Former American Idol contestant Crystal Bowersox has been slated to play the role of Patsy Cline in the Broadway musical Always…Patsy Cline.

Crystal Bowersox “Ridin’ With The Radio” On American Idol (VIDEO)

The production is being mounted as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Cline’s death.

Bowersox, who came in second during American Idol‘s ninth season, will sing 27 Cline songs in the show, which focuses on her the famous singer’s close friend Louise Seger.

Previews for the show are expected to begin in July with the show opening in August.

[image: WENN]

American Idol season 4 finalist Constantine Maroulis is set to return to Broadway in Frank Wildhorn‘s Jekyll & Hyde.

Maroulis will play the roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in a 25-week national tour before the show hits the Great White Way, where it previously ran from 1997 to 2011, in spring 2013.

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The singer starred in a three-year run of Broadway’s hit show Rock of Ages, for which he received a Tony nomination for Best Actor. He is currently playing the lead role in The Toxic Avenger at The Alley Theater in Houston, TX.

Jekyll & Hyde will launch October 2, 2012 at the San Diego Civic Center in San Diego, CA.

Rumor has it, Glee star Darren Criss is headed to the Great White Way. The television actor is in talks to take over Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe‘s role in the Broadway show How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Chord Overstreet Leaving ‘Glee’

If the deal goes through, Criss, who earned a BFA in Performance from the University of Michigan, will play the lead role of corporate climber J. Pierrepont Finch in the show from Jan. 3 to Jan. 22.

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Criss earned fame in college for starring as the boy wizard in A Very Harry Potter Musical, which became a huge viral hit on YouTube. Perhaps he’s coming full circle?

[image: WENN]

Famous playwright Arthur Laurents died in his Manhattan home from pneumonia complications on Thursday at 93.

After several unlucky years, Laurents got his big break in 1957 with West Side Story, his take on the classic tale of Romeo & Juliet. He joined composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim to create one of the best musicals of our time.

He went on to write the musical Gypsy in 1959, which is my favorite and considered to be one of Broadway’s best. The musical has been revived multiple times, earning many Tony Awards.

His first novel, The Way We Were, was published in 1972. He wrote the screenplay for the romantic film, which starred Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand, in 1973.

Laurents kept writing up until two years ago. His last play Come Back, Come Back, Wherever You Are premiered off-Broadway in the spring of 2009.

What a sad day for the Broadway community. You will be missed, Arthur!

[image: WENN]

It’s rumored that Broadway veteran Patti LuPone, who is best known for her roles in Les Miserables and Evita, is currently in the process of filming a guest appearance for the upcoming season finale of Glee.

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LuPone is quite often referenced on the show by Lea Michele and Chris Colfer‘s characters Rachel Berry and Kurt Hummel. Colfer even performed one of her award-winning songs from the musical Gypsy last season. Entertainment Weekly reported that her scenes will be shared with Michele and Cory Monteith, who plays Michele’s on-again-off-again love interest on the hit show.

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Earlier this week, Michele Tweeted:

“On set right now working with one of my all-time idols. Another day where Glee makes one of my dreams come true.”

I hope this is true. I LOVE Patti LuPone and I have no doubt she’ll be hysterical on the show.

‘Glee’ Star Chris Colfer Writing Disney Channel Pilot

The Glee second season finale is set to air May 24.

[image: WENN]

Film director Adam Shankman confirmed rumors that Tom Cruise has signed on to star in the big screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages.

Cruise, 48, will sing in the film, which Shankman discussed with Ryan Seacrest on the Oscars red carpet:

“He’s studying his vocals.”

“He can sing! It’s a miracle!”

In the movie, Cruise will sing Bon Jovi‘s famous hit “Wanted Dead or Alive.”

Gwyneth Paltrow & Tom Cruise In Talks For ‘Rock Of Ages’ Movie

Last weekend, he was spotted seeing the show in Los Angeles, which American Idol alum Constantine Maroulis stars in.

I’m scared. Like, really scared to hear him sing. Really…

[image: WENN]

HBO has announced their plans to air The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway March 19. Why am I so excited about this?

The show, which was based on Paul Ruebens‘ original stage show and famous television show Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, was filmed in January at Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City.

Ruebens has previously had a special on HBO, which aired in 1981.

Good grief! How old is Pee-Wee? It’s scary to think about.

[image: WENN]

According to the New York Times, Broadway show (soon-to-be flop) Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark‘s opening night may be delayed for a sixth time.

Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ Opening Delayed…AGAIN

The show was scheduled to open on March 15, but because of the scathing reviews it’s received in previews, producers are considering moving the opening again.

Spider-Man On Broadway Continues Despite Major Technical Problems

The New York Times sited unnamed sources saying that producers are considering moving the opening all the way to June, allowing the production plenty of time to work out the kinks.

Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ Faces More Technical Issues, Actor Seriously Injured

Since no official change has been made, the March 15 gala after party is still a go. A spokesperson for the show said:

“Opening night remains scheduled for March 15.”

While most Broadway shows only preview an average of 30 shows, this production, which is the most expensive to ever be produced, will give it’s 90th preview this evening.

