The Tuacahn Starlite Lounge Plaza Show

My latest little project. Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Southern Utah (my neighborhood theatre) is now currently running Annie and Footloose!, and will soon be adding Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA. If you haven't been to this amazingly beautiful and majestic venue, you should definitely make a trip. Close to Zion's National Park and next to Snow Canyon, Tuacahn produces it's Broadway in the Desert Season each year from June through October.

(Heidi Anderson as Sweet Sue)

Last year I was priviliged to be a part of Tuacahn's production of Les Miserables, which holds the title of the highest ticket sales of any Regional theatre that was given permission to stage it. It was an amazing production with people coming from all over the U.S. as well as outside of the country to see it.

This year I am spending more time with my wonderful kids at home, but had the opportunity to write and stage
the Plaza Show which is the "pre-show" production on the smaller stage before Annie on Mon, Wed, and Fridays.

Using members of the main stage productions, I think we've come up with some great pre-show entertainment. It's really been fun to perform with them. So come on out if you're in the neighborhood! And check out some of the amazing photos of the cast on Facebook. Below is the posting I made on my personal blog, The Heidi Anderson and I thought I'd post it here as well. Come out and see us and see a show at Tuacahn!

Starting July 17, 2009 7:20 pm!

Hey Hep Cats and Kittens! Come out to the Tuacahn Starlite Lounge - Plaza Show every Monday, Wednesday and Friday before the Main Amphitheatre Production through October, as they offer up some Smokey Jazz, Swing and Standards from the 1930s.

Hosted by Sweet Sue- (Heidi Anderson)- and her Shining Starlite Lounge Regulars:

GingerLahme(lah-may)-(CynthiaKlumpp)
Roxy Rhodes - (Ashley Adamek)
Bobby Franks - (Dan Rosenbaum)
Darla Davenport -(Becca Schwartz)
Billie Lane - (Jenn Aedo)




If you're on Facebook, you can check out more of the amazing photos of the cast!

Passion, Murder and a Crime Spree: What More Could One Ask For In A Musical?

Clearly, that is one of Frank Wildhorn's (Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Dracula The Musical) thoughts with his new musical, Bonnie and Clyde which will premier at the La Jolla Playhouse in November of this year. It will run from November 10 - December 20, 2009 in The Playhouse's Mandell Weiss Theatre.

With music by Frank Wildhorn, and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Don Black (Sunset Boulevard, Song and Dance), book by Ivan Menchell (The Cemetery Club, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), and direction by Jeff Calhoun (Deaf West's Big River and Pippin, Grease!), here's hoping Bonnie and Clyde will take off and bring something new to the table for musical lovers, instead of the recent trend of turning popular modern movies and tv shows into musicals. Not that all of these are bad, it would just be nice to see more fresh material.

There was of course the iconic film Bonnie and Clyde made in 1967 with Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway which is considered a landmark, and is regarded as one of the first films of the "New Hollywood" era. It broke many taboos and was popular with the younger generation of that time. Its success motivated other filmmakers to be more straight forward about presenting sex and violence in their films. But, this musical version will reportedly not be based on the film, but on an original script by Ivan Menchell.

Broadway Musical Nut Recommends: Bonnie and Clyde

There is also a new film version in the works that will be directed by Tonya S. Holly (When I Find the Ocean). This new film will star Hilary Duff (Disney's Lizzie McGuire) which seemed to have stirred up a little back and forth sparring between Miss Duff and the film icon Faye Dunaway back in Feb. It was reported that when Faye was told that Hilary would be playing the character she made so famous, Faye supposedly zinged "Couldn't they atleast cast a real actress?" Evidently Hilary retaliated in an interview to E! with “I think that my fans that are going to go see the movie don’t even know who she is, so you know…. I think it was a little unnecessary but I might be mad if I looked like that now too.”

Ouch! Claws in kittens! Because now with the musical version, you'll need to scoot over and make a little more room at the Bonnie Parker actress table for Laura Osnes (Grease!, South Pacific) who will give her spin on the roll at La Jolla. So let's try to play nicely.

Osnes is set to co-star with Stark Sands (Journey's End) as Clyde Barrow, the troubled Texas teen, who with Bonnie at his side, sets out to become one of the most infamous couples in American Crime Culture.

If you're unfamiliar with the story of Bonnie and Clyde, it is based on the lives of the Depression-era outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, whose notorious crime spree captured the country's attention with their shocking crimes and exploits. The musical is said to examine this fateful partnership, with a score by Wildhorn and Black that will combine rockabilly, blues and gospel music.

Composer Frank Wildhorn, when asked for more information on the venture, is quoted as saying "When I started working on this show, no one was talking about Bonnie & Clyde. Now, two new books have been published, a remake of the Warren Beatty/Faye Dunaway classic film is in production, and the FBI recently released close to a thousand pages of classified memos on the infamous couple. Clearly, they are once again piquing the interest of a troubled America.This has been a musical challenge unlike any I've known before. These are the most incredible and intriguing characters I've given a musical voice to. Until now, the characters I've written for have been fictional; I've taken theatrical emotions and tried to make them real. With Bonnie and Clyde, I'm taking real emotions and making them theatrical. The exciting libretto, with its danger, pathos and comedy, has inspired a score from country to Texas blues, from gospel to ragtime." (quote source Broadwayworld)

Well, Frank, this is one musical lover that hopes Bonnie and Clyde the Musical will translate well with musical lovers and be as exciting as you describe.

