ELYSE FETHERMAN
Entertainment Editor

Now that the spring semester is half over, students and faculty are surely feeling burnt out. Fortunately, upcoming Broadway shows promise to help with the mid-semester slump. Upcoming shows include new musicals and new plays, but some of the most exciting shows coming into New York are revivals.
The most interesting new musical headed to the Great White Way is “The Addams Family,” which is based on the famous comic strip by Charles Addams. According to the show’s official Web site, the show had an out-of-town tryout at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre. Dedicated theater fans will not be surprised to learn that Tony Award winner Bebe Neuwirth, best known for her Emmy-winning role of Lilith on “Cheers,” will star as Morticia. The rest of the cast includes Tony winner Nathan Lane as Gomez, as well as Broadway veterans Carolee Carmello, Terrence Mann, Jackie Hoffman and Kevin Chamberlin. Though the word-of-mouth has not been positive on theater message boards, it is difficult to believe that a show with so many gifted performers could be worthless.
The other new musicals coming to Broadway are all jukebox musicals. As reported by playbill.com, “Come Fly Away” uses the music of Frank Sinatra and the choreography of Twyla Tharp to tell the story of four couples. “American Idiot” is a new musical that was inspired by and features the music of Green Day. John Gallagher Jr., who won a Tony Award for his performance in “Spring Awakening,” is set to star.
Roundabout Theatre Company’s “Sondheim on Sondheim” is perhaps the most promising new musical coming in this spring. According to the Roundabout’s Web site, the show will use both well-known and obscure Sondheim songs to tell Sondheim’s personal story. The cast includes Broadway legend Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams of “Ugly Betty” and Broadway veteran Tom Wopat.
While the new musicals headed to Broadway are intriguing, the most exciting musical coming to New York is the revival of “Promises, Promises.” According to broadway.com, the musical is based on the 1960s film, “The Apartment.” It tells the story of the ambitious Chuck Baxter, who allows the executives at his office to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs. Complications arise when Chuck falls in love with waitress Fran Kubelik, who has romantic problems of her own. The score of “Promises, Promises” is by Burt Bacharach and contains hits such as “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “Turkey Lurkey Time.” The show stars Tony and Emmy winner, Kristin Chenoweth, who never disappoints, and Sean Hayes of “Will and Grace” fame.
For those who do not enjoy musicals, there are plenty of non-musical plays coming to Broadway. “Collected Stories” by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies, is slated to begin previews on April 9, according Manhattan Theatre Club’s Web site. The play follows a story of a young writer and her mentor. It promises to be funny, moving and ultimately, shocking. Linda Lavin, best known for her work as Alice on the sitcom of the same name, and Sarah Paulson are set to star.
“Lend Me a Tenor,” the beloved comedy about a star who is missing on the day of his opera debut, is set to start previews March 12, according to playbill.com. Stanley Tucci, the wonderful film actor, is making his Broadway directing debut with the show. Jan Maxwell, who was seen earlier this season in a Tony Award deserving performance in MTC’s “The Royal Family,” will star.
For more information on any of the Broadway shows, be sure to check out broadway.com for ticket prices and the latest updates.

