'Dogfight' to bow Off Broadway

MantelloNew musical "Dogfight" -- from a creative team that includes the songsmiths of "A Christmas Story" and the co-screenwriter of 2010 IFC indie "Breaking Upwards" -- will world preem at Off Broadway's Second Stage Theater this summer.Joe Mantello ("Wicked") is onboard to helm. Tuner, based on the 1991 film that starred River Phoenix, scored the Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theater last year.Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the rising songwriting duo whose credits include the musical adaptation of "Christmas Story" and a stage incarnation of "James and the Giant Peach," penned the score and "Breaking Upwards" scribe Peter Duchan the book.Set in November 1963, "Dogfight" centers on a group of Marine recruits who, on the eve of being shipped out to Vietnam, spice up their boys-night-out with a mean-spirited bet that eventually entangles a waitress they meet during their revels.Second Stage's recent track record with tuners has included "Next to Normal," which landed on Broadway and picked up a Pulitzer, as well as "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," which transferred to the Rialto for a run of more than 2 1/2 years.Dates, casting and further details for the preem of "Dogfight" remain to be announced. Theater's latest production, a revival of Paula Vogel's "How I Learned to Drive" starring Norbert Leo Butz and Elizabeth Reaser, is currently in previews ahead of a Feb. 13 opening. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Report: Paul Brittain Departing SNL

Paul Brittain, Saturday Evening Live Paul Brittain is departing Saturday Evening Live effective immediately, Entertainment Weekly reviews.The comedian "had the chance to pursue other projects, and that he and also the show separated ways amicably," a resource informs playboy. An e-mail to NBC wasn't immediately came back.Zooey Deschanel, Channing Tatum to host SNLBrittain became a member of SNL in September 2010 like a featured player and was noted for playing The almighty Cecil Wyndemere, and the impressions of The Actor-brad Pitt and James Franco.SNL returns with a brand new episode now with host Channing Tatum and musical guest Bon Iver. Are you going to miss Brittain?

