Roastmaster General Shaun Ross Lands New Show on Comedy Central

After giving her husband the boot, Jackie needs some help from her buddies within the 4th season of Showtime's hit drama Nurse Jackie - which is what she'll get in line with the key art for that series coming back Sunday, April 8 at 9/8c. This year, Jackie (Edie Falco) will ultimately confront her addiction, but she'll be further examined by... Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Bobby CannavaleEdie FalcoJoel GreyRosie PerezGreen DayCarmelo AnthonyBillie Joe ArmstrongNurse Jackie

Whitaker may demand 'The Butler'

WhitakerForest Whitaker and David Oyelowo have been in discussions to star in Lee Daniels' "The Butler," with Whitaker playing the title role and Oyelowo as his boy. In line with the Washington Publish report by Wil Haygood, story follows Eugene Allen, the butler who offered in the Whitened House under eight presidents from 1952 to 1986. As formerly reported, The famous host oprah Winfrey is within early foretells play Allen's wife. Daniels is helming his longtime passion project from the script he composed with Danny Strong. Denzel Washington was initially mounted on star with The new sony disbursing, however the gears never meshed and Washington and The new sony fell off. Pamela Williams will produce through Laura Ziskin Productions together with Hilary Shor. Financing still needs to be arranged, so no deals are positioned with no distributor is within place -- but sources the money ought to be determined shortly having a intend to begin shooting this summer time. The casting plan is comparable to Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln subsequently" pic, having a large number of supporting gamers representing famous figures while Whitaker, Oyelow and Winfrey make the most screentime. Whitaker has remained very busy recently, with several films already wrapped and waiting for release including Lionsgate's "Last Stand" and "Pawn." Oyelowo has additionally stored working hard since his breakout role in Fox's "Rise from the Planet from the Apes," getting roles in Paramount's "One Shot" and "Lincoln subsequently." He seemed to be lately featured in Fox's "Red-colored Tails" and could be seen next in Daniels' "The Paperboy." Whitaker is repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Oyelowo is repped by ICM, Inphenate and Hamilton Hoddell. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

'Wicked' Flies on top in the Box Office, 'Mormon' Holds Steady

Duncan Stewart, director of casting at National Artists Management Company, talks about opening every submission and what he desires to see in the headshot. casting Duncan Stewart headshot NY city open distribution Duncan Steward, director of casting, talks about what he wants from an actress in the general meeting, mainly truth, likability, and inadequate ego. advice casting Duncan Stewart NY city tips Duncan Stewart, director of casting, talks about what he needs from an audition and customary mistakes stars make. advice auditions casting Duncan Stewart NY city Alaine Alldaffer reduces the particular role from the casting direcor. Alaine Alldaffer casting casting director Grey Gardens play stage theater Casting director Alaine Alldaffer talks about casting "Saved" and many types of misconceptions about just as one actor in NY City. Alaine Alldaffer casting director New you are able to city theatre play saved NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes what stars need to know before walking into an audition. (Part a few) Bernie Telsey casting director We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about concentrating on cleaning cleaning soap operas. (Part 1 of three) General Hospital Mark Teschner cleaning cleaning soap opera NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes the best way to bust your tail audition. (Part 2 of two) Bernie Telsey casting director We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about concentrating on cleaning cleaning soap operas. Just have beautiful people apply? (Part 2 of three) General Hospital Mark Teshner cleaning cleaning soap opera We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about who audition to clean cleaning soap operas. (Part 3 of three) General Hospital Mark Teschner cleaning cleaning soap opera Videos for your Back Stage News & Features section.

