Clinton The Musical Off-Broadway Premiere at New World Stages Announces Leads

by Paul Mroczka

Clinton The Musical casting for Off-Broadway premiere.

Clinton The Musical casting for Off-Broadway premiere.

Clinton: the Musical, a satire that spoofs the eight years our 42nd president and his wife spent in the White House, will star Tom Galantich and Duke Lafoon as the president. Both Galantich and Lafoon possess a range of Broadway credits. Galantich has been in The Great White Way productions of Don’t Dress for Dinner, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Boys from Syracuse, Mamma Mia! and City of Angels. Lafoon has been in the Broadway productions of Casa Valentina, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Sister Act and Bye Bye Birdie.

Galantich and Lafoon will each portray a different side of Bill Clinton. Galantich will play WJ, who is the All-American, wholesome president, while Lafoon will portray Billy, who is the rapscallion, bad boy of the White House.

Other Cast Members

Clinton: The Musical has more than two actors. It’s a full-length, full cast show, which includes John Treacy Egan as Newt Gingrich, Veronica Kuehn as Monica Lewinsky, Kerry Butler as Hillary Clinton, and Judy Gold as Eleanor Roosevelt. Kuehn made her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! and has been in Avenue Q Off-Broadway.

The Creators

A pair of Australian brothers wrote Clinton: The Musical. The score is by Paul Hodge and the book by Paul Hodge and Michael Hodge. The idea for the musical came to Paul Hodge when he was on a family outing. At that time, he was seeing a musical in his homeland about a politician. His dad said, after seeing the musical with his son, “Oh, it was good, but politicians don’t make good subjects for musicals. The only politician who would make a good subject for that would be Bill Clinton.” Paul Hodge thought that his dad was onto something.

The Musical

The satire exploits the wide range of scandals, hijinks, rumors, and controversies that defined the Clinton years, including Bill Clinton’s sax and sex appeal, moral reformers and FOB wannabes, and political one-upmanship and media miscues. The score includes 90s pop, standard musical theatre styles, and burlesque.

Important Dates

Clinton: The Musical will premiere at New World Stages on March 25 and will officially open on April 9. It’s a change for audiences to relive history in a unique manner, as fodder for satire in a musical comedy.

Broadway in Brief

by Matt Kizer

lightbulb_held_in_hand

  • The Lyceum is the oldest, continuously operating Broadway theatre in New York City.
  • Along with the Lyceum Theatre (both built in 1903), the New Amsterdam is the oldest surviving Broadway venue.
  • The Lyric Theatre, (previously known as the Foxwoods Theatre, the Hilton Theatre,  and the Ford Center for the Performing Arts) is the youngest.  It opened on January 18, 1998.
  • The Gershwin Theatre has the largest seating capacity of any Broadway theatre, with 1,933 seats.
  • The Helen Hayes Theatre, originally known as the Little Theatre, is the smallest theatre on Broadway, with 597 seats.
  • The Vivian Beaumont Theatre is the only Broadway Venue not in the Theatre District. It is located in the Lincoln Center complex on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, a good twelve blocks north of the rest.
  • The Broadway venue that has housed the most Tony-Award winners for Best Play and Best Musical is the Richard Rogers Theatre, with Ten awards.

 

The Audience with Helen Mirren Previews Tonight on Broadway

by Paul Mroczka

Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience.

Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience.

Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience on Broadway has been much anticipated. Mirren starts previews tonight for the show, which will open on March 8 and run through June 28 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. The play, which is written by Peter Morgan and directed by Stephen Daldry, offers a fascinating premise revolving around 60 years of private, weekly meeting between the queen and her prime ministers. Continue reading →

The Iceman Cometh: Nathan Lane as Hickey in O’Neill Classic

by Paul Mroczka

Iceman Cometh Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy at BAM

Iceman Cometh Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy at BAM

Lane, Dennehy and company at BAM.

In 2012, Robert Falls directed Eugene O’Neill’sThe Iceman Cometh with Nathan Lane, Brian Dennehy, and an amazing ensemble cast. The Goodman run was extended, as Falls managed to capture the various essences O’Neill’s down and out characters, the ebb and flow of their desperate lives turning slowly towards death, and the hope of hopelessness than surrounds this sometimes funny but always dark drama.

The Iceman Cometh is one of those plays that one only attempts when one is ready to scale the ultimate artistic challenge, and Falls and company not only took on the challenge in 2012, but also succeeded mightily. The production has been remounted at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. It began previews February 5 and opened February 12. Once again, Lane and company have received high praise from reviewers and have captured and held the attention of audiences in a production that runs more than four hours.

The Play

Lane, as Hickey, usually offers hope, but this visit is different.

