Saturday, October 18, 2003
Features:
[ BSUN ] Two of a kind: the con game and the musical by J. Wynn Rousuck
'Bounce' becomes the latest in a long song-and-dance partnership
With quotes from John Weidman, Jack O'Brien (on "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"), Martin Gottfried, and Eric Schaeffer.
[ ND ] Acting Her Age by Blake Green
With three films and a role in Broadway's 'Retreat From Moscow,' Eileen Atkins doesn't let age stand in the way
[ NYP ] THEATER FOR ONE by BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON
THIS might just be the sexiest show in New York - but it's no cheap thrill. Four nights a week, Nicole Blackman does a one-on-one performance called "The Courtesan Tales" in a small gallery room upstairs at P.S. 122.
[ BS ] Slam! Bang! Crash! Applause? by Leonard Jacobs
Onstage Violence is Caroming to the Next Level in New York City
[ BS ] Welcome to Chicago by Katherine Burke
BackStage.com recently talked with several Chicago pros and asked their advice. How does someone get a good start in Chicago performing arts?
News:
[ G ] Obituary: Anne Ziegler, 93
Romantic songstress from an age when Britons needed comfort
[ IBDB ] Anne Ziegler's Broadway Credits
Billed as Anne Booth, her married name.
[ YN ] Meryl Streep to Receive AFI Life Award
[ TM ] American Theatre Wing Announces Fall 2003 "Working in the Theatre" Seminars
[ TM ] Rob Marshall and Ted Snowdon to Receive Genie Awards
[ R ] Russia Siege Musical to Re-Open, But Not in Moscow
Reviews:
[ TM ] The Siegel Column
Barbara & Scott have nice things to say about Zilah Mendoza, Michael Feinsten and Jimmy Webb, Martha Lorin, and others.
[ INQ ] Simmons' Def Poetry Jam gets a reviewer rappin' by Howard Shapiro
[ RMN ] Broadway stars bring 'The Golden Age' to life by Lisa Bornstein
The documentary film "Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There."
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!
posted at 10/18/2003 02:02:46 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Friday, October 17, 2003
Features:
[ NEXT ] Not THE BOY NEXT DOOR by: Robert Kent
Hugh Jackman's name may be above the title, but the real star of The Boy from Oz is the late, great-and flamboyant-singer/songwriter Peter Allen.
Thanks to Robert for the link!
[ P ] DIVA TALK: A Chat with Heart's Alix Korey PLUS Avenue Q Thrills on Disc
[ B ] Fresh Face: John Selya by Katie Riegel
[ P ] PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with Kristine Nielsen
They eat. They drink—a lot. They talk—even more. They meet a terrorist. They dance while the world burns and bombs fall.
[ TM ] Photo File by: Joseph Marzullo and Michael Portantiere
The Boy From Oz opens, the Biltmore Theatre reopens, Jerry Herman celebrates the publication of his lyrics in book form...and much more!
[ P ] PHOTO CALL: Wonderful Town in Rehearsal
[ CPD ] Bridgette Wimberly: front row center at the Play House by Tony Brown
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!
News:
[ P ] Facing Financial Woes, Charlotte Rep Makes Changes to Current Season; Hamlet Is Not To Be
[ P ] "Proof" Motion Picture — with Paltrow and Gyllenhaal — Now Filming in London
[ P ] Willkommen: Cabaret Gets a New Sally and Ernst, Oct. 27
Katrina Yaukey and Martin Moran will assume the roles of Sally Bowles and Ernst Ludwig in the current Broadway revival of Cabaret Oct. 27 when Susan Egan and Peter Benson exit the John Kander and Fred Ebb musical at Studio 54.
[ P ] Randall, Tucci and Fuller to Star in National Actors Theatre's Right You Are; Cast and Creative Team Announced
[ P ] Phylicia Rashad, Erika Alexander Cast in Public Theater's The Story
[ P ] Buckley, Paige, Channing, Kazan, Rooney and More are Singular Sensations Off-Broadway
[ P ] PBOL'S THEATRE WEEK IN REVIEW, Oct. 11-17: A Boy and His Show
[ P ] Broadway Doll Swoosie Kurtz Set To Star in Frozen Off-Broadway
[ P ] Kaufman and Ferber Live Again in New Play About Their Lost Play, Getting NYC Reading Oct. 17
[ P ] Chicago City Limits Closes Its Doors After 23-Year Run
[ P ] National Actors Theatre to Offer Pirandello Comedy in November
Reviews:
[ ATW ] The Middle Beast: A Darkly Humorous Approach to Mid-East Peace
Review by Andy Propst
[ ATW ] Photos Enhance "Jerry Herman: The Lyrics" to Create Celebration
Book Review by Andy Propst
[ ATW ] Unfeeling Touch
Review by Andy Propst
[ TM ] Tunes, Tomes, & Videos
In celebration of Arthur Miller's 88th birthday today, we offer a review of Martin Gottfried's new book on America's greatest living playwright.
[ OS ] Familiar actor sets tone for run-of-mill 'Fiddler' by Elizabeth Maupin
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!
posted at 10/17/2003 05:56:24 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
[ B ] CDs: C'est La Vie by Ken Mandelbaum
I'm hearing that Gretchen Mol will be the final Sally Bowles in the Broadway Cabaret.
