Academy Award-nominated actress Cicely Tyson is back on Broadway
The Academy Award-nominated actress Cicely Tyson will return to Broadway for the first time in 30 years to star in a revival of Horton Foote’s 1953 drama “The Trip to Bountiful,” directed by Michael Wilson.
Cicley Tyson, 78, will play Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who dreams of returning to her hometown of Bountiful, Tex., before she dies. First produced as a teleplay on NBC in 1953, starring Lillian Gish as Carrie Watts, “The Trip to Bountiful” had its Broadway premiere later that year with the same cast. Mr. Foote adapted the play into a 1985 film starring Geraldine Page, who won an Academy Award. In 2005 Lois Smith starred in an acclaimed Off-Broadway revival at the Signature Theater. Mr. Foote, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize and two Academy Awards, died in 2009.
The Oscar winner CUBA GOODING JR., and the Tony nominees Vanessa Williams and Condola Rashad will join Cicely Tyson in “The Trip To Bountiful.”
Mr. Gooding, who won the best supporting actor Oscar for “Jerry Maguire,” will play Ludie, Carrie’s son, who thinks she’s too frail to travel. Ms. Williams (“Into the Woods”) will play his bossy wife, who thinks the trip is too expensive; Ms. Rashad (a Tony nominee for “Stick Fly” last year) will play a young woman whom Carrie befriends on the bus.
VANESSA WILLIAMS has appeared on Broadway in Into the Woods (Tony nomination), Kiss of the Spider-Woman (Theatre World Award), and Sondheim on Sondheim, and Off-Broadway in St. Louis Woman in the City Center’s acclaimedEncores! Series. As a recording artist, she has been nominated for 11 Grammy awards.
Newlywed Anne Hathaway Dishes on her Recent Wedding, Motherhood and Career
From the awkward young woman in “The Princess Diaries,” to the college graduate searching for a job at a fashion magazine in “The Devil Wears Prada,” to the seemingly evil (yet actually noble) cat-woman in “The Dark Knight Rises,” actress Anne Hathaway has flourished on the big screen. Also named one of the world’s “50 most beautiful people” in 2006, it wouldn’t come as a surprise that this combination of talent and beauty has made it big.
In her most recent venture, Anne Hathaway takes on the challenging role of “Fantine” in “Les Misérables.” “The first time I really remember connecting with Les Mis was when I went to see my mother perform the role of Fantine. After that I wanted to be involved in the film because my mother had been,” Hathaway shared. The group of actors really bonded during the filming of Les Mis, especially at Russell Crowe’s famous Friday night sing-a-longs. “He would have us over, make everyone a steak and then make fun of me for being vegan,” she chuckled. “But he did make me a very nice carrot salad.”
Acting can be challenging, especially when you go from one role to another. However, finding the similarities between Fantine and cat-woman enabled Hathaway to use the transition to her advantage. “They are both warriors. They are both incredibly strong and all the physical training I did to play Selena Kyle translated into the current role and made me stronger mentally. I became more disciplined and a much harder worker,” she admitted, adding, “I needed all of that to play Fantine.”
Having to cut their hair for the role may have been a point of contention for some actresses, but not Hathaway. “There was a time when my hair was about an inch long – it was this kind of sweet Mia Farrow thing that I really liked.” Just watch the movie and you’ll know what she’s talking about!
“I don’t know if I ever knew that playing Lincoln was the right choice.”
No stranger to tackling difficult material, Daniel Day-Lewis, 55, plays America’s most revered president, Abraham Lincoln.
The award-winning actor, often described as a recluse, doesn’t talk about his personal life, but graciously granted this interview to talk about his transformation into the 16th President of the United States.
ADS: What did you see as your greatest challenge in bringing this iconic character to life?
Apart from everything you mean? (laughs) I think really the most obvious thing was trying to approach a man’s life that has been mythologized to such an extent that in a way you can’t get close enough to being able to properly represent it. I just wasn’t sure that I would be able to do that. Beyond that, I felt that probably I shouldn’t do it (laughs) and somebody else would do that instead.
