CHICAGO -- Brenda Braxton, Broadway's Velma Kelly record-holder (she's played the role more than 1,200 times), returned to the Ambassador Theatre last week -- "nce more, dear friends, unto the breach!" -- to share the stage with Tom Wopat (Billy Flynn) and Michelle DeJean (Roxie Hart). Click here for tickets.

Bonus Braxton Facts: She is the founder of Leading Ladies Just for Teens, a series of empowerment seminars for teenage girls, a program that has netted her both the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Living the Dream" Award and the Josephine Baker Award (from the Council of Negro Women).   

SPAMALOT -- Clay Aiken, who made his debut earlier this year as Sir Robin in Spamalot, will be returning to the gloriously unhinged musical on September 19th. During his earlier stint in the show, the groupie quotient at the Shubert was pretty darn hefty (former "American Idol" contenders do have momentum), and his second round in tights & tunic will no doubt prove even more compelling since, in his absence from the stage, he became a daddy. (Record producer Jaymes Foster, whom he met while competing on "American Idol," gave birth to son Parker Foster Aiken, on August 8th.) Aiken is scheduled to remain in Spamalot through January 4th. Click here for tickets.

Posted on Monday, August 18, 2008 @ 07:51 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Broadway | Hollywood on Stage

Keeping one's equilibrium while spinning around the revolving door of Broadway cast replacements isn't easy. Sometimes even the performers sustain injuries. Most recent case in point: Grammy-winning recording artist Mya's plans to join Chicago as prison vamp Velma Kelly were derailed indefinitely by a broken foot. Still, strikes not withstanding, the show must go on, with casting directors on both coasts filling the voids. [Worth noting:  Chicago, inching up on its 12th Broadway birthday, owes a good deal of its longevity to a savvy replacement policy. Over the years, scads of celebrities stepping into key roles have lured new and repeat audiences to the Ambassador Theatre.]

At the moment, new additions to long-running shows include Mario Lopez (former Screech schoolmate on "Saved by the Bell" and recent "Dancing with the Stars" finalist, pictured above), who took over the role of Zach (whoa, wasn't there a Zach on "Saved by the Bell?") in A Chorus Line and Marissa Perry, who recently became the latest Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray (whoa, didn't Marissa (!) Jaret Winokur, Broadway's original Tracy, just get bumped from "Dancing with the Stars?") Ms. Perry's plus-sized mom, Edna, is being played by actor George Wendt (whoa, whoa...didn't Bebe Neuwirth, who originated the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago, costar with Wendt, aka Norm on "Cheers?")

Okay, now that the floodgates are open -- in Cry-Baby at the Marquis: Harriet Harris (who played Bebe (?!) Glazer, Frasier Crane's aggressively loony agent on "Frasier" (a "Cheers" spin-off), featuring occasional appearances by Ms. Neuwirth. Meanwhile, David Hyde Pierce, known to most as Frasier's kid brother, Niles, remains at the Hirschfeld starring in Curtains through June 29th.

And this just in: Fox 5 "Good Day New York" co-anchor Jodi Applegate will make her Broadway debut in -- you gotta love it -- Chicago. She'll be in the ensemble for one performance only, next Wednesday's (5/28) matinee. Suffice it to say, her journey from Fox 5 to the Great White Way will be chronicled in depth on "Good Day New York."

It's hard to believe Broadway existed pre-TV!

Posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 @ 06:53 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Hollywood on Stage | Broadway

Despite all the back patting that took place at 2007's host-free Antoinette Perry Awards, it seems this year's show will not leave the inmates to run the asylum for a second year in row. (Actually, now that I think back, the inmates did a really dandy job of it.)

A couple of new cast members have signed on to star in Broadway shows that have proven staying power: A Chorus Line and Chicago. So if you're interested in staying ahead of the curve, here's a taste of what's happening over the next few weeks.

On April 15th: Mario Lopez -- a.k.a. the host of "Extra TV" and former teen heartthrob from the sitcom "Saved by the Bell" -- will be making his Broadway debut in the long-running revival (since October 2006) of A Chorus Line. Lopez will be playing Zach, the director who's casting the chorus roles for a new Broadway musical -- a role for which he is highly qualified thanks to his finalist stature on "Dancing with the Stars," and his hosting duties on MTV's "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew." So far, Lopez is signed with A Chorus Line through September 7th. Click here for tickets.

