5/23/13- Donna Will Be a Presenter at The 2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Today!
Outer Critics Circle, the organization of writers covering New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers, national publications and other media beyond Broadway, is proud to announce Broadway stars Judy Kaye, Audra McDonald, Michael McGrath, Donna Murphy and Tonya Pinkins will serve as gala award presenters for the 63rd Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards ceremony on May 23rd (4PM) at the legendary Sardis Restaurant. In addition to being acclaimed stage performers, the stars are also former recipients of the esteemed Outer Critics Circle Award. The national organization will post award winners in 24 Broadway/Off-Broadway categories.
Celebrating its 63rd season of bestowing awards of excellence in the field of theater, the Outer Critics Circle is an association with members affiliated with more than ninety newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, Internet, and theatre publications in America and abroad.
The winners of the following categories will be announced on Monday, May 13th and the annual awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23rd (4PM) at Sardi's Restaurant.
Original article at Broadwayworld.com
Celebrating its 63rd season of bestowing awards of excellence in the field of theater, the Outer Critics Circle is an association with members affiliated with more than ninety newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, Internet, and theatre publications in America and abroad.
The winners of the following categories will be announced on Monday, May 13th and the annual awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23rd (4PM) at Sardi's Restaurant.
Original article at Broadwayworld.com
5/21/13- Check Out These Photos of Donna at the 2013 Drama Desk Awards!
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Photos by Gary Gershoff
Gorgeous! For more photo coverage from the event, go to WireImage, Getty Images, Playbill, Theatermania and Broadwayworld!
5/19/13- Livestream the Drama Desk Awards Tonight!
On Sunday, May 19, the best of this season's Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway talent will come together in a celebration of New York theater at the 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards.
The Drama Desk, an organization of theater critics, writers, and editors, will select the 2013 award winners from the pool of artists nominated in each of its 30 categories .
The results will be announced at Town Hall, in a ceremony that will be livestreamed on TheaterMania.com on Sunday evening. Coverage from the red carpet starts at 6:45pm with the show kicking off at 8:00pm.
Be sure to tune in to TheaterMania.com tonight at 6:45pm to watch stars on the red carpet and 8:00pm to root for Donna!!!
For more information about the 2013 Drama Desk Awards, click here.
The Drama Desk, an organization of theater critics, writers, and editors, will select the 2013 award winners from the pool of artists nominated in each of its 30 categories .
The results will be announced at Town Hall, in a ceremony that will be livestreamed on TheaterMania.com on Sunday evening. Coverage from the red carpet starts at 6:45pm with the show kicking off at 8:00pm.
Be sure to tune in to TheaterMania.com tonight at 6:45pm to watch stars on the red carpet and 8:00pm to root for Donna!!!
For more information about the 2013 Drama Desk Awards, click here.
5/18/13- Check Out Photos of Donna Attending the 2013 Drama League Awards!
Photo by Gary Gershoff
For more photo coverage, go to Broadway.com and WireImage!
5/16/13- Donna Will Be A Presenter at the 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards!
Drama Desk Awards, which are presented annually, honor outstanding achievement by professional theatre artists on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. Drama Desk Awards are voted on and bestowed by theatre critics, journalists, editors and publishers covering theatre "without any vested interest in the results.”
Donna is also nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her portrayal as The Witch in Shakespeare in the Park's summer production of Into the Woods in 2012.
The 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards will be held this Sunday, May 19th at Town Hall in NYC.
For a full list of presenters, click here!
5/12/13- Take a Look at These Videos From the 2013 Drama Desk Nominee Reception!
5/10/13- Check Out Photo Coverage of The 2013 Drama Desk Nominees Reception!
Photo by John Lamparski
Donna attended The 2013 Drama Desk Nominees Reception at JW Marriott Essex House on May 8, 2013 in New York City.
For more photos of the event, go to Playbill, Broadwayworld, Theatermania and Gettyimages!
For more photos of the event, go to Playbill, Broadwayworld, Theatermania and Gettyimages!
5/7/13- Donna, Terrence McNally, Jack O'Brien & More Honor Berwin Lee Playwrights Award Winners!
Photo by Joseph Marzullo
Donna Murphy, Terrence McNally and Jack O'Brien were among those who gathered at a private residence April 30 to honor the inaugural recipients of the Berwin Lee Playwrights Award. This year’s winners are Bathsheba Doran and Lucy Kirkwood.
The Berwin Lee Award was created to foster and promote the craft of playwriting in both the United States and the United Kingdom and to encourage the writing and production of plays.
Berwin Lee will grant awards to playwrights whose work has not yet been produced on Broadway or in the West End. Potential recipients will be identified through recommendations from chosen theatre companies in New York, NY and London, UK and recommendations from Berwin Lee’s advisory board which includes Maria Arena Bell, Sandra Brant, Dominic Cooke, Gary Garrison, Joyce Hytner, Cherry Jones, Mel Kenyon, Donna Murphy and John Tiffany.
This year’s winners are Bathsheba Doran and Lucy Kirkwood. They each will each receive a $25,000 award.
For more photos, go to Playbill.com!
4/30/13- Photo Coverage of Donna Singing With the New York Pops Last Night for the
30th Birthday Gala!
Photo by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Check out more photos of of Donna and other Gala performers at Broadwayworld.com, Broadway.com, Playbill.com and SocietyAllure.com!
4/30/13- Donna Has Been Nominated for A Drama Desk Award for Her Performance in
Into the Woods!
Photo by Walter McBride
Donna has won the Drama Desk for Outstanding Actress in a Musical three times in the past for her performances in Passion, Wonderful Town and LoveMusik (see photo at right) and has received 5 other nominations.
Drama Desk Awards, which are presented annually, honor outstanding achievement by professional theatre artists on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. Drama Desk Awards are voted on and bestowed by theatre critics, journalists, editors and publishers covering theatre "without any vested interest in the results.”
The 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards ceremony will take place May 19 at 8 PM at The Town Hall.
Click here for a full list of nominees!
Congratulations Donna, and good luck!
4/29/13- New Interview With Donna About her Appearance for the NY Pops 30th Birthday Gala TONIGHT!
BroadwayWorld recently chatted with featured performer Donna Murphy about her upcoming appearance in the special celebration:
What will you be singing at the gala?
I am singing "The Ugly Duckling". It has music and lyrics by the great Frank Loesser and is from the film musical Hans Christian Andersen. It's tender and funny, and speaks to an experience that so many of us feel at some point in our lives: that we are different from " everyone else," and don't fit in anywhere. It's anchored in hope, which may be my favorite word in the English language. I have a vivid memory of watching the brilliant Danny Kaye perform it in the film when I was a child, and just loving that moment!
This year's New York Pops gala honors Frank Loesser, Jule Styne and Danny Kaye. Do you have a favorite memory of any of the honorees?
Well, where do I begin? Frank Loesser and Jule Styne are two of my favorite composers in the musical world. Their versatility is immeasurable , and I can't imagine our musical theater landscape (onstage and film) without their music! Sad to say I have never performed in a show of Mr. Loesser's, though I have sung his songs whenever possible. His "Rumble , Rumble, Rumble," which was written for the film " The Perils of Pauline" starring Betty Hutton, was a staple in my audition repertoire for years, and I always had such a blast performing it, whether I got the job or not!
Somehow, the only Jule Styne show I've done was a Summer Youth Theater Production of Gypsy up in Massachusetts, where I played Tessie Tura AND (as a last minute replacement) was also one of Baby June's Newsboys! That last minute put-in cost me a black eye during our first performance, which definitely added unexpected character to Tessie's look. I'd always hoped to do Funny Girl...it never quite worked out at the right time. I've been asked to play Mama Rose a number of times...I hope that role might still be a possibility.
Finally , Danny Kaye was a gem of a performer. Who is there like him?
I was so charmed by him in Hans Christian Andersen, and so it's really sweet to be singing a Frank Loesser song that was immortalized by Mr. Kaye who is also being honored tonight.
Have you worked with The New York Pops before? What are you looking most forward to?
No, I haven't. Last year I was asked to be a part of New York Pops Gala which was honoring my friends Lynn Ahrens and Steve Flaherty, but I had another performance commitment that night . I was very sad to miss out on the chance to honor and celebrate Lynn and Steve, and also to sing with this fantastic orchestra. So when I was asked to participate this year, I really wanted to find a way to make it Happen. I am thrilled that it all worked out! Well, it will be the 1st time I've sung at Carnegie Hall as a soloist! I sang back-up for Karen Akers' concert there back in the 1980's. And I narrated a piece (that Lynn & Steve wrote) for a Boston Pops concert there some years back. Just the idea of performing on that historical stage, surrounded by the sound of 78 superb musicians, and in the company of so many remarkable artists is very exciting. To know that a big part of this evening is about raising money for The New York Pops music education programs makes it all deeply meaningful to me.
What has it been like working with The New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke?
Well, Steven and I haven't actually rehearsed together yet! We're scheduled to do that this week. But I feel like we have begun a wonderful collaboration in discussing the evening and the song I'm singing and how we might approach it. In addition to clearly being an outstanding musician and leader, he seems to bring a true passion and love for music and the great work this orchestra does on concert stages and in classrooms, and anywhere it can make its joyful noise, to really move people
Students from The New York Pops education programs will also perform during the concert. What was your music education/training like?
I was blessed to grow up during a time and in two places (Hauppauge, Long Island and Topsfield, Mass.) where the arts programs in the public schools were so beautifully supported. I was singing from just about the time I could talk, and when I asked for voice lessons at age 3 1/2 (or so my mother tells me) my mother found me an accordion teacher instead! Once I started Kindergarten there was chorus and violin lessons and orchestra and Madrigal singers and a Rock Ensemble I sang with in High School- all PART OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM. These opportunities extended to auditioning and participating in District and All State choruses, along with performing in dramatic and musical productions. I loved school anyway, but there is no doubt that these experiences were the most vital part of my growing up, and shaped my life choices. I had magnificent, passionate teachers, who encouraged me and my classmates. I then went to NYU to study with Stella Adler in their Undergrad Drama Department. I finally started singing lessons in my 30's. Still working on it!
What single piece of advice would you give to any aspiring performers?
Never stop working at your craft, and always remember that there is only one of YOU on this planet, and that living as an artist means always keeping yourself open to the things that move you to express in a way that will be distinctively yours.
Original article posted at Broadwayworld.com
What will you be singing at the gala?
I am singing "The Ugly Duckling". It has music and lyrics by the great Frank Loesser and is from the film musical Hans Christian Andersen. It's tender and funny, and speaks to an experience that so many of us feel at some point in our lives: that we are different from " everyone else," and don't fit in anywhere. It's anchored in hope, which may be my favorite word in the English language. I have a vivid memory of watching the brilliant Danny Kaye perform it in the film when I was a child, and just loving that moment!
