How can you tell when a theatre company is hot? Well, one indication is when a show extends -- and it hasn't even opened yet.
Signature Theatre had such luck with their world premiere of Arthur Miller's Mr. Peters' Connections (starring Peter Falk), and now Drama Dept. just announced an extension of its upcoming mounting of As Thousands Cheer.
The good news comes at a perfect time for Drama Dept., what with the closing this past weekend of their long-running hit, As Bees In Honey Drown at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Cheer started previews June 9, opens June 14 and runs to July 18 at the Greenwich House Theatre.
Originally scheduled to run this past February, this 1933 musical by Moss Hart and Irving Berlin features such tunes as "Heatwave," "Through A Keyhole," "How's Chances?", "Easter Parade" and "Supper Time." Judy Kuhn (Les Miz, Chess) and Mary Beth Peil (1993's Spain at Theatre For The New City) star in this revival, alongside Paula Newsome, Kevin Chamberlin, Howard McGillin and B.D. Wong (M. Butterfly).
Christopher Ashley (Jeffrey) directs As Thousands Cheer, which couples Moss Hart's sketches and Irving Berlin's songs about fame and scandals amongst the swellegant. Kathleen Marshall choreographs. For tickets ($12) and information on As Thousands Cheer at the Greenwich House Theatre, 27 Barrow St., call (212) 239-6200.
-- By David Lefkowitz
