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Saturday, March 01, 2003 [ P ] Musicians, Producers Take �Intense� Talks Into Night; Union Authorizes Strike [ B ] Local 802 Members Give Go Ahead For Strike posted at 3/1/2003 09:08:14 PM by the other James | Item Link Once again, I am impressed by the kind of readers that we have. I've received about 200 responses from yesterday's AFM - Broadway producers comments. The people who wrote me are split about 50 / 50 in opinion. Hardly any of those who took the time to write were irrational or mean. It's a shame that some of you are not negotiating (for both sides) as you present good arguments. I am not going to respond individually to any of the emails other than to say "thank you" for expressing yourself. I will take the time to answer one pointed question. Someone wrote, "Are you a producer?" To that, I have to answer, "Yes I have been a producer of theater. I have not produced on Broadway but was heading there a few years ago when I found how impossible a task it is becoming. Since then I have moved to music, film and television. I finished two films in the summer/fall 02 and I am producing a 1/2 hour comedy pilot right now. I love Broadway and everything involved with it. And everyone. (Almost!) But if you look at it like a business, which only a producer has to do, it is futile. I think it was Roger Berlind who said, "To make a million dollars in theater you must start with ten million." Perhaps if I am successful in my other businesses, I can come back to Broadway and convince investors that "...even though 90% of Broadway productions lose most of their investment, this one won't." It is a hard sell when unions start dictating a budget. posted at 3/1/2003 08:45:00 AM by James Marino | Item Link News: [ ND ] Musicians, Producers Plan More Talks [ NYT ] Letters: The Show Must Go On (With Musicians, Please) [ LAT ] Peace from the ancients by Don Shirley Around the world, activists opposed to an invasion of Iraq plan hundreds of readings of Aristophanes' 'Lysistrata' and its offspring. [ NYT ] Walter Scharf, Film Score Composer, Dies at 92 LOS ANGELES � Walter Scharf, a film score composer and arranger who received 10 Academy Award nominations and worked on more than 200 movies and television programs, including "Funny Girl," "Mission: Impossible" and "White Christmas," died on Monday at his home here. [ P ] Lacey Is Sally in Schaeffer's Follies Staging at VA's Signature, April 1-June 1 [ P ] Director Helps Reinvent Ragtime for London Premiere, Beginning March 8 [ P ] New "Six Feet Under" Season with Bates, Clarkson, Conroy, Hall Kicks Off March 2 [ P ] Off-Broadway's Stomp Celebrates Nine Years and Still Banging, Feb. 28 [ P ] Dodgers Nab Rights for Beach Boys Musical Features: [ TB ] Spotlight On Jose Llana by Ed Feldman [ P ] THE LEADING MEN: Ride �em, Cowboy! by Wayman Wong March comes in like a lion, so we interviewed three Broadway and cabaret stars who are having a roaring good time: Matt Cavenaugh (Urban Cowboy), Jose Llana (Flower Drum Song) and pop singer songwriter Bobby Belfry. [ B ] Quotable Quotes: Talking Up Take Me Out [ LAT ] Domestic drama by Michael Quintanilla A play about nannies who must leave their own children raises close-to-the-bone issues for real-life sitters and employers. [ TS ] Life and death of an '80s poster boy by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN Keith Haring's story mirrored the decade His art and tastes revisited in Broadway show Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features! [ OCR ] Life is a cabaret for Barbara Cook by PAUL HODGINS The singer who helped repopularize the art form is modest about her gifts. [ CCT ] Innate love of musicals produced 'Producers' by Pat Craig Reviews: [ NJ ] Revue looks more cheap than chic BY MICHAEL SOMMERS Seeing the new musical revue "Showtune" feels like being aboard a cruise ship, watching the dinner show entertainment. And that's not everyone's idea of a good time. [ TB ] Roses in December Review by Matthew Murray [ CU ] Roses in December Review [ P-I ] Polished 'My Fair Lady' is delightful and witty by JOE ADCOCK With Judy Blazer. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ ATW ] CDs: The Early 1950s from DRG posted at 3/1/2003 08:08:29 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Friday, February 28, 2003 [ B ] Hartley & Summerhays Join Cabaret on March 7 [ P ] Kenneth Branagh Serves Tea and Scones to Folks with a Buck as Play What I Wrote Tix Go on Sale March 3 posted at 2/28/2003 05:35:59 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link I for one am very glad that AFM is finally holding the Broadway producer's feet to the fire. Once this fight is finished, we can look to them as the trailblazer for other unions to follow suit. Lets see... how about Actor's Equity? At what point does Actor's Equity decide that they should decide how big a cast should be. "Better write some more parts in because that cast is too small to go into the Gershwin!" And how about IA? "Yes, we realize that this show does not have a curtain, but you still have to hire someone to pull the Grand Rag!" And USA, I can see it now -- "Yes, although your show happens in the nude, you must have a costume designer." And ATPAM, can make sure that the number of contracts extended to a particular production is based on whether the show is south of 40th Street or not. The truth of the matter is that Unions were good at protecting workers from dangerous conditions. They should be applauded for that. But eventually, if it has not already happened, they will kill Broadway. If a