THEATER REVIEW | 'SHOWING OUT': Stripping for a Peep Show Is a Job With No Future by NEIL GENZLINGER
Stage a play as explicit as "Showing Out," a new work at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and you had better make sure you have something enlightening or unexpected to say. It's a test this show doesn't pass.

SAMANTHA MATHIS CASTS HER LOT ON BROADWAY by MICKEY RAPKIN

Philadelphia Inquirer: Theater's life may end in financial tragedy by Patricia Horn and Doug Keating
Construction debts imperil Freedom Theatre, a respected African American cultural institution. It owes $4.2 million.
This story made the front page today.

Washington Post: The Western Lobby's Odd Brand Of Theater by Philip Kennicott
Scrape off the gray multicultural gravy, and "The Soul of the West," a cowboy revue that ran for one night only at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium on Wednesday, is a big chicken-fried theater piece with a simple message: The West is all about private property and the government should keep its grubby mitts off.

Talk Show Watch: Errico on 'Today', Leeves on 'The View'

"Sweeney Todd in Concert" with LuPone & Hearn Arrives on DVD May 14

Rosie O'Donnell Honored With Montblanc Patronage Award for Contributions to Theatre

Keen Company to Stage Howe's Museum with Matt Servitto

Waite and Keith Enter Lucas and Schulner's Darkness at Atlantic, May 8

DC's Capitol Steps Return to NYC with When Bush Comes To Shove, May 8-Aug. 31

Reduced Shakespeare Company Are 2002's Reducers in LA, Cincy, Pittsburgh, DC

Luckinbill Stars in Frisch's Firebugs, Off Bway, June 4-29

Today In Theatre History: APRIL 27

Full Cast of Joel-Tharp Movin' Out Announced

Nemetz, Vichi and Ryall Expected to Join Tony Curtis for Some Like It Hot Tour

EST's Secret Order Comes to an End April 28

Producers Official for Pittsburgh and Portland

Into the Woods Costumes OK, But Sealed in Chelsea Building

Musical Summer of '42 Will Tour Come Fall

2002 PBOL'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, April 20-26: Noble Gesture

Costumes for Into The Woods Affected by Chelsea Blast

Danieley, Kaye & Ward Added to Carousel Concert

Field Trip: The Mystery of Charles Dickens Opening Night (Video)

Tunes and Tomes
Brooke Pierce takes a whiff of the Sweet Smell cast recording.

Family Stories: A Slapstick Tragedy
Reviewed By: Caroline Burlingham Ellis

Battle of the Bands
Reviewed By: Ben Winters

Swing
Cincinnati Review by Scott Cain

Collected Stories
Washington Review by Tracy Lyon

Orange County Register: How hard is it to just read a script? by PAUL HODGINS
For some, very. The Pacific Playwrights Festival at SCR can test the mettle of even experienced actors.
Thanks to the American Theater Web for the above article.
posted at 4/27/2002 10:08:16 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Friday, April 26, 2002

DIVA TALK: A Chat with Karen Akers, Plus News of LuPone, Peters, Minnelli

DC Studio Has Bat Boy, Runaway Home, Class Act, Play About the Baby in 2002-03

The Acting Company Launches Shrew and N.Y. Premiere of Pudd'nhead

CDs: Mary and Shirley by Ken Mandelbaum

Follow Spot
Treat Williams spends his lunch hour reading Arthur Miller at the National Arts Club.

Cabaret Notes
Lennie Watts shares his Broadway dreams in a fabulous new act.

The Mystery of Charles Dickens Reviewed By: David Finkle
posted at 4/26/2002 03:42:42 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Danieley, Kaye & Ward Join Jackman and McDonald for June 6 Carousel

Into the Woods Loses Costumes in Chelsea Explosion

THE MYSTERY OF CHARLES DICKENS Opening - Photos by Bruce Glikas

The Mystery of Charles Dickens Faces Critics

The Mystery of Charles Dickens Review by Adam Feldman

The Mystery of Charles Dickens Review by Matthew Murray

Sundown - Dallas Review by John Garcia

Stones In His Pockets � San Francisco Review by Richard Connema

Newsday: Mystery: Why Is Dickens in Overdrive? by Linda Winer
Peter Ackroyd's one-man biographical play is new to New York, but Callow has been trundling around England with the old-fashioned showcase for at least two years. That he has not been exhausted by - not to mention really tired of - this overbearing display of overwrought verbiage may be the real mystery on the stage.

Newsday: Seeing the Dark Side Of Life at the Office by Gordon Cox
3 Dark Tales Review

Washington Post: Phoenix Puts Gender On the Agenda by Dan Via
THE FOUR women at the helm of the aptly named Phoenix Theatre DC may be relatively recent arrivals on the Washington theater scene, but it didn't take them long to recognize an unfortunate truth: Women generally get the short end of the theatrical stick.

Washington Post: With A Spring In His Step by Sarah Kaufman
Tapper Fayard Nicholas Still Has the Moves

Washington Post: Donna McKechnie Takes a Bow by Nelson Pressley

Star-Ledger: Loving look at city's past BY PETER FILICHIA

Star-Ledger: N.Y. revue to spotlight Rutgers students BY BETTE SPERO
Whatever Rutgers University's students at the Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick may accomplish in their show business careers, some soon can put a Broadway credit at the top of their r�sum�s.
On Sunday, Mason Gross students, along with fellow thespians from alumni to professors, will present "Rutgers on Broadway" at the Majestic Theater in New York.

Los Angeles Times: Reese and Company Belt Out Joyful 'Message' by F. KATHLEEN FOLEY
Della Reese testifies mightily unto the Lord in "The Message Is in the Music," her new gospel musical at Stage 52.

