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Saturday, January 04, 2003 It's a New Year and we've been reading many Top 10/Best/Worst theatre lists for 2002. Rather than do the Top 10/Best/Worst thing here, I thought I'd ask my fellow Broadway Stars, "What was your favorite play and musical from 2002 (the year, not necessarily the season, could be Broadway or Off-Broadway)?" We've probably seen everything in New York and some theatre outside of NY as well (DC, Philly, San Fran, and Chicago). With the exception of Tim, we all live in New York, yet we don't have much of a chance to get together and discuss the shows we have seen. Matthew Murray's Favorites: Musical - Amour Play - A Few Stout Individuals Tim Dunleavy's Favorites: Musical - Hairspray (Amour was next though) Play - Noises Off and Private Lives Susan Heim's Favorites: Musical - Hairspray Play - Yellowman I didn't hear back from the James Squared (Marino and Other James). Many of you might believe it further fuels the Urban Legend that they are in fact the same person. To the few who have actually seen the two of them in the same place at once (Carnegie Hall last spring), it merely means that Other James is off running in the park and preparing for a New Year with even more reality shows and Marino is off calculating statistics on the economics of theatre or preparing to produce something new. Happy New Year, I hope it's filled with many great moments in the theatre. VH-1, right now, CHICAGO movie special! [ P ] Paul Newman's Our Town Playbill Bio My vote for best Playbill bio of 2002! posted at 1/4/2003 12:02:22 PM by Susan Heim | Item Link News: [ ST ] Gateses give Seattle Rep $2.5 million by Misha Berson The Seattle Repertory Theatre is receiving a New Year's present from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The check for $2.5 million, one of the biggest grants made to the Seattle Rep's current endowment-fund drive, is the largest grant given by the Gates Foundation to an arts organization. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ DN ] Lulla-buy of Broadway by PATRICIA O'HAIRE Winter's tourist doldrums spur a White Way sale for New Yorkers [ P ] McKechnie, Evans, Peterson in Follies in Concert in MI; Complete Cast Announced [ P ] "Wacky" Wintertime Begins Performances at Guthrie Lab Jan. 31 [ P ] Laura Calzolari Is New Executive Director of FL's Coconut Grove [ TM ] St. Malachy's, "The Actors' Chapel," to Celebrate its Centennial with a Gala Benefit Dinner Features: [ LAT ] Adults and Little League: Fodder for a playwright by Mike Boehm For Richard Dresser, discovering that his son's Little League coach planned to cheat in a playoff game was a spur to action. [ TS ] Mama's got her eye on you by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN How the tough-talking Queen Latifah beat out Kathy Bates to be in Chicago [ YN ] Henry Goodman Returns to Broadway Wiser by JUSTIN GLANVILLE, Associated Press Writer [ NYP ] TEENY TINY THEATER by BARBARA HOFFMAN Sometimes, less is more - and little beats big. At least that's the thinking behind the Great Small Works Theater Company, which just raised the curtain (a teeny, tiny curtain) on its sixth annual toy theater festival. Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features! [ CSM ] Built for the Bard by Gregory M. Lamb With a thatched roof and no lights or indoor plumbing, this is theater as Shakespeare would have liked it. [ CSM ] A career bookended by Broadway by Tony Vellela Forty years ago, she was Broadway's reigning princess. Now, after an admittedly self-imposed exile, Patty Duke has returned to the New York stage in "Oklahoma!" Reviews: [ TM ] Tunes, Tomes, & Videos Michael Portantiere reviews the cast albums of the current Broadway productions of Flower Drum Song and Man of La Mancha. posted at 1/4/2003 09:49:41 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Friday, January 03, 2003 Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Cowboy Matt Cavenaugh Rides Into Town NOW I know why I didn't get the part... [ B ] Video: Serving Up Dinner at Eight [ B ] Video: Our Town Street Critic [ B ] Video: Imaginary Friends Opening [ LAT ] Marshall and Daldry: Stage is set for an Oscar face-off by John Clark The directors of 'Chicago' and 'The Hours' discover they have more than a few things in common -- including a theater background. Thanks to Wayman Wong on All That Chat for pointing this out! [ TS ] John C. Reilly's flow on the go by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN Versatile, adaptable Chicago native opened in three vastly different films over the holiday season [ LAT ] Granting Disney's wish by Mike Boehm Three creative forces team up on 'Aladdin' with the goal of redefining theme park shows. Includes "Swing!" choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett. [ LAT ] Where you should be in 2003 STAGE: Here are the theater picks that rise to the top of this year's must-do list. Includes "House of Flowers" at the Pasadena Playhouse, with a revised book by Charles Busch... hmm... [ LAT ] He loves hamlet but can only be Mamet by Renee Tawa Author notes the ways in which his work and character have been shaped by life in Cabot, Vt. [ LAT ] Before he was Hank by Geoff Boucher Bluesman who taught Hiram Williams has gotten little credit. That may change. [ CST ] Bringing it all back 'Home' BY MARY HOULIHAN "No Place Like Home" at Steppenwolf. News: [ PP ] Guthrie names interim managing director BY DOMINIC P. PAPATOLA Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ P ] Rebeck's Bad Dates, With Julie White, Gets World Premiere by Horizons, June 3 [ P ] Keith Nobbs, Jim Norton and Amy Ryan to Star in Atlantic's Dublin Carol [ B ] Bad Dates Replaces Wilder at Playwrights [ B ] Urban Cowboy Sets B'way Opening for March 27 [ B ] Ashley Judd Tapped to Play Maggie the Cat Reviews: [ TS ] Ramshackle night at the opera by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN "Impromptu On Nuns' Island." posted at 1/3/2003 07:02:26 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ B ] LaBute's The Mercy Seat Extends Off-Broadway [ P ] Jane Atkinson Added to Enchanted April Cast; Play Due in April [ P ] PBOL'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, Dec. 28-Jan. 3: Meet the New Cast, Same as the Old Cast [ P ] Internships Available at Playbill On-Line [ P ] 2003: The Year Ahead in London Theatre [ AMMI ] "All That Jazz: The Films of Bob Fosse" This weekend at AMMI. What a great museum. Thanks to Wayman on All That Chat for the link! posted at 1/3/2003 04:30:54 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link I was just speaking with Kurt Deutsch over at Sh-K-Boom. His office just got in their shipment of the Debbie Does Dallas original cast recording. You can order your copy here! And don't forget, Sherie Rene Scott's last performance in DDD is Saturday night @ 10PM. Telecharge for tickets. (Use code DDMP224 for $25 tickets!) posted at 1/3/2003 12:21:52 PM by James Marino | Item Link [ B ] Nobbs, Norton & Ryan to Star in Dublin Carol [ B ] Hitchcock Blonde Headlines Royal Court Season [ P ] DIVA TALK: A Chat with Renée Zellweger, the "Hart" of "Chicago," PLUS Diva News [ P ] Report: Redgrave's Mandrake Root to Grow in Little Shubert in March [ P ] Tickets to Bernadette Peters Gypsy Go 0n Sale Jan. 19 [ TB ] The Seven Year Itch Washington Review by Tracy Lyon [ PW ] The Worst of Philly Theater by J. COOPER ROBB The critic is definitely right about the year's "Worst Production." posted at 1/3/2003 12:16:35 