tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54591671366281937752024-03-13T08:42:48.447-07:00Broadway MusicalDavid Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-370941129393949252009-12-11T14:57:00.000-08:002009-12-11T15:09:07.606-08:00"Godspell" to Get Broadway's BlessingProducer Ken Davenport (<span style="font-style: italic;">Altar Boyz</span>) announced today his plans to revive <span style="font-style: italic;">Godspell</span> on Broadway. He is currently raising funds for the production, and intends to open it on one of the smaller Broadway musical theatre stages for the 2010-11 season.<br /><br />The 1971 Stephen Schwartz musical was supposed to arrive on Broadway in 2006, with a different producer, but funding fell short. Daniel Goldstein, who was slated to direct that production, has been tapped to direct the upcoming revival.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.theproducersperspective.com/my_weblog/2009/12/an-announcement-about-my-next-project.html#comments">The Producer's Prospective</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-39644585730288264912009-12-04T07:57:00.000-08:002009-12-04T08:05:37.025-08:00Altar Boyz Closes Long Run Off-Broadway<span style="font-style: italic;">Altar Boyz</span>, the long-running musical comedy hit, will close Sunday, January 10, 2010 at New World Stages. By the end of its run, the show will have played for 2032 performances, making this audience-pleaser Off-Broadway's 9th longest running musical. Producer Ken Davenport made the announcement today on his blog.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.theproducersperspective.com/my_weblog/2009/12/all-great-things-must-come-to-an-end-altar-boyz-will-close-1410.html">The Producer's Perspective</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-51728458304528119652009-01-17T17:56:00.000-08:002009-01-17T18:01:21.451-08:00Buy Broadway TicketsI posted a quick guide on eHow.com for purchasing discount Broadway tickets: <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">"How to Buy Broadway Tickets"</a><br /><br />Check it out!David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-18097528225094980182008-12-09T16:13:00.000-08:002009-01-31T18:53:37.436-08:00The Winter of Broadway's DiscontentThanks to the current economic downturn and the usual winter doldrums, fifteen Broadway shows are expected to close in the next six weeks. High-profile Broadway musicals on the list include <span style="font-style: italic;">Spring Awakening</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Spamalot</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Grease</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Young Frankenstein</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Hairspray</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">13</span>.<br /><p> </p><blockquote><p>Those productions that are battling on are generally offering huge discounts on tickets, or even giving them away free. </p> <p> Disney is offering a "Kids Go Free!" deal for its three family musicals – <i>The Lion King</i>, <i>Mary Poppins</i> and <i>The Little Mermaid</i> – for three months after January. </p> <p> Although <i>Billy Elliot</i> is bucking the trend and doing well, big budget productions are particularly vulnerable. </p> <p> A $4.5 million revival of <i>Godspell</i> has been scrapped while a lavish $16 million musical version of <i>A Tale Of Two Cities</i> closed in November, just two months after it opened. </p></blockquote><p>Source: <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/3691742/Broadway-hit-by-downturn.html">Telegraph</a><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a><br /></p>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-48658679842919560232008-08-14T23:13:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:54:42.707-08:00South Coast Rep Puts on "An Italian Straw Hat"Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory has commissioned its first musical, <span style="font-style: italic;">An Italian Straw Hat: A Vaudeville</span>, which will have its world premiere at the Costa Mesa, CA theater September 5 through October 5.<br /><br />SCR has a strong history of developing new plays. Notable premieres include Margaret Edson's <span style="font-style: italic;">Wit</span>, Craig Lucas' <span style="font-style: italic;">Prelude to a Kiss</span>, and Richard Greenberg's <span style="font-style: italic;">The Violet Hour</span> (one of the many productions I've enjoyed at SCR).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">An Italian Straw Hat</span> was inspired by Eugene Labiche's 1851 French vaudeviste, <span style="font-style: italic;">Un chapeau de paille d'Italie</span>. John Strand wrote the book and lyrics. Music is by Dennis McCarthy. Stefan Novinski directs. Dennis Castellano is the musical director.<br /><br />The show stars Daniel Blinkoff as a hapless bridegroom whose horse has eaten a young lady's hat. He must replace the hat in order to save his wedding.