The Broadway Musical Nut
www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Comments? Thoughts? Is this a good premise for a musical? Can Wildhorn turn this one into a hit? Talk to me!

Will Justin Timberlake Try And See If His Luck Is A Lady In A Big Screen Musical?

According to a British Tabloid, It looks as if Justin Timberlake might be testing his luck in the new film adaptation of the Broadway Musical, "Guys and Dolls" which will be directed by Guy Ritchie. (Snatch, Revolver, RocknRolla)

The tabloid reported that Ritchie and Timberlake shook hands over whiskey at a British pub on June 29, with Timberlake committing to star in this updated remake. Jason Statham, a frequent collaborator with Ritchie, is also rumored to be connected to the project.

Justin has been displaying his acting chops in the last few years by appearing in a few different films. (Alpha Dog , Black Snake Moan, Shrek the Third and The Love Guru.) Guys and Dolls might just be a good fit for the Mega Pop Star who rose to his superstardom with the popular "Boy Band" NSYNC.

The original film version of the stage musical Guys and Dolls (which features music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows) was released in 1955 and starred Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson, and Jean Simmons as Sarah Brown. Frank Sinatra was Nathan Detroit and original Broadway star Vivian Blaine brilliantly played the role of Adelaide.

Broadway Musical Nut Recommends: Guys and Dolls


The most recent Broadway revival, starring Craig Bierko, Kate Jennings Grant, Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham, closed this past June 14, 2009. I saw the revival in '95 with Nathan Lane as Nathan Detroit, Faith Prince as Adelaide and Ernie Sabella (brother to my voice teacher David Sabella, in NYC and also known as the voice of Pumbaa in the Disney animated film, The Lion King...love ya Ernie!) as Nicely Nicely. I really enjoyed it but didn't think there was great chemistry between the two leads. Tom Wopat had taken over as Sky Masterson at that point, but I forget who the female lead was. Hmmm...need to jog my noggin or dig out my box full of playbills!

Ok....back on track. Justin. Ohhhhhh Justin. Having seen a few of his most recent "comic" performances in The Love Guru and his viral video hit with Beyonce on SNL as a "Single Ladies" dancer (laughed 'til I cried), I'm guessing he's being cast as Detroit. I don't really see him as a "Sky" type. But, hey...I didn't really see him dressing up in a leotard, tights and heels either. Disturbingly funny.

Regardless of which role Justin Timberlake takes on...or doesn't, here's hoping this new film version is a worthy retelling of a great Broadway Musical Classic and not some strange Ritchie disaster (Swept Away...Revolver...you get the picture). One would almost venture a guess that if Ritchie had tackled this a few years ago while he was still married to Madonna, that he might have cast her in the film as say...Adelaide? After all...she's played the ditzy blonde bombshell before, and even Eva Peron in Evita. *ahem*

This blogger will now refrain from any "Madonna Poor Acting" rants, and save those for another entry.

Good Musical Nut. Good Girl. * sly grin*

So what do YOU think? Chime in and post your comments! Do you think Justin would be good in Guys and Dolls? Think Ritchie will do good or crash and burn with this one? Tell me now!

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Tuacahn to be First Regional U.S. Theatre to present Disney's "Tarzan" in 2010

It's a jungle out there when it comes to securing the rights to present new musicals fresh off the Broadway or Touring circuit, but Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah seems to be on the right path to secure them. Last year, Tuacahn was one in just eight regional theatre's across the U.S. who was allowed to present "Les Miserables" one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Scott S. Anderson, the Artistic Director at Tuacahn and the director of Les Miz and this year's "Annie" will be heading up another big coup, as he has been given permission by Disney to stage and direct their musical "Tarzan" in their 2010 Broadway In The Desert Season. Tuacahn will be the first Regional Theatre in the U.S. given the right to do so. This very physically active production, with music that is composed by Phil Collins, and the book by David Henry Hwang is based on the Disney animated movie of the same name, and had a short run on Broadway back in 2007. It has found International success in both the Netherlands as well as Hamburg, Germany where it is currently running. A revamped Tour version had previously been announced, and was to be perfomed in Atlanta in January of this year, but was evidently cancelled.

Broadway Musical Nut Recommends: Tarzan - The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast)


If any of you are familiar with the stage production, you are aware of the physicality of the performers (especially those playing the Apes) and it will be quite the challenge to stage this outdoors as it requires an intricate "fly" system to fly the actors on vines around the Jungle. A few years ago, Anderson directed "Peter Pan" and flew Peter and the children up over the audience which gave the kid in everyone quite a thrill. With the amount of swinging and flying around in current productions of Tarzan, what a spectacle it could be on Tuacahn's outdoor stage! If you have never been to this gem of an outdoor theatre hidden away in Southern Utah, you need to make plans to do so soon. Tuacahn boasts the ability to flood their stage with water which has been used quite effectively in last year's "Big River", recreating the Mississipi River that Jim and Huck travel on by raft, and in "South Pacific" three years ago. In that production, the director Tim Threlfall effectively and quite romantically recreated a "From Here to Eternity" moment between Lieutenant Cable and the young Tongan girl Liat, as they played and kissed in the "surf" and water washed over them on the stage. After witnessing Les Miserables on this stage, it is plain that Anderson has the ability to utilize all of the space there effectively. Here's hoping "Tarzan" at Tuacahn is a visual feast , and that the music and story hold up to the hype.


