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That's right, another year has FLOWN by in the James Frain Admiration Society which is known as "About James Frain!" As usual, he hasn't dissappointed. He's managed to slip into his 40's with grace and continues to pop up all over the globe with one amazing project after another. There's no moss growing under this Essex lad!

All of us here wish to thank our many worldwide visitors who have popped in for a peek at what news and chatter we've humbly gathered on our favorite Frain. We hope that you've been informed and have enjoyed our cyber scrapbook. The updates have been a bit slower this year, but then Mr. Frain is not the only one aging! He's just doing it more gracefully than some of us. A-hem!

Your webmaster wants to take this opportunity to warmly thank the many fans who continue to contribute to the site. Carol, Teri, Jan, Lisa, at least a couple of Jens and a Katie spring to mind! It's grand company and always inspirational to find fellow Frain fans.

Carol, bless her found the following article about the Pinnacle reading on the Writers Guild site :

Writers Guild, West's Latest Seasoned Readings Series Launches with Larry Gelbart Pinnacle Premiere LOS ANGELES -- The Writers Guild of America, West launched its latest Seasoned Readings series to spotlight the work of veteran writers on June 15 with the premiere staged reading of Pinnacle , a dark comedy TV pilot which is the latest project from Writers Guild and Emmy Award-winning writer Larry Gelbart ( M*A*S*H, Tootsie, And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself ).

Drawing an SRO crowd, cast members appearing in Tuesday night's special staged reading included actors Bradley Whitford ( The West Wing ), Cary Elwes ( Saw ), James Frain ( The Tudors ), Carl Reiner ( Ocean's Thirteen ), David Paymer ( Drag Me to Hell ), Steve Sandvoss ( Latter Days ), and Erin Mathews ( Hannah Montana ), among others in attendance.

A pitch-black comedy set in UFA, the fabled German motion picture studio, as the Nazis came to power, limited-run series Pinnacle is "meant to demonstrate how a film director with a myopic, misguided ambition barely notices the suffering all about him in his pursuit of a successful career," according to Gelbart.

"This series is a godsend in an age of one 'ism' after another that today's writers are faced with," commented Gelbart on the value of Seasoned Readings and the Guild's continuing efforts to address ageism in the entertainment industry.

Presented by the WGAW Career Longevity Committee and part of the WGAW's ongoing diversity initiative, the Guild's Seasoned Readings program continues to promote, celebrate, and provide a forum for the work of older writers. The CLC's mission aims to assist writers of all ages in planning for long and successful careers by giving them the tools and knowledge to adapt to changes in the entertainment industry marketplace.

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) is a labor union representing writers of motion pictures, television, radio and Internet programming, including news and documentaries. Founded in 1933, the Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members. It is involved in a wide range of programs that advance the interests of writers, and is active in public policy and legislative matters on the local, national and international levels. For more information on the WGAW, please visit: www.wga.org.

It looks as though the afore promised Evan Handler did not make an appearence in the cast reading, plus there were a few more than mentioned. We are well impressed! Also impressive is James' new 'do.' I'm guessing it has everything to do with his current role in TR2N which he's filming in Canada. The Tudors got his head, but TR2N only took his hair! As Frain fan Jennifer says, it's definitely "low mantainence."

It seems that the busy James Frain is at it again. He's either wrapped his "TR2N" role in Canada or merely slipped away to be involved in this reading of another project in which he's involved. And in such good company too! Could the talented Mr. Frain be dipping his toes into dark edge comedy? Read on...

WHAT:
The Writers Guild of America, West's latest Seasoned Readings series kicks off with the world premiere staged reading of Pinnacle , a dark comedy television pilot that's the latest project from award-winning writer Larry Gelbart ( M*A*S*H, Tootsie ).

"This series is a godsend in an age of one 'ism' after another today's writers are faced with," commented Gelbart on the value of Seasoned Readings and the Guild's continuing efforts to address ageism in the entertainment industry.

Presented by the WGAW Career Longevity Committee and part of the WGAW's ongoing diversity initiative, the Guild's Seasoned Readings program continues to promote, celebrate, and provide a forum for the work of older writers. The CLC's mission aims to assist writers of all ages in planning for long and successful careers by giving them the tools and knowledge to adapt to changes in the entertainment industry marketplace. Upcoming Seasoned Readings are slated throughout summer/fall through 2009.

WHO:
Cast members scheduled to appear in this special Pinnacle staged reading include: Cary Elwes ( Saw ), James Frain ( The Tudors ), Evan Handler ( Sex and the City ), David Paymer ( Drag Me to Hell ), Carl Reiner ( Ocean's Thirteen ), and Bradley Whitford ( The West Wing ). Cast of Pinnacle

WHERE:
Writers Guild of America, West
7000 W. 3rd Street, 2nd Floor Multi-Purpose Room
Los Angeles, CA 90048

A big thank you! to Carol for this news. We here at AJF certainly look forward to seeing where "Pinnacle" will lead. With Larry Gelbart at the helm, dare we say - it could be good!

Thanks to our Carol, we have a link below to TV Fanatic of the complete list of submissions being put forth for the 2009 Emmy Awards. We are happy to see that James Frain's remarkable performance as Thomas Cromwell in The Tudors has earned him a place on this list. Awards are lovely and this performance certainly deserves one! We shall see if the powers that be agree! Keep a good thought.

"The new date moves the Emmys away from a weekend where CBS has an NFL doubleheader, which can delay the start of prime time on Sunday." said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS. "This is better for the live event, the broadcast and our audience at home."

The original date for the broadcast was set prior to the NFL releasing their 2009 television schedule.

Nominations for the 61st Primetime Emmys will be announced July 16 at 5:40 a.m. (PT) from the Academy's Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood.

Below is a list of the drama and comedy shows, stars, and guest stars who have been submitted for consideration in the 2009 Prime Time Emmy Awards, coming this fall.

Some submissions, obviously, are more likely to receive voter love than others. Who do you think stands the best chance of being nominated in each of these categories?

Thanks again to Carol! To read the complete list, which includes Max Von Sydow and Henry Cavill in the Supporting Actor category along with James, please go to TV Fanatic.

To see more clips from this mini-series, go here - Pilot Season. Thanks again Tilly!

The following is a brief look into the passionate and gripping Season Three finale of The Tudors. Henry is onto new women and being talked into lies about Cromwell, his Lord Great Chamberlain. In this video provided by Showtime, Thomas Cromwell is condemned as a traitor and thrown behind bars in the Tower of London.

With the final scenes still seared into our Cromwell lovin' heads, we find that the whole of Season 3 is being offered for pre-order at Amazon in the United States. Word is that it will be released sometime in the winter of 2009. So, before Cromwell fades in our memories {as if!} along with the (many) previously beheaded, we have the chance to make a spot on a shelf for this season's DVD and await it's arrival!

Series: The Tudors Format: DVD
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SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW: "The Tudors" star James Frain says although he loves stepping in the shoes of King Henry VIII's advisor, Thomas Cromwell, on the Showtime series, he's excited about getting the opportunity to work on a project his kids can enjoy.

"I'm about to go off to shoot this Disney movie 'Tron.' It's lots of effects and cool stuff like that, so I'm looking forward to that. The only thing is, I'm not allowed to really talk about it. They're all so super secretive now," he notes. "I also have a De Niro movie coming out, though I was only on it for a few days," he says of the movie "Everybody's Fine." "That was like working with the king. That's the real king."

From what Carol has been able to find out on the Internet Movie Database, "Tron" is a sequel to the 1982 Jeff Bridges film of the same name. It's currently filming in Vancouver and a 2011 release is planned. Jeff Bridges stars once again, and Michael Sheen is rumored to be involved. Although, as James Frain says, Disney is being very secretive, there are lots of articles (57 so far!) to read about the project on the News page for the original film on the Internet Movie Database. The IMDb page for the film is here - TRON 2.0

A teaser trailer was shown at the LA Comic Con in October last year and there are some less than stellar quality versions uploaded on You Tube, for those interested in going there. With the film trend these days in sequels becoming franchises, would it be too much to hope that TR2N could become TR3N, TR4N and even TR5N? Of course, with James Frain's penchant for dying on screen, he most likely won't make it past the first sequel! At any rate, what a treat this should be! Something fun for all of us kiddies! Here's hoping that he has a bit more screentime than it seems he'll have on "Everybody's Fine."

Our biggest enjoyment at the moment is the playing out of this third season of "The Tudors." Though the show is now confirmed to run a fourth season, we know this will be Cromwell's last. His portrayal of Thomas Cromwell, Lord Great Chamberlain and Earl of Essex, right hand man to King Henry has no doubt consumed his professional attention. In this season of the series we will see Cromwell rise to his highest, followed soon after by a very dramatic fall. With everything we've seen thus far, we expect to see a truly outstanding performance from James Frain in a programme that has had no shortage of amazing performances.

Thanks to Teri we have some insight into Cromwell's last days from a Tudors extra (with photos) which has appeared on the wonderful website Tudors Wiki. (Click on the link and scroll down towards the bottom of the gallery.) This photo is one of a number taken by an extra on the day of Cromwell's demise. She said of the experience, "...two day's work resulted in possibly the greatest piece of acting I have ever had the pleasure to not only witness, but be a part off, James Frain (Cromwell) was given a standing ovation for his work over the last few days...for those who enjoy the history, you will understand...his end was historically correct...I am so very proud to have been a tiny part of it...." This certainly has us on the edge of our collective seats at AJF!!

Another snippet from a Wiki thread asking for behind-the-scenes stories had one extra telling tales on James Frain - "...the actor who plays Thomas Cromwell is a wired one (once was mimicking what the executive producer said to us: 'You arent paying him enough respect. You must give him more respect by bowing more...' Cromwell (actor): (in a screeching womens voice, even though the producer wasn't a woman) 'Yes! you arent giving me enough respect!' )." Hey, those are long days those folks put in.

Teri and Lucy have pointed out another small tribute to James Frain's portrayal of Cromwell in Season Two of The Tudors from a very sensible online journal - Gerri Leen, A Writer Gets Connected. In an entry entitled Upcoming TV Shows, DVD Reviews she writes, "The most fascinating character to me is James Frain's Cromwell. So often Cromwell's played merely as an ambitious slug, and Frain brings so much dimension to the man; even when the script doesn't give him room, he finds a way to show something more in his eyes." Hear, hear! Well said Gerri Leen!

Scroll on down for more Tudors news (also added to our Tudors page) about Season Three of Showtime's best guilty pleasure.

James Frain giving THE TUDORS a bit of applause

James Frain, who stars alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers in "The Tudors," believes the show may be about historical figures from the 1500s, but it's a lot more relatable to modern day people than some would assume. Then of course when you add the cable TV twists, it becomes a lot spicier on screen than in our history books.

"What they're doing with this show is shaking up history a bit and adding this pop angle to it in a way that we can relate to these people being like us. They're finding the connections between their world and our world," notes Frain, who portrays the controversial Thomas Cromwell. "We were looking for parallels as a way of recreating the feeling of the court rather than portray the exact look of it. Sometimes if you try and do it completely accurately to the actual look and the flavor of the history, it distances you because there are lots of things about our world that are very different."

One thing that won't keep audiences away is the hunky Meyers, who certainly knows how to heat things up as the powerful, promiscuous king. "Henry VII was the rock star of his time. That's part of what Johnny's performance is all about -- creating what an equivalent character would be like today," says Frain. "These people are driven by the same things we are driven by. Like we are sexual, they were driven by passion and were confused about ideas of the world and religion and how the world should be run, what they are prepared to die for and kill for. It just goes to show human nature hasn't changed that much."

We're not entirely sure why this wee interview is refered to as " The Videoland View" but never mind, we are always happy to hear from James Frain!

Fans of period drama "The Tudors" can revel in season three, with the knowledge that a guaranteed season four in the wings.

Season two of "The Tudors" exceeded the first with more compelling storylines and building court drama. Season three sees a less vital and increasingly impatient King Henry grow tired of Anne Boleyn's replacement, Lady Jane.

The second season was defined by the unraveling of the Catholic Church and rise of Thomas Cromwell's (James Frain) power and influence; it was Cromwell, a cunning self-educated man, who was an architect of the Reformation movement in England with the introduction of religious leader Thomas Cranmer to King Henry VIII's (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) court.

These actions are the frame for Henry's courtside politics and affairs of love in season two, like season one, are a clever blend of actual history and creative commissioned entertainment at the hand of show creator and writer, Michael Hirst.

Joan Bergin, award winning designer of The Tudors

The cast and crew worked their magic at Ardmore Studios, near Dublin. The crew remains the same - and this season you will again truly appreciate the outstanding achievements of Emmy award winning costume designer Joan Bergin, who took the honor in 2007 for her exemplary work on "The Tudors."

