New York City Broadway Theater Guide

On the Way to Broadway...Maybe

Possibilities, only possibilities. These shows are in some stage of development, have been announced by somebody or another, or are heavily rumored to be on the road to the Great White Way

All About Us

Broadway Musical

Creative Joseph Stein book | John Kander music | Fred Ebb lyrics

Hmmm, if you have problems getting the title right? All About Us has been kicking around in development for a number of years, premiering at Virginia's Signature Theatre as Over and Over in January 1999. The show didn't bowl anyone over, so went back to a string of workshops and readings. Somewhere along the line the title was changed to Thornton's original Skin of Our Teeth and had a run in 2007 at the Westport Country Playhouse as the current All About Us. The Westport run included Schuler Hensley, Eartha Kitt and Cady Huffman among the cast. That would certainly lead us to believe that it is still aiming for Broadway sometime in the not too distant future

Show Site All About Us The Musical

First listed February 1999 Updated October 2009

The Apprentice

Broadway Musical | Spring 2006

Producers Barry and Jan Weisler | Donald Trump | Mark Burnett

Yep, he can't keep his hands out of anything. Donald Trump announced in May 2005 that the producing team above will bring a musical version of the reality television show The Apprentice to the boards sometime in Spring 2006

No word in quite a few months. With the Spring 2006 season mostly shaped up, this could be a blessing

And the blessings continue...

First listed May 2005 Updated October 2009

La Bete

Broadway Comedy | Fall 2010

Producers Scott Landis, Sonia Friedman, Roger Berlind, Robert Bartner, Roy Furman

Creative David Hirson author | Matthew Warchus

Cast David Hyde Pierce, Joanna Lumley, Mark Rylance, Sally Wingert

Due Fall 2010 after June thru August 2010 run at London's Comedy Theater

La Bete had an inauspicious Broadway debut in Winter 1991. Opening at the Eugene O'Neill Theater on Feb 10th after 15 previews the show only gave 25 performances. Other than that it did pretty well, considering it garnered five Tony and six Drama Desk nods (winning none). The production included Michael Cumpsty as Elomire, Tom McGowan as Valere and Suzi Plackson as Marquise Theresa

First listed February 2010

Betty Boop

Broadway Musical | 2010-2011

Producer Robyn Goodman

Creative Oscar Williams & Sally Robinson book | David Foster music & lyrics

Jason Robert Brown replaced as composer by Robert Lippa in August 2004

Don't know when this happened, but when it was announced in Nov '09 that show was aiming for 2010-2011, David Lindsay-Abaire for the book and Robert Lippa for the score are out. Creative is now book writers Oscar Williams and Sally Robinson, and composer David Foster

So, if you're keeping track:
Dec 2003 David Lindsay-Abaire book | Jason Robert Brown music & lyrics
Aug 2004 David Lindsay-Abaire book | Robert Lippa music & lyrics
Nov 2009 Oscar Williams & Sally Robinson book | David Foster music & lyrics

First listed December 2003 Updated November 2009

Bonnie & Clyde

Broadway Musical | Spring 2011?

Creative Ivan Menchell book | Frank Wildhorn music | Don Black lyrics | Jeff Calhoun director & musical staging

Design  Tobin Ost costume & scenic design | Michael Gilliam lighting design | Brian Ronan sound design

Show debbed at the La Jolla Playhouse during a Nov-Dec run at its Mandell Weiss Theatre with Laura Osnes and Stark Sands in the title roles. Production will have what is billed as a pre-Broadway run at Sarasota's Asolo Rep Nov-Dec 2010. Casting for the FL run began late April in NYC

First listed December 2009

The Book of Mormon

Broadway Musical | March 2011

Producers Scott Rudin, Anne Garefino

Creative Robert Lopez, Trey Parker & Matt Stone book, music & lyrics | Jason Moore & Trey Parker directors

Casting call for Jul-Aug 2010 NYC workshops went out late April 2010

First listed April 2010

Breath of Life

Broadway Play | 2008?

Creative David Hare author | Howard Davies director

Cast Vanessa Redgrave

Maggie Smith and Judi Dench played West End run through March 2003. Smith was to take the trip across the pond for a Fall 2003 run while the Dame stayed home and Dianne Wiest assumed her as Angela Beale. Too bad, we were all set to line up for tickets to see Judi

According to Playbill, Liz Smith reported In November 2005 that Vanessa Redgrave was interested in taking on the Maggie Smith-originated role of Madeleine Palmer. Now that Ms Redgrave is booked for The Year of Magical Thinking come Spring, a Broadway run of The Breath of Life is most likely a season or two away from fruition

A Mark Lamos-directed production starring Jane Alexander and Stockard Channing played the Westport Country Playhouse September to October 2009. Not sure if this version has further aspirations, will keep an eye on it

First listed January 2003 Updated October 2009

Broadway Follies

Broadway Musical Revue | April 2006

Producers Ken Greengrass, Marty Markinson & Leonard Soloway

Creative Jean Ann Ryan director

Johnny Harris musical director & arrangements | Daniel Storey costume design | James K Ryan III lighting design | Tom John set design

Cast Florence Henderson

A salute to the glory days of Broadway musical reviews performed by entertainers "of a certain age"

No word since January 2006

First listed May 2005 Updated October 2009

Catch Me if You Can

Broadway Musical | Spring 2011

Producers Margot Lion

Creative Terrance McNally book | Marc Shaiman music | Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman lyrics | Jack O'Brien director | Jerry Mitchell choreographer | March Shaiman & Larry Blank orchestrations

Design Bob Mackie costume | Kenneth Posner lighting design | David Rockwell scenic design

Cast Norbert Leo Butz, Aaron Tveit, Tom Wopat, Kerry Butler

Based on 2002 Steven Spielberg-directed film with Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen. NYC reading held February and March 2008 with July 23 to August 14, 2009 run at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theater. Broadway casting September and October 2009 for Spring 2010 bow, later pushed to possible Fall 2010, then Spring 2011. Then, with Love Never Dies, the Lloyd Webber tuner to which Messrs O'Brien and Mitchell are also attached, pushed to Spring 2011, one wonders where the two are going to find the time to open both shows. Catch Me still scheduled for January 2011 rehearsals