CD: SEVENTH HEAVEN (Decca Broadway)
CD: BARBARA COOK: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (DRG)
posted at 10/17/2003 02:06:04 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
[ STARS ] STARS GALORE FROM MOVIE MUSICALS GOLDEN ERA AND BROADWAY WILL BE ON HAND FOR GOTTA DANCE!, CAREER TRANSITIONS' DANCE TRIBUTE TO HOLLYWOOD
by ELLIS NASSOUR
More stars than there are in the heavens will be there! No, not on an M-G-M soundstage for the making of a megamusical, but City Center’s stage and Career Transition For Dancers 9th annual gala benefit, Gotta Dance! A Dance Tribute to Hollywood, Monday, October 27th, at 7 P.M. Director, choreographer Randy Skinner of 42nd Street fame guarantees “a very special evening.” He says, “Not only are we going to have these movie musical greats together onstage – Cyd Charisse, Esther Williams, Jane Powell, Marge Champion, Fayard Nicholas, George Chakiris, Russ Tamblyn, Arlene Dahl – as well as such stars as Mary Tyler Moore, Lynn Redgrave, Cythia Gregory, Marni Nixon [the singing voice of so many stellar stars in film musicals], Rosie Perez and Leslie Browne - but also musical numbers saluting the films.
"The Boy From Oz":
[ B ] Photo Op: A Smashing Opening for The Boy from Oz
[ FOX ] Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in Sequins by Roger Friedman
Last night a lot of celebrities came to the Imperial Theatre to see if Jackman -- whose publicist, I’m told, banned press from the after-party -- could pull off this odd career turn in “The Boy from Oz.”
[ B ] Were B'way Critics Charmed by The Boy from Oz?
[ WP ] 'Oz': A Mess Instead of a Myth by Peter Marks
If the producers had wanted to level with the public, they'd have come up with a more appropriate title, something on the order of "Hugh Jackman's Chest Hair! The Musical."
[ DN ] We honestly love Hugh by Howard Kissel
As a show, "The Boy From Oz" sometimes seems like an expanded drag act, but Jackman's performance is so dazzling he transforms it into great Broadway entertainment.
[ NYP ] 'OZ' ALL ABOUT HUGH by CLIVE BARNES
LET'S make this simple: The show's plus is its superstar. The show's minus is the show itself.
[ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'BOY FROM OZ'
Flash of 70's Sequins by BEN BRANTLEY
Hugh Jackman's own rejuvenating life force saves the indisputedly bogus, bathetic musical biography of Australian songwriter Peter Allen.
[ B ] Not the Boy Next Door by Ken Mandelbaum
[ YN ] Hugh Jackman Can't Save 'Boy From Oz' by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic
In the end, "The Boy From Oz" is a show filled with aimless energy rather than inspiration, leaving theatergoers exhausted rather than entertained.
[ NJ ] Allen would love Jackman in musical bio BY MICHAEL SOMMERS
Anyone who loved Allen and his songs is likely to enjoy the lightweight new musical that sailed into the Imperial last night. As for people who never heard of the guy, "The Boy from Oz" may look like a tornado of rainbow-colored schmaltz.
[ TB ] The Boy From Oz
Review by Matthew Murray
While pretending to celebrate pop icon Peter Allen and the wonderful star playing him, Hugh Jackman, the show succeeds at doing little more than paying tribute to the accepted mediocrity so prevalent on today's Broadway stages.
[ R ] Theater Review: the Boy from Oz by Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
Initial business should be brisk for this lavish musical, both because of Jackman's star power and the inherent appeal of the subject matter to a large segment of the theatergoing public. However, whether in the long term it will attract those unfamiliar with the long-gone Allen is questionable.
[ USA ] Jackman makes 'Boy From Oz' sing by Elysa Gardner
[ TM ] The Boy From Oz
Reviewed By: David Finkle
News:
[ NYP ] DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE by MICHAEL RIEDEL
ROSIE O'Donnell is bringing in a show doctor.
[ NYT ] ON STAGE AND OFF
What's Next? Skyboxes? by JASON ZINOMAN
The elegantly renovated Biltmore Theater offers wide camel-colored chairs with high wood backs and an exclusive Patron's Lounge.
[ BSUN ] Getting their goat by Mary Carole McCauley
The man in the audience wearing the blue sweater had had enough.
He had forked over $25 to hear Edward Albee talk - or, some might say, refuse to talk - at the University of Maryland, College Park, and he did not attempt to hide his irritation when he finally got a chance to pose a question to the playwright.
[ BH ] Huntington sets sales records
The Huntington Theatre Company announced record-breaking ticket sales for "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Butley," the first two shows of its 2003-04 season.
[ B ] Alexander & Rashad Set for the Public's Story
[ NYP ] LIZ SMITH
Jerry Herman; Bill Irwin.
[ P ] Today In Theatre History: OCTOBER 17
[ P ] Broadway's Cabaret Welcomes New Emcee Adam Pascal, Oct. 17
[ P ] Till the Clouds Roll By: Jerome Kern's Oh, Boy! Gets NYC Concert by York, Oct. 17-19
[ P ] The Black Dahlia by "L.A. Confidential" Scribe Comes to Life at Yale Rep, Oct. 17-Nov. 8
Features:
[ BH ] Nathan Lane gets serious: Comedic actor plays bitter, caustic man in 'Butley' by Robert Nesti
[ BG ] Once again, Farrow lets fear be her fuel by Catherine Foster
Mia Farrow is a bit scared. But then she always is -- about work, anyway.
[ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary
Filichia checks his e-mail to see what readers have had to say about his recent columns.
