Baltimore/Washington Backstage June 9, 2006

It's the most anticipated week-end for theater-lovers. The votes have been counted and on Sunday night, June 11 between 8-11p.m., the Tony Awards will be announced.

Check out James Howard's article today which includes both our predictions. And before I forget, James and I were recently informed that the Baltimore edition of Broadwayworld.com has more readers than ANY other city in the United States outside of New York City. Thank you for reading!!!

I recommend Sunday morning's "Breakfast with the Arts" on A&E (8-10a.m.) which is devoting the entire program to the Tony Awards. Four top theater critics will review the season and attempt to predict the winners: Charles Isherwood (New York Times), Michael Riedel (New York Post), Linda Winer (Newsday) and Adam Feldman (Time Out New York). Also featured will be Michael McKean ("Pajama Game"), the history behind "Jersey Boys", Hal Prince (who will NOT attend the Tony Awards though is getting a special Tony), Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris ("Sweeney Todd"), a segment on "The Color Purple" (featuring LaChanze and Elizabeth Withers-Mendes live in the studio)and Alan Bennett ("History Boys").

CBS is NOT presenting anything Tony related on Saturday or Sunday morning. And on "60 Minutes", one hour before the award show, they are repeating a five year old interview with Mel Brooks about "The Producers". What are they thinking??

Those readers expecting to see a segment on "Regis" today about "Bridge and Tunnel" were treated instead to the French Open. It was a terrific week though for Broadway on the networks.

One highlight was on CBS' "Early Show" when LaChanze and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes did a duet from "The Color Purple".

The cast of  "Jersey Boys" is heading to the White House for lunch with First Lady Laura Bush and the spouses of  Senators on June 12. Can't recall the last time a Broadway show cast performed at the White House.

Nice photo article in "Life" (America's Weekend Magazine) on Cynthia Nixon, Raph Fiennes, and Harry Connick, Jr. getting ready for the Tony Awards.

Check out the New York Post today for predictions from Michael Riedel and Clive Barnes.

The New York Times' Campbell Robertson has a nice article on the Tony Awards today as well.

Hidden in the Times' Travel Section today is a great article on restaurants, bars, etc in Times Sq. by Theater Critic Ben Brantley, called 36 Hours "On Broadway". Some good recommendations can be found here.

In today's USA Today Business Section, can ready for product placements in Broadway shows.

And Cindy Adams' column (also in the Post) has some nice history about the Tony Awards (it should be spelled Toni).

On MPT's "Artworks This Week's Saturday morning at 9 a.m. see a great interview with three female stars from the Kennedy Center's production of "Mame", Christine Baranski, Harriett Harris,and Emily Skinner. It ends July 2. 202-467-4600.

Also on MPT June 15, do NOT miss "Light in the Piazza" at 8 p.m. (9 p.m. on WETA in DC) on "Live From Lincoln Center". The winner of six Tony Awards, it is wonderful. Not sure how this will translate on television though

"Spamalot" just arrived in at DC's "National". There until July 9. 800-447-7400/

"Assassins" is at the Signature till July 23. 800-955-5566.

The Round House has the musical "A Murder, A Mystery & A Marriage"till June 25. 240-644-1100.

Another musical in DC..."Caroline or Change" is at the Studio which has been extended till July 9.

That is FIVE musicals going on Washington. Baltimore, on the other hand....

Forgot to mention "Sunday in the Park With George" which ends its successful run at the Fells Point Corner Theater on Sunday, June 11. 410-267-7837. Thanks to the good people at FPCT for reminding me!!

Heard good things about the Didactic Theater in DC. It ends its current production of "The Glory of Living" on Sunday, June 11. This play was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. You can see this play for $10 (Saturday matinee only) if you mention the special e-mail offer. Head to the Warehouse Theater Mainstage, 11017 7^th Street, NW. or go to www.didactictheatre.com.

Did you hear "Hairspray" is closing in Vegas? As did "Avenue Q". "Hairspray" was to last four years.

Great news for the HIPP. Just read in Playbill.com that Tony-winner Norbert Leo Butz will be heading the tour of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" next season. I've seen Butz in "Wicked" and in the Off-Broadway production of "The Last Five Years" and he is NOT to be missed. Joining Butz on tour will be the Tony-nominated Tom Hewitt playing the John Lithgow role. Hewitt, is now in San Diego in the Lucy Simon musical "Zhivago" playing the role of Komarovsky and is remembered for his memorable work at Baltimore's Center Stage in "Private Lives". And playing the leading role in "Zhivago" is Ivan Hernandez who played Proteus in the Center Stage musical "The Two Gentlemen of Verona".

June 16-August 6 get ready for "The Full Monty" at the Cockpit in the Court Summer Theater. 780-6369. Do not miss this.

For other local theater, look at my column earlier in the week.

Enjoy the Tony Awards!!!

For comments, write me at cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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