Here is a list of shows announced to open on Broadway during the 1999-2000 season and beyond. (Information as of Nov. 25, 1999.) Schedule subject to change. For more details, please see separate news stories on each show. The 1999-00 Tony season officially began April 29, 1999; the 1999-00 theatre season began June 1, 1999.
1999-00 SEASON:
Opened This Season
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (reopening & transfer): Musical by Lynn Woolverton (book), Alan Menken & Howard Ashman w/Tim Rice. Directed by Robert Jess Roth. Choreography: Matt West. Reopened Nov. 12, 1999 for open run at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
DAME EDNA: THE ROYAL TOUR: comedy w/ Australian & UK chat show diva Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage. Produced by Leonard Soloway, Chase Mishkin, Steven Levy & Jonathan Reinis. Played Oct. 1, 1998-Jan. 17, 1999 at San Francisco's Theater on the Square. Previews started Sept. 14, 1999, opened Oct. 17, 1999 for open run at Booth Theater. Tickets via Telecharge (212) 239-6260.
EPIC PROPORTIONS: comedy by Larry Coen and David Crane. Director: Jerry Zaks. Producers: Brent Peek, Mark Schwartz, Bob Cuillo, Bob Barandes and Matthew Farrell. Cast: Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Tudyk, Ross Lehman, Lewis J. Stadlen. Rehearsals started July 1999. Previews began Sept. 1, 1999 and opened Sept. 30, 1999 at Helen Hayes Theatre. GRAY, SPALDING: (see Morning, Noon And Night)
IT AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT THE BLUES: Revue written by Charles Bevel, Lita Gaithers, Randal Myler, Ron Taylor and Dan Wheetman. Director: Randal Myler. Played at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre April 22-Aug. 29, 1999 (opened April 26). ReOpened at Ambassador Theatre Sept. 9, 1999. Closing Jan. 2, 2000.
KAT AND THE KINGS: (musical) Conceived by David Kramer & Taliep Petersen. Directed by David Kramer, w/South African cast. Producers: Harriet Newman Leve, Richard Frankel and Marc Routh. Prevs Aug. 6, 1999; Opened Aug. 19, 1999 at Cort Theatre. Closing Jan. 2, 2000.
KISS ME, KATE: Revival of the Cole Porter/ Bella & Sam Spewack musical. Director: Michael Blakemore. Choreog: Kathleen Marshall. Cast: Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marin Mazzie. Producers: Roger Berlind, Scott Rudin & Roger Horchow. Previews Oct. 25, 1999 and opened Nov. 18, 1999 at Martin Beck Theatre.
MARIE CHRISTINE: New musical with music and lyrics by Michael John LaChiusa, based on Medea. Directed and choreographed by Graciela Daniele. Cast: Audra McDonald, Mary Testa. Prevs Oct. 28, 1999; Opened Dec. 2, 1999 and runs to Jan. 9, 2000 at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre. (Contact moves to the Vivian Beaumont in March 2000.)
MINNELLI ON MINNELLI: Liza Minnelli in concert. Directed by Fred Ebb, choreographed by John DeLuca, w/ musical arrangements by Marvin Hamlisch, vocal arrangements by Billy Stritch, dance arrangements by David Krane and Peter Howard. Produced by Radio City Entertainment, LM Concerts, Scott Nederlander and Stewart F. Lane. Runs 24 performances, Dec. 1, 1999-January 2, 2000, officially opening Dec. 8, 1999 at Palace Theatre.
MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT: New solo by Spalding Gray, runs Sunday & Monday eves (the off-nights of Marie Christine)/ Began previews Oct. 31, 1999 and opened Nov. 8 at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Ends Jan. 10, 2000.
PRICE, THE (play revival) Comedy-drama by Arthur Miller. Directed by James Naughton. Williamstown Theatre (Aug. `99) production transferring to Bway via lead producer David Richenthal. Cast: Jeffrey DeMunn, Bob Dishy, Lizbeth Mackay, Harris Yulin. Previews Oct. 29, 1999, opens Nov. 15, 1999 at the Royale Theatre.
