Issue #81: February 1, 2002
- The Broadway record book is being revised again Les
Miserables has passed A Chorus Line as Broadways
second longest running musical. Friday, January 25 marked the
6,138th performance of the celebrated Victor Hugo classic.
At the performance were former cast members from A Chorus
Line and as a tribute the cast of Les Miserable sang
One singular sensation at the curtain call. Producer
Cameron Mackintosh was there to preside over the festivities
and now looks at overcoming the longest running musical milestone
of Cats, another one of his productions which stands
at 7,485 shows. Since Cats closed in 2000 you can look
for Les Miz to break that record later this year
- Auditions are taking place in Toronto and other cities for
a new Broadway musical that has dance legend Twyla Tharpe
and music legend Billy Joel collaborating. The new piece,
produced by James Nederlander, is tentatively scheduled
to open in December.
- Disney is looking at a fall 2003 premiere for the new musical
Hoopz. Still in the pre-pre-production stage at the Trinity
Rep in Providence, R.I.. the location for the debut.
- Cats, Londons longest running musical will finally
slink away after 21 years. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical
will have performed more than 9,000 shows when the doors shut
on May 11.
- Revivals appear to have taken over the 2002 Laurence Olivier
Awards nominations. The American import Kiss Me, Kate
led the way with nine nominations but close behind is Cameron
Mackintoshs My Fair Lady with eight. The revival
of Noel Cowards comedy Private Lives led
the plays with seven nominations. Winners will be announced
on February 15.
- Just a reminder to all you Jude Law fans, his Young
Vic opening of Dr. Faustus is set to start previews on
March 7 with the opening on March 18. The run is only until
April 27 and how it is received will determine if it has an
after life.
- The Young Vic will also be the venue for Tony Kushners
Homebody/Kabul currently packing them in Off-Broadway.
The epic drama will open on May 10 and run through June 22.
- A new Swedish musical based on the life of the 20th centurys
most reclusive actress, Greta Garbo, is set to open in
Stockholm in September. Garbo the Musical will include
new information about the star that her that relatives recently
released. The music, the producer says, is inspired by Quebec
diva Celine Dion.
- Stars are returning to Broadway in droves this spring. Look
for Estelle Parsons, Frances Sternhagen and Elizabeth
Franz to join the ranks of Liam Neeson, Laura
Linney, Alan Bates, Frank Langella, Chris
ODonnell and Vanessa Williams. Lets hope
all this star power will bring the masses back to the great
white way.
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