Original ‘Rocky Horror’ Brad Majors, ‘Star Wars’ and 'Lybyinth' Actor Chris Malcolm Dead at 67 >>
Chris Malcolm, the actor who starred in the original UK production of 'The Rocky Horror Show,' passed away on February 15 after a struggle with cancer. Malcolm was 67 years old. In addition to originating the role of Brad Majors, Malcolm was also known for his roles in 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' and 'The Labyrinth.'
'To Kill A Mocking Bird' Writer Harper Lee Dies at 89 >>
Literary legend Harper Lee has passed away the age of 89 on Friday. Harper is universally for her famed novel 'To Kill A Mockingbird,' which has been adapted for both film and the stage. It was recently announced that Lee’s masterwork will be adapted once again by stage and screen writer, Aaron Sorkin ( 'A Few Good Men,' 'The West Wing'and directed by Bartlett Sher ('The King and I,' 'Fiddler on the Roof').
Italin Actor Raphael Schumacher Declared Brain Dead After Live Hanging >>
Like something out of an urban legend, Italian actor Raphael Schumacher was accidently hung in a hanging scene gone horribly wrong. The incident took place during a walkthrough experimental production of Mirages at the Teatro Lux Pisa on Jan 30, during a lynching scene. A member of the audience who is a med school graduate, tried to save Schumacher, who was declared brain dead after spending five days in a coma. The theatre has since suspended all productions.
‘Star Wars 8’ Gwendoline Christie and Dead Jon Snow Kit Harington: The ‘Dr Faustus’ & ‘Game of Thrones’ Connection >>
There are a lot of fans of 'Game of Thrones'' Jon Snow that would likely sell there soul to save the bastard of the North. But whether or not it Jon Snow is really dead, Kit Harrington is moving on. It was recently revealed that the former War Horse star will be returning to the West End to lead in Duke of York's production of Doctor Faustus. Meanwhile, Harington’s 'Game of Thrones' co-star and former 'Dr Faustus' Lucifer actress ( Manchester, Royal Exchange 2010) Gwendoline Christie is also moving onward upward. Recently, Christie confirmed that she return as Captain Phasma in Disney’s 'Star Wars Episode 8.'
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.
Israeli Conductor Israel Yinon Collapses and Dies On Stage During a Concert >>
Renowned Israeli conductor Israel Yinon collapsed and died on stage while conducting a concert in Switzerland on Thursday evening.
Austrian Tenor Waldemar Kmentt Dies at 85 >>
Famed Austrian tenor Waldemar Kmentt has died in Vienna at the age of 85.
Ward Swingle, Founder of Swingle Singers, Dead at 87 >>
Ward Swingle, founding father of the Grammy Award-winning a cappella group the Swingle Singers, died at 87 Monday, Jan. 19, in is home in England.
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.
Claude Frank, Pianist and Interpreter of Beethoven, Dead at 89 >>
Timeless American pianist Claude Frank, one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven, died in his home in Manhattan Saturday, Dec. 27, three days after his 89th birthday. The cause of death is said to be complications due to dementia, according to his daughter, Pamela Frank, a violinist and his only immediate survivor. Frank was born in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1925. His family, which was Jewish, moved to Paris once the Nazis came to power, and it was there where he studied at the Paris Conservatory. As the political situation in Europe worsened, he escaped by way of a hide-out in the Pyrenees Mountains and then Lisbon, where, with help from the Brazilian embassy, he made it to the United States. Frank studied under Austrian-born master Artur Schnabel in New York in the 1940s, but his studies were interrupted by military service. He became an American citizen in 1944. As a performer, He concentrated on the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms, but Frank was not only a world-renowned performer. As a teacher, whose students included veteran figures like Richard Goode and rising artists like Benjamin Hochman, he was encouraging of a wide-ranging repertory, including contemporary music.
Cliburn Winner, Pianist José Feghali Dead in Apparent Suicide >>
Former Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist José Feghali died last week of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the "The Dallas Morning News." Feghali, 53, was a Brazilian native who trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He was only 24 when he won gold at the 1985 Cliburn in Fort Worth, Texas, according to WFAA. The late Van Cliburn introduced him by telling the audience, "He appeared with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra when he was only 8 years old.” Since 1990, he had been the artist-in-residence at Texas Christian University’s School of Music, more recently serving as its coordinator of Internet technologies.
