Odds & Ends: Hamilton Shortlisted for Edward M. Kennedy Prize, Stockard Channing & Joseph Fiennes' Odd Road Trip & More

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

Hamilton Shortlisted for Edward M. Kennedy Prize
Wait for it...! The finalists have been announced for the 2016 Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired By American History and, naturally, Hamilton has made the shortlist. Joining Lin-Manuel Miranda’s gargantuan hit in the lineup are An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Indecent by Paula Vogel, Sweat by Lynn Nottage and Vietgone by Qui Nguyen. The honor is given annually through Columbia University to a new play or musical; the winner will be announced on or after February 22, the anniversary of Senator Kennedy’s birth, and is set to receive $100,000.

Stockard Channing & Joseph Fiennes' Odd Road Trip
Tony winner Stockard Channing as Elizabeth Taylor? West End and RSC alum Joseph Fiennes as, controversially, Michael Jackson? Broadway vet Brian Cox as Marlon Brando? Yes, this is really happening. The trio will play the legends embarking on probably one of the strangest (rumored) road trips ever: driving from the Big Apple to Ohio while trying to get home after 9/11. Penned by Neil Forsyth, Deadline reports that Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon has been commissioned by the U.K.'s Sky Arts; the film is set to air later this year. Well, they do say truth is stranger than fiction...

Allegiance Shifts Album Launch Date
Oh my! You'll now be able to get your hands on the previously announced Allegiance cast album just a little bit earlier; the record will drop digitally and in stores on January 29 (instead of January 30). The George Takei, Lea Salonga and Telly Leung-led tuner is playing through February 14 at the Longacre Theatre.

Grease: Live to Air in the U.K.
Live in the U.K. and a bit miffed that you’ll be missing out on all the fun of Grease: Live on January 31? Never fear, ITV2 is coming to the rescue. The network will air the ones that we want (i.e. Aaron Tveit, Vanessa Hudgens, Julianne Hough and more) at 8PM on February 3. Grease is the word, indeed!

P.S. Norm Lewis is the latest Main Stem fave tapped for Inspirational Broadway on February 15 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill; he will join the previously reported Billy Porter, Renee Elise Goldsberry and more.