Lane, as Hickey, usually offers hope, but this visit is different.

Nathan Lane plays Theodore “Hickey” Hickman, a salesman who saunters into Harry Hope’s saloon and flophouse when he has a hankering and treats everyone to jokes, drinks, and a good time. It is a bar whose patrons include those who are down and out, washed up, and on the verge of destruction. Old men, prostitutes, former warriors, pimps, and more live their lives out at Hope’s, as they mix alcohol, smoke, and pipe dreams to create a powerful concoction designed to hide the realities of their dwindling existences.

This is not an easy play to watch, but just as we are attracted to the real life tragedies of others, audiences become transfixed on this collection of characters. That is if the play is expertly conceptualized, directed, designed, and acted. The reports are it is by Falls and company.

The Reviews

John Douglas Iceman Cometh BAM with Nathan Lane

John Douglas is “riveting” as Joe Mott.

Lane, who recently finished his run in the comedy It’s Only a Play in order to appear inThe Iceman Cometh, has won great praise. The New York Times observes, “I should begin with a lusty bravo for Nathan Lane, who climbs the mighty Everest of the play’s most challenging role, the salesman Hickey who harbors a grim secret, with a restless energy that never fails to impress…As an acting feat, one might compare this to emerging from a bubble bath only to swan-dive into a frozen pond — daunting to contemplate, let alone accomplish.”

In reference to Dennehy as Larry Slade, USA notes, “…here, hunched and subdued, the 76-year-old actor embodies the frailty and disgust of a man who has given up on life but is afraid, more than he’ll admit, of death. Even during his silent passages, you can’t stop watching him, watching Hickey and the rest.”

Variety observes, as others have, that John Douglas “is downright riveting as Joe Mott, the former owner of a Negro gambling house who only needs a decent stake to step back into his old life — provided he can keep his towering rage in check.”

The NY Daily News says succinctly what is echoed in other reviews when it writes, “Stephen Ouimette is ultimately a heartbreaker as the bar’s owner. His name, thanks to sly authorial irony, is Harry Hope. There’ not much of that stuff for him and his customers. Hopeless would be a more fitting surname.”

The production as an entity has received plaudits from all. The word is this is the show to see if you want to see some of the best acting either on or off Broadway this theatrical season.

Limited Run

The Iceman Cometh is scheduled to run for one-month Off-Broadway at BAM, closing on March 15. The four-act play’s total running time is 4 hours and 45 minutes and offers audiences a harrowing and revelatory exploration of the lives of the downtrodden and beaten. It is O’Neill at his best.

Frozen Broadway Bound for 2017 as Alex Timbers May Direct

by Paul Mroczka

Film Frozen to be Broadway musical

Film Frozen to be Broadway musical

Frozen is slated for the Broadway stage.

Frozen, the hit Disney film musical, is eyeing Broadway for 2017. Disney Theatricals will produce the stage musical, which may be directed by the highly innovative Alex Timbers. The Daily Mail reports that dates are indefinite, but that the new stage musical will include songs from the film as well as new numbers.

Alex Timbers

Timbers has been a potent force on Broadway. His most recent effort to make it to The Great White way was the 2014 stage musical of the film Rocky, for which he received Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for Best Director. In 2012, he was nominated for a Tony for his direction of the hit show Peter and the Starcatcher, and in 2011 he was nominated for a Tony for his book on Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson. He also directed that production. He directed the The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway, which enjoyed a strong run and was extended numerous times.

The Announcement

In a statement, President and Producer of Disney Theatrical Productions Thomas Schumacher announced some creative staffing for Frozen, noting “As has already been announced, Disney Theatrical is working on a stage adaptation of the animated film Frozen. It will come as no surprise that the EGOT-winning Broadway veteran Robert Lopez and the Oscar and Grammy winning Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who wrote the indelible songs for the film, will be working on the show and that Oscar winner Jennifer Lee, co-director and screenwriter of the film, will be working on the book of the stage version. No other staffing or dates have been announced.”

Further Word

We can expect more on the stage musical Frozen in the future. At this point, the Broadway date remains general with 2017 being the target and no formal announcements regarding casting have been made. Idina Menzel, who sang the popular song “Let It Go” in the film is presently playing the lead in the musical If/Then on Broadway. It’s not known when a decision will be made on who will direct the musical, but Timbers looks to be a strong candidate.

Roundabout Broadway Revival On the Twentieth Century Previews Tonight

by Paul Mroczka

On the Twentieth Century Chenoweth & Gallagher Previews

On the Twentieth Century Chenoweth & Gallagher Previews

On the Twentieth Century was to preview February 12th.