Broadway producer wants to make an orchestra smaller and they do -- the public will know -- they will hear it. And if they don't like it, they will not buy tickets. Or does AFM think the public is a bunch of idiots who can't tell? Maybe that is the larger issue. This fight is about money: AFM vs Producers. Nothing else. If AFM thinks that producing a Broadway show is such a no-brainer where every producer brings home buckets of money, perhaps they should go into producing. Otherwise, they should let free markets rule. If the public does not like smaller / electronic orchestras, they will not come. But to prevent Broadway from changing to suit the times, AFM will eventually kill Broadway. posted at 2/28/2003 03:26:24 PM by James Marino | Item Link [ B ] CBS Retains Rights for Full Tony Broadcast "CBS wanted to retain all three hours of coverage," a PBS spokesperson told Broadway.com. [ TM ] Manhattan Theatre Club's 2003 "Writers in Performance" Series Begins March 10 [ TM ] "Playwrights and Performers" Series Continues at the Drama Book Shop With John Patrick Shanley, March 10 [ TM ] Actors' Equity 2002 Foundation Grants Announced [ P ] Pawk Replaces Burton in NY City Opera's Starry Little Night Music Wasn't this confirmed weeks ago? [ P ] "Chicago" Film Nears $100 Million Mark [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Scattergood: Opening Night Party [ P ] Margulies' Sight Unseen, Once of Off-Bway, Gets Bway Bow in 2004 Via MTC [ P ] PBOL'S THEATER WEEK IN REVIEW, Feb. 22-28: Face the Music posted at 2/28/2003 03:16:13 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ P ] PBS Will Not Broadcast First Hour of Tonys; CBS May Host Three-Hour Ceremony PBS, which for the past several seasons has broadcast the first hour of the Tony Awards ceremony, will not repeat its duties in 2003. [ P ] Harris, Dreyfuss, Robbins, Cooper Headline As Trumbo in NYC [ P ] Classical Theater of Harlem's The Blacks to Transfer Downtown, March 11 [ P ] Hank Williams's Highway Leads to Little Shubert March 25 [ B ] Genet's The Blacks: A Clown Show Moves Downtown Features: [ P ] Bart in Bloom Roger Bart steps into a leading role in the Broadway juggernaut known as The Producers. [ B ] Goodbye, Darlin' by Ken Mandelbaum When I heard that Susan Johnson had died earlier this week, I couldn't help thinking of Dolores Gray, and realizing that, in a period of just eight months, we lost two of the best singers in Broadway history. Reviews: [ B ] Did Broadway's Take Me Out Win with Critics? [ TM ] Tunes, Tomes, & Videos Oscar Hammerstein's lyrics for Carmen Jones are dandy, and Decca Broadway's original cast album CD has sass and style. posted at 2/28/2003 12:32:24 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ NYP ] CANNED HEAT by MICHAEL RIEDEL GIVE 'em the old soulless, canned music - and you still expect to razzle-dazzle 'em? [ NYT ] ON STAGE AND OFF Humor in Letters by JESSE MCKINLEY Former Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo's letters are the subject of "Trumbo," a new theater piece to be shown at the Westside Theater. [ NYT ] OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR The Lullaby of Broadway by MAURY YESTON With the coming of virtual orchestrations, producers are beginning to limit themselves to the fewest possible live musicians. [ NYP ] LIZ SMITH B'way's good old days recalled [ B ] MTC Chooses Inaugural Season for New Biltmore [ B ] Last Sunday in June Transfers to Century Center [ B ] Heavy Hitters Headline Trumbo Bio-Play Ed Harris, Richard Dreyfuss, Tim Robbins and Chris Cooper are all coming to the New York stage, to play the same role. The actors will each star in a single performance of Trumbo, a new play about legendary screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, according to Variety. [ B ] Cerveris Steps in for Leonard in Fifth of July [ P ] Today In Theatre History: FEBRUARY 28 [ P ] Fifth of July Extends to Sixth of April; Michael Cerveris Joins Cast [ P ] Gay Pride Goes Wide: Tolins' Last Sunday in June Will Transfer to Century April 1 [ P ] Contract Talks Between Musicians' Union and Broadway Producers Go Down to Wire [ P ] Musical Urban Cowboy Mounts Broadway's Broadhurst Beginning Feb. 28 [ P ] Birth of a Salesman: Buicks with Norbert Leo Butz Begins Off-Broadway, Feb. 28 [ P ] Broadway's Anne Runolfsson Sings New Act, So Many Stars, in March in NYC Features: [ NYT ] Ending Its Mega-Run, `Les Miz' Comes Full Circle by ROBIN POGREBIN After 16 years on Broadway, the mega-musical comes to a close, seemingly heavy with symbolism, like the end of an era. Fix that caption about Terrence Mann, folks... [ WP ] One Degree Too Close for Comfort by Peter Marks Jacquelyn Piro's Latest Role Brought Her Face to Face With Her Own Self-Image [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary Back before Disney remade The Music Man, there were lots of original TV musicals -- 222 of them, to be exact. [ NJ ] This time, it's a funny Irish wedding BY PETER FILICHIA [ YN ] Broadway actor Denis O'Hare crosses home in 'Take Me Out' by JOSH L. DICKEY, Associated Press Writer [ B ] Photo Op: Take Me Out Opens on B'way [ ND ] Grimm Determination by Karin Lipson Snow White is back to her old self - but with a sense of humor At the New Victory. [ BS ] The Song Should Be You Among the best things in life that are free, some of the very best are songs. Nowhere is this truer than in cabaret. Reviews � "Take Me Out": [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'TAKE ME OUT' Love Affair With Baseball And a Lot of Big Ideas by BEN BRANTLEY Despite a vivid ensemble of actors, "Take Me