Saturday, August 04, 2001
Theater That's on the Fringe -- and Beyond In the third year, there was a musical about a city very much like New York, except that a severe water shortage has led to the control of all toilets by a malevolent corporation. It was called "Urinetown: The Musical." "Urinetown" opens on Broadway next month, a first for a show that got its start at the New York International Fringe Festival.
And my friend Raquel was in it, and it was the funniest thing I saw in the Fringe that year.
A Chance to See `Salesman' as if for the First TimeZero Mostel: A Clown Harboring an Inner ArtistRenée Taylor and Joe Bologna: Inspired by One Another
Karen Horn visits 'The Full Monty'posted at 8/4/2001 11:14:35 PM by Catherine Skidmore | Item Link
McCormack Leaves River City Behind, Exits Music Man Aug. 5The Patients are Running the Asylum at OOB's Theater for the New City, Aug. 4-Sept. 17Henry Moss Fully Cast for Sept. 5 Start at OB's SignatureFull Monty Cuts Short Toronto Extension; Ends Perfs Aug. 5It's probably dangerous using the words cut short and extension with a show about naked men baring it all on stage, but use the words one must. The Full Monty national tour, after extending to Sept. 1 in Toronto, will cut short the elongated stay, now ending their run at the Elgin Theatre Aug. 5. The company's next engagement at Chicago's Shubert Theatre begins Sept. 6.
Buzz Lines: They're Here For CHESS!Brian d’Arcy James prepares for his Chess rematch with Rob Evan in Nyack, New York.
Delays, Delays, Delays By: Charles NelsonWhat’s happening—or not happening—with the scheduled Broadway productions of Mack & Mabel, Noises Off, and Ten Unknowns?
Anton Chekhov: Writer signed a contract with his conscience by Richard OuzounianThey're lining up in New York's Central Park at 4 a.m., but it's not for an 'N Sync concert or a chance to meet Julia Roberts. The presence of Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Marsha Gay Harden, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and other major boldface participants certainly has something to do with it.
But I'm willing to give a lot of the credit to Chekhov (1860-1904), the medical student who started out as a comic journalist and became one of the finest playwrights the world has ever known.
posted at 8/4/2001 02:06:47 PM by Susan Heim | Item Link
Staged Readings for Maltby/Shire Flight and Walter Bobbie's Hollywood Musicals Held Aug. 3 - 11Pretty fabulous casts - I'm going today. Thoughts to come.
posted at 8/4/2001 03:14:13 AM by Seth | Item Link
Today's birthdays include the Queen Mother, Yasser Arafat, Richard Belzer, Louis Armstrong, Roger Clemens, Louis Armstrong, and Percy Bysshe Shelley.A Tale of Two Buddies by Peter FilichiaManilow's Harmony Lives: Musical May Play Chicago
Topdog/Underdog Extends Until September 2Broadway Tonight Aims to Replace Tours with TVPut Down My Knitting and Come...Where, Old Chum? by Tom Lynchposted at 8/4/2001 12:10:51 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
Friday, August 03, 2001
Two LCT Musicals for Butz by Ken Mandelbaumposted at 8/3/2001 02:00:13 PM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
Today's birthdays include Richard Adler, Leon Uris, Tony Bennett, and Jay North.I Had Another Dream by Peter Filichia'An Evening With Donna McKechnie': The Eternal Ingenue Conducts a Tour of Her Life by Ben BrantleyA mix of high-sheen professionalism and raw vulnerability make Donna McKechnie's cabaret act quite a singular sensation.
Does Brantley's reviewing a cabaret act strike anyone as a little odd?
Full Cast Announced for Frank Wildhorn's New Dracula MusicalAug. 5 PBS Special Shows How The Producers' Cast Album Was MadeCast Set for Flower Drum Song at Mark Taper'Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh': An Orgy of Verbal Slapstick by Neil Genzlingerposted at 8/3/2001 06:37:19 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
'Dresser' A Lam Duck by Michael RiedelIf he sets foot in America, they'll clap the irons on him. But that hasn't stopped disgraced theatrical impresario Garth Drabinsky from plotting a return to Broadway. Drabinsky - who makes Max Bialystock look like Mother Teresa - recently hatched a scheme to revive Ronald Harwood's 1981 play, "The Dresser," in New York, starring Philip Bosco and Alan Cumming.