First listed August 2005 Updated April 2010

Death Takes a Holiday

Broadway Musical | 2010-2011

Creative Alberto Cassella original play | Peter Stone & Thomas Meehan book | Maury Yeston music & lyrics | Doug Hughes director

Cast Antonio Banderas

The Stone-Yeston collaboration started somewhere around 2000. With a working draft completed in 2003 the project was looking toward a Spring 2005 deb with David Leveaux to direct and Antonio Banderas to be the Grim Reaper. After  Mr Stone's death in April, 2003, Mr Meehan stepped in to move the project along

Talk of a Roundabout workshop directed by Doug Hughes sometime in '07 or '08 appear to lead, finally, to a Hughs-directed reading in April 2009 (with Steven Pasquale in for Brian Stokes Mitchell) aiming for sometime in 2010-2011

First listed February 2001 Updated February 2010

Enter Laughing

Broadway Musical Revival | Fall 2010

Producer Doug Whitten

Creative Carl Reiner novel | Joseph Stein book | Stan Daniels music & lyrics | Matt Castle orchestrations | Stuart Ross director

David Toser costume design | Chris Robinson lighting design | James Morgan scenic design

Cast (Jan 2009) Jill Eikenberry, Josh Grisetti, Marla Schaffel, Michael Tucker, Paul Binotto, Matt Castle, Ray DeMattis, Erik Devine, Betsy DiLellio, Bob Dishy, Gerry McIntyre, Robb Sapp, Emily Shoolin, Allison Spratt

Newly retitled version of So Long 174th Street that was musical version of original Enter Laughing

Show had two recent runs by York Theatre Company. In September through October 2008 with Michael Tucker as the Mr and Mrs, Josh Grisetti as David and Janine LaManna as Angela. Then January through March 2009 with Marla Schaffel in for Ms LaManna

Producer Doug Whitten announced November 2009 plans for possible Fall 2010 transfer to Broadway

Show History
The original production opened March 13, 1963 at Henry Miller's Theater. Directed by Gene Saks, Alan Arkin played David with Vivian Blaine as Angela. Marty Green and Sylvia Sydney appeared as Mr & Mrs Kolowitz, with Alan Mowbray as Marlowe. Michael J Pollard played Marvin. Mr Arkin received the 1963 Tony for featured actor in a play
A short-lived musical version titled So Long, 174th Street made its bow April 27, 1976 at the Harkness Theater with Robert Morse as David and Barbara Lang as Angela. This production only managed to play 16 performances

In the Movies
Cark Reinder wrote the screenplay adaptation and directed the 1967 screen version of Enter Laughing. Reni Santoni played David, David Opatoshu appeared as Mr Kolowitz opposite Shelly Winters' Mrs, Jose Ferrer played Marlowe and Elaine May appeared as Angela. Michael J Pollard reprised his role of Marvin from the original stage play

First listed November 2009

Evita

Broadway Musical Revival | 2011-2012

Producers Hal Luftig, Scott Sanders

Creative Tim Rice book & lyrics | Andrew Lloyd Webber music | David Cullen & Andrew Lloyd Webber orchestrations | Michael Grandage director | Rob Ashford choreographer

Design (London 2006) Christopher Oram costume design & set design | Paule Constable lighting design | Mick Potter sound design

Cast Elena Roger

We've been following possible revivals of Evita since early 1999 and it looks like it's finally so. The London 2006 production appears to be due on Broadway sometime in 2011-2012 with Ms Roger and -- possibly -- Ricky Martin as Che

Natalie Toro and Raul Esparza toured the show back in 1999 in what was -- because of the interest sparked by the Madonna flick -- rumored to be a run-up to a Broadway revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice hit. Never happened

It's been a long time and a new production is to start a national tour with a Fall 2004 stop at Boston's Colonial Theater and a Spring 2005 run at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre in (our) anticipation of a Fall 2005 return to NYC

It's almost three months into 2006 and Evita has yet to hit Broadway. However, the revival is due to hit London's West End this coming June

Well, the London 2006 Evita came and went (June 2006 through May 2007 at the Adelphi Theater) with Elena Roger as Eva opposite Philip Quast as Peron and Matt Rawle as Che. Back here in the States regional productions have played around the country, Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin have had their concert show on the road, and still no word of the supposed Evita revival

Notes The Hal Prince directed original production played at the Broadway Theater for 1,567 performances starting in September 1979. Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin and Bob Gunton headed the cast. The show was nominated for 10 1980 Tony Awards ®, winning seven

First listed 1999 Updated March 2010

Fallen Angels

Broadway Drama Revival | Spring 2010

Creative Noel Coward author

Wow, look what we had to go get out of the attic. The last glimmer we had of the show was back in 2004. Now Pasadena Playhouse has its production opening February 2010 "prior to an anticipated commercial run immediately following the Playhouse engagement."

Was to be 2001 after successful 2000 London run. Was to be Spring 2003, then maybe Fall. Michael Rudman was to direct Christine Baranski & Mercedes Ruehl, then maybe Annette Bening and Judith Ivey

First listed December 2000 Updated August 2009

First Wives Club the Musical

Broadway Musical | 2007?

Producers Jonas Neilson, Paul Lambert, Silverwood Films

Creative Olivia Goldsmith original novel | Rupert Holmes book | Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier & Brian Holland music & lyrics | Francesca Zambello director

Yep, the folks behind many of the Motown sound hits by The Four Tops and The Supremes are being reunited to do a Broadway musical take on the Novel and hit film The First Wives Club

The show had its world premiere July 2009 at San Diego's's Old Globe Theatre and run was extended one week. John Dossett, Sam Harris, Brad Oscar, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Barbara Walsh and Karen Ziemba appeared, making us think this production has the legs to get it to Broadway

And now it looks like Francesca Zambello, who helmed the production at the Old Globe has a pretty busy schedule in 2010. Producers are looking around for a replacement

You can keep abreast of the action at First Wives Club the Musical

First listed June 2005 Updated November 2009

Godspell

Broadway Musical | 2010-2011

Producers Ken Davenport

Creative John_Michael Tebelak concept | Stephen Schwartz music & lyrics | Daniel Goldstein director

