Friday, October 03, 2003

Features:

[ ND ]  A Pair of Aces by Blake Green
Dedicated theatergoers are likely to be familiar with those singular character actors Marian Seldes and Brian Murray.

[ P ]  After the Love Is Gone
Eileen Atkins stars as a woman confronted with the dissolution of her marriage in William Nicholson's The Retreat from Moscow.

[ BH ]  'Hairspray' team felt Divine presence when adapting John Waters film for the stage by Terry Byrne

[ TM ]  Photo File by: Joseph Marzullo and Michael Portantiere

[ BS ]  2003-04 Off-Broadway Season Preview: Fun, "Fame," and Reflection
Two years after the disastrous events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Off- and Off-Off-Broadway theatre scene is still going strong. Content varies from total escapism to sober reflections on the terrorist attacks.

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Little Shop's Opening Night

[ PP ]  Having Her Say by: Ilene Dube
When Emily Mann is not winning awards for directing plays and heading up McCarter Theatre, she is garnering accolades for her scripts.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link.

News:

[ BG ]  A master class of some 'Importance' by Maureen Dezell
Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the award-winning composers of "Ragtime," "My Favorite Year," and "Seussical," will be on the Harvard campus next week, teaching a master class and talking to student participants in the Harvard Office for the Arts' Learning From Performers Series.

[ P ]  Epic Repertory, NYC's New Rotating Rep Troupe, Announces Acting Company for Fall Season

[ P ]  John Lithgow Reads from "I'm a Manatee" Oct. 12 at NYC Barnes & Noble
Award-winning stage and screen actor John Lithgow, currently starring in The Retreat From Moscow on Broadway, will sign and read from his latest children's book, "I'm a Manatee," at the Union Square Barnes and Noble on Oct. 12 at 3 PM.

[ P ]  Broadway Stars Sing Showtunes for Gimme A Break III Benefit in NYC, Oct. 27
Rebecca Luker (The Music Man), Marni Nixon (James Joyce's The Dead), Jackie Hoffman (Hairspray), Peter Scolari ("Bosom Buddies") and Tommy Tune (The Will Rogers Follies) will help the Transport Group present Gimme A Break III at The Culture Project at 45 Bleecker Street, Oct. 27.

[ P ]  U.S. Dept. of Defense Gives $1 Million to NEA to Bring Shakespeare Tour to Military Bases

[ P ]  College Kids Play Games of Seduction in MacLeod's Juvenilia, Getting Premiere Nov. 14-Dec. 21

[ P ]  "Terror in Moscow," HBO Documentary, Examines 2002 Theatre Disaster

[ P ]  PBOL'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, Sept. 27-Oct. 3: Death of a Director

[ P ]  Manny Azenberg Gets 2004 Nederlander "Apple" Award to Benefit Detroit's Wayne State Theatre

Reviews:

[ CU ]  Homebody/Kabul
Los Angeles Review by Laura Hitchcock

[ TM ]  The Siegel Column
Reports on Lisa D'Amour's new play, Clint Eastwood's new movie, Tony Danza's recycled cabaret act, and more.
posted at 10/3/2003 06:28:03 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ STARS ]  LITTLE SHOP IS BIG BUT, SAYS CO-STAR HUNTER FOSTER, NOT TOO BIG
by ELLIS NASSOUR
How many Broadway musicals have the audience going wild as soon as the curtain rises? And it doesn't stop there. At the revival of Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman's Little Shop of Horrors, there are standing ovations before the actors even take their bows and screaming fans at the stage door. Since it was a preview performance, one is suspect that, as often is the case, the producers filled a good portion of the theatre with theatergoers on the "Friends and Family Plan." But, according to co-star Hunter Foster, that was not the case at all. It definitely appears Broadway has a cult hit: A fun, horror musical � and just in time for Halloween.

Features:

[ P ]  DIVA TALK: Two-Time Olivier Award Winner Maria Friedman Chats About U.S. Debut, Sondheim & Ragtime

Reviews:

[ B ]  CDs: It Sucks to Be Me by Ken Mandelbaum
AVENUE Q (Victor)
MISS BETTE DAVIS (DRG)

News:

[ P ]  Hey, Zanna! Cast Album of Zanna, Don't! Gets Oct. 7 Release, But Already a Big Seller

[ P ]  Tomorrow Belongs to Me: Cabaret Extends To End of the Year

[ P ]  Julie Andrews Stars in ABC's "Eloise at Christmastime" Nov. 22

[ P ]  Gibson's Golda Starts Previews on Broadway, Oct. 3

[ P ]  Yale Student Obtains Rights from MGM and Williams Estate to Add Movie Scenes to Orpheus Descending
posted at 10/3/2003 11:53:26 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ NYP ]  NO 'SPRINGER' FEVER by MICHAEL RIEDEL
NEXT year's "sure- fire" Broadway hit still has a lot to prove.
"Jerry Springer, the Opera" - critically acclaimed and much-hyped during its run at London's non-profit National Theatre - isn't faring nearly as well in the commercial West End.

[ NYT ]  ON STAGE AND OFF
Killer Instinct by JASON ZINOMAN
Rona Munro talks about "Iron," a chilling prison drama about a woman convicted of killing her husband, now at the Manhattan Theater Club.

"Little Shop of Horrors":

[ B ]  Retooled Little Shop Faces New York Critics

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS'
A Hungry Actor? Audrey II Is Back by BEN BRANTLEY
Jerry Zak's retelling of a nerdy florist assistant and his ravenous plant at the Virginia Theater is honorably true to its former incarnation.

[ NJ ]  'Little Shop' feeds appetite for musicals BY MICHAEL SOMMERS
A Red Lobster just opened at the southern end of Times Square. And last night, a "Little Shop of Horrors" franchise opened 11 blocks uptown at the Virginia Theatre.
Whichever you visit, you probably know what you're going to get.

[ WP ]  'Little Shop': Slick, Bloody Fun by Peter Marks
The Campy Musical Finally Hits Broadway, With an Audrey II on Steroids

[ NYP ]  FUN GALORE IN STORE AT NEW 'LITTLE SHOP' by CLIVE BARNES

[ USA ]  'Shop of Horrors' never reaches full flower by Elysa Gardner

[ DN ]  Overgrown & overblown by Howard Kissel

[ B ]  A Broadway Debut for Audrey II by Ken Mandelbaum

[ TB ]  Little Shop Of Horrors
Review by Matthew Murray

[ YN ]  Man-Eating Plant Is Back, Now on Broadway by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic

[ TM ]  Little Shop of Horrors
Reviewed By: David Finkle

[ B ]  Photo Op: Little Shop Blooms on Broadway

Other Reviews:

[ ND ]  Patience Has Its Rewards by Gordon Cox
On Tuesday night at the opening of Maxwell's "Henry IV, Part One," it was clear that many patrons at the Brooklyn Academy of Music had no idea what to expect.

[ NYP ]  'HENRY' UNDONE AT BAM by DONALD LYONS

[ NYP ]  WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF WORKING MOMS by DONALD LYONS
IN "Living Out," a splendid and thought-provoking slice of life, playwright Lisa Loomer takes a panoramic look at the City of the Angels from the angle of child care.