Gossip Girl Large Day Aftermath! Scoop on Precisely What Happens Next

Wallace Shawn, Leighton Meester, John Shea [WARNING: The following story includes major spoilers from Monday's episode for Gossip Girl, "The Princess Bride." Read in the own risk.] She managed to get happen. She marry and increased to become princess. Now the avalanche of questions... Is Gossip Girl really can make Serta and Blair happen? Did new media magnate Nate you need to be lured by another pretty girl (who's really the particular Charlie Rhodes)? Would the awesome Chuck have sent that video to Gossip Girl? Could he and Serena put themselves using their misery after they uncover Blair went offered by LonelyBoy? Did the royal lapdog Prince Louis really grow some? Is Georgina the particular Dread Sailing Roberts Gossip Girl? Erection dysfunction Westwick frustrated with "lovesick puppy" Chuck, ready for Gossip Girl to complete Lots of burning questions residual about Monday's 100th episode of Gossip Girl, put together by executive producer Josh Safran and fittingly titled, "The Princess Bride." Fortunately, Safran and fellow series boss Stephanie Savage were available the other day to tease and tantalize reporters who got an early on try looking in the episode about everything that's later on. Get cozy - they'd a great say! (As well as the record, we're so sticking while using theory that Georgina is not Gossip Girl.) Are you currently presently really prone to cave to fans who wish Serta and Blair together? Josh Safran: Cave to fans -- I don't think we come across it caving to fans but you will be aware story uses an amazing direction, sure. Can it be an account you weren't prone to tell before you decide to saw the fan reaction to the happy couple of these? Stephanie Savage: No. In my opinion immediately we always felt like there's a really strong outcomes of the happy couple of these. Really, the initial episode Josh ever written for people had among the most popular moments in the series that was a Serta-Blair scene where she's confiding in [him] her feelings about her mother and [there's] the notion that these two people who -Is Full B, one LonelyBoy -- really have a very lot to keep. In contrast for his or her other pals, they'd these feelings of intellectual curiosity, they were considering things outdoors their particular world... We always understood they'd become pals, but there's an problem if there's ever apt to be additionally to that particular. Safran: But that question still remains, but we certainly Are choosing this story. We understood a year ago, too, once we got them connected in different ways. We understood we'd intend revisit that specific connection... It absolutely was always like, this can be a strange step to complete, to go to that placed you thought you'd never go for kind of sooner or later your sworn enemy. In my opinion this is why they attracted back however they've been thinking about it since. Exactly what are Blair's feelings toward Serta at this time around - she just discovered he written these vows but she keeps calling him whenever anything fails in their existence. Safran: In my opinion Serta probably feels much the same way you think he's doing, at a certain point he probably won't be capable of stand feeling that any more and pressure Blair to not treat him by doing this - or else treat him whatsoever, basically. Where did Serta and Blair go? She's fled the country before... Safran: Understand that near the top of the next episode... They are going a place we've never shot before, but have always aspired to shoot plus it actually was complicated but a great-fun, large, great set piece. And additionally it's, in my opinion, the very best comedy we've done. The next episode is very funny. Simply what does this imply for Chuck and Blair? Safran: Chuck and Blair should never be over. More often than not there's been a thorn inside the side of Chuck somewhere, maybe it will likely be Serta, maybe it will likely be someone else. But wait, how much can a man take? Chuck should leave eventually, right? Safran: I am unsure be it "simply how much can a man take?" It's a very tortured relationship for all of them. But in the strange way lots of people love that torture and frequently people dislike that torture. That's likely to be type of the quantity that happens [next]. Will Chuck be considered a bad boy again? Safran: Anytime anybody reforms, it's examined. However i was very conscious to ensure that Chuck did not slide back after Episode 12. Perform believe that Chuck has learned, which is still ongoing to know, that his evolution is real, it isn't too easily lost roughly easily acquired. Although he it's still examined, I certainly think he approaches these tests now from, "I really shouldn't slide back," rather than, "Oh, it's too easy to slide back, I'm just prone to download it today done.Inch 6 items to anticipate in the Gossip Girl wedding Is it possible to discuss Chuck and Serena's reactions to Blair and Serta running off together? What's their next factor? Safran: The next episode can be a direct pick-up and it is identical evening. The reactions are greatly immediate... You'll probably uncover their location learn, you'll probably begin to see the things they are doing relating to this, the actual way it impacts them. Certainly the story of the next episode is Chuck and Serena together dealing with Blair and Serta together. What will happen since Serena has professed her passion for Serta? Safran: Clearly, it will rankle Serena when she discovers what's happening between Blair and Serta. But furthermore these figures are maturing you don't always visit Defcon 4 if you find these items out. You are trying to handle them maybe in from the rational, direct, honest manner. But that doesn't mean you can't also visit Defcon 4 next. Given Serena's dream in the beginning in the episode, seeing Serta choose Blair, did she know on some level that Serta didn't love her back? Safran: I wouldn't say it comes down lower to Serta not loving her back, however would say Serena feels as if she might be losing things in their world how to alternative activities. If within your dreams things are not quite representational, just the notion that the ground is shifting under Serena... Louis just increased being interesting! Are you aware wanted him to think about this turn? Safran: No, but we understood Blair would test him -- just