Jill Eikenberry News

When the York Theatre first presented its mainstage mounting of Enter Laughing back in September I wrote that, while far too early to tell, it might well wind up being the funniest, most entertaining production of a musical we'll see this season. Four months later, I must admit that it has indeed been topped... by itself. After taking a hiatus while the space was committed for another show, director Stuart Ross' slam-bang mounting returns to the York a little funnier, a little snazzier and featuring the best male leading performance in a musical the season has seen thus far.

American Idol runner-up, Justin Guarini, will star in the industry only Equity staged reading of the new musical THE AWAKENING OF ANGEL DeLUNA - with book & lyrics by Judylynn Schmidt, and music & lyrics by Lee Ellis - produced by Kate Griffler on Monday, March 23rd at Theater 80 (80 St. Mark's Place) at 3:00pm & 7:00pm. Tracy Bersley directs and Barbara Anselmi acts as music director.

Friends In Deed will present a legendary trio as Charles Busch, Whoopi Goldberg and Lypsinka star in the first-ever New York presentation of the infamous Broadway-play-that-wasn't, LEGENDS!. Written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner James Kirkwood (A Chorus Line), the play will be presented in a special One Night Only staged reading benefit on Monday evening, March 23 at 8PM at Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street).

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is presenting the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances began January 21st, with an official opening night that was celebrated on January 29th. The return engagement was scheduled to run until March 8th only, but today's New York Times reports that the show has extended through March 20.

Mary Tyler Moore visited the cast of 'Enter Laughing' at the York Theatre Company in New York City on February 26th, 2009 and BWW was there!

Herbie Hancock calls her 'a wonderful song stylist,' Melba Moore says that 'She's a reincarnation of Ella Fitzgerald,' and Aretha Franklin proclaims 'If you're looking for good entertainment and very hip music, be sure to check out Nnenna Freelon.' Following up on its sold-out January concert by Tony winner Christine Ebersole and its wildly popular first-time collaboration with City Arts and Lectures in December when Barbara Cook appeared in concert and in conversation with Steve Winn, Bay Area Cabaret continues its 5th season on Sunday, March 8 at 5pm with Nnenna Freelon and her jazz quartet at the Marines Memorial Club Crystal Ballroom (609 Sutter Street@ Mason). Individual tickets to this show, and to a May 17th show by multi-platinum jazz singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway, are available at www.bayareacabaret.org or City Box Office (415) 392-4400.

In Public Radio International?s popular series ?Selected Shorts,? spellbinding stories by established and emerging writers take on a new life when performed by stars of the stage and screen. Nationally acclaimed actors Jill Eickenberry and Michael Tucker join host Isaiah Sheffer at the JCCSF for an evening that NPR calls ?story time for adults.? For this unique night of literature in performance in Kanbar Hall on Monday, May 4 at 8 pm, the stories all focus on food, chosen specifically for the epicenter of foodies, Northern California.

American Idol runner-up, Justin Guarini, will star in the industry only Equity staged reading of the new musical THE AWAKENING OF ANGEL DeLUNA - with book & lyrics by Judylynn Schmidt, and music & lyrics by Lee Ellis - produced by Kate Griffler on Monday, March 23rd at Theater 80 (80 St. Mark's Place) at 3:00pm & 7:00pm. Tracy Bersley directs and Barbara Anselmi acts as music director.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is presenting the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances began January 21st, with an official opening night that was celebrated on January 29th. The return engagement was scheduled to run until March 8th only, but today's New York Times reports that the show has extended through March 20.

Herbie Hancock calls her 'a wonderful song stylist,' Melba Moore says that 'She's a reincarnation of Ella Fitzgerald,' and Aretha Franklin proclaims 'If you're looking for good entertainment and very hip music, be sure to check out Nnenna Freelon.' Following up on its sold-out January concert by Tony winner Christine Ebersole and its wildly popular first-time collaboration with City Arts and Lectures in December when Barbara Cook appeared in concert and in conversation with Steve Winn, Bay Area Cabaret continues its 5th season on Sunday, March 8 at 5pm with Nnenna Freelon and her jazz quartet at the Marines Memorial Club Crystal Ballroom (609 Sutter Street@ Mason). Individual tickets to this show, and to a May 17th show by multi-platinum jazz singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway, are available at www.bayareacabaret.org or City Box Office (415) 392-4400.

Friends In Deed will present a legendary trio as Charles Busch, Whoopi Goldberg and Lypsinka star in the first-ever New York presentation of the infamous Broadway-play-that-wasn't, LEGENDS!. Written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner James Kirkwood (A Chorus Line), the play will be presented in a special One Night Only staged reading benefit on Monday evening, March 23 at 8PM at Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street).

Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Saturday, January 31, 2009.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is presenting the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances began January 21st, with an official opening night that was celebrated on January 29th. The return engagement runs until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street).

The Laurie Beechman Theatre, located within The West Bank Caf? (407 West 42nd St.), is pleased to continue our Friday night soiree, THE AFTER PARTY. Now going strong it's third, THE AFTER PARTY is billed as 'a weekly schmoozefest for the theatrically inclined.' Every Friday from 10:30 pm until the wee hours, pros from Broadway and aspiring stars alike belt it out on the stage of The Laurie Beechman Theatre. Join hosts BRANDON CUTRELL (Bistor, MAC and Nightlife Award winner) and ALYSHA UMPHRESS (Make Me A Song) with RAY FELLMAN (Bistro Award winner) at the piano for this weekly party in the theatre district. There is no cover charge for this event. Come and sing yourself as the mic is always open, or sit back and enjoy a cocktail with friends. Located just blocks from the Great White Way, you never know who might drop in.

The Laurie Beechman Theatre, located within The West Bank Caf? (407 West 42nd St.), is pleased to continue our Friday night soiree, THE AFTER PARTY. Now going strong it's third, THE AFTER PARTY is billed as 'a weekly schmoozefest for the theatrically inclined.' Every Friday from 10:30 pm until the wee hours, pros from Broadway and aspiring stars alike belt it out on the stage of The Laurie Beechman Theatre. Join hosts BRANDON CUTRELL (Bistor, MAC and Nightlife Award winner) and ALYSHA UMPHRESS (Make Me A Song) with RAY FELLMAN (Bistro Award winner) at the piano for this weekly party in the theatre district. There is no cover charge for this event. Come and sing yourself as the mic is always open, or sit back and enjoy a cocktail with friends. Located just blocks from the Great White Way, you never know who might drop in.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is proud to announce the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances will begin Wednesday, January 21st, and continue until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street). Stuart Ross (Forever Plaid) directs a cast that features Josh Grisetti ('The Knights of Prosperity') as David Kolowitz, 'LA Law's' married couple Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker as his parents, Bob Dishy (Tony Award? nominee and Drama Desk Award winner for Sly Fox; Flora The Red Menace, The Price) as Marlowe, and Marla Schaffel (Tony Award? nominee and Drama Desk Award winner for Jane Eyre) as Angela, along with Paul Binotto, Ray DeMattis, Erick Devine, Betsy DiLellio, Gerry McIntyre, Robb Sapp, Emily Shoolin, and Allison Spratt. Matt Castle is the Music Director and performs the role of Roger. ENTER LAUGHING has a book by Fiddler on The Roof's Joseph Stein, based on his 1964 hit play of the same name, with music and lyrics by 'Taxi' creator Stan Daniels. Based on the autobiographical novel by comedian Carl Reiner, ENTER LAUGHING tells the hilarious story of a stage-struck, woman-struck teenager who blunders his way into manhood via showbiz.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is proud to announce the cast for the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances will begin January 21st, and continue until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street). Tickets are on sale now at www.yorktheatre.org or call 212/935-5820.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is proud to announce the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances will begin Wednesday, January 21st, and continue until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street). Stuart Ross (Forever Plaid) directs a cast that features Josh Grisetti ('The Knights of Prosperity') as David Kolowitz, 'LA Law's' married couple Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker as his parents, Bob Dishy (Tony Award? nominee and Drama Desk Award winner for Sly Fox; Flora The Red Menace, The Price) as Marlowe, and Marla Schaffel (Tony Award? nominee and Drama Desk Award winner for Jane Eyre) as Angela, along with Paul Binotto, Ray DeMattis, Erick Devine, Betsy DiLellio, Gerry McIntyre, Robb Sapp, Emily Shoolin, and Allison Spratt. Matt Castle is the Music Director and performs the role of Roger. ENTER LAUGHING has a book by Fiddler on The Roof's Joseph Stein, based on his 1964 hit play of the same name, with music and lyrics by 'Taxi' creator Stan Daniels. Based on the autobiographical novel by comedian Carl Reiner, ENTER LAUGHING tells the hilarious story of a stage-struck, woman-struck teenager who blunders his way into manhood via showbiz.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is proud to announce the cast for the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances will begin January 21st, and continue until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street). Tickets are on sale now at www.yorktheatre.org or call 212/935-5820.

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) will honor Tony? Award-winner George S. Irving with the 17th Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre Monday, December 8th.