Search Message Board

Happy 93rd Birthday To Carol Channing!
Jan 31st, 2014 6:38 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Having seen her recent documentary, I now understand why she is so loved by so many.... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jan 28th, 2014 7:43 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I was looking thru the Chicago National Tour cast list and saw that Jason Patrick Sands is playing the role of "Billy Flynn" for most of the month of February in a variety of cities. Paige Davis and Bianca Marroquin are listed.... (more...)

Oh No Ma'am! Kris Jenner Has Her Eyes On Broadway
Jan 27th, 2014 8:57 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I just chuckled when the article mentioned that she had been practicing the song "All That Jazz".... deluded person thought herself as a potential Velma. You never know with the Weisslers. Although I'm a big (recent) fan of "Chicago", I would consider boycotting the show if that big pile of nothing got cast in the show. I agree with what Mr. Roxy said.... (more...)

Look At Her! Angela Dances Up A Storm at 1973 Academy Awards Opening
Jan 26th, 2014 10:35 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Those massive headresses were a trip. I think this is the same Academy Awards where Marlon Brando refused his Academy Award and David Niven encountered a streaker (a craze sweeping the U.S. at the time.) from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Look At Her! Angela Dances Up A Storm at 1973 Academy Awards Opening
Jan 26th, 2014 10:25 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

She dances up a tap dancing storm...and then some. A nice trip down memory lane. (She starts tapping at around the 4:38 mark)... (more...)

How A Theatre Fan From Montreal Became A Broadway Power Broker: Adam Blanshay
Jan 25th, 2014 10:54 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I found this interesting article from Canada's Globe and Mail.... (more...)

Joyful Music!
Jan 20th, 2014 6:42 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Ah yes.. Margo Channing was one of a kind. Miss M.C.!... (more...)

Joshua Johnston Follows in Mother's (Patti LuPone) Footsteps
Jan 17th, 2014 1:59 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm curious, but does anyone know of he can sing?... (more...)

Patti LuPone As A Ghost in Long Lost Musical Set In A Laundromat (1984)
Jan 14th, 2014 6:48 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

from Broadway.com. This 1984 musical stars Patti as a ghost who has been trapped in a dryer for 18 months. She is set free and is ready to exact revenge on the husband who spurned her for another woman. Wow! It's mind blowing. Martin Vidnovic plays the husband (who incidentally is Laura Benanti's father). Priscilla Lopez plays the other woman.... (more...)

Happy Birthday Max von Essen!
Jan 11th, 2014 11:21 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I've seen him as Magaldi in "Evita" and as Sonny Malone in the national tour of "Xanadu."... (more...)

Happy Birthday Max von Essen!
Jan 11th, 2014 11:07 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Max von Essen (born Thomas von Essen, II; January 11, 1974) is an American musical theatre and television actor, and vocalist. A son of Rita and Thomas Von Essen, who was the New York City Fire Commissioner during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, he is the youngest of four children.[1] He is openly gay. Raised in Long Island, Max von Essen is a 1992 graduate of South Side High School, in Rockville Centre, New York. He attended the University of North Carolina at Ch... (more...)

Holler If ya here me coming to Broadway
Jan 8th, 2014 9:19 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I don't see this show as having any broad appeal...which does not bode well for its long term success.... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jan 7th, 2014 8:44 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Terra C MacLeod would be a fantastic replacement for AFW. However, Terra C is the national tour Velma at this time. How about Leigh Zimmerman? She would be an awesome replacement.... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jan 6th, 2014 9:12 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I think that means that Bianca may be joining Terra C with the national tour. That would be great news!... (more...)

Broadway Blog Interview: Cheyenne Jackson
Jan 3rd, 2014 4:54 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I came across this interesting interview, thru Facebook.... (more...)

Empty Houses
Jan 1st, 2014 6:40 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm amazed that people think that a musical about Tupac is realistic. That makes about as much sense as a show about vampires. (silence)... (more...)

Playbill.com: Top 10 Reasons Why Patrick Stewart Is Totally Awesome!
Jan 1st, 2014 4:54 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I had never heard of a quadruple take before. But Patrick does it (page 4).... (more...)

re: 1973 Off-Broadway Musical: THE FAGGOT
Jan 1st, 2014 4:26 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Pal Joey needs to write a book about his theatre experiences...or at the very least write a very long blog. Ponder that thought. from RC in Austin Texas... (more...)