<br /><br />Other cast members are Alan Blumenfeld, Patrick Kerr, Damon Kirsch, Kasey Mahaffy, Richard Doyle, Michelle Duffy, Matthew Koehler, Melissa van der Schyff, and Erika Whalen.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to seeing this one.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120436.html">Playbill</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-60135060477004153202008-08-13T22:40:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:55:26.233-08:00Sondheim Bounces Back with "Road Show"Stephen Sondheim's oft-reworked musical about brothers Wilson and Addison Mizner — most recently titled <span style="font-style: italic;">Bounce</span> — is getting yet another incarnation, under the name of <span style="font-style: italic;">Road Show</span>.<br /><br />The musical chronicles the picaresque lives of the Mizner brothers from the Alaskan Gold Rush of the 1890s to the Florida land boom-and-bust of the 1920s. Frequent Sondheim collaborator John Weidman wrote the book of the musical.<br /><br />The show was originally developed as <span style="font-style: italic;">Wise Guys</span>. It premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in October 1999, with Sam Mendes directing. Nathan Lane and Victor Garber starred.<br /><br />Another version, briefly known as <span style="font-style: italic;">Gold!</span> but later retitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Bounce</span>, was produced at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Harold Prince directed. Richard Kind and Howard McGillin played the Mizner brothers. Jane Powell played their mother. A new character — a dance hall girl played by Michele Pawk — was added to the show.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Bounce</span> also ran at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., but never made it to New York. However, a cast album of <span style="font-style: italic;">Bounce</span> was recorded and released.<br /><br />The new version, <span style="font-style: italic;">Road Show</span>, no longer includes the title song, "Bounce." Sondheim kept most of the music from that song, but wrote new lyrics. Also, the character of the dance hall girl is no longer in the show. Sondheim says there is no title song for <span style="font-style: italic;">Road Show</span>, and the new version is an amalgam of the Mendes and Prince productions, with new material.<br /><br />The new production, directed by John Doyle, will be staged at the Public Theater October 28 through December 28. Michael Cerveris and Alexander Gemignani play Wilson and Addison Mizner. Alma Cuervo is Mama, Claybourne Elder is Hollis, and William Parry is Papa.<br /><br />Personally, I can't wait to see what Sondheim does next with this show. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bounce</span> always seemed a lesser work, one I never warmed up to in the way I did with, say, <span style="font-style: italic;">Passion</span>, which I've come to love. But any new Sondheim music is a major event, even if the show itself has been down that road before.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120386.html">Playbill</a> and <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=31062">Broadway World</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-62406276320930995542008-08-11T22:29:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:55:40.932-08:00First Chance to "See Rock City"A new pop-rock musical called <span style="font-style: italic;">See Rock City & Other Destinations</span> is being presented at Barrington Stage through August 23. Book and Lyrics are by Adam Mathias. Music is by Brad Alexander. Kevin Del Aguila directs.<br /><br />The show is a musical travelogue about tourists, venturing across America, who need to get a little lost in order to find themselves.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">See Rock City</span> won the 2007 Jerry Brock Award and the 2008 Richard Rodgers Award.<br /><br />Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist William Finn oversees the Musical Theatre Lab in Pittsfield, MA, where the show is getting its first full staging.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2008/08/09/concocting_a_new_show_reviving_a_city/">The Boston Globe</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-52244733834584593732008-08-03T22:53:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:56:07.762-08:00Weekend Roundup: 7/28 - 8/3I've been in rehearsals for a showcase all this week (I'll be performing two scenes, two songs, and a monologue), so this week has been a little lighter on the news front.