Broadway Musical

"Godspell" to Get Broadway's Blessing

2009-12-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

Producer Ken Davenport (Altar Boyz) announced today his plans to revive Godspell 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.

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.

Source: The Producer's Prospective

Altar Boyz Closes Long Run Off-Broadway

2009-12-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

Altar Boyz, 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.

Source: The Producer's Perspective

Buy Broadway Tickets

2009-01-17T17:56:00.000-08:00

I posted a quick guide on eHow.com for purchasing discount Broadway tickets: "How to Buy Broadway Tickets"

Check it out!

The Winter of Broadway's Discontent

2008-12-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks 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 Spring Awakening, Spamalot, Grease, Young Frankenstein, Hairspray, and 13.

Those productions that are battling on are generally offering huge discounts on tickets, or even giving them away free.

Disney is offering a "Kids Go Free!" deal for its three family musicals – The Lion King, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid – for three months after January.

Although Billy Elliot is bucking the trend and doing well, big budget productions are particularly vulnerable.

A $4.5 million revival of Godspell has been scrapped while a lavish $16 million musical version of A Tale Of Two Cities closed in November, just two months after it opened.

Source: Telegraph

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South Coast Rep Puts on "An Italian Straw Hat"

2008-08-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory has commissioned its first musical, An Italian Straw Hat: A Vaudeville, which will have its world premiere at the Costa Mesa, CA theater September 5 through October 5.

SCR has a strong history of developing new plays. Notable premieres include Margaret Edson's Wit, Craig Lucas' Prelude to a Kiss, and Richard Greenberg's The Violet Hour (one of the many productions I've enjoyed at SCR).

An Italian Straw Hat was inspired by Eugene Labiche's 1851 French vaudeviste, Un chapeau de paille d'Italie. John Strand wrote the book and lyrics. Music is by Dennis McCarthy. Stefan Novinski directs. Dennis Castellano is the musical director.

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.

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.

I'm looking forward to seeing this one.

Source: Playbill

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Sondheim Bounces Back with "Road Show"

2008-08-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Stephen Sondheim's oft-reworked musical about brothers Wilson and Addison Mizner — most recently titled Bounce — is getting yet another incarnation, under the name of Road Show.

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.

The show was originally developed as Wise Guys. It premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in October 1999, with Sam Mendes directing. Nathan Lane and Victor Garber starred.

Another version, briefly known as Gold! but later retitled Bounce, 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.

Bounce also ran at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., but never made it to New York. However, a cast album of Bounce was recorded and released.

The new version, Road Show, 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 Road Show, and the new version is an amalgam of the Mendes and Prince productions, with new material.

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.

Personally, I can't wait to see what Sondheim does next with this show. Bounce always seemed a lesser work, one I never warmed up to in the way I did with, say, Passion, 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.

Source: Playbill and Broadway World

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First Chance to "See Rock City"

2008-08-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

A new pop-rock musical called See Rock City & Other Destinations 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.

The show is a musical travelogue about tourists, venturing across America, who need to get a little lost in order to find themselves.

See Rock City won the 2007 Jerry Brock Award and the 2008 Richard Rodgers Award.

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.

Source: The Boston Globe

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Weekend Roundup: 7/28 - 8/3

2008-08-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

I'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.

This week at Broadway Musical:

Broadway Ticket Prices Increase for Aisle Seating
Whoopi Goldberg Joins Xanadu on Broadway
Mary Testa Stays Up for Sleepless Variations
Broadway Brigadoon Belayed
Luck is a Lady for Guys and Dolls Revival

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Broadway Ticket Prices Increase for Aisle Seating

2008-08-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

Would you be willing to pay more for an aisle seat?

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.

Three plays — Spring Awakening, Gypsy, and The Seagull — 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.

The Broadway revival of The Seagull, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Peter Sarsgaard, opens on September 16 at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Aisle seats will cost an additional $25.

For Spring Awakening, currently playing at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, the aisle seats are priced $23 higher.

At the St. James Theatre, Gypsy — starring Patti Lupone, Boyd Gaines, and Laura Benanti — adds $18 to the previous cost of aisle seats.

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.

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Whoopi Goldberg Joins "Xanadu" on Broadway

2008-08-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

This week Whoopi Goldberg replaced Jackie Hoffman in Xanadu at the Helen Hayes Theatre after two weeks of rehearsal.

Xanadu 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.

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.

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.

Goldberg is also a producer on two upcoming Broadway shows: a revival of Ntozake Shange's For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enough, and a musical called Bricktop.