Then, on May 25th: Multi-platnum Grammy-winner Mya ("Ghetto Superstar," "Lady Marmalade") is celebrating a decade in the entertainment industry by slipping into the surprisingly slinky prison wardrobe of Velma Kelly in Chicago at the Abmassador Theatre.

Like Lopez, this is her first Broadway outing, still she's no stranger to this particular musical having appeared as Mona ("I loved Alvin Lipshitz") in the 2003 film version (whose Velma was Catherine Zeta-Jones). Mya's signed on through July 13th. Click here for tickets.

MEANWHILE, OFF-BROADWAY:

If you missed seeing Steve Solomon, the creator & original star of the Off-Broadway hit My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm in Therapy, you're in luck -- well, for a week, anyway. Solomon is returning to his former stamping grounds at the Westside Theatre from April 21st thru the 25th, covering for the vacationing Paul Kreppel, who took over the role in NYC when Steve (literally) took his show on the road. Click here for tickets.

Former "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken makes his Broadway debut on Friday, January 18th in Spamalot. Click here for tickets.

I woke up to a flurry of emails from P.R. firms representing the Broadway shows set to reopen tonight after the siege: i.e., the 22-day strike that shut down the Great White Way over the lucrative Thanksgiving weekend and beyond. So it's way more than good news that the stagehands and producers reached détente -- and that ticket holders can finally see their favorite show when the curtains will rise at 8. Congratulations to all!

In the throes of this long-awaited celebration, I have to give a special thumbs up to the long-running musical hit, Chicago. Shortly after union and management stepped out of their final negotiations last night, I learned the news of the settlement via an email -- sent at 11:08 p.m. from Chicago's P.R. representatives, The Publicity Office -- not only heralding the end of the strike, but also letting me know that Chicago is offering audiences a big, fat discount. Tonight (Thursday, November 29) only, all remaining tickets will be offered for the staggeringly low price of $26.50.

To take advantage of this offer, theatergoers must visit the Ambassador Theatre box office (219 W. 49th St.) today between the hours of 10am and 8pm. (Please note the $26.50 rate is only available at the box office and does not apply to phone or online orders.)

More good news Chicago-wise: tonight's performance marks the debut of three new actors in key roles: Emmy nominee Aida Turturro (Janice on "The Sopranos") steps into the part of Matron Mama Morton; Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy on "The Sopranos," pictured here with Tururro) takes over as Roxie's cuckholded hubby, Amos Hart; and Maxwell Caulfield ("Dynasty") becomes the show's newest razzle-dazzle lawyer, Billy Flynn!

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley would be blown away (if 19th-century literati could indeed be blown away) by this present 21st-century theatrical anomaly: two musicals on the NYC boards paying homage to her 1818 romance Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus -- each one starring a former Leo Bloom from Mel Brooks' whopper of a Broadway hit, The Producers. The two shows even begin previews within a day of each other and open a mere seven days apart.

The first to arrive -- on October 10th at 37 Arts -- is Frankenstein, a dramatic version starring Hunter Foster as Victor Frankenstein, the rebel scientist who reanimated a dead man only to be ostracized and, eventually, destroyed by his creation.

"Our goal was to create an adaptation that remains faithful to Shelley's original novel," say Mark Baron (music) and Jeffrey Jackson (book and lyrics). "In deconstructing one of the most popular stories of all time, we hope to offer a new perspective for contemporary audiences."

A day later, at Broadway's Hilton Theatre, Mr. Brooks' highly anticipated musical comedy version of his Oscar-nominated 1974 film, Young Frankenstein, will welcome its first New York theatergoers with Roger Bart (pictured; who originated the role of Carmen Ghia in The Producers, going on to become one of the show's most popular Blooms) as Victor's grandson, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein.

Bart's costars include Tony-winners Sutton Foster (Inga), Shuler Hensley (The Monster), and Andrea Martin (Frau Blucher). Also in the cast is Megan Mullally ("Will and Grace") as Elizabeth.

For the production, Mr. Brooks has reunited with Producers cohorts writer Thomas Meehan and director/choreographer Susan Stroman.

A follow-up to yesterday?s blog: ?Cheers? alum George Wendt (Noooorrrm!) will indeed be slipping into Edna Turnblad?s 48DDs as of October 23rd (through January 20th.) Editorial comment: Hairspray rules!

Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2007 @ 10:13 AM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Broadway | Hollywood on Stage

Broadway shows that boast the best staying power are often the ones that not only have the goods to attract new audiences, but also the ones who keep the game interesting by bringing in new cast members that court repeat theatergoers.

