Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.
Kristin Chenoweth Dreamcasts Wicked Movie
There’s something about Wicked movie gossip that pairs so well with the Watch What Happens Live playhouse. Self-proclaimed pocket diva and Mistress of All Evil Kristin Chenoweth stopped by on October 17, and for the third time, talked about the inevitable film adaptation. She’s still open to playing Glinda with her former co-star Idina Menzel, but has a few recommendations if they go in another direction. Check out her picks below.
Daveed Diggs Is a Noodle, Now
Are there any TV shows that Daveed Diggs isn’t on? The Hamilton Tony winner is joining Mr. Noodle’s family on Sesame Street’s upcoming season. The former Lafayette/Jefferson will play one of Mr. Noodle’s brothers as part of the reimagined “Elmo’s World” segments. Diggs is the latest Tony winner to become a Noodle: Mr. Noodle himself Bill Irwin won a Tony for the decidedly not-kid-friendly Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and his relatives include Kristin Chenoweth, Michael Jeter and Sarah Jones. The new season of the kids’ series will premiere on HBO in January 2017.
David Hyde Pierce Recalls His Past with Bette
The Broadway-bound David Hyde Pierce stopped by Live with Kelly to discuss his upcoming gig: “A very little-known show called Hello, Dolly! with an unknown actress Bette Midler.” The Tony and Emmy winner co-starred with Midler in the film Isn’t She Great, and soon, they’ll reunite for the highly-anticipated revival. Pierce also discussed his current off-Broadway bow in The Life, which he says is about “dating, astrology, life and death” (that about covers it) at Playwrights Horizons. Check out the clip below.
Matthew Morrison Joins Actors Fund Benefit
Some new names have joined the Actors Fund benefit reading of Proud of Us and Other Short Plays by Wesley Taylor. Matthew Morrison, Julie Klausner and Rebecca Naomi Jones are now on board, filling in for the previously announced Laura Benanti, Christian Borle and Nicolette Robinson. Additional performers on tap include Skylar Astin, Carolee Carmello, Will Swenson, Michael Urie and Raven Symoné. Tony winner Billy Porter will direct the one-night-only event, which will take place on November 14 at New World Stages.
Michael Kors Is Making Roundabout Fashionable
The Stephen Sondheim Theatre is about to get extra swanky. Fashion titan Michael Kors and husband Lance Le Pere have donated $1.5 million to the Roundabout Theatre Company's Musical Theatre Fund, and in turn, RTC will name the Broadway theater’s VIP Patron’s Lounge after them. The appropriately named Michael Kors and Lance Le Pere Lounge is expected to open next year. The Sondheim Theatre is currently home to Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
P.S. Smash reunion! Tony nominees Megan Hilty and Brian d’Arcy James will perform with the New York Pops on October 22 at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts’ benefit gala. The Long Island event will honor LIU Post alumni Lisa and Rob Arning.