‘Hamilton’ Coming to West End in 2017: Seeking New Actors for Broadway >>
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s 'Hamilton' is perhaps the hottest show on Broadway, if not the entire plant. Well pretty soon a lot more people across will get the chance to see the show. Not only is 'Hamilton' set to make its way across America, but it has been reported that the show is eyeing a run at the West End’s Victoria Palace Theatre in 2017. That is not all. Producers are seeking new actors for the Broadway show and the American tour.
‘Forever Plaid’ Comeing Back to London in April 2016 >>
'Forever Plaid' is making it’s way across the pond once again. London is getting an all new production of the Off-Broadway musical revue. The story involves four would be superstars who were tragically killed before by bus full of catholic school girls on their way to see the Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan. The quartet are brought back to life for one night so that they can finally perform their set before crossing over to the afterlife.
Weekly Reprise: ‘American Psycho the Musical’ London Recording & UK ‘Kinky Boots’ Live Albums Coming >>
We here at 'Classicalite' understand that the week can be long and sometime some stories go unread. That is why we have devised the Weekly Reprise to keep you up to date on all the latest buzz. Show-Tune junkies get ready for next fix. It was recently announced that the London cast recording of 'American Psycho the Musical' will be released alongside the show’s Broadway debut. Starring 'Doctor Who’s' Matt Smith and featuring music by Spring Awakenings own Duncan Sheik, this blood soaked ode to the 80’s is a must grab. Speaking of must. Sony Masterworks is gearing up to release a live audio recording of the UK’s production of 'Kinky Boots.'
Palestinian Poet Ashraf Fayadh's Death Sentence Reduced to 800 Lashes >>
Here at Classicalite -- be it classical music, jazz, theater or dance -- arts news gets made fresh every single day.
‘American Psycho the Musical’ London Soundtrack Released with Broadway Preivews >>
'American Psycho the Musical' is getting ready to slay audiences on Broadway and to help get you the killing spirit, Concord records is releasing the original London recording. The show opened in London in 2013 and stared 'Doctor Who’s' Dr #11 Matt Smith. The soundtrack will be released at the same time the Broadway show opens for previews.
Kit Harington Sells Jon Snow's Soul for 'Doctor Faustus' Role on West End >>
Just like the inevitable Winter, 'Game of Thrones' Season 6 is coming and we will final find out if Jon Snow is dead or alive. However, live or die, Kit Harington has already found his next role. The Stark that you just can’t seem to quit is making his return to the stage in an all new London production of 'Doctor Faustus.' Harrington will be playing the titular role in the Christopher Marlowe play based on the story of 'Faust.' No word yet on if Harrington had to sell his soul to land the role.
Smithsonian Plans New Exhibition Space in London >>
The Smithsonian has announced that it is considering opening new exhibition space in east London’s cultural quarter in Olympic Park. This will be the first time the 168-year-old museum will expand beyond the United States.
Classical Music Organizations in Cities Around the World Pay Tribute to Victims of the Charlie Hebdo Terrorist Attack. >>
In cities around the world, classical music organizations are honoring the 12 victims of the terrorist attack against French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. The goal is to defend freedom of expression for all.
Kan Bonfils, Star of the West End London Revival of 'The King and I,' Dies After Collapsing in Rehearsal >>
Actor Kan (Khan) Bonfils, best known to theater fans as the king in the 2000 West End revival of "The King and I," has died after collapsing during rehearsal. “During rehearsals for an upcoming performance, he collapsed and was unable to be resuscitated. His sudden loss is a tragedy, and he will be sorely missed,” says his agent Olivia Bell. Bonfils was rehearsing for an upcoming performance in the Craft Theatre production of "Dante’s Inferno," which is scheduled to open at London’s Rag Factory next week. A statement from Craft Theatre states, "With great sadness, we announce the death of Kan Bonfils. His sudden loss is a tragedy and he will be sorely missed.” The theater’s spokesman, Chris Hislop, reported that an ambulance was called as director Rocky Rodriguez Jr. performed CPR on location.
Fire During 'Les Misérables' Causes 1,200 People to Evacuate >>
A small fire at the Queen’s Theatre in London caused 1,200 people to have to evacuate during a performance of "Les Misérables." The fire was spotted Saturday, Jan. 3, during a matinee performance of "Les Misérables." A spokeswoman for the London fire brigade said, “There was a small fire caused by a failing high voltage joint in what we understand was the boiler room. There were no injuries.” The cast, who were performing a matinee of "Les Misérables," are also believed to have left the theatre with the audience as a precaution. Since then, the problem has been fixed and the Saturday evening performance was scheduled as planned. “Today’s matinee of 'Les Misérables' had to be canceled after the theater was evacuated 30 minutes into the performance due to the overheating of a cable supplied by UK Power Network to a transformer under the theater, which caused a blackout on stage. Whilst the auditorium was not affected, the audience, cast, orchestra and crew were asked to leave the building by precaution. The fire brigade attended to ensure that the theater was safe to be re-entered and UK Power Network came on site to resolve the problem. Audience members affected by the cancellation of the matinee are invited to request a full refund at their original point of purchase. We are sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment caused and look forward to welcoming patrons to another performance of 'Les Misérables,'” said a spokesman for Queen’s Theatre.
Damian Lewis Returns to London's West End in David Mamet's American Buffalo >>
Damian Lewis, known for playing Nicholas Brody in the hit Showtime show "Homeland," will be returning to the London stage for the first time in five years, performing in a revival of David Mamet's classic American Buffalo.
[UPDATE] Kyung Wha Chung Responds to Drama Surrounding Recent Concert >>
Kyung Wha Chung, who made headlines all over the world last week after berating a child who was coughing at her concert, has responded to all the media hoopla that has been surrounding her surprising remarks.
Violinist Kyung Wha Chung Yells at Coughing Child During Performance >>
World-renowned violinist Kyung Wha Chung sent audience members into an awkward frenzy after publicly berating the parents of a coughing child during her performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Chung, from South Korea, is hailed as a violin prodigy but has been retired for some time, partly due to a finger injury. This show was her first London performance in 12 years. But during this show, the 66-year-old violinist lashed out at a child who was coughing during her performance of Mozart’s "Sonata in G." “Maybe bring her back when she’s older,” she rebuked to the child’s parents. Then, audience members say, she continued looking back in the general direction of the coughing child for the next 20 minutes. Anna Picard, music critic for "The Times," said the atmosphere in the hall had already been tense, such was the anticipation surrounding the violinist's comeback.
Cast for B'way Musical 'Doctor Zhivago' Announced: Tam Mutu to Play Lead >>
The long-awaited musical "Doctor Zhivago" has finally announced the cast for its up-and-coming broadway debut. Tam Mutu, a newcomer to the U.S. Broadway stage, will play the title role of Yurii Zhivago in this newest adaptation. Mutu, known as a West End of London stage actor, has been in Love Never Dies and the upcoming revival of Donmar Warehouse’s "City of Angels." He also had a recent role as Javert in "Les Miserables." "Doctor Zhivago" is based on the 1957 famous, epic, historical romance novel by Boris Pasternak and focuses on romance and upheaval in Russia during World War I. It tells the story of a political idealist who must choose between his devoted wife and mysterious lover. The famous novel was made into a film in 1965 and the original stage adaptation appeared at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California, in 2006. After its closing, it was reworked and ran at the Lyric Theater in Sydney, Australia, until 2011.
Sir John Major Bewails Theatrical Pol Mockery, Spotlighting Theater's Relative Importance in UK Versus US >>
The former British Prime Minister complained that negative portrayals of politicians discourage people even from voting.
