This evening, I'll be joining with other theatre bloggers gathering to remember and honor our friend and colleague Patrick Lee, who passed away in June.
Since this gathering, organized by SarahB (Adventures In The Endless Pursuit of Entertainment), will celebrate a man whose immense passion for the stage is something we all share, I hope you'll consider joining us tonight from 5:30 to 7:00 at Angus McIndoe (258 West 44th Street), where we'll toast our departed friend.
In a fitting tribute for the man whose yeoman efforts brought the Independent Theater Bloggers Association (ITBA) members together as its Awards Chairman, the awards are being rechristened in his memory as the "Patrick Lee Award for Excellence in the Theatre" or the "Lee."
I hope you'll consider joining us as we salute Patrick this evening.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Even though I've never aspired to become anything more than just your average audience member, I realize that by writing a theatre blog, as well as the sheer number of shows I see in any given year, I'm anything but average.
Average looking? Sure. Average thinking? Check.
But average theatregoer. Hardly.
Because of my fascination and passion for all things emanating from the stage, I've long since learned that not every play or musical you hear about comes to fruition. I've written about countless shows that have yet to see the light of day. It's enough to lose your faith, even when some seem to gestate for what seems like eternity.
On that latter point, when Steve On Broadway was still less than a month old, I wrote about one musical that had all the trappings of a potential blockbuster. I wrote in part:
Finally, this fall, Leap Of Faith will enjoy its world premiere engagement at Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, beginning September 11 through October 24. However, those putting their trust in Hackford to direct Jackman in the role of fake faith healer Jonas Nightingale might find themselves disappointed to know that neither is attached to the current production.
That is, until they learn about how it has since been cast. Personally, I couldn't be more delighted, especially as one of Broadway's brightest male leads has assumed the role of Jonas: Raúl Esparza.
Before Esparza ever performed on Broadway, I was fortunate to witness his breathtaking portrayal of Che in a touring revival of Evita over ten years ago. His performance was so assured and charismatic that I was thrilled when he began appearing on the Great White Way. I've watched his remarkable ascent ever since as he's earned four Tony nominations, three Drama Desk Awards and a special place in our heart for enduring the Piven fish fiasco early last year.
Should Leap Of Faith prove a winner, perhaps Esparza will finally earn that long-deserved Tony that's eluded him so far.
Ahmanson Theatre describesLeap Of Faith as follows:
You’ll be dancing in the aisles when con man Jonas Nightingale brings his gospel-charged tent revival to rain-starved Kansas. Four-time Tony Award-nominee Raúl Esparza and Golden Globe Award-nominee Brooke Shields will star in this world premiere Broadway-bound new musical.
Based on the movie with Steve Martin, Leap Of Faith boasts a brand new score from 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken ("The Little Mermaid," "Beauty And The Beast") and directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford, helmer of the recent Taper favorite, Parade.
When his traveling ministry breaks down in a small Kansas town, part-time reverend and full-time con artist (Esparza) quickly pitches a tent and invites the locals to a revival. The sheriff is determined to stop Jonas from separating the townspeople from their money, but Jonas’ real challenge arises when he meets a pretty waitress (Shields) and her son, whose love forces an ultimate cynic to take a real leap of faith.
Here is the Leap Of Faith promo trailer:
For me, the most exciting part of the Ahmanson's description was to read that Leap Of Faith is "Broadway-bound." Whether or not it will find a Broadway berth yet this year is another matter. But with Come Fly Awayflying the coop in September, perhaps the Marquis just might make the perfect home in time for the holidays?
Perhaps all we just need is a little faith.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Forget ol' blue eyes. Here's a couple black eyes with a little red thrown in for good measure.
While a little birdie gave me an early indication that this would occur, Come Fly Away officially posted its closing notice late yesterday afternoon. The show will close September 5, 2010, after 187 regular performances.
For a month, choreographer Twyla Tharp's dance salute to Frank Sinatra has been struggling to break 50% capacity at the box office. Inexplicably, the average ticket price never dropped accordingly.
Last week alone, Come Fly Away increased its capacity a paltry 1.1% over the previous one to a disappointing 49%, yet the average ticket price for the seats sold was still a whopping $91.03. Compare that to the average capacity (84.02%) and average ticket price ($87.85) for all of Broadway last week, and it becomes evident that the producers of Come Fly Away missed an opportunity to increase their audience share (and potential positive word-of-mouth) by discounting their tickets.
In a late gambit, producers even began to sell tickets through the beginning of 2011. But luck would not be a lady for next year, let alone tonight. Yet, just as the producers were announcing the shuttering, they also announced that a national tour is planned.
Personally, although I know Come Fly Away had itsadvocates, I thought it was the worst show to open on Broadway all last season. As much as I hate to see any show close, all I can say is "bye-bye birdie."
