Today's birthdays include: Lizabeth Scott, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ian McShane, Patricia Hodge and Jill Whelan.

Building a Theatrical Season, Month by Month

On Stage and Off: What Rhymes With Tweak? by Jesse McKinley

Your Story, Transformed on the Spot Into Theater by Ben Brantley

B.D. Wong, Melissa Errico To Star in "Mufti" Revival of Rodgers Musical Rex, Oct. 13

How Were the Reviews?: The Rhythm Club in VA

Broadway Gospel Celebrations Sing Out Oct. 1-2

I See Heaven by Sean Patrick Flahaven

Sweeney Without Sondheim by Peter Filichia

How Things Came to Be by Bruce Kimmel

Roger Bart

Modern Millie Cancels First Preview, Now Begins Oct. 4

Swing to Shut Doors at St. James Theatre, Jan. 14, 2000

Encores! Season to Include Hair, Yankee and Bloomer Girl

Wonderful Town's Broadway Future Looks Cloudy

Cuccioli and Tunie's Antony and Cleopatra Split from NJ ShakesFest Sept. 30
Speaking of Cuch, I just got my copy of the new CD he is on, Beauty and the Beast by Kelly Masterson, Judy Spencer and Wayne Blood. It should be in the stores on Tuesday.

SAG Actors Man Strike Line in Action Against Proctor and Gamble

Producers Give Official Word On Break in Commercial Contract Talks with Actors, Sept. 28

"Dr." Rob Marshall Will Assess Seussical; Previews Begin Oct. 18

Yahoo: Hollywood.com slashes 25 jobs in Los Angeles

CBS Marketwatch: Hollywood Com Inc  (NASDAQ NM)

Doctoring Seuss by Ken Mandelbaum

Herman’s Spectacular by Ken Mandelbaum

Bells Are Ringing for Broadway-Bound Revival at Stamford, Feb. 20

Broadway's Lauren Kennedy Sends A Dispatch from The Rhythm Club by Lauren Kennedy

The Cowboys! Come Home to NYC's Wings Theatre, Sept. 28-Oct. 21

SAG/AFTRA Break Off Talks With Commercial Producers, Sept. 27

Speaking of the strike, here is a message from Marc Kudisch that is worth sharing with everyone regarding his Toyota commercials and how the strike is effecting everyone:

hey james.
in reply: it is of course due to the strike. my contract with toyota was up on sept. 13, so they were able to use what was already in the library of commercials, even while the strike was on, until the 13. now, they are using the library of what they shot, including dialogue (even improvisations), just reshooting the tv stuff with this guy. whether or not i will return remains to be seen. if the strike ends while they still use the library of what we shot, then it is likely. or they may just decide to try a new campaign, in which case i will be done. this strike has crippled so many actors, so many that we all know. the money lost while holding out has been crippling to those with families that make their livelihood in commercials exclusively. i know an actor who is selling his house to keep afloat. and while i have been stung badly by this strike, and while others have been even more seriously hurt, it still stands that this strike is worth the fight. the only strength that actors have is their ability to stand for their integrity, and at times, actually say NO. we are standing for our rights as they concern national network, as well as their more important usage in syndication, which is huge now, and internet use, which they do not want to even acknowledge. if these issues are not approached now, they could escalate to even greater misuse. so, there you go. sorry for the long dissertation.
marc

Union Muscle and Rosie O'Donnell's 'Mad Cap' Bid Comprise SAG Developments, Sept. 27

Sills and Krakowski Are Mack and Mabel For L.A. Reprise! Nov. 8-19

Adam Pascal Rocks Manhattan, Sept. 28

Best find of the month: The Lady Cavaliers. Self described as "...a new company dedicated to creating opportunities for women in the art of stage combat..." will present their first production 'Gloria' by Peter Hilton from October 5-21 at Theater for the New City. Their postcard describes the show as "A fantastical story of self-discovery, in a world a treachery, deception & danger, where good must conquer evil, not to mention lots of chicks with swords." Sounds like my kind of show! For more information about the show and The Lady Cavaliers, visit their website at http://www.geocities.com/ladycavaliers/

Today's birthdays include: Wilford Brimley, Dick Schaap, Liz Torres, Meat Loaf (former Rocky Horror alum is only 9 years older than new RHS performer Joan Jett!), Shaun Cassidy (the other Cassidy not doing Aida) and William Conrad.

How Were the Reviews?: The Beautiful Game

SAG, Advertisers Talk Into Wee Small Hours. Both sides close to a final deal

Phyllis Update by Ken Mandelbaum
Blythe Danner? Aside from that being a great scoop, that would be great casting!

Fantasticks Film Booking Holding Steady

Discombobulated Bosco by Peter Filichia

A Ribald Tale by Peter Filichia

Special Offer at Jane Eyre B.O. Opening Oct. 2

Frank Langella to Be MSG Scrooge in New York City, Nov. 24-Dec. 31
Special kudos to Joan Barber who has been helping Frank sing like a bird!

