This week’s theater news is all about one word, one syllable, sounds like “cars”. Yep, it’s a round-up of big name stars:
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Sam Rockwell plays Charades in 2009. Image via GoslingsRum.com.
The Labyrinth Theater Company’s annual gala benefit takes the idea of playing a game of Celebrity to the ultimate level. On November 14, Kristen Wiig, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bobby Cannavale and more will take part in Celebrity Charades 2011: Down and Derby, a horse-race themed competition of mime and madness. Tickets aren’t cheap but it’s a chance to see seriously A-list stars (Julia Roberts played one year) acting anything but serious for a good cause.
- You don’t have to dream a dream that the film adaptation of Les Miserables is chock-full of Oscar bait. The previously announced Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe (plus director Tom Hooper of The King’s Speech) will now be joined by Anne Hathaway as the doomed prostitute (and belter) Fantine. I personally see Hathaway as more of a Cosette but it’s great that they’re hiring folks who can sing.
- Not to be outdone, Relatively Speaking, an evening of humorous one-acts, opened last night with a marquee full of big names…though mainly in the “written by” column. The three short pieces come from the keyboards of Ethan Coen (four Oscars), the legendary Elaine May (two Oscar nominations) and Woody Allen (um…Woody Allen!).
- Do you want a truly mammoth star? The Victoria Minister for Tourism and Major Events announced that Melbourne, Australia will host the world premiere of King Kong, a musical adaptation of the legendary film. Aiming for a 2013 launch, the creative team includes Tony nominee Craig Lucas (Light in the Piazza) and Grammy nominee Marius de Vries (Romeo + Juliet). I do wonder, now that it’s a singing/dancing extravaganza, if they will they change the final line to “It was beauty killed the beat.”
