Jack Gilford News

Neil Simon is the most successful, most popular American writer of stage comedies of the last 55 years-and, quite possibly, of the 239 years since 1776!

Today in 1959, Once Upon a Mattress opened at the Phoenix Theatre, where it ran for 244 performances. Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The play was written as an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Once Upon A Mattress marked the Broadway debut of later stage and TV legend Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred. Also featured were Joseph Bova, Allen Case, Jack Gilford and Matt Mattox. Jane White played the role of Queen Aggravain, becoming the first African-American actress to portray a white character on the Broadway stage.

The Project Rushmore Theatre company will present Bob Ader's one man show FIFTY+ YEARS IN THE BUSINESS (the musical memoirs of an overgrown, 50+ year old child actor) on Sunday, April 19th at 3pm and Monday, April 20th at 7:30pm.

After seeing the new INTO THE WOODS movie twice over the holidays, I posted on Twitter about how two of the songs had stuck with me. After a tweet conversation, my BWW colleague Jeff Walker and I decided to put our heads together to try and come up with a list of Sondheim's most hummable tunes. Despite not discussing it beforehand, Jeff ended up picking songs from the 1960s and 70s, and I filled in the gaps with numbers from the 80s and 90s.

Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, welcomes the return of Drama Desk Award-winner Jim Brochu in his new show Character Man, following his wildly successful run of Zero Hour in 2011. A musical valentine celebrating the Golden Age of the American Musical, Character Man will be presented at BSC's St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center from tonight, September 18 through 28. The press opening is Saturday, September 20 at 7:30pm.

Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, announces the return of Drama Desk Award-winner Jim Brochu in his new show Character Man, following his wildly successful run of Zero Hour in 2011. A musical valentine celebrating the Golden Age of the American Musical, Character Man will be presented at BSC's St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center from September 18 through 28. The press opening is Saturday, September 20 at 7:30pm.

A new Blu-ray release of the all-star big screen edition of popular Broadway musical comedy A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM is out today, September 9.

Paley Presents will host 'A Celebration of Mary Rodgers' today, July 19, 2014, beginning at 2 pm in New York City.

Paley Presents will host 'A Celebration of Mary Rodgers' on Saturday, July 19, 2014, beginning at 2 pm in New York City.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) has announced the full lineup of productions, concerts, readings and special events for its 11th annual festival. This year's Festival will begin July 7th and continue through July 27th.

The York Theatre Company celebrates the great American lyricist Marshall Barer (Once Upon a Mattress) with a special concert event, The Marshall Barer Project, a musical tour through the life, career and mind of a man whose songs are shimmering jewels from the American Songbook. Starring BJ Ward with special guest Michael Feinstein. Directed by Gordon Hunt, The Marshall Barer Project will play two performances only on Tuesday June 10, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue).

Brochu won multiple awards for 'Zero Hour' and returned this year with an autobiographical tribute to character actors, 'Character Man'.

Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, May 11, 2014 - Sunday, May 11, 2014.

Today in 1959, Once Upon a Mattress opened at the Phoenix Theatre, where it ran for 244 performances. Once Upon a Mattress is a musical comedy with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. The play was written as an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Once Upon A Mattress marked the Broadway debut of later stage and TV legend Carol Burnett, who originated the role of Princess Winnifred. Also featured were Joseph Bova, Allen Case, Jack Gilford and Matt Mattox. Jane White played the role of Queen Aggravain, becoming the first African-American actress to portray a white character on the Broadway stage.

Penguin Rep Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Joe Brancato and Executive Director Andrew M. Horn, announces the slate of plays and special events for its 37th season.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano, announced the final week of the World Premiere engagement of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). This limited run will continue through April 6th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. The Final Post-Show Talk will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd with Special Guest Karen Mason (Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard, Hairspray), moderated by Peter Filichia.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano, today announced the World Premiere engagement of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). This limited run will continue through April 6th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir now at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street), with opening night set for Today March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir now at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street), with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan.

Jim Brochu's new solo piece will warm the heart of anyone who has ever looked out from an audience with awe and wonder.