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Who's Afraid Of Michael Riedel?
Aug 5th, 2013 10:43 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I wonder if Michael Riedel sees established shows? How do cast members react when they realize he's in their theatre? Has he lost his sting or are (some) people actually in fear of him?... (more...)

Wendy Williams to play Morton in CHICAGO
Aug 5th, 2013 10:37 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

"Most were not even from this country." I think that statement is a bit over the top. Yes, "Chicago" does have an international appeal because it has had productions all over the world. So, people from foreign lands want to check it out. I had a chance to see a bit of video of Wendy, somewhere. Oh my goodness. No comment. Miss Williams' last day as Mama is scheduled to be on Aug. 11th. Afterwards, the newest Mama Morton (from Russia) will begin on August 13th. She'll be there for a week.... (more...)

Andrea Martin out all of August
Aug 4th, 2013 10:13 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I remember hearing Seth Rudetsky saying on his Sirius XM Live on Broadway show that Andrea Martin was scheduled for some vacation time very soon. He apparently knew the identity of her temporary replacement, but was sworn to secrecy. If anyone knows something definite, I think it would be Seth. from RC in the blue city of Austin in the red state of Texas... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Aug 3rd, 2013 9:53 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm thinking that there's a very good chance that my favorite Velma will take part in the newest national tour of "Chicago", starting at the end of August 2013. It's possible that Tracey Shayne could wind up as "Roxie." from RC in the blue city of Austin in the red state of Texas... (more...)

Did Something Happen To BWW Today?
Aug 3rd, 2013 9:13 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

This is according to our esteemed leader, Robert Diamond: " We had an issue earlier with our cloud provider in a few geo-locations, but it seems to have been fixed...."... (more...)

Did Something Happen To BWW Today?
Aug 3rd, 2013 8:09 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Hi all. I've been trying to get into BWW all day long. Was it down for routine maintenance or something? A day without BWW is like a day without sunshine. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Help Wanted: Pippin
Aug 1st, 2013 10:38 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Cats, don't scare us like that!!!!!! Thor....I mean Orion MUST return! P.S. I have a secret wish that someone with the tech expertise would create a GIF of our Thigh God in some appropriate fashion...maybe the way he shakes so excitedly when the ensemble is around the Leading Player. Just a thought.... (more...)

2013 A Chorus Line National Tour
Aug 1st, 2013 4:54 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Yes, I did notice something was off with the sound system, from time to time. I was a bit mystified by having a Zach with a British accent. I thought..."whut?" I was more than a bit bugged that the Long Center here in Austin doesn't have an accessible stage door. Apparently, it's located in the service bay area, where it's off-limits to fans. I wanted to have Jessica Lee autograph my Playbill from the Curran Theatre/San Francisco tryout from June 2006. Oh well. Here's a review from Austin... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jul 31st, 2013 8:20 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm on the opposite. I think the vocals in the OBC (revival) are superior to the voices in the movie version. In the obcr, you have trained professional singers. In the movie version, you have pretty good actors, but not really professional singers for the most part. Renee Zellweiger and Richard Gere did the best they could. The actor who played Amos sang basically adequately. I do hope that there's a new Broadway recording when "Chicago" celebrates its 20th year on the Great White Way (ke... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jul 31st, 2013 6:00 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Here is Terra C MacLeod with her friend Jeremy Daniel (photographer extraordinaire). Congratulations on becoming a U.S. citizen.... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jul 31st, 2013 4:57 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Congratulations to Miss Terra C MacLeod, for becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen today, per her Facebook page.... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jul 29th, 2013 10:02 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I plan on seeing it in Houston and Austin. Last time I saw it in Houston was in June 2011. It's a nice place to visit......but.. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

BWW TV: Chicago At The Hollywood Bowl
Jul 29th, 2013 8:56 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Now, of the major cast members, who amongst them would be a good addition to the Broadway cast? Whether they'd be interested in that is another story.... (more...)

