by Mike Haber | Aug 21, 2021 | Antoinette (Tony) Awards, Blog, Broadway, News, Shows
WHAT’S UP BROADWAY FANS?! Broadway’s biggest night is right around the corner and just 36 DAYS AWAY. However, to keep us entertained till The 74th Annual
Tony Awards and celebrating Live Theater’s return, we at New York Broadway Tours are continuing to serenade you every morning with more of your favorite iconic toe tapping performances from previous telecasts on our TOP 50 TONY AWARDS COUNTDOWN. Are you ready for another Broadway showstopper?
At # 36 on our countdown, we take you on and off stage at a Theater in Baltimore back in the year 1948. There, craziness is happening behind the scenes at a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s THE TAMING OF THE SHREW including the show’s narcissistic director and leading man forced to work with his former temperamental movie star ex-wife. This is the madap play-within-a-play musical comedy KISS ME KATE. The show features a score by
*Cole Porter* along with a book co-written by Samuel and Bella Spewack.
From the most recent 2019 telecast (prior before COVID-19),
Corbin Bleu as “Bill Calhoun” and the cast of that year’s recent
Roundabout Theatre Company revival perform the Act 2 showstopper TOO DARN HOT. We are obsessed and can’t stop RAVING over the choreography from this performance.
KISS ME KATE was first conceived by rising Broadway producer Arnold Saint-Subber who witnessed the crazy on and off stage fights of real life husband-and-wife actors Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne during a 1935 production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. He asked book writers Samuel and Bella Spewacks (undergoing their own marital woes at the time) to write the script. Bella in turn enlisted Cole Porter to do the music and lyrics.
Following a 3 1/2 week tryout in Philadelphia, the original production opened on Broadway at the New Century Theatre in 1948 running for 1,077 performances. Under the direction of John C. Wilson and choreography by Hanya Holm, the cast starred….
Alfred Drake (later Keith Andes, Ted Scott, and Robert Wright) as “Fred Graham”,
Harold Lang (later Danny Daniels and Marc Platt) as “Bill Calhoun”,
and
Lisa Kirk (later Betty Anne Groove) as “Lois Lane”.
The show won all 5 of it’s 1949 Tony Awards including becoming the first Broadway show ever to win for the big category that today we all look forward to each year….. BEST MUSICAL.
Following the success of the original production, the show went on to make audiences laugh in London’s West End, Australia, and around the world becoming an instant hit. The show would late be revived twice on Broadway.
The first Broadway revival happened in 1952 playing just 8 performances at the Broadway Theatre. Under the direction of John C. Wilson and choreography by Hanya Holm once again, the cast was led by….
Robert Wright as “Fred Graham”,
Holly Harris as “Lilli Vanessi”,
Frank Derbas as “Bill Calhoun”,
Marilyn Day as “Lois Lane”.
The production did not receive any Tony Awards that year.
The 3rd Broadway revival happened in 1999 at the Martin Beck Theatre (currently the Al Hirschfeld Theatre) running for a total of 28 previews and 881 regular performances. Under the direction of Michael Blakemore and choreographed by both Kathleen Marshall and Rob Ashford, the cast was led by…
Amy Spanger (later Janine LaManna and Joann M Hunter) as “Lois Lane”.
This revival was nominated for 12 Tony Awards in 2000 winning 5 including BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL and BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL (for Brian Stokes Mitchell).
Most recently in 2019, KISS ME KATE returned to Broadway for a critically acclaimed production by Roundabout Theatre Company. It ran for a strictly limited engagement of 30 previews and 125 regular performances at Studio 54. Under the direction of Scott Ellis and choreography by
Warren Carlyle, that recent production was led by…
Will Chase as “Fred Graham”,
Stephanie Styles as “Lois Lane”.
The Roundabout revival was nominated for 4 Tony Awards including BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL. However, it lost all the categories.
In addition to its triumph on stage, KISS ME KATE was a smash hit on the big screen numerous times.
The original film version of KISS ME KATE was released in 1953 from MGM. Under the direction of George Sidney, the cast featured…
Howard Keel as “Fred Graham”,
Kathryn Grayson as “Lilli Vanessi”,
Tommy Rall as “Bill Calhoun”,
Ann Miller as “Lois Lane”.
