After a brief absence due to illness, Scarlett Johansson returned to the stage to portray the sultry character of Maggie in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. During her performance, she was pleasantly surprised to see Meryl Streep sitting in the front row of the audience.
As I strolled down an aisle in New York, I came across Jessica Lange while Anna Wintour and Kelly Reilly were just a stone’s throw away. It’s not uncommon to encounter Oscar and Tony winners, renowned writers, and directors during theatrical performances in the Big Apple. However, it’s Meryl Streep who stands out the most. Her unassuming demeanor during intermissions is admirable as she avoids drawing too much attention to herself. It’s heartwarming to witness her joyous laugh over something that tickles her funny bone.
Actress Scarlett Johansson has made a return to the stage portraying Maggie in Tennessee Williams’ Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. A preview of the performance at the Richard Rodgers Theatre included on-stage confrontations between Johansson and Benjamin Walker, who played Maggie’s husband Brick. The play continues to be refined ahead of its opening weekend. Johansson drew laughter from the crowd with her delivery of the line “no-neck monsters,” and even Meryl Streep was reportedly riveted by the performance. Meanwhile, Judi Dench is set to return to the London stage in March for performances of Peter And Alice at the Noel Coward Theatre.
Dame Judi Dench is set to star in a new play based on the life of Alice Liddell Hargreaves, who inspired Lewis Carroll’s “Alice In Wonderland”. The play, entitled “Peter and Alice”, will focus on the meeting between Alice and Peter Llewelyn Davies, the inspiration behind J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”, at the opening of a Lewis Carroll exhibition in London in 1932. Michael Grandage is producing the play, which is the second offering of the Michael Grandage Company’s inaugural season. The role of Peter Pan will be played by up-and-coming actor Olly Alexander, while Ruby Bentall will take on the role of Alice In Wonderland. The play will explore what happens to characters from childhood stories as they grow up and deal with public adoration. Meanwhile, Sam Mendes is currently discussing the possibility of directing Bond 24 with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, producers of the 007 franchise.
Sam Mendes, the famous director of the successful movie Skyfall starring Daniel Craig, is reportedly considering directing a new project in 2014. This opportunity appeals to him because he can focus on directing the musical Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, which is currently in pre-production. The cast includes Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka, Nigel Planer and Myra Sands as Grandpa Joe and Grandma Georgina, and Jack Shalloo and Alex Clatworthy as Charlie’s parents. Other actors include Paul J. Medford as Mr Beauregarde and Jasna Ivir as Mrs Gloop. Mendes has also selected some talented dancers to play the Oompa Loompas alongside choreographer Peter Darling. Previews for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory will begin on May 18 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, followed by the opening night on June 25. Furthermore, the decision to shoot Bond 24 next year provides more time for the producers to find high-quality actors to work with Daniel Craig and Ralph Fiennes.
