STAGE VIEWS: Tony-Winning Actress Phyllis Newman

By Andrew Gans
October 27, 2012

Playbill.com's series features actors commenting on their recent theatregoing experiences, what productions they are looking forward to and more. Here, via email, we hear from Tony-winning actress, singer and philanthropist Phyllis Newman.

What show recently impressed you?
Two shows really impressed me this season. Bring It On — genuine fun, young talent and feats breathtaking, great score and — oh, my! — my daughter Amanda Green is one in the talented team of writers. I also loved seeing Chaplin on stage because Charlie was a very close friend of mine, and Rob McClure has the same intensity, humor and sadness in his eyes as did Chaplin, and that's a rare thing. As everyone agrees, he is a great addition to the theatre.

What productions are you most excited to see?
Hands on a Hardbody....an American true story with a score by Trey Anastasio from the iconic band Phish, and — oh, my! — my daughter Amanda Green.

	Newman and Adolph Green (couple on the left) with Oona and Charlie Chaplin

What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
On the Twentieth Century...I could play Letitia...great book and lyrics by Betty Comden and — oh, my! — my darling hubby Adolph Green (nepotism is my middle name).

What are your current/upcoming projects?
I've been working on a gorgeous children's book "Flying to Neverland with Peter Pan." It will be published early November, and Glen Roven and I produced two beautiful songs to go with it. Look for it on YouTube and iTunes. Happy to bring this to a new generation. I'm very proud of my family...all of them...my son Adam, a wonderful writer, writes about theatre for Vogue, often for the New Yorker, et al.

Phyllis Newman made her Broadway debut in 1952 in the original musical comedy Wish You Were Here. She received a Tony Award for her performance in Subways Are for Sleeping and a Tony nomination for her work in Neil Simon's Broadway Bound. Her other Broadway credits include Bells Are Ringing, First Impressions, Moonbirds, The Apple Tree, On the Town, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, The Madwoman of Central Park West and Awake and Sing! She married Adolph Green in 1960 with whom she had two children, Amanda and Adam. Newman is the founder of the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative, part of the Actors' Fund of America. Read more about her in the Playbill Vault.