Follies

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Hair,' the 'Hair' 'Be-In' at Sidetrack, the 'West Side Story' tour, 'Peter Pan,' Michael Mahler's week, radio Gershwin, Mandy Patinkin in Glencoe, two Evanston summer workshops, more....

Broadway and Off-Broadway producer Ken Davenport (author of the popular blog, The Producer's Perspective) will present Paul Gordon's Analog and Vinyl as the fifth selection in THE DAVENPORT DEVELOPMENTAL READING SERIES, for readings of new works (plays and/or musicals), on Monday, March 14th at the Davenport Studio (250 West 49th Street, Suite 302, NYC).

Jeff McCarthy will step in for Christopher Sieber's previously announced engagement as Billy Flynn in 'Chicago,' March 8-25.Jeff McCarthy will step in for Christopher Sieber's previously announced engagement as Billy Flynn in 'Chicago,' March 8-25. This will mark McCarthy's third stint with 'Chicago.' He previously played Billy Flynn in 2007 and 2008. As announced today, Sieber was released from his 'Chicago' contract in order to begin rehearsals for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES.

CPCC Summer Theatre will hold auditions on Monday March 21st & Tuesday, March 22nd from 5:00pm for children ages 6 to 12 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

2010 MAC Award-Winning Vocal Group MARQUEE FIVE (Julie Reyburn, Sierra Rein, Adam West Hemming, Mick Bleyer, and Vanessa Parvin) returns with their critically-acclaimed show '8-Track Throwback' for one night only.

Broadway's cuddliest cast kicked off a new year with the 14th edition of THE BROADWAY BEARS auction yesterday, Sunday, March 6, 2011 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, produced by and benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Sure to out-do last year's collection, 43 one-of-a-kind, autographed BROADWAY BEARS - each dressed in original, handmade costumes representing some of the theater's most legendary performers and performances - will be put up for auction.

Jim Caruso is proud to present the return of singer Luba Mason to the Broadway at Birdland concert series on Monday, March 7 at 7pm.

Upcoming Theatre Communication Group Member Shows - 3/06 for Norfolk

On Broadway as a teen and now a seven-show veteran before she turns 30, Cameron has also become a Rob Ashford regular.

What makes a celebrity a legend? At the beginning of a career, it's talent, lots of drive and guts, great press and of course just a little bit of luck. Once on top, the celebrity must sustain over time the image that catapulted her to stardom. There's a mystique, a je ne sais quoi, that should keep the star out of reach, inaccessible. Barbra Streisand has managed to become an icon, so when a female impressionist attempts to reproduce the speech, the incredible singing voice and style, and every hand gesture and body movement - and the overall persona - that have all made la Streisand one-of-a-kind, it would seem next to impossible to ingest it all and give it back believably. Steven Brinberg is the major exception. He sings exactly like Streisand, speaks with her quiet, laid-back manner and sense of humor, and has the hand and body movements down to perfection. For an hour and a half, one is convinced that he is in the company of the legend. Simply Barbra puts Streisand in closer proximity to an audience than usual and we revel in her individual candor and quirky attitude thanks to the astounding artistry of Steven Brinberg.

Dundalk Community Theatre continues its 2010/11 season with Reginald Rose's stage version of Twelve Angry Men through March 6th. Individual tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for senior adults and $14 for students/DCT Actors/Children 12 and under. The CCBC Box Office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at 443-840-2787, or visit www.ccbcmd.edu/performingarts/dct.html . The CCBC Box Office is also open two hours before each performance for ticket sales.

Broadway's cuddliest cast kicks off a new year with the 14th edition of THE BROADWAY BEARS auction on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill (237 West 42 Street), produced by and benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

2010 MAC Award-Winning Vocal Group MARQUEE FIVE (Julie Reyburn, Sierra Rein, Adam West Hemming, Mick Bleyer, and Vanessa Parvin) returns with their critically-acclaimed show '8-Track Throwback' for one night only.

New Line Theatre, 'The Bad Boy of Musical Theatre,' continues its Twentieth Anniversary Season of provocative, adult, alternative musical theatre with the rock and roll, Shakespearean sex comedy TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, running March 3-26, 2011, at the Washington University South Campus Theatre (formerly CBC High School), 6501 Clayton Road, just east of Big Bend.

