Michael Riedel News

Never one to refuse a complimentary martini or two at Sardi's (remember that the next time you spot me spreading an extra shmear of that cheddar cheese concoction over crackers at the upstairs bar), I too was invited to attend the presentation of three songs from the upcoming musical version of Shrek that Michael Riedel wrote about with his usual passion and adoration for the art of musical theatre in his column a few weeks ago and again yesterday morning.

Anthony Rapp, original Rent star, has been announced as the host of the 2nd Annual Broadway Beauty Pageant set for Monday evening, April 28th, 8 p.m. at New World Stages (340 West 50th St.). The event will mark the Ali Forney Center's annual fundraising benefit.

Harvey Returns! Welcome to The Return of special new series on BroadwayWorld.com - four time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein's personal MySpace blog of bringing his brand new musical, A Catered Affair to Broadway. We'll be exclusively picking up Harvey Fierstein's blog as he shares his first hand reports from rehearsals to Opening Night (and beyond). Check back for updates as rehearsals get underway!

Today's New York Post reports the Broadway production of Gypsy is looking like a hit at the St. James box office.

New York Post Theatre Columnist Michael Riedel was among the first round of honorees announced for this year's Pulitzer Prize, winning the award for distinguished work in journalism.

On Thursday, March 27th The Friar's Club luncheon honoring Liz Smith. Jeffrey Lyons conducted the interview and the event was produced by Randie Levine-Miller. Liz Smith is a New York Post and nationally syndicated gossip columnist. Press notes state that 'Liz has had a remarkable career in print and on television. She's probably the only gossip columnist who is truly loved' Liz Smith recently accepted the Harold Clurman Lifetime Achievement Award for a lifelong commitment to the ennoblement of humanity through culture from HBO's Sheila Nevins at the Stella Adler studio Starlight Benefit.

According to Michael Riedel of the New York Post, the upcoming 'Dreamgirls' revival will be making its debut all the way in Seoul, Korea.

van Straaten Entertainment, inc. presents the East Coast debut of What's My Line? - Live On Stage, a live, non-broadcast stage presentation of the popular game show that ran on American television for over 25 years. J. Keith van Straaten (Comedy Central's 'Beat The Geeks' and VH1's 'Best Week Ever') hosts a panel of noted personalities along with weekly surprise celebrity 'Mystery Guest.' Past Mystery Guests have included Larry King, Drew Carey, and Shirley Jones. Departing from the 30-minute format of the original television series, the 75-minute stage version will also feature live music and performances. What's My Line? - Live On Stage, which had an initial run of six shows in November and December of 2004 in Los Angeles and ran over three years, will open Monday, March 24th with its 75th installment and play Monday evenings at 8:00 pm through April 28th.

According to Michael Riedel of the New York Post, 'Promises, Promises' may be getting a Broadway revival.

Today, March 12th 2008 is Edward Albee's 80th Birthday. At the moment Albee is currently directing a revival of his plays The American Dream and The Sandbox set to open at the Cherry Lane Theater on March 25th. After that he begins rehearsals for Occupant with the Signature Theater Company. Then it's on to the Broadway run of his play Me, Myself and I. Now, according to Michael Riedel of the New York Post, he won't even be getting a vacation. Riedel states that in Albee's next free moment he will be vacationing to Easter Island to begin writing a new play set there called Silence.

Michael Riedel of the New York Post is underlining reports that a revival of David Mamet's Speed-The-Plow is headed to Broadway in the fall. Jeffrey Richards will produce; Neil Pepe to direct.

The Homecoming continues its series of talkbacks with New York Post columnist Michael Riedel at The Cort Theatre (138 W. 48th St.), following the 7PM evening performance on Tuesday, February 12.

Michael Riedel of the New York Post has left a teasing footnote in his Friday column, declaring that Tony Award-winning actress and Broadway's favorite 'It Girl' Sutton Foster, has been slated to play the princessly role of Fiona in the Broadway-bound Shrek The Musical.

Michael Riedel of the New York Post reports that acclaimed Broadway director and producer Hal Prince 'suffered what close friends are calling a 'minor stroke' Sunday afternoon. He was released from the hospital Wednesday - his 80th birthday - and is expected to be on the mend soon.'

Michael Riedel of the New York Post reports crooner Harry Connick Jr. - last seen on Broadway starring in the Tony Award-winning revival of 'The Pajama Game,' directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall - is eyeing to star and restage the obscure 1926 George and Ira Gershwin musical They All Laughed for Broadway audiences.

Michael Riedel of the New York Post has added more fodder to the possibility of the up-coming concert version of Chess, at Royal Albert Hall May 12 and 13, may lead to a West End or New York revival.

Sarah Jessica Parker is rumored to play the sexy stewardess in the Broadway-bound transfer of London's comedy Boeing-Boeing, to open at the Longacre Theatre this April, according to Michael Riedel of the New York Post.

Michael Riedel of the New York Post reports that famed Hollywood comedian and 'Saturday Night Live' alumni, Will Ferrell, is aiming to bring a one-man-show to Broadway.

Gingold Theatrical Group's Project Shaw presents Geneva by George Bernard Shaw on Monday, January 21 at 7PM at The Players