Check out this trailer ad for the Broadway Production in 2007



The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Congrats to all the 2009 Tony Award Winners! See Video Clips of Some of The Shows

The 2009 Tony Awards aired this last Sunday, and it really was no surprise that Billy Elliott took home 10 of the 15 Tony's they were nominated for. What was really exciting was that all three actors who play the leading role won for Best Leading Male. David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish were a bit dumbstruck as they accepted their awards, and fumbled for what to say and who should speak. Other highlights were performances by the cast of Hair , the Billy Elliott cast and appearances by Angela Lansbury and others.


Here is a sampling of some of the winners of the evening. For a complete list and even more Tony Award information, go to: www.TonyAwards.com If e you'd like to see some video clips of some of the shows currently playing and some of the nominees, go Here.

Broadway Musical Nut Recommends: The Tony Awards® Songbook - Second Edition-Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook

Winners of the 2009 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards, announced Sunday.

BEST PLAY: "God of Carnage."

BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL: "Hair."

BOOK OF A MUSICAL: Lee Hall, "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

ORIGINAL SCORE (MUSIC AND/OR LYRICS) WRITTEN FOR THE THEATRE: "Next to Normal."

REVIVAL OF A PLAY: "The Norman Conquests."

SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT: "Liza's at The Palace."

PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY: Geoffrey Rush, "Exit the King."

PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Marcia Gay Harden, "God of Carnage."

PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish, "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

PERFORMANCE BY A LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: Alice Ripley, "Next to Normal."

PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY: Roger Robinson, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Angela Lansbury, "Blithe Spirit."

PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: Gregory Jbara, "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: Karen Olivo, "West Side Story."

SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY: Derek McLane, "33 Variations."

SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: Ian MacNeil, "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY: Anthony Ward, "Mary Stuart."

COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: Tim Hatley, "Shrek The Musical."

LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY: Brian MacDevitt, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: Rick Fisher, "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY: Gregory Clarke, "Equus."

SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL: Paul Arditti, "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

DIRECTION OF A PLAY: Matthew Warchus, "God of Carnage."

DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL: Stephen Daldry, "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

CHOREOGRAPHY: Peter Darling, "Billy Elliot, The Musical."

ORCHESTRATIONS: Martin Koch, "Billy Elliot, The Musical"; Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt, "Next to Normal."

SPECIAL TONY AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN THE THEATRE: Jerry Herman.

REGIONAL THEATRE TONY AWARD: Signature Theatre, Arlington, Va.

ISABELLE STEVENSON AWARD: Phyllis Newman.

TONY HONOR FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE THEATRE: Shirley Herz.

I'm excited to see what entertainment this next year on Broadway holds!

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Orem Utah Scores Four Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald for 110 in the Shade

The Hale Center Theatre Orem will welcome Four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald who will reprise her Tony-nominated performance as Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade in summer 2010. The community theater production, which will run June 28 through August 7, will also star current Tony Award nominee and Hair star Will Swenson, a Utah native, as Bill Starbuck. The two Broadway performers will appear for the first two weeks of the run. They are donating their time to the production, which benefits the nonprofit Hale Center Foundation for the Arts and Education.

McDonald and Swenson appeared together in the Roundabout Theater Company’s Tony-nominated revival of the musical back in 2007, with McDonald starring as Curry and Swenson understudying Starbuck, then played by Steve Kazee.

Broadway Musical Nut Recommends: 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)

Audra is quoted as saying:

"I grew up doing community theater, it's very dear to my heart,” McDonald told the local Deseret News of the decision to appear at Hale. “I wouldn't be where I am today without community theater."

Audra, with her amazing "powerhouse" of a voice and award winning acting should truly make the Hale Center Theatre Orem's season.

The Hale Center Theatre Orem is currently run by Swenson's brother Cody and his wife Anne.

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

America chooses the "Popster" over the "Glamster"

A big upset last night on the American Idol Stage as 23 year old Kris Allen, the "Popster" and dark horse in this season's competition, won the coveted title of The American Idol over "Glamster" and musical theatre performer, 27 year old Adam Lambert.

It was quite the evening as the tension built up throughout the two hour special, and the viewers were treated to an array of incredible performers, including: Kiss, Queen, Cyndi Lauper, Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas, Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, and even an odd performance by comedian Steve Martin on the banjo. (Not really odd to anyone over 35 who has followed Martin's early career and remembers him from the "King Tut" days....like...moi. Give me a moment as I smooth out my crows feet a little. *pause* Alrighty then.)


Overall, the evening was very entertaining and full of suspense as it built to the shocking reveal. I say shocking because the look on Kris Allen's face said everything. Clearly, the clean cut musician from Arkansas thought the winner was obvious...and that it wasn't him. He even graciously said "..Adam deserves it" as he continued to fumble with words after hearing the announcement. It is well known that he and Adam have become good friends through the season and that Kris himself is a fan. It is nice to see the humility this young man brings with him but, in my opinion, it's now time for him to realize his own amazing talent and accept it graciously. He truly has talent.


