by Mike Haber | Aug 11, 2021 | Antoinette (Tony) Awards, Blog, Broadway, News, Shows
RISE & SHINE BROADWAY FANS! The 74th Annual
Tony Awards is just 46 DAYS AWAY. With anticipation in the air for both Broadway’s biggest night and the return of Musical Theater returning home to the Great Bright Way, we at New York Broadway Tours continue to serenade you with previously highlighted performances from previous telecasts on our TOP 50 TONY AWARDS COUNTDOWN. It’s truly the happiest for us to celebrate the world of The Arts and what makes New York City the greatest.
Speaking of art, our selection at # 46 on our countdown is a celebration of making art a reality. We take you to an art studio following the life of a famous painter in the process of creating his most signature masterpiece of them all….. Through a fictional and inspirational way. We are talking about spending
Sunday in the Park with George. With a legendary score by
Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, the musical is inspired by the French pointillist painter Georges Seurat’s famous painting entitled A SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON THE ISLAND OF LA GRANDE JATTE.
From the 1984 telecast, Tony winning legends
Mandy Patinkin as “Georges Seurat” and
Bernadette Peters as “Dot” along with the full cast performs one of the musical’s most powerful, colorful, and spiritual songs SUNDAY.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE’s journey to the stage originally began in 1981. After a disappointing and scathing critical reception of his previous musical
Merrily We Roll Along (which closed after 16 performances), Stephen Sondheim was preparing to give up Musical Theater. However, it took a little reassurance from writer James Lapine. One day, the duo made multiple visits to the Art Institute of Chicago studying one of the most iconic paintings of all…. Georges Seurat’s A SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON THE ISLAND OF LA GRANDE JATTE. The idea was to show him that what makes art happen is the artist themselves. After doing some research on Seurat’s life, Sondheim and Lapine decided to make their musical project fictional. As a fictional piece inspired by Seurat’s life, it would be a celebration of the meditation of art, emotional connection and community.
While still being developed, the show had its world premiere OFF-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons in the Summer of 1983 running for only 25 performances. Under the direction of James Lapine, the cast was led by…..
Mandy Patinkin as “Georges Seurat”
And
Bernadette Peters as “Dot”.
FUN FACT: The original OFF Broadway Ensemble had some notable familiar faces that have gone on to become successful stars on Broadway, Film, and TV consisting of
Kelsey Grammar,
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Christine Baranski. However, they did not continue when the show would eventually go to Broadway.
For SUNDAY’s OFF Broadway run, the audience was able to experience the changes and updates of what was going on with the show being developed. Initially for its first 22 shows, the show was performed with only its FIRST ACT. The final 3 shows of its run were done with both ACT 1 and ACT 2. One of its earliest audience members was the legendary Leonard Bernstein who raved about the musical. It eventually would take the big jump ON Broadway.
After some tweaking and updates, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE made the move ON Broadway the following year of 1984. It played the Booth Theatre for 35 previews and 605 regular performances. With the same creative team, the cast was led by….
Mandy Patinkin (later Robert Westenberg, Cris Groenendaal, and Harry Groener) as “Georges Seurat”
Bernadette Peters (later Joanna Glushak, Betsy Joslyn, and Maryann Plunkett as “Dot”.
The original production earned mixed reviews but its powerful and haunting score and story plus the cast were all praised.
The original SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE would go on to be nominated for 10 Tony Awards that same year. It would go on to win 2 Technical Awards that evening for BEST SCENIC DESIGN and BEST LIGHTING DESIGN. However, it did earn top honors from other Award shows including the
Drama Desk (winning 8 including OUTSTANDING MUSICAL), The
New York Drama Critic Circle Award (being the recipient for BEST MUSICAL). In addition, the show went on to win the 1985
Pulitzer Prize for Drama (given to Sondheim and Lapine) making history as one of the few musicals ever to get this honor.
With its life after Broadway, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE went on to inspire audiences around the world with its 1991 debut in London’s West End playing the National Theatre for 117 performances, It was led by….
Phillip Quast as “Georges Seurat”
And
Maria Friedman as “Dot”.
That London debut would also go on to be nominated for 6 Olivier Awards taking home 2 including the big prize for BEST NEW MUSICAL. In addition, the show also took home a BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL (for Phillip Quast).
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE would eventually make a full circle return to both London and our New York Theater scene (TWICE).
