Odds & Ends: Wicked's Kerry Ellis to Headline Murder Ballad, Watch Adam Pascal Return to His Rent Roots & More

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

Wicked's Kerry Ellis to Headline Murder Ballad
Former Elphaba and Grizabella Kerry Ellis has been enlisted to lead Murder Ballad in London this fall. Written by Julia Jordan with music and lyrics by Juliana Nash, the new tuner played off-Broadway in 2013 and is a tale of modern relationships, abandoned dreams and treachery in the big city. The production will run from September 29 at the Arts Theatre.

Ralph Fiennes & Andrew Scott Set for Almeida
London’s prestigious Almeida Theatre—where Broadway’s American Psycho started out—has announced its season for 2016-17 and it’s as stellar as expected. Ralph Fiennes will take on the title role in Shakespeare’s Richard III opposite Vanessa Redgrave, directed by Rupert Goold (June 7 through August 6). Meanwhile, in February 2017, Andrew Scott (aka Sherlock’s nemesis Moriarty), is on board to headline Hamlet opposite Juliet Stevenson as Gertrude, in a production directed by Robert Icke. Also on tap: Adam Brace’s They Drink It in the Congo, helmed by Michael Longhurst and Ella Hickson’s Oil, directed by Carrie Cracknell. We need air miles!

Helen Mirren & Kelli O’Hara Team Up
Tony and Oscar winner Helen Mirren and Tony winner Kelli O’Hara will host the Stuttering Association for the Young’s 14th Annual Benefit Gala on May 2. The event celebrates the courage and achievements of more than 70 million people who stutter, including 5% of all children. Brandon Victor Dixon, Rachel Dratch, Victor Garber, Daphne Rubin-Vega and more are set to attend the event, which will take place at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at NYU.

Watch Adam Pascal Return to His Rent Roots
Disaster! auctioned off a performance of star Adam Pascal singing his Rent rock anthem “One Song Glory” as part of the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraising efforts on March 31 onstage at the Nederlander Theatre. Of course, the Nederlander was where Pascal made his Great White Way debut 20 years ago in the aforementioned iconic musical. Check out the video below and happy Friday!