<br /><br />This week at Broadway Musical:<br /><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/08/broadway-ticket-prices-increase-for.html">Broadway Ticket Prices Increase for Aisle Seating</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/08/whoopi-goldberg-joins-xanadu-on.html">Whoopi Goldberg Joins <span style="font-style: italic;">Xanadu</span> on Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/mary-testa-stays-up-for-sleepless.html">Mary Testa Stays Up for <span style="font-style: italic;">Sleepless Variations</span></a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/broadway-brigadoon-belayed.html">Broadway <span style="font-style: italic;">Brigadoon</span> Belayed</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/luck-is-lady-for-guys-and-dolls-revival.html">Luck is a Lady for <span style="font-style: italic;">Guys and Dolls</span> Revival</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-43440949587250149572008-08-02T19:36:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:56:23.010-08:00Broadway Ticket Prices Increase for Aisle SeatingWould you be willing to pay more for an aisle seat?<br /><br />Well, prepare yourself, because the next time you take in a Broadway show, the convenience of aisle seating may soon come with a premium price tag.<br /><br />Three plays — <span style="font-style: italic;">Spring Awakening</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Gypsy</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Seagull</span> — are introducing a new pricing policy that reflects the added value of sitting in an aisle seat. In each case, the increase applies to orchestra seating only. Also, aisle seats must be purchased in pairs.<br /><br />The Broadway revival of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Seagull</span>, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Peter Sarsgaard, opens on September 16 at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Aisle seats will cost an additional $25.<br /><br />For <span style="font-style: italic;">Spring Awakening</span>, currently playing at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, the aisle seats are priced $23 higher.<br /><br />At the St. James Theatre, <span style="font-style: italic;">Gypsy</span> — starring Patti Lupone, Boyd Gaines, and Laura Benanti — adds $18 to the previous cost of aisle seats.<br /><br />Of course, aisle seating already has at least one disadvantage: instead of having to step over other people to get to the bathroom, you're the one getting stepped on.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-46716429416752209142008-08-01T21:39:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:56:36.253-08:00Whoopi Goldberg Joins "Xanadu" on BroadwayThis week Whoopi Goldberg replaced Jackie Hoffman in <span style="font-style: italic;">Xanadu</span> at the Helen Hayes Theatre after two weeks of rehearsal.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Xanadu</span> is about a muse named Kira (Kerry Butler) who inspires an artist (Cheyenne Jackson) to create a roller disco. Goldberg, playing another muse, tries to thwart the ensuing love affair.<br /><br />In addition to Butler, Jackson, and Goldberg, the cast includes Tony Roberts, Mary Testa, Curtis Holbrook, Kenita Miller, Patti Murin, Mary Thomas, André Ward, and Jacob Ben Widmar.<br /><br />The score features the film songs by John Farrar and Jeff Lynne. The book is by Douglas Carter Beane. Christopher Ashley directs and Dan Knechtges choreographs. The music director is Eric Stern.<br /><br />Goldberg is also a producer on two upcoming Broadway shows: a revival of Ntozake Shange's <span style="font-style: italic;">For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enough</span>, and a musical called <span style="font-style: italic;">Bricktop</span>.<br /><br />She will continue performing in <span style="font-style: italic;">Xanadu</span> through September 7.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-40918604597710804322008-07-31T23:02:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:56:52.392-08:00Mary Testa Stays Up for "Sleepless Variations"Broadway veteran Mary Testa takes a leave of absence from her regular gig in <span style="font-style: italic;">Xanadu</span> to perform in the debut of a new musical, <span style="font-style: italic;">Sleepless Variations</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sleepless Variations</span> is a song cycle exploring where a woman's mind wanders when she can't sleep. The score features songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jimi Hendrix, and Bjork.<br /><br />William Finn is the artistic producer. Michael Schiralli directs. Michael Starobin is the musical director.<br /><br />The show runs Thursday through Sunday at the Barrington Stage Company's Musical Theatre Lab/Stage 2, in Pittsfield, MA.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.berkshireeagle.com/entertainment/ci_10052272">The Berkshire Eagle</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-56671158473699133152008-07-30T23:28:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:57:06.012-08:00Broadway "Brigadoon" BelayedThe planned 2009 revival of <span style="font-style: italic;">Brigadoon</span> has been postponed for lack of appropriate theater space.