Playbill.com : Features Copyright (c) %2013 Playbill.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.playbill.com/ Playbill.com : Features en-us 05/06/2013 12:56:19 PM 60 THE BOOK SHELF: Arthur Bicknell's "Moose Murdered" and the New Vocal Score of Merrily We Roll Along Sun, 05 May 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177635-THE-BOOK-SHELF-Arthur-Bicknells-Moose-Murdered-and-the-New-Vocal-Score-of-Merrily-We-Roll-Along This week's column looks at Arthur Bicknell's backstage chronicle "Moose Murdered" and the newly revised vocal score of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along.

]]> Steven Suskin Who Would You Like to See Play Sally Bowles in a Broadway Revival of Cabaret? Playbill Readers Pick Their Favorites Sun, 05 May 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177636-Who-Would-You-Like-to-See-Play-Sally-Bowles-in-a-Broadway-Revival-of-Cabaret-Playbill-Readers-Pick-Their-Favorites Theatre fans are abuzz with reports of a 2014 Broadway revival of Cabaret, featuring Alan Cumming reprising his performance as the dark and deviant Master of Ceremonies who first invites audiences to "come to the cabaret."

]]> Playbill Staff Going Back to the Source: How the 1983 Revival of On Your Toes Set the Stage for Encores! Sat, 04 May 2013 04:01 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177634-Going-Back-to-the-Source-How-the-1983-Revival-of-On-Your-Toes-Set-the-Stage-for-Encores Rodgers & Hart’s On Your Toes is, in some ways, the grandfather of Encores! Rodgers & Hammerstein president and executive director Ted Chapin traces its lineage.

]]> Ted Chapin STAGE VIEWS: The Big Knife Star Ana Reeder Sat, 04 May 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177613-STAGE-VIEWS-The-Big-Knife-Star-Ana-Reeder Playbill.com's series features actors commenting on their recent theatregoing experiences, what productions they're looking forward to and more. Here, via email, we hear from actress Ana Reeder, who is part of the cast of the Roundabout Theatre Company's current Broadway revival of Clifford Odets' drama of Hollywood secrets, The Big Knife.

]]> Andrew Gans PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Day at London's One Man, Two Guvnors With Derek McElroy Fri, 03 May 2013 18:26 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177611-PHOTO-EXCLUSIVE-A-Day-at-Londons-One-Man-Two-Guvnors-With-Derek-McElroy One Man, Two Guvnors. The comedy continues its run at Theatre Royal, Haymarket.]]> Matthew Blank STAGE PORTRAIT: Andrea Martin, Terrence Mann, Patina Miller and Matthew James Thomas in Pippin Fri, 03 May 2013 15:34 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177596-STAGE-PORTRAIT-Andrea-Martin-Terrence-Mann-Patina-Miller-and-Matthew-James-Thomas-in-Pippin Acclaimed illustrator Ken Fallin's drawings of the greatest stars and scenes of the theatrical world are a recurring part of Playbill.com.

]]> THE TONY PORTRAITS: Behind the Scenes at the 2013 Nominee Reception Thu, 02 May 2013 16:38 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177549-THE-TONY-PORTRAITS-Behind-the-Scenes-at-the-2013-Nominee-Reception The day after the Tony nominations were announced, the class of 2013 assembled in New York’s Millennium Broadway Hotel to meet the press. Playbill photographer Monica Simoes captured some intimate moments with the nominees in this candid portrait gallery. Check out Joseph Marzullo’s official Tony pictures here.

]]> Matthew Blank In the Middle with You: Motown Stars Valisia LeKae and Brandon Victor Dixon Thu, 02 May 2013 04:01 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177547-In-the-Middle-with-You-Motown-Stars-Valisia-LeKae-and-Brandon-Victor-Dixon Motown Tony Award nominee Valisia LeKae and Brandon Victor Dixon bring a complex relationship to the stage as music icons Diana Ross and Berry Gordy.

]]> Jonathan Mandell PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Day at Paper Mill With Thoroughly Modern Millie Star Laurie Veldheer Wed, 01 May 2013 14:47 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177508-PHOTO-EXCLUSIVE-A-Day-at-Paper-Mill-With-Thoroughly-Modern-Millie-Star-Laurie-Veldheer Laurie Veldheer (Broadway's Newsies) is spending the month at Paper Mill Playhouse, taking on the title role in the Tony-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. She teamed with castmate/photographer Billy Bustamante to share a recent two-show day at the famed New Jersey venue.

