Odds & Ends: Norm Lewis & Sierra Boggess Reunite, Stephanie J. Block Teams Up With Wicked Cast & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Norm Lewis & Sierra Boggess Reunite in Swinging on a Star
Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess, who as we all know (?!) starred together on Broadway in both The Little Mermaid and Phantom, will make a special appearance at Drew University’s Concert Hall on October 6 in Swinging on a Star: The Music of Jimmy Van Heusen. You know Van Heusen’s music—think “Love and Marriage,” “Come Fly with Me,” “My Kind of Town” and, of course, ““Swinging on a Star.”  The whole event will be under the musical direction of Rob Fisher. More info here.

Stephanie J. Block Teams Up With Wicked Cast for Uprising
Stephanie J. Block, Tony winner Lena Hall (Hedwig) and Kathy Najimy will join the previously announced roster of stars including Sting, Patti LuPone, Billy Porter and host Jane Lynch in Uprising of Love: A Benefit Concert for Global Equality. Block will give a special performance with the cast of Broadway’s Wicked in the event, which will take place on September 15 at the Great White Way’s Gershwin Theatre. The net proceeds of the evening will go to the Fueling the Frontlines campaign for global LGBTI rights.

Stage & Screen Vet Stefan Gierasch Dies at 88
Stefan Gierasch, a stage and screen character actor best known for his film roles in Jeremiah Johnson and Carrie, has died at the age of 88. According to The Hollywood Reporter he passed away on September 6 in Santa Monica. Born in New York, he made his Broadway debut in 1944 in Snafu. His many other Great White Way credits included You Never Can Tell, Tartuffe, Of Mice and Men, The Iceman Cometh, War and Peace, The Sound of Music and A Month in the Country.

West End Will Dim Lights for Donald Sinden
The West End will dim its marquee lights on September 12 to pay tribute to veteran actor Sir Donald Sinden, who has died aged 90. Tony nominated for his role in Habeas Corpus, he also appeared on the Great White Way in London Assurance. A Shakespearean actor who appeared in more than 70 film and TV productions, BBC News reports that he had been suffering from prostate cancer for several years, and died of the disease at his home in Kent. Other memorable roles included the imperturbable butler opposite the late Elaine Stritch in Two's Company.

Alan Titchmarsh Set to Go Poop-Poop!
In happier news from London, British TV favorite Alan Titchmarsh will make his West End debut as the narrator in the previously announced The Wind in the Willows. Directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, the Royal Opera House’s production makes its return to the West End after an Olivier Award-winning run last Christmas. The show will play the Vaudeville Theatre from November 26 through January 17, 2015. If you're in London this holiday season who could resist the escapades of the hot-headed Toad (poop-poop!), debonair Ratty, shy Mole and wise Badger?!