Time to pull this one back out of the attic. The production was slated for a Fall 2008 bow with Gavin Creel and Diana DeGarmo at the Barrymore before the "Oops, turns out the guy who had the money doesn't have the money" statement was released and the project fell through

It now looks as if the first revival of Godspell might make it back to Broadway sometime in the 2010-2011 season

Not sure how much in common this production will have with what the last was supposed to be, but Mr Goldstein was also slated to direct that, as he did a successful Fall 2006 production at the Paper Mill Playhouse

First listed November 2009

Grumpy Old Men the Musical

Broadway Musical | Spring 2008

Producers Jeff Gardner | Ken Denison

Creative Dan Remmes book | Nick Meglin lyrics | Neil Berg music | Glenn Casale director

November 2007 NYC readings included Christopher Lloyd, George Hearn, Adrienne Barbeau, Carol Kane, Garrett Morris and Conrad John Schuck (That's the used-to-be plain old John Schuck),

October 2008 readings included F Murray Abraham, George Hearn, Marilu Henner, Carol Kane, Ken Page and Conrad John Schuck

Find out more at Grumpy Old Men the Musical

First listed July 2005 Updated October 2008

Havana

Broadway Musical | Fall 2010

Creative Nilo Cruz book | Jack Murphy lyrics | Frank Wildhorn music | Sergio Trujillo director

Another one to dust off. Linda Eder was to star in this musical treatment of pre-revolutionary Cuba, first slated for 2000, then supposedly 2002. At that time, George Boyd and Jack Murphy shared book and lyrics credits. Now Nilo Cruz is credited for the book and Mr Murphy the lyrics; change apparently made 2007 or before. Didn't hear of the show for almost five years until it workshopped during the Broadway Theatre Project in Tampa Summer 2007. Subsequently picked up by producers Ben Sprecher and Louise Forlenza with interest in 2010 run. Now to be staged at Pasadena Playhouse June 2010 as pre-Broadway run

First listed May 1998 Updated August 2009

Hitchcock Blonde

Broadway Play | Fall 2006?

Producers Stanley Tulchin | Norman Tulchin | Sonia Freidman | Royal Court Theatre

Creative Terry Johnson author & director

Cast Jane Krakowski | Christina Ricci | William Hootkins

Variety reported that after a successful London run that started at the Royal Court Theatre, Hitchock Blonde was slated to make a run at Broadway in February 2005 with Jane Krakowski, Christina Ricci and William Hootkins, who originated the Hitchcock role in London, attached. It then looked like, according to Playbill, that the show might be delayed a bit to either April or May, then Fall 2005. Then the South Coast Repertory put it on the schedule for February 2006, so our guess of Fall 2006 was as good as anybody's

The show instead took a detour through Houston's Alley Theatre, on the boards February and March 2007. That's the last we've heard to date

Not going to pretend that we know exactly what the show is about except for Alfred Hitchcock's seeming obsession with blonde heroines and a film lecturer's obsession with a blonde student. While very favorable, the London reviews are somewhat inscrutable as, we take it, are many of Mr Johnson's plays. We read about "clever film effects" and "the gap between celluloid dreams and reality" as Mr Johnson "interweaves three different time zones"

First listed May 2004 | Updated June 2009

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Broadway Musical | Spring 2011

Producers Broadway Across America, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron

Creative Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert book | Frank Loesser music & lyrics | Rob Ashford director & choreographer

Cast Daniel Radcliffe

Production is announced for 2011 based on December 2009 NYC readings

First listed January 2010 | Updated May 2010

Hughie and Krapp's Last Tape

Broadway Dramas | April 2010

Hughie Eugene O'Neill author | Robert Falls director | Brian Dennehy & Joe Grifasi

Krapp's Last Tape Samuel Beckett author | Jennifer Tarver director | Brian Dennehy

Patrick Clark costume design | Robert Tomson lighting design | Eugene Lee scenic design | Richard Woodbury sound design

The double bill played the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Summer 2008. Hughie played New Haven's Long Wharf Theatre in October through November 2008.  "Broadway Bound" double-run at Chicago's Goodman Theater Jan 16th through Feb 24th extended one week to the 28th

First listed May 2009 Updated January 2010

The Importance of Being Earnest

Broadway Drama | Winter 2011

American Airlines Theater

Creative Oscar Wilde author | Brian Bedford director

Desmond Heeley costume & set design | Kevin Fraser lighting design | Jim Neil sound design

Cast Brian Bedford

Back in April 2005 Variety reported that Diana Rigg would play Lady Bracknell in the ninth revival of Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, produced by Emanuel Azenberg, due Spring 2006

That one hasn't as yet panned out. Since that time, Lynn Redgrave appeared in the Center Theatre Group's January 2006 production; there was a successful 2007 run in London; 2008 productions by the Pearl Theatre Company and Canada Shakespeare Festival; Lynn Redgrave, again, at the Paper Mill in Winter 2009. And a few more productions, Inclduing Charles Busch as Lady Bracknell at the Los Angeles Theatre Works

We'll take a look at this again in the next few months

And now we think a production is finally going to hit the boards of Broadway. In February 2010 the Roundabout Theatre Company announced that Brian Bedford would direct and play Lady Bracknell in a production tentatively skedded for Winter 2011. Mr Bedford had performed the dual duties in a May to October 2009 production at Ontario's Stratford Shakespeare Festival

"Many of the cast members," from the SSF run, "though not all, will remain from the production at Stratford," said Todd Haimes, the Roundabout's artistic director.

Besides Mr Bedford the Ontario production included: Ben Carlson (John Worthing), Sarah Dodd (Miss Prism), Barbara Fulton (a Maid), Tim MacDonald (Merriman, the Butler), Stephen Ouimette (Rev Canon Chasuble), Robert Persichini (Lane, a Manservant), Andrea Runge (Cecily Cardew), Mike Shara (Algernon Moncrieff), Sara Topham (Gwendolen Fairfax)

In its first Broadway run at the Empire Theater in April 1895, Lady Bracknell was played by Ida Vernon. Subsequent players includes Ethel Hornick, again at the Empire in April 1902; Charlotte Granville in January 1921 at the Bramhall Playhouse; Lucille Watson in May 1926; Estelle Winwood in January 1939; Margaret Rutherford in 1947; and most recently, Elizabeth Wilson at the Circle in the Square Theater in June 1977

First listed April 2005 Update February 2010

Jerry Springer The Opera

Broadway Musical | Spring 2006?