[ NJ ]  Conflicting visions of domestic bliss BY MICHAEL SOMMERS
An absorbing work, "Living Out" airs the cultural mistrusts and white lies between Ana and her employers that may be relatively inconsequential but can lead to disaster, as it does here.

[ LAT ]  Faraway tragedies hit home by Reed Johnson
"Homebody/Kabul" speaks of universal dislocation.

[ CST ]  Rich characters and strong music power fast-paced 'Show Boat' BY HEDY WEISS

[ NYP ]  NEXT BIG THING ON STAGE: A GIRL NAMED MARIA by CLIVE BARNES
ASTRONOMERS say stars are born in the universe every nanosecond. But not on Broadway they aren't.
So let me welcome Britain's Broadway diva-in-waiting, Maria Friedman, the London saloon singer (and best-kept cult secret) now making her starry New York debut at the Cafe Carlyle.

[ NYT ]  CABARET REVIEW | JAMIE CULLUM
Hardly Aged in the Oak Room by STEPHEN HOLDEN

[ CU ]  Omnium Gatherum
Review

[ TM ]  The Secret in the Wings
Chicago Review By: Jonathan Abarbanel
In Chicago, any new show by adapter/director Mary Zimmerman is highly anticipated, whether at the Goodman Theatre (where she is the Manilow Resident Director) or at Lookingglass Theatre Company (where she is an ensemble member).

Features:

[ TM ]  Peter Filichia's Diary
Filichia is keen on the Keen Company's good-at-heart new production of Good Morning, Bill.

Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features!

[ BR ]  Delta Burke, after a long detour, is back to Plan A By ROBERT FELDBERG

[ SD ]  WHAT ARE THE ODDS? by Anne Marie Welsh
How could one possibly imagine that someone who actually wrote a proof, who was a math genius herself, would walk into an audition for this play called 'Proof'"?
Director Sam Woodhouse could hardly be happier that she did and that he cast her. And this "she" is not just any math wiz, but the vivacious Danica McKellar.

News:

[ V ]  Rizzo's legit at Variety
Writer to contribute news, reviews; McNulty joins Voice

[ V ]  League, Wing extending Tonys prod'n agreement
CBS in talks to extend pact beyond 2004
The League of American Theaters and Producers and the American Theater Wing have extended their partnership to produce the Tony Awards through 2008.

[ DN ]  News Beat
Kushner, Wolfe team on JFK-era musical
"Caroline or Change."

[ CT ]  Downside of theater ticket price uptick by Chris Jones
The Chicago Shakespeare Theater's production of "Rose Rage" has a painful bottom line: 70 bucks.
According to my research, this one of the highest, if not the highest, prices ever charged for a resident Chicago theatrical production.

[ NJ ]  Center stage by Peter Filichia
Luna Lollapalooza

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 3

[ P ]  Charles McNulty Named New Theatre Editor for The Village Voice

[ P ]  Avenue Q Cast Sign Albums at Tower Records in New York City, Oct. 13
posted at 10/3/2003 07:59:05 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Thursday, October 02, 2003

Reviews:

[ ND ]  It's a Monster 'Shop Sh-Bop' by Linda Winer
"Little Shop," which opened last night at the Virginia Theatre in a $10-million revival, is still great useless enjoyment. The thing is creepy and cheesy, big-boned but still junky enough to be true to the best horticultural Faust musical of our day.

[ TM ]  Henry IV, Part One
Reviewed By: Dan Bacalzo

Features:

[ DN ]  Costume Drama by MICHELE INGRASSIA
Broadway designer William Ivey Long goes for the giddy
Thanks to Craig for the link!

[ B ]  Photo Op: Living Out Celebrates Opening Night

[ B ]  Photo Op: LAByrinth Toasts Madonna at Celebrity Benefit

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Caroline, or Change in Rehearsal

[ P ]  Blue Moon: Kushner, Tesori, Wolfe and Cast Discuss New Musical Caroline, or Change

[ BS ]  Lower Manhattan Cultural Council: Celebrating 30
Liz Thompson, executive director of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, dryly notes that LMCC's biggest achievement is "its continued existence."

[ BS ]  Arts and Humanities Month Revs Up
Sponsored by the not-for-profit Americans for the Arts, hundreds of towns will celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month during October for a 10th consecutive year.

News:

[ B ]  Dench in All's Well to Transfers to West End

[ P ]  Tesori, Three Disney Sequels Under Her Belt, Wants to Write Original Mouse Movie

[ P ]  Westchester's Hudson Stage Has World Premiere, Baltimore Star, Oct. 17-Nov. 2

[ P ]  Arena Stage Add New Theatre in $100 Million Expansion; Will Present in Borrowed Spaces During Construction
posted at 10/2/2003 05:58:58 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ B ]  Cabaret Extends Through the End of the Year
Cabaret is not saying auf wiedersehen on November 2 after all. Tickets to the hit revival are now on sale through November 30, and Broadway.com has learned that the musical will definitely extend through December 31 and possibly even run into February.
Broadway.com has learned that the latest star the Roundabout is trying to land is Jane Krakowski.

[ NYT ]  Architect Named for Hall of Fame at Jazz Center by ROBIN POGREBIN
A hall of fame planned for Jazz at Lincoln Center in the new AOL Time Warner headquarters will be designed by David Rockwell, responsible for the look of the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, the restaurant Nobu in New York and the hit Broadway show "Hairspray," center officials say.

[ P ]  Durang's Bette and Boo Marry in TACT Revival, Oct. 18-20

[ P ]  The League and the Wing Extend Tony Awards Agreement Through 2008

[ P ]  Chicago Star Is Anita in NSMT's West Side Story; Complete Cast Announced
Roxane Carrasco, whose Broadway credits include the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago, will star as Anita in the North Shore Music Theatre's production of West Side Story.

[ P ]  Last Sunday Director Helms World Premiere Smashing Comedy in NYC, Oct. 4-26

[ TM ]  Applegate to Spell Injured Stadlen in The Producers
posted at 10/2/2003 04:01:43 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ NYT ]  BOLDFACE NAMES
But, Soft! Yonder Is Thy Furnished Room by JOYCE WADLER
Includes quotes from Richard Kind (on "Bounce"), Stephen Trask and Ethan Hawke.
Thanks to MockingbirdGirl on All That Chat for the link!

[ P ]  Floyd Collins Side by Side With Pygmalion, Man and Superman in 2004 Shaw Fest

[ P ]  Another Rocky Mountain High: Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver Begins Oct. 2

[ P ]  Jimmy Smits Set for Broadway Transfer of Anna in the Tropics

[ P ]  Producers Star Signs Deal with CBS

[ P ]  Mother-Daughter Prison Drama , Iron, Gets U.S. Premiere by MTC, Oct. 2-Dec. 21

[ P ]  "Miss Bette Davis" Available on CD October 7

[ P ]  Solo Play, Rooster in the Henhouse Struts Into an Extension, to Oct. 25

[ P ]  Chicago Gets More Anna in the Tropics in October

[ P ]  Kismet Star to Debut New Cabaret Act in November

[ P ]  "Nuns" Fall Through Stage Floor in U.K. Theatre

[ P ]  Royal Shakespeare Company Announces New Season

[ P ]  Fascinating Aida to Offer Final Show in London in November

[ B ]  Broadway Veteran Rex Robbins Dead at 68
posted at 10/2/2003 12:58:07 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Features:

[ PTR ]  Young actor follows in famous mom's footsteps by Maryann Gogniat Eidemiller
Jeffrey Correia, 21, has been in this season's productions at the Mountain Playhouse, in Jennerstown, and his parents - actors Sandy Duncan and Don Correia - have seen them all.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!

