|
||||||||||||||||
Saturday, July 26, 2003 [ NYP ] Haunted House DAVID Belasco loved his theater so much, some believe he never left it. [ ND ] The Puppet People If those young guys behind the biggest buzz in musical theater this summer appear a bit giddy, it's understandable. "Avenue Q," their frisky part-humans, part-puppets, all-adult musical about the shock of the real world beyond college - a hit Off-Broadway in the spring - is about to open on Broadway. [ ND ] Diff'rent Approach Natalie Venetia Belcon, playing gary Coleman in the puppet-packed musical 'Avenue A,' find the human element in the former child star's plight posted at 7/26/2003 10:39:16 AM by the other James | Item Link [ * ] LAT's CalendarLive Goes Paid In a surprising move, the Tribune Co.'s Los Angeles Times has decided to make its popular LATimes.com entertainment section, CalendarLive, a separate paid Web service. Beginning August 4, to get access to the site you'll either have to be a 7-day-a-week print subscriber to the Times (and get free CalendarLive access) or pony up $4.95 a month or $39.95 for a year. The main LATimes.com news site will remain free access to all registered users. How long will it be before the New York newspapers do the same thing? Well, while you can still read them for free, here are some articles from Sunday's Times: [ LAT ] Mr. Wilson's neighborhood by Christopher Reynolds Playwright August Wilson no longer lives in Pittsburgh's Hill District, but it is consistently at home in his work. [ LAT ] Stage adaptation lite by Diane Haithman Their publisher wasn't planning a book tour for "Wigfield," so the authors created an event that's "more than a reading and less than a play." [ LAT ] '42nd Street' mints a coin for the realm of dancers by Victoria Looseleaf Calling all coin collectors: If you're looking for a 1933 Mercury-head dime, be advised you won't find one in a numismatic shop, but you can see one on stage at the Ahmanson Theatre, where the feel-good musical "42nd Street" is playing. [ LAT ] COMMENTARY A.S.K. closure is raising hard-to-answer questions by Don Shirley The loss of A.S.K. Theater Projects' funds and guidance leaves the theatrical community bereft and perplexed. News: [ R ] Liza Minnelli, Husband David Gest Separate Sixteen months after their lavish, star-studded New York wedding, singer-actress Liza Minnelli and her fourth husband, producer David Gest, have separated, her spokesman said on Friday. I'm shocked. Shocked! [ P ] Austen Power: Guthrie's Pride and Prejudice Begins Perfs July 26 [ P ] Today in Theatre History: JULY 26 [ P ] Get Into Heaven for Free: Flea Theatre Offers July 26 Deal [ P ] Berkshire Theatre Festival Has Nelson and Grant in Talley's Folly, July 29-Aug. 9 [ P ] Barrett and Mason Offer Evening of Song Nov. 22 and 23 [ P ] A Stoop On Orchard Street Is Musical Tale of Immigrant Life, Opening Aug. 7 in NYC Features: [ NYO ] It�s Somers Time! Meet Match Game Ham�These Days, Just a Nice Westport Granny by Simon Doonan Thanks to Wayman Wong on All That Chat for the link! posted at 7/26/2003 01:03:41 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Friday, July 25, 2003 Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Rockin' Out with Sh-K-Boom's Ripley & Bradley [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Big River: Opening Night [ P ] Thoroughly Modern Millie Keeps Composer Laughing When Jeanine Tesori joined the creative team of Thoroughly Modern Millie, she had no idea she was about to compose her first Broadway musical comedy. [ BS ] Fair-Weather Fred by Jenelle Riley When told he would be the cover story of our "Welcome to L.A." issue, Fred Willard was more than willing to poke a little fun at the Hollywood life. Includes his thoughts on his musical theater experiences, and how Craig Bierko crushed his dream. [ SD ] Mae Days by Nina Garin Kathy Najimy returns home showing blonde allegiance to her role at the Globe Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! Reviews: [ WE ] 'Chicago' is smart and sexy BY BUD NORMAN The Music Theatre of Wichita production continues with performances this weekend. With Nancy Lemenager and Patrick Quinn. Thanks to Wayne Bryan for the link! [ LAT ] 'River': a strong current on Broadway by Don Shirley "Big River" has flowed into the Big Apple, in many ways stronger than ever. [ ATW ] Capitol Steps' Between Iraq and a Hard Place Giddy Fun [ TM ] The Siegels' Nightlife Notes Melba Moore, Lea DeLaria, and Elena Bennett light up the Siegels' week. News: [ B ] Jake Gyllenhaal Eyes Big Screen Version of Proof [ P ] Off-Broadway's Our Lady of 121st Street Is Put To Rest as Drama Closes, July 27 [ P ] Tony Nominee John Leguizamo Directs and Stars in HBO Drama "Undefeated," July 26 [ P ] Listen to My Heart Revue Celebrates Composer David Friedman Upstairs at Studio 54 [ P ] Twentieth Century Fox: Alec Baldwin Confirmed to Star in Broadway Revival [ P ] Jake Gyllenhaal in Talks to Star with Gwyneth Paltrow in Proof Film [ P ] Will Farrah Fawcett Play Beauty Queen Bobbi Boland on Broadway? [ P ] Complete Casting Announced for Julie Andrews-Directed The Boy Friend [ P ] Tony Winner The Goat Makes West Coast Premiere at Seattle's ACT, July 25-Aug. 17 [ B ] John Waters' Cry-Baby to Become Stage Musical posted at 7/25/2003 05:38:39 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Big River Makes a Splash at Roundabout Reviews: [ B ] Were NY Critics Impressed by Big River? [ B ] DVDs: Prize Winners of 1967 by Ken Mandelbaum A DELICATE BALANCE/ THE HOMECOMING (Kino) [ TB ] Harvey Los Angeles Review by Sharon Perlmutter Even assuming - and it's a big assumption - that Harvey is a good candidate for a Broadway-bound revival, the production headed for the Lyceum this fall after its run at the Laguna Playhouse should turn tail and scamper in the other direction. News: [ P ] Almost 40 Years After After the Fall, Miller Addresses Marilyn Monroe in a New Play [ P ] Second John Waters Film � "Cry-Baby" � Heading to the Stage as Musical [ P ] Casting Set for Film of Patrick Marber's Closer [ TM ] Broadway's Lost Treasures To Be Unearthed on PBS posted at 7/25/2003 11:31:04 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ V ] Top-tier team targets B'way with 'Cry-Baby' Waters pic gets tuner treatment; prod'n to land in 2 years Imagine chairman Brian Grazer is ready for his Broadway debut. Grazer and the producing team behind the Tony-winning "Hairspray" will turn the 1990 John Waters film "Cry-Baby" into a Broadway-bound stage musical. [ NYP ] TALE OF MONROE by MICHAEL RIEDEL ARTHUR Miller, who never speaks publicly about his ex-wife Marilyn Monroe, has written a new play about her. [ NYP ] PAGE SIX We hear... Robert Altman is about to make his debut on Broadway by directing a new version of "Pal Joey" he is writing himself. Brief mention, fourth item. [ V ] 'Goat' eyes new pasture Play may graze Almeida on way to London Pasture [ R ] 'Grease' Director Takes Helm of Musical 'Riding Hood' by Chris Gardner and Ian Mohr Joey Fatone ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding," NBC's "Fame"), Debi Mazar ("The Tuxedo") and Lainie Kazan ("Greek Wedding," "Gigli") are set to star along with newcomer Morgan Thompson. Sam Stone, Daniel Roebuck, David Kaufman, Sung Hi Lee, Andrea Bowen, Ashley Rose Orr and Callie Waterman round out the cast. [ B ] Bob Dishy Considers Role in Sly Fox on B'way [ USA ] On live TV, Vilanch takes it off the chin by Elysa Gardner On Thursday morning, Bruce Vilanch took it all off on national television. His facial hair, that is. [ P ] The Dinner Party�with Karen Ziemba�Begins Perfs. July 25 [ P ] Today in Theatre History: JULY 25 [ P ] The Gay Life: Those Seven Little Words Plays Cleveland's Playhouse Square July 25-Aug. 23 [ P ] Tickets for 2003 New York International Fringe Festival Go On Sale, July 25 [ P ] "Camp," New Movie About Performing Arts Camp, Exposes Dreamers in a Mountain Greenery, July 25 [ P ] PBOL'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, July 19-25: Casting Notes [ P ] Seattle Rep Offers An Evening With Olympia Dukakis, July 25 [ P ] Twentieth Century May Clear a Path Through Roundabout's Cherry Orchard; Will Baldwin Star? "Big River" - Reviews: [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'BIG RIVER' Twain's Tale, With Music for the Ear and Eye by BEN BRANTLEY Deaf West's inventive revival of "Big River" at the American Airlines Theater is a seamless combination of song and sign language. [ DN ] It's a Huck-uva show by Howard Kissel 'Big River," the 1985 musical version of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," with a score by Roger Miller, was probably not in need of a revival, but the revival it has been given is extremely affecting for reasons having little to do with the show itself. [ USA ] Daring concept, cast make 'River' by Elysa Gardner It would be tough to imagine a production that's easier to root for, or more difficult to pan, than the revival of Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (**�) that opened Thursday at Broadway's American Airlines Theatre. [ WP ] Sign On: 'Big River' Revival Is Enchanting in Any Language by Peter Marks [ NYP ] FINN-TASTIC 'RIVER' by CLIVE BARNES IT'S an unexpected honey. [ YN ] 'Big River' a Celebration of Sound by MICHAEL KUCHWARA The signing is as startling � and as satisfying � as the singing in "Big River," the affecting revival of the 1985 musical based on Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." [ ATW ] 'River' Proves a Difficult Journey [ TB ] Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Review by Matthew Murray [ B ] Big River Review by Adam Feldman [ TM ] Big River Reviewed By: Brooke Pierce One of the best performances of the year is being given by two actors. Other Reviews: [ NJ ] Scandalous follies of 1906 BY PETER FILICHIA Opposites attract, but they don't live happily ever after, in revival of comedy about divorce, 'The New York Idea' [ TM ] Capitol Steps: Between Iraq and a Hard Place Reviewed By: Barbara & Scott Siegel [ LAT ] This ensemble acts up a storm by David C. Nichols Wild inventiveness and surging creativity mark "The Mysteries" at the Actors' Gang. [ LAT ] THEATER BEAT Magic among a brothel's 'Tricks' Romance intersects with necromancy in "Ten Tricks" at the Elephant Performance Lab in Hollywood. [ ATW ] 'Just Us Boys' [ NYP ] 'SPRINGTIME' LINGERS FOR 'THE PRODUCERS' by CLIVE BARNES DOES it have legs? That's what Broadway asks of every seemingly megahit musical � and it's now being asked of Mel Brooks' "The Producers." Features: [ RFT ] Don't Ask, Don't Tell Once again, the Muny plays I've Got a Secret with casting BY DENNIS BROWN These venerable musicals are selling briskly, despite that fact that ticket buyers do not know -- or apparently care -- who will be appearing as Tevye (it's Bruce Adler) or Nellie Forbush (haven't a clue). Hey, if you're sitting far enough back in an 11,000-seat theater, what difference does it make? Thanks to Mungo on All That Chat for the link! [ BH ] The 'Importance' of being earnest