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Saturday, December 07, 2002 Okay, lets quash this internet rumor right now. Andrea Rivette, did not pass away. Some strange rumor was started on Chuck Wagner's message board and quickly propagated around to other J&H sites. (The incorrect, original message was deleted earlier tonight.) Andrea posted that rumors of her death have been greatly exaggerated. I know Andrea -- the person who started that rumor had better sleep with their eyes open... And most of all, I am glad that it was not true. posted at 12/7/2002 10:56:41 PM by James Marino | Item Link Over at the Public, are there more changes on the horizon? Rumor has it that Wolfe's right hand, John Dias, is taking his last curtain call... seems like a job at the Public is as stable a leading role in a Fran and Barry musical. Not that there is anything wrong with that... posted at 12/7/2002 12:33:37 PM by James Marino | Item Link Features: [ NYT ] Giving More Puccini to the People by WILLIAM WRIGHT PUCCINI would be proud. His 1896 opera, "La Boh�me," is currently the big excitement, not at the Met or the New York City Opera, but on Broadway, where it opens tonight to go toe to toe with "The Producers" and "Hairspray." [ NYT ] Puppetry Up to Its Old Tricks by JOHN ROCKWELL FOR anyone seeing Nora Ephron's new "play with music," "Imaginary Friends," which opens on Broadway on Thursday, most of the interest will naturally lie in this fictionalized extension of the long-term animosity between Lillian Hellman and Mary McCarthy, and in their impersonations by Swoosie Kurtz and Cherry Jones. But the antagonists aren't just portrayed by actresses. There are also life-size rag dolls of them as little girls, and the dolls � created by Michael Levine, the set designer � play quite a role, too. [ NYT ] Why a Play About Adult Movies? Why Do You Think? by ELAINE MAY Elaine May interview Stanley Donen. [ NYT ] Where the Mask Was, Now There Are Fangs by ANDREA STEVENS An interview with Michael Crawford. [ NYT ] Letters: Brian Stokes Mitchell; Avril Lavigne; Tim Miller [ B ] Q&A: Swoosie Kurtz by Kathy Henderson [ NYT ] CONNECTIONS Into the Woods, Children, for Dark Mysteries, Not Simple Lessons by EDWARD ROTHSTEIN The fairy tale is often thought to be a simple fantasy, a childish portrait of the world with great villainy vanquished and much happily-ever-aftering. News: [ NYT ] Redgrave Posts Bail for Chechen Who Russia Says Is a Terrorist by WARREN HOGE A senior Chechen envoy arrested upon arrival at Heathrow Airport on Thursday night was free on Friday after the actress Vanessa Redgrave posted bail. [ P ] Cy Coleman's Latest Musical, Laywers, Lovers & Lunatics, Hits the Road in 2003 [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lord of La Mancha [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Aldonza? No, Dulcinea [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Mancha's Sancho [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Author, Author: Leigh, Wilson Give Stokes Strong Roles [ P ] Wong, Baker, Gerroll Join Charles Busch For Drama Dept.'s Shanghai Moon Jan. 3-Feb. 9 [ P ] CT's Long Wharf Workshops PBS Newsman Robert MacNeil's Karla Dec. 11-14 [ P ] Adam Morris Discusses Dick Barton at London's Croydon Warehouse [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Our Town: The Stage Manager Takes a Bow [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Our Director [ P ] Naked Angels Present New Play Workshop or One Day on Wall Street, Thru Dec. 21 [ P ] BETTY, Silverman and Drysdale Form A Jewcy Spectacular Dec. 7 [ P ] Gentleman of Verona Are Harold Lloyd and Buddy Rogers in San Jose's Staging Dec. 7-Jan. 12 [ P ] Today in Theatre History: DECEMBER 7 [ B ] Gypsy Revival Changes Broadway Dates [ B ] Will Kelly Osbourne Invade B'way in Taboo? Reviews: [ BG ] A pair of aces by Ed Siegel 'Uncle Vanya' burns with bleak intensity At ART, with Arliss Howard and Linda Powell. [ NYT ] OPERA REVIEW | 'A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE' Musical Diversity for Arthur Miller's Fated Red Hook by ANTHONY TOMMASINI William Bolcom's opera "A View From the Bridge," based on the Arthur Miller play, is dramatically assured and often haunting. [ DN ] A 'Bridge' so near to B'klyn's heart by Howard Kissel In "A View From the Bridge," Arthur Miller speaks to the uneasiness of America in the '50s - the enveloping sense of suspicion, the sexual insecurities. The play's tone, however, is not sociological. From its aria-like opening speech, "View" is strictly operatic. [ DN ] Liza overdoes it to perfection by David Hinckley The only understated element of Liza Minnelli's Christmas Spectacular at Town Hall Thursday night was Christmas. Nobody seemed to mind. On a stage with more orchestra than ornaments, Minnelli delivered the kind of gloriously brassy performance that made her an international star. posted at 12/7/2002 08:35:23 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Friday, December 06, 2002 Will the resignation today of Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill affect Broadway? Well, maybe. One of the names being mentioned to fill the open position is Joe Grano, Chairman and CEO of UBS PaineWebber. While most of you do not know Joe's name, Grano is a large supporter of Broadway and its talent. Many a Broadway performer, director, musician, designer (et al) have seen the inside of PaineWebber conferences as part of the company entertainment with great paydays. A few shows have seen development money as well as investments in productions coming from the same direction. While Mr. Grano's support of the arts is under the radar for the most part, it should be acknowledged that his promotion to the President's Cabinet would be great for the country but come at a cost for