LA Weekly: Steamy, Steamy Night
The 23rd Annual L.A. Weekly Theater Awards by Steven Leigh Morris
Winners include James Barbour and Austin Pendleton.

People: Happy Annieversary!
It has been 25 years since Annie's Broadway debut: Do you know where your favorite orphan is?
The upcoming May 6 issue of People (with Robert Blake on the cover) will have an article (not available online) profiling Melissa Errico and husband Patrick McEnroe.

Yahoo/Variety: Archerd: Happy 50th Anniversary -- to Me! by Army Archerd
It's a GOOD MORNING for yours truly as I start the next 50 years writing the column. Did I ever tell you why I start each column with "GOOD MORNING?"

Chicago Sun-Times: 'Damn Yankees' revival devilishly good BY HEDY WEISS
The potent aroma of hot dogs, peanuts and beer may be missing in the Marriott Theatre revival of "Damn Yankees." But from the moment you enter the theater's in-the-round space you might as well be in a ballpark.
With Mary MacLeod as Lola! I was in "Fiorello!" with her in high school -- my own brush with greatness...
posted at 4/26/2002 12:52:02 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

DEVITO DOES MAMET
By MICHAEL RIEDEL
HERE'S a good lead: Danny DeVito closed the deal this week to star in a Broadway revival of David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross" next season, sources close to the actor told The Post yesterday.
Riedel also clues us in how to get free Urinetown tickets... But more importantly, does Riedel have a new crush?

On Stage and Off: DeVito Is Cast in 'Glengarry'

THEATER REVIEW | 'THE MYSTERY OF CHARLES DICKENS'
Crash Course in Dickens, Going at Full Tilt
By BEN BRANTLEY
In Peter Ackroyd's play at the Belasco Theater, Simon Callow enacts both the life and the works of England's most beloved novelist.

Simon Callow Acts Like The Dickens
The 19th century was a time of giants in all of the arts, none more towering than Charles Dickens, whose colossal energy continues to galvanize readers even in a time as illiterate as ours.

ENJOY THE BLUNDER YEARS
By DONALD LYONS
EVERY now and again, a pearl can be spotted on the shores of off-off-Broadway.

'MYSTERY' IS SOLVED
By CLIVE BARNES
BRITISH actor Simon Callow doesn't look the slightest bit like Charles Dickens.But that doesn't dimish Callow's adroit lead performance in Peter Ackroyd's one-man show, "The Mystery of Charles Dickens."

HEY, GUYS! LAY OFF NAKED KATHLEEN TURNER!
By BARBARA HOFFMAN
THE play's the thing - or is it? Based on the reviews of "The Graduate," Broadway's retooling of a movie classic, it all seems to boil down to this: What does Kathleen Turner look like naked?

TICKLED PINK OVER COUNTRY �WALL�
By MARY HUHN
IT may just be another brick in the history of the wall, but Luther Wright & the Wrongs have made Pink Floyd�s "The Wall" an old-time country album.

Report: Mamet's Glengarry to Return to Bway, with DeVito, in 2003

A Class Act Has Post-Bway Bow in CA May 3-June 16; Price Directs Picardo, Bullock

Kristen Johnston Joins Stiles in Central Park Twelfth Night

Two Plays, Two Venues, One Busy Cast: House and Garden Begin April 26 at MTC

Stephanie Pope Joins Broadway Chicago June 4

PHOTO CALL: Gilman, Miner Bring Blue Surge to Wolfe's Public

PHOTO CALL: Feel the Surge: Gilman's Latest Opens Off-Broadway

McDonald, White, Luker, Testa and Sills Headline Upcoming PBS Broadcast

Paper Mill Playhouse Season Complete: Blue Makes N.J. Premiere

Producers Star Brad Oscar to Guest on April 26 'Theatre Talk'

Rent Cheap! In Honor of Sixth Anniversary, Seats for April 30 Show Are $20

Love Changes Everything: Palo Alto Players Revives Revised Aspects of Love April 26

South Coast Rep's Pacific Playwrights Fest Reads Henley, Nottage and Jordan April 26-28

Today In Theatre History: APRIL 26

Tom Wopat and Amy Irving Lined Up for The Guys in NYC, May 14-June 14

Rubin-Vega to Star in Drama Dept.'s Free to Be You and Me, May 23

Johnston Joins Twelfth Night; Goodman Likely
Broadway.com has learned Kristen Johnston will appear with Julia Stiles in the New York Shakespeare Festival prod...[Read More]

O'Donnell Honored for Contribution to Theater
Rosie O�Donnell is being honored for her contribution to Broadway and theater. The talk show host/actress/activist/publisher has been selected to receive the 2002 Montblanc Arts Patronage Award. The a...[Read More]

We Will Rock You Delays Performances
Last night�s first preview performance of We Will Rock You, the new musical featuring the songs of Queen, had to be canceled because of technical issues. Tonight�s scheduled preview is also off...[Read More]

Peter Filichia's Diary
A crowd-pleasing line in Morning's at Seven prompts recollections of lines that have engendered applause in other shows.