A pioneer in this area is, of course, Chicago -- a show known for its savvy revolving door of celebs, such as Melanie Griffith, George Hamilton, Bebe Neuwirth, Brooke Shields, Usher, and Tom Wopat. The latest high-profile name to sign on is multi-platinum R&B star Brian McKnight. McKnight will be taking over the role of show-bizzy/show-stopping attorney Billy Flynn from Harry Hamlin on October 8th and has signed on for a six-week run ending November 18th. And, in case you haven't heard, a couple other familiar names have their collective eyes on Chicago.

B&B reality TV stars Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott (Oxygen network's "Tori & Dean: Inn Love") are "in talks" for the roles of Roxie Hart and, of course, Billy Flynn. I'll keep you posted!

Another musical with a history of intriguing replacement casting is Hairspray (post-Harvey Fierstein Ednas, for example, include Michael McKean, Bruce Vilanch, and John Pinette, while other casting coups range from Haylie Duff, Lance Bass, and Ashley Parker Angel to Jere Burns, Diana DeGarmo, and Darlene Love). Most recently, TV?s Jm J. Bullock ("Too Close for Comfort," "ALF," "Hollywood Squares") returned to the show in which he played a cross-section of male-authority figures in 2005, only this time he replaced Jerry "The Beav" Mathers in the role of Wilbur Turnblad. (Mathers left to take part in/promote "Leave It To Beaver's"50th anniversary.)

Meanwhile, Wikipedia cites actor George Wendt ("Cheers") will be taking over as Edna sometime this month. Not confirmed, but in a 2002 interview he was quoted as saying: "I'd have to shave my eyebrows, but I think I could replace Harvey Fierstein in Hairspray."

Finally, some hot casting news from the Les Misérables front. The Broadway revival, which will be celebrating its first anniversary on November 9th, will soon swap its current Jean Valjean, Drew Sarich, with the actor playing the role at the Queens Theatre in London, John Owen-Jones. The exchange will take place on October 23rd, the same day three-time Tony nominee Judy Kuhn steps into the Broadway production as Fantine. Kuhn, who played Fantine?s daughter, Cosette, in the original Broadway production 20 years ago, succeeds Tony-winning actress Lea Salonga in the role.

Something Wicked This Way Comes: The actress who originated the role of Madame Morrible in Wicked, the divine Carole Shelley (“Frasier,” “The Odd Couple” -- and, a big fat Tony for her groundbreaking turn in the original Broadway production of The Elephant Man) – is back in Oz, having taken over for the show’s most recent Morrible, Jane Houdyshell (2006 Tony nominee/Obie winner, Well).

Chicago Gets a UV Rating: Celebrated tan fan George Hamilton is another a repeat performer in Broadway’s musical-theatre arena: he’s reprising his successful run as dapper legal eagle Billy Flynn in Chicago from September 14th through October 7th. He succeeds another popular Flynn portrayer, Tom Wopat, who, despite his “Dukes of Hazard” pedigree, has been proving his versatile acting mettle in such Broadway productions as 42nd Street and Glengarry Glen Ross. Meanwhile, Hamilton remains best known for his film and TV work, including movie “Zorro, the Gay Blade,” ABC’s mid-‘80s prime-time soap, “Dynasty,” and most recently, “Dancing With the Stars.”

In the film version of Chicago, it was Queen Latifah conniving her way through the show-stopping role of the delectably corrupt Mama Morton. Her main competition, I’ve since learned, was Rosie O’Donnell.

As in real estate, the message celebrated each summer by Central Park’s Delacorte Theater is “location, location, location”: open-air venue; natural light (at least during the first 45 minutes); and sound effects ranging from pastoral (birds and crickets) to metro (sirens, car alarms, and low-flying aircraft) -- and if the latter isn’t exactly idyllic, it is, nevertheless, an integral part of the Shakespeare in the Park experience. Still, when it comes to stepping through the Delacorte’s fleeting warm weather window of opportunity, the preferred phrase should probably be “timing, timing, timing.” And by reading this on the eve of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you’ve hit the timing jackpot.

Following on the heels of their stellar season opener (Romeo and Juliet), the Public Theater will be starting Midsummer previews tomorrow night (8/8) for an 8/23 opening. And without question, Shakespeare’s classic comic fantasy is a natural for Central Park’s built-in backdrops: royal palace (castle on the hill), enchanted forest (Central Park’s flora and fauna), etc.

