Rialto Chatter - Page 8

BroadwayWorld.com has learned that director Scott Faris has joined the production team of the Broadway-bound Wililam Shatner's SHATNER'S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT as director. The show will play from February 14 - March 4 at the Music Box Theater on Broadway, before embarking on a national tour.

On January 6, Michael Riedel reported in the New York Post that LEAP OF FAITH, which had been planning for a Fall 2012 debut on Broadway was hoping to move to the Spring of 2012 instead. Today, Patrick Healy of The New York Times has confirmed that hope, via a newsletter from producer Daryl Roth, in which she notes that there should be news 'shortly' and that 'hopefully' the show will open in the Spring.

BroadwayWorld.com has learned that the hit open-air production of INTO THE WOODS that played London's Regent's Park Theatre in 2011 is now planning for a transfer to Central Part's Delacorte Theater as part of the Public Theater's Summer 2012 programming. Casting is said to be underway already for the role of 'The Witch' and that the producers are seeking a big name. Nothing officially has been announced on a possible transfer, as The Public is expecting to announce the 2012 summer season at the Delacorte sometime next month. The Public Theatre had no comment by press time.

Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that both LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE and LEAP OF FAITH are considering making Spring bows on Broadway as they evaluate both potential available theatres and 'Best New Musical' competitors. Talking to producers for LEAP OF FAITH, Riedel reports 'When I asked about their plans, they said: " 'Leap of Faith' is planning to open [in] fall 2012. If we were presented with the possibility of a spring opening, we would strongly consider it, but many pieces would have to fall into place to make that happen." But I can tell you from sources inside the "Leap of Faith" revival tent, we're comin', praise Jesus, we're comin'

Now, a press release from the production has been posted on Broadway's Best Shows noting that producers have now officially announced that the show will play its final performance on December 30th at 8pm, following 69 performances.

The New York Post reports this morning that everyone's favorite international spy, Austin Powers, may be next seen on the Great White Way in a new Broadway Musical. At least, if the character's alter ego, Mike Myers, has anything to do with it.

Now, Group Sales promo emails for the show indicate there as well that the show will play its final performance on Broadway on December 30th. The press office for the show currently has no comment or announcement on the ticket sales or the show's future.

BONNIE & CLYDE opened on Thursday, December 1, at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. As of today, it appears the producers have taken tickets off sale through Telecharge.com past December 30, 2011. (Telecharge.com is selling for the show through this date, however). No official announcement as to why the production has pulled tickets past the 30th has been made.

Michael Riedel reports today in the New York Post that things are 'moving along' for a new musical, NATURAL WOMAN featuring the music of the song writer Carole King. A new reading of the show, based on her own life took place last week, put together by King's daughter Sherry Goffin Kondor and she was reportedly pleased with the work, which will hopefully move the project forward.

Playwright Douglas Carter Beane, represented on Broadway currently by both SISTER ACT and LYSISTRATA JONES tells the Associated Press today about his upcoming projects, and noted that 'In the pipeline for the next Broadway season is a play - 'The Nance' with Nathan Lane - and another, still hush-hush musical.'

In the New York Post today, Michael Riedel reports that the show, if well-received, could be headed to Broadway in the 2012-2013 season.

The New York Times reports that Bernadette Peters and Martin Short are in talks with producers about co-starring as 'Agnes Snow' and 'Michael Snow' in a revival of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's I DO I DO. Talks about the possible revival are in the earliest phases and no readings or workshops have been planned. The producers behind the revival are Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Promises, Promises, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Smash), and Broadway Across America's John Gore and Beth Williams.

Now, the New York Times reports that according to producer Thomas Viertel, the show is indeed now headed to Broadway in the Fall of 2012. No official announcement has yet been made, but Viertel told the paper that 'closed-door developmental readings drew strong feedback' and that 'our creative team has done great work in clarifying the story.'

BroadwayWorld.com has confirmed that James Barbour has joined the cast of REBECCA on Broadway, in the featured role of 'Jack Favel'. He joins the only other casting officially confirmed by the production of Sierra Boggess in the lead role of 'I'.

Michael Riedel writes today in the New York Post, after attending the final performance of the Andre De Shields directed Ain't Misbehavin' at the Crossroads Theater in New Brunswick, NJ that the show might soon be headed back to Broadway.

Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that producers of FOLLIES on Broadway had been trying to convince the Nederlanders to allow the show to extend past its current January 22, 2012 closing date at the Marquis Theater. Doing this, Riedel reports would require forcing the upcoming revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's EVITA starring Ricky Martin, Elena Roger and Michael Cerveris to move theatres, which they were unwilling to do.

BroadwayWorld.com has learned that a new reading of the long in development Rocky musical is taking place this week in the city. Starring in the workshop is Andy Karl as Rocky, Glenn Flesher as Pauly and Tricia Paoluccio as Adrienne.

Peter and the Starcatcher, written by Rick Elice, directed by Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, based upon the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, opened Wednesday, March 9, 2011 to rave notices and set a record for the highest grossing day in NYTW history. It closed on April 24 following two extensions.

According to The New York Times, the production may be headed for Broadway: a source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the paper that talks are underway between Disney and the Nederlander Organization and Jujamcyn Theaters, who seek to house the show for the upcoming season. All announcements from Disney have noted that the production was intended to set the oft-requested show up for licensing, not for a commercial transfer, though insiders have been speculating that positive reviews (which the show received) would result in a move.

BroadwayWorld has learned that the musical BARE may be getting a staged reading in New York in October. Randy Taradash and Martian Entertainment will produce the reading of the Damon Intrabartolo and Jon Hartmere piece. Stafford Arima will direct and Lynne Shankel will musical direct. The reading would begin either October 23 or October 24 and run through October 31.