Here is an interesting article from the NY Times about using the internet to promote word of mouth for Broadway shows. It makes particular mention of In The Heights-- Legally Brown and that video of that little boy.
Take a gander.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Paige Page and Patrick Page at home
(I know she goes by Paige Davis... but its super fun to call her Paige Page)
I am slightly obsessed with the NY Post Broadway Stars at Home feature. That is what
I have decided its name is, by the way.
Here is a lovely read about Paige and Patrick's UWS apartment that was decorated by Nate Berkus, from Oprah, and also my gay crush. He is very pretty. But is so much more than a pretty face! Check out what he did to their kitchen! It is a-mah-zing! I want it!
I really like this couple. They seem so down-to-earth and like such a New York couple, if that makes sense.
I'm very glad Paige is back on Broadway (for another week or so)... hope she comes back soon...
I am slightly obsessed with the NY Post Broadway Stars at Home feature. That is what
I have decided its name is, by the way.Here is a lovely read about Paige and Patrick's UWS apartment that was decorated by Nate Berkus, from Oprah, and also my gay crush. He is very pretty. But is so much more than a pretty face! Check out what he did to their kitchen! It is a-mah-zing! I want it!
I really like this couple. They seem so down-to-earth and like such a New York couple, if that makes sense.
I'm very glad Paige is back on Broadway (for another week or so)... hope she comes back soon...
If you want to feel inferior...
... Check out Broadway.com's Photos of Laura Benanti getting ready for Gypsy.
Seriously. She is more stunning in her "before" pictures then I will ever be on my best day. Ever. If she wasn't so talented, I would hate her.
Rather, she was blessed with amazing looks AND more talent in her pinky finger than in most people's whole bodies.
I am now going to eat a pint of ice cream. Lite ice cream.
Seriously. She is more stunning in her "before" pictures then I will ever be on my best day. Ever. If she wasn't so talented, I would hate her.
Rather, she was blessed with amazing looks AND more talent in her pinky finger than in most people's whole bodies.
I am now going to eat a pint of ice cream. Lite ice cream.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Watch this IMMEDIATELY!
Amazing YouTube video.
There is a boy who made a YouTube video of himself as Usnavi doing the last song of In the Heights. The cast got wind of it, and invited him to make a video of himself as Usnavi with the rest of the cast on the stage of the Richard Rodgers.
First of all, this kid is adorable.
Second of all, this cast is incredibly generous and kind to do this. Their hearts are in the right place. I especially like seeing Lin guiding the kid around, jamming to the music. Did I need another reason to love him????!!!!
Third, be sure to watch til the end for a Karen Olivo cameo.
Lastly, this video moved me to tears. I challenge you to watch it and not cry.
In The Heights deserves to run for years and years and years. Please keep these awesome people employed.
There is a boy who made a YouTube video of himself as Usnavi doing the last song of In the Heights. The cast got wind of it, and invited him to make a video of himself as Usnavi with the rest of the cast on the stage of the Richard Rodgers.
First of all, this kid is adorable.
Second of all, this cast is incredibly generous and kind to do this. Their hearts are in the right place. I especially like seeing Lin guiding the kid around, jamming to the music. Did I need another reason to love him????!!!!
Third, be sure to watch til the end for a Karen Olivo cameo.
Lastly, this video moved me to tears. I challenge you to watch it and not cry.
In The Heights deserves to run for years and years and years. Please keep these awesome people employed.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Finally!
The Guys and Dolls revival has finally, finally announced his casting for all four leads. Craig Bierko and Kate Jennings Grant complete the foursome.
This casting of the foursome both intrigues and disappoints me. Guys and Dolls will always have special place in my heart-- it was the first Broadway show I ever saw (the revival) and it was magical. I also think it is a nearly perfect musical, fantastically crafted is a textbook example of how there are no small parts-- every single character is 3-dimensional and fascinating.
The revival made full blown stars of Nathan Lane and Faith Prince. In this revival, their shoes are filled by Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham. Oliver Platt is definitely not a name I would have selected out of thin air, but on paper it seems like a fine choice. He has Broadway experience, he has a touch of the Nathan Lane in him-- which, lets face it, he will be compared to in the reviews since Lane is still such a part of the Broadway lexicon.
Lauren Graham... Lauren Graham... I'm fascinated and perplexed by this casting choice. Its been reported that this was a heavily sought after role by many big names-- I think NY Post ran a blurb about Cynthia Nixon taking voice and dance lessons because she wanted this role. Lauren Graham is a name, but not a huge name, and certainly is not thought of as a singing actress. Which makes me think (or hope, rather) that she gave an amazing audition and blew everyone away. That being said, she is, in my humble opinion, one of the most subtle actresses around right now-- and I mean that in a completely positive way. It works brilliantly on TV. But will it carry to the back of a Broadway house?