In addition, there were 5 TV productions of the musical. The first version was released in 1958 from
Hallmark. Under the direction of George Schafer, the cast featured…
Alfred Drake reprising his original Broadway role of “Fred Graham”,
Patricia Morrison reprising her original Broadway performance as “Lilli Vanessi”,
Bill Hayes as “Bill Calhoun”,
and
Julie Wilson as “Lois Lane”.
In 1964, a 2nd live TV presentation was made for BBC. Under the direction of David Askey, the cast featured…
Howard Keel reprising his film role of “Fred Graham”,
Patricia Morrison reprising her original Broadway performance once again as “Lilli Vanessi”,
Irving Davies as “Bill Calhoun”,
Millicent Martin as “Lois Lane”.
The 3rd TV production was released for
ABC in 1968. Under the direction of Paul Bogart, this cast was led by…
Carol Lawrence as “Lilli Vanessi”,
Michael Callan as “Bill Calhoun”,
Jessica Walter as “Lois Lane”.
In 2003,
PBS‘ Award winning series
Great Performances released a filmed performance of the London company of the 1999 Broadway revival which is still available today on DVD and Blu-Ray. Under the direction of Michael Blakemore and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall and Rob Ashford, the cast was led by…
Brent Barrett as “Fred Graham”,
Rachel Yorke as “Lilli Vanessi”,
Nancy Anderson as “Lois Lane”.
The most recent filmed presentation of KISS ME KATE happened in 2014 for
BBC. This version was a filmed performance of a concert adaptation of the show for the PROMS series at London’s
Royal Albert Hall. Under the direction of Shaun Kerrison, the cast featured…
Ben Davis as “Fred Graham”,
KISS ME KATE is now a popular show today still performed in Schools, Community Theaters, Regional Theaters, and even Opera houses.
Isn’t this such a WUNDERBAR of a show?
by Mike Haber | Aug 21, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Shows
DID YOU KNOW: Before she DEFIED GRAVITY. showed us that ONCE UPON A TIME HAS NEVER FELT MORE RIGHT, took us OVER THE MOON, and got us WAITING IN THE WINGS, Broadway favorite
Eden Espinosa began her professional career performing in the Entertainment at
Disneyland. As mentioned in interviews, the California native grew up going to the parks and had family members who worked there. The
WICKED,
Brooklyn,
Rent,
Falsettos, and
Tangled: The Series star appeared as a performer doing mainly the shows in the park. She debuted as a Disney performer in the mid-90’s performing in the A CHRISTMAS FANTASY PARADE as a caroler before moving on to appearing in a variety of the park’s former stage shows.
One of the most notable productions she performed in the park from the late 90’s was the original Disney musical revue ANIMAZEMENT. Running from 1998-2001 in the Theatre at Fantasyland in the park, the show was a celebration of art and bringing the magic of Disney Animation to life. It featured a full variety of musical numbers from your Disney characters recreating their big moments bringing it all to life.
We are so happy to have a video of that show in action during one of the performances. Her big moment is at 14:26 during the show’s highlighted trio YEARNING MASHUP. This unique medley features 3 of Disney’s most beloved heroes and heroine performing their big I WANT song. It consists of Espinosa herself playing “
Pocahontas” singing JUST AROUND THE RIVERBEND, “
Hercules” singing GO THE DISTANCE, and “Quasimodo” from
The Hunchback of Notre Dame singing OUT THERE.
FUN FACT: Espinosa later on during that show’s run played
The Little Mermaid herself “Ariel”.
Espinosa’s other major Disney show she performed at the park was a later musical revue called STEPS IN TIME that opened the Hyperion Theatre at
Disney California Adventure.
When her Broadway career began to takeoff, Espinosa would still find herself part of the Disney family later on in life. She went on to be the voice in the sky for Disneyland’s 2009-2014 fireworks show MAGICAL. She also voiced “Orizaba” in the Animated series
Elena of Avalor. However to this day, she is now earning rave reviews and buzz for her performance as the voice of “Cassandra ” in TANGLED: THE SERIES. Her character’s big song WAITING IN THE WINGS recently won a
Daytime Emmy Award for OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG IN A CHILDREN’S, YOUNG ADULT, OR ANIMATED PROGRAM giving its composer
Alan Menken an EGOT.
