'Wind' blows onstage

Legiters are attempting once more for any effective stage version of "Gone using the Wind": The 2012-13 season in the Royal Manitoba Theater Center, Canada's biggest and earliest regional, includes the planet preem of Winnipeg playwright Niki Landau's new adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's Civil War tale.Whereas Landau's version is really a play, other notable legit efforts at adapting the title happen to be tuners. Broadway regular John Lee Beatty will design the teams of the brand new Manitoba version, set to spread out Jan. 10.To begin the last failures was "Scarlett," compiled by Harold Rome, which demonstrated a success if this opened up in Tokyo, japan in 1970 but did not conjure exactly the same box office miracle once the show, retitled "Gone using the Wind," hit free airline Finish in 1972. A United States version folded on the highway in 1973.Another musical adaptation, helmed by Trevor Nunn and compiled by Margaret Martin, eked out a 79-perf West Finish run in 2008 after generating negative reviews.Other major shows within the RMTC season incorporate a revival of Aaron Sorkin's "A Couple of Good Males" and also the hit Toronto manufacture of "Assassins," to become presented because the signature bit of a town-wide festival of composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim's work. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Videogames slump in Feb

Despite the launch of Sony's Ps Vita, the videogames biz saw sales decline 20% in Feb to $1 billion in comparison to 2011. That's still up versus the 34% hit the general industry required in The month of january.Feb game sales are propped up, though, when invoice discounting in used game sales, digital downloads, social networking and mobile games, rental fees and subscription revenue, that could account for the next $550 million to $600 million throughout the month, NPD Group stated.Still sales of software across all platforms stepped 24% to $464 million, while hardware was off 18% to $381 million.Using the Vita getting hit U.S. store shelves February. 22, there have been just four times of sales for that Vita. With no handheld, hardware sales rose 62% over The month of january. Using the Vita, the amount increases to 82%.Microsoft's Xbox 360 360 brought in hardware sales because the best-selling console for that seventh month consecutively, assisted through the Kinect.Total retail invest in the Xbox 360 360 platform in Feb (including hardware, software and add-ons) added as much as $383 million, probably the most for just about any console within the U.S.Activision's "Cod: Modern Warfare 3" was the very best-selling bet on the month, then Square Enix's "Final Fantasy XIII-2," THQ's "UFC Undisputed 3," Apple Something Electronic Arts "Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning" (from baseball pitcher Curt Schilling's 38 Galleries), and Ubisoft's "Just Dance 3."A decline in catalog sales was blamed for that decline in content sales at retail, with games that released this year selling 32% less models in Feb than this past year, NPD stated. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Sigourney Weaver Heads to TV in USA's Political Animals

