I am notorious for not wearing proper winter clothes.  I like to leave the house in only a sweater or sports coat when down jackets and ski caps are necessary.  I think I must be trying to fool myself into believing that it is still Fall.  However, every year there comes a time when I can no longer pull the wool over my eyes (so to speak) any more.  That time has come.  I have busted out my big overcoat and my hat with the sides that flop down over my ears.  I surender to you, oh, Winter, I surender (what is that, Bixby?).Well, it might be getting a bit chillier outside, but there is plenty of red hot gossip and news happening on the rialto.  I hope these tidbits warm you up - unle...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (7)

As I wandered down 44th street, the wind whipping at my head, all I wanted to do was get home and crawl into bed; the last thing I wanted to do was see a show.  When I spotted the sign for the historic Algonquin Hotel and pushed open the door to the...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (1)

Sing once again with me Our strange duet My power over you Grows stronger yet And though you turn from me to glance behind The phantom of the opera is there Inside your mind...Inside your mind for 20 years!  That's right; The Phantom of the Opera tur...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (14)

I need to sit down.  My head is spinning.  I'm feeling dizzy.  Wow.  I had such a cool evening last night and there is so much stuff happening on the rialto today - I can't keep up.  Seriously,  I thought January was supposed to be a sleepy month where nothing special went on and the B'way shut down for winter.  Hello?  I was promised a break in January!  Hello?  Just kidding.  I am being dramatic (quell surprise').  First up, last night, I went downtown with my director friend Stephen Brackett to see Amazons and Their Men.  This new show is written by Jordan Harrison and directed by Ken Rus Schmoll, produced by Clubbed Thumb (don't ask - I don't know where the name comes from)...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (3)

When I was a freshman in high school Patti O'Brien and I decided to audition for the fall production of Our Town.  I was so nervous, but Patti really helped me out and gave me confidence. After school we headed to the auditions where we would compete with the older more experienced thespians.  There was Becky Pusta, Dave Something or Other, Adrienne Pussy (was that really her name?), and Tommy Blackwell.  My memory is not what it used to be. When it came to audition, I was a wreck.  But the director, Peggy Andre, must have seen something in me - probably a warm body willing to rehearse after school ever day.It was almost unheard of for freshmen to be cast in the fall play (am I bragging ...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (5)

It was all anyone was talking about yesterday (and most likely, today).  At around 3:35pm on Tuesday afternoon the atmosphere in my office shifted as people opened CNN Breaking News emails, calls flooded in and text messages buzzed on Blackberries.  Heath Ledger, 28 year old Oscar nominee and star of Brokeback Mountain, was dead.  It was insane how quickly word spread.  I got 4 emails, 2 texts and a phone call in the span of 5 minutes - not to mention about 20 people in the office saying "did you hear?"  Mr. Ledger was found dead in his NY SoHo apartment by his maid and a masseuse.  He was naked and surrounded by pills.  The police suspect an accidental overdose (they are saying tha...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (7)

Today I need a little challenge.  There are multiple things happening on the Broadway today and I need to get you all the info quickly and concisely.  Let's be honest, in this fast paced high tech internet world you don't have time to read a lot...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (18)

Here little doggy, come back.  Come back!  No. I haven't lost my dog - I saw Come Back, Little Sheba this weekend.  The new production of Willam Inge's classic drama is being given a lovely production by Manhattan Theater Club starring S. Epatha Merkerson (from Law & Order).  Playing 100% against type (she plays the tough talking hard nosed police boss on Law ...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (4)

Thank goodness for Friday.  It has been a long week.  First the Clay Aiken controversy.  (Wow, I can't even count to 450, let alone read all those comments -  Yikes).  And then the news that Rent is closing.  ( Ugh, too sad).  I just had no idea that it would be such a roller coaster of a week.  Actually - to be completely honest - it was a terrific week!  It was so fun hearing from so many of you.  More comments everyone!  I love when you readers tell us what you are thinking.  You can agree with me.  Disagree with me.  Yell at me.  Call me names.  Go for it.  I love the exchange of info!  I don't want this to always be a one side conversation.  That being said - I have s...

• Read Full Story
• View/Post Comments (6)