Creative Richard Thomas & Stewart Lee book & lyrics | Richard Thomas music | Stewart Lee director

There's no stopping it, Jerry Springer The Opera is on its way. The London production garnered raves, and barring a disaster during its Winter 2005 run at San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre the show will reach New York October 2005

Well, we might have spoken too soon (yet again). It appears that one of the Springer's London producers has pulled out of the American run, and amidst an expensive libel suit against London's Daily Mail there's no word as yet as how a bit of a scramble for financing will affect the show's future. Now comes word that the San Francisco run has been scratched, with producers aiming for Broadway in Spring 2006. The Olivier Award-winning show will have a tough row to hoe either way; full of rough language, a Stateside production might take a detour to Vegas, where such material can be a bit easier to market

Back in May 2006 the show was listed to open at that infamous "venue to be named" sometime in December 2006. Sometime never came.

A concert version was staged at Carnegie Hall in January, 2008, and Cincinnati's New Stage Collective mounted a production in Summer 2008 that comes with its own protest video

So, we still have to keep it alive for now. In case we miss anything, you can catch up at the show site, Jerry Springer the Opera

First listed Long, long ago Updated May 2006

Kristina

Broadway Musical | Spring 2007

Creative Wilhelm Moberg's novel | Herbert Kretzmer & John Weidman book | Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus music & lyrics | Jerry Mitchell choreographer & director

Another tuner by the ABBA folks might have a Minneapolis prior to a Spring 2007 Broadway bow

Not sure if it ever had the Minneapolis run. Last heard was a Carnegie Hall concert performance in September 2009

First listed March 2006 Updated September 2009

Leap of Faith

Broadway Musical | Spring 2011?

Producers Steven Baruch | Richard Frankel | Marc Routh | Thomas Viertel | Michael Manheim | James D Stern | Douglas Meyer

Creative Janus Cercone & Glenn Slater book | Alan Menken music | Glenn Slater lyrics | Rob Ashford director & choreographer

First it was Hugh Jackman and the 2007-2008 season. Then Raul Esparza and sometime in 2009. NYC workshop Spring 2008 with Esparza, Lillias White and Terrence Mann resulted in original director Taylor Hackford leaving the show; Rob Ashford ultimately assumed director slot as well as previous choreographer duties

As of August 2009 Ms White had just started Fela! and Mr Mann was slated for The Addams Family in Spring 2010, if the show was still staged with them in mind it wouldn't happen soon

Then January 2009 backer's auditions reported by Michael Riedel. Raul Esparza still attached, joined onstage by Sutton Foster and Kendra Kasselbaum. Casting for Ahmanson run, probably with Mr Esparza, was Feb 2010 with a scheduled Sep 5th through Oct 17th 2010 bow with eyes to Broadway as early as Winter 2010

The 1992 film starred Steve Martin as a faith healer trapped in a small town when his truck breaks down

First listed June 2004 Updated April 2010

A Life in the Theater

Broadway Drama | Fall 2010

Producers Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Steve Traxler

Creative David Mamet author | Neil Pepe director

Cast Patrick Stewart

This will be the Broadway debut for Mr Mamet's A Life in the Theater, with rehearsals beginning August 23rd in anticipation of a Fall 2010 opening
The play was originally produced at Chicago's Goodman Theatre Stage 2 on February 3, 1977. Directed by Gregory Mosher, the production  starred Mike Nussbaum and Joe Mantegna. The show premiered in New York City at the Theatre de Lys (now the Lucille Lortel), on October 20, 1977. Gerald Gutierrez directed Peter Evans as John and Ellis Rabb as Robert. The show played until July 9, 1978, for a total of 288 performances. Sometime during this run the great Jose Ferrer appeared at Robert

In 1992, Kevin Dowling directed F Murray Abraham as Robert and Anthony Fusco as John in a one-month run from February 8th to March 8th at NYC's Jewish Repertory Theatre

The play returned to the Goodman (this time on its main stage) from March 14th through April 9th 2006 for a run during the Company's David Mamet Festival. Matt Schwader appeared as John, David Darlow as Robert, with Robert Falls directing

The 1977 version appeared on PBS on October 3, 1979. Messrs Evans and Rabb reprised their roles and Mr Gutierrez shared directing duties with Kirk Browning. (We have a feeling that this was a taping of the actual stage play, but have not been able to confirm that at this time.)

A made for television version was broadcast in October 1993 on TBS. Mr Mosher, the play's original director helmed the production that starred Matthew Broderick as John and Jack Lemmon as Robert

First listed February 2010 Updated April 2010

Little House on the Prairie

Broadway Musical | 2008-2009

Producers Ben Sprecher | Amy Sprecher | Louise Forienza | Bob Boyett | Jay H Harris, et al

Creative Rachel Sheinkin book | Rachel Portman music | Donna Di Novelli lyrics | Larry Hochman orchestrations

Francesca Zambello director | Michael Lynch choreographer

Jess Goldstein costume design | Mark McCullough lighting design | Adrianne Lobel scenic design | Carl Casella & Dominic Sack sound design

Cast (Tour) Melissa Gilbert | Steve Blanchard | Kara Lindsay | Kevin Massey | Kate Loprest | Alessa Neeck | Carly Rose Sonenclar

Deb run at Guthrie July 26 to October 19, 2008. Said to be pre-White Way run, but show on multi-city tour through at least June 2010

First listed May 2008 Updated November 2009

The Merchant of Venice

Broadway Drama | Fall 2010

Producers Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel

Creative William Shakespeare author | Daniel Sullivan director

Cast Al Pacino Shylock | Jesse Tyler Ferguson Soliano | Jesse L Martin Gratiano | Lily Rabe Portia | Ruben Santiago-Hudson Prince of Morocco | Max Wright Old Gobbo

Michael Riedel reported that Messrs Richards and Frankel have invested $350Gs in the Public's Shakespeare in the Park production that gives them the right to transfer the show to Broadway in the Fall. Assuming, of course, that all the other particulars can be worked out, such as finding a theater

First listed May 2010

MerryGoRound

Broadway Musical | Fall 2010

Producer Jack Stein

Creative Paul Butler & Fred Fox Jr book | Richard M Sherman & Robert B Sherman music & lyrics | Andy Belling concept & director | Larry Sousa choreographer

Bob Mackie costume | Peter Morse & Perry Allen scenic & lighting design

Cast Florence Henderson

From the folks that brought you one of the most irritating tunes you can't get out of your head, "It's a Small World After All", comes a new tuner that is intentionally reminiscent of the holiday classics A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful LIfe. After a young man attempts to end his life "he is saved by his estranged father who persuades him to travel back in his memories via a magic lantern to discover the truth behind various events in his past, to convince him to change his mind and 'stay on board' the merry-go-round of life."