Anyone seen Jessie McKinley lately?
posted at 8/3/2001 06:05:29 AM by James Marino | Item Link
Thursday, August 02, 2001
Catching Up with a 1970 Tony Nominee by Peter FilichiaMatthew, Howdjamissthis one? : )
B'way Dates Confirmed for Alda in QEDJohn Hurt To Star in Krapp's Last Tape Off-B'wayAlda Is Latest Bway Brain at Lincoln Center Theatre's QED, Beginning Sept. 30Eli's Comin' Coming Again? Musical Wants Transfer for Fall 2001Chicago's Issue-Oriented Stage Left Has World Preem Death Penalty Play in 2001-2002The 2001-2002 season begins Sept. 15-Nov. 3 with the world premiere of Chagrin Falls, a play by Mia McCullough about a reporter who travels to Chagrin Falls, OK, to witness the execution of a convicted murderer. "She discovers a community that maintains an uneasy co-existence with both the death penalty and institutionalized death," according to the season announcement. Kevin Heckman directs. McCullough's play won First Prize in the 2001 Julie Harris Playwriting Competition
Saving the Last Dance for Us: Doc Pomus Musical Still Eyeing Bway for Late 2002Save the Last Dance for Me will feature more than 20 tunes by Pomus, including "Viva Las Vegas," "This Magic Moment," "Teenager in Love," "Lonely Avenue," "Boogie Woogie Country Girl" and the title song.
Shaw Thing: The Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake offers works by G.B.S. and much more.Saw an excellent production of PICNIC there earlier this summer. It's a beautiful place to visit as well.
Tunes and Tomes: Fynsworth Alley revisits the Whorehouse and offers Elegies for Angels, Punks & Raging Queens.
Alda play sets run in GothamLincoln Center Theater prepares for 24 performances of "QED"
"The Simpsons" Do Macbeth.Okilly-dokilly, neighborino, you're not going to find a funnier show anywhere this summer than MacHomer.
Sounds hilarious!
posted at 8/2/2001 07:05:04 PM by Susan Heim | Item Link
CDs: Urine Good Company by Ken Mandelbaumposted at 8/2/2001 12:28:58 PM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
On this date in 1924, James Baldwin, the American essayist, novelist and playwright whose work explored racial issues, was born. Following his death on Dec. 1, 1987, his obituary appeared in The Times. And in 1939, Albert Einstein signed a letter to President Roosevelt urging creation of an atomic weapons research program. Today's birthdays include: Mary Louise Parker, Peter O'Toole, Wes Craven, Joanna Cassidy, Kevin Smith and Edward Furlong.Fans of the infamous Dorothy Parker will retrace her steps and lift a glass to celebrate the legendary wit at the third annual Parkerfest on Friday, Aug. 10 through Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001 in New York. Sponsored by the Dorothy Parker Society of New York, events include a Speakeasy Night, Roundtable Luncheon at the Algonquin Hotel and Walking Tour. Parkerfest celebrates Mrs. Parker's birthday (Aug. 22, 1893) and life as one of the country's greatest writers. For more info, email Kevin Fitzpatrick.
'SEAGULL' TICKET SEEKERS FLOCK TO PARKIf you want to see Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Natalie Portman and other stars in 'The Seagull,' get in line. Each day, New Yorkers and out-of-towners line up by the thousands to get tickets for the free Shakespeare in the Park production. Most leave empty-handed.
Pip In! 'Great Expectations, The Musical', Begins Goodspeed Run Aug. 2Rita Gardner, a 'Fantasticks' original, now takes on the creepy Miss Havisham in this John Jakes-Mel Marvin musical based on Dickens' epic.
Mills, Cuccioli and Bloom Bring 'A Little Night Music' to Seattle Sept. 18-Oct. 14My brother lives in Seattle - I always tell him what he should run out and see. Or stay in and miss.
Disney Offers a Shot at Stardom on August 13Star-Studded Seagull Extends a WeekLet's hear it for the boys.posted at 8/2/2001 09:36:14 AM by Catherine Skidmore | Item Link
Wednesday, August 01, 2001
An Unruly Cast of Characters Learns Its LineNow that I have actually been chased out of Central Park by a desperate mob of Anton Chekhov fans, I feel vindicated in my longstanding belief that this city is one ongoing freak show populated by hordes of high-strung people who have managed to transform yoga into a competitive sport.
posted at 8/1/2001 04:04:44 PM by Catherine Skidmore | Item Link
DVDs: Catfish Row by Ken Mandelbaumposted at 8/1/2001 03:28:36 PM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
Today's birthdays include Arthur Hill, Dom DeLuise, Tempestt Bledsoe, Francis Scott Key, Herman Melville, and Jerry Garcia.Another Fabulous FutureFest by Peter FilichiaPLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with Martha PlimptonI Love You, You're Perfect Turns Five, Aug. 1Fans Wait in Line Up to 13 Hours for Starry SeagullFantasticks Rescinds Plans to CloseAn Actor and Actress, All Rolled Into One by David Jay LaskyMartin Van Treuren is winning plaudits for his dual-role performance in the loose and eccentric production of "Pirates of Penzance" playing aboard a four-masted barque at South Street Seaport.