The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

A "Green Goblin" in Alan Cumming's Future?

Well, here comes SPIDER-MAN to Broadway and look who may be creating the role of 'Green Goblin' for the stage? It looks like The New York Post's Michael Reidel reported in his column today that Tony Award winner Alan Cumming is being considered for the role of the SPIDER-MAN Villian, 'Green Goblin' in the upcoming SPIDER-MAN musical being written by Julie Taymor of "Lion King" fame.

Alan has worked with Taymor before. He starred in Titus, her 1999 adaptation of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus. He is in negotiations to play the Goblin, but there has been no official casting statements as of yet.

Julie will not only be writing the show along with Glen Berger, but will be directing Spider-Man as well. She is working with 22-time Grammy® Award-winning Bono and The Edge creating new music and lyrics.

Broadway Musical Nut Recommends: X2: X-Men United [Blu-ray]

Taymor, Bono, The Edge as well as the entire team who are bringing the famed comic hero to the Broadway stage, gave a sneak peek at The Times Center this week of Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark.

Of course, Alan Cumming isn't a stranger to playing comic book characters. He has most recently played "Nightcrawler" in the successful X-Men movie series.

Alan Cumming Stage Bio:

Alan Cumming trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He made his West End debut in Manfred Karge's Conquest of the South Pole at the Royal Court for which he received a Most Promising Newcomer Olivier award nomination. He gained further Olivier award nominations for La Bete and Cabaret and won for Accidental Death of An Anarchist at the Royal National Theatre, where he also played Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and directed Michel Tremblay's Bonjour la, Bonjour at the RNT studio. He played Hamlet on tour and at the Donmar Warehouse to great acclaim, winning the TMA award and a Shakespeare Globe nomination.

In 1998 he made his sensational Broadway debut in Cabaret and won the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics' Circle, Theatre World, NY Press, FANY and New York Public Advocate's awards. He has since appeared on Broadway in Design For Living and The Threepenny Opera. Off-Broadway he appeared in Jean Genet's Elle (which he also adapted) and The Seagull. He returned to the British Stage in 2006 to play Max in Martin Sherman's Bent and for the National Theatre of Scotland he played Dionysus in The Bacchae, which was seen last summer in NYC as part of the Lincoln Center Festival.

For Alan's Film Credits, check out IMDB.

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Chess In Concert! Cast Includes: Josh Groban, and Idina Menzel

Years ago I fell in love with the music from Chess, and now it looks like PBS is going to air Chess in Concert on June 17, 2009. I can't wait! They will then be releasing it on CD and DVD. The cast features some amazing artists including: Josh Groban, Idina Mendez, Adam Pascal, David Bedella, Kerry Ellis, Clark Peters, and Marti Pellow as the Arbiter.


Broadway Musical Nut Recommends: Chess



Some of you who (like me) may be a child of the 80's might remember the song "One Night in Bangkok" from this musical that had radio release, but others may be familiar with others like "I Know Him So Well", "Anthem", "Pity the Child" and "Someone Else's Story".

Be sure to watch for it and check your local PBS station listings.

The Broadway Musical Nut

Broadway Musical Nut.com

Watch the Trailer Here:

Tony Nominees Are Out! Look Who's Coming Out On Top!

The Nominations are out! And Billy Elliot topped the list of the 2009 Tony Award nominations with a total of 15, equaling the record number previously held by The Producers. The new musical Next to Normal picked up 11 Tony nods, including Best Musical. Nominations in 27 competitive categories were announced today, May 5 at the New York Public Library at Lincoln Center by Tony winners Lin-Manuel Miranda and Cynthia Nixon. The awards ceremony itself will be held at Radio City Music Hall on June 7, 2009 and will be broadcast on CBS.

And the nominees are...

Best Play
33 Variations by Moises Kaufman
Dividing the Estate by Horton Foote
God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza
Reasons to be Pretty by Neil LaBute

Best Musical
Billy Elliot
Next to Normal
Rock of Ages
Shrek the Musical

Best Revival of a Play
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Mary Stuart
The Norman Conquests
Waiting for Godot

Best Revival of a Musical
Guys and Dolls
Hair
Pal Joey
West Side Story

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Jeff Daniels, God of Carnage
Raúl Esparza, Speed-the-Plow
James Gandolfini, God of Carnage
Geoffrey Rush, Exit the King
Thomas Sadoski, Reasons to be Pretty

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Hope Davis, God of Carnage
Jane Fonda, 33 Variations
Marcia Gay Harden, God of Carnage
Janet McTeer, Mary Stuart
Harriet Walter, Mary Stuart

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
David Alvarez/Trent Kowalik/Kiril Kulish, Billy Elliot
Gavin Creel, Hair
Brian d’Arcy James, Shrek the Musical
Constantine Maroulis, Rock of Ages
J. Robert Spencer, Next to Normal

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Stockard Channing, Pal Joey
Sutton Foster, Shrek the Musical
Allison Janney, 9 to 5
Alice Ripley, Next to Normal
Josefina Scaglione, West Side Story