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ NYT ] ON STAGE AND OFF Hank, Lose the Day Job by JESSE MCKINLEY Jason Petty, former salesman for Pfizer, becomes country music legend Hank Williams in "Lost Highway." [ NYP ] BROADWAY'S FANCY TURNS TO REVIVALS by MICHAEL RIEDEL THE Broadway season thus far is going to be a tough act to follow, especially in the musical theater department. [ NYP ] A 'FALSETTO' START by BARBARA HOFFMAN CHAMPAGNE is fine for christening yachts - but there's nothing better than presenting a vintage show to open a theater. That's what off-Broadway's Playwrights Horizons is doing - times four - to inaugurate its new $27 million complex at 416 W. 42nd St. [ B ] Redgrave's Mandrake Root Set for Little Shubert [ B ] Broadway Grosses: Holiday Cheer [ P ] Comedians Dale, Esparza Begin Laugh Riot Off-Broadway Jan. 3 [ P ] Moon Over Off-Broadway: Busch Shanghai-ed for Drama Dept. Jan. 3-Feb. 8 [ P ] LaBute's Mercy Seat Adds Four Perfs w/ Schreiber and Weaver to Jan. 15 [ P ] North Shore Music Theatre 2003 Season Includes Joe DiPietro World Premiere [ P ] Art, Life & Show-Biz Comes to Off-Bway's P.S. 122, Jan. 3 [ P ] Charles Busch Working on Book of Musical Taboo; Due in Fall Features: [ NYT ] Children of Dance Become Broadway Babies by JENNIFER DUNNING Most of the performers in the musical "Movin' Out" have dance backgrounds. Few have had any formal acting training. [ NYT ] AT THE MOVIES Juggling Pieces of Life's Puzzle by DAVE KEHR "In 1975 it was called 'Chicago, a Musical Vaudeville,' " said Bill Condon, the Oscar-winning screenwriter ("Gods and Monsters") who has just turned the enduring Broadway musical, written by John Kander and Fred Ebb and originally staged by Bob Fosse, into a very well-reviewed film, directed by Rob Marshall. Second item. [ UPI ] Interview of the week: Renee Zellweger by Karen Butler [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary The AFI has nominated 400 characters as the greatest villains and heroes in film history, and 29 of them hail from the stage. [ NJ ] Uggams enjoys acting, even without singing BY PETER FILICHIA [ NJ ] New/old world of comedy: It's not Ed Sullivan, but refreshingly retro N.Y. variety shows are combining elements of vaudeville and burlesque BY STUART MILLER [ B ] Fresh Face: Maggie Lacey by Beth Stevens [ B ] Ask a Star: Sherie Rene Scott Reviews: [ B ] CDs: A Knight Errant and a Cheerleader by Ken Mandelbaum MAN OF LA MANCHA (RCA Victor) DEBBIE DOES DALLAS (Sh-K-Boom Records) [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'MIDNIGHT BRAINWASH REVIVAL' Zany Doings on a Ranch, All in Verse by LAWRENCE VAN GELDER Inverse Theater's presentation of Kirk Wood Bromley's "Midnight Brainwash Revival" is as ambitious as it is uncommon and unruly. [ TB ] Poseidon! An Upside-Down Musical Chicago Review by Charles Eichler [ USA ] Riveting performances lift not-so-tender 'Mercy' by Elysa Gardner posted at 1/3/2003 07:42:13 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Thursday, January 02, 2003 News: [ P ] The Guys Film to Open in Theaters March 28 [ P ] Horizons' Violet, Falsettos and More Nearly Sold Out; Casting Updated [ P ] Brian Stokes Mitchell Appears on "Today" Show, Jan. 4 On All That Chat, "bsbabe" reports that the Today anchors said Thursday that Stokes' appearance would be on Friday Jan. 3, not Saturday Jan. 4. The Today Show website doesn't mention him at all. Set those VCRs... [ P ] London's National Announces Late Lounge Line-Up [ P ] London's 125th Street to Close in January [ P ] Bravo Goes Inside Cirque du Soleil With Cable Series "Fire Within" Jan. 6 [ P ] Richard Horner, Bway Producer and General Manager, Dead at 82 [ BS ] Revolutionary Polish Stage Director Dies Kazimierz Dejmek, a stage director whose work sparked a