Out" ultimately fails by the dizzyingly high standards it sets for itself as a metaphysical mystery play. [ NJ ] 'Out' takes wicked swing at sports taboo BY MICHAEL SOMMERS [ ND ] Turning an 'Out' Into a Hit by Linda Winer Greenberg's revisions for B'way move give new reasons to root [ DN ] Baseball play is hit and miss by Howard Kissel Call me un-American, but I have never cottoned to baseball. As a result, I cannot wax eloquent over the baseball imagery in Richard Greenberg's "Take Me Out." [ NYP ] IT'S 'OUT' AT HOME PLATE by CLIVE BARNES QUITE the smartest part of Richard Greenberg's "Take Me Out" is the tri- ple-play resonance of its title, with those can- nily apt suggestions of baseball, homosexuality and sudden death. [ YN ] 'Take Me Out' Rhapsodizes Over Baseball by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic It's not primarily the baseball players, in and often graphically out of their pinstripes, but playwright Richard Greenberg's love of the game that is the heart and soul of "Take Me Out," his enormously entertaining sports drama. [ ATW ] Revisions Help Take Me Out Marginally [ B ] Take Me Out Review by Adam Feldman [ TM ] Take Me Out Reviewed By: David Finkle Reviews- "Showtune": [ DN ] He's sounding swell, Jerry by Howard Kissel Jerry Herman had the misfortune to begin his career in the early '60s, just before the musical theater began to take itself very, very seriously. [ NYP ] SWEET ON THE HITS OF JERRY HERMAN by DONALD LYONS THINK of composer- lyricist Jerry Herman as the Stephen Sondheim of Walmart. While Sondheim dwells on the gloomy side, Herman maintains a happy face, churning out relentlessly zippy anthems. [ YN ] 'Showtime' is a Jerry Herman Revue by JUSTIN GLANVILLE There are catchy tunes, and then there are the songs of Jerry Herman. [ B ] Showtune Review by William Stevenson [ TM ] Showtune Reviewed By: David Finkle Other Reviews: [ NYT ] REVISIONS 'Chicago' and the Future of the Movie Musical by MARGO JEFFERSON "Chicago" is a hit; good box office, good reviews and 10 Oscar nominations say so. But there are crowds of dissenters, too. [ LAT ] 'Anyone Can Whistle' looks for a '60s kind of cool by Don Shirley [ LAT ] A blissful respite from the usual stage business by F. Kathleen Foley In a crowded field of disaffected and iconoclastic playwrights, Arlene Hutton is a breed apart. The new play by the author of "Last Train to Nibroc." [ LAT ] CABARET REVIEW 'Phantom's' Gaines reveals indelible presence and charm by David C. Nichols A superb voice goes to work on unerringly chosen material in Long Beach. [ B ] Roses in December Review by Ron Lasko [ TM ] The Siegels' Nightlife Notes The Siegels take in shows by Rita Coolidge, Eileen Fulton, and Martha Lorin, and drop by the King Kong Room to party with Jim Caruso. [ ATW ] CD Review: Songs of Jason Robert Brown posted at 2/28/2003 08:04:09 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Thursday, February 27, 2003 Reviews: [ TB ] Take Me Out Review by Matthew Murray News: [ B ] Hank Williams: Lost Highway to Play Little Shubert [ B ] Dublin Carol Extends at the Atlantic [ P ] Play On! Dublin Carol Sings Through April 6 [ P ] As You Like It, a Late Addition to Public Theater Line-Up, Begins March 25 [ P ] Marking 400th Anniversary of Elizabeth's Reign, Michael Learned Rules at DC's Folger, March 22-May 4 [ B ] Broadway Legend Carol Channing to Wed Again Darn, there goes my chance. posted at 2/27/2003 06:53:47 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ B ] Frankie and Johnny to Close on March 9 The show will have played 15 previews and 229 regular performances at the time of its closing. [ P ] Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune to Close on Broadway, March 9 [ P ] Urban Cowboy's Matt Cavenaugh Appears on WB Morning News, Feb. 28 [ TM ] Susan Johnson, Big Broadway Belter of the 1950s, Dies at 75 by: Michael Portantiere and Peter Filichia Features: [ TM ] Photo File From Antonio Banderas to Kathleen Turner to Peter Cincotti, stars are twinkling all over Manhattan. posted at 2/27/2003 04:36:48 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ B ] More Star Power Added to Nothing Like a Dame 2003 [ B ] R&B Star Angie Stone Considers a Trip to Chicago [ B ] Life Avoids Cowboy Conflict; Changes Opening [ B ] Nine Delays Previews Until March 21 [ P ] Nine Revival Starring Banderas Delays First Preview on Broadway to March 21 The upcoming Roundabout Theatre Company production of Nine has delayed its first preview performance again to March 21. The musical, which was originally scheduled to begin March 11, previously reset its start to March 18. [ P ] Manhattan Theatre Club Exploring Violet Hour, Rose and Walsh, Drowning Crow for 2003-04 [ P ] Let 'Em Ride: Life x 3 Changes Bway Open to Avoid Conflict with Urban Cowboy [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Radiant Baby: Baby Shower [ P ] Elaine Stritch Cancels Scheduled Steppenwolf Appearance [ P ] Report: Liza Minnelli to Sing Nominated "Chicago" Song on Oscars? posted at 2/27/2003 01:57:42 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ Z ] CBS Puts On Joey Pants One Show At a Time When viewers last saw Joe Pantoliano on "The Sopranos," his character's head wasn't on speaking terms with the rest of his body. However, the popular actor has put himself back together and will join the cast of the CBS pilot "Street Boss." [ YN ] Tom Selleck on deck for NBC Former "Magnum, P.I." star Tom Selleck will take another stab at prime-time television, starring in the NBC baseball comedy pilot "Touch 'Em All McCall." [ P ] "Chicago" Film Producers Cast Sights