The producers promise "breathtaking illusions" and a "state-of-the-art video screen projection with live performers interacting with 3-D CGI animation."

The show was workshopped Fall 2005 in LA

Playbill reported that Florence Henderson is attached and that rehearsals "will likely begin in July" with an eye toward seeing Broadway in September

MerryGoRound The Musical

First listed September 2005 Updated February 2010

Minsky's
formerly The Night They Raided Minsky's

Broadway Musical | Spring 2000

Original Creative Evan Hunter book | Susan Birkenhead lyrics | Charles Strouse music | Susan Stroman choreographer | Michael Okrent director

Originally Spring 2000, then Fall 2000 or Winter 2001 when director Okrent died of leukemia Dec 2, 1999. Jerry Zaks had subsequently been mentioned as possible helmer, then all quiet for four years

Fate of this show uncertain until Playbill reported in March 2004 that Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House had interest in the show for 2005 season, but that never happened

LA's Center Theater Group staged a production at its Ahmanson Theater in February 2009 to excellent reviews

Creative Evan Hunter original book | Bob Martin book | Susan Birkenhead lyrics | Charles Strouse music | Casey Nicholaw director & choreographer

CTG Cast Kevin Cahoon | John Cariani | Rachel Dratch | Christopher Fitzgerald | Beth Leavel | Katharine Leonard | Gerry Vichi | Paul Vogt | George Wendt

As said, reviews were uniformly good. Would be very surprising if the show isn't headed East fairly soon

First listed January 1998 Updated March 2009

The Opposite of Sex

Broadway Comedy | Spring 2007?

Creative Don Roos original screenplay | Robert Jess Roth & Douglas J Cohen book | Douglas J Cohen music & lyrics | Robert Jess Roth director

Cast Kerry Butler | David Burtka

The Opposite of Sex had a successful Fall 2004 run at San Francisco's Magic Theatre with a very experienced Broadway cast. If a January 2005 reading is encouraging enough to line up some backing we predict it to be announced, if not Spring, then Summer 2005

So? We were off a bit, as usual when trying to predict anything theater oriented. But, the show is still moving along with an August 2006 run at the Williamstown Theater Festival. Another prediction? How 'bout Spring or Summer '07?

That didn't work either. We'll keep an eye on it for a bit

What's the show about? Here's what the Magic's press release says:
"With a dead stepfather and an emotionally unstable mother, what is a sixteen year-old girl to do? What about making a break for it, moving in with your gay half-brother and seducing his hot boyfriend? Add a religious-fanatic boyfriend, a disgruntled 35-year old virgin school teacher, and a punk with a vengeance and you get the explosive, quirky, fun and politically-incorrect musical romp that is The Opposite of Sex. Based on the 1998 smash-hit film of the same name, this innovative new musical picks up someplace between where sex stops and love begins"

First listed May 2004 Updated April 2008

Paradise Found

Broadway Musical | Summer-Fall 2010?

Creative Joseph Roth original novel | Richard Nelson book | Johann Strauss Jr & Jonathan Tunick music | Jonathan Tunick orchestrations | Ellen Fitzhugh lyrics | Hal Prince & Susan Stroman directors

Design Judy Dolan costume design | Howell Binkley lighting design | Beowulf Boritt scenic design | Gareth Owen sound design

Cast George Lee Andrews, Kate Baldwin, Shuler Hensley, Judy Kaye, John McMartin, Nancy Opel, Mandy Patankin

Hal Prince-Susan Stroman collab adaptation of Joseph Roth's The Tale of the 1002nd Night. Due London's Menier Chocolate Factory for a May 19th to Jun 26th 2010 run in anticipation of a Broadway transfer

First slated to be produced sometime in 2009, staged readings scheduled for Feb 1st 2008 in NYC were postponed after Mr Prince suffered a minor stroke the Sunday before

The show resurfaced in April 2008 readings at LA's Center Theatre Group with Prince and Stroman directing Kate Baldwin, John Cullum, Darius de Haas, Shuler Hensley, Judy Kaye and Rebecca Luker. That was followed by a reading in NYC

The Daily Mail reports (under the "Shining brightly in Darkly" entry) that "Several actors, including John Cullum, Shuler Hensley, Kate Baldwin and Judy Kaye, took part in readings of the show in New York and deals are being negotiated to bring them to the Chocolate Factory"

And so it goes. Complete casting was announced April 4th with NYC rehearsals starting April 5th for a Chocolate Factory run May 19th through June 26th

Broadway next?

First listed February 2008 Updated April 2010

The Paris Letter

Broadway Drama | Spring 2005

Producers Elizabeth McCann | Scott Rudin | Hal Luftig

Creative Jon Robin Baitz author

Before expected Broadway bow Spring 2005, show went out to LA's Center Theatre Group with Ron Rifkin, Patricia Wettig, Neil Patrick Harris, Lawrence Pressman and Josh Radnor, Michael Morris directed, not previously attached Jonathan Kent

The Spring 2005 run in NYC turned out to be not on Broadway, but an O-B engagement at the Roundabout's Laura Pels Theatre. This time around Doug Hughes directed, Ron Rifkin again starred. Featured were John Glover, Daniel Eric Gold, Jason Butler Harner and Michele Pawk

Which brings us to the February 2008 Peter Levin production for Los Angeles Theatre Works. The names are familiar: Rifkin, Harris, Glover, Radnor and Wettig

First listed July 2004 Updated April 2008

Picnic

Broadway Drama | Fall 2010

Creative William Inge author | David Cromer director

That's basically all we know so far. More to come...