student-led revolt against the communist government, has died, his family said Wednesday. He was 78. Reviews: [ CU ] A Random List Assembled Browsing Through My 2002 Calendar by Elyse Sommer [ TM ] Impromptu on Nuns' Island Reviewed By: Richard Costello [ TB ] Children of Eden Denver Review by Tony Burnett posted at 1/2/2003 05:50:40 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ TM ] Creating the Culture by: Mike Salinas Dana Gioia, poised to be the new chairman of the NEA, discusses his work in theater and opera. [ P ] PBS Presents Shakespeare and Beckett January 2 [ P ] Leslie Uggams Heads Paper Mill's Blue, Jan. 8-Feb. 9; [ P ] "The Gin Game" � with Moore and Van Dyke � Set to Air on PBS in May [ TM ] Update on Issues to be Discussed in Upcoming Musicians Union/Theatre League Contract Talks posted at 1/2/2003 02:43:34 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Is this the official "back to work" day? It seems so... although I would have guessed Monday 6th. Anyway, I just wanted to say some thank yous and tell you a few things about BroadwayStars.com. In 2002, there were 1144 updates made to the site with approximately 10,000 news links added. This works out to about 3 updates per day of 30 links. People often give me way too much credit for the website. The truth is that BroadwayStars has been brought to you this year by Tim Dunleavy, Matthew Murray, Susan Heim, James (aka: The Other James), Douglas Maxwell behind the scenes, and a host of friends... who shall remain nameless, so that they can keep their jobs. Also, I want to acknowledge the constant support of Ann, V.J., Mike and all at Talkin'Broadway, and Andy Propst at American Theater Web. Insofar as the other sites go, we just would not exist without them. Michael Portantiere at Theatermania, Paul Wontorek at Broadway.com, Ernio Hernandez and Robert Viagas @ Playbill.com among others -- my hat is off to you. So I will leave you with a Blind Item: What Broadway entity had a Nine Months Ended September 30 net loss of $77,245,846 in 2002? (I have to be fair and say that their net loss in 2001 was ONLY $24,566,069). How much longer can they be around with these numbers? posted at 1/2/2003 11:21:41 AM by James Marino | Item Link Features: [ NYP ] B'WAY GUESS LIST by MICHAEL RIEDEL SHUBERT Alley office pool 2003. Let's see how clear your crystal ball is. [ OCR ] Big role for a big guy by PAUL HODGINS Michael Mulheren is one of the theater world's rarest creatures - an actor who willingly divulges not only his age (he's 45) but his weight (240 pounds, ladies and gentlemen) and that he's getting heavier. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ BSUN ] He has a hand in it all by J. Wynn Rousuck Three productions offer Richard Maltby's work [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary Filichia loves the Chicago movie but he has a little bit of good criticism for director Rob Marshall. [ DN ] Hank, half a century in honky-tonk heaven by David Hinckley Fifty years ago yesterday, they found Hank Williams dead in the backseat of his car, passing through West Virginia on his way to Canton, Ohio. [ NYP ] THE STARR REPORT by Michael Starr Bracco's new wrinkle on the skin game Second item. News: [ ND ] 'Arms' and the Man (Tommy) Will Close by Gordon Cox With the year barely begun, the first of January's theatrical casualties are already announced. [ P ] Anyone Can Whistle, Revised Since '64, Gets U.S. Premiere in L.A. [ P ] L.A.'s Mark Taper Forum Premieres Loomer's Living Out Jan. 18-March 9 [ P ] Schedule of Upcoming Broadway Opening [ NYT ] Corrections A film review in Weekend on Friday about "Chicago," based on Bob Fosse's 1975 musical, referred incorrectly to the 1979 Fosse film "All That Jazz." Reviews: [ USA ] Delightful