Even when she’s back home in California, Eden always returns to the park to visit a guest. When you work for Disney, that is forever.
by Mike Haber | Aug 20, 2021 | Antoinette (Tony) Awards, Blog, Broadway, News, Shows
RISE & SHINE BROADWAY FANS!! The 74th Annual
Tony Awards is just 37 DAYS AWAY. We continue to celebrate the return of the Great Bright Way leading up to Broadway’s biggest night on our TOP 50 TONY AWARDS COUNTDOWN. We have so many more iconic performances from previous telecasts coming up. All of this truly celebrates what makes Broadway the place that it is.
Our selection at # 37 on our countdown today takes us to Missouri during its era prior before the Civil War. It follows the journey of a rebellious teenager and a runaway slave encountering a group of conmen, an orphaned family, and tons of prejudice. This is a tale from the BIG RIVER…… or known as THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN. Based on
Mark Twain’s best selling classic 1884 novel, this musical features an unbelievable blend of bluegrass and country in its score written by
Roger Miller. The book is by William Hauptman.
From the 1985 telecast, Daniel Jenkins as “Huckleberry Finn”, Ron Richardson as “Jim”, and the cast perform a medley of MUDDY WATER and RIVER IN THE RAIN.
BIG RIVER was developed and first performed in 1984 at the
American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, MA. It later played at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, CA.
With the success of its premiere productions, the show transferred to Broadway the following year of 1985 playing the Eugene O’Neill Theatre for 22 previews and 1,005 regular performances. Under the direction of
Des McAnuff and choreography by Janet Watson, the cast was led by….
Daniel Jenkins (later Martin Moran and Brian Lane Green) as “Huckleberry Finn”,
Ron Richardson (later Larry Riley and George Robert Merritt) as “Jim”,
Rene Auberjonis (later Russell Leib, Brent Spiner, Ken Jenkins, and Stephen Mellor) as “The Duke”,
Bob Gunton (later Michael McCarthy) as “The King”,
Patti Cohenhour (later Karla DeVito and the Broadway debut of the late
Marin Mazzie) as “Mary Jane Wilkes”
John Short as “Tom Sawyer”,
Gordon Connell as “Mark Twain” and others,
The original production became one of the few successful American musicals in the mid 1980’s to be performed amongst the time of shows that were coming to Broadway from the UK. It was nominated that same year for 11 Tony Awards winning 7 including BEST MUSICAL. BEST SCORE (for Roger Miller), BEST BOOK (for William Hauptman), and BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL (for Ron Richardson). It also won 8
Drama Desk Awards and a special Theatre World Award (for Patti Cohenhour).
BIG RIVER would later be revived on Broadway 18 years later. That recent revival in 2003 was a transfer of a successful production produced by California’s
Deaf West Theatre. It featured a mix of deaf actors using sign language as the characters and hearing actors doing all the acting & singing for the signing actors. See, all of this is very Powerful accessible theater for everyone. In association with the
Roundabout Theatre Company, this production played Broadway’s American Airlines Theatre for a limited engagement of 28 previews and 67 regular performances. Under the direction and choreography by Jeff Calhoun, the cast was led by…..
Daniel Jenkins reprising his performance from the original production as “Huckleberry Finn” but providing the vocals with Tyrone Giordano signing as the role. Jenkins also played “Mark Twain” in this production,
Michael McElroy doing the signing, acting, and singing as “Jim”,
Walter Charles providing the voice and Troy Kotsur signing as “The Duke” and others,
Lyle Kanouce doing the signing, acting, and singing as “The King” and others,
Melissa Van Der Schyff doing the signing, acting, and singing as “Mary Jane Wilkes” and others,
Michael Arden in his Broadway debut doing the signing, acting, and singing as “Tom Sawyer”,
This revival of BIG RIVER was a huge smash hit. It went on to receive a special Tony Award Honor in 2004 for EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE. It also got nominated for BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL and BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL (for Michael McElroy) but lost those categories. It also was nominated for 4 Drama Desks that same year but lost too.
Today, BIG RIVER has continued to be a smash hit musical around the world. It has been performed in schools, community, and regional theaters everywhere.
