Monster Mash: L.A. approves Cirque du Soleil loan; Zaha Hadid's Pavilion arrives; more Jeremy Piven

-- Bending over backwards?: The L.A. City Council has approved a $30-million loan intended to bring Cirque du Soleil to Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.

-- Finally: Architect Zaha Hadid's Millennium Park Pavilion in Chicago has arrived after extended delays and setbacks.

-- It's jail: Broadway moguls Garth Drabinsky and Myron Gottlieb, who headed the company Livent, have been sentenced to prison in a Canadian court after being convicted of fraud and forgery in March.

-- Theatrical fun, part one: A new musical about the L.A. porn industry is being developed by the Civilians and Center Theatre Group.

-- Theatrical fun, part two: "The Piven Monologues," at New York's Public Theater in September, will explore Jeremy Piven's sudden departure last season from the Broadway revival of "Speed-the-Plow."

-- Hey, Mike Antonovich: The Bard Festival in New York has decided to balance out its focus this year on Wagner by adding works by Mendelssohn and Meyerbeer.

-- Optimism: After reporting worse-than-expected second-quarter earnings, Sotheby's CFO declares that the art market has bottomed out.

-- Big grant: The Woodruff Arts Center in Georgia has won a $12-million grant for its education programs from the Goizueta Foundation.

-- Going wireless: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, along with other festivals tied to the city, has launched an iPhone application designed to help users navigate the various events.

-- Oops, they did it again: "Timberbrit," a new rock opera, features the songs of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears performed at an ultra-slowed down tempo.

-- Rock on: American Idol's Constantine Maroulis has extended his contract with the Tony-nominated "Rock of Ages" through the summer of 2010.

-- Second chance: Claudia Shear's "Restoration," which recently premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse, has secured a spot on New York Theatre Workshop's upcoming season.

-- David Ng

Photo: A member of Cirque du Soleil performs in "Varekai." Credit: J.L. Cereijido / European Pressphoto Agency

Monster Mash: Picasso theft; more arts for Obamas; Hadid wins Cairo job; Adam Lambert on '10 Commandments'

--Internet helps search: Picasso sketchbook worth $11 million is stolen from glass case in Paris museum.

--Leading by example: The Obama family takes in art and musical theater during European trip.

--'Too gay'?: "Idol's" Adam Lambert says "The Ten Commandments" director asked him to "turn it down" during L.A. performance. What do you think?

--Major commission: Architect Zaha Hadid beats Norwegian firm Snohetta in competition for Cairo "exhibition city."

--Back to Broadway?: Revival of "Babes in Arms," starring Rosie O'Donnell, in the works. 

--Questioning the choices: What was the Van Cliburn Awards jury thinking? What do you think?

--Don't mock the injured: Reps for injured Tonys performer Bret Michaels of Poison criticize the Tonys organization, host Neil Patrick Harris.

--Latest work: 100-year-old Swiss artist unveils mural at U.N. building in Geneva.

--Sushigate continues: Arbitration face-off between "Speed-the-Plow" producers and former star Jeremy Piven resumes this week

--Blocking the wrecking ball: Town & Country Center in downtown Palm Springs tapped for historic designation, hindering plans for new mall.  

--Tear-down rules: Los Angeles Planning Commission considers major changes to preservation ordinance.

--Speedier than SAG: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra negotiates a new three-year contract.

--'Cautious optimism': Eli Broad browses Art Basel offerings with MOCA curator Paul Schimmel.

--34,000 performances: Edinburgh Fringe announces its lineup and plans to avoid ticketing problems.

--Another one bites the dust: Broadway's "Guys and Dolls' posts closing notice.

--Another Twitter gimmick (ha ha): Comedy night in 140 characters or less. 

--Lisa Fung

Caption: Nobuyuki Tsujii of Japan performs with the Takacs Quartet during the semifinal round of the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Credit: AP Photo / Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Joyce Marshall

Neil Patrick Harris is ready for the Tonys; our chat-along blog is too

Neil Patrick Harris' appearance on David Letterman last night reminded us that the Tony Awards are on Sunday.

While the nattering nabobs of negativity (in this case, the critics) are predicting a, well, predictable roster of winners, we're still holding out for an "American Idol"-style Adam Lambert-Kris Allen upset at some point during the show, which will be broadcast on CBS.

And if there aren't any surprises on the statuette front, we still are excited to see who will be there and what will happen. Will former "Idol" finalist Constantine Maroulis, nominated for "Rock of Ages," wear a tux? Will we catch a glimpse of country hottie Keith Urban, whose wife, Nicole Kidman is one of the presenters? Will the "Hair" tribe strip for all of America? Will the Billy Elliot boys' voices change during the acceptance speech for their expected win? Will there be anyone in the audience who has actually seen nominated show "Soul of Shaolin"?

At the very least, we're excited to watch Harris, who we're predicting could do the unthinkable and top Hugh Jackson in the best Tonys host category.