Lana Parrilla, David Boreanaz, Emily VanCamp Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com.When will we learn what Snow White did that made the Evil Queen hate her so much on Once Upon a Time? - Sarah NATALIE: April 1 is the magical day. So much is revealed in the hour that Lana Parrilla says she was surprised the story wasn't spread over several episodes. "You'll meet young Regina," she says. "I look totally different -- fresh-faced, doe-eyed, young, fun, excited about life, in love, and then it just gets really dark. It's way before she becomes the Evil Queen." Adds Ginnifer Goodwin: "Folks will sympathize with the Evil Queen in ways they're not expecting."I'd love some Bones scoop! - MollyADAM: Look for another case to hit really close to home for Booth. When the Jeffersonian team learns that some unidentified remains from the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon belong to a Gulf War veteran, Booth makes it his personal mission to find out who he was. Turns out he had become homeless before his death, the result of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, with the help of one of Booth's fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, Seeley may be able to prove that the veteran still died a hero. What's coming up for Emily and Nolan on Revenge now that she knows he's been working with Takeda? -Holland NATALIE: They're going to butt heads big time, but the damage isn't permanent. Executive producer Mike Kelley sees them as siblings. "Nolan sees David Clarke as a de facto father figure and [Emily] didn't get the benefit of knowing her father as an adult. They both think of each other like family, so no matter what we throw at them, they're going to remain connected."I can't believe Dale died on The Walking Dead! Does that mean Shane might not be a goner after all? - AllenADAM: Let's try and do the math together: Sunday's episode features not one, but two very significant deaths - both of which may finally help explain what Dr. Jenner whispered to Rick in the Season 1 finale - and it will also ring the bell on Round 2 of the epic Rick vs. Shane fight that began a couple weeks back.Alcatraz scoop please! - Jesse NATALIE: Bloodletting, shmoodletting. Dr. Beauregard is about to take Lucille's shock therapy methods to new heights! Pity the '63s - yes, really. We'll also learn why a certain chatty inmate we saw in a previous episode hasn't reappeared in present day.Have I heard correctly? Barney and Quinn are moving in together on How I Met Your Mother? -JenniferADAM: Yup! They move fast, don't they? In the March 19 episode, Barney breaks the news to his pals, who are less than thrilled about the idea and stage an intervention to break them up. "It's more about the fact that that she's a stripper and they think Barney should be with someone classier," says Becki Newton, who also tells us Quinn is not so easily dropped. "You'll see more of Barney and Quinn together, and as the relationship progresses, the gang will see that they're actually a great pairing."I'm kind of bummed Castle killed off Sophia (Jennifer Beals). I liked the way she challenged Castle and Beckett. Is that weird? - AshleyADAM: It's a little weird. But we may not have seen the last of the Russian spy after all. "I always knew that she was going to be the bad guy and we were going to kill her in the end. But I also know that in any sort of CIA-inspired story, nobody is ever really dead for certain," creator Andrew W. Marlowe tells us. "I like to have my cake and eat it too. It's all depending on where our storytelling takes us and assuming that Jennifer had a good time and wants to come back and play with us." (OK, maybe it's not so weird after all...)I miss Covert Affairs. What's coming up in the new season? - Lois NATALIE: Annie is getting a new mentor and confidant this season. If Joan is the "cold mom," think of Lena as the "cool mom," something Annie greatly aspires to be. Though Lena's a consummate professional, she's also very inclusive and treats her operatives as equals. Sound too good to be true? That's because it is. Sorry, Annie!My day would get a whole lot better if you gave me some Blue Bloods scoop! - PatADAM: Another week, another star witness to keep alive for Erin Reagan. This time she's trying to convict a Russian mobster whose goons have killed all the other witnesses. It's so trying that Erin will actually consider another job offer. One catch: The new job would put her at odds with Papa Frank.Got any scoop on Grimm? - Joshua NATALIE: Get ready to meet Cinderella! She's led a half-tragic, half-magical life with her mean stepmother and stepsisters, and a "Prince Charming" whose company has just sunk the family fortune. Oh, and did we mention Cinderella likes the dark and has got a wingspan that Batman would be jealous of?What's coming up on Shameless? - ScottADAM: Now that Fiona virtually kicked Lip out of the house, he'll take his revenge by moving in with... Steve. Once there, Lip will earn his keep by helping Steve smuggle Estefania's boyfriend Marco into the country - if they can ever find the shipping container he was in. Meanwhile, Mommy Monica is back in the Gallaghers' lives. Anyone want to take bets on how long it takes her to find (and spend) the squirrel fund?Now that Neal has run away, what will we see next season on White Collar? - Tom NATALIE: Though Neal will be off living the life - with a new lady love in tow - he won't be missing for long, not if Internal Affairs has anything to say about it. They'll send their most dangerous agent to track him down, which is bad news for Neal because said agent will take his targets dead or alive.Natalie's Mega Rave: Whether or not you suffer from Kristen Wiig fatigue on Saturday Night Live, you have to admit she completely owned one of the only hands-down hilarious sketches this season in The Real Housewives of Disney, playing Cinderella as a drunken mess whose glass slipper-obsessed Prince Charming is possibly not interested in princesses. Adam's Mini Rant: Unfortunately, the rest of the Lindsay Lohan-hosted SNL was a bust. Lohan may have proved that she's cleaned up her personal life, but between her general stiffness and January Jones-like lack of commitment, she certainly didn't prove that she's ready to go back to comedy.Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows?E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide(Additional reporting by Joyce Eng and Kate Stanhope)