The Broadway revival of On the Twentieth Century, which was supposed to preview February 12, previews tonight. The Friday the 13th initial public performance, which is an odd one for those in the theatre, who are often quite superstitious, has been much anticipated due to the fact that two of Broadway’s most respected musical talents, Kristin Chenoweth and Peter Gallagher, are playing opposite one another.

The Musical

On the Twentieth Century, which won five Tonys when it was first produced on Broadway in 1978, featured John Cullum, Madeline Khan, Imogene Coca, and Kevin Kline. The musical won Tonys for Best Book and Best Score. It has a book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Cy Coleman.

The show is a crazy screwball comedy in which a down and out Broadway producer named Oscar Jaffe (Gallagher) attempts to convince his former lover and muse, Lily Garland (Chenoweth), to commit to play Mary Magdalene in a nonexistent Broadway drama. Jaffe believes that such a deal can resurrect his career, which is in a shambles. Garland, who is now a big Hollywood star, plays hard to get. The plot becomes exceedingly complex as they ride the luxury train, the Twentieth Century, across the country. Jaffe has various impediments thwarting his efforts, including Garland’s jealous, young lover and an out-of-control religious fanatic. It is a wild comedy on rails.

The Principals

On the Twentieth Century, which is scheduled for a limited run ending July 5 and will officially open March 12, is directed by Scott Ellis and will play at the American Airlines Theatre. Chenoweth, who is a Tony and Emmy winner, and Gallagher, Who is a Tony nominee, are joined by Tony nominee Andy Karl, Mark Linn-Baker and Tony winners Michael McGrath and Mary Louise Wilson.

Break a leg to all involved in On the Twentieth Century!

Film Stars and Oscar Nominees Bring Broadway Grosses Up

by Paul Mroczka

Emma Stone Cabaret and Oscar nominee

Emma Stone Cabaret and Oscar nominee

With Stone’s Oscar nod, ticket sales for cabaret have risen.

Emma Stone and Bradley Cooper, both Oscar nominees this year, are doing big box office on Broadway. Stone, who has been appearing as Sally Bowles opposite Allan Cumming in Cabaret, was nominated for her work on Birdman, which starred Michael Keaton. Cooper, who is playing the lead in The Elephant Man on Broadway in a production that will transfer to London, is nominated for American Sniper.

Time Running Out to Catch Their Performances

Stone finishes her run this week and Cooper will be done some time prior to the February 22 Oscar telecast. With the Oscar nods and little time left to see these two stars, there’s been a lot of pressure on those selling tickets. Both shows are selling well.

For the week ending Feb 8, Cabaret sold at 98.2% of capacity, while The Elephant Man topped off at 100.2%. Cabaret was up 3.6% from the week before and The Elephant Man saw an increase of 4.7%. The musical brought in close to $36, 500 more than the week prior and the play did over $255,000 more in business.

Cabaret Replacement

Sienna Miller in Cabaret on Broadway

Sienna Miller , who is in American Sniper and Foxcatcher, takes over for Stone.

Staring February 17, Cabaret will welcome film actress Sienna Miller to the cast. Miller, who can be seen in the films American Sniper and Foxcatcher, will be making her Broadway debut as Stone’s replacement. She’ll perform with Alan Cumming, who has been playing the emcee since the Roundabout production opened in April. Miller is scheduled to be on the boards until March 29.

Broadway at the NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden

by Paul Mroczka

NBA ALL STAR GAME Mamma Mia

NBA ALL STAR GAME Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia cast members perform at the NBA All-Star Game.

Broadway comes to Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets host the NBA All-Star game this year. There’s a lot of glitz and glamour associated with the exhibition contest, which offers basketball fanes three days of sports and entertainment.

The All-Star Break

The NBA All-Star break tips off tomorrow with two games: the Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at 7 pm and the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at 9 pm. On Saturday there are four big competitions. The action starts at 8:30 am as the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night gets into gear. The first event offers Degree Shooting Stars, while the second is the Taco Bell Skills Challenge. The final two events are considered to be the biggest of the night with the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest (3rd Event) and Sprite Slam Dunk (4th Event) being presented.

Broadway Entertainment

The All-Star Game takes center court at 8:30 Sunday night. Performing during the telecast, which may be seen on TNT, will be the casts of Chicago, Jersey Boys and Mamma Mia! Other entertainers include Queen Latifah and Tamia singing the U.S. and Canadian anthems, and Christina Aguilera and the Rockettes. Ariana Grande will perform at half-time.

Full Service Entertainment

If you get the chance to see the NBA All-Star Game, you see some great basketball action as well as some wonderful all-star entertainment from The Great White Way just down the street. Enjoy the shows!

