Speculation continues about chances for a transfer for New York Theatre Workshop's (NYTW) hit Dirty Blonde. A New York Times report (Feb. 4) indicates producers are discussing such possibilities as the reopening of Criterion Center's Stage Right, or finding either an unnamed Off Broadway house, or even a suitable Broadway house, such as the Helen Hayes or the Golden. As reported earlier, production sources have confirmed for Playbill On-Line that talks or negotiations are in progress.
The NYTW production of Claudia Shear's Dirty Blonde had busy preview performances and full houses since its Jan. 10 opening.
Originally scheduled to close Feb. 6, the show has been extended to Feb. 13, but this extension marks the definite end of the show's run at NYTW.
"It's extended, but the 13th is a final date," a production source told Playbill On-Line. Dirty Blonde must make way for the next production at NYTW, the Christopher Ashley directed production of playwright Jean-Marie Besset's What You Get and What You Expect.
"Talks are underway to transfer it," said the NYTW spokesperson. "I know they're discussing it, but there's no definitive answer." As reported earlier, Dirty Blonde was conceived by playwright Shear together with director James Lapine. [See related "Brief Encounter," running this week.] The story involves two single New Yorkers who meet at Mae West's grave site. The play then goes on to trace the couple's changing relationship while simultaneously tracking West's career.
Dirty Blonde's cast includes Kevin Chamberlin, playwright Claudia Shear and Bob Stillman.
The play marks Shear's return to NYTW, where she triumphed in 1993 with her one-woman "tour de résumé" Blown Sideways , a 64-job search for employment. That earned her an Obie Award and a Drama Desk Award nomination. Shear has numerous film, television and theatre credits and is widely published.
The show is helmed by James Lapine, who collaborated with Stephen Sondheim as both librettist and director on the Broadway productions of Passion, Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. With William Finn, he collaborated on Off-Broadway's March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland, which were later produced together on Broadway as Falsettos, and on A New Brain.
Set designs are by Doug Stein, costume design by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by David Lander and sound design is by Daniel Moses Schreier.
Another theatre source said Dirty Blonde is sold out with no availability through Feb. 6. The theatre is dark Monday, Feb. 7. Beginning Feb. 8, however, there are seats available for the remainder of the run with the exception of the Saturday evening show on Feb. 12.
Tickets run $12 for students with full time ID, $28 for seniors and $55 for all others. Dirty Blonde plays at NYTW at 79 E. 4th St., between Bowery and Second Avenue. For more information, call (212) 460-5475.
