Saturday, November 02, 2002

I saw Harlem Song earlier this evening (5:00 p.m. show). If you haven't been to Harlem yet, I suggest you pay a visit real soon. It was a very enjoyable day. At the curtain call Queen Esther (RENT original cast, "Seasons of Love" soloist) asked everyone if they enjoyed the show and if they did, she asked that we go out and tell our family and friends to please buy a ticket and come to see Harlem Song. She mentioned they do shows on Mondays at noon for school children, afterwards there is a Q & A and many of the children say they loved it so much they want to bring their parents and grandparents to see the show. She also said the businesses around the Apollo have had a 200 % increase in sales since Harlem Song opened. According to the Times last week, the audience so far has been 10/15 % tourists, 65% black and 35% white. That means there are a lot of people who read this site who haven't seen Harlem Song yet. I hope you'll take a chance and consider a visit. I found Harlem Song very entertaining and educational. There is song, dance, story telling by older Harlem residents, and old photos. It's a wonderful way to learn about the history of Harlem, a history rich in the creative arts. I went with co-workers and we ate at Sylvia's before seeing the show. If you have some time tomorrow or Monday, take a trip up to Harlem and help keep Harlem Song open through December. It really is a great show, there are even some BroadwayStars who haven't seen it and they've seen everything! : )
posted at 11/2/2002 08:53:48 PM by Susan Heim | Item Link

Alice Ripley is the last-minute replacement for Linda Eder (who has lost her voice) at this weekend's "Curtain Up" concerts with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. The first performance was Friday night, and the remaining performances are Saturday, November 2nd at 2pm and Sunday, November 3rd at 3pm. The shows are at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. See you there...

Features:

[ NYT ]  IN THE MAGAZINE
The Look of Love by STACEY D'ERASMO
Catherine Martin last created the lavish spectacle of "Moulin Rouge." Now she's twisting a half-dozen romantic cliches into the most visually sophisticated "La Boh�me" ever staged.

[ BG ]  Portraying a life - and death by Maureen Dezell
'Morrie' role a challenge for veteran stage actor

[ LAT ]  In for the long haul by Mike Boehm
The first show was carted around in a station wagon. Now, South Coast Repertory is expanding to three stages.

[ LAT ]  A director who sees the beauty of thinking small by Don Shirley
Matt Almos and his Burglars of Hamm are hitting it big with comedy on the fringe.

[ TM ]  Tunes and Tomes
Ricky Ian Gordon sets Langston Hughes to beautiful music in Only Heaven.

[ TS ]  The girl in the yellow dress by Richard Ouzounian
IT TOOK a while to make contact with Susan Stroman, yet it was definitely worth the effort, because she raised the curtain on her musical-comedy triumphs and real-life tragedy.

News:

[ NYT ]  Talks Have Begun on 'Harlem Song'
Talks have begun to keep "Harlem Song," the musical revue at the Apollo Theater, running.

[ NYT ]  New Stars in 'Graduate'

[ P ]  OB's MET Fills Season with Gibson's Golda and Schwartz-Directed Providence

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Hollywood Arms Bows

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Who Is That Masked Woman?

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Broadway Arms: Bernadette Peters and Donna Lynne Champlin

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: A Hollywood Dreamer

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Young Hollywood Stars

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: The Last Laugh

[ P ]  Lucci � Replacing Gifford, Who Canceled � Cancels Her Feinstein's Engagement

[ P ]  New Cast Announced for Broadway's Graduate; Turner, Biggs Depart Nov. 17

[ P ]  Frankie and Johnny�with Falco & Tucci�Celebrates 100 Perfs. Nov. 2

[ P ]  Barry Humphries � aka Dame Edna � Pens Memoir, 'My Life As Me'

[ P ]  NYC's I Love You, You're Perfect Has Authors' Evenings, Starting Nov. 5

[ P ]  Wild Again, Beguiled Again: Andreas Is Vera in Prince's Pal Joey, Nov. 2-17

[ P ]  Zanna, Don't!, Musical Crowd Pleaser, Expected to Have Commercial Run in NYC

[ B ]  Broadway Stars Perform for Only Make Believe Benefit

[ B ]  Playwrights Horizons Looks Back with Reunion Concerts

[ B ]  Stars Celebrate Encores! Anniversary

Reviews:

[ BG ]  In adopting a stance, 'Edguardo' loses some of its power by Ed Siegel

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'YENTL'
A Yeshiva Boy Trapped in a Nice Pious Girl's Body by BRUCE WEBER
"Yentl" is being presented now, for the first time ever in Yiddish, in a sturdy, more than competent production by the Folksbiene Yiddish Theater.

[ DN ]  A tragic triumph out of Greece by HOWARD KISSEL
There is a muted quality to the National Theater of Greece's production of Sophocles' "Antigone," which plays through tomorrow.

[ AP ]  Troubled family with show-biz dreams checks into 'Hollywood Arms' by MICHAEL KUCHWARA

[ BH ]  Fosse's killer moves help make NSMT `Chicago' a guilty pleasure by Robert Nesti

[ TB ]  Marty
Boston Review by Suzanne Bixby
posted at 11/2/2002 08:39:40 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Friday, November 01, 2002

For those of you with more than a passing interest in CHICAGO: THE MOVIE, check out clips from the soundtrack (yes, we get to use the word "soundtrack" here). http://www.chicagosoundtrack.com/
[Thanks to Karl for the link! (Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd!)]
posted at 11/1/2002 06:34:54 PM by James Marino | Item Link

News:

[ B ]  Roger Bart in Talks to Bloom in The Producers

[ P ]  Jim Dale to Star in New Group's Comedians Jan. 3, Judith Ivey in Women of Lockerbie

[ P ]  New Version of Romeo and Juliet Makes London Stage Debut

[ P ]  Prince Charles Sees Chitty's Halloween Mishap on London Stage

[ P ]  U.K.'s Madness Musical, Our House, Cancels Friday Matinees

[ P ]  West End Full Monty to Close Nov. 23

[ B ]  Thomas Cott is MTW's New Artistic Director

[ B ]  London's Full Monty to Shutter November 23

[ B ]  LuPone Headlines Passion Concert in Chicago

Features:

[ P ]  Joel & Tharp: Mutual Admiration Society
Director-choreographer Twyla Tharp, a longtime Billy Joel fan, evokes the resilience and spirit of America in Movin' Out, an inspiring coming-of-age tale set to the songs of the award-winning troubadour at the Richard Rodgers Theatre

Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features!

[ SPI ]  This clown is happiest when he's in charge of the laughs by JOE ADCOCK
David Shiner is a high-status clown.

[ SPI ]  The hat of the cat is a perfect fit for Rigby by DOREE ARMSTRONG
posted at 11/1/2002 03:36:40 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ B ]  CDs: Culture Club by Ken Mandelbaum
Marc Kudisch, Michele Pawk, Daniel Reichard, and Christopher Sieber have been mentioned for the cast of a December workshop of the new Joe DiPietro musical The Thing About Men.

