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Saturday, September 27, 2003 [ NYT ] Broadway's 'Cabaret' Gets a New MC Adam Pascal joins the cast of the long-running revival at Studio 54 on Oct. 17. The show, set in 1930s Berlin, will close Nov. 2 after 2,306 performances, a nearly six-year run. He will replace Jon Secada, who leaves the Kander and Ebb musical Oct. 12. posted at 9/27/2003 10:45:36 PM by the other James | Item Link News: [ YN ] Entertainer Donald O'Connor Dies at 78 O'Connor, who had been in declining health in recent years, died of heart failure at a retirement home in Calabasas, his daughter, Alicia O'Connor, told The Associated Press. In a brief statement, the family said that among O'Connor's last words was the following quip: "I'd like to thank the Academy for my lifetime achievement award that I will eventually get." [ YN ] Some of Donald O'Connor's Films [ IBDB ] Donald O'Connor's Broadway Credits [ LAT ] Old Globe to revive Shakespeare in repertory by Don Shirley Real repertory will return to San Diego's Old Globe Theatre next summer because "I stuck my neck out and I've been terribly stubborn about it," says the company's longtime leader, Craig Noel, who has worked at the Globe since 1937. Features: [ NYT ] Frayn's Trip from Copenhagen to East Germany by BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE Michael Frayn's new play "Democracy" fascinates you with the ins and outs of German politics in the supposedly boring 1970's. [ NYT ] EXCERPT 'Recent Tragic Events' Craig Wright's philosophical comedy concerns a blind date between two ordinary Midwesterners on an extraordinary evening � Sept. 12, 2001. [ P ] Send in the Clown Signature Theatre Company enters its 13th season laughing, as it names Bill Irwin Playwright-In-Residence for 2003-2004 [ LAT ] Who would play Lady Macbeth? by Lisa Fung When Britain's Eddie Izzard made his Broadway debut this year in "A Day in the Death of Joe Egg," he surprised many with his dramatic turn in the Peter Nichols play about a couple coping with a severely disabled child. [ LAT ] A gem of an evening by Ann Conway South Coast Repertory brings the Big Apple to Orange Country as it celebrates its 40th anniversary with an elegant "Supper at Tiffany." Reviews: [ CU ] Democracy London Review by Lizzie Loveridge posted at 9/27/2003 10:29:40 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Reviews: [ JN ] Life, Kicks and All by EDWARD BUROUGHS An evening in the theater with three engaging actors can't help but yield pleasures. Give them roles as bright women consumed by childrearing to the sacrifice of most everything else and the event becomes a welcome look at a part of life today that's rarely explored on stage. "Soccer Moms" by Kathleen Clark, in New Rochelle. Directed by Judith Ivey, and starring Nancy Ringham (her "Follies" co-star) and Heather Dilly (the sister of another "Follies" co-star). [ BG ] Plot-thin 'Three Songs' hits all the wrong notes by Sandy MacDonald LOWELL -- Writer William Mesnik couldn't be too happy that the movie "A Mighty Wind" -- Christopher Guest's parody of a folkie reunion concert -- came along just in time to steal the thunder from his own small-scale theatrical foray, "Three Songs," now receiving its East Coast premiere at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Ultimately, there's not much of a contest. With Kaitlin Hopkins. [ BG ] Rock 'n' roll lives in 'Memphis' by Ed Siegel BEVERLY - When rock 'n' roll meets musical theater the result is usually rock 'n' snooze. The rebelliousness of rock and the uplift of show music often make for pretentious crossovers rather than for harmonious soul mates. Not so for "Memphis,'' which blends the virtues of both genres into a most agreeable mix in its world premiere at the North Shore Music Theatre. To its credit, the theater averages one new work a year, and this is easily the best since "Abyssinia'' in 1995. It is also, judging from Thursday's opening-night audience, a real crowd pleaser. [ TB ] Spain Re-develops at Playwrights Theatre Review by Bob Rendell News: [ B ] Stage Notes 09/24/03 by Paul Wontorek [ NYT ] 'Assassins' Ready Again by JESSE McKINLEY After several years of delays, the Roundabout Theater Company appears poised to produce a major revival of Stephen Sondheim's and John Weidman's "Assassins." [ WP ] Standing Ovation by Benjamin Forgey Arena Stage Expansion Would Add Drama to Historic Theater [ NYT ] Pay Deal for Actors in Ads by BLOOMBERG NEWS The Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and an advertising trade group reached a tentative new pay agreement yesterday covering TV and radio commercials. [ P ] Today in Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 27 [ P ] Shakespeare's Many Dead Haunt the Living This Halloween [ P ] Lippa's The Wild Party to Make Minneapolis Debut in 2004 [ P ] Delta Dawns: Burke Joins Bway's Millie Earlier Than Expected, Sept. 26 [ P ] Boucicault's Melodrama, Colleen Bawn, Gets NYC Irish Rep Run Oct. 10-Nov. 30 posted at 9/27/2003 05:09:05 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ B ] Delta Burke Gets Early Start as Millie's Meers Excuse me. EXCUSE ME !! [ P ] "Wonder Years" McKellar Graduates to Proof's Mathematician at San Diego Rep, Sept. 27-Oct. 26 [ NYP ] Hairy Situations OK, it has nothing to do with theater, but Rodney is a great guy and an excellent runner and triathlete. posted at 9/27/2003 12:21:49 PM by the other James | Item Link Friday, September 26, 2003 Features: [ B ] Photo Op: The Jackmans Host a Starry Film Aid Benefit [ LAT ] Images that smolder by Nilo Cruz Cigars fire the 'Anna in the Tropics' playwright's imagination, wafting from his family's dreams to factory workers' aspirations. [ LADN ] A coup for California Repertory by Alessandra Djurklou The author of the best selling 'Dante Club' allows it to be adapted and given a world premiere in Long Beach News: [ B ] Cast Set for Caroline, or Change at the Public [ TM ] Ted Chapin to Discuss His Follies Book at NYPL [ P ] Chapin Discuss the Making of Follies Oct. 2; "Everything Was Possible" On Shelves Sept. 30 [ P ] New York Stage and Film Celebrates 20 Years with Dec. 7 Benefit Reviews: [ LAT ] Klugman provides the answers If you're a fan of show business anecdotes, you'll find an embarrassment of riches in "An Evening With Jack Klugman" at the Falcon Theatre. [ LADN ] Klugman plumbs past in satisfying 'Evening' by Julio Martinez "An Evening With Jack Klugman,' which opens the Falcon Theatre's second subscription season, is a thoroughly enjoyable two-hour sojourn down 81-year-old Klugman's memory lane. Thanks to American Theater Web for this link, and for the other LA Daily News article above. [ CU ] Resurrection Blues Review posted at 9/26/2003 05:43:00 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ B ] Q & A: 9/26/03 by Ken Mandelbaum [ TM ] All Musicals, All the Time David Finkle offers a first-hand report on this year's NAMT Festival of New Musicals. [ P ] DIVA TALK: A Chat with Avenue Q's Stephanie D'Abruzzo Plus News of Egan, Holliday and MORE News: [ P ] Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel To Open Roundabout's New Off-Broadway Theatre [ P ] Keith Reddin's Works Are the Focus ofChicago's Eclipse Theatre in 2004, Starting With Frame 312 [ P ] Tom Wiggins to Play Opposite Farrah Fawcett in Bobbi Boland [ P ] PBOL'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, Sept. 20-26: Mad Playwrights and Englishmen [ P ] Kristen Johnston and Lili Taylor Are Aunt Dan and Lemon for The New Group, Dec. 9-Jan. 25 [ P ] Joe Morton and Aunjanue Ellis Join Drowning Crow on Broadway [ P ] Ayckbourn's Body Language to Make U.S. Debut at NJ Theatre [ B ] Shuberts Renovate Theaters to Comply with ADA [ B ] Aunjanue Ellis & Joe Morton Join Drowning Crow [ TM ] Meet Jerry Herman at Coliseum Books on October 13 Reviews: [ TB ] 12 Miles West's Triumphant NJ Premiere of The Loman Family Picnic Review by Bob Rendell posted at 9/26/2003 03:56:49 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ R ] British Singer Robert Palmer Dies in Paris British rock singer Robert Palmer, whose smart suits and laconic style set the tone for much of the 1980s pop scene, died in Paris of a heart attack early Friday, his record company said. He was 54. Palmer's hit "Simply Irresistable" was a memorable part of Broadway's Contact. [ P ] Report: Assassins Aims for Broadway in March at Roundabout's Studio 54 Assassins will take its aim at Broadway's Studio 54 in March, according to Variety. [ B ] Johnston & Taylor to Star in Aunt Dan & Lemon Kristen Johnston and Lili Taylor are set to star in the New Group Theater's revival of Wallace Shawn's Aunt Dan & Lemon, according to a production spokesperson. [ P ] Blazer, Jacoby, Worley Headline On The Twentieth Century in San Jose, Oct. 31-Nov. 16 [ P ] McKechnie, Foster, Bogart and Hoty to Sing Broadway Showstoppers [ P ] "I Can Hear the Bells": My Big Gay Italian Wedding Arrives Nov. 7 [ TM ] Playwright Herb Gardner is Dead at 68 Reviews: [ B ] Omnium Gatherum Review by William Stevenson "It takes every kind of people to make the world go round." �Robert Palmer, 1949-2003 posted at 9/26/2003 11:33:43 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ NYP ] LONDON IS GOING WILD OVER WILLY by MICHAEL RIEDEL Leave it to Michael Frayn, author of the Tony Award-winning "Copenhagen," to take a 30-year-old European political scandal and turn it into a play that's packing the National Theatre to the rafters. [ ND ] Little Shot of Humor by Blake Green Maybe the devil made them do it, but Jerry Zaks and Alan Menken have put the laughs back on Broadway with a "Little Shop" revival [ ND ] He Got 'Shop' in Shape by Blake Green Set designer Scott Pask is multitasking. [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary In remembrance of the show's demise 38 years ago, Filichia details the Sondheim-Rodgers collaboration Do I Hear a Waltz? [ BG ] On NEA tour, all the country's their stage by Louise Kennedy New York's Aquila Theatre Company is performing "Othello" this weekend in Keene, N.H. But some of the most newsworthy drama has already occurred offstage. News: [ BG ] Police investigate alleged assault during union protest at Wang by Maureen Dezell Boston police are investigating a report of assault and battery during an Actors' Equity Association demonstration outside the Wang Theatre on Wednesday evening. [ NYT ] Theater Group Improves Access for Disabled by SABRINA TAVERNISE A group of companies that owns about half of the theaters on Broadway said that it had revamped 16 properties to make them more accessible to theatergoers with disabilities. [ P ] Today in Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 26 [ P ] Wilkof, LuPone, Maloney, Boyd and Cullen Have Four Beers Off-Broadway, Sept. 26 [ P ] Musical Stoop on Orchard Street Is Grassroots Smash Off-Bway, Earning $350,000 Advance [ P ] Starry Eyed Again: Cabin in the Sky Gets Concert by Musicals Tonight! in NYC , Oct. 21-Nov. 9 "Omnium Gatherum" - Reviews: [ DN ] Dinner party play leaves a bad taste by Howard Kissel "Omnium Gatherum" is