Albert Poland News

An all-new THEATER TALK has series co-host Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post, moving into the interviewee chair, queried by the show's co-host Susan Haskins and New York Magazine drama critic Jesse Green about his new book, RAZZLE DAZZLE: THE BATTLE FOR BROADWAY (just published by Simon and Schuster).

An all-new THEATER TALK has series co-host Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post, moving into the interviewee chair, queried by the show's co-host Susan Haskins and New York Magazine drama critic Jesse Green about his new book, RAZZLE DAZZLE: THE BATTLE FOR BROADWAY (just published by Simon and Schuster).

Today we are focusing a super-special spotlight on one of the Fall's most intriguing musical entries trying out in New York, the York Theatre Company's lab mounting of the new Paul Jabara jukebox musical LAST DANCE, by talking to the show's lead, recognizable TV and film star Rob Morrow, and the show's lead producer, noted comedic shepherd and filmmaker Robert D. Wachs, whom filled me in on all aspects of the show in a comprehensive chat late last week just prior to this week's start of rehearsals. In this all-encompassing conversation, Morrow, Wachs and I discuss the genesis of the new disco-themed musical celebrating the life and career of Jabara, the accomplished Emmy, Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Broadway shows (RACHAEL LILY ROSENBLOOM… AND DON'T YOU EVER FORGET IT), movie songs ("Last Dance" from THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY; the titular "The Main Event") and numerous pop/rock/disco hits, such as "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer's epic disco duet "Enough Is Enough (No More Tears)" and his many solo hits, as well as the finer points of the story, concept, casting and the ultimate goals of the new Philip William McKinley-directed production, which features a book by Shaun McKenna. Additionally, Morrow and Wachs each generously share showbiz tales from their storied careers involving such big names as Eddie Murphy, Michael Bennett, Jonathan Larson, Tony Scott and many more and both copiously convey their infectious enthusiasm for the forthcoming fully-produced lab presentation of the new musical that will play for five performances beginning September 20 as they prepare for its first viewing before a paying audience. All of that and much, much more awaits!

Earlier today, we confirmed the sad news via general manager Albert Poland that the legendary founder of LaMama, Ellen Stewart, had passed away at 91.

BroadwayWorld.com has confirmed via legendary general manager Albert Poland that Ellen Stewart has passed away at 91.

The 22nd ANNUAL EASTER BONNET COMPETITION was a great success with a record-breaking, $3,734,129 being raised this year by the 53 participating Broadway, Off Broadway, and national touring theater companies.

Easter Bonnet Competition announces celebrity presenters and judges including Mullally, Groff, O'Hara, and more

Bill W. and Dr. Bob, by Stephen Bergman and Janet Surrey, opened Off-Broadway at New World Stages on March 5 after beginning previews on February 16.

Playwright Tricia Walsh-Smith and her husband Shubert president Philip J. Smith, recently held a holiday party in the stunning penthouse apartment of the late J.J. Shubert