Typically on Wednesday mornings I would blog about a certain reality television show on MTV in which they are searching for a new leading lady for a certain B'way musical in which they say things like "snaps" and "OMG" all the time.  Not today.  Today there is a ban on all things that have to do with that certain addictive reality television show.  As much as I love it, I am not going to speak about it.  As much as I may want to, I am not going to write one word about any of the contestants that I absolutely love.  I am not going to write about the hair transformations.  I am not going to write about tears and the outfits.  And I will definitely NOT be blogging about my obsession with one certain cast member that I am just hoping beyond all hope will win.  Today we dare not speak about my love for that show.  There is so much else going on that we need to focus on; so here we go...

More Reason for Sunscreen - SPF Week 2

Last night I attended the opening night of week two of the Summer Play Festival at the Public Theater and the second week looks like it is shaping up to be as exciting as the first.  I kicked off the week by seeing the new play Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom; written by Jennifer Haley and directed by Kerry Whigham.  I know the title sounds a bit scary, but you shouldn't be put off by this clever and riveting new drama that takes viewers inside the world of video game obsession.  A world where suburban teens become completely possessed by an unusual video game and as they advance to each new level, the lines between reality and virtual reality blur.  The play is expertly acted by a talented crew of four actors and brilliantly directed by Whigham, aided by a top notch design team.  Another fine example of SPF discovering new and exiting talent and presenting it to the theater going public.

FYI - at the show I ran into Barbara Whitman one of the producers of the B'way show that a certain reality television show is looking to cast the female lead for.  Of course we chatted and gossiped about the thing that I am not allowed to blog about today.  We actually stood in the middle of the aisle and went on and on about our own personal obsessions with the show.  But I have promised NOT to discuss said tv show today - so I will just continue on.

These Boots Were Made Walking

The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Jerry Mitchell (I can't escape my obsession today - Mitchell is the director of the musical I am not allowed to talk about today) is in talks to direct a screen to stage adaptation of the British movie Kinky Boots.  You may recall that the movie, released in 2006, was about a British drag queen's efforts to help the chief of a struggling shoe company save his business by designing a line of fetish shoes.  Sounds perfect for "The Broadway"!  No? 

Producers Daryl Roth (August: Osage County) and Hal Luftig (who produces, say it with me, that show I'm not blogging about today) have secured the rights for the film but they are not saying when or where the musical might take flight.  To that end, they are still looking for a writing team for the musical.  Might I suggest the devilish downtown rocker Kyle Jarrow (Hostage Song) or perhaps Joe Iconis (whose Black Suits recently played at SPF).  These guys might be seem a bit young for a B'way show, but I think either could fashion some nifty tunes for this high heeled musical.  Hal and Daryl, just let me know if you are looking for other ideas.

I WANT MY FREE TICKET!

A blurb on Page Six of the NY Post caught Elaine Stritch (B'way Diva) at the box office of the Walter Kerr Theater where she was demanding a free ticket to that evening's performance of A Catered Affair.  Apparently she badgered the box office person enough that he finally gave in.  Do you think she said, "Do you know who I am?"

Ivey in Glass

The Glass Menagerie is one of my FAVORITE plays of all time.  I just love it.  "The Broadway" has seen a recent revival with Jessica Lange in the lead, now comes the news that Tony winner Judith Ivey will tackle the role of Amanda Wingfield in the Long Wharf Theater's new production of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams.  Helming the project will be Gordon Edelstein who will do double duty as director of the show and Artistic Director of The Long Wharf.  The gossip is that Hamish Linklater (from the tv show The New Adventures of Old Christine) will join Ivey for this show, but that has not been officially announced.

TV Hottie Awakens on B'way

Young heartthrob and star of the television show Weeds, Hunter Parrish, will join the Broadway cast of the Tony-winning musical Spring Awakening in August.  Parrish, who plays the post smoking eldest son (with really great hair) of Mary-Louise Parker, will be stepping into the role of Melchior (the part originated by John Joseph Gallagher) on August 18th.

Parrish had this to say about his big move to "The Broadway", "I have always hoped that my passion for the theatre would eventually lead me to Broadway. Spring Awakening is a truly one-of-a-kind show with its timeless story, commanding music and innovative imagery. I am elated to have the opportunity to become a part of it."

In case you are wondering if Hunter has the vocal chops to fill JJG's shoes - think again.  The Spring producers released a statement saying, "We are thrilled to have Hunter Parrish join the cast and welcome him to the Spring Awakening family. We knew Hunter is a wonderful actor, the surprise is that he is also a terrific singer. He will be a great asset to the company."

I for one, want to check this out.  I have always liked Parrish on Weeds and I am interested to see how he will fare in this very different role.  Maybe he will make Melchior a pot smoker?!?!!?

New Nine Numbers

According to the Daily Mail in England; Maury Yeston (the writer of the musical Nine) has written three new songs for the upcoming film version of the musical.  It is being reported that one song "Take It All" will be performed by Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Marion Cotillard (just stop - that is cuh-razy).  Another number called "Cinema Italiano" will be a big dance number by a journalist.  The buzz is that Kate Hudson will take this role (how many big name stars can there be in the movie!? Yowza).  Details on the  third new tune remain unknown.

Rob Marshall, who will direct Nine, told the Daily Mail, "In a way, it's a new musical because we took the wonderful bones of what Nine was and re-shaped it as a film." The award-winning director added, "There will be no dubbing. Everyone can carry a tune and they're all having singing lessons. They're in pretty good shape, and we'll have a 60-piece orchestra in the studio when we record the songs. It's all going to be very sexy."

The movie, which will feature the mega talents of Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman and Judi Dench, begins rehearsals next month.  Does anyone know when it is scheduled to be released?  I am dying to know!  This is going to be the big movie of the season - whenever it opens! 

Ok, that is it for today.  I made it through the entire post without discussing that television show.  That is it for me today, I will see you on Friday with more on the Summer Play Festival and other B'way news.

I can't help myself.  I have to dish.  I thought Autumn's hair looked just so-so blonde, I couldn't believe that Bailey got all whiny when they cut her hair (all of 2 centimeters!  Come on Bailey - that is so NOT Elle Woods), I got all teary when the girls sang their numbers on the show (I was a blubbering fool), I wasn't shocked when Rhiannon and Natalie were in the bottom two and I thought it made perfect sense for Natalie to go home.  Oh please, please, let Autumn win!  She probably won't win, because (as I told someone the other day) it isn't a reality television show if you aren't disappointed by the winner.  Last thought:  I have no idea how I will survive until next Monday at 10:00pm.

Ugh.  I almost made it all the way through.  I just couldn't help myself.  I leave you with my head hanging low in shame.  Until Friday, I will...

~ See You On The Aisle