Her craftsmanship abounds in the gowns and adornments for Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer) which are breathtaking. Boleyn had 17 major costumes along with jewels, shoes and headpieces and all these were handmade from scratch.

Bergin's eye captured the smallest details of the commoners and various court denizens. "I did a lot of research into Spanish and Italian fashion from the period. I've amalgamated Tudor style with more European influences, so overall the look is softer. ..This season we've created in the region of 1500 costume pieces," revealed Bergin. Cromwell's construction of a new religious order with Henry as ordained King and leader of the Church has drained all the once powerful Bishops and Cardinals dry, even the Pope's (Peter O'Toole) terse edicts of excommunication are to no avail.

OToole's callous and smug portrayal of Pope Paul III, a historically noted morally challenged leader, gives insight to the brewing resentments over the Catholic Church's critical mass of corruption thus bearing the rise of Protestant leaders and the Reformation itself.

King Henry gets to go madder and badder in a fourth and final season

It was the polarizing character of Anne Boleyn that unites the sub-plots and overall driving action of season two. Henry's lust gives way to his will, the Church is broken. Boleyn is now the wife and the scorn of the people who still regard Katherine of Aragon as the rightful Queen.

Boleyn's seductress charms and well-played arsenal of feminine wiles come back to haunt her; the court beauties still seduced her willing King of enormous appetites. Anne has come full circle, bears the scars and pays an ultimate price. "She's on the knife's edge through the season," explained Natalie Dormer of her character. "The stakes just get higher and higher, there is no Plan B for Anne. ..it's like 'be careful what you wish for."

There was so much to savor for season two of "The Tudors"; the performances were all keenly delivered and nearly upstage the immensely talented Irish star of the series, Rhys Meyers, with their well-written and enacted ensemble work. Notable moments were made by Natalie Dormer, Nick Dunning, Jeremy Northam, James Frain and Peter O'Toole in pivotal scenes.

The series also features stunning camera work by cinematographer Ousama Rawi and production design by Tom Conroy, who opened up the sets in this season and updated the interiors to reflect the ten years that supposedly passes between the seasons.

"There is more of a Renaissance feel to the decor and, of course, more shields and war mementos on the wall," shared Conroy. "I've also been over to England looking at the details of various National Trust Houses. For instance, I saw a basement window in Devon which I used as a tower dungeon window."

In one of the more visually arresting scenes, Conroy had to recreate a giant copper boiling pot where one unlucky cast member meets his fate. "We were looking for a large pot, but there wasn't any of a sufficient size around so we had to commission it," revealed Conroy.

"It's copper, but cleverly done to reduce the weight. We lit a fire under it and set up an elaborate pulley system for the actor to be lowered into the boiling oil, which of course was water with starch in it to create air bubbles. It was very effective."

Showtime has announced it will renew historical drama series "The Tudors" for a fourth and final season, according to Variety.

Series creator and executive producer Michael Hirst will also be back to write each episode, which will conclude the saga of King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and chronicle his final two marriages and subsequent mental instability.

The Tudors is one of the network's top-rated series, with the third season's April 5 premiere netting a cumulative total of 1.3 million viewers.

So, a fourth (and Frain-less) season of The Tudors is now confirmed. I have been assured by a number of James Frain fans that this final season holds no interest for them. To each their own!

I for one wouldn't mind seeing how the Tudor Hirst-ory plays out. After all, there are more heads to lop off, more wives to marry. All of this to see knowing the delicious irony that this male-heir obsessed monarch will be followed in line by his three legitimate children, Edward, Mary and his youngest Elizabeth, Anne Bolelyn's solitary contribution to the royal lineage. A mere girl, disregarded most of her young life - to follow her father in the longest royal reign until modern times. Talk about Tudor Girl Power!

We found this charming and interesting press release dated 24 March, 2009 from up and coming media studio

. There may be something lost in the translation, but it seems Mr. Frain did some recent work at Graffitti Studio in Bulgaria. The following is the press release as it appears on their website:

For those out of the know, the story is one of a widower who decides to visit each of his five children. Each of their lives turns out to be dramatically different from what he'd envisioned, and it reflects in his own life and in his marriage. It's about a man gaining true perspective late in life.

The Miramax comedy starring Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore, and Sam Rockwell will come out November 20th 2009.

As Teri says, "The producers must have faith in the film if it's getting a holiday release." Thanks Teri for passing on this info! James Frain has a small role in the film as a character named "Tom."

Here's a tiny bit from The Stamford (CT) Advocate online regarding "Everybody's Fine," the film that James Frain appears in with Robert DeNiro. Glad to read that it's still targeted for release this year!

Scene . . . Robert De Niro was back in Stamford recently, filming a scene in front of Nobu Florist of Stamford on Main Street for his new flick "Everybody's Fine," which also stars Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale. Most of the filming took place in Stamford last summer. Owner Margaret Cluceru chatted with De Niro. The movie is scheduled to be released this year.

That's right, a free Online peek of the seasons first episode! We have it embedded on our TUDORS page, or better yet, (for fullscreen possibilities) you can go to The TUDORS VIP. You may need to register to become a "VIP insider," and when prompted, the password for viewing is "king"

The finds just keep on coming! Carol found this spoiler alert of Season Three at - where else? - SPOILER TV.com:

THE TUDORS returns for Season 3 on SHOWTIME April 5, 2009 at 9:00 PM (ET/PT). THE TUDORS covers a short but turbulent period in the life of Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), the most notorious sovereign England has ever had.

As we start the third season, Henry is 27 years into his reign. He is at the height of his political power, but he's beset by difficulties – both personal and professional. On the political front, the ever-vulnerable Tudor Dynasty comes under threat from within. In the north of England, a make-shift army of 'Pilgrims of Grace' rise in revolt at the severity of the Reformation. In suppressing the revolution, Henry displays all his complexity as a ruler -- willing to listen but fearless to ruthlessly extinguish dissent. This period also sees the rise and dramatic fall of Sir Thomas Cromwell (James Frain), Architect of the Reformation....

This preview of Season 3 is from the excellent blog of one of our favorite Tudors fans -

The Tudors returns for its third season on Showtime early next month. I've seen the first two episodes - thanks to a preview copy from Showtime - and the series looks to be as wonderful as ever, just the mix of hard history and sweet flesh we've come to expect from this drama about one of the most important eras in our past, a time when our British ancestors clawed and fought and loved their way into the modern age.

What's most new about this season is Jane Seymour, now Queen, and now played by Annabelle Wallis (Jane was played last year by Anita Briem). I like Annabelle's performance much more than Anita's, whose Jane was bland. Annabelle has a soft, engaging power, and reminds me, in terms of accent and looks, of Princess Diana.

There are other powerful performances. James Frain returns with a superb rendition of Thomas Cromwell, Alan Van Sprang is new in the court as the feisty, piratical Sir Francis Bryan, and Max Von Sydow and his expressive face is in Rome as Cardinal von Waldberg. Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII and Henry Cavill as Charles Brandon are as good as they've been, too - which is to say, quite good.

And there are some fine ladies in court. Look for Charlotte Salt as Lady Ursula Misselden, and an outstanding nude scene, which made me glad that the FCC has not yet expanded its repressive rule to cable.

Censorship and the struggle for democracy is also very much in the air on The Tudors, where rebellion and religious intolerance serve as midwives to our ways of life. I'll be back with more after the season gets under way in April.

As Carol says - "Powerful"...."superb" -- nice words for James Frain's performance! And thank you Carol for the find!

Every so often it pays to roam around the superhighway looking for new Frain stops. We've just found this terrific video highlighting the troubled Julius Folyat from BBC's min-series "The Buccaneers" set appropriately to Coldplay's song "Clocks." For anyone having seen James Frain in this outstanding early role, his character was obsessed with clocks and trying to keep the Victorian order of the day. The video maker has made the video sympathetic to Julius's character's point of view. I know Teri will be pleased.

The following two videos are from What Rats Won't Do, the first is the trailer, the second features Bill Thomas in a very funny cricket scene, with James in it briefly. Someday, it would be glorious if this adorable film would show up on DVD, dontcha think??

This video is dedicated to the twisted tale of poor Paul Raines, man-done-wrong by Jack and Audrey on season 4 of "24." It was a roller coaster ride and a great role for Mr. Frain. It's set to Rhianna's song "Unfaithful."

This last video is a montage of the television mini-series "Spartacus" from 2004 in which James plays the slave/gladiator David. There is only a glance of him, but it's still worth a peek. The video is set to music by the beautiful English group "Mediaeval Baebes" with the song "Salva Nos."

Hi all. Thanks to a number of emails, we have belatedly learned that James has popped up on the new Sci-Fi series in the States on the Fox channel. The new series stars Joshua Jackson and is called "Fringe." The synopsis of the episode according to the YouTube clip below including Mr. Frain is as follows:

The team is called in to investigate a bank robbery when one of the thieves is found embedded in a solid wall. Walter believes they're after something of his, but things take a turn for the worse when the thieves ambush one of them.

After a series of mysterious bank robberies, a suspect is found embedded into a wall, causing Walter to realize that they have not only found a way to literally walk through walls, but are looking for something he's made in the past.

While investigating a string of bank robberies, Olivia, Walter and Peter find one of the suspects trapped inside a vault as if the wall had solidified around him, leading them to believe that a group of thieves has found a way to defy the laws of physics.

The episode recap below includes James' appearance, but WARNING - some of this is a bit gruesome.

By the way, the episode title is "Safe." Guess who's not? We do think it's safe to say that this is only a guest performance for James. Of course, this is science fiction...

Fun stuff. Gruesome, but fun. Thanks to all for the info, emails and links - Carol, Lucy, Theresa, Snippet, Google, etc. Cheers.

The Tudors will not last as long as Henry VIII had wives - six seasons, or one season for each wife - but it will come close.

The Tudors will likely last four seasons, Robert Greenblatt, entertainment president of the U.S. pay-TV channel Showtime said over the weekend.

The Tudors' second season concluded on Showtime last month, and will air on CBC-TV in the fall. Last week, the sprawling historical saga that stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the 16th century King of England earned a pair of Emmy nominations, for its casting and costumes. CBC is one of The Tudors international co-producers.

Henry VIII had six wives. They were, in order, Catherine of Aragon (annulled), Anne Boleyn (executed), Jane Seymour (died after giving birth to Henry's son), Anne of Cleves (annulled), Katherine Howard (executed), and Catherine Parr (outlived Henry).

"As we know, the wives are limited," Greenblatt said. "The first two seasons we did featured a wife per season, but the story will accelerate a little bit after that. The third season will be the next two, Anne of Cleves and Jane Seymour."

That would be Jane Seymour, the historical figure, and not Jane Seymour the actress.

"I love meeting people who think Jane Seymour, the actress, is in the show," Greenblatt said. "They know nothing about history." The final season, Greenblatt said, "will be the final two wives."

The Tudors presents the rarely dramatized, tumultuous early years of King Henry VIII's nearly 40 year, omnipotent reign (1509-1547). In addition to his famous female consorts and 20+ year marriage to Catherine of Aragon to the infamous dalliance with Anne Boleyn, the series delves in to Henry's most notable political relationship, and the deconstruction of the Roman Catholic Church in England. Several weeks ago we reported that The Tudors - The Complete 2nd Season is coming to DVD on December 30th; our information came from an early pre-order listing at Amazon.

This morning Showtime and Paramount Home Entertainment officially announced the release, confirming the provided date. The set, running 542 minutes long for 10 episodes, will come with Widescreen video, and audio available in English 5.1, English 2.0 and Spanish Mono (the same as the first season set). Package art and extras, if any, aren't available yet, but stay tuned and we'll update you when more is available.

Max von Sydow has been added to the cast of "The Tudors" for the Showtime series' third season.

the fortunate Ms. Stone will be the unfortunate Anne of Cleves

Von Sydow will play Cardinal Von Waldburg, a German-born clergyman who tries to organize the defeat of Henry VIII (played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers).

Von Sydow will be seen in four of the eight season-three episodes of "The Tudors," a Canadian-Irish co-production that's filming in Dublin. The third season of the series will bow next year on Showtime.

Other recent additions to the skein include British singer Joss Stone, who will play Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

Thanks to "Snippet," we have learned that for fans in the United States, this episode (and all others) of Law & Order: CI is available to download through Amazon.com for the nominal price of $1.99. The link to the Season 7 download purchase page is here - Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Season 7. Here are the details and link to the episode with the lovely James Frain:

When celebrity illusionist Miles Stone disappears from his own stunt, Goren and Eames must explore the exclusive and very secretive world of magic and magicians in order to unravel the mystery. Christopher Lloyd (& James Frain) guest star.

