Yin and Yang News

Never more apparent than at this very moment in history, the operatic emotions, over-the-top theatrics and outrageous outspokenness of the 1983 SCARFACE, new on Blu-ray this week, burst forth from screens both large and small, depending on your preferred venue. And, with the fiery, ferocious fearlessness that Brian DePalma so astutely and assuredly weaves his web of debauchery and demons of the soul, heart and mind with - its apotheosis residing in Al Pacino's legendary essaying of the title role - the world finally seems ready to see SCARFACE for what it really is: a classic American film. No, there are not many modern day classics and there certainly have not been over the last thirty years since its release, but SCARFACE is unquestionably now part of the great pantheon of American films - just as much as CITIZEN KANE, CABSABLANCA and THE GODFATHER before it - and with Fathom's re-release of the film in movie theaters for one night only last week, the impact of the film as felt in its true artistic home was something akin to transcendental. Indeed, I was lucky enough to check out the HD print in a showing in Ithaca, NY, last week, which was also accompanied by an ultra-informative and revealing behind-the-scenes look at the production and subsequent legacy of the near-thirty-year-old film which is also available in an even more expanded form on the new Blu-ray - including new interviews with Brian DePalma, Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Robert Loggia, Martin Bregman, as well as comments from fellow filmmakers and fans like Eli Roth (who shares a particularly hilarious anecdote about reciting Lopez's monologue for classmates in sixth grade). The new Blu-ray is packed to the brim with Special Features - including this brand new hour-long making-of documentary to go along with the hours of bonuses ported over from many of the prior DVD releases. Yet, above all of these other virtues, the reason you must own SCARFACE on Blu-ray is not just because the HD remastering of the image is pristine, the 7.1 sound is perfect and the Special Features are overwhelmingly enjoyable, but - most of all - it is because SCARFACE is American movie-making at its finest - and most emotionally, visually and outwardly operatic. It sings. And stings. And zings. And, bring it - all.

Today we are kicking off the male-centric portion of our ongoing series of interviews with the stars of Lifetime's DROP DEAD DIVA with the heartthrob of the show and Jane's former fiancee in her past life, legal eagle Grayson, played by the dashing and suave Jackson Hurst. In addition to talking all about Season 3 of DROP DEAD DIVA and the future for Jane and Grayson - as well as the hiccups and roadblocks in his relationship with Deb, before, and, now, Jane, that have cropped up so precipitously along the way - we also analyze the various guest stars on the show over the seasons - everyone from Kathy Griffin to Samuel L. Jackson to Elliot Gould to Liza Minnelli and more! In addition, Hurst and I also discuss his past and future stage and screen roles and his experiences on sets and backstage - including a thorough discussion of working with director Terrence Malick on THE TREE OF LIFE and his starring role in the forthcoming September release, A BIRD OF THE AIR, by CHINATOWN scribe Robert Towne - as well as Hurst's own favorite films and ultimate career aspirations - plus much, much more!

Thom Fogarty will direct DESDEMONA: A Play About A Handkerchief, by PAULA VOGEL, which will be, presented September 21 through October 2, 2011 by Other Side Productions and Thom Fogarty.

Broadway leading lady, Fosse featured player and, now, the star of the new Fringe Festival play SAMMY GETS MUGGED!, gypsy phenomenon Stephanie Pope Caffey has lit up Broadway stages for almost thirty years - especially memorable for her dance-heavy roles in Bob Fosse's BIG DEAL, SWEET CHARITY, DANCIN‘, CHICAGO and the Tony-winning revue FOSSE itself. We also discuss working with four other legendary directors on four classic shows in the interim - JELLY'S LAST JAM directed by George C. Wolfe, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES directed by Tommy Tune, the hit revival of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM directed by Jerry Zaks and KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN directed by Hal Prince (with choreography by Rob Marshall) - and far beyond. These days, Stephanie operates one of the premiere Bikram yoga studios in the country, Bikram Yoga East Harlem, and she evocatively illustrates how that is a continuation of her dance work and how beneficial the practice has been to her life. Additionally, in this career-spanning conversation we analyze the life of a gypsy dancer and what it takes to make it and rise to the top of the ranks in the best corps on Broadway, then and now - and, all applicable anecdotes that arise along the way, of course (and even some surprises). Plus, Stephanie shares all about her role in SAMMY GETS MUGGED! and reveals what drew her to the project, what to expect from the new drama/comedy, what her character is like and much, much more!