What? You disagree? Join us in a live chat room during the show -- we can debate in real time. Times theater critic Charles McNulty will be there, as will Gold Derby's Tom O'Neil and assorted Culture Monsters. Who knows, maybe a theater celebrity or two will show up. Details are below. If you're feeling less than chatty, follow our Tonys updates on Twitter @culturemonster.

 On the jump, take a look at a roundup of critics' Tony forecasts.

--Lisa Fung

Monster Mash: Getty wins a prize; Frank Lloyd Wright Lego; Hirshhorn sells 2 Eakins

--Praise for its work: Getty Conservation Institute wins top honors from American Institute of Conservation.

--For budding architects: Lego creates Frank Lloyd Wright sets of Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum.

--Deaccessioning artwork: Washington's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden sells two of three Thomas Eakins paintings for  $461,000.

--Moving to New York: "Memphis," the musical that got its start at the La Jolla Playhouse, to hit Broadway's Shubert Theatre in September. 

--What economic woes?: Groundbreaking set for the $245-million Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas. And the surrounding park gets a new name.

--Meanwhile, in St. Louis: Plans for the $174-million Kiel Opera House are put on hold.

--Cheap entry: Admission for new Acropolis Museum, scheduled to open in June in Athens, is set at 1 euro.

--Honors for artists: Los Angeles alt-art group, the League of Imaginary Scientists, wins international competition. 

--Next best thing to being there: Orange County Performing Arts Center's organ makes its online debut.

--Cast grows: Richard Thomas joins James Spader in cast of David Mamet's new play "Race."

--'Odyssey' creator: British composer Nicholas Maw dies at 73.

--2 1/2-year delay: Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt van Rijn's works, will reopen in 2013 after a $504-million renovation. 

--America voted: Did the theater guy win? In case you somehow missed it, here are the results of "American Idol."

--Reasons not to Twitter: 'Reasons to be Pretty" director Terry Kinney and Tony nominated actor Thomas Sadoski on Twittering during the Neil LaBute play. (video on the jump)

--Lisa Fung

Caption: Getty Center in Brentwood. Credit: Ken Lubas / Los Angeles Times

Monster Mash: Breaking news and headlines

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 - video powered by Metacafe

-- An unlikely Internet star:  Susan Boyle, a 47-year-old contestant on "Britain's Got Talent," charms the world -- even Simon Cowell. And Demi Moore goes tweet-happy. 

-- Download it: Britain's Tate galleries make their art available on iTunes -- yes, iTunes.

-- When will it end?: Artist Shepard Fairey gets a bit of a break in court.

-- Practice, practice, practice: YouTube orchestra prepares for its big debut at Carnegie Hall.

-- Unrealized dream: Artist Christo sought to wrap the Sydney Opera House.

-- Economic impact: Across the nation, orchestras are seeing cuts, cuts and more cuts.

-- Architect selected: A team led by David Adjaye is chosen to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

-- Playwriting honors: Paula Vogel to receive Schwarzman Legacy Award.

-- New role: American Ballet Theatre has a new principal dancer.

-- Broadening culture: When you think of Siberia, you think of ... opera?

-- Lisa Fung

Adam Lambert = Spider-Man on Broadway?

Not to obsess about a certain "American Idol" contestant, but a Friend of Culture Monster alerted us to this MTV interview with theater casting director Bernie Telsey, who is working on the upcoming "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" musical.

According to Telsey, who casts just about everything on Broadway, Spidey's team was already familiar with Adam Lambert and had put out a call to him to come in to audition some seven months ago. "He's someone we know because we cast him in 'Wicked' and knew he had that kind of range."  Apparently Lambert had to pass on the invitation because he was set to go on "American Idol."

For those living under a rock these last few months, "Spider-Man" is the Julie ("The Lion King") Taymor-helmed show that will feature music by U2's Bono and the Edge. Some reports say the show costs $40 million, which would make it the most expensive musical ever. We're not so sure about that, but we do know it's expected to be the big opening of 2010 -- at least until something else comes along (hey, there's a lot of space between now and "Spider-Man's" Feb 18, 2010, opening).

If you're dying to see Lambert don red tights and a leotard, there may still be a chance. Telsey tells MTV that the creative team may be open to having Lambert replace Spider-Man a year or so from now after he's completed all "American Idol" commitments. "There's a bunch of shows we would see him for," Telsey says. "And definitely now that he even has more national appeal -- how great." 

Meanwhile, there's a nationwide open casting call "seeking principals and understudies for the roles of ‘Peter Parker,’ ‘Mary Jane’ and ‘Female Lead Villain.’ " It hits L.A. this Saturday, so start prepping that audition song now. Click here for more information.

-- Lisa Fung

Britain has someone to Idolize too: Susan Boyle

Last week, Culture Monster gave a nod to "American Idol" contestant Adam Lambert, sharing an early look at the singer (and our eagle-eyed assessment of the then-unknown talent) in a production of a musical version of "The Ten Commandments" we’re quite sure we'll never forget.

