Chenoweth taking show on trial run
Visitors to Boston this summer will get a treat: A stage show that reunites singer-actor Kristin Chenoweth with her “Wicked” songwriter Stephen Schwartz.
Chenoweth will star as socialite Jacqueline “Jackie” Siegel in the live adaptation of the 2012 documentary film “The Queen of Versailles.” The musical will make its world premiere at Emerson Colonial Theatre from July 16 to Aug. 18.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Feb. 28.
The musical will explore how Siegel and her billionaire husband, David “The Timeshare King” Siegel, set out to build the largest private home in America in Orlando, Florida, a $100 million house inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France. The couple’s plans were dashed by the recession of 2008 and later they lost a teenage daughter to an overdose.
Producers say the musical “explores the true cost of fame, fortune and family.” They hope it can make it to Broadway after its Boston try-out.
Chenoweth earned a Tony Award nomination for best actress in a musical playing Glinda in “Wicked.” She previously won a Tony for best featured actress in a musical, for her role in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
Oscar-winning actor F. Murray Abraham will play Siegel’s husband and other cast members include Melody Butiu and Nina White. The story is by Lindsey Ferrentino and direction is by Tony Award-winner Michael Arden, who helmed the hailed recent Broadway revival of “Parade.”
Lee, Washington team up for movie: Nearly 20 years after their last collaboration, Spike Lee and Denzel Washington are reuniting for an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low.”
Apple Original Films announced Thursday that it is co-financing the film, which A24 will release theatrically before it streams on Apple TV+. It marks Lee and Washington’s first film together since 2006’s “Inside Man.” Their previous films include “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X” and “He Got Game.”
Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” released in 1963 and starring Toshiro Mifune, was adapted from the Ed McBain novel “King’s Ransom.” The film, a potent thriller rich in class commentary, follows a wealthy industrialist targeted by kidnappers.
Filming starts in March.
Daly bows out of Broadway show: Tyne Daly was unexpectedly hospitalized the day she was set to take the stage in the Broadway revival of “Doubt,” and she has since bowed out of the production.
Oscar and two-time Tony Award-nominee Amy Ryan has been tapped to take on the role of Sister Aloysius in the Scott Ellis-helmed production, the Roundabout Theatre Company said Tuesday.
No reason was given for Daly’s hospitalization, but Roundabout said the actor, 77, is expected to make a full recovery.
Feb. 12 birthdays: Actor Joe Don Baker is 88. Author Judy Blume is
86. Actor Michael Ironside is 74. Singer Michael McDonald is 72. Actor Joanna Kerns is 71. TV host Arsenio Hall is 68. Actor Josh Brolin is 56. Singer Chynna Phillips is 56.
Actor Jesse Spencer is 45. Rapper Gucci Mane is 44. Actor Christina Ricci is 44.