Issue #100: December 1, 2002

• Tragedy struck the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical Movin' Out  in November when Canadian ballet dancer William Marrie was killed while driving his motorcycle to the theatre on Friday, November 15.  A charismatic dancer who was a principal with the National Ballet of Canada, Marrie took a leave of absence from the National Ballet of Canada to star in the ballet-infused musical based on the songs of Billy Joel.  His performance received rave reviews from the New York critics when it opened on October 24.  He will be sadly missed.

• Cast changes were recently made to the Signature Theater Company's production of Burn This currently at the Union Square Theater.  Replacing Edward Norton and Catherine Keener are Elisabeth Shue and Peter Sarsgaard.

• It looks like a cast change in Cameron Mackintosh's production of Oklahoma! is imminent. Patty Duke will be taking over the role of Aunt Eller on December 14 which will be her first appearance on a Broadway stage in 40 years.  Remember the original Miracle Worker?  Interesting that a revival will be on the boards as Ms Duke is just down the street.

• Lincoln Center Theater stages Frank McGuinness' Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme at their Mitz Newhouse Theater beginning February 24 when A Man of No Importance vacates.  Starring in the World War I drama are Richard Easton, Justin Theroux and former Party of Five star Scott Wolf.

• Bea Arthur, a celebrated stage veteran, opened her one woman show at the historic Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto on November 20 where it will run through to December 8.  I had the pleasure of taking in the performance - check out my review in OTB Talk .

• Don't worry about Andrea Martin leaving her role as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma! on Broadway.  After she finishes her stint on theMy Big Fat Greek Wedding television show you will find her on the Long Wharf Theater (New Haven, CT) stage in the role as Jacqueline Susann in Paper Doll beginning March 5.

• Another incarnation of Cameron Mackintosh's Les Miserables  debuted in Scandinavia and Finland in November.  A concert version of the legendary musical incorporating film footage, multiple cameras and rock n' roll lighting played to sold out stadiums indicating that Les Miz could be stopping by a stadium or arena near you soon.

• Here we go again with movies as the basis for the next great musical.  Writers Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar are starting work on musical versions of the films Get Shorty and Pleasantville.  Maybe they'll get John Travolta to recreate his Get Shorty role for the stage - remember Grease - he can sing and dance!!!  Might cost a pretty penny though.



• Hard to believe that four plus years have gone by since I returned from New York yet this 100th edition of On the Boards and In the Wings makes it so.  My family and friends convinced me to start this column and we haven't really looked back.  The new format is terrific, don't you think? When you drop by OTB Talk and let me know what you think and what you'd like to know,  it will make this as much your column as mine.
  
  Thanks to Bob Daniel for site design and maintenance, to Lynda Chiotti for continued support and occasional editing, to Doreen Fawcett for copy editing, and to all three for advice, suggestions and encouragement.
  
  Here's to the next 100!