Issue #247: January 1, 2011

• It is a full circle for writer/actor Harvey Fierstein.  He will be playing Albin in the Broadway revival of Les Cage aux Folles currently at the Longacre Theatre.  Fierstein originally penned and won the Tony Award for this musical classic oh so long ago.  He slips back into those pumps February 15 for a 12-week limited run.
  

• The accident-prone production of Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark took another turn recently.  Yet another accident happened in front of a preview audience…seriously injuring a cast member when he fell into the orchestra pit.  It may be that this production will become the "Macbeth" of the 21st century…this being the fourth accident and still weeks away from the official February 7 opening.  The very latest on this production is that one of the leads, Natalie Mendoza, who suffered a concussion in a rehearsal in November is leaving the cast.  Another sizeable blow to the show.   Speculation is whether or not this production will really open.

• Blake Edwards, best know for classic movies Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Pink Panther, Days of Wine and Roses and 10, died on December 15 at the age of 88.  He is also known as husband to super star Julie Andrews, a marriage that has endured for almost 50 years.  Edwards also dabbled in theatre including writing the book for Victor/Victoria a project that starred his wife when it debuted on Broadway in the 90s.  Although his body of film work is legendary, at the time of his death he had two new Broadway musicals on the go… one based on the Pink Panther movies and the other Big Rosemary, an original comedy.  Let’s hope these works don’t die with him.  

• Marcia Lewis may not be a household name but to Broadway enthusiasts they will know the lady with the big voice.  Lewis was nominated for a Tony for her performance in the 1994 revival of Grease.  Then went on to wow audiences in the 1996 revival of Chicago as Matron "mama" Morton… "whatever mama wants, mama gets." Her other credits include Annie and Fiddler on the Roof.  She was a constant not only on Broadway but on the road as well.  Marcia died of lung cancer on December 21 at the age of 72.