Broadway. posted at 12/6/2002 06:21:40 PM by James Marino | Item Link News: [ Z ] Dennehy Causes Headaches for 'The Agency' [ P ] Finn Directs Zien in One-Man Show Ashtabula, Dec. 9 [ P ] Temporary Help to Close Off-Broadway Dec. 8 [ P ] Peters Gypsy Changes Opening Dates; Tix Available for Gold Card Members [ P ] Off-Broadway's Blue Is Extending to Jan. 12, 2003; Orange You Glad? [ B ] Temporary Help to Close Earlier Than Expected [ TM ] All the World's a Stage: RSC Announces 2003 Festival Season [ TM ] Ohio Production of Ricky Ian Gordon's Only Heaven to be Telecast Features: [ NJ ] Actress indulgeth her love of Shakespeare BY PETER FILICHIA Sabrina LeBeauf, taking a break from rehearsing at the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival in Madison, remembers the time that "The Cosby Show" writers came up with a "Macbeth" script. [ BS ] Cardiff Really Wails It was all musical theatre all the time all over Cardiff last month, as the capital city of Wales played host to the first-ever International Festival of Musical Theatre. [ NJ ] 'Black Nativity' has new score, book; back to gospel roots by Rohan Preston Includes quotes from its star, Jennifer Holliday. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! Reviews: [ NJ ] Glorious quest BY MICHAEL SOMMERS Chivalry and great music live in stirring 'Man of La Mancha' revival posted at 12/6/2002 05:29:45 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ P ] Oh, Canada! Resident Toronto Staging of The Producers Starts Fall 2003 [ P ] Complete Casting Announced for Whoopi's Ma Rainey; Tickets On Sale Dec. 16 [ P ] Harriet and Harvey to Host Gypsy of the Year Competition Dec. 9-10 [ P ] Toni Kanal Chats About Role in Coward's The Vortex at London's Donmar [ P ] Ralph Fiennes Begins Performances in London's Talking Cure Dec. 6 [ P ] PBOL'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, Nov. 30-Dec. 6: Christmas Rush Features: [ TM ] Tunes and Tomes Charles Wright reviews John Leggett's new biography of William Saroyan. [ TM ] Photo File by: Joseph Marzullo and Michael Portantiere posted at 12/6/2002 02:38:28 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Reviews: [ B ] Man of La Mancha Faces New York Critics [ B ] CDs: Showtime at the Apollo by Ken Mandelbaum HARLEM SONG (Columbia/Legacy) MATT BOGART: SIMPLE SONG (JAY) News: [ P ] DIVA TALK: A Chat with Chicago's Caroline O'Connor Plus Divas in Concert [ P ] Broadway-Bound Sweet Charity Will Begin in Toronto, May 20, 2003 [ P ] London's Vincent in Brixton to Hit Broadway in February 2003 [ P ] R&H Org Nixes Walnut Street's Singalong Sound of Music [ P ] Report: Robbins Estate Battles New Gypsy Revival Over Billing [ P ] Leonard and Posey to Star in Signature's July [ B ] Leonard and Posey Set to Star in Fifth of July [ B ] Blue/Orange Extends Run at Atlantic [ B ] Marisa Tomei Confirmed for Sweet Charity posted at 12/6/2002 12:28:36 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ NYP ] DEAD TO RIGHTS by MICHAEL RIEDEL BILLING for a Broadway show is often bitterly contested, but most people angling for a prominent spot in the Playbill are still alive. Jerome Robbins isn't, but his estate is locked in a battle with hotshot Hollywood wunderkind Sam Mendes over billing on the upcoming revival of "Gypsy," starring Bernadette Peters. [ NYT ] ON STAGE AND OFF Hey, Big Spenders by JESSE MCKINLEY "Sweet Charity," the classic musical about that indefatigable eponymous dance hostess, is scheduled to open on Broadway next year, starring Marisa Tomei. [ CST ] 'Charity' begins here for N.Y.-bound Tomei BY BILL ZWECKER Marisa Tomei will be spending a good bit of her summer in Chicago next year. The Academy Award-winning actress is slated for the title role in a revival of Neil Simon's musical comedy ''Sweet Charity,'' scheduled for a July 1-20 run at the Shubert Theatre. [ NYP ] PAGE SIX TOBY Young, who caused a stir among the media elite this summer with his gossipy book "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People," is taking his act on the stage. And other theater-related items. [ NYP ] CINDY ADAMS For Ozzy's kid Kelly: from TV to 'Taboo'? And other theater-related items. [ B ] Vincent in Brixton to Open at Golden March 6 [ B ] Polycarpou Replaces O'Grady in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang [ P ] Marisa Tomei Sweet Charity to Open on Bway Aug. 17 [ P ] Betty Buckley Offers Concerts at Kennedy Center Dec. 6 [ P ] North Shore's A Christmas Carol�with Coffee & Dvorsky�Begins Dec. 6 [ P ] Ziemba-Bergen Musical Project Looking Toward Next Step in Development [ P ] New Flaherty-Ahrens Musical, Dessa Rose, to Workshop in June 2003 [ P ] Barbra Offers Holiday Concerts in New York, Dec. 6-29 [ P ] Long Runs on Broadway Reviews � "Man Of La Mancha": [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'MAN OF LA MANCHA' Endangered Noble Species Takes a Fling on a Dream by BEN BRANTLEY CALL him brave. Call him foolhardy. Call him, if you must, quixotic. But you really can't blame Brian Stokes Mitchell for wanting to take on the title role in "Man of La Mancha," which opened last night in a stiflingly overscaled production at the Martin Beck Theater. [ NYP ] TIMELY REVIVAL OF A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER by CLIVE BARNES HOW possible nowadays is that impossible dream? Does the cockeyed idealism suggesting that you could actually reach unreachable stars still get to us, even with the magnificent Brian Stokes Mitchell as Don Quixote, that woeful knight errant? [ DN ] Full-tilt revival, but wrong Quixote by Howard Kissel "Man of La Mancha," which was first produced in 1965 in a makeshift theater in Washington Square, has been given an expensive, high-tech Broadway revival. [ USA ] 'La Mancha' is a dream revival By Elysa Gardner Broadway revival