Then there’s the show’s dramatis personae -- an iconic menagerie of mortals and fairies -- played this time out by some of New York’s finest actors, including Martha Plimpton,  a 2007 Tony nominee for her performance in the Stoppard trilogy The Coast of Utopia, who’s taking on one of literature’s most put-upon romantics, the love-battered Helena. In addition, fans of TV’s “Law & Order” will have no problem recognizing two other performers in major parts: Laila Robins as the fairy queen Titania, and Jay O. Sanders as bumpkin-turned-donkey, Bottom.

According to insider scuttlebutt, this latest Midsummer -- directed by Daniel Sullivan (Proof; The Sisters Rosensweig) – will feature Victorian-era costumes as well as some unique magical effects. Oh yes, several youngsters have reportedly been cast as fairies, calling to mind the 1935 film version in which 12-year-old Mickey Rooney tantalized audiences as the impish Puck. Click here for more info on tickets.

For celeb watchers, summer can be a tricky time of year in the Big Apple: they’re in town, they’re taking time off, they’re on the stage, they’re under wraps, they’re backstage, they’re on the plane to L.A. I know, it’s always a crapshoot, but for the short term I can offer a couple of pretty sure bets.

Chicago: Husband-and-wife actors Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna, who were originally slated to leave the show this past Sunday, extended their contract through the end of this week, giving you until August 5th to catch them razzle-dazzling audiences as lawyer Billy Flynn (fortunately, Harry already had legal experience from his years on “L.A. Law”) and bad girl Roxie Hart at the Ambassador Theatre.  Lisa, you no doubt know, has been making small-screen waves recently thanks to her appearance on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and her upcoming gig as TV Guide Channel’s new red-carpet host. Click here for tickets.

The Color Purple: Fantasia, who’s been doing some mighty impressive razzle-dazzling of her own as Celie in the epic Alice Walker musical at the Broadway Theatre, has just returned from vacation, so you can count on seeing her if you book your tickets over the next few weeks. And if you’re wondering about just how good she is in the role, the Post’s Clive Barnes gave her “four cheers,” and told his readers: “If you haven’t seen The Color Purple, see it now; if you have seen it, see it again…not to be missed.” Click here for tickets.

The Drowsy Chaperone: Jo Anne Worley, best known for her hilarious operatic send-ups on TV’s “Laugh-In” during the 1970s (the same show that launched Goldie Hawn’s career, by the way), recently joined the cast as the delightfully daffy Mrs. Tottendale. I have a soft spot in my heart, by the way, for this wonderfully funny and fast-paced musical that still features Tony nominee Danny Burstein and Tony winner Beth Leavel. Oh yes, John Glover (Tony for Love! Valor! Compassion! on Broadway; Lionel Luthor on WB’s hit, “Smallville”) is the show’s current “Man in Chair!”

As for restaurants patronized by Broadway stars, top spots include Angus McIndoe, The Edison Hotel’s Café Edison (AKA the “Polish Tea Room), and, naturally, Sardi’s.

Posted on Wednesday, August 01, 2007 @ 03:39 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Hollywood on Stage | Broadway

Before I head back into my docket of summer theatre highlights & updates, I can’t resist veering off a bit with a few select words about “life imitating art imitating itself.” Actually, that’s too easy. It’s really “theatre imitating movies imitating theatre imitating pop music imitating (sometimes) TV shows.” As you can see, lines are easily blurred and the subject matter becomes alarmingly squishy -- artistically speaking -- as one genre oozes into another.  It’s scary, but not necessarily surprising when you figure that once upon a time, theatre and live music were the only forms of civilized entertainment around. (I don’t consider throwing prisoners, slaves, and Christians to the lions in ancient Rome especially civilized.)

Although summer temperatures bring out my inner A.C. addict -- you won’t find me sweltering away in some picturesque restaurant courtyard when it hits 80 degrees, thank you very much -- I admit to having a soft spot in my heart for Shakespeare al fresco. There’s just something about watching the Bard performed outdoors that rings right -- and, because it’s a limited, seasonal thing, it can even provide some lovely sensory memories to pore over when the weather turns really ugly.

As always, The Public Theater remains front and center with its annual mounting of Shakespeare in the Park, this year’s productions being Romeo and Juliet (currently in previews for a 6/24 opening & running thru 7/8) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (previewing 8/7 for a 8/23 opening & running thru 9/9). Both of these shows lend themselves especially well to the open air (R&J’s balcony scene alone -- and then, of course, Midsummer’s forest backdrop populated by besotted lovers, feuding fairies and a handful of rustic simpletons.