Notes The Theatre Guild production of Picnic premiered Thursday, February 19, 1953 at the Music Box Theater. Directed by Josh Logan, Peggy Conlin, Ralph Meeker, Kim Stanley and Janice rule played the core characters. A 28-year-old Payl Newman made his Broadway debut as Alan Seymour. Mr Inge received the 1953 Pulitzer Prize for drama for the work; Mr Logan won the director Tony; and John Davis took one home "for constant good work as a theater electrician"

Picnic has only had one major revival, the Roundabout's 1994 staging at Criterion Center. Polly Holiday, Angela Goethals, Larry Bryggman, Debra Monk, Ashley Judd and Anne Pitoniak were among those in the cast. Mr Bryggman, Ms Mon and Ms Pitoniak received Tony nominations

First listed October 2009

The Pitmen Painters

Broadway Drama

Friedman Theater | Fall 2010

Producer Manhattan Theater Club, Bob Boyett

Creative William Feaver original novel | Lee Hall author | Max Roberts director

Gary McCann costume & design | Douglas Kuhrt lighting design | Martin Hodgson sound design

Cast Christopher Connel, Michael Hodgson, Ian Kelly, Brian Lonsdale, Lisa McGrillis, Deka Walmsley, David Whitaker, Phillippa Wilson

First talked about transferring from London to Broadway for Spring 2010 by Bob Boyett, then January NY Times article reports collab by Boyett with Manhattan Theater Club for Fall 2010

First listed September 2009 Updated January 2010

Poor Behavior

Broadway Drama | Fall 2010?

Creative Theresa Rebeck author | Doug Hughes director

Gary McCann costume & design | Douglas Kuhrt lighting design | Martin Hodgson sound design

in a September, 2007, New York Times article, Ms Rebeck stated "I’m actually interested in poor behavior. I’m interested in what drives people to poor behavior. I do believe that there are monsters out there, and that they are monsters." So, it appears that as any good writer, Ms Rebeck keeps a notebook into which she can delve for snippets of inspiration

Press notes for an early workshop say that Behavior "tells the story of Ella and Peter, who have invited their old friends Maureen and Ian up to the country for a weekend visit. When a dinnertime dispute escalates into all-out combat, the fires of suspicion and seduction are stoked, perceptions twist, and relationships are changed forever in this dark comedy about goodness and badness, and the dangerously tempting open doors in between"

Poor Behavior was workshopped at Naked Angels Summer 2008 Angels in Progress readings. Directed by Mr Hughes, it featured Danny Gerroll and Laila Robins. The work was next presented by the Actors Theatre of Louisville at the 2009 Perry-Mansfield New Works Festival in Steamboat Springs, CO. Directed by Marc Masterson, the cast of this production included David Wilson Barnes, Bill Camp and Elizabeth Marvel along with the return of Ms Robins

April 2010 NYC readings featured Mr Kline, Ms Weaver, Dylan Baker and, again, Ms Robins

First listed April 2010

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Broadway Musical | March 2011

Producers Back Row Productions, Specific Films, Rafford Films, Nederlander Productions, Terri and Timothy Childs

Already played Dunnanda & opened at London's Palace Theater March 2009 with run extended to February 2011. Casting for Toronto opening February and April 2010. Eyes Toronto October 2010, Broadway March 2011

Based on 1994 Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Two drag queens and a transsexual on a road trip bound for a cabaret gig in Alice Springs, in the middle of Australia's vast central desert

Priscilla the Musical, Back Row Productions

First listed September 2009 Updated February 2010

Princesses

Broadway Musical | November 2006

Producers Goodspeed Musicals | Stewart F Lane | Bonnie Comley

Creative Bill Steinkellner & Cheri Steinkellner book | Matthew Wilder music | David Zippel lyrics | Rob Ashford choreographer | David Zippel concept & director

William Ivey Long costume design | Ken Billington lighting design | Douglas W Schmidt scenic design | Jon Weston sound design

Cast Brent Barret | Donna English | Jenny Fellner | Storm Newton

Another musical based on the Frances Burnett novel premieres at Goodspeed Musical's Norma Terris Theatre November 2004 with an August 2005 run slated for Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre

From the 5th's press release: "The Broadway-bound Princesses tells the story of a clique of teenage girls at a private school who would rather shop, listen to pop music and talk about boys - anything but put on a fusty old play of A Little Princess. That is, until America's hottest action hero drops in to direct it"

Show was due in previews late September 2005 to open the second or third week of that October, then mysteriously went by the wayside after its Seattle tune-up. Talk of the show again surfaced Winter 2006 with a New York reading scheduled for March, this time with Christopher Ashley at the helm

Then listed as opening somewhere(?) on Broadway November, 2006, with Mr Zippel directing. Nope, that didn't happen

Nothing further for quite a bit of time

First listed August 2004 Update September 2009

Pure Country

Broadway Musical | 2010

Producers Randall L Wreghitt, Chris Presley, Ellen Rusconi

Creative Peter Masterson & Rex McGee book | Steve Dorff music | John Bettis lyrics | Peter Masterson director | Sean Curran choreographer

Cast Joe Nichols | Lorrie Morgan

Ann Roth costume design | Kevin Adams lighting design | Derek McLane scenic design | Acme Sound Partners sound design

Based on 1992 film of the same name directed by Christopher Cain with screenplay by Mr McGee. George Strait and Lesley Ann Warren starred

First due Spring 2009, now apparently sometime 2010. May 2007 reading with Will Chase, Carlin Glynn, Cady Huffman, James Moye and Danny Rutigliano. NYC workshop April and May 2008 with Jeb Brown, Carlin Glynn, Dee Hoty, Lauren Kennedy and  Michael Park

C-W singer Joe Nichols tapped to star in April 2009

Tunes from the show were featured in Broadway in Bryant Park in Summer 2008 and 2009