is dazzling and daunting. [ YN ] 'Man of La Mancha' Hits Stage by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic In other, lesser hands, this venerable show could sound a bit hoary and more than a little heavy-handed. Not so at the Martin Beck Theatre, where a new, surprisingly robust revival, resting pretty much on Stokes' considerable strengths, opened Thursday. [ TM ] Man of La Mancha Reviewed By: Barbara & Scott Siegel [ TB ] Man of La Mancha Review by Matthew Murray [ B ] I'd Prefer a New Edition of the Spanish Inquisition by Ken Mandelbaum [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary Filichia tilts against the windmills of public opinion concerning that musical with the song about ''The Impossible Dream.'' Other Reviews: [ NYP ] MANDY DANDY IN 'SONDHEIM' by CLIVE BARNES SOME say Mandy Patinkin is an acquired taste. If so, I've definitely acquired it. I wonder if it's addictive - or, for that matter, contagious? [ NYP ] 'PETER' PANS OUT FOR PLAYWRIGHT by DONALD LYONS TWO bright young people meet at college, move to New York and go through a bumpy relationship. That's the gist of "Peter and Vandy," a brilliant new play by Jay DiPietro, but there's more here than meets the eye. [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'MACBETH' Shakespeare as if Played in Vietnam With Style by BRUCE WEBER Yukio Ninagawa's production of Shakespeare's play, part of the Next Wave Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, is gaudily stylish but undeniably exciting. [ ND ] A Parade of Fashion, Faith and Flamboyance by Gordon Cox "Crowns" has been adapted from a coffee-table book, and it feels that way. Features: [ B ] Quotable Quotes: Opening Night of La Mancha Mancha by Paul Wontorek [ B ] Photo Op: A New La Mancha Opens on Broadway [ DN ] Loyal stars follow black 'Nativity' by Robert Dominguez Tony Award-winning actress Lillias White is happy to be Off-Broadway in "Crowns." But she took on the role only after assures that she could take off time to perform in a musical running this weekend at 175th St. and Broadway. [ CSM ] Opera goes neon by Gregory M. Lamb 'Our mission ... was, "How do you make it as much like the experience the audiences had in the 1890s?" ' - 'Moulin Rouge' director Baz Luhrmann, on his adaptation of Puccini's 'La Boh�me,' which opens this weekend on Broadway Thanks to ElleWhy on All That Chat for the link! posted at 12/6/2002 07:52:00 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Thursday, December 05, 2002 Reviews: [ ND ] Dream On, Don Quixote of La Mancha Redux by Linda Winer The (production) is a readymade "Forbidden Broadway" parody, a tribute to a preposterous era of ponderous special effects. Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Paul Newman Returns to B'way in Our Town News: [ P ] Lauren Kennedy and Anne Runolfsson Step Into the Broadway Spotlight in 2003 [ P ] Hytner Chooses Jerry Springer Opera for Debut Season at London's National [ P ] Say Nothing Opens at U.K.'s Barbican [ P ] The Day Jack London Got Pinched with HBO's "Oz" Creator and Cast Starts in NYC, Dec. 5-8 [ B ] Rob Marshall Honored by National Board of Review [ B ] Cliff The Musical to Hit the West End [ B ] McKellen Set for Dance of Death in London [ B ] Urban Cowboy to Ride into the Broadhurst [ TM ] Be Prepared! Casting Call for The Lion King Set for January 18 posted at 12/5/2002 05:48:01 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Reviews: [ V ] Man of La Mancha Review by CHARLES ISHERWOOD This new staging of "Man of La Mancha", with Jonathan Kent in charge, might earn a decent run fueled by the burnished baritone of its appealing star, Brian Stokes Mitchell, but it doesn't make a persuasive case for the enduring merits of this sentimental appraisal of Cervantes and his famous tilter-at-windmills.... Is this the earliest posting of a review EVER? Thanks to Ste on All That Chat for pointing this out! [ TM ] Mandy Patinkin: Celebrating Sondheim Reviewed By: Barbara & Scott Siegel [ B ] Were Critics Pleased to Return to Our Town? News: [ B ] The Look of Love Finalizes Broadway Plans [ P ] Report: Urban Cowboy Will Ride Into Broadhurst in February [ P ] The Atkinson Has The Look of Love for Roundabout Starting April 1; Cast Announced [ P ] John Dossett Offered Role of Herbie in Bernadette Peters Gypsy [ P ] Across a Crowded Room, South Pacific Begins at DC's Arena Stage Dec. 6 [ P ] Beauty and the Beast Company Records Benefit Holiday CD [ P ] National Board of Review Puts "Chicago" Flick in Top Ten; Marshall Awarded Also posted at 12/5/2002 12:18:05 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ TT ] Michael Kunze: The Sondheim and Lloyd Webber of Europe by Ellis Nassour I am shocked, (yes shocked!) that Into The Woods is closing. After all, we did post a Blind Item back a few weeks ago and received many emails telling us how "out-of-the-know" our reader was by submitting this item. Well, it just goes to show you, BroadwayStars has the most in-the-know (and best looking) readers! Our Town. Whoa. I think it may compete for the most celebs in an audience! And may I add, paying celebs. There won't be many of them at Boheme from what I hear... "Yes, 4 house seats will be fine... What do you mean what credit card do I want to put them on?" posted at 12/5/2002 11:59:37 AM by James Marino | Item Link Reviews � "Our Town": [ NYP ] NEWMAN'S OWN by CLIVE BARNES HE takes the stage with casual modesty, his back to the audience, to minimize that ritual applause of star recognition - which at least is postponed until he turns around. [ ND ] Newman's Own Guide to Life and Death by Linda Winer A familiar face stands out as Stage Manager in revival of 'Our Town' [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'OUR TOWN' Life. Death. Life. Death. Yep, Grovers