Gwinnett Daily Post

NEW YORK -- A stage adaptation of John Grisham's first novel, ''A Time to Kill,'' will have its world premiere next year in Washington in what is being billed as a ''pre-Broadway'' production.

Arena Stage's artistic director Molly Smith said Thursday the play will run May 6, 2011, through June 19, 2011, at Arena's Kreeger Theater. The best-selling novel will be adapted by Rupert Holmes, who wrote the musical ''The Mystery of Edwin Drood.''

''A Time to Kill'' concerns the murder trial of a father who takes the law into his own hands after his daughter is raped. A 1996 film version starred Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock and Samuel L. Jackson.

Betty White to host 'SNL'

NEW YORK -- The Internet has gotten its way: Betty White will host ''Saturday Night Live.''

NBC said Thursday that the 88-year-old actress will host the show May 8. ''SNL'' executive producer Lorne Michaels says he can't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day weekend than with White.

The announcement followed a campaign on Facebook urging the sketch show to make White a host. The group attracted nearly half-a-million supporters.

White, whose starring roles include ''The Golden Girls,'' was given a lifetime achievement award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January.

Conan to take show on road

NEW YORK -- Without a TV show to do every night, Conan O'Brien is taking his act on the road.

The former host of ''The Tonight Show'' announced a 30-city theater tour on Thursday. Sidekick Andy Richter and the former ''Tonight Show'' band will join O'Brien for what he promises to be ''a night of music, comedy, hugging and the occasional awkward silence.''

The ''Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour'' begins April 12 in Eugene, Ore., and concludes June 14 in Atlanta.