Six Shows Are Added for 'Seagull'posted at 8/1/2001 06:26:54 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
Tuesday, July 31, 2001
Will the Real Curly McLain Please Stand Up? by Michael PortantiereYou have to love the Internet.
Showtime heads 'West'Cabler to tape live stage prod'n of Shepard's play. Showtime has signed a deal with Bruce Willis to tape his live stage production of Sam Shepard's play "True West" for an exclusive pay TV window later this year....
B'way beats summer heat with B.O. gainRoundabout's 'Blue' hits high noteOff Broadway sleeper scores with both black and white auds
Playwrights Horizons Is Gaining More Seats and Studio SpacePlaywrights Horizons, the decrepit two-story Off Broadway writer's theater, is being razed to make way for a $24 million five-story complex.
Showtime Goes West with WillisShowtime Tapes Bruce Willis Staging of True West July 31Willis stars in and directs Idaho production of Sam Shepard's dark comedy about two estranged brothers
Dedicated Theatergoers Wait in Line for The SeagullPublic Theatre says it's one of the three biggest draws ever at the Delacorte Theatre
Fantasticks Rescinds Plan To CloseThe longest-running musical in history has rescinded warnings of "last weeks"
Two Sweet Transvestites Take On B'way's Rocky Horror Show, Aug. 2-9Producer Jordan Roth still looking for someone permanent to replace Tom Hewitt when he leaves in mid-August.
Sept. 9 "Broadway on Broadway" To Get Primetime Airing on WNBCThe free Times Square event will showcase Broadway hits and preview the coming season
How Are Broadway Shows Doing at the Box Office? -- Week Ending July 29How are all the non-The Producers shows doing? Check out the actual weekly box office figures on BroadwayOnline.com
posted at 7/31/2001 03:48:42 PM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
Leif Garrett Is Villain in MI Rock Musical, 'Old Timer', July 31-Aug. 12Gien Uproots From 'Syringa Tree' July 31; Blumberg Starts Aug. 1Valerie Harper Joins 'The Tale of the Allergist's Wife' July 31Valerie Harper's roles have ranged from Rhoda to Pearl S. Buck. Now she plays a depressed Jewish housewife whose best friend reawakens her but also tests her limits.
OK, this unemployment thing is starting to get to me - hire me!
posted at 7/31/2001 02:13:01 PM by Catherine Skidmore | Item Link
New Stones Star by Ken Mandelbaumposted at 7/31/2001 02:05:44 PM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
Broadway Grosses: ROCKY Rocksposted at 7/31/2001 12:50:22 PM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
3hree Likely to See Regional Life, but NYC Plans Still CloudyFrom Zentertainment:
- "SHOWTIME Will tape a live special performance of the Sam Shepard play TRUE WEST tonight at the LIBERTY Theater in Hailey, Idaho. Bruce Willis stars and directs the dark comedy about a troubled relationship between two brothers, and he also happens to be owner of the LIBERTY Theater. Chad Smith, Andrew Alburger, and Danielle Kennedy also star.'"
posted at 7/31/2001 10:48:56 AM by Seth | Item Link
As Audiences Discover Frugality, Pop Culture Starts Feeling a Chill- "Ticket sales on Broadway are flat and would be down if not for two sell-out shows, 'The Producers' and 'The Lion King.'"
posted at 7/31/2001 09:20:04 AM by James Marino | Item Link
Today's birthdays include Wesley Snipes and Dean Cain.The Movie Musical with the Egregious Omissions by Peter FilichiaPlaywrights Horizons Is Gaining More Seats and Studio Space by Ralph BlumenthalHail to the Cheek by Marc MillerForbidden Broadway creator Gerard Alessandrini has a good old time with a bad old musical as he deconstructs Mr. President.
posted at 7/31/2001 06:43:28 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
Monday, July 30, 2001
Free Theater, but the Lines? UnspeakableOh, I am so glad I already went.
Rehearsals begin August 7 for 'Camila', an original book musical by Laurie McKelbey with lots of tango and Latin dancing, set to bow September 12 at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theater. It’s based on a true story set in Argentina in the 1840s. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hayden will star; her name is Elizabeth Sastre. In support: Titanic’s Alma Cuervo and Once Around the City’s William Parry. The director is BT McNicholl and the choreographer is Scott Wise, both of whom earned high marks recently—McNicholl for 'The IT Girl' and Tony-winner Wise for the Astaire Awards. I never miss a Michael Hayden musical.