PUTTING IT TOGETHER: revue of Stephen Sondheim songs. Producer: Cameron Mackintosh in assoc. w/CA's Mark Taper Forum. Carol Burnett, George Hearn, Ruthie Henshall & Bronson Pinchot star (w/Kathie Lee Gifford doing Tuesday nights after Nov. 11, 1999). Directed by Eric D. Schaeffer. Tix went onsale July 26 via TeleCharge, (212) 239-6200. Prevs Oct. 30, 1999 for opening Nov. 21, 1999 at Barrymore Theater.
RAINMAKER, THE: revival of N. Richard Nash's comedy-drama, directed by Scott Ellis. Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jayne Atkinson. Producer: Roundabout Theatre Company. Started previews Oct. 21, 1999, opened Nov. 11, 1999 and runs to Feb. 6, 2000 at Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER: musical adaptation of 1977 film. Book: Nan Knighton; Directed & choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Score: songs from the film and other Bee Gees compositions. Opened at London Palladium May 5, 1998. Robert Stigwood will produce with associate producers Manny Kladitis and David Rocksavage. Previews began Sept. 28, 1999. Opened Oct. 21, 1999 at Minskoff Theatre.
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL: musical by Nan Knighton (book/lyrics) and Frank Wildhorn (music). Director: Robert Longbottom. The third revision, this one significantly scaled down. The second version closed May 30, 1999 at the Minskoff. Third version reopened Sept. 10, 1999 and closes Jan. 2, 2000 at Neil Simon Theatre.
TANGO ARGENTINO: Dance revue created by Claudio Segovia & Hector Orezzoli. Producer: Daniel Grinbank (DG Productions). A previous verson played on Broadway in 1985. Previews Nov. 11, 1999; Opens Nov. 17, 1999; Runs to Jan. 9, 2000 at Gershwin Theatre.
EXPECTED IN 1999-00 SEASON
AIDA: New musical love triangle based on Verdi's opera, produced by Disney Theatricals. Music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton. Directed by Robert Falls. Cast: Heather Headley, Sherrie Rene Scott, Adam Pascal. Concept CD has been released by Rocket Records. Set and costumes by Bob Crowley. Tries out at Chicago, IL's Palace Theater Nov. 12, 1998-Jan. 9, 2000, opening Dec. 9, 1999. Previews Feb. 23, 2000 and opens March 23, 2000 at the Palace Theatre.
AMADEUS: Revival of Peter Shaffer drama. Director: Peter Hall. Cast: David Suchet, Michael Sheen (both from Hall's Old Vic production). Producers: Center Theatre Group, Kim Poster, PW Productions, Adam Epstein and Pace Theatrical Group. Oct. 10-Nov. 28, 1999 at L.A.'s Ahmanson. Starts previews Dec. 7, 1999 and opens Dec. 15, 1999 at Music Box Theatre.
BIRDY: Drama by Naomi Wallace, based on William Wharton's novel. First produced in London (1997) and then at Philadelphia Theatre Company (1998). Director/Set Designer: Kevin Knight. Producers: Spring Sirkin & Benjamin Mordecai. Will try out at Reynolds Industrial Theatre at Duke University (March 7-19, 2000). To start previews at Bway theatre TBA March 28, 2000 and open in early April 2000.
CONTACT: dance musical conceived by Susan Stroman & John Weidman; Book: John Weidman; Directed & Choreographed by Susan Stroman. Cast: Boyd Gaines. Currently playing at Lincoln Center's Mitzi Newhouse Theatre through Jan. 2, 2000. Starts previews March 9, 2000 at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre.
COPENHAGEN: Drama by Michael Frayn. Directed by Michael Blakemore. Targeting Broadway theatre TBA in March 2000.
ENIGMA VARIATIONS: drama by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. Cast: Donald Sutherland. The show, directed by Daniel Roussel, played at L.A.'s Mark Taper Forum May-June 1999. Targeted for Bway March-April 2000, Theatre TBA.