on Guys and Dolls Reviews: [ B ] CDs: Mellow Melissa, Echt Ute by Ken Mandelbaum MELISSA ERRICO: BLUE LIKE THAT (Manhattan Records) UTE LEMPER: BUT ONE DAY.... (Decca) posted at 2/27/2003 11:09:35 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ V ] MIRAMAX TUNES 'GUYS & DOLLS' Studio, Zadan, Meron secure necessary rights for redo After resuscitating the screen musical with "Chicago," Harvey Weinstein is ready for an encore. Miramax Films is negotiating a "Guys and Dolls" rights package for a remake that will be produced by Storyline Entertainment partners Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the duo that served as "Chicago" exec producers. [ YN ] Archerd: Katzenberg dreaming of animation by Army Archerd Carol Channing and businessman Harry Kullijian announce their engagement -- to wed this summer. Third item. Plus an item on Michael Nouri. [ NYT ] Daniel Taradash, Screenwriter, Dies at 90 LOS ANGELES � Daniel Taradash, who won a screenwriting Oscar for "From Here to Eternity," died here on Saturday. [ IBDB ] Daniel Taradash's Broadway Credits [ NYT ] Vincent Liff, Casting Director for Many Broadway Hits, Dies at 52 by JESSE McKINLEY Vincent G. Liff, a prolific casting director, was one of the busiest behind-the-scenes players in New York theater. [ IBDB ] Vincent Liff's Broadway Credits [ CST ] 'Puppetry' temporarily shuttered [ ND ] Anti-War Protest Booked for a Two-Day Run by Gordon Cox [ TM ] Strike Up the Band? Negotiatons Between Theatre League and Musicians Union are Down to the Wire [ TM ] New York City Gay Men's Chorus Says Viva La Diva! at Avery Fisher Hall, March 10 [ NYP ] B'WAY STEAL by BARBARA HOFFMAN FORGET those $480 "Producers" tickets. It will only cost you $1 - no, that's not a typo - to see the first preview of the award-winning British comedy "The Play What I Wrote" March 7 at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre. [ NYP ] '60S REVISITED HARD on the Birkenstock heels of the rock musical "Love, Janis" comes "Dream a Little Dream," the story of the Mamas and the Papas - complete with one of the Papas. [ NYT ] Letters: Theater for Students [ P ] Today In Theatre History: FEBRUARY 27 [ P ] A Season Crowded With Incident: Take Me Out Opens on Bway Feb. 27 [ P ] Urinetown Text Published by Faber and Faber [ P ] The Best of Times Is Now: Herman's Showtune Opens Off-Bway Feb. 27 [ P ] Bates, Ustinov and MacLaine Star in CBS Mini-Series "Salem Witch Trials," March 2-4 Features: [ DN ] How Malibu hullabaloo inspired a play By PATRICIA O'HAIRE When Barbra Streisand married James Brolin on July 1, 1998, actor Daniel Stern found his muse. His first play is "Barbra's Wedding," opening next Wednesday. [ B ] Photo Op: Kelly and Sharon Osbourne Visit Hairspray [ MN ] Dame Edna fires back by Karen D'Souza On the Vanity Fair controversy. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! Reviews � "Scattergood": [ DN ] Engaging, Irish-set look at professor's scruples & pupils by ROBERT DOMINGUEZ A college professor's belief that chivalry isn't dead gets put to the test in "Scattergood," an intriguing, sharply written character study by Irish playwright Anto Howard. [ ND ] A Knight's Tale in Disarming Humor by Gordon Cox It's easy to imagine Brian Murray as your favorite college professor. [ NYP ] BOOK OF LOVE by DONALD LYONS EVERY so often an actor finds himself slipping as comfortably into a role as he would a beloved bathrobe. [ ATW ] Murray's Performance Upholds Some of the Honor of Scattergood [ B ] Scattergood Review by William Stevenson [ TM ] Scattergood Reviewed By: Philip Hopkins [ CU ] Scattergood Review Other Reviews: [ NYP ] DOOMED SOLDIERS AMID THE GRIM & POETIC by DONALD LYONS A whole culture reveals itself as the young men who represent it marshal themselves to face their likely deaths. [ ATW ] Ma Rainey Disappoints [ NYP ] EVERYTHING'S COMING UP DISCO by MICHAEL RIEDEL AFTER an inexplicable 25-year absence, "The Ethel Merman Disco Album," has finally been re-released on CD (Fynsworth Alley). ***** [ NYT ] Fred Rogers, host of 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,' Dies at 74 Fred Rogers gently invited millions of children to be his neighbor as host of the public television show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" for more than 30 years. Wow. When I was a senior in high school, I visited Pittsburgh and, due to a strange series of circumstances (long story), ended up on Mister Rogers' "Neighborhood of Make Believe" studio set on a day that the show was not in production. It was an amazing experience getting to "revisit" a place that, in a way, I'd spent a lot of my childhood. Plus I got to spin the carousel and hide in the tree! I've seen my nieces and nephew fall under Mister Rogers' spell the way I did. I hate to think what my childhood would have been without his calming presence on television, and I know there are millions who feel the same way. posted at 2/27/2003 09:42:32 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Wednesday, February 26, 2003 [ P ] Susan Johnson, of Broadway's Most Happy Fella, Dead at 75 Susan Johnson, the big-voiced Broadway soubrette show tune fans know from the original cast album of The Most Happy Fella, on which she sang "Big D," died Feb. 24, according to friends on the West Coast. [ IBDB ] Susan Johnson's Broadway Credits [ B ] Will Simon's Rose & Walsh Play at MTC? [ P ] Pittsburgh Public Has Mikado, Mary Stuart and Two World Premieres in 2003-04 [ P ] The Play What I Wrote Has $1-$5 Tickets What They Offer [ P ] Closer Comes Closer to Film Adaptation as Mike Nichols Set to Direct posted at 