Steppenwolf's Cuckoo to Sing on Broadway in Spring 2001

Off-Broadway's Chemistry Goes Poof, Oct. 1

Clear Channel Says Buying SFX Debt Is Routine
This story is a followup to last Friday's story on Playbill. Good journalism always has a follow up to clear up any open points. The web needs more Murdoch McBride-s.

Blind Finances: Since I am thinking about finances, can someone tell me what this is? Hint: It is not Clear Channel. Now, I was an Econ major and worked on Wall Street for a few years... and I can tell you: This is not good. If you have an idea, let me know.

Do you find yourself mad after reading this website? Then this may be for you. Click. Learn. Live. And stop complaining. If you cleanup your act, I won't pick on you. (You know who you are!)

Dilly Not Millie After All
Oh, I was all set to cheer for Broadway.com, until they tried to cover their tracks. The July 16th story about Erin Dilly bowing out of Millie had been removed from public access after Erin and the production denied it. Broadway.com just deleted it without acknowledgment, and now the story just reappears and they take credit for having it all along. It is not really what an ethical news division would do. (Cache does not lie.) But the really exciting news here is that Sutton Foster's star is starting to take off! She is very, very talented.

On this day in 1957 The musical ``West Side Story'' opened on Broadway. Today's birthdays include: George Gershwin, T. S. Eliot, Philip Bosco, Mary Beth Hurt, Olivia Newton-John and Linda Hamilton.

A Happier Second Act
The Manhattan Theater Club was so recently consumed with damage control that the triumphs it has seen from last season's three successful new plays, "Fuddy Meers," "Tale of the Allergist's Wife" and "Proof," are especially welcome.

Where Are the Hardy-Har-Hars of Yesteryear?

Bruce Kimmel speaks.
Bruce explains where Fynsworth Alley comes from in name, and in concept.

A Broadway Inspirational Schedule...

Sweet Valley High: The Musical

The New Emcee by Ken Mandelbaum

BC/EFA Flea Market. Photos by Bruce Glikas for Broadway.com

Eliot Ness Draws Some Big Musical Guns in Cleveland, Sept. 26

Gotta Catch 'Em All -- on Tour by Peter Filichia

'Best' Leads B'Way Uptick. Other big comebacks from 'Music,' 'Kate'

The Gorey Details Delays Off-Broadway Opening to Oct. 3

SAG Awaits Commercial Producers' Response to Latest Offer

No More Dilly Millie: Sutton Foster Takes La Jolla Role

Seussical Leaves Beantown Early to Re-Think Things in NYC; Previews Start Oct. 15

Broadway Grosses: September 18-24 - Part 1

Full Monty first preview last night by all accounts, including an internet report at intermission, is a huge hit.

Blind Email Received: I heard Jude Law was offered "Design for Living" but turned it down.

Blind Email Received: What struggling Broadway show is trying cut down cost by combining roles and firing actors in order to justify a transfer? Some will say 'it don't mean a thing', but let's just say they're lucky they're not an Equity show...
I would guess Swing...

Blind Email Received: It will be Stockard Channing in the Robert Falls "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe?", and George will be played by British actor Henry Goodman.

Got some EyreMail... catchy name.

On this day in 1979, The musical ``Evita'' opened on Broadway. Today's birthdays include: Phil Rizzuto, Barbara Walters (Sunset Blvd investor and ALW fan), Cheryl Tiegs (The next Annie Oakley. Just kidding.), Heather Locklear, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Gerard Alessandrini

I Managed in Angel by Peter Filichia

Strike Threat Lights Fire Under Rudin
When did Scott Rudin ever need a fire lit under him? As if the guy has a minute to breathe?

First Look: The new Broadway Inspirational Voices lead by Michael McElroy. I think they are going to record a CD with Kurt at Sh-K-Boom. That would be cool.

There are rumblings about the Scarlet Pimpernel tour and its viability without headliner Douglas Sills. Will MSG finally throw in the towel of this approximately $30 million dollar experiment?

Alan Cumming, Jennifer Ehle, and Jude Law in a Cowardly revival.

There were lots of readings happening around town in conjunction with the National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival. One of them was Joe! The Musical. The cast included Brian d'Arcy James, Mary Testa, Terence Goodman, Jennifer Prescott, Ken Krugman, John Bolton, Andre Garner, William Youmans, BD Wong, Catherine Brunell, Timothy A. Fitz-Gerald, Robin Irwin, Barry Nicora, Michele Ragusa, Steven Rosen, Sandy Rustin, Keri Setaro, Carrington Vilmont, and Terry Withers....with Harold Prince as the voice of the director.

Also yesterday was the reading of A Christmas Survival Guide with Kerry O'Malley, Karyn Quackenbush and Brian Sutherland. Although I knew the songs going into the reading, I was still surprised how funny and touching they are in person. It doesn't hurt to have really talented performers up there either. And a special bonus were the songs performed by the musical director (and one of the writers of the show), John Glaudini. This little show should make a whole lot of money for theatre producers every Christmas. (Yes, I produced the recording. No, I have nothing to do with the stage show. Peter Ligeti is producing/licensing the show.)