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In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Yesterday, it was announced that the current Off-Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder's classic Our Town will close September 12, 2010.
David Cromer's stunning revival has been nothing short of transcendent stage entertainment since it first arrived in New York City from Chicago in February 2009. Prior to its present incarnation at Off-Broadway's intimate Barrow Street Theatre in the West Village, Cromer first mounted Our Town during The Hypocrites' 2007-08 Season and then again from September 30 through October 26, 2008.
Once the production hit the Big Apple, the director became the toast of the town and the revival became an award-winning sensation. Our Town began previews at Barrow Street on February 17, 2009, and then opened on February 26. Cromer would earn Obie and Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Director, and the show itself would win the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Production in 2009.
This past December 16, after playing its 337th performance, Cromer's Our Town made theatre history by becoming the all-time longest running production of Wilder's enduring work.
Personally, I was absolutely blown away by the production when I first saw it a year ago last spring. Its mesmerizing images still linger in my mind. As a result of seeing this version of Our Town, a show that I admit to having long since dismissed after seeing it one too many times, I could not stop talking about how Cromer and his team had completely converted me to a believer in the play's unspoken charms. Seeing it also made me actively seek out other shows with Cromer at the helm.
On that point, there's another mind-blowing Cromer revival still playing in suburban Chicago. That's A Streetcar Named Desire. If you're anywhere near Chicago, you can't afford to miss this excellent production. Coincidentally, it too is set to close, in this case on August 12 after three extensions. Curiously, the production space at Glencoe's Writers' Theatre is not unlike that at Barrow Street, and high profilereviews would suggest that New York producers may have been contemplating a transfer, if not to Barrow Street, then to a venue very much like it. Personally, I would love to see Streetcar take Our Town's place.
Whatever the future holds for Streetcar, Our Town's life is drawing to an inevitable, yet celebratory close. Helen Hunt will serve as the stage manager through Sunday, August 1 (I'll be in the audience for the Saturday matinee). On August 3, Michael McKean will return to the role he first assumed earlier this spring. Then on August 24, David Cromer himself will usher out the show he brought to breathtaking life right through its September 12 closing.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
While Lincoln Center Theater is currently advertising this as a limited run (October 8 through January 23), its sheer star power alone from the Broadway firmament could make the Great White Way live up to its name for considerably longer. Since it will be staged at the Belasco Theatre, I can't help wondering if it will ultimately do just that.
Based on Pedro Almodóvar's internationally acclaimed 1988 film, Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown is set in late 20th-century Madrid and tells the story of the intertwining lives of a group of women whose relationships with men lead to a tumultuous 48 hours of love, confusion and passion.
Women On The Verge ranks right near the top of the new musicals I'm most looking forward to seeing during what is shaping up to be a tuner-rich year. The casting announcement is just icing on the cake.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending July 25, 2010
If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the week ending July 25, 2010:
3:45 pm July 26 - Big week on Broadway last week as total grosses at $20,704,716. Up over $600,000 from week before
3:46 pm July 26 - Broadway capacity last week up nearly 1% to 84.02%. 227,360 tickets out of 267,232 possible sold.
3:47 pm July 26 - Average ticket price on Broadway last week: $87.85
3:48 pm July 26 - Nine Broadway shows grossed over $1 million each last week. Two more just below $1 million (MAMMA MIA! & MEMPHIS)
3:49 pm July 26 - Top grossing shows: WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, PROMISESx2, M POPPINS, CONNICK, B ELLIOT, JERSEY BOYS, PHANTOM
3:50 pm July 26 - Sold-out WICKED was Broadway's top grossing show last week with $1,707,154 Average ticket price: $117.96
3:51 pm July 26 - HARRY CONNICK JR. drew last week's highest capacity: 101.1% + week's highest av tix price: $131.39. Grosses $1,139,695
3:52 pm July 26 - RACE has bottom 3 again: Lowest gross $239,745 Lowest av ticket price $63.31 Lowest capacity 44.7%
3:53 pm July 26 - WEST SIDE STORY scores top weekly capacity gain of 81.% to 79.1%. Grosses $761,221. Av tix priced $70.93
3:54 pm July 26 - LA CAGE has week's biggest capacity decline of 13% to 74.9% with Kelsey Grammer on vacation. Grosses $586,590
3:55 pm July 26 - Broadway's lowest grossing shows last week from bottom: RACE, NEXT TO NORMAL, LEND ME A TENOR, MILLION $ QUARTET
3:56 pm July 26 - Broadway's lowest capacity shows last week: RACE, COME FLY AWAY, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, LEND ME A TENOR - All under 70%
3:58 pm July 26 - This year's Tony-winning Best Musical MEMPHIS stealthily builds audience. Grosses $960,594 on 95.2% capacity
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
If you're among the throngs of disappointed theatregoers who has been unable to get free tickets to see The Merchant Of Venice in Central Park this summer, you can breathe a little easier.