2/26/2003 11:17:09 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ P ] Off-Broadway's Avenue Q Cancels Feb. 26 Perf as Puppeteer Recoups [ B ] Boy George's Taboo to Close in London [ ATW ] XM Radio Moves to NYC; First Week Guests Include Larry O'Keefe, Barbara Walsh, Sandy Duncan Features: [ BS ] Mr. Excellent Writer/performer/producer Luis Alfaro's banner year comes after years of service and creation. [ SFC ] MR. EDNA by Steven Winn Meet the man behind the rhinestones Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! posted at 2/26/2003 05:24:14 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ B ] Quotable Quotes: The Stars of Nine [ P ] Broadway's Taye Diggs Featured on NBC Comedy "Ed," Feb. 26 [ P ] Yellowman Writer Dael Orlandersmith Wins Annual Susan Smith Blackburn Prize [ P ] Ian McKellen Back in West End [ P ] Vincent G. Liff, Broadway Casting Director Who Loved Actors, Dead at 52 [ P ] Jerry Grayson Replaces Robert Wuhl in Long Wharf's Paper Doll, March 5-April 6 [ TM ] Midtown International Theatre Festival Seeks Scripts for New Play Reading Series [ TM ] Zoe Caldwell to Speak at TFANA Teachers' Night posted at 2/26/2003 03:50:21 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ B ] Mamas & Papas Musical Changes Name, Dates [ TM ] Seth Rudetsky Presents Purim Cabaret at JCC, March 10 [ TM ] Charles Busch Does Mae West to Benefit the Hourglass Group, March 17 [ P ] Dream a Little Dream: Mamas and Papas Musical Has New Title and Dates for NYC [ P ] Musical Urban Cowboy Delays First Preview on Broadway to Feb. 28 [ P ] Banderas, Rivera, Krakowski, Masterson Reveal Broadway's New Nine [ P ] Musicians' Union Members to Gather Outside Broadway Theatres Feb. 26 Reviews: [ B ] DVDs: Blow Out Your Candles, Kate by Ken Mandelbaum THE GLASS MENAGERIE (Image Entertainment) Features: [ P ] PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with George C. Wolfe The 1980s reign again at the Public Theater with Radiant Baby, the new Off-Broadway musical about late pop artist Keith Haring. [ B ] Photo Op: Observe the Sons of Ulster Celebrating Their Opening [ B ] Photo Op: Linda Eder Wows the Crowd at Carnegie Hall posted at 2/26/2003 12:52:55 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ NYT ] Broadway Impasse on Music: Computers Tune Up by ROBIN POGREBIN Broadway shows started rehearsing this week with computer-generated music as they prepared for a possible strike by union musicians. [ NYP ] VIRTUAL LEGALITY by MICHAEL RIEDEL BROADWAY played variations on "The Pajama Game" yesterday, as theater producers and union musicians sniped at each other during dueling press conferences. [ ND ] Virtual Bands on Broadway? by Tania Padgett Producers vow to use technology if musicians go on strike [ B ] Musicians and League Face Off As Strike Looms [ NYP ] LIZ SMITH STARTING MONDAY: Broadway's Melissa Errico at Joe's Pub. Her new CD, "Blue Like That," goes great with a glass of wine. Final item. And Melissa will be on "Law & Order" tonight, along with Lucie Arnaz and Maria Tucci. [ P ] Today In Theatre History: FEBRUARY 26 [ P ] HBO Comedy Fest Features J. Edgar! Musical, Fringe Play Matt & Ben, Feb. 26-March 3 [ P ] O Jerusalem by A.R. Gurney Begins at NYC's Flea Theatre, Feb. 26 [ P ] "Kiss Me, Kate" to Air on PBS Feb. 26 [ P ] De Shields Is Ambassador Satch in World Premiere "Satchmo" Musical Feb. 26 [ P ] MCC World Premiere Scattergood with Brian Murray Opens Off-Broadway, Feb. 26 [ P ] Mancini Project, a Musical Rich in Movie Melody, Premieres in Nyack, Fall 2003 Reviews: [ NYT ] In Performance Art Garfunkel, Linda Eder. Features: [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary By consulting the indices, Filichia finds theatrical tidbits in books about Lucille Ball and public speaking. [ CSM ] A lasting Irish drama by Valerie Summers The Abbey Theatre was built to showcase the work of irish writers and actors, but it did much more. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ B ] Photo Op: In Rehearsal With Zanna & Co. [ B ] Photo Op: Drama League Salutes Jerry Orbach [ B ] Photo Op: Drama Dept. Pays Tribute to Tapestry Hey, where's Susan? posted at 2/26/2003 07:40:11 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Tuesday, February 25, 2003 News: [ B ] Urban Cowboy Delays Previews by a Day Urban Cowboy has canceled its first preview. The musical will now begin performances at the Broadhurst Theatre on March 28. [ YN ] WB, Fox, ABC Cast Their Nets for Pilots Frank Langella is checking into "111 Grammercy Park." [ BS ] Antiwar 'Lysistrata' Project Spreads Worldwide Within 42 countries and all 50 states, over 700 readings of the Greek comedy "Lysistrata" are currently planned for Mon., March 3, as a theatrical protest against the United States' impending war with Iraq. [ VV ] Aristophanes vs. Rumsfeld by Anya Kamenetz THAW and the Lysistrata Project's Anti-War Fare Reviews: [ VV ] IRISH LIVES AND LIVERS by Michael Feingold From Opposite Sides of a Small Island, Two Small Sad Plays Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Toward the Somme by Frank McGuinness; Dublin Carol by Conor McPherson [ CU ] One Million Butterflies Review Features: [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Meet Nine: Guido's Songstresses [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Meet Nine: My Husand Makes Movies [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Meet Nine: Chita, Chita [ P ] PHOTO CALL:Meet Nine: Film Star to Filmmaker Antonio Banderas [ BS ] Celebrating the Veteran Theatre Artist "Today, people are more willing to speak up and point out that they continue to be gifted," regardless of their advanced years, asserts actress Catherine Wolf. posted at 2/25/2003 05:45:10 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ B ] Casting Director Vincent G. Liff Dead at 52 Casting director Vincent G. Liff died this morning after a long battle with brain cancer, former associate Tara Rubin confirmed to Broadway.com. Liff passed away at home in New York. He was 52. [ P ] Wellman's Bitter Bierce Extends at P.S. 122 to March 8 [ P ] Cynthia Nixon Struck With String Fever at EST, Feb. 26 [ P ] Nine Librettist Kopit at Work on New Musical with Full Monty's Yazbek [ P ] Will Neuwirth and Reiser Star in Woody Allen's Writer's Block? Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Nine Meets the Press posted at 2/25/2003 04:43:44 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ TM ] We Need a Little Jerry! by: Michael Buckley Jerry Herman talks about the new Off-Broadway revue of his songs and discusses future projects. News: [ B ] Another Paper Doll Switch: Wuhl Out, Grayson In [ B ] Broadway Grosses: Miserable No More [ P ] Little Shop Gets Bway's Virginia; Cast and Creative Team Complete [ P ] Report: Fears of Terrorism Forces Postponement of "Fiddler" Movie [ P ] Louis LaRusso II, Tony-Nommed Playwright Who Chronicled Hoboken Lives, Dead at 67 posted at 2/25/2003 02:14:06 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ P ] League and Musicians Union Hold Dueling Press Conferences Feb. 25 While "Virtual Orchestras" Tune-Up [ P ] Kate Mulgrew Brews Tea at Promenade, Beginning Feb. 25 Reviews: [ B ] CDs: Beat Out Dat Rhythm on a Drum by Ken Mandelbaum CARMEN JONES (Decca Broadway) [ TB ] Anyone Can Whistle Los Angeles Review by Sharon Perlmutter posted at 2/25/2003 11:32:46 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ NYP ] SHIVER HIS TIMBER by BARBARA HOFFMAN IT isn't the nudity Daniel Sunjata minds, or playing a gay baseball player - it's just, well, those on-stage showers. That, and the theatergoers who whip out their binoculars. [ TS ] Making the music that feels right by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN Theatre legend Colm Wilkinson decides to chase his dreams News: [ NYT ] Louis LaRusso II Dies at 67; Plays Told of Workers' Toil by WOLFGANG SAXON Louis LaRusso II, a prolific playwright whose characters often relived the tribulations of the working people among whom he lived, died on Saturday. [ CST ] Second City original member Eugene Troobnick dies at 75 BY DAREL JEVENS Mr. Troobnick went on to become a prolific character actor with film credits including "California Split" and "Funny Lady." He played Stavros Kouperakis on the soap opera "Guiding Light" from 1991 to 1995, appeared in eight Broadway plays and did numerous TV guest appearances. [ NJ ] NJPAC plans a procession of debuts BY PETER FILICHIA Sedaris, Shearing, Schickele and Shankar. "The Sing-Along Sound of Music" and the San Francisco Symphony, too. [ DN ] 'Flower Drum' beats a retreat by ROBERT DOMINGUEZ With quotes from Ken Mandelbaum and David Henry Hwang. [ NYP ] OY VEY! FIDDLER PUSHED OFF THE ROOF BY RISK OF TERROR by DON KAPLAN THE spiraling costs of insuring against the risks of terrorism have put ABC's planned production of "Fiddler on the Roof" on hold. With a quote from Victor Garber. [ NYP ] LIZ SMITH And, from my "files" I can tell you that the wonderful Brit actress, Ruthie Henshall, who was so great in the workshop of "The Boy From Oz," starring Hugh Jackman, won't repeat her role on Broadway when it opens next fall because she's engaged to her former co-star, Tim Howar. Henshall gives birth next month, though the happy couple won't marry until next year. Um, you're a week late, Liz... [ P ] Today In Theatre History: FEBRUARY 25 [ P ] New Musical, Heat Lightning, Begins Off-Bway Feb. 25; Sexton Stars [ P ] Pulitzer-Winning Parks Unleashes New Play at Public Theater, Feb. 25 [ P ] Two Naughtons Star in Off-Broadway Premiere Roses in December, Feb. 25 [ P ] Ives' Polish Joke, Poking Fun at Cultural Cliches, Begins NYC Debut Feb. 25 [ P ] Laurents 2 Lives Premieres in Boston March 14 with Eye on Lincoln Center in 2004 Reviews � "Observe the Sons...": [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'OBSERVE THE SONS OF ULSTER MARCHING TOWARDS THE SOMME' Eight Men Facing the Horrors of the Battlefield by BRUCE WEBER Though Frank McGuinness's play is set nearly 90 years ago and was written in 1985, its arrival at Lincoln Center is grippingly timely. [ DN ] War is hell. So is remembrance by Howard Kissel Frank McGuinness' "Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme" is about men - recruits from Northern Ireland in World War I - living with the memory of tragedy. [ ND ] All Bogged Down In the Trenches by Gordon Cox Actually, it's a pretty good title. Frank McGuinness' 1985 play about eight young Irishmen in World War I is called - take a deep breath now - "Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme," and sure, that overlong phrase echoes with forced bombast and faux lyricism. But so, it turns out, does the play, so the title seems a perfect match for a script as earnestly, righteously overblown as this one. [ TM ] Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme Reviewed By: David Finkle Other Reviews: [ ATW ] One Million Butterflies Literate, Distancing [ TM ] One Million Butterflies Reviewed By: Philip Hopkins [ ATW ] Romeo and Bernadette Delightfully Fun Musical [ NJ ] Cool calculations BY PETER FILICHIA 'Proof' reflects on vagaries of genius without becoming formulaic [ ATW ] CDs: Classically Broadway: Carmen Jones on Decca; Plus, Heidi Grant