This is my first column written from a remote location, specifically Los Angeles, CA.
Look for my review of a world premiere at the South Coast Repertory Theatre in Costa Mesa, CA called "The Studio". This dance/drama combination was written, choreographed and directed by Christopher d'Amboise and stars
Terrence Mann,
Nancy Lemenager, and John Todd. Many of you may recall Mann was the original Inspector Javert in "
Les Miserables" and Rum Tum Tugger in "Cats". The play is a behind-the scenes look at how a very well known choreographer works on a new ballet with two dancers, one an experience veteran and one an eager dancer looking for stardom.
One other "sort" of theatrical event I witnessed at Disneyland where a 45 minute presentation of the musical "Aladdin" I found to be very entertaining. We had seats in the mezzanine (in a two thousand seat theater) and it was quite magical watching the flying carpet fly right towards us with two performers singing on it. I'm sure the Disney people used this technology as a prototype for the new Broadway presentation of "
Tarzan". I know this was the very first musical theater experience for many of the toddlers in diapers and other young children in the audience. It is these young people who hopefully will be attending live theater in the future. I did missing have a live orchestra.
Speaking of Disney…the hit television film "High School Musical" and now a best-selling CD I predicted would be coming to Broadway…well…not yet. But a version of the show will soon be available for local productions beginning this fall. A TV sequel is reportedly in the works.
I recommend you read my colleague James Howard's recent review of "Little Women". I saw the original cast on Broadway on Broadway but did not get a chance to see
Maureen McGovern. So I am looking forward to seeing her next week. You can catch her on MPT's "Artworks This Week" Saturday morning at 9 a.m. "Little Women" continues at the HIPP until April 23. 410-547-SEAT.
A must for you Sondheim fans, the much acclaimed new Broadway revival of "Sweeney Todd" will be featured on Sunday morning, April 16 on A&E's "Breakfast with the Arts" between 8-10 a.m. I wish A&E would repeat this program during the week.
NPR's "Morning Edition" on Saturday morning, April 15 will feature "The Threepenny Opera stars
Alan Cumming and
Ana Gasteyer, director
Scott Elliott and
Wallace Shawn who did the adaptation. You can also "hear" Harry Connick, Jr from Broadway's current smash revival of "Pajama Game". The Tony for Best Revival could be a horse race between these two musicals and "Todd".
Speaking of the Tony's, " 60 Years of Tony Award Excellence" will be on view at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts until June 12. The Tony Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, June 11 on CBS.
Another free exhibit beginning next week of interest is "Sir Elton John Elements of An Icon" in conjunction with Columbus Circle Experiences at Time Warner Center at 10 Columbus Circle. This exhibition will feature costumes, imagery and accessories from the Broadway musical "LESTAT" along with the remarkable like and career of Sir Elton John.
One of the more controversial plays from last season was "Frozen". You now will have a chance to this acclaimed play at Washington's Studio Theatre Secondstage. This "hypnotizing and electric account of three people whose lives are connected by the disappearance of a ten-year-old girl" stars Nancy Robinette, Andrew Long and Mary Beth Wise. Call 202-332-3300.
Ending this weekend is "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife" at the Fells Point Corner Theatre. 410-276-7837.
For musicals, besides "Little Women", Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" continues at the Olney Theatre Center until April 30. 301-924-3400.
At the Arena Stage, Lady Day keeps singing at "Emerson's Bar and Grill". Similar to the Center Stage production a few years back, the Arena has set up a cabaret feel for this production. 202-488-3300.
The Tony winning play "Last Night at Ballyhoo" runs through April 29 at the Laurel Mill Playhouse. 301-617-9906.
I recommend "A Number" at the Everyman through April 23. Time magazine listed this play as one of the best of the year as did London's Evening Standard. 410-752-2208.
You have only until April 30 to witness
August Wilson's last play before his recent passing. "
Radio Golf" is at Center Stage with what I believe could be the best ensemble of a cast I have seen this year. Do not miss this incredible production before the show heads to Broadway. 410-332-0033.
For any comments or suggestions, cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.
Comments
To post a comment, you must
register and
login.
