David Shire News

Who could ever forget Liz Callaway stopping the show cold with a simple plaintive Maltby and Shire song called "The Story Goes On" back in 1983 in the Broadway production of BABY? Or, of course, Stephen Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG? Or her Grizabella? Or any of the amazing albums she has made over the years, either solo or with her sister Ann Hampton Callaway?

Today in 1983, Baby opened at the Ethel barrymore Theatre, where it ran for 241 performances. Baby is a musical with a book by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.. It concerns the reactions of three couples each expecting a child. Lizzie and Danny are university juniors who have just moved in together. Athletic Pam and her husband, Nick, a sports instructor, have had some trouble conceiving. Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, is unsure of what to do, contemplating abortion while her husband Alan is thrilled with the thought of a new baby. Throughout the show, these characters experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, the desperate lows and the comic highs, that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby.

Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire are among the top songwriting teams working in the musical theatre today. Their shows written together, including Starting Here Starting Now, Baby, Closer Than Ever, Big, Take Flight, Love Match, and How Do You Do I Love You will be celebrated by Broadway's best in story and song. Expect original cast performances recreated, as well as brand new interpretations, and even a world premiere song!

54 Below just welcomed a part of its December line-up for a special performance preview, including Tony Award-winner Randy Graff, Tony nominee Todd Graff, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone from 'The Graff Family Holiday Special' (running 12/14 & 16); Tony-nominated song-writing team Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire (running 12/17); Tony nominee Euan Morton (running 12/12); and Chip Zien (running 12/5 & 11). Check out photos from the previews below!

Producer Daryl Roth, in association with Harbor Entertainment, present a limited 5-week engagement concert presentation of the new show Stars of David, based on the highly acclaimed book, Stars of David by Abigail Pogrebin, running through December 15, 2013 at the DR2 Theatre (103 East 15th Street, at Union Square). Featuring songs by some of the top composers and lyricist of the theater, Stars of Davidwas conceived by Aaron Harnick and Abigail Pogrebin and is directed by Gordon Greenberg. BroadwayWorld was there for last night's opening and you can check out photo coverage below!

To celebrate the publication of The Untold Stories of Broadway on November 12 by Dress Circle Publishing, Jennifer Ashley Tepper will be sharing three short excerpts about each of the Broadway theaters featured in the book-countdown style! Today: The Winter Garden Theatre!

Nancy Rhodes, Artistic Director of Encompass New Opera Theatre, and and Honorary Chairs Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim and Maury Yeston honored legendary lyricist, librettist and composer Sheldon Harnick last night, October 28. Starring in the Musical Salute were Kennedy Center Award Honoree/Tony Award winner Barbara Cook, four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, record setting multi-Tony Award winner Harold Prince, beloved TV and Stage Icon Charlotte Rae, multiple Academy, Grammy, Drama Desk Award winner Stephen Schwartz, Academy and Grammy Award winner David Shire and nine time Tony Award winner Tommy Tune among others. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the event below!

Riverside Theatre's 2013-2014 Season will again be another ambitious one in celebration od the theatre's 40th Anniversary. On the Stark Stage four great musicals will be presented to delight our audiences. On the Waxlax Stage an uproarious comedy and musical revue are scheduled. Riverside's new season will build on the great success of last season, which brought a record number of patrons and lifted subscriptions to new heights.

Beginning Thursday October 31, Sierra Stages presents CLOSER THAN EVER, a musical revue, as the final production of its fifth season. When it debuted in 1990, CLOSER THAN EVER was hailed by The New York Times as having 'one of the half-dozen finest American theatre scores of the last decade." The show will play through November 24, 2013 at the Off Center Stage (behind The Center for the Arts) in Grass Valley.

Pops Conductor Jack Everly helms entertaining evening of great music

Long Wharf Theatre, in association with Hartford Stage, presents The Underpants by Steve Martin, adapted from the play by Carl Sternheim, directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.

On a recent appearance on the UK's The Jonathan Ross Show', Tom Hanks re-enacts a classic moment from his 1988 classic 'Big' along with some help from actress and co-guest Sandra Bullock. Check it out below!

Producer Daryl Roth, in association with Harbor Entertainment, has announced plans for a limited 5-week engagement concert presentation of the new show Stars of David, based on the highly acclaimed book, Stars of David by Abigail Pogrebin, from November 13 - December 15, 2013 at the DR2 Theatre (103 East 15th Street, at Union Square). Featuring songs by some of the top composers and lyricist of the theater, Stars of David was conceived by Aaron Harnickand Abigail Pogrebin and is directed by Gordon Greenberg. All tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at www.telecharge.com, or by calling 212-239-6200, or in-person at the DR2 Theatre box office (103 East 15th Street, Union Square). For more information, please visit www.StarsOfDavidSongs.com.

To complete its fifth season, Sierra Stages presents CLOSER THAN EVER, a unique musical revue that celebrates life, love and everything in between. When it debuted in 1990, CLOSER THAN EVER was hailed by The New York Times as having'one of the half-dozen finest American theatre scores of the last decade." The show plays from October 31 through November 24, 2013 at the Off Center Stage (behind The Center for the Arts) in Grass Valley. Check out a first look below!

Smash creator, Theresa Rebeck opens up about her career and the release of her fourth volume of collected plays with a book signing to follow. The event is set for Monday, October 21st at 5pm at The Drama Book Shop.

It's no surprise that Bruce Kimmel's monthly Kritzerland series (this is show #38) has gained such a loyal following at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal. For true musical lovers it is the rare opportunity to hear beautiful, funny and surprisingly touching songs from musicals you may never get to see.

The original cast of the York Theatre Company 2012 revival production of the classic Off-Broadway hit musical Closer Than Ever just renuited for the official New York release of the new cast recording on the Jay Record Label. The cast, joined by music director Andrew Gerle and David Shire, performed selections from the 2-CD recording at Barnes & Noble, and BroadwayWorld was there for the special event. Check out photos from the concert below!

Sierra Stages concludes its fifth season with a seldom-performed jewel of the American musical theatre--CLOSER THAN EVER--an enjoyable musical revue with a surprisingly large amount to say. The show plays from October 31 through November 24, 2013 at the Off Center Stage (behind The Center for the Arts) in Grass Valley.

The national tour of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES, the new Broadway revival of Cole Porter's timeless classic musical theatre masterpiece, will make its Orange County premiere tonight, September 24 - 29 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts as part of the Curtain Call Series.