BWW Review: Unexpectedly Entertaining BULLETS OVER BROADWAY Spray Like Confetti
As Helen Sinclair (Emma Stratton) holds her hand over playwright David Shayne's (Michael Williams) mouth (picture above), fans of the 1994 film Bullets Over Broadway are bound to chuckle as they remember the famously unforgettable line spoken by the movie's Helen Sinclair Oscar winner Dianne Weist, 'Don't speak!' Weist, Jennifer Tilly as Olive and Chaz Palminteri as Cheech stole the brilliant film, so when I heard a couple of years ago that they were rehashing this for a Broadway musical, my reaction was 'Sacrilege! Why? Don't tamper with perfection!' Well, they didn't listen to me, obviously, as the musical went forward, and for some sketchy reasons, was a flop on Broadway. Let me tell you, as reluctant as I was to see the musical now onstage at the Pantages through January 24, I am glad I did, for it is actually quite good, with mostly sparkling performances, ingenious choreography recreated from Susan Stroman's original, fabulous costumes by William Ivey Long...and it's faithful to the film. No one dared to touch Woody Allen's uncannily sharp plot, dialogue and laugh lines. Yes, it could have an original score, but what is accomplished with the old standards aiding in moving the story forward, kind of like in Mamma Mia, works damn well. It's fun, ear and eye-filling entertainment!
Tonya Pinkins Stars in 'MOTHER COURAGE', Beginning Tonight at Classic Stage
Classic Stage Company's production of Bertolt Brecht's MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN, starring Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins, begins performances tonight, December 9 for a limited engagement through January 24. MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN will be directed by Brian Kulick and will feature original music by Tony Award winner Duncan Sheik. The official press opening is Thursday, January 7.
Full Cast, Dates Set for Tonya Pinkins-Led 'MOTHER COURAGE' at Classic Stage This Winter
BroadwayWorld is excited to report that Classic Stage Company's production of Bertolt Brecht's MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN, starring Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins, will begin performances Wednesday, December 9 for a limited engagement through January 24. MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN will be directed by Brian Kulick and will feature original music by Tony Award winner Duncan Sheik. The official press opening is Thursday, January 7.
Sebastian Arcelus, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Douglas Thompson Join A TIME TO KILL on Broadway
Producers Daryl Roth and Eva Price announced today that Sebastian Arcelus, Fred Dalton Thompson (in his Broadway debut), and John Douglas Thompson will star in the new Broadway courtroom drama A Time to Kill, Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes' stage adaptation of John Grisham's best-selling novel. This new Broadway play holds the distinction of being the first-ever John Grisham property to be adapted for the stage. A Time to Kill is set to open on Broadway on October 20, 2013 at the John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). Previews begin September 28th. Ethan McSweeny will direct. The remainder of the high-powered ensemble cast of 13 will be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com.
Photo Flash: SEMINAR Begins Rehearsals at LA's Ahmanson Theatre - Jeff Goldbum, Aya Cash and More!
Rehearsals have begun for "Seminar," the sexy, smart new comedy starring Jeff Goldblum, an Academy Award and Emmy Award-nominee. "Seminar," by Pulitzer Prize finalist and "Smash" creator Theresa Rebeck and directed by Obie Award-winner Sam Gold, begins previews October 10 and opens October 17, 2012, at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. The first production of the Ahmanson Theatre's 2012-2013 season, "Seminar" will continue performances through November 18, 2012. Check out photos of the cast at rehearsal below!
Photo Coverage: Broadway's Best Honors Manhattan Theatre Club's Lynne Meadow
Manhattan Theatre Club celebrated Artistic Director Lynne Meadow's 40th anniversary as the visionary and artistic leader of the organization with a special tribute last night, June 18. The event will began at 6:30 PM with a VIP cocktail reception, followed by a 7:30 tribute event at the Samuel J. Friedman and a party at Copacabana. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the celebration and brings you photo coverage of the stars who came out to honor Meadow below!
MTC Tributes Artistic Director Lynne Meadow Tonight, 6/18
Manhattan Theatre Club celebrates Artistic Director Lynne Meadow's 40th anniversary as the visionary and artistic leader of the organization with a special tribute tonight, June 18. The event will begin at 6:30 PM with a VIP cocktail reception, followed by a 7:30 tribute event at the Samuel J. Friedman (261 West 47th Street). Immediately after the Friedman tribute event, a party will follow at Copacabana (268 West 47th Street).
MTC to Pay Tribute to Artistic Director Lynne Meadow, 6/18
Manhattan Theatre Club will celebrate Artistic Director Lynne Meadow's 40th anniversary as the visionary and artistic leader of the organization with a special tribute on Monday, June 18. The event will begin at 6:30 PM with a VIP cocktail reception, followed by a 7:30 tribute event at the Samuel J. Friedman (261 West 47th Street). Immediately after the Friedman tribute event, a party will follow at Copacabana (268 West 47th Street).
Redgrave & Jones Open DRIVING MISS DAISY at John Golden Theatre on Broadway Oct. 7, 2010
Producers Jed Bernstein and Adam Zotovich announced today that Tony Award-winners James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave will return to the New York stage this Fall to star opposite one another in the Broadway Premiere of Alfred Uhry‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Driving Miss Daisy. Directed by David Esbjornson (The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?), Driving Miss Daisy will begin performances on October 7, 2010, at the John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), with an official opening on Monday, October 25, 2010.
Free Movie Mondays At OCPAC Offers Theme Contests 7/20, 7/27, And 8/3
Keeping with a tradition begun during last year's Free For All Movie Mondays, the Orange County Performing Arts Center will again hold fun and entertaining pre-performance theme contests for this summer's free film screenings of Annie (July 20), Footloose (July 27) and Mamma Mia! (August 3).
Free Movie Mondays At OCPAC Offers Theme Contests 7/20, 7/27, And 8/3
Keeping with a tradition begun during last year's Free For All Movie Mondays, the Orange County Performing Arts Center will again hold fun and entertaining pre-performance theme contests for this summer's free film screenings of Annie (July 20), Footloose (July 27) and Mamma Mia! (August 3).