Odds & Ends: James Corden & The History Boys Join Maggie Smith in Van, London's Bad Jews & More

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

James Corden & The History Boys Join Maggie Smith in Van
Tony winner James Corden, Dominic Cooper, Samuel Anderson and Frances de la Tour will appear opposite the previously announced Tony winner Maggie Smith in the film adaptation of Alan Bennett's The Lady in the Van, reports the Daily Mail. All four of the project’s newcomers co-starred in Bennett’s The History Boys in London, on Broadway and on screen.

Victor Garber Books Recurring Role on The Flash
Broadway favorite Victor Garber has boarded the cast of The CW’s The Flash. According to The Wrap, his recurring role as DC Comics character Dr. Martin Stein will begin in the 12th Episode. We can’t wait to see if Garber and Andy Mientus’ Pied Piper will end up sharing screen time.

Bad Jews is London-Bound
After conquering off-Broadway and the U.K.’s city of Bath, those Bad Jews are moving to London. Joshua Harmon’s acclaimed show will play January 15, 2015 through February 28 at the St. James Theatre. Opening night is set for January 21. Directed by Michael Longhurst, the comedy’s original Bath cast will reprise their roles in London, with Jenna Augen as Daphna, Gina Bramhill as Melody, Joe Coen as Jonah and Ilan Goodman as Liam.

Rent Writer Turns to Santa
Stephen Chbosky, whose writing credits include The Perks of Being a Wallflower and the screenplay to Rent, will direct the movie musical Santa Is Real. Deadline reports that Larry Stuckey will pen the film, which follows the man who plays Santa in Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular.  All in all a handy reminder that it's time to book our Rockettes tickets—Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without them!

Women Speak Up on Halloween
On the subject of upcoming holidays, young writers from around the world have collaborated to create the play Women Speak/World Listen. The one night only production will take place on October 31 at NYC’s 4th Street Theatre and is a multi-media exploration of the lives of 13 young women coming-of-age in the midst of chaos and conflict. Food for thought this Halloween.