FINIAN'S RAINBOW: Revival of 1947 musical by E.Y. (Yip) Harburg and Burton Lane; Revised book by Peter Stone. Director Lonny Price. Cast: Brian Murray, Austin Pendleton and Denis O'Hare. Producer: Rodger Hess. Try-out at FL's Coconut Grove, Oct. 12-Nov. 21, 1999, and Cleveland's Palace Theatre at the Playhouse Square Center, Nov. 30-Dec. 12, 1999. Targeting March-April 2000.
THE GREEN BIRD: Julie Taymor's play with music (by Elliot Goldenthal), based on Carlo Gozzi's fable, plans a return to New York.
HAVANA: New Latin-Cuban musical revue with music by Frank Wildhorn, book and lyrics by Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy, and starring Linda Eder. Targeting Spring 2000 after out-of-town tryouts. Bway previews, opening and theatre TBA.
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME: Stage adaptation of Disney animated musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book and staging by James Lapine. Will have world premiere in Berlin, Germany June 1999. Previews, opening and theatre TBA.
HYSTERIA: NY premiere of Terry Johnson's hit London play about Sigmund Freud and Salvador Dali. Spring 2000 (tentative).
JACKIE MASON: MUCH ADO ABOUT EVERYTHING: Fifth Broadway appearance for stand-up comedian Jackie Mason. Started previews Nov. 16, 1999, opens Dec. 30, 1999 for open run at John Golden Theatre.
JANE EYRE: New musical based on the Charlotte Bronte novel, starring Anthony Crivello and Marla Schaffel. Directed by John Caird. Producer: Annette Niemtzow. Tried out July 13-Sept. 5, 1999 at CA's La Jolla Playhouse. Previews and opening TBA. Theatre TBA, targeting late April 1999.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR: (musical) Revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice biblical pop musical. Directed by Gayle Edwards. Producer: Really Useful Group. Rehearsals to start Nov. 11, 1999. Planning to try out in Toronto, Dec. 14, 1999-February 2000, followed by Boston & Chicago stints (Feb.-March 2000) and landing on Broadway April 2000 in a Nederlander theatre TBA.
MARTIN GUERRE: musical by Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schonberg. Producer: Cameron Mackintosh. Director: Conall Morrison. Choreography: David Bolger. Played at London's West Yorkshire Playhouse to Feb. 13, 1999. U.S. tryout at MN's Guthrie Theatre (Sept. 29, 1999), followed by Detroit's Fisher Theatre (Dec. 1, 1999), DC's Kennedy Center (Dec. 23, 1999), Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre (Jan. 22, 2000) and L.A.'s Ahmanson Theatre (Feb. 16, 2000). Bway previews begin April 15, 2000 for an April 26, 2000 opening at a theatre TBA. Cast: Erin Dilly, Hugh Panaro as Guerre & Stephen R. Buntrock as "Guerre."
MASON, JACKIE: (see "Jackie Mason: Much Ado...")
A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN: Revival of Eugene O'Neill drama, starring Cherry Jones. Directed by Dan Sullivan. Will try out at Chicago's Goodman Theatre. Opening March 2000 at Walter Kerr Theatre (assumedly after Waiting in the Wings).
MUCH ADO ABOUT EVERYTHING: see "Jackie Mason: Much Ado About Everything."
MUSIC MAN, THE: Revival of Meredith Willson's 1957 musical, directed by Susan Stroman. Cast: Craig Bierko. Producers: Dodger Endemol. Targeting Early 2000, with info TBA.
OLIVER!: Revival of Lionel Bart musical. Producer: Cameron Mackintosh. According to the NY Times, targeting early spring 2000 after possible dates in Toronto, Chicago & Boston.
THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD: (play revival) Irish comedy by John Millington Synge. Dir: Garry Hynes. Cast: Alan Cumming. Targeting mid-late 2000.