Vincent D'Onofrio, James Frain and Kathryn Erbe

Great news for Frain fans, we enjoyed some fresh Frain fare this month! It seems that just before heading off to Ardmore Studio in Dublin to become Thomas Cromwell again, James Frain fit in a guest appearance on the 7th season of the television series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." Thanks to the sluethful Teri, we discovered that he could be seen on July 20, 2008 in the U.S. in episode # 17 which is entitled "Vanishing Act."

"Internationally known magican. Charming and charismatic. Threatened by the popularity and style of Miles Stone, a young magican who has turned his back on traditional tricks in favor of extreme tests of his own endurance. When Stone's latest spectacle goes horribly awry, he is questioned by Goren and Eames (Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe) about his familiarity with Stone and his work."
(source - Fansite - The Reel Vincent D'Onofrio.com)

So, goody goody. We didn't have to wait until the next Tudors or (heaven help us) another cable showing of "Into the Blue" to get our newest Frain fix. Dean Holiday, charming and charismatic. Sounds good to us.

The premiere of this second series/season of the programme is upon us on BBC 2 Friday, 1 August at either 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM depending on where you read! By the way, we've heard that CBC in Canada is currently replaying season one of The Tudors while Canadian viewers await season two in the fall.

The 9:00 PM UK time is suggested by television listings for The Tudors at Digi-Guide.com. Everyone seems agreed on BBC 2 being the channel, and we have in fact confirmed the time online at the BBC @ TV listings page -BBC TWO, WHAT'S ON. So, 9 PM it is. At 8:00, you can enjoy a lovely hour of Gardeners' World.

The 8:00 PM time we read online at the UK-TV Guide site along with the following article:

The lavish historical drama - which takes a fresh look at the life of Henry VIII - returns for a second series. In the opener, divorce Tudor-style is imminent.

As the Catholic Church struggles in vain to control the demands for an annulment by Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers), the King appoints himself head of the Church of England. A cook is blackmailed into poisoning a high-ranking bishop; then boiled alive for his crime.

When Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer) insists Henry break all contacts with Katherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle-Kennedy), the noble Queen is banished from court.

With the third installment of Michael Hirst's vision of Henry VIII's days of infamy being filmed just outside of Dublin this summer, it's no surprise that a few court characters should pop up on the streets. Pictured here on June 19, 2008, are Henry Cavill and James Frain, Tudors veterans flanking actress Charlotte Salt -- who was rumoured to be playing wife #4, Anne of Cleves, but we now hear a whisper that she will be Lady Ursula Misseldon, merely another Henry conquest.

We know that James Frain's Cromwell is safe from our overwrought Henry's overworked chopping block until she shows up, so yes, Cromwell's days are now numbered. Could that be why Mr. Frain isn't beaming his usual lovely smile? Then again, this Anne's days as Queen are also numbered. I guess only Mr. Cavill is owning that somewhat smug smile well.

We wish them all a happy shoot and are keeping fingers crossed hoping that filming won't need to be compromised by a SAG strike.

*note from webmaster: Our "news" here at AJF is fast becoming the next Doctor Who rumour digest - or "WHO's CLUES" (thanks Carol!), with James Frain being thrown into the mix. Thanks to all from our crack AJF research team who keep finding these bits all over the web!

We have no idea what to make of this current Web rumour, but it's an intriguing idea and this first is a lovely article from the Herts and Essex Observer. The graphic tease is our own creation.

November 13, 2008
By Web Reporter

A BOOKMAKER is taking bets on a Hollywood star from Bishop's Stortford becoming the next Doctor Who - and the Observer is backing him all the way!

James Frain's odds have shortened from 40-1 to 20-1 amid internet speculation that he has been approached to become the next Time Lord.

We like this vision of a possible next Doctor Who

Intriguingly, an addition to the 40-year-old dark and brooding actor's Wikipedia page - made just after David Tennant's shock decision to quit the hit BBC show - indicated the star, who stole the show in a 1970s nativity play at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Great Hadham Road, Bishop's Stortford, had already accepted the part - but the entry has since been removed.

Former classmate and James's first leading lady, Observer chief reporter Sinead Holland, said: "James was so clever he skipped a school year and was still the smartest kid in the form.

"In our last year at St Joseph's we performed an alternative nativity called The Shepherd's Story and James was the lead. I played his nagging wife and at one point I had to chase him around the stage, threatening to beat him with a shillelagh, a traditional Irish club. I'd like to think the Cybermen and Daleks would hold no fears for him after that."

Mary Jackson, his A-level English teacher at Newport Free Grammar School, hoped a plum role and prime-time exposure in the UK would confirm the fame he has already secured in the United States.

She remembered the talented and artistic student, who was the eldest of eight children born to stockbroker dad Paul and teacher mum Geraldine, and has followed his career with interest.

The former Miss Muncie had just started teaching when she tutored James, who had been brought up in Stansted before the family moved briefly to Leeds and then back to Bishop's Stortford. She said: "James was a very good student, very intelligent and hard-working."

Mrs. Jackson said James, who is now married to American dancer and writer Marta Cunningham, was greatly influenced by drama and English teacher Richard Kitchen and worked with him, researching, writing and performing a play about a Thaxted vicar.

He went on to study English and drama at the Univer-sity of East Anglia in Norwich before graduating from London's Central School of Speech and Drama, where he was discovered by Sir Richard Attenborough, who cast him in the film Shadowlands in 1993.

He has since starred in movies such as Elizabeth, Hilary and Jackie and Where the Heart Is, where he played opposite Natalie Portman, and secured roles in high-profile TV series 24, The Tudors and Law and Order: Criminal Intent, as well as giving acclaimed stage performances - including most recently The Homecoming on Broadway.

Mrs. Jackson was intrigued by the idea that he could be the next Doctor: "I think it would be great. Although he has had a lot of very good parts, he has not yet had such a big role over here. It would be lovely to see him do something so much in the public eye - and have all his hard work rewarded."

Bookmaker Paddy Power has David Morrissey as 2-1 favourite for the role. An announcement is expected next year.

So, even with his odds improving James is currently a long shot, but it's lovely to see him amidst the gossip! We here at AJF, along with his old hometown newspaper think he would be a brilliant Doctor Who, of course. It's also wonderful to read about his early forays into acting, a thing which seems to have come naturally to him. And it's somehow little surprise to hear that he was a good, hard working student. Could there be a Frain Time Lord in our future? Only time will tell.

Posted by bagelmouseuk on 15 November 2008 at 06:53 PM in Television

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April-August 2008

QUID PRO QUO out ON DVD

THIS JUST IN!

film poster According to Amazon.com, Quid Pro Quo is due to be released on DVD come August 19, 2008. You can pre-order now, just click on the title link above. Because of it's limited theatrical release, the DVD is the most likely way most of us will have a chance to view the film. Here are some stats on the DVD:

Product Details

* Actors: Kate Burton, Nick Stahl, James Frain, Jessica Hecht, Dylan Bruno
* Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
* Language: English
* Subtitles: Spanish
* Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
* Studio: Magnolia
* DVD Release Date: August 19, 2008
* Run Time: 82 minutes
* DVD Extras: deleted scenes, commentary

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June 13, 2008 Quid Pro Quo Opens Today

James Frain as Fr. Dave in Quid Pro Quo from The (Mostly) Indie Film Calendar:

Quid Pro Quo stars Nick Stahl as a paralyzed writer investigating a subculture of able-bodied people who want to become paralyzed, including one played by Vera Farmiga. Cinematical's Scott Weinberg praised it at Sundance earlier this year. It opens today in New York and L.A.

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Today's review from The New York Post:

CRIPPLING JEALOUSY OF HIS LEGS

By LOU LUMENICK

Rating:

June 13, 2008 -- TO say "Quid Pro Quo" - a pitch-black comedy set in a subculture of New Yorkers who yearn to lose the use of their limbs - is not for all tastes is perhaps the understatement of the year.

But if you can get past the intentionally disturbing fetish theme, this Sundance veteran is a showcase for a promising new filmmaker named Carlos Brooks, as well as for Vera Farmiga, one of the best film actresses working today of whom you've probably never heard.

Farmiga, whose talents were largely squandered as the shrink-girlfriend in "The Departed," is scarily good as the glamorous Fiona, an art restorer who secretly straps herself into leg braces whenever she's alone.

Alternately charming and frightening, Fiona aims to get what she wants by seducing Isaac (a low-key Nick Stahl), a public-radio reporter who is interviewing "wannabes" after receiving a tip about a man who tried to bribe a doctor with $250,000 to amputate a perfectly healthy limb.

The unattached Isaac, who has been unable to walk since an auto accident that killed his parents when he was a child, clearly has a hard time understanding why someone would want to cripple himself.

This is especially true after a "magic" pair of vintage shoes seemingly restores Isaac's ability to walk - at the same time Fiona decides to "come out of the closet" and start living in a wheelchair 24/7.

"Quid Pro Quo" becomes more conventional at this point, as Fiona uses Isaac's discovery as leverage to achieve her not-so-secret agenda, which is hinted at a bit too heavily.

Still, this warped masochistic cousin to David Cronenberg's "Crash" - not to be confused with the Oscar winner of the same name - is well worth seeing for Farmiga's stunning performance.

loulumenick@nypost.com
QUID PRO QUO

Viva Vera! Running time: 82 minutes. Rated R (sexuality, language). At Sunshine, Houston Street and Second Avenue.

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Yes, that's right. Quid Pro Quo is opening on Friday the 13th. In New York and Los Angeles. So, if you are interested in seeing Mr. Frain in this indie film, and can manage to find a theater near you, do enjoy! Mind how you go...

Magnolia Pictures launches QUID PRO QUO film site

There is now a lovely official film site for Quid Pro Quo at the Magnolia Pictures website. James Frain has a supporting role in the film as "Father Dave." It has a good synopsis, film credits, official poster and hardy comments about the film - generated, no doubt by the film's excellent screening at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

The film is on HDNet Ultra VOD May 16th and is scheduled for a limited theatrical release beginning June 13, 2008.

Here, for good measure is the synopsis:

Isaac Knott (Nick Stahl) is a Public Radio reporter in New York City. When he was eight, his mother and father died in an automobile accident that left him in a wheelchair.

On air, Isaac recounts how he recently received an anonymous tip from someone identified only as "Ancient Chinese Girl." She tells him a perfectly able-bodied man walked into an emergency ward downtown, and attempted to bribe a doctor into amputating his leg.

As Isaac investigates the eerie tip, he encounters Fiona (Vera Farmiga) who, through her own quandary, leads Isaac to a netherworld of people afflicted with a perverse desire to be disabled. Like a contemporary noir detective film, QUID PRO QUO follows Isaac as he embarks on a dream-like journey to pull back the layers of what makes people feel whole.

The opening release date and places for the film's limited release:

Play Dates for Quid Pro Quo

Opening 6/13/2008

Los Angeles, CA: The Landmark
Santa Ana, CA: South Coast Village 3
New York, NY: Sunshine Cinema

The official site can be found at - http://www.quidproquofilm.com

The Internet Movie Database page for the film -- can be accessed here.

So, we may have to look a bit in order to see this film, but it certainly looks intriquing enough for the effort! For your viewing pleasure, we have the trailer for the film here:

EVERYBODY'S FINE

A lovely sentiment and also the name of a film project which James Frain will be popping in on. From the sounds of it, he has only a wee part, but still, he looks to be in very good company. Thanks to our Carol travelling the off roads and alleyways of the Super Highway, we have a few tidbits on the film, if not on Mr. Frain's role. That we may not know about until it comes out!?

from Variety:

Drew Barrymore and Robert De Niro on the set in Connecticut De Niro, Barrymore top 'Fine' cast

Beckinsale, Rockwell set for Miramax remake

By MICHAEL FLEMING
Posted: Mon., Apr. 7, 2008, 9:00pm PT

Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell are set to star in the Kirk Jones-directed "Everybody's Fine." Miramax Films acquired worldwide rights on the film that will begin shooting in Connecticut later this month.

The remake of the Giuseppe Tornatore film "Stanno tutti bene" was written by Jones. He came aboard when the redo was first set up by Hollywood Gang Prods. and Cecchi Gori USA (Daily Variety, March 16, 2006).

De Niro will play a widower who realizes that his deceased wife was his only connection to his children. He decides on a whim to take a road trip to reconnect with each of his grown kids, discovering that their lives are far from perfect.

Gianni Nunnari will produce with Ted Field, Vittorio Cecchi Gori and Glynis Murray. Craig Flores, Callum Greene and Mike Weber are executive producers. The deal marks Miramax's second significant acquisition of a picture that was nearing the start line. In February, Miramax agreed to team with Pathe on "Cheri," an adaptation of the 1920s novel by French author Colette that reteams "Dangerous Liaisons" star Michelle Pfeiffer, director Stephen Frears and screenwriter Christopher Hampton.

