20 Questions

In the run up to the opening of "What You Will" at the Apollo Theatre in the West End Roger has answered 20 questions for What's On Stage. The interview can be read at 20 Questions.

Elementary

Roger will appear in the new CBS Sherlock Holmes drama "Elementary". The series stars Jonny Lee Miller as Holmes and Lucy Liu as his partner Joan Watson. The series premieres on September 27. More information at Entertainment Weekly.

What You Will

Roger is bringing his evening of Shakespeare to the West End. He will appear for three weeks, from 18 September to 6 October at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.

For more information and tickets check the production website at: What You Will.

Primrose Path at the Guthrie

Roger talks about his new project for the Guthrie Theatre. He will be directing Crispin Whittell's adaptation of "The Primrose Path" by Turgenev.

Video at YouTube.

Meeting Rick Elice

There is a nice piece on the New Yorker website on how Roger first got to meet and then got to know his partner Rick Elice.

Tony Nomination

Roger has received a Tony nomination for his work as director with Alex Timbers on "Peter and the Skycatcher". The show received a total of nine nominations. Tony award night is June 10.

For Roger's reaction check Broadway.com.

Starcatcher Playbill

The playbill for "Peter and the Starcatcher", along with many details about the production, can be found in the Playbill Vault.

Starcatcher Opening Night

Roger attended the opening night performance and party at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre last night. Party pictures are at Broadway.com.

Starcatcher Pictures

A small picture gallery of "Peter and the Starcatcher" is available at Broadway.com.

More Press Pictures

Broadwayworld.com has published pictures of the press event, including some more pictures of Roger.

Press Meeting Starcatcher

Roger attended a press meeting for "Peter and the Starcatcher" yesterday. There is a photo gallery at TheaterMania.

Starcatcher Trailer

A trailer for "Peter and the Starcatcher is now available at Broadway.com.

"Peter and the Starcatcher" Cast Details

Casting details of the Broadway transfer of "Peter and the Starcatcher" have been published. The original off-Broadway cast is to move to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

Full story at Broadway.com.

"What You Will" in Florida

Roger will perform his one man Shakespeare show at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre on February 29. For more information and tickets see their website at Orlando Shakepeare Theater.

Submissions Only!

Roger appears as himself in "Y'all Were Great!", the fifth episode of the second season of the online sitcom "Submissions Only!" You can watch the episode by checking the website: Submissions Only!

Starcatcher Transfers to Broadway

"Peter and the Starcatcher" is set to transfer to Broadway. Peter will begin previews at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on March 28 and open on April 15, co-directed by Roger and Alex Timbers. No casting has been announced.

Full story at Broadway.com.

"The Addams Family" to close

The Addams Family has announced that the show will close at the end of the year. The last performance will take place on New Year's Eve. Roger and Brooke Shields will stay with the show until the end of the run.

Also see: Broadway.com.

Brooke's Party

Brooke Shields' arrival at "The Addams Family" was a good reason for a party. Pictures are at: Broadway.com.

Brooke Shields as Morticia in the Addams Family

As Brooke Shields takes over from Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia in the Addams Family the picture gallery is updated. Some new pictures of Roger too at: Broadway.com

Addams Anniversary

Yesterday "The Addams Family" celebrated 500 performances on Broadway. Roger celebrated with the cast.

For more information see: Theater Mania.

Obie Award!

Roger and co-director Alex Timbers won the Obie Award for directing for their work on "Peter and the Starcatcher" at the New York Theatre Workshop.

The award ceremony took place on 16 May at Webster Hall in New York, and was hosted by David Hyde Pierce and Epatha Merkerson.

Easter Bonnet 2011

Roger appeared as one of the hosts in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' 25th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition fundraising event.

Some pictures at Broadway Cares.

The Starcatcher, Nickleby and Gomez

Roger talks to James C. Taylor of the Los Angeles Times about his production of "Peter and the Starcatcher" his friendship with Bebe Neuwirth, Nicholas Nickleby and playing Gomez in this interview.

Addams Family

Roger has now joined the cast of "The Addams Family" on Broadway. A photo gallery of the production is at: Broadway.com.

Wall Street Journal on Rees and Gomez

Roger talks to Joanne Kaufman at the Wall Street Journal about his career and about taking over from Nathan Lane as Gomez in "The Addams Family".