[ P ]  PBOL'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, Oct. 26-Nov. 1: Once and Future Prince

[ P ]  Mandy Patinkin Will Sing Sondheim at Henry Miller Theatre Dec. 2-Jan. 6

[ P ]  DIVA TALK: Divas Make Believe; the Songs of Billy Joel

[ P ]  Chenoweth, Ebersole, Errico, Neuwirth Expected for Encores! Bash Nov. 24-25

[ P ]  Thomas Cott Is New Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Works; Lonny Price Steps Down

[ P ]  Report: Faith Prince Cast in Sondheim-Weidman Prince Gold!

[ B ]  Jim Dale Headlines New Group's Comedians

[ B ]  Patinkin's Celebrating Sondheim Set for B'way

[ B ]  Did Boston Drama Critics Fall for Marty?

[ B ]  New Cast Set for Broadway's The Graduate

[ TB ]  TEDDY BEARS FOR TEDDYCARE by Wayman Wong
posted at 11/1/2002 01:45:51 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

News:

[ NYT ]  ON STAGE AND OFF
A Magical Voice by JESSE MCKINLEY
Beginning in January, Jim Dale will appear in a revival of Trevor Griffiths's "Comedians," presented by the New Group at the Beckett Theater on Theater Row.

[ NYP ]  THARP AS A KNIFE by MICHAEL RIEDEL
THE big and unexpected news on Broadway this week is that Twyla Tharp took "Movin' Out" - critically battered in Chicago and widely rumored to be an $8.5 million fiasco - and whipped it into a sensational, electrifying addition to a theater season that, post- "Hairspray," was threatening to become thuddingly dull.

[ NYP ]  LIZ SMITH
Item on Dame Edna.

[ CST ]  'Shoes' isn't souled out, so show closing BY MARY HOULIHAN
When the new musical "Com-fortable Shoes" was extended for an additional two weeks, its producers and cast had high hopes. But in a reversal, producers announced Wednesday that the show, which received uniformly favorable reviews but had expensive operating costs, would close as originally scheduled Sunday.

[ P ]  Violet, Floyd Collins to Have Reunion Concerts in 2003

[ P ]  "Fargo" to Far Away: Frances McDormand Stars in Churchill Work at NYTW, Nov. 1

[ P ]  Tuesdays with Morrie Begins Off-Broadway Run, Nov. 1

[ P ]  Cal Rep Premieres Doo-Wop Baseball Musical willie, mickey & the duke Nov. 1-23

[ P ]  Bach Will Rock the Temple Nov. 1, When Jesus Christ Superstar Tour Launches

[ P ]  Ibsen's Ghosts Haunt Classic Stage Company With Amy Irving Nov. 1

[ P ]  Film of Chicago May Not Have "Class"

[ P ]  Santiago-Hudson Brings His Lackawanna Blues to San Francisco Nov. 1-Dec. 1

[ P ]  Barrett, James and Graae Sing Rodgers at Nov. 1 Chicago Benefit

[ P ]  Berkeley Rep Premieres Groag's Comedy Menocchio Nov. 1-Dec. 22

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: NOVEMBER 1

[ P ]  Classic Stage Is Thinking Shakespeare in Open Rehearsal Nov. 4

[ P ]  London's Old Vic To Create Studio Space

[ NYT ]  From Anxiety, Fear and Hope, the Deadly Rescue in Moscow by STEVEN LEE MYERS
The aftermath of the Moscow theater siege seems to have been guided by cold calculation, concern for human life and the fear that no other option remained.

[ NYT ]  THE VICTIMS
A New Family Is Destroyed Before It Can Reach America by SABRINA TAVERNISE

Reviews � "Hollywood Arms":

[ B ]  New York Critics Check Into Hollywood Arms

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'HOLLYWOOD ARMS'
A Real Cinderella's Painful Past by BRUCE WEBER
This Hollywood story based on Carol Burnett's memoir suffers an identity crisis, but is anchored by Michele Pawk's tour de force performance.

[ DN ]  Carol Burnett show comes up short by Howard Kissel
There is much sadness in "Hollywood Arms," the play Carol Burnett and her daughter wrote about Burnett's early life. But the saddest thing is that the play itself never comes into focus.

[ NYP ]  'ARMS' HAS NO LEGS by CLIVE BARNES
IN the theater, no talent on earth can overcome the heavy hand of mediocrity.

[ USA ]  So glad we had this time together by Elysa Gardner
Carol Burnett's work has turned into quite the Broadway experience.

[ NJ ]  Sad to say, Burnett saga sags BY MICHAEL SOMMERS
Sorry to report, "Hollywood Arms" appears to be a short-lived Broadway attraction. The show is a heartbreaker, all right, but not in the way its makers intended.

[ TB ]  Hollywood Arms Review by Matthew Murray

[ B ]  Hollywood Arms Review by William Stevenson

[ TM ]  Hollywood Arms Reviewed By: David Finkle

Other Reviews:

[ BG ]  All heart by Ed Siegel
With 'Marty,' the Huntington Theatre Company sends a charming musical valentine to the 1950s

[ BH ]  'Marty' score butchers story by Terry Byrne
The musical version of ``Marty,'' which is having its world premiere at the Huntington Theatre, keeps all the poignancy of Paddy Chayefsky's story intact. The bad news is, the music adds nothing to the evening but time.

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'ANTIGONE'
A Timeless Rebel Afire With a Doomed Cause by BEN BRANTLEY
The National Theater of Greece presents a splendid and severe new production of Sophocles's tragedy.

[ NYP ]  AN ANTIQUATED 'ANTIGONE' by DONALD LYONS
THE National Theater of Greece has brought its production of Sophocles' "Antigone," one of the most scalding Greek tragedies, to City Center.

[ ND ]  Man's Baser Instincts by Gordon Cox
Wilson, Waits interpret B�chner's strange drama

[ BG ]  'Chicago' shoots from the heart, not the hip by Richard Dyer
The North Shore Music Theatre has a star, sort of, in former teen idol Deborah Gibson.

[ TB ]  Love In The Age Of Narcissism Review by Matthew Murray

[ TB ]  The Men From The Boys and Ted Kaczynski Killed People with Bombs San Francisco Reviews by Richard Connema

Features:

[ B ]  Photo Op: Burnett's Hollywood Arms Opens on B'way

[ TM ]  Peter Filichia's Diary
From Fort Wayne to Fairbanks, certain American cities and locales provide comic fodder for theater writers.

[ NJ ]  Color her thrilled about role as 'Annie' BY PETER FILICHIA
Sarah Hyland knows that Annie is a role to dye for.

[ NJ ]  A Shakespearean storm brewing on three fronts BY PETER FILICHIA
Though Shakespeare wrote "The Tempest" nearly 400 years ago, it still holds resonance for the artistic directors of three New Jersey theaters.

[ TM ]  The Siegels' Nightlife Notes
In her new show at Feinstein's at the Regency, Betty Buckley outdoes herself.

