Mark Simon, a longtime casting director for stage productions on Broadway and at Los Angeles’ Center Theatre Group, died July 16 in Los Angeles. He was 70.
His death was confirmed by Broadway publicist Adrian Bryan-Brown.
Launching his theater career as assistant general manager at Manhattan Theatre Club, Simon subsequently worked at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater and for the Off-Off Broadway Alliance, now known as Art-ny.
Simon was a co-producer of the 1986 revival of Joe Orton’s Loot, directed by John Tillinger. The production started at the Manhattan Theatre Club Off Broadway and subsequently transferred to Broadway’s Music Box Theater with a cast including Zoë Wanamaker, Zeljko Ivanek and, in his Broadway debut, Alec Baldwin.
As the founder of Mark Simon Casting and, before that, as a casting director at Johnson/Liff & Associates, Binder Casting and Livent, Simon worked on such Broadway and Off Broadway productions as The Sweet Smell of Success and Ragtime.
His death was confirmed by Broadway publicist Adrian Bryan-Brown.
Launching his theater career as assistant general manager at Manhattan Theatre Club, Simon subsequently worked at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater and for the Off-Off Broadway Alliance, now known as Art-ny.
Simon was a co-producer of the 1986 revival of Joe Orton’s Loot, directed by John Tillinger. The production started at the Manhattan Theatre Club Off Broadway and subsequently transferred to Broadway’s Music Box Theater with a cast including Zoë Wanamaker, Zeljko Ivanek and, in his Broadway debut, Alec Baldwin.
As the founder of Mark Simon Casting and, before that, as a casting director at Johnson/Liff & Associates, Binder Casting and Livent, Simon worked on such Broadway and Off Broadway productions as The Sweet Smell of Success and Ragtime.
- 7/26/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Faye Dunaway has been fired from the previously Broadway-bound one-woman play Tea At Five, Deadline has confirmed.
In a statement, producers Ben Feldman and Scott Beck said of their decision: “The producers of ‘Tea at Five’ announced today that they have terminated their relationship with Faye Dunaway. Plans are in development for the play to have its West End debut early next year with a new actress to play the role of Katharine Hepburn.”
The Dunaway project was announced in December — on the very same day the stage version of Network, based on the movie that won Dunaway an Oscar, opened on Broadway — with the actress set to star in the revival of Matthew Lombardo’s Hepburn bio-play.
Dunaway, her reputation for being difficult and temperamental long established, performed the play in a pre-Broadway tryout in Boston from June 22-July 14. A final-week performance was canceled without explanation.
But unnamed...
In a statement, producers Ben Feldman and Scott Beck said of their decision: “The producers of ‘Tea at Five’ announced today that they have terminated their relationship with Faye Dunaway. Plans are in development for the play to have its West End debut early next year with a new actress to play the role of Katharine Hepburn.”
The Dunaway project was announced in December — on the very same day the stage version of Network, based on the movie that won Dunaway an Oscar, opened on Broadway — with the actress set to star in the revival of Matthew Lombardo’s Hepburn bio-play.
Dunaway, her reputation for being difficult and temperamental long established, performed the play in a pre-Broadway tryout in Boston from June 22-July 14. A final-week performance was canceled without explanation.
But unnamed...
- 7/24/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Faye Dunaway is coming back to Broadway. And she’ll be playing Katharine Hepburn.
In a brief and surprise announcement, producer Ben Feldman dropped the news that Dunaway, after an absence of more than 35 years from the Broadway stage, will play Hepburn in the Broadway premiere next summer of playwright Matthew Lombardo’s one-woman-play Tea at Five. The play, in a new version by Lombardo written for this production, will be directed by the Tony-nominated John Tillinger.
Tea at Five will play a strictly limited engagement in the summer of 2019. Additional information, including the complete creative team, dates, and theater will be announced early next year.
The announcement comes on the very day that director Ivo van Hove’s Broadway production of Network is set to open. The 1976 film version won Dunaway an Oscar.
Dunaway’s last appearance on Broadway was in 1982’s The Curse of an Aching Heart, a...
