by Mike Haber | Jul 8, 2021 | Antoinette (Tony) Awards, Blog, Broadway, Shows
SHE’S THE TOP & she’s back!!!!
Sutton Foster is finally making her long awaited debut in the West End in the London production of the
Roundabout Theatre Company‘s revival of Cole Porter’s
Anything Goes. 10 years later…… reprising the role of nightclub singer “Reno Sweeney” that earned the Broadway favorite her 2nd Tony Award win.
Along with her incredible crew of tap dancing sailors aboard a real cruise ship, here is Foster bringing that Live Theater magic back with a performance of the musical’s title song on
The One Show.
This new London revival of ANYTHING GOES is set to begin performances on July 23rd, 2021 and will run for a strictly limited engagement through October 17th, 2021 at the Barbican Theatre.
PLEASE NOTE: Sutton Foster will still be involved with the upcoming revival of The Music Man (opposite
Hugh Jackman). When she finishes ANYTHING GOES, she will make her way back to New York to start full company rehearsals for that show in time. As previously announced, THE MUSIC MAN will march into Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre this Holiday season. Previews begin December 20th, 2021 and the official Opening Night is scheduled for February 10th, 2022.
How stunning is Sutton?!!!
Who is excited?!!!
by Mike Haber | Jul 7, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Gleeks Fan Tour (Times Square), Inspiration of Rent Tour, Shows
DID YOU KNOW: The magic of a Live Theater performance. You never know what exactly can happen. Great moments and scary moments. One notable mishap that made the headlines happened back in 2005 during a performance of the smash hit
WICKED.
On a mattinae performance on January 8th, 2005 at the Gershwin Theatre….. the 2nd to last day before DEFYING GRAVITY for the last time….
Wicked‘s Tony winning original star
Idina Menzel had one of the most terrifying onstage mishaps ever. During the climatic scene where “Elphaba” (also known as The Wicked Witch of The West) is melted by “Dorothy”, Menzel fell through an elevated trap door on the stage fracturing her lover rib. The show was stopped for 45 minutes for the EMS team to come taking her out of the trap, onto a gurney, and straight to a nearby hospital. At the same time upstairs, Menzel’s standby who eventually became the first “Elphaba” replacement on Broadway herself
Shoshana Bean has to get GREENIFIED in just 7 minutes to do the last 2 minutes of the show. Following the curtain call, then-cast member
New Kids On The Block favorite
Joey McIntyre (the 1st fulltime replacement “Fiyero”) who was set to depart with Idina the very next day, spoke to the sold out crowd letting everyone know she was going to be okay.
Shoshana Bean was set to take over as the fulltime “Elphaba” on January 11th, 2005. With Menzel not being able to complete the remainder of her Broadway run, Bean went on for Idina for her last 2 performances….. the evening on January 8th, 2005 and the initially scheduled final performance that very next day of January 9th, 2005.
With doctors orders, Menzel did not have to stay overnight in the hospital and have surgery. She was given painkillers to heal the broken rib and was discharged. Since she also couldn’t do her last 2 WICKED shows full out, the creative team knew they wanted to something special as a way for the company and the fans to say farewell to the original Green Girl. On January 9th, 2005, Bean played “Elphaba” till that climatic melting scene. In the scene right afterwards, Bean stepped out and Menzel went on surprising the audience appearing in the show’s FINALE scene….. a Red Track Suit (from ex-husband Taye Diggs). When Menzel entered the stage, the sold out crowd of the Gershwin Theatre ROARED into a Thunderous 5 minute standing ovation. Many of the fans (known as The Fanzels) called her out during the show. Even
Jennifer Laura Thompson (the first replacement “Glinda”) adlibed a line from the bubble…… FELLOW OZIANS, I LOVE IDINA MENZEL!!! After singing the final FOR GOOD reprise, Menzel along with Joey McIntyre exited together through the time dragon clock…. and blackout.
The curtain call, Bean and Thompson bowed together before a speech was given saying Happy Trails to Joey McIntyre. Afterwards, WICKED’s director Joe Mantello walked onto the stage to give an emotional speech bringing Idina Menzel back on.
Menzel recovered from her WICKED accident just in time to start production on the film version of
Rent. However, her journey with WICKED was not over….Menzel would eventually would go back to the role of “Elphaba” a year and a half later reprising the role and launching the show’s London company. Luckily, that final curtain call she was able to finally FLY and DEFY GRAVITY for the last time.