"I told Nathan: 'I'm going to step into your shoes. Will you leave them by the armoire?'

"He's my hero," Mr. Rees deadpanned. "I write to him and he refuses to answer. I'm like his worst fan."

The tango-crazed ghoul Gomez "is a big old part," he continued. "It's like Toby Belch in 'Twelfth Night.' You drive the whole play. As I'm rehearsing I go: 'That was a big scene. Oh, my God, there's another big scene.' But it's like Nike. Just do it."

For the full interview see: Wall Street Journal.

More Thoughts on Gomez

Q: "Is it tough to step into a role that’s been done by somebody else?"

A: "I’ve played Hamlet, and that’s been done before, too. You always steal something from someone else. I did a bit of business in my Hamlet that John Gielgud did. Actors have been doing that since cavemen were performing in caves."

Roger talks to Frank Scheck at the New York Post about taking over as Gomez.

Full interview at: New York Post.

The New Gomez

Roger will take over from Nathan Lane in "The Addams Family" at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway next week. He plays opposite Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia. The sign is now up at the theatre.

How the Starcatcher Came About

Robert Simonson at Playbill.com has written an article giving some more information on how "Peter and the Starcatcher" came about. Roger and Rick Elice get to tell their side of the story, and there is a link to a rehearsal picture gallery.


See the article at Playbill.com.

What You Will in Stratford

Roger will bring his one man Shakespeare show "What You Will" to the RSC in Stratford in December. He will appear in the Swan Theatre on 14 and 15 December. Tickets are available from the RSC.

Addams Family on Broadway

Roger is set to take over from Nathan Lane in the Broadway musical "The Addams Family" on 22 March 2011. Roger will play Gomez, opposite Bebe Neuwirth's Morticia.

For more details see Variety.

Radio Interview Godot

There is a radio interview with Roger available on the Radio New Zealand website. The interview was broadcast last Sunday and is now available as an mp3 file. Godot is heading for New Zealand, and Roger talks about his work with the RSC too.

Radio New Zealand

Godot in Melbourne

The actors have started their series of performances of "Waiting for Godot" in Australia. The dates for the play are:

Melbourne Comedy Theatre 06 May – 22 May (season extended) Ticketek 132-849
Perth His Majesty’s Theatre 28 May – 06 June (season extended) BOCS (08) 9484-1133
Adelaide Her Majesty’s Theatre 09 June – 12 June (season extended) BASS 131-246
Sydney Opera House from 15 June (season extended) SOH (02) 9250-7777

The Herald Sun has a story on Ian McKellen being mistaken for a real tramp in Melbourne at: Herald Sun

There also is a picture gallery there at: Gallery.

Happy Birthday!

Today Roger celebrates his 66th birthday, down under!

Down Under

Ian McKellen and Roger have arrived down under with the other members of the "Waiting for Godot" cast to start their performances in Melbourne. Pictures of the media call are at: aapimage.

Peter and the Starcatcher

Next spring Roger will co-direct "Peter and the Starcatcher", a new play by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The production will run in February and March.

For more information: New York Theater Workshop

"Waiting for Godot" down under

Now that the production has finished its run in London it is heading south for a short tour of Australia and New Zealand from 6 May onwards. For dates and places, and to book tickets you can check the website: Waiting for Godot

Return of the Native

The TimesOnline has a nice interview with Roger on TimesOnline

The piece mentions Roger might be bringing his one-man show "What You Will" to the UK.

Waiting for Godot Dates

Waiting for Godot is to open at the Haymarket Theatre on 21 January 2010 and will run for 9 weeks, until 3 April. Booking is open at the play's new website: Waiting for Godot

Return to the London Stage

During last night's Evening Standard Theatre Awards Sir Ian McKellen announced that Roger is to appear in his production of "Waiting for Godot" at the Haymarket Theatre early next year. Roger will play Vladimir ot McKellen's Estragon. The dates are to be announced.

More information on the What's On Stage website.

