Professor X

After the disappointing XMen: The Last Stand, director Matthew Vaughn will attempt to reboot the franchise with XMen: First Class. The film will star one of my favorites, James McAvoy, as the young Professor Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender as young Magneto (formerly known as Erik Lehnsherr). Jennifer Lawrence, star of the 2010 Sundance Best Picture winner Winter's Bone, will portray the young Mystique. Kevin Bacon is slated to play the yet unnamed bad guy.

Filming begins in London next month.

Josh Perfect

Josh Groban confirmed that he will be returning to Glee this season. He told Access Hollywood:
“I think I’m going to come back and do one more episode. We’ll see what happens... I had a great time with that cast, coming from a theater background... being a member of the choir club as a kid, just to see that group of people being represented in mainstream culture is really, really so great.”

New episodes return on 11 November 2009.


(photo from Broadwayworld)

Patti Rocks

Patti Lupone has been cast as the mother of 30 Rock's Frank (played by Judah Friedlander), according to Entertainment Weekly.

I hope she becomes a recurring character, maybe even have an encounter with Emmy-winning Elaine Stritch's Mrs. Donaghy.

No Bow for this Sensei

Now my gi is in a knot! Jackie Chan is reportedly in final talks to play the role of Mr. Miyagi in a remake of The Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith, son of Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Nobody can step into the iron clogs and robes of the elegant and dignified Pat Morita, who was Oscar-nominated for his performance. The film that made a geeky heartthrob out of Ralph Macchio and also made me want to be a martial artist is going to be ruined forever. An outrage and a travesty!

Paris in Chicago?

Now this is the first time we've heard about it--and hopefully the last. Rumor has it that Paris Hilton was offered to play Roxie Hart in Chicago, but she declined, saying performing six days a week will really eat into her schedule (of partying, tanning, and shopping, we suppose). We hate to be catty, but it's just appalling to even consider the thought of Paris Hilton as Roxie Hart. Anyway, given that she didn't even seem to have sung any of her songs live, it seems impossible that she'd actually get into musical theatre. Let's cross our fingers that it's all just a rumor!

Whoop...there she is!

Mary Testa recently announced on The View that Whoopi Goldberg will be temporarily playing the part of Calliope in Xanadu, starting on July 29. She'll be taking over for Jackie Hoffman for a total of six weeks.

The Billies Have Been Found!

The Billies for the upcoming Billy Elliot The Musical have been announced! They are from left to right: Kiril Kulish, David Alvarez and Trent Kowalik. Of the three, only Mr. Kowalik has performed the role before in the London production. However, all three have impressive dance training. Read all about them here. Photos of a special preview performance for the media can be found here.

Welcome to Broadway boys!

(photo fr Broadway.com)

I'll see you in September when summer is gone

"Harry Potter" stars Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths will reprise their roles in the controversial but well-received revival of "Equus" for Broadway audiences in September 2008. Woot! From Privet Drive to Broadway. I can't wait.

In other news:

Rosie O'Donnell has been named National Ambassador for the 2008 Kids' Night on Broadway. The annual event allows youngsters aged 6-18 to attend a Broadway show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The 12th Manhattan edition will be held on February 5,6,12 and 13 and nationwide throughout the spring and winter.

The "Young Frankenstein" troupe will record the cast album on 12 November. The CD will drop on 26 December.



The New York Comedy Festival kicks off next week 06 November, ending on the 11th. This year's line-up includes Bill Maher, D.L. Hughley, Rosie O'Donnell, Mario Cantone and Denis Leary.

Gone when autumn came

Les Miz updates:The brilliant Jenny Galloway will be back as Madame Thenardier on 01 November, replacing Ann Harada. I guess the more you ruv someone, the sooner you have to let them go. *sheds a solitary tear for Christmas Eve*
Lea Salonga's last day is 21 October. Fellow Filipina cast member Ali Ewoldt (Cosette) also exits that day.

Blake Ginther left on 03 October.