Perhaps that's why it's been nearly 20 years since the last Broadway revival of The Merchant Of Venice. That Tony-nominated revival opened on December 19, 1989, at the 46th Street Theatre (now Richard Rodgers Theatre) and played 84 regular performances. Directed by Peter Hall, starred Dustin Hoffman as Shylock and Geraldine James as Portia. Hall, Hoffman and James would each earn Tony nods for their work.
The Public will produce this transfer at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre, a considerably smaller space than Central Park's Delacorte Theatre. The limited run's performances will commence October 19 and conclude January 9, 2011.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Next week, this inspiring Iowa icon will turn 81. So my weekend in the country will also include a well-timed birthday celebration. And to bring the post full circle, that makes Duffy just a tad senior to Mr. Sondheim, doesn't it?!
Happy anniversary, Joe and Duffy (and happy birthday, too)!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Ever the trouper and 89 years young, Carol Channing not only notes America's alarming dropout rate from public high schools, be she also makes an impassioned plea for continued arts funding in public schools on television's "The View."
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
As previously announced, Sutton Foster will star as Reno Sweeney. Joel Grey will portray Moonface Martin, it was announced on September 30. The rest of the cast is yet to be announced.
In addition to using the revised 1987 book from Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, this mounting of Anything Goes will be produced in its full glory, according to Roundabout's Artistic Director Todd Haimes. (Is Haimes taking a cue from frequent criticism that too many recent Broadway revivals have been whittled down to chamber pieces that are spare on the orchestrations?)
Anything Goesmade its Great White Way debut at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre) on November 21, 1934. With original libretto written by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse. Ethel Mermantriumphantly led its titanic cast of more than 60 (which included a little known actress named Vivian Vance, who'd later find fame as Ethel Mertz on "I Love Lucy"). The production would close nearly one year later on November 16, 1935, after 420 performances.
The first and only Broadway revival of Anything Goes was mounted in 1987 by Lincoln Center at its Vivian Beaumont Theater. Using Crouse and Weidman's revived book, the show starred Patti LuPone as Reno opposite Howard McGillin as Billy Crocker, along with the late Bill McCutcheon as Moonface Martin and Anthony Heald as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Together, they would earn four of this revival's 10 Tony nominations. In addition to McCutcheon scoring a win, the revival won three Tonys, including for Best Revival. The revival of Anything Goes lasted nearly twice as long as the original, closing on September 3, 1989, after 784 performances.
Will today's audiences get a similar kick out of the upcoming revival? With one of Porter's best scores, count me among those hoping it's positively delovely.
Previews begin on March 10, 2010, with opening night set for April 7.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending July 18, 2010
If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the week ending July 18, 2010:
3:45 pm July 19 - Broadway box office increased by nearly $1 million last week over previous week to $20,126,661
3:46 pm July 19 - Broadway capacity increased 3.55% to 83.05% last week. 221,227 seats sold out of 264,344. Average ticket price: $88.55
3:47 pm July 19 - Sold-out WICKED edges LION KING out by $57,000 as top grossing Broadway show of week
3:48 pm July 19 - WICKED grosses $1,681,570 on Broadway last week. Average ticket price: $116.19. 100% capacity.
3:49 pm July 19 - THE LION KING at #2 grosses $1,624,092 last week. Has week's top capacity at 100.1%. Average ticket price: $120.96
3:50 pm July 19 - HARRY CONNICK JR: week's highest average ticket price on Broadway at $131.51. 4 shows gross $757,620. 99.7% capacity
3:51 pm July 19 - Underperforming RACE has week's dubious distinction: Bottom trifecta. Gross: $240,329/Av tix priced $63.13/Capacity 45%
3:52 pm July 19 - ROCK OF AGES picks up largest capacity gain with 7.9% to 81.1%. Grosses $530,383 with average ticket price of $81.99
3:53 pm July 19 - After hiatus, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC posts largest capacity drop: 17.2% to 80.6%. Grosses $501,212. Av tix priced $83.48
3:54 pm July 19 - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, PROMISESx2, MARY POPPPINS, BILLY ELLIOT, JERSEY BOYS each gross $1 million+ last week
3:55 pm July 19 - Shows grossing under $500,000 last week: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, NEXT TO NORMAL, LEND ME A TENOR, RACE
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Over this past weekend, I was catching up on one of my favorite television programs, "Theater Talk" -- you know, the chat show with New York Post theatre columnist Michael Riedel and "the show's producer Susan Haskins."
I found the episode that originally aired on June 26 particularly intriguing.