[ HC ]  Finding Lost Tennessee by FRANK RIZZO
Hartford Stage Searched Wide To Uncover Rarely Or Never Produced Works By Williams

[ DN ]  Well, Albee! A dramatic duo is back by CELIA McGEE
When Edward met Sam, it was 1959 in Berlin. Albee's "Zoo Story" presented theater with a new voice on a double bill with the famed Beckett's "Krapp's Last Tape."

[ CT ]  McKellar proves a perfect fit by MICHAEL KILIAN
The selection of Danica McKellar for the lead in the just-opened West Coast production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Proof" must be the most perfect type-casting in the history of the American theater.

News:

[ R ]  Alexander, CBS Team on Comedy Pilot by Nellie Andreeva
Following his successful turn in the L.A. production of "The Producers," Jason Alexander is returning to the small screen with a deal at CBS.

[ R ]  Jimmy Smits Playing Private Eye for NBC by Nellie Andreeva and Cynthia Littleton
Sources said he is attached to star in an untitled NBC drama about a Los Angeles private investigator who fixes problems for the rich and famous.

[ HC ]  Seven Angels `Learns' From Elvis Debacle by Frank Rizzo
Waterbury's Seven Angels Theatre had a season-ender in May that it doesn't want to relive any time soon. Just as it was about to open the musical revue of the music of Elvis Presley, "The King of Memphis," the 12-year-old theater was slapped with an injunction by Elvis Presley Enterprises, run by Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley.

[ ND ]  As Leaves Fall, Ticket Sales Rise by Gordon Cox
When the first Broadway offering of the fall, "Little Shop of Horrors," opens tonight at the Virginia, it kicks off a crowded autumn that, even through the typical back-to-school doldrums of September, is showing some encouraging signs of life.

[ YN ]  Bacon Gets Star on Hollywood Boulevard

[ NYT ]  Rex Robbins, Actor on Broadway, Dies at 68
Rex Robbins performed on stage, in movies and in more than 300 commercials.

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 2
1890: Julius Henry Marx is born in New York. Under the nickname "Groucho," he and his brothers form one of the most enduring comedy acts ever, The Marx Brothers, rising from Vaudeville to Broadway, and later recreating their Broadway hits on film, including The Cocoanuts and Animal Crackers.

[ P ]  Williams Portrait 8 by Tenn Starts Hartford Stage's 40th Season, Oct. 2-Nov. 2

[ P ]  Tony n' Tina March Down the Aisle Again as Wedding Starts Anew, Oct. 2

[ P ]  Matthew Perry and Father Present New Comedy The Whole Banana in CA, Oct. 2-Nov. 9

[ P ]  Suddenly Seymour: Little Shop of Horrors Opens on Broadway Oct. 2

[ P ]  Lithgow and Atkins Begin the Retreat from Moscow at Broadway's Booth, Oct. 2

Reviews:

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'HENRY IV, PART ONE'
Shakespeare's Prince Hal, Told Without Emotion by BEN BRANTLEY
Richard Maxwell's interpretation of Shakespeare's play � the opening production in this year's Next Wave Festival � is relentessly, numbingly flat.

[ YN ]  Gods, Mortals Mix in 'Cupid and Psyche' by PETER SANTILLI, Associated Press Writer
"Cupid and Psyche," a charming new musical spun from the mythical love affair between a god and a mortal, celebrates the distress that often accompanies coming-of-age love.

[ NYP ]  EIGHT PERSONAS NON GRATA by DONALD LYONS
IN a sense, the notion behind "Omnium Gatherum," the new play by Theresa Rebeck and Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros, is really Shaw's. In most of his later, lesser plays, the characters stand for nothing but attitudes on some hideous global problem.
posted at 10/2/2003 08:18:01 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Wednesday, October 01, 2003

Features:

[ TM ]  What to Wear?
David Finkle contemplates the trend toward "dressing down" on the part of theater audiences.

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Delta Burke as Mrs. Meers in Millie

News:

[ B ]  Irwin's Harlequin Studies Extends for Two Weeks

[ P ]  Irwin's Harlequin Studies Extends to Nov. 9

[ P ]  Original Nine Star to Headline Love, Chaos & Dinner in San Francisco
Tony Award winner Liliane Montevecchi will return to the role of hostess Madame ZinZanni in the San Francisco troupe Teatro ZinZanni staging of Love, Chaos & Dinner, Nov. 6-Feb. 15, 2004.

[ P ]  Tickets to Pre-Broadway Tryout of Harmony on Sale Oct. 12

[ P ]  Michael Rupert, Victoria Clark and Norm Lewis Head Cast of Revised Baby Reading

[ P ]  More Trumbos for Trumbo; Vidal and Durning to Star in Off-Broadway Show
posted at 10/1/2003 06:17:57 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Features:

[ B ]  Looking Back: Remembering Ashman by Ken Mandelbaum
With a revival of Howard Ashman's biggest stage hit, Little Shop of Horrors, opening tomorrow, I thought I'd look back today on the 1991 memorial tribute to Ashman, held at the Orpheum Theatre on Second Avenue, where the original Little Shop played for five years.

[ B ]  First Person: Gentle Remembrance by Jonathan Bell
Author of Portraits.

News:

[ P ]  Portraits to Close Off-Broadway Oct. 5

[ B ]  Off-Broadway's Portraits Closes After Brief Run

[ P ]  15th Annual Gypsy of the Year Competition Set for Dec. 8 and 9

[ P ]  Wicked to Offer Lottery for $25 Tickets

[ P ]  Byrne, Harden, Lowe and Turner Celebrate Exonerated Anniversary, Oct. 14
Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, Chad Lowe, Fisher Stevens, Marlo Thomas, Kathleen Turner and Peter Weller will celebrate the one-year anniversary of Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen's The Exonerated at Off-Broadway's 45 Bleecker Theatre for a week-long event starting Oct. 14

[ P ]  The Song of Bernadette: The Battle of Gypsy Replayed as Satire at Duplex

[ P ]  Nine's Krakowski Signs Deal with CBS

[ P ]  Harry Goz, Broadway Tevye in Fiddler, Dies at 71

[ P ]  Taboo's Esparza Still Has Hopes for Assassins

[ B ]  Abraham Extends in Trumbo; Vidal to Come

[ B ]  Cirque du Soleil to Bring Alegr�a Back to NYC

[ B ]  Lynn Collins to Play Juliet in the West End
Lynn Collins will play Juliet opposite Jake Gyllenhaal's Romeo in Laurence Boswell's West End staging of Romeo and Juliet. This new production of William Shakespeare's classic tragedy is scheduled to take place next summer, according to Variety.