Winter lull for Broadway

'The Route to Mecca'Broadway experienced its worst week because the first week of 2012, with overall Rialto box office collapsing a lot more than $3.4 million and attendance lower by nearly 25,000, despite adding two new previewing productions.Unhealthy B.O. mojo was spread pretty evenly one of the 27 shows around the boards, with only hit "It of Mormon" ($1,493,754 -Up 2% and setting another house record in the Eugene O'Neill) and merely-shuttered "The direction to Mecca" ($250,244 -- a 14% uptick in the final week) growing their haul over a week ago. One of the toughest hit were the lately recast revival of "How to achieve Business Without Really Trying" ($530,319), and tourist magnets "The Phantom from the Opera" ($621,644) and "Mary Poppins" ($627,330), which were lower a lot more than 30% against a week ago. One-guy show "Shatner's World: We Simply Reside In It" did not inspire the ultimate week hurry that rose to satisfy "The direction to Mecca," because the famous actor and Priceline spokesmodel ended his three-week Broadway run having a $295,534 take (although for just six performances), lower 6%, though which was still enough to conquer out "Godspell" ($279,527, lower 22%). If there's a silver lining for legiters within this week's amounts, it is incorporated in the performance from the previewing productions. The Philip Seymour Hoffman-toplined revival of Arthur Miller's "Dying of the Salesperson" ($661,262 in seven perfs) cracked the very best 10 list in front of its March 15 opening and experienced minimal decline in comparison to a week ago, lower only 4%. Tuners "Once" ($525,050) and "Jesus Celebrity" ($370,699 for four perfs) also opened up strong, playing to almost full houses. Overall Broadway cume was $16,890,525, a rise of just about $two million against the same time frame this past year, when 26 shows were running. Attendance was at 192,998, or 75.7% capacity. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

The Rivers Paul Blackthorne Joins Arrow, Jamey Sheridan Set To Play Arrows Dad

EXCLUSIVE: The River‘s Paul Blackthorne has been tapped for a co-starring role in the CW drama pilot Arrow, a modern retelling of the story of DC Comics character Green Arrow. It stars Stephen Amell as the vigilante superhero who fights crime using archery, martial arts and technology under his secret identity as Oliver Queen, a wealthy playboy and billionaire industrialist-turned-outspoken politician in Star City. Blackthorne, repped by SDB Partners, Seven Summits & Optimism Entertainment, will play Det. Quentin Lance, the father of Oliver’s love interest Laurel (Katie Cassidy), a gruff, determined city detective who believes true justice can only come from law and order. He’s charged with bringing the vigilante known as The Arrow to justice.Because of his casting being in second position to ABC’s The River, Blackthorne is formally billed as a guest star in the Arrow pilot. Also tapped as a guest star (and probably recurring) in Arrow is Law & Order: Criminal Intent alum Jamey Sheridan, who will playRobert Queen, Oliver’s father.Susanna Thompson plays Olivers mother, Moira Queen. David Nutter is directing the pilot, written/executive produced by Andrew Kreisberg, Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim. Blackthorne is the first actor from ABC’s midseason drama The River to book a pilot. The horror drama, which premiered last month, has had rough sledding connecting with viewers and its odds for returning next season are slim. Sheridan has been recurring on Showtime’s Homeland.

ITV launches 'Selfridge' skein

LONDON -- U.K. terrestrial web ITV is wishing another Edwardian drama can repeat the prosperity of "Downton Abbey" because it introduced a tenPercent development in revenue at its production arm as financial recent results for 2011 were released. The brand new 10-parter, "Mr Selfridge," scripted by Andrew Davies, informs the storyline from the U.S. entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founding father of high-finish London mall Selfridge's. Targeted in the global TV market, "Mr Selfridge" will bow at next month's Mip TV sales mart. Maria Kyriacou, controlling director, ITV Galleries global entertainment, stated: " 'Mr Selfridge' is really a large ambitious drama with obvious worldwide appeal we are confident it will likely be a target for tv stations searching to take a position at the start of elaborate, high volume scripted content." You will find no casting particulars at the moment. With luck, the show is a large earner for ITV, whose main point here has unsuccessful to profit from "Downton Abbey" because as the web commissioned the show, it's created by NBC Universal-possessed Circus. However, ITV Boss Adam Crozier praised the perf of ITV Galleries because he outlined the hike "in non-advertising revenues of 93 million" ($148 million) as obvious proof of progress in rebalancing the web's business and how it can diversity revenue streams. Total revenues at ITV Galleries increased 10% to 612 million ($976 million), driven by worldwide production, including 111 new commissions this year, 66 within the U.K. and 45 worldwide. The ITV-brought co-manufacture of "Titanic" continues to be offered to 86 nations. Overall ITV reported a 14% rise in pre-tax profits to 327 million ($521 million) this year. Crozier stated that "over timeInch ITV might consider growing its production activities by looking into making purchases. However the focus was on organic growth and that he eliminated any curiosity about purchasing Endemol. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