[ CST ]  Speaking with ... Donna McKechnie BY JAE-HA KIM

[ BG ]  From heavy metal to stage salvation by ERIC MARCHESE
Opening in La Mirada, a national tour of the early Lloyd Webber musical puts ex-rocker Sebastian Bach in the lead role.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!

[ CP ]  LOVE Burns Bacon by Howard Altman
"I want to ride a skateboard across LOVE Park and get arrested," says Bacon, who, though he is 92 and has only one eye, exudes the rakish aura of a Little Rascal. I imagine the news ticker: "92-year-old father of Kevin Bacon arrested in Philly for skateboarding."
posted at 11/1/2002 08:03:50 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Thursday, October 31, 2002

Reviews:

[ ND ]  Early Burnett, Unburnished by Linda Winer
'Hollywood' memories play out flat and fuzzy

[ SD ]  To Audrey, it's Ted, but 'Seussical' still needs work by Anne Marie Welsh
While the performers took their bows to "Green Eggs and Ham" Tuesday at the close of "Seussical," Cathy Rigby, still wearing her Cat-in-the-Hat stovepipe, invited Audrey Geisel to join them on the Civic Theatre stage.
"What was missing in New York has been found," said Geisel, the 81-year-old widow of Theodor "Ted" Geisel, comparing the Broadway staging with the tour version of the musical that's in town through Sunday. "Ted likes this."
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link.

Features:

[ B ]  Q&A: Linda Lavin by Kathy Henderson

[ B ]  First Person: How Big Al Got Bigger by Bryan Goluboff

[ OCR ]  'Mame' composer Jerry Herman links past to present by ERIC MARCHESE
The veteran songwriter peeks in on the MTW revival of his 1966 hit, starring Carol Lawrence and Sally Struthers.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link.

[ BBC ]  Moscow musical fights back
The producer of the musical which was abruptly halted when Chechen rebels stormed a Moscow theatre has insisted the show must go on.
Thanks to ElleWhy on All That Chat for the link.

News:

[ TM ]  Swift Closing May Hurt Amour's Tony Chances

[ ND ]  PLAY BY PLAY
More Musicals Rockin' Their Way to the Stage by Gordon Cox
posted at 10/31/2002 05:24:46 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ B ]  Dilly Replaces Benanti in Into the Woods
Hooray!

[ P ]  Playhouse Theatre in London May Be Sold

[ P ]  London's Old Vic To Create Studio Space

[ P ]  West End Mamma Mia! Celebrates 1,500 Performances

[ P ]  South Asian Experience Explored By New Off-Bway Troupe in Playwrights Fest, Nov. 13-16

[ TM ]  Son of Drakula Reviewed By: Dan Bacalzo
posted at 10/31/2002 03:03:41 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

News:

[ P ]  Molina, Bart and Finneran's "Bram and Alice" CBS Sitcom Canceled

[ P ]  Streep, Midler, Rivera, Headley and Luker to Sing West Side Story at Nov. 12 Benefit
Individual tickets for the Nov. 12 event begin at $2,500.
"Everything free in America,
For a small fee in America..."

[ P ]  Adolph Green Remembered on November 1 "Theater Talk" Broadcast

[ P ]  Brennan and Aronson are von Trapps in Walnut Street Sound of Music; Singalong Planned

[ P ]  Report: Richard Kind and Howard McGillin Offered Leads in Gold!

[ P ]  Patti LuPone to Star in Stephen Sondheim's Passion in August 2003

Reviews:

[ B ]  DVDs: A Seance with Madame Flora by Ken Mandelbaum
THE MEDIUM (VAI)

[ TB ]  The Education of Randy Newman Seattle Review by David-Edward Hughes
posted at 10/31/2002 12:26:46 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ * ]  Bogart's "Simple Song" CD Released at Joe's Pub November 17th

Great news about Richard Kind below. Finally someone talented from television-land comes to do a Sondheim show! I spoke to Richard on Monday night after Debbie Does Dallas. Richard came with Sh-K-Boomer Kurt Deutsch, or as I refer to him, "The luckiest guy on earth because he is married to Sherie Rene Scott".

[ IS ]  Mellencamp, Stephen King set sights on Broadway
By David Lindquist

This is a tired story. Mellencamp and King have been talking about this "new" musical for years now. They still have not gotten together to write the book yet? Don't hold your breath to see this new one soon. And don't use the Blind Items link to submit crap like this. It is not a blind item.

Mellencamp/King New Musical Stories:
October 23, 2000
April 20, 2001
posted at 10/31/2002 09:34:52 AM by James Marino | Item Link

News:

[ V ]  KIND, MCGILLIN MINE 'GOLD'
Richard Kind and Howard McGillin have been offered the lead roles in "Gold," a new musical by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman.

[ B ]  Richard Kind Offered Starring Role in Gold!

[ B ]  Noteworthy Cast Set for Albertine at Playwrights

[ HC ]  Trash-novelist Susann Comes Alive At Long Wharf by FRANK RIZZO
Joining Jane Alexander in "Mourning Becomes Electra" at Long Wharf will be Steven Sutcliffe (Younger Brother in Broadway's "Ragtime"), Kevin Tighe, Mireille Enos, Liz McCarthy, Clayton Corzatte, Jason Cottle and Thomas Schall.
Second item.

[ CST ]  Ravinia to produce Sondheim's 'Passion' BY HEDY WEISS
Plus news of Sondheim making an appearance in Chicago on November 18.

[ P ]  Show Music Subscribers Offered Refunds and Other Options After Magazine Folds

[ P ]  Andrei Serban Directs Peer Gynt with Swados Score, Nov. 2-16

[ P ]  Hecht, Hinkle, Goranson Are Three Sisters in The Fourth Sister Oct. 31 at NYC's Vineyard

[ P ]  TRU Toasts Woodie King, Jr., and Philip Rose Nov. 17 With Hinton Battle, Alice Ripley

[ P ]  Theory of the Leisure Class, the Musical, Gets More NYC Readings, Nov. 4

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Belle and Bialy Announce Kids Night on Broadway

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Masking Rent and Beauty

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Is It Live or Is It Hairspray?

[ P ]  Hollywood Arms, Prince's Staging of Carol Burnett Story, Opens on Bway Oct. 31

[ P ]  Elvis For Pumpkins: Neil LaBute The Shape of Things Film to Open in May 2003

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: David, Drake, Lewis Have a Little Romance With Holliday

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Happy Holliday: A Diva Takes the Cake

[ P ]  Streisand, Pitre, Burnett, Moore and Lane Donate Items for Nov. 2 'Star Auction'

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 31

[ P ]  Carver, Kimball, O'Hara and Skinner Star in Nelson & Gordon's Albertine Musical in 2003

The Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia has announced the dates for its new cabaret series:
Christine Andreas - November 29 - December 15
Faith Prince - February 5 -16
Judy Kuhn - May 7-18
Tickets are available via phone (215-569-9700) but are not yet available on their website.

