Monster Mash: Breaking news and headlines

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

--Pasadena Playhouse and newcomer Ebony Repertory Theatre collaborate on a production of ‘Crowns.’

--Spike Lee debuts his film documentary of the Broadway musical ‘Passing Strange’ at Sundance.

--Reprise dumps ‘Chess’ in favor of ‘The Fantasticks.’

--Placido Domingo helps to reopen New Orleans’ Mahalia Theatre.

--’Speed-the-Plow producers file grievance against actor Jeremy Piven; ‘Entourage’ actor’s reps call claim ‘absurd and outrageous.’ Now will he have a hard time finding work?

--Video artist Bill Viola creating two permanent installations for St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

--Artistic directors from Geffen Playhouse, Center Theatre Group and Pasadena Playhouse defend the need for theater critics.

--Vladimir Putin’s first painting sells for $1.14 million at a charity auction in his native St. Petersburg.

--Barack Obama’s half-brother performs in China to raise money for orphans.

--Vietnamese Americans protest art exhibit in Santa Ana.

--Philadelphia Orchestra deals with leadership gap as the organization faces gloomy financial future.

--Yo-Yo Ma plans to play a cello specially designed to withstand the cold during inauguration performance.

--Los Angeles County Museum of Art cautiously makes plans amid tough economic climate.

-- Lisa Fung

Top photo: Pasadena Playhouse. Credit: Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times. Bottom photo: Barack Obama’s half-brother, Mark Ndesandjo, performs to raise money for Chinese orphans. Credit: Kin Cheung / Associated Press