Costumes from the Tony-winning Broadway production of "The Lion King" now have a permanent home in one of the country's largest museums. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History has acquired objects from the musical's costume wardrobe designed by Julie Taymor. The gift from Disney Theatrical Productions includes items worn by the characters of Simba and the tribal shaman Rafiki.
Simba's lion mask and headdress plus Rafiki's costume, custom shoes and hat will join the museum's permanent entertainment collections. The gift from Disney was made on the occasion of the show's reaching the 50 million worldwide attendance mark. "The Lion King" has been produced in 13 countries, including Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Mexico, Australia, China, Taiwan, South Africa and South Korea.
-- David Ng Robbers steal Magritte nudeTwo armed robbers stole a painting by Belgian artist René Magritte from a small museum in Brussels on Thursday, police said.Brussels police spokesman Johan Berckmans said the men escaped by car with the 1948 "Olympia" oil painting. The nude portrait of the surrealist's wife, Georgette, is valued at $1.1 million.
The painting hung at Magritte's former house, which has been turned into a small museum. Entry is by appointment only. It is separate from a larger Magritte museum that opened this year.
-- associated press 'Posada Magica' moving to L.A.
The recession taketh away, and the recession giveth.
"La Posada Magica" enjoyed a 15-year holiday season run at South Coast Repertory on the strength of its alternately funny, dark and touching script by Octavio Solis about the Christmas spirit lost, then found, and lively music by Marcos Loya. Then it got swept out of its niche on SCR's 2009 schedule, a victim of economy-driven cost-cutting.
But Costa Mesa's loss is now L.A.'s gain, with the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble's announcement of a Dec. 4-24 run of the show, its Los Angeles premiere.
The play tells the story of 14-year-old Gracie, whose faith in God, not to mention her Christmas spirit, has been squelched by the recent death of her baby brother.
-- Mike Boehm 'Da Vinci Code' publisher out
The man who published "The Da Vinci Code" is resigning.
Stephen Rubin, a publishing executive since 1984 whose authors have included Dan Brown, John Grisham and Pat Conroy, said Thursday that he was stepping down as executive vice president and publisher-at-large of Random House Inc., effective Oct. 2.
"I have had the privilege of publishing and working closely with some of the greatest authors in the world," said Rubin, 67.
He said he planned to write a book and was exploring "some very exciting new opportunities in publishing."
Rubin declined further comment. His agent, Robert F. Levine, said the book was about classical music but declined to say which publisher was involved.
-- associated press A turnaround in MOCA's funds
The Museum of Contemporary Art, revealed to be in dire financial straits late last year, said Thursday that the downtown L.A. museum had raised nearly $60 million since December, hailing the figure as an indication of a turnaround at the institution.
The fundraising total includes December's $30-million pledge from the Broad Foundation, $16.4 million in trustee gifts, $3 million from individual patrons, $6.7 million from the museum's annual fund and $3.8 in trustee dues.
MOCA also has announced the election of four trustees, two newly appointed and two returning. The new members are Lilly Tartikoff, president of H. Beale Co., which produces film and television, and Nancy Marks, an arts and education supporter.
Returning trustees are former music industry executive Gilbert B. Friesen and art collector and restaurateur Peter Morton.
-- Diane Haithman Finally
Opening night: "Fantastic Mr. Fox," a stop-motion animated film featuring the voices of George Clooney, Bill Murray, Meryl Streep and Jason Schwartzman, will open the AFI Festival at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Oct. 30.
Awards update: Production designer Terence Marsh, who won Oscars for "Oliver!" and "Doctor Zhivago," will receive a lifetime achievement award from the Art Directors Guild at its annual awards ceremony on Feb. 13.
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