A Jubilant Song

Roger will host the Collegiate Chorale gala concert and benefit "A Jubilant Song" at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 7pm

On the programme are:
Beethoven: Choral Fantasy
Bernstein Suite from A White House Cantata
Gabrieli: In Ecclesiis
Kopylov: Heavenly Light
Dello Joio: A Jubilant Song
Shaw/Parker: Set Down Servant
Meyerbeer: O Beau Pays, from Les Huguenots
Verdi: Excerpts from Forza, Ballo and La Traviata

For more information and tickets: Collegiat Chorale Website

Warehouse 13

This summer Roger will appear as a guest on sci fi series "Warehouse 13". The series starts with a two-hour pilot on Tuesday, July 7 at 9 p.m.. It follows the adventures of two Secret Service agents Pete (Eddie McClintock) and Myka (Joanne Kelly) as they control and retrieve objects with supernatural properties that are housed in the remote South Dakota Warehouse 13, headed by caretaker Artie (Saul Rubinek).

More information at: Prime Time Pulse

Small Gods

Roger will star with Christian Camargo, Veanne Cox and Gareth Saxe in a staged reading of Kevin Christopher Snipes' Small Gods. The reading will be held May 12th at 3:00 PM at the Paradise Factory in New York City. Based on the lives of England and America's leading Shakespearean actors in the nineteenth century, Small Gods examines the notorious and fatal feud between William Charles Macready and Edwin Forrest, whose off-stage rivalry resulted in one of the bloodiest tragedies in the American theater.

Roger Rees will play the dying British actor William Charles Macready. Christian Camargo will play Macready's younger counterpart Charlie. Gareth Saxe will take on the role of Edwin Forrest, his American rival. Veanne Cox, will play Death.

The reading is free and will be followed by a brief talk-back with the playwright. The Paradise Factory is located on the 4th Floor of 64 East 4th Street, New York City. To RSVP for the event, please contact the Public by email at intern-ap2@publictheater.org.

More at the playwright´s weblog.

Thanks to Lori!

Happy Birthday!

Roger turns 65 today, so "Happy Birthday!"

Collegiate Chorale Spring Benefit

Roger will host the Collegiate Chorale´s Spring Benefit on 29 April. The event will take place at the Millennium Hotel's Hudson Theatre in New York. The benefit is called "Sing Happy!". Roger will appear with musical guest Victoria Clark.

For a more detailed programme see: PlaybillArts

Class Reading

Roger will appear with Alexie Gilmore in a reading of Charles Evered's two-character play Class, at 2:30pm on Wednesday, September 24 at the Robeson Center for the Arts in Princeton, New Jersey. In the play, which will be directed by Bebe Neuwirth, Roger will play a jaded acting teacher who comes in contact with a mysterious new student.

For more information seeTheater Mania

Cenci

Roger is to appear again in the Revelation Readings at the Red Bull Theatre in New York. This time he will appear in Percy Bysshe Shelley's "The Cenci", with Lisa Harrow. The performance will take place on Monday October 27th. For more information and for tickets check out the Theatre's website at: Red Bull Theater

Collegiate Chorale Pictures

Jennifer has created a web album which has pictures of productions by the Collegiate Chorale. Two albums include pictures of Roger, one is called "The Hills Are Alive!", the other "White House Cantata".

Jennifer

What You Will Interview

Roger's one man show opens in San Francisco tomorrow night. The Bay Area Reporter has a nice interview, which is available on-line. I'm nto too sure about Shaw writing Nicholas Nickleby though.....

See: Bay Area Reporter

West Coast What You Will

Roger will appear at the American Conservatory Theater with his one-man show, "What You Will", for a July 18-Aug. 9 run in San Francisco.

The production will play at 415 Geary Street, San Francisco. Opening is July 21. More information and tickets from the theatre's website at ACT.

White House Cantata

Roger is directing the Collegiate Chorale's production of Leonard Bernstein's and Alan Jay Lerner's "A White House Cantata" at Lincoln Centre's Rose Theatre. Musical director for the production is Robert Bass.

Broadway World has all the details on the production.

Roxbury Latin School

Roger recently spent a couple of days teaching at the at The Roxbury Latin School. There is a report on the Wicked Local Website.