This year's New York Pops gala honors Frank Loesser, Jule Styne and Danny Kaye. Do you have a favorite memory of any of the honorees?
Well, where do I begin? Frank Loesser and Jule Styne are two of my favorite composers in the musical world. Their versatility is immeasurable , and I can't imagine our musical theater landscape (onstage and film) without their music! Sad to say I have never performed in a show of Mr. Loesser's, though I have sung his songs whenever possible. His "Rumble , Rumble, Rumble," which was written for the film " The Perils of Pauline" starring Betty Hutton, was a staple in my audition repertoire for years, and I always had such a blast performing it, whether I got the job or not!
Somehow, the only Jule Styne show I've done was a Summer Youth Theater Production of Gypsy up in Massachusetts, where I played Tessie Tura AND (as a last minute replacement) was also one of Baby June's Newsboys! That last minute put-in cost me a black eye during our first performance, which definitely added unexpected character to Tessie's look. I'd always hoped to do Funny Girl...it never quite worked out at the right time. I've been asked to play Mama Rose a number of times...I hope that role might still be a possibility.
Finally , Danny Kaye was a gem of a performer. Who is there like him?
I was so charmed by him in Hans Christian Andersen, and so it's really sweet to be singing a Frank Loesser song that was immortalized by Mr. Kaye who is also being honored tonight.
Have you worked with The New York Pops before? What are you looking most forward to?
No, I haven't. Last year I was asked to be a part of New York Pops Gala which was honoring my friends Lynn Ahrens and Steve Flaherty, but I had another performance commitment that night . I was very sad to miss out on the chance to honor and celebrate Lynn and Steve, and also to sing with this fantastic orchestra. So when I was asked to participate this year, I really wanted to find a way to make it Happen. I am thrilled that it all worked out! Well, it will be the 1st time I've sung at Carnegie Hall as a soloist! I sang back-up for Karen Akers' concert there back in the 1980's. And I narrated a piece (that Lynn & Steve wrote) for a Boston Pops concert there some years back. Just the idea of performing on that historical stage, surrounded by the sound of 78 superb musicians, and in the company of so many remarkable artists is very exciting. To know that a big part of this evening is about raising money for The New York Pops music education programs makes it all deeply meaningful to me.
What has it been like working with The New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke?
Well, Steven and I haven't actually rehearsed together yet! We're scheduled to do that this week. But I feel like we have begun a wonderful collaboration in discussing the evening and the song I'm singing and how we might approach it. In addition to clearly being an outstanding musician and leader, he seems to bring a true passion and love for music and the great work this orchestra does on concert stages and in classrooms, and anywhere it can make its joyful noise, to really move people
Students from The New York Pops education programs will also perform during the concert. What was your music education/training like?
I was blessed to grow up during a time and in two places (Hauppauge, Long Island and Topsfield, Mass.) where the arts programs in the public schools were so beautifully supported. I was singing from just about the time I could talk, and when I asked for voice lessons at age 3 1/2 (or so my mother tells me) my mother found me an accordion teacher instead! Once I started Kindergarten there was chorus and violin lessons and orchestra and Madrigal singers and a Rock Ensemble I sang with in High School- all PART OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM. These opportunities extended to auditioning and participating in District and All State choruses, along with performing in dramatic and musical productions. I loved school anyway, but there is no doubt that these experiences were the most vital part of my growing up, and shaped my life choices. I had magnificent, passionate teachers, who encouraged me and my classmates. I then went to NYU to study with Stella Adler in their Undergrad Drama Department. I finally started singing lessons in my 30's. Still working on it!
What single piece of advice would you give to any aspiring performers?
Never stop working at your craft, and always remember that there is only one of YOU on this planet, and that living as an artist means always keeping yourself open to the things that move you to express in a way that will be distinctively yours.
Original article posted at Broadwayworld.com
4/28/13- Check Out This Gorgeous Photo of Donna Backstage at the Premiere of Disney's Fantasia Live!
Click on picture to make bigger.
The event, which was hosted by Donna at Avery Fisher Hall last Friday, was part of The Little Orchestra Society's Spring Benefit. Donna also on the Artistic Advisory Council for TLOS. For more information about their mission and their programs, please visit http://www.littleorchestra.org/
This photo was first posted on Donna's Official Facebook Page and Official Instagram! Don't forget to like her and follow her for all the latest news and updates!
4/25/13- Donna has been nominated for a Drama League Award for her performance in Shakespeare in the Park's Into the Woods!
Donna has been nominated for The Drama League Distinguished Performance Award four times in the past for her work in Passion, The King and I, Helen and LoveMusik. In 2004, she was honored with the Drama League Outstanding Achievement Award for her work in Musical Theater.
The Drama League Awards, hosted this year by David Hyde Pierce, will take place on Friday, May 17th at the Marriott Marquis Times Square.
Click here for a full list of nominees!
Congratulations Donna, and good luck!
3/21/13- Donna to Appear on "The Mentalist" This Sunday, March 24th!
Photo by Robert Voets/Colleen Hayes (Warner Bros.)
On the upcoming episode, which is entitled "Behind the Red Curtain," Donna will play the role of Deandra Sutherland, who is described as a "once hugely popular Broadway star who is now fading and is a temperamental diva who is rumored to have a drinking problem."
The 60-minute episode is described as such: "A young actor in a local theater company dies the night before taking the stage in a starring role, and the CBI investigates the case. Meanwhile, a determined Jane seeks info about Red John from a man in a coma."
The Mentalist airs Sunday at 10PM ET on CBS.
For more info go to CBS.com
3/19/13- Donna To Peform At the 30th Birthday Gala for the New York Pops!
The New York Pops 30th Birthday Gala marks three decades of bringing music to New York City!
Join Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke and Host Paula Zahn to honor the songwriters Frank Loesser
and Jule Styne, and the centennial of legendary entertainer Danny Kaye.
Star performers include Nick Adams, Laura Benanti, Rob McClure, Donna Murphy, James Naughton, Kelli O'Hara,
Laura Osnes, Max von Essen, Anthony Warlow, and more!
Concert Only tickets are now on sale at the Carnegie Hall Box Office. Tickets are $62, $95, and $155.
To purchase, call CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800 or order online at www.carnegiehall.org.
Tickets to the full gala evening range from $1,250 (for one concert ticket and dinner seating) to $50,000 (for a premier first tier box and dinner table for eight). For more information about the black-tie benefit dinner dance at The Plaza Hotel, call (212) 765-7677 or visit newyorkpops.org.
2/24/13- Donna Will Host Disney's "Fantasia" Live in Concert on April 26th at Avery Fisher Hall!
The April 26th performance will benefit The Little Orchestra Society, for which Donna serves on the Artistic Advisory Council. The Little Orchestra Society seeks to build future audiences by presenting innovative concerts that incorporate multiple art forms to foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment of music. Benefit tickets start at $600; tickets to the performance only range from $15- $55.
Click here for more information about The Little Orchestra Society and to purchase tickets for the New York premiere of Fantasia Live in Concert!
Click here for more information about The Little Orchestra Society and to purchase tickets for the New York premiere of Fantasia Live in Concert!
2/11/13- Donna Joins Summer Musical Theatre Intensive at the Stella Adler Studio!
The Musical Theatre Intensive will take place June 3- July 5, 2013 at The Stella Adler Studio For Acting in New York City. Donna is an alumni of the Studio and will be giving a Master Class as part of this summer program. Other Master Classes participants include Harold Prince, Norm Lewis, Billy Porter and Seth Rudetsky.
For more information, please visit The Stella Adler Studio!
For more information, please visit The Stella Adler Studio!
12/29/12- Take a Look at This Photo From "Ridgewell", One of Tonight's Episodes of "Made in Jersey"!
Photo by Jojo Whilden/CBS
Made in Jersey airs tonight on CBS starting at 8PM with two new episodes back to back! "The Farm" airs first from 8-9 PM, followed by "Ridgewell" from 9-10 PM.
Go to CBS for more info!
Go to CBS for more info!
12/28/12- Check Out This Photo Posted on Donna's New Instagram!
The above photo was taken on the set of "Ridgewell", the upcoming episode of "Made in Jersey"! "Ridgewell", along with the episode "The Farm" will air Saturday, December 29th starting at 8PM on CBS!
And don't forget to follow Donna's Instagram here or look up OfficialDonnaMurphy on your mobile device!
And don't forget to follow Donna's Instagram here or look up OfficialDonnaMurphy on your mobile device!
12/5/12- Donna, Whoopi Goldberg, Cynthia Nixon & Douglas Carter Beane Present "Impossible Things Are Happening Everyday", a special benefit performance on December 9th!
Tony Award winner Victoria Clark and Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes, who will star in the upcoming Broadway production of Cinderella, will perform in the Dec. 9 benefit Impossible Things Are Happening Every Day.
The 3 PM event at Judson Memorial Church, which will offer a sneak peek at the new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, is a benefit for the Semillas De Amor, a children's home in Antigua, Guatemala. Whoopi Goldberg, Cynthia Nixon, Donna Murphy, Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn are behind the cause.
Kids are welcome at the special event that will include the performance, as well as holiday treats and refreshments.
Impossible Things Are Happening Every Day is personal for Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane, the book writer of Cinderella, and his partner, songwriter Lewis Flinn (Lysistrata Jones). The couple adopted their children from Semillas De Amor. New restrictions on international adoption that went into effect in 2008 have left 24 children still at the home.
According to Beane, "With no hope for adoption, they will grow up at Semillas until adulthood. Existing solely on private donations, the founder and board have done amazing things to provide for these kids and raise them as a family. They built a first rate facility and school, and in addition to providing the basics of food, clothes, toys, books, beds, they have given love to these kids (now ages 5-13)."
The goal is to raise $20,000 to help keep Semillas De Amor open. If the home is forced to shut down due to lack of funding, the children who reside there will be sent to government-run orphanages.
For tickets, or to donate, visit crowdrise.com/nycforsemillas.
Original article at Playbill.com!
The 3 PM event at Judson Memorial Church, which will offer a sneak peek at the new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, is a benefit for the Semillas De Amor, a children's home in Antigua, Guatemala. Whoopi Goldberg, Cynthia Nixon, Donna Murphy, Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn are behind the cause.
Kids are welcome at the special event that will include the performance, as well as holiday treats and refreshments.
Impossible Things Are Happening Every Day is personal for Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane, the book writer of Cinderella, and his partner, songwriter Lewis Flinn (Lysistrata Jones). The couple adopted their children from Semillas De Amor. New restrictions on international adoption that went into effect in 2008 have left 24 children still at the home.
