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How About Some Theatre Chat?
Sep 1st, 2013 10:46 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm here. Let's chat, shall we.... (more...)

All Male Cast Members of King Kong The Musical Singing
Aug 31st, 2013 8:10 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Very good looking group...but a wee bit tame.... (more...)

Charlotte D'Amboise's Views On Six Of Her Musical Roles
Aug 29th, 2013 5:17 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

sorry for the double post. from Broadway.com Children of celebrated performers often wilt under the pressure of being compared to their parents, but not Charlotte d’Amboise: The daughter of ballet superstar Jacques d’Amboise made her Broadway debut in Cats, and in the three decades since then, she has graced the stage in iconic musicals such as Damn Yankees, Chicago and now the Tony-winning revival of Pippin. D’Amboise is giving a smoking hot performance as Fastrada, the title c... (more...)

Charlotte D'Amboise Views On Six Of Her Musical Roles
Aug 29th, 2013 5:17 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

from Broadway.com Charlotte comments on six of her musical roles. She mentions that "A Chorus Line" was very difficult to do.... (more...)

Does being in a show a long time help or hurt a career?
Aug 28th, 2013 11:29 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

The only former (recent)"Chicago" ensemble member(that I know of) who is in a current Broadway show is Peter Nelson (Cinderella ensemble member).... (more...)

Lisa Lampanelli says her one-woman show will come to Broadway, with John Rando directing
Aug 28th, 2013 8:53 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I totally agree with TheatreDiva.... (more...)

Who do you think will replace Andrea Martin
Aug 28th, 2013 8:51 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

My vote goes to Cathy Rigby. She has a built-in fan base, through her many, many years doing Peter Pan.... (more...)

Is This
Aug 26th, 2013 10:55 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I don't mind the ensemble cast who have been with the show for quite a while. I respect their efforts and the years in their specific roles. It's the leading roles: Roxie, Velma, Billy and Amos which grab attention and appeal. For example, the show has a group of amazing Billys who have had a chance to play the role (Tony Yazbek comes to mind). Now, the gorgeous Ryan Silverman is tackling that role. He's getting a limited run, which will help him for future renewals with the role. I wish th... (more...)

Is This
Aug 26th, 2013 10:42 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

There's the fabulous Terra C MacLeod (soon to undergo an extensive run in the newest national tour) and Leigh Zimmerman (who's available and just finished her role in "A Chorus Line). Also, there's the amazing Anna Jane Casey. Do a YouTube search. She's INcredible in "Tap Your Troubles Away". I love "Chicago" in a major way, obviously. It's high time that other potential Velmas be given the opportunity to shine. This can't happen when one person monopolizes the role. Even Bianca Marroquin... (more...)

Is This "Chicago" News For Real?
Aug 26th, 2013 10:04 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Amra Fay Wright as Velma (thru 6/12/14) Paige Davis as Roxie (thru 8/2 Bianca Marroquin as Roxie (begins 9/2) Alexander Gemignani as Bill Flynn (thru 8/29) Ryan Silverman as Billy Flynn (8/30 - 10/27) Carol Woods as Mama Morton (thru 8/2 Roz Ryan as Mama Morton (9/1 - 10/27) Paul C Vo... (more...)

To all the new posters here ...
Aug 25th, 2013 10:52 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

To all the new posters here... welcome (except if you're a troll).... (more...)

Broadway Legend Julie Harris has died ...
Aug 25th, 2013 7:48 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'll remember her more from "Knots Landing." I never had the chance to see her perform in a play. Here is Julie Harris in "The Belle of Amherst." Note: The original Broadway production of "The Belle of Amherst" by William Luce opened at the Longacre Theater in New York on April 28, 1976 and ran for 116 performances. Julie Harris was won the 1977 Tony Award for Actress in a Drama and recreated her stage role in the filmed production.... (more...)

Anyone else tired of Movies being made into Musicals?
Aug 24th, 2013 10:40 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I don't think that performers who work for a living mind that films are made into musicals. It is those musicals that provide countless jobs to so many. That's all.... (more...)

Interesting Theatre-In-The-Round For CA "Chicago"
Aug 24th, 2013 9:44 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

This is an interesting concept. Brenda Braxon is in fine voice. She should make a return visit to "Chicago" on Broadway. Linda Roginski is very good as Roxie. She's a Chicago tour veteran.... (more...)