[ B ]  West End Producer Harold Fielding Dead at 86

[ TM ]  Dominczyk to Replace Benanti in The Violet Hour

Reviews:

[ TM ]  Living Out
Reviewed By: Dan Bacalzo

[ TM ]  Tunes, Tomes, & Videos
Ted Chapin's Everything Was Possible chronicles the gestation of the legendary Broadway musical Follies.
posted at 10/1/2003 03:20:40 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

News:

[ YN ]  Wolfe Staging 'Blues' for HBO
Top Broadway producer George C. Wolfe has come aboard to direct HBO's adaptation of Ruben Santiago-Hudson's Obie-winning one-man play "Lackawanna Blues," which Halle Berry is executive producing.

[ B ]  Applegate Replaces Hurt Stadlen in Producers
Fred Applegate will replace Lewis J. Stadlen as The Producers' Max Bialystock on October 7. Stadlen has to leave the production due to a hip injury, according to Variety.

[ P ]  Applegate to Replace Stadlen in Broadway's Producers

[ HC ]  The Hills Are Alive For Michael Ritchie by Frank Rizzo
Look for Ritchie, who is producer of the Williamstown Theatre Festival, to succeed founding artistic director Gordon Davidson as head of the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

[ NYT ]  Harry Goz, From Understudy to Lead, Dies at 71
Harry Goz, an actor, was an understudy in "Fiddler on the Roof" and wound up playing the lead.

[ IBDB ]  Harry Goz's Broadway Credits

[ NYT ]  REGIONAL MARKET / MANHATTAN
As 'Cabaret' Nears End, Cabaret Still Has a Place by JOHN HOLUSHA
An article on the Studio 54 building, its sale to the Roundabout, and the upcoming opening of "Upstairs at 54."
Plus the first semi-official notice about an extension of "Cabaret": "...if ticket sales improved, it might stay open through the holiday season."

[ R ]  Probe Launched Into Theater Floor Collapse
LONDON - An investigation was launched on Wednesday to discover how temporary boards covering the orchestra pit of a Birmingham theater collapsed, sending audience members tumbling 20 feet to the floor below.

[ P ]  Cast Set for Off-Broadway Run of Julia Jordan's Tatjana in Color

[ P ]  Lypsinka Show As I Lay Lip Synching Sets Off-Broadway Opening for Nov. 5

[ P ]   "It's All Relative," with Sieber, Hickey and Harris, Debuts Oct. 1

[ P ]  Taboo to Offer "2 for 1" Tickets to Students During Previews

[ P ]  Andre De Shields Awakes in Dream Off-Broadway, Oct. 1

Features:

[ TM ]  Peter Filichia's Diary
Filichia sings the praises of Maureen Moore, the worthy understudy for Gypsy's Bernadette Peters.

[ BG ]  Lawyer's new venue is a dramatic change by Catherine Foster
How does a novice playwright get his first play produced at the Shubert Theatre, directed by Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's founding artistic director, Steven Maler, and starring Judd Nelson?

[ P ]  THE LEADING MEN: Hugh and Me
With Halloween approaching, October�s "Leading Men" � Jarrod Emick (The Boy From Oz), John Pizzarelli (Sinatra) and Welly Yang (The Wedding Banquet) � each have a bag of tricks, but they�re always a treat to behold.

[ B ]  Photo Op: Designing Diva Delta Makes a Debut in Millie

[ TS ]  The many shades of Black by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN
Appearing in a movie with kids doesn't take the edge off star of School Of Rock
Interview with the popular screen comedian where he talks about some of his early theatre experience, inculding a stint in the title role of PIPPIN??!!

"Living Out" - Reviews:

[ YN ]  Motherhood Gets Showcase in 'Living Out' by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'LIVING OUT'
'Upstairs, Downstairs,' With Nanny-Cam Running by MARGO JEFFERSON
Lisa Loomer's new play works hard to apply sitcom conventions to a two-hour play with serious intentions.

[ B ]  Living Out
Review by William Stevenson

[ CU ]  Living Out
Review

Other Reviews:

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'COOKIN''
A Kitchen of Kung Fu in a Korean Confection by LAWRENCE VAN GELDER
Music, mayhem and magic are only a few of the ingredients in this savory stew of skillful, high-energy, silly good fun at the New Victory Theater.

[ ATW ]  Adult Perspective: Korean Cookin' Satisfies
Review by Andy Propst

[ ATW ]  Youth Perspective:Cookin' Rocks and Amuses
Review by James Dennin

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'A ROOSTER IN THE HENHOUSE'
A Blessed Event, and Everything Leading Up to It by LAWRENCE VAN GELDER
In a one-man show, familiar material about pregnancy and childbirth highlights an actor's versatility and a writer's shortcomings.

[ ATW ]  An Anachronistic 'Rooster' Preens
Review by Colette Boudreau

[ CST ]  Zimmerman spreads 'Wings' with spellbinding tales BY HEDY WEISS
As Mary Zimmerman demonstrates in "The Secret in the Wings," her altogether spellbinding, visually captivating and surprise-filled tapestry of rarely told European fairy tales, these often strange and warping stories may be ingested in great quantity by children, but are most fully metabolized by adults.

[ DN ]  This 'Relative' should be sent packing by David Bianculli
The title of ABC's new sitcom, shown tonight at 8:30, is "It's All Relative." But some things are absolute - and this sitcom, no matter what comparisons are made, is bad.

[ NYT ]  TV REVIEW | 'IT'S ALL RELATIVE'
Class-Blind Lovebirds and Hidebound Parents by VIRGINIA HEFFERNAN
The old Boston accent gets a workout in a comedy that pays tribute to that city's venerable (exhausted?) class conflict between proper WASP's and rowdy Irish Catholics.
posted at 10/1/2003 10:12:58 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Tuesday, September 30, 2003

News:

[ P ]  Dominczyk Replaces Benanti in Greenberg's The Violet Hour

[ B ]  Dominczyk Replaces Benanti in The Violet Hour

[ YN ]  Dench Returns to Royal Shakespeare by MATT WOLF, Associated Press Writer
Dench, the classical theater actress who in recent years has become a film star, will start performances Dec. 3 in Stratford in "All's Well That Ends Well," one of the less frequently seen Shakespeare plays. The 68-year-old actress last acted with the RSC in Stratford in 1979, but since has appeared in several plays for the company in London.

[ P ]  Revelation Theater Opens New Off-Broadway Space with One Arm Reading, Oct. 7

[ P ]  Dollars Accepted for Caroline, or Change Musical, as Tix Go on Sale Beginning Sept. 30

Features:

[ BS ]  The First Couple of Theatrical Insurance Take a Look Back
On the occasion of their retirement, after 55 years in the business, Bob and Margery Boyar, known by industry insiders as the first couple of theatrical insurance brokerage, take a backwards glance.