THE REAL THING: revival of Tom Stoppard comedy in a production by the UK's Donmar Warehouse, directed by David Leveaux. Producer: Anita Waxman, Elizabeth Williams, Ron Kastner & Associated Capital Theatre, Ltd. Features UK castmembers Jennifer Ehle, Nigel Lindsay, Sarah Woodward and Stephen Dillane. Runs in West End Jan. 13-March 18, 2000. Previews on Broadway March 29, 2000 and opens April 17, 2000 at Belasco Theatre.
RIVERDANCE: (dance revue) Composed by Bill Whelan; Dir: John McColgan. Producer: Moya Doherty. Tix onsale Fall 1999. Targeting Spring 2000 at Gershwin Theatre.
THE ROYAL FAMILY: musical by William Finn (score) and Richard Greenberg (book) based on Kaufman & Ferber's 1927 play of the same title. Dir: Jerry Zaks. Producers: Barry & Fran Weissler. Time & Theatre TBA.
SCENT OF THE ROSES: Julie Harris & Remak Ramsay to star in South African drama by Lisette Lecat Ross. Director: Gordon Edelstein, who staged world premiere at Seattle's A Contemporary Theatre (July-Aug. 1998). Producer: Arthur Cantor. Rehearsals start late September. Plays at Helen Hayes Center in Nyack, NY, Oct. 30-Nov. 21. Broadway plans recently postponed to Spring 2000.
SWEET DELIVERANCE: Comedy-drama by Eric Houston. Producer: Alexander H. Cohen. Targeting Broadway late winter 1999-early spring 2000. Director, cast & theatre TBA. Fran Drescher is in negotations for the lead.
SWING: Musical revue directed by Jerry Zaks, choreographed by Lynne Taylor-Corbett. Star: Ann Hampton Callaway. Producers: Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, Steven Baruch, Thomas Viertel, Jujamcyn Theaters. Prevs on Bway Nov. 2, 1999. opens Dec. 9, 1999 at St. James Theatre.
TALLULAH: Solo bio of Tallulah Bankhead by Sandra Ryan Heyward, starring Kathleen Turner. Show premiered July 1997 at UK's Chichester Theatre. Played at FL's Coconut Grove, Jan. 1999. Producers: Pace Theatrical Group & James L. Nederlander Productions, in assoc. with Duncan Weldon & Tony Fantozzi. Due at Nederlander house "year 2000"; Theatre & Dates TBA.
TOM SAWYER: New musical based on the Mark Twain novel. Music by Don Schlitz, book by Ken Ludwig. Previews, opening and theatre TBA.
TRUE WEST: Dark comedy by Sam Shepard; Directed by Matthew Warchus. Producer: Ron Kastner (RJK Productions). Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman. Previews December 1999 and opens March 2, 2000 at Circle in the Square.
WAITING IN THE WINGS: American premiere of 1960 Noel Coward comedy drama, directed by Michael Langham. Producer: Alexander H. Cohen. Cast: Lauren Bacall, Rosemary Murphy, Simon Jones, Rosemary Harris, Barnard Hughes. Previews to begin Dec. 3, 1999 for opening Dec. 16, 1999 (Noel Coward's 100th birthday) at Walter Kerr Theatre.
WILD PARTY, THE: New musical based on a poem by Joseph Moncure March. Book: George C. Wolfe & Michael John LaChiusa; Score: Michael John LaChiusa. Directed by George C. Wolfe. Choreographed by Joey McKneeley. Cast: Toni Collette, Eartha Kitt, Mandy Patinkin. Producers: The Public Theatre, Scott Rudin, Roger Berlind, Elizabeth Williams & Anita Waxman. Previews March 2000, Opens April 6, 2000 at Virginia Theatre.
WRONG MOUNTAIN: David Hirson comedy with surreal and sci-fi elements. Director: Richard Jones. Cast: Ron Rifkin, Larry Pine. Producer: Dodger/Endemol. World premiere due at SF's American Conservatory Theatre, Oct. 27, 1999. Previews Dec. 27, 1999 and opens Jan. 13, 2000 at Eugene O'Neill Theatre.