<br /><br />The production was to have been directed by Rob Ashford, with a new book by John Guare. Alan Jay Lerner, who wrote the book for the original version, also wrote the lyrics. Frederick Loewe composed the music. No cast had been announced.<br /><br />Also canceled was the Broadway tryout, scheduled for October 21 through November 16 at the Colonial Theater in Boston.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=569236">Broadway.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-7063944134962549292008-07-29T23:47:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:57:21.982-08:00Luck Is a Lady for "Guys and Dolls" RevivalThe first Broadway revival of <span style="font-style: italic;">Guys and Dolls</span> in 17 years is slated for early 2009.<br /><br />Des McAnuff will direct the musical, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. The Ambassador Theatre Group of London is producing, after mounting a West End version in 2005, which was directed by Michael Grandage with Ewan McGregor playing the role of Sky Masterson.<br /><br />No casting has been announced for the new production.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=a5tCWKE7FTBQ&refer=muse">Bloomberg</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-83438761323859477082008-07-27T23:50:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:57:37.210-08:00Weekend Roundup: 7/21 - 7/27This week at Broadway Musical:<br /><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/jason-robert-brown-musical-headed-to.html">Jason Robert Brown Musical Headed to Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/phantom-sequel-coming-soon.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Phantom</span> Sequel Coming Soon</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/review-roundup-title-of-show.html">Review Roundup: [<span style="font-style: italic;">title of show</span>]<br /></a><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/angels-skips-try-outs-winging-it-to.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Angels</span> Skips Try-Outs, Winging it to Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/little-more-hairspray.html">A Little More <span style="font-style: italic;">Hairspray</span></a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/broadway-gets-tale-of-two-cities.html">Broadway Gets <span style="font-style: italic;">A Tale of Two Cities</span><br /></a><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/robin-and-7-hoods-to-muscle-in-on.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Robin and the 7 Hoods</span> to Muscle in on Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/godspell-goes-back-to-broadway.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Godspell</span> Goes Back to Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/caitlin-kinnunen-joins-cast-of-spring.html">Caitlin Kinnunen Joins Cast of <span style="font-style: italic;">Spring Awakening</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-3820293762669763962008-07-27T21:23:00.001-07:002009-01-31T18:57:53.553-08:00Jason Robert Brown Musical Headed to BroadwayJason Robert Brown's latest musical, <span style="font-style: italic;">13</span>, will open on Broadway at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on October 5, after previous stagings at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and at The Norma Terris Theatre (Goodspeed Musicals) in Connecticut.<br /><br />Music and lyrics are by Jason Robert Brown (Best Score Tony Award winner for <span style="font-style: italic;">Parade</span>). Dan Elish and Robert Horn wrote the book. Jeremy Sams directs, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli.<br /><br />Previews begin September 16.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-2382229092742755212008-07-26T14:38:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:58:13.719-08:00"Phantom" Sequel Coming SoonComposer Andrew Lloyd Webber plans to stage the musical sequel to <span style="font-style: italic;">Phantom of the Opera</span> in London in October or November of 2009.<br /><br />The working title for the production is <span style="font-style: italic;">Once Upon Another Time</span>.<br /><br />Lloyd Webber held a workshop production of Act One at his country estate in Sydmonton, and he is now writing the second act.<br /><br />The musical sequel is based on <span style="font-style: italic;">The Phantom of Manhattan</span> by Frederick Forsyth. In 1906, the Phantom runs a freak show at Coney Island, NY. Christine, an opera diva, is married to Raoul.<br /><br />If you are curious about how the romantic triangle plays out, read the book.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/Theatre/article/466929">The Star</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-47284470357765126362008-07-25T23:38:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:58:50.310-08:00Review Roundup: [title of show]<span style="font-size:100%;">The reviews are in for <a href="http://knol.google.com/k/david-wisehart/title-of-show/33mpj3qvhycam/10#">[<span style="font-style: italic;">title of show</span>]</a>.