She will continue performing in Xanadu through September 7.

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Mary Testa Stays Up for "Sleepless Variations"

2008-07-31T23:02:00.000-07:00

Broadway veteran Mary Testa takes a leave of absence from her regular gig in Xanadu to perform in the debut of a new musical, Sleepless Variations.

Sleepless Variations 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.

William Finn is the artistic producer. Michael Schiralli directs. Michael Starobin is the musical director.

The show runs Thursday through Sunday at the Barrington Stage Company's Musical Theatre Lab/Stage 2, in Pittsfield, MA.

Source: The Berkshire Eagle

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Broadway "Brigadoon" Belayed

2008-07-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

The planned 2009 revival of Brigadoon has been postponed for lack of appropriate theater space.

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.

Also canceled was the Broadway tryout, scheduled for October 21 through November 16 at the Colonial Theater in Boston.

Source: Broadway.com

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Luck Is a Lady for "Guys and Dolls" Revival

2008-07-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

The first Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls in 17 years is slated for early 2009.

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.

No casting has been announced for the new production.

Source: Bloomberg

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Weekend Roundup: 7/21 - 7/27

2008-07-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

This week at Broadway Musical:

Jason Robert Brown Musical Headed to Broadway
Phantom Sequel Coming Soon
Review Roundup: [title of show]
Angels Skips Try-Outs, Winging it to Broadway
A Little More Hairspray
Broadway Gets A Tale of Two Cities
Robin and the 7 Hoods to Muscle in on Broadway
Godspell Goes Back to Broadway
Caitlin Kinnunen Joins Cast of Spring Awakening

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Jason Robert Brown Musical Headed to Broadway

2008-07-27T21:23:00.001-07:00

Jason Robert Brown's latest musical, 13, 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.

Music and lyrics are by Jason Robert Brown (Best Score Tony Award winner for Parade). Dan Elish and Robert Horn wrote the book. Jeremy Sams directs, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli.

Previews begin September 16.

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"Phantom" Sequel Coming Soon

2008-07-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber plans to stage the musical sequel to Phantom of the Opera in London in October or November of 2009.

The working title for the production is Once Upon Another Time.

Lloyd Webber held a workshop production of Act One at his country estate in Sydmonton, and he is now writing the second act.

The musical sequel is based on The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth. In 1906, the Phantom runs a freak show at Coney Island, NY. Christine, an opera diva, is married to Raoul.

If you are curious about how the romantic triangle plays out, read the book.

Source: The Star

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Review Roundup: [title of show]

2008-07-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

The reviews are in for [title of show].

What's the verdict?

Here's a sample:

New York Times:

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.

Entertainment Weekly:

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, [title of show] should become a favorite thing for far more than just nine people.

New York Sun:

"[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.

Time Out New York:

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.

AM New York:

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.

Talk Entertainment:

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.

NY Daily News:

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.

Theater News Online:

Ultimately, it's a beautiful, universal study of the human need to create.

Back Stage:

[title of show] is a delightful 90 minutes, fueled by the passion, wit, and wackiness of its creators.

Curtain Up:

If laughter truly is the best medicine, this show just might be a cure-all for musical theater aficionados everwhere.

The Journal News:

Somehow, though, these boys' all-too-familiar quest for fame and fortune manages never to sink into cliche. It's fresh, smart and funny.

NorthJersey.com:

“[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.

Philadelphia Inquirer:

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 {title of show}, you just have to want something meaningful.

TheaterMania:

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.

TheaterMania:

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.

New York Magazine:

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.

Wall Street Journal:

An hour, alas, is too long to sit and wait for a musical to get good.

Hartford Courant:

Insiders will be delighted. Others should consider taking in another show.

Newsday:

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.

Talkin' Broadway:

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.

Variety:

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.

New York Post:

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.

Bloomberg.com:

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.

USA Today:

Sadly, [title of show] (* * 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.

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"Angels" Skips Try-Outs, Winging it to Broadway

2008-07-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

The musical Angels, based on Milton's Paradise Lost, 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."

The show features complex aerial choreography.

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.

Angels 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.

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A Little More "Hairspray"

2008-07-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Can't get too much of a good thing? There seems to be an emerging trend of musical sequels. High School Musical led the way, of course, with High School Musical 4 now in the works.

Next is Hairspray 2, a movie musical sequel to the 2007 movie Hairspray, which was adapted from the Broadway musical Hairspray, which was adapted from the original 1988 movie Hairspray.

