Fringe. Her…

Sara Crowe, David Osmond, Michael Simkins, et al. Set for Jermyn Street Theatre's Less Than Kind

The Jermyn Street Theatre will present Terrence Rattigan's Less Than Kind, January 18-February 12, according to Whatsonstage.com. Emmy Award-winner Adrian Brown will direct the producti…

THEATER: Nutcracker Rouge by Aaron Riccio

Photo/Steven SchrieberOf the many types of candies that dance in The Nutcracker and, consequently, in Austin McCormick's "Baroque Burlesque confection" Nutcracker Rouge, cotton candy is…

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Visits NYSE 12/27

On Monday, December 27, the renowned Judith Jamison, in her final year as Artistic Director Designate of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will visit NYSE to ring the Closing Bell.

David Nathan Perlow Joins WICKED Tour, 12/27

The company of the second North American tour of WICKED welcomes David Nathan Perlow as Fiyero on Monday, December 27 in Indianapolis, IN.

TTIC- Brenda Didier - Dec 27, 2010 by [email protected] (talk Theatre In Chicago), Talk Theatre In Chicago

On this week's episode of the Talk Theatre In Chicago podcast, Tom Williams talks with Brenda Didier, the director and choregrapher of Theo Ubique's Cats playing at the No Exit Cafe. She tal…

Hugh Hefner, 84, engaged to Playboy Playmate, 24

The Playboy founder, is engaged to Crystal Harris, his 24-year-old girlfriend and Playmate, a Playboy rep confirmed.

Little Fockers earns $30 million for top box office spot

True Grit debuted at #2 with $25.6 million. The other new release, Gulliver's Travels, premiered at #7 with $7.2 million.

Teena Marie dies at 54; R&B singer-songwriter

The singer-songwriter known for such funk-infused 1980s hits as I Need Your Lovin' and Lovergirl, and one of the few white musicians to achieve renown on the R&B charts, has died.

Bud Greenspan, 84, dies; Filmed Olympics in glory

The filmmaker, who disdained scandals to write, produce and direct uplifting documentaries about Olympic athletes facing triumph and tragedy, died at his home in Manhattan.

James Franco & grandma send hilarious Christmas wishes (video)

The eclectic star recorded a special Christmas message for FunnyOrDie.com, asking his grandmother what she had to say to people who might be squeamish about seeing his gritty new film, 127 H…

Charlie Sheen death hoax put to rest by ex-wife Denise Richards

The Wild Things star tweeted "the rumor about Charlie Sheen is not true. He is alive and on his way over to see his daughters. Thank u all your concern (sic)."

Rihanna wears a black panther swimsuit as she hits the beach in Barbados

The singer spent the day after Christmas relaxing on Sandy Lane beach in her home country of Barbados. She hit the surf in a very eye-catching and unique panther-design swimsuit.

Oscar race for Best Director may surprise

Only six times since the DGA awards began in 1948 has the Guild and Academy not aligned. Here’s the alphabetical lineup of likely contenders and their chances this year:

Jay Z spends $350,000 on Birkin bags and other things

Rapper Jay Z was in a private room of Hermes with a guard standing watch outside. "He spent $350,000 on Birkin bags, among other things."

Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark's Christopher Tierney recovering from back surgery

The main aerialist and stunt double, who was injured during the December 20 performance of the Broadway musical, is reportedly walking again after back surgery, and will be released from the…

Is comedian Jon Stewart the modern day equivalent of Edward R. Murrow?

Did the bill pledging federal funds for the health care of 9/11 responders become law in the waning hours of the 111th Congress only because a comedian took it up as a personal cause?

Dierks Bentley and his wife welcome a baby girl

The country singer and wife Cassidy welcomed their second daughter on Christmas morning. Jordan Catherine Bentley arrived, weighing in at 7 lbs., 14 oz.

Concert promoters to cut ticket prices after sluggish 2010

Among those scrapping dates or entire tours amid reports of sluggish ticket sales were Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Lilith Fair, the Eagles, Jonas Brothers, American Idol and Limp Bizkit.

Rachel Weisz & Daniel Craig ignite romance rumors over Christmas weekend

Oone month after splitting from director Darren Aronofsky, Rachel Weisz, 40, was seen holding hands with fellow Brit and her sexy Dream House co-star Daniel Craig over the Christmas weekend …

Amanda Seyfried and Aaron Paul confirmed to return for Big Love finale

The Sarah Henrickson and Scott Quittman depicters will appear on Big Love once again when the TV series ends its fifth and last season in March next year.

Hangover 2 stuntman in coma following accident on film set

An Australian stunt performer, Scott McLean, is in a Thai hospital recovering from serious injuries after a stunt went wrong on the set of The Hangover Part II starring Bradley Cooper, Zach …

Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is selling out in previews on B'way

Matthew James Thomas alternates the lead role of Peter Parker with Reeve Carney. Where Carney has rock star appeal, Thomas is more of the trained theater actor. Carney has the rocker’s dem…

Million Dollar Money Drop contestants lose $800,000 on question: viewers prove them right

Contestants Gabe Okoye and Brittany Mayti bet $800,0000 that Post-it Notes were sold in stores before the Sony Walkman and the Macintosh Computer. The show said they were wrong and lost $800…

The Twenty-Third Annual Awards for the Year’s Worst Reporting

Every year, the Media Research Center invites a distinguished panel of expert judges to sift through the dopiest, wackiest quotes of the year. Here are the winners:

Tom Wopat Returns to Birdland, 12/27

Jim Caruso is proud to announce the return of TOM WOPAT to the Birdland stage on Monday, December 27 at 7pm. This concert is part of the Broadway at Birdland series, which highlights perfor…

Tom Wopat Returns to Birdland, 12/27

Jim Caruso is proud to announce the return of TOM WOPAT to the Birdland stage on Monday, December 27 at 7pm. This concert is part of the Broadway at Birdland series, which highlights perfor…

James Barbour Launches Six-City Holiday Concert Tour

Broadway star James Barbour, will premiere his six-city 2010 HOLIDAY CONCERT TOUR on Saturday evening, December 4 at the RUBICON THEATRE in Ventura California.

Amra-Faye Wright Makes NYC Concert Debut at the Met Room This December

This month, celebrated Broadway and West End star Amra-Faye Wright Velma Kelly in Chicago will make her long-awaited New York City concert debut with Sittin on Top of the World, an all-new e…