[ NJ ] Rachins stars in 9/11-influenced drama BY PETER FILICHIA
[ NJ ] Theatrical devices: Way to the mind goes off-Broadway and through the stomach BY STUART MILLER
[ B ] Photo Op: A Wonderful Peek at Wonderful Town
[ P ] Our Town: Donna Murphy and Fellow Villagers Offer Tour of Wonderful Town
[ CSM ] Some serious child's play by Gregory M. Lamb
Major regional theaters are taking children's theater seriously, as plays for young audiences win awards and appear on Broadway.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!
Other Reviews:
[ NYP ] 'BEAST' HAS CORPSE BUT NO BODY by DONALD LYONS
IN "The Middle Beast," three Lebanese men - one Jewish, one Muslim, one Christian - compete for the same piece of land.
[ NYT ] POP REVIEW | 'SINATRA'
A Reincarnation of Sinatra Under Radio City's Big Top by STEPHEN HOLDEN
The Las Vegas-ready celebration of Frank Sinatra at Radio City Music Hall suggests a wacky, hyperbolic A&E "Biography."
[ ND ] Sinatra's Special Effect by Rafer Guzmán
The voice outshines the show’s razzle-dazzle
[ NYT ] CABARET REVIEW | FRAN LANDESMAN
Light Verses With a Bittersweet Side by STEPHEN HOLDEN
The cult lyricist interspersed pithy light verses with songs at Joe's Pub on Saturday and Sunday.
[ NYT ] CABARET REVIEW | MICHAEL FEINSTEIN AND JIMMY WEBB
A Pair of Romantics at Heart by STEPHEN HOLDEN
The kindred spirits of Michael Feinstein and Jimmy Webb came together at Feinstein's at Regency on Tuesday to provide an enlightening musical dialogue.
posted at 10/17/2003 08:11:33 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
We'd like to mention a birthday for the Broadway and HollywoodStar, RICHARD CONNEMA! Don't do anything today that Hugh Jackman wouldn't do!
And as for the Yankee game tonight -- "Bucky Dent". That's all I have to say!
posted at 10/17/2003 12:17:59 AM by James Marino | Item Link
Thursday, October 16, 2003
"The Boy From Oz":
[ ND ] The Boy From Oz: Jackman glows in cliche-heavy Peter Allen bio by Linda Winer
Does Hugh Jackman adore live performing as much as Peter Allen did, or is Jackman merely a terrific actor whose job here is to pretend to love - we mean really love - song-and-dance showbiz? Either way, it's a win for anyone who wants to see one of the breakout leading-man musical debuts in recent Broadway memory - and an object lesson in the limited but undeniable ability of big talent to distract from the labored wax-museum mediocrity of a show.
[ YN ] Peter Allen Celebrated in 'Boy From Oz' by JUSTIN GLANVILLE, Associated Press Writer
A profile of Peter, with quotes from Ann-Margret, Carole Bayer Sager and Julie Wilson.
Other Reviews:
[ ND ] Rauschenberg Plays With Found Objects by Gordon Cox
[ TM ] bobrauschenbergamerica
Reviewed By: David Finkle
[ TM ] Golda's Balcony
Reviewed By: Philip Hopkins
[ B ] Golda's Balcony's Tovah Feldshuh Faces Critics
[ TM ] Sinatra: His Voice. His World. His Way.
Reviewed By: Michael Portantiere
[ ATW ] Four Beers Resembles A Place Where Ev'rybody Knows Your Name
Review by Andy Propst
[ CU ] Baby Steps
Review
[ ATW ] Terrific Cast, Grand Visuals Don't Quite Add Up in This 'Little Shop'
Review by Andy Propst
News:
[ B ] Roven's Singular Sensations Boasts Big Names
[ B ] Martin Moran Returns as Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret
[ B ] Jeff Calhoun Joins Creative Team of Taboo
Jeff Calhoun has joined the Broadway musical Taboo, currently in technical rehearsals, as a "choreographic consultant," according to a production statement. Calhoun is presumably being brought on to aid Mark Dendy, who remains the choreographer of record.
[ * ] Danny Gurwin
Danny appears in the new hit musical comedy THE THING ABOUT MEN at The Promenade Theatre on Broadway and West 76th Street from October 20th through the end of the year.
Replacing Daniel Reichard.
[ BS ] Noted Actors Support Bard for NEA
[ BS ] Swee, Telsey Among Artios Casting Winners
[ B ] Dame Edna Plans a Return to Broadway
[ P ] Report: Anne Heche to Return to Broadway in Twentieth Century Revival
[ P ] Dennehy Plays Hughie as Trinity Rep Adds New Plays to Season
[ P ] Arthur Laurents and Amanda Green Revising Musical Hallelujah, Baby! for 2004-05 Off-Broadway Berth
[ P ] Bobbie Back on Board for Sweet Charity; Tomei Sought
[ P ] Big River's Calhoun Joins Taboo Team
[ P ] Broadway Actress and Mom Valerie Wright Cooks Up Show-Tune-Flavored CD for Kid Market
[ P ] Lucky Stiff Concert Has Testa, Metz, Gets, Zagnit, Skinner at York Theatre, Oct. 24-26
[ P ] Zbornik, Benoit, Miller and Rapier Offer Forbidden Broadway Nov. 1 in California
[ P ] "The Sweater Book" Captures Hundreds of Show Folk Wearing the Same Cardigan; AIDS Charities Benefit
Features:
[ B ] Photo Op: MTC's Historical Rededication of the Biltmore
[ OS ] Theater takes Mekka way past Carmine role by Elizabeth Maupin
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link!
[ BS ] Forging Ahead: New Theatre Companies Still Emerge in Troubled Times
In these post-Sept. 11 times, coupled with an economy that's questionable -- questionable at best -- who would even think of launching a theatre company?