How uplifting is this musical?!!
by Mike Haber | Aug 20, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Gilbert and Sullivan to Hamilton Tour (Downtown), News, Shows
Last night, the LA company of
Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s Award winning phenomenon
Hamilton officially relaunched its run at the
Hollywood Pantages Theatre. We are overwhelmed to see this amazing footage of THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS coming back to life and the cast taking their first bows back.
This company originally opened on March 12th, 2020 (following the success of the show’s ANGELICA 1ST National Tour company launching it there). It was slated to run till September 20th, 2020. However, it was abruptly shutdown after Opening Night due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing Live Theater everywhere to be shutdown.
This limited engagement LA sit-down run of HAMILTON will play the Pantages Theatre now through January 2nd, 2022.
The LA company marks as the 3rd company of HAMILTON being performed since the shutdown. Currently companies playing consist of Australia in Sydney (and soon to hit Melbourne next year) and currently in San Francisco with the AND PEGGY 3rd National Touring company.
The ANGELICA 1st and PHILLIP 2nd touring companies are set to relaunch these next few days.
Other companies of HAMILTON set to reopen will include the show’s inaugural production on Broadway reopening at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on September 14th, 2021. At the same time, the London company officially reopened TONIGHT at Victoria Palace Theatre.
WELCOME BACK HAMILTON LA (AND LONDON)!!!
by Mike Haber | Aug 19, 2021 | Antoinette (Tony) Awards, Blog, Broadway, News, Shows
THE KING HAS RETURNED! This week has been very emotional and exciting as the companies of some of the hottest tickets on the Great Bright Way (all fully vaccinated) have reunited IN-PERSON to begin rehearsals to relaunch their Broadway runs. One of those notable shows was the New York company of Disney’s Award winning phenomenon
The Lion King.
For the first time since being in isolation for 17 1/2 months, here is longtime cast member
Tshidi Manye as “Rafiki” and the Broadway cast bringing that magic of the Savanah back to life. From their 1st day of rehearsals back in the lobby of the Minskoff Theatre, here they are going full out singing the musical’s powerful opening number…… CIRCLE OF LIFE. It also includes an inspirational opening remark from the show’s director, creator, and designer Tony winner
Julie Taymor.
Tissues ready before watching.
The Broadway company of THE LION KING is set to make audiences ROAR again at the Minskoff Theatre starting September 14th, 2021.
It marks as the 2nd company to open following the show’s London production last month.
The show is also expecting to relaunch its ongoing North American National Tour later this Fall plus its various companies around the world.
Who is ready to once again FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT?!!!
by Mike Haber | Aug 19, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, News, Shows
MY, WHAT A GUY!!! Get ready to discover the TALE AS OLD AS TIME with a twist!!!
Disney is currently in pre-production for a miniseries prequel to the classic story of
Beauty and the Beast. This mini 8-episode series inspired by the acclaimed 2017 Live Action musical remake will follow the backstory…. not on the titular characters….. but the story’s notable narcissistic, ruthless, and strong hunter himself “Gaston” and his trusty snide, accident-prone sidekick “LeFou”. The series will be entitled LITTLE TOWN (that notable lyric from Oscar nominated song introducing the musical’s central character BELLE).
In this new story, you will discover more about that QUIET VILLIAGE (living life EVERY DAY LIKE THE ONE BEFORE) in France. It will follow “Gaston” in his beginnings, his first meeting with “LeFou”, and more of the details on how The Enchantress tested the spoiled, selfish, and arrogant prince that caused the Enchanted Spell turning him into a “Beast” and all his servants and guests into objects. It will also introduce a brand new character “Tilly”, the stepsister of “LeFou”.
That’s not all, the series will star
Luke Evans and Tony nominee
Josh Gad reprising their performances of “Gaston” and “LeFou” from that 2017 live action film.
It will also star Briana Middleton as “Tilly”.
it will also include original songs written by BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’s legendary composer EGOT winner
Alan Menken along with 3 time Tony nominee Glenn Slater.
No word has been said if any of the other cast members from the Live Action BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be returning including….
Dan Stevens as “The Beast”,
Emma Thompson as “Mrs. Potts”,
Kevin Kline as “Maurice”,
Ian McKellen as “Cogsworth”,
and more.
Filming will begin Spring 2022.