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
John Glover, Waiting for Godot
Zach Grenier, 33 Variations
Stephen Mangan, The Norman Conquests
Paul Ritter, The Norman Conquests
Roger Robinson, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Hallie Foote, Dividing the Estate
Jessica Hynes, The Norman Conquests
Marin Ireland, Reasons to be Pretty
Angela Lansbury, Blithe Spirit
Amanda Root, The Norman Conquests

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
David Bologna, Billy Elliot
Gregory Jbara, Billy Elliot
Marc Kudisch, 9 to 5
Christopher Sieber, Shrek the Musical
Will Swenson, Hair

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Jennifer Damiano, Next to Normal
Haydn Gwynne, Billy Elliot
Karen Olivo, West Side Story
Martha Plimpton, Pal Joey
Carole Shelley, Billy Elliot

Best Direction of a Play
Phyllida Lloyd, Mary Stuart
Bartlett Sher, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

Best Direction of a Musical
Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot
Michael Greif, Next to Normal
Kristin Hanggi, Rock of Ages
Diane Paulus, Hair

Best Choreography
Karole Armitage, Hair
Andy Blankenbuehler, 9 to 5
Peter Darling, Billy Elliot
Randy Skinner, White Christmas

Best Book of a Musical
[title of show] - Hunter Bell
Billy Elliot - Lee Hall
Next to Normal - Brian Yorkey
Shrek the Musical - David Lindsay-Abaire

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
Billy Elliot - Elton John and Lee Hall
Next to Normal - Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey
Shrek the Musical - David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori

Best Orchestrations
Billy Elliot - Martin Koch
Next to Normal - Michael Starobin and Tom Kitt
Shrek the Musical - Danny Troob and John Clancy
White Christmas - Larry Blank

Best Scenic Design of a Play
33 Variations - Derek McLane
Exit the King - Dale Ferguson
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone - Michael Yeargan
The Norman Conquests - Rob Howell

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Billy Elliot - Ian MacNeil
Guys and Dolls - Robert Brill
Next to Normal - Mark Wendland
Pal Joey - Scott Pask

Best Costume Design of a Play
Blithe Spirit - Martin Pakledinaz
Exit the King - Dale Ferguson
Mary Stuart - Anthony Ward
Waiting for Godot - Jane Greenwood

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Billy Elliot - Nicky Gillibrand
Hair - Michael McDonald
Rock of Ages - Gregory Gale
Shrek the Musical - Tim Hatley

Best Lighting Design of a Play
33 Variations - David Lander
Equus - David Hersey
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone - Brian MacDevitt
Mary Stuart - Hugh Vanstone

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Billy Elliot - Rick Fisher
Hair - Kevin Adams
Next to Normal - Kevin Adams
West Side Story - Howell Binkley

Best Sound Design of a Play
Equus - Gregory Clarke
Exit the King - Russell Goldsmith
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone - Scott Lehrer and Leon Rothenberg
Mary Stuart - Paul Arditti

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Billy Elliot - Paul Arditti
Hair - Acme Sound Partners
Next to Normal - Brian Ronan
Rock of Ages - Peter Hylenski

Best Special Theatrical Event
Liza’s at the Palace…
Slava’s Snowshow
Soul of Shaolin
You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush

Multiple Nominations by Show
Billy Elliot - 15
Next to Normal - 11
Hair - 8
The Norman Conquests - 7
God of Carnage - 6
Joe Turner's Come and Gone - 6
Rock of Ages - 5
33 Variations - 5
Exit the King - 4
9 to 5 - 4
Pal Joey - 4
West Side Story - 4
Reasons to Be Pretty - 3
Waiting for Godot - 3
Blithe Spirit - 2
Dividing the Estate - 2
Equus - 2
Guys and Dolls - 2
White Christmas - 2

Can't wait to see who comes out on top! Time to pick your favs and draw up your lists, then send out invitations for your own Tony Awards Party! Who do you think will win? Leave your comments and let me know!!

The Broadway Musical Nut
http://www.broadwaymusicalnut.com/

9 to 5: The Musical - Opens for Business on Broadway!

The new Broadway musical-comedy,
9 To 5: The Musical starring four-time Emmy Award
winner and Tony Award nominee Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty, and two-time Tony Award nominee Marc Kudisch opened Thursday, April 30, 2009, at the Marriott Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway). 9 To 5: The Musical marks the Broadway debut of seven-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and musician Dolly Parton as composer and lyricist.

The show is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello and choreography by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler. The Book is by by Patricia Resnick, based on her original story and screenplay for the hit 1980 film comedy which tells the story of three females who work in the same office and for the same boss, Franklin Hart, Jr. (Marc Kudisch. The girls are brought to their boiling points with him and, Violet Newstead (Allison Janney), the super efficient office manager, Judy Bernly (Stephanie J. Block), a frazzled divorcee, and the sexy executive secretary Doralee Rhodes (Megan Hilty) decide to turn the tables on him. They concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, and hypocritical boss, and that plan quickly runs hysterically out of control. There are over 20 new songs added to the show.