a pretentious cartoon, neither witty nor original enough to constitute a comic take on a dark subject. [ NJ ] Dinner party sinks teeth in timely topics BY MICHAEL SOMMERS Op-ed lovers take note -- "Omnium Gatherum" is a clever comedy of ideas, where everybody gets riled up over global and social politics during a fancy dinner party in hell. [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'OMNIUM GATHERUM' A Feisty Feast of Wicked Wit by BEN BRANTLEY This dinner-party of a play sends up contemporary political debates that are brought to dizzying life by the vibrant ensemble gathered at the table. [ TM ] Omnium Gatherum Reviewed By: David Finkle Other Reviews: [ NYP ] 'PORTRAITS' SKIRTS 9/11 by DONALD LYONS THE biographies of the victims of Sept. 11, 2001 made riveting reading, leaving one with the feeling that simple fact was the finest tribute. There has, however, grown up a subspecies of writing that consists largely of invented tales of those who were somehow part of it, of which Jonathan Bell's play "Portraits" is a sample. [ TM ] The Siegels' Nightlife Notes From England to Ireland: The Siegels take in Maria Friedman at the Caf� Carlyle and Ronan Tynan at Feinstein's. [ NYT ] CABARET REVIEW | MARIA FRIEDMAN Where Zany and Demure Converge by STEPHEN HOLDEN Maria Friedman combines the semi-operatic polish of Julie Andrews with the antic playfulness of Gertrude Lawrence, as seen in her performance at the Cafe Carlyle on Tuesday. [ NYT ] CABARET REVIEW | RONAN TYNAN Emotion Without Flourishes by STEPHEN HOLDEN Ronan Tynan's strong, unornamented singing, as seen at Feinstein's at the Regency, is a distinct relief from the singers who oversell their material. [ INQ ] 'Resurrection Blues' a glimpse of Miller's twilight as playwright by Desmond Ryan The world first saw Death of Salesman in 1949 when it premiered here at the Locust Street Theater. The East Coast premiere of Resurrection Blues brings him back a half-century later with a vision of unrelieved moral bankruptcy. posted at 9/26/2003 08:47:34 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Thursday, September 25, 2003 News: [ NYT ] ON STAGE AND OFF A Bigger Gene Pool by JASON ZINOMAN Brian Kulick, the new artistic director of the Classic Stage Company; James Houghton and the O'Neill Playwrights Conference; Anthony Page on directing "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." [ YN ] B'way Theaters to Be Wheelchair Accessible [ BS ] A.R.T./NY Preps 'Prelude to Off-Broadway Weekend' Sixteen Theatre Groups Prepare 90-Minute Peeks at Upcoming Work Reviews: [ TB ] Omnium Gatherum Review by Matthew Murray Welcome to the world of Omnium Gatherum, the appetizing new play (and hit of the 2003 Humana Festival) by Theresa Rebeck and Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros at the Variety Arts Theatre. [ LAT ] Age-old tale weaves in modern-day angst by Don Shirley Going for relevance, 'Beauty' explores characters' inner lives, but the reworking fails to connect emotionally. Features: [ BS ] I'll Have the Acting Career with a Side Order of Small Business "Slaving away at a job is no way to go for the new millennium!" So asserts actor John "Bones" Rodriguez, who supplements his acting income by running a small business. posted at 9/25/2003 09:34:24 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ P ] Herb Gardner, Tony-Winning Playwright of I'm Not Rappaport, Dead at 68 [ B ] Playwright Herb Gardner Dead at 68 [ IBDB ] Herb Gardner's Broadway Credits [ P ] Edward Said Is Dead at 67; Model for Omnium Character Edward Said, the Palestinian-born Columbia University professor who was the likely model for a character in the Off-Broadway play Omnium Gatherum, died Sept. 25 in New York City. He was 67, and had suffered from leukemia for years, Associated Press reported. [ NYT ] Edward Said, Leading Advocate of Palestinians, Dies at 67 [ TB ] Darrell Henline, publisher of Cabaret Scenes, dies [ P ] Memorial Planned for Brad Nelson Winters, Slain Chicago Director, Sept. 29; His Troupe's Show Goes On [ P ] Shakespeare and Elizabeth Meet in "Elizabeth Rex," Airing on CBC-TV Sept. 25 and Oct. 2; Brent Carver Stars [ P ] Berkshire Village Idiot to Close on Sept. 28 [ P ] "Friends"' Matthew Perry and Father Split World Premiere of The Whole Banana, Oct. 2-Nov. 9 [ P ] Strathairn and Wilson to Participate in Oct. 9 Reading at 92nd Street Y [ P ] Sondheim-Weidman Bounce to Begin Rehearsals for DC Run Oct. 6 [ P ] Jennifer Holliday Music Video Available on "Rising Place" DVD [ P ] Broadway's Avenue Q Gets "A Little Bit Racist" for "The View," Sept. 26 [ P ] Tim Blake Nelson Is Will in The Beard of Avon at New York Theatre Workshop, Starting Oct. 31 [ P ] LaChiusa's Wild Party Given Rare Mounting at Yale, Oct. 2-4 [ P ] Show Boat Docks at Lincolnshire's Marriott Theatre, Sept. 25-Nov. 30; Griffin at the Helm [ P ] Cast of Omnium Eats Well as Gourmet Gotham Eatery Provides Nightly Chow [ P ] Tickets on Sale for Cook's Carnegie Return, Mostly Sondheim Revisited [ P ] New Jersey Theatre Company to Begin $15 Million Theatre Project [ P ] Aida Star Offers Joe's Pub Concert in October [ B ] Boyett & Haber Ink Deal with London's National [ TM ] Woodie King, Jr. to Receive Paul Robeson Award [ TM ] Hairspray to Hold Open Auditions Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Miss America Visits Mrs. Turnblad [ B ] Photo Op: Mayor Bloomberg Honors the Roundabout with a Key [ B ] Photo Op: A Sardi's Celebration for Antonio & Melanie Reviews: [ ND ] Omnium Gatherum by Linda Winer Almost everything you