Sunset Boulevard at Musical Theatre West
Jul 29th, 2013 2:18 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I saw the trailer. It was o.k. I wasn't too thrilled with the AIWNSG hat. It looked a bit too..Mamie Eisenhower at a White House social.... (more...)

Orion Griffiths Injured Out Of Pippin For A Month
Jul 29th, 2013 2:07 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Hey guys. I did something a bit daring. I debated whether to send this or not. I sent a Facebook message to our "Thigh God" Orion...mentioning the very fact that he's known as such. See his reply for yourself: Roman Castillo Jr. Hello Mr. Griffiths: I ( and many others) wish you a very speedy recovery. I had a chance to see you perform on Sat. June 9, 2013. You were ever so nice to me and all the fans at the stage door. By the way, I am a member of the Broadway World message board. I... (more...)

La Cage Aux Folles - Original Production
Jul 28th, 2013 10:46 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I ask this with the greatest of respect, but is there anyone from the original Broadway cast of "La Cage" who is still around? I love the available videos of the cast, in all their glory.... (more...)

Ethel Merman Stage Door Experiences
Jul 28th, 2013 6:45 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I looked at all the posts in those two links. This one made me laugh the loudest: 5. During the run of ANYTHING GOES, Merman became friendly with dear, sweet Victor Moore. One night Moore ran as if his life depended on it. Merman stopped him and asked what was wrong. Moore said he just saw two men having sex in one of the backstage corridors. Said Merman: “well, where do you want them to do it.”... (more...)

1985 Olivier Awards: Les Miserables: Patti LuPone
Jul 27th, 2013 8:47 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I had never seen this clip. It's a short version of Patti singing "I Dreamed A Dream" at the Olivier Awards.... (more...)

BWW TV: Chicago At The Hollywood Bowl
Jul 27th, 2013 3:55 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I watched all of them, before they eventually get pulled. I thought Samantha Barks did a good job. My first impression of her was that she looked like a very young Eartha Kitt...exotic. She did well with the singing and the choreography. Ashlee Simpson should have used something to hold her hair down. She was o.k. Stephen Moyer was impressive. He managed to hold that note in "Both Reached For The Gun": "the....... gun" for a pretty good length of time. I don't know of there was a lyric... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jul 27th, 2013 3:09 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'd like to comment a bit about the "Chicago" advertising. The newest adverstising style now includes a white background and the particular female performer. It does look rather nice. My criticism of the overall pictorial promotions for "Chicago" is that the adverstising totally ignores the Men of "Chicago". I believe that a significant portion of the "Chicago" fan base is comprised of gay men and straight women. Both groups, I think, would appreciate having a male presence in the "Chicago"... (more...)

Orion Griffiths Injured Out Of Pippin For A Month
Jul 27th, 2013 9:36 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I listened to Richard Ridge's interview with Andrea Martin. In it, she mentioned that Orion is one of only four persons in the world who can do that segment with the cylinders and the board. Wow.... (more...)

BWW TV: Chicago At The Hollywood Bowl
Jul 24th, 2013 11:11 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

This article about Randy Slovacek is fascinating. I never knew that he had such a long history with "Chicago." I'm not sure if he's appearing in the Hollywood Bowl production as a member of the ensemble or choreographer.... (more...)

Is Andrea Martin still leaving Pippin in the fall?
Jul 23rd, 2013 11:53 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Very recently, I was listening to Seth Rudetsky on Sirius XM on Broadway. He was talking about Andrea Martin and how she was scheduled to go on vacay in the near future. Seth said something about the buzz in town on someone who would fill in for her during Andrea's vacation time. I got the sense he knew more, but didn't want to reveal anything else. Hmmm?... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jul 23rd, 2013 11:49 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Both Amy Spanger (Roxie) and Amra Faye Wright (Velma) are slated to end their current lengthy run in "Chicago" on August 11th. It would be wonderful to have Bianca Marroquin once again in Chicago. For Roxie, my favorite Velma is Terra C MacLeod. Amra is obviously a very talented person....but it's high time that "Chicago" allow other equally talented ladies to work the role of Velma.... (more...)

re: Songs That Make You Cry No Matter How Many Times You Listen to them....
Jul 23rd, 2013 4:12 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

What More Can I Say? (Falsettos). This video always makes me cry.... (more...)

