Odds & Ends: Misery's Laurie Metcalf on the Kathy Bates Comparisons, Chita Rivera Returns to the Stage & More

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

Misery's Laurie Metcalf on the Kathy Bates Comparisons
Laurie Metcalf has been opening up about taking on the role of Bruce Willis' "Number One Fan" in the stage adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery. "I saw the movie long enough ago that I don't remember the nuances, and I didn't go back and watch it again," the three-time Emmy winner and two-time Tony nominee told Elle. How is she approaching playing Annie Wilkes, the role for which Kathy Bates won an Oscar in the 1990 film? "I couldn't have her performance in my head if I wanted to have the bravery to do something different. I'd rather be working alongside her than after her, but she created a wonderful role, so I just tried to follow." Misery will begin performances on October 22 at the Great White Way's Broadhurst Theatre.

Chita Rivera Returns to the Stage
Broadway legend Chita Rivera, who was most recently seen on the Main Stem in The Visit, has been tapped to open Café Carlyle's winter 2016 season. The two-time Tony winner is scheduled to play the Big Apple hotspot January 12, 2016 through January 23. Further details will be announced later.

Constantine Maroulis Breaks Up With Breaking Through
Casting switcheroo at new musical Breaking Through. Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis has departed the production owing to "personal matters;" Matt Magnusson (American Idiot at The Vortex Theatre) will step in as Scorpio. As previously reported, the new tuner, also starring Broadway alum Alison Luff, will make its world premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse. Previews are scheduled to begin on October 27, with opening night set for November 1.

Marlo Thomas is Hiding Secrets
Marlo Thomas is currently appearing in Clever Little Lies off-Broadway and she sat down with Kathie Lee and Hoda on October 20 to chat about the show. "I love to hear the audience gasp," exclaimed Thomas, who plays a modern day matriarch of a family hiding many secrets in the Joe DiPietro work. Check out the interview below and then the production, which is playing at the Westside Theatre through January 3, 2016.