being Blair would test anybody. Savage: And him in our Upper East Side world would test him. Safran: We certainly always understood it may be him getting good dark because the closer you're around to all or any this speaking, every one of these people, the higher it starts to contaminate you. That which you loved was that Blair and Louis were ultimately capable of reunite and look for each other in the good way but, it had been just the final hay... On her behalf to go to that placed on their large day, it absolutely was an excessive amount of. Is Blair still ongoing to proceed with worrying over this pact with God since Louie has started up her? Safran: Over the following episode, which will be clarified. The way in which Blair's parents help now, from when they were this kind of large factor relating to this episode? Safran: They're certainly associated with her story. They're dealing also with what's happened too as with future episodes Blair seeks the counsel of her parents. So Georgina is behind this new Gossip Girl site - am i prone to see retaliation within the original Gossip Girl? Safran: Georgina is behind this new Gossip Girl site -- can it be a completely new Gossip Girl site? I am unsure the best way to answer that question, sorry. How do I believe that be it the old Gossip Girl if Georgina is Gossip Girl? We will not answer that question. Georgina, whether she's the old or new Gossip Girl, will attempt to dominate this role then? Safran: I'm speaking about, she's this role! You now see she's this role you're requested into this process that for any very long time you haven't seen. Due to the fact technique of exactly how Gossip Girl can get her tips and what she gives get her tips In my opinion is really fun. Savage: You are capable of going behind the curtain while using wizard and discover. Did Georgina upload it of Blair? Safran: This is a significant plot point that runs a few [of episodes]. Is she the one which texted with Nate previously episodes? Safran: I'm not prone to answer that question. Who'll Georgina target next? Safran: Georgina sets her sights on everybody always. Georgina would take herself lower whether or not this got the finest explosion. Gossip Girl "Finish in the Affair" postmortem: Burning questions clarified! Are you currently presently nervous about fan reaction to Georgina being Gossip Girl? Safran: Totally. Yourrrre still nervous, but we still feel confident relating to this. Savage: And where the story goes. Safran: Like Stephanie mentioned, the curtain remains lifted now you'll probably see more. If you see more, the look will finish up clearer. Exactly what are Georgina's motives? Is she just evil? Savage: More entertainment than evil. Entertaining herself. Safran: Maximum damage just makes her laugh, and so the more she'll laugh, the higher. Are Nate and Serena still going after Gossip Girl? Safran: The Gossip Girl story continues the season. A plot with Gossip Girl continues [next season], but whether this arc with Gossip Girl concludes or else, I will not say. Are you going to develop more for your real Charlie Rhodes? Safran: Absolutely. Where's Ivy hiding? Safran: That's a great question cheap you asked for that question, there is a solution because. Does Nate have another new love coming? Safran: Nate has received lots of difficulties with his family that whenever he meets another person who's probably dealing with similar things, he's really ready where they can make them and rehearse what he's learned... The romance coming is an extremely interesting story for him and very allows him to psychologically mature. Exactlty what can you say in regards to the return of Elizabeth Hurley? Safran: Elizabeth is coming back. She returns in a really tasty fashion. She'll give to us type of - the means by which she always does - a try inside the arm in the last third of the year. When she returns, the Chuck Bass story as well as the Nate story will converge with Diana. What about Jack Bass? Safran: He returns also operating of the same story. Perhaps you have you will want Eric back for your 100th episode? Safran: It's tough with Connor because his show shoots in La and he's an ordinary. Around we want to, there has been lots of moving pieces for just about any 100th episode that happened inside a wedding, with hundreds of accessories. To match in another moving piece like that could be very difficult. Taylor is on tour. We'd lots of logistics to conquer, that that will have just added a lot more. Speaking about Little J, can you still consider story lines including Jenny or Vanessa? Savage: People figures continue being greatly on the planet doing things. There's an excellent relationship with every of people stars. It could you have to be determined by identifying just what the story is then methods for getting them here. Literally, once we were talking about getting Jenny showed up at Blair's wedding, Taylor was opening for Guns 'N Roses in Iceland. Safran: We all know, as authors, where they are. We are able to show you at this time around where Jenny is. We keep alive the story from the products they're doing. Whenever we might get Taylor, maybe she'd make Blair's dress instead of Vera Wang. We'd have required to understand that several days earlier. She's at fashion school london. Savage: She's doing great. Safran: You'll hear where Eric is approaching. Possibly you've had conversations while using CW about whether you'll be doing another season of Gossip Girl? Savage: Well, we're not writing a collection finale this year. Gets the network really mentioned you're safe, or are you currently presently just wanting? Savage: We've checked together with our bosses to make sure we're not shooting inside ourselves the ft. Safran: They do know we're not writing a collection finale. Simply what does reaching 100 episodes mean for you personally? Savage: It's a large deal. It's emotional. It's very, tough to achieve 100 episodes. The O.C. arrived at 93 episodes, Chuck arrived at a heartbreaking 91 episodes. 100 episodes inside our market is the conventional of success, of task. To be capable of make it, especially around the serial drama, especially on the program about youthful people, especially around the cycle where there's a authors strike, it's a large deal. Safran: I saved saying from Day 1, we're dealing with 100. This could totally ensure it is there. Additional verifying by Natalie Abrams.