The Joyce Theater Foundation, Inc. is pleased to present select winners and finalists from The A.W.A.R.D. Show! series of 2009 and 2010 at Joyce SoHo from May 31- June 5. In shared programs, twelve winners and finalists from series at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, On the Boards (Seattle) and Joyce SoHo (New York City) will perform works that they either showed in their respective cities or that they created after they received cash awards

The Joyce Theater Foundation, Inc. is pleased to present select winners and finalists from The A.W.A.R.D. Show! series of 2009 and 2010 at Joyce SoHo from May 31- June 5. In shared programs, twelve winners and finalists from series at The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, On the Boards (Seattle) and Joyce SoHo (New York City) will perform works that they either showed in their respective cities or that they created after they received cash awards

The Thom Fogarty directed EURYDICE, by Sarah Ruhl, will close February 6, 2011. This intimate 'black box' Showcase production of Sarah Ruhl's brilliant retelling of the Orpheus myth has a cast of seven: Quincy Ellis, Lulu Fogarty*, Caitlin Rose McMahon, Aidan O'Shea, Adam Patterson, Patrick Ellison Shea*, and Joe Tannenbaum.

Thom Fogarty will direct EURYDICE, by SARAH RUHL, which will be presented January 27 through February 6, 2011 by Other Side Productions and Thom Fogarty.

Thom Fogarty will direct EURYDICE, by SARAH RUHL, which will be presented January 27 through February 6, 2011 by Other Side Productions and Thom Fogarty.

On January 11, 2011 the beloved stage musical about fame, self-discovery, temptation and music, Soul Kittens Cabaret, makes it's anticipated debut on DVD.

Thom Fogarty will direct EURYDICE, by SARAH RUHL, which will be presented January 27 through February 6, 2011 by Other Side Productions and Thom Fogarty.

On January 11, 2011 the beloved stage musical about fame, self-discovery, temptation and music, Soul Kittens Cabaret, makes it's anticipated debut on DVD.

Thom Fogarty will direct EURYDICE, by SARAH RUHL, which will be presented January 27 through February 6, 2011 by Other Side Productions and Thom Fogarty.

BWW is excited to present a new blog, which will follow the Early Stages of CHIX 6, a new multi-genre rock musical written and composed by Lourds Lane (lead singer and multi-instrumentalist from the national touring band, LOURDS) and directed by DJ Salisbury which is now being workshopped...

Middlebury's Town Hall Theater once again offers classes in the performing arts to people of all ages and abilities.

Ben made his B'way debut in the Green Day musical, and is now friends with the rockers he's long idolized.

Lyric Stage Company ends season on heavenly note with Noel Coward's classic comedy

relationship between the Western World and the Arab World has always been a tumultuous one. In Howard Korder's Edgerton Award-winning world premiere play IN A GARDEN (now performing at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa until March 28) two disparate individuals, each a member of those previously mentioned respective cultures, attempt to make a connection through art, modern popular movies, and the beauty of architecture-all the while achingly aware of their cultural differences. Highlighted by the extraordinary yin-and-yang performances by both of its male leads, IN A GARDEN is a consuming character study of two men dealing with hindered artistic sensibilities.

The region's Vietnamese community comes together at Seattle Center Festal: Tet Festival to usher in the Year of the Tiger, Feb. 6 - 7, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., at Center House.

WHO: CENTERSTAGE WHAT: Arsenic and Old Lace WHEN: Through October 14. Tuesday - Saturday at 8PM, Saturday at 2PM, Sunday at 2 PM and 7INFORMATION: 410-332-0033 or www.centerstage.org