Michael Riedel News

As previously reported, Elaine Paige 'The First Lady of West End Musical Theatre' is in the U.S. working on a highly anticipated new album, tentatively titled 'Elaine and Friends.'

Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post this morning that Al Pacino's star power has earned The Merchant of Venice the winners spot for the fall's highest advance generating show. The production, which opens at the Broadhurst Theatre on November 7, 2010, has reportedly taken in approximately $4M, beating out all incoming fall plays and musicals.

THE BOOK OF MORMON, a new original musical comedy from 'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q composer and co-creator Robert Lopez, will premiere on Broadway in March, 2011. The world premiere will be co-directed by Casey Nicholaw with Trey Parker and choreographed by Nicholaw as well.

Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that the West End production of DEATHTRAP which stars Simon Russell Beale and Jonathan Groff has its eyes on Broadway if it receives positive reviews in London. The show is said to have an advance of more than $1 million dollars.

After a long summer of playing matchmaker for New York singles, host of THE FIX-UP SHOW J. Keith van Straaten (host of Comedy Central's 'Beat The Geeks,' 'What's My Line? - Live On Stage') deserves a vacation! But before he sets off jetting around the country, he has one more match to make at the finale of THE FIX-UP SHOW at the Triad on Saturday, September 11 at a special time, 9pm. In this travel themed finale, our host will help a single flight attendant find his match with the help of other airline industry types as well as celebrity panelist and Emmy-award winning comedienne Judy Gold Gold (HBO, Comedy Central, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother). There will be an exciting opportunity to mingle with the participants and other jet-setting singles at a special going-away party following the last chance to see THE FIX-UP SHOW at the Triad.

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post and series producer Susan Haskins.

It's not just the venue that might be moving for the 2011 Tony Awards (Radio City is booked). The New York Times is reporting that the normal end of April cutoff for Tony eligibility might be moved earlier this year. The Times quotes an email from Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the Broadway League saying that:

Michael Riedel adds some additional details in today's New York Post including that they now plan to bring the production first to Toronto (directed by Craig Revel Horwood) and Australia with the best production to then head to Broadway.

One of the most elegant spots in New York City is The Players Club. This Gramercy Square mansion is the home of the exclusive organization which Edwin Booth, the greatest American actor of the 19th century, founded as a place where, in Booth's words, 'actors could mingle with gentlemen.'

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post and series producer Susan Haskins.

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post and series producer Susan Haskins.

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post and series producer Susan Haskins.

Adding to a story in today's New York Post, columnist Michael Riedel is now reporting that Alec Baldwin has passed on starring in a revival of the Garson Kanin play, Born Yesterday and is still said to be looking for a new play.

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post and series producer Susan Haskins.

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post and series producer Susan Haskins.

Michael Riedel reports this morning that stage and screen vet, Alec Baldwin, is undergoing a career 'rebirth' and is in search of a meatly Broadway show a means. He may have found one in a revival of Garson Kanin's Born Yesterday. According to the report, Baldwin led a reading on Monday of the piece alongside Nina Arianda (Venus in Fur). In the reading, Baldwin played Harry Brock, a weathly business man who bribes congressmen, while Arianda portrayed his blonde, airheaded lover, Billie Dawn. Josh Charles (The Good Wife) also partook in the reading. Doug Hughes (Doubt, The Royal Family, Oleanna) directed.

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post, and series executive producer Susan Haskins (pictured here with Marian Seldes).

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post and series producer Susan Haskins.

Theater Talk, the series devoted to the world of the stage, is co-hosted by Michael Riedel, Broadway columnist for the New York Post and series producer Susan Haskins.

Michael Riedel reports in today's New York Post that Brendan Fraser, who's film career includes The Mummy, G.I. Joe, Encino Man, Journey to the Center of the Earth and other films is now headed to Broadway, to star in the Simon Bent play - Elling.