Star Actress Natalie Mendoza Officially Leaves ‘Spider-Man’ On Broadway

Maybe the 90th show’s the charm?

Actress Kathleen Turner is returning to Broadway this spring in the new play High, written by Matthew Lombardo and directed by Rob Ruggeiero.

Turner was last seen on Broadway in her 2005 Tony-nominated role in the revival of Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?. This time around, she’ll be playing an ex-alcoholic nun whose faith is tested when she agrees to sponsor a 19-year-old drug addict. PERFECT!

High opens in New York April 19th.

[image: WENN]

Things couldn’t get any worse for Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Natalie Mendoza, one of the lead actresses in the show, has announced her departure from the show following a concussion she received during the first preview performance.

Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ Faces More Technical Issues, Actor Seriously Injured

Mendoza is one of four actors in the Broadway show to suffer injuries. Despite the incident in the first preview performance, she returned three days later to perform again. Unfortunately, she was forced to take another two weeks off because she experienced headaches and nausea following her performance that consisted of flying sequences with the actress being spun upside down.

‘Spider-Man’ Actor Christopher Tierney Walks Again After Major Fall

Mendoza has helped to create the role of the villain Arachne over the past six months, so I’m sure leaving the show is tough. In a statement, she said:

“It has been a difficult decision to make, but I regret that I am unable to continue on Spider-Man as I recover from my injury.  I wish Julie (Taymor, the director) and the cast and crew every success with this production.”

Julie Taymor said:

“Natalie is a talented performer.  We’ve appreciated her contributions to the show and we wish her all the best.”

I really wish this show could get it together. I know they’ve all put so much work into writing and producing it.

[image: NY Daily News]

Broadway actor Christopher Tierney, who suffered a major fall in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark when a cable snapped, has taken his first steps after back surgery.

Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ Faces More Technical Issues, Actor Seriously Injured

Tierney, 31, suffered four broken ribs, a hairline skull fracture, a bruised lung, cracks in three lumbar vertebrae, broken bones below the elbow, and internal bleeding from the 30-foot plunge. He’s said to remain in the hospital until “at least” Monday. Once released, he’ll undergo rehabilitation in New York City.

Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ Opening Delayed…Again

The actor’s father, Tim, told reporters his son was eager to recover and get back to the show, adding that he received a special visit in the intensive care unit from the show’s director, Julie Taymor, on Christmas Eve.

Spider-Man On Broadway Continues Despite Major Technical Issues

Tim went on to say that the rods and pins currently in his son’s lower back will eventually come out, but it’s unclear how long his recovery will take. He was optimistic about Christopher’s return to the cast, saying:

“They’re eagerly awaiting his return…He just felt so blessed to be part of this whole creative process, and he just cannot wait to get back and perform in the show.”

New safety precautions are in place since the accident, which was investigated by the  Actors’ Equity Association. The mistake was ruled out as an equipment failure and was found to be human error.

Tierney’s father stayed positive, insisting the cast is “like one big happy family….I never got so many hugs from so many good-looking people in my entire life.”

I’m glad to hear his family is in support of him and his career, but I’d definitely be reconsidering my path if I’d been in such a scary accident.

Get well soon, Christopher!

[image: NYTimes]

Monday night, an actor on the set of Broadway’s SPIDER-MAN Turn Off the Dark was seriously injured when a cable snapped and he fell 30-feet on stage. This was the fourth serious injury for the cursed Broadway show. Since then, the show has undergone criticism from the New York State Department of Labor and Actors Equity.

Spider-Man On Broadway Continues Despite Major Technical Issues

Tuesday, following the accident on stage (watch the video of the accident HERE), Actors Equity, in cooperation with the Department of Labor, visited the set of the show to conduct a safety investigation and speak with the production staff.

Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ Opening Delayed…Again

After the visit, Tuesday and Wednesday night’s shows were cancelled. A statement from Rick Miramontez, spokesperson for the show, read:

“SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the New York State Department of Labor have agreed on the implementation of additional protocols which will be rehearsed today and this evening. As such, tonight’s performance of SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark has been cancelled. Performances will resume tomorrow evening (Thursday).”

With the show having resulted in multiple injuries, many Broadway actors and veterans are upset with the decision to keep the show running. Tony-winner Alice Ripley took to her Twitter Tuesday morning and said:

“Does someone have to die? Where is the line for the decision makers, I am curious.”

“Spider-Man should be ashamed of itself. This is completely unacceptable and embarrassing to working actors everywhere.”

Rent star Adam Pascal, took to his Twitter as well, expressing anger toward Julie Taymor, the director of the show:

They should put Julie Taymor in jail for assault!”

He also had words for U2′s Bono and The Edge, who wrote the music for the show:

“I hope [actor Christopher Tierney] is ok and sues the shit out of Julie, Bono, Edge and every other a**hole who invested in that steaming pile of actor crippling s**t!”

You know, I guess this is what happens when you invest $65,000 in a Broadway show; you just keep it going. It’s completely ridiculous, if you ask me. I think the vision for the show was brilliant but certainly unrealistic for a live show. Movies, maybe. Broadway, no. Save these actors lives and stop the show, people!

[image: THR]