In a brief and surprise announcement, producer Ben Feldman dropped the news that Dunaway, after an absence of more than 35 years from the Broadway stage, will play Hepburn in the Broadway premiere next summer of playwright Matthew Lombardo’s one-woman-play Tea at Five. The play, in a new version by Lombardo written for this production, will be directed by the Tony-nominated John Tillinger.
Tea at Five will play a strictly limited engagement in the summer of 2019. Additional information, including the complete creative team, dates, and theater will be announced early next year.
The announcement comes on the very day that director Ivo van Hove’s Broadway production of Network is set to open. The 1976 film version won Dunaway an Oscar.
Dunaway’s last appearance on Broadway was in 1982’s The Curse of an Aching Heart, a...
- 12/6/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
An apologia, playwright Alexi Kaye Campbell reminds us in his play so titled, is a defense, not an apology. With that in mind, would any play need an apologia beyond the words “Stockard Channing?”
You wouldn’t think so, and you’d be close to right, but Apologia, directed by Daniel Aukin and opening tonight at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Off Broadway Laura Pels venue, could use some bolstering nonetheless.
Channing reprises a role she created in London, and we can mostly see what’s held her interest through the voyage. Her Kristin Miller is an irascible, razor-edged leftist and second-wave feminist, a 60-something, take-no-prisoners survivor of an era when being Germaine Greer was a viable career option.
Such trailblazing doesn’t come without sacrifice, though. Or, in Kristin’s case, sacrifices, to be more accurate. An art historian by trade, social critic by temperament and pioneer by circumstance,...
You wouldn’t think so, and you’d be close to right, but Apologia, directed by Daniel Aukin and opening tonight at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Off Broadway Laura Pels venue, could use some bolstering nonetheless.
Channing reprises a role she created in London, and we can mostly see what’s held her interest through the voyage. Her Kristin Miller is an irascible, razor-edged leftist and second-wave feminist, a 60-something, take-no-prisoners survivor of an era when being Germaine Greer was a viable career option.
Such trailblazing doesn’t come without sacrifice, though. Or, in Kristin’s case, sacrifices, to be more accurate. An art historian by trade, social critic by temperament and pioneer by circumstance,...
- 10/17/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
On Broadway and beyond, a curtain can rise as quickly as it can fall; a star can be swapped as easily as Bernie Telsey can say, “That’s enough.” Theater is the beating heart of New York show business and, if you want to make it here, it’s crucial you’re up to date on incoming projects, latest castings, and other industry news. Don’t worry, Broadway baby, Backstage has your back. Every week, we’re rounding up the can’t-miss stories no thespian should live without, so you can focus on important matters like hitting your high F. Curtain up and light those lights! Dancy does Off-Broadway.Full casting has been announced for Roundabout Theatre Company’s upcoming “Apologia.” The New York premiere production, direct from its successful run in London, will star Hugh Dancy along with previously-announced Tony Award winner Stockard Channing (the latter reprising her role from the U.
- 8/2/2018
- backstage.com
Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the complete cast of the Off-Broadway premiere production of Apologia, by Alexi Kaye Campbell The Pride, with direction by three-time Obie Award winner Daniel Aukin Bad Jews, Skintight. Joining the previously announced Tony amp Emmy Award winner Stockard Channing as Kristin are Hugh Dancy as Peter and Simon, Megalyn Echikunwoke as Claire, Talene Monahon as Trudi, and John Tillinger as Hugh.
- 8/1/2018
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Hugh Dancy will join the previously announced Stockard Channing in this fall’s Roundabout Theatre production of Apologia, Alexi Kaye Campbell’s West End hit.
Also newly cast in the play is Megalyn Echikunwoke (of the upcoming feature Night School).
Performances of the play begin Thursday, September 27, with an official opening Tuesday, October 16. The limited engagement runs through December 16 at the Roundabout’s Off-Broadway Laura Pels Theatre.
Also announced for the cast today were Talene Monahon and John Tillinger. Daniel Aukin directs.