Corners. by BEN BRANTLEY As the all-knowing Stage Manager of "Our Town," Paul Newman remains humble for the two-hours-plus of Thornton Wilder's immortal tale of small-town mortality at the turn of the 20th century. [ DN ] Paul Newman does hamlet by Howard Kissel No American play describes more powerfully how we imagine ourselves than Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," which has been given a beautiful if flawed revival on Broadway, starring Paul Newman. [ USA ] 'Our Town' right at home on Broadway by Elysa Gardner Even in its plush new digs, the production, set to run through Jan. 26, retains the plucky modesty that made it so convincing and endearing in its original home. [ HC ] Newman Makes It His Town by MALCOLM JOHNSON Newman has expanded on and polished his characterization since his two-week run at the Westport Country Playhouse last summer. [ LAT ] At last, Newman is back in 'Town' by Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune Newman notwithstanding, director James Naughton's rendition is coyly hearty in its comedy and predictable in its pathos. Too many of the performances lack the ease and texture of what Wilder self-consciously labeled his first act: daily life. [ WP ] 'Our Town': Paul Newman Upstages Hamlet by Peter Marks Back on a Broadway stage for the first time in nearly 40 years, Newman, whether he likes it or not, is the marquee attraction of the often delicately persuasive new production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" that opened last night at the Booth Theatre. [ NJ ] Classic letdown BY MICHAEL SOMMERS Uninspired staging sabotages 'Our Town' with Paul Newman [ AP ] Paul Newman back on Broadway by Michael Kuchwara Paul Newman, in his first Broadway appearance in nearly 40 years, stars as the Stage Manager in this disappointing, unevenly cast version of the Wilder classic from the Westport Country Playhouse, which is run by Newman's wife, Joanne Woodward. [ B ] Our Town Review by William Stevenson [ TB ] Our Town Review by Matthew Murray [ TM ] Our Town Reviewed By: Michael Portantiere Other Reviews: [ YN ] Mandy Patinkin Offers Vision of Sondheim by JUSTIN GLANVILLE NEW YORK (AP) - Does Mandy Patinkin realize he has an audience? [ DN ] 'Last Dance' is Ossie Misstep by Robert Dominguez It took actor-playwright Ossie Davis 40 years to finish the script for "A Last Dance for Sybil," a political drama he had always intended as a starring vehicle for his wife, Ruby Dee. [ LAT ] Cultivating the unexpected by Mark Swed A new, eccentric day dawns on L.A. theater with Wilson/Waits' version of "Woyzeck." [ NYT ] BOOKS OF THE TIMES | 'A DARING YOUNG MAN' From 'Human Comedy' to Self-Made Tragedy by JANET MASLIN It is astounding to find no first-hand evidence of William Saroyan's voice in John Leggett's paraphrase-filled new biography. Features: [ HC ] For Westport Playhouse, New York is the town by Frank Rizzo By the time you read this, New York critics will have weighed in on the Westport Country Playhouse production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," with Paul Newman as the Stage Manager. But regardless of what they say, the show is a financial success. [ LAT ] Past labels to laughs by Rachel Uslan British actor and comedian Eddie Izzard tends to bring smiles no matter what he's wearing. [ TM ] What's Opera, Doc? by: Michael Portantiere La Boh�me comes to Broadway not as a knock-off, but in its glorious original form. Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features! [ DFP ] 'Hello, Carol': Actress will be in Detroit to accept an award and visit WSU BY MARTIN F. KOHN [ PPG ] Robinson is well known to Miss Daisy, August Wilson and London audiences by Christopher Rawson "I drove Miss Daisy twice before," says Roger Robinson, who does a feeling performance as Hoke, the chauffeur, in "Driving Miss Daisy" at the Pittsburgh Public Theater. [ PPG ] Stephen Flaherty is the dynamo of Broadway by Christopher Rawson The Dormont-born composer keeps up his frenetic pace with two shows News: [ B ] Dana Ivey Joins the Cast of Joe Egg [ V ] 'WOODS' WRAPS, 'COWBOY' SADDLES UP New musicals have dominated B.O. recently "Into the Woods" never got out of the B.O. forest. After several money-losing weeks, the Stephen Sondheim revival will close Dec. 29 at the Broadhurst Theater. [ ND ] Stroman, Lane Prepare to Leap Into 'Frogs' by Gordon Cox Includes an interview with Fiona Shaw. [ P ] PLAYBILL ARCHIVES: Man of La Mancha � 1965 [ P ] Rupert Holmes Holds Post-Performance Discussion at Gracie, Dec. 10 [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Saluting Jack O'Brien: The Only Thing Better Than Hairspray? That's Jack! [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Saluting Jack O'Brien: Mr. Nichols, Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Abbott [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Saluting Jack O'Brien: Harvey Fierstein � On Stage and Off [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Saluting Jack O'Brien: Broadway's Best Dressed [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Saluting Jack O'Brien: Invention Loves Jack [ P ] ASCAP Honors Stephen Sondheim at Dec. 5 Reception in NYC [ P ] The Quest Is Complete: Man of La Mancha Opens on Broadway, Dec. 5 [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Remembering Adolph Green: 'Some Other Time' [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Remembering Adolph Green: 'The Party's Over' [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Remembering Adolph Green: Arthur Laurents and Lauren Bacall [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Remembering Adolph Green: Grey Salutes Green [ P ] Vereen, McGovern, Manchester and Molaskey Among Feinstein's 2003 Schedule [ P ] "Liza Minnelli: Christmas Spectacular" Plays Dec. 