Andrew Leynse, whose 21-year tenure as the artistic director of the Off Broadway theater company Primary Stages saw the production of works by such prominent playwrights as Terrence McNally, A.R. Gurney, Theresa Rebeck, Charles Busch and Donald Margulies, died Jan. 20 after a sudden illness. His age was not immediately available.
“It is with endless sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Artistic Director, Andrew Leynse,” reads a statement released by Primary Stages, which concludes, “Andrew’s dedication to playwrights and the theater launched dozens of careers and brought hundreds of new plays to life. His work had an incredible and indelible contribution to the American theater, and his vision and generosity will never be forgotten.”
Leynse began his career at Primary Stages in a variety of different roles, including Production Manager and Literary Manager, after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University’s directing program. In 1999, he left Primary to...
“It is with endless sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Artistic Director, Andrew Leynse,” reads a statement released by Primary Stages, which concludes, “Andrew’s dedication to playwrights and the theater launched dozens of careers and brought hundreds of new plays to life. His work had an incredible and indelible contribution to the American theater, and his vision and generosity will never be forgotten.”
Leynse began his career at Primary Stages in a variety of different roles, including Production Manager and Literary Manager, after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University’s directing program. In 1999, he left Primary to...
- 1/23/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Rocky producer Gene Kirkwood has acquired life and some music rights for the late Oscar winner Judy Holliday and will turn her story into the biopic Smart Blonde.
The actress was a 22-year-old day player at Fox when she stood up to mogul Darryl F. Zanuck's aggressive sexual overtures. "Her agent scheduled her for the notorious '4 o'clock meeting' and ordered her to stuff her bra," says Pulitzer-nominated playwright Willy Holtzman, who is writing the screenplay.
At the meeting, Zanuck locked the door, unzipped his pants and pushed Holliday onto the couch as...
The actress was a 22-year-old day player at Fox when she stood up to mogul Darryl F. Zanuck's aggressive sexual overtures. "Her agent scheduled her for the notorious '4 o'clock meeting' and ordered her to stuff her bra," says Pulitzer-nominated playwright Willy Holtzman, who is writing the screenplay.
At the meeting, Zanuck locked the door, unzipped his pants and pushed Holliday onto the couch as...
- 11/30/2017
- by Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Following a busy week of sales and acquisitions at Cannes, here's a round-up of some of the more interesting and noteworthy projects that were recently added to IMDbPro's database of in-development titles:
A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole's popular posthumous tale of a cynical slob named Ignatius J. Reilly has been one of those "development hell" projects we thought would never get made. But, we said the same thing about The Watchmen once and Karouac's On the Road, which recently premiered at Cannes. So, never say never. Muppets director James Bobin is reportedly in talks with Paramount to finally bring this book that once had Steven Soderbergh attached to helm, to the big screen with Zach Galifianakis as the lead.
Jane Got a Gun – Natalie Portman is set to star in this Western drama for Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk About Kevin). Written by Black List finalist Brian Duffield, the film centers on a woman trying to defend her homestead when a posse comes after her outlaw husband.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen – Colin Firth's taking on yet another historic role, albeit a more whimsical one than King George VI. The Oscar winner has been tapped to play British playwright and showman Noel Coward in this comedy about the entertainer's stint as a Vegas performer (filling in for an ailing Liberace) during the 1950s. Ross Elliot and Gene Kirkwood produce with a script by Willy Holtzman.
Untitled Wes Anderson Project – Hot off his Cannes' standing ovation for Moonrise Kingdom (and a record-breakingdebut at the box office) indie maven Wes Anderson plans to reunite with his old pal Owen Wilson in his next film, which has already been written and hopes to begin filming by the end of the year.
Bone In The Throat – On the eve of landing his CNN-hosting gig, bad boy chef, world traveller and Kitchen Confidential scribe Anthony Bourdain has optioned his latest best seller to Dignity Film's Maggie Monteith to produce along with Lenny Beckerman and Peter Heslop.
If you know of something in the works, please consider submitting it for listing it via our online submission form.
A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole's popular posthumous tale of a cynical slob named Ignatius J. Reilly has been one of those "development hell" projects we thought would never get made. But, we said the same thing about The Watchmen once and Karouac's On the Road, which recently premiered at Cannes. So, never say never. Muppets director James Bobin is reportedly in talks with Paramount to finally bring this book that once had Steven Soderbergh attached to helm, to the big screen with Zach Galifianakis as the lead.