Barrymore will next be seen in "He's Just Not That Into You" and "Grey Gardens"; Beckinsale in "Nothing But the Truth," "Winged Creatures" and "Whiteout"; and Rockwell in "Frost/Nixon."

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from WTNH.com:

Movie magic at Milford rest stop

By News Channel 8's Crystal Haynes
Posted April 16, 2008 5:05 PM Milford (WTNH)

Connecticut is once again cementing its reputation as Hollywood East. A little movie magic is being made in Milford.

Robert De Niro and a star-studded cast took over a Milford rest stop. And lucky truck drivers, like Santos Martinez, ended up as part of the backdrop for Miramax's latest movie -- "Everybody's Fine."

"It's going to be good. We need something good anyway," Martinez concluded.

His rig is now in a movie -- which is not bad since he made a quick stop for a Big Mac and fries. Martinez continued, "It is exciting."

Some transportation workers even got a picture with De Niro's co-star, Drew Barrymore. Well, her stand-in, at least. "I think it's wonderful," Tekejai Grigsby, of New Haven, said. "It's good to have it here in Connecticut."

Grigsby, a budding screen play writer, stood watch outside the closed set for hours hoping to get an autograph -- and a break in the 'biz'. "I'm hoping I can meet someone out here so I can get my movie off to a good start," Grigsby noted.

Grigsby also bumped into the 'would be' Drew -- hoping to get star approval. But, as Grigsby mentioned, "She told me she's not Drew Barrymore."

It was still a great experience for Grigsby. And like so many others, more than what she bargained for driving by on I-95.

This is the second time, in a year, that a movie role has brought Robert De Niro to Connecticut. De Niro was in the state, in September, shooting scenes for the movie "Righteous Kill" -- co-starring Al Pacino.

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And finally, for a cute photo blip about who on set has bodyguards and who does not, go to Flynet Online for their Everybody's Fine -
PEEK-A-DREW Drew Barrymore on the set of 'Everybody's Fine' in Stamford Connecticut .

THANKS Carol!!

2007 ~ 2008

March 2008 - April 2008

Third Season Now Confirmed

From the Multichannel News.com:

By Order Of The King: A Third 'Tudors' Season
Production Set To Begin In Dublin During Mid-June

By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News
4/22/2008 2:12:00 PM

King Henry VIII will return for a third season on Showtime.

The premium network, as expected, is bringing back The Tudors for a third campaign in 2009. Production is slated to begin on June 16 in Dublin, with Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who portrays the randy royal, set to return. The show's first season and Rhys Meyers received Golden Globe nominations.

The announcement comes as the sixth installment of the 10-episode second season is scheduled to premiere on the linear network Sunday night. Showtime Entertainment president Robert Greenblatt told Multichannel News and then an assembled crowd at a screening in New York last month that writing had already begun on a third campaign.

"The Tudors is now a fixture for us at Showtime and we're on our way to completing the entire saga of all six wives of Henry VIII," said Greenblatt in statement. "We are enormously proud of this show, the extraordinary cast, and the production team that recreates the grandeur of the Renaissance year in and year out. There is nothing like this anywhere on American television."

During the current season, Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer), while continuing to declare his marriage to Queen Katherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle Kennedy). In turn, Pope Paul III (Peter O'Toole) excommunicates the king. However, Anne's failure to bear a male heir ultimately carries a heady price -- and sends Henry toward Jane Seymour (Anita Briem), who later becomes the third of six wives.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And from the L.A. Times.com:

'The Tudors' moves on to wives 3 and 4

02:20 PM PT, Apr 22 2008

Henry wooing wife three to be, Anita Briem and Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Showtime announced today that it is picking up a third season of "The Tudors," which will begin production in Dublin in mid-June. Season 3, which will debut in 2009, will trace King Henry VIII's marriages to Jane Seymour (Anita Briem, above) and Anne of Cleves. Star Jonathan Rhys Meyers (above) is set to return. The lavish drama is midway through its second season, which centers on Henry's ill-fated marriage to Anne Boleyn, played by Natalie Dormer.

The series has emerged as something of a calling card for the pay cable network. Robert Greenblatt, Showtime's entertainment president, told The Times recently that he'd ultimately like to extend it for four seasons, covering all of Henry's six wives. But it remains to be seen whether Rhys Meyers, who is only committed to three seasons, will sign for a fourth.

-- Matea Gold

CLICK HERE FOR THE PLAY'S OFFICIAL TRAILER

THIS JUST IN!!

THE HOMECOMING wins Special Ensemble Drama Desk Award

Press release from The Drama Desk: Monday, April 28, 2008 at 10:30 AM (ET)

53rd ANNUAL DRAMA DESK AWARDS NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED A CATERED AFFAIR LEADS LIST WITH 12 NOMINATIONS: THEATER LUMINARIES BEBE NEUWIRTH AND LEN CARIOU ANNOUNCE NOMINATIONS AT FRIARS CLUB; AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED ON MAY 18

New York, April 28, 2008—Nominations for the 53rd Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced this morning at the New York Friars Club by Bebe Neuwirth and Len Cariou, multi-award winning stage, screen and television stars. They were joined for the announcement by William Wolf, Drama Desk President, Barbara Siegel, Chairperson of the Drama Desk Nominating Committee, Robert Blume, Executive Producer of the Drama Desk Awards, and Randie Levine-Miller, Director of Special Events for the Drama Desk.

In keeping with the Drama Desk's unique mission, the nominators considered shows that opened on Broadway, off Broadway and off-off Broadway during the 2007/2008 season in the same competitive categories. Final deliberations took place at the Travel Inn, New York City.

The 2007/2008 Nominating Committee for the Drama Desk Awards is composed of: Barbara Siegel (TalkinBroadway.com and TheaterMania.com), Chairperson; Dan Bacalzo (TheaterMania.com); Robert Cashill (New York Theater News and Live Design); Celia Ipiotis (Eye on the Arts);Gerard Raymond (Back Stage and The Advocate), and Richard Ridge (Broadwaybeat.com).

Congratulations to the ensemble! Leading the slate of distinguished nominees is A Catered Affair with twelve nominations, followed by Adding Machine with nine, South Pacific and Young Frankenstein, each with eight, August: Osage County, Passing Strange, Sunday in the Park with George and The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island, tied at seven, and Xanadu with six.

The 53rd Annual Drama Desk Awards will be held Sunday, May 18, 2008, in the LaGuardia Concert Hall at Lincoln Center. The awards show will be webcast for the sixth year in a row by TheaterMania.com. It will also be broadcast live on satellite radio's XM – 28 On Broadway for the second consecutive year.

Drama Desk nominees will receive their official nomination certificates at a cocktail reception on Thursday, May 1, 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Arte Café, 106 West 73rd Street, between Broadway and Columbus Avenue.

In the Heights, which was distinguished with multiple nominations and awards last season, was considered only for new elements in the current Broadway production. Glory Days did not commence performances before the Drama Desk cut-off date and it will therefore be eligible next season.

This year the nominators chose to bestow special ensemble awards for acting to the casts of two shows –The Dining Room off-Broadway and The Homecoming on Broadway. Therefore individual cast members for these shows were not eligible for acting awards in the competitive categories. The Drama Desk maintains its tradition of acknowledging excellence in the theater by announcing special awards to: Edward Albee, James Earl Jones, 59E59 Theaters and Playwrights Horizons.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations to the splendid cast of The Homecoming ~ Ian McShane, Raúl Esparza, Eve Best, Michael McKean, James Frain and Gareth Saxe! Well done Drama Desk!

And thank you Carol for the find!

TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR THE HOMECOMING

The nominations have been announced and two of James Frain's castmates as well a The Homecoming itself have been honored with Tony Award nominations.

Nominated for 3 Awards:
Best Revival of a Play
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play Eve Best
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play Raúl Esparza

Harold Pinter's 1964 work premiered on Broadway in 1967, winning a Tony Award as Best Play.

The nominations for the 62nd Annual Tony Awards were announced Tuesday morning, May 13 at 8:30 AM by Tony Award winners David Hyde Pierce (in this Broadway season's Curtains) and Sara Ramirez (of Spamalot fame) live from The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

James Frain performing with his Tony-nominated castmates in their Tony-nominated revival According to Playbill.com:

This week will also feature the "Meet the Nominees" press reception, a chance for the New York press to interview the Tony nominees, May 14 at The Hilton New York Hotel; and the Tony Nominees Luncheon, which is open only to those nominated, on May 29. The nominees will also receive their nomination certificates at the latter event.

As previously announced, the 62nd Annual Tony Awards will be presented June 15. Tony and Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg will host. CBS-TV will broadcast the event live from Radio City Music Hall, 8-11 PM ET. (Red-carpet arrivals will begin at 6 PM).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many Congratulations to Ms. Best, Mr. Esparza and to everyone involved with the production of The Homecoming!

The official Tony Awards web site is at www.TonyAwards.com.

OUTER CIRCLE CRITICS AWARD

Excerpt from Playbill.com:

By Andrew Gans
May 12, 2008

Winners of the 58th annual Outer Critics Circle Awards were announced May 12. Top prizes went to August: Osage County, Xanadu, Young Frankenstein, Dividing the Estate, Adding Machine, South Pacific and The Homecoming.

The 2007-2008 Outer Critics Circle Award winners follow (winners names are underlined and with an asterisk)

Outstanding Revival of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) Come Back, Little Sheba Cyrano de Bergerac *The Homecoming Les Liaisons Dangereuses

The Outer Critics Circle Awards are decided upon by a group of writers "covering New York theatre for out-of town newspapers, national publications and other media beyond Broadway."

Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba and stage and screen star Sandy Duncan announced the Outer Critics Circle nominations April 21. The new Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein had earned the most nominations, ten.

Winners will be celebrated with an awards dinner May 22 at Sardi's Restaurant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eve Best and Raúl Esparza were also nominated for their outstanding performances in the play.

from Playbill.com:

The Homecoming Is Over:
Acclaimed Broadway Revival Plays Final Performance April 13

By Andrew Gans April 13, 2008

Eve Best in The Homecoming. Photo by Scott Landis The 40th anniversary revival of Harold Pinter's The Homecoming plays its final performance at Broadway's Cort Theatre April 13 at 3 PM.

When it closes, the production will have played 15 previews and 138 regular performances.

Previews of the Pinter classic — starring Ian McShane, Raúl Esparza and Eve Best — had been scheduled to begin Nov. 23, 2007, but were delayed to Dec. 4 due to the stagehands strike. The production officially opened at the Cort Dec. 16.

The 39 Steps begins performances at the Cort April 29.

Directed by Daniel Sullivan, the Homecoming company comprises McShane, Esparza, Best, Michael McKean, James Frain and Gareth Saxe. (A free run-through of The Homecoming was presented Nov. 25, 2007, at New World Stages to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. That evening featured the entire Broadway cast.)

The Homecoming stars Raúl Esparza, Michael McKean, and Ian McShane. Photo by Scott Landis Set in North London, The Homecoming, according to press notes, "concerns the ultimate dysfunctional family, presided over by its patriarch Max (McShane). Living under his dilapidated roof are his younger brother Sam (McKean), and two of his sons: Lenny (Esparza), the town pimp, and Joey (Saxe), a boxer-in-training. Tensions begin to flair with the arrival of Max's eldest son Teddy (Frain), who returns home . . . with his new wife Ruth (Best). Seduction, betrayal, and divisiveness ensue, as the family welcomes the homecoming of its estranged brother and vies for the attention of his dangerously alluring wife."

The design team features set designer Eugene Lee, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, costume designer Jess Goldstein and sound designer John Gromada.

Harold Pinter is also the author of The Caretaker, Betrayal, The Room, Ashes to Ashes and Celebration.

Gareth Saxe and James Frain in The Homecoming The Homecoming was produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Jam Theatricals, Ergo Entertainment, Barbara and Buddy Freitag, Michael Gardner, Herb Goldsmith, Terry Schnuck, Hal Thau, Michael Filerman/Lynn Peyser and Ronald Frankel/David Jaroslowitz.

The Homecoming made its Broadway debut in January 1967 at the Music Box Theatre. The production won four 1967 Tonys: Best Play, Best Direction of a Play (Peter Hall), Best Actor in a Play (Paul Rogers) and Best Featured Actor in a Play (Ian Holm). A revival was seen in 1991 at the Criterion Center Stage Right.

The Cort Theatre is located in Manhattan at 138 West 48th Street.

For more information visit TheHomecomingOnBroadway.com.