To tie the day into a perfect little bow, I happened to catch Forbidden Broadway last night. I was kind of begrudgingly there, but was pleasantly surprised with the talent on stage and in the lyrics. I really cannot say enough about the cast which included Christine Pedi, Danny Gurwin (who did my recording of A Christmas Survival Guide), William Selby, Felicia Finley with W. Brent Sawyer on the piano. I feel the same way about Forbidden Broadway as Michael John LaChuisa feels about my website, "catty, vulgar, chatty, vicious, gritty, smart..." Go see if again if you can.

Personal Note: The BC/EFA Flea Market, aside from being an event to raise money, is a great place to catch up with many people, all at once. But best of all, is the new people that you meet who's paths you have crossed so many times, but never really said hello to. So here is a cheer to being in the greatest city on the earth, with the greatest people.

Today's birthdays include: Jim Henson.

So You Think You're the Hero of Your Own Drama. They Do, Too.

Bridging the Worlds Of Broadway and Jazz, Outside the Limelight

Boston Seussical Closes Early

Seussical Won't Play Last Extension Week in MA; Tryout Ends Sept. 24

NYC Festival of New Musicals Offers Readings of 10 Works, With Stars, Sept. 24-25

Monologues Goes Nationwide; NYC and L.A. Joined by Chi Production, Sept. 24

14th Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction Takes Place Sun., Sept. 24
Flea Market is on! It is not a pretty day, but BC/EFA says it is a go.

A Crowd On West 42nd Street by Sean Patrick Flahaven

A Christmas Survival Guide Reading. Today and tomorrow, there will be a reading open to the public of A Christmas Survival Guide. As an adjunct to the National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival, there will be an early Christmas Party and a 30 minute presentation of this new full-length show, starring Broadway veterans Kerry O'Malley (Promises, Promises), Karyn Quackenbush (Annie Get Your Gun), and Brian Sutherland (1776).
Dates & Times: Sunday, September 24 @ 5pm, and
Monday, September 25 @ 1pm
Place: Carroll Music 351 West 41st Street (just off of 9th Ave.)
RSVP: 212-396-1111

And tonight, from 9-11PM (EDT), David Kenny's Everything Old Is New Again (WBAI 99.5FM or listen on the internet: www.OldIsNew.org) there is an interactive fall preview broadcast.
This week's guests are:

DONALD SMITH (Mabel Mercer Foundation, Cabaret Convention)
POLLY BERGEN (Feinstein's At The Regency, Roundabout Theatre Company's production of "Follies")
SUSANNAH McCORKLE (new CD "Hearts And Minds" on Concord Jazz)
TIMOTHY GRAY (composer of the Broadway Musical "High Spirits" and now, the proprietor of New York City newest Cabaret "The High Spirits Room")
GABRIEL BARRE (director) and
MARK WALDROP (writer) of "Heart And Soul": The Songs Of FRANK LOESSER, part of Lincoln Center's American Songbook Series)
ROGER BART ("Fully Committed")

As for the Interactive part, you can email your questions for these guests to [email protected]

PS: I refuse to talk about college football this year.

Seussical in Boston Closing Sunday; Final Week Canceled
I didn't see this on any of "the other" websites... yet.

Today's birthdays include: Mickey Rooney, Jason Alexander and Elizabeth Pena.

No Wings, No Worry, 'Cause She Sings a Lot in a Hurry by Ben Brantley

Berkeley Rep Receives $3 Million From Ask Jeeves

Clear Channels Says SFX Entertainment Made Change of Control Payments

"Clear Channel Communications, the parent company of SFX Entertainment, announced (Sept. 22) that SFX made "change of control payments pursuant to its offer to purchase due to a change of control dated August 11, in the aggregate principal amount of $115,000.00 for its 9 1/8 percent senior subordinated notes due 2008 ($350,000,000), and in the aggregate principal amount of $725,000.00 for its 9 1/8 percent senior subordinated notes due 2008 ($200,000,000)."

A late call to Clear Channel, to get more details on the above transactions in laymen's terms, was not returned by press time."

Well I am glad that Playbill cleared that up for us.

Sept. 22 SAG Negotiations Will Prove Critical to Actors and Producers

How Were the Reviews?: The Fantasticks Film

It Does Mean A Thing If You Don't See That Swing! by Sean Patrick Flahaven

Thou Shalt Sing, Cherie by Sean Patrick Flahaven

A Visit to Copacabana by Peter Filichia

No Radames for Cassidy by Ken Mandelbaum
That's strange, Broadway.com didn't emphasize that "You heard it here first!" Afterall, they were the only website that said Patrick Cassidy was going into the AIDA tour...

This is the Moment for Fans
(Fans, don't forget that Bob has a CD of Beauty and the Beast, sans Disney, coming out soon.)

OT: Nicole Hudson, who I took to task about registering at Target, wanted equal time to respond to my posting. Here is her response.