Closed this season
Natalie Merchant in Concert (special engagement) (op: June 8, 1999. closed June 12, 1999 at Neil Simon Theatre).
VOICES IN THE DARK: John Pielmeier's thriller, directed by Christopher Ashley. Producers: Ben Sprecher, William P. Miller & Aaron Levy. Cast: Judith Ivey. Tried out at Stamford's Rich Forum July 16-25, 1999. Previews Aug. 1, 1999, opened Aug. 12, 1999, Closed Oct. 10, 1999 at Longacre Theatre.
HOLDOVERS RUNNING FROM 1998-99 SEASON:
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN: Bernadette Peters & Tom Wopat star in a revival of the Irving Berlin - Herbert & Dorothy Fields musical, with a revised book by Peter Stone; directed and choreographed by Graciela Daniele. Previews began Feb. 2. Opened March 4, 1999 at the Marquis Theatre (212) 307 4100. Tony winner for Best Musical Revival, Best Lead Actress-Musical (Peters).
CABARET: A smash at the Kit Kat Klub, John Kander & Fred Ebb's Cabaret moved to Studio 54. Now stars Michael Hall as the emcee. The show reopened Nov. 14, 1998.
FOOTLOOSE: Walter Bobbie directs stage adaptation of 1984 film musical about a young man who tries to re-introduce dancing to a small town where a fiery preacher has gotten it banned. Previews began Oct. 6, 1998. Opened Oct. 22. (See our "Countdown To Curtain" section for special features on the show's opening night.) Richard Rodgers Theatre. (212) 307 4100. Outside the metro NY area: (800) 755-4000.
FOSSE: Revue of dances from Bob Fosse musicals. Livent Inc. is producing the show assembled by Richard Maltby Jr., Chet Walker and Ann Reinking. Gwen Verdon serves as artistic advisor. Previews begin Dec. 26. Opened Jan. 14, 1999. Broadhurst Theatre. Call (212) 239-6200. See more details.
POSSIBLE FOR 1999-00 SEASON
BY JEEVES: musical based on P.G. Wodehouse stories. Revised version of 1975 musical by Alan Ayckbourn (book/lyrics) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (music). Goodspeed Opera House is involved in producing. Targeting Spring 2000.
THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS: Musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Craig Carnelia, book by John Guare. Directed by Nicholas Hytner. Based on 1957 film. Previews opening and theatre TBA.
THUNDER KNOCKING ON THE DOOR: Musical drama by Keith Glover w/ songs by Keb' Mo'. Directed by Keith Glover. Producers: Mitchell Maxwell, Victoria Maxwell and Mark Balsam. Targeting pre-Bway tryout in Las Vegas and March 2000 previews at Bway theatre TBA.
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND: New musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber; lyrics by Jim Steinman; book by Patricia Knop, Gale Edwards and Lloyd Webber. Directed by Edwards. Originally scheduled to open June 1997; now postponed at least until 1999.
IN LIMBO
BIG ROSEMARY: Cady Huffman stars in a new play with music, written and direction by Blake Edwards (Victor/Victoria). Tried out at Helen Hayes Center (Upstate NY) Feb-March 1999. Previews, opening and theatre TBA.
CHITA & ALL THAT JAZZ: Musical revue featuring Chita Rivera in a survey of her stage career. Times and Theatre TBA.
CORNELIA: Premiere of Mark Victor Olsen play about Alabama Gov. George Wallace's relationship with his second wife as he runs for president. Directed by Jerry Zaks. winter previews, opening and theatre TBA.
MIRACLES: New musical with book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Marvin Hamlisch, David Shire and Stephen Schwartz. Beacon Theatre.
ROOM SERVICE: The Flying Karamazov Brothers star in a revival of the 1937 John Murray/Allen Boretz farce. Indefinitely postponed.
