Those possessing American Express Gold Cards can now purchase tickets to the upcoming revivals of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Gypsy starring, respectively, Whoopi Goldberg and Bernadette Peters.
August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which begins previews at the Royale Theatre on Jan. 17, 2003, stars Academy Award winner Goldberg in the title role and Charles S. Dutton as trumpet player Levee. Tickets won't go on sale to the general public until Dec. 22, but AmEx Gold Card members can purchase tickets now by logging on to the Telecharge website (www.telecharge.com) or by calling (800) 292-9465.
Ma Rainey, August Wilson's first work to arrive on Broadway, is a powerful account of a blues singer and the effect racism has on her life and career, and how anger bubbles inside musicians who are part of her world. The revival — directed by Marion McClinton — will play the Royale Theatre, which is located at 242 West 45th Street. Tickets range from $55 to $80.
The revival of Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents' Gypsy, which begins its performances at the Shubert Theatre on March 31, 2003, is also offering an exclusive offer to AmEx Gold Card members. Until Jan. 18, 2003, those interested can purchase tickets by going to a special Telecharge link (http://tm0.com/americanexpress/sbct.cgi?s=486778990&I=687227&m=4&d=3608463) or by calling the number listed above. Ticket prices follow: orchestra and front mezzanine $100, rear mezzanine $85, front balcony $75 and rear balcony $65; Wednesday matinees have a $95 top ticket for orchestra and front mezzanine with rear mezzanine $80, front balcony $70 and rear balcony $60.
Gypsy — starring two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters in the role of Rose — will play Broadway's Shubert Theatre on West 44th Street. Others in the cast include Tammy Blanchard as Louise, Kate Reinders as Dainty June and Kate Buddeke as Mazeppa. John Dossett is currently in negotiations to play Rose's love interest, Herbie. The last Broadway mounting of the famed musical cast "Cagney & Lacey" star Tyne Daly in the role created by Ethel Merman. The 1989 Daly revival won a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical as well as one for its leading lady. Academy Award winner Sam Mendes will helm the new production with choreography by Hairspray's Jerry Mitchell.
