June 2005


   The TONY Edition      Tony & Hugh?
Well, the Tony's were awarded last week with few surprises spread over some slim pickings. Spamalot was the big winner as best musical, but most of the artistic awards went to Light in the Piazza. Doubt was awarded Best Play and is very timely in its topic of child abuse. There was some sparkle on Broadway when I rode up in an elevator with Hugh Jackman. Speak about rising stars! He is taller than you may think and as handsome as you expect. Guess my job does have its Ups and Downs! LOL
 
   Light in the Piazza      Doubt
This romantic musical is playing a limited run at Lincoln Center. It's the classic story of a WASP woman melted by the scenery of 1950's Italy; in this case Florence. And of course melted by an extremely handsome Florentine boy. Sort of a musical "Room with a View", this is the show that won best music, lyrics, lights, sets and costumes.

Openings:
The Constant Wife: June 16
Lennon: August 4
The Mambo Kings: August 18
 
If you went to Catholic School, you may want to check this out. It's a twisted Belles of St. Mary's where the nun/principal accuses the parish priest of some indelicate behavior with one of the students. It's a fascinating look at social mores, truth, the appearance of guilt and the surety of ones beliefs. Doubt was the 2005 recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for drama.

Closings:
Brooklyn: June 26
La Cage aux Folles: June 26
The Glass Menagerie: July 17
   Spamalot      25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee
The big enchilada went to Spamalot as best musical. It's a mega hit sold out through January and beyond to infinity. It's a raucous and jubilant take on the Monty Python movie featuring Killer Rabbits, Lady of the Lake, Errant Knights and of course the Holy Grail. Imagine The Producers mixed up with Hairspray. And of course there are those "lovely bunch of coconuts".
I have to admit a bias to this crowd pleaser since I am on the board of Second Stage which originally produced it before its transfer to Broadway. We are all proud of this jewel featuring eccentric students and teachers attending a local school spelling bee competition. Each character is very individual and the music is great. You should get there early and check out the lobby decorated as your prototypical high school auditorium!

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