<br /><br />What's the verdict?<br /><br />Here's a sample:<br /><br /><a href="http://theater2.nytimes.com/2008/07/18/theater/reviews/18titl.html?ref=theater">New York Times</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">Does that sound silly and inconsequential? Well, “[title of show]” is definitely both, but at least it has the smarts to acknowledge it. And as performed by Mr. Bowen, Mr. Bell, and Susan Blackwell and Heidi Blickenstaff, the talented girlfriends they rope into their makeshift, make-it-up-as-we-go-along opus, it is genial, unpretentious and far funnier than many of the more expensively manufactured musicals that make it to Broadway these days.</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20213952,00.html">Entertainment Weekly</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">The creators even smartly acknowledge their limited appeal with a winsome 11th-hour song that proudly asserts, ''I'd rather be nine people's favorite thing than a hundred people's ninth-favorite thing.'' ... Between the snappy dialogue, wistful lyrics, and actors clearly having a ball, [<i>title of show</i>] should become a favorite thing for far more than just nine people.<br /></span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.nysun.com/arts/the-mega-meta-micro-musical/82144/">New York Sun</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">"[tos]," as it's known, lovingly demolishes Broadway's most durable art form. In its place is a sweet, raunchy, and just about irresistible portrait of how and why we tell stories.</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/theater/41161/title-of-show">Time Out New York</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">Sure, this self-referential behind-the-scenes musical comedy was infectiously show-queen–y, catchy, well-crafted and bursting with charm, but Broadway? Well, the little tuner that thought it could, did. Good news: it hasn’t lost a jot of its bighearted, quirky brilliance.</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.amny.com/entertainment/stage/broadway/am-title0717,0,2265407.story">AM New York</a>:<br /></span><blockquote>In any event, we found it to be an irresistible, infectious romp. Behind the low-key production values and musical theater trivia, there is pure genius, miles and miles of heart, and an immense amount of fun. We wouldn't miss it for the world.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://talkentertainment.com/c-4845-%5Btitle-of-show%5D-%5Bwow%21.-see-it%21%5D.aspx">Talk Entertainment</a>:<br /></span><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblMain" style="font-size:100%;"><blockquote> It’s probably the best ensemble cast on Broadway. Not probably. It is the best. In one of the most original and entertaining shows on Broadway.<br /></blockquote></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2008/07/18/2008-07-18_title_of_show_the_little_musical_that_co.html">NY Daily News</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">It's a joyously entertaining tribute to the pain and elation of the artistic process and of being a part of a world you adore.</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://theaternewsonline.com/NYTheaterReviews/ASHOWABOUTASHOWABOUT.cfm">Theater News Online</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">Ultimately, it's a beautiful, universal study of the human need to create.<br /></span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.backstage.com/bso/news_reviews/nyc/review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003829022">Back Stage</a>:<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><blockquote>[<i>title of show</i>] is a delightful 90 minutes, fueled by the passion, wit, and wackiness of its creators.</blockquote><a href="http://www.curtainup.com/titleofshow.html">Curtain Up</a>:<br /></span><blockquote>If laughter truly is the best medicine, this show just might be a cure-all for musical theater aficionados everwhere.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/ENTERTAINMENT/807180305/-1/SPORTS">The Journal News</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">Somehow, though, these boys' all-too-familiar quest for fame and fortune manages never to sink into cliche. It's fresh, smart and funny.</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.northjersey.com/betterliving/news/Theater_review_title_of_show.html">NorthJersey.com</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">“[title of show],” which opened Thursday night at the Lyceum Theatre, may be small – that’s the point, actually – but it produces some of the best laughs on Broadway.</span></blockquote><a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20080717_Making_a___show_about_making_a_show.html">Philadelphia Inquirer</a>:<br /><blockquote>The more these sincere, talented folks sing about the tough world they'll die to conquer, the more universal they become. You don't have to make theater to identify with <i>{title of show}</i>, you just have to want something meaningful.