A Closer Look: Chicago by Ben Winters
[the city, not the musical]

Xtravaganza
Reviewed by Dan Bacalzo
posted at 4/26/2002 09:20:22 AM by James Marino | Item Link

Thursday, April 25, 2002

Stephanie Pope Takes on B'way's Velma Kelly

Thunder Knocks on the Minetta Lane's Door

Julia Stiles to Star in NYSF's Twelfth Night

Tonys '02 #12 by Ken Mandelbaum

Liza Minnelli Tickets for Beacon Theatre Gig On Sale April 29

Janet Fox, Broadway Actress and Niece of Edna Ferber, Dead at 89

Gold Gets a Girl; Sondheim Musical Has New Female Character

We Will Rock You Previews Canceled at London's Dominion

Thunder Comes a Knocking at Minetta Lane's Door June 20

Report: Hollywood's Bard Girl, Julia Stiles, to Star as Viola in Park Twelfth Night

PHOTO CALL: Turner, Crudup and Rosie Award Broadway's Best Bonnets

PHOTO CALL: Brian d'Arcy James Sings 'Help Is on the Way' for Easter Bonnet

PHOTO CALL: Metamorphoses and Mamma Mia! Win Bonnet's Best

PHOTO CALL: Graduate's Turner, Biggs and Silverstone Help With the Bonnets

PHOTO CALL: Bonnet's Fools Alan Bates and Frank Langella
posted at 4/25/2002 02:44:48 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

"In New York City, the play 'Urinetown'was named the best Off-Broadway musical. That's the name of it. 'Urinetown' - now, wasn't that a remake of 'The Wiz'?" -Jay Leno, 4/24/02

CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK: Joy and Blues in Florida's Piney Woods by BRUCE WEBER
Zora Neale Hurston's "Polk County" has been cut, shaped and wrestled into an uproariously gladdening production at the Arena Stage in Washington.

Newsday: A Reunion Worth Its Wait in 'Gold!' by Patrick Pacheco
HAROLD PRINCE said that when he read the script for "Gold!," the new Stephen Sondheim-John Weidman musical then called "Wise Guys," he had one question: "Where the hell are the girls?"

Los Angeles Times: Musical to Strike Up a Band Without Union Members by DON SHIRLEY
Touring "Music Man" production, also using non-Equity actors, has been beset by protests.

Star-Ledger: Center stage by Peter Filichia
"The World's Our Stage" is the theme of this year's Paper Mill Playhouse gala. It celebrates the musicals that the Millburn theater has produced -- ones that have been set in France ("La Cage aux Folles"), Japan ("Sayonara"), England ("Oliver!"), Thailand ("The King and I"), and even good ol' New York City ("Funny Girl").

Tim Rice Tribute Scheduled for London's Albert Hall May 5

Interview with Jana Robbins by Nancy Rosati

Yahoo/Variety: Archerd: the Rock Conquers Europe by Army Archerd
More on Liza Minnelli's return to showbiz -- thanks to a phone call from Ann Miller, who in turn was phoned by Liza, who just dined with Princess Caroline in Monaco. Now honeymooning in Cannes, Liza asked Miller to join her act when she bows for seven nights at the Beacon in N.Y. June 2.

Yahoo/Variety: Archerd: Landis, Suzuki Pair on Pepsi Ads by Army Archerd
More theater for L.A.: A second stage is planned alongside the Geffen in Westwood. It was part of the upbeat talk at the party following Monday night's terrific, all-star Backstage at the Geffen fund-raiser.

Thanks to the American Theater Web for the following three articles:

San Francisco Chronicle: Gaines falters at cabaret
Broadway star's set a letdown by Octavio Roca

Orange County Register: Four world premieres set at La Jolla Playhouse

On Stage: Lots of us missed great performance by Christopher Rawson
Pittsburgh's own Broadway Diva gives a performance as fine as you could see anywhere, Broadway included -- skilled, knowing, funny and full -- and how does Pittsburgh respond? We filled the Byham Theater to 32 percent, both weeks, that's how.
Includes an interesting tidbit on why Lenora Nemetz didn't get into the "Chicago" movie.
posted at 4/25/2002 09:57:08 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Artistic Director Leaving Royal Shakespeare
By ALAN RIDING
Adrian Noble announced on Wednesday that he would step down as artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company next March when his contract expires.

Theater Review | 'Matthew and Stephen': Boys Face Questions of Life And Death

Campuses Echo With the Sound of a Cappella
By KAREN W. ARENSON
From the Ivy League to Berkeley, a cappella groups are multiplying, even on campuses that have football teams and fraternities.

Stiles tunes up Viola for fest
Thesp returns for another of the Bard's plays
After two free-wheeling film updates of the Bard, Julia Stiles is set to take her Shakespeare to the stage this summer in Central Park. The 21-year-old actress plays Viola in the New York Shakespeare Festival's production of "Twelfth Night" at the Delacorte Theater.

Noble stages RSC exit
A.D. goes out with a 'Bang' after 22-year stint with co.

'Thunder' strikes 'Years' at Minetta
Tuner 'Knockin'' Off B'way

Lortels give nod toward B'way fare
'Urinetown,' 'Metamorphoses' take prizes, eye Tonys

Follow Spot
Adrian Noble, artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, announces that he will leave his post in 2003.

Evil Depicted Badly
The resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe is frightening � not because it is so unexpected, but because we thought the Europeans, who are so adept at moral preening, were better skilled at maintaining their facade of civilized behavior.

Que Pasa? Contest Helps Hispanic Playwrights Raise Their Voices

Richard Kind to Star in The Tale of the Allergist's Wife
As Ken Mandelbaum mentioned on April 16, Richard Kind will indeed star in [Read More]

Felicia Finley Headlines Spotlight Series May 6
Aida star Felicia Finley will be the next artist to perform as part of the monthly Broadway Spotlight Series at off-Bro...[Read More]

Final Casting Announced for Long Island Sound
Final casting has been announced for the Actors Company Theatre world premiere production of Noel Coward�s Long Island Sound. The play is scheduled to begin performances at the American Theatre...[Read More]

NO QUIBBLE, THE WINNER IS 'TIBBLE'
By DONALD LYONS
'3 Dark Tales" is an English mime show - but performed with crazy sounds - in which three losers, one after another, find ways out of their oppression.