The show was revived first in London back in 2005 playing the
Menier Chocolate Factory for a 5 month run back in 2005 and won 5 Olivier Awards (including OUTSTANDING MUSICAL PRODUCTION). It was a huge smash, the production transferred overseas to our New York backyard and back on Broadway in 2008. Produced here in the Big Apple by
Roundabout Theatre Company, it played Studio 54 for a limited engagement for 32 previews and 149 regular performances. Under the direction of Sam Buntrock, this cast both in London and New York were led by….
Daniel Evans as “Georges Seurat”
and
Jenna Russell as “Dot”.
The 2008 Broadway revival would go to be nominated that same year for 9 Tony Awards including BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL. However, it lost all of its categories. It did however get other Awards here including several Technical Awards from the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards.
The most recent revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE here in the Big Apple happened in 2016. It was performed as a 4 night only concert production at
New York City Center as part of its annual GALA staged productions of popular Broadway hits. Thanks to its unforgettable reception, this concert staging transferred to Broadway the following year of 2017. It reopened the newly renovated and updated
Hudson Theatre (marking it the first time it was used as a Broadway Theater in 54 YEARS) running for a limited engagement of 11 previews and 61 regular performances. Under the direction of Sarna Lapine, the cast was led by….
With the production being a limited engagement and so many new shows that were coming at the time, this recent Broadway revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE withdrew themselves from competing in that year’s Tony Awards.
This recent revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE was also expecting to make its way overseas to London’s West End for a limited engagement (with both Gyllenhaal and Ashford reprising their performances) at the Savoy Theatre in 2020. However, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expecting to reschedule its run at a time to-be-announced.
Today, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE continues to inspire audiences with its powerful story of art around the world. It’s been performed in schools, community, and regional theaters. Plus, there have been multiple concert stagings as well.
Isn’t this musical truly a love letter to art?!!
by Mike Haber | Aug 10, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Casting, News, Shows
MAKE WAY! JUST CAN’T WAIT indeed as the magic of the MOUSE is making its triumphant comeback on the Great Bright Way next month!! We are so happy to announce that full casting has been revealed for the return of both of
Disney on Broadway‘s long running Award winning smash hits…..
The Lion King and
Aladdin. What a lineup it is featuring a mix of long time cast members and newbies being part of this historical time of Broadway returning after 17 months of being shutdown.
For
The Lion King, expecting to bring the spirit of PRIDE ROCK back to life 8 times a week will consist of returning and longtime cast members….
Broadway & West End favorite Stephen Carlile as the ruthless, wicked, and evil “Scar”,
James Brown-Orleans as trouble making co-non stop laughing hyena “Banzai”,
Adrienne Walker (also seen on Broadway in the recent revival of Kiss Me Kate) as the brave love interest lioness “Nala”,
The legendary
Tshidi Manye as the wise and spiritual madrill “Rafiki”,
Cameron Pow (also seen Off Broadway in
The 39 Steps) as Pride Rock’s trusty comic relief and no-nonsense reporter bird “Zazu”,
Fred Berman as everyone’s favorite cool and wisecracking high energetic merekat “Timon”,
Bonita J. Hamilton as sassy trouble making co-non stop laughing hyena “Shenzi”
Robb Sapp (previously also appeared on Broadway in
WICKED and alumni of THE LION KING Tour) as “Ed”,
Ben Jeffery as everyone’s favorite wisecracking warthog “Pumbaa”,
New to and leading the Broadway cast’s return will be
Brandon A. McCall as the brave, determined, and heroic “Simba”. He makes his Broadway debut with the show after having previously understudied the role on the National Tour.
The cast will also introduce newcomers…..
Vince Ermita and Corey J. alternating as “Young Simba”
Alayna Martus and Sydney Elise Russell alternating as Young Nala.
Meanwhile over at ALADDIN, set to take audiences into A WHOLE NEW WORLD in the land of AGRABAH will feature returning cast members…..
ALADDIN legend himself Jonathan Freeman reprising his signature performance he voiced in the original 1992 Animated film as the evil sorcerer “Jafar”,
original cast member
Don Darryl Rivera as the sarcastic and very impatient wicked sidekick “Iago”,
Brad Weinstock (who also appeared on the National Tours of WICKED and
Jersey Boys) as co-trusty, caring, and adventurous STREET RAT sidekick “Omar”,
MiLo Alosi as co-trusty, caring, and adventurous STREET RAT sidekick “Kassim”,
JC Montgomery as the kind-hearted, responsible, and royal “Sultan”,
New to the cast will include its 2 brand new leads…..