<br /></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/14542">TheaterMania</a>:<br /></span><blockquote>The show also has a great deal of passion, tons of wit, and a handful of catchy tunes, all of which might be enough to turn this impossible dream into a long-running reality.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.theatermania.com/peterfilichia/permalinks/2008/07/21/title%2Dof%2Drave/">TheaterMania</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m rooting for it. In an age where Broadway often sees new musicals that mock other musicals, this is the one that most genuinely loves musicals.</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://nymag.com/arts/theater/reviews/48671/">New York Magazine</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">If I’m hard on a musical that really is a good time, it’s partly because there’s so much real skill used in such unfortunate ways up there.</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121632924528963349.html?mod=2_1168_1">Wall Street Journal</a>:<br /></span><blockquote>An hour, alas, is too long to sit and wait for a musical to get good.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.courant.com/entertainment/stage/reviews/hc-titlerev.artjul18,0,4584588.story">Hartford Courant</a>:<br /></span><blockquote>Insiders will be delighted. Others should consider taking in another show.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/friday/partii/ny-ettitle5766304jul18,0,3703292.story">Newsday</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">How I wish I could love the show. I wish I didn't feel that I was being manipulated by long-struggling talented people on a guilt trip.<br /></span></blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.talkinbroadway.com/world/tos.html">Talkin' Broadway</a>:<br /></span><blockquote>They're all so thrilled with the genuine moments of genius, as well as the life-affirming story it tells about its creators, Jeff Bowen (songs) and Hunter Bell (book), that they don't mind overlooking its other identity as a slag heap of intellectual, emotional, and theatrical dishonesty.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117937758.html?categoryid=33&cs=1">Variety</a>:<br /></span><blockquote>But stripped of satirical edge for its heavy Broadway date, the backstage show by Hunter Bell (book) and Jeff Bowen (score) is revealed in all its narcissism, flaunting its shallow aesthetic values and taking unseemly pride in its inflated ambitions.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/07182008/entertainment/theater/this_broadway_musical_really__expletive__120374.htm">New York Post</a>:<br /></span> <p></p><blockquote> Seriously, I can take a fair amount of cuteness, and I can even accept a touch of the fey, having lived for many years in Chelsea. But when the self-conscious and terminally cute and the pixie-like fey are all mixed up with self-congratulatory smugness, it results in a piece of - oh, let's call it garbage.</blockquote> <p></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aULI5cO6HQiU&refer=muse">Bloomberg.com</a>:<br /></span><blockquote>Together they proceed to the parturition of 90 minutes' worth of unremitting torture for anyone with a shred of good taste, discernment and normal eardrums.</blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/theater/reviews/2008-07-20-title-of-show_N.htm">USA Today</a>:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;">Sadly, <i>[title of show]</i> (<b>* *</b> out of four), which opened Thursday at the Lyceum Theatre, proves that these virtues alone don't add up to compelling entertainment, even when they're shoved down your throat for 90 minutes. Especially when they're shoved down your throat for 90 minutes.<br /><blockquote></blockquote></span></blockquote><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-35640048821250447982008-07-25T18:24:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:59:16.991-08:00"Angels" Skips Try-Outs, Winging it to BroadwayThe musical <span style="font-style: italic;">Angels</span>, based on Milton's <span style="font-style: italic;">Paradise Lost</span>, was scheduled to open at the Strand Theatre in Shreveport, LA before moving to Broadway. However, the engagement has now been canceled due to unspecified "technical requirements."<br /><br />The show features complex aerial choreography.<br /><br />There are no other pre-Broadway performances scheduled, but the production team expects to open on Broadway for the 2008-2009 season, as previously announced.