]]> Matthew Blank THEIR FAVORITE THINGS: Jekyll & Hyde Star Constantine Maroulis Shares His Theatregoing Experiences Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177505-THEIR-FAVORITE-THINGS-Jekyll-Hyde-Star-Constantine-Maroulis-Shares-His-Theatregoing-Experiences Playbill.com's new feature series, Their Favorite Things, asks members of the theatre community to share the Broadway performances that most affected them as part of the audience.

This week we spotlight the choices of Rock of Ages Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis, who is currently starring in the title roles of the Broadway revival of Jekyll & Hyde at the Marquis Theatre.

]]> Andrew Gans Richard Foreman Returns to Theatre with Old-Fashioned Prostitutes (A True Romance) Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:57 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177519-Richard-Foreman-Returns-to-Theatre-with-Old-Fashioned-Prostitutes-A-True-Romance- Old-Fashioned Prostitutes (A True Romance), opening May 7.]]> Jerry Tallmer Tony Nominees of 2013 React: Including Tom Hanks, Nathan Lane, Diane Paulus, Rob McClure, Bertie Carvel, Judith Light, Keala Settle, Carolee Carmello, Andrea Martin, Pasek & Paul, Annaleigh Ashford and More Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:56 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177518-Tony-Nominees-of-2013-React-Including-Tom-Hanks-Nathan-Lane-Diane-Paulus-Rob-McClure-Bertie-Carvel-Judith-Light-Keala-Settle-Carolee-Carmello-Andrea-Martin-Pasek-Paul-Annaleigh-Ashford-and-More Playbill.com reached out to the 2013 Tony Award nominees on April 30, shortly after they learned that they were nominated for Broadway's biggest award. Here's what they had to say.

]]> Playbill Staff Broadway Grosses: April 22-28 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:36 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177435-Broadway-Grosses-April-22-28 Andrew Ku The Florida State Thespian Festival: Playbill's Student Reporter Explores the World's Largest High School Theatre Competition Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:30 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177436-The-Florida-State-Thespian-Festival-Playbills-Student-Reporter-Explores-the-Worlds-Largest-High-School-Theatre-Competition High school theatre experiences are often described as the turning point for many theatre professionals involved in the industry. Many recall it as the first time they discovered their love of performing.

]]> Brennan Felbinger PLAYBILL PICKS: Breakout Performances of the 2012-13 Broadway Season Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:12 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177437-PLAYBILL-PICKS-Breakout-Performances-of-the-2012-13-Broadway-Season The 2012-13 Broadway season has come to a close, and the 67th annual Tony Awards are on the horizon. Before Tony nominations are announced April 30, the staff at Playbill.com took a look back at the season and chose a handful of Broadway breakout performances. From Broadway newcomers to familiar faces in monumental moments, here are performers who stole the spotlight this season.

]]> Playbill Staff PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day at Broadway's Jekyll & Hyde with Jason Wooten Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:49 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177419-PHOTO-EXCLUSIVE-A-Two-Show-Day-at-Broadways-Jekyll-Hyde-with-Jason-Wooten Spend a recent two-show day at Broadway's Jekyll & Hyde with Jason Wooten (Hair), who plays Simon Stride in the new revival. Check out his pre-show rituals and meet the hardworking men and women backstage at the Marquis Theatre.

]]> Matthew Blank THE "SMASH" REPORT: Season Two, Episode 13 or I Wanna Be a Producer Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177426-THE-SMASH-REPORT-Season-Two-Episode-13-or-I-Wanna-Be-a-Producer Playbill's weekly recap, with notes and comment, of the latest episode of the NBC musical drama series "Smash," about the dreamers behind Broadway musicals. Here's a look at the April 27 episode, "The Producers."

]]> Ben Rimalower PLAYBILL PLAYLIST: FUE's Max Crumm, George Salazar and Jason Gotay Pick Their Favorite Rock Songs Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:01 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177433-PLAYBILL-PLAYLIST-FUEs-Max-Crumm-George-Salazar-and-Jason-Gotay-Pick-Their-Favorite-Rock-Songs Max Crumm, George Salazar and Jason Gotay rock out weekly in the Off-Broadway musical comedy F#%king Up Everything. Here, the trio picks their favorite rock songs as part of Playbill.com's Playbill Playlist series.

]]> Michael Gioia SECOND FLOOR OF SARDI'S: A Drink With Disney Theatrical President Thomas Schumacher Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177399-SECOND-FLOOR-OF-SARDIS-A-Drink-With-Disney-Theatrical-President-Thomas-Schumacher The first time Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical, came to Sardi's was in 1977, "the summer Elvis died," as he put it. He didn't waste any time getting there.