Seafarer

Last Thursday Roger attended the opening night of "The Seafarer" at the Booth Theatre in New York. Pictures are at: Wireimage

Farnsworth Invention

Last night Roger attended the opening night of "The Farnsworth Invention" on Broadway. Broadway World has some nice pictures on the website:
Broadway World

And there are some more pictures on WireImage

Roger Leaves Williamstown

The Williamstown Theatre Festival has confirmed that Roger is leaving the post of artistic director. Nicholas Martin has been named as his successor.

The official press release says:

"During his tenure at the WTF, Mr. Rees presented some of the most acclaimed productions in the WTF’s recent history, including 'Autumn Garden' and 'The Corn Is Green' (directed by Martin) from the 2007 season. In addition, he spearheaded continued innovation in the WTF’s education programs, most notably the leapFROG program, which offers young writers, directors and actors a chance to write and workshop a new play and a new musical each summer.

“Roger came in at a time of transition for the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and did a great job setting a foundation of innovation for the future,” said WTF Board President Harris. “He also helped to reaffirm our focus on training the next generation of artists while continuing our tradition of top notch productions.”


“The WTF position has been a terrific chapter for me,” said Mr. Rees. “Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to act, direct and write, and at the Williamstown Theatre Festival I had the chance to bring all of those strands together.” Mr. Rees will be moving on to focus on his many opportunities to act and direct in theater, film and television."

Full press release: Williamstown Theatre Festival

Williamstown??

Variety reports that Roger is about to leave the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Nothing to this effect is mentioned on the official website though.

The Cardinal

Roger will appear in the series of Revelation Readings for the Red Bull Theatre early next year. He will appear in The Cardinal, by James Shirley, directed by Carl Forsman. The performance will take place on Monday January 21st, at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Playwrights Horizons.

For more information, visit Red Bull Theatre

Major Barbara

Roger will appear on the L.A. Theatre Works' The Play's The Thing series of performances at the Skirball Cultural Center in December. He will co-star with Kate Burton in George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara from December 12-16.

For more information and for tickets:
LATW

Monet Review

Jen Thomas has written a review for the Monet reading on iBerkshires.com.

"Rees gave life to Monet’s letters, which chronicled the journey of a man plagued by financial woes and struggling with acceptance both in his personal and professional lives. Using Monet’s own words, Rees revealed a truly emotional man who loved passionately, despaired deeply and wrote dramatically. Most famous for his tranquil paintings of nature scenes, Monet lived a tumultuous yet full life, dedicated to artistic pursuits until his last days."

Full review at: iBerkshires.com

Monet Reading

The Berkshire Eagle has a story on Roger's reading of Monet's letters.

"It's always helpful to understand all dimensions of a character," said Rees, an acclaimed actor and director who has headed the WTF since 2005. "I always tell my Shakespeare class that Shakespeare could have worn a pair of Levi's. Monet could have done that, too, though he did get a little portly later in life."

The full story is at: Unknown Monet revealed

Monet's Letters

From the Williamstown Newsletter:

Roger Rees reads Monet’s Letters at the Clark Art Institute – Monday, August 20 at 7:30. Monet often expressed his most private thoughts on his artistic process, financial woes and romantic yearnings in his personal correspondence. Roger Rees will read excerpts from a selection of the artist’s letters to celebrate “The Unknown Monet: Pastels and Drawings” - the first exhibition to focus on the artist’s graphic works.

Tickets are $20 for the general public, $15 for Festival and Clark members, and $10 for students. Tickets are available by calling the Clark Box Office at 413.458.0524.

Physicists Reviews

The Times Union has a review of the play, written by Michael Eck.

About Roger:
"Rees is in good form as "Newton," and he is virtually unidentifiable upon his entrance under all those prissy curls. Mark Blum is his equal as "Einstein."

About the production:
""The Physicists" is dated, but with a little work on the patron's part its messages can be easily translated to today. Regardless, it is a very entertaining, thought-provoking show, given a solid, often striking production by the festival."

Full review: Times Union


In the Boston Globe Terry Byrne has a slightly different opinion:
"Friedrich Durrenmatt's "The Physicists" feels painfully dated. In a world in which improvised explosive devices generate more fear than the atomic bomb, a play about preventing knowledge from getting into the wrong hands seems out of synch. Set in 1962, this darkly comic drama lacks the intensity of Durrenmatt's better-known "The Visit," and it gets tangled in overwrought plot twists. But the Williamstown Theatre Festival production delivers a sudden jolt of energy halfway through the second act, due in large part to the sheer force of will of the three leading players.

