Scott Simon News

Director John Benitz, who has been with the show since making its world premiere at Chapman University where he teaches, graciously answered a few questions over email about the project, and how it came to the Kennedy Center, what draws him to the material, and what experience the show will offer to Kennedy Center audiences.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the nation's largest retail bookseller and the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, has all of the greatest gifts for Mom this Mother's Day. Books make the perfect gift for Mom, and Barnes & Noble is the premier destination for all the biggest and best books, including The Liar by Nora Roberts, Memory Man by David Baldacci and Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Customers can also give Mom endless reading and entertainment this Mother's Day at a great value, with the popular 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 NOOK, available for the low price of only $129.99, in-store only. More exciting offers include 30% off select candles and scents, 50% off a select list of DVD and Blu-ray titles and a special assortment of vinyl and CDs that Mom will love. And, of course, a Barnes & Noble Gift Card is always an excellent gift for Mom, allowing her to choose from a wide selection of bestselling books, NOOK content, DVDs, music, gift items including exclusive home décor and stylish accessories, plus unbeatable bargains.

Acording to the Chicago Tribune, theatre legend Stephen Sondheim will receive Chicago Public Library Foundation's 16th Carl Sandburg Award. As a part of the ceremony on October 21, 2015, Sondheim will be interviewed onstage by Scott Simon of NPR. The Carl Sandburg Literary Award is presented annually to an acclaimed author in recognition of outstanding contributions to the literary world and honors a significant work or body of work that has enhanced the public's awareness of the written word. The Carl Sandburg Award in the Arts is presented to an individual who embodies a spirit of creativity and social consciousness.

Brian Grazer is a powerhouse in Hollywood and a guiding force behind some of the most popular movies and television shows of the last 30 years.

Brian Grazer is a powerhouse in Hollywood and a guiding force behind some of the most popular movies and television shows of the last 30 years.

Music Director Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) announce the Orchestra's celebratory Centennial 2015-2016 season, its ninth season under the direction of Maestra Alsop. Through appearances by the world's most renowned artists, premieres of several new works, Baltimore homecomings from local artists or artists who got their start on the BSO stage, exciting signature projects and strengthening of longstanding community partnerships, the BSO marks this important milestone in grand fashion.

Music Director Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) announce the Orchestra's celebratory Centennial 2015-2016 season, its ninth season under the direction of Maestra Alsop. Through appearances by the world's most renowned artists, premieres of several new works, Baltimore homecomings from local artists or artists who got their start on the BSO stage, exciting signature projects and strengthening of longstanding community partnerships, the BSO marks this important milestone in grand fashion.

-The Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) announces its Spring 2015 Season, featuring presenters Scott Simon, Mindy Segal, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Judy Blume, along with an exhibition of Chicago photos taken by the Liminal Camera.

In less than three years, the free digital Publishers Lunch Buzz Books have proven themselves the first and best place for passionate readers and publishing insiders to discover and sample some of the most acclaimed books of the year, before they are published. Buzz Books titles regularly appear on bestseller and "year's best" lists. Publishers Lunch has gathered substantial excerpts from 65 of the most buzzed-about books scheduled for publication this spring and summer in two exclusive, free new ebooks, BUZZ BOOKS 2015: Spring/Summer and BUZZ BOOKS 2015: Young Adult Spring, offered in consumer and trade editions (adult and YA).

Letterman has cancelled the appearance of Bill Cosby, who was supposed to be a guest on the CBS show on Nov. 19.

On September 16, native New Yorker Julian Velard will release 'No One's Getting Married Tonight,' the next single off his New York City concept album aptly titled If You Don't Like It, You Can Leave. Check out the just-released music video below!

By popular demand, the Hollywood Bowl is once again transformed into the world's largest movie theater for the Grease Sing-A-Long Sunday, July 13, 2014. The show, hosted by Didi Conn ("Frenchy"), will feature the Paramount Pictures film, complete with subtitles so the whole audience can sing along.

The full video for THIS AMERICAN LIFE's 'wildest' show ever at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on June 7th as part of the 2014 'RadioLoveFest' is now available to stream online for just $5. Check out a video trailer for the program here, and hear the radio promo for the episode below!

Kokandy Productions present their Season 2014 closer - ASSASSINS, directed by Rachel Edwards Harvith with music direction by Kory Danielson and choreography by Mike Ford. ASSASSINS opened on Saturday, June 14 at 8:00pm, and runs at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont in Chicago, and continues through Sunday, July 20, 2014. Scroll down for photos from the show's opening night celebrations!

Paper Mill Playhouse concludes its 75th Anniversary Season with America's favorite musical, GREASE. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, Grease will be directed by Daniel Goldstein with original choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter. Additional songs are by John Farrar, Barry Gibb, Scott Simon and Louis St. Louis. Grease plays the Millburn, New Jersey, theater through June 29, 2014. Click below to watch a fun video of audience members attempting to join in on 'We Go Together'!

From today, June 4 to June 8, two iconic New York City institutions join to celebrate an ever evolving medium that was born more than 100 years ago-radio. For this five day festival, WNYC takes-up residence at BAM venues to reimagine some of public radio's most treasured programs as live, contemporary theatrical engagements. Passionate WNYC fans and curious newcomers can revel in their 'love' of favorite radio and podcast hosts at this unprecedented event.

Paper Mill Playhouse concludes its 75th Anniversary Season with America's favorite musical, GREASE. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, Grease will be directed by Daniel Goldstein with original choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter. Additional songs are by John Farrar, Barry Gibb, Scott Simon and Louis St. Louis. Grease plays the Millburn, New Jersey, theater through June 29, 2014. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the opening night after party below!

Paper Mill Playhouse concludes its 75th Anniversary Season with America's favorite musical, GREASE. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, Grease will be directed by Daniel Goldstein with original choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter. Additional songs are by John Farrar, Barry Gibb, Scott Simon and Louis St. Louis. Grease plays the Millburn, New Jersey, theater through June 29, 2014. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the opening night curtain call below!

Paper Mill Playhouse concludes its 75th Anniversary Season with America's favorite musical, GREASE. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, Grease will be directed by Daniel Goldstein with original choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter. Additional songs are by John Farrar, Barry Gibb, Scott Simon and Louis St. Louis. Grease plays the Millburn, New Jersey, theater through June 29, 2014. The official press opening night is Sunday, June 1, at 7:00pm. Check out highlights from the production below!

Which GREASE character are you? Paper Mill Playhouse invites you to take their fun quiz to find out. Just click HERE and find out if you are Sandy, Danny, Rizzo, Kenickie, Frenchy, Doody, Marty, Sonny, Jan or Roger!