Geoffrey Rush Named Australian of the Year

SYDNEY - Geoffrey Rush has been named the Australian Of The Year, receiving his award on Wednesday from Prime Minister Julia Gillard for his services to the arts.The awards citation said that "as an internationally acclaimed and recognized actor, Geoffrey remains extraordinarily grounded in his local community, his country and the Australian arts industry."He was lauded for his 40-year career during which he's achieved "the rare international distinction of the "Triple Crown" - an Oscar, a Tony and an Emmy. He also has three Australian Film Institute honors, three British Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, four Screen Actors' Guild Awards, and last year was inducted into the ranks of Australia's elite with a Helpmann Award.The Australia Day Council also acknowledged Rush's work as a creative mentor, supporting young actors and arts companies.Rush was one of five finalists and amongst 5000 nominated by the public for the award and is the second actor to receive the honor since the award's establishment in 1960. Paul Hogan received the award in 1975. The sixty-year-old said in his acceptance speech "This is a great honor for a performing artist in theatre and film. I feel sure that my colleagues will see this as an endorsement of our national story of creativity."As an Australian he said he's part of a great tradition of story tellers."I know that hard-wired into every Australian from every background we love acting the goat, taking the mickey, cracking a joke, spinning a yarn. We live on an island that boasts the oldest nation on earth," speaking of the indigenous culture. "There is an inspiration right there, where performance rituals are at the heart of its being - our Dreaming," he added.The award, while recognizing a career that's spanned 40 years in film and theater, caps a significant twelve months for Rush, who received an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award for his role as Lionel Logue in the The Kings Speech, on which he also served as an executive producer, appeared in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"; starred in and executive produced Fred Schepisi's "The Eye of The Storm," starred in Belvoir St Theatre production of "Diary Of A Madman" in NY and Sydney and played Lady Bracknell in the Melbourne Theatre Company's production of "The Importance of Being Earnest." He was also named inaugural president of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) which is in the throes of its new awards season.After meeting his Australia Day commitments on Thursday as Australian Of The Year Rush will travel to Los Angeles to help present at Friday's inaugural AACTA International Awards ceremony, before returning for the Australian AACTA Awards ceremony at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday. The Hollywood Reporter