...

Fortunately, Blum, Rees, and Campbell rise to the occasion as their characters' carefully constructed pretenses fall away. Blum is almost childlike as the wry, absent-minded professor; Rees is commanding, almost comically condescending as he plops on his Newton wig; and Campbell's ardent plea to protect mankind from scientific knowledge is delivered with earnest sincerity."

Full review:
Boston Globe

Tony Awards

Roger has joined the Nominating Committee for the Tony Awards. He will be on the committe for three years, starting this season.

The Nominating Committee, according to a press statement, "attends all productions during the Broadway season, and meets on the date designated by the Administration Committee to determine, by vote, the Tony Award nominees for that season."

Talk on The Physicists

At the Williamstown Theatre Festival on Wednesday, August 15 there is a talk with THE PHYSICISTS director Kevin O’Rourke and Roger Rees. Patrons are invited to gather in the lounge outside of Center Stage at 7:15 to enjoy the Pre-Show Talk Wednesday, Kevin O’Rourke is director of the PHYSICISTS and Artistic Director of the Williams College Summer Theatre Lab.

First review

And the first review on Berkshire Bright Focus:

"Newton is played with nuance, outrageous subtlety and a wonderful sense of humor by Roger Rees. Whether bewigged or not, his character’s characters are constant surprises and his comments about disguise and accent are gloriously rendered."

For the full review: The Physicists

Physicists pictures

The Williamstown Festival website has put up some pictures of "The Physicists" at:
the WTF website

Cabaret

Roger will appear in the late night cabaret at Williamstown this week, 9-11 August. According to the songlist he will perform "Find Your Grail" with Grace mcLean. Broadwayworld has all the details.

The Physicists

At the Williamstown Theatre Festival Roger will appear in Friedrich Dürrenmatt's "The Physicists" from this Tuesday on. The cast features Roger, Mark Blum and Rob Campbell as three inmates in a mental asylum who believe themselves to be, respectively, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and John Mobius. This is a co-production with the Williams College Summer Theatre Lab, so other cast members are students.

The play runs from 7 through 18 August, with the press opening on 8 August.

The Berkshire Eagle has a short piece on the production:
Berkshire Eagle

Invasion

Roger appears as Yorish in the new Nicole Kidman film "The Invasion". Daniel Craig and Jeremy Northam also star. "The Invasion" started out as a remake of "The Invasion of the Body Snatchers", but has turned out a little different. The film opens in the US on August 17, in other countries a little later.

There is a preview and a synopsis on the official website:
The Invasion

Don Juan in Hell

The Williamstown Theatre Festival will present a reading of Don Juan in Hell by George Bernard Shaw, a free event on Monday, July 2 at 7:30 on the Nikos Stage. Roger directs the production and plays the Statue

Jim Dale (Tony Award-winner for Barnum, The Threepenny Opera) plays the Devil. Daniel Gerroll (Enchanted April, Dissonance at Williamstown) plays Don Juan. Lara Crystin Hughes plays Donna Ana.

Tickets are free and available at the Festival's website, 413.597.3400 and the Festival Box Office.

Herringbone Misfortune

The first performance of the show Roger directed for the Williamstown Theatre Festival didn't go too well last night. B.D. Wong, performing the one-man musical "Herringbone" gored his right thigh on a piano bench after about 30 minutes. He had to be taken to hospital and the show was called off.

As artistic director and director Roger addressed the audience from the stage after Wong left. "It's actually an auspicious opening to the season because we have an actor who's an actual human being and brave enough to admit he has to go to hospital . And I think we should applaud that." He continued, joking, "I could read you some sonnets."

Wong seems to be doing okay now, the show will go on again tonight.

Misalliance

Next Saturday, May 26 from 10 pm - midnight Roger will appear in Misalliance by George Bernard Shaw on 89.3 KPCC, L.A. Theatre Works’ The Play’s the Thing. Eric Stoltz, Joy Gregory, Morgan Sheppard,and Victoria Tennant also appear.

The play can be heard on the website for a week after the initial broadcast.