According to Beane, "With no hope for adoption, they will grow up at Semillas until adulthood. Existing solely on private donations, the founder and board have done amazing things to provide for these kids and raise them as a family. They built a first rate facility and school, and in addition to providing the basics of food, clothes, toys, books, beds, they have given love to these kids (now ages 5-13)."
The goal is to raise $20,000 to help keep Semillas De Amor open. If the home is forced to shut down due to lack of funding, the children who reside there will be sent to government-run orphanages.
For tickets, or to donate, visit crowdrise.com/nycforsemillas.
Original article at Playbill.com!
11/29/12- The Remaining Episodes of "Made in Jersey" Will Air on Select Saturdays on CBS!
The schedule for the remaining episodes of "Made in Jersey" is as follows:
Saturday, December 1st at 8pm
Saturday, December 22nd 8pm-10pm (2 episodes back to back)
Saturday, December 29th 8pm-10pm (2 episodes back to back)
To watch the current episode or to check out photos from the series, go to CBS.com!
Saturday, December 1st at 8pm
Saturday, December 22nd 8pm-10pm (2 episodes back to back)
Saturday, December 29th 8pm-10pm (2 episodes back to back)
To watch the current episode or to check out photos from the series, go to CBS.com!
11/21/12- Check Out This Photo of Donna From the Upcoming Episode of "Made In Jersey"!
Photo by Jojo Whilden/CBS
"Made in Jersey" returns to CBS on Saturday, November 24 8/7c! Tune in to see Donna as Darlene Garretti in Episode 4, "Camelot"!
Go to CBS.com for more info!
Go to CBS.com for more info!
11/7/12- "Made in Jersey" to Return to CBS on Saturdays beginning November 24th!
Photo by Eric Liebowitz/CBS
10/30/12- New Interview With Donna in the Winter 2012 Issue of "The Sondheim Review"!
Click on the above photo to read the article in our "Press" section!
For more information on The Sondheim Review, click here!
For more information on The Sondheim Review, click here!
10/14/12- Please Write to CBS to Help Preserve "Made in Jersey"!
On Wednesday, CBS announced that Made in Jersey was cancelled after only airing two episodes. The show had already gathered quite a following and many fans seemed shocked about this news. If you loved the show and want to see Donna's remaining episodes, please take a moment to sign this online petition! You can also write into CBS here! Every little bit helps! Perhaps CBS can't bring back to the show to television sets but maybe at least they can release the rest of the season on iTunes for us to purchase. Thank you for your time and efforts!
10/2/12- Check Out These Photos From Episode #2 of "Made in Jersey"!
All Photos by Eric Liebowitz/CBS
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Made in Jersey airs Fridays at 9/8c on CBS!
9/29/12- Watch the Pilot Episode of "Made in Jersey" Online or Download It For FREE on iTunes!
9/26/12- "Made in Jersey" Premieres This Friday, 9/28 on CBS! Check out the Trailer Below!
Tune in this Friday, September 28th at 9/8c on CBS! For more information, check out the official "Made in Jersey" page on CBS.com!
9/24/12- Check Out Photos of Donna at the 26th Annual Broadway Flea Market!
With Bernadette Peters/ Photo by Linda Lenzi
9/17/12- Donna Will Be Participating in The 26th Annual Broadway Flea Market on 9/23/12!
Donna will be at the Celebrity Autograph Table & Photo Booth from 2:00- 2:50PM on Sunday, September 23, 2012. Go to broadwaycares.org for more info!
9/15/12- "Dark Horse" DVD Will Be Released November 13th & Available Now on iTunes!
Todd Solondz's Dark Horse is now available to pre-order on DVD/Blu-Ray though Amazon.com! You can also purchase or rent the film through iTunes.
8/17/12- Donna's Latest Film, "The Bourne Legacy" is Now in Theaters! Watch the Trailer Below!
For more information, visit the Official Bourne Legacy Website!
8/16/12- Check Out These Promo Photos For Donna's Upcoming TV Show, "Made In Jersey"!
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"Made in Jersey" also stars Janet Montgomery (pictured above with Donna), Kyle MacLachlan, Toni Trucks and Stephanie March. Stay tuned for its premiere on Friday, September 28th! For more information, visit CBS.com!
8/13/12- Video Clips from "Into the Woods" & Video Coverage From Opening Night!
8/13/12- Check Out Photos From Opening Night of "Into the Woods"!
Photos by Walter McBride (Left) & Stephen Lovekin (Right)
8/8/12- "Into the Woods" Extends Until 9/1! Plus New Production Shots!
Photo by Joan Marcus
Click here to see more production photos from "Into the Woods"!
8/8/12- Donna Remembers Marvin Hamlisch, 1944-2012
Marvin Hamlisch
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Donna in Hamlisch's "They're Playing Our Song"
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“Marvin gave me my first professional job, as an understudy in his Broadway show ‘They’re Playing Our Song.’ He was as generous and funny as he was talented.”
Murphy recalled “a sweet reunion at an evening I coproduced at Symphony Space two years ago, ‘Six Degrees of Marvin Hamlisch.’ It was an incredible, gathering, pulsating with love and good will, and he said to me that night that he'd love for us to do something together again.
“Sadly, that didn't come to fruition, but I feel so blessed to have known him and worked with him. He was truly a singular sensation.”
To read the full article, go to NYDailyNews.com
Murphy recalled “a sweet reunion at an evening I coproduced at Symphony Space two years ago, ‘Six Degrees of Marvin Hamlisch.’ It was an incredible, gathering, pulsating with love and good will, and he said to me that night that he'd love for us to do something together again.
“Sadly, that didn't come to fruition, but I feel so blessed to have known him and worked with him. He was truly a singular sensation.”
To read the full article, go to NYDailyNews.com
8/3/12- Check Out This New Interview With Donna at Newsday.com!
Two-time Tony Award winner Donna Murphy is known for thrilling Broadway performances, but the Hauppauge native has a secret love few realize.
Before starring in "Passion" and "The King and I," before voicing the wicked Mother Gothel in Disney's "Tangled," Murphy was one mean . . . accordionist. True.
Murphy, 53, is starring as The Witch in Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods," which opens Aug. 9, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park and runs through Aug. 25. This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte, which has offered free performances of Willie Shakes, other classical works and the occasional musical since 1962's "The Merchant of Venice" (featuring George C. Scott and James Earl Jones). Waiting in line for hours for tickets became a summer tradition, but now you can enter a lottery online (visit shakespeareinthepark.org).
Murphy chatted with Newsday contributor Joseph V. Amodio after torrential downpours flooded the stage and delayed a rehearsal.
What's it like performing "Into the Woods" . . . in the woods?
Well, it's been . . . hot. And now the stage is a pond! Someone said it's like being on the set of "Survivor." I performed at the Delacorte back in 1985, in the ensemble of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" with Betty Buckley and Cleo Laine. It's magical here.
Funny -- you've done "Non-Shakespeare" in the Park.
Yes. But if there's such a thing as a Shakespeare of musical theater, I'd say Sondheim is as close to that as it gets. He . . . changed my life. Getting to do "Passion." But even just as an audience member, seeing "Sunday in the Park With George" was inspiring. At times when I considered leaving the business, I'd listen to that recording. It became a touchstone. It reminded me how I needed to continue, regardless of immediate opportunities, the people who were saying yes and the ones saying no.
We've something in common, you and I. Same hometown -- Hauppauge.
YOU ARE KIDDING ME! Where did you live?
Near Honey Hollow Elementary School.
I was at Forest Brook! I love all these names -- they're immediately evocative. I was close to that golf course. And the Carvel. That was like a rite of passage, the point at which my mom and dad let us walk to Carvel.
You're the oldest of seven.
Yeah, we were a tribe. I moved after sixth grade. My dad was an aerospace engineer and was transferred to New England. But I'm still friends with some classmates from Hauppauge. And a few teachers. Like Ms. Kahan, a middle school drama teacher.
What was your big middle school show?
It was called "Full Fledged Spirit," all about finding your identity, and it cleverly interwove pieces of literature, poetry . . . and songs from "Roar of the Greasepaint." Although we also did "Aquarius" and pop stuff.
Sounds like Ms. Kahan came up with the first jukebox musical.
Right. Except there was a plot, and it really meant something to us. She managed to spread it around -- almost everybody had a moment.
I hear you asked your mom for voice lessons when you were . . . 3?
Yes. Thankfully, nobody agreed to teach me. My mom had a pretty voice, and she sang around the house. She found me an accordion teacher at 4. I loved the accordion because I could accompany myself -- anywhere. I'd literally put the accordion in my little red wagon and take it to Forest Brook, walking a path in the woods. I'd just play as people came to school. Nobody invited me to do it. It wasn't a vast repertoire -- I remember "Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes." And I'd sing along. It's just hysterical.
Has your daughter asked for voice lessons?
Darmia has not. She's 7. She takes violin. She's unquestionably musical. She's trying to figure out . . . what's hers. She also loves science.
What did she think of you as the voice of Mother Gothel in "Tangled?"
That was complicated. She did not like Mommy playing an evil character. It led to a lot of discussions of what I do. Her friends at school would say, "Your mom's Mother Gothel." And she'd say, "No, she plays Mother Gothel." She's just a huge blessing in my life. As is this show. . . .
You know, I auditioned for the original Broadway production, and was called back for the Witch. Didn't get it. But doing it now, as a mother of a young child, and stepmother to two daughters, and as a woman who's lost a parent -- my dad passed away last fall -- I mean . . . the show is so rich, but the resonance for me is so much deeper now, and I have so much more to bring to it. It's yet another one of those moments when you just trust that things happen when they're meant to happen.
Original article at Newsday.com!
Before starring in "Passion" and "The King and I," before voicing the wicked Mother Gothel in Disney's "Tangled," Murphy was one mean . . . accordionist. True.
Murphy, 53, is starring as The Witch in Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods," which opens Aug. 9, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park and runs through Aug. 25. This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte, which has offered free performances of Willie Shakes, other classical works and the occasional musical since 1962's "The Merchant of Venice" (featuring George C. Scott and James Earl Jones). Waiting in line for hours for tickets became a summer tradition, but now you can enter a lottery online (visit shakespeareinthepark.org).
Murphy chatted with Newsday contributor Joseph V. Amodio after torrential downpours flooded the stage and delayed a rehearsal.
What's it like performing "Into the Woods" . . . in the woods?
Well, it's been . . . hot. And now the stage is a pond! Someone said it's like being on the set of "Survivor." I performed at the Delacorte back in 1985, in the ensemble of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" with Betty Buckley and Cleo Laine. It's magical here.
Funny -- you've done "Non-Shakespeare" in the Park.
Yes. But if there's such a thing as a Shakespeare of musical theater, I'd say Sondheim is as close to that as it gets. He . . . changed my life. Getting to do "Passion." But even just as an audience member, seeing "Sunday in the Park With George" was inspiring. At times when I considered leaving the business, I'd listen to that recording. It became a touchstone. It reminded me how I needed to continue, regardless of immediate opportunities, the people who were saying yes and the ones saying no.
