Today's birthday's include: Dan Marino and Oliver Stone.

On Stage and Off: Profitable Anticipation by Jesse McKinley

BTN's Brandwen Says PPV Stats for BTN's Smokey Joe Will Be Closely Guarded

Plans for Cornelia, Olsen's Bio of Wallace's Wife, Remain in Limbo

Carmello, Lewis and DeRosa Croon Tunes of Finn at Joe's Pub, Sept. 25-Oct. 9

2000-01 SEASON PREVIEW: The Broadway Musicals

One's Cat Diary: Stephen Mo Hanan Offer a Cats Chronicle

Lonny Price, Inc: He Stars, Co-Writes and Directs MTC Tuner, A Class Act

WNBC Says Debut of Broadway on Broadway Scores Big in TV Ratings

5,000 Fingers of Dr. T En route to Broadway

Meeting a Genius by Peter Filichia

When The Fix Is In by Michael Riedel

It's "All Whos on Deck" in Boston for the next two weeks, as the $8.5 million "Seussical, the Musical" undergoes major revisions before opening in New York in November.

Yes, BroadwayStars was mentioned in this article. Thanks for all your emails alerting me. But I find something more facinating about this column.

Emanual Azenberg, producer of "Broadway Bound," "Side Show" and "Lost in Yonkers."

Elizabeth I. McCann, whose producing credits include "Dracula" and "Nick and Nora."

Jim Freydberg, who shepherded "Big" through a rocky tryout.

John Weidman, who wrote the books for "Pacific Overtures," "Big" and "Assassins."

You know what is interesting about these passages? Riedel mentions problematic shows, many of which failed financally. Everyone mentioned above surely has better credits than that!

Just for the record, I never spoke to The New York Post regarding this column or Seussical.

A question for those of you who may know; Riedel mentioned that Fiddler was "turned around before their New York debuts." I have heard about the others, but no stories about problems with Fiddler on the out of town tryout. Can someone fill me in?

MATTHEW: lands farce

"...Matthew Broderick, in the role made famous by the late Gene Wilder..."

Gene Wilder died? Not according the The Dead People Server...

Blind item received:

Rather confused by casting of Tom Sawyer. Been hearing that Jim Poulos is now Tom Sawyer when in the previous workshops he's always been Huck. Which is it?

Care to respond to this question?

Orpheus To Descend Upon NYC
The dynamic duo, Williams / Waxman strike again.

Sound of Music Makes a Move

From Bird to Lion

Two New Gigs For Mr. Big. Thesp sets deals for HBO skein, NBC mini.

B’Way On Sunset Confab Opens Sept. 23. Event open to all theater pros.

'Seussical' Extended In Boston. Dr. Seuss-based musical continues for two weeks.

30 DAYS (The movie) will open today at the following NYC theatres (with tickets on sale September 12, 2000):

1. CC Sutton (205 East 57th Street @ 3rd Avenue) (212) 777-FILM #634 Subway: N, R, to Lexington & 4,5,6 to 59th St.

2. CC Village East Cinemas (189 2nd Ave @ E. 12 St.) (212) 777-FILM #922 Subway: N, R, 4,5,6 to Union Sq/14th St & L to 3rd Ave.

Additionally, let this serve as an invitation to the official premiere party (your ticket stub from any screening the opening weekend of 30 Days will admit you), on Friday, September 15, 2000 at the Joseph I. Lubin House, 11 East 61st St., between Madison and 5th Avenue. See you there.

Today's birthdays include: Zoe Caldwell, Walter Koenig and Dan Cortese.

