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Promises, Promises Revival 2010 - Articles Page 1.8

Run Time:
2 hours and 40 minutes, with one intermission
Opened: April 25, 2010
Closing: January 02, 2011

Promises, Promises - 2010 Broadway History , Info & More

It’s Manhattan. It’s the '60s. And the city is back in full swing, in Broadway’s first-ever revival of Promises, Promises - starring Emmy® Award winner Sean Hayes (Will and Grace) as the enterprising associate on the way up, and Tony Award® winner Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked) as the cafeteria waitress whose romantic troubles have got her down. Don’t miss this smart and sexy musical based on the Oscar®-winning Billy Wilder film, The Apartment.



The creative team is a perfect cocktail: a splashy score by the Academy Award®-winning team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, including such songs as "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" and the straight-up swinging title tune… Add a book that takes turns tickling your funny bone and breaking your heart, courtesy of the legendary Neil Simon… Top it all off with a sparkling blend of direction and choreography by Tony Award® winner Rob Ashford—and you’ve got an intoxicating evening of Broadway magic.


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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Promises, Promises

'Promises' are fulfilled
8 / 10

Hayes, Chenoweth and the excellent supporting cast -- including Dick Latessa -- benefit from Ashford's direction: The staging of pop songs has rarely been as sharp as it is in this show. On the other hand, Ashford underwhelms as choreographer, which is odd considering the bang-up dances he created for 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' and 'Cry-Baby.' The biggest letdown is 'Turkey Lurkey Time,' an ensemble number with a single purpose: to kill. Here, it delivers only a flesh wound. But this isn't enough to spoil the fun. 'Promises, Promises' is a candy-flavored ride that more than delivers on its title.

Promises, Promises
8 / 10

Still, as directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford, the show forges ahead through the sheer force of design elegance, dance-floor stamina, performance energy, and the quick thinking of Hayes. The actor is nimble, funny, likable, and much more asexually wholesome than one might expect given that his character has agreed to allow his philandering bosses to use his midtown apartment for trysts in hopes of securing a promotion. While his performance style flips the calendar ahead to 1990s sitcoms that break the fourth wall, Hayes buoys the show with his generosity. He also compensates for Chenoweth's discomfort in her role (and unflattering wig!) as his love interest, the seemingly innocent coworker who turns out to be yet another company superior's plaything. And when, in a second-act show-stopper, Hayes is paired with agile and hilarious Katie Finneran as a lonely lady at a bar, the two break through barriers of time and setting to produce timeless audience laughs of pleasure.

Chenoweth to Perform at 9 Previously Announced Absences in PROMISES, PROMISES
by Robert Diamond - October 18, 2010


The producers of PROMISES, PROMISES announced that Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth will now be performing during 9 previously announced absences from the hit musical. Due to new scheduling conflicts Kristin Chenoweth will be performing in PROMISES, PROMISES from Tuesday, October 19 through Wednesday, October 27.

TV: New PROMISES, PROMISES Montage with Molly Shannon!
by Robert Diamond - October 14, 2010


'Saturday Night Live' alumni Molly Shannon made her Broadway debut in hit musical comedy PROMISES, PROMISES as Marge MacDougall for a limited 12 week run yesterday, October 12, 2010. Shannon will perform through Sunday, January 2, 2011. BroadwayWorld is excited to present a new video montage from the show featuring the first footage of the new star. Stay tuned for more coverage!

Photo Coverage: Molly Shannon Makes Broadway Debut in PROMISES!
by Monica Simoes - October 13, 2010


'Saturday Night Live' alumni Molly Shannon made her Broadway debut in hit musical comedy PROMISES, PROMISES as Marge MacDougall for a limited 12 week run yesterday, October 12, 2010. Shannon will perform through Sunday, January 2, 2011. BroadwayWorld was on hand for her opening night bow and brings you photo coverage below!

Molly Shannon Joins PROMISES, PROMISES for 11 Weeks Starting Oct. 12th
by BWW News Desk - October 12, 2010


'Saturday Night Live' alumnus and 'Superstar' Molly Shannon will make her Broadway debut in the smash hit musical comedy PROMISES, PROMISES as Marge MacDougall for a limited 11 week run from Tuesday, October 12, 2010 through Sunday, December 26, 2010. This new production of PROMISES, PROMISES, directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy Award winner Rob Ashford with Neil Simon's funny and touching book and Burt Bacharach and Hal David's hit-packed score, began previews at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) Saturday, March 27, 2010, and opened on Sunday, April 25, 2010.

