Blog Stage - Acting in Film, TV, Theatre - Backstage

Groban and Friends Prepare for "Dream" Event

A stellar musical evening is in store for local audiences when the acclaimed Musical Theatre of Los Angeles stages a benefit concert version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s blockbuster opus, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The gala February 15 event will topline veteran performers David Burnham (Broadway’s “Wicked” and “The Light in the Piazza”) as Joseph and Misty Cotton (Broadway’s “Miss Saigon”) as the narrator. Lorenzo Lamas will make a guest appearance as the Pharaoh.

Rachel Bilson's Rap feat. Back Stage, Yo!

Call Me Doctor with Rachel Bilson from Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson, who plays Dr. Zoe Hart on CW's "Hart of Dixie," responds to all her "haters" who say she shouldn't be playing a doctor with this rap video.

Check out the cameo of Back Stage's January 5th issue starting at around 1:04!

For the record, Rachel, no critics at Back Stage have ever talked s*** about your acting. Peace out.

Classic Hollywood Bloopers

 

Ever wonder if acting legends like Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart, Bette Davis, or Carole Lombard flubbed their lines? Or cursed? Check out this great collection of candid clips from classic Hollywood films.

You'll notice how apologetic the actors are and how upset the directors sometimes get. Remember, this is back in the day before digital, where film was expensive and you could get fired for wasting time!

Shit New LA Actors Say

Back Stage’s own Jessica Gardner adds her name to the list of people who’ve made a funny ‘S#!t __ Say’ video. There’s a lot to learn when moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. If you have ever said this s#!t, and you want to be an actor, maybe you need a subscription to Back Stage!

Back Stage Reader Snags the EW.com Spotlight

This past April, Back Stage profiled the work of actor Maria Olsen in "Curtain," a short horror film, for our weekly "Who Got the Part" column. And it appears as though we weren't the only ones to take notice of this industrious performer's ever-growing presence on the splatter, ahem, silver screen. Entertainment Weekly's website has posted a wonderful first-person account of Olsen's time on the set of Paranormal Activity 3 as part of their year-end spotlight on the "unsung heroes of the year" in the world of entertainment. Click here for the EW.com story, and here for Maria's "Who Got the Part" column from April 2011. Here's wishing Ms. Olsen and all of our readers continued success in the upcoming year. We're sure it'll be a scream!

P.S.

Click here to check out Ms. Olsen's impressive resume in the Back Stage Talent Database.

--Jesse Landberg

 

Watch 'Memphis' Broadway Cast Sing "I'll Be Home for Christmas"

Memphis ensemble members Justin Patterson, Jamison Scott, and Kevin Massey took a break from their Broadway performance schedule to sing a beautifully harmonized rendition of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Watch the video below for their a cappella version of this holiday favorite:

Watch the 'Rock of Ages' Movie Trailer

Based on the hit Broadway musical, the film is directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray) and stars Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige, and more.

(Guess we'll have to wait until the film is released next year to find out if Tom Cruise can actually sing, though...)

Today at 2 pm/ET: Live Q&A with Kenneth Branagh of 'My Week With Marilyn'

Exclusively on BackStage.com: Catch a unique interview with celebrated actor-director Kenneth Branagh as he discusses his new film "My Week With Marilyn" and much more.  The live online Q&A starts today—Thursday, Dec. 8th—at 2 pm/ET, and can be watched below.

Tune in to watch, chat, and ask questions!

Apply to Peggy Dvorak's Home for Actresses Today!

Watch the results when Aubrey Plaza, Lizzy Caplan, Casey Wilson, Lake Bell, Michaela Watkins, and Ellie Kemper visit Peggy Dvorak's (Megan Mullally) home for actresses to learn their craft:

Home for Actresses from Megan Mullally

"You know how most actresses are: unbearable. Well, when they leave the Peggy Dvorak Institute, they're cool."

On Tuesday, Watch a Live Online Q&A with Actress Meryl Streep!

Following an upcoming advance screening of the new film "The Iron Lady," you will be able to participate in a live online Q&A session with acclaimed actress Meryl Streep and director Phyllida Lloyd.

The event takes place on Tuesday, December 6th. After a select screening at the DGA Theater in New York City, the live Q&A will begin at approximately 8:45 p.m./ET, and will be made available online.