ON THE TOWN -- November 1996 November is a major month for Broadway theatre. The district is aglow with theatres opening for highly-anticipated productions, and long-running beacons whose flames shows no sign of flicker. As celebrities like Sigourney Weaver and Linda Lavin join the ranks of Julie Andrews (Victor/Victoria), Donna Murphy (Tony Award winner in The King & I), Patti LuPone (Master Class) and Elaine Paige (Sunset Boulevard), it is hard to ignore the common themethe salient female presence on the stage and on the town.
Sigourney Weaver, whose bold, bald performance in the Alien films distributed her fame across the generation lines, stars in Christopher Durang's new comedy Sex and Longing. Ms. Weaver plays a nymphomaniac who publishes her exploits. When the book finds its way to the religious right, all heck may break loose. At the Cort Theatre, 138 W. 48th St. Tickets: (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250
Sarah Jessica Parker just finished a successful run as Rosemary in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, where she starred opposite her real-life love Matthew Broderick. On the big screen she currently stars in the hit First Wives Club with Golde Hawn and Bette Midler. On November 18 she begins previews in Once Upon a Mattress, "starring as the vege-phobic insomniac" in this musical based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Princess and the Pea. Opens Dec. 19. At the Broadhurst, 235 W. 44th St. Tickets: (212) 239-6200.
Linda Lavin, recently seen in Death Defying Acts and The Sisters Rosensweig, returns to play Lillian Hellman in Cakewalk. The play, by Peter Feibleman, explores the playwright's own relationship with the illustrious writer. At Variety Arts, 110 Third Ave. Tickets: (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250.
Sheena Easton, lights up the stage as Rizzo in Grease! She is one of the many celebrity guest stars that have included Rosie O'Donnell, Debby Boone, Brooke Shields, Maureen McCormick and Joely Fisher since the revival of Grease! first opened on May 11, 1994. Recently celebrating its 1000 performance, summer lovin' keeps on going right through all four seasons. At the Eugene O'Neill, 230 W. 49th St. Tickets: (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250.
Finally, Anne Frank, the tragic ingenue whose diary is among the all-time top-read publications, is revisited this month at the American Jewish Theater in the play Anne Frank and Me, where an American high schooler goes back in time to meet her. Previews begin Nov. 2.; 307 W. 26th St. Tickets: (212) 633-9797.
Hungry. . .on the town?
Men are not the only ones who love a good steakhouse! There's nothing like sinking you teeth into a perfect cut of prime rib or filet mignon served sizzling. . . and there is no place better Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for such a feast. The famed restaurant has two metropolitan locations: 148 W. 51st St. off Seventh Ave (212-245-9600) and 1000 Harbor Blvd. in Weehawken, New Jersey (201-863-5100).
-- By Jennifer Lanter