Later on during her ongoing concert tours, Idina has shared the story of her experience of that traumatic fall in WICKED. People knew of what happened but most people don’t know what it was like from Idina’s point of view. Really crazy. Check out this audio recording from a Boston show back in the Summer of 2005.
by Mike Haber | Jul 7, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, News
IT SAYS HERE……. Academy Award winning director Bill Condon (Broadway’s Side Show along with the film adaptations of
Dreamgirls,
Chicago, and
Beauty and the Beast) has officially been tapped to direct an upcoming movie musical remake of the legendary
Frank Loesser classic
Guys & Dolls!!! The new movie will be produced by
Tri-Star Pictures. No official details have been made when the film will be shot, who is in the cast, and when it will be released.
In case anyone may not know or have forgotten, GUYS & DOLLS is set within the 1920’s – 1930’s deep in the underworld of gangsters, gamblers, and their massive bets. The story mainly centers on “Nathan Detroit” who is in serious trouble. He is struggling with a 14-year engagement to his impatient girlfriend and nightclub singer “Miss Adelaide”. Meanwhile, a notorious gambler expresses interest in a straight-laced missionary. While all of this is going on “Nathan” hatches a plan to still get the cash he needs to finally get married. The musical is inspired by Damon Runyon’s short stories “THE IDYLL OF MISS SARAH BROWN”,” PICK THE WINNER”, and “BLOOD PRESSURE”, It features a notable score by Frank Loesser along with a book by Joe Swerling and Abe Burrows. Notable songs from the musical have gone on to become notable Musical Theater / Great American Songbook standards including A BUSHEL & A PECK, ADELAINE’S LAMENT, the musical’s title song, TAKE BACK YOUR MINK, IF I WERE A BELL, I’VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE, MORE I CANNOT WISH YOU, LUCK BE A LADY, and the showstopping SIT DOWN, YOU’RE ROCKING THE BOAT.
GUYS & DOLLS was first conceived by producers Cy Feuer and Ernest Martin. They were inspired by Damon Runyon short stories about the New York City underground world. From there, they hired the full creative team consisting of composer Frank Loesser along with book writer Jo Swerling (who became unusable) and rewritten by Abe Burrows.
The show originally premiered on Broadway in 1950 at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) running for 1,200 performances. Under the direction and choreography by George C. Kaufman, the cast included….
Isabel Bigley as “Sarah Brown”,
Sam Levene as “Nathan Detroit”,
and
Stubby Kaye as “Nicely-Nicely Johnson”.
The original production was nominated and won all 5 of it’s
Tony Awards in 1951 including BEST MUSICAL. In addition, the show also went on to become one of the few musicals ever to win the
Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
From there, the show went on to become a worldwide hit including London’s West End. It went on to be revived 6 times here in the Big Apple.
The first 3 revivals (1955, 1965, and 1966) were all mounted as short runs and were all produced at
New York City Center
The 1955 engagement ran for only 31 performances. Under the direction of Philip Mathias and choreography by Oona White, this cast included…
Ray Shaw as “Sky Masterson”
Leila Martin as “Sarah Brown”
Helen Gallagher as Miss Adelaide”,
and
Oggie Small as “Nicely-Nicely Johnson”.
It did not receive any Tony nominations or wins that year.
The 1965 engagement ran for only 15 performances. Under the direction of Gus Schirmer and choreography by Ralph Beaumont, this cast included…
Anita Gillette as “Sarah Brown”,
Alan King as “Nathan Detroit”,
Sheila MacRae as “Miss Adelaine”,
and
Jack De Lon as “Nicely-Nicely Johnson”.
It was nominated for 1 Tony Award that year for BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL (for Jerry Orbach) but lost the category.
And the 1966 engagement ran for 26 performances. Under the direction and choreography once again by Gus Schirmer and Ralph Beaumont, this cast included…
Hugh O’Brian as “Sky Masterson”,
Barbara Meister as “Sarah Brown”
Jan Murray as “Nathan Detroit”,
Vivian Blaine reprising her role as “Miss Adelaide”,
and
Dale Malone as “Nicely-Nicely Johnson”.
It did not receive any Tony nominations or wins that year.