5 and 6 in NYC [ P ] "Caroline in the City": Chicago's O'Connor Has Bombshells for NY [ P ] L.A. Syringa Tree, With Gien, Transfers From Pasadena to Canon Playhouse Dec. 5-28 [ P ] Today In Theatre History: DECEMBER 5 [ P ] Chicago Shakes' Sunday in the Park Extended to Feb. 2, 2003 [ BS ] Equity Attacks Touring Issue [ BS ] Tax Hike Looms Cloudy Effect on Funding, Rents posted at 12/5/2002 08:07:54 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Wednesday, December 04, 2002 [ P ] Neil Patrick Harris Is New Emcee in Bway's Cabaret, Starting Jan. 3, 2003 [ P ] George S. Irving is 'Sir' in NYC Roar of the Greasepaint Concert, Dec. 4-22 [ P ] Soho Rep to Send Signals Through Dec. 14 [ P ] Luker, Harnick and Kudisch to Chat with Fans on Fynsworth Alley [ P ] Coward and Campbell Celebrated at U.K.'s King's Head Theatre [ P ] Abigail's Party Opens at U.K.'s New Ambassador's Theatre [ P ] Sleeping Beauty Wakes Up At London's Young Vic Dec. 4 [ P ] Raul Esparza Cast in New Group's Comedians Jan. 3-Feb. 23, 2003 [ B ] Ra�l Esparza to Join Comedians Off-B'way posted at 12/4/2002 03:46:34 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ B ] Final Journey Into the Woods on December 29 [ P ] Minus One Actor, Proof Performance Canceled; Troupe Intact Dec. 4 [ P ] Oklahoma!'s Andrea Martin Guests at Dec. 5 Chatterbox [ P ] Into the Woods Closes on Broadway Dec. 29 Features: [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary CCM does The Boys from Syracuse with the original George Abbott book -- but, Filichia discovers, Abbott was no Shakespeare. [ B ] CDs: Singing Lobel and O'Neill by Ken Mandelbaum A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS (Naxos) [ P ] PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with Richard Nelson Richard Nelson, the playwright known for his recent, tender coming-of-age plays Franny's Way, Madame Melville and Goodnight Children Everywhere, switches from the personal to the historical with The General From America, about the traitor Benedict Arnold, at Off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre. Next up, the Tony-winning librettist of The Dead turns Proust into a musical. [ P ] In the Mercy Seat Playwright Neil LaBute chats about his latest work, The Mercy Seat, a two-character, one-act play � starring Sigourney Weaver and Liev Schreiber � set hours after the World Trade Center attacks and which is currently playing Off-Broadway's Acorn Theatre Reviews: [ TM ] Crowns Reviewed By: Barbara & Scott Siegel posted at 12/4/2002 12:30:32 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ NYT ] A Broadway Memorial? That's Entertainment by JESSE McKINLEY A memorial for the lyricist Adolph Green continued the Broadway tradition of saying goodbye with a song and dance, not a hail and farewell. [ TM ] Adolph Green, Beloved and Unique, Tributed at Shubert Theatre by: Michael Portantiere [ P ] Bway Stars Sing and Reminisce in Tribute to Adolph Green, the Eccentric Who Made People Happy [ B ] Photo Op: Broadway Bids Fond Farewell to Adolph Green [ B ] Joseph Fiennes Joins Love's Labour's Lost [ LAT ] 'Big River' wins 8 ADA Awards by Don Shirley "Big River" continued its winning ways Monday as the original Deaf West Theatre production won eight of the Artistic Director Achievement Awards from the Valley Theatre League -- more than any other single show. [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Our Town: Townsfolk [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Our Town: A Tangled Webb [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Our Town: A Stage Manager [ P ] Let Me Sing, a New Musical About Musicals and America, Begins Dec. 4 at NJ's George Street [ P ] Seattle's ACT Premieres New Holiday Musical Extravaganza HappyPants! Dec. 7-29 [ P ] Corin Redgrave Is Blunt Speaking for Charity Dec. 9 and 18 [ P ] U.S. Premiere of Top Gun! The Musical Soars in Houston Through Dec. 14 [ P ] Medea's Anger Unleased at Broadway's Atkinson Starting Dec. 4 [ P ] Newman and Company Step Out on the Town as Wilder Revival Opens, Nov. 4 [ P ] Carrie's Love Brings Holiday Concerts to NYC, Dec. 20 and 21 [ P ] Today In Theatre History: DECEMBER 4 [ DN ] B'way box offices feast during Thanksgiving week by ROBERT DOMINGUEZ Features: [ DN ] Bountiful 'Bohemes' by CELIA McGEE New York City is going to be prime real estate for starving artists and beautiful dying divas in the months ahead - most of them singing in Italian. There will be three productions of "La Boheme" - and that doesn't count "Rent," the Broadway rock musical inspired by the Puccini opera. [ WP ] Break a Leg by Alona Wartofsky Baz Luhrmann Goes Out on a Limb and Puts 'La Boheme' on Broadway [ NYP ] DREAM CAME TRUE by MICHAEL RIEDEL IT'S the most famous song from "Man of La Mancha" and arguably one of the most famous ever written. [ LAT ] Some real grace notes by Elaine Dutka 'Will & Grace's' Megan Mullally goes far off the well-trod 'moon/June' path to find songs for her new album. [ B ] Photo Op: Mr. Abbott Honors Broadway Director Jack O'Brien [ B ] Photo Op: Roundabout Theatre's Arts-in-Education Benefit [ YN ] Mel Brooks: 'Producers' Film Trumps Play LOS ANGELES (AP) - Which is better, the stage version of "The Producers" or the original 1968 movie? [ NJ ] It's a mad, mad world, and she's playing a part in it BY ALLISON FREEMAN Twelve-year-old Alexa Eisenstein of Millburn does not expect many of her friends to come and watch her perform in the off-Broadway play "Far Away," at the New York Theatre Workshop. [ BSUN ] Supporting cast by Patricia Meisol A chorus line of family members stands behind a young Randallstown dancer with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular road show. [ HC ] Dreams On The Edge by Frank Rizzo Here are the three tenets of theater box offices: Everyone