Got it?

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.

Source: Playbill

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Broadway Gets "A Tale of Two Cities"

2008-07-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

A stage musical version of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities will open on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on August 19.

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.

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.

Previews begin August 19.

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"Robin and the 7 Hoods" to Muscle in on Broadway

2008-07-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

A stage musical version of the 1964 film Robin and the 7 Hoods is expected to reach Broadway in Spring 2010.

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.

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 Papa's Delicate Condition).

Producers are Barry Brown, Bruce Charet, Dennis Mastro, Dennis Farina, and Billy Campbell. Casey Nicholaw will direct and choreograph.

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"Godspell" Goes Back to Broadway

2008-07-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Broadway producer Adam Epstein is bringing Godspell to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on October 23.

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.

The revival is directed by Daniel Goldstein. Christopher Gattelli choreographs. The cast includes Gavin Creel (Jesus), Joshua Henry (Judas), and American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo. Music and Lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, with a book by John-Michael Tebelak.

Previews begin September 29.

Source: AP

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Caitlin Kinnunen Joins Cast of "Spring Awakening"

2008-07-21T00:35:00.000-07:00

Caitlin Kinnunen, 16, will make her Broadway debut in Spring Awakening today at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. She will play the role of Thea.

Raised on Camano Island, Washington, Caitlin appeared in many Seattle-area theater productions, including The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Little Women (Amy), and Annie (title role).

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.

The casting process for Spring Awakening 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.

Sometimes talent and persistence do pay off.

Source: HeraldNet

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Weekend Roundup: 7/14 - 7/20

2008-07-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

This week at Broadway Musical:

Gwen Stewart Returns to Rent
Eight-Year-Old to Star in Broadway Show
A Blonde Farewell for Laura Bell Bundy
Passing Strange Closes on Broadway
Billy Elliot Dances to Broadway
Boots to Broadway
Is Broadway Dreaming of a White Christmas?
Broadway Hopeful Has an Ace Up its Sleeve
A Strong Year for Broadway Musicals
[title of show] Opens Tonight on Broadway
The Weinstein Co. Has Big Plans for Broadway
Ready to Rumble? West Side Story Returns to Broadway
Legendary Broadway Theater Sold for $30 Million
Little House on the Broadway
Working 9 to 5 on Broadway
Paradise Lost is Broadway Bound
Open Casting Call for Spider-Man Musical
Welcome to Broadway Musical!

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Gwen Stewart Returns to "Rent"

2008-07-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

Original cast member Gwen Stewart returns to Rent at the Nederlander Theatre on July 21. She will reprise her role through the end of the show's run on September 27.

Stewart is featured in the show's anthem, "Seasons of Love."

Her other theater credits include Big River, Starmites, Suds, Ain't Misbehavin', The Wiz, Avenue X, and Abyssinia.

Rent 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.

Source: Playbill.com

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Eight-Year-Old to Star in Broadway Show

2008-07-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

Jerome Stephens, age 8, has only been acting for about a year, but that didn't stop him from landing the lead role of Simba in The Lion King on Broadway.

He was invited to audition after attending a Disney theatrical skills program.

Jerome and his mom Tracy Stephens will relocate from Towson, Maryland to New York, New York for at least six months.

His Broadway debut will take place in late August.

Congratulations, Jerome!

Source: wjz.com

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A "Blonde" Farewell for Laura Bell Bundy

2008-07-19T23:39:00.000-07:00

On July 20 Laura Bell Bundy will give her final Broadway performance as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

She leaves the cast to pursue other interests, which include a television and recording career. Her country album Longing for a Place Already Gone was release last year, and she is currently developing a television project.

Speaking of television, her replacement will be announced July 21 on the MTV reality show Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods.

Legally Blonde has music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a book by Heather Hach. Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell directed and choreographed. James Sampliner is the musical director. Orchestrations are by Christopher Jahnke. The show was produced by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals, and Dori Bernstein, in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert, and Dean Stolber.

Source: Playbill.com

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"Passing Strange" closes on Broadway

2008-07-19T23:20:00.000-07:00

The Tony-award winning musical Passing Strange will close after a final performance at Broadway's Belasco Theatre on July 20.

The following day, film director Spike Lee will film the production without an audience. He previously filmed the matinee and evening performances on July 19, in order to document the production for future generations.

Passing Strange won the Tony Award this year for Best Book of a Musical. The book was written by Los Angeles singer/songwriter Stew, who incorporated elements of his own life into the story of an artist in search of his artistic and personal integrity.

