Rialto Chatter - Page 18

Roger Friedman of Showbiz411.com is reporting that producer David Garfinkle has told him that Spider-Man will be ready to make its Broadway debut this fall and that an announcement will be made soon regarding the shows schedule, as well a casting announcement as to who will replace Evan Rachel Wood.

Nathan Lane's next role may be in the classic Eugene O'Neill play, THE ICEMAN COMETH, in Chicago. TheDailyBeast.com is reporting that Lane may be set to play opposite Brian Dennehy in the production directed by Chicago's Robert Falls.

Last September, Kander and Ebb's new musical revue First You Dream premiered at the Signature Theatre in Arlington Virginia. Now, according to Boomberg.com, producer Jeffrey Richards is in talks to possibly bring the show to Broadway.

BroadwayWorld.com's West Coast Scoopers are telling us this morning that the buzz from the auditions for RENT at the Hollywood Bowl are saying that none other than pop-star and actor Justin Timberlake is director Neil Patrick Harris' top choice to play 'Roger' in the 3 night production. The rumors aren't totally out of the realm of possiblity as Timberlake is said to have enjoyed all three nights of girlfriend Jessica Biel's performance in GUYS & DOLLS at the Hollywood Bowl last summer.

Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that there's 'good buzz' coming out of a reading earlier this week of Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys, produced by Roundabout, that starred Elliot Gould and Richard Benjamin and was directed by Lonny Price. Riedel says to look for the production this fall.

Word is coming out this morning that the LOVE NEVER DIES opening on Broadway, which was scheduled for November 11, 2010 might be pushed into January/February or even to Spring in New York.

Michael Riedel reports today in the New York Post that this fall, the cult classic Hedwig and the Angry Inch is coming to Broadway with John Cameron Mitchell recreating the role that he wrote 12 years ago.

It seems Dame Edna and Michael Feinstein's ALL ABOUT ME will play its final performance on April 4, 2010 after opening on March 18, 2010. Telecharge.com, the show's official ticketing outlet, is only selling tickets through April 4, uncharacteristic of a new Broadway production that just opened. Tickets are usually available for purchase months out.

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Nikki Finke at Deadline.com revealed yesterday that 'Sources tell me tonight CBS tried to hire Conan O'Brien to host this year's Tony Awards on June 13th. But he had to turn down the offer because of the restrictions NBC put on his activities until September 1st in exchange for that giant $40 million payout for himself and his Tonight Show staff.'

According to numerous published reports, Mariah Carey may be immortalized in a new musical about her life and, allegedly, the famous singer is hoping to be portrayed on Broadway by Leona Lewis. A spokesperson for Carey reveals: 'Mariah is in talks for a Broadway musical to be made about her life in 2009.'

Nikki Finke at Deadline.com reports tonight that 'Sources tell me tonight CBS tried to hire Conan O'Brien to host this year's Tony Awards on June 13th. But he had to turn down the offer because of the restrictions NBC put on his activities until September 1st in exchange for that giant $40 million payout for himself and his Tonight Show staff. '

The New York Times is reporting that the musical Everyday Rapture, based on actress Sherie ReneScott's journey with religion, theater, and fame, will replace Terrence McNally's Lips Together, Teeth Apart at the Roundabout Theatre Company. As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Lips Tgether has been indefinitely postponed following the sudden departure of Megan Mullally from this four-person ensemble comedy over disagreements with director Joe Mantello. The show was to open on April 29, 2010.

Radar Online is reporting that former American Idol judge Paula Abdul will make her Broadway debut in the Tony Award winning musical 'In The Heights'.

Michael Riedel reports in The New York Post today that the next cast to step into the roles of the Broadway hit GOD OF CARNAGE may feature an all-star African-American cast. The top of producers' lists is film star Eddie Murphy, followed by a host of other celebrities including Nia Long, Sanaa Lathan, Sean Combs, Wesley Snipes, Regina King, Mo'Nique and Chris Rock.

The New York Times is reporting that Broadway's THE MIRACLE WORKER, which celebrated its opening night this past Wednesday, March 3, may be in trouble already.

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Broadway audiences may be able to expect adaptations of both Dumbo and Newsies in the near future. Disney continues to fuel this speculation, as stitchkingdom.com is now revealing that Disney Theatricals has registered website domains for both productions.

There may soon be a new Disney neighbor on the Great White Way, Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post this morning. According to his report, Disney Theatricals has begun making plans to bring 'Dumbo' to the stage, the classic children's story about a baby elephant born with oversized ears that allow him to fly, making him the target of ridicule amongst his peers.

The New York Times is reporting that the Classic Stage Company's critically-acclaimed production of VENUS IN FUR, a new play by David Ives and directed by Walter Bobbie, may be headed to the Great White Way. Featuring Nina Arianda and Wes Bentley, the production has received two extension off-Broadway and will now run through Sunday, March 28. VENUS IN FUR has now become the longest-running production in CSC's 42 year history.

According to Empireonline.com, the next cinematic hit to receive Broadway musical treatment is A Fish Called Wanda. The musical book has been written by original screenwriter John Cleese and his daughter Camilla. Bill Bailey has been recruited to compose.

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, the highly anticipated new Kander and Ebb musical now in previews at the Vineyard Theatre, may be preparing itself for a Broadway transfer as early as this season, pending the availability of a theater. Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post this morning that heavy-hitting producers Fran and Barry Weissler have invested $400,000 into THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS, and writes that 'If the reviews are strong, they'll move it to a small Broadway house, very possibly before this year's Tony cutoff date, should a theater become available.'