MICHELE KOLE
Staff Writer

Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” is one of the best American plays ever written. A staple of professional, community and high school theaters, the production celebrates the beauty of small town life. Traditionally, the play is performed in period costumes and takes place during the early twentieth century. But director David Cromer has taken a fresh, new stab at “Our Town.” While his brilliant ideas for this new vision are not always smoothly executed, Cromer has allowed audiences to connect to the play in a completely new and moving way.
“Our Town” takes place in the fictitious small town of Grover’s Corners. The first act shows the daily life of the Gibbs and Webb families. The following act explores the love that develops between George Gibbs and Emily Webb. And the last act takes a more dramatic turn and focuses on death.
Cromer has made the audience part of the Grover’s Corners community. The Barrow Street Theatre has been transformed so that the floor is the stage and the audience is on three sides of the performing area. The house lights are never fully turned off and they are only dimmed to show a passage of time.
Consequently, the audience feels like part of the community. Traditionally, the audience feels distanced from Grover’s Corners because they are objective observers gazing up at a stage from afar. But because the audience is placed right in the middle of the action, we are no longer just observers.
In addition to placing the audience in the middle of Grover’s Corners, Cromer decided to costume the actors in modern clothes. As a result, it is jarring when the characters refer to automobiles as a new innovation or make other historical references that take the audience back to the 1900s. Additionally, Cromer has brought out the dark undertones in the play, which effects are two-fold. The darker undertones bring a contemporary tone to the piece, so audience members more easily relate to and see themselves in the characters. Unfortunately, by maintaining the darkness throughout the entire play, Cromer, at times, diminishes the value of small town life – a critical component to the overall production.
While Cromer’s new vision of the play is very interesting, his work with the actors and casting is weak. Jennifer Grace looks too old to play Emily and her acting is not nearly detailed enough that she is ever completely believable as the teenage Emily in the first two acts. As Mrs. Webb, Kati Brazda fails to portray her in a believable fashion. She seemed to be playing a caricature of a very strict mother leaving an inorganic taste in the audiences mouth. Additionally, Cromer has directed Ken Marks to portray Mr. Webb as a thoroughly cold, distant and unlikable man.
The only person in the cast to give a standout performance is Lori Myers, who plays Mrs. Gibbs. In most productions, the stars of “Our Town” are the Stage Manager, Emily and George. But in this production Myers has made Mrs. Gibbs the star. Myers’ Mrs. Gibbs is the only character that cares about anyone but herself. Additionally, she is the only actress in the entire company who is entirely invested in the world of the play. She is truly a joy to watch.
While it certainly is not a perfect production of “Our Town,” it is a unique one. Cromer’s new take on the play provides the audience with new insights, both good and bad, into the world of Grover’s Corners and into our own society. Those insights are worth the price of admission.
For more information, log onto www.ourtownoffbroadway.com

MICHELE KOLE
Staff Writer

“Hair,” the famous musical about the hippie counter-culture of the 1960s, is back on Broadway, and it is easily the best musical production currently on the Great White Way. This dazzling new production is not only entertaining; it is moving in a way unlike any other production on Broadway.

“Hair” is about a group of young people who advocate for a free-spirited lifestyle. Throughout the course of the show, they have to cope with issues involving conservative American society, drugs, sexual identity, racism and the Vietnam war. The whole “tribe,” as they call themselves, must come to terms with harsh realities and difficult decisions to make. Each person looks to the tribe to help them cope with their own specific problems.

The most thrilling aspect of this production is the sense of community the company has onstage. Every person is important, and every person is an individual. Consequently, it is extremely difficult to separate some performances as stand out performances. However, Gavin Creel, Kacie Sheik and Caissie Levy must be mentioned. Creel plays Claude, a young man who does not agree with the war and is going to be drafted. Creel believably plays a teenager, though he clearly looks older, and more importantly, the audience sees Claude’s inner struggle to figure out if it is right to die for his country or burn his draft card.

Kacie Sheik plays the lovelorn Jeanie, who has found herself pregnant by a man she barely knows. Sheik has turned Jeanie into the glue of the tribe. Her gentle and giving spirit seems to act as a bridge between the tribe members. Levy plays Sheila, a protester who tries to stand up for what she believes in, but finds herself at odds with some of the tribe’s actions. Levy endows Sheila with vulnerability and compassion. Levy’s performance of the song, “Easy to Be Hard” is a highlight of the show, not only because Levy possesses a beautiful voice, but also because Levy allows the audience to see Sheila’s fragility.

It also must be noted that the score, which includes well-known hits such as “Let the Sunshine In” and “Aquarius,” is beautifully and richly sung by the exceptionally talented cast.