[ YN ]  Braidless Boy George Finally Gets Respect by LISA TOLIN, Associated Press Writer

[ P ]  Oh, Boy!: Creators and Stars Chat About New Musical Taboo

[ B ]  Photo Op: A Sneak Peek at the World of Taboo

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Taboo in Rehearsal

Reviews:

[ CT ]  Zimmerman compellingly revisits her grim fairy tales by Michael Phillips
The year's only nine months old. But if Chicagoans witness a more memorable stage entrance in 2003 than that of Tony Fitzpatrick � who plays the ogre next door in Mary Zimmerman's fascinating fairy tale amalgamation, "The Secret in the Wings" � I'll either eat my hat or, in that most unlikely transformation for a theater critic, turn into a human being.

[ ND ]  Off Broadway: "Living Out" by Linda Winer
Working women at opposite ends of 'off-the-books'

[ TB ]  Living Out
Review by Matthew Murray

[ TM ]  Four Beers
Reviewed By: David Finkle

[ CU ]  Four Beers
Review

[ VV ]  Nein, 9-11
Recipe for disaster: Write a play capitalizing on a disaster while purporting to explain it by Michael Feingold
Recent Tragic Events and Omnium Gatherum

[ VV ]  Sightlines by Michael Feingold
Jonathan Bell's Portraits

[ VV ]  Munro's Merry Widows
Northern Ireland: Female 'troubles' and soap opera bubbles by Charles McNulty
Rona Munro's Bold Girls

[ VV ]  An Arrow in Your Pocket, or Just Happy To See Me? by Alexis Soloski
Cupid and Psyche

[ VV ]  English Trifle: Good Eggs and Bon Mot Bobblers by Ed Park
P.G. Wodehouse's Good Morning, Bill
posted at 9/30/2003 06:33:58 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ P ]  Rex Robbins, Herbie to Lansbury's Mama Rose, Is Dead at 68

[ IBDB ]  Rex Robbins' Broadway Credits

[ B ]  John Leguizamo Brings Sexaholix Back to B'way

[ B ]  Assassins Confirmed for Studio 54 in March

[ P ]  Wilder Gets Longer: Off-Broadway Musical Extends Run

[ P ]  More Sex: John Leguizamo's Sexaholix... a love story Returns to Broadway, Nov. 11-Dec. 7

[ P ]  Playwright, Actor and Director Charles Michael Moore Is Dead at 54

[ P ]  Sharon! Rocker-Reality Star Ozzy Osbourne Penning a Rasputin Musical
posted at 9/30/2003 03:13:45 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Reviews:

[ B ]  CDs: Proust Sings by Ken Mandelbaum
MY LIFE WITH ALBERTINE/ ZANNA, DON'T! (PS Classics)

Features:

[ B ]  Photo Op: Heather Graham Shines in Recent Tragic Events

[ B ]  Photo Op: Omnium Gatherum Opens Off-B'way

News:

[ P ]  Roundabout's Assassins Official for Broadway in March

[ P ]  Harold Fielding, Prominent London Theatre Producer, Dead at 86
Harold Fielding, the British producer who delighted London audiences with lavish productions of Mame, The Music Man and the five-year smash Charlie Girl, died Sept. 28 at a private nursing home Galsworthy House, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, the London Times reported.

[ P ]  Michael McElroy and Sara Ramirez Featured on New CD Cric? Crac!

[ P ]  Tony Award Winner Philip Bosco Makes Opera Debut in October

[ P ]  NBC's "Dateline" Features Taboo Oct. 3

[ P ]  Wicked Cast Heads into Recording Studio in November

[ B ]  Broadway Grosses: Child's Play
Last week's numbers proved that family fare is still a strong draw on the Great White Way.
posted at 9/30/2003 12:22:16 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

[ NYT ]  Appeareth St. John, Quietly, Cautiously by DANIEL J. WAKIN
A movie about the life of Jesus has slipped in beneath the radar, opening in four cities on Friday ahead of Mel Gibson's "Passion."
The movie is "The Gospel of John," which was produced by the Canadian impresario Garth H. Drabinsky and financed by a small "faith-based media company" called Bible Visual International Inc.
Yes, folks, after breaking several commandments... he's baaaaaaack.

Features:

[ NYT ]  BOLDFACE NAMES
And, Verily, Who Is This Dude Riedel? by JOYCE WADLER
STEPHEN SONDHEIM, with his fly-away hair and portly midsection, reminds us these days of SANTA CLAUS and ZEUS.
Come to think of it, as Mr. Sondheim introduced the British singer MARIA FRIEDMAN at the Cafe Carlyle in her New York debut last week, we now think of him as bigger than Zeus.

[ B ]  Random Notes on This and That: 9/29/03 by Ken Mandelbaum

[ TM ]  Right You Are, If You Think You Are
Michael Portantiere wonders: Is there no accounting for taste?

[ NYT ]  Midnight, and the Kitties Are Painting by ALAN RIDING
Andrew Lloyd Webber shows off his Pre-Raphaelite art, scorned by critics but popular again among collectors and viewers.

[ TB ]  Cabaret Interview with Lennie Watts by Jonathan Frank

[ NYT ]  AN APPRECIATION
Elia Kazan's Landscape of Desire by A. O. SCOTT
Elia Kazan's movies are parables of conflicted conscience and unstable desire, studies of individuals driven to rage, rebellion and sometimes to do the right thing.

[ BS ]  Coming Homebody
Director Frank Galati brings his unique vision to L.A.

[ WP ]  Casey Biggs, Back on The Boards by Jane Horwitz

[ P ]  PHOTO CALL: Heather Graham at the opening of Recent Tragic Events

Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features!

[ AJC ]  Wilson sees 'light at end of tunnel' for play cycle by WENDELL BROCK
When August Wilson takes the stage of the Alliance Theatre on Tuesday, he won't be a stranger.

[ LADN ]  PLAY acting by Evan Henerson
Maggie Gyllenhaal in "Homebody/Kabul."

News:

[ V ]  B'way dips in Sept. but kid fare climbs
Eleven prod'ns saw increases

[ LAT ]  Theater search narrows by Don Shirley and Lisa Fung
Center Theatre Group focuses in on three top candidates to replace Gordon Davidson.

[ R ]  Prisoners Break Out with London Theaterland Debut by Paul Majendie
A group of women prisoners are to make history in London's theaterland -- leaving jail to perform with professional actresses before a packed house.

[ P ]  Today In Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 30

[ P ]  Henry IV and bobrauschenbergamerica Play at BAM Next Wave Fest, Sept. 30-Dec. 31

[ P ]  Mother, Interrupted; Loomer Weaves Off-Broadway Drama Living Out, Opens Sept. 30

[ P ]  "Breakfast Club" Star Headlines World Premiere of He She Them in Boston, Sept. 30-Oct. 12
Judd Nelson and Tasha Lawrence star in the world premiere of a new play, He She Them, starting at Boston's Shubert Theatre, Sept. 30.