need to know about "Omnium Gatherum," the Sept. 11 apocalyptic satire that opened last night at the Variety Arts Theatre, is served on a theatrical platter in the first few moments. [ YN ] 'Omnium Gatherum' Features Dinner, Debate by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic Want a spirited discussion of globalization along with your golden and candy-cane beet tartare? Or maybe a hostile debate over America's war on terrorism since Sept. 11 while munching on wild Columbia River salmon and fingerling potatoes? Such is the predicament with which guests at an elegant dinner party are faced in "Omnium Gatherum," the provocative new play by Theresa Rebeck and Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros. [ TM ] Anna in the Tropics Chicago Review By Jonathan Abarbanel posted at 9/25/2003 06:51:46 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link [ NYT ] Herb Gardner, Hit Broadway Playwright, Dies at 68 posted at 9/25/2003 03:48:16 PM by James Marino | Item Link Reviews: [ B ] CDs: Casualties of the Road by Ken Mandelbaum LOST IN BOSTON (Fynsworth Alley) DAS BARBECU (Fynsworth Alley) LINDA EDER: STORYBOOK (Angel) THE MUSICALITY OF KANDER AND EBB/ RODGERS AND HART (JAY) [ ATW ] Greek Myth Via Hughes and Disney Review by Andy Propst News: [ YN ] Writer Praised by Stephen King Gets Deal Actor Ron McLarty, whose long struggle to publish a novel was greatly boosted by a plug from Stephen King, has agreed to a two-book deal with Viking Penguin. [ P ] London's Phantom of the Opera Announces Cast Changes [ P ] Annual Review Published by London's National Theatre [ P ] Pellow to Star in Chicago at U.K.'s Alexandra Theatre [ P ] London's National Theatre Signs Three-Year Deal with American Producers posted at 9/25/2003 10:41:20 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ NYT ] Producers to Import London Shows by JASON ZINOMAN A deal between London's National Theater and the stage producers Boy Boyett and Bill Haber will bring more British plays to New York in the next three years. [ B ] Wiggin to Star Opposite Fawcett in Bobbi Boland [ NYP ] PAGE SIX THE Actors Studio - now under the control of Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel and Ellen Burstyn - is making enemies by evicting some of its elderly members. [ BG ] Union members act up against 'Miss Saigon' by Maureen Dezell Protesting the use of non-union actors and stage managers in a touring production of "Miss Saigon," Actors' Equity Association members last night staged one-act musical and informational picket outside the opening performance of "Miss Saigon" at the Wang Theatre. [ ND ] 'Paper Doll' Makes The Cut for B'way by Gordon Cox Plus an interview with the Classic Stage Company's Brian Kulick. [ NJ ] Center stage by Peter Filichia Two River to rise [ NYT ] Broadcaster Offers to Help Bottom Line With Its Rent by SUSAN SAULNY A lawyer for the Bottom Line announced in court yesterday that a young Manhattan-based company, Sirius Satellite Radio, had agreed to become an investor in the club, helping it with promotion and making a $185,000 lump-sum payment to the university. [ P ] Today in Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 25 [ P ] Journalist and TheaterWeek Founder Mike Salinas Remembered Sept. 25 [ P ] Hot Stuff: Omnium Gatherum Serves Up Debate and Dessert Off-Broadway Features: [ DN ] Curtain calls Smits by ROBERT DOMINGUEZ If you're wondering whatever happened to Jimmy Smits after "NYPD Blue," he�s in New Jersey. [ DN ] 'Designing' woman's a bigwig on B'way by CELIA McGEE Delta Burke has her own way of letting her hair down. Or "lettin,'" as she drawls. [ NYP ] PLAY BY PLAY by BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON SPORTS fans may want to tear themselves away from the tube for a while this season - to head into the theater. Sparked in part by the success of Richard Greenberg's Tony-winning baseball drama "Take Me Out," the fall slate includes a number of plays with sports and sport-related themes. [ BS ] Not So Elementary, Our Dear Holmes Rupert Holmes lays it all out with his new book, Where the Truth Lies. [ NYT ] Casting Call for the Wives of Stepford by ALISON LEIGH COWAN More than 2,000 would-be Stepford wives and husbands lined up to audition as extras for a remake of "The Stepford Wives." [ YN ] Auction to Be First of Just Hirschfeld's by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Writer [ CST ] All Albee, all the time BY HEDY WEISS Now 75, and still as full of energy and vinegar as ever, Albee is about to be feted with a six-week retrospective of his work on both stages of the Goodman Theatre. [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Mayor Bloomberg at Studio 54 [ P ] PHOTO CALL: Maria Friedman's Cabaret Debut Reviews: [ DN ] This Brit's a hit in her N.Y. debut by Howard Kissel Few cabaret performers make their New York debuts under auspices as prestigious as the London singer Maria Friedman, whose opening at the Cafe Carlyle boasted Barbara Cook and Stephen Sondheim as hosts. [ TB ] Cupid and Psyche Review by Matthew Murray [ TM ] Cupid and Psyche Reviewed By: Brooke Pierce [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW Recent Plays "Chekhov's Rifle," "Far and Wide" and "In Spite of Myself." [ ATW ] Comedy Tonight: Identical Same Temptation Hits a Bull's Eye; Chekhov's Rifle Misfires Review by Andy Propst [ NYP ] LOSE THE PROFESSOR, SEND IN THE CLOWN by DONALD LYONS BILL Irwin is an intellectual clown who worries constantly about the history and meaning of being a clown. When he's not busy