Reviews:

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'WOYZECK'
Woyzeck as a Normal Guy Who Gets Jealous by JON PARELES
It took crusty romantics like Tom Waits and his wife and longtime songwriting partner, Kathleen Brennan, to bring out the sympathetic side of the director and designer Robert Wilson.

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW
Recent Plays
Reviews of "The Shanghai Gesture," "Something Old, Something New," "Teddy Tonight!" and Son of Drakula."

[ B ]  Son of Drakula by Adam Feldman

[ TM ]  Yentl Reviewed By: Barbara & Scott Siegel

[ WP ]  'Fosse': A Bit Less of a Kick by Peter Marks

Features:

[ NYP ]  SEX AND THE SECOND CITY by MEGAN TURNER
'CHICAGO," the movie version of the sexy stage play, could finally usher in the much-ballyhooed revival of the big-screen musical.

[ B ]  Photo Op: Debbie Goes Legit Off-Broadway

[ B ]  Photo Op: Checking Out Tuesdays With Morrie

[ B ]  Photo Op: Jennifer Holliday Romances Town Hall

[ B ]  Photo Op: Proof Celebrates Anniversary

[ B ]  Photo Op: MTC Welcomes Orlandersmith's Yellowman

[ B ]  Photo Op: Blessing in Disguise Opening Night

[ B ]  Photo Op: 2002 Casting Society of America Award Ceremony

"Enjoy every sandwich." - Warren Zevon
posted at 10/31/2002 07:44:06 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Wednesday, October 30, 2002

[ TM ]  Original Orchestrations for House of Flowers Reported Lost, So Encores! Will Perform New Ones

[ BS ]  League, Equity See OK Security by Roger Armbrust
Following Chechen rebels' brutal siege of a Moscow theatre last week, both the League of American Theatres and Producers and Actors' Equity Association are remaining tightlipped about security efforts on Broadway, seeming to feel that current safety measures are adequate.

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Kristin, Craig and Julia Do Debbie

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Debbie Does Cake

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Brooke Shields Does Debbie

[ P ]  National Theatre of Greece Brings Antigone to City Center, Oct. 30-Nov. 3

[ P ]  Original Broadway Ragtime Model T Up for Auction on eBay

[ P ]  Claire Sweeney to Reopen West End Showbiz Shop, Dress Circle

[ P ]  Iron To Open at London's Royal Court in January

[ P ]  Aesop's Fables Given Makeover in U.K. Stage Production

[ B ]  Musical of Mr. Holland's Opus in the Works

[ NJ ]  'Debbie' still dirty and dopey despite ditties BY MICHAEL SOMMERS
posted at 10/30/2002 05:36:59 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ B ]  Carol, In Her Own Words by Ken Mandelbaum
Looking set for New York City Opera's March revival of A Little Night Music are Claire Bloom (Madame Armfeldt), Marc Kudisch (Carl-Magnus), and Kate Burton (Charlotte), with Gavin Creel mentioned for Henrik.

[ P ]  Alan Davies to Star in Aunty and Me on London Stage

[ P ]  Julia Sweeney Offers New One-Woman Show at Ars Nova, Nov. 5-9

[ P ]  Road Company of Saturday Night Fever Begins Tour Nov. 1 in MI

[ P ]  The Guys Film Version to Play L.A. Run in Dec. Prior to Wide Release in 2003

[ P ]  Unplugged!: VH1 Dumps "Liza & David" Reality Series

[ P ]  Hays and DeMann Are Producers of Bway Take Me Out

[ P ]  Rob Morrow Stars in Radio Play by Rebeck, Nov. 11

[ P ]  Let Me Sing Cast Has Schaffel, Gurwin, de Shields, Skinner, Boston and Block

[ B ]  Arturo Ui Extends Through November 10

[ B ]  VH-1 Cancels Liza & David Show

[ TM ]  Yellowman Reviewed By: David Finkle
posted at 10/30/2002 02:19:29 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ TS ]  New York does Debbie
by Richard Ouzounian
NEW YORK � It's an X-rated show with a PG heart.
That's Debbie Does Dallas (), the classic 1978 porn film turned into an off-Broadway musical, which opened last night at the Jane Street Theatre. Before you question the plausibility of this, remember that we've already had stage hits called The Vagina Monologues and The Puppetry Of The Penis. Wasn't it time to � er � put them together? The original movie has gotten such a huge reputation over the years that it has practically become the Citizen Kane of skin flicks.
posted at 10/30/2002 09:20:49 AM by James Marino | Item Link

News:

[ NYP ]  JACKIE THE RIPPER by MICHAEL RIEDEL
AS a rule, Broadway performers don't tangle with critics. They take their lumps, then salve their wounds in private. Not so Jackie Mason.

[ NYP ]  PAGE SIX
VH1 has pulled the plug on the "Liza & David" show after weeks of frustration trying to deal with David Gest - a svengali who continually restricted access to his new bride, Liza Minnelli.

[ NYP ]  CINDY ADAMS
IN the works is a musical of Richard Dreyfuss' great movie, "Mr. Holland's Opus."
Fifth item.

[ NYP ]  IT WILL BE 'AMOUR' NO MORE by BARBARA HOFFMAN
IT'S curtains all over the city: "Amour," the new Michel Legrand musical, and uptown's "Harlem Song" have both posted closing notices.

[ B ]  Broadway Grosses: Bye Bye Love

[ P ]  Kimbrough and Gurney Hit a Wall Off-Broadway, Beginning Oct. 30

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Marty: The Bronx Butcher

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Marty: Life With Mamma

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Marty: The Girl

[ P ]  Annie Begins Previews at N.J.'s Paper Mill

[ P ]  Rodgers & Hart's Jumbo, Minus the Elephants, Gets NYC Concert Reading Nov. 1-3

[ P ]  Julia Murney to Offer Nov. 4 Concert at Ars Nova Theatre

[ P ]  Cook, Gaynor, Henner, Jeter and More Join L.A. Actors' Fund Rodgers Concert

[ P ]  Def Poetry Jam Begins Broadway Previews Oct. 30

[ P ]  Broadway's Beauty Becomes Seventh-Longest Running Musical Oct. 30

[ P ]  August Wilson Honors Lloyd Richards at Gish Prize Ceremony, Oct. 30

[ P ]  Sorsha Miles Is Peggy-Ann in Rare Rodgers and Hart Playing San Francisco Oct. 30-Nov. 17

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 30

[ P ]  Owner of Original Film to Attend Debbie Does Dallas Premiere

[ P ]  Goldberg and Dutton to Begin Previews in Broadway Rainey Jan. 17

Features:

[ B ]  Q&A: Malcolm Gets by David Cote

[ P ]  PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with Sherie Rene Scott
"This Broadway girl has got a lot of tunes to sing" begins the second verse of the Elton John song, "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters," which is featured on Sherie Ren� Scott's album "...Men I've Had." The words certainly suit the smalltown girl-turned- Broadway songstress who currently lends her honey-throated belt to the spoofy Off-Broadway stage adaptation of the infamous porn film, Debbie Does Dallas.

