Blog Stage - Acting in Film, TV, Theatre - Backstage

Stage to Screen: 'Rabbit Hole'

 
 I've been sorting through my feelings on "Rabbit Hole," the film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play for awhile now. The author of the play, David Lindsay-Abaire, remains one of my favorite interviews ever--you can read the article I did on him in 2008 here. The material is catnip for actors; Cynthia Nixon won a Tony playing a grieving mother, with Amy Ryan taking over the part in the L.A. premiere. Nicole Kidman then acquired the rights to produce the film, with herself in the lead role.

Laura Prepon Bringing the Heat to 'Castle'

Art is about to start imitating life on ABC’s Castle: Michael Ausiello reports exclusively for EW.com (for one of the last times before he starts his new gig at Nikki Finke's Deadline.com) that Laura Prepon is set to guest star on the series as Natalie Gray, an actress "who’s been cast as Nikki Heat in the movie version of our hero’s book Heat Wave."

As Nikki Heat, Gray (played by Prepon) will be playing a character based on Richard Castle's (Nathan Fillion) actual crime-fighting partner, Beckett. This film-based-on-a-book-within-the-show concept is already making my head hurt -- so to better understand the context of Heat Wave, enjoy this mock trailer, which premiered at Comic Con earlier this year:

Watch Crispin Glover's 'Back to the Future' Screen Tests

/Film brings our attention to these two videos with portions of actor Crispin Glover's original screen tests for Back to the Future, in which he shows both the younger and older versions of George McFly. The screen tests also include Glover's Back to the Future co-stars Lea Thompson (in old lady makeup as the older version of Lorraine McFly) and Thomas F. Wilson (as Biff), with an unknown stand-in for Marty McFly.

Danes, Silverman aboard 10th Annual ’24 Hour Plays’

Claire Danes, Sarah Silverman, and Lynn Nottage are among the participants in this year’s "24 Hour Plays on Broadway.” The yearly marathon event finds teams of writers, directors, and actors creating and performing six original short plays within 24 hours. The works will be performed on Nov. 15 at the American Airlines theater.

Read the story at Back Stage.

Pictured: Claire Danes (Photo: Getty Images)

Mehcad Brooks joins ‘Necessary Roughness,’ Three Added to Lifetime’s ‘Wall’

In the wake of ABC’s “My Generation” being cancelled, “True Blood” actor Mehcad Brooks has been brought on board to co-star in “Necessary Roughness.” The USA Network pilot will find Brooks playing a troubled football player who develops a connection with a female therapist. Meanwhile, Marisa Ramirez, Brandon Quinn and Chris Johnson have been added to Lifetime's pilot “Against the Wall,” a drama focusing on the tension within a family of police officers.

Read the story at Deadline.

Pictured: Mehcad Brooks (Photo: Getty Images)

Oscar Longshots: Ashley Bell

This week's cover story talks about actors breaking out in horror films and features "The Last Exorcism" stars Patrick Fabian and Ashley Bell as prime examples. The horror genre doesn't always get a lot of respect, but it's actually a great opportunity for actors. It's one of the few genres where unknowns can get cast in lead roles, either because the genre sells itself or filmmakers want fresh faces that keep the audience wondering if they'll be killed off. It also often gives actors an opportunity to play a wide range of emotions. Case in point: Bell's transformation from  naive farm girl to dark demon.

Joe Dante to Work On ‘Paris I’ll Kill You’

“Gremlins” director Joe Dante will tackle a segment of upcoming horror anthology feature “Paris I’ll Kill You,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film, which explores the darker side of Paris, will also feature work from Vincenzo Natali, Xavier Gens, Paco Plaza, and Ryuhei Kitamura. Producers Darryn Welch and Mathieu Robinet are reportedly pitching the film as part of a “horror city” franchise, much like how “Paris, je t’aime” spawned “New York, I Love You.”

Read the story at The Wrap.

Pictured Joe Dante (Photo: Getty Images)

‘Spider-Man’ Actor Kevin Aubin Injured in Stunt Display

Actor Kevin Aubin was injured at a recent stunt demonstration for the upcoming musical “Spider-Man, Turn Off The Dark.” Aubin broke both of his wrists after being catapulted across stage. He was hospitalized and returned to rehearsals this past week. The presentation went on following Aubin’s accident, with no other reported injuries. Officals for the musical have "met with New York State regulators who monitor special effects in stage productions,” according to The Post. “Spider-Man, Turn Off The Dark” begins previews Nov. 14 and will officially open on Dec. 21 at the Foxwoods Theatre.

Read the story at Playbill.

Showtime Going ‘Boycrazy’

Showtime is developing “Boycrazy” a comedy series based on Alexi Wasser’s looking-for-love blog imboycrazy.com. Wasser will star in the show, which finds her character navigating the romantic landscape of Los Angeles in search of a partner. Lynda Obst is set to executive produce, while Daisy Gardner will take on show running duties. “Boycrazy” will continue a recent trend of internet-based comedy; CBS’s “$#*! My Dad Says” was based on a twitter feed and ABC is working on a series based on the “Awkward Family Photos” blog.

Read the story at Deadline.

Pictured: Alexi Wasser (Photo: Getty Images)

Ridley Scott Seeking Noomi Rapace for ‘Alien’ Prequel

Director Ridley Scott and 20th Century Fox have nearly completed their meetings in search of a lead actress for the 3D “Alien” prequel. Deadline reports that Scott has his sights set on “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” star Noomi Rapace, with Olivia Wilde and Natalie Portman among the other actresses being considered. More information on the decision of Scott and the studio is to come.

Read the story at Deadline.

Pictured: Noomi Rapace (Photo: Getty Images)