partners by Terry Byrne Getting theater companies to collaborate on a production, with all the artistic and financial decisions involved, is a complicated process. But for SpeakEasy Stage Company and the Sugan Theater Company, the decision to team up for "A Man of No Importance" was easy. [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary After perusing several books on Shakespeare, Filichia finds connections between the Bard and many Broadway shows. [ DN ] Some hear a sour note in modified 'Bombay' musical by ELLEN TUMPOSKY LONDON - The reigning king of musical theater writers is recrafting the book for the British show "Bombay Dreams" to make the Bollywood love story sing for Broadway when it arrives next year. [ NYT ] AT THE MOVIES Summer Camp the Musical by DAVE KEHR Todd Graff's "Camp" is set in a fictional sleep-away camp for stage-struck kids, many of them misfits at home. [ CT ] Thanks for the memories by Chris Jones Last month, I wrote about the sad, impending demise of the Drury Lane Theatre in Evergreen Park. In January, that pink stucco palace of varieties will become a Wal-Mart. I asked readers to send in their memories. We got some corkers. Here are some edited letters. [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Broadway Show League: Check Swing [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Broadway Show League: Boys of Summer Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features! [ MST ] Talking design with Tony-winning set ace John Lee Beatty by Rohan Preston [ CSM ] Thank you... Next! by Leslie Talmadge Endless auditions, rare callbacks, working for pennies. Welcome to a New York actor's life. But Christine Herzog insists she's not leaving. posted at 7/25/2003 07:48:10 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Thursday, July 24, 2003 Reviews: [ ND ] Signing, Singing and Speaking to Us by Linda Winer At a distance, a musical partially for and by the deaf could be a punch line for one of Max Bialystock's creatively suicidal schemes in "The Producers." At the Roundabout Theatre Company's 42nd Street theater, however, the idea transforms a ho-hum show from 1985 into a charming, often beautiful visual and musical event. We are speaking about the pleasant revival of "Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," which introduced members of a tiny but potent Los Angeles company called Deaf West Theatre. [ ND ] A Study in Growing Up That Knows Its Audience by Gordon Cox While "The Summer of the Swans," the latest free summer offering from Theatreworks/USA, mostly centers on the awkward adolescence of one young girl, the production is most notable for its satisfyingly delicate touch in handling one developmentally disabled character. News: [ B ] Farrah Fawcett in Talks to Star in Bobbi Boland [ BS ] Gascon Center Theatre To Close Its Doors The 14-year run of Culver City's Gascon Center Theatre--current home to the Ziggurat Theatre Company --has come to an end. [ BS ] NEA: Arts Participants Growing and Grayer [ P ] Arlen Revue, Sweet & Hot Makes Chicago Debut Sept. 3 [ P ] Lyric Stage in TX Has World Premiere of Friedman-Kellogg Musical Desperate Measures in 2004 [ P ] Hollywood's Kodak Theatre Has Full Monty, Oliver! and Joseph... in 2003-04 Features: [ BS ] Ethnic Theatre Companies: The Quest for Self-Identity In interviewing theatre practitioners on the subject of "ethnic theatre," this idea of self-identity kept returning to the fore. It began with language -- the terms that should or shouldn't drive the discourse. [ BS ] Philly on the Fringe (Fest) Now in its seventh year, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival is, according to producing director Nick Stuccio, "in an evolving phase for 2003 and beyond." [ HChron ] 'Chicago' actresses have killer roles, and love it by EVERETT EVANS Bianca Marroquin and Brenda Braxton don't think the characters they play in the new tour of the now-legendary Chicago (opening Tuesday at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts) are all bad. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! posted at 7/24/2003 05:39:45 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ P ] Roundabout Buys Former Disco Studio 54 as Its New Musical Home [ B ] Alec Baldwin to Star in Twentieth Century on B'way The play takes the place of the theater company's previously announced mounting of The Cherry Orchard, according to Variety. [ B ] Stage Notes: 07/22/03 by Paul Wontorek posted at 7/24/2003 04:10:58 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ TM ] An Officer and a Gentleman by: Michael Portantiere Nice guy Tom Hewitt stars as Officer Lockstock in the national tour of Urinetown. [ P ] PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with Jeff Calhoun Director and choreographer Jeff Calhoun is an old pro when it comes to Broadway musical revivals. But with the new Big River, he takes on a much grander venture. News: [ B ] Patsy Kensit Joins See You Next Tuesday Cast [ P ] Porter's High Society Opens July 24 at U.K.'s Regent's Park [ P ] Portraits, 9/11 Monologue Play, to Bow Off-Broadway in September [ P ] A Sideshow Master, A Showgirl and a Dwarf Fill Off-Broadway's Carnival Knowledge, July 24 [ P ] Absorbing Mee's Texts, Chicago Troupe Presents why they invented dancing, in NYC Fringe, Aug. 8-16 [ P ] "Fame" Names Ultimate Triple-Threat Performer [ P ] Side Show Star to Salute Burton Lane at Supper Club [ P ] "Queer Eye"�with Zanna's Rodriguez�Makes NBC Debut July 24 [ P ] Maureen Moore "Standby" Goes