Friday, October 2, 2009

Friday's Bits and Pieces for 10.02.09

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THIS MONTH'S POLL! (RIGHT NEXT TO THIS ARTICLE!)

MONEY MONEY MONEY


In just about six months or 257 performances, the Broadway revival of West Side Story has already recouped its entire investment! One of several shows from last season to do so, it is great news to hear in these recessionary times. Way to go, Jets and Sharks! I guess this shows that violence and racism can find an audience no matter the economy...

PUT ON A HAPPY FACE

Did you happen to catch the (another) superb episode of Glee this past Wednesday? Not only did it have the usual primo cast, headed by the hot, hunky and sweet Matthew Morrison, but it also featured the hot, petite and sweet Kristin Chenoweth as the boozy former classmate of Will's (Morrison's character), brought in to save the glee club from certain elimination in the upcoming contest. Not so surprisingly, Ms. Chenoweth took over the screen every second she was on, delivering each comic zinger like she was presenting diamonds to the Queen of England. And not to let her singing talents go to waste, she sang in three numbers, including a power duet of "Maybe This Time" with Lea Michele. Every review of the episode I've read was unanimous in saying this one kept the premise of the show focused on being about the club, the quirkiness and the music. And every review said that they should get Chenoweth back for more guest spots. I've heard other fans say she should be on the show full time. I disagree, because I think she'd overpower the show, but as a regular guest star/recurring character, yes! And I smell Emmy number 2 already, Kristin!
LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS



There is a group of 26 male performers from Broadway shows, tenors all, who in different configurations, perform as The Broadway Boys. Among the members: Marty Thomas (Xanadu), Tyler Maynard and Tituss Burgess (The Little Mermaid) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan). Some of the current members are heading into the recording studio this weekend to record some standards in their harmonious style. The CD which will be on the PS Classics label will be out later this year. Like everything else they do, the CD is being done for charity. For more info, and to get a look at the boys separately, go to http://www.bwayboys.com/.

YOUNG AND AMERICAN

The likely Broadway-aimed show American Idiot featuring John Gallagher, Jr., and Mary Faber singing the songs of Green Day, has been extended again at Berkley Rep through November 15th! The Great White, I mean Green, Way can't be far off, huh?

ON MY iPOD THIS WEEK

  1. next to normal - Original Broadway Cast Recording

  2. West Side Story - New Broadway Cast Recording

  3. Chess - The London Concert Recording

  4. Spring Awakening - Original Broadway Cast Recording

  5. Bye Bye Birdie - Original Broadway Cast Recording

GOODBYE GIRL (AND BOYS)


Billy Elliot says goodbye to four more cast members, who all leave that hit show between September 27 and the end of this month. First to go, in what was reported to be an extremely emotional performance, was Tony-nominee David Bologna, who played Michael to a teary Trent Kowalik last Sunday. Rumor has it the cast and audience alike were overcome with tears. This weekend, I'm sure the tears will flow as the first Billy to go is Kiril Kulish, a boy with remarkable ballet technique and a Tony to show for it. Tony-nominee and best supporting actress in a musical last season (IMO) Haydn Gwynne also leaves the show after playing the crotchety ballet mistress with a heart of gold for years in London and now here. Let's hope she comes back again! And finally, later this month, Adult Billy, Stephen Hanna leaves the show to return to the New York City Ballet. Goodbye and thank you all!


Jeff

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