From The Los Angeles Times:

Royal intrigue! Here are 'The Tudors'' secret Emmy plans

by Tom O'Neil
April 19, 2008

Stay tuned for the episode of "The Tudors" that will air Sunday, April 27. Showtime informs Gold Derby that No. 205, "Anne's Family's Power is Jeopardized," is the one the network plans to submit to Emmy judges in the race for best drama series--if the show makes the top 10 runoff after a popular vote of 14,000 academy members, which seems likely. At that point, the strength of just one episode will decide if "Tudors" can pull off a historic breakthrough and become the first non-HBO cable series nominated for best drama series. Or best series, for that matter. None has managed to make the comedy cut either, come to think of it.

There is still time for switcheroos to be made by network execs, who are currently seeing the final season episodes, like No. 10, for the first time. So these decisions aren't royal decrees. In order to lighten the workload involved in shows officially entering the Emmy race, the TV academy asks networks to make early episode declarations, which can be changed later with ease as long as the initial filings are made on time.

It's a good thing that Showtime can change its mind about the episode planned for Jonathan Rhys Myers: last Sunday's segment, No. 203 ("Henry Marries Anne in Secret"). Yeah, it's great TV that finally gives viewers the Big Payoff of the Cranky King's wedding to Anne Boleyn, but Rhys Meyers doesn't get much screen time to showcase the kind of dramatic grandstanding that voters expect. So Showtime is also considering No. 210, whatever that is. Details haven't yet been disclosed.

Here's what happens in No. 203: Henry harrumphs, "The annulment of my marriage (to Catherine) must be declared immediately!" You see, the belly of his mistress, Anne, is ballooning fast and he needs to make a decent queen out of her, pronto.

He installs a new, wimpy Archbishop of Canterbury to make the proclamation the Pope will not, then he finally weds Anne in a quiet, vaulted place. Afterward, they proceed to the coronation, traveling by regal carriage through the empty streets of London. (Obviously, his subjects ain't too crazy about his new queenie.) An assassination attempt against Anne seems to go unnoticed.

Next comes the grandiose coronation during which Henry jumps up, snatches the crown from the archbishop and places it upon Anne's head as he booms, "With this — St. Edward's crown — I do so solemnly crown you queen of England!"

A few nights later, he cuddles up with Anne in bed, but she shoos him away, saying, "Can't now! Our baby!" His highness is not amused.

He's also not smiling with the baby is born and it turns out to be a girl. "I'm so sorry!" Anne sighs.

Randy Henry's a good sport about it, noting, "You and I are both young. With god's grace, boys will follow."

Not not anytime soon. Not with Anne. Next scene we see him eyeing the sexy Lady Eleanor, who he corners in a game of nude chess. Checkmate!

You see, this episode is fun, yes, but I don't spy an Emmy-worthy performance here. No, no, no.

The following is the full, prelim list of "The Tudors'" Emmy campaign:

'The Tudors'' Emmy strategy: The episodes

If Emmy contenders make the final runoff after a popular vote of 14,000 members of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, they must submit a sample episode to a judging panel that will determine the five final nominees. Final episode declarations aren't due until the end of May, but here is what "The Tudors" plans [as of now] Updated by LA Times on April 26, 2008:

Best Drama Series (205 "Anne's Family's Power is Jeopardized" airs April 27)
Lead Actor: Jonathan Rhys Meyers (209)
Supporting Actor: Henry Cavill (210)
Supporting Actor: Jeremy Northam (205 "Anne's Family's Power Is Jeopardized")
Supporting Actor: Nick Dunning (208)
Supporting Actor: James Frain (209)
Supporting Actress: Maria Doyle Kennedy (207)
Supporting Actress: Natalie Dormer (210)
Guest Actor: Peter O'Toole (208)

Directing: Ciaran Donnelly (205 "Anne's Family's Power Is Jeopardized")
Directing: Dearbhla Walsh (208)
Directing: Jon Amiel (209)
Directing: Jeremy Podeswa (201 "A Cook Poisons a Bishop")
Writing: Michael Hirst (205 "Anne's Family's Power Is Jeopardized")
OTHER CATEGORIES: Art Direction, Casting, Cinematography, Single-Camera Picture Editing, Hairstyling, Music Composition, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects, Stunt Coordination

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So, good to know that James Frain's Cromwell will be put forth for Emmy consideration, and the specific episode is Episode 9 (209). Hmm, just a few episodes away. He's been excellent in everything so far this season, so Episode 9 is definitely an object of anticipation here at AJF! Can't wait, can't wait.

Thanks again to Carol for uncovering the details for us.

R R R

Broadway Bids Goodbye to The Homecoming

April 14, 2008
From your webmaster:

Hello dear readers. I, your humble webmaster has decided to indulge myself in a bit of blogging. This is my Broadway Bids Bye Bye blog to The Homecoming. The forty-year-old revival that coincided with James Frains fortieth birthday.

The Cort Theatre marquee, photo by Carol On a cloudy Sunday afternoon at The Cort Theatre in Manhattan, a well-filled theater enjoyed a last opportunity to see this season's revival of Harold Pinter's "The Homecoming." The play ran from it's strike postponed beginning on December 4, 2007 until April 13, 2008. I got to see the play three times, on opening night, once in January and on it's final matinee on April 13th. This final performance was flawless. The brutal emotions onstage were riveting, broken up surprisingly, by frequent laughs. Perhaps Pinter designed roller-coasters in another life?

These six actors gave it their all, one last time, with feeling. The family tensions were very palpable, the cutting jokes dark and sharp. In the midst of this family reunion, each character seemed to be fighting to keep their little light of themself ablaze in the midst of everyone trying to rain on each others parade.

In the end, Teddy leaves defeated and bitter, his wife refusing to return to America with him to his well ordered university life. Ruth steps out of her vacant, formally defeated self by seizing the reins on this new group of men over whom she has clearly gained control. The final moment shows the surly Max's patriarchal throne being toppled by his own display of vulnerability in his admission of desire for Ruth. An act which is punctuated by the dropping of his sword-wielding cane as he himself drops to his knees. The last slow fade of the spotlight ends with Ruth at the center of this new dysfunctional family union, bringing this homecoming into a new chapter which we are gratefully not going to be witnessing. Fade to black, indeed.

cast curtain call Thirty seconds later, the stage lights come up again and the last curtain call was on. The cast was recieved by a standing ovation, with cheers as each cast member took their bow. Ian McShane asked to take a couple of minutes and thanked, well, absolutely everyone. He began with thanking the great audience (always a good start), then thanking "The Shuberts for the loan of their theater." Director Daniel Sullivan was thanked and the producers, "for their courage in bringing this show back to Broadway." He then warmly thanked many, many of the crew and production team by name, during which Michael McKean popped in a suggestion to the audience "check the fine print in the program."

Mr. McShane also thanked "these wonderful, excellent five actors" with whom he got to share the stage for the run. What a treat. It brought back old high school play excitement to witness the cast finishing up with hugs of farewell to one another. As the house lights came up some people joined them onstage as everyone else made their ways out or backstage, depending on who they were and where they were wanted, one supposes.

Confessions of a Stage-Door Virgin

The first wave at the stagedoor - Ian McShane in the distant middle left, then Gareth Saxe and Raúl Esparza I attended the plays finale with my fellow Frain fans Carol and Bianca. We three joined a mild throng outside the stagedoor after the play. It was one last chance to see this cast as they go their separate ways. I don't generally (okay, never) do the stagedoor thingie, but sought to keep my friends company. It was fun to see all the non-cast folk as they came out onto the street to be greeted by a group not waiting for them. The range of reaction was charming, some people looking almost apologetic, some amused, some plowing through trying to get on their way. One woman gave a triumphant glance back towards us as she went her way into the stagedoor! Three guys came out with some equipment. I said - "Oh, must be the band." Okay, it's not a musical, there was no band. Sometimes I like to keep myself amused. Bianca laughed. I don't think Carol heard me.

the dear Michael McKean, clearly a stagedoor professional, photo by Carol Then all at once, out came Ian McShane, Raúl Esparza and Gareth Saxe. Gareth had a bouquet of blooms and signed autographs as he scooted around to the theater doors waiting for someone, making him look more like a fan than a cast member. Very sweet. Both Ian and Raúl stopped and chatted with everyone, signing Playbills and taking pictures, talking about the performance, the run and what they'll do next. Whilst this flurry of activity was happening, Michael McKean popped out, jacket on and backpack in hand and made his way towards 7th Avenue, stopping momentarily to sign a few autographs and acknowledge a compliment or two from fans. Raúl Esparza especially seems to have quite a popular following of theater fans. It's wonderful to see the time and care they took to greet folks. But still no James.

All For Love programme After the first cast folks made their way away, many of the fans went as well. A few of us were still there waiting on James Frain and Eve Best. Our little crowd of three had a few non-Playbill items seeking an autograph. Carol had her copy of the play in paperback, Bianca had a copy of the photo that her understanding boyfriend Frank took of her and James last month and I had a programme from James' first play at the Almeida - the 1991 production of "All for Love" which was also his first professional job ever. His bio in the programme is exactly two lines long. I quote - "JAMES FRAIN Myris ~ Currently training at Central School of Speech and Drama. First professional engagement." That's it.

James greeting stagedoor fans, photo by Carol After another good five or ten minutes of waiting, during which we talked about the performance, were checking train and bus schedules and plotting our own getaways, the door opens and out comes James and his party. His wife and friends made their way to the outer edge of the wee crowd to wait. He very graciously chatted with us as people complimented the performance, his hat and talked other topics.

Zippidying some do-das on 48th Street, photo by Carol Seeing folks with Playbills and pens out, he asked "Anyone want the do-da?" When my turn came, I presented him with the seventeen-year-old Almeida programme asking "I wonder if you wouldn't mind autographing this for me?" His eyes and mouth went wide and he said "Where did you find this?!" "Online." (where else?) He immediately started craning his neck around trying to spot his wife Marta and said "I've got to show this to my wife, may I?" I said "Of course" of course, and he dashed 'round to show her, saying "Someone brought this..." I couldn't hear what else he said because everyone around us was asking "What was that?!", and I had to explain. When he came back I opened it to his wee bio where there was a nice space for his autograph. He looked on, still in wonder as did the fellow standing next to him who said"Wow," at which laughed.

Carol, James and Bianca I tried to take a photo of Mr. Frain with my play companions, but couldn't get to grips with Carol's alien camera. I was having trouble fitting their three heads in at which James suggested "Why don't we step back?" I said to him, "You're very good at this!" We checked the one I managed and James Frain said "..and we have feet!" Imagine my embarrassment. Feet! Oh dear. Then a fellow stage door fan stepped in and took the nice one. Actually he was nicely taller than me, my photo would have been a different angle even if it were properly done. I really like this one. Thank you nice stagedoor guy!

New Frain Work

Kindly signing autographs, photo by Carol Carol had the presence of mind to ask him what he is up to next. He said that they are still waiting for official word on a go ahead to film a third season of The Tudors. One possible kink being the looming possibility of a Screen Actors Guild strike. It seems everyone is having their turn this year. It's a pity that anyone has to strike and people's livelihoods are certainly worth defending. America has a proud history of striking when needed and we need to spread the capital from our capitalism.

The other work he mentioned was a small part - "..just a small something," he said - in an upcoming Robert DeNiro film - Everybody's Fine which will be filming in Connecticut. So, hopefully everything will be fine and James and his fans will have some new things to look forward to. The final do-da-day, photo by Bianca

He winded up the autographs and pictures and finally made his way towards the corner with his group. There were a last couple of folks holding out for Eve Best to make an appearence, but our work was done!

James as Cromwell at the Sheraton We thanked the fellow who helped with the camera and before saying goodbye, decided to take a three-block walk to the Sheraton to see if the Tudors publicity castle was still wrapped around the base of the hotel. It was, we gazed, snapped pictures and it seemed a fitting way to end the afternoon. We three bid farewell to one another, the doorman at the Sheraton helped me into a cab and I made my way home.

So, I can personally say that I find James Frain to be a gracious, charming man with the most lovely blue eyes in addition to being a brilliant actor with a serious gift for accents. And there are witnesses to back me up. I believe we can also confirm that his Broadway debut hasn't ruined him! It was a pleasure to meet him.

TUDORS SEASON TWO PREMIERE SCREENING

The Frains on a working night off from Broadway On Wednesday, March 19 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City, Showtime hosted a screening and party of the premiere episode of the new season of The Tudors. Many of the cast were there - star Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the incomparable Peter O'Toole, Natalie Dormer, Henry Cavill, David Alpay and James Frain who must have gotten an excuse note for the night off from The Homecoming. Also in tow were Tudors costume designer Joan Bergin and writer Michael Hirst along with other Showtime actors in current projects, such as Billie Piper - "Secret Diary of a Call Girl" and Tracey Ullman - "Tracey Ullman's State of the Union." Showtime has graciously provided the video above so that we may share it with you here.