Audra McDonald to Play in Spamalot at Hollywood Bowl

by Paul Mroczka

Audra McDonald 6 time tony winner concert tour

Audra McDonald 6 time tony winner concert tour

McDonald will make at least 50 appearances from Feb 13 through Sep 5.

Audra McDonald, who won her sixth Tony for her portrayal of Billie Holliday in Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill, performs at a pace that would be daunting to most. He schedule is all encompassing and diverse. McDonald has earned plaudits for her roles in various Broadway shows, including Ragtime, A Raison in the Sun, and Porgy and Bess. Here’s a look at a few of the appearances that are upcoming.

32-City Concert Tour

If you would like to see this great performer live on stage, you’ll have plenty of opportunities. She starts her winter tour, which will play Boston, New York, and Los Angeles, on February 13 at the University of Connecticut. Her final “winter tour” date is July 15, 2015 at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA.

Other Projects

Audra McDonald as Billie Holliday.

McDonald won her sixth Tony portraying Billie Holliday.

After her 32-city tour, McDonald will appear in Spamalot, which is part of the Hollywood Bowl’s 2015 summer season. She opens July 31 and closes August 2. After her run in Spamalot, she will appear at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in the Eugene O’Neill classic A Moon for the Misbegotten from Aug. 5-23. The six-time Tony-winner will star with Tony Award nominee Will Swenson.

Plus, McDonald will perform in a Sing-A-Long Sound of Music on June 26, which will pay homage to the 50th anniversary of the Academy Award winning movie starring Julie Andrews. On September 1 and 3, she will perform American Classics with the American Ballet Theatre and the L.A. Philharmonic.

Prolific Performer

The multi-award winning McDonald always seems to be involved in five or six upcoming projects. The ultimate performer, McDonald is equally at home in plays and musicals. Try to see her, as she will perform across America at least 45 times from February through September. She is one of out finest performers.

Broadway Grosses and Capacity for Week Ending February 8

by Paul Mroczka

Fish in the Dark by Larry David

Fish in the Dark by Larry David

Larry David should be smiling as his show is selling beyond capacity.

It’s been an interesting week on Broadway, as four of five top shows in terms of capacity were plays and not musicals. Musicals topped the list of grosses, with four of the top five being tuners, but that’s partly because musicals tend to be playing in larger houses and tickets to these shows are pricier. You might think that a majority of the plays at the top of the list would be comedies, but only one, Fish in the Dark, is.

Fish in the Dark

The play by and starring Larry David, Fish in the Dark, seems to be an instant hit with a ready-made cult following who love his show Curb Your Enthusiasm and are big fans of his co-creation Seinfeld. A Fish in the Dark grossed just under one million last week and filled the theatre beyond seating capacity, coming in at 101.05%. The River, which stars Hugh Jackman, sold at 102.42% capacity, leading all shows, as The Book of Mormon, which was second to The Lion King in gross, selling $1,455,237 worth of tickets, was also second in capacity at 102.19%. Fourth and fifth in capacity were The Elephant Man (100.15%) and Constellations (98.69%).

Top and Bottom Grossing Show

This week the top grossing show, The Lion King, brought in $1,463,314. As noted, second was The Book of Mormon, while Wicked was third at $1,262,017, Aladdin fourth at $1,203,871, and Fish in the Dark fifth at $993,940.

Shows that are struggling at the box office include the musicals On the Town, Mamma Mia!, and Honeymoon in Vegas. All of these shows offer fairly light entertainment. Disgraced, which had a solid Off-Broadway run, seems to be unable to find an audience, as it is last in grosses, selling $333,741. Finishing close to Disgraced is the classic American comedy You Can’t Take It with You, starring James Earl Jones. It grossed just $334,224.

Top and Bottom Five for the Week

Here’s a quick summary of high and low grosses and capacities.

Tops (Gross)

  1. The Lion King ($1,463,314)
  2. The Book of Mormon ($1,455,237)
  3. Wicked ($1,262,017)
  4. Aladdin ($1,203,871)
  5. Fish in the Dark ($993,940)*

Bottoms (Gross)

  1. On the Town ($379,914)
  2. Mamma Mia! ($362,236)
  3. Honeymoon in Vegas ($359,163)
  4. You Can’t Take It With You ($334,224)
  5. Disgraced ($333,741)

Tops (Capacity

  1. The River (102.42%)
  2. The Book of Mormon (102.19%)
  3. Fish in the Dark (101.05%)*
  4. The Elephant Man (100.15%)**
  5. Constellations (98.69%)

Bottoms (Capacity)

  1. Les Miserables (60.09%)
  2. Mamma Mia! (55.29%)
  3. You Can’t Take It With You (52.50%)
  4. Honeymoon in Vegas (51.63%)
  5. On the Town (36.15%)