In terms of cast, R&J has three wonderfully quirky stars filling key roles: Lauren Ambrose of HBO’s “Six Feet Under” plays Juliet; versatile TV actress Camryn Manheim portrays Nurse; and actor/director Austin Pendleton appears as Friar Laurence. And in Midsummer, the always-amazing Laila Robins is set to play queen of the fairies, Titania. Robins, a favorite with NY theatre audiences, is also well known to “Law & Order” fans as a major contender for a “most guest appearances” award on the long-running series.

[Performances of Shakespeare in the Park take place at the Delacorte Theater, entrances at 8lst St. & Central Park West and 70th St. and Fifth Ave. Free tickets are available on the day of the performance (two per person) at the Delacorte (from 1pm on) and also at The Public Theatre, 425 Lafayette St. near Astor Place (from 1 to 3 pm)]

But wait, there’s more! Free Shakespeare in Central Park is not just compliments of The Public -- this coming Saturday (6/23), the award-winning Boomerang Theatre Company launches its new production of Shakespeare’s character-rich comedy All's Well That Ends Well. Look for it every Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm thru 7/22 -- weather permitting -- at 69th St. & Central Park West. 

Now that it’s “for sure” that The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein will have a Broadway home (The Hilton Theatre, as soon as The Pirate Queen buckles its last swash on June 17), we can get down to the business of checking out The Producers’ heir apparent well before its first preview (currently set for October 11 following a West Coast premiere at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre in August.)

The show’s original workshop cast, which included the stars of the recent Broadway revival of The Apple Tree -- Brian D’Arcy James, Kristin Chenoweth, and Marc Kudisch -- has been revised. Roger Bart has replaced D’Arcy James as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder in the film); taking over for Chenoweth is “Will & Grace” Emmy winner Megan Mullally as Elizabeth (played on screen by Madeline Kahn); and Fred Applegate will assume the role of Police Inspector Kemp (Kudish in the workshop; Kenneth Mars in the movie.)

Workshop participants Sutton Foster and Shuler Hensley will continue to play Inga (Teri Garr in the 1974 film) and the Monster (Peter Boyle on screen), respectively. No word as yet as to whether or not Cloris Leachman – who also took part in the workshop -- will reprise her flawless portrayal of Frau Blucher for Broadway. 

On Friday, June 1, Bill Clinton & daughter Chelsea hit Broadway’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee along with Dorothy Rodham (Hillary's mom) to celebrate her 88th birthday. Since the show is laced with liberal (no pun intended) amounts of improv, the cast was able to let loose with a few well-chosen Clinton-inspired jokes.

First up: One of the audience-volunteer spellers was asked to spell the word VERMEIL, and was given its definition as: "gold-plated or gilded silver, often used in formal table settings." When asked to hear it used in a sentence, the volunteer was rewarded with: "Had he known that his official duties would include selecting a china pattern to match the vermeil tableware, Billy never would have supported his wife's candidacy."

Later in the show, the character Logainne Schwartzandgrubineirre (she has two gay dads and -- no surprise -- leans to the left): "This bee is almost as unruly as President Bush! Just yesterday, he suggested that we all reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and then proceeded to let out a whole bunch of hot air into the atmosphere! This morning, while my dads were reading me The NY Times over a glass of wheatgrass, I got inspired to write this limerick:

As subscription-renewal folks never tire of saying, “Just a reminder: time is running out.” When it comes from me, it’s a final notice about the cut-off date for two of this season’s finest Broadway shows: Journey’s End and A Moon for the Misbegotten. These two dramas play their final matinees just hours before their stars head over to the Tony Awards ceremony at Radio City. Nominees include Boyd Gaines and Stark Sands from Journey’s End and Eve Best from Moon. And, yes, it was, in my opinion, an oversight to ignore Kevin Spacey’s non-traditional portrayal of Jim Tyrone in Moon. I for one appreciated the risks he took to make the role his own. (For the record, Spacey won a 1991 Tony for Lost in Yonkers and picked up another nomination for The Iceman Cometh, another O’Neill classic.)

Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 @ 11:32 PM | 0 replies Start the Discussion

Browse: Awards | Broadway | Hollywood on Stage

In an effort to ensure you are well ahead of the game when it comes to Tony news, here is the alphabetically correct roster (so far!) of the celebs who have signed on to hand out the trophies Sunday, June 10, at Radio City Music Hall.