on at July 24 Chatterbox Maureen Moore � Bernadette Peters' standby as Rose in the hit revival of Gypsy � has rescheduled her appearance at Seth�s Broadway Chatterbox for July 31. posted at 7/24/2003 01:59:59 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ V ] Baldwin B'way bound in revival of 'Century' Classic production last hit stage in 1950 Alec Baldwin is expected to return to Broadway this season, courtesy of the Roundabout. [ NYT ] Carol Matthau, a Frank and Tart Memoirist, Dies at 78 by WOLFGANG SAXON Carol Matthau's outspoken memoir of her life brought her notoriety far beyond her own wide circle of Hollywood and literary celebrities. [ IBDB ] Carol Grace's Broadway Credits Carol Grace was the stage name of Carol Matthau. [ HD ] Pamela Gien's 'Syringa Tree' Opens Long Wharf by Frank Rizzo It took a while, but New Haven's Long Wharf Theatre has finalized its 2003-04 season, the second under artistic director Gordon Edelstein. [ NJ ] Now on sale by Peter Filichia Fans of Jimmy Smits, Patti LuPone and Wynton Marsalis, take note. [ NYP ] CINDY ADAMS Mentions of The Woman In White, Bombay Dreams, Camille Claudel, and Jerry Springer: The Opera. [ ATU ] Kennedy's new play in reading by PAUL GRONDAHL Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist William Kennedy will unveil Act I of a new play-in-progress during a free reading Friday as part of the New York State Summer Writers Institute at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ P ] Today in Theatre History: JULY 24 [ P ] PLAYBILL ARCHIVES: Big River � 1985 [ P ] Deaf West's Big River Shines on Broadway as Roundabout Revival Opens, July 24 [ P ] Applications for BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop Due Aug. 1 [ P ] The Flood, Musical About Mississippi Disaster, Gets Reading to Benefit NYC's Prospect, Aug. 11 [ P ] Adult Film-Turned-Musical Debbie Does Dallas May Return to Film Features: [ CU ] A Talk With Denis O'Hare Take Me Out's Mason Marzac by Laura Hitchcock [ LAT ] Authenticity on a shoestring by Susan Carpenter Costume designer Shon LeBlanc transforms pennies into fashion gold in Theatre Neo�s current revival of the Clare Boothe Luce classic "The Women." Reviews: [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'THE ORPHAN OF ZHAO' Treachery and Revenge in Ancient China by MARGO JEFFERSON The Lincoln Center Festival is featuring the American playwright David Greenspan's adapation of a 13th-century Chinese drama of political treachery and revenge. [ NYT ] Recent Plays Reviews of "Macbeth" at the Classical Theater of Harlem and "Caf� � Go Go" at Caf� � Go Go. [ DN ] 'Swans' aimed at kids: Duck! by Howard Kissel Theatreworks USA has presented children's theater for many years. This year they chose "The Summer of the Swans," based on the award-winning book. The only thing this show prepares young audiences for is afterschool TV specials. [ CU ] Edmond London Review by Lizzie Loveridge [ TM ] Make Love Reviewed By: Dan Bacalzo [ PTR ] CLO carries on strong season with wonderful 'Funny Girl' by Alice T. Carter Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! posted at 7/24/2003 07:44:04 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Wednesday, July 23, 2003 News: [ B ] Kathy Brier to Star as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray Broadway.com has learned that current Hairspray standby Kathy Brier will be the musical's next Tracy Turnblad. Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur will depart the production on August 10. [ P ] Hairspray-Bound Vilanch Gets Beard Shorn on "Regis and Kelly" July 24 Bruce Vilanch, the writer and personality who will play Edna Turnblad in the national tour of Hairspray, will have his signature bushy blond beard shorn on "LIVE with Regis and Kelly" July 24. [ B ] Leveaux Confirmed for Fiddler; Winter Dates Set [ P ] Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse to Move to Brentwood Theatre During $25 Million Renovations [ P ] Mr. Strindberg, I'm Ready for My Close-Up: Miss Julie Goes Hollywood in Off-Bway Reworking, Aug. 7-31 [ P ] Public Theater Offers Free Shakespeare Performances in NYC Thru August [ P ] PBS' "Broadway's Lost Treasures" Offers Tony Award Highlights; Song List Announced [ P ] Cupid and Psyche, the Musical, Gets NYC Staging, With Deven May as Mercury [ P ] Rik Reppe Searches for America, Post-Sept. 11, in Fringe Show Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Edge's Off-B'way Opening [ B ] Photo Op: Camping It Up at the Camp Premiere Reviews: [ TB ] A Summer Night Under the Stars with That Scoundrel Scapin New Jersey Review Bob Rendell posted at 7/23/2003 05:08:35 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ B ] Preview '03-'04 #6: I've a Feeling We're Not in San Francisco Anymore by Ken Mandelbaum Word on the street is that Karen Ziemba will appear in Never Gonna Dance. I suspect she is taking the role of Mabel, played by Randy Graff in the Never Gonna Dance workshop in autumn 2001. (Ziemba and Graff recently performed together in Williamstown's Threepenny Opera.) [ P ] Randy Graff Replaces Joan Rivers in Duplex Love Letters [ B ] MacLachlan & Gillen to Star in B'way's Caretaker [ P ] Patrick Wilson to Join Full Monty's Yazbek at July 23 Concert [ P ] Follies Gets Summer Stock Run at CT's Ivoryton Playhouse, July 23-Aug. 2 [ P ] "Sex and the City"'s Kyle McLaughlan Joins Roundabout's The Caretaker on Broadway [ P ] Norman and Stephen Mailer Set to Star in Long Day's Journey Into Night While the Tony-winning revival of Long