When the subject came to whether critics still had a place in theatre, Simon invoked the late critic Pauline Kael of The New Yorker, who once said, "In the arts, the critic is the only independent source of information. The rest is advertising."
Personally, I couldn't agree more, and I also agreed with Simon when he noted that while you're likely to find critics disagreeing with one another, individual audience members most likely can find a critic they can trust whose voice mirrors their own opinions most of the time.
But when pushed to opine on the place of bloggers and whether they might replace the old establishment critics, Simon lashed out:
No matter how wrongheaded a critic may be, he or she’s always better than the bloggers. The bloggers are the vermin of this society.
Does it take one to know one? Or have bloggers really arrived now that Simon -- the man who in 2005 was unceremoniously fired as New York magazine's theatre critic -- is lambasting us?
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who unlike John Simon are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
LA's Center Theatre Group describes the show as follows (take a look at this link for an amusing promo video):
Shootouts, smallpox and scalpings—growing up on the American Frontier was killer! Hoping to kick some British butt and bitch-slap the Spaniards, thirteen-year old Andrew Jackson joins the Army and grows up to become America’s first populist president and greatest rock star since George Washington.
A fast-paced irreverent rock musical about the country we live in and the leaders we choose. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson redefines America’s seventh president, a pioneer of humble stock who invented the Democratic Party, moved Indians west, and played a kick-ass guitar.
Benjamin Walker will reprise his turn as Andrew Jackson, after turning down a role in Fox's "X-Men: First Class." Hollywood's loss is New York's gain. Walker last trod Broadway's boards as Le Chevalier Danceny in the 2008 revival of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. The actor has been attached to Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson from the start.
After missing the show during its Public run, I'm looking forward to seeing it on Broadway. Only wish some innovative ticketing scheme could be implemented where all you'd have to pay is $20. After all, why not trade one Andrew Jackson for another?
Previews begin September 21 with an opening date of October 13.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
The concert gig will be Connick's first foray to Broadway since appearing in The Pajama Game four years ago. This time, it'll be more like his 1990 Main Stem debut when he played 13 concerts. It's all Harry, all the time. In concert. On Broadway.
Essentially, this stop on Broadway is part of a tour to sell his new album, "Your Songs," which includes such standards that have been included in musicals like "All The Way," "The Way You Look Tonight," and "Some Enchanted Evening." But Connick will likely mix it up night after night.
Tickets are still available for his thirteen performances scheduled through July 29, 2010. But this gig has already been extended. UPDATE (July 19, 2010): Tickets went on sale today for two additional performances on July 30 and 31. The July 31 performance will be filmed.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Rob Ashford will direct and choreograph this second Broadway revival of Frank Loesser's nearly 49 year old tuner. This production is particularly noteworthy because Daniel Radcliffe will make his Main Stem musical debut.
The original 1961 musical not only earned Loesser and Abe Burrows (book) the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, but also that year's Tony Award for Best Musical. Additional How To Succeed did just that by earning six other Tonys including for Robert Morse (Best Actor) as J. Pierrepont Finch and Charles Nelson Reilly (Best Featured Actor) as Bud Frump. The illustrious cast also featured Rudy Vallee and very young Donna McKechnie in her Broadway debut. The production closed at the 46th Street Theatre (later renamed the Richard Rodgers Theatre) on March 6, 1965, after 1,417 performances.
Just over 30 years later, on March 23, 1995, the very first Great White Way revival would open at the same, albeit renamed, theatre as the original. Matthew Broderick, who was born six months into the original production's run, would win the show's sole Tony for his portrayal of Finch. Other notable castmembers included Megan Mullally, Victoria Clark and Lillias White. That production would last 548 performances before closing on July 14, 1996.
When Ashford's latest arrival opens nearly 15 years to the day after the last revival did, will its J. Pierrepont Finch make it three for three in winning a Tony for that role? If Radcliffe can sing and dance, he may just be in it to win.
Talk about succeeding on Broadway, but I'll bet no one will accuse him of not trying.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending July 11, 2010
If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the week ending July 11, 2010:
3:07 pm July 12 - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, FENCES, PROMISES PROMISES, BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS each have $1 million+ box office
3:08 pm July 12 - Sold-out WICKED was last week's top grosser by thin margin of just $16,000 over LION KING on Broadway
3:09 pm July 12 - WICKED grossed $1,650,562 on Broadway last week, playing to 100% capacity. Average ticket price: $114.05
3:10 pm July 12 - THE LION KING grossed $1,634,367 on Broadway last week, playing to 100.1% capacity. Average ticket price: $121.74
3:11 pm July 12 - Last week's highest capacity(101.5%) & av ticket price($134.20) belongs to FENCES, week's top grossing play: $1,175,626
3:12 pm July 12 - RACE last week's lowest grossing show $248,053.Av tix priced $65.94. Capacity just 44.4% Will closing notice be posted?