We've something in common, you and I. Same hometown -- Hauppauge.
YOU ARE KIDDING ME! Where did you live?
Near Honey Hollow Elementary School.
I was at Forest Brook! I love all these names -- they're immediately evocative. I was close to that golf course. And the Carvel. That was like a rite of passage, the point at which my mom and dad let us walk to Carvel.
You're the oldest of seven.
Yeah, we were a tribe. I moved after sixth grade. My dad was an aerospace engineer and was transferred to New England. But I'm still friends with some classmates from Hauppauge. And a few teachers. Like Ms. Kahan, a middle school drama teacher.
What was your big middle school show?
It was called "Full Fledged Spirit," all about finding your identity, and it cleverly interwove pieces of literature, poetry . . . and songs from "Roar of the Greasepaint." Although we also did "Aquarius" and pop stuff.
Sounds like Ms. Kahan came up with the first jukebox musical.
Right. Except there was a plot, and it really meant something to us. She managed to spread it around -- almost everybody had a moment.
I hear you asked your mom for voice lessons when you were . . . 3?
Yes. Thankfully, nobody agreed to teach me. My mom had a pretty voice, and she sang around the house. She found me an accordion teacher at 4. I loved the accordion because I could accompany myself -- anywhere. I'd literally put the accordion in my little red wagon and take it to Forest Brook, walking a path in the woods. I'd just play as people came to school. Nobody invited me to do it. It wasn't a vast repertoire -- I remember "Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes." And I'd sing along. It's just hysterical.
Has your daughter asked for voice lessons?
Darmia has not. She's 7. She takes violin. She's unquestionably musical. She's trying to figure out . . . what's hers. She also loves science.
What did she think of you as the voice of Mother Gothel in "Tangled?"
That was complicated. She did not like Mommy playing an evil character. It led to a lot of discussions of what I do. Her friends at school would say, "Your mom's Mother Gothel." And she'd say, "No, she plays Mother Gothel." She's just a huge blessing in my life. As is this show. . . .
You know, I auditioned for the original Broadway production, and was called back for the Witch. Didn't get it. But doing it now, as a mother of a young child, and stepmother to two daughters, and as a woman who's lost a parent -- my dad passed away last fall -- I mean . . . the show is so rich, but the resonance for me is so much deeper now, and I have so much more to bring to it. It's yet another one of those moments when you just trust that things happen when they're meant to happen.
Original article at Newsday.com!
8/2/12- Broadway.com Poll Results: Fans Are Most Excited to See Donna's Performance in "Into the Woods"!
Photo by Sara Krulwich
Donna lead the poll results with 33%, followed by cast members Amy Adams at 30% and Gideon Glick at 8%. Go Donna!
Go to Broadway.com for the full story!
Go to Broadway.com for the full story!
7/28/12- Which "Into the Woods" Performace Are You Most Excited To See? Vote for Donna in This Broadway.com Poll!!!
Go to Broadway.com to cast your vote now! Good luck, Donna!
7/27/12- Playbill Online Showcases Donna's Career on Stage & Screen Through Their "Screening Room" Video Series!
7/27/12- "The Leafy Tale of the Princess & the Queen"- Check Out This Profile on Donna & Amy Adams in The New York Times!
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7/23/12- New Interview at Theatermania.com: Donna Murphy Walks "Into the Woods"
Photo by Stephen Mosher
Two-time Tony Award winner Donna Murphy has spent some time away from the stage, but she has kept very busy in the past year, filming both Todd Solondz's Dark Horse, now rolling out in theaters, and the sure-to-be-blockbuster The Bourne Legacy, which opens next month, as well as the CBS-TV pilot Made in Jersey, which has been ordered to series.However, Murphy has finally returned to theater -- and in her dream role, no less -- as the Witch in the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods, to run July 24-August 25 at the Delacorte Theatre. TheaterMania recently spoke with Murphy about this remarkable production.
THEATERMANIA: You actually auditioned to play the Witch in the original Broadway production 25 years ago. What is it like finally getting to do the show?
DONNA MURPHY: It's thrilling to be working with these directors, this design team, and this company. A lot of what this show is about now coincides with my life experience: being a mother, being a stepmother; I recently lost a parent. Of course, the music has been in my consciousness for a long time. I've sung "Children Will Listen" in concerts and sang "Last Midnight" for my audition for Tangled.
TM: This production is based on the one that director Tim Sheader (who is co-directing with Liam Steel) did in London last year. How similar is it?
DM: When I first met with Tim, he asked me what I thought of what they did in London, which I saw on tape. I told him it was great, and then he said "I'm not satisfied with that, I want to take it further," and asked me for my ideas. There are very strong concepts here. We're really exploring who all these people are, what their needs are, and how high the stakes are for each of them. As for the Witch, we're looking into her back story and her journey. And we're doing her physical transformation in a new way. We know there's a certain expectation for people who have seen the show before, and we're trying to fulfill that in some way and still do something interesting. I love that we're still working our way inside these concepts, yet finding our own voices.
TM: Have you had any direct advice from Stephen Sondheim?
DM: I've talked to him very little. He came to the first day of rehearsal and told me he was happy I was doing the show. It's hard, because every time I see him, I want to spend hours talking to him. I've been communicating more with James and with our musical director, Paul Gemignani, and I sometimes get messages through them. I did have a question about an adjustment in a song that I mentioned to Paul, and he said Stephen said "Tell Donna to do whatever she wants." I took that as a great vote of confidence.
TM: The Witch is another of your roles, much like Fosca in Passion or Lotte Lenya in LoveMusik, which requires you to look ugly on stage. Does that bother you in any way?
DM: No. I am a very vain person in real life. I like to look put together and pretty, but that is trumped by the chance to play interesting women. Some of them are attractive and some are not. And I love the opportunity for transformation in a character. And the truth is, my face is an in-between type, which originally was a liability in this business. People think I originally auditioned for a stepsister in the original Into The Woods. In fact, when I didPassion, it was the first time in my life I heard so many people make reference to me being attractive. I was afraid I was failing.
TM: What can you tell me about working with Amy Adams, who plays The Baker's Wife?
DM: She is a very smart, really funny person, with an incredible work ethic, and she sings beautifully. She is also very accessible as a company member. And she definitely has her own take on The Baker's Wife and she and Denis O'Hare (who plays the Baker) communicate beautifully.
TM: You have worked with Denis before. Are you enjoying sharing the stage with him again?
DM:. He is also incredibly smart, and always present. Denis takes nothing for granted. He asks interesting questions and doesn't pursue the obvious, but not just for the sake for being different. And we really have fun together.
TM: This is your first show at the Delacorte since The Mystery of Edwin Droodin 1985. Are you excited to be back?
DM: Absolutely! I have been asked to do a couple of the Shakespeare plays over the years, but it didn't work out. I think it's my favorite place to see theater. I went a few weeks ago to see As You Like It, which was such a beautiful production, and just feeling the energy of the audience I had such anticipation of being back on that stage. I got very moved by it.
TM: What is it going to be like doing a musical and filming Made in Jersey at the same time?
DM: It will be doable, but the person it's going to be hardest on is me. Right now, my big concern is when I can get my roots touched up, because it matters for Darlene, my character on the TV show; she's a very put-together woman. The people at CBS have been very cooperative and respectful with my schedule, because they knew about my commitment to Into the Woods. But this series is exactly what I wanted: an ensemble show, based in New York City, so I don't have to spend too much time away from my daughter. It's hard enough being away from her doing Into the Woods. I'll really just have to take each day as it comes.
Click here for the original article!
THEATERMANIA: You actually auditioned to play the Witch in the original Broadway production 25 years ago. What is it like finally getting to do the show?
DONNA MURPHY: It's thrilling to be working with these directors, this design team, and this company. A lot of what this show is about now coincides with my life experience: being a mother, being a stepmother; I recently lost a parent. Of course, the music has been in my consciousness for a long time. I've sung "Children Will Listen" in concerts and sang "Last Midnight" for my audition for Tangled.
TM: This production is based on the one that director Tim Sheader (who is co-directing with Liam Steel) did in London last year. How similar is it?
DM: When I first met with Tim, he asked me what I thought of what they did in London, which I saw on tape. I told him it was great, and then he said "I'm not satisfied with that, I want to take it further," and asked me for my ideas. There are very strong concepts here. We're really exploring who all these people are, what their needs are, and how high the stakes are for each of them. As for the Witch, we're looking into her back story and her journey. And we're doing her physical transformation in a new way. We know there's a certain expectation for people who have seen the show before, and we're trying to fulfill that in some way and still do something interesting. I love that we're still working our way inside these concepts, yet finding our own voices.
TM: Have you had any direct advice from Stephen Sondheim?
DM: I've talked to him very little. He came to the first day of rehearsal and told me he was happy I was doing the show. It's hard, because every time I see him, I want to spend hours talking to him. I've been communicating more with James and with our musical director, Paul Gemignani, and I sometimes get messages through them. I did have a question about an adjustment in a song that I mentioned to Paul, and he said Stephen said "Tell Donna to do whatever she wants." I took that as a great vote of confidence.
TM: The Witch is another of your roles, much like Fosca in Passion or Lotte Lenya in LoveMusik, which requires you to look ugly on stage. Does that bother you in any way?
DM: No. I am a very vain person in real life. I like to look put together and pretty, but that is trumped by the chance to play interesting women. Some of them are attractive and some are not. And I love the opportunity for transformation in a character. And the truth is, my face is an in-between type, which originally was a liability in this business. People think I originally auditioned for a stepsister in the original Into The Woods. In fact, when I didPassion, it was the first time in my life I heard so many people make reference to me being attractive. I was afraid I was failing.
TM: What can you tell me about working with Amy Adams, who plays The Baker's Wife?
DM: She is a very smart, really funny person, with an incredible work ethic, and she sings beautifully. She is also very accessible as a company member. And she definitely has her own take on The Baker's Wife and she and Denis O'Hare (who plays the Baker) communicate beautifully.
TM: You have worked with Denis before. Are you enjoying sharing the stage with him again?
DM:. He is also incredibly smart, and always present. Denis takes nothing for granted. He asks interesting questions and doesn't pursue the obvious, but not just for the sake for being different. And we really have fun together.
TM: This is your first show at the Delacorte since The Mystery of Edwin Droodin 1985. Are you excited to be back?
DM: Absolutely! I have been asked to do a couple of the Shakespeare plays over the years, but it didn't work out. I think it's my favorite place to see theater. I went a few weeks ago to see As You Like It, which was such a beautiful production, and just feeling the energy of the audience I had such anticipation of being back on that stage. I got very moved by it.
