Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole join AFTER MIDNIGHT Summer 2014

[HorseTears]

Well, damn, AFTER MIDNIGHT came through in the casting department. That's quite a summer they're going to have at the Brooks Atkinson. Not sure how they're going to top that. I feel kinda bad for poor Vanessa Williams, whose ticket sales have been pretty dismal. Now everyone is going to wait until she's gone to buy their tickets. So, we have the following guest stars coming up:

Now - May 11: Vanessa Williams
May 13 - June 8: Fantasia returns
June 10 - June 29: Patti LaBelle
July 1 - July 6: BIG FAT MYSTERY (Hmmm)
July 8 - August 3: Gladys Knight
August 5 - August 31: Natalie Cole




PLAYBILL: Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole Join Roster of Guests for Tony-Nominated Musical After Midnight

[Jordan Catalano]

I really hope that July 1 - July 6 thing isn't an Aretha Franklin joke. Because that's just mean.

[haterobics]

You find the fat joke you introduced to the thread to be mean?!

[HorseTears]

Ha. Jordan! No, it was not a Re-Re fat joke. I do not make fun of the Queen of Soul. I love her, her music and her hats.

That said, i suppose the two choices are: no guest star that week or a REALLY big get they're waiting to confirm. I'm gonna guess it's the former. That's what happened the last time there was a gap in the schedule between guest stars.

[ACL2006]

Considering that week is where Independence Day falls in, they might be better off without any shows that week. And July 4 falls on a Friday, which likely means poor grosses for most shows that weekend.

[HorseTears]

Is that a thing? Do Broadway shows ever go dark the week of July 4?

[Blackbird3]

Take this with a huge grain of salt, but I overheard today at the theater that they were looking at Queen Latifah for a guest spot. I don't know if it's confirmed, but perhaps she could be taking over that week?

[ACL2006]

Does her talk show tape in LA, Chicago or New York??

I also wonder who they have up their sleeves for the Fall, or if the show will even remain open by then? Of course, Fantasia could always return.

[HorseTears]

Not surprised at all -- imagine she's always been on their shortlist. She's big, but is she big enough for a 1-week run? Perhaps they're looking at her for a post-summer run? Did her dreadful talk show get renewed?

[CurtainPullDowner]

I've seen an interview where the Queen said she wouldn't do Broadway because the schedule was too taxing. But a gurl can change her mind. I'd pay to see Tony Bennett.

[theaterfan862]

I feel sorry for the people that are gonna hear Patti Labelle butcher those great songs!! I would love to see Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole in the show though! They are good choices.

[HorseTears]

I love Patti LaBelle and all her excesses, but I do wonder if Wynton & co can reign in the diva. She sure knows how to oversell a song. Did anyone see her in FELA!? How was she?

[haterobics]

"Is that a thing? Do Broadway shows ever go dark the week of July 4?"

Nope, some will alter their schedule that week, though. For the ones that don't, I know I've gotten GREAT deals if you're OK being in the theater when all the fireworks are going off. I'm not a huge fan of fireworks, so I'd much rather a good theater deal.

[ncgator]

Hmm, no I have a decision to make - After Midnight with Gladys Knight or Lady Day with Audra on July 19th. Both are 90 minutes shows that could be squeezed in before Hedwig if I really want a three show day...

[justincharacter]

Overly ecstatic to see Patti LaBelle is signed on! They went for the perfect casting this Summer. Hoping to see attendance and sales go through the roof. Can they slide in a re-orchestrated "bonus number" of Licence to Kill for Mrs. Knight please? Seriously, the song is a masterpiece (as I consider it the second best Bond theme). I am predicting the big name is either Jennifer Holliday or Hudson

[PalJoey]

Brilliant casting!

[Melissa25]

I wanted to see Vanessa but now I'll have to wait for Gladys. Psyched!

[Someone in a Tree2]

For ncgator-- though we are huge fans of the incomparable Audra, we found Lady Day not much of a play and certainly not much of a musical-- basically a cabaret act with Audra doing a great job of mimicking a singer whose instrument was much weaker than her own. Some gorgeous work there, but a very small meal.

After Midnight, on the other hand, is dynamite stuff! Spectacular dancing, a brilliant 20-piece live swing band onstage, magical costumes, awesome specialty acts, in parts a true time-tripping tour of vintage Cotton Club vaudeville. It's not really a musical play either, but you leave the theater euphoric!

And for those who are sad to be missing Vanessa Williams' stint here, oh don't be. No offense to Miss Williams, but she is among the least of the potent attractions on that stage. It's the permanent cast that knocks your socks off here, not the guest star.

[luvcaroline]

For those who get to see Gladys in this, you are in for a treat! We saw her in Las Vegas a couple of years ago and it was one of our favorite Las Vegas shows ever. One of the most distinctive voices of our time is just as soulful and beautiful as ever, with a stage presence to match. I would love to see what she brings to After Midnight. I get goosebumps thinking about it.

[darreyl102]

I am BEYOND excited for Patti Labelle! CAN NOT WAIT!! she gets a lot of hate, but whatevs

[luvcaroline]

I agree with you darrey, the hate is definitely not deserved. We also had the good fortune of seeing Patti live, in an Oklahoma casino, no less. She was wonderful and over-the-top. Gladys and Patti could not be more different as far as entertainers go. It will be very interesting to see what each of them bring to the role. Would love to be able to see both!

[Susanswerphone]

Wow! I'd pay full price for Gladys and Natalie both. Makes me want to see a not-so-great show again--especially if the show-stopping Adriane Lenox is still there!
I'd have to check TKTS first for Miss Patti. I just don't think this is the right show for her. Fantasia seemed waaayyy out of her comfort zone, almost sad to be there, the night I saw it. Did anyone see KD Lang? Was it the train wreck I imagine?

[HorseTears]

Susanswerphone is to After Midnight as HorseTears is to Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder.

(Do they still do those on the SAT?)

[Eris0303]

I wanted to see Vanessa but now I'll have to wait for Gladys. Psyched!

Why wait? Go twice

[HorseTears]

So, apparently, Wynton Marsalis made a surprise cameo appearance at tonight's performance -- on trumpet, of course. PIC HERE: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=648160258585714&set=a.491865060881902.1073741828.488984391169969&type=1&theater


Also, in case it's of interest, I just got emailed this offer for 35% off orch and front mez tickets for Fantasia's run.


DISCOUNT OFFER - 35% off After Midnight Tix

[ACL2006]

After Midnight has always had some kind of discount available.


Playbills' discount - $89 weeknights/$99 weekends