loves musicals. Stars sell. Shakespeare is safe. But when it comes to presenting new plays, all fingers are crossed. Reviews � "Crowns": [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'CROWNS' Using Hats Seriously But in Fun by BRUCE WEBER The songs and stories in Regina Taylor's "Crowns," largely about the experience of churchgoing black women, celebrate the hat as a symbol of self-expression. [ DN ] A joyous tip of the hat to tradition by Robert Dominguez Making a fashion statement is hardly the only reason black women have to wear elaborate hats to church on Sunday. Not according to "Crowns," a gospel-fueled musical. [ NYP ] CHAPEAU SHOW: NOW HAT'S ENTERTAINMENT by DONALD LYONS A fashion show that becomes a faith show, "Crowns" is a celebratory survey - complete with gospel music - of African-American women adorning themselves in hats for church. That's the same headline as the Village Voice's review... [ NJ ] Crowning glories BY MICHAEL SOMMERS Spirited ladies bring all their 'hattitude' from McCarter to Broadway [ B ] Crowns Review by Edward Karam Other Reviews: [ NYT ] CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK Starlight Illuminates the West End, but the Wattage Varies Widely by BEN BRANTLEY Theatergoers in the West End can find a host of bold-face performers in significant roles, but celebrities are not always sufficient to bring a play to life. [ NYT ] POP REVIEW | MANDY PATINKIN Evening in the Mind With Mandy by STEPHEN HOLDEN In his dauntingly intense one-man show "Celebrating Sondheim," Mandy Patinkin dashes over a fiendishly challenging obstacle course of more than 30 songs. [ DN ] Sondheim tribute is a dandy from Mandy by Howard Kissel Mandy Patinkin's "Celebrating Sondheim" is just that - 90 minutes of the star of "Sunday in the Park With George" singing the songs of Stephen Sondheim. posted at 12/4/2002 08:00:40 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Tuesday, December 03, 2002 News: [ P ] Mary Rando, Mother of Dance of the Vampires Director John Rando, Dies [ P ] Take a Seat: New Addition of "Seats" Guide to NYC Theatres Is On Shelves Dec. 12 [ P ] Broadway Grosses: November 25 - December 1 [ P ] CA's TheatreWorks Revives On Golden Pond Dec. 4-Jan. 5 [ BS ] Town Raises Cash for Music Man Square [ B ] My Old Lady to Close Earlier Than Expected Reviews: [ VV ] HATS ENTERTAINMENT by Michael Feingold Crowns by Regina Taylor [ VV ] Sightlines Boogie Rican Boulevard at La Tea Theater; The Golden Age re-creates the vaudeville era [ VV ] MIND OUT OF TIME by Charles McNulty The General From America by Richard Nelson; Blue/Orange by Joe Penhall Features: [ BS ] Movies into Musicals by Simi Horwitz Composers, Writers, and Directors on the Journey from One Medium to Another [ BS ] Operas, Symphonies Face Economic Woes A weakened economy means many U.S. opera companies and orchestras are facing financial crunches, reflected in less-than-brisk box-office sales, delayed ticket purchases, declines in subscriptions and fund-raising, and curtailed programs. [ DFP ] On the hot seat: Tony Curtis enjoys top billing in the movie-turned-musical opening at the Fisher BY MARTIN F. KOHN [ YN ] Baz Luhrmann Brings Splashy 'La Boheme' to Broadway by Martha Graybow NEW YORK (Reuters) - The buzz on Broadway is all about Baz. posted at 12/3/2002 05:41:07 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ P ] Old Lady to Make Hastier Exit; Closes Dec. 8 [ P ] Royal Court's Crazy Show Opens Dec. 3 in U.K. [ P ] Cliff�The Musical To Open in West End March 2003 [ P ] A Christmas Carol Opens at London's Hammersmith Dec. 3 [ TM ] The Prince and the Pauper Hosts Holiday Ornament Party on December 7 posted at 12/3/2002 03:10:49 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ TM ] The Siegels' Nightlife Notes 'Tis the season to be jolly as Michael Feinstein returns to the Regency, with guest star Gloria Reuben in tow. [ B ] DVDs: Norma's Latest Comeback by Ken Mandelbaum SUNSET BOULEVARD (Paramount) News: [ P ] Medea's Anger Unleased at Broadway's Atkinson Starting Dec. 4 [ P ] Marian Seldes Sits for Dinner at Eight Beginning Dec. 3 [ P ] Opel Hitches a Ride Out of Urinetown in 2003, But Door Is Ajar; Show Hits 500 Perfs [ P ] Andreas, Sullivan, Harnar, Officer & More Line Up for Chi Cabaret Convention [ P ] Kander and Ebb Pen New Ditty for "Chicago" Film; Soundtrack Now Due Jan. 14 [ P ] Report: Producers' Lane and Stroman Reteam for Sondheim's Frogs [ B ] Goodman, Kidder and Mazzie Star in Monologues [ B ] Nathan Lane Reworks the Book for The Frogs posted at 12/3/2002 12:37:07 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ YN ] Stroman, Lane Leap to 'Frogs' by Robert Hofler NEW YORK (Variety) - Maybe they can rent the "Metamorphoses" pool. After scoring with "The Producers," Nathan Lane and Susan Stroman are reteaming for a late January reading of Steven Sondheim's "The Frogs" at Lincoln Center Theater. [ YN ] Thanksgiving Serves Up Broadway Record by Robert Hofler NEW YORK (Variety) - Broadway fans had no problem devouring leftover Thanksgiving box office records, including its second-best week ever at the box office. [ V ] B.O. STEADY; 'AIDA' 555G Road grosses held steady for the third week in a row in Week 16 (Nov. 18-24th), dropping a mere .4% for a total of $15,396,405, with 20 shows reporting. [ V ] PENN TO HIT THE BOARDS Magic pro to bow in Broadway's 'The Exonerated' Prestidigitator Penn Jillette, best known as the loquacious half of Penn & Teller, is going legit for the first time. [ NYP ] CINDY ADAMS THERE is nothing like two Dames - Judi Dench and Maggie Smith - to attract the titled. [ P ] Cole Porter Served Rare in New Revue, Porterphiles, at NYC's York, Dec. 3 [ P ] Goodman, Kidder Join Mazzie in NYC's Vagina Monologues Dec. 3-22 [ P ] Run and Tell This: Hairspray Begins