Q: Obviously when you are creating a character out of a real human being with a tremendous amount of biographical data but also in this case, historical, political information as well, what did you learn about Mr. Lincoln that you did not know previously? What were you surprised by?
Well that was easy for me because I knew nothing about him, so I had everything to learn and apart from a few images, a statue, a cartoon, a few lines from the first inaugural, a few from the Gettysburg Address, that would be my entire knowledge of that man’s life. I think probably the most delicious surprise for me was the humor. To begin to discover that was an important aspect of his character. Q: Would it be fair to say that it was tactical humor? At times it could be, but not necessarily I don’t think, no. I don’t think it was really, I think it was tactical in the political sense, and I think at times it was undoubtedly used in a conscious sense for some purpose to make some point. It’s not about what you are asking but there are accounts of people who came to ask him a question, which to them was of great importance, and found themselves in his presence, got a handshake, a story, and were out of the room before they even realized (laughs) and that’s good politics. (laughs) But no, I think it was innately part of him, I think there was a very joyful element to him actually, yes.
Hugh Jackman on Les Misérables, Life, Friends and Family
Starring in “Les Misérables,” opposite a stellar cast including Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Russell Crowe, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter, Hugh Jackman is a frontrunner for an Oscar for his role as Jean Valjean.
You probably know Hugh Jackman for his leading role as “Wolverine” in the “X-Men” film series. You may also recognize him for his role in “Real Steel.” Or perhaps, you’ll recall how he was dubbed the “sexiest man alive” by People Magazine in 2008. And now, in “Les Misérables,” the word around town is that his performance in the role of “Jean Valjean” has made him the shoe-in for an Oscar!
Jackman underwent an incredible transformation for his role. The change was so dramatic that his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, gasped when she first saw the him in character.
Equally striking is the contrast between his on-screen rivalry with Russell Crowe and their off-screen reality. In real life, they’re really good friends. “Russell and I have been friends for a long time. I owe a lot to Russell in many ways,” Jackman explained, pointing to Russell Crowe’s decision to turn down the role of Wolverine. In fact, he even recommend Jackman to the director. Jackman shared, “I have asked his advice on several occasions and he’s always been generous to me and a good friend. This is the first time I got to work with him though.”
In fact, Jackman has plenty to say on Russell’s legendary cast parties. “If you ever get invited, take a song with you because you are singing. Everybody sings. He brings out his guitar and he loves it. The hardest thing is leaving because when you are at Russell’s parties, it’s always great fun,” Jackman said.
While he’s generous with his compliments, Jackman isn’t afraid to admit his faults and past mistakes. “As Russell just reminded me, I’m very bad at saying ‘no’ to my wife. I am a double booker. I am indecisive. I am a terrible handyman. And I can be incredibly vague,” he joked, adding, “I’m an actor, don’t trust an actor.” Perhaps this is a reference to a sticky-fingers incident from his childhood. “I would have gone to jail for nineteen years! It was a pack of Chickadees. I was very hungry and I certainly wasn’t starving like in this movie, but I was very hungry and I said, ‘Oh, I want something to eat!’ And my brother said, ‘Well let’s go to the shop’ and I said, ‘I don’t have any money.’ And he goes, ‘You don’t need money.’ He was a bad influence. I was led astray,” he admitted. Like most child thieves, he was caught. “Busted and belted. That’s how it was back then, but I wasn’t punished for nineteen years,” he laughs, making a reference to the Les Mis storyline.
Getting Close with Glenn at the Modern School of Film
By Rachel Sokol (From the Fall 2012 Edition of A Distinctive Style Magazine)
To some, legendary actress Glenn Close is best known for her role in the 1987 thriller, Fatal Attraction. But as her eclectic theatre-to-film-to-television career track record has proven, the Oscar and Tony-nominated actress is more–much more–than the lovestruck woman she played in that classic film.
Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs
Close, dressed casually in jeans and a loose-fitting black top, recently sat down for a Q&A in Manhattan with Robert Milazzo, founder of The Modern School of Film, to discuss her role in the film Albert Nobbs. Earlier this year, Close was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Albert, but lost to her dear friend Meryl Streep.
The heart-wrenching movie didn’t break box-office records, and Close admits “reviews were mixed.” Regardless, Close is proud of her work in Albert Nobbs, which she described as “a labor of love.”
The audience watched Albert Nobbs before Close answered questions, first talking about Damages, a show about a sharp-tongued litigator named Patty Hewes that recently wrapped its successful run on FX Networks. (Close joked to the audience, “I always asked the writers, ‘What is my backstory? Why am I so mean?’”)
“At this point in my career, I don’t want to be spending time with people who aren’t inspiring, with scripts that don’t present challenges,” said Close, about what attracted her to the role of Patty Hewes. Although that simple statement may seem closed-off, Close answered it honestly, while remaining humble and personable.
Celebrated Broadway Luminaries Perform to Benefit Humane Treatment of Animals
Hollywood and Broadway award-winners Kaye Ballard, Liliane Montevecchi,and Lee Roy Reams are to star in “Doin’ It For Love,” a Broadway-style tribute to the standards and the stories behind the music. Opening its Southwest Tour in Austin on February 24, 2012, “Doin’ It For Love” features a 10-piece orchestra conducted onstage by David Geist, the show’s music director. Hilary Knight, the internationally renowned artist and illustrator, designed the poster art and collectables for the show. Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) is hosting the show with 100 percent of the profits to benefit its programs promoting the humane treatment of animals.
Combining Ballard’s musical talent, comedic wit and timing, Montevecchi’s inimitable French cabaret-style performances, and Reams’s song-and-dance routines, “Doin’ It For Love” is a two-act show that opens with a one-of-a-kind rendition of “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Following the opening number, each performer will star turn his or her section. Montevecchi and Reams will individually entertain the audience with newly staged performances of their most memorable musical numbers.
After a short intermission, Ballard opens the second act. Her unforgettable stage presence naturally peppered with laugh-out-loud one-liners and heartfelt emotion brings to life the emblematic routines and songs of the Great White Way. All three stars return to the stage for the show’s grand finale. “Texas Humane Legislation Network is honored to benefit from this incredible show that will offer Austin audiences a chance to experience the timeless acts and performances from some of the most beloved entertainers in show business all while benefitting a great cause,” said Monica Hardy, executive director of Texas Humane Legislation Network, a Texas-based nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals through legislation, education, and advocacy.
“THLN has been working to promote the humane treatment of animals since 1975 through public education, outreach and new state laws. Events like these help us to share our message and encourage Texas residents to make informed decisions and take action to help end animal cruelty and neglect throughout the state.
Kaye Ballard Ballard starred on Broadway in “The Golden Apple,” “Carnival,” “Molly,” “Pirates of Penzance,” “Gypsy,” “Funny Girl,” “Nunsense,” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies.” She has been in numerous films including “The Girl Most Likely,” “A House Not A Home,” “Freaky Friday,” “Which Way To The Front,” and “The Ritz.” Ballard has guest-starred in television programs as well including “The Doris Day Show,” “The Muppet Show,” “Match Game,” “The Tonight Show,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” and the live telecast of Rodger & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” In addition, she co-starred with Eve Arden in the NBC sitcom “The Mothers-in-Law” which was recently re-released on DVD.
Liliane Montevecchi—The recipient of a Tony Award for her portrayal of Liliane La Fleur in “Nine,” Montevecchi began her career as a prima ballerina. Inspired by dance, she started a film career in the 1950s and starred in “King Creole” with Elvis Presley, “Meet Me in Las Vegas” with Cyd Charisse, “The Sad Sack” with Jerry Lewis, and “The Glass Slipper.” She left Hollywood for a leading role in “Follies Bergère.” Montevecchi’s Broadway credits include starring in “Nine,” “Grand Hotel,” “La Plume de Ma Tante,” and Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies.” She also appeared in the films “Wall Street” and “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Montevecchi recently starred in “Love, Chaos and Couture” and is currently performing at Teatro ZinZanni in the critically acclaimed “Bonsoir Liliane!,” directed by nine-time Tony Award winner Tommy Tune.