[ P ]  "Radio Playbill" Interviews Hugh Jackman atBoy From Oz Rehearsal, Sept. 29-Oct. 11

[ P ]  Broadway Grosses: September 22-28

[ P ]  Pieces Extends to Oct. 18; "Sopranos" Star Jamie-Lynn Sigler to Appear

[ P ]  Rent's Greif to Direct U.S. Premiere of LaBute's Teen Angst Drama Distance From Here

[ P ]  Neuwirth, Graham, Hawke Join "Celebrity Charades" LAByrinth Theatre Company Benefit, Sept. 29
Heather Graham (Recent Tragic Events), Ethan Hawke (Henry IV), Kristen Johnston (Aunt Dan and Lemon), Bebe Neuwirth (Writer's Block), Edward Norton (Burn This), Annabella Sciorra ("The Sopranos") and Amanda Peet ("The Whole Nine Yards") join the list of celebrities playing charades at the LAByrinth Theatre Company benefit, Sept. 29.

[ P ]  Vancouver High Holidays Become a Wild Party as Lippa Is Cantor

[ P ]  Prosky Pans Peter of the Post in D.C. Scuffle
In a recent letter to the editor of the Washington Post, actor Robert Prosky mentioned an unwritten rule in the theatre, which dictates that actors ought never write to a critic�no matter how disagreeable they might find the reviewer or his reviews.

[ P ]  Off-Broadway's Fame on 42nd Street to Be Recorded in October

[ P ]  2003 Kesselring Prize Winners Announced

[ P ]  Talk Show Watch: Dame Edna on "Tonight", Bette Midler on "Today"

[ P ]  Anthony Rapp Stars in Off-Broadway Comedy Private Jokes, Public Places, Starting Oct. 24

[ B ]  Bridget Carpenter Wins 2003 Kesselring Prize

[ B ]  Hayden Replaces Crudup in Henry IV at LCT

[ B ]  Victoria Hamilton Headlines Sweet Panic

[ P ]  "Beautiful Girl" � with Hairspray's Winokur � Debuts in October
"Beautiful Girl," the new TV movie with recent Hairspray star Marissa Jaret Winokur, will debut on the ABC Family Channel next month.

"Dutch Heart of a Man" - Reviews:

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'DUTCH HEART OF MAN'
Anachronism in a T-Shirt, Bewildered by a Fast-Moving World by BEN BRANTLEY
The forlorn hero in Robert Glaudini's play at the Public Theater is an emblem of urban frustration with whom it is easy to identify.

[ YN ]  'Dutch Heart of Man' a Gritty Slice of NY by JUSTIN GLANVILLE

[ ATW ]  Dutch Heart of Man:Knowing the End Too Early
Review by Andy Propst

[ B ]  Dutch Heart of Man
Review by Ron Lasko

Other Reviews:

[ BH ]  'Memphis' hits sour notes despite charismatic leads by Terry Byrne
What happens when you mix elements of "Dreamgirls," "Buddy," "Footloose" and "Hairspray" into a new musical?
Not much.
With Chad Kimball.

[ CU ]  Recent Tragic Events
Review

[ CU ]  Good Morning, Bill
Review
posted at 9/30/2003 08:03:07 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

Monday, September 29, 2003

And now, back to your regularly scheduled website...

Obituaries:

[ CST ]  Oscar-winning director Elia Kazan dies BY ROGER EBERT
Elia Kazan, who presided over a revolution in American acting and directed films that won 20 Academy Awards, died Saturday at 94.

[ NYT ]  Elia Kazan, Influential Director, Is Dead at 94 by MERVYN ROTHSTEIN
Elia Kazan was one of the most honored and influential directors in Broadway and Hollywood history.
� Complete Filmography
� Slide Show: The Films of Elia Kazan

[ P ]  Elia Kazan, Inflential Stage and Film Master, Is Dead at 94

[ B ]  Stage & Film Director Elia Kazan Dead at 94

[ TM ]  Legendary Director Elia Kazan Dies at 94

[ B ]  Elia Kazan's Broadway Credits

[ CST ]  Donald O'Connor, 'Singin' in the Rain' star, dead at 78 BY ROGER EBERT
The man who performed the most sensational solo number in the history of musical comedy is dead.

[ NYT ]  Donald O'Connor, Who Danced Through Many Hollywood Musicals, Dies at 78 by RICHARD SEVERO
Donald O'Connor was the jaunty dancer, singer and actor whose acrobatic "Make 'Em Laugh" solo in "Singin' in the Rain" is considered one of Hollywood's finest dance moments.

[ B ]  Song & Dance Man Donald O'Connor Dead at 78

[ P ]  Donald O'Connor, Dancing Man of Hollywood Musicals, Died at 78

[ CST ]  Playwright, actor, director Charles Michael Moore dies BY HEDY WEISS
Charles Michael Moore, a multifaceted theater artist who worked extensively at Chicago's eta Creative Arts Foundation, as well as with the Black Ensemble Theater, Congo Square Theater Company and the Chicago Theater Company, died Thursday at the age of 54. He was in the midst of directing Don Evans' romantic comedy "It's Showdown Time" at eta.

[ NYT ]  John Orrell, 68, Historian on New Globe Theater, Dies by DOUGLAS MARTIN
John Orrell was a historian whose intellectual detective work laid the groundwork for the 1997 re-creation of Shakespeare's original Globe Theater.

[ NYT ]  Ian Hunter, 84, Festival Organizer, Is Dead 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.

Features:

[ NYT ]  Rosie the Producer, Navigating Broadway by JESSE McKINLEY
By sheer force of her personality, Rosie O'Donnell has made "Taboo," of which she is both producer and star, the show to watch this fall.

[ TM ]  Peter Filichia's Diary
Filichia talks about My Fair Lady with Crandall Diehl, the show's original dance captain and "keeper of the flame."

[ BSUN ]  Actress takes heavy duty in stride by J. Wynn Rousuck
'Hairspray' star Jibson: a big woman with bigger talent

[ ND ]  FAST CHAT: Kathy Brier by Gordon Cox
In the backstage left corner of the Neil Simon Theatre, there's a shelf labeled with a piece of masking tape that bears the words "Marissa: Makeup, Water, Socks." You'd think they'd get around to changing that.

[ BG ]  Together, these divas are a dynamic duo by Richard Dyer
Not all divas duel. Barbara Cook and Marilyn Horne have been members of a mutual admiration society for decades, friends for more than a dozen years.

[ DFP ]  Marla Schaffel: Actress finds the kid inside Maria BY MARTIN F. KOHN
'Sound of Music' star emphasizes youth

[ PP ]  Enter stage left BY DOMINIC P. PAPATOLA
As the nation and the state have shifted rightward on the political spectrum, local theater people with progressive political agendas are coming off the sidelines and putting their beliefs on the stage.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the two stories above.

[ P ]  CHANNELING THEATRE: Behind the Scenes of Gypsy and Nine Tapings with TOFT's Hoffman
This month we check out the theatrical treasure trove located on the third floor of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The vision of the now retired Betty Corwin, TOFT (Theatre on Film and Tape) began in 1969 and has, according to successor Patrick Hoffman, "succeeded beyond her wildest dreams."

[ CT ]  Edward Albee's third act by Michael Phillips
The 'invaluable irritant to the status quo' is flattered by current success, Goodman festival

[ HC ]  The Foibles and Follies Of Producing New Musicals by Frank Rizzo
They don't make 'em like they used to.
That's what I thought while was sitting in the audience last week for the 15th annual Festival of New Musicals.