We love the comment by Henry Cavill as to what he attributes the success of the series; "I would guess it's just the excellent writing of Michael Hirst and the acting abilitiy of most of the cast." "Most" of them Henry? Geez man, way to support your fellow thesbians! LOL!

Here below is another video report of the screening party as provided by Hollywood Live Video.

World Premiere of "The Tudors" Season 2

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TUDORS SEASON 2 PREVIEW ONLINE NOW

That's right, as of Sunday, March 16, Showtime has added a preview of the premiere episode from Season Two online. After a good 5 minutes or so of catch-up in a "previously on The Tudors" segment, we are treated to an "edited" (for content or time, we don't know) version of the premiere. What fun!

It opens in London, 1532 in the midst of Henry's battle with the Catholic Church over his desire to divorce Queen Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. Enjoy!

You can access each episode from Season One from the following site as well as the premiere episode above. We are not certain if these previews are viewable only on North American computers, so give it a try and see! THE TUDORS EPISODES ONLINE.

Having watched it, let me just say that it worth the wait. The plot thickens and we are introduced to a few new characters. Peter O'Toole in his first wee snippet is elegant perfection! As for James Frain's increasing role, let me let our Carol give her impression:

James Frain as Thomas Cromwell, Season Two "I watched the Season 2 Episode 1 preview and it did not disappoint! Chock full of the requisite and by now justifiably expected intrigue and cruelty and death and gems and baubles and cleavage and suggestive glances and probable creative history and sex and best of all this time, lots of Thomas Cromwell! James Frain walking his incomparable walk, in tights, no less! Curls! Gorgeously nuanced facial expressions and subtley delivered lines. As is his talent, he immediately, single-handedly elevates the pith quotient, watchability and overall caliber of this super soap!!

On behalf of the king as well as to his own benefit, Thomas Cromwell witnesses, participates in and even generates some fairly unpleasant business, putting it mildly. It is due to the great talent of James Frain that we are able to detect conflict and even regret in this chilling character. As always, James Frain enables us to experience exactly what his characters are feeling, and allows us to still see their humanity even as we watch them perform their foulest deeds. What could be bad?

Enjoy!
Best--
--Carol"

Thanks for the preview review! And thank you Carol for relaying the info on the preview to us. So, go, go! Make a nice hot cup of something, grab the comfy computer chair and enjoy!

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Showtime Planning Third Season for The Tudors

We've heard and read some tantalizing promises of a third season already being "greenlit"; here is one source from a Variety article by Liz Smith:

Posted: Wed., Mar. 26, 2008, 4:48pm PT
The network is already planning a third season, minus the unfortunate ladies, Anne and Catherine, who meet their respective ends this year. Jonathan says, "I hope season three focuses on the rebellion in Scotland, where you see Henry fight for a change." I wondered if the series would touch on the pathetic Katherine Howard, the second wife to lose her head? Jonathan couldn't say, but did remark that Mistress Howard "absolutely deserved to be beheaded. Anne Boleyn was executed because there was no other way to get out of that. She couldn't give him a son and that was the reason for the marriage. But Katherine Howard earned her beheading. She was a little nymphomaniac. She had over one hundred lovers in the palace!" Now, I begged to differ with Jonathan; she'd had a number of indiscreet affairs before and, alas, during her marriage to Henry, but a "nympho" a "hundred lovers?" The actor was adamant and I let it go -- you don't argue with Jonathan Rhys Meyers! He did soften slightly, "Well, she was very young and silly, the poor thing had no concept of 'wed and bed' -- she didn't see she was doing anything wrong, Henry being rather gross by then." Jonathan spoke glowingly of Maria Doyle Kennedy, who plays Catherine, and infuses her every moment with dignity and strength, "Isn't she magnificent?!" he exclaimed. And of the delectable Natalie Dormer, as Anne, he insists, "season two belongs to her. She owns it; she plays it like a harp and broke down walls with this performance."

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So, before Season Two is even officially begun, we have the promise of a third installment of our favorite history-meets-modern-fantasy classic in the making. Sex, politics and religion?! What are they thinking? Michael Hirst, sharpen your pencils, buy some fresh doodle pads and check your computer for disk space! Perhaps all of you extras in Dublin should look at your calendars and keep your summer open!

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THE TUDORS SEASON TWO Preview featuring James Frain

The following features interviews with many of the actors appearing in the upcoming season, including James Frain. Meet the cast from Season Two of The Tudors, in "Royal Cast of Characters:"

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Quid Pro Quo News

James Frain as Fr. Dave in QUID PRO QUO This lovely snippet just appeared on January 29, 2008 at the IMDb messageboard for Quid Pro Quo:

"At Sundance writer/director Carlos Brooks and one of the producers confirmed that it will be distributed in about May 2008.

It's great that you mention James Frain because Carlos couldn't say enough good about him. Frain's part is small but well-played."

So, no more details than that, but so good to read that the film should be popping up in theaters beginning in May. Also, always lovely to hear some Frain appreciation!

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DVD of The Front Line Released in February

The Front Line DVD The 2006 David Gleeson film, strarring Eriq Ebouaney and James Frain is now released on DVD in North America and in the UK as of February 12, 2008. It's a bit of an odd film to have come out just before Valentines Day, but we'll be happy for the chance to see it at last!

For those who don't know the story - it takes place in Ireland, an African immigrant bank security guard turns the tables on Dublin's nastiest criminals when they force him to be the "inside man" on a bank robbery. And yes, James Frain gets to play "Eddie" the nastiest of the nastiest criminals. He's such a good baddie. Go here to read our review page on The Front Line.

The DVD is available at:

AMAZON.COM in the United States,
AMAZON.CA in Canada and
AMAZON.CO.UK in Europe.

From Playbill News, Playbill.com:

Tony Committee Announces More Eligibility for 2008; Morton and Dunagan in Best Actress Slot

By Kenneth Jones
22 Jan 2008

The Tony Awards Administration Committee met Jan. 17 for the second time this season to decide the eligibility of 14 Broadway productions for the 2008 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

In one of the rulings sure to prompt fan buzz, Chicago actresses Amy Morton and Deanna Dunagan, of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's August: Osage County, were deemed eligible in the same category — Best Actress in a Play. Dunagan plays the braying pills-and-booze-addicted mother to Morton's middle-aged daughter.

Among the committee's determinations:

Raúl Esparza, Michael McKean, James Frain and Gareth Saxe will all be considered in the Featured Actor in a Play category for their performances in The Homecoming.

the cast of The Homecoming All other decisions were consistent with the opening night credits. That is, only actors whose names appear above the title are eligible for nomination in the Leading Actor/Actress categories. Producers must petition the Administration Committee in order to change actors' eligibility status.

This is the second time the Tony Award Administration Committee has met this year. It will meet two more times to discuss the eligibility of shows opening in the 2007-2008 season. The cut-off date for eligibility is May 7, and nominations will be announced on May 13.

The 62nd Annual American Theatre Wing's Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards will be broadcast live on the CBS-TV network from Radio City Music Hall on June 15.

The official Tony Awards web site is at www.TonyAwards.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, wonderful news that the entire cast of The Homecoming are eligible for consideration! Good luck one and all. To read this article in it's entirety, just click on the playbill link above.

The HOMECOMING on Broadway until Sunday April 13, 2008

James after a Sunday matinee in January at The Cort Theatre. THANKS James and Jan! Just a reminder to one and all, we are just a few weeks away from the end of this wonderful Broadway revival. This strictly limited engagement has been having a great run and just gets better and better as the weeks go on. This brilliant cast has managed to thrive despite strike delays and the always challenging East coast winter season. If you find yourselves able to attend, we strongly urge you to get a ticket or three, put on your theater-going best and head to the Cort Theatre before April 13.

the Birthday boy and Bianca We can only imagine what the experience has been for James Frain in his Broadway debut. From the looks of this photo on the right taken by Frain fan Jan (Frain femme from Canada!), he seems to be enjoying his winter in New York thus far. Hopefully his future will see a return to the Great White Way so that we fans in the States can enjoy more live performances.

Thanks to Frain fan Bianca, we also have a peek at birthday boy James in this photo to the left. Bianca attended the performance of The Homecoming on Mr. Frain's 40th birthday. She had the opportunity to meet him as he came out the stage door, chatted a bit and even had the chance to give him a birthday card. What fun. He is, by her account, " the most kind and gracious actor I've ever encountered. Very level headed and so appreciative of his fans." Thank you for sharing your meeting Ms. Bianca!

The still 39-yr-old James Frain and Jennifer As is fitting a kind and gracious actor, he has even more fans who have found their way to The Cort Theatre of late. Just two days before his Broadway birthday, Jennifer attended a performance of The Homecoming and had the chance to meet Mr. Frain. (Funny, he doesn't look a year younger in this picture!) He autographed her Playbill and before he left she mentioned to him that she was really excited for season two of The Tudors and he said "Thanks, it comes on in two weeks." She wished him a good night and told him again that he did an amazing job and away he went towards Times Square.

To read more about The Homecoming, please visit - the official website for THE HOMECOMING.

To go directly to Telecharge for tickets to the play, please go to TELECHARGE.

A New Preview video at BWW

from Broadway World:

BWW Video Show Preview: The Homecoming

This brief video features scenes and audio from The Homecoming, a fleeting glimpse into the twisted tale that passes as a family reunion in Harold Pinter's Broadway revival. Whoo Hoo!! Click onto the photo to view the video. If you have Internet Explorer, this can be viewed full screen.

To read the accompanying article, click here - BWW News Desk - Homecoming Video Preview

Thanks to Carol for the find!

The Tudors

Second Season of The Tudors to Air in U.S. March 30

The premiere of The Tudors Season Two is upon us! It will premiere in the U.S. Sunday, March 30, only on Showtime.

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CHECK OUT PREVIEW CLIPS FOR SEASON TWO

Showtime has kindly given us this link to their teaser videos for Season Two. The first clip entitled "Future Queen", shows Henry promising Anne the future she has been longing for and lays the groundwork for the meat of Season Two.

James can be seen in a number of the clips as Cromwell in his increasingly important role as Henry's right hand man. He gets to do King Henry's dirty work banishing people thither and yon, and will no doubt get the ball rolling in a beheading or two. Well, for as long as he keeps his own head about him at any rate.

Click on the picture to access the video clips. Enjoy!

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from Rope of Silicon.com:

DVD out January 1, 2008! By: Brad Brevet
Tuesday, January 1, 2008

The Golden Globe nominated Showtime series "The Tudors" is a lot of fun, but trust me when I tell you that this is a sex-filled look at the life of Henry VIII. Written by Michael Hirst, who penned the first Elizabeth feature, "The Tudors" stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as Henry and he is just a complete psycho with a ton of power. I am not much of a historian, but I have to believe a lot of liberties have been taken with the truth behind the actual events that inspired this show, but I'll be damned if I didn't enjoy these 11 first season episodes.

BUY IT AT AMAZON

ALSO at SHOWTIME!!

For an AMAZINGLY thorough review of this first season's DVD, please head over to Ultimate Disney.com for a review by Aaron Wallace.

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Happy Birthday James!!! Many Happy Returns of the Day - 14 March!

Happy 40th!!!

"Life begins at 40 - but so do fallen arches, rheumatism, faulty eyesight, and the tendency to tell a story to the same person, three or four times."

Helen Rowland (English-American writer, 1876-1950)

And just one final thought Mister Frain - should you find yourself bemused by the age 40, just think of yourself as 20 times 2!

CHEERS!

February 2008 - March 2008

New Video Report

Broadway Beat has aired an episode Online on January 7 featuring new footage of Richard Ridge interviewing James Frain and the entire cast plus director Dan Sullivan from The Homecoming opening night after party on December 16. Click HERE at Broadway World.com or on the picture to access the video report.

Thanks again to our Carol for spotting this new find!

For the rest of our news on The Homecoming, please see our coverage below.

Two New Video Reports

Carol spotted a new addition to Mr. Frain's page at IMDb including him in an online video report of Broadway Beat, hosted by Richard Ridge. We found a good link for the programme here: "BROADWAY BEAT on Broadway World.com" It's footage from the first rehearsal in November which the press were invited to join and has each cast member and director Dan Sullivan introducing us to this revival speaking briefly about the play, Pinter and their characters. James is quite animated and all involved share their enthusiasm for their new roles.

The other is a Video Feature for Broadway.com covering the after party from Opening night, December 16 at Bond 45, Opening Night: The Homecoming. It again features fun snippets with James, cast and director chatting at the after party on opening night, plus we get to glance scenes from the performance of The Homecoming. Very nicely done Broadway.com!