sex romp: That's 'Entertainment' by Elysa Gardner Who knew that Stanley Donen, the venerable director of such Hollywood classics as Royal Wedding and Singin' in the Rain, was a dirty old man? [ TB ] Star Wars Trilogy in 30 Minutes and Late Nite Catechism Los Angeles Reviews by Sharon Perlmutter Plus Sharon's interview with Star Wars playwright Patrick T. Gorman. posted at 1/2/2003 07:51:47 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ NYP ] IN FULL BLOOM By BARBARA HOFFMAN WHEN Matthew Broderick came onstage, they went wild. When Steven Weber took over, they clapped. The reports of Gene Wilder's death have been greatly exaggerated. posted at 1/2/2003 07:32:30 AM by Matthew Murray | Item Link Wednesday, January 01, 2003 News: [ NYT ] Richard Horner, 82, Broadway Producer, Is Dead Richard Horner produced dozens of Broadway and Off Broadway shows including "Butley," Albert Innaurato's "Passione" and "The Crucifer of Blood." [ IBDB ] Richard Horner's Broadway Credits [ PP ] Guthrie managing director stepping down BY DOMINIC P. PAPATOLA Susan Baird Trapnell, managing director of the Guthrie Theater, is leaving her post after less than a year on the job. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ P ] THE LEADING MEN: The Three B's � Boheme, Bogart and 'Blue's Clues' by Wayman Wong Congratulations to Wayman on his new column! [ P ] Broadway's New Year's Week Performance Schedule [ P ] Talk Show Watch: Hairspray on 'Conan', Heather Headley on 'Leno' [ P ] Long Runs on Broadway [ P ] Lion King's Hoyle Brings Feast of Fools to San Francisco Jan. 22-Feb. 16 [ P ] Rosie Perez and Joe Pantoliano Are Frankie and Johnny, Starting Jan. 1 [ P ] San Francisco's Magic Premieres Joe Goode's Dance-Play Body Familiar Jan. 3-Feb. 2 [ P ] Michael Mulheren Is Rounding Third in West Coast Premiere, Jan. 1-Feb. 2 [ P ] NYC's Statue of Liberty Takes a Walk in L.A. Cabaret/Play Liberty! Jan. 9-Feb. 23 Reviews: [ NJ ] Quality Jersey theater -- from top to bottom BY PETER FILICHIA For 2002, the New Jersey professional stage scene went 10-for-10: A playgoer would have had to visit 10 different theaters to find the 10 best attractions. [ NYO ] Drum Roll, Please � Announcing The 2002 Heilpern Awards by John Heilpern [ CST ] The best theater of 2002 BY HEDY WEISS [ VV ] TUNESMITHERY by Michael Feingold Tommy Tune: White Tie and Tails; Porterphiles [ SFC ] New York tops Vienna at Symphony by Octavio Roca Broadway duo adds life to 'Two Cities' program Thanks to Lois on All That Chat for the link! Features: [ NYT ] Ambassadors for Peace, Armed With Slapstick by DANIEL SIMPSON Bond Street Theater, an alternative troupe, seeks to amuse and enlighten the world through mime, martial arts, juggling and acrobatics. [ CST ] Queen extends her reign with 'Chicago' triumph BY CINDY PEARLMAN It's good to be Queen. Queen Latifah says she feels a bit of a royal flush after being nominated for a Golden Globe Award for the movie musical "Chicago." posted at 1/1/2003 08:49:30 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Tuesday, December 31, 2002 [ NJSL ] 'Hairspray' and other stylish highlights BY MICHAEL SOMMERS [Thanks to Leanna for the link... and Happy New Year to all!] posted at 12/31/2002 07:29:19 PM by James Marino | Item Link [ TS ] Mamma Mia! star to lead Times Square singalong by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN Event attempts to revive city's spirit posted at 12/31/2002 04:36:53 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ B ] Remembering Josephine by Ken Mandelbaum Gavin Creel has been offered a role in the Goodman Theater production of the Sondheim-Weidman-Prince Gold! [ P ] To Sir, With Love: Two-Time Tony Winner Alan Bates Knighted in Britain [ P ] Auld Lang Syne: BETTY RULES Offers New Year's Eve