[ BS ] In Brooklyn, Burlesque Runs Long Past Halloween
With Halloween only weeks away, burlesque makes up much of Brooklyn's current performing arts scene. The latest vaudeville trend in Brooklyn, however, might be more than a mere holiday trick or treat.
posted at 10/16/2003 06:32:27 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
News:
[ B ] Anne Heche to Star in Twentieth Century on B'way
[ P ] Is Dame Edna Headed Back to Broadway?
[ P ] Jana Robbins Joins "Carol Channing" for Nov. 4 Duplex Benefit
[ P ] Hairspray's Winokur Cast in TV "Mattress" Opposite Burnett
Features:
[ B ] Photo Op: Golda's Opening Night Party
posted at 10/16/2003 11:19:08 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Features:
[ BSUN ] John Astin's acting class is a big draw by J. Wynn Rousuck
"Golda's Balcony" - Reviews:
[ NJ ] Golden Golda: Tovah Feldshuh delivers a fiery personification of Israel's 'mother' BY MICHAEL SOMMERS
[ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | GOLDA'S BALCONY
To Bomb or Not To Bomb? A Question by BRUCE WEBER
Tovah Feldshuh plays the Israeli prime minister in a ponderous and melodramatic biographical play.
[ DN ] 'Golda' gets premier performance by Howard Kissel
Seldom has history embodied itself in one person as clearly as it did in Golda Meir. William Gibson has done an amazing job of conveying this life in a one-person play.
[ NYP ] GOLDEN TOVAH by CLIVE BARNES
The story of Golda Meir - labor organizer, diplomat and one of Israel's greatest leaders - is the basic framework of William Gibson's fascinating play "Golda's Balcony," which opened last night.
Other Reviews:
[ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'BOBRAUSCHENBERGAMERICA'
A Collage of Sly Tricks in Honor of a Collagist by NEIL GENZLINGER
The SITI company has created a work that will resonate even with someone who has never seen a Rauschenberg.
[ NYP ] FRANK FLIRTER: MUSIC HALL SENDS IN THE CLONE by DAN AQUILANTE
The two-hour extravaganza is part concert, part biography and part hokum, with jazz fret-man John Pizzarelli as the host.
[ CU ] Waiting For Godot
Review
[ CU ] Eastern Standard
Review
News:
[ NYP ] LIZ SMITH
THE RUMOR flies that Dame Edna, now playing Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall, will mount a return to Broadway late next year.
Third item.
Plus news of a stage adaptation of "Adam's Rib" with Anne Heche and Adam Arkin.
[ NYT ] National Book Award Nominations by DINITIA SMITH
Among the nominees for poetry: "Sparrow: Poems" (Random House) by Carol Muske-Dukes, about the death of her husband, the actor David Dukes.
[ NJ ] Center stage by Peter Filichia
Luna Stage Company is adding four more Mother's Days to the calendar.
[ HC ] Hip-Hopping All Over Greater Hartford Stages by Frank Rizzo
[ YN ] Renovated Biltmore Theatre Back to Life by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Writer
[ ND ] 'Nine' Recasting Redo by Gordon Cox
Plus Mamma Mia, Never Gonna Dance, Bad Girls, etc.
[ P ] Today In Theatre History: OCTOBER 16
[ P ] Between the Moon and New York City: The Boy From Oz with Jackman Opens on Broadway, Oct. 16
[ P ] Mia Farrow Stars in World Premiere James Lapine Play Fran's Bed at Long Wharf, Oct. 16-Nov. 23
[ P ] Brotherly Love: Tony-Winning Def Poetry Jam Starts Tour in Philadelphia, Oct. 16
[ P ] Restoring Color to Bway's Biltmore, The Violet Hour Begins Previews Oct. 16
[ P ] Casting Announced for Goodspeed's O. Henry's Lovers, Nov. 13-Dec. 7
posted at 10/16/2003 07:49:23 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Features:
[ TM ] We Need a Little Kristin by: Michael Portantiere
Wicked star Kristin Chenoweth on her role of Glinda the Good.
[ B ] Stage Notes: 10/15/03 by Paul Wontorek
Never Gonna Dance; Daphne Rubin-Vega; Christopher Bram.
[ B ] Photo Op: Puppets Face Fans at Avenue Q CD Signing
"Golda's Balcony" - Reviews:
[ ND ] A Tough-Minded Rebel by Linda Winer
Tovah Feldshuh enlivens the life of Golda Meir
[ YN ] Golda Meir, Public and Private, on Stage by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic
This one-woman show expertly walks the line between illumination and entertainment.
[ TB ] Golda's Balcony
Review by Matthew Murray
[ B ] Golda's Balcony
Review by Jessica Branch
News:
[ B ] Swoosie Kurtz Moves from Doll to Frozen
[ P ] Maurice Hines to Direct 2004 Broadway Revival of The Me Nobody Knows
[ P ] Robby Benson Musical Hearts to Get Off-Broadway Staging in March 2004
[ TM ] "Musicals in Mufti" Announces Lucky Stiff Casting
[ TM ] Abingdon Company to Name Theater After June Havoc
posted at 10/15/2003 07:48:55 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
[ STARS ] JASON ROBERT BROWN'S "THE LAST FIVE YEARS" COMES TO COOPERARTS FOR SEASON FINALE
posted at 10/15/2003 05:57:28 PM by James Marino | Item Link
[ P ] Broadway's Biltmore is Alive Again, as Mayor and MTC Relight the 1925 House as a New Home
[ P ] PHOTO CALL: Mayor Bloomberg at the Biltmore Theatre Opening
Gorgeous – simply gorgeous.