SWEET CHARITY: Revival of Cy Coleman, Neil Simon (book) & Dorothy Fields 1966 musical. Producer: Bob Young. Director: Wayne Cilento. Nat'l tour starring Paula Abdul was to start July 19, 1999 in Wisconsin and target 1999-2000 season at (probably) Nederlander house. Those plans are off, with producers hoping to recast.
UNEXPECTED MAN: New play by Yasmina Reza (Art). Cast: Eileen Atkins. Producer: Elizabeth McCann. Due Fall 1999. First announced as Off-Broadway (Promenade) but also considering Bway.
2000-01 SEASON:
BATMAN: musical in development by Warner Brothers. Score by Jim Steinman. All info TBA; Projected for 2000 or 2001.
THE BOY FROM OZ: New musical, from Australia, about the life of Peter Allen. Dates TBA.
CHESS: Revival of 1988 musical by Tim Rice (lyrics) and Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus (music). Probable for Fall-Winter 2000.
GAUGIN, play about the painter starring Armand Assante.
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC: revival of 1973 musical by Stephen Sondheim & Hugh Wheeler. Producers are Margo Lion, Fred Zollo, Nick Paleologis and Jujamcyn Theatres. Declan Donnellan will direct; Paddy Cuneen is musical director. Glenn Close is in talks to star.
MAMMA MIA: (musical incorporating Abba pop songs) Book by Catherine Johnson. Playing at the Prince Edward Theatre in the UK's West End. Produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Bjorn Ulvaeus w/Universal with Ed & David Mirvish. Will come to Toronto's Royal Alex Theatre May 30-Oct. 14, 2000. Songs are by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd.
THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY'S: New musical by Evan Hunter (book), Charles Strouse and Susan Birkenhead, based on 1968 William Friedkin film. To be choreographed by Susan Stroman and directed by Mike Ockrent. World premiere set for L.A.'s Ahmanson July 23-Sept. 17, 2000 (opening July 30, 2000). Broadway dates & venue TBA.
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST: Revival of Dale Wasserman's adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel. Cast: Gary Sinise. Producers: Fox Theatricals/Steppenwolf. Will play April-June 2000 at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre. NY details TBA.
THE SEUSSICAL: New musical based on characters in Dr. Seuss children's stories. Music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Eric Idle. Frank Galati will direct. Reading in NY May 3, 1999, with workshop targeted for Aug. 1999. Targeting first production in 2000, w/Broadway between 2000-01. Opening and theatre TBA.
SPIRIT DANCE: Revue of Native American dance. Choreographed by Wayne Cilento (Tommy). Produced by Peter Holmes a Court of Back Row Productions. Composed by Peter Buffett (Dances With Wolves). Lyrics by Chief Hawk Pope. Previews, opening and theatre TBA after North American tour.
TIN PAN ALLEY RAG (Musical w/ music by Scott Joplin & Irving Berlin; book by Mark Saltzman. Choreographer: Larry Sousa. Director: Alan Bailey. Premiered at Pasadena Playhouse (July 1997), then done at Goodspeed at Chester (Oct.-Nov. 1997) and Coconut Grove (Oct. 1998). Will be done at Philadelphia's Wilma Theatre, Nov. 10-Dec. 12, 1999. Broadway plans TBA.
THE VISIT: Angela Lansbury stars in a musical adaptation of Friedrich Duerrenmatt's drama. Music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Terrence McNally. Barry Brown producing; Frank Galati (Ragtime) will direct. Rehearsals: Oct. 16, 2001; Out of town tryouts and then Spring 2001 Bway previews, opening and theatre TBA.
BROADWAY-TARGETED PROJECTS
DEAR WORLD: Chita Rivera stars in 30th anniversary revival of Jerry Herman's musical, directed by Scott Ellis, with the Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee book revised by David Thomson. Previews and opening TBA at Roundabout Theatre.
DIONNE SINGS DIONNE: "I WON'T STOP NOW": Autobiographical concert for pop singer Dionne Warwick. Producers include James L. Nederlander. Tried out at the Berkshire Festival Oct. 1998.