Ben Rimalower's Patti Issues: 12 Fave Patti LuPone Videos
Aug 24th, 2013 8:07 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

....make that 11. There's one from "Being Alive" (PBS) that's restricted. But all in all, this was a fascinating tour of Patti's career. from Playbill.com... (more...)

I'm Giving Away Free Tickets to The Orion Experience
Aug 22nd, 2013 5:59 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I honestly thought that this experience was related to a certain Thigh God. : (... (more...)

Whatever Happened To Class?
Aug 22nd, 2013 3:29 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

(Velma) Whatever happened to fair dealing And pure ethics And nice manners? Why is it everyone now is a pain in the Ass? Whatever happened to class? (Mama) Class. Whatever happened to Please may I And Yes thank you And How charming? Now every son of a bitch Is a snake in the grass Whatever happened to class? (Velma) Class. (Both) Oh, there ain't no gentelmen to open up the doors, There ain't no ladies now there's only pigs and whores And even kids'll knock you down so's they c... (more...)

Sally Struthers Will Lead 50th Anniversary National Tour of Hello, Dolly!
Aug 21st, 2013 10:11 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Just a bit of Broadway related trivia: In my younger days, I used to watch "All In The Family". I remember an episode where Mike Stivic (Gloria's husband) is in college and a pretty young thing flirts with him, with the intention of a home run. I recall the petite-pretty girl had blonde curls, with a unique voice. Today, she is beloved by many, derided by some. Name that girl.... (more...)

Pippin Souvenir Programs! (Finally)
Aug 21st, 2013 4:18 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm debating whether to buy one or not. Does our Thigh God (Orion) figure prominently to some extent? It certainly took them a bloody long time to produce the souvenir program.... (more...)

Q & A with CAROL CHANNING
Aug 20th, 2013 1:48 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Oh, I didn't realize you were a newbie. Welcome to BWW. Our little community is like a box of chocolates...you'll never know what you're going to get. People can be very informative and helpful. But also, they can be nitpicky and bitchy. You just have to learn how to handle yourself in these (sometimes) shark infested waters. Have fun! from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Full video of Angela Lansbury's tribute at the 2000 Kennedy Center Honors
Aug 18th, 2013 7:37 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Oh my goodness, I almost teared up when that huge men's chorus started singing. You could tell that Angela was extremely moved. Nathan Lane did a decent rendition of his song. Lovely trip down memory lane.... (more...)

How Is The Russian
Aug 17th, 2013 4:50 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Oh, I see that Amra returns once again for her annual "yearly" stint as "Velma Kelly." Terra C. MacLeod as Velma (thru 8/1 Amra Fay Wright as Velma (begins 8/20) Paige Davis as Roxie (thru 8/2 Alexander Gemignani as Bill Flynn (thru 8/29) Larisa Dolina as Mama Morton (... (more...)

How Is The Russian
Aug 14th, 2013 10:46 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

When I saw "Chicago" in June 2012, Brian O Brien went on twice as "Billy Flynn" for an ailing Tony Yazbek. Brian was fantastic! His note in "the...............gun" was especially long. I met him at the stage door. He seemed awfully nice. Then, he rode off in his bicycle.... (more...)

Sunset Boulevard , Linda Balgord
Aug 14th, 2013 10:42 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I have that Linda Balgord Sunset CD somewhere in a box.... (more...)

How Is The Russian
Aug 14th, 2013 10:40 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Oh, men! Always pulling legs. Everything is comedy. Oh, how very amusing. How marvelously droll! (I'm surprised no one has mentioned the movie where this quote originated.)... (more...)

How Is The Russian
Aug 14th, 2013 7:32 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm not concerned with those who have no plans to see her, but rather am curious if someone out there does see her.... (more...)

Justin Guarini Blogs About New And Humbler Life In The Theatre
Aug 14th, 2013 10:52 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Interesting article. Best of luck to him (from BWW) American Idol veteran Justin Guarini will soon return to Broadway as 'Paris' in the upcoming revival of ROMEO AND JULIET, and according to a recent blog entry, he has come to love his new life in the theatre. Read his full entry below: There was a time when I would have had a car service drive me from my home to work. Now I drive myself to the station and take the train. There was a time when I wouldn't have been conce... (more...)