Jim Caruso is...Prying!Karen Mason of 'Mamma Mia!' on auditioning, making it in showbiz, and Broadway vs. cabaret.
Jude Law Returns to London Stage in 'Doctor Faustus'Jude Law is set to return to the stage in a production of Christopher Marlowe's 'Doctor Faustus' at London’s Young Vic. The play will begin an eight-week run the week of March 25.
I am booking my plane tickets NOW.
'Hairspray' Not Holding Marshall?Also: As we all know, David Shiner did not have a particularly happy time on Broadway last season in 'Seussical'. But there’s a chance that he could be back on Broadway this season, for a possible holiday return engagement of 'Fool Moon' with Bill Irwin.
Laura Linney to Star Opposite Liam Neeson in Broadway 'Crucible'OB's 'Fantasticks' Fears Finish, Fights for ForeverStratford Fest Confirms Plummer as Lear in 2002; Miller DirectsI was just watching 'The Sound of Music' the other night; I think Christopher Plummer is a babe.
On this date in 1938, Adolf Hitler presents Germany's highest award for non-citizens to automaker Henry Ford, a renowned anti-semite. Ford had personally paid for copies of the racist and fictitious rant "Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion" to be placed in all major U.S. libraries. I don't remember this part in 'Ragtime'.James Galla! Lauren Kennedy is playing an army nurse in 'South Pacific' - I wonder if she makes housecalls!
posted at 7/30/2001 02:20:13 PM by Catherine Skidmore | Item Link
Blatt and Giering's Mistress Cycle Workshopped at Williamstown, Aug. 3-4Hope this all works right - I'm new here.
posted at 7/30/2001 11:46:31 AM by Seth | Item Link
Today's birthdays include Lisa Kudrow, Edd "Kookie" Byrnes, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Delta Burke, Laurence Fishburne, Vivica A. Fox, Tom Green, Christine Taylor, Hilary Swank, and Henry Ford.Your Favorite Show Songs Cut from Movies by Peter FilichiaRevivals: The '80s by Ken Mandelbaumposted at 7/30/2001 06:35:53 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
Sunday, July 29, 2001
On this day in 1998, Jerome Robbins, a master choreographer of modern ballet and a major Broadway innovator, died in New York at age 79.Today's birthdays include: Robert Fuller, Peter Jennings, Geddy Lee, Dag Hammarskjold, Don Marquis and Clara Bow.
Why Opera Isn't the Word for SondheimIn Opera by the Bay, Drama OffstageSteppenwolf's Cuckoo Flies From Broadway July 29Off-Broadway's World of Mirth Comes to an End July 29 as Guyer Play Closes Drama Dept. Holds Potluck Dinner and Talent Show, July 30It's a company picnic, folks.
Wives Mix Baking and Murder in Berkshire Festival's Smell of the Kill, July 31Kristen Johnston, Claudia Shear and Dylan McDermott appear in featured roles
Donna McKechnie's Life: In the Music, in the Mirror The Tony-winner for A Chorus Line recalls her life with Michael Bennett, Gwen Verdon, Fred Astaire -- and her cabaret show and upcoming new musical.
A matter of `Luck': Finding new life in Arthur Miller's first Broadway playThe Seagull tickets are out of control. Friends of mine saw the show last night. They went out on line to see it at 4AM Saturday. They were one of the last to get tickets. People that arrived at 5AM did not get them. Also, over at Talkin'Broadway, there is a post about 6 tickets on eBay for $6,000. Don't you think that is kind of pricey for a free ticket?
Neil Patrick Harris in OKLAHOMA!?There have been whispers of Patrick turning down Oklahoma! for months now. Will someone, either Patrick or the production, care to comment?
TwinCities.com: Role of nurse Nellie is a Dillyposted at 7/29/2001 10:07:52 AM by James Marino | Item Link
Today's birthdays include Elizabeth Dole, Peter Jennings, David Warner, Ken Burns, Wil Wheaton, and Sigmund Romberg.Bella Donna! by Peter FilichiaTrying to Act Saintly Nowadays Can Be a Hair Shirt by Celia WrenFrom Shakespeare to Shaw to Loesser, selling piety in theater today is a challenge. Cherry Jones, right, plays a trooper for the Salvation Army in "Major Barbara."
David Warner: A Prodigy Who Opted Out Opts Back In by Peter MarksThe most astonishing line in the Roundabout Theater Company's revival of "Major Barbara" is not in the script. It's in the program, in the Who's Who in the Cast section, next to a photo of a distinguished-looking silver- haired actor. "David Warner," it says simply, "is making his American stage debut."
posted at 7/29/2001 09:30:10 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link
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