Behind the Curtain: Anne Hathaway set for 'Taming of the Shrew,' more

Photo credit: Anne Hathaway (Getty Images)

Hathaway
There hasn't been a major film of "The Taming of the Shrew" since the 1967 adaptation with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Now, The Wrap reported this week, Anne Hathaway, fresh from winning a Golden Globe for her acclaimed performance in "Les Mis," is slated to star in a new film of the classic play.

'Big Fish' set for B'way with Butz in the lead
"Big Fish," one of many musicals based on films that have been in development for years, is finally set for Broadway this fall. Not only did the show's producers confirm that it will play the Neil Simon Theatre, where Kathie Lee Gifford's "Scandalous" recently flopped, the cast was also unveiled, which will include favorites like Norbert Leo Butz, Kate Baldwin and Bobby Steggert.

'Drood' to hold Facebook fan vote performance
At each performance of "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," which is currently receiving a terrific Broadway revival at Studio 54, the audience votes on who murdered the title character. Via Facebook, you can now vote on who the murderer will be at the Jan. 30 performance. Anyone who votes by Jan. 24 becomes eligible to win tickets to that performance.

Second Stage to present entire 'Elliot Trilogy'
Quiara Alegría Hudes' Pulitzer-winning drama "Water by the Spoonful," currently receiving its New York premiere at Second Stage, is actually the middle segment of a trilogy about the character Elliot and his experience being a soldier in Iraq and then returning home. On Jan. 27, Second Stage will present the entire "Elliot Trilogy," with readings of "Elliot, a Soldier's Fugue" and "The Happiest Song Plays Last" sandwiching a matinee performance of "Water by the Spoonful."

'Cinderella' not a new musical
Will Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" be considered a new musical or a revival come Tony time? Although it's making its Broadway premiere and now has a new book penned by Douglas Carter Beane, this is a well-known property. It is being billed as a "new production" as opposed to a new musical, which leads me to believe its producers also consider it to be a revival.

'La Mancha' composer promoting community
Have you noticed that weird television commercial where Mitch Leigh, who is best known as the composer of "Man of La Mancha," promotes Jackson Twenty-One, a so-called "dream village" he is planning in central New Jersey that would combine residential, arts and sports spaces? He is looking for people who are interested in joining him, but warns that "if you're not a nice person, please don't call." Has anyone actually called him? Please do share.

Amusing casting for '50 Shades! The Musical'
"50 Shades! The Musical," a parody of the erotic trilogy, played a limited run last weekend at the Gramercy Theatre, which I caught on Friday night. While I can't say I found it to be a particularly noteworthy creation, I did think casting an overweight Asian male wearing spandex as Christian Grey was an unexpected and amusing choice.

Spotted ...
Katie Holmes, Ari Graynor, Edie Falco and Nathan Lane at opening night of "The Other Place."

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