Neil Patrick Harris as Billy Flynn?
Aug 14th, 2013 8:59 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I see your point Jim. But he'll be busy with "Hedwig" for a while. My ideal would be John Stamos for "Billy Flynn." I did ask him that question in one of those Broadway.com Q & A's. He basically replied sarcastically that he'd be in Chicago only if Chita Rivera was there as well. He mentioned that he's been offered the role,but it hasn't happened (possibly he wasn't offered enough $$?). Seth MacFarlane would be an inspired choice.... (more...)

Neil Patrick Harris as Billy Flynn?
Aug 13th, 2013 11:08 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Honestly, I don't see NPH as "Billy Flynn". Neil has a nice but fairly modest voice. I saw him perform in the 2001 concert version of "Sweeny Todd" in San Francisco. I think a stronger voice is required for "Billy."... (more...)

Neil Patrick Harris as Billy Flynn?
Aug 13th, 2013 11:08 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Honestly, I don't see NPH as "Billy Flynn". Neil has a nice but fairly modest voice. I saw him perform in the 2001 concert version of "Sweeny Todd" in San Francisco. I think a stronger voice is required for "Billy."... (more...)

Orion Griffiths Injured Out Of Pippin For A Month
Aug 13th, 2013 8:57 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I don't claim to be his friend...far, far from that. It would be presumptuous to say that. He does have a Facebook Fan Page. Any fan of his who would like to send him a fan message can do so. I don't send him ten messages a day or anything like that. That would be gross. Since there has been quite a bit of talk of personnel changes in "Pippin", I was just curious to see how he was doing. He could have not responded, but he did. Nate, thanks for the comment. You get it. Once Orion is well... (more...)

Orion Griffiths Injured Out Of Pippin For A Month
Aug 13th, 2013 5:51 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I recently sent a Facebook message to Orion (a.k.a Thor...the Thigh God): Dear Orion (sorry, Thor): I hope your recovery is progressing as it should be. Your fans out there await your return. Best of luck... Roman in Austin, Texas lol I hope to be back as soon as I can. The doc said 25 I'm staying positive for that. I'm thinking he means August 25th. Get well soon, Orion/Thor!... (more...)

John Tartaglia Is Hosting On Sirius XM on Broadway...And Throws Some Gentle Shade At BWW
Aug 11th, 2013 11:04 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I happen to like Julia Murney. Though I've never had a chance to see her perform live, there are quite a few videos out there of her. I can understand why Broadway performers might be hesitant to visit our little community. I still remember how some people in this forum were extremely mean towards Nick Adams.... (more...)

THE NANCE To Air On PBS In October
Aug 11th, 2013 6:28 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Great news. Does anyone anticipate the usual moanings and groanings from the Tea Party /neocon crowds? I'm asking this because I remember the brouhaha that came about when "Tales of the City" was shown on PBS. There were two versions: one, the edited and another one that was more forthcoming / unedited.... (more...)

John Tartaglia Is Hosting On Sirius XM on Broadway...And Throws Some Gentle Shade At BWW
Aug 11th, 2013 4:23 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Hello all. John Tartaglia is hosting a new show (on Sundays) on Sirius XM on Broadway. It runs from 2 p.m.--8 p.m. CST. As I was driving, I heard some of his interesting views concerning theatre chat boards. He was real nice about it. He's generally a nice and positive individual, I think. Basically, he mentioned that there are quite a few mean-spirited folk in theatre chat boards (I guess he's talking about ATC. teehee). I guess that includes BWW. He calmly asks people to be nicer, as t... (more...)

Angela Lansbury Watches B-Roll Footage of Herself In GYPSY
Aug 11th, 2013 11:17 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

What an amazing segment! Angela Lansbury truly is a class act. There should be a theatre named after her, hopefully while she's still with us.... (more...)

R.I.P. Eydie Gormé
Aug 11th, 2013 7:46 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I never knew that Eydie Gorme had been offered the role of Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl" (before it was offered to Barbra Streisand). Eydie bowed out of the show because the producers wouldn't cast Steve Lawrence as Nick Armstein. What a dame!... (more...)