Bestselling author and American literary giant Joyce Carol Oates, who recently penned her 116th book A WIDOW'S STORY about the death of her husband of 47 years, has had her novella ZOMBIE adapted into a short film. Written by Bill Connington, and directed by Thomas Caruso, the 19 minute film will be screened at the Washington DC Independent Film Festival on Monday, March 7th at 7 pm. The screening will be held at the Gala Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW, Washington DC, 20010. Metro stop: Columbia Heights. Tickets are $10. ZOMBIE will be shown with the films SISSY and AMBER ROSE as part of a program entitled 'Hot Topics - Dirty Little Secrets.' The director, Thomas Caruso, and the screenwriter/lead actor Bill Connington, will take part in an audience discussion after the screening. Also in attendance will be producer Michael Cooper. www.zombiethefilm.com

Today we are talking to Emmy and multi-Grammy-winning actor, musician and performer Harry Connick, Jr. about his new concert CD/DVD/Blu-Ray HARRY CONNICK, JR.: ON BROADWAY, in stores this week and premiering on PBS GREAT PERFORMANCES nationwide on Sunday. In this revealing two-part discussion encapsulating many of Harry's stage, film and concert memories - as well as anecdotes about working with friends and co-stars like Sandra Bullock, Hilary Swank and Renee Zellweger - we analyze the sights and sounds of his new concert album and DVD (which was filmed at the Neil Simon Theatre on Broadway last year) with central focus of the conversation being his passion for musical theatre music - as a musician, composer, performer and actor - and what the future holds for him on stages and screens large and small around the world. Of course, all of this is coming on the heels of the first news of Harry himself starring in the highly-awaited revival of ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER on Broadway next year! All that and much, much more awaits in this extensive weekend triptych feature, so don't miss the special Harry-centric edition of FLASH FRIDAY for the full experience!

Jim Caruso is proud to present the return of singer Luba Mason to the Broadway at Birdland concert series on Monday, March 7 at 7pm.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Various happenings at Broadway In Chicago, new musicals at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 'Follies,' 'Into The Woods,' 'Porgy And Bess,' more....

Popular Las Vegas entertainers Bill Fayne, Teddy Davey and Chris Coyne will make their Las Vegas debut as Voices 3 at the Suncoast Showroom, April 16 and 17, each evening at 7:30 p.m.

Jeff McCarthy will step in for Christopher Sieber's previously announced engagement as Billy Flynn in 'Chicago,' March 8-25.Jeff McCarthy will step in for Christopher Sieber's previously announced engagement as Billy Flynn in 'Chicago,' March 8-25. This will mark McCarthy's third stint with 'Chicago.' He previously played Billy Flynn in 2007 and 2008. As announced today, Sieber was released from his 'Chicago' contract in order to begin rehearsals for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES.

Bobby the Middle-Aged Celebrity-- the nvr 2 L8 2 b famous musical opens March 18 at WorkShop Theater Company's JewelBox Theater. Directed by Natalie Mosco, this show is a hilariously funny, basically one-person musical extravaganza, written & composed by & superstarring Bobby, aka Robert I. Rubinsky. With musical direction and sarcasm by Larry Spivack, BOBBY will begin a series of special Friday late-night shows on March 18 through May 27 at the WorkShop Theater Company's (co-producer) Jewel Box Theater, 312 West 36 Street, 4th floor. Showtime is 10:45-ish PM.

Jim Caruso is proud to present the return of singer Luba Mason to the Broadway at Birdland concert series on Monday, March 7 at 7pm.

It's official! M.A.D. (Monday's a Drag) is the name of this year's Pride Divas show at On Broadway. For the past four years the Pride Divas have played to packed houses making this unique event a highlight of the annual Cape Town Pride Festival. This year will be no different. Expect an evening of madness, hilarity and insanity as some of the Mother City's top drag divas demonstrate that life is more than a cabaret, old chum. It's simply MAD!

Dan Sharkey, whose Broadway credits include The Music Man and Show Boat, will join the cast of The Fantasticks as Hucklebee on February 28, 2011. He replaces Gene Jones, who played his final performance on February 20.

Following ten sold out shows, The Laurie Beechman Theatre will continue their hit series, SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED, for an eleventh installment, Monday, February 28 at 7pm. Included in the cast are an array of Broadway and cabaret alums, including Kristy Cates (Wicked), Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Tony nominee, Avenue Q), Michelle Dowdy (Hairspray), Christine Pedi (Talk Radio) and Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan). We're also pleased to welcome back our special guest, Sarah Rice, who created the role of Johanna in the original Broadway production of Sweeney Todd

Upcoming Theatre Communication Group Member Shows - 2/27 for Norfolk

Jane Austen's Emma - A Musical Romantic Comedy with music, lyrics and book by Tony Award nominee Paul Gordon will close the Winter Season on February 27, 2011. Directed by Tony Award nominee Jeff Calhoun.

The Hit Musical, Singin' In The Rain, is an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza!. Based on one of the most celebrated and beloved movies of all time, Singin' In The Rain jubilantly taps its way onto WBT's stage this Spring. Reveling in parody, the musical turns the precarious birth of the 'talkies' (and the demise of nearly all silent picture stars during the late 20s) into an unforgettably hilarious, light-hearted romantic comedy. Singin' In The Rain has been described as 'one of the best musicals of all time' featuring some of the best loved comedy routines, dance numbers, and songs ever written, including 'Good Morning,' 'Make ‘em Laugh,' 'Moses Supposes,' 'You Were Meant For Me' and, of course, 'Singin' in the Rain.'