New Comedy Sisters Grimm to Bow Off-Broadway in October

Music from Metamorphoses to Be Released as CD June 6

Andersen and Blackhurst Join Steve Ross for "Strictly Rodgers, Mostly Hart" May 3

Ebersole, Gaines, Marcovicci & McGovern Set for CA "Singers" Series

Spitfire Grill Cast Album Gets Exclusive Release Via Playwrights Horizons April 29

Roundabout to Read The Glass Menagerie May 6

Amateur Whorehouse Cast Quits TX Production After Board Asks for Cuts of Cuss Words

Tickets On Sale for Bernadette Peters at Radio City Music Hall

PHOTO CALL: On the Record: Thoroughly Modern Millie

PHOTO CALL: On the Record: The Spitfire Grill

Callow Reveals The Mystery of Charles Dickens on Broadway, April 25

Today In Theatre History: APRIL 25

Richard Kind, of TV's "Spin City," Is New Allergist in Bway Allergist's Wife, May 28

Andrew McCarthy, Campbell Scott Perform Millay Poems at MTC April 29
posted at 4/25/2002 09:26:00 AM by James Marino | Item Link

Wednesday, April 24, 2002

PHOTO CALL: He Must Have Done Something Good: Andrews Congrats Plummer on Robards Award

PHOTO CALL: Redford, Neeson and Richardson Honor Plummer at Robards Award

Katie Finneran and Roger Bart in L.A. Shooting TV Pilot

MTC's 2002-03 Season Has Polish Joke, Charlyane Woodard, Kimberly Akimbo

Umoja Returns to West End June 4

HIT-TY 'CHITTY' TO CITY by MICHAEL RIEDEL
THE next big blockbuster family musical: "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," which opened last week at London's gargantuan Palladium Theatre.

Broadway Grosses: Graduate is Head of the Class

Adrian Noble to Step Down from RSC

Photo Op: 16th Annual EASTER BONNET COMPETITION - Photos by Bruce Glikas

Photo Op: Roundabout Presents Jason Robards Award - Photos by Bruce Glikas

Field Trip: MORNING'S AT SEVEN Opening Night (Video)

Blue Surge Review by William Stevenson

Attempts On Her Life Review by Adam Feldman

Morning's At Seven Review by Adam Feldman

PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with Jeff McCarthy

The Men Behind Sweet Smell of Success

DC Arena Has South Pacific, Wilder's Theophilus North and Culture Clash in 2002-03

Tom Stoppard Busy with Harrison Ford Film Projects

George C. Wolfe Sings Harlem Song at Historic Apollo Theatre July 6

Side Man's Warren Leight Draws on Teaching Experience in China for New Play

Producers Star Brad Oscar to Guest on April 26 "Theatre Talk"

New Play Anthology to Be Read in Bklyn Barnes & Noble, April 24

Today In Theatre History: APRIL 24

Easter Bonnet Competition Raises $1,826,392

Craig Carnelia Featured in Goodspeed's Actor, Lawyer, Indian Chief May 15-June 9

Report: Cast Forming for Joel-Tharp Movin' Out

Sweet Smell, Millie, Topdog Among Drama League Nominees; Awards Presented May 10

Czech Scenographer Josef Svoboda Is Dead at 81

One More Hand: Second Stage Extends Ricky Jay's On The Stem to July 21

Sarandon and Robbins Play Guys May 1-8 and AFL-CIO Perf at Tully Hall April 28

PHOTO CALL: Morning's People: Piper Laurie, Elizabeth Franz, Estelle Parsons

PHOTO CALL: Two of Seven: Christopher Lloyd and Daniel Sullivan

PHOTO CALL: Campbell, Stroman Make Contact With Morning's

PHOTO CALL: Sister Elizabeth Franz Explains Morning's to Durang

Broadway Grosses: April 15-21

South African Umoja Returns to London Stage

Royal Shakespeare Company's Adrian Noble to Step Down

Private Eyes - San Francisco Review by Richard Connema

Romeo and Juilet Review by Matthew Murray

Hot Mikado - Washington, D.C. Review by Tracy Lyon

Spotlight on Lortel Winners

Newsday: Boys Won't Always Be Boys: Off-Broadway Review by Gordon Cox
'MATTHEW and Stephen" is a delicate and ambitious undertaking: It's a children's show about death.

Newsday: Shulman's Theater Stage by Corey Takahashi
Queens Theatre in the Park, the borough's premiere outlet for live performance, is celebrating Mother's Day early. Tonight at its home in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the institution will honor former borough president - and chief supporter - Claire Shulman, granting its main stage with her namesake.

Chicago Sun-Times: Director finds warmth in 'Summertime' BY HEDY WEISS
Ask Joy Gregory what lured her away from her work as a writer in Los Angeles--and back into the director's chair at Chicago's Lookingglass Theatre Company, of which she is a founding member--and she will talk about the "the humor, the tenderness and the sly irony" of Charles L. Mee's play "Summertime," which will receive its Midwest premiere this weekend at the Ruth Page Center.

Yahoo/Variety: To Speak or Not to Speak? That Is the Question by Claire Soares
To be or not to be? That is the question that never gets voiced in the latest production of "Hamlet" to hit the nation's capital.
A silent version of Shakespeare's classic revenge drama, is the brainchild of a husband and wife acting duo from the Republic of Georgia.

Irish Echo: Rep stalwart Rusty Magee stays upbeat in fight against cancer by Joseph Hurley
Profile of music man Rusty Magee, husband of Alison Fraser.
Thanks to Ann on All That Chat for the link.
posted at 4/24/2002 01:49:04 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

"The King" and I by Peter Filichia
Complaints over a negative review of Kevin Gray in The King and I at the Paper Mill Playhouse bring up an intriguing question.

