The Classical test Source For All The Performing, Visual And Literary Arts & Entertainment News
Theater

Two Important Paris Theaters Go Dark for Renovations: The Théâtre de la Ville and the Théâtre du Châtelet

Two of the most important theaters in Paris — the Théâtre de la Ville and the Théâtre du Châtelet — will be closing for extensive renovations, darkening both houses for 1 1/2 to two years.The theaters will start the renovations at the end of the 2016 season. The announcement was made by Bruno Julliard, the mayoral deputy responsible for culture, but did not specify what was going to happen to employees of both theaters. Currently, the Châtelet employs 130 people while the Théâtre de la Ville employs 110, according to Le Figaro.Julliard announced that despite the closures, it “did not mean that programming would come to a complete stop.”The budget for the renovations falls within a 100-million-euro budget for refurbishment allocated to the two theaters and a number of museums. The two establishments offer different kinds of performances for lovers of the arts.The Châtelet is currently hosting "An American in Paris," which has opened to rave reviews and is currently playing to sold-out houses. The Châtelet focuses on program musicals and concerts while the Théâtre de la Ville is an important destination for international theater, contemporary dance and world music. Both receive large subsidies from the city of Paris: 17 million euros — about $20.5 million — a year at the Théâtre du Châtelet, which has an annual audience of around 320,000; and 10 million euros at the Théâtre de la Ville, which has about 260,000 spectators each year.
By Jaime Prisco

  • Emma Stone Extends Her Run in Broadway's 'Cabaret'

    Seems like the show is not over for Emma Stone just yet! The Roundabout Theatre Company has announced that Stone has extended her run as Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" for two more weeks through Feb 15.Stone, known in Hollywood for such movies as "The Help" and "The Amazing Spider-Man" film series, has received rave reviews since replacing Michelle Williams in the role of Bowles in November. She has also received numerous award nominations for her recent role in the critically acclaimed movie "Birdman."Stone's name had actually been attached to the production while it was in development, but she had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts. "Cabaret" marks her Broadway debut.Alan Cumming will continue his run as Emcee at Studio 54 through the show’s entire run to March 29, and the musical will launch a 20-city North American tour starting January 2016. According to Roundabout, casting for a new Sally Bowles for the remaining 12 weeks on Broadway will be announced in the coming weeks.
    By Jaime Prisco

  • Fire During 'Les Misérables' Causes 1,200 People to Evacuate the Queen's Theatre in London

    A small fire at the Queen’s Theatre in London caused 1,200 people to have to evacuate during a performance of "Les Misérables."The fire was spotted Saturday, Jan. 3, during a matinee performance of "Les Misérables."A spokeswoman for the London fire brigade said, “There was a small fire caused by a failing high voltage joint in what we understand was the boiler room. There were no injuries.”The cast, who were performing a matinee of "Les Misérables," are also believed to have left the theatre with the audience as a precaution. Since then, the problem has been fixed and the Saturday evening performance was scheduled as planned.“Today’s matinee of 'Les Misérables' had to be canceled after the theater was evacuated 30 minutes into the performance due to the overheating of a cable supplied by UK Power Network to a transformer under the theater, which caused a blackout on stage. Whilst the auditorium was not affected, the audience, cast, orchestra and crew were asked to leave the building by precaution. The fire brigade attended to ensure that the theater was safe to be re-entered and UK Power Network came on site to resolve the problem. Audience members affected by the cancellation of the matinee are invited to request a full refund at their original point of purchase. We are sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment caused and look forward to welcoming patrons to another performance of 'Les Misérables,'” said a spokesman for Queen’s Theatre.
    By Jaime Prisco
Real Time Analytics