TM: What is it going to be like doing a musical and filming Made in Jersey at the same time?
DM: It will be doable, but the person it's going to be hardest on is me. Right now, my big concern is when I can get my roots touched up, because it matters for Darlene, my character on the TV show; she's a very put-together woman. The people at CBS have been very cooperative and respectful with my schedule, because they knew about my commitment to Into the Woods. But this series is exactly what I wanted: an ensemble show, based in New York City, so I don't have to spend too much time away from my daughter. It's hard enough being away from her doing Into the Woods. I'll really just have to take each day as it comes.
Click here for the original article!
7/23/12- First Performance of "Into the Woods" Cancelled Due to Weather Delays
The Public Theater has announced that the first public preview of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods, which was scheduled for July 23 at the Delacorte Theater, has been postponed due to "weather delays."
Heavy rains during the July 18 week caused delays in the production schedule, according to a production spokesperson. The cancellation of the public performance is not due to the July 23 weather forecast for the New York City area. The production team will use the July 23 evening as the final invited dress rehearsal.
Original article at Playbill.com
Heavy rains during the July 18 week caused delays in the production schedule, according to a production spokesperson. The cancellation of the public performance is not due to the July 23 weather forecast for the New York City area. The production team will use the July 23 evening as the final invited dress rehearsal.
Original article at Playbill.com
7/22/12- "Into the Woods" Begins Previews Tomorrow!!!
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Go to shakespeareinthepark.org for info on how to get tickets & more!
7/22/12- Donna Talks About Her First Time Acting at The Delacorte Theater in Today's New York Post!
Before her Broadway hits, the Tony winner had a small part in 1985’s “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” On the eve of her Delacorte return — as the Witch in “Into the Woods” — Murphy recalls her surprise big break:
“The company was an incredible collection of artists, theater veterans and idols of mine: George Rose, Cleo Laine . . . Betty Buckley, with that clarion voice! I initially passed on the ensemble role, but the writing was so clever and the music so rich, they roped me in. I was part of a music hall group, and we’d interact with the audience. At one point, George Rose told them to close their eyes and imagine something. I looked out at the audience and saw a bunch of people with their eyes open. Well, there’s something about the park that’s very liberating, even when you’re young in the business and in no position to ad lib. I shouted, ‘Shut yer bleedin’ peepers!’ George looked at me and gave me a wink. From then on, my character became the bigmouth in the chorus!”
See the full article at NYPost.com!
Also check out Donna in the ensemble of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood below!
“The company was an incredible collection of artists, theater veterans and idols of mine: George Rose, Cleo Laine . . . Betty Buckley, with that clarion voice! I initially passed on the ensemble role, but the writing was so clever and the music so rich, they roped me in. I was part of a music hall group, and we’d interact with the audience. At one point, George Rose told them to close their eyes and imagine something. I looked out at the audience and saw a bunch of people with their eyes open. Well, there’s something about the park that’s very liberating, even when you’re young in the business and in no position to ad lib. I shouted, ‘Shut yer bleedin’ peepers!’ George looked at me and gave me a wink. From then on, my character became the bigmouth in the chorus!”
See the full article at NYPost.com!
Also check out Donna in the ensemble of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood below!
7/22/12- Donna Appears in the July/August Issue of Manhattan Magazine!
Check out the article in our Press section!
7/10/12- Donna is in the Summer Issue of Paper Magazine, on Newsstands Now!
Read the article in the Press section!
7/10/12- Check Out This New Interview With Donna in The New York Daily News!
Photo by Stephen Mosher
Tony winner Donna Murphy is living a fairy tale — one with a lesson about patience being a virtue.
The actress has been itching for some 25 years to play the Witch in “Into the Woods.” Now, like sitcom sorceress Samantha Stephens, she has twitched herself into overdrive to prepare for the musical, opening July 23 at the Delacorte in Central Park.
“I love the show. It speaks to me on so many levels,” says Murphy, who is two-and-a-half weeks into rehearsals for the Shakespeare in the Park production.
“Into the Woods” premiered on Broadway in 1987. Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book) won Tonys for their work on the show that rethinks “happily ever after” as it knits together tweaked tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and other fabled characters.
It also weaves in the tale of a Baker and his Wife — played by “True Blood” alum Denis O’Hare and Oscar nominee and “Enchanted” star Amy Adams — who fall victim to the Witch’s curse.
Back in the mid-’80s, Murphy was making a name for herself when she auditioned for the show. “I’d been told they didn’t want a Disney witch, but one who was frightful, a real force,” she says.
“I had a rock ’n’ roll perm then,” she adds. “My hair was huge and I’m sure I made certain it was as big as possible for the audition. I wore a black cat suit and a sheer red duster.”
Murphy cast a spell, all right. “Word came back,” she says, “that I was too scary.” Ellen Foley ("Night Court") originated the role and was replaced by Bernadette Peters on Broadway.
In 1990 Murphy got another shot at the show and was set to appear in a production at North Shore Music Theatre, 20 miles outside Boston.
It was choreographed by Rob Marshall, one of Murphy’s cast mates from “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” He has since directed the Oscar-winning “Chicago” and is at work on a film version “Into the Woods.”
But again, it was a no-go for Murphy. She dropped out of the musical to star with Robert Loggia in the Norman Lear TV series “Sunday Dinner,” but was replaced by Teri Hatcher.
Although the series quickly went down the tubes, Murphy’s career took off in 1994 with her breakthrough, Tony-winning role as the sickly (and, well, scary) obsessive in “Passion,” another Sondheim and Lapine collaboration. Her second Tony came two years later for “The King and I.”
By the time the 2002 revival of “Into the Woods” came around, Murphy was in a starry group of Broadway actresses. The role of the Witch went to Vanessa Williams. “They had their star,” says Murphy. “I thought, ‘Okay, it’s not meant to be.’ ”
Flash-forward a decade: The announcement two months ago that Murphy had been cast as the Witch for the free Public Theater production ended weeks of rumors that the part would be played by Meryl Streep.
“Meryl was on the list,” says Timothy Sheader, co-director with Liam Steel of the production, based on the 2010 Regent’s Park staging in London. “The Witch is a big sing. I wanted someone who could deliver the musical material and an actress who could rediscover the text with me.”
Known for doing thorough research, Murphy has revisited the Brothers Grimm.
“But,” she adds, “I could do nothing and have plenty to work with. As a mom, a stepparent, a human being, a citizen of the world, the show is deeply meaningful to me.”
And it’s actually not her first time dealing with Rapunzel. She did so as the voice of Mother Gothel in the 2010 animated film “Tangled.”
“Tim and Liam have beautiful ideas about the physical production,” says Murphy, “as well ideas that inform the Witch.”
It’s role that comes with great Sondheim songs. Among them, “Last Midnight,” “Stay With Me” and “Children Will Listen." “The writing is so specific and, oh my God, rich,” she says.
It’s been a busy season for Murphy, who plays a secretary who goes from mousy to man-eater in Todd Solondz’s indie film “Dark Horse.” In August, she appears in “The Bourne Legacy,” the latest chapter in the action franchise. This fall she’ll play the mother of a feisty attorney from the Garden State who rocks a fancy Manhattan law firm in the CBS series “Made in Jersey.”
“Into the Woods” is the Public Theater’s second production celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Delacorte, and it marks the actress’ first time back on the open-air stage since “Drood” in 1985.
“There’s something about being outside and with an audience that stood on line and who are so excited and grateful to be there,” Murphy says. “It’s incredibly joyful.”
For the original article, go to NY Daily News
The actress has been itching for some 25 years to play the Witch in “Into the Woods.” Now, like sitcom sorceress Samantha Stephens, she has twitched herself into overdrive to prepare for the musical, opening July 23 at the Delacorte in Central Park.
“I love the show. It speaks to me on so many levels,” says Murphy, who is two-and-a-half weeks into rehearsals for the Shakespeare in the Park production.
“Into the Woods” premiered on Broadway in 1987. Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book) won Tonys for their work on the show that rethinks “happily ever after” as it knits together tweaked tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and other fabled characters.
It also weaves in the tale of a Baker and his Wife — played by “True Blood” alum Denis O’Hare and Oscar nominee and “Enchanted” star Amy Adams — who fall victim to the Witch’s curse.
Back in the mid-’80s, Murphy was making a name for herself when she auditioned for the show. “I’d been told they didn’t want a Disney witch, but one who was frightful, a real force,” she says.
“I had a rock ’n’ roll perm then,” she adds. “My hair was huge and I’m sure I made certain it was as big as possible for the audition. I wore a black cat suit and a sheer red duster.”
Murphy cast a spell, all right. “Word came back,” she says, “that I was too scary.” Ellen Foley ("Night Court") originated the role and was replaced by Bernadette Peters on Broadway.
In 1990 Murphy got another shot at the show and was set to appear in a production at North Shore Music Theatre, 20 miles outside Boston.
It was choreographed by Rob Marshall, one of Murphy’s cast mates from “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” He has since directed the Oscar-winning “Chicago” and is at work on a film version “Into the Woods.”
But again, it was a no-go for Murphy. She dropped out of the musical to star with Robert Loggia in the Norman Lear TV series “Sunday Dinner,” but was replaced by Teri Hatcher.
Although the series quickly went down the tubes, Murphy’s career took off in 1994 with her breakthrough, Tony-winning role as the sickly (and, well, scary) obsessive in “Passion,” another Sondheim and Lapine collaboration. Her second Tony came two years later for “The King and I.”
By the time the 2002 revival of “Into the Woods” came around, Murphy was in a starry group of Broadway actresses. The role of the Witch went to Vanessa Williams. “They had their star,” says Murphy. “I thought, ‘Okay, it’s not meant to be.’ ”
Flash-forward a decade: The announcement two months ago that Murphy had been cast as the Witch for the free Public Theater production ended weeks of rumors that the part would be played by Meryl Streep.
“Meryl was on the list,” says Timothy Sheader, co-director with Liam Steel of the production, based on the 2010 Regent’s Park staging in London. “The Witch is a big sing. I wanted someone who could deliver the musical material and an actress who could rediscover the text with me.”
Known for doing thorough research, Murphy has revisited the Brothers Grimm.
“But,” she adds, “I could do nothing and have plenty to work with. As a mom, a stepparent, a human being, a citizen of the world, the show is deeply meaningful to me.”
And it’s actually not her first time dealing with Rapunzel. She did so as the voice of Mother Gothel in the 2010 animated film “Tangled.”
“Tim and Liam have beautiful ideas about the physical production,” says Murphy, “as well ideas that inform the Witch.”
It’s role that comes with great Sondheim songs. Among them, “Last Midnight,” “Stay With Me” and “Children Will Listen." “The writing is so specific and, oh my God, rich,” she says.