And nicely done Carol, great finds!

the latest on The Homecoming:

from Playbill.com:

"Dysfunctional Families" of Osage County and Homecoming to Be Part of March 7 Drama Desk Panel

Sardi's on W. 44th St. By Adam Hetrick
15 Feb 2008

Cast members from Broadway's August: Osage County and The Homecoming will take part in the upcoming Drama Desk panel discussion Friday, March 7.

Drama Desk member Elysa Gardner Entitled "Broadway's Dysfunctional Families," the panel will feature August: Osage County author Tracy Letts and cast members Amy Morton and Sally Murphy as well as The Homecoming's Raúl Esparza, James Frain and Ian McShane.

The sit-down luncheon will be held at Sardi's beginning at 11:45 AM; the panel discussion takes place from 1-2:30 PM. Drama Desk member Elysa Gardner, theatre critic for USA Today, serves as moderator.

Space is being allotted for non-Drama Desk members. Tickets for members are $35 and $45 for non-members. Interested parties should e-mail wolf@wolfentertainmentguide.com.

Sardi's is located at 234 West 44th Street in Manhattan.

*
The Drama Desk, organized in 1949, presented its first awards in 1955. It is the only theatre organization whose awards are competitive equally in the same categories for Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway and not-for-profit theatre productions.

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So, this seems like a fun chance to share a good meal at the famous Sardi's with some wonderful actors and fellow theater lovers to discuss fictional crazed family members. A refreshing change from the annual holiday feast we many of us have in real life where we simply share a good meal and try NOT to discuss the crazed family we are at table with. If you are free on March 7 and have the spare dosh for the ticket, this sounds like a great time!

December 2007 - January 2008

The Homecoming, Opening Night at the Cort Theatre

Reviews Are Coming In

Opening night has finally happened! The Cort Theatre was filled to near capacity despite the weather. The Nor'easter storm was the insult on top of the injury of the stagehands strike threatening to spoil the already re-scheduled opening night. Happy to say, it failed to keep most ticket holders from attending. AJF's webmaster was in attendence along with the often mentioned Carol and her daughter Sophie. Sophie got this shot (to the right) of the play's poster in front of the theatre.

It was a wonderful treat to be able to see James Frain's Broadway debut as he sinks his teeth into the role of Teddy in this revival of Harold Pinter's 40-year-old play. The 1960's costumes suit him quite nicely. If all goes well, he'll be donning them eight times a week until April 13 of this limited run.

The Cort on opening night I shall resist the temptation to give you my own detailed first impression. This is the first Pinter play I've seen and the reality of the content will be something I'll be sorting out for a while yet. I read the play before attending tonight's performance. It took a decided "turn" on page thirty one and you pretty much have a roller coaster ride from there. It is only eighty two pages long, yet manages to fill up just over two hours on stage, all of it riveting. I can say with certainty that it was very well done by this excellent cast. It was also very well recieved by the audience.

We have a page of reviews and articles for play, below are some quotes from various reviews. To read the articles in their entirety, please go to THE HOMECOMING REVIEW PAGE. This can also be accessed through our Theatre page.

Opening Night Photos

Arrivals

The Cort Theatre, opening night
Click for photos of Arrivals Curtain and After Party

Backstage call board, Photos by Walter McBride
Click for Photos of The curtain call and after party.

" As the first-rate revival that opened Sunday night at the Cort Theater makes electrifyingly clear, The Homecoming is every bit as big as its reputation....the fine cast assembled for Daniel Sullivan's new production including Eve Best and Raúl Esparza in benchmark performances grasps the power of holding back in making a fathoms-deep impression....Mr. Saxe and Mr. Frain are superb as the dopey, brawny Joey and the disdainful, uxorious [uxorious adj. Excessively submissive or devoted to one's wife.] Teddy. Like their fellow cast members they give archetypal characters revelatory and particularizing shading."
The New York Times

James Frain outside Cort Theatre on Opening night, photo by Sophie Schwartz " The director's lucid, unblinking work is matched by a riveting ensemble, their vileness inching under the skin in ways as psychologically disturbing as they are theatrically bracing....Ruth's intuitive understanding of those conflicting needs -- of how suspicion of her sexual power feeds the men's urge to humiliate and dominate her, but also how their lust and their sad need to be mothered makes them easy prey -- allows her to remain in command, even as Frain's spineless Teddy looks on in festering silence."
Variety

" Even if the material isn't necessarily to my liking, the acting is stellar....James Frain is a wonder. He is always in control, his voice mastering the subtle irony of his character.
blog - Adventures in the Endless Pursuit of Entertainment"

" There's plenty to chew on about power, sex, morality, misogyny and family, which Pinter, a 2005 Nobel Prize winner, serves up with signature intelligence, mystery and ambiguity.....Daniel Sullivan's astute direction captures the distinct rhythms of Pint-er's dialogue, as the production casts a strange spell that grips you tight....McKean gives Sam poignancy, while Frain's reserve feels right for the intellectual Teddy. The robust Saxe is well cast as the tongue-tied Joey, an amateur boxer who, unlike his dad, never mastered 'how to defend and to attack.'"
The Daily News

"What do you think of the room? Big, isn't it?" Teddy (the excellent James Frain) says, when he introduces Ruth (Eve Best) to the place...Best's articulate energy raises Frain's game. His Teddy unearths from the script's buried treasures something new to me: he makes us see the ruthlessness of Teddy's indifference.
John Lahr, The New Yorker

Eve Best was a sensational Josie Hogan last season in a revival of Eugene O'Neill's "A Moon for the Misbegotten." As Ruth, she's a different kind of earth mother, more erotically charged, yet distant and forbidding....James Frain turns in a fine, deceptively understated performance as her acquiescent husband
The Associated Press

...Ian McShane's creepily mercurial Max, James Frain's tantalizingly self-contradictory Teddy and Eva Best's trifle too studiedly paradoxical Ruth. Raul Esparza, remarkably diverse in leading- man roles, adds, as Lenny, frightening if somewhat overloud villainy to his repertoire. Michael McKean's Sam shuttles aptly between self-confidence and befuddlement and Gareth Saxe's Joey can be as dumbly apathetic as stupidly aggressive.
John Simon, Bloomberg.com

It's a fascinating and entertaining piece, but the play, 40 years on, has not worn as well as I would have expected. ...Yet it's difficult to imagine an all-over better cast or a more persuasive reading; led by McShane's ugly and embittered patriarch, Esparza's smoothly confident Lenny, Frain's shiftily ambivalent Teddy and the wonderful Best, whose smugly conspiratorial smile, caps the play's ending.
Clive Barnes, New York Post

McShane is excellent as Max, who wields a cane and a brutal tongue to compensate for his declining virility. ...Raul Esparza makes a potently pathetic Lenny, delivering Pinter's trademark pauses with as much rhythmic instinct as he's shown in his varied musical theater roles. James Frain's Teddy has a deadpan poise that makes him convincing both as Max's and Lenny's intellectual superior and their willing sap. Gareth Saxe's rougher, sweeter Joey adds a sense of vulnerability, and Michael McKean's taut performance as Max's brother Sam adds to the tension and humor....Eve Best rounds out the cast, literally and figuratively, as Ruth. Last seen in New York as the awkward, mannish Josie in last spring's revival of A Moon for the Misbegotten, Best revels in the chance to show off her feminine fire — and a great pair of legs — without sacrificing the air of coolness and control also required by the part.
USA Today

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THIS JUST IN!

QUID PRO QUO to Premiere at Sundance 2008

James Frain as Fr. Dave Anyone remember this one? James Frain has the part of "Father Dave" in this indie film which was filmed in October of 2005. Indie films, as we know, can take a long and winding road to an actual theater. Finally, we have news of this film being premiered in the U.S., and at an excellent venue - The Sundance Film Festival in January of 2008. There are four screenings listed beginning on January 20. Hopefully this will evoke some larger interest and we may be able to see the film appearing in theaters outside of Park City, Utah sometime in the not-too-distant future. Here are the details from November's press release:

Released: 11/29/07

2008 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FILMS IN THE PREMIERES, SPECTRUM, NEW FRONTIER AND PARK CITY AT MIDNIGHT SECTIONS

Vera Farmiga and Nick Stahl in Quid Pro Quo Park City, UT—Sundance Institute announced today the lineup of films screening at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival in the out-of-competition sections of Premieres, Spectrum, New Frontier, and Park City at Midnight. The 2008 Sundance Film Festival runs January 17-27, 2008 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah. A complete list of the films is available at Sundance Institute's website at www.sundance.org/festival.

As previously announced, the Festival opens on January 17 in Park City with the world premiere of IN BRUGES, written and directed by first-time feature filmmaker and award-winning playwright, Martin McDonagh. With an international cast starring Ralph Fiennes, Colin Farrell, and Brendan Gleeson, IN BRUGES tells the suspenseful, twisted tale of two London hit men ordered to take a forced vacation in Bruges, Belgium, and how their subsequent time in exile goes awry. On Friday, January 26, the Closing Film screening in Park City signals the Festival's final weekend. This year's Closing Film is the world premiere of Neil Young's CSNY DÉJÀ VU which examines Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's connection to its audience in both political and musical terms, and the relationship between Vietnam-era sentiment and today's political environment.

The Salt Lake City Gala on Friday, January 18 will feature the world premiere of THE GREAT BUCK HOWARD, directed by Sean McGinly and starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich and Emily Blunt about a law school dropout who answers an advertisement to be a celebrity's personal assistant.

"It is impossible to describe in one word the full tapestry of films presented in this year's Festival, particularly in the out-of-competition categories," said Geoffrey Gilmore, Director, Sundance Film Festival." In an enormously eclectic way these films reflect the role cinema can play as an international language transcending borders of class, race, culture, and religion."

"This is going to be a festival rich in talent," said John Cooper, Director of Programming, Sundance Film Festival. "Independent film has reached a new plateau, from the filmmakers who tell stories that are fresh and unique, to a lineup of the best actors working today. Sundance audiences are going to see a range of work: both from those pushing the envelope of established careers and those soon to be discovered this January."

PREMIERES

To showcase the diversity of contemporary independent cinema, the Sundance Film Festival Premieres section offers the latest work from American and international directors and world premieres of highly anticipated films.

Among the Dramatic films screening in Spectrum category are:

QUID PRO QUO/ U.S.A. (Director and Screenwriter: Carlos Brooks)—A paraplegic New York public radio reporter becomes involved with a mysterious woman while researching a story about able-bodied people who secretly yearn to be paralyzed. Cast: Nick Stahl, Vera Farmiga, Kate Burton. World Premiere

FILM DESCRIPTION: Quid Pro Quo is a dark, puzzling tale of strangers who crash into one another's lives and transform them forever. Isaac, a paraplegic, is a popular New York City public-radio reporter who is investigating a story from an anonymous source about a man who walked into a hospital demanding that his leg be amputated.

While pursuing the story to satisfy his own probing curiosity, Isaac meets the strikingly beautiful and mysterious Fiona, a restoration artist. Isaac's investigation not only initiates a relationship with Fiona but also leads him into the strange subculture of "wannabes," those longing for wholeness—or lack thereof—in rather peculiar ways. Will Fiona lead Isaac to answers about this underworld of seekers, or will their stormy association push him toward a more painful truth?

In his sleek directorial debut, Carlos Brooks confidently navigates the delicate line of the psychological thriller genre with the help of eerie and convincing performances from Vera Farmiga and Nick Stahl. Quid Pro Quo does not celebrate or sensationalize the subculture it portrays but instead explores the human psyche and allows the audience to ask questions. Brooks takes us on a journey to explore our desires, find order in disorder, and exhume the need to restore normalcy to a society we find ourselves ostracized from.

CAST:
Nick Stahl, Vera Farmiga, Kate Burton, James Frain, Aimee Mullins, Pablo Schreiber

SCREENINGS:
Sun. January 20, 5:30pm, Library Center Theatre, Park City
Mon. January 21, 11:30am, Holiday Village Cinema II, Park City
Fri. January 25, 8:30pm, Prospector Square Theatre, Park City
Sat. January 26, 7:30pm, Broadway Centre Cinemas VI, SLC

To read the entire list of Festival films please go to the Sundance Film Festival website.

IMDb page for Quid Pro Quo -- CLICK HERE, or click onto the link in the widget to your left!

Lastly, here is an interesting sneak preview of the film in an online feature - HDNet Movies Sneak Preview. It's a 26 minute program previewing several HDNet films which are soon to be released, including Quid Pro Quo. FYI, the Quid Pro Quo preview is the last one seen in the feature, beginning at minute 16:02 to 21:22, to be exact. It's an intriguing first glance.

Flash required for viewing.

November 2007

from Playbill.com:

Three-Play Subscription Offered for August, November and The Homecoming

By Adam Hetrick
10 Dec 2007

Broadway can partially thank Jeffrey Richards — the lead producer behind August: Osage County, The Homecoming and November — for what many are calling the year of the play. Audiences can also thank Richards for a unique commercial-theatre subscription offer to all three.