Newcomer Megan Ketch Can get Female Lead In ABC Drama Pilot Gotham

A sizable break for youthful actress Megan Ketch. Ketch, who finished NY College’s graduate acting program a year ago, has showed up the feminine lead inside the ABC drama pilot Gotham. The 20th TV-produced project concentrates on Detective Annie Travers (Ketch), a born-and-bred NYer considering the “impossible murder” from the nightclub owner who's stunned to know that NY features a whole secret magical good status that she (and everyone else) was formerly unaware. The pilot was put together by Michael Eco-friendly, with Francis Lawrence pointing. In their first pilot season, Ketch received three test offers, one of these simple brought for an plane pilot lead. A smaller amount dangerous for an actress with 3 guest spots under her belt. Ketch, repped by ICM and Brillstein Entertainment, could make her feature debut inside the approaching comedy The Wedding.

'Iron' perf proves Streep's mettle

StreepWith her Oscar win for "The Iron Lady," Meryl Streep has joined a decidedly elite club, becoming only the fifth actor to win three Oscars. Katharine Hepburn won four, and Walter Brennan, Ingrid Bergman and Jack Nicholson have three apiece. Streep appeared stunned when her named was called Sunday. Viola Davis had been viewed by many as the likely winner for "The Help." "When I heard my name, I could hear half of America going, 'Oh, no! Not again! Her!' But whatever!" Streep said from the stage. Strep thanked her longtime makeup artist J. Roy Helland, who won the makeup Oscar with Mark Coulier for "The Iron Lady," and then got a large laugh by saying, "I'm never going to be up here again!" Streep received her first Oscar nom for "The Deer Hunter" and won her first Oscar a year later for "Kramer vs. Kramer." She was nominated in 1981 for "The French Lieutenant's Woman," then won the next year for "Sophie's Choice." Streep then racked up a dozen more nominations over the next three decades without winning before taking the trophy Sunday for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," both as a retiree beset by senility and as formidable politician who peaked with the 1982 Falklands war against Argentina. The 17 Oscar nods for Streep, 62, are the most any performer has been nominated by the Academy, including "Silkwood," "Out of Africa," "A Cry in the Dark," "The Bridges of Madison County," "Adaptation," "The Manchurian Candidate" and "The Devil Wears Prada." She received her 16th nom in 2009 for "Julie & Julia." Besides Davis, Streep bested Glenn Close for "Albert Nobbs," Rooney Mara for "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" and Michelle Williams for "My Week With Marilyn." Streep had won her eighth Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award earlier. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Jason Bateman and Wife Welcome Second Daughter

The autumn TV months are materializing. Systems have purchased a large number of new aircraft pilots starring familiar faces including Zachary Levi, Mindy Kaling, Mandy Moore and Sarah Silverman, and from proven producers like Josh Schwartz, J.J. Abrams, Greg Berlanti and Kevin Williamson. Also creating a comeback this season: Legendary figures including Eco-friendly Arrow, Barbara Bradshaw, A Virtual Detective and sweetness and also the Animal. To keep an eye on who's doing what, read our complete list of all of the series projects in contention and appearance back for updates on their own status. Listed here are the NBC aircraft pilots: (Get more information at ABC, CBS, CW and Fox.) Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Andrea ParkerFrances ConroyJames MurrayMandy MooreSarah SilvermanKevin WilliamsonGreg BerlantiJud TaylorMegalyn EchikunwokeZachary LeviJ.J. AbramsJohn WellsJosh SchwartzMadisen BeatyShamelessAmerican Horror StoryMADtvNancy PimentalMichael McDonaldMindy KalingPatrick Heusinger