Stew also wrote the lyrics and music, with Heidi Rodewald collaborating on the music.

Source: Playbill.com

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"Billy Elliot" Dances to Broadway

2008-07-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

When Billy Elliot, the title character of the 2000 film, traded his boxing gloves for ballet shoes, he probably never dreamed he'd end up on Broadway.

But sure enough, that's where he's headed.

Thanks to Elton John (music), Lee Hall (book and lyrics), Stephen Daltry (direction), and Peter Darling (choreography), Billy Elliot will be dancing into our hearts on November 13 at Broadway's Imperial Theatre. Previews begin October 1.

Billy Elliot the Musical is produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn, and Sally Greene. Executive Producers are Angela Morrison and David Furnish.

The role of Billy Elliot will be played by David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish.

Source: BroadwayWorld

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"Boots" to Broadway

2008-07-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

The 2006 Miramax film comedy Kinky Boots, about a drag queen who saves a failing shoe company with a line of fetish footwear, is being turned into a stage musical.

Veteran Broadway producers Daryl Roth (August: Osage County) and Hal Luftig (Movin' Out) are in talks with Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde) to direct the new show.

Before directing Legally Blonde on Broadway, Mitchell choreographed the film-to-stage adaptations of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hairspray, and The Full Monty.

Source: Reuters

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Is Broadway Dreaming of a White Christmas?

2008-07-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

Producer Kevin McCollum hopes to bring the musical White Christmas to the Marquis Theatre this winter, after a tour of major cities that began in San Francisco in 2004.

The show is directed by Walter Bobbie, with music by Irving Berlin, book by David Ives and Paul Blake, and choreography by Randy Skinner.

The story is about two WWII vets, now show biz stars, who fall in love with a sister act at a Vermont inn.

Source: BroadwayWorld

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Broadway Hopeful Has an "Ace" Up its Sleeve

2008-07-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

The new musical drama Ace, which is aiming for Broadway, opens the 2008-2009 season at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA.

The WWII-era story explores the heroic lives of America's "Greatest Generation" as seen through a young boy's eyes as he comes to terms with his past and unlocks his future.

Music is by Richard Oberacker, with book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Oberacker. Eric Schaeffer directs, with choreography by Karma Camp.

The cast includes Jill Paice (Curtains on Broadway), Emily Skinner, Christiane Noll, and Florence Lacey.

Previews for Ace begin August 26.

Source: Playbill.com

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A Strong Year for Broadway Musicals

2008-07-17T21:34:00.001-07:00

Everett Evans of the Houston Chronicle looks back on the Broadway musical class of 2008 and gives us his assessment:

South Pacific:

From its heart-lifting overture to its moving final scene, this is an unforgettable rendition of a great show. You couldn't ask for a more enchanted evening.

In the Heights:

Irresistible and infectious, this joyous celebration of family and community blends the best of old and new. The stage percolates with youthful energy, salsa flavors and the rhythms of the street. It's hip. It raps.

Gypsy:

The result is a knockout Gypsy that leaves you wondering if the show ever has been, or ever could be, performed more powerfully.

Passing Strange:

Despite getting the most enthusiastic reviews of any new musical this season, Passing Strange has struggled to find its audience, seldom playing to more than 50 percent of capacity. Could that be because it's more aggressively and purely ``rock'' than the year's other contemporary show (Heights), lacking the cuddlier qualities that make that one more accessible to traditional show goers?

A Catered Affair:

The Broadway debut of well-regarded cabaret songwriter John Bucchino is not in the contemporary vein of Heights and Passing Strange. But this low-key, atypical show is daring in its own way: a quiet, honest, slice of life about a cash-strapped Bronx family in the 1950s, thrown into conflict about whether to use the family savings to buy a lavish wedding for its only daughter.

Source: Chron.com

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[title of show] Opens Tonight on Broadway

2008-07-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

The self-referential musical [title of show] opens tonight on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre after a successful off-Broadway run at the Vineyard Theatre.

The show has been expanded to include not only a larger set and video projections, but also a longer story that includes the show's current move to Broadway.

Written by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowan, [title of show] stars Bell, Bowan, Heidi Blickenstaff, and Susan Blackwell. Michael Berresse directed the show, with Larry Pressgrove serving as musical director.

Break a leg, everyone!