My guess is that Kate Jennings Grant was the part that they felt could go to the best singing, acting Broadway actress they could find for the role. Meaning, with "names" in the three other roles, this was the part they could really cast someone unknown to the masses. I think she is a lovely singer, but I find her to be a bit boring. And I do not think Sargeant Sarah Brown is boring.
And then there is Craig Bierko. Ummm.... I will just admit it... I squealed when I saw that he was cast in this. I don't know what it is about him. But he makes me a little weak in the knees. I loved him in The Music Man. I thought he was incredibly dreamy, extremely charismatic and completely believable in the role. He had a looseness about him that really worked with Rebecca Luker's stiffness in Marian. Perhaps this will work for him again opposite Kate Jennings Grant?
I was unsure about whether I'd want to see this, until today. Now, I will gladly pay $100 plus to listen to Bierko sing "I've Never Been in Love Before" while wearing a vintage suit.
This casting of the foursome both intrigues and disappoints me. Guys and Dolls will always have special place in my heart-- it was the first Broadway show I ever saw (the revival) and it was magical. I also think it is a nearly perfect musical, fantastically crafted is a textbook example of how there are no small parts-- every single character is 3-dimensional and fascinating.
The revival made full blown stars of Nathan Lane and Faith Prince. In this revival, their shoes are filled by Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham. Oliver Platt is definitely not a name I would have selected out of thin air, but on paper it seems like a fine choice. He has Broadway experience, he has a touch of the Nathan Lane in him-- which, lets face it, he will be compared to in the reviews since Lane is still such a part of the Broadway lexicon.
Lauren Graham... Lauren Graham... I'm fascinated and perplexed by this casting choice. Its been reported that this was a heavily sought after role by many big names-- I think NY Post ran a blurb about Cynthia Nixon taking voice and dance lessons because she wanted this role. Lauren Graham is a name, but not a huge name, and certainly is not thought of as a singing actress. Which makes me think (or hope, rather) that she gave an amazing audition and blew everyone away. That being said, she is, in my humble opinion, one of the most subtle actresses around right now-- and I mean that in a completely positive way. It works brilliantly on TV. But will it carry to the back of a Broadway house?
My guess is that Kate Jennings Grant was the part that they felt could go to the best singing, acting Broadway actress they could find for the role. Meaning, with "names" in the three other roles, this was the part they could really cast someone unknown to the masses. I think she is a lovely singer, but I find her to be a bit boring. And I do not think Sargeant Sarah Brown is boring.
And then there is Craig Bierko. Ummm.... I will just admit it... I squealed when I saw that he was cast in this. I don't know what it is about him. But he makes me a little weak in the knees. I loved him in The Music Man. I thought he was incredibly dreamy, extremely charismatic and completely believable in the role. He had a looseness about him that really worked with Rebecca Luker's stiffness in Marian. Perhaps this will work for him again opposite Kate Jennings Grant?
I was unsure about whether I'd want to see this, until today. Now, I will gladly pay $100 plus to listen to Bierko sing "I've Never Been in Love Before" while wearing a vintage suit.
Obsession
Oh, Jonathan Groff... Why must you encourage my inappropriate lust for you by giving delightful interviews?
I love that he sang the Saved By the Bell theme song for a Mamma Mia audition once. I love that they were not amused. I would pay him to sing me the Saved By the Bell theme song. I would be very amused.
He taunts me by professing his appreciation for Light in the Piazza, and his love of Sutton Foster (which, by the way, tips the scales to the gay side, in my opinion. But that is neither here nor there. I love him regardless of his sexuality. His potential gayness only adds to the inappropriate-factor of my love).
He further taunts me by mentioning his love of sushi, the board game Clue, and Norbert Leo Butz. It is too much for one gal to handle.
Jonathan Groff, you can be my inappropriate lover or my gay bestie. It is your choice. Make the choice. NOW.
I love that he sang the Saved By the Bell theme song for a Mamma Mia audition once. I love that they were not amused. I would pay him to sing me the Saved By the Bell theme song. I would be very amused.
He taunts me by professing his appreciation for Light in the Piazza, and his love of Sutton Foster (which, by the way, tips the scales to the gay side, in my opinion. But that is neither here nor there. I love him regardless of his sexuality. His potential gayness only adds to the inappropriate-factor of my love).
He further taunts me by mentioning his love of sushi, the board game Clue, and Norbert Leo Butz. It is too much for one gal to handle.
Jonathan Groff, you can be my inappropriate lover or my gay bestie. It is your choice. Make the choice. NOW.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Yes, please!
