Frank Vlastnik News

This time, the reader question was: which Broadway shows had the biggest overhaul from their out-of-town tryout to their Broadway opening?

With a career in films, television, and stage spanning six decades, Bob Mackie had long secured his status as an iconic costume and fashion designer when he won his first Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Musical for “The Cher Show” in 2019.

NYC's favorite monthly fill-in-the-blanks comedy has announced its first-ever all-male cast: 7pm, Thursday, November 17. The stellar pack of fellas will star the clever & quirky David Dean Bottrell (Modern Family, Boston Legal), Broadway song & dance man Bernard Dotson (Paradise Square, Chicago), and more.

Cher, Carol Burnett, Bette Midler, P!nk, Tina Turner, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Angela Lansbury, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, RuPaul, and Madonna...what do they all have in common? All have been dressed by Bob Mackie.

The Art of Bob Mackie is the first-ever comprehensive and fully authorized book showcasing Mackie's work, from his early days as a sketch artist for the legendary Edith Head at Paramount to his current, cutting-edge costumes for pop stars and line of accessible, wearable clothing for QVC. In addition to hundreds of glorious photos and dozens of dishy recollections from Mackie and his many muses, this gorgeous volume features never-before-seen sketches from throughout his prolific career. Watch as Mackie reminisces about his extensive career and reflects on the new book!

Fall has arrived and chilly weather means lots of time to snuggle under your favorite blanket with a great book. You're in luck, because this year, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind.

Theater for the New City presents The Wrong Box, a world premiere musical black comedy with book, music and lyrics by Kit Goldstein Grant, based on the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne.

There will a discussion and signing for BIG DEAL: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical by Kevin Winkler on Thursday, 10th at 5pm at the The Drama Book Shop 250 West 40th St. (bet B'way & 8th Ave).

There will a discussion and signing for BIG DEAL: Bob Fosse and Dance in the American Musical by Kevin Winkler on Thursday, 10th at 5pm at the The Drama Book Shop 250 West 40th St. (bet B'way & 8th Ave). Noted author Ken Bloom joins Kevin to discuss the book. With his trademark hunched shoulders, turned-in stance, and stuttering staccato jazz movement, Fosse was the groundbreaker in the development of choreography for the Broadway musical. The book is a fascinating look at the evolution of the man as a choreographer and director.

After a 5-year hiatus, the critically acclaimed true story of the making and unmaking of the West End Blondie musical flop 'Desperately Seeking Susan' gets a new twist as Peter Michael Marino's roller coaster tale is joined by the talents of David Carl, Coco Cohn, Carl Andress, Chris Harcum, Kevin R. Free, and Frank Vlastnik. Featuring previously unseen footage from the London production. Part of the Unofficial Upper East Side EdFest. Run time: 75 minutes. Full bar. No drink minimum.

Peter Michael Marino, Harmon Leon, and Walter Michael DeForest present twelve diverse shows from solo comedies to fake tribute bands that rocked the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This unique theatrical event is back for the second time - taking over the intimate second floor of the historic Ryan's Daughter (350 E 85th St, NYC) on February 24 & 25 from 1:00 p.m. through 11:30 p.m. Acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe artists from NYC, Philadelphia, and London will be presenting encore performances of their critically acclaimed shows that played the world's largest arts festival in 2017; as well as revivals of shows from 2012-2016, and previews of new shows headed to Edinburgh in 2018.

BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature THE LITTLE MERMAID, RAGTIME, NEWSIES, and more!

Disney's The Little Mermaid going swimmingly at The Muny, and BroadwayWorld has a look at new highlights from the show below!

It's interesting to imagine just what fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen would think of the musical version of THE LITTLE MERMAID (book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater) that's now gracing the stage of The MUNY. Though he might quibble with the liberties the book takes with his story, I think he would be absolutely blown away by the performances and stagecraft that are on display. It's a terrific and captivating production that doesn't skimp on the eye candy. Though the Disney film has been around since 1989, it's still a hugely popular movie for members of the younger set, and the equally successful musical has been beguiling audiences for almost 10 years as well. It's timeless charms are a perfect match for the MUNY's vast expanses, which are filled with imaginative imagery that families will find exquisitely appealing.

The Muny's opening night performance of Disney's The Little Mermaid took place last night, June 20, 2017, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Muny's opening night performance of Disney's The Little Mermaid took place last night, June 20, 2017, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

BroadwayWorld has a first look at The Muny Production of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Check out the video below!

BroadwayWorld has a first look at The Muny Production of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Check out the video below!

Ken Bloom, author of the new book SHOW AND TELL: The New Book of Broadway Anecdotes has won a 2017 Grammy Award in the category Best Album Notes along with his collaborator Richard CarlinIt's for Harbinger's Sissle and Blake Sing HUFFLE ALONG CD. This was Bloom's second Grammy nomination. His recording of “Maxine Sullivan Sings Great Songs from the Cotton Club” was previously nominated as Best Jazz Vocal Album.