Odds & Ends: Richard Eyre Taps Lydia Leonard, Remembering Broadway Cheerleader Joan Rivers & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Richard Eyre Taps Lydia Leonard
The U.S. may be winding down for Labor Day weekend, but lots of news was announced across the Pond this morning! Lydia Leonard, who received a Tony nod last season for Wolf Hall, will headline Henrik Ibsen’s Little Eyolf at London’s Almeida Theatre. The new version, created by theater legend Richard Eyre, will also star Jolyon Coy, Sam Hazeldine, Eve Ponsonby and Eileen Walsh. A forensic examination of a marriage as it explosively falls apart, the production will run November 19 through January 9, 2016. Opening night is set for November 26 and we'll keep a close eye on this one, as with these talents on board it could well transfer to the West End. Other productions slated for the Almeida's winter 2015-16 season include a new version by Robert Icke of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, starring Paul Rhys.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses Cast Set
Staying in London for a moment...Sex, intrigue and betrayal are now on the menu for Una Stubbs, Adjoa Andoh, Theo Barklem-Biggs, Morfydd Clark, Edward Holcroft and Jennifer Saayeng, who will join the previously announced Michelle Dockery, Janet McTeer and Dominic West in Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Christopher Hampton’s classic stage adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos’ scandalous 1782 novel will be directed by Josie Rourke and run December 11 through February 13, 2016. Opening night is set for December 17 at the Donmar Warehouse.

Cameron Mackintosh's Tribute to Kyle Jean-Baptiste
British mega producer Cameron Mackintosh’s Mackintosh Foundation has bestowed a substantial gift to the previously reported scholarship fund set up in memory of Kyle Jean-Baptiste at his alma mater, Baldwin Wallace University. Also recently announced is an October 5 show at New York’s 54 Below, Bring Him Home: Celebrating Kyle Jean-Baptiste. Performers including Steel Burkhardt (Aladdin), Chris McCarrell (Les Miserables) and Jillian Kates (Wicked) will sing songs from Baptiste's audition book from college as well as songs he loved. All proceeds will go directly to Baptiste’s family to help with funeral costs. Buy tickets here.

Remembering Broadway Cheerleader Joan Rivers
Legendary comedian and Tony nominee Joan Rivers died a year ago today on September 4, following surgery complications. A long-time Main Stem cheerleader, she sat down with Broadway.com's own Paul Wontorek back in 2013 to dish all about smooching Barbra, celebrities who need to "get it together" and her theater addiction. Check out the interview with the much-loved star below.