STAGE TUBE: Molly Shannon Invites You to PROMISES!
by Jessica Lewis - October 11, 2010


'Saturday Night Live' alumni Molly Shannon will make her Broadway debut in the smash hit musical comedy PROMISES, PROMISES as Marge MacDougall for a limited 12 week run from Tuesday, October 12, 2010 through Sunday, January 2, 2011. PROMISES, PROMISES stars Sean Hayes as Chuck Baxter, Kristin Chenoweth as Fran Kubelik, Tony Goldwyn as J.D. Sheldrake, Molly Shannon as Marge MacDougall and Dick Latessa as Dr. Dreyfuss leading a cast of 27. Click below for a personal welcome massage from Shannon!

Finneran Announces Pregnancy; Departs PROMISES Oct. 10, 2010
by BWW News Desk - October 10, 2010


It has been a banner year for PROMISES, PROMISES' Katie Finneran. Her critically acclaimed performance as Marge MacDougall in the smash hit musical comedy PROMISES, PROMISES swept the 2010 awards season winning her the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award. On Sunday, August 22, Ms. Finneran married long time companion Darren Goldstein (Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson), and now the couple has announced that they are expecting a child this winter. It is with best wishes that the producers of PROMISES, PROMISES announced today that Tony Award winner Katie Finneran will play her final performance in the smash hit musical comedy on Sunday, October 10, 2010. This new production of PROMISES, PROMISES, directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy Award winner Rob Ashford with Neil Simon's funny and touching book and Burt Bacharach and Hal David's hit-packed score, began previews at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) Saturday, March 27, 2010, and opened on Sunday, April 25, 2010. Casting for Broadway's next Marge MacDougall will be announced shortly.

Photo Flash: Molly Shannon in PROMISES - First Look!
by Jessica Lewis - October 8, 2010


'Saturday Night Live' alumni Molly Shannon will make her Broadway debut in the smash hit musical comedy PROMISES, PROMISES as Marge MacDougall for a limited 12 week run from Tuesday, October 12, 2010 through Sunday, January 2, 2011. PROMISES, PROMISES stars Sean Hayes as Chuck Baxter, Kristin Chenoweth as Fran Kubelik, Tony Goldwyn as J.D. Sheldrake, Molly Shannon as Marge MacDougall and Dick Latessa as Dr. Dreyfuss leading a cast of 27.

Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Vol. 12 Adds PROMISES, PROMISES & RAIN Casts
by Leslie Fazin - October 4, 2010


Two more casts have added their voices to Broadway's Carols for a Cure, the annual holiday music CD benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). Promises, Promises cast members sing 'Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel,' and Joey Curatolo, who plays Paul McCartney in RAIN - A Tribute To The Beatles On Broadway, wrote and recorded an original song 'Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas.'

Video: See Ellen DeGeneres in PROMISES, PROMISES!
by Jessica Lewis - September 30, 2010


As reported previously, Ellen Degeneres made a surprise cameo in PROMISES, PROMISES September 7, performing alongside Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth. Footage from her surprise performance aired September 15 on the season premiere of her show on NBC. The clips have hit the internet today! Click here to watch her spot.

Back2Broadway Happy Hour to Benefit Broadway Cares, 9/30
by BWW News Desk - September 30, 2010


Celebrate Back2Broadway month with Happy Hour at the Village Pourhouse on September 30. You're encouraged to 'lift a glass with Broadway stars and insiders' because 'this is your chance to mingle with celebs and theatre goers' alike.

STAGE TUBE: Chenoweth Teaches Williams the Pageant Wave
by Jessica Lewis - September 27, 2010


Broadway diva and current star of PROMISES, PROMISES, Kristin Chenoweth appeared on the Wendy Williams Show Friday. The multi-talented singer and actress revealed that she also participated in beauty pageants - she won the the title of 'Miss OCU' and was first runner-up in the Miss Oklahoma pageant in 1991. Watch below as Chenoweth demonstrates her perfect 'pageant wave' below!

Back2Broadway Happy Hour to Benefit Broadway Cares, 9/30
by Molly Hagan - September 27, 2010


Celebrate Back2Broadway month with Happy Hour at the Village Pourhouse on September 30. You're encouraged to 'lift a glass with Broadway stars and insiders' because 'this is your chance to mingle with celebs and theatre goers' alike.