Jane Got a Gun – Natalie Portman is set to star in this Western drama for Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk About Kevin). Written by Black List finalist Brian Duffield, the film centers on a woman trying to defend her homestead when a posse comes after her outlaw husband.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen – Colin Firth's taking on yet another historic role, albeit a more whimsical one than King George VI. The Oscar winner has been tapped to play British playwright and showman Noel Coward in this comedy about the entertainer's stint as a Vegas performer (filling in for an ailing Liberace) during the 1950s. Ross Elliot and Gene Kirkwood produce with a script by Willy Holtzman.
Untitled Wes Anderson Project – Hot off his Cannes' standing ovation for Moonrise Kingdom (and a record-breakingdebut at the box office) indie maven Wes Anderson plans to reunite with his old pal Owen Wilson in his next film, which has already been written and hopes to begin filming by the end of the year.
Bone In The Throat – On the eve of landing his CNN-hosting gig, bad boy chef, world traveller and Kitchen Confidential scribe Anthony Bourdain has optioned his latest best seller to Dignity Film's Maggie Monteith to produce along with Lenny Beckerman and Peter Heslop.
If you know of something in the works, please consider submitting it for listing it via our online submission form.
- 5/29/2012
- by Eric Greene
- IMDbPro News
Colin Firth is set to play famed English playwright Noel Coward, in the Willy Holtzman-penned project, “Mad Dogs And Englishmen,” about Coward’s eventful two week stay at The Desert Inn in Las Vegas in 1955. Although there’s still no director attached, this seems like a great role for the actor to sink his teeth into, as Coward was famous for what Time called “a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise.” So we’ll be definitely be looking forward to this project in the future. [Screen Daily]
Two giants of the Scandinavian cinematic world, Lone Scherfig (“An Education” and “One Day”) and Pernilla August (“Beyond”), are set to join forces together on an adaptation of the classic Hjalmar Söderberg novel, “The Serious Game.” The novel follows a couple who meet early in life, go their separate ways and then meet again when they are married to other people.
Two giants of the Scandinavian cinematic world, Lone Scherfig (“An Education” and “One Day”) and Pernilla August (“Beyond”), are set to join forces together on an adaptation of the classic Hjalmar Söderberg novel, “The Serious Game.” The novel follows a couple who meet early in life, go their separate ways and then meet again when they are married to other people.
- 5/22/2012
- by Cain Rodriguez
- The Playlist
Colin Firth is getting comfortable playing British .royalty.. After earning a well-deserved Oscar for capturing the complicated dignity of King George VI in Tom Hooper.s The King.s Speech, Firth next appears ready to turn his attentions to English legend Sir Noel Coward in the feature film Mad Dogs and Englishmen. The title is borrowed from Coward.s smash-hit song, penned by the award-winning playwright, singer, composer, songwriter and actor. Deadline, which links Firth to the new production, says the film will focus primarily on Coward.s late-career stint at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, circa 1955. At the time, Coward was invited to Sin City to stand in for local legend Liberace, how had fallen and had to cancel a string of dates. The Mad Dogs screenplay, credited to Willy Holtzman, will focus on Coward.s two-week sting in Vegas, and the relationship he forged with the piano...
- 5/19/2012
- cinemablend.com
New entertainment venture BiteSize Entertainment announced its launch Friday in Cannes with several feature-film projects, including a movie about embattled News Corp. exec Rebekah Brooks. The company also is developing the Bob Odenkirk-directed dark comedy "Girlfriends Day" and the Willy Holtzman-penned drama "Mad Dogs and Englishmen," which will star Colin Firth as Noel Coward during his two weeks at The Desert Inn in Las Vegas in 1955. BiteSize is the creation of Mevio chairman and CEO Ron Bloom and producers Gene Kirkwood and Ross Elliot, whose Kirkwood-Elliot Productions banner will supply films for theatrical release. The new company aims to become "a modern, vertically integrated entertainment studio that spans multiple platforms," according to a release, including everything from short films and series to feature-length content that can be leveraged using Mevio’s pre-existing online network. BiteSize plans to produce four to...