2000-01 SEASON PREVIEW: The Broadway Plays

Bells Are Ringing Will Play Stamford, CT, Prior to NYC; Garrison & Fowler Aboard

After Initial Fed Mediation, Union Source Says Commercial Producers Are "Willing to Listen"

Brooks and Meehan's Producers to Open April 19 at Bway's St. James

OB's Lortel Gives Blessing to Cobb for November Remount

Little Women Will Not Sing in Spring 2001

Landau's Little Jo Musical Will Star Judy Kuhn, Sept. 14

SCENE AND HEARD: A Sneak Peep at Broadway's Full Monty

"Broadway on Broadway" a Ratings Champ

The Broadway Musical's 50 Most Dynamic Openings

Liberman’s Legacy

Tom Sawyer Confirms Broadway Opening

Preview Postscript by Ken Mandelbaum

Power, Pitfalls and 'The Great White Hope' by Bruce Weber

The Arena Stage in Washington will begin its 50th anniversary season with a revival of "The Great White Hope," a play based on the life of the boxer Jack Johnson, who was forced to flee the country because of his romantic liaison with a white woman.

Doumanian Serves ‘Butler’. Farcical comedy stars Sevigny, Baker

A Christmas Survival Guide (presented on Sept 24th and 25th during the Musical Theatre Alliance)

Blind Items/Questions Received:

1)

"The Flame Keeper" will be finally closing in a few days. The show got many terrible reviews... has been failing for weeks to get any audiences. Some say that there NEVER was even one break even week. The lead actor of the 2 character vanity play was also the producer. There are some old bills and expenses that have NOT been paid. This was a show about honor during and after the war in Berlin. But honor and doing what was right - well that appears to only be in the play.

My take, I have not heard anything about The Flame Keeper. Shows fail. It happens. Vanity productions are everywhere. If I had the money to throw away, I'd do it too! :-) But, I agree, you must pay your people and bills before you pay yourself. Anyone else care to comment?

2)

Is Sherman Warner still a member of the Dodgers organaization and in their offices?

3)

Why does the Roundabout Theatre Company production of "Follies" have an Executive Producer as well as another press agent office? "Cabaret" did not.

Thesps Call On Cheney To Push Negotiators. VP candidate sits on ad giant's board.

"With negotiators for striking union actors and advertisers meeting today for the first time in nearly two months, the thesps have asked Republican vice presidential candidate Dick Cheney to push the ad industry toward ending the work stoppage."

Today's birthdays include: Fred Silver, Jacqueline Bisset, Nell Carter, Jean Smart, Arnold Schoenberg, Walter Reed and Clara Schumann.

Nonprofit Theatre Umbrella A.R.T./NY Launches
"offbroadwayonline.com"

WGA Calls Premature Talk of Writers' Strike Troubling
I wonder if the Writer's Guild will expect the actors to support them...

2000-01 SEASON PREVIEW: Off-Broadway

Will Woody's Bullets Fly Over Broadway?

Broadway's The Full Monty Offers Sneak Peek -- Almost

Broadway Television Network Responds to PPV Pre-Show Scramble

John Lennon Drama Planned for Broadway in 2001

Tom Sawyer Musical Sets April 26 B'way Opening

Little Women May Have To Wait Until 2001-02

Seussical Cancels Two Boston Performances
Don't sweat it. This kind of thing happens.

Lucy and Jessie, But No Sigourney? by Ken Mandelbaum
Ken reports that a Hasselhoff J&H may be in the works for Broadway Television Network's next Pay-Per-View. (Excellent scoop Ken!) Does anyone know Hasselhoff's claim to PPV fame? In a stroke of bad luck, Hasselhoff held a PPV event of something like "Baywatch in Concert" on the night of the OJ Simpson low-speed car chase in LA. It was rumored that the Hasselhoff event had the lowest ratings in PPV history. Mind you, it was just bad timing. At the time, Baywatch was being watched by over 1 billion people every week.

Spot check:

Can you tell me who these two women are with All the Right Moves? (Click for answer)

Blind item received:

The concert world is abuzz with the goings on in Florida last week when the first Clear Channel/SFX powwow took place. Guess who Clear Channel brought in as a surprise guest speaker?

Rush Limbaugh.

No word yet how the theater types at SFX reacted, but one would suppose no one at Clear Channel
has seen CABARET...

Blind item received:

Just back from the San Francsico opening of "Hans Christian Andersen". Don't expect it to see it in New York anytime soon, if at all. Audiences walking out in droves, a leaden pretentious book. After witnessing the premiere, Jo Sullivan is said to have FORBIDDEN the Dodgers from moving it beyond this SF production.

