Issue #78: December 1, 2001
Holiday Edition - next issue January 1

• Now that Third Rock From The Sun is off the air, John Lithgow can focus all his attention on his starring role in the new musical Sweet Smell of Success which begins previews on February 26 at the Martin Beck Theatre.

• Liam Neeson returns to the Broadway stage with Laura Linney when Arthur Miller’s The Crucible opens for a limited 120-performance engagement at the Virginia Theatre on February 16.

• A revival of Terrence McNally’s 1987 play Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune is in the works for a spring opening at the Belasco Theatre. Trying to tap dance around the busy schedules of Edie Falco (The Sopranos) and Stanley Tucci is a challenge for the producers. If they can secure these two box office draws the opening would be in time to be eligible for the Tony nomination deadline of early May.

• With the success of The Producers Broadway producers are looking to successful movies on which to hang their hats. Currently in workshop/discussion phase are productions of Hairspray and An American in Paris along with three others they are tightlipped about.

• Chazz Palminteri’s (The Usual Suspects) play The Bronx Tale has been commissioned by producer Clear Channel Entertainment to be made into a musical. Jimmy Webb will be working on the score while Palminteri works the book for music.

• Look for a production of The Producers to open in Toronto in 2003.

• It looks like The Full Monty is going to be resurrected for the road and handled by a new group of road producers. The plans are to hit the road in April or May for 80 weeks. The show will visit major markets for one to four weeks tops. This may help the original producers recoup some of their losses from the September 11 fallout and also bring the Broadway show to deserving audiences around North America.

• Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love) heads back to the stage in the spring starring in repertory as Iago in Othello and the title role in Edward II. Dates and theatre still to be confirmed.

• This month the New Ambassador Theatre will host the transfer of David Mamet’s Boston Marriage starring Zoe Wanamaker. Wanamaker was outspoken recently criticizing treatment of the actors on the set of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. I doubt you will see her reprising her role in any of the Harry Potter sequels.

• The holiday season is here so it is time to support your local theatre company either by giving tickets as gifts or treating yourself to a night at the theatre. Remember, a city or town that doesn’t have an active cultural community is a city or town with no soul. Have you had a little theatre today? Enjoy and have a happy and safe holiday season.