Lottery System With $25 Tickets Dec. 3 [ P ] Regina Taylor's Crowns Opens Second Stage Season Off-Broadway, Dec. 3 [ P ] Joshua Park Helps Irish Rep Ring in A Celtic Christmas Dec. 3-29 [ P ] Ruby Dee Has A Last Dance for Sybil as New Ossie Davis Play Opens, Dec. 3 [ P ] Together Again: Andrews and Plummer Open A Royal Christmas Tour Dec. 3 [ P ] Today in Theatre History: DECEMBER 3 [ P ] Will Christopher Plummer's King Lear Play Lincoln Center in 2004? Features: [ T ] Priceless moments lost for ever Our theatres are brimming with superb performances - so why aren't we preserving more of them, asks Dominic Cavendish Thanks to ElleWhy on All That Chat for the link! [ WP ] Backstage: No Singing, But Plenty Of Zinging by Jane Horwitz Karen Ziemba Hears Music In the Repartee of 'Much Ado' [ ND ] Tapping a Connection of Hat and Soul by Blake Green Regina Taylor reaches within in adapting 'Crowns' for the stage [ P ] Family Matters The love of family that informs Harold Prince's life onstage and off is also at the heart of his latest directorial effort, Hollywood Arms (Cort Theatre), Carol Burnett and Carrie Hamilton's affectionate look at Burnett's childhood in the land of dreams. [ BS ] His and Hers Bill Macy and Felicity Huffman share everything, including the stage. [ BS ] The Profit of Partnership Writing plays with specific actors in mind is a long tradition--and continues to fuel some of theatre's most innovative creative teams. [ B ] Photo Op: Pantoliano Visits Broadway Beauty Sigler Reviews: [ NYT ] CORRESPONDENT'S NOTEBOOK Play? Opera? A Challenge to Daunt the Eye and Ear by JOHN ROCKWELL "The Reading," as it is subtitled, of Oscar Wilde's play "Salome," at the St. Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn, shows that it's hard to see a play and hear operatic music. [ INQ ] A superlative choice of singer to resume Prince cabaret by Douglas J. Keating After an absence of five years, the Prince Music Theater is resuming its cabaret series in grand style with Christine Andreas. [ B ] Gillian Anderson Faces London Critics in Night posted at 12/3/2002 07:42:03 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ * ] Upcoming Programs from XM Radio posted at 12/3/2002 06:51:23 AM by James Marino | Item Link Monday, December 02, 2002 [ P ] Hours to Curtain: Lindsay-Abaire & Co. Pen, Produce, Perform 24 Hour PlaysDec. 2 [ P ] Adolph Green's Pals and Colleagues Salute the Late Writer-Performer Dec. 3 [ TB ] Lenora Nemetz Interview by Ann Miner [ TB ] Some Like it Hot Pittsburgh Review by Ann Miner posted at 12/2/2002 05:27:11 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ TM ] Follow Spot: Karen Ziemba by: Michael J. Bandler The Tony Award-winner stars in Much Ado About Nothing at The Shakespeare Theatre in D.C. [ TB ] What's New on the Rialto: An Interview with Lauren Kennedy by Nancy Rosati [ B ] Q&A: James Naughton by Melissa Rose Bernardo He mentions that Ann Reinking will be directing "No Strings" at Encores - had that been announced before? Plus he mentions that he once sang Squeeze's "Black Coffee in Bed" onstage. He just keeps getting cooler... News: [ B ] Marian Seldes Goes to Dinner December 3 [ P ] American Theatre Wing Panel Explores Hairspray's Success Dec. 9 [ P ] Alan Davies Brings Auntie to London Jan. 2003 [ P ] Wind in the Willows Comes to London's Opera House Studio [ P ] HBO To Offer Jekyll & Hyde, Smokey Joe's Cafe & Putting It Together [ P ] Lion King Pounces On Tampa Dec. 13 With Page, White & Walker-Browne [ TM ] Unity Fest 2002 Celebrates Gay Theater, December 3-29 [ TM ] CAP21 Announces Summer Training Programs Reviews: [ TB ] God And Country Chicago Review by Charles Eichler posted at 12/2/2002 04:12:06 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ B ] A New Miss Pennywise by Ken Mandelbaum Nancy Opel will take a break from Urinetown to appear in Polish Joke, written by David Ives and directed by Urinetown's John Rando, which begins at Manhattan Theatre Club in February. Victoria Clark will play Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown during Opel's absence. [ P ] Deaf West's Ovation-Winning Big River Extends Through Jan. 5, 2003, at L.A.'s Taper [ P ] Callaway, White, Ziemba and Hines Sing Loesser at 92nd St. Y Concerts [ P ] Michael Mulheren Is Rounding Third in West Coast Premiere, Jan. 1-Feb. 2 [ P ] Jamie deRoy Celebrates New CD with All-Star Concerts, Dec. 2 and 8 [ P ] Sally Field, Bill Irwin Talk Back to Albee's Goat Dec. 3 [ P ] Top Theatre Recordings of 2002 on "Radio Playbill" Dec. 2-7 [ P ] Beauty's Sigler to Appear on ABC's "All My Children" Dec. 10 [ TB ] Something's Afoot Seattle Review by David-Edward Hughes posted at 12/2/2002 12:46:48 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ DN ] With 'Vampires,' two young talents stake their claim by PATRICIA O'HAIRE You won't find Max Von Essen's and Mandy Gonzalez' names on the marquee of the Minskoff Theater, where the musical "Dance of the Vampires" opens Dec. 9. [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary A new book documents the curious and fascinating history of Irving Berlin's most enduring song, ''White Christmas.'' [ BH ] Nothing to sneeze at: Valerie Harper was itching to return to stage in `Allergist's Wife' by Robert Nesti [ NYT ] With Her, Wearing the Right Hat Is a Religious Experience by ALEX WITCHEL The market for elaborately decorated church hats made for black women is growing tremendously. "Crowns." Reviews: [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA' All Too Human Frailty in Olympian Household by BRUCE WEBER Jane Alexander lends her formidable stature to Eugene O'Neill's tragedy which has been gamely, if not quite satisfyingly, mounted at New Haven's Long Wharf Theater. [ NJ ] 'Carousel' spins for Rodgers BY ROBERT JOHNSON The music of