[ FCW ]  Scenework Moss On The Tree by CHRISTOPHER ARNOTT
As an acting teacher, Larry Moss coached award-winning screen performances out of Helen Hunt, Michael Clarke Duncan and Hank Azaria. When the veteran theater actress Pamela Gien took his class, Moss used a new acting exercise he'd just invented to draw a personal story out of her.

[ DN ]  Art of the speakeasy by Howard Kissel
Al Hirschfeld captured the forgotten world of Prohibition

[ CCT ]  Honoring Gene's a long day's journey by Linda Davis
DANVILLE - Fresno touts its hometown author William Saroyan, and Salinas built a museum to honor native son John Steinbeck.
But nowhere in Danville will you find a statue, plaque or street name honoring world-renowned playwright Eugene O'Neill, who lived and worked here from 1937 to 1944, producing his most celebrated works and earning a Nobel Prize and four Pulitzers.

"Recent Tragic Events" - Reviews:

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS'
A First Date Blindsided By a Cosmic Event by BEN BRANTLEY
Craig Wright's play about a blind date on Sept. 11 somehow manages to be both the bravest and most boring of the 9/11-themed plays.

[ NJ ]  An event predestined to be irritating BY MICHAEL SOMMERS

[ YN ]  'Events' Is Unsatisfying Comedy of Chance by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic

[ NYP ]  ROMANCE, NOT 9/11 by DONALD LYONS
"Recent Tragic Events" is a sweet little romantic comedy ruined by its insistence on being something else - something the author can't handle.

[ ND ]  Blind Date Meets Tragic Date by Linda Winer
9/11 becomes fodder for a romantic comedy by 'Six Feet Under' writer

[ DN ]  Twin sisters, twin towers, Sept. 12, 2001 by Robert Dominguez

[ TB ]  Recent Tragic Events
Review by Matthew Murray

[ B ]  Recent Tragic Events
Review by William Stevenson

[ TM ]  Recent Tragic Events
Reviewed By: Barbara & Scott Siegel
Recent Tragic Events is a play of ideas that's sometimes smart, sometimes funny, and sometimes annoying. No -- make that frequently annoying.

[ ATW ]  Graham's Beautiful Debut in 9-11 Blind Date Play
Review by Andy Propst

Other Reviews:

[ NJ ]  Acting like a Barrymore BY PETER FILICHIA
To see or not see "Barrymore" -- that is the question.

[ NYer ]  CULTURAL GAS by JOHN LAHR
The discreet harm of the bourgeoisie.
?Omnium Gatherum?; ?The Harlequin Studies.?

[ ND ]  Solid Concrete Can't Support a Shaky Romance by Gordon Cox
At the heart of "Dutch Heart of Man" is a fragile romance that plays out with enough winning, lifelike delicacy that you wish it were enough to enliven the unconvincing hull of the rest of the play.

[ TM ]  Good Morning, Bill
Reviewed By: David Finkle
You can bet that the Wodehouse Society, which held its 13th annual international convention in Toronto only a month and a half ago, has now planned a field trip to Manhattan's Lower East Side.

[ NYT ]  THEATER REVIEW | 'IDENTICAL SAME TEMPTATION'
What Do (These Two) Women Want? by ANITA GATES
Without being subtle, Robert Glaudini's play succeeds in expressing dismay over what women really want men to be.

[ TB ]  Everything Was Possible: The Birth of the Musical Follies
Book Review by Alan Gomberg

[ TM ]  Tunes, Tomes, & Videos
Dorothy Fields's lyrics for Up in Central Park and Arms and the Girl remain sharp and surprising -- and the music for these shows, by Sigmund Romberg and Morton Gould, is also pretty great.

News:

[ P ]  Blakemore Wants American Cast for Broadway Democracy

[ P ]  Michael Hayden Replaces Billy Crudup in Lincoln Center Henry IV
Michael Hayden has replaced Billy Crudup as Prince Hal in the coming Jack O'Brien staging of Henry IV at Lincoln Center Theater, a spokesman confirmed.

[ P ]  Liza Minnelli Lands new TV Gig
Liza Minnelli will make her first screen acting appearance in nearly a decade.

[ P ]  Big River Star Head to the Chatterbox Oct. 2
Michael McElroy, who starred in the recent revival of Big River, will sit down for a chat with host Seth Rudetsky at the Oct. 2 edition of Seth's Broadway Chatterbox.

[ V ]  'Cabaret' adding Pascal
Show closing could be pushed back

[ V ]  Biz up; 'Producers' 809g
Broadway Grosses

[ NYP ]  CINDY ADAMS
PETER ALLEN RECALLED

[ NYP ]  LIZ SMITH
LUSTROUS LUNTS

[ NYT ]  Bigger Theater for Washington
Arena Stage, an anchor of Washington's theater scene, plans a major overhaul of its Southwest waterfront location. Based on a design by the Canadian architect Bing Thom, the plan will double the theater's square footage.

[ P ]  Today in Theatre History: SEPTEMBER 29

[ P ]  Cherry Lane Theatre Gets Appropriate New Address Sept. 29

[ P ]  John Kander Art Songs and Arcana Among Tunes in NYC New Voices Concert, Sept. 29; Luker and Blazer Sing

[ B ]  Adam Pascal to Be Cabaret's New Emcee

Posted by Tim Dunleavy to BroadwayStars.com at 9/29/2003 10:57:47 AM
posted at 9/29/2003 10:57:20 AM by James Marino | Item Link

Sunday, September 28, 2003

Those of you who follow my writings regularly are no doubt aware that I see a significant number of shows. Well, I feel especially privileged to be able to report tonight on a very special opening night I was able to attend today. Specifically, that of James Marino and Elizabeth Morton as husband and wife.

It began with a fine church ceremony, with James and his groomsmen and Elizabeth and her bridesmaids all elegantly clad (good going, costume department!). The service itself was fine, complete with organ and trumpet music, though I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the bride and the groom weren't off-book yet--they had to have their lines fed to them by a prompter! Oh well, given the gravity of what they were entering into, I suppose that sense of nervousness was understandable. Needless to say, the audience was enthusiastic, and their final exit received a rousing ovation.

As did their re-entrance at the reception, which was greeted not only with sustained applause, but a standing ovation of its own. The opening night party consisted of some excellent food and drink, some fancy footwork on the part of the bride and the groom (who looked great together--the casting agency sure worked wonders with these two!), the opportunity for friends and family members to get reacquainted, as well as the chance for those in attendance who didn't really know anyone else (like me) to be introduced to the extended family of James and Elizabeth. There were toasts of course (including a charming original song courtesy of best man David Ippolito), and dancing, but transportation issues made it difficult to stick around until the word came in from The New York Times. (However, apparently their notice appeared this morning, so everything still worked out.)

Say what you will, though--given the atmosphere on the part of the bride, groom, and the families involved, it looks like Elizabeth and James are settling in for a long, healthy run. I'm hoping/betting at least 50 years, which should pay back the investors at least a little.