2013 A Chorus Line National Tour
Jul 23rd, 2013 4:01 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Wow...this seems to "have been" a pretty extensive national tour. I'm trying to see if there are additional dates beyond July 2013.... (more...)

Who will replace Larisa Dolinain Chicago?
Jul 23rd, 2013 3:57 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Larisa Dolina has a limited run, since she is scheduled to be part of a Russian production of "Chicago." Wow! It would be something to replace her with someone like Lynda Carter or Lucy Lawless! from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jul 23rd, 2013 3:52 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Wow, a Russian Mama Morton! This should be very interesting! from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

2013 A Chorus Line National Tour
Jul 23rd, 2013 3:49 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm seeing this show tomorrow evening, Wed. July 24, 2013, at the Long Center here in Austin, Texas. I had no idea that Jessica Lee Goldyn was cast as "Cassie." Now I'm really excited! Here is a Houston review of ACL. Clarke, did you see it? from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

LIVE!'s Broadway Week
Jul 22nd, 2013 6:10 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

No Thunder Thigh God! I'm crushed.... (more...)

BWW TV: Chicago At The Hollywood Bowl
Jul 22nd, 2013 5:59 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I hope Lucy Lawless gets a chance to play Mama Morton on Broadway. That would be so awesome. I recognized a couple of persons in the ensemble, as they were practicing. There is the veteran theatre performer (seen on the left), Randy Slovacek, who also took part in the documentary: "Carol Channing--Larger Than Life." He was a cast member of the 1994 revival of "Hello Dolly." Also, to the right looks to be Karl Warden. (He's got the spikey hair and very muscular. Some people you don't forget... (more...)

Pippin with kids?
Jul 22nd, 2013 10:09 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I agree with the poster who mentioned that Spiderman would be better. There are some elements in Pippin that are very adult oriented. Unless you're willing to explain that to them, then go with a show like Spiderman or Matilda.... (more...)

Faith Prince in ANNIE tonight
Jul 19th, 2013 6:56 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Uh...the topic please? I believe the OP asked (more or less) if anyone had managed to see Faith Prince as "Miss Hannigan".... (more...)

Pippin The Musical: 100 Days... 100 Stories
Jul 19th, 2013 3:19 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Hello all. I thought I would share this. Pippin.com asked followers to submit their stories about their Pippin experiences, in honor of their upcoming 100 shows anniversary. My submission was included! Yay! There's a picture of me with Matthew James Thomas and another one with the Thigh Master himself, Orion Griffiths. This made my day. from RC in Austin, Texas P.S. I was bothered a bit that I had a misspelled word, but that's the teacher in me.... (more...)

Wicked: mexican production
Jul 19th, 2013 9:11 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Fran_mex, they all are very talented. I noticed that the tall one with the red hair seemed very "flaquita" (very skinny). How can she perform in such a demanding show on such a slender frame? I too am eager to hear the Spanish lyrics to the songs. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

A Conversation With Stephen Schwartz
Jul 18th, 2013 12:47 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

It is an interesting conversation with him and two other musical people involved with Pippin. His favorite musical part of the current show is the acapella portion of "Morning Glow." I think he also mentioned that he wrote lyrics to the "Manson Trio" tune, for a Ben Vereen recording. Fascinating. I tried to absorb the technical aspects when the discussion involved the current and original cast recordings. Still, it's interesting to hear anecdotes about Pippin 1972. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Who played opposite Bebe when she returned as Roxie?
Jul 16th, 2013 8:59 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I think that the Weisslers should give this lady due consideration for "Velma" on Broadway. She's a West End Velma veteran. This clip is from 2010. She is fantastic!!... (more...)

Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Jul 14th, 2013 11:08 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

This lady would make a fantastic "Velma" on Broadway. She is Anna Jane Casey. This video is from 2010. She sings, dances, taps, etc.... (more...)

Musicals in Bryant Park
Jul 14th, 2013 6:21 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I like both performances. Each has his own spin on the role of Pippin. I will say that Erik sounds very young...almost as if he's 20 or so. Plus, he's a cool Fosse dancer as well. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Cory Monteith, Glee Star, 31, Dead
Jul 14th, 2013 2:41 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

It is quite a shocking occurrence. For many people and fans, it's like losing someone close....like a family member. He gave so much people so much joy and happiness thru his work on "Glee." Our thoughts go to his family and friends.... (more...)

EVITA national tour?
Jul 13th, 2013 6:54 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Whoever predicated Caroline Bowman as the touring Eva must by psychic! Bravo. Anyway, this might be in another thread, but ....... What's this about Patti LuPone being offered the role of Eva for this just recently finished revival? I mean, the idea is intriguing...but I must admit that I thought "whaaaat?" when I read that. I think it would have been all kinds of wrong. Just saying....... (more...)

"Passion" Recording with Ryan Silverman, Judy Kuhn and Rebecca Luker
Jul 13th, 2013 7:08 AM by Patti LuPone FANatic

..has broken the Top 5 in Billboard's Top Cast Albums. from Playbill.com PS Classics' Off-Broadway cast recording of the Tony Award-winning musical Passion, which was released July 2 featuring Judy Kuhn, Ryan Silverman and Rebecca Luker, placed fifth on the Billboard Top Cast Album chart in its first week of release. The expansive, two disc album came in behind the Broadway hits Wicked, Motown, Kinky Boots and The Book of Mormon. The album also finished at #16 in Top Internet Sal... (more...)

"Pippin" At Bryant Park
Jul 12th, 2013 4:55 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

thoughts? I enjoyed this video of the "Pippin" understudies: Pippin, Leading Player and Catherine.... (more...)

Jerry Herman Would LOVE a Bette Midler
Jul 11th, 2013 8:41 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

She could do 6 shows a week, while another person could cover the matinees. Bette would be fabulous. If not her, then Patti LuPone would be awesome!... (more...)

The best thing that could happen to Chicago is to have another fire and burn down
Jul 10th, 2013 8:15 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

As George Takei would say: "oh myyyyyyy!." Her performance is ....words escape me. It looks stupid to insert her slogan during the the song. She can do it at the beginning, when Mama is introduced. I was lucky to have seen Miss Pedi as Mama. She knocked it out of the ballpark! My heart goes out to the cast members who have to make the best of a bad situation, with non-singers in a Broadway musical. from a "Chicago" fan, Roman... (more...)

Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 7/7/13
Jul 9th, 2013 6:18 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

AEA is merely stating a fact. He wasn't being rude, an a.h. or anything of the sort. It is quite possible that some are just being overly sensitive. Peace.... (more...)

Andrew on Broadway; a new blog about acting by a sixteen year old actor.
Jul 8th, 2013 3:19 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

Welcome to BWW! This is your first post. You have a nice little blog. Is your theatre also in Madison, WI? I wasn't sure about it. Anyway, it's always nice to get a young person's perspective on all things theatre. Just beware of some wretchedly mean people that roam these halls, from time to time. Just saying.. from RC in Austin, Texas... (more...)

Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 7/7/13
Jul 8th, 2013 3:10 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I'm surprised that Bountiful extended to October, yet the grosses are in the 40's percentile?... (more...)

Casting Roxie Chicago at the Hollywood Bowl
Jul 8th, 2013 1:05 PM by Patti LuPone FANatic

I would be great for Julianne to be cast as Roxie. She's a phenomenal dancer. How is she as a singer?... (more...)