Perhaps Jo Loesser and the Dodgers should not have ditched their book writers last year...

Fans of James Joyce's The Dead will be thankful for this info that I saw over at Bill Jenning's Mermaniac.com: The new issue of American Theatre magazine includes the complete text of this Tony Award winning show.

I can't believe that Bill is such a Cats fan though. He seemed more like a dog boy when I met him a few months ago...

Today's birthdays include: Ian Holm, Linda Gray, Rachel Ward, Ben Foldsand Maurice Chevalier

Have You Heard? I Married an Angel Gets Concert Revival in NYC Sept. 12-24

2000-01 SEASON PREVIEW: Regional Theatre
Hey they missed a major regional house. You know ACE in Oregon...

Unscrambling of BTN's Smokey Joe Pre-Show Never Planned, Says Time Warner Source

With Viewership Numbers Still Coming In, BTN Says PPV Smokey Joe Was Success
Many people wrote to say that they did not have any problems with the BTN broadcast. I would say that the majority reaction was very favorable and looking forward to the next one.

Horton Hears A Rumor by Sean Patrick Flahaven

"Some of the same rumors regarding Galati and production costs were leveled at Ragtime in its early incarnations (the musical director was oddly replaced in that case), but everything turned out fine."

Somebody please tell Sean that Ragtime closed to a multimillion dollar loss and toppled a theatrical powerhouse and is now being fought in international courts. Sure, it's okay if that is your definition of 'fine'.

The New Champ by Peter Filichia

B'Way B.O. Sinks 17.5%. 'Annie' loses ammunition with Peters departing

'Cats' Wraps Purr-Fect Run On Broadway. It's over after 18 years, 7,484 performances by Charles Isherwood

Stage Stars Shine at the Emmys

Jury Still Out On BTN’s Inaugural Event

Beethoven in Development

Chita Sails On by Ken Mandelbaum

Toronto Star: Boston critics bean Seussical, The Musical by Richard Ouzounian

San Francisco Gate: Actors Fly, But `Andersen' Remains Earthbound. Loesser songs lost in gloomy, fragmented musical
Could be back the old drawing board for the Dodgers...

Craig Schulman is getting a Hassel over at J&H. Rumor has it that Craig is coming back to Jekyll to understudy David Hasselhoff.

Three words for next season: Flower. Drum. Song.

Last night Karen Mason was bringing down the house, as usual, doing her show at Arci's Place. Tucked away in the dark corners was Karen's biggest fan, Darrin Baker. Darrin told me that he is on the rebound from post-Footloose closing and just booked a wonderful new and challenging role on Showtime's hot and controversial series "Queer as Folk". Shooting will be in Toronto and may include a naked scene. (We JUST had to throw that in!) Will that sell some CDs? We hope!

In Sarajevo. Went to Ira Antelis (music) and Andrew Barrett's (book and lyrics) 'In Sarajevo' presentation yesterday. I left wondering about musicals that make political statements and how they fare. Evita and Chess came to mind, and I was not sure if it was because of the similar nature of the rock influenced music or whether it was because there were no others. Can you think of others? The presentation was a full two hours and the hard work of Stephen Oremus (musical director) gave shape to the evening. In the space of New York Theatre Workshop, it feel like that downtown Rent thing. That's a great place to be.

The Araca Group's independent movie, '30 Days', has its opening this weekend. I just watched the trailer, which is available on their website, and think that it may be time that we theatre people supported film. (I mean other than watching the Oscars.) You can check out the trailer by clicking here. You will be happy to know that they have different size trailers so that you don't slow down your corporate LAN too much.

Ginger, how was the board?

Uneasy Leaders Whose Downfall Lay Within Themselves by Ben Brantley
Ralph Fiennes in the title role of Shakespeare's "Richard II" in Brooklyn.