THEATER REVIEW | 'KILT': The Go-Go School of Scottish Country Dancing By BRUCE WEBER

THEATER REVIEW | 'JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN': Faces Saying as Much as Ibsen's Words By D. J. R. BRUCKNER

CDs: Maureen Goes to India by Ken Mandelbaum

The Last Five Years to Shutter May 5

2002 Easter Bonnet Competition Raises Big Money

2002 Drama League Nominees Revealed

Stritch, Arthur, Cook and Leguizamo Ineligible for Tony Acting Noms

Report: Jason Alexander in Talks to Star in L.A. Producers

Brown: Last Five Years in Last Two Weeks; to Close May 5

Hats Off: The Easter Bonnet Competition Clowns While Raising $1,826,392

PHOTO CALL: Stamos, Leeves Beckon 'Come to the Cabaret!'

PHOTO CALL: Those Beautiful Bonnets: The Producers

PHOTO CALL: Those Beautiful Bonnets: Urinetown

PHOTO CALL: Those Beautiful Bonnets: Elaine Stritch At Liberty

PHOTO CALL: Those Beautiful Bonnets: Metamorphoses, Beauty and the Beast

PHOTO CALL: Those Beautiful Bonnets: Sweet Smell of Success, Chicago
posted at 4/24/2002 11:55:03 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link

The Last Five Years, Jason Robert Brown's new off-Broadway show starring Norbert Leo Butz and Sherie Rene Scott, will close in two weeks (May 5).
posted at 4/24/2002 06:37:29 AM by James Marino | Item Link

Tuesday, April 23, 2002

Disney Stage Version of Dead Poets Society on Back Burner

Alan Cumming Joins Starry Cast of "Nicholas Nickleby" Film

Prince, Murney, Sills Tapped for Leads in New Disney Workshop

Frayn's Benefactors Readies for the West End

Tonys '02 #11 by Ken Mandelbaum

Blue Surge Reviewed By: Ben Winters

Morning�s at Seven Reviewed By: David Finkle

Mercy of a Storm - Pittsburgh Review by Ann Miner
posted at 4/23/2002 02:45:16 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

THEATER REVIEW | 'BLUE SURGE'
A Play Luxuriates in Its Own Sense of Doom by BEN BRANTLEY
"Blue Surge" seems to keep turning into a grainy black-and-white film before your eyes, evoking one of the grittier American movies from the Depression era.

Hookers and Cops in Love by Robert Dominguez
In the sharply written, well-acted drama "Blue Surge," playwright Rebecca Gilman turns to the subject of teen prostitutes as fodder for her latest issue-driven work.

VARIOUS ARTISTS: "WHEN LOVE SPEAKS" by DAN AQUILANTE
There's a couplet in William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 that explains why his beloved is still alive - after all these years: "So long as men can breathe or eye can see. So long lives this, and gives life to thee."
That sonnet and more than 45 others by Willie S. are presented on "When Love Speaks," an album that attempts to unify music and drama through these 14-line poems.

Leigh & Weber Announce Tony Noms May 6

The Smell of the Kill to Close on Sunday

I'm Not Rappaport Sets Broadway Dates

Field Trip: Thoroughly Marvelous Millie (video)

Photo Op: MILLIE Recording Session - Photos by Bruce Glikas

Photo Op: MORNING'S AT SEVEN Opening - Photos by Bruce Glikas

Helen Gallagher Stars in George Street's Public Ghosts April 23

Jennifer Jason Leigh and Steven Weber to Announce Tony Nominees May 6

More Casting Announced for Paper Mill's June My Fair Lady

NYC's Lark Is Nor'mal With Walsh, Heller in Eating Disorder Musical May 5-13

David Henry Hwang Opera Premieres April 23

Shirley MacLaine Live at the Palace Gets CD Release April 23

Meeting of Minds: Guare's Few Stout Individuals Premieres April 23-June 12 Off-Bway

Today In Theatre History: APRIL 23

Fiesty Smell of the Kill to Sniff Its Last April 28

Musical Little Ham Will Heat Up at Houseman, Beginning Sept. 10

Hirsch & Vereen Rappaport Expected at Bway's Booth July 12; Opens July 25

Seussical Creative Team and Tour Dates Announced; Colombo Choreographs

Frayn's Benefactors Set to Play West End in June

An Inspector Calls Leaves London Stage June 1

London's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Extends Palladium Engagement

Night Heron Heralds Butterworth's West End Return

A Chat with UK's Soho Artistic Director Jonathan Lloyd

Special Headphones to Be Available at Mackintosh's West End Shows

Spotlight on Alison Fraser

Blue Surge Review by Matthew Murray

Much Ado About Nothing Review by Matthew Murray

Follow Spot
The winners of the 2002 Lucille Lortel Awards, announced today, will receive their honors in a ceremony on May 6.

My Lord, What a Morning Reviewed By: J. Cooper Robb

Chicago Sun-Times: 'Salao: The Worst Kind of Unlucky' BY HEDY WEISS
One indication that you are in the presence of a great work of theatrical art is that it imperceptibly alters your sense of time and place. By that criterion alone, Redmoon Theatre's "Salao--The Worst Kind of Unlucky," now in its world premiere in the intimate upstairs space of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is a masterpiece. And of course, there is much more at work in this endlessly ingenious, exquisitely hand-crafted, profoundly moving 90-minute piece.

Abundant choices for Jeff Citations BY HEDY WEISS
The 2001-2002 season was an exceptionally strong one for the Chicago area's non-Equity theater companies. And this was recognized Monday as the Citations Wing of the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee announced an unusually large number of nominations in the category of outstanding production.

Los Angeles Times: Old Wicked Songs
This expertly-staged drama turns a music lesson into a timely reminder about the importance of reconnecting to one's emotional self.