It’s been a busy season for Murphy, who plays a secretary who goes from mousy to man-eater in Todd Solondz’s indie film “Dark Horse.” In August, she appears in “The Bourne Legacy,” the latest chapter in the action franchise. This fall she’ll play the mother of a feisty attorney from the Garden State who rocks a fancy Manhattan law firm in the CBS series “Made in Jersey.”
“Into the Woods” is the Public Theater’s second production celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Delacorte, and it marks the actress’ first time back on the open-air stage since “Drood” in 1985.
“There’s something about being outside and with an audience that stood on line and who are so excited and grateful to be there,” Murphy says. “It’s incredibly joyful.”
For the original article, go to NY Daily News
6/16/12- Check Out This Behind the Scenes Footage from the Shakespeare in the Park Vanity Fair Shoot!
6/15/12- Donna Talks to Broadway.com About "Magical" Vanity Fair Photo Shoot!
“It’s always magical, the whole event of it,” she said of doing Shakespeare in the Park. “Just doing the photo shoot was so moving and emotional and exciting and humbling,” she went on, “To be gathered with James Earl Jones and Kevin Kline, Meryl Streep and Mandy Patinkin, Audra McDonald, Lily Rabe—it’s this incredible collection of people, and what was funny is that we were all telling some version of the same story, which was about the magic of that [Shakespeare in the Park] experience. It is very liberating; everything is just magnified and has this special sprinkle of fairy dust on it.”
Read the full article at Broadway.com!
6/14/12- Donna Receives Stellar Reviews for Dark Horse!!!
"The surprise sensation is Murphy, on loan from Broadway musical stardom for her finest, fullest movie role. Her Marie is a myriad of possibilities: a wallflower or a thrilling predator or the love of a loser’s life." -Time
"What a fascinating weave Dark Horse is, with its blurred, Buñuel-esque boundaries between reality and dreams. In Abe’s fantasies, Murphy’s Marie goes from a moist, pink-eyed maternal type to a sultry, taunting cougar — an amazing transformation Murphy largely achieves by straightening her posture and relaxing her features. (A terrific stage actress proves herself a terrific film actress.)" -New York Magazine
"The acting honors definitely go to Broadway star Donna Murphy as Walken's secretary, and Abe's greatest supporter/enabler. Timid and mousy in the office, she gets to let loose with a fantasy version of her character, a ferocious, seductive femme fatale with some of the best lines in the film (to whit: "It's not cheating if you despise each other"). " -IndieWire
"Look out for Donna Murphy playing Marie in Abe’s fantasy world, stealing the show while undergoing a hilarious metamorphosis as a 'cougar.' " -Sound On Sight
"The best thing in "Dark Horse"? Broadway legend Donna Murphy -- never used well or often enough by the movies -- as a meek secretary who's a sneering Mrs. Robinson in Abe's fantasies. " -Boston.com
"What a fascinating weave Dark Horse is, with its blurred, Buñuel-esque boundaries between reality and dreams. In Abe’s fantasies, Murphy’s Marie goes from a moist, pink-eyed maternal type to a sultry, taunting cougar — an amazing transformation Murphy largely achieves by straightening her posture and relaxing her features. (A terrific stage actress proves herself a terrific film actress.)" -New York Magazine
"The acting honors definitely go to Broadway star Donna Murphy as Walken's secretary, and Abe's greatest supporter/enabler. Timid and mousy in the office, she gets to let loose with a fantasy version of her character, a ferocious, seductive femme fatale with some of the best lines in the film (to whit: "It's not cheating if you despise each other"). " -IndieWire
"Look out for Donna Murphy playing Marie in Abe’s fantasy world, stealing the show while undergoing a hilarious metamorphosis as a 'cougar.' " -Sound On Sight
"The best thing in "Dark Horse"? Broadway legend Donna Murphy -- never used well or often enough by the movies -- as a meek secretary who's a sneering Mrs. Robinson in Abe's fantasies. " -Boston.com
6/12/12- Donna Appears as Part of the Shakespeare in the Park Photo Spread in the July 2012 Issue of Vanity Fair, on Newstands Now!
Photo by Annie Leibovitz
For more info, got to Vanity Fair!
6/12/12- See Pics of Donna at the Indie Night Screening and Q&A of Dark Horse Presented by The Film Society of Lincoln Center!
Photo by Robin Marchant
For more check out Getty Images!
6/5/12- Dark Horse opens Friday 6/8 in NYC, with more American dates soon to follow! Plus Donna will be attending Q&A's for select showings!
As Marie in "Dark Horse"
THEATRICAL RELEASE SCHEDULE:
June 8
New York - Angelika Film Center
June 22
Chicago*
Hartford, CT
New Haven, CT
July 13
Philadelphia*
Nashville
July 20
San Francisco*, Berkeley*, San Rafael, CA
Tucson
July 27
Los Angeles (Landmark's NuArt Theater)*
San Diego*
Minneapolis*
August 3
Seattle*
St. Louis*
Denver*
New Orleans
Baltimore
August 10
Boston*
August 17
Portland
Washington, DC*
August 31
Atlanta*
Plus, more cities to be announced. Also, check the Emerging Pictures website.
* Landmark Theatres
Original article at Broadwayworld.com!
*Donna will be appearing for a Q&A after the 7:30PM showing and before the 10:00 PM showing at Angelika Film Center in NYC on Friday, 6/812!
Check out the Dark Horse Website or Donna's Official Facebook Page for more info!
June 8
New York - Angelika Film Center
June 22
Chicago*
Hartford, CT
New Haven, CT
July 13
Philadelphia*
Nashville
July 20
San Francisco*, Berkeley*, San Rafael, CA
Tucson
July 27
Los Angeles (Landmark's NuArt Theater)*
San Diego*
Minneapolis*
August 3
Seattle*
St. Louis*
Denver*
New Orleans
Baltimore
August 10
Boston*
August 17
Portland
Washington, DC*
August 31
Atlanta*
Plus, more cities to be announced. Also, check the Emerging Pictures website.
* Landmark Theatres
Original article at Broadwayworld.com!
*Donna will be appearing for a Q&A after the 7:30PM showing and before the 10:00 PM showing at Angelika Film Center in NYC on Friday, 6/812!
Check out the Dark Horse Website or Donna's Official Facebook Page for more info!
5/25/12- Check Out This New Trailer for Donna's Upcoming TV Series, Made in Jersey!
For more information on Made in Jersey, go to CBS.com!
5/24/12- Check Out This New Photo from Donna's Upcoming Film, Dark Horse!
With Jordan Gelber in Todd Solondz's "Dark Horse"/ Photo courtesy of Jojo Whilden
Dark Horse opens in select theaters June 8th! Go to the Official Dark Horse Website for more info!
5/24/12- Passion Reunion!
With Marin Mazzie at the 78th Annual Drama League Awards/ Photo by Bruce Glickas
5/24/12- Donna Talks About Being a Board Member of the Drama League in This Video From Broadwayworld.com!
5/21/12- Photo Coverage of Donna at the 78th Annual Drama League Awards!
Photo by RedCarpetFotos Mayer
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With Judith Light/ Photo by Bruce Glickas
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Donna, who is a member of the Drama League's Board of Directors, was on hand to present composer Alan Menken with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award!
Check out photos from the event!
Gettyimages.com
Wireimage.com
Playbill.com
Broadway.com
Broadwayworld.com
Check out photos from the event!
Gettyimages.com
Wireimage.com
Playbill.com
Broadway.com
Broadwayworld.com
5/17/12- Watch the Trailer For Donna's New CBS TV Show, Made in Jersey, Airing This Fall!
5/13/12- CBS Picks Up Donna's New Pilot, Made in Jersey!
The legal drama centers on a working-class woman (Janet Montgomery) who uses her street smarts to compete with her more polished colleagues at a top New York law firm. The cast also includes Stephanie March, Kyle MacLachlan, Erin Cummings, Toni Trucks, Felix Solis, Pablo Schreiber and Donna Murphy. Dana Calvo wrote and co-executive producers with Franklin & Bash’s Kevin Falls set to showrun the hourlong project from Sony and CBS TV Studios. Jamie Tarses and Julia Franz are on board as executive producers, with Executive Producer Mark Waters having directed the pilot.
Congratulations Donna!
Check out the articles here:
Hollywoodreporter.com
Theatermania.com
Congratulations Donna!
Check out the articles here:
Hollywoodreporter.com
Theatermania.com
5/13/12- Is The Public's Into the Woods Broadway Bound?
5/8/12- Donna Talks About About Playing the Witch 25 Years After Her First Audition!
Two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy will cast a spell on Central Park's Delacorte Theatre this summer as the Witch in the highly anticipated revival of Into the Woods. Broadway.com recently caught up with Murphy to discuss the production and uncovered a bit about her long history with the popular Sondheim musical. Turns out she’s been waiting for this opportunity for 25 years!
“I auditioned for [the Witch] like four or five times,” Murphy told Broadway.com, regarding the original 1987 Broadway production. “The feedback was that I was a little too scary and they thought I was too thin—they were worried about me!” The pivotal role eventually went to two-time Tony winner Bernadette Peters. “Then [the casting directors] called me back to audition when they were replacing Joanna Gleason as the Baker’s Wife,” Murphy added. “They were very happy; it seemed like I’d put on some weight. And I said, ‘No, I’m just wearing a dirndl skirt.’ I was wearing a cat suit for the first audition,” the actress said with a laugh.
Now that the role of the Witch is finally hers, Murphy is thrilled to be a part of the classic musical “as a mom, as a daughter and as a theater lover, especially at this time in my life with a young child, and while Steve [Sondheim] and James [Lapine] can be a part of it. I think it’s going to be amazing in [Central Park],” Murphy said. The actress won’t be letting her Witch duties affect her relationship with daughter Darmia Hope, whom she adopted in 2005. “Have I been a witchy mommy?” Murphy wonders. “I don’t think so…ask my daughter about that!”
Into the Woods begins its run July 23. In addition to Murphy, the cast will feature Amy Adams, Jessie Mueller and Gideon Glick.
Article at Broadway.com
“I auditioned for [the Witch] like four or five times,” Murphy told Broadway.com, regarding the original 1987 Broadway production. “The feedback was that I was a little too scary and they thought I was too thin—they were worried about me!” The pivotal role eventually went to two-time Tony winner Bernadette Peters. “Then [the casting directors] called me back to audition when they were replacing Joanna Gleason as the Baker’s Wife,” Murphy added. “They were very happy; it seemed like I’d put on some weight. And I said, ‘No, I’m just wearing a dirndl skirt.’ I was wearing a cat suit for the first audition,” the actress said with a laugh.