[ TM ]  The Siegels' Nightlife Notes
Beloved veterans and newer stars shine during the latter part of NYC's 13th Annual Cabaret Convention.

[ TM ]  Peter Filichia's Diary
Filichia's head is full of all kinds of theater associations with Halloween.

[ TM ]  Anton Lives! by: Ben Winters
Chekhov-ing in with the LITE Company as it launches its fourth annual Orgy of Anton.

[ BH ]  Patinkin puts on Broadway hat for Colonial show by Robert Nesti

[ B ]  Photo Op: A Sneak Peek at Crowns

[ B ]  Photo Op: Jackie Hoffman Makes a Splash at Joe's Pub

[ B ]  Photo Op: Stars Come Out for Zanna Don't!

[ B ]  Photo Op: Rehearsal for Paper Mill's Annie

Reviews:

[ NYP ]  'DEBBIE' DOESN'T DO IT by DONALD LYONS
IN the 1979 porn flick "Debbie Does Dallas," a bunch of young women do just about anything to raise the bus fare to Dallas to try out for the cheerleading squad.

[ ND ]  A Nice, Clean Dirty Show by Linda Winer
'Debbie' sheds its hard-core skin in this goofy musical

[ DN ]  Cheerleaders go to camp by ROBERT DOMINGUEZ
For the stage adaptation of "Debbie Does Dallas," creator Susan L. Schwartz and director Erica Schmidt have kept the bad dialogue, over-the-top characters and unlikely situations � and transformed the material into a lighthearted, fast-paced and thoroughly engaging and hilarious sendup of porn conventions.

[ NYP ]  THERE'S NO REASON TO 'CHEAT' by DONALD LYONS
AS Julie Jensen's new play, "Cheat," would have it, Rosie the Riveter - the iconic image of the woman factory worker from World War II - was a lesbian.

[ NYP ]  POTENT IRISH 'RUM & VODKA' by DONALD LYONS
CONOR McPherson takes journeys into the dark corners of Irish life. In plays like "The Good Thief," "St. Nicholas" and "The Weir," he travels the byways of the Irish soul, through sad but often funny monologues.

[ LAT ]  'Fahrenheit 451' douses the book's fire by Don Shirley
Ray Bradbury's new stage adaptation of his novel feels so burned out, it may deter audiences from reading the original
With D. B. Sweeney.

[ TB ]  Promenade
Cincinnati Review by Scott Cain

[ B ]  The Romance of Magno Rubio Review by Katie Riegel

[ TM ]  Two Queens One Castle Reviewed By: Joel Dossi
posted at 10/30/2002 08:42:43 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'DEBBIE DOES DALLAS'
Cheerleaders Put the Fun in Fund-Raising
By BRUCE WEBER
Parodying a pornographic movie is redundant, but that's about my only complaint regarding the cheerfully raunchy stage version of the 1979 film about cheerleaders in heat.

[ V ]  Debbie Does Dallas
Variety Review by CHARLES ISHERWOOD
A lack of pep is definitely not the problem for "Debbie Does Dallas," the Off Broadway musical adapted from the celebrated 1978 porn flick. The talented actresses gleefully bouncing their way through the show, impersonating a pack of innocently lascivious cheerleaders, at times seem positively drunk with it. But no amount of amiable goofing could entirely compensate for the aimlessness of the spoofing, and the general, uh, limpness of the wit on display here.

[ TB ]  Debbie Does Dallas
Talkin'Broadway Review by Matthew Murray
Plenty of unique films have been turned into musicals over the last few years. Footloose, Saturday Night Fever, The Producers, and Hairspray, just to name a few that have lit up Broadway with their unique perspective on both theatre and film. However, one title has remained elusive. The bittersweet 1978 coming-of-age story Debbie Does Dallas has finally landed onstage at the Jane Street Theatre.

[ B ]  Debbie Does Dallas
Broadway.com Review by Adam Feldman
Playing the title role in Debbie Does Dallas, the stage adaptation of the seminal 1978 porn flick, Sherie Rene Scott is less blow-up doll than Barbie doll. A statuesque blonde, Scott has given her wholesome features a plastic sheen; she has the iconic, faintly airbrushed appeal of a Playboy centerfold, with the same mix of lusciousness and naivet�. Like many Barbies before her, Debbie has career ambitions that come with a colorful costume--she has been accepted to join the Dallas Cowboy cheerleading squad, the ultimate pin-up platoon. But since her parents deride the Cowgirls as "outdoor burlesque," Debbie is in a pickle. However will she raise the money she needs to make the trip to Dallas and fulfill her dreams? Porno logic dictates the answer.

[ TM ]  Debbie Does Dallas
TheaterMania Review by Brooke Pierce
Debbie Does Dallas, now playing at the Jane Street Theater, is the new musical based on the "classic" film of the same name. It comes to Off-Broadway after playing the New York International Fringe Festival in 2001 to sold-out houses -- but that earlier version simply took the script from the movie (which is a porno, by the way), removed the sex, and played it out on stage. Astonishingly, this new and improved Debbie has succeeded in finding the heart in the infamous blue movie about a high school beauty who dreams of becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and is willing to do whatever -- or whomever -- it takes to fulfill that dream.

[ AP ]  Off - Broadway's 'Debbie' Disappoints��10:22 p.m. ET
NEW YORK (AP) -- Debbie may have done Dallas but she gets done in off-Broadway.
posted at 10/30/2002 02:22:56 AM by James Marino | Item Link

Tuesday, October 29, 2002

News:

[ P ]  Victor Garber, Alias Tevya, in Talks for TV "Fiddler on the Roof"

[ P ]  Broadway Grosses: October 21-27

[ B ]  Julia Murney Steps into the Spotlight Nov. 4

Reviews:

[ VV ]  DICTATOR TOTS by Michael Feingold
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui by Bertolt Brecht

[ VV ]  SKIN AND BONERS by Francine Russo
Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith; The Romance of Magno Rubio by Lonnie Carter

[ NYer ]  DESPOTS AND FLESHPOTS by JOHN LAHR
Al Pacino in Brecht, and a "Flower Drum Song" makeover.

[ NYer ]  CRAZY EDDIE'S by JOAN ACOCELLA
Twyla Tharp's "Movin' Out."

Features:

[ B ]  Video: Movin' Out Opening

[ NYer ]  POSTSCRIPT: ADOLPH GREEN by John Lahr
Green's wife of forty-two years, the actress Phyllis Newman, tells of going with him to the movies and hearing an actor on the screen declare, "I've tasted death. Have you?" Green called out, "Yes, and it tastes like chicken."
posted at 10/29/2002 05:21:34 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ B ]  CDs: Broadway Ballet by Ken Mandelbaum
There's renewed talk of Chita Rivera starring in a revised version of the musical Ballroom (or Queen of the Stardust Ballroom, as it was called when Tyne Daly starred in a revised version in Long Beach).

