A rare occurrence happened this week. Summer began early, May 23-25, and many New Yorkers left town to be replaced by tourists. And two days later, May 27, the world celebrated my birthday. For that reason, there was little activity in New York for my column. Fortunately, I was able to catch a show, which moved into a Broadway space (see the next paragraph below), and a splendid Off-Broadway musical, which is one of the highlights of this new theatrical season 2015-16 (see the last paragraph). I promise next week's column will be longer. We have two evenings of awards, Drama Desk, and Theatre World, followed by two Off-Broadway openings, The Spoils by the New Group, and Heisenberg by the Manhattan Theatre Group. Also, I am reviewing two magnificent full length ballets at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), The Sleeping Beauty and La Bayadere. The week will close with Joe Sirola's Annual Summer party, Champagne & Roses. The roses provide a sweet perfume, as one sips delicious champagne on his penthouse terrace.
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On Broadway, An Act of God, by David Javerbaum, at Studio 54, stars Jim Parsons, a popular television personality, imitating God, accompanied by two angels, played in white suits plus wings, by Christopher Fitzgerald and Tim Kazurinsky, directed by Joe Mantello. It is a sophomoric idea, with weak humor, that might delight his television fans, but certainly does not belong in a Broadway theatre. For ninety minutes, Parsons talks about his new ten commandments. It is neither funny, nor clever. The theatre is owned by the Roundabout Theatre Company, which alerts theatregoers, that this show is not a Roundabout Theatre Company production. That is a a very sensible idea.
Off-Broadway, Cagney, book by Peter Colley, music and lyrics by Robert Creighton and Christopher McGovern, directed by Bill Castellino, at the York Theatre Company, is a delightful musical about Hollywood's Tough Guy in Tap Shoes. Robert Creighton stars asJames Cagney, and is terrific. He acts, sings and dances magnificently, and captures the spirit of the outstanding film star. The other five members of the cast are equally superb, and the choreography by Joshua Bergasse, is simply wonderful. It is one of the more intelligent musicals about a Hollywood film star. Do not miss this show, which I call entertainment with a capital E. The opening night party took place at Lexicon, 226 East 54th St, with guests Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan.
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