In addition to a wonderful cast, the choreography and direction of this production is incredible. The choreography by Karole Armitage organically moves the entire tribe, so everything seems spontaneous. Director Diane Paulus made a bold move when she decided to prevent the audience from feeling as if they were in the 60s. Instead, Paulus has allowed the audience to stay in present times, while the tribe seems to have time traveled from the 60s. As a result, the show’s relevant messages about our own society are obvious, and the audience is forced to confront the problems we are still facing today. Also, the audience interaction never feels forced. In fact, it makes the audience feel apart of the tribe. The sense of community that flows between the audience and the performers onstage makes this “Hair” extremely poignant.

“Hair” is a must-see musical for anyone who even remotely enjoys attending the theatre. It is a musical that offers a look into the problems of society as well as all of the possibilities of what can be. This “Hair” is hopeful, joyous, moving and it is an experience every person should have.

For more information, log onto www.hairbroadway.com

MICHELE KOLE
Staff Writer

Before “Private Practice,” not many people outside of musical theater aficionados knew the name Audra McDonald. While McDonald’s television work has brought her national attention, her work in the theater is considered to be some of the best of its generation.

McDonald studied classical voice at Julliard before making her Broadway debut as a replacement in “The Secret Garden,” according to Julliard’s official Web site. After making her debut, McDonald went on to play Carrie Pipperidge in the Broadway revival of “Carousel,” and she won the 1994 Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her portrayal.

McDonald quickly earned two more Tony Awards for her work in the 1996 play, “Master Class,” and for her work in the 1998 musical, “Ragtime.”

According to playbill.com, winning three Tony Awards within five years is an achievement shared only by McDonald, Zero Mostel, Gwen Verdon and Shirley Booth.

McDonald won her most recent Tony Award for her portrayal of Ruth Younger in the 2004 revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” according to tonyawards.com.

McDonald recently starred in the revival of “110 in the Shade,” earning her yet another Tony nomination. Her most recent stage appearance was in the Public Theater’s production of “Twelfth Night,” featuring with Anne Hathaway.

In addition to an impressive stage career, McDonald has recorded four solo albums, including “Way Back to Paradise” and “How Glory Goes,” both of which were musical theater albums. While McDonald built her career in the musical theater, her recordings are not all associated with musical theater.

In fact, her albums range from the 1940s inspired “Happy Songs” to the pop album “Build A Bridge,” composed by dynamos such as Laura Nyro, John Mayer and Nellie McKay. Information about all of her albums can be found at nonesuch.com.

Prior to working on “Private Practice,” McDonald was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work in the television movie, “Wit,” in which she worked alongside Emma Thompson. Her second Emmy Award came in 2008 for her work in the television adaptation of the 2004 revival of “A Raisin in the Sun,” according to the Internet Movie Database.

McDonald landed the role of Dr. Naomi Bennett in the “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off, “Private Practice,” which premiered in 2007. The television series is now headed into its third season, which premieres next month.

MICHELE KOLE
Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Associated Press.

The upcoming Broadway season promises to be an interesting one. With only one new musical coming this fall, audiences will have to look to straight plays and musical revivals for entertainment.

The only new musical to debut this fall is “Memphis.” According to theatermania.com, the show takes place in the south during the 1950s and tells the story of a white radio disc jockey whose love of music is colorblind. “Memphis” does not have any major names attached to it, but at least it’s something new.

Revivals make up almost half of all of the shows coming to Broadway this fall. “Bye Bye Birdie” will have its first Broadway revival starting this month, according to roundabouttheatre.com. The classic musical features John Stamos, of “Full House,” as Albert, the musician who cannot find the strength to stand up to his mother. Gina Gershon plays Rosie, Albert’s longtime girlfriend, who wants Albert to stand up to his mother so that Rosie and Albert can finally get married. The cast also features Allie
Trimm from the musical “13” and Matt Doyle of “Spring Awakening.”