Cats Ends Historic Run at Bway's Winter Garden

Four by Fourth: Barrett's Rock-Pop In Sarajevo Gets Reading at Fourth Street, Sept. 11-12

2000-01 SEASON PREVIEW: Business Overview

No Plans To Postpone Seussical's Previews

Blind item received:

There is a building tension in Boston about Frank Galati and decisions made regarding Seussical. The costumes have been a half million dollar mistake, and the cast and production staff are seriously questioning where $8.5 million is going with the production values of the sets and props looking no better then those of a high school musical.

Mr. Galati now has his back up against the wall with his choice over the objections of the producers and other creative talents of David Shiner, who can not sing and dance or ever speak with out an accented lisp despite bringing in vocal and speech coaches to tutor him. This has created a a rift within the cast who have an inside joke of "well there is a reason he is a mime". Whole numbers and rewrites have been attempted to cover his musical shortcomings. They have serious concerns over his ability to handle massive changes during the day as happens during an out of town run, and doing a different version each night. He has flubbed whole songs and is already showing vocal strain being inaudible and coughing right on stage. He has missed call and has been observed having heated discussions with his wife who has made it clear she wants to be home in Germany. One possible short term consideration being considered is to have a matinee Cat and night cat to lessen to workload!

One of the biggest reasons for him not being released beyond the reflection it would have on Frank Galati's decision making is the reluctance to eat his contract which was sweetened with perks and salary in order to entice him to take the role. Publicity has also not been of a generic Cat in the Hat, but have been done showing his face and name, with a giant likeness sitting atop the theater in New York. These are making a the traditionally frugal Weisslers reluctant to make a decision with such financial repercussions, but cast members have said that it might be inevitable if it means saving the show from never making it out of Boston.

Well, there it is. I think that there are some merits to this person's email. I usually do not run blind item emails in full, but I felt that this one was worth discussion. In my opinion, Seussical is a ground breaking show under a really intense microscope. I thought shows went out of town to escape that! Regardless, I think too many people who are not the producers worry about the budget. $8.5 million is a large amount of money, but it is not the actor's or designer's concern as long as they are getting paid what they contracted for. I don't believe that Seussical has any chance of closing out of town, so there goes that fear. Insofar as production values go, this is not a period show with exotic places and grand costumes. Yes, they may not be The Green Bird costumes, but then again, you don't want to be The Green Bird, do you?

With Mr. Shiner, there is a problem by all accounts of people who I have spoken with who have seen the show. But removing the leading man is really not an option, I would think, at this juncture. Yes, they could make a long overdue star of Bryan Batt by moving him up, but this is Fran and Barry you are talking about. If Shiner goes, I would not be surprised to see them put Bebe in there! (She always gives them a boost at the Box.) And all kidding aside, after what happened with the Andrea Martin negotiations, I don't think they can lose Shiner.

As for the financial ramifications of releasing a star before coming to New York, it would seem to me that yes, of course, it would hurt, but not as much as a scathing review in the Times. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

I invite any readers to respond to this. Opposing views will get equal time if they are clearly written and not slanderous.

Followup Blind email received:

September 11, 2000 at 12:02:53
One major cast member says Shiner won't be going anywhere and the negative reviews are the best thing that could have happened because it's forcing everybody to work harder. It's backbreaking, but NYC will see a much-improved show.

A Chance to See a Forgotten '40s Hit by Peter Filichia

Go.com takes new name. Monday you can 'DIG' it on Wall St.

"No specifics were given on the redesign of the Go portal, although execs said they are labeling the venture as a "Web guide" for leisure, recreation, entertainment and lifestyle. The relaunch is anticipated for September."

Does this mean that there could be a new player in the Broadway internet space? With Disney's major investment in Broadway, you would think that the Go.com website may focus a little bit on Broadway. (Go.com is a Disney company)

Broadway on Broadway gained national exposure in a really good way. Whoever was on the weather committee should get a gold star! The show was very good with a few technical problems that seem to haunt this event every year, but the talent is a great showcase. My only slight to the event is the lineup and choices of talent. Is everyone getting tired of Lea Delaria doing the same old thing?