The theatre, that is, not the Mayor... ;-)
[ P ] PHOTO CALL: A Tour of the New Biltmore Theatre
[ P ] West End Chicago Announces Cast Changes
[ P ] Revised Baby Readings Feature Talkback with Authors; $10 Seats Available
[ P ] Nielsen Is Hopeful Durang's Mrs. Bob Cratchit Will Get Wild Ride in New York
[ P ] Seattle Rep Adds Play Premieres by Anna Pulitzer Winner and Local Pen to New Season
[ P ] Cruz' Anna Transfers to Downtown Run in Chicago
[ P ] Twelve Actors to Play John Lennon in New Bway Musical The Lennon Project
[ P ] Streetcar Academy Award Winner to Receive SAG Life Achievement Award
[ P ] Stephen Adly Guirgis Plays Available Nov. 5
[ P ] Orange County Broadway Series to Include Urinetown, Millie and Producers
[ P ] Spielberg, Dee, Davis and Travolta Honored at Nov. 17 Stella by Starlight Gala
[ B ] John Lennon Musical in the Works for B'way
[ B ] Tix on Sale for Lypsinka! As I Lay Lip-Synching
[ TM ] David Hyde Pierce to Host MTW's "Bravo Bernstein!" Gala
posted at 10/15/2003 03:15:15 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Features:
[ B ] Q & A: 10/15/03 by Ken Mandelbaum
[ DN ] Film star goes on 'Retreat' by JOE DZIEMIANOWICZ
Ben Chaplin has taken time off from making movies to appear in William Nicholson's autobiographical play about a man coping with his parents' divorce.
[ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary
Filichia doesn't keep us in the dark about his recent encounter with Julia Pastrana.
[ NYT ] Playwriting Program's Fortuitous Plot Twist by BRUCE WEBER
With a gift to N.Y.U. of $1 million, Rita and Burton Goldberg of Scarsdale, N.Y., have become the unlikely patrons of the future of the American theater.
[ ND ] The Chairman, Still Doing It His Way by Robert Kahn
[ PPG ] Broadway's Jerry Herman still feels wonderful by Christopher Rawson
Yesterday, he had his first meeting at the Nederlander office to prepare a new version of "La Cage" for Broadway next season. He's not changing the book or the score, but it will have a new look.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link.
News:
[ NYP ] MIXED REVIEWS FOR HYTNER'S NEW B'WAY DEAL by MICHAEL RIEDEL
[ WOS ] Rigg, Hamilton, Gabrielle, Jibson Flock to Sheffield
Diana Rigg, Victoria Hamilton, Josefina Gabrielle and Michael Jibson have joined the roll call of big names flocking to make their Sheffield debuts this winter.
[ V ] Beatle for B'way
Yoko OKs songs for 'Lennon' musical
Imagine the songs of John Lennon on Broadway. Yoko Ono has signed off on a new stage musical to be produced by Edgar Lansbury and Don Scardino. Yet to be titled, the tuner is projected for the 2004-05 Broadway season.
[ B ] Broadway Grosses: There's No Place Like B'way
Audiences followed the yellow brick road to previews of the Wizard of Oz-inspired Wicked last week. The enchanting new musical grossed $662,666 and reached 98.88% capacity. The debut of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was also strong, grossing $334,496 with its first five previews.
[ B ] Cast Set for World Premiere of Like Jazz
Patti Austin, Lillias White, Cleavant Derricks, Harry Groener, Jack Sheldon and Jennifer Chada will star in the Mark Taper Forum's production of Like Jazz, the world premiere musical by composer Cy Coleman, lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman and librettist Larry Gelbart, according to a production spokesperson.
[ LAT ] Theater director hits the tube by Don Shirley
Center Theatre Group artistic director/producer Gordon Davidson will appear on NBC's "Will & Grace" Thursday.
[ R ] Rome opens its Globe with Shakespeare classic
[ BBC ] Musical tells life of Mother Teresa
A musical about the life of Mother Teresa has had audiences flocking to a Rome theatre ahead of the late nun's beatification by the Pope.
[ P ] Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 15
[ P ] Tovah Is Golda as Gibson's Balcony Opens on Broadway
[ P ] Epic, NYC's New Rotating Rep Troupe, Launches Oct. 15 With The Last Resort
[ P ] PlayMakers Rep Has U.S. Premiere of Owen Meany Oct. 15-Nov. 30; Tandy Cronyn is Mrs. Meany
[ P ] Boston's Stoneham Theatre Takes a Whack at Lizzie Borden, the Musical, in May 2004
[ P ] Mint Extends Far and Wide and Closes Daughter-in-Law
[ P ] Churchill's London Hit A Number Has U.S. Premiere in Portland, OR
[ P ] Laurents' Attacks on the Heart World Premieres Oct. 14
[ P ] The Last Supper, Home-Cooked Cult Hit of Brooklyn, Moves to Manhattan Oct. 17
Reviews:
[ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | '8 BY TENN'
Qualities Named Frailty, Cattiness and Desire by BRUCE WEBER
In a flurry of mixed Tennessee Williams' one-acts, the highlight is Annalee Jefferies's affinity for the material.
[ CU ] Anything Goes
London Review
[ VV ] Beckettian Bravura
Can there be grandeur in helplessness? Could Renaissance craftsmen spin cotton candy? by Michael Feingold
'Beckett/Albee': Plays by Samuel Beckett and Edward Albee
[ VV ] Rock-A-Bye Granny: Shaw Air-Guitars an Unbiased Lullaby by Charles Mcnulty
To My Chagrin
[ VV ] Heartbreak Houses
Two female playwrights mop up with pine-scented romance by Alisa Solomon
Brooke Berman's Smashing; Women's Project Theatre's Touch
[ ATW ] What a Smashing Pre-9/11 World
Review by Andy Propst
[ CU ] Smashing
Review
[ ATW ] Living Out: Mommies Across a Cultural Divide
Review by Andy Propst
[ ATW ] 'Waiting for'...Peace?
