Odds & Ends: Justin Guarini's Brave New World, Finding Neverland to Help Trafficking Victims & More

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

Justin Guarini's Brave New World
Justin Guarini (TV's American Idol, Wicked), Zak Resnick (Mamma Mia!), Jason Tam (If/Then), Alison Luff (Matilda), Leah Hocking (The Last Ship) and Max Crumm (Grease) have been tapped for an industry reading of Brave New World: A Brand New Musical on February 23 and 24. Directed by Sheryl Kaller, the previously reported adaptation of the Aldous Huxley classic features a book by Ben Andron, music by Jonnie Rockwell and John McDaniel and lyrics by Bill Russell. The show tells the story of a future in which everybody is happy...because anything that could cause pain has been eliminated. A 2013 workshop was led by Kyle Dean Massey.

Finding Neverland to Help Trafficking Victims
The much-buzzed about Finding Neverland will team up with the Alliance To Rescue Victims of Trafficking for a fundraiser on March 21. The benefit event will include a pre-show cocktail reception at Le Cirque followed by the evening performance of the new Broadway musical at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Ownership of B'way's Helen Hayes in Doubt
A New York judge has stepped in regarding a dispute over the previously reported sale of Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theatre to Second Stage Theater. According to The New York Times, on February 19 Joan M. Kenney of the New York State Supreme Court strongly encouraged Second Stage and the venue’s owners, Jeffrey Tick and Martin Markinson, to resolve their differences about closing the deal. Rock of Ages was the last show to run at the house and it is currently dark.

Dianne Wiest Tapped for CBS Sitcom
Two-time Oscar winner and Great White Way vet Dianne Wiest, who is currently appearing off-Broadway in Rasheeda Speaking, has landed a role in CBS pilot Life in Pieces. Variety reports that Wiest will play the family matriarch in the ensemble sitcom, which tells the story of one family from the point of view of different members. The show will co-star Broadway alums Zoe Lister Jones and Colin Hanks.