Bash, Dec. 31 [ P ] Broadway Grosses: December 23-29 [ P ] Hairspray, Movin' Out and The Goat On Top and Bottom of 2002 Lists [ P ] Irving Phillips, Bway Crew Man Who Kept the Show Running, Dead at 83 Features: [ P ] PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with Rosie Perez For the new year, one of Broadway's few hit plays, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, is getting a new cast Jan. 1. [ TM ] The Siegels' Nightlife Notes To mark the end of 2002, the Siegels offer brief catch-up reports on shows starring Judy Kreston and David Lahm, Frank Fontana, Natalie Gamsu, and other cabaret stalwarts. posted at 12/31/2002 02:35:49 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ R ] Yule Fuels Broadway Ticket Boom by Robert Hofler NEW YORK (Variety) - Broadway did exactly what it was supposed to do during the Christmas session: the 33 shows set an all-time record of $21,350,633. [ BBC ] Bates and Scott lead showbiz honours Actor Alan Bates and director Ridley Scott head the entertainment and showbusiness figures in the New Year honours list, becoming knights. [ P ] McPherson's Dublin Carol to Begin at Atlantic on Feb. 4, 2003 [ P ] Eartha Kitt Purrs in the New Year at Joe's Pub, Dec. 31 [ P ] Mario Cantone's Laugh Whore on Broadway Postponed [ P ] The Nicest Kids in Town: Hairspray Holds Open Tour Auditions in L.A. Jan. 8 [ P ] NJ's McCarter Theatre to Launch U.S. Tour of Vienna: Lusthaus, Jan. 18, 2003 [ P ] Jason Robert Brown Performs at Dec. 31 Concert for Peace in NYC [ P ] Yeston & Kopit's Phantom Haunts Hollywood, FL, Starting Dec. 31 [ P ] Sherie René Scott and Paul Fitzgerald Do Debbie for the Last Time, Jan. 4 Features: [ B ] Q&A: Patty Duke by Melissa Rose Bernardo [ LAT ] Stage: FACES TO WATCH IN 2003 by Don Shirley Reviews: [ USA ] Elvis and The Boss still rule by Elysa Gardner Top ten pop albums of the year, including Elvis Costello, "Dreamgirls in Concert" and Christine Andreas. posted at 12/31/2002 07:38:24 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Monday, December 30, 2002 [ TM ] Lillias White Will Not Return to Crowns [ B ] Cantone's Whore Will Not Play the Music Box [ B ] 2002 Wrap-Up: Unforgettable Performances [ B ] 2002 Wrap-Up: Quotable Quotes [ B ] Future Looks Uncertain for Revelation Theater [ B ] 2003 New Year's Resolutions of the Stars [ TM ] Hank Williams: Lost Highway Reviewed By: David Finkle posted at 12/30/2002 09:20:45 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ P ] David Yazbek Working With Lloyd Webber on Starlight Express Rewrite [ P ] 42nd Street Says Goodbye to Moscow Earlier Than Expected Dec. 31 [ P ] George Roy Hill, Bway and Hollywood Director, Dead at 81 [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Oklahoma!: New Residents There are a couple of new residents in Oklahoma! - Stephen Buntrock and Patty Duke. Reviews: [ TM ] 2002: A Theater Odyssey TheaterMania's editorial staff looks back at a year that was full of surprises. [ NYer ] HEARTBURN by JOHN LAHR Food and sex in the face of disaster. Dinner at Eight and The Mercy Seat. [ NYer ] FANTASYLAND by ANTHONY LANE "Chicago" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." Features: [ NYer ] The Talk of the Town: HATS TO DIE IN by Rebecca Mead Interview with Catherine Zuber, hat designer for Far Away. posted at 12/30/2002 05:33:51 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ B ] Tommy Tune: White Tie and Tails Shutters Jan. 5 [ P ] "Chicago" Movie Pulls in High Box Office Numbers for Limited Release [ P ] NYC Reading of Scenes from a Marriage Cancelled [ P ] Tommy Tune: White Tie and Tails Closes Off-Bway Jan. 5, But Will Tour in 2003 [ P ] Hollywood Lays Down Its Arms; Burnett-Prince Show to Close, Jan. 5 [ P ] La Boheme's Miller to Do Opera Based on