Michael Maliakel who will star as the titular role of the poor boy turned royal prince himself “
Aladdin“. He makes his Broadway debut with the show after having previously playing the role on the National Tour
Shoba Narayan (previously appeared on Broadway in Natasha, Pierre, and
The Great Comet of 1812 and was last seen prior before the shutdown as “Nessarose” in
WICKED plus the National Tour of
Hamilton) as the feisty, determined, rebellious, and dreamy “Princess Jasmine”.
The cast will also welcome….
Zach Bencal who makes his Broadway debut as the co-trusty, caring, and adventurous STREET RAT sidekick “Babkak”, a role he previously played on the National Tour.
Disney’s THE LION KING is set to once again ROAR it out to packed audiences at the Minskoff Theatre beginning September 14th,, 2021. Meanwhile, ALADDIN is set to have audiences discover ANOTHER ARABIAN NIGHT at the New Amsterdam Theatre beginning September 28th, 2021.
WELCOME BACK DISNEY ON BROADWAY!!!
Congrats to all those being part of this history making return!!!
by Mike Haber | Aug 10, 2021 | Antoinette (Tony) Awards, Blog, Broadway, Shows
HELLO BROADWAY FANS! Can’t believe we’re only 47 DAYS closer to Broadway’s biggest night of the year and celebrating the return of Live Theater at the same time. So much anticipation in the air for The 74th Annual
Tony Awards. The fun continues here at New York Broadway Tours presenting you more of your favorite Musical Theater showstoppers from past telecasts in our TOP 50 TONY AWARDS COUNTDOWN.
At # 47 on our countdown today, we take you to a local pajama factory in 1940 that is in boiling hot water. The factory workers are asking the head of staff to have a larger raise of 7 1/2 cents. At the same time, romance blooms between the new superintendent and the head of the grievance committee. This is
The Pajama Game. The show features an original score written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross (in addition Frank Loesser but is uncredited), a book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, and original staging by Bob Fosse, It’s based on a 1953 novel by Bissell entitled 7 1/2 CENTS.
From the 1971 telecast (where many of your favorite Broadway stars at the time reprised their signature roles for one night only), the phenomenal
John Raitt as “Sid Sorokin” sings one of the show’s signature ballads….. The one that expresses romance for that special someone but the feelings are not mutual….. HEY THERE.
THE PAJAMA GAME originally premiered on Broadway in 1954 at the St. James Theatre where it ran for a total of 1,063 performances. Under the direction of George Abbott and Jerome Robbins along with choreography by Bob Fosse, the cast was led by….
John Raitt (later Stephen Douglas) as “Sid Sorokin”,
Eddie Foy Jr. as “Hines”,
Ralph Dunn as “Mr. Hasler”,
Carol Haney as “Gladdys”,
Thelma Pelish as “Mae”,
And more.
In addition, the legendary actress
Shirley MacLaine got her start appearing in the Ensemble and covering the role of “Gladys Hotchkiss” (usually played by Carol Haney). During a performance going on for the role of “Gladys”, MacLaine was discovered by Hal B. Wallis (who was in the audience) and was offered her contract with
Paramount Pictures.
The original production of THE PAJAMA GAME was nominated and won all 3 of it’s Tony Awards in 1955 including BEST MUSICAL.
The show was later revived on Broadway TWICE.
The first Broadway revival of THE PAJAMA GAME happened in 1973 at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre running for only 65 performances.
starting in 1973. It played the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre running for only 5 previews and 65 regular performances. Once again directed by George Abbott and choreography by Bob Fosse, cast featured…
Barbara McNair as “Babe Williams”.
Cab Calloway as “Hines”,
Williard Waterman as “Mr. Hasler”,
Sharron Miller as “Gladdys”,
Margret Coleman as “Mae”,
And more.
It did not receive any Tony nominations that season.
The most recent Broadway revival happened in 2006 from
Roundabout Theatre Company. It played the American Airlines Theatre for a limited engagement of 41 previews and 129 regular performances. This revival featured a revised and updated book by Peter Ackerman (screenwriter of The
Ice Age Movies), additional songs that were cut from the original production added back into the show, and all new orchestrations of some of the beloved songs showcasing the show’s leading man
Harry Connick Jr‘s voice. The song HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY also included an additional dance break featuring the music having a swing and jazzier edge (which also featured Connick Jr playing the piano on stage). With brand new direction and choreography by Kathleen Marshall, the cast was led by…..
Harry Connick Jr. as “Sid Sorokin”,
Richard Poe as “Mr. Hasler”,
Megan Lawrence as “Gladdys”,
Joyce Chittick as “Mae”,
And more.