worrying, he can be funny, as he's proved time and again, expecially in anything by Beckett. [ TS ] Chicago is back, jazzy as ever by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN I've caught at least a half-dozen different casts in the Walter Bobbie-Ann Reinking production and the one which opened last night at the Canon Theatre is right up there with the best of them. [ NYT ] POP REVIEW | JANE BIRKIN A Vulnerable Singer's Farewell to a Beloved Troublemaker by JON PARELES The English singer and actress Jane Birkin performed a tender elegy to her lover, the songwriter Serge Gainsburg, at Florence Gould Hall on Friday. [ ATW ] CDs:DRG's Look Back for August Review by Andy Propst [ CU ] Beauty Los Angeles Review by Jana J. Monji posted at 9/25/2003 09:41:53 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Wednesday, September 24, 2003 Features: [ B ] Photo Op: Chess Returns to the Broadway Stage [ WP ] Exhibition: Shakespeare Fakers Worthy of the Bard by Philip Kennicott Literary malfeasance, over time, becomes just another fact of literary history, and master deceivers present as interesting a study in psychology as many a legitimate literary figure. News: [ FOX ] 'Law & Order': A Jerry Orbach Spin-Off? by Roger Friedman [ NJ ] Want cheap tickets? Get them online BY PEGGY McGLONE Bargain tickets for a night at the theater are just a few keystrokes away -- at the New Jersey Theatre Alliance's new Web-based discount ticket booth, njArtsTix.org. [ B ] Beckett/Albee Delays Previews Until 9/25 [ B ] Cast Set for The Beard of Avon at NYTW Mark Harelik, Tim Blake Nelson and Tony-nominated actress Mary Louise Wilson are set to star in the upcoming New York Theater Workshop production of Amy Freed's The Beard of Avon. [ P ] Karen Finley's Make Love Extends Yet Again, to Nov. 16 [ P ] Full Cast of London Millie Announced; Begins Oct. 11 [ P ] Martin Gottfried, Anne Jackson, Eli Wallach Discuss Arthur Miller, Sept. 30 [ P ] Robert Lyons' No Meat No Irony Opens Off-Broadway, Sept. 26 [ P ] Delayed Beckett/Albee Goes Sept. 24/Sept. 25 [ P ] Off-Broadway's Pieces to Open in Los Angeles, Oct. 29 [ P ] Broadway-Bound Masada Musical Books Chicago Tryout for 2004 Reviews: [ VV ] Irwinning Combination by Michael Feingold What Do Clowns Brew Up That's Everyone's Favorite Bubbly Beverage? Harlequinade! [ CST ] 'Tropics' burns with fiery passion BY HEDY WEISS [ TM ] Tunes, Tomes, & Videos Michael Portantiere reviews new CD issues of the soundtrack albums of Bye Bye Birdie and Sweet Charity. posted at 9/24/2003 07:05:05 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link News: [ NYP ] A ROSIE OUTLOOK by MICHAEL RIEDEL In this space last week, I tried to analyze why the unorthodox marketing campaign for "Taboo," the $10 million musical starring Boy George that Rosie O'Donnell is producing, has failed to ignite ticket sales. The column prompted a letter from Nancy Coyne, president of Serino Coyne Inc., O'Donnell's ad agency, rebutting my analysis. [ B ] Masada to Play Chicago's Shubert in Fall 2004 Plans are firming up for Masada, a musical based on the mass suicide of a thousand Jews. For people who thought "Sweeney Todd" and "Thou Shalt Not" were too cheery... [ B ] Julia Roberts in Talks to Star in Closer Film The Academy Award-winning actress is in negotiations to replace Cate Blanchett in the film, according to Variety. Blanchett recently withdrew from the film because she is pregnant with her second child. [ P ] Gordon Jump, Character Actor, Is Dead at 71 [ P ] Get "Up Close & Personal" with Matt Bogart Oct. 12 [ P ] Rubano, Officer and Blackhurst Part of Downtown Revivals Season [ P ] Betty Buckley Live to Benefit Peter Pan Children's Fund [ P ] Rosenberg Espionage Trials Explored in New Musical Red [ P ] Cabaret's Susan Egan Offers Solo Concerts Oct. 28-Nov. 1 [ P ] Julia Roberts May Replace Cate Blanchett in Closer Film [ P ] Venus Envy: Cupid and Psyche, the Musical, Opens Off-Bway Sept. 24 Features: [ USA ] Oh, Boy George and Rosie by Elysa Gardner He saunters into the room wearing a fluorescent aqua tie, a Russian military hat festooned with pins, and enough eye makeup and rouge to scare off a Vegas showgirl. She enters quietly, dressed down in a black jacket and pants. Still, Rosie O'Donnell insists that she and Boy George "are very much alike." Reviews: [ B ] DVDs: Existential Problem in Tights and Tight Close-Ups by Ken Mandelbaum ELAINE STRITCH AT LIBERTY (Image Entertainment) [ TS ] Young rebels act out with hurricane force by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN "This Is Our Youth," as directed by Woody Harrelson in Toronto. [ CU ] The Rivals Review [ CU ] Chekhov's Rifle Review posted at 9/24/2003 01:02:58 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary Filichia gets to see three different shows at one theater when he spends the day at the John Houseman. [ TM ] Sweet Charity by: Michael Portantiere and Joseph Marzullo Theater people give their all to make smashing successes of The Actors' Fund's Chess concert and BC/EFA's Flea Market and Grand Auction. [ B ] Random Notes on This and That: 9/23/03 by Ken Mandelbaum Chess has a score that doesn't quit, with one big showpiece giving way to the next. It's a work that allows for a great deal of high-powered vocal display, and it got it last night at the New Amsterdam. [ P ] DIVA TALK SPECIAL: Julia and Josh Dazzle in All-Star Chess [ B ] Photo Op: First Look at the World of Wicked [ B ] Photo Op: Taking Time with the Cast of The Caretaker [ B ] Photo Op: Benny & Bj�rn Visit Their New Dancing