Lee Roy Reams—Nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the original Broadway production of “42nd Street,” Reams has starred in several Broadway shows including “Show Boat,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Oklahoma!,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Producers,” and others. He has also directed several shows including “An Evening with Jerry Harman.” Reams made his Broadway debut in 1966 in “Sweet Charity” and was most recently featured in the 2011 documentary “Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age.”Hilary KnightKnight designed the art for “Doin’ It For Love.” Among his other theater posters, he created “Gypsy,” “Irene,” “Hallelujah Baby!” “From Broadway with Love,” and “Sugar Babies.” Knight has illustrated more than 60 books and worked for a variety of clients, including Nieman Marcus, for which he designed the cover of the 2012 Christmas catalog. Also in 2012, he created a mural for Dee and Tommy Hilfiger’s apartment in New York’s Plaza Hotel, home of the illustrious Eloise, the creation of Knight and author Kay Thompson. His work can also be seen in art galleries throughout New York City.
David Geist—Geist has starred in several Broadway shows including “Cats,” “Les Miserables,” “Wicked,” and “The Lion King.” He has performed alongside and coached Hugh Jackman, Sarah Brightman, and Michael Crawford among other top performers in the music industry, and worked with composing legends Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Matt Berman is the show’s lighting and sound designer and Rocky Noel is the stage manager.
“Doin’ It For Love’s” orchestrator, Larry Blank, was twice nominated for both the Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award for his orchestrations in “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.” Patrick O’Neil is also working on the orchestration for the show.Starring alongside Ballard and Montevecchi, Reams will stage the show. “I am honored to perform and work with two of show business’ most celebrated performers.
‘Doin’ It For Love’ tells the personal stories behind the music by Kaye, Liliane, and myself. Not only do we perform the music, but entertain the audience with stories about the entertainment world then and now,” said Reams. “We are premiering the show in Austin to give audiences the first glimpse of what is sure to become a hit, and working to promote the ethical treatment of animals is very important to each of us.”
“We are premiering the show in Austin to give audiences the first glimpse of what is sure to become a hit, and working to promote the ethical treatment of animals is very important to each of us.”
Ballard, Montevecchi, and Reams kick off the “Doin’ It For Love” Southwest Tour at the historic Paramount Theatre, located at 713 Congress Avenue, on Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25. Doors open at 7 p.m. and shows begin at 8 p.m. Tickets range in price between $35 and $100, plus applicable service fees, and can be purchased at the Paramount Theatre, by telephone at (512) 474-1221, or online at the Paramount Theatre’s website by visiting www.austintheatre.org. Commemorative “Doin’ It For Love” theater posters created by Knight, show programs, and CDs can also be purchased at the show with the proceeds raised from the collectables going to THLN.
Lee Roy Reams—Nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the original Broadway production of “42nd Street,” Reams has starred in several Broadway shows including “Show Boat,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Oklahoma!,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Producers,” and others. He has also directed several shows including “An Evening with Jerry Harman.” Reams made his Broadway debut in 1966 in “Sweet Charity” and was most recently featured in the 2011 documentary “Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age.”Hilary KnightKnight designed the art for “Doin’ It For Love.” Among his other theater posters, he created “Gypsy,” “Irene,” “Hallelujah Baby!” “From Broadway with Love,” and “Sugar Babies.” Knight has illustrated more than 60 books and worked for a variety of clients, including Nieman Marcus, for which he designed the cover of the 2012 Christmas catalog. Also in 2012, he created a mural for Dee and Tommy Hilfiger’s apartment in New York’s Plaza Hotel, home of the illustrious Eloise, the creation of Knight and author Kay Thompson. His work can also be seen in art galleries throughout New York City.