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Angels</span> is written by Ken Lai (music, lyrics, book) and Marcus Cheong (lyrics and book). The cast includes Jessica Grové as the angel Sera and Robert Cuccioli as the angel Lucifer. Richard Fowler directs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-64589720185896017262008-07-25T12:43:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:59:35.703-08:00A Little More "Hairspray"Can't get too much of a good thing? There seems to be an emerging trend of musical sequels. <span style="font-style: italic;">High School Musical</span> led the way, of course, with <span style="font-style: italic;">High School Musical 4</span> now in the works.<br /><br />Next is <span style="font-style: italic;">Hairspray 2</span>, a movie musical sequel to the 2007 movie <span style="font-style: italic;">Hairspray</span>, which was adapted from the Broadway musical <span style="font-style: italic;">Hairspray</span>, which was adapted from the original 1988 movie <span style="font-style: italic;">Hairspray</span>.<br /><br />Got it?<br /><br />Writer-director John Waters, director-choreographer Adam Shankman, producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, and songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are all on board for the sequel.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119764.html">Playbill</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-12896118610441118792008-07-24T23:29:00.000-07:002009-01-31T18:59:52.810-08:00Broadway Gets "A Tale of Two Cities"A stage musical version of Charles Dickens' <span style="font-style: italic;">A Tale of Two Cities</span> will open on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on August 19.<br /><br />Jill Santoriello wrote the music, lyrics, and book. A former Showtime television executive, Santoriello has been developing the show for more three decades. Recently, it was staged at the Asolo Reperatory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida.<br /><br />Warren Carlyle directs and choreographs the show, which stars Aaron Lazar as Charles Darnay, James Barbour as Sydney Carton, and Brandi Burkhardt as Lucie Manette.<br /><br />Previews begin August 19.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-12165616055724598932008-07-23T20:31:00.000-07:002009-01-31T19:00:21.313-08:00"Robin and the 7 Hoods" to Muscle in on BroadwayA stage musical version of the 1964 film <span style="font-style: italic;">Robin and the 7 Hoods</span> is expected to reach Broadway in Spring 2010.<br /><br />The film, starring Frank Sinatra and several of his "Rat Pack" cohorts, was set in 1930s gangland Chicago. Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen wrote the score, which featured the song "My Kind of Town," performed by Sinatra.<br /><br />The stage version will be scored by Cahn and Van Heusen, with a book by Peter Ackerman. Several songs from Cahn and Van Heusen (both of whom passed away in the early '90s) will be worked into the show, including "Come Fly with Me" and the Oscar-winning "Call Me Irresponsible" (from <span style="font-style: italic;">Papa's Delicate Condition</span>).<br /><br />Producers are Barry Brown, Bruce Charet, Dennis Mastro, Dennis Farina, and Billy Campbell. Casey Nicholaw will direct and choreograph.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-72882820870975301422008-07-22T20:39:00.000-07:002009-01-31T19:00:37.611-08:00"Godspell" Goes Back to BroadwayBroadway producer Adam Epstein is bringing <span style="font-style: italic;">Godspell</span> to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on October 23.<br /><br />The 1970 musical, with a score by Stephen Schwartz, ran more than 2000 performances off-Broadway, followed by more than a year on The Great White Way.<br /><br />The revival is directed by Daniel Goldstein. Christopher Gattelli choreographs. The cast includes Gavin Creel (Jesus), Joshua Henry (Judas), and <span style="font-style: italic;">American Idol</span> runner-up Diana DeGarmo. Music and Lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, with a book by John-Michael Tebelak.<br /><br />Previews begin September 29.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hYKri3KBCKpyIE4clnHSFvvNdpvwD9231KT80">AP</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-91303251493755786802008-07-21T00:35:00.000-07:002009-01-31T19:00:52.037-08:00Caitlin Kinnunen Joins Cast of "Spring Awakening"Caitlin Kinnunen, 16, will make her Broadway debut in <span style="font-style: italic;">Spring Awakening</span> today at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. She will play the role of Thea.<br /><br />Raised on Camano Island, Washington, Caitlin appeared in many Seattle-area theater productions, including <span style="font-style: italic;">The Wizard of Oz</span> (Dorothy), <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Women</span> (Amy), and <span style="font-style: italic;">Annie</span> (title role).<br /><br />At the age of 5, Caitlin first took to the stage in the nonspeaking role of a fairy in a play at Sky Theatre, where her mother was the production manager.