Beyonce, Aretha & More Remember Etta James

First Launched: The month of the month of january 20, 2012 4:18 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Etta James and Beyonce within the Cadillac Records premiere in Hollywood (November. 2008)La, Calif. -- Beyonce together with others in the music world are remembering the late singing legend Etta James, who died on Friday at 73. This is often a huge loss, Beyonce, who referred to the singer in 2008s Cadillac Records, mentioned in the statement to get into Hollywood on Friday. Etta James was the most effective vocalists of all time. I am so fortunate to own met this kind of full. Her musical contributions lasts a very long time. Playing Etta James trained us a lot about myself, and singing her music inspired me to become more effective artist, the completely new moms statement ongoing. Adding, When she effortlessly opened up up her mouth, frequency higher her discomfort and triumph. Her deeply emotional approach to delivering a sound lesson shared with her story with no filter. She was courageous, combined with guts. She'll be missed. Other music stars also invested a while to bear in mind the singer Etta James was one of the great soul entertainers within our generation. A U . s . States original! I loved Pushover, Finally and nearly any and everything she recorded!!! When Etta Sang, you heard it! Aretha Franklin mentioned in the statement. Etta James will be a pressure being thought with. An authentic gift to music together with a girl of great spirit and courage. Her raw tone as well as the passion she assist with around the record spoke in my opinion in an exceedingly youthful age and contains ongoing to assist and inspire me throughout my career, Christina Aguilera mentioned in the statement. She will not be forgotten, her voice will forever survive and he or she inspires talent for many years later on. RIP for the late and great Etta James. Your voice along with your fight inspired me and many. I like that through tracks, people can live forever, Pink Tweeted. Former Destinys Child member Kelly Rowland also needed to Twitter, writing, CLASSIC. Unique. PURE SOUL. ETTA JAMES! Appreciate taking up us along with your incredible talent & presence! Will.i.am appreciated the singing great,Tweeting, Showing respect appreciation and fascination with the wonderful music and pleasure #ettajames introduced round the worldNumberettajamesforever. As formerly reported on AccessHollywood.com, the Finally singer died on Friday from complications of leukemia. The entertainers husband and sons were at her side. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Guild' nabs Web TV kudos

Felicia Day picked up two IAWTV awards for her writing and acting for web series The Guild. IAWTV Chairman Paul Kotonis is interviewed on the red carpetRachael Hip-Flores, winner, Best Female Performance in a Drama, "Anyone But Me" arriving at the IAWTV Awards.The Intl. Academy of Web Television announced the winners of its inaugural IAWTV Awards on Thursday night at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino during CES in Las Vegas. "The Guild" and "RCVR" received kudos for best comedy and drama Web series, respectively. With 32 different categories, winners were chosen by IAWTV's voting membership. "The Guild," revolving around serious online gamers, also picked up kudos for best site design, Sean Becker's comedy direction and Felicia Day's writing and performance as the character Codex. The sci-fi series "RCVR," pronounced "receiver," also took home awards for Joost van Starrenburg's lensing and Daniel Bonjour's performance. "What's Trending with Shira Lazar" took home four kudos for best hosted live Web series, Brett Register's non-fiction directing, interactive experience and Lazar for best live host. The series "Dragon Age: Redemption" and "The Mercury Men" each received three honors, and "The Web.Files" and "Anyone But Me" walked away with two. "Red vs. Blue," "White Collar Brawler," "Kids React," "Tech News Today," "DadLabs," "A Comicbook Orange," "The Jeff Lewis 5-Minute Comedy Hour, "BlackBoxTV: The Series," "Night of the Zombie King" and the distribution platform Blip.tv each received recognition in one category. Founded in 2009, the IAWTV is an NPO made up of leaders in Web TV, video and digital entertainment. Members include thesps, helmers, producers, content developments and other industry professionals. For more information, see iawtv.org/awards. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

James Badge Dale Back On Lone Ranger?

Now the budget is sorted...This is not exactly the biggest surprise, since he was linked to the role back before the film got shut down over budget worries, but James Badge Dale is now back in the frame to play Armie Hammer's brother in The Lone Ranger.If he signs on, Dale will be Dan Reid, a former Texas Ranger himself and something of a hero in the old West.Ranger, adapted from the classic TV series, is set to gear up properly next month with Gore Verbinski in the director's saddle, and sees Hammer as the titular hero and Johnny Depp as sidekick Tonto. The current cast includes Luther's Ruth Wilson (playing Dale's wife), Tom Wilkinson, Barry Pepper, Helena Bonham Carter and Dwight Yoakum.Dale has made a name for himself on the small screen rather than the big one, with meaty roles in series such as The Pacific and Rubicon. But this year is shaping up to be the one that may see him break out in cinemas, between appearing in this month's Shame alongside Michael Fassbender, having a key role in World War Z and completing work on Robert Zemeckis' recently-wrapped return to live action, Flight.