Murphy posted at 2/25/2003 07:54:41 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Monday, February 24, 2003 I was at the taping of Donahue this afternoon, the guest was Rosie O'Donnell. She said TABOO would open next fall, November I believe. She also said she would NOT be in it, she is only producing it. Boy George will be playing Leigh Bowery. She talked about how difficult it is to make the decisions when you are the producer. I also was at the Drama Dept. tonight, watching an amazing group of women sing songs from Carole King's Tapestry. Kimberly Grigsby is one mean piano player. Mary Bond Davis brought the house down with that voice. It was an amazing hour, much too short unfortunately. Matthew would have loved the fact that it was not amplified, no mics, that was a nice change. Tim would have loved Laura Benanti, she did one song but I can't remember the name right now, she was excellent though. I loved everyone but for me it was nice to see Andrea McArdle perform live. When I was twelve I wanted to be her, she was playing Annie on Broadway then. I haven't had the opportunity to see her on stage as an adult, so it was nice to see her in this type of event. Very cool night! posted at 2/24/2003 10:13:06 PM by Susan Heim | Item Link News: [ P ] Audra McDonald Hosts Lincoln Center Concerts Starring Ahrens, Flaherty, Stew and Guettel [ P ] Tolins' Last Sunday in June Extends to March 16; Will It Go Commercial? Reviews: [ YN ] 'Ulster' Shows Sad Tale of Lives Lost by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic An overwhelming sense of sadness, of lives lost too early and promise denied, haunts "Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme," Frank McGuinness' diffuse, demanding but ultimately affecting World War I drama. [ B ] Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme Review by William Stevenson [ B ] One Million Butterflies Review by Ron Lasko Stephen Belber is probably the best playwright you've never heard of. Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Chita Checks Out Hairspray [ NYer ] HOW-TO DEPT. THE BIG TIME MADE EASY Producer Jean Doumanian. posted at 2/24/2003 09:17:17 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ B ] Little Shop to Bow at B'way's Virginia Theatre [ P ] Maltby and Shire's Take Flight Will Take Wing at Charlotte Rep in Fall 2003 [ P ] Broadway Grosses: Feb. 17-23 [ P ] McArdle, Benanti, Kuhn Sing Carole King's "Tapestry" in New York City, Feb. 24 Laura Benanti in a show TONIGHT? Thanks for the advance notice, folks... :-( [ P ] New Jon Robin Baitz Play, The Paris Letter, to Play at Huntington Next Season [ P ] Walton and Carmello Are Mr. & Mrs. Rosewater in NYC Concert of Menken-Ashman Rarity [ P ] Flight, New Howard Hughes Musical, Gets NYC Readings Feb. 24-25 [ P ] Opah! Stageshow to Film to TV "My Big Fat Greek Life" Premieres on CBS, Feb. 24 [ P ] "Chicago" The Movie Sing Along Hits New York City, March 6 [ B ] Anne Runolfsson Steps into the Spotlight on 3/3 [ R ] 'Flower Drum Song' Closing Broadway Run in March by Robert Hofler NEW YORK (Variety) - "Oklahoma!" closed over the weekend. Then came word that "Flower Drum Song" sings its last performance on March 16. Add the critically reviled production of "The Boys From Syracuse" last summer, and it was a tepid centennial for Richard Rodgers on Broadway. Features: [ B ] Q&A: Denis O'Hare by David Cote [ BS ] Stage Hand The Austin Agency's John Lyons loves the theatre and has most success with clients who share his passion. [ B ] Photo Op: La Boh�me Shows Support for NARSAD [ B ] Photo Op: Raising a Glass for Dublin Carol Reviews: [ CU ] Romeo and Bernadette Review posted at 2/24/2003 05:40:54 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ B ] Little Shop Finds Its Crystal, Ronnette & Chiffon [ P ] Natasha Richardson to Be Nunn's Lady in London [ P ] My Brilliant Divorce: Marriage On Stage Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Romeo and Bernadette Find Love at Paper Mill posted at 2/24/2003 02:48:13 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ B ] Neuwirth, Portnow & Reiser to Star in Allen's Block Bebe Neuwirth, Richard Portnow and Paul Reiser will star in the upcoming off-Broadway production of Woody Allen's Writer's Block, according to The New York Post's Page Six. [ B ] The Masterworks of May by Ken Mandelbaum Over the weekend, I received advance copies of the five cast-album reissues scheduled for a May 13 release in Sony Classical/Legacy's Columbia Broadway Masterworks series. I will eventually review them, but I thought you might be interested in a rundown on the bonus tracks and previously-unreleased material. [ B ] Olivier Winner Essie Davis Leaps into Jumpers [ P ] "Chicago" Wins Two British Academy Film Awards [ P ] Urban Cowboy Songlist Includes Contemporary and Classic Country Music [ P ] Actress Mariette Hartley to Be Next Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret posted at 2/24/2003 12:34:50 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary In response to Filichia's column on collecting theater memorabilia, readers write in about their own treasures. [ NYP ] 'I REALLY WANT TO PLAY A TOTAL SLUT' by SUSAN KARLIN YOU'RE not truly famous until you've made a worst-dressed list. After reams of accolades, "Hairspray" on Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur's shining moment was an Us Weekly magazine spread "When Bad Clothes Happen to Good People." [ B ] Fresh Face: Gavin Creel by Beth Stevens Reviews: [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'THE TEMPEST' Full Fathom Five Thy Mother Lies by BRUCE WEBER In Emily Mann's production, none of the Shakespearean conflicts seem to be singled out for attention or exploration. [ NJ ] Union dues BY PETER FILICHIA Bard's classic inspires appealing 'Romeo and Bernadette' [ LAT ] For the love of the Irish by Don Shirley Once again, Laguna Playhouse rolls out a play fit for St. Patrick's Day. 