- 5/19/2012
- by Jay A. Fernandez
- Indiewire
From King George VI to… Noel Coward. Rare is the instance in which those two are grouped together, but Colin Firth will act as the binding tie with Mad Dogs and Englishmen, a biographical picture, of sorts, that Ross Elliot and Gene Kirkwood are producing through their newest business venture, Bitesize.
But you don’t care all too much about the producing credits. What you’ll want to know — and what I’m about to tell you — pertains to the screenplay, written by Willy Holtzman, and which focuses on the legendary actor’s time in Las Vegas performing a two-week cabaret show, an opportunity that was only made possible by the unforeseen injuring of Liberace. Dramatically-speaking, the meat of the film will emphasize relationships Coward had with both his agent and piano teacher; a certain tax evasion on the actor’s part — the whole reason he agreed to this job — might also create some conflict.
But you don’t care all too much about the producing credits. What you’ll want to know — and what I’m about to tell you — pertains to the screenplay, written by Willy Holtzman, and which focuses on the legendary actor’s time in Las Vegas performing a two-week cabaret show, an opportunity that was only made possible by the unforeseen injuring of Liberace. Dramatically-speaking, the meat of the film will emphasize relationships Coward had with both his agent and piano teacher; a certain tax evasion on the actor’s part — the whole reason he agreed to this job — might also create some conflict.
- 5/19/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Cannes - Colin Firth has signed up to star as Noel Coward in BiteSize Entertainment’s dramedy Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the story of Coward’s two weeks at The Desert Inn in Las Vegas in 1955. Willy Holtzman is writing the screenplay. Photos: Cannes 2012: Competition Lineup Features 'Cosmopolis,' 'Moonrise Kingdom,' 'Killing Them Softly' Coward, the flamboyant English playwright, director, actor and singer, performed at the Desert Inn in 1955, drawing big crowds, including from Hollywood. There is no start date set for the production, which is currently looking to select a director. Photos: Cannes 2012: Opening Night Gala
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- 5/19/2012
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On Tuesday, April 3rd, Primary Stages Casey Childs, Founder amp Executive Producer Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director Elliot Fox, Managing Director celebrated opening night of The Morini Strad, a new play by Willy Holtzman Sabina. Directed by Casey Childs, the cast features Michael Laurence Krapp39, Broadway's Talk Radio, Opus at Primary Stages, Tony nominee Mary Beth Peil The Good Wife, Dawson's Creek, The King and I, and celebrated violin soloist Hanah Stuart Chicago Symphony Hall, Zankel Hall. The production features a set design by Neil Patel, costume design by David C. Woolard, lighting design by Mary Louise Geiger, original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones, and projection design by Jan Hartley.The limited engagement plays through April 28 at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters.Check out photos from the celebration below...
- 4/4/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Primary Stages concludes its 27th season with the New York premiere of The Morini Strad, a new play by Willy Holtzman Sabina. Directed by Casey Childs, the cast will feature Michael Laurence Krapp39, Broadways Talk Radio, Opus at Primary Stages, Tony Award nominee Mary Beth Peil The Good Wife, Dawsons Creek, The King and I, and celebrated violin soloist Hanah Stuart Chicago Symphony, Zankel Hall. The limited engagement will play March 20 April 28 at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters. Opening night is April 3rd.The company just met the press and BroadwayWorld was there for the big event. Check out full photo coverege below...
- 3/6/2012
- by Walter McBride
- BroadwayWorld.com
Primary Stages Casey Childs, Founder amp Executive Producer Andrew Leynse, Artistic Director Elliot Fox, Managing Director concludes its 27th season with the New York premiere of The Morini Strad, a new play by Willy Holtzman Sabina. Directed by Casey Childs, the cast will feature Michael Laurence Krapp39, Broadways Talk Radio, Opus at Primary Stages, Tony Award nominee Mary Beth Peil The Good Wife, Dawsons Creek, The King and I, and celebrated violin soloist Hanah Stuart Chicago Symphony, Zankel Hall. The limited engagement will play March 20 April 28 at Primary Stages at 59E59 Theaters. Opening night is April 3rd.
- 2/16/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Sundance Film Festival
PARK CITY – "Smoke Signals" meets "The Mighty Ducks" in Chris Eyre's shrewd and warm slant on multiculturalism.