3:13 pm July 12 - COME FLY AWAY had last week's lowest capacity at just 40.4%. Grossing $488,217. Av tix price still sky high at $93.76
3:14 pm July 12 - Just closed EVERYDAY RAPTURE had week's lowest average ticket price of $51.44. Grossed $253,560 on 83.3% capacity
3:15 pm July 12 - EVERYDAY RAPTURE also posted week's biggest capacity gain of 10.1% to 83.3%. Grosses up $83,000 week over week
3:17 pm July 12 - Week's biggest capacity drop was LEND ME A TENOR losing 14.6% capacity to 59.4%. Grossed $333,346 last week.
3:18 pm July 12 - Tony-winning Best Musical MEMPHIS doing respectable box office. Grossed $890,626 last week playing to 88.9% capacity
3:19 pm July 12 - Overall, Broadway grosses up nearly $700,000 from last week to $19,380,905, yet audience was down .44% to 79.8%
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
The previously "confirmed" tuner is now officially off Broadway's fall schedule and without a home due to "logistical" reasons. Given the lackluster box office Ethel Barrymore Theatre's current occupant has had (as well as its own previously announced August 21 closing date), a new extension certainly doesn't seem in the cards. You have to wonder what's on their minds right now as it certainly isn't Georgia.
Unchain My Heart had been to begin scheduled previews at the Broadway's Barrymore on October 8. But as with so many other shows, this one is now singing the "Driftin' Blues" on a "Lonely Avenue" as it postpones its turn until Spring 2011 at a "Shubert theatre to be announced."
According to Playbill, the principals in the Unchain My Heart cast are "expected to stay" with Unchain My Heart. Helmed by Sheldon Epps, the musical with book by Suzan-Lori Parks is to feature Brandon Victor Dixon portraying Charles singing his classic tunes.
As previously noted here, there are no guarantees any "confirmed" show will ultimately open, yet at least when it has a venue and firm dates, it seems like a sure bet. But with this news, we must now place Unchain My Heart into the "definitely maybe" category instead.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Today, it was announced that the Sister Act musical will come to Broadway in Spring 2011. Update: On October 5, it was further announced that Sister Act would play the Broadway Theatre with previews starting on March 24, 2011, and opening night scheduled for April 20.
While the woman born as Caryn Elaine Johnson will retain the production credit she earned in the current West End version, Jerry Zaks is being brought in to direct the Main Stem incarnation. Sister Act currently boasts a book from Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and original score by Glenn Slater and Alan Menken.
Patina Miller stepped into Goldberg's shoes as Doloris van Cartier for the London production, but Goldberg herself is set to step into the habit of Mother Superior currently worn by British stage veteran Sheila Hancock this August.
As for the Broadway staging, there is still no word on casting, venue or firm dates. But could Goldberg active participation in the London production serve as a harbinger of what's to come on the Great White Way?
I'm saying my prayers.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Welcome to Southie, a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo… where this month’s paycheck covers last month’s bills… and where Margie Walsh has just been let go from yet another job. Facing eviction and scrambling to catch a break, Margie thinks an old fling who's made it out of Southie might be her ticket to a fresh new start. But is this apparently self-made man secure enough to face his humble beginnings? Margie is about to risk what little she has left to find out.
Now before you brush McDormand's casting as just another play for Hollywood stars, this will mark her fourth time on Broadway. Long before she became a film star, she appeared in the 1984 revival of Awake And Sing and earned a Tony nod for her 1988 portrayal of Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire.
At the time, I had a friend who was a stage manager at Lincoln Center and he arranged for us to go back stage and meet the cast. While Alexander wasn't available, we were thrilled to meet and chat at length with the truly gorgeous Madeline Kahn and her co-star McDormand, who was quite unassuming and approachable. Both were genuinely gracious with their time.
Good people who left an impression on me. Let's hope Good People can similarly impress.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Broadway Box Office Tweets - Week Ending July 4, 2010
If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know that each Monday, I offer my quick analysis of each preceding week's box office on Broadway.