The production marks the New York debut of the play about a woman facing the repercussions of her past. Channing stars as Kristin Miller, a former radical activist and political protester turned art historian whose new memoir threatens to split her family apart.
Dancy, who will play the roles of Peter and Simon, starred as Will Graham on NBC’s Hannibal. He’s appeared on Broadway in Journey...
Also newly cast in the play is Megalyn Echikunwoke (of the upcoming feature Night School).
Performances of the play begin Thursday, September 27, with an official opening Tuesday, October 16. The limited engagement runs through December 16 at the Roundabout’s Off-Broadway Laura Pels Theatre.
Also announced for the cast today were Talene Monahon and John Tillinger. Daniel Aukin directs.
The production marks the New York debut of the play about a woman facing the repercussions of her past. Channing stars as Kristin Miller, a former radical activist and political protester turned art historian whose new memoir threatens to split her family apart.
Dancy, who will play the roles of Peter and Simon, starred as Will Graham on NBC’s Hannibal. He’s appeared on Broadway in Journey...
- 8/1/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Damian Arnold, presents the Broadway premiere of Marc Camoletti's classic farce Don't Dress For Dinner, starring Ben Daniels as Robert, Patricia Kalember as Jacqueline, Adam James as Bernard, David Aron Damane as George and Jennifer Tilly as Suzanne with Spencer Kayden as Suzette. Don't Dress For Dinner is adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by John Tillinger. Don't Dress For Dinner began previews on March 30 and opens tonight, April 26, 2012 at the American Airlines Theatre.
- 4/27/2012
- by Review Roundups
- BroadwayWorld.com
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Damian Arnold, presents the Broadway premiere of Marc Camoletti's classic farce Don't Dress For Dinner, starring Ben Daniels as Robert, Patricia Kalember as Jacqueline, Adam James as Bernard, David Aron Damane as George and Jennifer Tilly as Suzanne with Spencer Kayden as Suzette. Don't Dress For Dinner is adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by John Tillinger. Don't Dress For Dinner will began previews on March 30 and opens officially tomorrow, April 26, 2012 at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway. This will be a limited engagement through June 17, 2012.BroadwayWorld brings you performance highlights below...
- 4/25/2012
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Preview performances begin tonight for Roundabout Theatre Companys Broadway premiere production of Marc Camolettis classic farce Dont Dress For Dinner, starring Ben Daniels as Robert, Adam James as Bernard, Patricia Kalember as Jacqueline and Jennifer Tilly as Suzanne with Spencer Kayden as Suzette and David Aron Damane as George. Dont Dress For Dinner is adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by John Tillinger.
- 3/30/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Damian Arnold, will present the Broadway premiere of Marc Camoletti's classic farce Don't Dress For Dinner, starring Ben Daniels as Robert, Patricia Kalember as Jacqueline, Adam James as Bernard, David Aron Damane as George and Jennifer Tilly as Suzanne with Spencer Kayden as Suzette. Don't Dress For Dinner is adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by John Tillinger.Check out interviews with the cast and creative team below...
- 3/29/2012
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Damian Arnold, will present the Broadway premiere of Marc Camoletti's classic farce Don't Dress For Dinner, starring Ben Daniels as Robert, Patricia Kalember as Jacqueline, Adam James as Bernard, David Aron Damane as George and Jennifer Tilly as Suzanne with Spencer Kayden as Suzette. Don't Dress For Dinner is adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by John Tillinger.The cast and creative team just met the press and BroadwayWorld brings you full photo coverage of the festivities below...
- 3/15/2012
- by Walter McBride
- BroadwayWorld.com
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Damian Arnold, will present the Broadway premiere of Marc Camoletti's classic farce Don't Dress For Dinner, starring Ben Daniels as Robert, Patricia Kalember as Jacqueline, Adam James as Bernard, David Aron Damane as George and Jennifer Tilly as Suzanne with Spencer Kayden as Suzette. Don't Dress For Dinner is adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by John Tillinger.The company just met the press and BroadwayWorld was there for the big event. Check out interviews with the cast and creative team below...