Wit Reviews: [ B ] 2002 on Disc by Ken Mandelbaum [ TB ] Sound Advice: Three Tribute CDs and Five Reissues by Jonathan Frank posted at 12/30/2002 12:37:02 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ ToL ] Putting on the glitz Gwyneth, Madonna, Matt ... They all lit up the West End in 2002, but this glittering Hollywood lustre was nothing more than fool's gold by Benedict Nightingale [Thanks to Lois over at Talkin'Broadway's All That Chat for pointing out this article!] CHICAGO, The Movie, had a great weekend according to BoxOfficeMojo.com. I saw a screening of it and was very impressed with the whole thing. While I think it would be crazy to announce the re-birth of the movie musical on a large scale, I think that this production will bode well to greenlight other projects -- especially with young Broadway producers who have film aspirations... And it is good to see that Broadway.com reads BroadwayStars on the weekend and posts stories at midnight to catch up with us... :-) posted at 12/30/2002 07:51:34 AM by James Marino | Item Link News: [ B ] Burnett's Hollywood Arms to Close January 5 [ V ] FORECAST HEATING UP IN 'CHICAGO' Globe noms help pic's word-of-mouth campaigns Several limited releases kicked up their heels in fine holiday style this weekend. Miramax's "Chicago" staged a particularly boffo bow, as the critically lauded musical grossed an estimated $2.1 million from 77 playdates in 22 markets. [ NYP ] PAGE SIX Gossip on Harvery Fierstein (third item), and news on "The Fantasticks" (fifth item). [ P ] Playbill On-Line's Goofy Play Titles 2002 Despite the serious tone of the past year (impending war, further economic downturn), certain parts of the theatre continues to wallow in goofiness.There were a few titles that seemed to hint at something more than silliness � Between Iraq and a Hard Place, Ted Kaczynski Killed People With Bombs � but mostly, 2002's wackier theatrical offerings stuck to the big three topics: insanity, bodily fluids and sex. [ P ] Mamaleh!, Musical About the Jewish American Women, Gets New Version in Florida [ P ] Flower Drum Song Featured on New Year's "Today Show" Jan. 1 [ P ] Zoom Zaloom! Obie Winner Back in Mighty Nice Jan. 3-12 at P.S. 122 [ P ] ACT Asks San Francisco to Write Like Mamet for Prizes; Entries Due Jan. 17 [ P ] Burn This Snuffed Out Features: [ CPD ] Ohio's own piano man by Tony Brown Michael Cavanaugh, the top star in one of the season's biggest Broadway hits, maneuvers a suitcase heavy with bowling balls down West 46th Street in Midtown Manhattan at 10:30 p.m. "I guess that's just the Cleveland in me coming out," he says with a laugh. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ NYT ] JOHANNESBURG JOURNAL An Actor Puts His Nation's Mixed Emotions Onstage by RACHEL L. SWARNS John Kani, who won a 1975 Tony Award for his Broadway portrayal of a man battered by apartheid, has a new play about post-apartheid South Africa. [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary Filichia gets ready to ring in the New Year to the tunes of a little-known -- and unlikely -- Jule Styne musical. [ USA ] 50 years later, legend of Hank Williams lives by Brian Mansfield Reviews: [ ND ] 'Graduate' Is Still Without Honors by Linda Winer 'The Graduate" is not quite as ludicrous as it was when it opened last April. This should not be considered high praise. [ USA ] Broadway had troughs, triumphs by Elysa Gardner Medea slayed them; Goat stank. [ CST ] A year of musicals with many faces BY HEDY WEISS It's an intriguing time for the Broadway musical, and that is very definitely not the same thing as saying it's a momentous time for the form. [ TB ] What's New on the Rialto? The 2002 - 2003 Theatre Season: With Five Months To Go Before The Tonys . . . by Matthew Murray