Broadway Blogs - Bway's First iPhone App and More...

Well, it's been quite the week here where I've also been getting over the flu, but I'm VERY excited and happy to share some great news, and that's that the first version of BroadwayWorld.com's iPhone app is now available (for FREE) from Apple's iPhone App Store. 

You can get the app by searching for 'Broadway' or 'BroadwayWorld' or by clicking here. 

We're proud to be the first Broadway web site with an iPhone app, and this early version features iPhone optimized versions of all of our news, regional content, photos, special offers, blogs, show listings and more, along with links to our wireless message board and other features. 

We've got A LOT of new features coming to already-in-the-works updated versions of the app in the very near future including search, video, and lots more and I'd love any and all feedback that YOU'VE got of this early release version and new features that YOU would like to see.

Please email me at robert@broadwayworld.com with your questions, comments and solutions and thanks as always for your support!

Bye Bye Birdie returns to Broadway in Roundabout Theater Company's new production starring John Stamos (Albert Peterson), Gina Gershon (Rose Alvarez) & Bill Irwin (Mr. Harry MacAfee) with Jayne Houdyshell (Mrs. Mae Peterson) & Dee Hoty (Mrs. MacAfee) and as “Conrad Birdie” Nolan Gerard Funk. Featuring a score with more pop than a pack of bubble gum, including “A Lot of Livin' to Do,” “Kids,” and “Put on a Happy Face,” opened Thursday night on Broadway.

Ben Brantley, The New York Times: "If you get a chance, send a few dozen get-well cards to Henry Miller's Theater, the new, handsomely renovated outpost of the Roundabout Theater Company empire. Flu season has arrived, and an especially mean virus appears to have attacked the cast of the revival of "Bye Bye Birdie," which opened Thursday night. I don't think it's the swine flu that has flattened Robert Longbottom's production of this popular 1960 musical about rebel rock 'n' roll versus small-town America wholesomeness. The symptoms in this case include tin ear, loss of comic timing, uncontrollable jitters and a prickly disorientation that screams, "Where am I?" and "What am I doing?" Theatergoers may feel an empathetic urge to rush home and bury their heads in their pillows."

Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal: "Needless to say, it long ago became common for musicals to be performed by accomplished actors who can also sing a little, but this is ridiculous. Not to put too fine a point on it, the Roundabout's revival of "Bye Bye Birdie" is the worst-sung musical I've ever seen on Broadway. If that prospect doesn't faze you, or if you're tone-deaf, then go with my blessing: Mr. Longbottom is an immensely gifted director-choreographer, and there's plenty to like about this production. I only wish it had been overdubbed."

David Rooney, Variety: "Warmed-over apple pie and flat soda pop, anyone? That's the all-American snack being served in less-than-optimum form in "Bye Bye Birdie." The first Broadway revival of the 1960 musical ought to be a lot more fun. But Robert Longbottom's miscast, over-designed production rarely musters the energy or effervescence its riot of candy color and teenage hormones might suggest. The show retains its corny charms and a bunch of tuneful songs, which might be enough for undiscerning family audiences; others will struggle to identify much authentic flavor in its aggressive blandness."

Erik Haagensen, Backstage: "Director-choreographer Robert Longbottom's production seems calculated to decimate the material. Number after number implodes, whether due to clueless direction, fussy and unfocused choreography, or incompetent singing and dancing. Joke after joke dies on the vine. Longbottom appears not to understand that "Birdie" is a satire."

Elysa Gardner, USA Today: "The good news is that the Roundabout revival (* * * out of four), which opened Thursday at Henry Miller's Theatre, milks this trifle for all its breezy charm."

Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press: "By today's standards, their rebellion isn't much. But a half-century ago, "Birdie" seemed awash in gentle, slightly subversive charm, that both parents and their children could relate to. Plus it exuded a genuine likability, a cheerfulness kept aloft by a buoyant score. That charm - and a sense of fun - are missing in action on the stage of Broadway's newest theatre."

Robert Feldberg, The Bergen Record: "The 1960 musical, cherished by all high school drama teachers, is more than slightly familiar. But director-choreographer Robert Longbottom has given it a fresh and shiny production that, while uneven, is pleasingly fast on its feet."

Frank Schneck, The Hollywood Reporter: "This is, surprisingly enough, the first Broadway revival of the show since its premiere 48 years ago. Hopefully, another one will come along in the not-too-distant future to erase the sour taste of this rendition."

More Reviews to Come...