On Broadway, a revival of A
Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee
Williams, features a wonderful multiracial cast, headed by
Blair Underwood and Nicole Ari Parker, and the fun
opening night party at the Copacabana attracted many guests, like
Cicely Tyson, Edward Hibbert and Suzanne Bertish.
The
Lyons, by Nicky Silver,
is another Off-Broadway play transferring to Broadway. The first act
is the funniest on Broadway, and the Tony deserving performance by
Linda Lavin is incomparable. The opening night celebration
took place at Sardi's, with guests like Marlo Thomas,
Anita Gillette, Bill Pullman and many others too numerous
to mention.
Ghost
the Musical, book & lyrics by Bruce
Joel Rubin, music & lyrics by Dave
Stewart & Glen Ballard,
is based on the film of the same title. Although technologically it
is interesting, the musical itself is rather dull. Many celebrities
attended opening night, including Patrick Swayze's widow
Lisa Niemi, music & lyrics Dave Stewart and Gina
Gershon.
Nice
Work If You Can Get It, music & lyrics by George and Ira
Gershwin, book by Joe
DiPietro, is considered a new musical. It is, without doubt, the
most entertaining musical on Broadway. Many celebrities attended the
opening and the party at the Marriott Marquis, including Lea
Salonga, Jon Hamm, Martin Short, Tony Bennett,
and Sarah Jessica Parker, whose husband Matthew Broderick
stars in the show.
The
Columnist, by David
Auburn, is a play about Joseph Alsop, an influential
political newspaper columnist during the Kennedy/Johnson
administrations. Unfortunately, although well acted, it is not
particularly dramatic.
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Leap of Faith, music by Alan Menken, book by Janus Cerine and Warren Leight, lyrics by Glenn Slater, is a new musical, based on the film with the same title. Although Raul Esparza shines as a phony evangelist, the musical itself is rather bland.
Don't Dress for Dinner, by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon, is a farce that takes place in a French country house. It is not very funny. Of the six member cast, only Spencer Kayden as a hired cook is a pleasure to watch.
As always, the 26th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition is a wonderful event, and this year raised over three million dollars for Broadway cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Among the judges, were Nina Arianda and Hugh Dancy.
Lily Rabe and Richard Thomas announced the Outer Critics Circle 2011-12 Theatre Nominations at the Friars Club. Nice Work If You Can Get It received 9 nominations, and Newsies and Once received 7. The three musicals deserve to be seen. Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara presented a special OCC Award to the Public Theater on its 50th Anniversary. Oskar Eustis and Patrick Willingham accepted the award at scrumptious breakfast.
Donna Murphy and Brian d'Arcy James announced the Nominees for the Drama Desk Awards at another delicious breakfast at Feinstein's at the Regency with the same three musicals nominated by Outer Critics Circle receiving multiple nominations.
Megan Hilty, Justin Long and Raven-Symone announced the Nominees for the 2012 Drama League Awards at a third breakfast at Sardi's. Again the three musicals mentioned above were nominated, and it will be final breakfast of the season
The Lark Play Development Center had a grand opening party for its new glorious space at 311 West 43rd St. A number of 3 Minute Plays were presented by distinguished playwrights, including David Henry Hwang and Tina Howe, and Katori Hall made a presentation. It was a lovely event
There was a photo op for the cast and the creative team of The Landing. John Kander is the composer, and David Hyde Pierce heads the four member cast. I eagerly await the opening
Patrick Page received his caricature at a reception at Sardi's. He also received a birthday cake. His wife Paige Davis and many cast members from Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark were present.
The National Meningitis Association Give Kids a Shot Gala at the New York Athletic Club attracted many celebrities, including James Naughton, who performed, Monique van Vooren, Dr. Ruth and Rod Gilbert. It was a festive occasion.
We attended a delicious tasting party celebrating the one-year anniversary of the exquisite Japanese restaurant Mr. Robata, 1674 Broadway. Master Chef Masaki Nakayama prepared the marvelous food, accompanied by wonderful sake cocktails.
04-23-12
Cast
members
(L-R)
Daphne
Rubin-Vega.
Wood
Harris.
director
Emily
Mann.
Nicole
Ari
Parker.
Blair
Underwood
at
the
opening
night
party
of
"A
Streetcar
Named
Desire"
at
Copacabana.
268
West
47th
St.
Sunday
night.
04-22-12 |