The cast of 9 To 5: The Musical has 30 members and features Kathy Fitzgerald, Andy Karl, Ioana Alfonso, Timothy George Anderson, Jennifer Balagna, Justin Bohon, Paul Castree, Daniel Cooney, Jeremy Davis, Gaelen Gilliland, Autumn Guzzardi, Ann Harada, Neil Haskell, Lisa Howard, Van Hughes, Michael X. Martin, Michael Mindlin, Karen Murphy, Mark Myars (Dance captain), Justin Patterson, Jessica Lea Patty, Charlie Pollock, Tory Ross, Wayne Schroder, Maia Nkenge Wilson and Brandi Wooten.

Beginning May 5 the playing schedule is as follows: Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 3pm; with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or at the Marriott Marquis Theatre Box Office and range from $126.50 to $66.50.
The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Spotlight on: Marni Raab - Christine in Broadway's "Phantom"

This post is a personal indulgence, as I am so proud of my friend Marni and...after all...it is MY blog...so I can do it. *grin* Marni Raab is the beautiful and talented woman who is currently playing Christine Daae on Broadway in The Phantom of the Opera. I had the privilege of touring some years ago with with her in another version of Phantom and I am so excited to see her rise to the "top of the heap" in NYC on Broadway! So...here we go....Spotlight! On Marni Raab!

Marni Raab assumed the role of Christine in the Broadway company of The Phantom of the Opera on August 20, 2008, replacing Jennifer Hope Wills, who left for maternity leave. Wills is expected to return to the company in June 2009.

photo by: Joan Marcus

Marni made her Phantom debut with the U.S. tour in September 2001 as the Mirror Bride and a Christine cover, eventually moving up to the Christine alternate through December 2003. She originated the role of Christine for the Asian world tour in December 2004 and continued through August 2006, then rejoined the U.S. tour until September 2007. She made her Broadway debut earlier in 2008 with a temporary stint as a Christine cover, prior to rejoining the tour in June 2008.

Marni is only the thirteenth actress to be cast as Christine in the Broadway production (not including alternates and understudies), following Sarah Brightman, Patti Cohenour, Rebecca Luker, Karen Culliver, Mary D'Arcy, Tracy Shayne, Sandra Joseph, Adrienne McEwan, Sarah Pfisterer, Lisa Vroman, Rebecca Pitcher and Jennifer Hope Wills. That's quite the membership in such an exclusive club.

To read more about Marni's career, click Here.

Brava! Marni! Love ya! You're a true Broadway Star!

H.

The Broadway Musical Nut
www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Who doesn't like it when Hugh Jackman "reveals" something?

Hugh Jackman, yummy film and broadway musical star, (okay...so the yummy is my opinion...but come on!) has "revealed" to Sydney's Daily Telegraph that he is working to "reappear" on Broadway in a new musical, HOUDINI in the spring of 2010. He also revealed that he is currently working with others on a new film version of Carousel! He told the Daily Telegraph:

"For two years we've been trying to find a way to make it relevant and not feel old-fashioned and I think we've finally done that. "On stage we're working on a musical version of the life of Houdini.

"We've been working on that for about a year and we'll probably go to Broadway when we're finished. "But it'll be at least a year away."

In the 90's I saw a great revival of Carousel on Broadway, and thought how wonderful it would be to make a new film version of this. I hope they pull it off well. I think Hugh would be marvelous as Billy Bigelow.

Jackman has been out and about in New York appearing at different events recently, but as FOX News reported, his real reason for being in town is because he is getting some "magic" training as Houdini will have to perform several illusions on stage perfectly eight times a week. He is reportedly getting advice from magician Ricky Jay, and as Hugh has already played a magician in the movie, The Prestige, he's already ahead of the game.

The creative team includes Danny Elfman (music), David Yazbek (lyrics), Kurt Andersen (book), and Jack O'Brien (direction). HOUDINI, An Original Musical marks the Broadway debuts of Mr. Elfman and Mr. Andersen, and first-time producing debut for Mr. Rockwell, who will also design the sets.

We can't wait, Hughdini! Ok...that was pushing it. *snicker*

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Farewell to Bea Arthur. A real Broadway "Bosom Buddy"

Beatrice (Bea) Arthur, star of stage and screen, passed away Saturday, April 25 at the age of 86. Arthur died peacefully at her Los Angeles home with her family at her side, family spokesman Dan Watt said. Watt said she had cancer, but declined to say anything more.

Born Beatrice Frankel in New York on May 13, 1922, Arthur began performing in college and appeared in Broadway and off-Broadway roles.

Bea Arthur made her Broadway debut in 1954 in The Three Penny Opera as Lucy, and in 1964 originated the role of Yente the Matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof. In 1966, Bea was given the role of Vera Charles, playing opposite Angela Lansbury in the Jerry Herman Broadway musical Mame which is one of my personal favorite roles of hers. Her work on the musical brought her a Tony award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical and she went on to play the role in the film version with Lucille Ball as Mame. 2002 marked her last appearance on the stage in her solo show, Bea Arthur on Broadway.

Bea Arthur really gained her fame when she portrayed the character Maude on the popular TV show All In The Family, which later spun off to her own sitcom Maude, which ran from 1972 to 1978. Of course Arthur is most famous for her role as Dorothy on NBC's The Golden Girls. The hit show ran from 1985-1992. Over the course of her career, Arthur received 10 Emmy Award nominations, with 2 wins; 1977 and 1988's Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

She is known for her acute comic timing and brilliant deadpan delivery that we can luckily view again and again in her films and television shows.