The 4th Broadway revival happened in 1976 playing the Broadway Theatre for a total of 251 performances. This production was known for a having a full African American cast and it featured new Motown style arrangements of the songs by Danny Holgate and Horace Ott. Under the direction and choreography by Billy Wilson, this cast included…
James Randolph as “Sky Masterson”,
Ernstintine Jackson as “Sarah Brown”,
the late Robert Guillaume as “Nathan Detroit”,
Norma Donaldson as “Miss Adelaine”,
and
It was nominated for 3 Tony Awards including BEST REVIVAL in 1977 but lost all its categories.
The 5th Broadway revival happened in 1992 playing the Martin Beck Theatre (now the Al Hirschfeld Theatre) for a total of 1,143 performances. Under the direction of
Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Christopher Chadman, this cast included…
Peter Gallagher as “Sky Masterson”,
Josie de Guzman as “Sarah Brown”,
Nathan Lane as “Nathan Detroit”,
and
Walter Bobbie as “Nicely-Nicely Johnson”.
During its 1992 revival,
PBS filmed a one hour documentary about the making of that productions cast album. Entitled GUYS & DOLLS: OFF THE RECORD, it was aired on
Great Performances that same year but was not released on DVD till 2007.
The 1992 revival was well known as the most successful American remounting of the show since its 1950 Broadway Debut. It was nominated for 8 Tony Awards that year winning 4 including BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL.
The recent Broadway revival happened in 2009 playing the Nederlander Theatre (being its first show in 12 years following the departure of
Rent) for 141 performances. Under the direction of
Des McAnuff and choreography by Tony winner
Sergio Trujillo, the cast included…
Craig Berko as “Sky Masterson”,
Kate Jennings Grant as “Sarah Brown”,
and
It was nominated for 2 Tony Awards that year including BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL but lost all categories.
Most recently, GUYS & DOLLS was performed on a New York stage back in 2014 as a concert production held at New York’s famed
Carnegie Hall. Under the direction of Jack O’Brien, choreographed by Joshua Bergasse, and accompanied by the
Orchestra of St. Luke’s (under the baton of Rob Fisher), the cast was led by….
Nathan Lane reprising his 1992 portrayal as “Nathan Detroit”,
and
John Tracey Egan as “Nicely-Nicely Johnson”.
The original film version of GUYS AND DOLLS was a huge hit on the big screen. It was released in 1955 from
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). Under the direction of Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the cast featured…
Jean Simmons as “Sarah Brown”,
Vivian Blaine reprising her stage role of “Miss Adelaide”,
and
Stubby Kaye as “Nicely-Nicely Johnson”.
The film won the Golden Globes for Best Picture in 1966. It was also nominated for 4 Academy Awards in the Creative categories.
Today, GUYS AND DOLLS is still one of the most popular musicals performed in Regional, Community, and schools everywhere.
We cannot wait for this new film!!!
The legacy of Movie Musicals is back!!!
Oscar Winner Bill Condon to Direct Guys and Dolls Movie Remake | Broadway Buzz | Broadway.com
by Mike Haber | Jul 7, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Casting, Shows
BREAKING NEWS: The Magic of THE MOUSE is making its way back to the Big Apple this year. Prior before its Broadway return,
Disney on Broadway will be presenting a set of 4 benefit concerts at the legendary New Amsterdam Theatre (home of Aladdin) to help raising money for
The Actors Fund this month. The concert series entitled LIVE AT THE NEW AM is set to run from July 22nd-25th, 2021. It will be headlined by Disney on Broadway veterans…..
The Quartet will perform an unforgettable lineup of your favorite songs within over the past 25+ years of Disney on Broadway including…..
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, this quartet has been touring across the country bringing the magic of Disney on Broadway to the people. Some of their notable performances already include at the
Walt Disney World Resort (during Epcot’s annual FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS concert series), London’s
Royal Albert Hall (which was filmed and set to be released on
Disney+), and more.
The performance schedule will be as follows….
July 22nd-24th, 2021 – Evening Performances at 7:30pm
and
July 25th, 2021 – Mattinae Performance at 2:00pm.
In addition, there will be extreme ongoing COVID-19 pandemic safety protocols in place for everyone who plans to attend. Audiences attending need to show that they have taken the vaccine….. with the exception of people under the age of 12. No details though have been said if people will still have to wear face masks and social distant.
LIVE AT THE NEW AM will be the ultimate prelude of what we’re so excited for beginning this Fall when Disney on Broadway’s ongoing productions are set to return.