Review by Andy Propst
[ TB ] A Very Good Daughter World Premieres at New Jersey Repertory
Review by Bob Rendell
[ ST ] 'Sunset' is lyrical but incomplete portrayal of Rachel Carson by Misha Berson
Robin Holcomb's theater piece mixes music, film, live action.
Thanks to American Theater Web for the link.
posted at 10/15/2003 09:55:34 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
News:
[ P ] Paper Doll Postpones Broadway Debut
Paper Doll, the romantic comedy about bigger-than-life novelist Jacqueline Susann that has been kicking around in regional theatre, has postponed its Broadway debut.
[ P ] Broadway Grosses: October 6-12
[ P ] Lillias White and Patti Austin Set to Star in New Cy Coleman Musical Like Jazz in L.A.
[ P ] From Puppet to Playwright: Oates Drama Bad Girls Staged Off Broadway, Nov. 7-25
[ P ] London's Money to Burn Abruptly Closes
[ P ] Cast Official for Broadway's Anna in the Tropics; Begins Nov. 4
[ P ] Casting Announced Mufti Concert of Jerome Kern's Oh, Boy!
[ P ] Food for Thought Serves Up Tammy Grimes and Sylvia Miles Oct. 17
[ P ] Dokuchitz, Colella, Dixon and Naughton Sing Works of New Composers Oct. 27
[ P ] Sinatra Lives Again Off-Broadway Beginning Nov. 12
[ P ] London Taboo CD to Be Released in U.S.
[ P ] Wicked CD Due in Stores in December
[ TM ] Amas Announces Fall Readings of Musicals
Features:
[ TM ] The Siegel Column
A look at Beckett/Albee, Golda's move to Broadway, and two cabaret acts for the ages: Jamie Cullum & Fran Landesman.
[ P ] Leigh Lawson Chats About Role in London's Noises Off Revival
Reviews:
[ TM ] A Rooster in the Henhouse
Reviewed By: David Finkle
posted at 10/14/2003 03:14:50 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Features:
[ DN ] Three star turns on Broadway by Joe Dziemianowicz
Playing a living legend is challenging - not to mention unnerving - for most Broadway actors.
[ NYT ] Playwright Maps Limits of the Best Intentions by JULIE SALAMON
In her play "Living Out," about an L.A. nanny and her employer, Lisa Loomer looks at the limits of liberalism.
[ NYT ] PUBLIC LIVES
A Hot, Sweaty Job in a Plant, Eating People by ROBIN FINN
Martin P. Robinson is the puppeteer inside of Audrey II, the "Little Shop of Horrors" plant.
[ WP ] Backstage: A Man Attuned to Feminine Frankness by Jane Horwitz
Venezuelan playwright and theater director Gustavo Ott says he often prefers writing about female characters.
Plus "Our Town" in Baltimore, directed by and starring John Astin (third item).
[ NYP ] CINDY ADAMS
ROSIE'S HEAD-FIRST LUNGE INTO 'TABOO'
Reviews:
[ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'DREAM ON MONKEY MOUNTAIN'
An Old Man Fights for His Kingly Tribal Dream by BRUCE WEBER
Derek Walcott's 1967 play exploits the signature sizzle of the Classical Theater of Harlem.
[ NYT ] Theater in Review
"Four Beers," "Tales of Unrest: Joseph Conrad on Stage," "Touch."
News:
[ G ] Obituary: Julia Trevelyan Oman
Julia Trevelyan Oman, who has died of cancer aged 73, was one of the great television, theatre and film designers of the late 20th century, but her work was steeped in historical research.
[ IBDB ] Julia Trevelyan Oman's Broadway Credits
[ YN ] Elfman Out of 'Nine,' Replaced by Understudy by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Writer
On Monday, the Roundabout Theatre Company, which produced "Nine," announced Elfman would not appear in the musical because the show could not change its Oct. 28 reopening date due to the heavy number of Broadway openings in October and November.
That's not what Stamos said...
[ V ] Columbus Day no discovery for B'way
Paid attendance down 30,000 ticket buyers from a year ago
Broadway will have to wait for Thanksgiving to reap a holiday bonanza. The Columbus Day weekend discovered no new territory, falling well below last year's record of $14.56 million for 28 shows.
[ R ] Lights Come Up Again on Shiny New Biltmore by Robert Osborne, Hollywood Reporter
[ P ] Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 14
[ P ] Tony Award Winner Dennehy Journeys Into Trumbo, Oct. 14-Nov. 9
[ P ] Graff Takes The Long Christmas Ride Home in New Vogel Work at Vineyard, Oct. 14
[ P ] Trailer Trash-Talk Show Tuner Jerry Springer — The Opera Begins in West End, Oct. 14
[ P ] John Cullum Comes of Age in Wilder, a New Musical, Starting Off-Bway Oct. 14
posted at 10/14/2003 07:44:39 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Monday, October 13, 2003
Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features!
[ PTR ] 'Hello, Dolly!' songwriter to give workshop, concert by Alice T. Carter
With Don Pippin, Jason Graae, Paige O'Hara and Karen Morrow.
[ LADN ] Who is that masked man? by Jerry Rice
Southland-grown "Phantom" ' haunts L.A. stage
Brad Little.