Thanks, Bea for creating some great memories for me and many generations before...and to come.

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com


I love this song from Mame. She and Angela really nailed it, even years later. Enjoy.

Susan Boyle to "Whistle Down the Wind" for Britain's Got Talent

Susan Boyle of Britain's Got Talent fame is charming audiences again, this time with an Andrew Lloyd Webber number. While making her way on the talk show circuit this last week, she has announced that her next song for the competition will be the title song from the musical "Whistle Down the Wind" which some critics have proclaimed as the best musical Sir Andrew has written since "The Phantom of the Opera".

In her recent appearance on MSNBC, Boyle gave MSNBCs Monica Novotny a small preview of the soaring number from the Lloyd Webber musical.

Boyle, an unemployed woman who's "nearly 48," talked about her cat Pebbles, and joked around with the judges, noting that she had "never been kissed." Upon seeing her and hearing her declaration that she would like to be as big as Elaine Page, audience prepared for dreadful performance as she began her song, but, once she starting singing the crowd and judges were transported by her take on the song "I Dreamed A Dream" from the Broadway Musical, Les Miserables. Since then, her life has been turned upside down and the internet world has been transformed by this quiet, aging woman from a small village in Scotland.

What an inspiration she is to so many with talents that are sometimes hidden because of fear of peers, whether it's a disability of some sort or just that they're not the "obvious beauty" physically that world views and opinion seem to cater to.

Bravo, Susan Boyle. The world is waiting on the edge of their seats for your next performance and are ready to cheer you on again!


The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Elaine Page 's offer to Britain's Got Talent Sensation, Susan Boyle

Last week we saw a viral internet sensation take place with an unknown singer named Susan Boyle who performed a jaw dropping rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream" on the popular TV competition, Britain's Got Talent. When asked by the judges who she would like to be as good as, Susan replied that she'd like to be as big as Elaine Page. This week, the well known Paige reacted to Susan's performance and posted it on her website. Paige writes:

"Ever since Susan's appearance on 'Britain's Got Talent' my Radio 2 inbox has been flooded with emails. "It seems her performance has really captured the hearts of everyone who saw it, me included... it looks like I have competition! Perhaps we should record a duet?"

Cameron Mackintosh, the Les Miserables Impresario and Musical Theater Legend also piped up this week with his reaction: "Just like the judges and audience I was gob-smacked by the emotional powerhouse performance of Susan Boyle's show stopping rendition of 'I Dreamed a Dream.' Vocally it is one of the best versions of the song I've ever heard. Touching, thrilling and uplifting".

This Broadway Musical Nut is hoping that Susan Boyle gets to continue her dream, and I truly hope Elaine Page comes through on the suggestion of a duet between the two. What an inspirational recording that would be! But, what song should they record together? Leave your suggestions!


The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Audra Mcdonald to perform with Anne Hathaway in NY Shakespeare In The Park.

The 2009 Shakespeare in the Park summer season kicks off with a powerhouse production of TWELFTH NIGHT, one of Shakespeare's most beloved romantic comedies. Directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan, this time-honored story of cross-dressing and mistaken identity follows the romantic adventures of Viola and her identical twin Sebastian, both shipwrecked in the enchanted dukedom of Illyria.

Tony Award Winner, Audra McDonald will play the part of Olivia in this productions Broadway Musical Lovers will know that Audra won Tony Awards for her performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, and A Raisin in the Sun and earned nominations for Marie Christine and 110 in the Shade. She played Lady Percy in Lincoln Center's revival of Henry IV and Jenny in the L.A. Opera's production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. She received Emmy nominations for her work in two televised stage adaptations, "Wit" and "A Raisin in the Sun," and currently stars as Dr. Naomi Bennett in the popular "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff "Private Practice." Twelfth Night is her Public Theater debut.

Audra McDonald's golden voice has thrilled Broadway Musical audiences for years. If you haven't heard this incredible artist before, or been privileged to hear her live on stage, I recommend her CD: How Glory Goes.

Audra will share the stage with the female lead, Anne Hathaway who will be playing Viola. Anne was nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, an Independent Spirit Award, and a SAG Award for her performance in Jonathon Demme's film Rachel Getting Married. Anne is also known for her performances in The Devil Wears Prada, and The Princess Diaries, among others.

While being a total Broadway Musical Nut, I love plays as well and Shakespeare in the Park was one of my favorite events of the year while I lived in New York City. If you get a chance, go! There's nothing like it. It's an experience you'll never forget!

Summer Supporter tickets for TWELFTH NIGHT and THE BACCHAE will be available for a tax-deductible contribution of $170. These reserved seats are only available for a limited time to ensure that the highest number of free seats will be available to distribute to the general public on the day of the show. Summer Supporter tickets help to underwrite production expenses. Supporter tickets will go on-sale on Friday, April 24 at the Public Theater Box Office at 425 Lafayette Street; online at publictheater.org; or by calling (212) 967-7555.

For additional information about Shakespeare in the Park, visit The Public Theater website at www.publictheater.org

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Singer Stuns Cowell on Britain's Got Talent with "I Dreamed A Dream"

Susan Boyle, Contestant No. 432, a plain, and somewhat "frumpy"middle-aged woman from Scotland with bushy eyebrows and an out of date dress and hairdo, stunned Simon Cowell and the other judges on Britain's popular "Britain's Got Talent" television show when she sang "I Dreamed A Dream" from the musical Les Miserables.