Westchester Broadway Theatre Presents Singin' In The Rain. March 24 through June 12th, 2011.

Dundalk Community Theatre continues its 2010/11 season with Reginald Rose's stage version of Twelve Angry Men from February 25th - March 6th.

Broadway Theatre League is proud to announce that THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, will play the Morris Performing Arts Center March 18-19.

Broadway's cuddliest cast kicks off a new year with the 14th edition of THE BROADWAY BEARS auction on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill (237 West 42 Street), produced by and benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The National Theatre is proud to announce that THE COLOR PURPLE, The Musical about Love, will return to D.C. for an Easter engagement April 12 to 24, and will feature special guest star Lil' Mo as the Church Soloist.

Get ready for the Seattle premier of Burlesque to Broadway, celebrating the iconic Gypsy Rose Lee, Bette Midler, Sally Rand, Cher, Fanny Brice and more. Burlesque to Broadway star Quinn Lemley and her intoxicating 10-piece big band bring the audience into the world of Minsky's Burlesque Theatre, The Ziegfeld Follies, Broadway and classic television in this fast paced theatrical concert. Burlesque to Broadway plays The Triple Door for six performances only February 23 - 25, 2011. Audiences can buy early-bird discount tickets now through December 25th by using the password BROADWAY to receive a 30% off discount on tickets. Limited tickets available, order online at thetripledoor.com, over the phone at 206-848-4333 or in person at the box office at 216 Union Street, Seattle, WA 98101.

With one show stopping number after another, Burlesque to Broadway splashes onto The Triple Door stage for three nights only, starring Quinn Lemley, her backup gals and an intoxicating 10-piece big band.

It's official! M.A.D. (Monday's a Drag) is the name of this year's Pride Divas show at On Broadway. For the past four years the Pride Divas have played to packed houses making this unique event a highlight of the annual Cape Town Pride Festival. This year will be no different. Expect an evening of madness, hilarity and insanity as some of the Mother City's top drag divas demonstrate that life is more than a cabaret, old chum. It's simply MAD!

Gary Griffin is set to direct Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's first production of the 2011-12 season, FOLLIES. The production will play October 4 through November 6. For additional information, visit: www.chicagoshakes.com.

Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff/Producing Artistic Director) is announcing the launch of a new developmental showcase for musicals, The Glorious Bouquet Project.

Three-time Tony Award-winning scenic designer ROBIN WAGNER and esteemed costume designer LEWIS BROWN are among the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Brown was selected to receive the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design, and Tony Award-winning scenic designer Robin Wagner will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away in January of 2011. His award will be accepted by his long-time colleague and friend, Albert Wolsky, who was the recipient of the 2010 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award

Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Tracy Aron, announces the complete cast for the new Broadway musical THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, starring two time Tony® Award-winner Donna Murphy, directed by Leonard Foglia. THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE features book & lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart and music by Mike Stoller and Artie Butler.

THE BOOK OF MORMON, the new Broadway musical from the creators of "South Park" and the co-creator of Avenue Q, announces a lottery ticket policy today.

Tommy Tune with The Manhattan Rhythm Kings plays February 21 & 22 at 7:00pm

Two icons of Australian theatre, Nancye Hayes and Reg Livermore, take to the stage in the world premiere of TURNS - a reflection on identity, family, show business . . . and completely losing your marbles! TURNS will open at the Seymour Theatre Centre on Tuesday 22 February, prior to a national tour.

As its first production in their new home at the historic Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton, 3D Theatricals opens with THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, that wonderful, effervescent 2006 Broadway musical concoction. A Tony Winner for Best Book and Best Score, this insanely funny musical comedy is a reverent, if wildly sarcastic homage to the American Jazz-Age musical, those frothy, lighthearted screwball comedies that captivated so many fans with its fun and frivolity. 3D Theatricals' production features TV star Sally Struthers as Mrs. Tottendale.

Following ten sold out shows, The Laurie Beechman Theatre will continue their hit series, SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED, for an eleventh installment, Monday, February 28 at 7pm. Included in the cast are an array of Broadway and cabaret alums, including Kristy Cates (Wicked), Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Tony nominee, Avenue Q), Michelle Dowdy (Hairspray), Christine Pedi (Talk Radio) and Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan). We're also pleased to welcome back our special guest, Sarah Rice, who created the role of Johanna in the original Broadway production of Sweeney Todd

Tommy Tune with The Manhattan Rhythm Kings plays February 21 & 22 at 7:00pm

Upcoming Theatre Communication Group Member Shows - 2/20 for Norfolk