]]> Robert Simonson ON THE RECORD: A Time for Singing, Bravo Giovanni, and Lady in the Dark Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177400-ON-THE-RECORD-A-Time-for-Singing-Bravo-Giovanni-and-Lady-in-the-Dark- This week's column examines the new-to-CD original cast album of the 1966 musical A Time for Singing, along with digital releases of the 1962 Bravo Giovanni and the 1963 studio cast album of the Weill-Gershwin Lady in the Dark.

]]> Steven Suskin STAGE VIEWS: Silence! The Musical Star Laura Jordan Sat, 27 Apr 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177401-STAGE-VIEWS-Silence-The-Musical-Star-Laura-Jordan Playbill.com's series features actors commenting on their recent theatregoing experiences, what productions they're looking forward to and more. Here, via email, we hear from actress Laura Jordan, who plays Clarice Starling in Silence! The Musical, which recently resumed performances Off-Broadway at the Elektra Theatre.

]]> Andrew Gans PLAYBILL ON OPENING NIGHT: Pippin—Make That 'Big-Top Pippin' Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:45 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177385-PLAYBILL-ON-OPENING-NIGHT-PippinMake-That-Big-Top-Pippin Meet the first-nighters at the Broadway opening of Pippin. Diane Paulus, Patina Miller, Matthew James Thomas and Andrea Martin were there - so was Playbill.

]]> Harry Haun STAGE PORTRAIT: Bette Midler in I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177380-STAGE-PORTRAIT-Bette-Midler-in-Ill-Eat-You-Last-A-Chat-With-Sue-Mengers- Acclaimed illustrator Ken Fallin's drawings of the greatest stars and scenes of the theatrical world are a recurring part of Playbill.com.

]]> The Verdict: Critics Review Pippin Broadway Revival Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:19 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177381-The-Verdict-Critics-Review-Pippin-Broadway-Revival The first Broadway revival of the Tony Award-winning 1972 pop musical Pippin opened April 26 at the Music Box Theatre in a new, circus-inspired staging from Tony Award-nominated director Diane Paulus and circus artist Gypsy Snider.

]]> Adam Hetrick PLAYBILL ON OPENING NIGHT: I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers—I Laughed, You Bette Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:01 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177317-PLAYBILL-ON-OPENING-NIGHT-Ill-Eat-You-Last-A-Chat-With-Sue-MengersI-Laughed-You-Bette Meet the first-nighters at the Broadway opening of I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers. Bette Midler, Linda Hart, Bruce Vilanch, Joe Mantello and Kathy Griffith were there – so was Playbill.

]]> Harry Haun The Verdict: Critics Review I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers Starring Bette Midler Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:36 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177304-The-Verdict-Critics-Review-I39ll-Eat-You-Last-A-Chat-With-Sue-Mengers-Starring-Bette-Midler John Logan's I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers, the one-woman play starring award-winning singer and actress Bette Midler, officially opened April 24 at Broadway's Booth Theatre.

]]> Adam Hetrick and Andrew Gans PLAYBILL ON OPENING NIGHT: The Trip to Bountiful—Carrie Me Back Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:19 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177270-PLAYBILL-ON-OPENING-NIGHT-The-Trip-to-BountifulmdashCarrie-Me-Back Meet the first-nighters at the Broadway opening of The Trip to Bountiful. Cicely Tyson, Tom Wopat, Vanessa Williams and Cuba Gooding, Jr. were there – so was Playbill.

]]> Harry Haun PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day at Broadway's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike With Genevieve Angelson Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:28 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177264-PHOTO-EXCLUSIVE-A-Two-Show-Day-at-Broadways-Vanya-and-Sonia-and-Masha-and-Spike-With-Genevieve-Angelson Spend a two-show day at Christopher Durang's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike with Genevieve Angelson, making her Broadway debut in the role of Nina.

]]> Matthew Blank Barbara Cook, In Perfect Form, at 54 Below Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177260-Barbara-Cook-In-Perfect-Form-at-54-Below Tony winner Barbara Cook began a limited engagement at the Manhattan nightspot 54 Below April 23, and Playbill.com was there.

]]> Steven Suskin The Verdict: Critics Review The Trip to Bountiful, Starring Cicely Tyson, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Vanessa Williams Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:40 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177263-The-Verdict-Critics-Review-The-Trip-to-Bountiful-Starring-Cicely-Tyson-Cuba-Gooding-Jr-and-Vanessa-Williams The new Broadway production of Horton Foote's The Trip to Bountiful, featuring Emmy-winning stage and screen star Cicely Tyson, officially opened April 23 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

]]> Adam Hetrick THEIR FAVORITE THINGS: Into the Woods and 'Night, Mother Star Joy Franz Shares Her Theatregoing Experiences Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177262-THEIR-FAVORITE-THINGS-Into-the-Woods-and-Night-Mother-Star-Joy-Franz-Shares-Her-Theatregoing-Experiences Playbill.com's new feature series, Their Favorite Things, asks members of the theatre community to share the Broadway performances that most affected them as part of the audience.