Nominees to find the best animated film

"The Kitty in Paris"Why it'll win: Directed by Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli, this charming French mystery thriller starring a simple-fingered cat, somewhat girl as well as the photogenic back pathways and roofs of Paris might be another surprise wildcard inside the nominations. Specific squarely at kids, the 2D toon notifies the story of seven-year-old Zoe who discovers that her cat is moonlighting since the real factor -- the kitty crook who helps a close crook steal within the wealthy. Which is Oscar chances got a good start due to its Annie and European Film Award noms.Not: Despite the fact that animation is rather as well as the jazzy score effective, rapid feature (only 65 minutes) ultimately feels somewhat lightweight for grownups. And A Pair Of cat-centric films may be one lots of for Oscar voters -- especially fans of "Tintin"'s Snowy who's lately been started the podium having a lizard together with a panda."Chico & Rita"Why it'll win: Every year that's snubbed some high-profile projects -- including "Cars 2" (which causes it to be the initial Pixar film to not be nommed since the category was created 10 years ago), "The Adventures of Tintin," "Rio," "Arthur Christmas" and "Happy Foot 2," the The the spanish language language film "Chico & Rita" is among two little photos that could to produce the cut. And you can realise why the champion in the European Film Award outshine a couple of from the large boys. Co-directed by Fernando Trueba (whose "Belle Epoque" needed the 1993 foreign-lingo prize), designer Javier Mariscal and Tono Errando, the small-budget ($13 million) but ambitious film for grownups notifies popular story of love, passion and heartbreak occur the jazz cell phone industry's of Cuba, NY, Paris and Vegas across several decades, which is really the only nom starring people rather than animals.Not: Even though it showcases classic hands-attracted 2D animation, in addition to features infectious music (and animated cameos) by such jazz best as Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Cole Porter, Dizzy Gillespie, Woodsy Herman, Tito Puente and Chano Pozo, it may be too retro due to its very own good."Kung Fu Panda 2"Why it'll win: The only real follow-up among the bunch, the boisterous CG comedy offers a great deal opting for this: a superb, worldwide voice-gloomy including Jennifer Aniston, current Oscar nom Gary Oldman and Jack Black, which is lively story, colorful animation and celebration of Chinese culture and art aided transform it into a critical and global hit (it attracted in over $653 million, which $500 million was worldwide). It absolutely was the first DreamWorks Animation feature directed having a lady -- Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who graduated from such projects as "Madagascar" and "Spirit: Stallion in the Cimarron." Which might resonate with a lot of voters.Not: Harder-hearted voters may resent the every so often heavy-handed, self-help book approach to abandonment issues, repressed recollections as well as the energy of tears to heal."Puss in Boots"Why it'll win: Directed by "Shrek 3's" Chris Burns by getting an correctly light and charming touch, executive produced by Guillermo del Toro, and produced by DreamWorks Animation, the CG 3d family-friendly feline feature, which once again stars Antonio Banderas (within the eighth performance as Puss), did remarkably well, both considerably at el born area office. Occur a golden, romanticized version of old The nation, the visually captivating prequel for the "Shrek" films totalled up as much as fifty percent a billion dollars worldwide and was nominated for animated film by such bellwethers since the Globes, the Annie Honours, the PGA as well as the BFCA. And effective voice-over work from Puss sidekicks Salma Hayek as Cat Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty, additionally to Bill Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris since the murderous villains Jack and Jill, adds to the luster.Not: Voters can experience the tabby tale is just too fluffy. Too as with a time of outsourcing-backlash, the fact "Puss in Boots" was partly animated in India may not sit well."Rango"Why it'll win: With "The Adventures of Tintin" in the running, the initial animation film for "Pirates in the Caribbean" veteran Gore Verbinski and industry VFX giant ILM looks more effective than in the past. Vital pic acquired globally glowing reviews (an 88% on Rotten Tomato vegetables) and charmed auds for the tune more than $242 million worldwide, which causes it to be the 18th finest-grossing film of year. Which is victory within the BFCA honours -- a reliable predictor of Oscar gold, plus a rack of crix wins is only able to help its chances. Aesthetically, furthermore, it marks an absolute change of pace within the usual toon options. Instead of cute, warm and fuzzy figures and corny jokes, this subversive Western starred a delusional bug-eyed chameleon antihero and went for offbeat humor, awesome sight-gags together with a photograph-real scuffed look that deliberately blurred the street between animation and live action.Not: Despite critical kudos and impressive BO, its lizardy hero, unconventional attitude and funky outdoors-the-box visual approach may well be a little a lot of for play-it-safe Oscar voters.EYE Round The Oscars: BEST PICTURE NOMINEESBest Picture Director Animated Film Documentary Language Film Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com