Now we cross the pond to give you a glimpse of another singer -- this one a bit older than the 26-year-old Lambert. Please meet Susan Boyle, a 47-year-old contestant in “Britain’s Got Talent.”

Now, many of us at Culture Monster are, shall we say, less than fans of “Les Miserables,” finding that the music makes us tres miserable. However, we can spot a talent when we hear one. So we share with you a snippet of Boyle singing “I Dreamed a Dream” from the Boublil and Schonberg musical. 

You can see a full clip of Boyle’s performance here. (Be sure to catch the expression on judge Simon Cowell's face, as well as those of many in the audience.)

-- Lisa Fung

Monster Mash: Breaking news and headlines

-- Controversial concert?: Conductor Daniel Barenboim speaks out about performing in Egypt next week.

-- More bad news in Philly: Philadelphia Orchestra sees yet another round of cutbacks.

-- And in Washington: Lagging ticket sales force D.C. Philharmonic to postpone concerts until fall.

-- And in Utah: Utah Symphony and Utah Opera members take pay cuts to keep organizations afloat.

-- New work: Tony-winner John Caird signs on to write and direct a new musical, "Daddy Long Legs," at Ventura's Rubicon Theatre this fall.

-- Prepared for anything: Before he took on Simon Cowell, "American Idol" contestant Adam Lambert took on Moses.

-- Good news for Italy: MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, is nearing completion in Rome.

-- Raise your hand: Who was the "lonely booer"  sending jeers at director Achim Freyer on opening night of "Die Walkure" at the Los Angeles Opera?

-- Lisa Fung

Photo: Conductor Daniel Barenboim. Credit: Soeren Stache / EPA 

Adam Lambert: Before he was an American Idol

Now, Culture Monster isn't one to play favorites, and we're generally too modest to toot our own horn. But after watching Adam Lambert's show-closing, show-stopping performance on "American Idol" last night, we thought we needed to single out this contestant and, at the same time, share a moment of prescience on our part.

We take you back to 2004, when Los Angeles theatergoers were treated to a spectacle like no other (although some audience members of Achim Freyer's "Ring" productions at Los Angeles Opera may argue otherwise). The occasion was a multimillion-dollar production of “The Ten Commandments,” a pop musical that starred Val Kilmer as a singing Moses.

Produced by fashion designer Max Azria, founder of the design house BCBG Max Azria, the musical played at the Kodak Theatre in -- how shall we put this? – a less than well-reviewed run. As our critic, Mark Swed, wrote:

" 'The Ten Commandments" is such effective theater that, after 2 1/2 hours of cheesy stagecraft and innocuous, blaring upbeat music, we don't just understand Moses, don't just aspire to be Moses, we actually become Moses. That is to say, 'The Ten Commandments' has the power to leave a epiphany-seeking theatergoer speechless."

But our intrepid reviewer did appear to more or less enjoy at least one performer. A then-"unknown" Lambert, who played the slave Joshua (video clip above).

"Indeed, given that there is no dialogue and everyone sings similarly styled music, 'The Ten Commandments' does become, in a funny way, less a story of individuals than a saga of larger emotions. The cast is huge, some 50 strong, and everyone is beautiful. Few singers or dancers distinguish themselves with a personal sound or style. High notes are calculated to get applause. Adam Lambert, as Joshua, does the best in 'Is Anybody Listening?' It is also the best song."

So, instead of saying “you heard it here first,” we’ll just offer Lambert our best wishes in the competition. As far as we’re concerned, this guy has truly paid his dues. 

-- Lisa Fung

'Rock of Ages' on Broadway: What did the critics think?

It was the '80s all over again on Broadway Tuesday night as the heavy-metal jukebox musical "Rock of Ages" opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Big hair, electric guitar and synthesizer were all in attendance.

The musical, written by L.A. theater veteran Chris D'Arienzo, was first performed in 2005 at Hollywood's King King club before moving on to engagements in Las Vegas and off-Broadway. "It's heartland music, without a doubt. I like to joke that it's the first straight-man musical," director Kristin Hanggi said in an interview in Sunday's Arts & Books section. 

"Rock of Ages" stars "American Idol" alumnus Constantine Maroulis as one of several aspiring musicians trying to realize his dreams of hitting it big on the Sunset Strip rock scene of the '80s. Amy Spanger plays one of his friends, an aspiring actress from Kansas, while Mitchell Jarvis incarnates a sound man / narrator character who is the object of both their affections.

The show features '80s hits by Styx, Pat Benatar, Journey, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger and many more.

In a nod to its distinctly non-Rialto roots, "Rock of Ages" features in-seat bar service during the performance, which means you can get hammered while enjoying the time warp back to the halcyon Reagan-era years.

How did the delicate flowers of New York's critical establishment respond to this assault of power chords and screaming vocals? Read below to find out.

-- David Ng