Boston Herald: Harris to guest at Norton awards
Award-winning actress Julie Harris will appear as special guest at this year's 20th annual Elliot Norton Awards, to be held May 20 at the Stuart Street Playhouse.
Thanks to American Theater Web for this link.

Yahoo/Backstage: 'Popular Demand' Revivals: Not Just Broadway Beings

Yahoo/Backstage: Equity Looks to Up Tours, Dues

Saddam's Romantic Novel to Hit the Stage
Apparently they have vanity productions in Iraq, too.
posted at 4/23/2002 11:27:44 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

THEATER REVIEW | 'THREE DARK TALES': Behind That Cool, Professional Gaze, Terror Lurks By BRUCE WEBER
posted at 4/23/2002 10:37:18 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link

Monday, April 22, 2002

Metamorphoses Tops 2002 Lortel Awards

CDs: J.J. and Sidney Sing by Ken Mandelbaum

Star-Studded Chicago Film Set for Christmas Release

Urinetown and Metamorphoses Win 2001-02 Lortel Awards

PHOTO CALL: Kushner's Homebody Edmond Wins Lortel

PHOTO CALL: Reg Rogers Dazzles Lucille Lortel?

Annie's Martin Charnin and Tom Meehan Working on Robin Hood Musical

Do I Hear a Waltz? Gets New Recording With Crivello, Lawrence
posted at 4/22/2002 03:45:55 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

THEATER REVIEW | 'URBAN TRANSITION: LOOSE BLOSSOMS'
Helping the Family, but Headed for Trouble By ANITA GATES
Ron Milner has written an intelligent, incisive and all too believable new play about a black family in crisis.

Peter Filichia's Diary
The 438th birthday of the Bard of Stratford-on-Avon is celebrated in a season filled with productions of his plays.

Measuring Up by Ben Winters and Michael Portantiere
A brand-new, RADA-born company sinks its teeth into Measure for Measure.

J.B. Priestly�s Inspector to Have Final Call June 1

Morning's at Seven Charms New York Critics

Newsday: Laughter at Their Expense by Linda Winer
The characters get no respect in this 'Morning'

Newsday: A Surge of Ambiguity by Gordon Cox
True commentary on class prejudice

Seattle's ACT Has Goldberg's Katzman, Jensen's Wait! in Readings May 9-11

LuPone, Hearn, Caldwell & Ramirez Set for Chicago Little Night Music

Nine, Chagrin, Lovechild Among 2001-02 Jeff Citation Noms in Chi

Tony Kushner Discusses His Homebody April 22 at Berkeley Rep

McKechnie, Feldshuh, Kazan & Pappas Headline Master Class June 10

PHOTO CALL: Beam Me Up, Naughton!

PHOTO CALL: Not for Naughton: Bacall, Errico Catch James' Cabaret

Talk Show Watch: Chris O'Donnell on 'Today', Silverstone on 'Regis'

Bernadette Peters and Tyne Daly Pay Tribute to Arthur Laurents May 4

Lortel Award Winners to Be Announced Tonight

Eric McCormack Joins Chenoweth for Hollywood Bowl Music Man

Melba Moore and Marva Hicks are 'Black 2: Broadway,' April 22 at B.B. King's

BC/EFA to Don Its Easter Bonnet April 22-23 at Bway's New Amsterdam

Today In Theatre History: APRIL 22

Planet Rodgers by Robert Hurwitt
With 'By Jupiter,' Bay Area kicks off centennial of composer's birth
Thanks to Richard Connema on All That Chat for the information.
posted at 4/22/2002 01:29:54 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

OH WHAT ADORABLE 'MORNING' By CLIVE BARNES
BROADWAY'S old-fashioned and, like Jerome Kern, it "loves those old-fashioned things." Sometimes this works out, sometimes it doesn't.With Paul Osborn's 1939 play "Morning's at Seven" - which gracefully resurfaced at the Lyceum Theatre last night - it works out. Or at least, it works out more than it doesn't work out.

A Gently Sublime Sisters Act by Howard Kissel
Perhaps the reason Paul Osborn's "Morning's at Seven" flopped when it was first presented on Broadway in 1939 was that it seemed so ordinary.

Morning's At Seven review by Charles Isherwood
"Morning's at Seven," a comedy that leans gently over flower boxes to peer briefly into the abyss, is back on Broadway -- indeed back at the Lyceum Theater -- less than 25 years after the revival that inspired a reassessment of Paul Osborn's largely forgotten 1938 play.

MORNING'S AT 1939
"MORNING'S at Seven" opened on Broadway in 1939. Here's what The Post's reviewer John Mason Brown said at the time...
posted at 4/22/2002 06:28:31 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link

Update: Tour itinerary for THE PRODUCERS:
PITTSBURGH, PA 9/10/02-9/29/02 3 weeks
CLEVELAND, OH 10/01/02-10/20/02 3 weeks
CINCINNATI, OH 10/22/02 - 11/10/02 3 weeks
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 11/12/02-12/08/02 4 weeks
ST. LOUIS, MO 12/10/02 -12/29/02 3 weeks
SAN DIEGO, CA 12/31/02 -1/12/03 2 weeks
TEMPE, AZ 1/14/03- 2/02/03 3 weeks
SEATTLE, WA 2/04/03 -2/16/03 2 weeks
PORTLAND, OR 2/18/03- 3/02/03 2 weeks
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 3/04/03 - 4/27/03 8 weeks
LOS ANGELES, CA 4/29/03 -1/04/04 36 weeks
DENVER, CO 1/13/04 - 2/01/04 4 weeks
HOUSTON, TX 2/03/04 -2/22/04 3 weeks (subject to change)
AUSTIN, TX 2/24/04 -3/07/04 2 weeks (subject to change)
SAN ANTONIO, TX 3/09/04 - 3/21/04 2 weeks (subject to change)
NEW ORLEANS, LA 3/23/04 -4/04/04 2 weeks
TAMPA, FL 4/06/04 -4/25/04 3 weeks
FT.LAUDERDALE, FL 4/27/04 -5/16/04 3 weeks
MIAMI, FL 5/18/04 -5/30/04 2 weeks
ATLANTA, GA 6/01/04 -6/20/04 3 weeks
WASHINGTON,D.C. 6/22/04 -8/22/04 9 weeks

Also, John Treacy Egan (Jekyll & Hyde, When Pigs Fly) is joining the Broadway company as understudy for Max and Franz. He will be with the production for three months before joining the tour in the same capacity.