Queen News: [ P ] Today in Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 24 [ P ] Philly's Wilma Opens Season With East Coast Debut of Miller's Resurrection Blues, Sept. 24 [ P ] Seldes/Murray Begin in Beckett/Albee Off-Broadway, Sept. 24 [ P ] Graciela Daniele Directs Tock Tick, a Musical With a Science Fiction Flavor, Oct. 17 in NYC [ P ] Broadway Inspirational Voices to Offer Holiday CD in October [ P ] Fringe Festival Winner and Voice of "South Park" on "Radio Playbill" Sept. 22-Oct. 4 [ P ] Frayn's London Democracy Draws Attention of New York Producers [ P ] Judith Ivey Stars in Women on Fire at Cherry Lane, Oct. 14-25 [ P ] It's The Talent Family's Sedaris at NJPAC October 2 [ P ] True West Concludes Season at Cape Cod's WHAT, Oct. 2-26 [ P ] Works By Williams, Sweet, Reddin and Wilson Part of Free Octoberfest Series An unknown play by Tennessee Williams � Stairs to the Roof � is just one of the eighty works that will be offered during Octoberfest 2003. [ P ] Alison Fraser and Urinetown's Creek to Star in Reading of New Musical Emoh Ruo [ P ] Abraham and Dennehy Up Their Stays in Off-Broadway's Trumbo [ P ] Keen Company Season Begins With Wodehouse's Bill [ P ] Almost Goodnight for Saigon; Equity Picket Line Threatens Non-Union Tour in Boston [ P ] Blazer, Baldwin, James and Luker Sing Songs by Rising Composers, and Kander Surprises, Sept. 29 [ P ] Off-Broadway's Beckett/Albee Delays First Preview to Sept. 24 [ B ] F. Murray Abraham Extends His Stay in Trumbo [ B ] B'way Costume Supervisor Adelaide Laurino Dies [ B ] Broadway Grosses: River Swells Big River ended its Broadway run last week on a wave of popularity. The unusual presentation of the musical, which featured both deaf and hearing actors, closed its extended run at the American Airlines Theater at 100% capacity. [ TM ] All-Star LAByrinth Theater Company Benefit Slated Reviews: [ TB ] Chekhov's Rifle Review by Matthew Murray [ TM ] Chekhov's Rifle Reviewed By: David Finkle posted at 9/24/2003 07:49:20 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Tuesday, September 23, 2003 [ NYT ] For Venerable Theater, It's a Body Transplant by DAVID W. DUNLAP The Biltmore Theater on 47th Street in Manhattan, reopening next month as an additional home for the Manhattan Theater Club, has not so much been renovated as recreated. News: [ BH ] Union fires salvos at 'Saigon' by Robert Nesti Picketing outside the Wang Theatre yesterday threatened tonight's opening of "Miss Saigon." However, Wang Center President and CEO Josiah A. Spaulding Jr. vowed late yesterday that the curtain will go up. [ NYP ] CINDY ADAMS DAWN OF DELTA'S B'WAY DEBUT [ * ] Megan Mullally marries Mullally surprised her friends and family -- including her own mom -- by marrying fianc� Nick Offerman in a private ceremony Saturday night. [ P ] Today in Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 23 [ P ] Trevor Nunn's Anything Goes, with Barrowman, Begins West End Life Sept. 23 [ P ] Mayor Michael Bloomberg Presents Key to Studio 54 to Roundabout Theatre, Sept. 23 [ P ] Let's Rock 'n Roll: New Musical Memphis World Premieres at NSMT Sept. 23 [ P ] Olivier Award Winner Maria Friedman Makes NYC Debut Sept. 23 [ P ] F. Murray Abraham Becomes Trumbo in Off-Broadway Homage, Sept. 23-28 [ P ] Disney & MTI Developing Kid Theatre Versions of "Mulan," "Cinderella," "Jungle Book," "Newsies" and More [ P ] In the Age of Smokeless NYC Bars, an Exiled Chain Smoker Rebels, Oct. 8-Nov. 1 [ P ] Broadway Grosses: September 15-21 [ P ] Broadway's Noise/ Funk Tony Winner Savion Glover Plays New York's Joyce, Dec. 16-Jan. 4 [ P ] MTI Will License Disney's Aida and Beauty and the Beast for Regional and Amateur Markets [ P ] Rob Marshall and Ted Snowden Receive Genie Awards Reviews: [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'PORTRAITS' Everymen and Everywomen Hear Reverberations of 9/11 by NEIL GENZLINGER The play by Jonathan Bell initially refuses to be exploitative or trivial, but then succumbs by providing condescending views of Sept. 11's everyman heroes. [ YN ] 'Portraits' Unconvincing As a 9-11 Play by JUSTIN GLANVILLE [ NJ ] Pallid Portraits of 9/11 BY MICHAEL SOMMERS A series of brief character studies, "Portraits" is undeniably well-meaning but proves to be not so much of a play as a lackluster 9/11 memorial. [ NJ ] 'Family' value: It's not Miller's 'Loman' but it's a triumph at 12 Miles West BY PETER FILICHIA "Death of a Salesman" set to music? Yes, for one scene, anyway, in Donald Margulies' "The Loman Family Picnic," currently at 12 Miles West Theatre Company in Montclair. [ SD ] This 'Beauty' sits quite well in the eyes of the beholders by Anne Marie Welsh Just before the "ever after" ending of Tina Landau's vividly enacted new play "Beauty" the wily crone Constance hears a litany of questions the surrounding couples ask before they free fall into love. Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ ATW ] CDs: Fynsworth Alley Brings Delightful Sail Away to Modern Listeners Review by Andy Propst ***** [ B ] Photo Op: The 2003 BC/EFA Flea Market Brings in the Bucks! See that photo of Bernadette holding an autographed Gypsy Playbill? Well, that's MY Playbill she's holding. She signed it for me, and then Bruce Glikas walked up and asked if I could hand it back to Bernadette so she could hold it for the camera. My contribution to the day - thanks, Bruce. (And thanks to Bernadette too!) The Flea Market was a lot of fun, as usual. It's great to run into old friends and to find new ones who share your obsessions. Plus it feels great to spend way too much money when you know it's going to a great cause. The Celebrity Table was even more frustrating than in the past - it took about an hour to get through the line. And the delays meant that I just missed out on getting autographs from some of my favorites, like Chita Rivera, Donna McKechnie and Nathan Lane. Still, there were moments that made the wait worthwhile. Like seeing Mary Beth Peil's face light up when I showed her my program for They All Laughed from Goodspeed. Or showing Susan Egan my ticket from the first show I saw her in, Bye Bye Birdie in 1991 ("In Philadelphia!" she said. "I got my Equity card there!") Also, I got to speak to Susan Egan without drooling � which, for me, was quite a feat of self-control... ;-) posted at 9/23/2003 07:53:51 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Monday, September 22, 2003 Features: [ P ] PHOTO CALL: 17th Annual Broadway Flea Market [ WP ] Essay: Navigating a New World by Philip Kennicott To launch its "Shakespeare in American Communities" tour, the NEA chose a down-on-its luck New England seaport filled with dodgy bars straight out of a novel by Melville. News: [ P ] Denouement: Off-Broadway's Kiki & Herb: Coup de Théatre to End Oct. 4 [ P ] Darko Tresnjak Heads Up Old Globe 2004 Summer Shakespeare Fest, Back in Rep [ P ] Gurwin Steps Into Bway's Urinetown [ P ] Anna in Chicago: Victory Gardens Has Midwest Premiere of Cruz's Pulitzer Winner, Sept. 22-Oct. 26 [ P ] Broadway Flea Market Sets New Fundraising Record The 17th Annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction, held in Shubert Alley Sept. 21, raised over half-a-million dollars for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. [ P ] Gypsy's Bernadette Peters Chats on Radio Sept. 23 [ P ] O'Neill Playwrights Conference to Hold Sept. 24 Open Forum on Submissions Policy Change [ P ] Gazzara Is Yogi at Lamb's Theatre Beginning Oct. 21 [ P ] Burke, Chalfant, Gerroll Read Listening Heaven at Cherry Lane Sept. 23 [ P ] Adelaide Laurino, Costume Supervisor for Cats, Les Miz, Miss Saigon, Dead at 74 [ B ] Kiki & Herb: Coup de Th�atre Call It Quits 10/4 [ B ] Ben Gazzara to Star in Nobody Don't Like Yogi [ B ] Never Gonna, Dance Lessons & Taboo On Sale [ TM ] O'Neill Playwrights Conference to Hold Forum in NYC Reviews: [ ATW ] Diction Rules These 'Rivals' Review by Andy Propst [ ATW ] A Harlequin's Spirit Invoked Review by Andy Propst [ CU ] The Harlequin Studies Review [ TM ] The Harlequin Studies Reviewed By: David Finkle [ TM ] The Siegels' Nightlife Notes The Siegels catch Mark Nadler and KT Sullivan's Irving Berlin revue at New York's newest cabaret venue, Mama Rose. posted at 9/22/2003 05:17:59 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link Features: [ TM ] Suddenly Seymour by: Michael Buckley Hunter Foster plays the musical theater's ultimate nebbish in Little Shop of Horrors. [ B ] Looking Back: Two by Menken by Ken Mandelbaum News: [ P ] Movin' Out Tony Winner Releases New Book in October Twyla Tharp, who received a 2003 Tony Award for Best Choreography for Movin' Out, has written a new book for Simon & Schuster. [ P ] Full Cast of Broadway's Wonderful Town Announced [ P ] Patti LaBelle to Guest at Broadway Inspirational Voices Concert [ P ] Avenue Q Stars Head to the Chatterbox Sept. 25 Ann Harada and Natalie Venetia Belcon, who star in the hit musical Avenue Q, will sit down for a chat with host Seth Rudetsky at the Sept. 25 edition of Seth's Broadway Chatterbox. [ P ] 2003 Tony Awards Telecast Wins an Emmy [ B ] Full Cast of Wonderful Town Revival Revealed Reviews: [ B ] Portraits Review by Ron Lasko [ B ] The Harlequin Studies Review [ B ] A Rooster in the Henhouse Review by Kate Kilbane Porter posted at 9/22/2003 11:34:59 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link "The Harlequin Studies" - Reviews: [ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'THE HARLEQUIN STUDIES' A Subversive Servant and the Debt Comedy Owes Him by BEN BRANTLEY This sharp-witted classic comedy at the Peter Norton Space is an essential ticket not just for those seeking the roots of Bill Irwin's artistry. [ ND ] A Bill Irwin Showcase Plays on Physical Delights by Gordon Cox [ NJ ] Charmer clowns around BY MICHAEL SOMMERS Watching wonderful Bill Irwin clown his way around a stage -- so droll, so winning, so absolutely true to his comic craft -- is a ceaseless pleasure. [ YN ] 'Harlequin' Celebrates Comic Cheekiness by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic The comic cheekiness of Bill Irwin is a joy to behold. [ TB ] The Harlequin Studies Review by Matthew Murray Other Reviews: [ DN ] Paint-by-number 'Portraits' of 9/11 by Howard Kissel Toward the end of Jonathan Bell's "Portraits," a set of sketches of people affected by 9/11, a young woman lashes out at her husband, who died helping others escape the twin towers. Her anger is refreshing after so many voices whose response to those awful events is conventional. [ ND ] 'Portraits' Can't Hide Its Brush Strokes by Linda Winer [ NJ ] The family on the road to extinction BY PETER FILICHIA "Pterodactyls" is pterrific. And pterrifying, too. [ NYer ] ME AND MY SHADOW by JOHN LAHR Michael Frayn on the betrayal of Willy Brandt. [ CU ] Anna In The Tropics Review [ ATW ] 'Mind' Satisfying if Uneven Review by Andy Propst [ ATW ] Berlin Airlift Musical Drops Signs of Promise Review by Andy Propst [ TB ] The Rivals Review by Matthew Murray [ P ] ON THE RECORD: Vintage Cast Recordings and Sondheim DVDs This week's column examines three vintage cast