[ NY ] Bar-Hopping With Hirschfeld
In 1932, Caricaturist Al Hirschfeld And Writer Gordon Kahn turned their extensive nocturnal research into the ultimate boozy baedeker.
Features:
[ P ] PHOTO CALL: Kathie Lee Gifford in Listen to My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman
Kathie Lee Gifford and composer David Friedman after a performance of the revue Listen to My Heart Upstairs at Studio 54.
[ BS ] Playing it Proud
Olympia Dukakis' social activism takes firm hold with her latest film, The Event.
[ BS ] MOMIX Returns to the Joyce
MOMIX opened a three-week engagement on Sept. 23 at The Joyce Theater with Opus Cactus, which was conceived and directed by the company's artistic director, Moses Pendleton.
[ ATW ] Youth Perspective: Socializing with Kids and Performers at VicTeens by James Dennin
Reviews:
[ ATW ] The Season That Was On Disc
Compact Disc Reviews by Andy Propst
[ DP ] Songs are story in revamped 'Almost Heaven' by John Moore
After more than two years of trying to figure out the most effective way of staging the Denver Center Theatre Company's "Almost Heaven: Songs and Stories of John Denver," the obvious still has not fully sunk in with its creative team:
"Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver." Now, that would be a powerhouse.
[ RMN ] Sins of direction fail 'Heaven' by Lisa Bornstein
Thanks to American Theater Web for the Denver reviews.
News:
[ BS ] Once Roiled, Revelation Theater Returns
The not-for-profit Revelation Theater, which has been struggling to complete building its two-story West 39th Street playhouse for most of 2003, finally inaugurated it on Tues., Oct. 7.
[ P ] Fringe Musical Espresso Trasho to Get Oct. 21-22 Showing in London
[ P ] And I Am Telling You: Frenchie Davis Stars in West Coast Dreamgirls in Early 2004
posted at 10/13/2003 05:23:29 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Features:
[ B ] Fresh Face: Zilah Mendoza by Beth Stevens
[ P ] PHOTO CALL: The Violet Hour Cast
Reviews:
[ B ] CDs: Bon Voyage by Ken Mandelbaum
ANYTHING GOES (Prism/ First Night Records)
News:
[ P ] Gettelfinger Officially Named as Nine's New Carla
[ P ] NYU Musical Theatre Grads Get New Outlet, Courtesy Musical Theatre Works, Oct. 20 & 27
[ B ] London's Panned Money to Burn Closes Quickly
Daniel Abineri's musical thriller Money to Burn, the second show to play at the new West End venue The Venue, closed this Saturday, October 11, only two days after it opened.
[ P ] Little Shop's Audrey II Named Grand Marshal of Greenwich Village Halloween Parade
[ P ] Broadway's Thanksgiving Week Performance Schedule
[ P ] Leapin' Lizards! Equity Prexy Patrick Quinn Is a Daddy at Philly's Walnut Street, Nov. 4-Jan. 4
Patrick Quinn, president of Actors' Equity Association, will be wearing a new hat — and a new haircut — in the Walnut Street Theatre staging of Annie.
[ P ] Mervyn Blake, a Mainstay at Canada's Stratford Festival for 42 Seasons, Dead at 95
[ P ] Cries of "Bad Bard" Botch Barbican Bid for Richard Maxwell
[ P ] 2004 Inductees of Theatre Hall of Fame Announced
[ B ] Tickets Now on Sale for Wonderful Town
posted at 10/13/2003 03:10:58 PM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Features:
[ DN ] 'Yogi': A chance to catch Ben Gazzara by ROBERT DOMINGUEZ
Fifty years after dazzling Broadway audiences with a series of intense leading roles - he played Brick in the original production of Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" in 1955 - Ben Gazzara is coming back to the stage this month.
[ TM ] Peter Filichia's Diary
Filichia describes what's propelled him to The Third Stage of Cast Album Nirvana.
[ NJ ] Jersey writer's passage to Afghanistan BY PETER FILICHIA
Trenton native William Mastrosimone, best-known from the play and film versions of "Extremities" and "Bang Bang You're Dead," has a new play opening at his hometown's Passage Theatre Company on Thursday. "Afghan Women" is his second work about the ravaged country, which he flew to visit soon after giving this interview last month.
[ TB ] Interview with Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Faherty by Suzanne Bixby
[ NYP ] CHANGING MINDS - ONE JOKE AT A TIME by GERSH KUNTZMAN
JACKIE Mason's favorite comedian is back in town.
[ DN ] Inner Tube
The skinny on how TV gets that look
They say the camera adds 10 pounds.
But the creators of "Beautiful Girl," a film starring full-figured actress Marissa Jaret Winokur as a pageant contestant, wanted TV to remove the bigness.
Reviews:
[ NYT ] THEATER REVIEW | 'TO MY CHAGRIN'
An Easy Segue From Tender to Tough by MARGO JEFFERSON
Peggy Shaw's new show, at P.S. 122, is filled with tonal changes. It moves through aggression, nostalgia and tender idealism, and between rowdy humor and social criticism.
[ NJ ] Room for improvement BY PETER FILICHIA
'The Good Daughter' has potential to be even better
[ WP ] With or Without Math, This 'Proof' Adds Up by Peter Marks
With Keira Naughton.
[ HC ] Williams' Versatility Shown by MALCOLM JOHNSON
'8 By Tenn' At Hartford Stage Demonstrates Playwright's Breadth
[ NYP ] 'ROOSTER' WORTH CROWING ABOUT by DONALD LYONS
[ NYer ] HE SAID, SHE SAID by HILTON ALS
One-acts by Edward Albee and Samuel Beckett.