The 2006 revival was nominated for 9 Tony Awards winning 2 for BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL and BEST CHOREOGRAPHY (for Kathleen Marshall).
THE PAJAMA GAME was also a smash hit on the big screen in 1957 produced by
Warner Bros. Pictures. It featured majority of the cast from Broadway reprising their roles on the big screen along with some newcomers. Under the direction of George Abbott and Stanley Donen plus choreography by Bob Fosse, the film cast was led by….
John Raitt reprising his Broadway performance as “Sid Sorokin”,
Eddie Foy Jr. as “Hines”,
Ralph Dunn as “Mr. Hasler”,
Carol Haney as “Gladdys”,
Thelma Pelish as “Mae”,
And more.
Today THE PAJAMA GAME is a popular show performed in schools, Community Theatres, Regional Theatres, and around the world.
Doesn’t this show make you want to join in the fun and romance??!!!
by Mike Haber | Aug 10, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Casting, News, Shows
BEAT IT! Full official casting details have been made for the highly anticipated
MJ: the musical heading for the Great Bright Way this holiday season. It also includes more details on who exactly will be playing what in the show. Under the direction and choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, the cast will include….
Quentin Earl Darrington (Broadway’s recent revivals of
RAGTIME,
Cats, and
Once On This Island) in the role of no-nonsense father “Joseph Jackson”, Rob, and others,
Gabriel Ruiz (Off Broadway’s Blood and Gifts) in his Broadway debut as “Alejandro”,
Joey Sorge (Broadway’s The Drowsy Chaperone, the 2011 revival of How to Succeed, Nick Work if You Can Get It, and
A Bronx Tale plus last seen Off Broadway in Carmelina) as “Dave”,
Ayana George in her Broadway debut as mother “Katherine Jackson”,
Apollo Levine in his Broadway debut as celebrated musician “
Quincy Jones“, Tito Jackson, and more,
Lamont Walker II in his Broadway debut as “Jermaine Jackson”,
Zelig Williams (Broadway’s
Hamilton) as “Marlon Jackson”.
This promising high energetic MOON WALKING cast joins alongside the previously announced
Myles Frost who will make his Broadway debut in the titular role of THE KING OF POP himself “
Michael Jackson“.
MJ promises to be an evening of THRILLER NIGHTS, SMOOTH CRIMINALS, MOONWALKING, and so much more. The show will be coming to Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre. Previews begins December 6th, 2021 and will open on February 1st, 2022.
Congrats to this incredible cast lineup!!!!
by Mike Haber | Aug 10, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Casting, News, Shows
BREAKING NEWS: Not only we got the announcement of casting for
Disney on Broadway returning to the Big Apple, we got news of casting for its National Touring companies set to relaunch later this Fall!!!
The latest casting announcement goes for the Tours of Disney’s smash hit productions of
The Lion King and
Frozen –. What an incredible lineup of talents that will inspire audiences to FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT once more and of course…… LET IT GO!!!!
For
The Lion King National Tour, expecting to bring the spirit of the PRIDE LANDS to a city near you will include its returning cast members….
Spencer Plachy (previously seen on Broadway in the 2013 revival of
Romeo and Juliet) as the wicked, ruthless, and evil “Scar”,
Gerald Ramsey as the brave and wise “King Mufasa”,
Nick Cordileone as everyone’s favorite cool and wisecracking high energetic meerkat “Timon”,
Jürgen Hooper as Pride Rock’s trusty comic relief and no-nonsense reporter bird “Zazu”,
Ben Lipitz as everyone’s favorite wisecracking warthog “Pumbaa”, a role he previously played in the Broadway company,
Kayla Cyphers (previously in
Bat Out Of Hell) as the brave love interest lioness “Nala”,
Keith Bennett as trouble making co-non stop laughing hyena “Banzai”,
Martina Sykes (previously in the Broadway and Touring companies of
Motown) as trouble making co-non stop laughing hyena “Shenzi,”
Robbie Swift as trouble making co-non stop laughing hyena “Ed”,
Charlie Kahler as “Young Simba” at certain performances
Kalandra Rhodes as “Young Nala.” at certain performances,
New to the touring company will be some familiar LION KING veteran cast members consisting of….
Darian Sanders returning to the tour as the brave, determined, and heroic “Simba”.
longtime global cast member Gugwana Dlamini as the wise and spiritual mandrill “Rafiki”, which she previously played on the tour, in Germany, on Broadway, and in London’s West End company which she just reopened.
