Odds & Ends: Rock Out to Joe Iconis' Be More Chill, Quiz Lion King Legend Julie Taymor & More

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

Joe Iconis' Be More Chill Gets Album
Fill up your red Solo cup, because the Be More Chill cast recording is now available digitally. The science fiction tuner by Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz recently made its world premiere at New Jersey’s Two River Theater with a cast that included Will Connolly, Eric William Morris and Stephanie Hsu. Based on the Ned Vizzini novel of the same name, the show follows Jeremy, a teen who comes across a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything a teen could ever want—at a price. The Ghostlight Records album will be released in stores on December 18. Take a look at the making of the album below.


Quiz Lion King Legend Julie Taymor
“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” Julie Taymor’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will screen at Symphony Space on November 3, followed by a Q&A with the Tony winner herself. The previously reported adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic by The Lion King director, was recorded in Brooklyn last year and stars Tina Benko (The Avengers) as Titania, Max Casella (Blue Jasmine) as Nick Bottom, David Harewood (Homeland) as Oberon and Kathryn Hunter (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) as Puck.

Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen Casting in Place
Full casting has been announced for the previously reported West End transfer of Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen. Andy Nyman will play Syd, with Craig Parkinson as Inspector Fry and Tony Hirst as Bill. Directed by Matthew Dunster and starring original cast members David Morrissey and Johnny Flynn, the production will play a limited engagement December 1 through March 5, 2016. Opening night is set for December 7 at the Wyndham’s Theatre.

Catch (the Other) Phantom of the Opera
Who says Halloween has to end after October 31? If you’re still in the spirit, head to the United Palace of Cultural Arts in Washington Heights for a special screening of The Phantom of the Opera. We’re talking about the silent film, so no Lloyd Webber tunes, but there will be a live organ accompanist. After the screening, three cast members from the Broadway production—Laird Mackintosh, Rachel Zatcoff and Kyle Barisich—will perform some tunes and take part in a Q&A led by New York Post columnist and Razzle Dazzle author Michael Riedel.