LA Theatre Works

Lucille Lortel Picture

The IMDb also has a picture of Roger taken at the Lucille Lortel Awards ceremony last Monday.


IMDb Roger Rees pictures

Narrows News

The IMDb has some new information on "The Narrows". The project is being filmed now in New York, and filming should end on May 30th. Roger plays the part of Prof. Reyerson.

Lucille Lortel Awards

Roger was one of the presenters at the 22nd annual Lucille Lortel Awards, honoring the best of Off-Broadway on Monday night May 7. The evening was hosted by Bebe Neuwirth and Bobby Cannavale at New World Stages.

Pictures of the event, though none of Roger are at:  
Theatermania

Happy Birthday!

Today Roger turns 63.

So, Happy Birthday, Roger!

Going Under News

From the production office:
GOING UNDER, an erotic drama set in contemporary New York, will have its San Francisco theatrical premiere at the Roxie FIlm Center from May 18-24, 2007. GOING UNDER is the story of a professional dominatrix and her psychotherapist client who break with convention and start seeing each other “on the outside”. GOING UNDER was co-written and directed by Eric Werthman, a 65-year-old first-time filmmaker and a practicing psychotherapist.

May 18-24, 2007
Roxie Film Center
3117 16th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-863-1087
http://www.roxie.com/
DIRECTOR ERIC WERTHMAN IN PERSON May 18 & 19 7pm shows.
Nightly at 7 & 9pm (no 7pm Monday May 21) Sat & Sun, 3, 5, 7, 9


And from Katie:
"Going Under" will be coming to DVD June 26th. It's being released by Blue Underground DVD.

Roger on stage at Williamstown

Roger is to appear as Sir Isaac Newton in "The Physicists" at the Williamstown Theater Festival this summer. The play was written by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, translated by James Kirkup and will be directed by Kevin O’Rourke. It will be performed on the Center Stage from August 7 to 18.

On Monday July 23 Roger will perform his one-man show celebrating Shakespeare's works, WHAT YOU WILL – AN EVENING BY AND ABOUT THE BARD at 7:30 on the Main Stage Tickets are $25, and the proceeds of this event benefit the Festival.

For more information see:

Playbill.com
Broadway.com
Williamstown Theater Festival

Berkshire Idols

Roger was a judge in the Berkshire Idols competition, a charity event to benefit four Berkshire region non-profit entities. The other judges were country music recording artist Michael Joseph and promotor John Souchack. The winner in the adult category was Jill Gallagher, youth winner was Renee Lussier.


Williamstown Theater Festival Artistic Director and Berkshire Idol judge Roger Rees with Berkshire Food Project Director Valerie Schwarz


For a full report see:  iBerkshires.com

Artspass Interview

Artspass' Richard A. Humphrey interviews Roger on their website, which you can watch on-line. It lasts almost 23 minutes and in it Roger talks mainly about his work with the Collegiate Chorale. He talks about the relationship between words and music at some length, about Shakespeare and Verdi.

Roger explains that he feels very musical, that he plays the piano and that verse-reading is music in a way. He also talks about the way performances and productions come together.

He mentions young women saying to him at the stage door: "My mother loves your work". He also confesses to leaning towards the pathetic. And he claims: "My acting style has gone out of favour."

The interview was recorded in the spring of 2005.

See: Artspass, and just scroll down almost to the end.

Collegiate Chorale Spring Benefit 2007

Roger will host "May! We Sing", the Spring Benefit 2007 for the Collegiate Chorale at The Racquet and Tennis Club (370 Park Avenue). It will feature sopranos Harolyn Blackwell and Christine Goerke. No date is mentioned, unfortunately. Does anyone know?

More information on the Collegiate Chorale's website.

The Narrows

The Los Angeles Daily News mentions that Roger is to appear in a film called "The Narrows" which is soon to go into production with Sophia Bush, Vincent D'Onofrio, Eddie Cahill and Roger Rees. It has Cahill as a New York University student and promising photographer -- whose father, D'Onofrio, wants him in the family business. Family as in mafia. It doesn't mention what part Roger is to play.


See: LA Daily News

The Treatment

"The Treatment" will go on general release in New York on May 4, other US cities follow over the summer. Roger plays Leighton Proctor in the film. "The Treatment" won the award for "Best Made in New York Narrative Feature" at the Tribeca International Film Festival last year.

