I got a bit of an early start on my Memorial Day Weekend last Friday and took the day off from posting (sorry for the lack of advance notice for those of you who read regularly).  Since I missed last Friday I thought I would take some time this morning to say "hello" and "Happy Memorial Day" and then head out for some grilling and relaxing.  I hope you are all enjoying a little R&R and having fun with family and friends.  If you are checking this out today - let me update you with a bit of news and gossip from "The Broadway".

 

Liza Busted in London

Ok - that headline is a tad bit overdramatic, but Liza Minnelli's latest trip to the UK did not start smoothly.  Reportedly Ms. Minnelli flew to London for the start of her British tour (the first in 20 years) but almost missed her first performance because she was detained by officials at Heathrow Airport over visa issues.  Officials, at first, told Ms. Minnelli that she did not have the correct work permits and would not be allowed to perform.  With the possibility of canceling her performance that night, the "Home Office" got involved and secured her the correct visa and the show went on as planned.  Whew!  Nothing is ever easy for Liza is it?  Liza is performing three nights at the Coliseum, followed by dates in Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.  She has been performing often since the fall (oh, I mean Autumn, but she has been performing since her fall in Sweden as well); ever since her divorce from the (creepy) David Guest.  The divorce was finalized after much mudslinging (she said he abused her pet and tried to poison her - he said she gave him a venereal disease - WHAT?).  Anyhow, she has really been "hitting the road" so to speak and it seems nothing is stopping her - not even a few pesky visa officials in London.  You go Liza!

 

Do You Have Your 2009 Calendar Yet? 

Mark your calendars.  February 13th, 2009.  That is the newly announced date for the start of previews of the new Arthur Laurents directed West Side Story.  This will be the first revival since the 1980 production with Debbie Allen and it is going to be big, big, big!  Laurents is on a roll, currently receiving high praise and Tony noms galore for his revival of Gypsy with Patti LuPone.  Laurents has stated that this production will be "radically different from any production ever done and contemporary to boot."  Producers Kevin McCollum, James Nederlander, Jr. and Jeffrey Seller have announced that Joey McKneely will re-create original Jerome Robbins choreography and that they are currently searching for actors to take the famous roles of Tony and Maria.  If you think you are right - give them a call?  There is already great excitement about this show, expect the buzz to grow deafening by the fall. 

 

Say Good-bye to Rent at the Movies

Sony Pictures has indicated that they will film the final performance of Rent (the Tony-winning B'way musical) on September 7th and then show the performance in movie theaters around the country.  That is cool, right?  So you don't need to drain your savings accounts and camp out for tickets in order to see the final show.  You can just head to the local multiplex and chow down on 525,600 kernels of corn!  This is all part of a new venture by Sony called "The Hot Ticket" which plans on filming a variety of performing arts and sports events in HD digital and showing them in movie theaters.  Sony announced that they will also film extras and features - so you will get some bonuses if you see it in the theater.  I always believe that live theater is a special and unique experience that can't be duplicated in a movie theater, however, if you can't get to see RENT on closing night - this will be a GREAT way to share in the experience!

 

Bloody Over

The B'way run of the current Chichester Festival Theater production of Macbeth with Patrick Stewart and Kate Fleetwood ended on May 24th.  The final curtain came down on a very prestigious and well regarded revival of the play (not to mention VERY bloody production).  Stewart and Fleetwood have toured the show to packed houses and brilliant reviews in London, BAM in Brooklyn and finally "The Broadway".  Additionally, both actors have been honored with Tony nominations.  We congratulate them on their successful run and wish them all the best at the Tonys.

 

A Special Theatrical Event

This is a story that I find very touching.  A new play Because They Have No Words will premiere at the Piven Theater in Evanston, IL.  The show is a true story of one man's journey into "the chaos of animal rescue efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina."  Writer Tim Maddock, along with Lotti Louise Pharriss, began work on this project after Maddock returned to Los Angeles after he spent the fall of 2005 in New Orleans working with animals.  The press notes describe the production like this:  "This production focuses on the true story of Tim Maddock who, in response to Hurricane Katrina, traveled to New Orleans in the wake of the storm. In September of 2005, Tim loaded his car with food, water, clothing and rescue gear, said goodbye to his partner and his dog, and drove straight into the heart of one of the greatest natural disasters in our country's history. During his time in New Orleans, Tim witnessed great human tragedy and stupendous bureaucratic blunders. From the stranded animals somehow able to weather the storm, to the frantic, grief-stricken families searching for the pets they were forced to abandon, the flood of emotion was a constant reminder of the failures of a city, a state, and a nation to respond when their citizens needed them most."  If you live in the Chicago area and an animal lover, you may want to check out this special theatrical event.  If you see it - let me know what you thought!

 

Paul Newman Steps Down

It looks like Paul Newman will not be making his professional directing debut with the Westport Country Playhouse production of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.  It was just announced that Newman would be stepping down due to health issues.  Mark Lamos will be taking over as Newman exits.  No cast has been announced for the upcoming show.  We hope that Mr. Newman is going to be ok and we wish Westport all the best with their production. 

 

That is it for today.  I want you all to go out and barbeque some burgers and slather on some sun tan lotion or take a dip in the pool or a lake.  Also, I understand that at 3:00pm there will be a national moment of silence for Memorial Day and the men and women who have served our country.  Let's all take a moment at 3:00pm and honor those that have served. 

 

~ See You On The Aisle