Now that the role of the Witch is finally hers, Murphy is thrilled to be a part of the classic musical “as a mom, as a daughter and as a theater lover, especially at this time in my life with a young child, and while Steve [Sondheim] and James [Lapine] can be a part of it. I think it’s going to be amazing in [Central Park],” Murphy said. The actress won’t be letting her Witch duties affect her relationship with daughter Darmia Hope, whom she adopted in 2005. “Have I been a witchy mommy?” Murphy wonders. “I don’t think so…ask my daughter about that!”
Into the Woods begins its run July 23. In addition to Murphy, the cast will feature Amy Adams, Jessie Mueller and Gideon Glick.
Article at Broadway.com
5/7/12- Donna's latest film, Dark Horse, gets distribution deal and will be released June 8th in NYC!
Read all about it at Hollywoodreporter.com! And check out the trailer below!
See pics of Donna at The Juilliard School's Gala Honoring Mary Rodgers Guettel!
Photo by Dave Kotinsky
Donna offers advice to Newcomers to the Stage...
"There's an element of trust that you're exactly where you're meant to be at any given moment. I remember spending an awful lot of energy in my 20s thinking 'Why aren't I being seen for this or why aren't I doing this?' As I looked back, once I was in my 30s, 40s, and now a little bit later than that, I realized I wasn't ready for that or it wasn't the right moment in time. It's really about finding opportunities where you can work and if they don't come to you, you make them. You get a group of actors together - whether it's as formal as creating a company or as informal as just reading plays together once a week - so that whether you're given a job or not, you're still working. I also believe in becoming as aware a citizen of the world as possible. Because it imbues your work with levels that go way beyond what your acting training brings you. Craft to me is huge and it's also about continuing to grow as a person."
Full article at Backstage.com
Donna and Brian D'Arcy James Announce the 57th Annual Drama Desk Awards!
Photo by Andy Kropa
The announcements were broadcast live on 4/27/12 at Feinstein's at Loews Regency, go to Livestream to watch!
See photo coverage from the event:
Broadwayworld.com
Theatermania.com
Gettyimages.com
Wireimage.com
See photo coverage from the event:
Broadwayworld.com
Theatermania.com
Gettyimages.com
Wireimage.com
See pics of glamorous Donna attending the opening night of Nice Work If You Can Get It!
Photo by Simon Russell
Check out this video of Donna recording her lullaby "Lucky" for Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project CD, plus listen to the track below!
"Lucky" by Stephen Schwartz
For more information, please go to overthemoonbroadway.com!
Donna Set to Appear in Hail Mary!, The Julliard School's Gala Honoring Mary Rodgers Guettel, on April 30th!
With Mary Rodgers Guettel in 2006/ Photo from Broadway.com
Jamie Bernstein, Boyd Gaines, Helen Hunt, Laura Linney, Patti LuPone, Donna Murphy, Faith Prince. and Mary Louise Wilson will be among the artists paying tribute to Mary Rodgers Guettel at The Juilliard School's gala, Hail Mary!, to be held in Juilliard's Peter Jay Sharp Theater on Monday, April 30, at 7pm.The evening will feature highlight moments from Guettel's career as a composer, lyricist, author, producer, arts patron, and trustee at Juilliard, who has helped nurture its young performers since 1992. She is best known for her work on Once Upon a Mattress and The Mad Show
The performance portion of the evening will be led by music director Lee Musiker, and directed by Stephen Wadsworth. It will also feature Juilliard's actors, dancers, musicians, and the Juilliard Orchestra. The evening will continue with a dinner in the Tent at Lincoln Center in Damrosch Park at 8:30pm, followed by dancing with The Peter Duchin Orchestra.
For tickets and information, call 914-579-1000.
Article from Theatermania.com
Being the classy lady that she is, Donna gives us a shout out and a thank you on Facebook!
What a sweet message and a lovely gesture! Thank you Donna!!! It is our pleasure! :)
Donna Set to Perform at the Release Concert for Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project on May 7th!
Emmy winner Edie Falco will host a free concert May 7 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, which is currently the home of the Tony-winning revival of Anything Goes. The 8 PM performance will celebrate the release of "Over The Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project," a multi-media charity project that includes a two-CD set of original lullabies composed and sung by top Broadway artists, an illustrated hardcover book of 17 songs from the album, a corresponding e-book encompassing the entire collection, and a documentary film.
The concert will feature the talents of Anastasia Barzee,Walter Charles, Jed Cohen, Janet Dacal, Marva Hicks, Nikki M. James, Marc Kudish, Donna Murphy and Caesar Samayoa. These artists will perform lullabies composed by Rupert Holmes, Tom Kitt, Michael John LaChiusa, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz and Maury Yeston. The event will also include excerpts from the documentary film and web series featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the project's creation.
Grammy nominee Matt Pierson, who produced the recording, will serve as the musical director for the evening. Musicians slated to perform at the concert include pianist Kevin Hays, percussionist Bashiri Johnson, guitarist Julian Lage and bassist Harish Raghavan.
Article from Playbill.com
For more information on Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project, click here.
To pre-order this recording, click here.
The concert will feature the talents of Anastasia Barzee,Walter Charles, Jed Cohen, Janet Dacal, Marva Hicks, Nikki M. James, Marc Kudish, Donna Murphy and Caesar Samayoa. These artists will perform lullabies composed by Rupert Holmes, Tom Kitt, Michael John LaChiusa, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz and Maury Yeston. The event will also include excerpts from the documentary film and web series featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the project's creation.
Grammy nominee Matt Pierson, who produced the recording, will serve as the musical director for the evening. Musicians slated to perform at the concert include pianist Kevin Hays, percussionist Bashiri Johnson, guitarist Julian Lage and bassist Harish Raghavan.
Article from Playbill.com
For more information on Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project, click here.
To pre-order this recording, click here.
IT'S OFFICIAL! Donna will be The Witch in Into the Woods at Shakespeare in the Park this summer!
At the Delacorte Theater/ Photo by Stephen Mosher
Donna will star as the Witch in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods this summer as part of The Public's 2012 Shakespeare in the Park season. This production of Into the Woods is based on the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre London Production produced by Timothy Sheader and William Village for Regent's Park Theatre Ltd. The show will run July 23- August 25, 2012 at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Donna first appeared at the Delacorte Theater in 1985 as a member of the ensemble in The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
Click the links below for the news coverage!
Playbill.com
Broadway.com
Theatermania.com
Broadwayworld.com
The New York Times Arts Beat Blog
For more information on Shakespeare in the Park at The Public, click here
Click the links below for the news coverage!
Playbill.com
Broadway.com
Theatermania.com
Broadwayworld.com
The New York Times Arts Beat Blog
For more information on Shakespeare in the Park at The Public, click here
Donna Will Join Todd Almond in Concert at Le Poisson Rouge on April 16th!
Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleeker St. NYC
Tony Award-winning actress Donna Murphy will join singer-songwriter Todd Almond for a one-night-only concert, Todd Almond Loves You, April 16 at le Poisson Rouge.
The 7 PM concert will feature songs from Almond's career, including his album "Mexico City." Murphy (Passion, The People in the Picture, Wonderful Town) is slated to sing the title track from that album.
Todd Almond Loves You also promises never-before-heard material, and will cover such Almond obsessions as "places, ponies, love, Dolly Parton, and paradise." Almond and Murphy will be backed by a five-piece band, a string quartet and a ten-person choir.
Almond has penned On the Levee, Girlfriend, People Like Us, Kansas City Choir Boy, Ahraihsak and We Have Always Lived in the Castle, which premiered at Yale Rep. He is currently collaborating with Warren Leight and Stafford Arima on a musical adaptation of "A Separate Peace." His adaptation of "The Odyssey," with DeBessonet, debuted at the Old Globe Theatre in September 2011. Upcoming projects also include a new musical with Jenny Schwartz and a theatre piece with Tony-nominated playwright Sarah Ruhl. His solo album, "Mexico City," is currently available.
For tickets and more info go to Le Poisson Rouge
Original story from Playbill.com
The 7 PM concert will feature songs from Almond's career, including his album "Mexico City." Murphy (Passion, The People in the Picture, Wonderful Town) is slated to sing the title track from that album.
Todd Almond Loves You also promises never-before-heard material, and will cover such Almond obsessions as "places, ponies, love, Dolly Parton, and paradise." Almond and Murphy will be backed by a five-piece band, a string quartet and a ten-person choir.
Almond has penned On the Levee, Girlfriend, People Like Us, Kansas City Choir Boy, Ahraihsak and We Have Always Lived in the Castle, which premiered at Yale Rep. He is currently collaborating with Warren Leight and Stafford Arima on a musical adaptation of "A Separate Peace." His adaptation of "The Odyssey," with DeBessonet, debuted at the Old Globe Theatre in September 2011. Upcoming projects also include a new musical with Jenny Schwartz and a theatre piece with Tony-nominated playwright Sarah Ruhl. His solo album, "Mexico City," is currently available.
For tickets and more info go to Le Poisson Rouge
Original story from Playbill.com
Donna "in talks" to play the Witch in Into the Woods at Shakespeare in the Park this summer!
Donna on stage at the Delacorte Theater/ Photo by Stephen Mosher
Let's hope for an official casting announcement from The Public Theater soon!
Go to Broadwayworld.com for the full story.
For more information on the Public Theater and the 2012 Shakespeare in the Park season, click here.
Go to Broadwayworld.com for the full story.
For more information on the Public Theater and the 2012 Shakespeare in the Park season, click here.
Donna and Brian D'Arcy James will announce this year's Drama Desk nominations on 4/27/12!
Accepting her Drama Desk Award for "LoveMusik" in 2007/ Photo by Walter McBride
Click here for the article from Broadwayworld.com!
Donna attends the opening of Teresa's Ecstasy which stars her husband, Shawn Elliott!
Photo by Anya Garrett
Pictures of Donna looking stunning at the Roundabout Theatre Company's Spring Gala, From Stage to Screen, honoring Rob Marshall!
Photo by Amy Sussman
For more photo coverage click on the links below!
Broadwayworld.com Broadway.com Playbill.com Gettyimages.com Wireimage.com |
Photo by Walter McBride
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Donna announced as part of the 2012-2013 Kennedy Center season!
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' 2012-13 theatrical season will include a new production of Ferenc Molnár’s The Guardsman, featuring a new adaptation by Richard Nelson and direction by Gregory Mosher. Performances of the 1920s Broadway comedy smash are scheduled for May 25-June 23, 2013.
Tony Award–winning Druid Theatre Company will present the story of Irish emigration through a three-play cycle of works by Irish dramatist Tom Murphy:Famine, A Whistle in the Dark andConversations on a Homecoming. Directed by Garry Hynes, performances ofDruidMurphy are scheduled for Oct. 17-20. Audiences are invited to experience each of the three plays individually or all three together in a single day.
Songs of Migration, which was created by South African trumpeter, composer and lyricist Hugh Masekela, is described as a "musical tribute to the great songs of migrants across the African continent." The musical evenings will be presented Oct. 17-20.