The film tells the story of Jake Singer, an anxious young schoolteacher living in New York, who embarks on a course of psychoanalysis with the maniacal Argentine-Freudian Dr. Ernesto Morales, therapist from hell, who wields his heavily accented sarcasm like a machete. Ian Holm plays Morales, Chris Eigeman plays Jake.


For more information:
The official website
New Yorker Films

Ahrens and Flaherty

Roger is to appear at an upcoming benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in New York. The event, entitled "We Tell the Story: The Songs of Ahrens and Flaherty" will take place at the Lucille Lortel Theatre on April 30.

More information at: Playbill

After What You Will

picture by Carol Pratt

The Washington Post has a review of Roger's show at the Folger Theatre. Peter Marks has some criticisms, but on the whole he is very favourable.

The whole review is at: Washington Post

More on Shakespeare

Roger talks a little more about Shakespeare and his show on the Express.

What You Will

The Washington Post has a nice interview with Roger on his forthcoming one-man show "What You Will: By and About the Bard". The interviewer is Peter Marks.

Washington Post

What You Will

The Washington Post carries an announcement for Roger's Shakespeare show at the end of the month:

Tony Award-winner Roger Rees stages his one-man show celebrating Shakespeare's works, "What You Will: An Evening by and About the Bard," March 30 through April 1 at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Tickets cost $37 to $45. Call 202-544-7077

See: the Washington Post.

Grey's Anatomy

Roger is due to appear on the next episode of Grey's anatomy, playing the new competition for Chief as Dr. Colin Marlow, a British doctor, according to spoilerfix. The episode airs on March 15.

Source:
Buddy TV
Grey's Anatomy News

Broadway Bears

An announcement from Broadwayworld.com:

The 10th Annual "Broadway Bears" auction will be presented on February 11th, 2007. Once again hosted by Bryan Batt (La Cage aux Folles, Beauty and the Beast), it will take place at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill (237 W. 42nd Street). Apparently one of the bears is dressed as Nicholas Nickleby and is to be signed by Roger. Can anyone get me a picture of this?

For the full story: Broadway World.

Williamstown 2007

On January 29 Roger announced the Williamstown Theatre Festival's upcoming season at the Adams Memorial Theatre. The season features three world premieres and brings Kate Burton, Kathleen Turner and B.D. Wong to Williamstown. Roger himself will direct B.D. Wong in the one-man musical Herringbone. Roger will appear at the festival too:

"Other Events - Mondays at the Festival
In addition to the new productions on the Main, Nikos and Center Stages, the Festival has an extensive schedule of other performances and readings. Each Monday night the spotlight turns to these events.

Mon. July 30:
WHAT YOU WILL – AN EVENING BY AND ABOUT THE BARD.

Roger Rees created and stars in this one-man show celebrating Shakespeare's works. Rees incorporates hysterical, historical, and histrionic observations on the Bard by notable personalities, ranging from David Garrick to George Bernard Shaw to Stevie Wonder. This new show premieres March 30 – April 1 at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC, as part of the Shakespeare in Washington Festival."

Artistic Director Roger Rees said, “This season holds great promise. We are delighted to present our first commissioned work, a play by Crispin Whittell, a wonderful young writer. We are thrilled to welcome the return of artists richly associated with the Festival, including Kate Burton and Nicky Martin, and others yet to come. Also, it’s very exciting to welcome Kathleen Turner and B. D. Wong to our family, as they bring their rich talents and great experience to our season. The generosity and friendship of Williams College means that this year we are presenting two plays in the Center Stage, architect William Rawn’s marvelous free-form black box theater. I believe that our community in Williamstown, audiences and artists alike, will have a truly wonderful season, one that will entertain, enliven and enlighten.”

The Prestige

Travelling back from Brazil to the Netherlands I got to see "The Prestige", just before it opens in the Netherlands. Not the best way to see it, on a small screen, but good enough for me. As always, not enough Roger in the film. I quite liked the film, though I didn't really like any of the main characters. At least it is good to see Roger in a big production, and not playing a villain for once.

