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:

02:20 PM PT, Apr 22 2008

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

From The Los Angeles Times:

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

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.

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:

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."

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.

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 .

THANKS Carol!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

from Playbill.com:

By Andrew Gans April 13, 2008

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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:

"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!

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."

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!

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:"

We discovered this wonderful new tribute video on YouTube created by elenarosca who has used many pictures from AJF in the effort. We are delighted to be adding this video to our humble site. Well James Frain, I guess you've finally arrived. You've made it to a tribute on You Tube, and before turning forty!! Enjoy.

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!

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.

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.