[ P ]  London Critic Sheridan Morley Publishes Memoirs

[ P ]  Music Theatre Festival in Cardiff Stages Jubilee Show

[ P ]  Too Far to Walk Previews at U.K.'s King's Head in November

[ P ]  Kids' Night on Broadway Is Feb. 4 with Madame Tussaud's Pre-Party

[ P ]  Adieu Amour: Legrand Musical To Close Nov. 3

[ P ]  Pacino Arturo Ui Announces Second Extension to Nov. 10

[ P ]  Principal Casting Announced for Vanessa Williams' D.C. Carmen Jones

[ P ]  Josh Hamilton Searches for Family Answers in MTC's Gone Home, Starting Nov. 25

[ P ]  LaChiusa Sneak-Peeks Song From His New Musical on 'Radio Playbill' Oct. 29-Nov. 3

[ P ]  Burning Blue Announces Early Closing Date, Nov. 3

[ P ]  Nicole Snelson Will Don the Green Green Dress in tick, tick Tour

[ P ]  Harlem Song May Close Nov. 3 If Funds Can't Be Found

[ B ]  Josh Hamilton Stars in Gone Home at MTC

[ TB ]  Smelling a Rat Boston Review by Suzanne Bixby
posted at 10/29/2002 02:57:13 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ B ]  Broadway's Amour to Shutter on November 3

Saw DEBBIE DOES DALLAS yesterday. Lots of fun with a strange-bizarre attempt to break the 4th wall and inject substance into the middle of a show that can only be camp and fluff. At a posted ticket price of $35, I think this transfer from the Fringe could amount to another viable project by young producers at The Araca Group. (URINETOWN & FRANKIE AND JOHNNY being the others.) Not great theater, but a good time will be had. I recommend it.

I couldn't resist grouping these two together: this afternoon is a backers audition for BOOBS! THE MUSICAL at 6pm, Chelsea Studios. This show is based on the songs of 50's /60's vocal star & songwriter Ruth Wallis, romps through such naughty party song Wallis hits as "Davy's Dinghy," "Ugly Man With Money" and "I Need A Man of My Own." The company, which includes Jenny-Lynn Suckling ("Dance Of The Vampires"), Brandon Savage ("I Love My Wife"), Glenn Rainey ("Beauty & The Beast"), and cabaret divas Kristy Cates & Rebecca Young, will present highlights from their successful workshop production. BOOBS! is directed by Shawn Churchman, with book by Michael Whaley and Steve Mackes and choreographed by Lawrence Leritz.
posted at 10/29/2002 11:17:49 AM by James Marino | Item Link

News:

[ NYT ]  THE HOSTAGES
The Boy on a Date and Other Sad Stories by SABRINA TAVERNISE

[ NYT ]  An Uneasy Wait in Oklahoma
MIDWEST CITY, Okla., Oct. 28 - Workers at the General Motors plant here wore red-white-and-blue ribbons today for their colleague Sandy Alan Booker, who was feared dead in the siege that ended the occupation of a Moscow theater by Chechen rebels.

[ NYT ]  Well-Received 'Harlem Song' May Close by Week's End by ROBIN POGREBIN
Despite strong reviews, "Harlem Song," the variety show at the Apollo Theater, announced that it would close at the end of the week unless $300,000 could be raised.

[ V ]  'SONG' & 'DANCE' STEP
Impressive gains by "Dance of the Vampires" and "Flower Drum Song" buoyed Broadway's overall tally of $14,436,865 and prevented an autumn plunge. Total receipts were down a mere $248,471, or 1.66%, from the previous session.

[ B ]  Burning Blue to Close Earlier Than Expected

[ B ]  Burstyn Stars in Pre-B'way Widow at Old Globe

[ B ]  Angela Lansbury Honored by The Acting Company

[ TM ]  Dolores Gray, Late Star of Stage, Film, and TV, Celebrated at Lambs Theatre

[ YN ]  German Version of 'Mamma Mia!' Set

[ P ]  Life's a Beach in New Musical, Beach Radio, Oct. 29-Nov. 23 in NYC

[ P ]  Debbie Does Dallas Does Off-Broadway as Stageshow Opens, Oct. 29

[ P ]  Lauren Kennedy's Jason Robert Brown CD Gets March 2003 Release on PS Classics

[ P ]  Linney, Pintauro, Ramsey Respond to 9/11 in Unresolved, Nov. 21-Dec. 15

[ P ]  War Now to Be Waged in Wellfleet, MA, Through Nov. 2

[ P ]  New Howe Play, Agog, with Franz, to Bow at Syracuse April 30

[ P ]  Tune, Rent's Pope Join Japan Musical Stars for "Thank You, Broadway!" Benefit, Nov. 6

[ P ]  Pop Star to Merry Murderess: Deborah Gibson Stars in NSMT's Chicago

[ P ]  Jane Alexander's Electra With Ragtime's Sutcliffe Arrives at Long Wharf, Nov. 19

[ P ]  American Songbook Continues in November with LaChanze and Brian d'Arcy James

[ P ]  Will Dinner at Eight, the Musical, Be Served in England?

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Beauty's Clock Chimes 7 for Winter Tuesdays

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Zanna Do for Joan Rivers and Lea De Laria

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 29

[ P ]  Signature Re-Lights Burn This Nov. 20

[ P ]  Jason Robert Brown Joins Urban Cowboy as Musical Director

Features:

[ LAT ]  The cubs are the most ferocious beasts by Mary McNamara
The young audiences for "Lion King" can turn Pantages into a zoo.

[ ND ]  This 'Debbie' Digs Deep to Do Dallas by Blake Green
Actress sees some of her own G-rated story in musical
Sherie Rene Scott.

[ WP ]  Backstage: Songs In the 'Kiki' of Irreverence by Jane Horwitz
Justin Bond, aka "Kiki," figures there'll be a couple of reserved seats in "the dress circle in Hell" for him and Kenny Mellman, aka "Herb."

Reviews:

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'THE SWEEPERS'
Feeling Postwar Changes in One American Backyard
This often humorous, eventually gripping drama set in a backyard in Boston as World War II draws to a close, resonates in spite of the specificity of its time and place.

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'THE WATER COOLERS'
A Motley Office Crew Works to Meet a Deadline by LAWRENCE VAN GELDER
Something happens after intermission to the office workers played by a charming, talented cast in "The Water Coolers," a new musical revue at Dillons: They turn human.

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'BLESSING IN DISGUISE'
Sure, Life May Be a Drag, but You Can Laugh at It by ANITA GATES
Sitting through this two-act comedy with music at the Times Square Theater was a little like being trapped inside a sitcom laugh track.

[ TS ]  Joel's Movin' Out dazzles on Broadway by Richard Ouzounian
People have been debating whether to call Movin' Out a musical, a dancical, or a pop ballet. Forget those definitions.
All you need to know is that it's the hottest show on Broadway.