Show site: Pure Country on Broadway

First listed June 2007 Updated October 2009

Rebecca

Broadway Musical | 2010-2011

Based on Daphne du Maurier novel

Creative Michael Kunze book & lyrics | Sylvester Levay music | Christopher Hampton english adaptation | Francesca Zambello director | Denni L Sayers choreographer

Premiered in Vienna September 2006. Played Japan, Helsinki and workshop in Moscow 2008-2009

Global Communications announces intention for 2010-2011 Broadway engagement in July 2008. US readings and workshops May and October 2009

First listed January 2007 Updated October 2009

The Scottsboro Boys

Broadway Musical | 2010-2011

Producer  Barry Weissler

Creative David Thompson book | John Kander & Fred Ebb music & lyrics | Larry Hochman orchestrations | Susan Stroman director & choreographer

Design  Toni-Leslie James costume design | Kevin Adams lighting design | Beowulf Boritt set design | Peter Hylenski sound design

Premiered in Vienna September 2006. Played Japan, Helsinki and workshop in Moscow 2008-2009

Cast  (Vineyard Theatre) Sean Bradford, Josh Breckenridge, Derrick Cobey, John Cullum, Brandon Victor Dixon, Colman Domingo, Rodney Hicks, Kenrick Jones, Forrest McClendon, Julius Thomas III, Sharon Washington, Cody Ryan Wise, Christian White

World premiere open run at NYC's Vineyard Theatre March 10, 2010 (extended through April 18th). And yeah, we know that the show and Broadway have yet to be mentioned in the same sentence, but with the names attached and a successful premiere run we wouldn't be surprised to see a transfer

Turns out that there was some interest in bringing the show to Broadway in time to be eligible for the 2010 Tonys. However, producer Weissler did not think either of the available theaters was appropriate, so is now looking to a possible 2010-2011 bow
Subsequently a run is booked at Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater for Jul-Sep 2010 in what we presume to be a pre-Broadway production with a cast album recorded April 2010

First listed October 2009 Updated April 2010

Short Eyes

Broadway Drama

Producers Carl Rumbaugh, Susan Batson, Antone Pagan, Charles Rosen

Creative Miguel Pinero author | Abel Ferrara director

Design Frank DeCurtis scenic design

Set in a New York City house of detention dayroom the play revolves around the attitudes of racially diverse inmates to a middle-class white man accused of raping a minor. This first revival looks for 2010-2011 slot as a limited run

Short Eyes started life sometime in late 1973 or early 1974. Joseph Papp brought the production to the Public Theater for a 54-performance run from February through April 1974. He then transferred it to the Vivian Beaumont Theater for a limited run from May through August of that year. Marvin Felix Camillo directed, William Carden played Clark Davis and Bimbo played Juan Otero. The production was nominated for best play in the 1975 Tonys

A 1977 film adaptation was directed by Robert M Young with Bruce Davison as Clark and Jose Perez as Juan. The Curtis Mayfield soundtrack was released as a same-named album that same year

First listed February 2010

Sleepless in Seattle

Broadway Musical | Winter 2011

Producer David Shor

Creative Jeff Arch book | Michelle Citrin, Michael Garin and Josh Nelson score | Ian Fraser orchestrations | Joel Zwick director

Based on the 1993 Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan romantic comedy vehicle with screenplay by Jeff Arch, Nora Ephron and David S Ward this tuner transfer appears to have hit a few bumps along the way. Upon initial announcement of the production composer Leslie Bricusse was said to have already completed 18 numbers. It was a bit surprising then in July 2009 when he announced he was leaving the show due to the age old "creative differences"

Nine months later producer David Shor announced a new team for the score: Michelle Citrin, Michael Garin and Josh Nelson with the wording of the announcement -- "thrilled with the results of their collaboration" -- implying that the new version had come together quite quickly. No word as to whether original orchestrator Ian Fraser remains with the show

First listed March 2009 Updated March 2010

A Star is Born

Broadway Musical

Based on the 1954 George Cukor film version with score by Harold Arlen & Ira Gershwin

Creative (1997) Larry Gelbart book | David Zippel lyrics | Cy Coleman music

Larry Gelbart adapts the oft-filmed story for the stage. Was to be Spring 2001, possibly with Audra McDonald

Now word comes that a new team is giving it a try with Fall 2008 workshops

Creative (2008) Jonathan Butterell director & choreographer

Cast Hugh Jackman

First listed December 1997 Updated October 2008

The Starry Messenger

Broadway Drama | April 2007

Producers Roger Berlind, Carole Shorenstein Hays, Kim Parker, Daryl Roth, Scott Rudin

Creative Kenneth Lonergan author & director

Cast Matthew Broderick

The production was scheduled to have a Jan-Feb 2007 run in San Diego before the cross country trek to Broadway

At least It was to play Old Globe Theatre. The production got bumped because of "unforeseen scheduling delays with playwright/director Kenneth Lonergan's current film."

The show then landed a slot in the Manhattan Theatre Club's 2007-2008 season, with an expected February opening at City Center. Nope, not this time around either. Seems like there were some "scheduling conflicts"

And finally, The Starry Messenger plays New York City. Just not Broadway. It started previews October 26, 2009 at the Acorn Theatre with Mr Broderick joined by Catalina Sandino Moreno, J Smith Cameron, Stephanie Cannon, Kieran Culkin, Merwin Goldsmith, Grant Shaud and Missy Yager. Opening is set for November 23rd with the run scheduled through December 12th

Mr Lonegran is apparently throwing quite a few rewrites in Mr Broderick's direction. The New York Times reported -- in a front page story no less -- that a prompter had to sit in the front row to help him with his lines. Yeah, it does happen now and again, but some audience members were, in our view, understandably upset. At $61.25 a pop, full price, who wouldn't be? Remember when previews were priced lower for the very reason that "stuff happens"?