I KNEW I liked Ugly Betty for a reason!
Since they made the move to New York for their filming, awesome Broadway folk have been popping up left and right. Like Kate Reinders, who said my favorite line of this season so far, after Daniel asked her to give Betty the lay of the land: "I was once voted the Lay of the Land," or something to that effect. Genius.
This week is the best yet: Aaron Lazar. Yummy, delicious, gorgeous Aaron Lazar. Is there any possible way they will have him sing? Maybe Betty will get lost and find herself in a cabaret bar, and the only way they can afford their tab is if Aaron sells his clothes and then sings them a song... naked. Anyone?
Please watch Ugly Betty. Please give them good ratings so they will continue to hire Broadway actors so that the whole world can appreciate their awesomeness.
Since they made the move to New York for their filming, awesome Broadway folk have been popping up left and right. Like Kate Reinders, who said my favorite line of this season so far, after Daniel asked her to give Betty the lay of the land: "I was once voted the Lay of the Land," or something to that effect. Genius.
This week is the best yet: Aaron Lazar. Yummy, delicious, gorgeous Aaron Lazar. Is there any possible way they will have him sing? Maybe Betty will get lost and find herself in a cabaret bar, and the only way they can afford their tab is if Aaron sells his clothes and then sings them a song... naked. Anyone?
Please watch Ugly Betty. Please give them good ratings so they will continue to hire Broadway actors so that the whole world can appreciate their awesomeness.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Question
Does anyone else think this is a weird couple?
They are both incredibly talented, and I'm sure, sweet and lovely people. But as a couple? Who knew!
They are both incredibly talented, and I'm sure, sweet and lovely people. But as a couple? Who knew!
Another one bites the dust
Young Frankenstein is closing in January.
It had a good healthy run, considering the lousy reviews and lack of Tony nominations.
But, again, shows need to stop closing.
Please please PLEASE let there be a hit show that revitalizes Broadway!
I saw the grosses for last week, South Pacific, Jersey Boys and Wicked are still doing great business. It IS possible.
Go see a Broadway show. Give tickets as Christmas presents!
It had a good healthy run, considering the lousy reviews and lack of Tony nominations.
But, again, shows need to stop closing.
Please please PLEASE let there be a hit show that revitalizes Broadway!
I saw the grosses for last week, South Pacific, Jersey Boys and Wicked are still doing great business. It IS possible.
Go see a Broadway show. Give tickets as Christmas presents!
Daily Dose of Awesome
Jennifer Westfeldt is going to be on Grey's Anatomy for several episodes! I love her!
I didn't see her in Wonderful Town, but based on the CD, she sounds charming. If you have not seen Kissing Jessica Stine, please do so. There are lots of Broadway people cropping up throughout the movie. And I just think its such a charming film. It makes me want to write something for me and my friends to star in.
Jennifer Westfeldt, please make Grey's Anatomy better than it has been lately. This is the job I am giving you.
I have posted a pic of her and her man, Jon Hamm (also in Kissing Jessica Stein-- did they meet during that film?), just because he is so damn handsome.
Joey Fatone Inaugurates NYC Toilets
This is probably my favorite headline... ever... in the history of the world.
Yes, thats right. Joey Fatone was the celebrity chosen to inaugurate the new public restrooms in Times Square, courtesy of Charmin.
I think that if my job was to inaugurate public restrooms, I would think long and hard about my life. I'm just saying.
What the who what?
There is a new Pal Joey.
Christian Hoff reportedly hurt his foot this weekend, and has now been permanently replaced by his understudy. Yes, it is the story that urban legends are made of-- how the understudy must step in and save the show. Think of musical comedy, the two most glorious words in the English language, Peggy Sawyer!
There seem to be rumblings right now as to whether Christian Hoff really DID hurt his foot or not. Was he simply not up to par and they decided to replace him at the 11th hour? And if he really is hurt, why did they choose to replace with the understudy, if they postponed the opening anyway? Meaning, they could have used the extra time to find someone great (not that Matthew Risch isn't/won't be great.) Look at what Xanadu accomplished--- they lost their leading man unexpectedly, auditioned some bigger names and ended up with Cheyenne Jackson who was amazing!
Matthew Risch was fine in Legally Blonde... he was fine. I didn't feel that I was seeing a huge talent being wasted in a small role. But I would love to be proven wrong.
That being said, Pal Joey already has a star-studded cast, with Stockard Channing and Martha Plimpton. Maybe they felt that they didn't need a star in the part--- Christian Hoff certainly isn't a box office draw outside of the the isle of Manhattan. Maybe this is less Xanadu and more Thoroughly Modern Millie-- allowing Sutton Foster to step up amongst some bigger names and grab her Tony.