QUARTET to Hold Actors Fund Benefit Performance 9/26
by BWW News Desk - September 26, 2010


The special performance of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET to benefit the Actors Fund will take place on September 26 at 7pm at the Nederlander Theatre.

PROMISES and QUARTET to Hold Actors Fund Benefit Performances, 9/19 & 9/26
by BWW News Desk - September 19, 2010


PROMISES, PROMISES and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will hold special performances to benefit the Actors Fund.

PROMISES, PROMISES to Play Final Broadway Performance on Sunday, January 2, 2011
by Robert Diamond - September 16, 2010


The producers of PROMISES, PROMISES announced today that the smash hit, Tony Award-winning revival will play its final performance on Broadway on Sunday, January 2, 2011, having played 30 preview and 291 regular performances. The show's stars Sean Hayes, Kristin Chenoweth, Tony Goldwyn, Dick Latessa and Molly Shannon have all extended their contracts for an additional week to ring in the New Year. PROMISES, PROMISES is expected to recoup its investment in the coming weeks with complete details to be announced at that time. In addition the producers are excited to announce that discussions have begun for a possible tour of this new production of PROMISES, PROMISES, with more details to follow. PROMISES, PROMISES, directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy Award winner Rob Ashford with Neil Simon's funny and touching book and Burt Bacharach and Hal David's hit-packed score, began previews at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) Saturday, March 27, 2010, and since it opened Sunday, April 25, 2010, has been one of Broadway's top grossing shows week after week.

STAGE TUBE: PROMISES Performs on Fallon's Bway Week!
by Jessica Lewis - September 15, 2010


As BroadwayWorld has reported, this week is Broadway Week on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon! Each night, a different Broadway musical is visiting Fallon's studio to give a sample of their show. Christina Ricca (Time Stands Still) and the cast of Memphis kicked off the week on Monday, September 13. Yesterday, Fallon was visited by Sean Hayes and Tony Goldwyn of Promises, Promises. Click below to watch their performance of 'Our Little Secret!'

Photo Coverage: PROMISES, PROMISES on Fallon's 'Broadway Week!'
by Robert Diamond - September 15, 2010


As BroadwayWorld reported earlier, on September 13, 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' launched its first ever LNJF Broadway Week. The week will showcase all the biggest hits the Great White Way has to offer, from pounding punk rock to 60s swing. Each night this week, Jimmy will welcome a different Broadway musical to the Late Night studios.

Molly Shannon to Join PROMISES, PROMISES for 11 Weeks Starting Oct. 12th
by Robert Diamond - September 8, 2010


The producers of PROMISES, PROMISES are thrilled to announce that 'Saturday Night Live' alumnus and 'Superstar' Molly Shannon will make her Broadway debut in the smash hit musical comedy as Marge MacDougall for a limited 11 week run from Tuesday, October 12, 2010 through Sunday, December 26, 2010. This new production of PROMISES, PROMISES, directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy Award winner Rob Ashford with Neil Simon's funny and touching book and Burt Bacharach and Hal David's hit-packed score, began previews at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) Saturday, March 27, 2010, and opened on Sunday, April 25, 2010.

DeGeneres Makes a Surprise Cameo in PROMISES
by Jessica Lewis - September 8, 2010


Last night, September 7, Ellen DeGeneres made a surprise cameo in PROMISES, PROMISES as the 'Nurse' in Act 1, performing alongside Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth. The cameo was orchestrated as a promo for the upcoming season of her talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres show. In a move that surprised everyone, her walk-on was kept under wraps until her debut last night, with media not being alerted until midnight following the performance.

Promises, Promises History

Other Productions of Promises, Promises

1968   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1969   West End London Production
West End
1970   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1997   Off-Broadway Encores! Concert
Off-Broadway
2010   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2017   West End Off-West End Revival
West End
2018   Off-Broadway Transport Group Concert Production
Off-Broadway

Promises, Promises - 2010 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2010 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Leading Actress in a Musical Kristin Chenoweth
2010 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Katie Finneran
2010 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival of a Musical Promises, Promises
2010 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical Brian Ronan
2010 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actor in a Musical Sean Hayes
2010 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Choreography Rob Ashford
2010 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Dick Latessa
2010 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Katie Finneran
2010 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Revival of a Musical 0
2010 Tony Awards Best Choreography Rob Ashford
2010 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Jonathan Tunick
2010 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Sean Hayes
2010 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Katie Finneran

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