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

Faith Prince to play "Ursula" in Disney's Little Mermaid

Faith Prince rocks on Land and Under The Sea!

Disney Theatrical Productions welcomes Tony Award winner Faith Prince to the Broadway company of The Little Mermaid. Prince stars as "Ursula," the evil sea witch. I love Faith Prince and I can only imagine she will bring a lot to this amazing character! I'm hoping to get out to see the show soon!

Based on the animated Disney film and the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid officially opened on Broadway on January 10, 2008 and the company recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.

The Little Mermaid tickets range in price from $51.50-$121.50 (all prices include a $1.50 facility fee). Tickets are available at DisneyOnBroadway.com, the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street), Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling Ticketmaster's Disney on Broadway hotline at 866-870-2717. For group sales and information, please call 800-439-9000. Performance & holiday schedule varies, check online for current schedule (running time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.)

The Broadway Musical Nut

Broadway Musical Nut.com