The story of a black basketball coach (Jim McDaniel) who accepts a coaching position at an American Indian high school in rural Utah is a ripe harvest of culture clash and assimilation. Although formulaic, it pulsates with a strong message and wonderfully sly observations.
Via the urban courts of hard knocks, coach Kenny Williams (McDaniel) has worked his way into a solid profession, using basketball to get an education and better himself. Yet, the no-nonsense coach has been knocked around, and he is not only at his wit's end but his carburetor's end when he arrives at the impoverished Three Nations Reservation, out yonder near Monument Valley, to teach English composition and coach girls basketball.
Although screenwriter Willy Holtzman's tale follows a generic formula of an outsider molding together a motley unit, it percolates with a sage appreciation of the differences in people and in cultures. Most pointedly, this wise story delivers some sharp broadsides against the victimization role that plagues both the coach and his team: Coach Williams learns that his ego and self-image as a beleaguered minority can make him an intolerant oppressor, while his students and athletes learn to appreciate a culture other than their own.
Under Eyre's idiosyncratic hand, "Edge" delivers a number of inspiring moments. It makes its points in large part because of its well-selected cast, primarily McDaniel as the hardscrabble coach who rebounds from personal slights and brings dignity to a group of kids who never before believed in themselves. Among the talented and often amateur cast, Irene Bedard and Wes Studi invigorate the flavor of this contemporary cultural quilt.
Edge of America
Showtime
Credits:
Director: Chris Eyre
Screenwriter: Willy Holtzman
Executive producers: Tim Daly, Steve Burleigh
Producers: Willy Holtzman, Chris Eyre
Director of photography: Clark Mathis
Production designer: Mark Hofeling
Editor: Paul Trejo
Line producer: Robert F. Phillips
Music: BC Smith
Casting director: Rene Haynes
Cast:
Kenny Williams: James McDaniel
Annie Shorty: Irene Bedard
Cuch: Wes Studi
Carla McKinney: Delanna Studi
Running time -- 106 minutes
No MPAA rating...
PARK CITY – "Smoke Signals" meets "The Mighty Ducks" in Chris Eyre's shrewd and warm slant on multiculturalism.
The story of a black basketball coach (Jim McDaniel) who accepts a coaching position at an American Indian high school in rural Utah is a ripe harvest of culture clash and assimilation. Although formulaic, it pulsates with a strong message and wonderfully sly observations.
Via the urban courts of hard knocks, coach Kenny Williams (McDaniel) has worked his way into a solid profession, using basketball to get an education and better himself. Yet, the no-nonsense coach has been knocked around, and he is not only at his wit's end but his carburetor's end when he arrives at the impoverished Three Nations Reservation, out yonder near Monument Valley, to teach English composition and coach girls basketball.
Although screenwriter Willy Holtzman's tale follows a generic formula of an outsider molding together a motley unit, it percolates with a sage appreciation of the differences in people and in cultures. Most pointedly, this wise story delivers some sharp broadsides against the victimization role that plagues both the coach and his team: Coach Williams learns that his ego and self-image as a beleaguered minority can make him an intolerant oppressor, while his students and athletes learn to appreciate a culture other than their own.
Under Eyre's idiosyncratic hand, "Edge" delivers a number of inspiring moments. It makes its points in large part because of its well-selected cast, primarily McDaniel as the hardscrabble coach who rebounds from personal slights and brings dignity to a group of kids who never before believed in themselves. Among the talented and often amateur cast, Irene Bedard and Wes Studi invigorate the flavor of this contemporary cultural quilt.
Edge of America
Showtime
Credits:
Director: Chris Eyre
Screenwriter: Willy Holtzman
Executive producers: Tim Daly, Steve Burleigh
Producers: Willy Holtzman, Chris Eyre
Director of photography: Clark Mathis
Production designer: Mark Hofeling
Editor: Paul Trejo
Line producer: Robert F. Phillips
Music: BC Smith
Casting director: Rene Haynes
Cast:
Kenny Williams: James McDaniel
Annie Shorty: Irene Bedard
Cuch: Wes Studi
Carla McKinney: Delanna Studi
Running time -- 106 minutes
No MPAA rating...
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