Hedda Closes on Broadway and Irena Opens

Irena's Vow, the new play starring Tovah Feldshuh, has its official Broadway opening today at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Meanwhile over at the American Airlines Theatre, Mary-Louise Parker is giving her final performance in the Roundabout Theatre Company production of Hedda Gabler.

Plan Closes on Broadway, Carnage Opens

The revival of Richard Greenberg's play The American Plan ends its run on Broadway today. The limited-run production was produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club and played 69 regular performances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

Meanwhile over at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, Yasmina Reza's dark comedy God of Carnage has its official Broadway opening. Set for an open run, God of Carnage stars stage veterans (all who have appeared on Broadway before) Hope Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels, and Sopranos star James Gandolfini.

Broadway Lights Dimmed for Richardson, Silver

It was a sad week in the Broadway community. Two nights in a row, the marquee lights of the Broadway theaters were dimmed, first for Ron Silver, and the following night for Natasha Richardson. Ron Silver, who won a Tony Award for his role in the original Broadway production of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, passed away after losing his battle with cancer at the age of 62.

Natasha Richardson, Tony winner for the Broadway revival of Cabaret, was the victim of a freak skiing accident. Although she seemed fine after taking a small tumble, she had unknowingly sustained a brain injury that worsened at a rapid speed, soon leaving her brain dead. Wife of Liam Neeson (who she met while performing in the Broadway revival of Anna Christie) and daughter of Vanessa Redgrave (recently on Broadway in The Year of Magical Thinking), Richardson was part of a theatrical royal family that also included her father Tony Richardson and aunt Lynn Redgrave.

Blithe Spirit Opens and Ferrell Exits Broadway

The new Broadway revival of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit opens on Broadway today at the Shubert Theatre. The supernatural comedy stars Rupert Everett (in his Broadway debut) as a novelist and Angela Lansbury (last seen on Broadway in Deuce) as the clairvoyant who accidentally conjures up his dead first wife.

Over at the Cort Theatre, Will Ferrell is concluding his Broadway run of You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush. The Broadway comedy was broadcast last night on HBO.

Irena's Vow Begins Broadway Performances

Irena's Vow arrives on Broadway tonight, beginning preview performances at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The play by Dan Gordon is the inspiring story of a woman who, while serving as the housekeeper of a Nazi official during World War II, secretly helped to save the lives of many Jewish refugees. Irena's Vow stars Tovah Feldshuh, who was last seen on Broadway in Golda's Balcony.

33 Variations Opens On Broadway

33 Variations, the new play by Moises Kaufman (whose Off-Broadway credits include The Laramie Project and Gross Indecency), opens on Broadway today at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. The drama stars Jane Fonda, who has not been seen on Broadway since the 1960s.

Guys Opens and Joey Closes On Broadway

The Roundabout Theatre Company's Pal Joey concludes its limited run on Broadway today. Starring Stockard Channing, Martha Plimpton, and newcomer Matthew Risch in the title role (replacing Jersey Boy Christian Hoff during previews), Pal Joey received mixed reviews.

Meanwhile Guys and Dolls has its official opening on Broadway today at the Nederlander Theatre. The latest Broadway revival of the classic tuner stars Oliver Platt, Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls), and Craig Bierko.