Richards and his producing partners have created a three-play subscription that allows theatregoers to purchase orchestra or front mezzanine tickets to all three plays at $199.

With most Broadway orchestra seats selling for $120, and a few others more than doubling that sum for special seating, the new subscription is something of a steal — and an uncommon offer from the commercial sector. Subscriptions are usually associated with not-for-profit theatres or tour presenters in regional markets. The deal boasts the latest work from David Mamet, the 40th anniversary revival of Harold Pinter's Tony Award-winner, and one of the most highly praised critical debuts for a drama in recent memory.

August: Osage County at the Imperial is the praised Steppenwolf import by Pulitzer Prize nominee Tracy Letts. The family drama under the direction of Anna Shapiro stars Ian Barford, Deanna Dunagan, Kimberly Guerrero, Francis Guinan, Brian Kerwin, Dennis Letts, Madeleine Martin, Mariann Mayberry, Amy Morton, Sally Murphy, Jeff Perry, Rondi Reed, and Troy West.

Golden Globe Award-winner Ian McShane and Tony-nominee Raúl Esparza join Eve Best (A Moon for the Misbegotten), Michael McKean, James Frain, and Gareth Saxe for the 40th revival of Harold Pinter's provocative The Homecoming under the direction of Daniel Sullivan. Currently in previews, The Homecoming opens Dec. 16 at the Cort Theatre.

Finally, David Mamet and Joe Mantello are reunited for the politically-inspired November, starring Tony winner Nathan Lane. The latest work from the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Glengarry Glen Ross, set days before the presidential election, also stars Laurie Metcalf, Tony-nominee Dylan Baker, Ethan Phillips and Michael Nichols. November begins previews Dec. 20 in anticipation of a Jan. 17 opening at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

Further information on the subscription series is available by visiting www.3greatplays.com. To purchase tickets by phone call (212) 947-8844 and mention code "PLAY3."

AT LAST!!!

this article is from Playbill:

Broadway's Homecoming Rehearses in Anticipation of Dec. 4 First Preview

By Andrew Gans By Kenneth Jones
29 Nov 2007

The revival of Harold Pinter's The Homecoming — which had been scheduled to begin its limited Broadway engagement Nov. 23 but was unable to do so because of the stagehands strike — is currently in technical rehearsals prior to its first preview, which will be held Dec. 4.

As previously reported, the rest of Broadway will be up and running Thursday, Nov. 29.

Homecoming will officially open at the Cort Theatre Dec. 16 at 7 PM.

A free run-through of The Homecoming was presented Nov. 25 at New World Stages to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. That evening featured the entire Broadway cast: Ian McShane, Raúl Esparza, Eve Best, Michael McKean, James Frain and Gareth Saxe.

Set in North London, The Homecoming, according to press notes, "concerns the ultimate dysfunctional family, presided over by its patriarch Max (McShane). Living under his dilapidated roof are his younger brother Sam (McKean), and two of his sons: Lenny (Esparza), the town pimp, and Joey (Saxe), a boxer-in-training. Tensions begin to flair with the arrival of Max's eldest son Teddy (Frain), who returns home after six years with his new wife Ruth (Best). Seduction, betrayal, and divisiveness ensue, as the family welcomes the homecoming of its estranged brother and vies for the attention of his dangerously alluring wife." Daniel Sullivan directs. The design team features set designer Eugene Lee, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, costume designer Jess Goldstein and sound designer John Gromada. Daniel Sullivan directs.

Harold Pinter is also the author of The Caretaker, Betrayal, The Room, Ashes to Ashes and Celebration.

The Homecoming is produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Jam Theatricals, Ergo Entertainment, Barbara and Buddy Freitag, Michael Gardner, Herb Goldsmith, Terry Schnuck, Hal Thau, Michael Filerman/Lynn Peyser and Ronald Frankel/David Jaroslowitz.

The Cort Theatre is located in Manhattan at 138 West 48th Street.

November 27, 2007

Show Hosts Free Reading To Support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

While producers and stagehands worked toward a deal to end the Broadway strike, stars of one show put on a performance for a good cause. NY1's Lindley Pless filed the following report.

cast of The Homecoming at Sunday's benefit read-through While the lights stayed out on many of Broadway's biggest shows Sunday night, at New World Stages on 50th Street one performance went on.

"I think it's a major theatrical event. We were supposed to begin previews Friday night, but of course, with the strike, we were not able to," said Jeffrey Richards, producer, "The Homecoming."

It wasn't a traditional show with make-up, costumes, and lighting, but instead, a reading of "The Homecoming." Tickets were free, but donations were encouraged for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

"I think it's an extraordinarily important relationship. If this wasn't happening – if there was no a strike for example, the actors, nightly, at the Court Theatre, where 'The Homecoming' will be playing would be taking buckets out at the end of the show and asking patrons if they had enjoyed the performance to contribute to this very worthy organization," said Richards.

An hour before curtain call, crowds anxiously waited to see the actors arriving.

"This is my first reading. I haven't seen a reading before, but I'm really excited to see the difference between – I'm going to go see the production in a couple weeks, obviously, and see what the differences are. I think it will be a lot more exciting," said a ticket holder.

Because tickets were given out free of charge, those attending the show say they would undoubtedly give more money to Broadway Cares this year.

"I think Broadway Cares is great, and I think one of the tough things about the strike is that it came at the time that the collecting was going on," said a ticket holder. "So I absolutely will make a donation tonight to Broadway Cares. I think that it's great that they're doing this, and that it's connected to that makes it even better."

Because of the strike, Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares, says the group has raised a lot less than usual this year. That's why it's even encouraged people to donate online, and the show that raises the most money will win the prestigious Gypsy of the Year award.

"The cast actually, from what I understand, was so eager to be in front of an audience they came up with the idea of doing the free rehearsal tonight. After which they are going to do an appeal for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, which we are thrilled about," said Viola.

He hopes the actors, who took the time to offer donation buckets to patrons after the show, will be able to collect a little extra for the cause. Raul Esparza is one of the stars of the show, which is scheduled to open on Broadway December 13th. He says the theater community has a big heart when it comes to giving back.

"It's an organization that we support every opportunity that we get," said Esparza. "Every actor that I've worked with on Broadway has been so proud to contribute to and contribute to the community. And you do benefits and you say what you can and you go where you go and you collect all the time."

For more information, visit Broadway Cares.

- Lindley Pless

from Broadway World.com:

'The Homecoming' Offical Bway Website Launched

Posted Wednesday, November 7, 2007 by BWW News Desk

The 40th Anniversary revival of Harold Pinter's Tony Award-winning masterpiece The Homecoming launches its website today at http://TheHomecomingOnBroadway.com.

The site will feature cast and creative bios, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, a blog kept by the actors and director, and a special video trailer. The newsletter will also include exclusive discount offers.

The Homecoming star Golden Globe Award-winner Ian McShane ("Deadwood"), two-time Tony-nominee Raul Esparza (Company, The Normal Heart), Tony-nominee Eve Best (A Moon for the Misbegotten), Oscar-nominee Michael McKean (The Pajama Game, Hairspray), James Frain ("The Tudors", The Count of Monte Cristo) and Gareth Saxe (Heartbreak House).

The award-winning design team will include Eugene Lee (Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Candide), Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Glengarry Glen Ross), Jess Goldstein (The Rivals, Henry IV) and John Gromada (Rabbit Hole, Enchanted April).

The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesdays at 7PM, Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8PM, Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 2PM, and Sundays at 3PM. Tickets are priced at $26.50 - $98.50 and are currently available through www.Telecharge.com.

Tony Award-winner Daniel Sullivan (Stuff Happens, Rabbit Hole, Proof) directs the production which begins performances on Friday, November 23. It will officially open on Thursday, December 13 at the Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street) for a 20-week limited engagement thru April 13.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The website is looking very good indeed. The blog feature should be particularly fun. It will be interesting to read the creative folk and cast takes on things. Now, if they could just get James Frains name right, that would be grand. Right now in the cast bios, the alternate text identifies him as Gareth Saxe. I know that Gareth Saxe is Gareth Saxe, but I really don't believe that James Frain is also Gareth Saxe. Do these actors all look alike to the webmaster? Let's just hope James gets to bring home his own paycheck and doesn't have to share one with Gareth!

Also from Broadway World.com:

Photo Flash: Charlie Rose & 'The Homecoming' Honor Pinter

by BWW

James and wife Marta honour Pinter at the British Consulate The 40th anniversary revival of Harold Pinter's The Homecoming recently began rehearsals. A special event was held last night, Sunday October 28 at the British Consulate Residence in honor of Harold Pinter. Charlie Rose, a dear friend of Pinter's and the last person to conduct a major interview with the playwright, was the featured guest and screened their most recent interview (from last fall). Pinter is currently in England and was not on-hand for the event.

"Undoubtedly Pinter's most sexually provocative work, The Homecoming is an edgy and compelling tale of lust, betrayal and seduction, telling the story of a dysfunctional family that welcomes the homecoming of its estranged brother and competes for the attention of his dangerously alluring wife," explain press notes.

The cast includes two-time Tony-nominee Raul Esparza (Company, The Normal Heart), Golden Globe Award-winner Ian McShane ("Deadwood"), Tony-nominee Eve Best, Oscar-nominee Michael McKean (The Pajama Game, Hairspray) and Gareth Saxe.

Tony Award-winner Daniel Sullivan (Rabbit Hole, Proof) directs the production which begins performances on Friday, November 23; opening Sunday, December 9 at the Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street) for a 20-week limited engagement thru April 13.

The award-winning design team will include Eugene Lee, Kenneth Posner, Jess Goldstein and John Gromada.

To see the rest of the wonderful photos by Elon Rutberg of this event, go to the the article at BROADWAY WORLD.COM.

A GAZILLION thanks to Carol for some great googling in finding this latest Frain fare!

A BIG mwah!!!

Behind the scenes video at Broadway.com

Click photo to link to video at Broadway.com
Thanks to Frain fan Jan, we have news of this new video taped at the October 22 read through of the play which the press were welcomed to. It's a lovely video with input from the whole cast and director Daniel Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan and his cast give their personal comments on Pinter, family and the relevance of the revival of this 40 year old drama.

This is a great chance to see James Frain, Ian McShane, Eve Best, Michael McKean, Raul Esparza and Gareth Saxe as they begin donning the cloaks of their newly revived Pinter people.

Snippet from the Village Voice
Thanks to Teri, we have news of a wee snippet of an interview which appears within a gossip column written by the always engaging Michael Musto in the Village Voice. My favorite old-time cutting-edge underground Village paper which has become a mainstay of culture in the City.
Just a few witty and sometimes urbane comments from James and director Daniel Sullivan gathered at the open rehearsal on October 22, we've added it to our Press page. Have a peek.

So, the time is finally upon us. James Frain is headed to Broadway. Let's hope it feels like a real homecoming for Mr. Frain who will be returning to the stage after a 5 year absence since his turn as Edmund in King Lear. To the cast - break a leg one and all!

October 2007

Public run-through of The Homecoming Nov. 25
Frain fan Tina just alerted us to this bit of good news. Here's the info from Playbill.com:
Free Performance of The Homecoming Will Be Presented Nov. 25 to Benefit BC/EFA
By Andrew Gans
21 Nov 2007
A free run-through of the upcoming Broadway revival of The Homecoming will be presented Nov. 25 at New World Stages to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The evening will feature the cast of the Broadway revival, which had been scheduled to begin performances Nov. 23 at Broadway's Cort Theatre. Because of the strike, previews have been delayed, although the show is still aiming for an official opening Dec. 13.
Ian McShane, Raúl Esparza, Eve Best, Michael McKean, James Frain and Gareth Saxe will perform the Harold Pinter drama at 8 PM at the Off-Broadway venue. Following the run-through, an appeal will be made for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, whose fundraising drive has been severely affected by the current strike.
Set in North London, The Homecoming, according to press notes, "concerns the ultimate dysfunctional family, presided over by its patriarch Max (McShane). Living under his dilapidated roof are his younger brother Sam (McKean), and two of his sons: Lenny (Esparza), the town pimp, and Joey (Saxe), a boxer-in-training. Tensions begin to flair with the arrival of Max's eldest son Teddy (Frain), who returns home after six years with his new wife Ruth (Best). Seduction, betrayal, and divisiveness ensue, as the family welcomes the homecoming of its estranged brother and vies for the attention of his dangerously alluring wife." Daniel Sullivan directs.
Tickets will be handed out at 6 PM at New World Stages, located in Manhattan at 340 West 50th Street. Only the first 300 people who show up will be admitted — one ticket per person.

Thank you Tina!

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