First trip to NY!
Aug 10th, 2013 10:43 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Congratulations on your first trip to the Big Apple. Run...don't walk to go see "Pippin." It will blow your mind away. With regards to Amy Spanger, her last day in Chicago is tomorrow (Sunday, August 11th). I'm not sure who'll be the newest Roxie...but if it is Bianca Marroquin, that would be swell. She's a top notch performer and one of the two best Roxies around (the other one being Charlotte D' Amboise). Terra C MacLeod will be Velma from August 13--18th, then she leaves to prepare for... (more...)

The Nance To Be Recorded For Live From Lincoln Center
Aug 9th, 2013 11:25 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I am stunned by that clip of "Steambath." I had never heard of it. Wow.... (more...)

Tam and Sierra to Headline Sweeney and Phantom Soon?
Aug 9th, 2013 7:40 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

When I saw the byline, I immediately thought of Jason Tam.... (more...)

Confirmed: Tovah Feldshuh to Sub for Andrea Martin in PIPPIN
Aug 8th, 2013 7:14 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I really don't know how to process this bit of information.... (more...)

Do You Avoid Green Eggs and Ham?
Aug 8th, 2013 10:52 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Guys, let me share this simple quote from one of my favorite films. Perhaps it's appropriate considering how "ardent" some persons are getting in this thread. Can anyone guess the film w/o doing a Google search? "Hush, please. That is enough, Margaret. If you cannot think of anything appropr'iate to say, you will please restrict your remarks to the weather. "... (more...)

Do you avoid green girls on cherry pickers?
Aug 7th, 2013 8:21 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Kad, you have a way with words. : )... (more...)

Wicked: mexican production
Aug 7th, 2013 6:42 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I was intrigued by this interpretation of "Defying Gravity." It's the first time I had heard it in Spanish. Some of the lyrics were kind of "huh"? She did sound screechy at certain points. Someone mentioned that this was sung in 2011. Hopefully, she's had more vocal training and more preparation for her upcoming role. She wasn't baaad...she was so-so, I thought.... (more...)

Do you avoid Faye Dunaway? Heck YES!
Aug 7th, 2013 12:03 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm laughing at the newest subject lines. from RC in the blue city of Austin in the red state of Texas OMG... that line "Randy Rainbow is a human MP3 player" is HIlarious.... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Aug 6th, 2013 3:03 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Paige Davis will be doing a portion of the tour, as "Roxie". After that, I have no further information. Maybe they can get Bianca Marroquin. She's my favorite Roxie.... (more...)

Do you avoid unicorns?
Aug 6th, 2013 1:38 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I don't avoid matinees. That seems kind of silly, to be quite honest. As a matter of fact, in 2012, I attended both the afternoon and evening matinees of "Chicago." I loved it. Also, when I do travel to NYC, I love to see an afternoon show and then see an evening perf. I don't really consider if a performer has more or less energy in a matinee. I figure they do their best in either matinee, that's what they are paid for. I don't know to what extent a cast perf is affected by the audience'... (more...)

Wendy Williams to play Morton in CHICAGO
Aug 6th, 2013 9:34 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

i strongly disagree with the idea of having cast members re-audition. Chicago has many talented persons, ranging from newbies to long time veterans. Whether they've been there 5-10 years or just a year, they are there because there are talented in their field. To their benefit, the producers of Chicago have made it possible for seasoned performers to continue being part of their cast. I'm not sure how many shows are forward thinking about this as is Chicago. The producers of the show recogn... (more...)

Will Christine Pedi ever star on Broadway?
Aug 5th, 2013 8:05 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I honestly don't know. She's pretty busy right now, with the morning show on Sirius XM on Broadway and her Dueling Divas Show with Seth Rudetsky on Saturdays. Also, she's still involved with the off Broadway show "Newsical." There's always a good chance that she'll be asked back to "Chicago" at some point. RC: from the blue city of Austin in the red state of Texas P.S. I ENVY NYC right now and your beautiful 72 F. It's 100 ****ing degrees here in Austin. Right now, I hate Austin.... (more...)

Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 8/4/13
Aug 5th, 2013 3:20 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Let It Be, Forever Tango and Soul Doctor are the three shows that have low box office figures. Chicago almost made it to 700, 000. I'm still surprised at the appeal of "Lion King." It's not a show I would like to see, but those box office numbers... wow!! Love to see Pippin doing so well. Hurry back soon Orion! RC: from the blue city of Austin in the red state of Texas... (more...)