Emmy Award Winners
Isn't it great that so many of this year's winners have their roots in Broadway?

Did anyone have trouble with Smokey Joe's Cafe pay-per-view? There were some people with Time Warner Cable who had complaints of the show not starting until after the opening number, missing the pre-show, and general customer service lack of knowledge. Was this isolated or did others have the same problems? Let us know.

Trolls will be trolls, especially when they look like a troll with glitter lipstick.

There are big rumblings in Boston with Seussical. I will see what I can find out and report back tomorrow. It may be that a Batt really will play a Cat.

Today's birthdays include: Fay Wray ("What ever happened to Fay Wray..."), Robert Wise, Kate Burton and Ryan Phillippe.

Few Big Treats, but Many Small Pleasures
If the lineup of big musical treats suddenly looks skeletal, there are more intimate and eccentric pleasures to be found elsewhere. One hesitates to mention them, as nothing in theater is guaranteed to arrive, either dead or alive.

FILM: All Singing, All Dancing, All Surprising
This fall will be a season of radical departures, with an astonishing number of musicals from directors new to the genre.

The Long Road From Whoville to Broadway by Peter Marks

Looking Ahead: Politics, Nakedness and Other Hot Topics

I watched Broadway Television Network's 'Smokey Joe's Cafe' the other day. It makes it's debut tonight on pay-per-view against tough competition -- the Emmy Awards. This experiment in Broadway broadcast will cost the viewer $24.95, and I have to say that it is well worth it. The producers of this broadcast did as much possible to make the experience seem like you were there. Good multicamera shots, great sound and lighting that seems like it was for the shoot rather than the stage. Of course, this is a great supplement to fans who have seen the show and does not replace the live show, but is definitely great for those who did not get a chance to see the real thing and for historical purposes. I hope this is a successful venture. To order tonight's performance call (800) 750-6565.

Toronto Star: Memories, as Cats waves bye to Broadway. The longest-running musical in the U.S. also had impact here.

Cats Ends Historic Run at Bway's Winter Garden, Sept. 10

For Karen I'm Carin' by Peter Filichia

The 2000 Straw Hat Awards by Peter Filichia

What a historic day today is. Cats ends. BTN debuts the PPV Broadway show. Broadway on Broadway is today, and will be broadcast on TV and the internet! It is all starting to change and we are all here to witness it, participate in it and perhaps, create it. Will Jason Robert Brown become the next Kander and Ebb? Will Andrew Lippa become the next Stephen Sondheim? Will Adam Guettel become the next Richard Rodgers? (Well, he does have the headstart, but more than enough talent without the bloodlines.) What a great time to be a part of the club that I hope all of you include yourself in: people who love theatre.

"A cat's entitled to expect the evidences of respect
So this is this, and that is that:
And there's how you address a cat."

Get rid of dog boy.

Today's birthdays include: Topol, Adam Sandler, Tom Wopat and Devine guy: Hugh Grant.

On Stage And Off: Seasonal Pleasures, Including Naked Men by Jesse McKinley

Forbes: Stroman's Moment. Broadway has a new genius to succeed Bob Fosse and Michael Bennett. And she makes musicals for grownups.

Media buys: Have you seen the ads for City Center with Alec Baldwin? Also of mention, the full page color ad for Rocky Horror in Time Out. (I thought there was a cool new logo. I guess not.) Rocky Horror's website is moving towards opening with a new holding page.

Atlantic Theatre Presents Fifth Annual '24 Hour Plays' Benefit, Sept. 8

Internships Available At Playbill On-Line

DIVA TALK: The Cabaret Column, Featuring a chat with Karen Mason

A rumored schedule of Annie Oakleys

"Cheryl Ladd until January
Reba McEntire for 6 months with another 6 month possible extension.
Rock star Jewel comes in for about 3-4 months
Lisa Hartman Black finishes the run."

The Mystical Divinity of Unashamed Felinity by Ken Mandelbaum

Shakespeare Festival Seeks Streep & Kline for Summer 2001

Fiennes Rules! He's every inch a rotten king as 'Richard II' in Brooklyn