<br /><br />The casting process for <span style="font-style: italic;">Spring Awakening</span> took ten months. Last September Caitlin attended an open casting call in Seattle. A month later she got the call to come to New York, where she was asked to sing and read a script. She got a call-back for the next day. Then on her way home, while changing planes in Philadelphia, she received the call to return in November. During the final call-back in November she spent three days singing, dancing, and acting. She was finally cast in June.<br /><br />Sometimes talent and persistence do pay off.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://heraldnet.com/article/20080721/NEWS01/547830192">HeraldNet</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-15711363568904301092008-07-20T23:08:00.000-07:002009-01-31T19:01:06.816-08:00Weekend Roundup: 7/14 - 7/20This week at Broadway Musical:<br /><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/gwen-stewart-returns-to-rent.html">Gwen Stewart Returns to <span style="font-style: italic;">Rent</span></a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/eight-year-old-to-star-in-broadway-show.html">Eight-Year-Old to Star in Broadway Show</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/blonde-farewell-for-laura-bell-bundy.html">A <span style="font-style: italic;">Blonde</span> Farewell for Laura Bell Bundy</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/passing-strange-closes-on-broadway.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Passing Strange</span> Closes on Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/billy-elliot-dances-to-broadway.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Billy Elliot</span> Dances to Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/boots-to-broadway.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Boots</span> to Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/is-broadway-dreaming-of-white-christmas.html">Is Broadway Dreaming of a <span style="font-style: italic;">White Christmas?</span></a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/broadway-hopeful-has-ace-up-its-sleeve.html">Broadway Hopeful Has an <span style="font-style: italic;">Ace</span> Up its Sleeve</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/strong-year-for-broadway-musicals.html">A Strong Year for Broadway Musicals</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/title-of-show-opens-tonight-on-broadway.html">[<span style="font-style: italic;">title of show</span>] Opens Tonight on Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/weinstein-co-has-big-plans-for-broadway.html">The Weinstein Co. Has Big Plans for Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/ready-to-rumble-west-side-story-returns.html">Ready to Rumble? <span style="font-style: italic;">West Side Story</span> Returns to Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/legendary-broadway-theater-sold-for-30.html">Legendary Broadway Theater Sold for $30 Million</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/little-house-on-broadway.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Little House</span> on the Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/working-9-to-5-on-broadway.html">Working <span style="font-style: italic;">9 to 5</span> on Broadway</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/paradise-lost-is-broadway-bound.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Paradise Lost</span> is Broadway Bound</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/open-casting-call-for-spider-man.html">Open Casting Call for <span style="font-style: italic;">Spider-Man</span> Musical</a><br /><a href="http://broadway-musical.blogspot.com/2008/07/welcome-to-broadway-musical.html">Welcome to Broadway Musical!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5459167136628193775.post-387655630567373292008-07-20T22:50:00.000-07:002009-01-31T19:01:21.037-08:00Gwen Stewart Returns to "Rent"Original cast member Gwen Stewart returns to <span style="font-style: italic;">Rent</span> at the Nederlander Theatre on July 21. She will reprise her role through the end of the show's run on September 27.<br /><br />Stewart is featured in the show's anthem, "Seasons of Love."<br /><br />Her other theater credits include <span style="font-style: italic;">Big River</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Starmites</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Suds</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Ain't Misbehavin'</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Wiz</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Avenue X</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Abyssinia</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rent</span> won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Music, lyrics, and book were written by the late Jonathan Larson.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119596.html">Playbill.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4722626_buy-broadway-tickets.html">How to Buy Broadway Tickets</a>David Wiseharthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01438917127132239969noreply@blogger.com0