This week we spotlight the choices of Broadway veteran Joy Franz, who will be seen in The White Horse Theater Company's upcoming production of Marsha Norman's Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'night, Mother, which runs May 3-19 at the Hudson Guild Theatre.

]]> Andrew Gans PLAYBILL ON OPENING NIGHT: The Testament of Mary—At Long Last, Her Side of the Story Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:27 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177228-PLAYBILL-ON-OPENING-NIGHT-The-Testament-of-MaryAt-Long-Last-Her-Side-of-the-Story Meet the first-nighters at the Broadway opening of The Testament of Mary. Fiona Shaw, Debora Warner, and Colm Tóibín were there – so was Playbill.

]]> Harry Haun The Verdict: Critics Review The Testament of Mary Starring Fiona Shaw Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:31 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177224-The-Verdict-Critics-Review-The-Testament-of-Mary-Starring-Fiona-Shaw Tony Award nominee and four-time Olivier Award-winning actress Fiona Shaw stars in The Testament of Mary, the stage adaptation of Colm Tóibín's recent novella, which depicts the story of Mary, mother of Jesus, following the crucifixion of Christ. It officially opened on Broadway April 22 at the Walter Kerr Theatre.

]]> Adam Hetrick PLAYBILL ON OPENING NIGHT: Macbeth: Cumming and Going Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:16 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177196-PLAYBILL-ON-OPENING-NIGHT-Macbeth-Cumming-and-Going Meet the first-nighters at the Broadway opening of Alan Cumming's solo take on Macbeth. Cumming, John Tiffany, Julianna Margulies and Jesse Tyler Ferguson were there – so was Playbill.

]]> Harry Haun Broadway Grosses: April 15-21 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:36 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177192-Broadway-Grosses-April-15-21 Andrew Ku THE "SMASH" REPORT: Season 2, Episode 12, or Here Come the Critics Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:21 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177184-THE-SMASH-REPORT-Season-2-Episode-12-or-Here-Come-the-Critics Playbill's weekly recap, with notes and comment, of the latest episode of the NBC musical drama series "Smash," about the dreamers behind Broadway musicals. Here's a look at the April 20 episode, "Opening Night."

]]> Ben Rimalower The Verdict: Critics Review Alan Cumming Solo Macbeth Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:22 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177189-The-Verdict-Critics-Review-Alan-Cumming-Solo-Macbeth- Tony Award winner Alan Cumming brings a new brand of toil and trouble to Broadway in his one-man Macbeth, staged by Tony Award-winning Once director John Tiffany, which opened on Broadway April 21 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.

]]> Adam Hetrick A LETTER FROM LONDON: Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw in Peter and Alice, Henry Goodman in The Winslow Boy and More Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177183-A-LETTER-FROM-LONDON-Judi-Dench-and-Ben-Whishaw-in-Peter-and-Alice-Henry-Goodman-in-The-Winslow-Boy-and-More The monthly missive from Across the Pond takes readers to John Logan's imaginative piece Peter and Alice, James Graham's political work This House and Henry Goodman in The Winslow Boy.

]]> Ruth Leon PLAYBILL PICKS: Suggestions for Hosts of the 2013 Tony Awards Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:01 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177165-PLAYBILL-PICKS-Suggestions-for-Hosts-of-the-2013-Tony-Awards Broadway is gearing up for the biggest night of the theatrical year when the 67th Annual Tony Awards are presented June 9 at Radio City Music Hall.

]]> Playbill Staff THE DVD SHELF: "Strictly Ballroom," "Broadway Musicals," Judi Dench in "A Fine Romance" and Ian McKellen in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:00 GMT http://www.playbill.com/features/article/177164-THE-DVD-SHELF-Strictly-Ballroom-Broadway-Musicals-Judi-Dench-in-A-Fine-Romance-and-Ian-McKellen-in-The-Scarlet-Pimpernel This month's column looks at Baz Luhrmann's "Strictly Ballroom"; the recent documentary "Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy"; the Judi Dench sitcom, "A Fine Romance"; and Anthony Andrews and Ian McKellen in the 1982 version of the swashbuckling "Scarlet Pimpernel."

]]> Steven Suskin