5 Favorite Billy Very Performances

5 Favorite Billy Very Performances By Christy Lemire Feb 24, 2012 Photo by AP Photo/Matt Sayles La (AP) Billy Very has returned Sunday as host from the Oscars, an obligation he's held eight occasions before. By now, the 63-year-old comedian is really a professional only at that a trusted, familiar choice who's beloved and respected by his peers.And he's accomplished that status within this business through his many indelible comic roles. Listed here are five of his best. "When Harry Met Sally ..." (1989): Easily THE performance of Crystal's career. Everybody involved here's in the height of his or her forces: Meg Ryan, director Take advantage of Reiner, author Nora Ephron (who gained an Oscar nomination on her script). It's a retro romantic comedy vibe having a directness that causes it to be a contemporary classic a Woodsy Allen rip-off, yes, however with a charm its own. Very reaches his snappy, sarcastic best but he's a sweetness, too, because the neurotic Harry, who keeps having Ryan's high-put up Sally because they find it difficult to navigate the complex dating scene of Manhattan. They're, obviously, intended for one another, and Very would be a remarkably convincing romantic lead. This movie could be cast totally in a different way today. It might star Channing Tatum or Ryan Reynolds, someone great-searching. Maybe Seth Rogen. Maybe. "Monsters Corporation." (2001): Guy, this movie helped me cry. I am talking about, it's among the finest Pixar films, and Very includes a wonderful interplay with John Goodman as a few monsters who unintentionally befriend just a little girl they are designed to scare. However it requires a heart-wrenching turn, which emotional impact originates from both writing and also the performances. Very gives his voice to Mike Wazowski, a eco-friendly, one-eyed ball who appears like a hyperactive lime with spindly legs and arms. His high-pitched, whiny shtick offers the perfect contrast for Goodman's wealthy, gravelly vocal tones, and that he brings great energy for this fast-speaking, adorable little dude. "The Princess Bride" (1987): Among the finest comedies of time, obviously, along with a sentimental favorite of mine becoming an adult. Reiner's story book includes a strong ensemble cast filled with great, memorable performances. Which includes Crystal's as Miracle Max, the disgruntled former worker from the evil Prince Humperdinck who produces an enchanting pill which brings the swashbuckling hero Westley to existence. Because he's only mostly dead, the thing is. Very referred to the smoothness, together with his exaggerated nose and ears and wild, grey hair, as searching like a mix of former NY Yankees manager Casey Stengel and the grandmother. He and Carol Kane possess a lively, old-school banter like a bickering but loving couple, like something from a Borscht Belt comedy routine, even though he's only in a single scene, it is a standout. "Throw Momma In the Train" (1987): I usually respected the very fact that everybody involved here has got the decency to spot that they are stealing from "Other people on the Train," which is my personal favorite Hitchcock film. This isn't an homage, this really is outright thievery, but it is sincere, with a comic book twist. In Danny DeVito's pointing debut, he and Very co-star as two men with nothing in keeping however the wish to have someone wiped out, so that they accept swap killings to prevent suspicion. Very, who plays an author, can serve as the frustrated straight guy among bigger-than-existence figures an abusive ogre of the mother, a skittish momma's boy. And each author can connect with the anxiety of searching in a blank page (or screen) and the inability to work through the words "The evening was ...." "Cleaning soap" (1977-81): OK. Making this a little of the cheat since it is a television performance. However the role am groundbreaking, Very am good inside it and also the show am culturally significant, I'd to incorporate it. Within this night time parody of daytime cleaning soap operas, Very performed Jodie Dallas, an freely gay character functioning as a significant you'll need network television, a rarity at that time. His inclusion came critique both from religious conservatives too as gays, who thought the smoothness perpetuated some negative stereotypes. Really, he was one of the most grounded and low-key figures inside a show filled with eccentrics and melodramatic weirdoes. It had been an earlier indicator of excellent achievements in the future.Copyright laws 2012 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 