THEATER REVIEW: 'MORNING'S AT SEVEN'
Wry Smiles at the Pitfalls of Closeness By BEN BRANTLEY
Paul Osborn's "Morning's at Seven," which has been given a wonderful new revival at the Lyceum Theater, surprises Manhattan theatergoers every time it comes around.

Theater Chief Opens (Again) in New Haven By ROBIN POGREBIN
Gordon Edelstein, previously artistic director of A Contemporary Theater in Seattle, will take over this title at the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, where he worked earlier in his career.

Josef Svoboda, Stage Designer for Hundreds of Productions, Dies at 81

AP: 'Morning's At Seven': Homely Comedy by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic

Morning's At Seven Review by Adam Feldman

Tonys '02 #10 by Ken Mandelbaum

Morning's At Seven Review by Thomas Burke

Measure for Measure Review by Matthew Murray

Kept Review by Richard Connema

Hair in Seattle Review by David-Edward Hughes

Palm Springs Desert Sun: Broadway�s original doll to check out local �Guys� by Bruce Fessier
An update on Isabel Bigley, the original Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls.
Thanks to Katie on All That Chat for the link to this article from February.
posted at 4/22/2002 12:15:17 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Sunday, April 21, 2002

Reginald Rose, 81, TV Writer Noted for 'Twelve Angry Men,' Dies

Los Angeles Times: Dancing to Miss Barstow's Misstep by TINA DIRMANN
Students craft a musical based on the beauty queen's loss of her crown.

Thanks to the American Theater Web for these articles:

The starry cast of 'Chicago' follows Rob Marshall's lead in his big-screen directing debut by Christopher Rawson
Great, informative article.

Detroit Free Press: What's next, Neil Simon? BY MARTIN F. KOHN
He's updating 'The Odd Couple' and in town to pick up another award. After that, he's ready to take his chances

Seattle Times: A new 'Mourning': ACT stages epic O'Neill play by Misha Berson

AP: Busy actor assumes the weight of a film and 'Oklahoma!' revival by Matt Wolf
posted at 4/21/2002 11:17:24 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Newsday: Small-Town Sister Act by Blake Green
Four veteran actresses form a familial bond as aging siblings in 'Morning's at Seven'

Los Angeles Times: Bare Truths of Character by REED JOHNSON
While nudity in other areas of our culture has become ho-hum, on the stage it still holds the power to shock, amuse, titillate and make us think.

Los Angeles Times: RECORDINGS: What You Hear Vs. What You Saw by DON SHIRLEY
The leap to CD can mask or enhance flaws, as two production albums show.
Reviews of new CDs, including solo discs by Susan Egan and Louise Pitre.

Star-Ledger: Flapping her way to Broadway BY RANDY GENER
A stage door storybook ending brings 'Millie' star to the Great White Way

Philadelphia Inquirer: So bad, they're good by David Patrick Stearns
Long after the stage has gone dark, there's brisk business in recordings of Broadway's musical bombs.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Picking the best of Broadway's worst on CD
Can flops be improved?

What happened between Heisenberg and Bohr? by Douglas J. Keating
'Copenhagen' a success, even with open questions

Stars Bid Farewell to Robert Brustein at A.R.T. Event in Boston, May 6

Steven Suskin ON THE RECORD: Mary and Bob and Maureen O'Hara

James Lapine Take Radio Playbill Into Woods April 23-29

Today In Theatre History: APRIL 21

NYC's Lark Is Nor'mal With Walsh, Heller in Eating Disorder Musical May 5-13
posted at 4/21/2002 08:44:40 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

To Be a Shape-Shifting Cast of One By SIMON CALLOW
A one-person play can be theater in its purest form, an echo of ancient practices.

The Feel of Real Life Working Its Magic By MARGO JEFFERSON

A CRITICAL POINT: HE SEES, SHE SEES By CLIVE BARNES
OK, so we know that when it comes to relationships, men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

Ayckbourn's Double Whammy; The English dramatist presents two plays � with only one cast � all at once; By CELIA McGEE
In Alan Ayckbourn's England, sunny country days are even more infrequent onstage than in reality. Threatened by disappointments and rain, servants talking back to their masters, and farce tripped up by sorrow, they have made him England's most popular playwright � and the favorite of the late Queen Mum.