[ CU ] Touch
Review
[ TM ] Julia Pastrana
Reviewed By: Philip Hopkins
News:
[ NYT ] Darrell Henline, Cabaret Magazine Editor, Dies at 75
Darrell Henline was the publisher and editor of the monthly magazine Cabaret Scenes.
[ V ] Biz jumps; 'Chicago' 903g
Road grosses
[ P ] Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 13
[ P ] Avenue Q Cast Sign Albums at Tower Records in New York City, Oct. 13
[ P ] Minnelli, McGovern, Mason and Kazan Sing Kander and Ebb at Nov. 3 Carnegie Hall Benefit
[ P ] Wonderful Town to Roll Back Ticket Prices to 1930's, Oct. 13
[ P ] Donna McKechnie Offers NYC Concerts Oct. 24 and 25
[ P ] Grappo-Directed Mystery Plays Will Play Second Stage's New Plays Uptown Series in July
posted at 10/13/2003 07:45:34 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Features:
[ TS ] Casting about for magic by RICHARD OUZOUNIAN
Interview with Susan Stroman. Interesting stuff on Henry Goodman and her new projects for NY City Ballet and Lincoln Center.
[ CST ] Porchlight takes gender-bending role to entirely different level BY MISHA DAVENPORT
"Cabaret" with a female emcee.
[ NYT ] He's a Little Bit Broadway, He's a Little Bit R & B by BARRY SINGER
As a Broadway vocal star and a successful pop singer, Billy Porter bridges a musical divide that few singers cross over anymore.
[ ND ] Fast Chat: Tovah Feldshuh by Gordon Cox
[ ND ] From Claws to 'Oz' by Blake Green
Hunk Hugh Jackman leaves his movie 'X' factor behind in his Broadway debut
[ ND ] Out From Down Under by Karin Lipson
As a youngster in Australia, Peter Allen was wowed by the rock and roll sounds of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis.
[ NYT ] A NIGHT OUT WITH
Patricia Clarkson: Rising Above the Starlets by HILARY DE VRIES
[ ND ] The Many Faces (and Places) of Patricia Clarkson by Jan Stuart
[ P ] STAGE TO SCREEN: Taboo's Charles Busch Chats About "Die Mommie Die!"
[ P ] PLAYBILL ON-LINE'S BRIEF ENCOUNTER with John Weidman
Librettist John Weidman has three collaborations with composer Stephen Sondheim on his mind these days: Bounce, Assassins and Pacific Overtures.
[ DN ] Lifting 'Taboo' by JIM FARBER
[ B ] Photo Op: The Birth of Ted Chapin's Follies Book
[ B ] Photo Op: Maria Friedman Entertains a Starry Crowd at the Carlyle
[ NYT ] Rauschenberg's American Beauties by PETER PLAGENS
The director Anne Bogart and her SITI company have tried an indirect approach to dramatizing the life of Robert Rauschenberg.
[ NYT ] In Bali, All the Post-9/11 World's a Stage by RON JENKINS
Balinese performers have used traditional theater forms to refer to the terrorist attack by Islamic radicals that shattered the island's economy.
[ V ] Bard home base enters rehab
Royal Shakespeare Co.'s new a.d. sets plans for recovery
How do you counter the deafening chorus of cheers these days surrounding the National Theater, especially if you're that other major British theatrical institution, the Royal Shakespeare Co.?
Thanks to American Theater Web for the following features!
[ SFC ] Parks arrives on top by Steven Winn
'Topdog' playwright edges into mainstream
[ StL ] Tennessee Williams play will make belated debut
A play Tennessee Williams wrote while he was a Washington University undergraduate will finally receive its world premiere - and on the very campus where he wrote it.
[ StL ] Women in the theatre add it all up by Judith Newmark
[ StL ] Do men and women operate under a double standard in theater?
Reviews:
[ TB ] Eastern Standard
Review by Matthew Murray
News:
[ V ] B.O. up; 'Boy' 680g
Broadway grosses
[ NYT ] Weddings & Celebrations: Kristen Anderson, Robert Lopez
[ NYT ] Weddings & Celebrations: Jonathan Herzog, Bradley Schiel
[ NYT ] Weddings & Celebrations: Camilla Enders, James Bernfield
[ NYP ] PAGE SIX
WE HEAR . . .THAT final callback auditions for the Broadway revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" were on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar . . .
[ CE ] Waters shares backstage view of 'Hairspray by Jackie Demaline
Filmmaker John Waters (aka "The Baron of Bad Taste"), who brought the world Pink Flamingoes and, not coincidentally, Hairspray, will headline An Evening with John Waters, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman on Dec. 8.
[ P ] Today in Theatre History: OCTOBER 12
[ P ] Annie's Martin Charnin to Direct When Harlem Was Jewish
[ P ] Philly Run of Barry Manilow's Harmony On Sale Oct. 12; Rehearsals Begin Oct. 13
[ P ] Follies Memoirist Heads to "Radio Playbill" Oct. 13-25
[ P ] David Craig's "On Singing Onstage" Videos Feature Price, Dussault and Fuller
[ P ] Millie Makes Mayfair, as Tony-Winning Musical Begins in London
[ P ] Leslie Uggams and Marin Mazzie to Host Timeless Divas Concerts
[ P ] Chitty's Michael Ball Releases New Solo CD Oct. 20; In-Store Appearance, Too
posted at 10/12/2003 10:29:04 AM by Tim Dunleavy | Item Link
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