'The Scottsboro Boys': A memorable musical by Elysa Gardner

The final Kander and Ebb musical, The Scottsboro Boys (* * * out of four), now in its Broadway premiere, seems determined to challenge even the most sophisticated and inured audiences.

Broadway's 'Women on the Verge' is all over the place by Elysa Gardner

No one, or nothing, seems to stay put in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (* * ½ out of four), the new musical adaptation of Pedro Almodovar's 1988 film.

On Broadway: Humor according to Colin Quinn and Pee-wee Herman by Elysa Gardner

Looking back on a bold year for Broadway by Elysa Gardner

'Spider-Man' the musical is still up in the air by Elysa Gardner

"I've turned off my Google alerts," quips Taymor, Spider-Man's director and co-librettist. But the Tony Award-winning veteran is serious and passionate in defending her project.

'Spider-Man' deftly spins substance, spectacle by Elysa Gardner

What has been less widely reported is this: Beyond the offstage drama and lavish budget, and all the feats and flash accompanying them, lies an endearingly old-fashioned musical.

You'd be fortunate to meet 'Good People' by Elysa Gardner

The central figure in Lindsay-Abaire's excellent new play, Good People (*** ½ out of four), is a woman for whom things can only get better.

First listen: 'If/Then' Broadway cast recording by Elysa Gardner

On June 3, five days before this year's Tony Awards are handed out, the original Broadway cast recording of If/Then, a contender for best original score, will be released " featuring Idina M…

Video premiere: 'Natural Woman' from 'Beautiful' by Elysa Gardner

Among the King/Goffin classics showcased is (You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman, a hit for Aretha Franklin and later featured on King's landmark album Tapestry. If you haven't seen Muell…

Chet Walker brings the beloved musical back to Broadway, 'in the style of' mentor Bob Fosse by Elysa Gardner

azz hands. Cocked hips. Feet turning sharply inwards and out. It's the "Manson trio," one of Bob Fosse's signature dance numbers, first introduced in the original production of Pippin -- …

Mamet's mad men return to Broadway in 'Glengarry' by Elysa Gardner

In this staging of David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the estimable Daniel Sullivan directs an assemblage of gifted stage and screen veterans " among them Al Pacino, whom Sullivan la…

With this revival, 'The Best Man' does win by Elysa Gardner

William Russell has a lot to recommend him as a presidential candidate. A former secretary of State, he's smart as a whip, thoughtful and so fair-minded that he objects to slinging mud even …

Cattrall hits a new stage in life with 'Lives' " USATODAY.com by Elysa Gardner

As a leading lady in a new Broadway revival of Noel Coward's Private Lives, Kim Cattrall inherits a role played before by such iconic actresses as Gertrude Lawrence, Maggie Smith and Elizabe…

Here's 'What Matters Most' to Barbra Streisand - USATODAY.com by Elysa Gardner

Before writer/director Arthur Laurents died at 93 last May, he had discussed a new film adaptation of his classic musical Gypsy, with Streisand cast as infamous stage mama Rose. Those plans …

Playlist: Callaway sisters' classics, plus 10 tracks by Elysa Gardner

Broadway veterans Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway serve up a Carly Simon song with theatrical poignancy. Among intriguing tracks: Craig Ferguson's The Backson Song, Keb Mo's Whole Ench…

Broadway loves you, Porgy - USATODAY.com by Elysa Gardner

Summertime, and the livin' is easy…though you'll have to wait for colder weather to see a certain American classic "reimagined" on Broadway.

'Sister Act': Most entertaining nuns, bar none - USATODAY.com by Elysa Gardner

This season's two most winning new musicals to date both put faith in the forefront with a mixture of satire and sweetness that can be embraced by the pious and non-believers alike.