But how many tickets will Martha and Stockard sell, really? I know they have a subscription base to fall back on, but still.
Can you imagine what it must be like to be Risch right now?!?! What a weird/crazy few days he must have had?!?!
I am hoping that this is more of the 42nd Street kind of story, where he comes back a star!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
I drop the hip-hop from my mom and pop shop...
I finally saw In the Heights! In fact, I have seen it twice!
And it was everything I wanted it to be. And more. Thank God!
If you have not seen it-- Go. Go now!
In all seriousness, I think it is a brilliant piece of theater. I think Lin-Manual Miranda is brilliant. He is also incredibly charismatic, self-deprecating and completely lovable. He is now on my laminated list. The entire cast is glorious. I want to be Andrea Burns when I grow up.
Its wonderful that it has found such an audience. Both times I saw it, it was standing room only.
In The Heights is one of those shows where everyone involved is at the top of their game at the same time-- the creators, the actors, the designers, the choreography, the direction-- all working together beautifully. I felt the same way with Spring Awakening.
I think my new favorite person to watch is Andy Blankenbueler. His choreography goes back and forth between sheer realism to complete surrealism to everything in between. I now will see anything he does.
Save my Broadway
The number of Broadway shows that have closed/are closing is ridiculous!
And... to be quite honest... it scares me. Not sure if it is the economy to blame, or that these shows just ran their course-- or perhaps a bit of both.
I have to admit... it wasn't the stock market and it wasn't all of the job cuts that really got me scared for the state of the economy and its affect on me personally. It is all of the shows closing.
Here are the shows that have semi-recently closed/will be closing soon:
- Legally Blonde
- Tale of Two Cities
- 13
- Spamalot
- Gypsy
- Rent
- Xanadu
- Hairspray
- A Chorus Line
- Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening is the most upsetting to me-- this groundbreaking show deserved a much longer run. Its a crying shame that it didn't last longer.
Here is the thing... My Broadway can't be a victim of this economic meltdown. It just can't be. I need to know that, no matter what happens, there are good Broadway shows to be seen. I need to know that talented, amazing actors, directors and designers are still being given a platform to grow, change an develop the Broadway musical.
There was a season on Broadway, way before my time of watching the Tonys, where there were so few new musicals on Broadway that season that whole categories were eliminated. The year that Big River won, and there was no Best Actor category. There was also the more recent year where there were only two Best Actress nominees-- Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard and Rebecca Luker in Show Boat. Those seasons, to me, are the saddest thing ever. The thought of there being such a crunch on new shows that Tony nominations are cut in half is my personal version of hell.
Here is what we have to look forward to:
- Shrek
- Guys and Dolls
-West Side Story
- 9 to 5
- Vanities
- Hair
All of these are extremely big budget extravaganzas. My guess is that they will be so costly to run that if they are not instant smashes, they will fold in a few months. I hope, for the sake of Broadway, that that doesn't happen.
Please save my Broadway.
And... to be quite honest... it scares me. Not sure if it is the economy to blame, or that these shows just ran their course-- or perhaps a bit of both.
I have to admit... it wasn't the stock market and it wasn't all of the job cuts that really got me scared for the state of the economy and its affect on me personally. It is all of the shows closing.
Here are the shows that have semi-recently closed/will be closing soon:
- Legally Blonde
- Tale of Two Cities
- 13
- Spamalot
- Gypsy
- Rent
- Xanadu
- Hairspray
- A Chorus Line
- Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening is the most upsetting to me-- this groundbreaking show deserved a much longer run. Its a crying shame that it didn't last longer.
Here is the thing... My Broadway can't be a victim of this economic meltdown. It just can't be. I need to know that, no matter what happens, there are good Broadway shows to be seen. I need to know that talented, amazing actors, directors and designers are still being given a platform to grow, change an develop the Broadway musical.
There was a season on Broadway, way before my time of watching the Tonys, where there were so few new musicals on Broadway that season that whole categories were eliminated. The year that Big River won, and there was no Best Actor category. There was also the more recent year where there were only two Best Actress nominees-- Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard and Rebecca Luker in Show Boat. Those seasons, to me, are the saddest thing ever. The thought of there being such a crunch on new shows that Tony nominations are cut in half is my personal version of hell.
Here is what we have to look forward to:
- Shrek
- Guys and Dolls
-West Side Story
- 9 to 5
- Vanities
- Hair
All of these are extremely big budget extravaganzas. My guess is that they will be so costly to run that if they are not instant smashes, they will fold in a few months. I hope, for the sake of Broadway, that that doesn't happen.
Please save my Broadway.
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