Issue #101: December 15, 2002
Holiday Edition - next issue January 15

• And the Chicago star machine keeps on rolling.  Kevin Richardson the oldest member of the pop group Backstreet Boys, will make his Broadway debut on January 20 at the Shubert Theater in the role of lawyer Billy Flynn.  Richardson will replace Billy Zane, the current Flynn.  This falls nicely on the heels of Chicago, the movie, opening December 26. 

• Director Jerry Zaks will direct Jules Feiffer's A Bad Friend at Lincoln Center Theater beginning June 9.  This will mark Feiffer's return to the stage after being absent for more than a decade.

• It looks like the Toronto production of The Producers has been pushed back to November 18, 2003.  Originally thought to open in May, director/choreographer Susan Stroman is now scheduled to direct the movie version of her Tony-award winning musical Contact in May thus making it impossible for her to be in Toronto.  Have no fear Toronto  subscribers, the May slot will see the revival of Broadway bound Sweet Charity starring Oscar winner Marisa Tomei.

• L.A.'s Ahmanson Theater will be staging some of 2002's most popular solo shows; Barbara Cook's Mostly Sondheim (Feb. 28 - March 9), John Leguizamo's Sexaholix (March 11 - 23) and Elaine Stritch in her Tony winning Elaine Stritch at Liberty (April 8 - 27).

• Dance of Death will have new life next year when Sir Ian McKellen will reprise his role as the army captain Edger.  Don't look for Helen Mirren to join him on stage; the female lead will be Frances de la Tour.  A March 4 opening is set at the Lyric Theatre.

• A revival of Sir Tom Stoppard's 1972 Jumpers with Simon Russell Beale will open at the Lyttelton Theatre in June.

• No rest for Ralph Fiennes these days.  Once he wraps his stint with the National Theatre in The Talking Cure on February 5 he heads straight into rehearsals for Ibsen's Brand opening a six-week run in Stratford on April 17.  Following Stratford the play heads to Theatre Royal, Haymarket for a limited run from June 4 to August 30.

• Another year of theatre comes to a close.  Let me know what your favourite theatre experiences were this year - the highlights and tell me about the bombs as well.  Visit OTB Talk and put your two cents worth in so those who follow this column can get some insight and maybe post their comments also - whether to agree or disagree.
  
  Looking forward to a far more exciting and notable theatre in 2003 - and I'll keep you posted on all the inside dish.
  
  Have a happy and safe holiday season - next column is January 15, 2003.