Day's Journey Into Night � starring Tony winners Brian Dennehy and Vanessa Redgrave � continues to draw crowds at the Plymouth Theatre, another version of the Eugene O'Neill classic will be presented at the Provincetown Town Hall. [ P ] It's Official: Leveaux Is Bway Fiddler Director; Previews Begin Jan. 17, 2004 [ P ] Three Musical Revues Featured on New Decca Compilation CD [ P ] New York Public Library Series Celebrates Centennial of Broadway Composer posted at 7/23/2003 12:18:13 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ NYP ] 'CHARITY' BITTERNESS by MICHAEL RIEDEL DON'T seat Jane Krakowski and Neil Simon at the same dinner table anytime soon. [ V ] MacLachlan B'way-bound Thesp to play Mick in 'Caretaker' Kyle MacLachlan will make his Broadway debut this fall in the Roundabout's revival of "The Caretaker." He joins the previously announced Patrick Stewart and Irish actor Aidan Gillen in the Harold Pinter drama. [ NYP ] PAGE SIX ROSIE O'Donnell's ego reared its obnoxious head at a planning session for the Broadway musical she's producing, leaving the show's creative team in a bewildered funk. [ NJ ] Trenton theater counting on premieres BY PETER FILICHIA [ B ] Beckett's Happy Days to Play the West End [ V ] B'way B.O. seeing mid-July fireworks Griffith entry jazzes up 'Chicago' perf on B'way [ TM ] Mike Salinas, Theater Journalist, is Dead at 46 Contains links to the news items and features Salinas contributed to TheaterMania. [ TM ] Feinstein's at the Regency Announces Fall Season [ B ] Cupid and Psyche Musical Set for Off-B'way [ LAT ] Geffen finds temporary quarters at VA site by Don Shirley Geffen Playhouse programming will move to the Brentwood Theatre next May and stay there through the 2004-05 season, while the Geffen undergoes a $17-million renovation. [ P ] Ivey, Baker, Nielsen, Goede Reside Under Milk Wood at Williamstown, Beginning July 23 [ P ] Today in Theatre History: JULY 23 [ P ] Can She Talk? Joan Rivers Performs at New York City's Fez, July 23-Aug. 27 [ P ] Zanna, Don't! and My Life With Albertine Cast Albums In Stores Oct. 7 [ P ] Come On-A Her House: Is A Dash of Rosemary! the Next Regional Musical Hit? [ P ] Three World Premieres Part of Kennedy Center's Imagination Celebration [ P ] Tiny Off-Off-Broadway Company Presents New York Premiere of Tom Stoppard Play [ P ] Andre De Shields Stars in Classical Theatre of Harlem's Mountain This Fall [ P ] Dearly Beloved: More Never Gonna Dance Casting Announced [ NYT ] Elliot Norton, a Critic in Boston Read on Broadway, Dies at 100 Elliot Norton was a theater critic in Boston for nearly 50 years whose reviews of Broadway-bound shows on tryout runs were carefully read by New York producers. [ TM ] Esteemed Boston Critic Elliot Norton is Dead at 100 Features: [ ND ] All-Star Family by Blake Green Big-name reunion graces Williamstown [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary Late-blooming playwright Linda Byrd Kilian talks about debuting her first effort at the Alabama Shakespeare Fest. [ NYP ] VAMP ON REAL-LIFE PERFORMING ARTS CAMP by LOU LUMENICK HOW do you shoot a full-scale movie musical on a measly $1.8 million? If you're making "Camp," you get composers like musical-theater legend Stephen Sondheim to donate their songs (he also makes a cameo appearance) - and arrange to shoot at the camp for free. [ NYT ] At This Camp, You Tell Your Child to Break a Leg So much to learn and so little time for the stage-struck youngsters, from ages 10 to 17, at Camp Broadway, a weeklong immersion in the thrills and heartbreaks of a career in musical theater. [ INQ ] The Great White Way proves golden for Disney by Desmond Ryan Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features! [ OS ] 'I just write plays' by Elizabeth Maupin Nilo Cruz can't write. It's not that he doesn't know how, this slight man with the dark goatee and a baseball cap covering his balding head, this soft-spoken man who won the Pulitzer Prize for drama early this spring . . . It's that he has no time. [ PPG ] PICT's 'Major Barbara' joins hit ranks in Galway by Christopher Rawson GALWAY CITY, Ireland -- Take a lively port city of 65,000 on the rocky western shore of Ireland, stir in some 400 artists and as many as 120,000 visitors for two weeks of theater, music, visual arts, drinking and revelry, and the result is the colorful, citywide international party known as the Galway Arts Festival, now in its 26th year. [ PPG ] Galway news -- Scott Ferrara to Broadway by Christopher Rawson [ DMN ] Not much theater in the round 'round here anymore by LAWSON TAITTE and TOM SIME Theater in the round is theater in the hole, says Casa Ma�ana executive producer Denton Yockey, who's busy converting his Fort Worth theater to a modified thrust stage at a cost of $3.2 million. Reviews: [ PPG ] CLO mines the melodrama from 'Funny Girl' by Christopher Rawson [ WP ] The Family at Wit's End by Peter Marks 'Last Schwartz' Is a Standout at Shepherdstown Festival [ TB ] BKC Review by Matthew Murray With BKC, Brad Webb and Matt Schapiro have raised low comedy almost to a high art. [ DN ] Angry Plath play lacks poetry by Howard Kissel One-person shows about famous people are problematic because they have to convey a certain amount of information, and it is rarely convincing to hear the subject tell a roomful of strangers intimate details. [ CU ] Edge Review [ VV ] Family Feud(al) Obligations Two Clans Dis Function; Two Directors Make It Work by Michael Feingold Flesh and Blood by Peter Gaitens; The Orphan of