[ TB ]  Driving Miss Daisy Washington Review by Tracy Lyon

[ TB ]  The Taming of the Shrew and Cloud Cuckooland Minneapolis Reviews by Elizabeth Weir

[ TB ]  Beauty and the Beast and Serious Money San Francisco Reviews by Richard Connema

[ CST ]  Time is passing 'Cuckoo' by BY HEDY WEISS
Much has changed since Arthur Laurents penned his rueful romantic comedy "The Time of the Cuckoo" in 1952.

[ HC ]  `King Of Hearts' Brave Undertaking by MALCOLM JOHNSON
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!
posted at 10/29/2002 07:53:40 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Monday, October 28, 2002

News:

[ B ]  Andrea Martin Set for B'way-Bound Paper Doll

[ B ]  Carmello Boards the Twentieth Century in LA
Carolee Carmello will replace previously announced star Kristin Chenoweth in the upcoming Reprise! concert mounting of On The Twentieth Century.

[ P ]  Bergman Brings Ghosts to BAM in 2003; The Island Also Slated

[ P ]  Jason Opsahl, Bway Ensemble Actor and Tireless Volunteer, Dead at 39

[ P ]  Salman Rushdie Discusses Berkeley Rep's Haroun and the Sea of Stories Nov. 18

[ P ]  Modern Cinderella Fights "Happily Ever After" in New Musical Dec. 6-21 at TX's Lyric Stage

[ P ]  More Than 100 Killed by Gas in Moscow Theatre Disaster

[ P ]  Harold Pinter Celebrated By BBC

[ P ]  Elaine Stritch Cancels Oct. 31 Show at London's Old Vic

[ P ]  West End Romeo and Juliet Cancels Oct. 28 Preview

[ P ]  Broadway Rocks at NYC's Makor with Ripley, Rapp, Yazbek, Shaiman in November, December

[ P ]  Paper Doll, with Andrea Martin, to Play Long Wharf, March 5-April 6

[ P ]  "Go Billy!" Elton John and Stephen Daldry Team Up for Billy Elliot Musical

[ TM ]  Dramatists Guild Looks Holmesward in November
Rupert Holmes will appear at the Dramatists Guild headquarters Tuesday, November 19 to talk about his experiences as a playwright, librettist, and songwriter.

Features:

[ P ]  Ross Recovers a Rembrandt
In his monthly 'Cabaret Beat' column, David Drake chats with cabaret veteran Steve Ross, who begins an extended engagement at New York's Stanhope Hotel in November.

[ DN ]  Holder's an all-round 'Wiz' by HOWARD KISSEL
If you know Geoffrey Holder from TV commercials, he's "the un-Cola man."
If you know him from the theater, he's the man who broke new ground in 1974 as director-choreographer of "The Wiz," the first Broadway musical that found an African-American audience.

Reviews:

[ ST ]  ACT's 'Newman' tries its best to entertain by Misha Berson
I consider Randy Newman to be one of pop music's most insightful, witty and original song-crafters, and ACT Theatre's "The Education of Randy Newman" has not changed that conviction.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!
posted at 10/28/2002 05:44:51 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ CNY ]  EchoStar may help Cablevision with satellite biz
by Jeanhee Kim
In an effort to salvage a merger with Hughes Electronics, EchoStar Communications has reportedly agreed to transfer satellite communications frequencies to Cablevision Systems and help the cash-strapped company become a major player in the field.
So, if Cablevision becomes a major player in the satellite communications market... they will need content to fill those channels. I wonder where they will get their content. The obvious answer is through their other properties -- sports teams, MSG, Radio City Music Hall... Broadway?
posted at 10/28/2002 02:45:57 PM by James Marino | Item Link

[ * ]  Composer LaChiusa tackles new musical, LITTLE FISH
By Jennifer Kalman
posted at 10/28/2002 01:00:47 PM by James Marino | Item Link

News:

[ B ]  Tammy Blanchard Tapped for Star Turn in Gypsy

[ B ]  Harlem Song Puts Up Closing Notice
Producers of Harlem Song, George C. Wolfe's ode to New York City's historic African-American neighborhood, are putting up a provisional closing notice tonight, according to a source close to the production. The notice will enable the production to close on Monday if sales do not pick up.

[ B ]  Elaine Stritch At Liberty Extends London Run

[ P ]  Tammy Blanchard Confirmed for Title Role of Bernadette Peters Gypsy

[ P ]  Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer to Tour in Musical Evening, A Royal Christmas

[ P ]  Critic-Turned-Producer Chip Defaa Looks Back on His First 'Invitational'

Features:

[ B ]  Comden and Green on Disc by Ken Mandelbaum

Reviews:

[ TB ]  Princess on Prozac Seattle Review by David-Edward Hughes
posted at 10/28/2002 12:52:23 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ PS ]  Man of La Mancha
[Review from Potomac Stages]

We hear... HARLEM SONG is posting notice today and will close next Monday...We also received an email from a reader about Liz Smith's column.

Last week Liz had an item about Adolph Green said he wrote the lyrics to APPLAUSE. I believe the score to APPLAUSE was by Charles Storuse and Lee Adams (lyrics). Today she said that Hugh Panaro brought down the house with Melissa Errico singing "Move On" from SUNDAY IN THE PARK.... It was Raul Esparza.Lets not forget that Liz liked AMOUR too...
posted at 10/28/2002 11:36:22 AM by James Marino | Item Link

News:

[ NYT ]  Hostage Toll in Russia Over 100; Nearly All Deaths Linked to Gas by MICHAEL WINES

[ NYT ]  THE TOXIC AGENT
Official Silence on Gas Raises Vexing Questions by STEVEN LEE MYERS

[ NYT ]  THE SCENE
The Survivors Dribble Out, All With a Story to Tell by SABRINA TAVERNISE with SOPHIA KISHKOVSKY

[ NYT ]  Marvin Krauss, Manager of Broadway Shows, Dies at 74 by JESSE McKINLEY
Marvin A. Krauss, a tough negotiator with a keen business sense, was one of Broadway's leading general managers whose career spanned more than four decades.

[ P ]  Math, Science and Blondes: Proof, Dirty Blonde, Copenhagen Top Most-Produced List

[ P ]  Bloomingdale's Goes Broadway Oct. 28; Perfs. from Hairspray, Millie, Rent & More

[ P ]  Jennifer Holliday Welcomes Norm Lewis and Keith David for Oct. 28 Town Hall Concert

[ P ]  Angela Lansbury to Receive Acting Company's Lifetime Achievement Award

[ P ]  Moscow Gay Musical Three Sisters Is Part of OB's Chekhov Now Festival Oct. 28-Nov. 24

[ P ]  Broadway's Thanksgiving Week Performance Schedule

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 28

Features:

[ NYT ]  CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK
Divas' Harlem Renaissance by BRUCE WEBER
There's a sudden confluence of shows about black divas in Harlem, a historical center of black culture, which is now emerging rather inspirationally from decades of deprivation.