- 3/15/2012
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Damian Arnold, will present the Broadway premiere of Marc Camolettis classic farce Dont Dress For Dinner, starring Ben Daniels as Robert, Melora Hardin as Jacqueline, Adam James as Bernard and Jennifer Tilly as Suzanne with Spencer Kayden as Suzette. Dont Dress For Dinner is adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by John Tillinger.The cast and creative team just met the press and BroadwayWorld was there for the big event. Check out a photo preview below and be sure to check back later for full coverage...
- 3/15/2012
- by Walter McBride
- BroadwayWorld.com
Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Damian Arnold, has announced casting for the Broadway premiere of Marc Camolettis classic farce Dont Dress For Dinner, starring Ben Daniels as Robert, Melora Hardin as Jacqueline, Adam James as Bernard and Jennifer Tilly as Suzanne with Spencer Kayden as Suzette. Dont Dress For Dinner is adapted by Robin Hawdon and directed by John Tillinger.
- 2/2/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Roundabout Theatre Company Todd Haimes, Artistic Director, in association with Damian Arnold, is pleased to announce the Broadway premiere of Marc Camoletti's classic farce Don't Dress For Dinner, adapted by Robin Hawdon, directed by John Tillinger. The cast will be announced soon.Don't Dress For Dinner will begin previews on March 30 and open officially on April 26, 2012 at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway 227 West 42nd Street. This will be a limited engagement through June 17, 2012.
- 11/8/2011
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Westport Country Playhouse will reunite six audience favorites---playwright Alan Ayckbourn, director John Tillinger, and cast members Paxton Whitehead, Cecilia Hart, Geneva Carr and Carson Elrod---in the classic comedy, "How the Other Half Loves," playing July 28 through August 15. Over the past two seasons, the popular team brought to the Playhouse the smash hit comedies "Time of My Life" and "Relatively Speaking." Darren Pettie and Karen Walsh will round out the cast of "How the Other Half Loves."...
- 7/31/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Join Westport Country Playhouse for our next Taste of Tuesdays with appetizers from Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant, a wine-tasting from Castle Wine and Spirits and live music before the show! Live pre-show music provided by violinist Angela Marroy Boerger. Stay for the evening's performance of the delicious comedy How The Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by John Tillinger.
- 7/15/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Westport Country Playhouse incoming artistic director Mark Lamos and managing director Michael Ross announce a new look to the 2009 season. The Playhouse will open its 79th season in April with "Around the World in 80 Days" directed by Michael Evan Haney. "Around the World in 80 Days" was original scheduled for a September run, but will now open the 2009 season. "Around the World in 80 Days," an adventure tale adapted from the book by Jules Verne and written by Mark Brown, will play April 21 through May 9. Hailed by the New Yorker as "a riveting testament to the ingeniousness of the human imagination," and heralded by Associated Press as "a clever, action-packed production skillfully directed by Michael Evan Haney," "Around the World in 80 Days" is a wild, global adventure for the whole family about Phileas Fogg and his ever loyal man-servant Passepartout---complete with elephants, steamboats and trains. Following "Around the World in 80 Days," the...
- 1/15/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
Seeing couples onstage together can be quite a treat — think the Lunts and the Cronyns. Not to raise expectations too high, but now Los Angeles audiences can look forward to a local married couple in How Cissy Grew, written by Susan Johnston and directed by Casey Stangl, playing at the El Portal Forum Theatre Oct. 18-Nov. 23. Said couple is James Denton and Erin J. O'Brien. He is currently best known as the blazin' plumber Mike Delfino on Desperate Housewives, but his résumé also includes his sturdy work as Judge Augustus Ripley on Philly and dozens of other screen credits. O'Brien is best known for her stage work, primarily in NYC, with credits at Manhattan Theatre Club, the Public Theatre, and New York Shakespeare Festival. The two play marrieds whose baby is abducted and returned. Denton and O'Brien sat down with Back Stage before rehearsals began to discuss their work on...
- 10/17/2008
- by Dany Margolies
- backstage.com
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