5 Favorite Billy Very Performances By Christy Lemire Feb 24, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT AP Photo/Matt Sayles La (AP) Billy Very has returned Sunday as host from the Oscars, an obligation he's held eight occasions before. Right now, the 63-year-old comedian is really a professional only at that a trusted, familiar choice who's beloved and respected by his peers.And he's accomplished that status within this business through his many indelible comic roles. Listed here are five of his best. "When Harry Met Sally ..." (1989): Easily THE performance of Crystal's career. Everybody involved here's in the height of their forces: Meg Ryan, director Take advantage of Reiner, author Nora Ephron (who gained an Oscar nomination on her script). It's a retro romantic comedy vibe having a directness that causes it to be a contemporary classic a Woodsy Allen rip-off, yes, however with a charm its own. Very reaches his snappy, sarcastic best but he's a sweetness, too, because the neurotic Harry, who keeps having Ryan's high-put up Sally because they find it difficult to navigate the complex dating scene of Manhattan. They're, obviously, intended for one another, and Very would be a remarkably convincing romantic lead. This movie could be cast totally in a different way today. It might star Channing Tatum or Ryan Reynolds, someone great-searching. Maybe Seth Rogen. Maybe. "Monsters Corporation." (2001): Guy, this movie helped me cry. I am talking about, it's among the finest Pixar films, and Very includes a wonderful interplay with John Goodman as a few monsters who unintentionally befriend just a little girl they are designed to scare. However it requires a heart-wrenching turn, which emotional impact originates from both writing and also the performances. Very gives his voice to Mike Wazowski, a eco-friendly, one-eyed ball who appears like a hyperactive lime with spindly legs and arms. His high-pitched, whiny shtick offers the perfect contrast for Goodman's wealthy, gravelly vocal tones, and that he brings great energy for this fast-speaking, adorable little dude. "The Princess Bride" (1987): Among the finest comedies ever, obviously, along with a sentimental favorite of mine becoming an adult. Reiner's story book includes a strong ensemble cast filled with great, memorable performances. Which includes Crystal's as Miracle Max, the disgruntled former worker from the evil Prince Humperdinck who produces an enchanting pill which brings the swashbuckling hero Westley to existence. Because he's only mostly dead, the thing is. Very referred to the smoothness, together with his exaggerated nose and ears and wild, grey hair, as searching like a mix of former NY Yankees manager Casey Stengel and the grandmother. He and Carol Kane possess a lively, old-school banter like a bickering but loving couple, like something from a Borscht Belt comedy routine, even though he's only in a single scene, it is a standout. "Throw Momma In the Train" (1987): I usually respected the truth that everybody involved here has got the decency to spot that they are stealing from "Other people on the Train," which is my personal favorite Hitchcock film. This isn't an homage, this really is outright thievery, but it is sincere, with a comic book twist. In Danny DeVito's pointing debut, he and Very co-star as two men without a penny in keeping however the wish to have someone wiped out, so that they accept swap killings to prevent suspicion. Very, who plays a writer, can serve as the frustrated straight guy among bigger-than-existence figures an abusive ogre of the mother, a skittish momma's boy. And each author can connect with the anxiety of searching in a blank page (or screen) and the inability to work through what "The evening was ...." "Cleaning soap" (1977-81): OK. Making this a little of the cheat since it is a tv performance. However the role am groundbreaking, Very am good inside it and also the show am culturally significant, I needed to include it. Within this night time parody of daytime cleaning soap operas, Very performed Jodie Dallas, an freely gay character functioning like a major you'll need network television, a rarity at that time. His inclusion came critique both from religious conservatives in addition to gays, who thought the smoothness perpetuated some negative stereotypes. Really, he was one of the most grounded and low-key figures inside a show filled with eccentrics and melodramatic weirdoes. It had been an earlier indicator of excellent achievements in the future.Copyright laws 2012 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.