[ TM ]  Peter Filichia's Diary
The York Theatre Company's newest set of Musicals in Mufti honors the legendary George Abbott.

[ TB ]  What's New on the Rialto? Interview with Michael Kunze of Dance of the Vampires by Nancy Rosati

[ DN ]  Gimme a D! 'Debbie' does Off-Broadway by LANCE GOULD

[ NYP ]  CINDY ADAMS
NARY one frame of the movie "Chicago" has been seen here by any outsiders - except, maybe, me - and already it's getting Oscar fanfare.
Plus some other theater items.

[ NYP ]  LIZ SMITH
Items on "Chicago" and The Sondheim Celebration.

Reviews:

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'THE ROMANCE OF MAGNO RUBIO'
Immigrant Farm Worker Dares to Court Romance by BRUCE WEBER
The Ma-Yi Theater Company gives a touching and bittersweet production to this play about Filipino migrant farm workers in Depression-era California.

[ TB ]  Annie Chicago Review by Charles Eichler

Carol Woods' episode of THE PRACTICE, originally scheduled to air last night, was pulled by ABC - they didn't want to run a new episode up against the World Series. It'll probably air next Sunday.

Bryan Batt will produce, host & perform in a fundraiser for his brother, Councilman Jay Batt, at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, New Orleans on Nov 25th. Email Nancy Rosati at [email protected] if you wish further information about this event.
posted at 10/28/2002 07:49:39 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Sunday, October 27, 2002

[ ND ]  She's a One-Actress Band by Blake Green
Growing up in a small town not far from Pittsburgh, Michele Pawk played the piano. But in recent years, the career of the actress with the beet-colored hair and sea-green eyes has required mastery of more esoteric instruments.
Thanks to... um... one of Michele's HOLLYWOOD ARMS co-stars for letting us know about this article!
posted at 10/27/2002 02:58:09 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

News:

[ YN ]  Moscow Hostage Death Toll at 118

[ NYT ]  At Least 67 Captives and 50 Chechens Die in Moscow Siege by MICHAEL WINES

[ NYT ]  THE SCENE
The Rescue, Seen From Inside: 'We Will All Be Blown Up' by STEVEN LEE MYERS

[ NYT ]  THE FAMILIES
Hundreds in Moscow Search for Loved Ones After Raid by SABRINA TAVERNISE

[ NYT ]  Slide Show: The Pre-Dawn Raid

[ P ]  Talk Show Watch: Heather Headley on 'Wayne Brady', Carol Burnett on 'The View'

[ P ]  Nickel and Dimed Closes at L.A.'s Taper Oct. 27; NYC Transfer Now Unlikely

[ P ]  Carolee Carmello to Star in Reprise! Concert of Twentieth Century

[ P ]  Marvin's Back With Whizzer: Original Cast Reunion Concert Scheduled for Falsettos

[ P ]  Snow White Musical Pearl Sings With Debbie Allen at L.A.'s Geffen Nov. 12-Dec. 22

[ P ]  Michael Buckley CHANNELING THEATRE: Broadway Legends & a Chat with Champlin
Go Donna Lynne!

[ P ]  Theatre Photos On View in West End

[ P ]  Full Monty Star Guests on Oct. 27 Episode of "The Practice"
Not only will Carol Woods guest on THE PRACTICE, but her FOLLIES co-star Erin Dilly will guest tonight (as "Isabella Gradowcyzk") on LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT on NBC.

[ P ]  Endpapers Reaches End Off-Broadway Oct. 27

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 27

[ P ]  Russian Troops Reclaim Moscow Theatre; Dozens of Hostages Killed

Features:

[ ND ]  Stinging in the Rain by Blake Green
After her daughter's death, Carol Burnett brings their play to Broadway

[ NYT ]  Shows That Really Have 'Em Dancing in the Aisles by VALERIE GLADSTONE
The vernacular choreography in "Hairspray" and "Harlem Song" proves so irresistible to audiences that people just jump up and join in.

[ NYT ]  The Forlorn Woyzeck, With a New Spin by JONATHAN KALB
Robert Wilson and Tom Waits transform a tragicomedy into a musical laced with irony.

[ BG ]  Mandy Patinkin's greatest stories ever sung by Joan Anderman
Mandy Patinkin is singing into a pay phone at the Cleveland airport, politely indulging a reporter's query as to what makes a great song great.

[ ND ]  ON THE ISLE: Idealists Burn, But Chestnuts Are Still Hot by Peter Goodman
Why can't Long Island, with its nearly 3 million well-educated and mostly affluent people, support at least one genuine, Actors Equity-contracted regional theater in the heart of the Island?

[ TS ]  So long Mr. Green by Richard Ouzounian
Master of musical screenplays had all the right `stuff'

[ NYP ]  LIZ SMITH
'I GUESS it wasn't the worst way to go," said Adam Green of his lyricist father, Adolph, who died Wednesday in his sleep at 87. "He did have a sensational life."
Final item.

[ DN ]  What goes around... by CELIA McGEE
Why films and plays continually return to a Viennese author's sexy moral tales

Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features!

[ HC ]  Looking Out On A Different Broadway by Frank Rizzo
As English producer Cameron Mackintosh looks down from his New York office, he sees a different theater hub from the one that greeted him in the '80s and '90s.

[ HC ]  Two Second Chances by FRANK RIZZO
Two Musicals That Failed In '70s Get Another Shot At Goodspeed

[ SP ]  For Ionesco play, Guthrie chose an actress who can do it all by DOMINIC P. PAPATOLA
Intereview with Barbara Byrne.

[ SD ]  Act II: Rigby is play's moving force by Anne Marie Welsh
'Seussical' gets a second chance to pull a cat out of a musical hat

Reviews:

[ WP ]  Critic's Notebook: Swinging for the Fences by Peter Marks
In 'Take Me Out' and 'Burn This,' Lessons in Major League Hits and Errors

[ DN ]  Liza with a wheeze by JIM FARBER
Plus, Rod Stewart in shock bid for respectability
posted at 10/27/2002 11:14:14 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ NYT ]  Oh, She Used to Be Big on Broadway By TERRY TEACHOUT
Broadway has no brighter star than Audra McDonald, a three-time Tony award winner � except she's not performing there now and doesn't expect to return any time soon.

[ NYT ]  Still There: Can 40 Years Have Passed? By ANDREA STEVENS
When "Hollywood Arms," the play by Carol Burnett and her daughter Carrie Hamilton, opens on Thursday on Broadway at the Cort Theater, it will mark a special moment in Linda Lavin's theatrical life. She made her Broadway debut in the chorus of the musical "A Family Affair" 40 years ago. Then, as now, the director was Harold Prince.

[ NYT ]  Debbie's Doing New York Now, but Rate Her PG By JASON ZINOMAN
Pornography isn't just for dirty old men anymore.
posted at 10/27/2002 08:06:38 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

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2007-08
Broadway Season

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