For your viewing pleasure, here are my tweets in chronological order for the summer holiday week ending July 4, 2010:
3:15 pm July 6 - WICKED, LION KING, ADDAMS FAMILY, FENCES, BILLY ELLIOT, MARY POPPINS, PROMISES PROMISES each enjoy $1 million+ box office
3:16 pm July 6 - Sold-out WICKED still Broadway's top weekly grossing show: $1,620,851. Average ticket price: $112.00
3:17 pm July 6 - FENCES still Broadway's top grossing play taking in $1,164,529 last week, up $26,000 week over week
3:18 pm July 6 - FENCES is #1 Broadway show in terms of average ticket price: $132.65. Top tickets selling for $425.00
3:19 pm July 6 - FENCES, which ends Broadway run on Sunday, also has Broadway's highest capacity. Standing room only at 101.7%
3:20 pm July 6 - EVERYDAY RAPTURE had Broadway's lowest gross $171,942 & average ticket price $39.69. Capacity still at 73.2%
3:21 pm July 6 - COME FLY AWAY had Broadway's lowest capacity last week: 43% (drop of 11.6%). Gross: $515,296. Av tix priced: $93.01
3:22 pm July 6 - Just-closed NEXT FALL has week's biggest capacity increase of 25.5% to 90.1%. Grosses: $257,274. Av tix priced: $60.58
3:22 pm July 6 - IN THE HEIGHTS has Broadway's biggest capacity drop of 12.8% to 69.3%. Grossed $515,540. Average ticket price: $69.20
3:24 pm July 6 - Overall, Broadway's week over week grosses were down 9% or nearly $1.7 million to $18,840,132
Feel free to comment and let me know if you're surprised by any of these results.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
By now, dear readers, you surely know that Gypsy ranks as my all-time favorite musical.
Imagine my delight in stumbling upon this nugget from 1959's "What's My Line?" as Gypsy Rose Lee herself -- a Broadway performer in her own right -- appears as the "mystery guest" just days after the original production opened on the Great White Way with Ethel Merman.
Miss Lee explains, "When you've lost all your marbles, you're a stripteaser!"
The show's venerable moderator John Charles Daly (who also served as ABC News' anchor at the same time) explains how Gypsy "threatens to outdo even My Fair Lady." In my humble estimation some 51 years later, it has done managed that and more.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
While I highlight the 33 plays, musicals and special events that are "confirmed" for Broadway's 2010-11 Theatrical Season here, there's currently another 9 shows that producers have indicated are heading to the Great White Way this season.
Neither theatre nor dates have been announced for the revival.
Betty Boop
In November 2008, it was announced that composer David Foster was at work on a score for a musical version of that wide-eyed animated beauty Betty Boop. Last we heard, Oscar Williams and Sally Robinson were writing the book.
Neither venue nor dates have been announced, but it was initially reported that the musical would be ready for this upcoming season at a Nederlander Theatre.
Although a revival for Stephen Schwartz's musical Godspell was initially planned and then dropped for the 2008-09 Theatrical Season, it was announced last December that producer Ken Davenport would bring that "postponed" version to Broadway sometime in the fall of 2010. Now the impresario is saying he will take it to the streets in producing the tuner in 2011 as the "first ever community produced Broadway musical." Director Daniel Goldstein remains attached to the upcoming production with Christopher Gattelli as choreographer.
Neither venue nor dates have been announced. But suffice it to say we'll be watching for developments day by day.
Hedwig And The Angry Inch
This past March, it was announced that John Cameron Mitchell's cult camp classic musical about an East German transexual rocker would finally find its way to the Great White Way. Mitchell is expected to reprise the role he first created at New York's Jane Street Theatre twelve years ago.
No venue has been confirmed, but the announcement indicated that the musical could be produced yet this fall.
The ShermanBrothers' music may return to Broadway in an original tuner that straddles the moment where life succumbs to death. Starring Florence Henderson and Conrad John Schuck, MerryGoRound is being hyped for its blend of live action with projection design and 3-D CGI animation.
The show is aiming for a Spring 2011 Broadway berth, but neither theatre nor dates have been confirmed.
Over Here!
Designed as a star vehicle for the remaining AndrewsSisters (LaVerne died in 1967), the first Broadway production of Over Here! in 1974 gave the world a little known actor named John Travolta. According to Playbill, a revival of this ShermanBrothers World War II-themed tuner is "aiming" for a Broadway berth around March 2011.
Over two years have passed since I first wrote about this long-gestating musical version of the 1992 film. More than a year has passed since it was reported that Joe Nichols would be Pure Country's leading man (although his name no longer appears on the tuner's Web site -- only country superstar Lorrie Morgan's is listed for castmembers). But as recently as December, it was announced that Warren Carlyle would choreograph the Broadway show.
Lanford Wilson's 1980 Pulitzer Prize-winning Talley's Folly may receive a Spring 2011 revival on Broadway with "The West Wing" star Richard Schiff making his Great White Way debut as Matt Friedman. Producers are reportedly "in discussions with actresses interested in taking the role of quirky Midwestern Sally Talley." Longtime Wilson collaborator Marshall W. Mason, who directed the original Broadway production, is set to take the helm once again.
You Can't Take It With You was to begin performances this November, but now producers have said they hope to mount the revival in the Spring of 2011. Casting has proven to be an issue. This still has to be among the biggest question marks of the season, and I would say even doubtful since Anna D. Shapiro is now set to direct Motherf**ker With The Hat this spring. Can she pull a hat trick of her own?