“Ragtime” will also have its first Broadway revival this season according to broadwayworld.com. The musical is based on E.L. Doctorow’s novel of the same name. “Ragtime” tells the story of three very distinct groups in America at the turn of the 20th century. The worlds of a WASP family, Jewish immigrants and an African American musician collide. With a brilliant score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and a sharp book by Terrence McNally, it is likely that “Ragtime” will be a magnificent production.

“Finian’s Rainbow” will be revived this fall for the first time in nearly 50 years. After a successful run at City Center Encores!, the production is making its Broadway transfer next month, according to finiansonbroadway.com. The production features two exceptionally talented leads. Cheyenne Jackson, who delighted audiences in “Xanadu,” plays the arrogant American senator Woody. Kate Baldwin, who gave wonderful performances as Sarah Brown in “Guys and Dolls” and as Irene Molloy in “Hello Dolly!” at the Papermill Playhouse, finally has a lead role on Broadway. Baldwin plays Sharon, a stubborn young woman, who has just moved from Ireland to the south of the U.S. The musical includes hit songs such as “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” and “Old Devil Moon.”

Countless film stars will appear on Broadway this fall. Playbill.com reported that Hugh Jackman will return to Broadway in a new play, “A Steady Rain,” which centers around two Chicago cops. Julia Stiles will make her Broadway debut in David Mamet’s “Oleanna,” and Sienna Miller will make hers in “After Miss Julie,” Patrick Marber’s update of Strindberg’s “Miss Julie.” Jude Law will appear in a revival of “Hamlet,” and Laurie Metcalf of “Roseanne” will appear in the revivals of Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and “Broadway Bound,” which will be performed in repertory.

Perhaps, the most exciting new show headed to Broadway is Carrie Fisher’s one-woman show, “Wishful Drinking.” Fisher, better known as Princess Leia in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, has written a show based on her book of the same name.

According to roundabouttheatre.org, Fisher will discuss her personal battles with drugs, mental illness, as well as growing up in Hollywood. Considering Fisher’s extraordinary wit, “Wishful Drinking” is sure to provide a very memorable evening in the theater.

Sutton Foster is not a household name. In fact, Sutton Foster is nowhere near famous, but for theatergoers, she embodies the qualities of an old-fashioned musical star. Perhaps, it’s because Sutton has starred in a new musical almost every year since she starred in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
It also could be that Foster got her start the way Peggy Sawyer got her big break in the hit musical, “42nd Street.”

As reported by The New York Times, she was cast as an understudy and ensemble member in the 2002 Best Musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” When the actress playing Millie got sick during out-of-town tryouts, Foster had to go on in her place. Eventually, Foster became the official Millie and went on to win the 2002 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Since then, she has starred in three new Broadway musicals, receiving Tony Award nominations for two of them. Foster is currently starring as Princess Fiona in the new musical, “Shrek,” and it is likely she will earn another nomination.

While Foster is known for being an old-fashioned musical star in an age of rock musicals and revivals, she is finally stepping out of that box. Her new solo album, entitled “Wish,” will not be a Broadway album. In fact, only a few songs on the album are taken from musicals.

“Wish” is an eclectic album, with musical influences ranging from jazz to folk. The first song on Foster’s album is “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” a jazz standard. Surprisingly, “Sunshine on my Shoulders,” the famous John Denver song, is also on the album. In fact, according to an interview Foster had with Playbill.com, the inspiration for the album title came from the lyrics, “If I had a wish that I could wish for you/ I’d wish for sunshine all the while.” Initially, the album was going to be called “If I had a Wish,” but was later shortened to just “Wish,” when Foster realized that the word was used in a few songs on the album.

Other songs on the album, according to sh-k-boom.com, include “Flight,” a duet with Megan McGinnis of “Little Women”, “Nobody’s Cryin’,” a Patty Griffin song, “Up on the Roof,” and “Oklahoma!” The last song might seem a little random, even on such a wonderfully eclectic album, but any devoted Foster fan knows that “Oklahoma!” was one of Foster’s audition songs.