Christmas Carol

The latest edition of the Williamstown Newsletter contained the following announcement:

"Festival Artistic Director Roger Rees will read Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL on Saturday, December 9 at 7:00 pm in Griffin 3 on the Williams College Campus. Mr. Rees will present the version that Dickens himself performed during his day, including on his American tours. The reading will be introduced by Michael Patrick Hearn, noted literary scholar. Following the reading, Rees and Hearn will sign copies of Hearn’s The Annotated Christmas Carol which will be available for purchase by arrangement with Water St. Books. There is no admission charge. Griffin Hall 3, is at 844 Main St., across from the Williams College Museum of Art. The reading is part of the annual Holiday Walk Weekend presented by the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce. This annual event draws people to Williamstown for shopping, entertainment, and a winter weekend of holiday cheer."

Does Anybody Know?

There is a new exhibition at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of its Billy Rose Theatre Division with "Stars and Treasures: 75 Years of Collecting Theatre," a major exhibition showcasing rare and unique artifacts from the more than 9 million items in its collections. Roger is mentioned as one of the contributors, but I can't find a mention of what he has contributed to the exhibition. Does anybody know?

See: New York Public Library.

Mary Poppins

On the 16th Roger attended the opening night of "Mary Poppins" at the New Amsterdam Theatre. According to Playbill.com he "delivers the very civil cellphone warning before the show".

See Playbill.

Stoppard tribute

Roger hosted Williamstown's tribute to Tom Stoppard last Monday night at the Puck Building in New York. Broadway World has a series of pictures of the contributors at:

Broadway World

Juniper Tree

Roger will direct The Juniper Tree, a 1985 chamber opera based on a particularly gruesome Grimm fairy tale, in New York next spring. The opera was composed equally by Philip Glass and Robert Moran, the libretto is by Arthur Yorinks.

The Collegiate Chorale is presenting The Juniper Tree as part of its "American Masters" series on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 8 p.m. at Alice Tully Hall in New York City's Lincoln Center.

East Broadway

The official site for the film "East Broadway" has a small stills gallery which contains some pictures of Roger.

See the official website.

The Prestige

Roger appears in the new film "The Prestige" as Owens. Reviews so far don't always mention him, but when he is mentioned he gets a favourable review.

See the official website

The IMDb has a picture gallery, which includes this one:

"Going Under" in Boston

"Going Under" will be shown in Boston's Brattle Theater, November 17-19, 2006. The film seems to be getting only a very limited release for the moment, with short runs in just a few places.

This is what the press release says:

GOING UNDER
BRATTLE THEATER
Cambridge, MA
November 17-19, 2006
http://www.brattlefilm.org/

http://www.goingunderthefilm.com/
http://www.argotpictures.com/

GOING UNDER
Directed by Eric Werthman
Written by Eric Werthman & Jessica Gohlke
Starring Roger Rees & Geno Lechner
2004, 35mm, 98 minutes.

Peter, a psychotherapist, and Suzanne, a professional dominatrix, have been meeting once a week for over two years. In the privacy of a dungeon room in an S & M house, Suzanne delicately pierces, prods and ultimately soothes Peter as they engage in sensual dominance and submission reenactments.
Peter's wife Pat knows about her husband's other life, but there is an understanding between them; what happens in the dungeon is relegated to the world of fantasy. Peter and Suzanne, undeniably drawn to each other, agree to see each other on the outside. Though Suzanne is clearly ambivalent about any sort of physical intimacy, Peter becomes increasingly obsessed with consummating their relationship. The more Suzanne pulls away, the harder Peter finds it to let go. As they meet in coffee shops, bars and restaurants throughout New York City, Peter remembers the erotic "scenes" between them and the relationship these fantasies have to his past.

Simon Gray

Roger will appear with colleagues Richard Easton and Dana Ivey at "An Evening with Simon Gray" on Monday, October 16th at the New York Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, according to the New York Times. The free event will start at 6 PM.

The evening, which will be directed by Gray, will feature the actors performing scenes from the playwright's works (which will be introduced by Gray). His other plays include Otherwise Engaged, The Common Pursuit, Quartermaine's Terms, The Holy Terror and Wise Child.

Admission is free. Tickets will be distributed, one to a person, at the library’s entrance, beginning at 4 p.m. on the day of the event.

From: Broadway World