Richard Rodgers supplied the theme for New York City Ballet's playful opening-night gala last Tuesday. News: [ P ] American Theatre Wing Gives New York Non-Profits $140,000 in Grants [ P ] LuPone, Ebersole, McNally and More Salute Jack O'Brien at Mr. Abbott Award Ceremony Dec. 2 [ P ] Patinkin Sings Sondheim Mondays and Sundays on Bway Starting Dec. 2 [ P ] Today in Theatre History: DECEMBER 2 posted at 12/2/2002 07:42:20 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Sunday, December 01, 2002 News: [ NYT ] George Hall, 85, Broadway Character Actor, Is Dead Mr. Hall's last role was in the Broadway revival of the Rodgers and Hart musical "The Boys From Syracuse," presented by the Roundabout Theater Company, which opened on Aug. 18 and closed on Oct. 20. Mr. Hall performed in it until two weeks before he died. [ IBDB ] George Hall's Broadway Credits [ YN ] Rosie O'Donnell Adds Baby Girl to Clan [ LAT ] Beijing Theater Marks Orwell's Year of the Pigs by Henry Chu BEIJING -- The whispers hissing through Chinese theater circles these days center on a single question: Can pigs fly? [ NYP ] LIZ SMITH NEW YORK City's big event this week, post-the marvelous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, will be the "A Party for Adolph Green" memorial at the Shubert Theatre this coming Tuesday noon. The lineup. [ P ] Winner of London's New Producer Prize Discusses Upcoming Shows [ P ] Talk Show Watch: The Mousetrap on 'Sunday Morning', Ricky Jay on 'Conan' [ P ] Djerassi's Immaculate Misconception [ P ] Frog and Toad Ends New Vic Run Dec. 1; But After Hibernation, Pals Move to Bway [ P ] Harlem-Set Musical, Little Ham, Ends Off-Bway Run Dec. 1 [ P ] Riding Into Florida Sunset Dec. 1, Urban Cowboy Heads to Bway in 2003 [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Broadway Bears Preview: Jon Vickery in The Lion King [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Broadway Bears Preview: Marian Seldes in 45 Seconds From Broadway [ P ] Broadway's New Year's Week Performance Schedule [ P ] Today In Theatre History: DECEMBER 1 Features: [ NYT ] Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and 'Our Town' by ROBIN POGREBIN Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward share a zeal for Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," which they are bringing back to Broadway. [ NYT ] In an Ordinary Place, a Playwright Found the Eternal by DONALD H. WOLFE If "Our Town" is a period piece, a reflection of another age, what is it about Thornton Wilder's play that endures? And why is it so very timely today? [ ND ] Directing A Starry 'Town' by Blake Green Tony winner James Naughton directs Paul Newman in the Thornton Wilder classic Naughton's Tony was for "City of Angels," not "City of Hope"... [ ND ] Fast Chat: Ernie Sabella by Blake Green [ LAT ] They had more than spite in common by Patricia Zohn The literary lionesses both had intense careers and personal lives, and stirred big emotions in others. [ NYT ] A Hate-Crime Drama Becomes a Stage for Discussion by DON SHEWEY "The Laramie Project," about the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, is now in small productions around the country, serving as a catalyst for communities to discuss hate crimes. [ NYT ] Her Career-After-a-Career: Showing the Way by KATHRYN SHATTUCK Ann Reinking, who started as a classical dancer and moved on to Broadway, is now in Phase 2 of her career, mostly working as a choreographer and teacher. [ NYT ] A Restless Mind Returns to 'Macbeth' by KEN BELSON GONE are the kimonos, the butsudan (a Buddhist altar to the dead) and the references to Edo-era civil wars. In their place are battlefields reminiscent of Vietnam or Cambodia, not Scotland or Japan. And there are also mirrors � lots of them � a device designed to reflect the duality of everyday life. These are the latest innovations of Japan's best-known classical theater director, Yukio Ninagawa, who is bringing his latest production of "Macbeth" to Brooklyn this week. [ NYT ] Soaring Arias and a Noble Clip-Clop for Met's Horse by JAMES BARRON Casco the horse has become a mainstay of the Metropolitan Opera's productions. [ BSUN ] They did not like it, not a bit; now it could be a hit by J. Wynn Rousuck 'Seussical' hopes to snatch success from claws of defeat [ BG ] The sound of music draws this fair lady back onstage by Richard Dyer Julie Andrews to cohost FleetCenter 'Christmas' special [ BG ] As military brat, actress reinvented herself by Catherine Foster Linda Powell struggles with the same perceptions of Yelena, the character she's playing in American Repertory Theatre's ''Uncle Vanya'' that an actress did in 1903. [ CST ] Making waves on stage with 'Poseidon!' BY MISHA DAVENPORT [ NJ ] Opera provides a new dimension for Miller's 'View' BY WILLA J. CONRAD Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features! [ SD ] BROADWAY SERENADE by Anne Marie Welsh For Globe superstar Jack O'Brien, Abbott award's 'recognition is a dream come true' [ SD ] The full monty, from 'Comedy' to 'Hairspray' by Anne Marie Welsh Highlights of Jack O'Brien's career at the Globe Theatres. [ SD ] Making leap from Skid Row to Broadway by George Varga The distance between heaven and hell may be great, but heaven and heavy-metal are a lot closer than you might think. Just ask Sebastian Bach. Reviews: [ TM ] Mourning Becomes Electra Reviewed By: Marc Miller [ TB ] Maggie's Daughters Review by Matthew Murray [ TB ] Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Cirque du Soleil's Varekai, and Hysterics: Two Solo Performance Pieces San Francisco Reviews by Richard Connema posted at 12/1/2002 10:11:29 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link BroadwayStars is powered by Blogger Pro! [Past News] |
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