Joe DiPietro News

Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Monday, October 19, 2009.

Dancap Productions Inc. has announced the Canadian Premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, an eco-monster musical comedy based on the 1984 Lloyd Kaufman classic cult film. The Canadian production will take place at The Music Hall (998 seats) on Danforth Avenue, currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the show. Mamma Mia star and Tony Award nominee Louise Pitre will star in the production.

Dancap Productions Inc. has announced the Canadian Premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, an eco-monster musical comedy based on the 1984 Lloyd Kaufman classic cult film. The Canadian production will take place at The Music Hall (998 seats) on Danforth Avenue, currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the show. Mamma Mia star and Tony Award nominee Louise Pitre will star in the production.

From the soaring melodies of classic revivals to the hottest dramas playing today - there is no experience like 'Broadway.' And part of what makes Broadway so exciting is that it's located right smack dab in the middle of New York City! With 'THE BROADWAY LOCAL', World MasterCard celebrates the creative theatre professionals who bring their talents to the city's Broadway stages and call the Big Apple home.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, opens tonight, Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, began previews Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

Dancap Productions Inc. has announced the Canadian Premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, an eco-monster musical comedy based on the 1984 Lloyd Kaufman classic cult film. The Canadian production will take place at The Music Hall (998 seats) on Danforth Avenue, currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the show. Mamma Mia star and Tony Award nominee Louise Pitre will star in the production.

Full casting was announced today for MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, opening Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. Previews begin on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, will open Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre. Previews begin on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival continues its partnership with ASCAP to present the its annual Educational Series at Barnes and Noble Booksellers at Lincoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway at 66th Street. The remaining two educational seminars are FREE with seating based on space and availability.

MEMPHIS, an original Broadway musical, opening Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Shubert Theatre (225 W. 44th Street) following critically-acclaimed and sold-out engagements at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, began previews Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

All Shook Up with Book by Joe DiPietro, Inspired by and Featuring the Songs of Elvis Presley Musical Director Dolores Duran-Cefalu Directed and Choreographed by Robert Barry Fleming

All Shook Up with Book by Joe DiPietro, Inspired by and Featuring the Songs of Elvis Presley Musical Director Dolores Duran-Cefalu Directed and Choreographed by Robert Barry Fleming

The New York Musical Theatre Festival continues its partnership with ASCAP to present the its annual Educational Series at Barnes and Noble Booksellers at Lincoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway at 66th Street. The remaining two educational seminars are FREE with seating based on space and availability.

On Thursday, October 1st, after the 200th performance of THE TOXIC AVENGER at New World Stages, some celebrity guests who were in the house took a trip backstage to congratulate the cast and crew. Broadway couple Andy Karl and Orfeh greeted Dustin Diamond (Screech from TV's 'Saved By The Bell') and his lady friend as they all took the trip back to cheer everybody on their auspicious milestone. Producer Tom Polum was on hand to raise a glass of 'TOXIC' punch and to thank everyone on a 200 'TOX-A-RI-FIC' shows.

Center Repertory Company?s Artistic Director Michael Butler unveiled the company's 43rd subscription season. Running from September 3, 2009 to June 26, 2010, the season will be expanding Center Rep?s programming to include eight productions to be performed in all three theatres of the Lesher Center for the Arts. From the suspense of Agatha Christie to the music of Elvis Presley, Center Rep?s 09-10 season will delight audiences while also featuring the works of Caryl Churchill, No?l Coward, Reduced Shakespeare Company, Michael Frayn and five-time Emmy Award nominee Harold Gould. A variety of subscription packages, ranging from $128 to $522, can be purchased by calling 925-943-SHOW.

The Toxic Avenger - named '2009 Best New Off-Broadway Musical' by the Outer Critics Circle - marks its 200th performance tonight (Thursday, October 1st) at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street), where it has had audiences doubled over with laughter since performances began over six months ago. (Previews began on March 18th and the show officially opened on April 6th, 2009). October 1st is also the one year anniversary of its world premiere at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where the show became the biggest grossing musical in the theatre's 34 year history.

Some special guests were attending the Sunday, September matinee of THE TOXIC AVENGER. Actor TONY PLANA who plays Betty's (AMERICA FERRARA) father on the ABC-TV hit 'UGLY BETTY' was there with his wife, actress ADA MARIS and their daughter, ISABEL (PLANA). Actress ANITA GILLETTE (who appeared in FLAMINGO COURT at New World Stages) was also there. So, all made a bee-line backstage to pay a 'between show' visit to the cast and band and to tell them what a TOX-A-RI-FIC time they had!

Sexy, attractive actor Jeff (Patrick) Olson is making waves at the Celebration Theatre in Joe DiPietro's F*cking Men as Ryan the pornstar. He's hot!! Olson is a recent transplant to LA from Chicago, where he did, among other plays, Charles Busch's Die, Mommie, Die!, but he is not just another pretty face seeking work in Hollywood. As I did my research I realized that he is not only an actor/model, but also a practicing anesthesiologist and a champion bodybuilder - Gay Games 2006 gold medal winner. 'Is there anything this Renaissance man cannot do?' I pondered before my

Diana DeGarmo, Season 3 'American Idol' runner-up and Broadway vet has returned to the New York stage where, beginning Friday, August 14th, she assumed the role of Sarah, the sexy, blind librarian in The Toxic Avenger - named the 'Best New Off-Broadway Musical' by the Outer Critics Circle.

The award-winning York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) announces casting for Paradise Tossed and Falling to Earth, the next offerings in its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series.