Anyway, I'd like to thank Tim for his help in allowing me to attend the wedding, and I'd like to extend my warmest congratulations to both James and Elizabeth, and wish them the best life together that is possible. As far as everyone here is concerned, you're both Broadway Stars.
posted at 9/28/2003 09:29:44 PM by Matthew Murray | Item Link

[ NYT ]  Elizabeth Morton, James Marino
Elizabeth Swan Morton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Seth W. Morton of Darien, Conn., is to be married there today to James Vincent Marino, a son of Anne Marie Marino of Massapequa Park, N.Y., and Salvatore J. Marino of Atlantic City. The Rev. Kay M. Armstrong is to perform the ceremony at the First Congregational Church of Darien.

Is there anything else going on today?

Well, needless to say, the staff of BroadwayStars salutes its fearless leader... and his, ahem, even more fearless bride (heh heh)... and wishes them a lifetime of happiness!!!!!

posted at 9/28/2003 09:57:03 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link

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[Past News]

BROADWAYSTAR'S FIVE DAY FORECAST

2007-08
Broadway Season

June 28 - Old Acquaintance (AA)

July 10 - Xanadu (Hayes) [Robert Ahrens, Dan Vickery, Tara Smith/B. Swibel and Sarah Murchison/Dale Smith]

Aug 19 - Grease (Atkinson)

Oct 4 - Mauritius (Biltmore) [MTC]

Oct 11 - The Ritz (54)

Oct 18 - Pygmalion (AA)

Oct 25 - A Bronx Tale (Kerr)

Nov 1 - Cyrano de Bergerac (Rodgers)

Nov 4 - Rock 'N' Roll (Jacobs)

Nov 8 - Young Frankenstein (Hilton)

Nov 9 - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (St. James)

Nov 10: Local One Strike Begins

Nov 28: Local One Strike Ends

Dec 2 - Cymbeline (Beaumont)

Dec 3 - The Farnsworth Invention (Music Box) [Dodger Properties with Steven Spielberg, Dan Cap Productions, Fred Zollo, Latitude Link and the Pelican Group]

Dec 4 - August: Osage County (Imperial) [Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler, Jerry Frankel, Steppenwolf]

Dec 6 - The Seafarer (Booth)

Dec 9 - Is He Dead? (Lyceum)

Dec 16 - The Homecoming (Cort) [Richards, Frankel]

Jan 10 - The Little Mermaid (Lunt)

Jan 15 - The 39 Steps (AA)

Jan 17 - November (Barrymore)

Jan 24 - Come Back, Little Sheba (Biltmore)

Feb 21 - Sunday In The Park With George (54)

Feb 28 - Passing Strange (Belasco)

Mar 6 - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Broadhurst) [Stephen C. Byrd]

Mar 9 - In The Heights (Rodgers)

Mar 27 - Gypsy (St. James)

Mar 29 - Macbeth (Lyceum)

Apr 3 - South Pacific (Beaumont)

Apr 17 - A Catered Affair (Kerr) [Jujamcyn Theaters, Jordan Roth, Harvey Entertainment / Ron Fierstein, Richie Jackson and Daryl Roth]

Apr 24 - Cry Baby (Marquis)

Apr 27 - The Country Girl (Jacobs)

Apr 30 - Thurgood (Booth)

May 1 - Les Liaisons Dangereuses (AA)

May 4 - Boeing-Boeing (Longacre)

May 7 - Top Girls (Biltmore)

TBA - Godspell

2008-09
Broadway Season

Oct 16 - Billy Elliot (Imperial)

Nov 08 - Dividing the Estate (a Shubert theater)

Dec 14 - Shrek: The Musical (Broadway) [DreamWorks]

Talked About
Not Scheduled Yet

TBA - 50 Words

TBA - Addams Family (Elephant Eye)

TBA - American Buffalo

TBA - An American Vaudeville [Farrell, Perloff]

TBA - The Beard of Avon [NYTW]

TBA - Being There [Permut]

TBA - Benny & Joon [MGM]

TBA - Billy Elliot

TBA - Brave New World [Rachunow]

TBA - Breath of Life [Fox]

TBA - Busker Alley [Margot Astrachan, Robert Blume, Kristine Lewis, Jamie Fox, Joanna Kerry & Heather Duke]

TBA - Broomhilda

TBA - Bye Bye Birdie [Niko]

TBA - Camille Claudel [Wildhorn]

TBA - Camelot

TBA - Carmen [Robin DeLevita and The Firm]

TBA - Catch Me If You Can

TBA - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon [Bob and Harvey Weinstein]

TBA - Cry Baby [Grazer, Gordon, McAllister, Epstein]

TBA - Designing Women [Alexis]

TBA - Don Juan DeMarco [New Line]

TBA - Dreamgirls [Creative Battery]

TBA - Duet

TBA - Equus

TBA - Ever After [Adam Epstein]

TBA - Fallen Angels (Shubert) [Kenwright]

TBA - Farragut North [Richards]

TBA - Father of the Bride

TBA - The Female Of The Species (TBA)

TBA - Fool For Love (AA) [Roundabout]

TBA - Girl Group Time Travelers

TBA - Golden Boy

TBA - Harmony [Guiles, Karslake, Smith, Fishman]

TBA - Hitchcock Blonde

TBA - The Importance Of Being Earnest

TBA - Jerry Springer: The Opera! [Thoday, McKeown]

TBA - Jesus Hopped The 'A' Train (Circle)

TBA - Josephine [Waissman]

TBA - Leap of Faith

TBA - A Little Princess [Ettinger, Dodger]

TBA - Midnight Cowboy [MGM]

TBA - The Minstrel Show - Kander and Ebb and Stroman

TBA - Moonstruck [Pittelman, Azenberg]

TBA - Mourning Becomes Electra [Haber, Boyett]

TBA - Monsoon Wedding

TBA - The Night of the Hunter

TBA - The Opposite of Sex [Namco]

TBA - Orphans

TBA - Pal Joey [Platt]

TBA - Paper Doll

TBA - The Paris Letter

TBA - The Philadelphia Story

TBA - Peter Pan

TBA - Porgy and Bess [Frankel, Viertel, Baruch, Routh, Panter, Tulchin/Bartner]

TBA - The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

TBA - The Princess Bride

TBA - Princesses [Lane, Comley]

TBA - Poe the Musical

TBA - Rain Man [MGM]

TBA - Robin Hood

TBA - Secondhand Lions

TBA - South Pacific

TBA - Speed-the-Plow

TBA - Stalag 17

TBA - Starry Messenger

TBA - Syncopation

TBA - A Tale Of Two Cities

TBA - Torch Song Trilogy

TBA - Turn of the Century

TBA - West Side Story

TBA - The Wall [Weinstein, Mottola, Waters]

TBA - Will Rogers Follies [Cossette]

TBA - The Wiz [Dodger]

TBA - Zanna [Dalgleish]

This list is compiled from various sources. If you have corrections to the Broadway Season, please contact us.

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2007-08Broadway Season

2008-09Broadway Season

Talked AboutNot Scheduled Yet

2007-08
Broadway Season

2008-09
Broadway Season

Talked About
Not Scheduled Yet