Zhao, adapted by David Greenspan, music by Stephin Merritt [ VV ] SCUM Goddess Who's the Villain? Who's the Saint? by C. Carr Tragedy in Nine Lives by Karen Houppert; Gravity Always Wins by Marc Spitz [ ATW ] Pieces (of Ass) A Little More Than Skin Deep [ CU ] Capitol Steps: Between Iraq and a Hard Place Review by Eunice Marquet posted at 7/23/2003 10:10:40 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Tuesday, July 22, 2003 [ NYT ] An Expanding Theater and a Healing Director by JESSE McKINLEY For Todd Haimes, the Roundabout Theatre Company's artistic director, the 2002-3 season will probably not be remembered for either the highs of "Nine" or the bottom-line lows, but rather for a doctor's appointment on Dec. 19, 2002 that altered his life. [ TM ] Who is the Pip With Pizzazz? by: Brian Scott Lipton Ana Gasteyer is Fanny Brice in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera production of Funny Girl. [ TP ] Lauren Kennedy Interview Thanks to Spidermonkey on All That Chat for the link! posted at 7/22/2003 11:12:21 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ ND ] Obituary: Herbert Surface, 74, Ex-Actor, Aided LI Youths Thanks to American Theater Web for the link. [ IBDB ] Herbert Surface's Broadway Credits posted at 7/22/2003 05:31:46 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link A reader emailed us about the possible demise of yet another theatre in NYC:
For all of the talk about restored theatres on 42nd Street, the truth is that there were nine theatres on the block (originally 11) pre-Disney, and only three of them--the New Amsterdam, the Victory and the Selwyn (I REFUSE to call it the American Airlines Theatre)-- have actually been restored. The rest have either been carved up or leveled, with the exception of the Times Square Theater, which is bracketed on both sides by the Ford Center (formerly the Lyric and Apollo Theatres). Hopefully, a Roundabout or MTC (or perhaps even Clear Channel, which holds the Ford Center lease) can be found to save it. posted at 7/22/2003 04:57:28 PM by James Marino | Item Link News: [ B ] Gerety, Leamy, LeStrange & Orbach Join Dance [ TM ] The Producers to be Featured on Curb Your Enthusiasm [ P ] Tony-nominee Johanna Day Stars in Cape Cod Theatre Project Finale Bowling, July 24-26 [ P ] Hairspray National Tour Cast Announced; Vilanch Bows in Baltimore Sept. 9 [ P ] Winner of TV's "Fame" May Find Fame Off-Broadway [ P ] Tony-Winning Conductor Paul Gemignani Lands Latest Sondheim Gig [ P ] Swan Lake's Adam Cooper Chats About Role in London On Your Toes [ P ] Hobson's Choice Extends London Run [ P ] Ana Gasteyer Is Funny Girl For Pittsburgh CLO July 22-Aug. 3; Cuccioli Croons [ P ] Spinella, Garrison, Stuhlbarg Lead Cast of Stoppard's Travesties at Williamstown, Aug. 6-17 [ P ] Betty Buckley to Play NYC's Feinstein's at the Regency; Fall Season Announced [ P ] Elaine Stritch Joins Star-Studded Help Is On the Way Benefit [ TM ] Eileen Rodgers, Star of Musicals, Dies at 73 Reviews: [ TB ] Just Us Boys Review by Matthew Murray Features: [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Chicago: Melanie Griffith Takes Her Bow posted at 7/22/2003 02:47:13 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ NYP ] TWO HUCKS IN ONE by BARBARA HOFFMAN ONCE Huck, twice shy. Or so it seemed for Daniel Jenkins, who played Huckleberry Finn the first time "Big River" splashed onto Broadway, and was asked - for the revival that opens on Broadway Thursday - to voice Huck again. [ CST ] Original reclaims 'Millie' role Darcie Roberts was the first Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie � in a reading for the Alliance of National Musical Theatres years ago. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ ND ] A Big Appetite for Bite-sized by Peter Goodman Stagecraft Squonk Opera brings its '... wunderwerk' tour to East Hampton "Edge" - Reviews: [ NYP ] PLATH PLAY HAS NO RHYME OR REASON by DONALD LYONS TAKE an unstable, paranoid woman who was also a striking confessional poet. Remove the poet and what do you get? [ YN ] 'Edge' Revives Ghost of Writer Plath by JUSTIN GLANVILLE Sylvia Plath is famous today more for her unhappy life than for her poetry and stories, which is a shame, because her work is well-regarded by scholars. Unfortunately, "Edge" � a new one-woman play about Plath at off-Broadway's DR2 Theatre � does nothing to correct that imbalance. [ ND ] The Doomed Poet Underlining All Her Words by Gordon Cox [ TB ] Edge Review by Matthew Murray [ B ] Edge Review by Adam Feldman [ ATW ] Edge Captures Plath's Restless Spirit [ TM ] Edge Reviewed By: Philip Hopkins Other Reviews: [ NYT ] CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK Lean and Hungry Time That Feels Like Today by BRUCE WEBER Daniel Sullivan's gripping horror movie of a "Julius Caesar" at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego is politically shrewd and relevant. [ TB ] Criminal Review by Matthew Murray [ DN ] New 'Producers' cast keeps us in stitches by Howard Kissel If you share my conviction that the economic health of New York is related to the quality of casting of "The Producers," you will be pleased to know that my own prognosis for the city is extremely positive. [ NYT ] TELEVISION REVIEW | 'NIP/TUCK' Snipped, Implanted, But Short of Perfect by ALESSANDRA STANLEY With Ruth Williamson. News: [ P ] Broadway Babies Andrews, O'Donnell, Hepburn, Garland Make VH1's "200 POP Icons," July 21 [ P ] Today in Theatre History: JULY 22 [ P ] Sail Away � with Tony winner Stritch � Hits Stores July 22 [ P ] Cast Announced for Berkshire Theatre Festival Revival of Assassins posted at 7/22/2003 07:51:04 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Monday, July 21, 2003 [ STARS ] AWARDS 2003: JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS 1 by STEVEN M. ALPER We analyze the results of the Chart of the Major Awards of the 2002-2003 Season, attempting to draw conclusions. Are revivals more celebrated than new works? Does your choice of title affect your chances to win? These questions and more will be answered -- with statistics! Features: [ B ] Photo Op: The Boy From Oz Cast Begins Rehearsals [ B ] Photo Op: Hot Honey Melanie Griffith Takes on Chicago News: [ B ] Broadway Grosses: Summer Stride Broadway is hitting its summer stride. Seven shows were at over 100% capacity last week. [ B ] Beckett/Albee Set to Open at Century Center [ B ] Harris, York & Lee Headline Babe in Arms in LA [ P ] Reverend Billy Launches Presidential Campaign in New York City, July 23 [ P ] Broadway Grosses: July 14-20 [ P ] Seldes/Murray in Beckett/Albee to Begin at Century Center Off Broadway, Sept. 23 [ P ] Macaulay Culkin Is Special Guest at Sh-K-Boom Concert Series, July 21 [ P ] Lithgow-Atkins Play Retreat from Moscow Begins Previews on Broadway Oct. 2 [ P ] Elliot Norton, Influential Boston Theatre Critic, Dead at 100 [ P ] Casts Set for New Duncan Sheik, Laurence O'Keefe Musicals at CT's O�Neill Center [ P ] Eileen Rodgers, Broadway Musical Actress of '50s and '60s, Dead at 73 [ P ] Laguna Playhouse Begins Late Nite Catechism Classes, July 21-Aug. 25 Reviews: [ ATW ] Going, Going, (Gone With) Miss Julie [ ATW ] Don't Miss That Play [ CU ] Fleetwood Macbeth Review posted at 7/21/2003 06:01:55 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Some special guests will be showing up at Sh-K-Boom's Boom Room in the next few days: David Yazbek will be having Patrick Wilson at his gig to sing a new song from his new musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and Macauley Culkin will be at the Petersons concert tonight as a special guest star... posted at 7/21/2003 12:32:08 PM by James Marino | Item Link [ B ] Marissa on a Mattress, Hairspray on Tour, Plus Four New CDs by Ken Mandelbaum Marissa Jaret Winokur has been mentioned for the role of Princess Winnifred in a planned ABC-TV/Craig Zadan/Neil Meron Once Upon a Mattress telefilm. The production would also star the original Winnifred, Carol Burnett, this time taking on the role of Queen Aggravain. [ P ] Off-Broadway Composer Jessica Grace Wing Dead at 31 Jessica Grace Wing, who scored many of the productions of Off-Broadway's Inverse Theatre Company and whose musical Lost is due to premiere at this summer's New York International Fringe Festival, died July 19 at her Manhattan home. Ms. Wing had been battling colon cancer. [ P ] Paul Weitz Play Roulette Added to NYS&F Line-Up at Vassar [ P ] Rare Cast Albums and Elegies CD on "Radio Playbill," July 21-27 [ B ] Esteemed Critic Elliot Norton Dead at 100 [ TM ] Broadway's Man of La Mancha to Close August 31 Broadway.com has updated its La Mancha story again, this time confirming the August 31 closing date. posted at 7/21/2003 12:18:57 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ BH ] Elliot Norton, dean of drama critics, dead at 100 by Terry Byrne Mr. Norton, known as the Dean of American Theater Critics for the respect readers and theater people had for his opinion - as well as for his longevity as a critic - won a special Tony Award for his work in 1971. [ BG ] Elliot Norton, 100, legendary critic of American theater by Ed Siegel Mr. Norton was theater critic for 48 years before retiring in 1982, having reviewed upwards of 6,000 performances, perhaps the most ever by an American critic. [ CO ] Obituary: Eileen Rodgers Thompson Eileen Rodgers Thompson, former Broadway and Columbia Records singing star, 73, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2003 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Thanks to pyewacket on All That Chat for the link. [ IBDB ] Eileen Rodgers' Broadway Credits [ P ] Mike Salinas, Founder of TheaterWeek Magazine, Dead at 46 [ V ] B.O. rises; 'Chicago' 770g Road grosses [ V ] Biz up; 'Harold' 308g Broadway grosses [ P ] From Aida to Evita: Finley Is Eva, July 21-Aug. 2, in Maine [ P ] Today in Theatre History: JULY 21 [ P ] Maureen Moore to Play Rose at July 21 Gypsy [ P ] New Plays by Hoch, Blessing, Baitz Read at Ojai Playwrights Conference, July 21-27 Meshach Taylor ("Designing Women," Beauty and the Beast), Maggie Gyllenhaal ("Secretary") and Ted Levine ("The Silence Of The Lambs" ) are among the actors cast in the 2003 Ojai Playwrights Conference, July 21-27. [ P ] Julia Murney Sings Lippa and More in New Voices Concert, July 21 [ P ] Hairspray Star Performs in Laura and Amber at NYC's Fez, July 21 [ P ] Karen Akers Offers "Theatre Songs" at Hamptons Concert July 26 [ ND ] 'Hey, Where's The Black Guy?' by Gordon Cox The touring production of the hit Broadway show "The Producers" saves money by running without a black understudy to stand by for the single black actor in the show's ensemble, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Features: [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary Filichia sees six plays in less than three days at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. [ DN ] Deaf & hearing sign on for B'way by PATRICIA O'HAIRE "Big River" is an American Sign Language adaptation of William Hauptman and Roger