The new tour will also welcome….
Jaylen Lyndon Hunter as “Young Simba” at certain performances
Nia Mulder as “Young Nala” at certain performances.
THE LION KING National Tour will ROAR once again across America beginning October 1st, 2021 in Cleveland, OH before traveling all across the United States and Canada.
Meanwhile with
Frozen‘s National Tour, expecting to bring the magic of ARENDELLE once again will include the tour’s original cast members….
Caroline Bowman (Broadway’s
WICKED and
Kinky Boots) as the magical and powerful icy princess turned snow queen herself “Elsa”,
Caroline Innerbichler as the brave, awkward, childlike, and energetic princess herself “Anna,”
Austin Colby (Off Broadway’s
Jersey Boys and Caroline Bowman’s real life husband) as the handsome, dashing, but jerkoff Prince Charming himself “Hans,”
Mason Reeves as ARENDELLE’s “always kept to oneself” ice harvester turned true love interest “Kristoff”,
Collin Baja and Evan Strand alternating as resident reindeer “Sven” (FUN FACT: This role is alternated because of how physical it is on the performer’s body),
New to the FROZEN tour company will include a familiar face to the show…..
Drama Desk nominee
Robert Creighton (Broadway’s
Chicago and
Anything Goes plus Off Broadway’s
Cagney) reprising the role of the sleazy royal sidekick of “Hans” himself “The Duke of Weselton” which he originated on Broadway.
The touring cast will also welcome….
Natalia Artigas and Natalie Grace Chan alternating as “Young Elsa”
Olivia Jones and Victoria Hope Chan as “Young Anna”.
FUN FACT: Natalie Grace Chan and Victoria Hope Chan will BOTH make FROZEN history as the first real life sister to star opposite each other as the young version of the show’s heroines.
FROZEN’s National Tour brings the ARENEDELLE back FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER starting September 10th, 2021 in Buffalo, NY before traveling all across the United States and Canada.
Check to see when both THE LION KING and FROZEN are heading to your towns!!!
WELCOME BACK TO BOTH TOURING COMPANIES!!!
by Mike Haber | Aug 10, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Casting, Gilbert and Sullivan to Hamilton Tour (Downtown), News, Shows
RAISE A GLASS!!! After 17 months,
Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s Award winning phenomenon
Hamilton is back where it all takes place…. IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!! Tonight, the show’s 3rd National Tour (better known as the AND PEGGY company) will officially relaunch in San Francisco, CA at the Orpheum Theatre.
It also makes history as, the first American production, 2nd production of the show overall, and the 2nd Broadway National Tour to re-open.
Under the direction of Thomas Kail and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, the cast taking center stage in THE GOLDEN GATE and touring across America will be….
Broadway veteran Julius Thomas III in the title role of THE 10 DOLLAR FOUNDING FATHER himself “Alexander Hamilton” (a role he previously played in the Broadway production),
Broadway veteran
Donald Webber, Jr as the show’s narrator and Vilnian himself “AARON BURR, SIR” (a role he previously understudied in the Broadway production and also played in Puerto Rico),
Newcomer Victoria Ann Scovens as “Eliza Schuyler”,
Ashley De La Rosa (fresh from the cast of
Mean Girls) in the double duty in the roles of “Peggy Schuyler” (AND PEGGY) along with “Maria Reynolds”,
Paris Nix taking on the dual roles of “Marquis de Lafayette” and “Thomas Jefferson”, which he previously performed in the show’s Chicago company,
Rick Negron (who previously appeared in Miranda’s debut hit
In The Heights on Broadway) taking on royal duties as “King George III” which he previously played in Puerto Rico,
Darnell Abraham as “General George Washington”, a role he previously understudied on tour,
Newcomer Brandon Louis Armstrong in the dual roles of “Hercules Mulligan” and “James Madison”,
Newcomer Andy Tofa taking on the dual roles of “John Laurens” and “Phillip Hamilton”,
HAMILTON’s other 2 National Touring companies (the ANGELICA and PHILLIP Tours) are expecting to relaunch their runs later this year.
As previously announced, The Broadway production reopens at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on September 14th, 2021, in London’s West End starting August 19th, 2021, and will bring its Australian company to Melbourne starting next year.
We send our love, support, and appreciation for HAMILTON’s AND PEGGY TOUR COMPANY. Wishing them a happy, healthy, and safe first night back and a successful continued run.
Break a leg to the full cast, crew, musicians, and creative team!!