So, dear readers, which of these shows do you hope comes to fruition?
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
What shows are opening on Broadway during the upcoming year?
Currently, there are 35 plays, musicals and special theatrical events that have confirmed their venue and schedules for the 2010-11 Theatrical Season.
While it's entirely possible that more than one of the following plays or musicals that have already been confirmed for the 2010-11 Theatrical Season may ultimately never materialize, here's the current list of what is scheduled to open:
Harry Connick, Jr. returned to Broadway for his first time since appearing in The Pajama Game four years ago. This time, it was all Harry, all the time. In concert. On Broadway.
The limited run began performances July 15 and extended through July 31, 2010. The show has since closed but was filmed for posterity. Click here for my SOB Review.
Cherry Jones finally returns to Broadway in Doug Hughes' revival of the enduring George Bernard Shaw work. The play centers on the lengths one mother goes toward keep her daughter comfortable.
Previews began September 3, and the show opened on October 3. The limited run concluded on November 28, 2010. Click here for my SOB Preview and here for my SOB Review.
The single best show I saw all last season is now coming to Broadway. Kneehigh Theatre's production of Noël Coward's Brief Encounter defies any neat description as it seamlessly incorporates both music and a stunning projection design. After seeing this show, I'll defy you to tell me a Tony Award for projection design isn't finally in order.
Previews began September 10 and opened September 28. The limited run has been extended through January 2, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview. For my SOB Review, click here.
Manhattan Theatre Club transfers Lee Hall's lauded play and its London cast. Helmed by Max Roberts, The Pitmen Painters focuses on poor coal miners who become celebrated for their paintings.
Previews began September 14, and the show opened September 30. The limited run is scheduled through December 12, 2010. Click here for my SOB Preview, and click here for my SOB Review.
Previews began September 21. The play's opening night was October 12, 2010. The limited run concluded early on November 28. Click here for my SOB Preview. Click here for my SOB Review.
The acclaimed emo-rock musical about the United States' seventh President was a smash hit at New York's Public Theatre where it concluded an extended run in late June. Benjamin Walker will reprise the eponymous role he created in LA, which is ironic given he has just turned down a Hollywood film to do so.
This transfer began previews at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on September 20 and opened on October 13. The show is now set to close January 2, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview and here for my SOB Review.
Transferring directly from London, previews for this play began September 23. The show opened October 14, 2010, and the limited run will conclude early on January 9, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
Previews for this open-ended run began September 23, and Lombardi opened October 21, 2010. Click here for my SOB Preview. Click here for my SOB Review.
Previews began at the John Golden Theatre on October 7. Driving Miss Daisy opened on October 25. The limited engagement will conclude its run January 29, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
John Kander and the late Fred Ebb's "new" musical about the injustices young African-American men face when arrested for crimes against white women in Alabama. The tuner is directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. (I'm so excited about this show that I caught its out of town tryout.)
Previews for this open-ended show began October 7, 2010, and it opened October 31, 2010. The show has posted a closing notice for December 12, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
The Beatles-tribute band Rain brings its concert show to Broadway. Shows like this and Connick's will make you wonder why they don't just bring back the Special Event Tony.
Previews began October 19 and the show opened October 26, 2010. The limited run is scheduled through January 9, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview. Click here for my SOB Review.
Performances commenced October 19, and while the show "opened" November 7, the press opening has been delayed to November 13 due to the death of Lily Rabe's mother, Jill Clayburgh. The limited run will conclude January 9, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
George C. Wolfe directs this John Guare play about a chain of events put into motion by a wealthy Don Juan type in New Orleans, circa 1802.
Previews were delayed until October 23 with opening set for November 18. This Lincoln Center limited run is scheduled through January 2, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
Comedian Colin Quinn returns to Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre for a 75-minute history of the world lesson via Colin Quinn: Long Story Short, his one-man show directed by Jerry Seinfeld.
The limited engagement began previews on October 22. It opened November 9 and runs 11 weeks through January 8, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
After a celebrated West Coast run of his new adventure with his "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" cohorts, Pee-Wee Herman (a/k/aPaul Reubens) is seeking to complete his comeback (and Reubens' career rehabilitation).
Previews began October 26, and the show opened November 11, 2010. Currently, the very limited run is slated to close January 2, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
Under the direction of Casey Nicholaw, this limited run began previews on November 2 and opened November 14. The musical will then conclude on January 2, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
The limited run began previews on November 2 and opened November 21. The play closed November 28 after mixed reviews and lack of audience. Click here for my SOB Preview.