Miller's 1985 show based on Mark Twain's literary classic, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." [ NJ ] Signs along the way BY MICHAEL SOMMERS Huck and Jim take a unique 'Big River' voyage [ YN ] Appeal of 'Chicago' Reaching New Heights by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Writer More than six years after it first opened on Broadway, the revival of "Chicago" has found new life and new, younger audiences - not only in New York, but in a third national tour that opened last month in Washington, D.C. [ BG ] Springtime in Paris by Ethan Gilsdorf For his new play, Hershey Felder took his cast, crew to France to soak up the spirit of Chopin [ WP ] Measure for Measure, Quite an Earful by Peter Marks A new Shakespeare audio anthology -- 98 CDs recorded by some of the most accomplished British stage actors -- resounds with greatness. [ ND ] Fast Chat: Twyla Tharp by Valerie Gladstone [ DN ] The kids of 'Camp' by AMY TAUBIN The young stars of Todd Graff's movie musical strike a chord [ P ] STAGE TO SCREEN: "Camp" and Your "Phantom" Thoughts [ NYT ] HABITATS | THE WEST VILLAGE Decorating a 1-Bedroom for Comic and Rabbit by PENELOPE GREEN Amy Sedaris is a kind of Martha Stewart gone haywire, who funnels her kinetic energy into decorating her 700-square-foot apartment. [ PPG ] 'SNL' funny lady Ana Gasteyer taking 'Funny Girl' very seriously by Barbara Vancheri [ PPG ] Straight from Mexico, it's 'Chicago's 'Roxie Hart by John Hayes Thanks to American Theater Web for the two links above! Reviews: [ NYT ] CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK Poet Finds Flamenco in Heaven's Anteroom by BRUCE WEBER Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz's new play, which is having its premiere at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is an unsubstantial tribute to Federico Garc�a Lorca. [ NJ ] The great outdoors BY PETER FILICHIA Shakespeare Theatre provides some summer fun with Moliere comedy [ NYer ] TIME TRIALS by JOHN LAHR Kingship and kinship in "Henry V" and "Flesh and Blood." [ ND ] Pizzazz Is Tough to Reproduce by Gordon Cox But Mel Brooks' hit is still in solid hands [ TB ] (Gone With) Miss Julie Review by Matthew Murray [ TB ] The $25,000 Pyramid Review by Matthew Murray [ TB ] That Play Review by Matthew Murray If you think there's nothing left to be said about Macbeth, think again; Tom Gualtieri is ready to prove you wrong. [ TB ] Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story Review by Matthew Murray A show so dark and unrelenting that it has a tendency to make Sweet Smell of Success look like Guys and Dolls in comparison, Thrill Me is a completely continuous, integrated musical exploring every facet of Leopold and Loeb's hearts and minds. If you can accept that you'll need a flashlight - and probably a shower - to make it through it all, Thrill Me is unquestionably worth seeing. [ TB ] Conquest of the Universe Review by Matthew Murray Salt Theater knows all too well that summer is a perfect time for camping, so their production of Charles Ludlam's 1967 Conquest of the Universe (or When Queens Collide) will fit right in. Broadway.com has updated its Man of La Mancha story (see link below) to read "The show is currently only selling tickets through September 14 and could close even sooner." posted at 7/21/2003 08:03:34 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Sunday, July 20, 2003 [ B ] Man of La Mancha to Close September 14 The Broadway revival of Man of La Mancha, starring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Marin Mazzie, will ride out of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on September 14, according to a box office representative. [ P ] Man of La Mancha Expected to Close Aug. 31 The cast of Broadway's Man of La Mancha was told July 18 that the popular revival would close Aug. 31 after 10 months. September 14 or August 31? Hmm. Well, I finally saw La Mancha this afternoon, and, big sap that I am, I'm very glad I did. posted at 7/20/2003 09:35:12 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ NYT ] 'Big River' Sings (and Signs) on Broadway By Jonathan Mandell [ NYT ] Roger Miller: King of the Rhyme Remembering the 'Jerome Corn of the American Musical' By Rocco Landesman [ N ] Twice-Told Twain' Huck Finn returns to adventures on the 'Big River,' but this time Daniel Jenkins is marking his words - in speech and sign language [ DN ] The kids of 'Camp' By Amy Taubin The young stars of Todd Graff's movie musical strike a chord [ P ] August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean Comes Ashore at Los Angeles' Taper, July 20 [ P ] Marc Kudisch Leaves Millie for Men July 20; Bohemian Ben Davis in the Wings [ P ] David Hampton, Con-Man Whose Exploits Inspired Six Degrees, Dead at 39 David Hampton, the inpiration for the young black con-man who fools white New York society in John Guare's popular play, Six Degrees of Separation, died at New York's Beth Israel Hospital, a friend told newspapers and wire services. [ P ] York Reading Series Has New Musical, Mr. Anonymous, July 20 Mr. Anonymous, a new musical about the journey of a young poet, will be heard 7:30 PM July 20 in the York Theatre Company's developmental reading series in Manhattan. [ P ] Off-Broadway Musical Hank Williams: Lost Highway to Close July 20 posted at 7/20/2003 07:08:43 PM by the other James | Item Link BroadwayStars is powered by Blogger Pro! [Past News] |
2007-08
|
|||||||||||||||
© 1997 - 2010 2die4 Productions, Inc. (none) | 172.71.255.133 |