As previously announced, THE LION KING is set to once again ROAR it out to packed audiences at the Minskoff Theatre beginning September 14th,, 2021. Meanwhile, ALADDIN will take audiences once again to ANOTHER ARABIAN NIGHT and A WHOLE NEW WORLD beginning September 28th, 2021.
What an exciting celebration it’s going to be celebrating the magic of Disney on Broadway this Summer before the real deal resumes.
by Mike Haber | Jul 7, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Casting, Shows
DELICIOUS NEWS! We are waking up to a delicious piece of “Broadway’s Coming Back Pie” in celebration of just finding out the Tony and Grammy Award nominated smash hit
Waitress the Musical is returning this Fall!! Under the direction of Tony winner Diane Paulus and featuring its full all female creative team, the show’s return will be a strictly limited engagement from September 2nd, 2021 through January 9th, 2022 at Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre (recent home of
The Inheritance and prior before the debut of the new musical
Paradise Square). It will still be on that same exact street where it originally was on Broadway but across the street this time.
In addition, the show’s creator Grammy winner and Tony nominee
Sara Bareilles will once again show audiences WHAT BAKING CAN DO as she reprises her performance of the musical’s leading role of pregnant pie maker “Jenna Hunterson”. Bareilles will play the role for the first month and a half…… That’s September 2nd, 2021 through October 17th, 2021. From there, a new leading lady will take over for the remainder of the run.
Full casting will be revealed in the next few week!!!
In case anyone may not know or remember, WAITRESS is a musical based on the 2007 film of the same name by the late Adrienne Shelly (which starred Keri Russell). Set at a local diner somewhere in the south, the story follows on “Jenna Hunterson”, a pregnant waitress known for making the most delicious pies. Her life is at a crossroads as she plans to start a new life with her soon-to-be child and break free from her domestic abusive husband. At the same time, things begin to get complicated when she is cared by the town’s doctor. With an original score by Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson. Notable songs include OPENING UP, WHAT BAKING CAN DO, IT ONLY TAKES A TASTE, A SOFT PLACE TO LAND, NEVER EVER GETTING RID OF ME, BAD IDEA, YOU MATTER TO ME, and the emotional SHE USED TO BE MINE.
WAITRESS was first conceived around early 2012 by husband and wife Broadway producing duo Barry and Fran Weissler who secured the rights early to the 2014 film of the same name. It went through numerous years of readings and workshops before officially having its world premiere at the
American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA in the Summer of 2015.
With the triumphant success of its Cambridge run, the show officially transferred to Broadway’s Brooks Atkinson Theatre where it ran for 33 previews and 1,544 regular performances. By the time of it closed, the show held the record of being the Brooks Atkinson Theatre’s longest running show. Under the direction of Diane Paulus, the cast is led by….
Keala Settle (later Charity Angél Dawson, Maia Nkenge Wilson, and Natasha Yvette Williams) as “Becky”,
Nick Cordero (later William Popp, Will Swenson, Joe Tippett, Matt DeAngelis, Joe Tippett, and Ben Thompson) as “Earl”,
WAITRESS was nominated for Tony Awards in 2016 including BEST MUSICAL but lost all the categories. The cast album was also nominated for a Grammy for BEST MUSICAL THEATRE ALBUM.
With the success of the Broadway company,
Waitress went on to launch numerous tasty companies all around the world. Several productions including 2 North American National Tours (set to return with a Non-Equity company) and London’s West End. Upcoming productions will include Australia, a UK/Ireland Tour, and The Netherlands.
Despite such a rough past year, we get to experience a beautiful SOFT PLACE IN LAND and discover the magic of Live Theater once again.
WELCOME BACK TO BROADWAY WAITRESS!!!
by Mike Haber | Jul 6, 2021 | Blog, Broadway, Shows
Everyone’s favorite trouble making BIO-EXERCIST is back!!!! The musical adaptation of the cult classic
Beetlejuice made its debut in South Korea last night. This marks the first production of
Beetlejuice to be performed since the Broadway production was abruptly shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are so happy to celebrate this DAY-O and THE WHOLE BEING DEAD THING once again by sharing with you that first curtain call from the stage at the Sejong Arts Center in Seoul.
BEETLEJUICE’s South Korea debut will run through this August 2021.
Congrats!! Break a leg to the full cast, crew, musicians, and creaitve team!