Messrs Lonergan and Broderick were classmates. Mr Lonergan relates that the show was inspired by a high school class trip to the Hayden Planetarium

First listed March 2006 Updated October 2009

Talley's Folly

Broadway Comedy | Spring 2011

Producers Phil Monat, T Richard Fitzgerald, Randall L Wreghitt

Creative Lanford Wilson author | Marshall W Mason director

Design Jennifer von Mayrhauser costume design | Phil Monat lighting design | John Lee Beatty scenic design | Chuck London sound design

Cast Robin Wright, Richard Schiff

Current production played Princeton's McCarter Theatre in October-November 2008 with Mr Schiff as Matt and Margot White as Sally

The 1980 Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner originally opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theater on February 20th, 1980. Mr Mason directed Trish Hawkins and Judd Hirsch in a 286 performance run that garnered five Tony nominations

First listed March 2010

The Visit

Broadway Musical

Creative Friedrich Durrenmatt original play | Terrence McNally book | Fred Ebb lyrics | John Kander music | Ann Reinking choreographer | Frank Galati director

Hoped to catch Angela Lansbury in this show Spring 2001 at the Broadway Theater and Chita Rivera in Chita and All That Jazz same season. Ms Lansbury pulled out of the show in Summer 2000. Visit production team explored a London opening, approaching a handful of actors of a certain age, then looked to 2002 season. Show had a Fall 2001 deb at Chicago's Goodman Theatre with Ms Rivera, and producers eyed Spring, then Fall 2002 B'way opening. Ms Rivera then slated for Nine Spring 2003. Visit was almost certain to run at the Public Theater, still with Ms Rivera attached, in January 2004, then money problems beset the show

It's still on our rumor list, though we're not certain why

Well, we really do know why. It's hard to get theater folks to give up on something on which they've worked so hard. It's just the timing that has to be right. Money. People. Theater. All lined up

The original creative team is intact and back for an engagement at Virginia's Signature Theatre, May thru June 2008

The cast included, yes, Ms Rivera in the lead with  George Hearn and Mark Jacoby

Reviews were solid; we think we'll hear about this again soon

First listed November 1999 Updated July 2008

Waiting for the Moon

Broadway Musical | 2007-2008?

Creative Vincent Marini story & director | Jack Murphy story, book & lyrics | Frank Wildhorn music | Andy Blankenbuehler choreographer

Ron Melrose musical director | Kim Scharnberg orchestrations

Janine McCabe costume design | Howell Binkley lighting design | Rob Odorisio scenic design |

Cast Jarrod Emick, Lauren Kennedy

The lives of F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald are portrayed in this jazz toe-tapper first staged at New Jersey's Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center in Summer 2005 and now due for a Summer 2007 at Raleigh's North Carolina Theater prior to shooting for Broadway

First listed May 2005 Updated May 2006

The Wiz

Broadway Musical | Fall 2006?

Producers Dodger Theatricals

Creative L Frank Baum original novel | William F Brown book | Charlie Smalls music & lyrics | Des McAnuff director | Sergio Trujillo choreographer | Robert Brill scenic design

This revival has been quietly percolating for a while, and in a very quiet way popped up in July 2004 as scheduled for April 2005. No real specifics as yet except that very busy director Des McAnuff is to guide the show

Well, it's now February 2005, and for a musical that's was supposed to deb in April, it's a bit late. No word on the production for about six months or so, though Dodger Theatricals still lists the show as an "upcoming production"

As of July 2005 the Internet Broadway Database is listing an opening date of October at a venue to be determined. Haven't as yet heard any word of pre-Broadway run, so if the date is good folks are going to have to work fast, very fast, to get the production up to speed

There was a run at the La Jolla Playhouse in September 2006, and a passing reference in a very unrelated story hints that the show might be slated for a move to Broadway sometime during Winter 2006

There was a very successful run of a different production at City Center in Summer 2009 directed by Thomas Kail. But it still appears as if the folks at Dodger have thoughts of a full-fledged revival as you can now go to Wiz Broadway to sign up for e-mail alerts

The original production of The Wiz premiered January 5, 1975,  at the Majestic Theater. In a split run, the show closed at the Broadway Theater January 28, 1979, after 1,672 performances. Troubled at first, the production was nominated for eight 1975 Tony® Awards, winning seven. Besides best musical, the show garnered awards for William F Brown's book, Charlie Small's score, George Faison's choreography, Geoffrey Holder's direction and costume design, plus featured actor and actress nods to Ted Ross and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Stephanie Mills played Dorothy and Andre DeShields The Wiz. In her very first Broadway role, Phylicia Ayers-Allen (now Rashad), portrayed both a munchkin and a field mouse

Ms Mills reprised her role of Dorothy in a very short-lived revival at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater in 1984

First listed May 2003 Updated August 2009

Yank!

Broadway Musical | 2010-1022

Producers Pamela Koslow, Karl Held, Stuart Wilk

Creative David Zellnik book & lyrics | Joe Zellnik music | Igo Goldin director

Cast York Theater  Nancy Anderson, Jeff Denman, Ivan Hernandez, Bobby Steggert

Yank! explores a love affair between gay soldiers in World War II, a bit more taxing than during the DADT period of the past 15 years or so. The show had a very successful run at the York Theatre from Feb 24th thru Apr 4th 2010

First listed April 2010

Unchain My Heart, The Ray Charles Musical

Broadway Musical | Previews October 8 2010 Opens November 7 2010

Producers Stuart Benjamin

Creative Suzi-Lori Parks book | Sheldon Epps director | Kenneth L Roberson choreographer

Design Paul Tazewell costume design | Donald Holder lighting design | Riccardp Hernandez scenic design

Cast  Brandon Victor Dixon, Nikki Renee Daniels, Tasha Taylor, Harrison White

Unchain My Heart began life at the Pasadena Playhouse in Fall 2007 as Ray Charles Live! -- A New Musical. Directed by Mr Epps the show ran from Nov 1st thru Dec 23rd 2009 with Brandon Victor Dixon in the title role supported by Nikki Renee Daniels and a whole bunch of other folks. Broadway casting late March, early April 2010

First listed December 2009 Updated May 2010

You Can't Take It With You

Broadway Comedy | November 2010

Producers Elizabeth I McCann, Joey Parnes

Creative Moss Hart & George S Kaufman authors | Anna D Shapiro director

Boston's Huntington Theatre Company announced a September 24th through October 24th 2010 run for the show after which it will transfer to the famous Broadway theater "To Be Determined." Casting started late Feb for August rehearsals aiming toward October 29th previews for a November 7th Broadway bow

First listed February 2010

And if it's of any interest, here are some of out working notes...