recordings � This Is the Army, Call Me Mister and Sail Away � as well as several Sondheim DVDs. Features: [ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary Sometimes it's the viewers, not the actors, who should get panned. Filichia tells tales of audience insensitivity. [ INQ ] From 'Sesame Street' to Broadway by Karen Heller John Tartaglia, raised in Maple Shade and Ambler, has had a hand in presenting Elmo on PBS. Now his animated face is on view as he stars in a surprising new stage hit, "Avenue Q." [ NYT ] Desperate Hunt for a Hit in the Sitcom Desert by JIM RUTENBERG Broadcast networks are betting a midsized nation's gross domestic product that they have comedic hits in their new schedules. "It's All Relative." [ HC ] Is It Time To Drop A Dime For The Arts? by Frank Rizzo A good part of the entertainment industry's research and development have been in the nonprofit sector, but the bills have not been paid by entertainment conglomerates but through the box office, foundations, local businesses and the taxpayer. [ TS ] A case of Gonzo box office by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN Interview with Gregory Harrison, on tour with CHICAGO. Concentrates on his days a conscientious objector during Vietnam. [ BSUN ] Full stream ahead: his theater career rolls merrily along by J. Wynn Rousuck Life's exhilarating for ultra-busy playwright Ken Ludwig [ BG ] With 'Memphis,' Bon Jovi's Bryan takes his career to a new stage by Steve Morse He enters theater by writing songs for rock musical [ HC ] Hairspray, In Which Bruce Vilanch Becomes Edna Turnblad by FRANK RIZZO From �Hollywood Squares� To �Hairspray� Hausfrau [ NYT ] The Other Half of Hedwig Is Film's Hottest Composer by STEPHEN HOLDEN Stephen Trask, a self-proclaimed rebel and former queer punk rocker, has four soundtracks in or on their way to theaters. [ NYT ] How Much Is That Evita in the Window? by JESSE GREEN Under the eBay name Divaspeak, Patti Lupone is divesting her archive of theatrical memorabilia. [ NYT ] Please Pass the Salt (and the Terrorism) by JESSE McKINLEY Events from Sept. 11, 2001 are explored in "Omnium Gatherum," a dark comedy of talk � and food. [ NYT ] EXCERPT: 'Omnium Gatherum' [ ND ] Portrait of A Lady by Blake Green Dana Reeve plays the wife of a 9/11 victim coming to terms with tragedy in "Portraits�: "It's something I feel I know about.� [ ND ] The Plays Of Sept. 11, 2001 by Blake Green This fall, coinciding with the second anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy, three more dramas about the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks are in previews. [ DN ] Busting out all over Howard Kissel's Broadway Preview Broadway, pulling from near, far and wide, offers a potent mix this fall [ SD ] 'BEAUTY' TREATMENT by Jennifer de Poyen In a classic lovers' tale, playwright Tina Landau finds the connection between today's reality and ancient myth Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! News: [ * ] TR!O TO AIR PETER ALLEN: THE BOY FROM OZ ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 Doc Leads Into Broadway Opening of Hugh Jackman Musical [ DP ] Harrelson gives drop-dead performance in Fort Collins by John Moore Woody Harrelson's performance was so dead-on last Saturday the crowd watching OpenStage Theatre's performance of "Murder at the Vicarage" was not even aware that a Hollywood superstar was playing the bloody corpse. Plus an item on how Denver's Morgan Hallett made her Broadway debut in "Long Day's Journey." Thanks to American Theater Web for the link! [ NYT ] Norma Storch, Subject of TV Documentary, Dies at 81 by DOUGLAS MARTIN Norma Storch was a white woman whose decision to have her mixed-race daughter raised by a black couple became the subject of an Emmy Award-winning documentary. The wife of Larry Storch. [ NYT ] Ian Hunter, 84, an Impresario Who Shaped Edinburgh Festival, Dies by PAUL LEWIS Sir Ian Hunter was a British impresario and organizer of arts festivals who played a major role in shaping the annual Edinburgh Festival. [ NYT ] Marshall Jamison, 85, Producer Known for 60's Television Satire, Dies by DON R. HECKER Marshall Jamison, the first producer for the 1960's satirical review "That Was the Week That Was" on American television, died Sept. 2 in Orlando, Fla., where he lived. [ IBDB ] Marshall Jamison's Broadway Credits [ YN ] Stars Honor Gregory Hines in Harlem by JENNIFER FRIEDLIN, Associated Press Writer Stars from the worlds of theater, film and dance came out Sunday night to pay tribute to the late tap-dancing actor Gregory Hines at a festive memorial celebration at Harlem's Apollo Theater. [ P ] Heaven Help Her Heart: Julia Murney Heads Cast of All-Star Chess Concert Sept. 22 [ P ] Taboo Box Office Opens for Business Sept. 22 [ P ] Today in Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 22 [ P ] Mamma Mia! Star Offers Mahogany Concert at Joe's Pub Sept. 22 [ P ] Rapp-ers: Anthony Rapp Stars in Adam Rapp's Bingo with the Indians Sept. 22 [ P ] It Couldn't Please Me More: Tony Roberts and Blair Brown Join Cabaret, Sept. 22 [ P ] Six Dance Lessons Box Office Opens Sept. 22; Hamill and Bergen Begin Their Beguine Oct. 7 [ P ] NAMT'S Festival of New Musicals Showcases Works by Menken, Zippel, Jones, O'Keefe, Rafter, Sept. 21-22 [ P ] Gyllenhaal and Emond Star in Homebody/Kabul in Los Angeles, Sept. 21-Nov. 9 posted at 9/22/2003 07:54:52 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link BroadwayStars is powered by Blogger Pro! [Past News] |
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