Is Broadway really considered the best?
Jan 1st, 2014 3:46 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I think that Broadway is the best most of the time, but not always. It depends on a lot of things. Local productions of Broadway shows are adapted, to fit the local theatre and its available resources. For instance, some years ago "Evita" was produced at the local Zachary Scott Theatre here in Austin. It was set in a circus ring. I kid you not. Still, it was a fantastic show. There are a lot of variables to consider. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jan 1st, 2014 8:25 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I agree with you about A.F. W. It would be boring if the show would get a new Velma for a few weeks, only to have AFW return after that. How about Nikka Graff Lazarone (sp?). She did the role for a time a few years ago. Nicole Scherzinger would make an amazing Velma. Anyone but A.F.W.... (more...)

Nick Adams Joins First National Tour of Wicked
Dec 31st, 2013 11:23 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Most people who have posted in this thread are pleased that Nick Adams will be a touring "Fiyero." Most people don't have a problem with it.... (more...)

Nick Adams Joins First National Tour of Wicked
Dec 31st, 2013 7:07 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Misto625: Nick Adams will be a good Fiyero. He's a singer, a dancer and an actor. All his experiences thus far will serve him well in "Wicked."... (more...)

Nick Adams Joins First National Tour of Wicked
Dec 30th, 2013 11:16 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Yes, it was a joke. Nick will be great in the role of Fiyero. Unfortunately, I will not be able to see his portrayal, as he's in the Emerald City Tour of Wicked. The Munchkinland Tour is the one that stops in Austin, Texas.... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Dec 30th, 2013 9:45 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I came across this clip of a recent 2013 Moscow production of Chicago. Interesting.... (more...)

Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 12/29/13
Dec 30th, 2013 4:14 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Wow, I have't seen so many $1 million plus shows in quite a while. Now, the struggling months of January and February await many shows.... (more...)

A Fantastic Week For Kinky Boots: Broadway Blog
Dec 30th, 2013 12:19 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I don't know what this blog's source is, but they are impressive figures.... (more...)

A New Cinderella
Dec 30th, 2013 8:58 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Carlos Alberto.... I couldn't have said it better myself. Good comment.... (more...)

A New Cinderella
Dec 29th, 2013 7:41 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm not familiar with this person, except for that one song. It appears she does have musical theatre training. There are quite a number of people who are gnashing their teeth about this casting. Some people get a great deal of satisfaction in "dissecting" a casting change, even before the poor girl has has a chance to perform. Since this is her Broadway debut, she'll need some time to "get her feet wet." But the producers obviously think she will be able to do justice to the role. "Cinde... (more...)

Nicole Scherzinger To Replace Patina Miller in
Dec 29th, 2013 5:17 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Well, it wdoes matter for those involved with the show and fans too. If the negotiations were scuttled because of the news leak, then the show may have lost a worthy candidate to replace Patina Miller. I think that in the case of "Pippin", the show IS the star.... (more...)

Who Deserves a to be honored by the Kennedy Center next?
Dec 29th, 2013 5:14 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Yes, Carol Channing for sure. She's getting on in years. It would be a travesty if the Kennedy Centers failed to honor her. They should do it, already! I don't know about Judi Dench. Is being American a requirement for the Kennedy Center Honors? How about Olivia de Havilland?... (more...)

Nicole Scherzinger To Replace Patina Miller in
Dec 29th, 2013 12:16 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

According to the New York Daily News "Confidential" column, apparently only a select number of people were privvy to Nicole's possible casting as "Leading Player." It's possible that someone within that select group "spilled the beans" before negotiations were finalized. Someone is in biiiig trouble. (scroll down for the paragraph dealing with Pippin)... (more...)

Playbill.Com Q & A Special Skills: Revisited
Dec 28th, 2013 6:36 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

On Page 3, Will Swenson mentions "Work well with gays. " I chuckled a bit at that. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Nicole Scherzinger To Replace Patina Miller in
Dec 27th, 2013 10:17 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Broadway Boo_ _ , I agree with you. Any celebrity Roxie would only have to commit to a contract of 6-8 weeks, give or take. It's entirely possible that Nicole's financial requirements weren't met by the producers of Pippin. I get the sense that the Weisslers are extremely tight with a buck.... (more...)

Merry Christmas Greetings To All!
Dec 25th, 2013 10:45 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Xmas / Happy Hannukah (sp?)! from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Playbill Readers' Fave Choices For Pippin Film
Dec 22nd, 2013 6:48 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

This article focused soley on the character of "Pippin." Someone mentioned Darren Criss. He's a known face and all, but he certainly does not have the soaring vocals needed for the role of Pippin.... (more...)

Frank Wildhorn's Next Musical...
Dec 16th, 2013 9:57 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I get the sense that ANY Wildhorn musical will be met with a great degree of skepticism. There seem to be many out there who just relish the thought of skewering another work of his. Although this new concept is interesting, I am doubtful that it can develop a broad appeal, so it can be financially sustainable.... (more...)

Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 12/15/13
Dec 16th, 2013 9:53 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Chicago will have a new Roxie, Velma, Billy Flynn and Mama Morton on January 12, 2013. I will scream if Amra Fay Wright gets another extension. Granted, she's uber talented, but someone else deserves a chance. Come to think of it... I don't think there's been a celebrity Velma in quite some time. Any guesses as to the next Roxie or Billy Flynn? I hope Christine Pedi gets another chance as Mama Morton. She was awesome in her previous run. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

"Morning Glow" Music Video From Pippin
Dec 16th, 2013 9:50 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I loved this video! It made me nostalgic about the magical experience I had when I saw Pippin in June 2013. I wish I could see it once more. Yes, it appears that most of the original acrobats have departed. But, a crowd favorite has returned after a four month rehabiliation. So that's something.... (more...)

The New Yorker explains the neurological reasons for the SOM snark
Dec 7th, 2013 10:12 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

My favorite for tv musical would be Xanadu...but I don't think that'll ever happen.... (more...)

The New Yorker explains the neurological reasons for the SOM snark
Dec 7th, 2013 9:55 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Neurological reasons?...Oh brudder. I love this remark by Phyllis: "I have a negative response to bad acting. It makes me nostalgic for good acting. " Overall, I liked it. It was imperfect in some places, but very good in other areas. It's amazing how so many are having "theatrical meltdowns" over Carrie Underwood. Pass the popcorn.... (more...)

Broadway World's Boards Make The Post! (
Dec 5th, 2013 2:12 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

This is the complete article. I don't think I've ever heard of "dreaming." I think I'll dvr the show. I half disagree with the article. The author of this article calls Underwood's critics...theatre snobs. Just because a good deal of people criticized the casting doesn't mean that they're snobs, just knowledgeable about all things theatre. I'm familiar with her name, but not her music. I don't have a preference, one way or another, about her. With regards to her performance, we shall see.... (more...)

Funny or Die Spoofs CHICAGO w/ Marilu Henner
Dec 5th, 2013 2:08 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I need to go back to sleep, but I found this. Sooooo funny! I'm curious if this spoof was given a blessing by the Weisslers? In any case, bravo to Marilu. I had no idea that Jennifer Holiday had been in the show?... (more...)

Ben Rimalower 's Leading Men of Broadway
Dec 1st, 2013 6:20 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I've had the chance to see both in performance: Boyd Gaines (in Gypsy) and Davis Gaines (as Anthony in the San Francisco Symphony production of "Sweeney Todd" in SF in 2001. His vocals are beyond belief!... (more...)

Happy Thanksgiving! Donna McKechnie Talks About Turkey Lurkey Time
Nov 29th, 2013 10:31 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Oh. I stand corrected.... (more...)

Parade Performances
Nov 29th, 2013 5:04 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

ACL, you are right. Apparently, Orion's appearance was a warm up, so to speak. That was a pretty precarious act he did, during the presentation. According to a very reliable source, he should/will be back with the show in a week. Is it still snowing in NYC? It's dry and 34 F here in Austin.... (more...)

Parade Performances
Nov 28th, 2013 9:02 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I think there's a way to turn off the comments, if you're so inclined to do so.... (more...)

Parade Performances
Nov 28th, 2013 4:48 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I enjoyed the Kinky Boots perf on the parade telecast. I'm not surprised that there are those who get all dumbass, over the characters in the show. It's strange that some of thoe same critics have no problem with watching bloody and violent content on tv, yet get all freaky merely because of a group of fiercely fabulous performers. Their loss. Bravo to all the performers who had to do their thing, with limited clothing.... (more...)

Parade Performances
Nov 28th, 2013 10:43 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I just saw the Pippin performance. Who was that guy in the burgundy colored shorts and horns? Was it Orion Griffiths? I couldn't really tell, as the telly didn't provide a close-up. Whoever it was must be very brave, as that person performed virtually half naked in such cold temperatures. Nice performance by all.... (more...)

Gabrielle Mc Clinton in Pippin as the Leading Player
Nov 28th, 2013 9:46 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm not sure that Stephanie Pope might be a candidate to replace Patina Miller, at some point. After all, the talented Miss Pope was basically transferred from Pippin to Chicago, where she is one of the three Velma Kelly understudies. I'm thinking that the producers wanted someone closer to Patina's age, to be quite honest.... (more...)

Broadway Spring line up by theatre:
Nov 26th, 2013 11:43 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

ACL, ya missed one: Ambassador : Chicago. I must say that last week's grosses for the show were incredible...and not in a good way.... (more...)