The album will also feature a new song, called “My Heart is Set on You,” written specifically for Foster by Jeff Blumenkrantz.
Considering the varied song choices and Foster’s incredible talent, “Wish” is likely to be a must-have album.
“Wish” was slated to be available on Feb. 17. For more information about “Wish,” log onto http://www.sh-k-boom.com.

MICHELE KOLE
STAFF WRITER

The current economic recession has had a major impact on our country. The impact is being felt by the Great White Way, which will not look so great come Spring. Between the show closings, the cancelled shows, and lack of new material, the rest of the 2008-2009 Broadway season looks like it will be a lackluster one.

According to the New York Times, in January 2009 alone, nine Broadway shows closed, including long-running hits such as “Hairspray” and “Spamalot.” Other surprising closings happened toward the end of 2008. The New York Times reported that “Rent” closed after over 12 years on Broadway, and “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” a tourist favorite, ended its run after nearly 600 performances. While it is always upsetting to see shows close their curtains for good, it is particularly depressing to see so many shows close now because there are very few new ones coming in to fill the theatres.

Many musicals that had planned to come to Broadway have cancelled or postponed their plans due to a failure to raise enough funds to mount the production in New York. According to CBSnews.com, the planned revival of Stephen Schwartz’s musical, “Godspell,” cancelled its summer opening. The show had already started advertising and was in rehearsal when it was cancelled. The new musical, “Vanities,” based on the non-musical comedy hit of the same name, postponed its plans to come to Broadway and has yet to announce any future plans, according to the New York Times.

“Hair,” one of the first rock musicals, is scheduled to open Feb. 10 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, according to applause-tickets.com. The musical focuses on a group of young Americans, who look for peace and love during the Vietnam War. “Hair” was revolutionary when it first opened on Broadway in the 1960s. The revival shows great potential, as many of its messages are relevant to America today. It also enjoyed a highly successful run off-Broadway this past summer at the Public Theatre.
One of the most highly anticipated revivals of the season is “West Side Story.” The revival will be completely different from any other production of the legendary musical. Theatremania.com reported that this “West Side Story” will be bilingual. The Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, will speak and sing in Spanish when they are not around their rival gang, the Jets, a gang of white teens. The production will open on March 19.

“Guys and Dolls” is scheduled to open on March 1, as reported by theatremania.com. The only interesting aspect of the upcoming revival is the casting. “Gilmore Girls” star, Lauren Graham, is playing the female lead, Adelaide. Graham has limited stage experience outside of summer stock, yearly performances of the same show in the summer season, according to EOnline.com. As a result, countless theatre devotees may be rightfully skeptical about Graham’s musical abilities, especially because Adelaide is a challenge for even the most experienced stage musical actresses.

According to theatremania.com, “9 to 5,” the new musical based on the movie of the same name, features music by Dolly Parton and is scheduled to open at the end of April. It received mixed reviews during its out of town tryouts this past fall.

While the musical season is not particularly exciting, a few star-studded straight plays will be on Broadway this spring. Theatremania.com reported that Oscar winning actress, Susan Sarandon will star in the non-musical, “Exit the King,” along with Geoffrey Rush and Andrea Martin. “God of Carnage,” will star Hope Davis, Jeff Daniels, Marcia Gay Harden and James Gandolfini.

“Impressionism,” will have Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons. Mercedes Ruhl and the very talented up and coming actress, Lily Rabe, are already on the boards in “The American Plan,” which recently opened up to very positive reviews.

Although the rest of the 2008-2009 Broadway season does not look particularly promising, there are a few intriguing shows coming in. If Broadway is to survive the recession, not only does it need some more creative producers, it also needs audience support. So, explore the incentives, such as Student Rush and other discounts, that Broadway is starting to offer and go see a Broadway show. Go to www.theatermania.com to find out more about Broadway show discounts and incentives.

BY MICHELE KOLE
STAFF WRITER