The sixth season of Barbara Cook’s Spotlight series will feature cabaret-style performances by Maureen McGovern (Oct. 12), Donna Murphy (Nov. 9), Judy Kuhn (Dec. 7), Adam Pascal (May 10, 2013) and Terri White (Jan. 25, 2013).
The Center will also present national touring productions of The Book of Mormon, War Horse, Jekyll & Hyde, Million Dollar Quartet and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.
Washington National Opera’s season will offer a new co-production of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein’s Show Boat, directed by Francesca Zambello. Performances are scheduled for May 4-26, 2013.
The National Symphony Orchestra pops season will include The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz, May 16-18, 2013. Steven Reineke is the conductor.
For more information, call (202) 467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
Click here for the article from Playbill.com!
Tony Award–winning Druid Theatre Company will present the story of Irish emigration through a three-play cycle of works by Irish dramatist Tom Murphy:Famine, A Whistle in the Dark andConversations on a Homecoming. Directed by Garry Hynes, performances ofDruidMurphy are scheduled for Oct. 17-20. Audiences are invited to experience each of the three plays individually or all three together in a single day.
Songs of Migration, which was created by South African trumpeter, composer and lyricist Hugh Masekela, is described as a "musical tribute to the great songs of migrants across the African continent." The musical evenings will be presented Oct. 17-20.
The sixth season of Barbara Cook’s Spotlight series will feature cabaret-style performances by Maureen McGovern (Oct. 12), Donna Murphy (Nov. 9), Judy Kuhn (Dec. 7), Adam Pascal (May 10, 2013) and Terri White (Jan. 25, 2013).
The Center will also present national touring productions of The Book of Mormon, War Horse, Jekyll & Hyde, Million Dollar Quartet and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.
Washington National Opera’s season will offer a new co-production of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein’s Show Boat, directed by Francesca Zambello. Performances are scheduled for May 4-26, 2013.
The National Symphony Orchestra pops season will include The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz, May 16-18, 2013. Steven Reineke is the conductor.
For more information, call (202) 467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
Click here for the article from Playbill.com!
Donna to perform at Roundabout Theatre Company's Spring Gala honoring Rob Marshall!
The Roundabout Theatre Company will honor Academy, Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-nominated director-choreographer Rob Marshall during the From Stage to Screen gala March 12 at the Hammerstein Ballroom.
Martin Short will host the 9 PM event that has been created by Marshall's sister, Tony Award-winning director-choreographer Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes, The Pajama Game). Marshall will be presented with the Jason Robards Award for Theatrical Excellence.
Currently scheduled to perform are Christine Baranski, Raul Esparza, Boyd Gaines, Victor Garber, Donna Murphy and Kelli O’Hara. David Krane will arrange and musical direct.
The evening will have scenic design by Derek McLane, lighting design by Don Holder, sound design by Brian Ronan and costume design by Martin Pakledinez.
All proceeds from this event benefit Roundabout Theatre Company’s Musical Theatre Fund.
Marshall most recently directed "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" for Disney. He was recenlty announced to direct a film adaptation of Into the Woods. He also executive produced, directed and choreographed "Tony Bennett: An American Classic." His screen work also includes "Memoirs of a Geisha," “Chicago," "Nine" and "Annie." He is a six-time Tony Award nominee for Little Me (Best Choreography), Cabaret (Best Direction, Best Choreography), She Loves Me (Best Choreography), Damn Yankees (Best Choreography) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (Best Choreography).
For ticket information go to roundabouttheatre.org
Click here for the article from Playbill.com!
Martin Short will host the 9 PM event that has been created by Marshall's sister, Tony Award-winning director-choreographer Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes, The Pajama Game). Marshall will be presented with the Jason Robards Award for Theatrical Excellence.
Currently scheduled to perform are Christine Baranski, Raul Esparza, Boyd Gaines, Victor Garber, Donna Murphy and Kelli O’Hara. David Krane will arrange and musical direct.
The evening will have scenic design by Derek McLane, lighting design by Don Holder, sound design by Brian Ronan and costume design by Martin Pakledinez.
All proceeds from this event benefit Roundabout Theatre Company’s Musical Theatre Fund.
Marshall most recently directed "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" for Disney. He was recenlty announced to direct a film adaptation of Into the Woods. He also executive produced, directed and choreographed "Tony Bennett: An American Classic." His screen work also includes "Memoirs of a Geisha," “Chicago," "Nine" and "Annie." He is a six-time Tony Award nominee for Little Me (Best Choreography), Cabaret (Best Direction, Best Choreography), She Loves Me (Best Choreography), Damn Yankees (Best Choreography) and Kiss of the Spider Woman (Best Choreography).
For ticket information go to roundabouttheatre.org
Click here for the article from Playbill.com!
Original Passion stars, Donna and Marin Mazzie are looking forward to the upcoming Off-Broadway Passion revival!
Stephen Sondheim devotees aren't the only ones looking forward to the Classic Stage Company's 2013 Revival of Passion, Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony-winning 1994 musical. The show’s original leading ladies, Donna Murphy and Marin Mazzie, are also eagerly awaiting the John Doyle directed production. Broadway.com recently found out, however, their anticipation isn't entirely unadulterated.
“It makes me feel very old, when they’re reviving a show you think you did not that long ago,” Murphy, who won a Tony for her role as Passion’s homely, sickly Fosca, told Broadway.com. “And then you realize, ‘Well, I did do a 10-year anniversary concert…” she joked. “But you know what? I’m excited. I happen to think it’s one of the most beautiful pieces [Sondheim] has ever written, and I think everything he’s ever written is spectacular. But it did make me feel a little old.”
Adapted from the film Passione d'Amore and set in 19th century Italy, Passion follows handsome soldier Giorgio, who becomes the object of obsessive love from Fosca, his colonel's chronically ill, bedridden cousin. The story unfolds as Giorgio sends and receives letters from his mistress, Clara (Mazzie).
Mazzie echoed her former co-star’s enthusiastic sentiments. “I think it’s such a beautiful show, and the score is so amazing,” she told Broadway.com. “So I’m excited that it’s coming back, and to see someone else’s incarnation of it. It’ll be interesting.”
Murphy is also looking forward to seeing another actress' take on her challenging Passion role. “I’m just happy for whatever actress gets a chance to play a role like [Fosca]," she said. “And Giorgio, too. All of the roles.” She even shared a little less-than-serious insight on what it takes to play Fosca. Besides being very glamorous and gorgeous, of course, you have to “Have a lot of super high notes,” she said, “And you’ve got to be very perky. So maybe Kristin [Chenoweth] will want to do it. That’s kind of on-the-nose casting, though,” she laughed.
For her part, Mazzie knows the one question the actress cast as Clara will hear the rest of her career: Getting asked about baring her breasts on stage? “Exactly!” she exclaimed. “Being completely naked and asked ‘What was that like?’ It was fun!”
Click here for the article from Broadway.com!
“It makes me feel very old, when they’re reviving a show you think you did not that long ago,” Murphy, who won a Tony for her role as Passion’s homely, sickly Fosca, told Broadway.com. “And then you realize, ‘Well, I did do a 10-year anniversary concert…” she joked. “But you know what? I’m excited. I happen to think it’s one of the most beautiful pieces [Sondheim] has ever written, and I think everything he’s ever written is spectacular. But it did make me feel a little old.”
Adapted from the film Passione d'Amore and set in 19th century Italy, Passion follows handsome soldier Giorgio, who becomes the object of obsessive love from Fosca, his colonel's chronically ill, bedridden cousin. The story unfolds as Giorgio sends and receives letters from his mistress, Clara (Mazzie).
Mazzie echoed her former co-star’s enthusiastic sentiments. “I think it’s such a beautiful show, and the score is so amazing,” she told Broadway.com. “So I’m excited that it’s coming back, and to see someone else’s incarnation of it. It’ll be interesting.”
Murphy is also looking forward to seeing another actress' take on her challenging Passion role. “I’m just happy for whatever actress gets a chance to play a role like [Fosca]," she said. “And Giorgio, too. All of the roles.” She even shared a little less-than-serious insight on what it takes to play Fosca. Besides being very glamorous and gorgeous, of course, you have to “Have a lot of super high notes,” she said, “And you’ve got to be very perky. So maybe Kristin [Chenoweth] will want to do it. That’s kind of on-the-nose casting, though,” she laughed.
For her part, Mazzie knows the one question the actress cast as Clara will hear the rest of her career: Getting asked about baring her breasts on stage? “Exactly!” she exclaimed. “Being completely naked and asked ‘What was that like?’ It was fun!”
Click here for the article from Broadway.com!
On 2/16/12, Donna performed at the Drama League Gala honoring Kristin Chenoweth!
Photo by Bruce Glikas for Broadway.com
See photo and video coverage from the event below!
Photos:
Playbill.com
Broadway.com
Broadwayworld.com
Theatermania.com
Videos:
Broadway.com
Broadwayworld.com
Broadwayworld.com #2
Photos:
Playbill.com
Broadway.com
Broadwayworld.com
Theatermania.com
Videos:
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Broadwayworld.com
Broadwayworld.com #2
Donna to be featured on Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project CD, due this Spring!
Anastasia Barzee, Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Raul Esparza, Sutton Foster, Brian D'Arcy James, Rebecca Luker, Kelli O'Hara, Donna Murphy, Anika Noni Rose and Vanessa Williams will be featured on the two-CD set Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project, to be released this spring. The project has been created to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition. The CD, produced by Matt Pierson, will feature works by such artists as Rupert Holmes; Tom Kitt; Henry Krieger with Bill Russell; Bobby Lopez with Kristen Anderson Lopez; Jill Santoriello with John Patrick Shanley; Stephen Schwartz; David Shire; and Nona Hendryx with Marva Hicks and Charles Randolph-Wright.
In addition, the project will encompass a hardcover book, with cover art by Jules Feiffer and a forward by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, with 17 songs from the album and a corresponding e-book encompassing the entire collection. Among the artists who will contribute toward the book's illustrations are R. Gregory Christie, Richard Egileski, Betsy Lewin, Anna Louizos, Marc Simont, Neil Waldman, Tony Walton, and Paul O. Zelinsky.
Click here to order pre-order from Amazon.com!
Click here for the original article from Theatermania.com!
In addition, the project will encompass a hardcover book, with cover art by Jules Feiffer and a forward by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, with 17 songs from the album and a corresponding e-book encompassing the entire collection. Among the artists who will contribute toward the book's illustrations are R. Gregory Christie, Richard Egileski, Betsy Lewin, Anna Louizos, Marc Simont, Neil Waldman, Tony Walton, and Paul O. Zelinsky.
Click here to order pre-order from Amazon.com!
Click here for the original article from Theatermania.com!