ELIOT NESS...IN CLEVELAND: Musical w/book by Peter Ullian, Score by Robert Lindsay Nassif, co-adapted/additional material by Nick Corley. Premiered at Denver Center PAC Jan. 1998; NY readings held March 1999. Winner of 1998 Gilman-Gonzalez Falla Award. All Bway details TBA.
HARMONY: Barry Manilow's musical about a Gentile-Jewish band torn apart in 1930s Germany. Spring 1999 previews, opening and theatre TBA.
THE JAZZ SINGER: Musical bio of Al Jolson by Will Holt & Sherman Yellen. Director: Christopher Ashley; Choreographer: Randy Skinner. Cast: Sam Harris. Rights recently reverted to authors, who are reworking and seeking new backers.
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: Derek Jacobi stars in a revival of the Robert Bolt drama, directed by Robin Phillips. Previews, opening and theatre TBA.
MARTY: Jason Alexander stars in a new musical, based on Paddy Chayevsky's film about a homely loner who strives for something more. Score by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams. Book by Aaron Sorkin. Previews, opening and theatre TBA.
MASK: musical adaptation of 1985 Peter Bogdanovich movie. Book: Anna Hamilton Phelan (who wrote the screenplay). Score: Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. Producer: Barry Brown. Time frame TBA.
ONLY A KINGDOM: Judith Shubow Steir's new musical about Wallis Simpson's romance with Britain's King Edward VIII that led to his abdication. Directed by Scott Schwartz. Spring or fall previews, opening and theatre TBA, after tryout at Pasadena Playhouse.
ORDINARY GIRL: "Loosely autobiographical" musical starring and co written by Donna Summer. Spring 2000 previews, opening and theatre TBA.
OSTROVSKY: New musical w/score by Cy Coleman, book by Avery Corman, being written for Alan King to star.
SEX, SEX, SEX, SEX, SEX, SEX, SEX: new play by George Furth. Annette Bening is in talks to star. No time frame; further details TBA.
A STAR IS BORN: Musical based on the film, with book by Larry Gelbart, lyrics by David Zippel, music by Cy Coleman. Previews, opening and theatre TBA.
THAT LOVIN' FEELING: Revue of Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil pop songs. Director: Glenn Casale. Producer: Barry Brown. May try out at Goodspeed-at-Chester, CT, summer 2000. Bway time frame TBA.
13 DAYS TO BROADWAY: Whoopi Goldberg stars in a new musical with music by Cy Coleman, book by Bruce Villanch. Production designed by Robin Wagner. Co-produced by Coleman and Wagner. Previews, opening and theatre TBA.
\ THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE: Stage adaptation of the 1967 film musical, adding 1920s period songs and adding some new songs. Richard Morris and Dick Scanlon have adapted Morris' screenplay. Jeanine Tesori will add new songs. Director: Michael Mayer. Choreog: David Marquez. Produced by Michael Levitt, Fox Theatricals & Whoopi Goldberg.NY workshop May-June 1999. Bway plans & casting TBA.
UNTITLED (SONNY BONO PROJECT) : musical about the late singer/politician's life and career, with famous Sonny & Cher songs, as well as rare Bono "trunk songs." Producer: Manny Kladitis. All info TBA, pending legal issues involving Bono's will.
URBAN COWBOY: Liz Smith has reported that Aaron Latham & Phil Oesterman are working on an adaptation of the Travolta film, with music by Clint Black and Travis Tritt. A Dec. `98 reading reportedly had James Carpinello and Laura Lukas as the leads.
WISE GUYS: New musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by John Weidman. Cast: Nathan Lane, Victor Garber, Lauren Ward, Candy Buckley. Sam Mendes to direct. Producers: Roger Berlind, Dodger Theatricals, Scott Rudin & the Kennedy Center. Planned to open in April 2000 but now indefinitely delayed.
-- by David Lefkowitz