It's Morning on Broadway: LCT Osborn Revival Open April 21

Gilman Cops an Opening, as Blue Surge Is Donned Off-Broadway, April 21

PHOTO CALL: Three of Seven: Mornings Gets Outer Crix Nods
posted at 4/21/2002 06:35:55 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link

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[Past News]

BROADWAYSTAR'S FIVE DAY FORECAST

2007-08
Broadway Season

June 28 - Old Acquaintance (AA)

July 10 - Xanadu (Hayes) [Robert Ahrens, Dan Vickery, Tara Smith/B. Swibel and Sarah Murchison/Dale Smith]

Aug 19 - Grease (Atkinson)

Oct 4 - Mauritius (Biltmore) [MTC]

Oct 11 - The Ritz (54)

Oct 18 - Pygmalion (AA)

Oct 25 - A Bronx Tale (Kerr)

Nov 1 - Cyrano de Bergerac (Rodgers)

Nov 4 - Rock 'N' Roll (Jacobs)

Nov 8 - Young Frankenstein (Hilton)

Nov 9 - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (St. James)

Nov 10: Local One Strike Begins

Nov 28: Local One Strike Ends

Dec 2 - Cymbeline (Beaumont)

Dec 3 - The Farnsworth Invention (Music Box) [Dodger Properties with Steven Spielberg, Dan Cap Productions, Fred Zollo, Latitude Link and the Pelican Group]

Dec 4 - August: Osage County (Imperial) [Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler, Jerry Frankel, Steppenwolf]

Dec 6 - The Seafarer (Booth)

Dec 9 - Is He Dead? (Lyceum)

Dec 16 - The Homecoming (Cort) [Richards, Frankel]

Jan 10 - The Little Mermaid (Lunt)

Jan 15 - The 39 Steps (AA)

Jan 17 - November (Barrymore)

Jan 24 - Come Back, Little Sheba (Biltmore)

Feb 21 - Sunday In The Park With George (54)

Feb 28 - Passing Strange (Belasco)

Mar 6 - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Broadhurst) [Stephen C. Byrd]

Mar 9 - In The Heights (Rodgers)

Mar 27 - Gypsy (St. James)

Mar 29 - Macbeth (Lyceum)

Apr 3 - South Pacific (Beaumont)

Apr 17 - A Catered Affair (Kerr) [Jujamcyn Theaters, Jordan Roth, Harvey Entertainment / Ron Fierstein, Richie Jackson and Daryl Roth]

Apr 24 - Cry Baby (Marquis)

Apr 27 - The Country Girl (Jacobs)

Apr 30 - Thurgood (Booth)

May 1 - Les Liaisons Dangereuses (AA)

May 4 - Boeing-Boeing (Longacre)

May 7 - Top Girls (Biltmore)

TBA - Godspell

2008-09
Broadway Season

Oct 16 - Billy Elliot (Imperial)

Nov 08 - Dividing the Estate (a Shubert theater)

Dec 14 - Shrek: The Musical (Broadway) [DreamWorks]

Talked About
Not Scheduled Yet

TBA - 50 Words

TBA - Addams Family (Elephant Eye)

TBA - American Buffalo

TBA - An American Vaudeville [Farrell, Perloff]

TBA - The Beard of Avon [NYTW]

TBA - Being There [Permut]

TBA - Benny & Joon [MGM]

TBA - Billy Elliot

TBA - Brave New World [Rachunow]

TBA - Breath of Life [Fox]

TBA - Busker Alley [Margot Astrachan, Robert Blume, Kristine Lewis, Jamie Fox, Joanna Kerry & Heather Duke]

TBA - Broomhilda

TBA - Bye Bye Birdie [Niko]

TBA - Camille Claudel [Wildhorn]

TBA - Camelot

TBA - Carmen [Robin DeLevita and The Firm]

TBA - Catch Me If You Can

TBA - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon [Bob and Harvey Weinstein]

TBA - Cry Baby [Grazer, Gordon, McAllister, Epstein]

TBA - Designing Women [Alexis]

TBA - Don Juan DeMarco [New Line]

TBA - Dreamgirls [Creative Battery]

TBA - Duet

TBA - Equus

TBA - Ever After [Adam Epstein]

TBA - Fallen Angels (Shubert) [Kenwright]

TBA - Farragut North [Richards]

TBA - Father of the Bride

TBA - The Female Of The Species (TBA)

TBA - Fool For Love (AA) [Roundabout]

TBA - Girl Group Time Travelers

TBA - Golden Boy

TBA - Harmony [Guiles, Karslake, Smith, Fishman]

TBA - Hitchcock Blonde

TBA - The Importance Of Being Earnest

TBA - Jerry Springer: The Opera! [Thoday, McKeown]

TBA - Jesus Hopped The 'A' Train (Circle)

TBA - Josephine [Waissman]

TBA - Leap of Faith

TBA - A Little Princess [Ettinger, Dodger]

TBA - Midnight Cowboy [MGM]

TBA - The Minstrel Show - Kander and Ebb and Stroman

TBA - Moonstruck [Pittelman, Azenberg]

TBA - Mourning Becomes Electra [Haber, Boyett]

TBA - Monsoon Wedding

TBA - The Night of the Hunter

TBA - The Opposite of Sex [Namco]

TBA - Orphans

TBA - Pal Joey [Platt]

TBA - Paper Doll

TBA - The Paris Letter

TBA - The Philadelphia Story

TBA - Peter Pan

TBA - Porgy and Bess [Frankel, Viertel, Baruch, Routh, Panter, Tulchin/Bartner]

TBA - The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

TBA - The Princess Bride

TBA - Princesses [Lane, Comley]

TBA - Poe the Musical

TBA - Rain Man [MGM]

TBA - Robin Hood

TBA - Secondhand Lions

TBA - South Pacific

TBA - Speed-the-Plow

TBA - Stalag 17

TBA - Starry Messenger

TBA - Syncopation

TBA - A Tale Of Two Cities

TBA - Torch Song Trilogy

TBA - Turn of the Century

TBA - West Side Story

TBA - The Wall [Weinstein, Mottola, Waters]

TBA - Will Rogers Follies [Cossette]

TBA - The Wiz [Dodger]

TBA - Zanna [Dalgleish]

This list is compiled from various sources. If you have corrections to the Broadway Season, please contact us.

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2007-08Broadway Season

2008-09Broadway Season

Talked AboutNot Scheduled Yet

2007-08
Broadway Season

2008-09
Broadway Season

Talked About
Not Scheduled Yet