Source: AP

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The Weinstein Co. Has Big Plans for Broadway

2008-07-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is no stranger to Broadway — he helped bring shows such as Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing and Mel Brooks' The Producers to New York stages — but now he's really dreaming big.

The Weinstein Co. has announced an ambitious slate of Broadway musicals based on Miramax films, including Finding Neverland (2010), Shakespeare in Love, Chocolat, Cinema Paradiso, and Shall We Dance. Also in the works is a musical based on Pink Floyd's revolutionary rock album, The Wall.

Finding Neverland has music by Scott Frankel and lyrics by Michael Korie (the team behind Grey Gardens). The book is by Allan Knee, whose stage play was adapted for the movie.

Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and Lee Hall (Billy Elliot) are adapting The Wall, with Sony Music chief Tommy Mottola on board as a producer.

Source: Variety.com

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Ready to Rumble? "West Side Story" Returns to Broadway

2008-07-17T01:43:00.000-07:00

Arthur Laurents, 90, who wrote the libretto to West Side Story, is directing a revival of the musical, which is scheduled to open at a Nederlander theater in March 2009.

But first the show will play at the National Theatre in Washington, the venue of the musical's world premiere in 1957. This pre-Broadway run will be December 16, 2008 through January 17, 2009.

The show was originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents. Harold Prince was one of the producers. The show ran for 732 performances. It was revived on Broadway in 1980, and has remained popular in local theaters and schools throughout the world.

Source: Broadway.com

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Legendary Broadway Theater Sold for $30 Million

2008-07-17T01:25:00.000-07:00

Second Stage Theatre announced it is purchasing the Helen Hayes Theatre for $30 million.

With 597 seates, the Helen Hayes is the smallest theater on Broadway. It was built in 1912 by Winthrop Ames and original called the Little Theater.

Notable productions include: The Subject Was Roses (1964), Torch Song Trilogy (1982), Prelude to a Kiss (1990), By Jeeves (2001), and Xanadu (2007).

The new owners plan to present three American plays each season at the Helen Hayes, which is one of the last independently owned theaters on Broadway.

Source: Bloomberg.com

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"Little House" on the Broadway

2008-07-17T00:20:00.000-07:00

In a new Broadway musical of the classic children's book, actress Melissa Gilbert returns to the Little House on the Prairie. This time she's starring not as Laura Ingalls, but as Ma.

The musical is scored by Rachel Portman, with a book by Rachel Sheinken and lyrics by Donna DiNovelli. Francesca Zambello directs.

The world premiere is scheduled for August 15 at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, with a move to Broadway anticipated for the 2008-2009 season.

The play is produced by Ben Sprecher and Louise Forlenza, who have formed a new production company, Global Broadway Productions Inc., to create, develop, and produce new musicals for Broadway and beyond.

Source: TheaterMania.com

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Working "9 to 5" on Broadway

2008-07-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, and Megan Hilty will be punching the clock at Broadway's Marquis Theatre in March 2009.

9 t0 5: The Musical is directed by Joe Mantello and features songs by Dolly Parton, a book by Patricia Resnick, and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler.

Source: Playbill.com

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"Paradise Lost" is Broadway Bound

2008-07-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

Milton takes Manhattan as Angels — a new musical based on Paradise Lost — hits Broadway for the 2008-2009 season. The play will be directed by Rich Fowler. Ken Lai wrote the music and co-wrote book and lyrics with Marcus Cheong. Cast includes Robert Cuccioli, Jessica Grové, and Nicholas Rodriguez.

Sounds like Pandemonium.

Source: Playbill.com

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Open Casting Call for Spider-Man Musical

2008-07-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

The upcoming Broadway musical Spider-Man is holding an open casting call.

The show is directed by Julie Taymor (who won a Tony Award for The Lion King) with music and lyrics by U2's Bono and The Edge.

Roles:

Peter Parker: male, 16-20’s, great Rock voice, can be nerdy with understated sex appeal, good sense of humor

Mary Jane: female, 16-20’s, beautiful girl next door, strong pop/rock singing voice

Principal Woman: female, 25-35 years old, Amazing Rock vocals, think Sinead O’Connor with a Middle Eastern /Bulgarian/Greek/ twist. Foreign, world music types are great, foreign accents are great! All ethnicities

Auditions take place at The Knitting Factory July 28, 10am-5pm.

Source: BroadwayWorld.com

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Welcome to Broadway Musical!

2008-07-16T22:34:00.000-07:00

The curtain rises on Broadway Musical, a blog for daily news and information on upcoming shows.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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