There was snickering and rolling eyes in the audience as well as at the judges table when Susan said she would like to one day be as big as well known singer Elaine Page. But, the looks of disdain would soon turn to cheers once Susan began to sing.

Susan, a 47 year old single, never married and never been kissed woman from a small village in Scotland, who was often teased by children for her looks and for living alone with her cat "Pebbles" stunned them all with her powerful and clear rendition of the popular musical theatre ballad.

Susan said she had always wanted to perform for a large audience, and boy did she get her chance. " I’m going to make that audience rock,” she said.

With her "dream" of one day becoming a professional singer, Susan certainly chose the appropriate song to let them know she meant business. Within the first three notes, the looks on the faces of the spectators really screwed up in disbelief. Simon Cowell's eyebrows shot up as he looked at the other two judges in amazement who stared on with their mouths agape in astonishment.

Piers Morgan, one of the other judges said, “That was the biggest surprise I’ve had in three years on the show.” His vote, he said, was “the biggest yes I have ever given anybody.”

Cowell completed the judging with the third resounding yes. “Susan Boyle, you can go back to the village with your head held high,” he said. “It’s three yeses.”

Within days, the video of her performance was a YouTube sensation. More than 5 million people have watched her amazing performance and Cowell has already set up a record deal for her on his own label. Susan is definitely a testament to "Dreaming a Dream". Bravo, Susan! You're an inspiration to us all! Watch her brilliant performance here.

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

Is Anybody Listening...to Adam Lambert? Early Musical Clip Surfaces

This season of American Idol, the Idol Maniacs of the world have been following the path of all the hopefuls and have been learning more and more about each of them as they compete for the ultimate prize. One of the standouts in this season's competitions is the 27 year old, Adam Lambert, whose voice seems to soar beyond everyone's expectations each week. Many faithful watchers are following the back stories of their personal favorites, and are aware of Adam's musical theatre background and his involvement in the Musical Wicked. Most however, are unaware that in 2004, Adam shared the Kodak Theatre stage with none other than Val Kilmer in a musical version of The Ten Commandments, with a buff Val as Moses and Adam as the Israelite slave, Joshua that sings what some critics called the best song of the show, Is Anybody Listening? As it is with many musicals that get produced but fall by the wayside after bad response and reviews, The Ten Commandments musical seemed to have been nicely tucked away and forgotten. Luckily, someone dusted off this video clip of Adam Lambert singing this solo and posted it on You Tube. For those of you who love Adam Lambert, enjoy. For those of you who don't....you may still have to admit...the guy has some amazing pipes!

The Broadway Musical Nut
www.broadwaymusicalnut.com

South Pacific Revival - Some Cockeyed Optimism!

I'm In Love...with a Wonderful Show!
Not since South Pacific's first opening in 1949 has this beloved musical graced the Broadway Musical stage, until 2008. It's an oldie...but definitely a goodie as Broadway audiences and critics are agreeing. I personally love this musical. I've seen several Regional Productions and was privileged to play Bloody Mary in a production years ago. It can be somewhat corny to some, but if you love the WWII era and classic musicals, South Pacific is one of the absolute best.


Tony!Tony! Tony!
At the 2008 Tony Awards, South Pacific won seven Tonys and has been playing to sold-out houses since the first preview in March 2008. Laura Osnes and David Pittsinger are the new leads and head a marvelous cast of 40 directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher.

South Pacific has a wonderful score. The songs include Some Enchanted Evening, Younger Than Springtime, Bali Ha'i, There Is Nothin' Like A Dame, and A Wonderful Guy . While it has many elements of comedy and romance, it is also a very moving drama (when it's done well) and charms new generations time and time again. Its fine portrayal of Americans stationed in a foreign culture in wartime is as relevant today as when it first entertained audiences in 1949.

Regional Offerings
Two years ago I saw an outdoor production of South Pacific that was wonderful overall but lacked in some areas - mainly the chemistry between Nellie and Emille. But, the spectacle of the outdoor Amphitheatre in Southern Utah added to the productions appeal, especially the water element that was cleverly added by the director. Tuacahn Amphitheatrein Ivins, Utah has the ability to flood the stage. Each night, the director provided a "From Here to Eternity" moment with Liat and the Lieutenant as they played in the surf and sang "Younger than Springtime". It was very unique and effective.

Back to Broadway
It looks like Kelli O'Hara, who originated the role of Nellie Forbush in the Broadway production, is on maternity leave and will return to South Pacific in October2009. Paulo Szot, who won the Tony for his performance, is on leave to star in a production of Carmen for Opera Toulouse. He returns on Tuesday, April 14.

I hope this Broadway Revival "revives" some interest in new generations and brings some memories and nostalgia to the old. South Pacific is definitely a favorite of mine that will continue having me whistle, "I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair.." for years to come.

Tickets to Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, priced $75 to $125, are available at the Vivian Beaumont Theater box office (150 W. 65 Street), at telecharge.com, or by visiting www.lct.org.

The Broadway Musical Nut

Broadway Musical Nut.com