Given this show's notorious tabloid life to date, its inclusion on this list may have previously seemed dubious at best. But confirmation of set dates came on August 10, more than a month after U2 manager Paul McGuinness was quoted by a Dublin paper saying Julie Taymor's beleaguered production would still arrive this year. Additionally, the load-ins began in July and rehearsals begin August 16.
Previews were slated to began November 28. The further delays mean that the opening night scheduled for December 21 has been pushed back until January 11, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
December 2010
Donny And Marie: A Broadway Christmas (Marquis Theatre)
According to The New York Times, Donny and Marie Osmond will deck the halls of the Marquis Theatre with holiday cheer, bringing new meaning to the Great White Way. The duo already possesses Broadway debut credits -- Donny Osmond starred in the failed 1982 revival of Little Johnny Jones while Marie Osmond served as a replacement for Donna Murphy in the last revival of The King And I.
The extended run is scheduled to start on December 9 before dashing through the snow on December 30. Click here for my SOB Preview.
Daniel Sullivan helms this world premiere work by David Lindsay-Abaire about a working-class Boston woman (Frances McDormand) with dreams. Becky Ann Baker, Tate Donovan, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Estelle Parsons also will star.
Previews begin February 8, 2011 and the play opens March 3, 2011. Manhattan Theatre Club's limited run is currently scheduled through May 8, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
The revival will begin previews at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on February 9, 2011, and open on March 6. The limited run is scheduled through May 29.
What happens when the creators of "South Park" and Avenue Q team up? An idiotically irreverent, completely crude and overtly politically incorrect musical, no doubt. The tuner will be directed by Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw.
The musical will begin previews at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on February 24 and open March 24. Click here for my SOB Preview.
Daniel Radcliffe is set to make his Broadway musical debut in Frank Loesser's tuner. Directed by Rob Ashford, this revival comes a mere 15 years after the last one opened, but compared with many musicals these days, that's practically a lifetime. The show will also star John Larroquette, Rose Hemingway, Christopher J. Hanke, Tammy Blanchard, Mary Faber and Ellen Harvey.
This musical revival will begin previews on February 26 and open March 27, 2011. Click here for my SOB Preview.
After first premiering in Sydney nearly four years ago (where I saw and enjoyed it), this jukebox musical version of the film with music moved on to London and is now slated to come to Broadway by way of Toronto. The Great White Way outing will include Will Swenson (Hair) as Tick, Nick Adams (A Chorus Line) as Felicia and Tony Sheldon's extraordinary Bernadette.
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert begins preview performances at Broadway's Palace Theatre on February 28, 2011, and opens March 20. Click here for my SOB Preview.
Catch Me If You Can will begin previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on March 7, 2011, with an opening night scheduled for April 10. Click here for my SOB Preview.
According to an October 21 report from The New York Times, Rajiv Joseph's Pulitzer Prize-nominated finalist Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo will arrive on Broadway in March 2011. The bigger news is that Robin Williams is slated to portray the eponymous animal.
The production is slated to begin previews on March 10 and open March 31 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
Lincoln Center brings the highly-anticipated and acclaimed London production of War Horse to Broadway. The World War I tale of a man and his horse is brought to life through puppetry and music.
Previews are set to begin on March 17, 2011. Opening night is scheduled for April 14, 2010.
The stage musical version of Whoopi Goldberg's hit film that originated at the Pasedena Playhouse in 2006 is now Broadway-bound in Spring 2011. The woman born as Caryn Elaine Johnson will retain her production credit as she has in the current London version, but Jerry Zaks is being brought in to direct the Main Stem incarnation. No word yet on casting.
Sister Actannounced it will begin previews at the Broadway Theatre on March 24, 2011. The production will open on April 20. Click here for my SOB Preview.
The People In The Picture begins previews at the American Airlines Theatre on April 1, 2011, and then opens on April 28. The limited run will conclude June 19. Click here for my SOB Preview.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles Limited run extended through May 31, 2011 (Show will go on hiatus starting January 15 and reopen at Brooks Atkinson Theatre on February 8)
Rock Of Ages - Open-ended run (Show will go on hiatus starting January 9 and reopen at Helen Hayes Theatre in March)
As someone who has been involved in both politics and public relations, it's no wonder I love watching theatre. Good or bad, it's the raw energy of seeing a live performance that gets my adrenaline pumping. From the moment I saw my very first Broadway show ("Annie" in London in 1979), I was hooked. Now I see as many as 70 shows each year ranging from soaring musicals to two-hander plays. And these eyes just may be in an audience near you!
Toasting Patrick Lee
Godspell
MerryGoRound
Talley's Folly
Mrs. Warren's Profession
The Pitmen Painters
Driving Miss Daisy
Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles
Colin Quinn: Long Story Short
The Pee-Wee Herman Show
Elf
Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying
Sister Act