posted at 12/30/2002 07:43:58 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Sunday, December 29, 2002 Rumor (very good source): Hollywood Arms to close Jan 5. [ NYT ] Fees Hidden in Plain Sight, Companies Add to Bottom Line It is interesting to see The New York Times swing and miss on this one. Not much investigation under the surface -- just accept what the company says at face value. Oh, and just as an aside, theater goers and NYT's readers should know, that the "ABCs" in the Arts & Leisure section that lists Broadway shows is not free. The New York Times charges a fee. [ SF ] Event of the year: Luhrmann's 'Boheme' wowed S.F. theatergoers by Steven Winn, Chronicle Arts & Culture Critic [Thanks to Leanna for pointing out this article!] posted at 12/29/2002 07:24:54 PM by James Marino | Item Link Reviews: [ NYT ] THE YEAR IN THEATER New Ideas, From Rock 'n' Roll to the Ancients by BEN BRANTLEY It was when Broadway broke the rules this year that things got interesting. [ NYT ] 10 Moments in Theater by BEN BRANTLEY Here, in strictly alphabetical order, are 10 shows that left impressions that have yet to blur in memory. [ NYT ] THE YEAR IN REVIEW The Idea Was Not to Have a New One by MICHIKO KAKUTANI Faced with uncertain times, the arts retreated into the safety of sequels and sentimentality, chasing the sure thing rather than the singular voice. [ INQ ] Best Rodgers tributes reflected his creativity by Desmond Ryan [ ND ] Stage: 2002 In Review by Linda Winer [ ND ] Stage: Best of 2002 by Linda Winer [ BG ] The most rewarding works aimed to comfort, not calm by Ed Siegel Features: [ WP ] Letters: 'South Pacific': Changes in Latitude and Cultural Attitude [ WP ] A Key Stage of Development by Peter Marks Under Kaiser, Kennedy Center Gets Serious About Theater [ WP ] Moving to 'Chicago': A Sole-Stirring Experience by Stephen Hunter [ DN ] The incredible shrinking play by Howard Kissel How belt-tightening is damaging the scope and ambition of drama [ NJ ] Lots of exits and entrances on the theater scene BY PETER FILICHIA Heraclitus' 2,500-year-old statement that "The only constant is change" is a good one to describe the New Jersey professional theater scene in 2002. [ YN ] Eminem to Ozzie, Halle to `Hairspray': a look back at 2002 in arts and entertainment by The Associated Press [ PP ] For some performers, the road is home for the holidays by DOMINIC P. PAPATOLA Thanks to ElleWhy on All That Chat for the link! [ SD ] BLAZING MEL by Anne Marie Welsh Comedian put all he had into his show of shows, 'The Producers,' opening here New Year's Day Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! News: [ NOTW ] CLONE DOC'S JOY OF SECTS Bizarre article on the Raelian cult and their sexual practices. The article includes a photo of "Raelian high priest" Glenn Carter (of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR). [ P ] Tommy Tune and Manhattan Rhythm Kings Offer Free Macy's Perf. Dec. 30 [ P ] Ever After: Into the Woods Revival Closes on Broadway, Dec. 29 [ P ] Producers Star Offers Florida Concerts Jan. 13 and 14 [ P ] 2002 Necrology: Playbill On-Line Recalls Theatre Folk Who Passed On [ P ] Stritch, Keillor to Perform at Chicago's Steppenwolf in 2003 [ P ] Mamma Mia!'s Pitre Sings Piaf, Brel at Town Hall March 7 [ P ] Bravo Network Offers "Making of Chicago" Dec. 29 and 30 [ P ] ON THE RECORD: Luhrmann's Bohème and Wolfe's Harlem [ P ] Broadway's Mamma Mia! Turns 500 Dec. 29 [ P ] PBOL Editor Previews 2003 in Theatre on "Radio Playbill" Dec. 30-Jan. 3 [ P ] Sophocles' Electra Fills Hartford Stage, Jan. 9-Feb. 9 posted at 12/29/2002 10:21:18 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link BroadwayStars is powered by Blogger Pro! [Past News] |
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