'Lovers at Versailles' entertains, but it lacks clarity. With Marcia Rodd. [ CU ] Anyone Can Whistle Los Angeles Review News: [ NYT ] Fred Hudson, 74, Mentor to Black Actors and Playwrights, Is Dead by JESSE McKINLEY Fred Hudson was the president of the Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center, which has nurtured generations of African-American writers, actors and playwrights. [ NYT ] Jeanne de Rothschild, 94, Who Came From Stage, Dies by DOUGLAS MARTIN Baroness Jeanne de Rothschild was an actress whose much-publicized romances with famous figures culminated in her marriage to a scion of the Viennese branch of the Rothschilds. [ P ] 'Ya Gotta Get a Gimmick: Gypsy Box Office Opens Feb. 24 [ P ] Miller, Izzard, Feinstein, Kopit Among Panelists at NY Times Arts & Leisure Weekend, March 7-9 [ P ] Kelli O'Hara Sings Songs of Michael Torke, Who'll Tickle the Ivories, in Off-Bway Concert Feb. 24 [ P ] Composer Lutvak Returns to Joe's Pub; Musical Wayside Optioned for Stage [ P ] Star of Upcoming Gypsy Revival Heads to the Chatterbox Feb. 27 [ P ] The Sons of Ulster Father an Opening at Lincoln Center, Feb. 24 [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Observe The Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme [ P ] Hairspray Wins Grammy Award for Musical Show Album posted at 2/24/2003 07:41:25 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Sunday, February 23, 2003 [ BBC ] Polanski takes top Baftas Roman Polanski's The Pianist has taken the best picture and best director award at the 54th Baftas. Chicago wins 2 awards: Best Supporting Actress (Catherine Zeta Jones) and Best Sound. [ B ] Hairspray Cast Album Wins Grammy Award [ R ] Key West Fest Honors Works of Tennessee Williams [ CU ] Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Review [ CU ] Pretending To Be Me London Review by Lizzie Loveridge posted at 2/23/2003 08:13:28 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link We at BroadwayStars would like to wish our fearless leader, James Marino, the man who made all of this possible, a very Happy Birthday today! posted at 2/23/2003 11:29:32 AM by Susan Heim | Item Link Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features! [ ST ] New York veteran impressed by 'My Fair Lady's' home team by Misha Berson When Judy Blazer stepped into the first rehearsal for 5th Avenue Theatre's new production of "My Fair Lady," she knew she was outnumbered. [ SFC ] Second Act by Edward Guthmann Mel Brooks proves 'your muse has no age' [ MN ] Letters: Plethora of commercials hindered `Music Man' Other Features: [ T-P ] Harvey's hairy hit by David Cuthbert 'Hairspray,' a musical-comedy remake of John Waters' 15-year-old cult film, has captured the imagination of New York City theater-goers like no play in recent memory. And Broadway war horse Harvey Fierstein is savoring every magical moment. Thanks to John_C on All That Chat for the link! [ ND ] In a Squeeze Play by Blake Green For Denis O'Hare, 'Take Me Out' is a stretch to emerge as a baseball fan [ ND ] Quiet in The Locker Room by Laura Price-Brown While Richard Greenberg's valentine to baseball, "Take Me Out," explores a society in which a star athlete can declare his homosexuality at the height of his career, the playwright's vision is more fantasy than reality. Today's athletes and coaches say it will take years to break such a boundary in sports. [ DN ] Dramatic conflict by CELIA McGEE Playwright John Patrick Shanley makes real-world strife the theme of 'Dirty Story' [ NYT ] Harry the Horse, Harvesting City Waters An excerpt from I GOT THE SHOW RIGHT HERE: THE AMAZING, TRUE STORY OF HOW AN OBSCURE BROOKLYN HORN PLAYER BECAME THE LAST GREAT BROADWAY SHOWMAN by Cy Feuer with Ken Gross. [ NYT ] LETTERS Michael Brown on his "House of Flowers" song (final letter). [ BG ] Playwright's memories of prejudice to take center stage at New Rep by Catherine Foster Sign of the times in the South informs Redwood's drama News: [ NYP ] LIZ SMITH At the Grammy Awards, there'll be some Broadway names - nominee and star Harvey Fierstein from the hot, best-selling "Hairspray" cast recording, appears in character as Edna Turnblad. [ HC ] An ACT Of Desperation, And It Could Happen Here by Frank Rizzo [ NYT ] Rusty Magee, Theater Composer, Actor and Cabaret Performer, Dies at 47 by WOLFGANG SAXON Rusty Magee won a New York Outer Critics Circle Award in 1993 for the music and lyrics he wrote for an adaptation of Moli�re's "Scapin." [ P ] ON THE RECORD: But Is It Really a Broadway Musical? [ P ] Last Laugh: The New Group's Comedians Closes Off-Broadway, Feb. 23 [ P ] The Winter's Tale Closes Feb. 23 at Off-Broadway's Classic Stage Company [ P ] Oklahoma! Closes on Broadway Feb. 23; Tour to Follow [ P ] Closing with Morrie; Off-Broadway Play Ends Feb. 23 [ P ] Grammy Ceremony Feb. 23; Peters, Hairspray and Millie Up for Awards [ P ] Hank Williams Closes Off-Broadway; Unclear Where Show's Highway Will Lead [ P ] Bedford-Goodman Tartuffe, at Roundabout, End Runs Feb. 23 [ P ] Yakov Smirnoff One-Man As Long As We Both Shall Laugh Begins Feb. 23 posted at 2/23/2003 10:00:20 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link BroadwayStars is powered by Blogger Pro! [Past News] |
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