There’s never been a better time to experience the one show that's as Hot as Ever! Broadway's Sure Thing, "Chicago"!

The phenomenon that is "Chicago-The Musical" is offering up some Big Savings this Winter with Applause Theatre Service. It's amazing how this show keeps running. Just like the Energizer Bunny, it keeps going and going and going...,
What made the 1996 revival production more successful than the original 1975 version? I know that as with most things, timing was everything. For nearly two years prior to the opening, America and the world had become enthralled with the OJ Simpson murder trial. Millions and millions of people around the world sat glued to their television screens as the entire story unfolded broadcast live and in color for their viewing pleasure. In Chicago, Matron Mama Morton tells Roxie, “In this town, murder is a form of entertainment.” That concept resonated with every member of the audience who came to see the show. They were living it.
Chicago satirizes this twisted world of entertainment. The show continues to be a success in New York and around the world because, eleven years later, our culture has become more voyeuristic and celebrity obsessed. Reality television dominates the ratings, gossip magazines and websites flourish, and we have a whole generation of stars who are famous for being infamous. In the end, that’s all they need to fit Roxie Hart’s definition of celebrity: “Somebody everyone knows.” It is a case of art imitating life. Just substitute Velma and Roxie with Paris and Nicole and trade in Chicago’s Cook County jail for Promises rehab facility…actually in this case, the LA jail would work too.

And low and behold, who’s back in the news today. With a controversial book and another arrest, the world, ready or not, is being served another glass of OJ. It makes Chicago’s message even more relevant. OJ and other celebrities feel as if they are above the law. But this time he got what he deserved the first time around. Whether breaking into hotel rooms or driving drunk and without a license, these celebrities don’t seem to feel that they can and should be held accountable for their actions. No matter how deplorable or offensive those actions, at least they’ll get their name in the papers. You get a sense that each one of them craves the attention and publicity. Maybe it’s because none of them “got enough love in their childhood.” Oh well, “that’s showbiz kid!”

Anyway, if you've seen it already, it's time to revisit it again. Or God forbid you haven't seen it at all, now's the perfect time to see it. Call an Applause Sales Expert and mention the Insider Deal and take advantage of these Winter Savings! 800-451-9930

Applause Theatre Service Invites you and your Families to go Fly a Kite with Mary Poppins this Winter and Save Big!

Disney and Applause Theatre Service are offering some really big savings this Winter! One that you should try and catch is the wonderfully staged, spectacular "Mary Poppins". Broadway has great savings these next few months and now's the best chance to catch all of these top shows at a great price! When I first saw "Mary Poppins"(I've seen it 3 times!), we expected to see the movie on stage, but the plays storyline is different. We weren't disappointed at all as that made it a new and unexpected experience. (The songs from the movie are all there, plus a few new ones.)
The staging is amazing. Most of the action centers around the Banks house on 17 Cherry Tree Lane. This three story edifice fills the stage. When it retracts, the attic (where the Banks children's bedroom is located) descends to stage level.
The actors portraying the Banks family and their staff are outstanding. There's always the fear that the "precocious" level will be a bit too high when it comes to child actors, but "Michael and Jane" were wonderful.
It's hard to say which one number was a show-stopper. "Jolly Holiday", "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Spoonful of Sugar" come to mind, but if I had to pick, "Step in Time" is the one that stood out from the rest. Tap-dancing chimney sweeps fill the stage in this rousing number. The standout is Bert who (thanks to Disney magic) walks up a wall, dances across the ceiling, and walks down the other side. WOW!!
On the other end of the spectrum, the beautiful "Feed the Birds" is the same quiet, heart tugging number as in the screen version of Mary Poppins. (Bring the Kleenex.)
There's kite flying and "nanny" flying as well. Suffice it to say, the finale will leave you wide eyed in amazement, but I don't want to spoil it for those of you who plan on going. (I probably said too much already.)
The play ended with a well deserved standing ovation. I couldn't believe it when I looked at my watch and almost 3 hours had gone by! If you're thinking of going, get those tickets now as this Winter Insider Deal is definitely going to help the show sell a lot of tickets very quickly and you don't want to miss out. So call an Applause Sales Expert now at 800-451-9930 and take advantage of this great opportunity!

Applause Theatre Service Welcomes in the New Year with Big Winter Savings on Blue Man Group and All Broadway Show Tickets!

Well this time of year brings lots of great savings for shows both on and off Broadway with Applause Theatre Service. The Winter season of savings! This season brings a first however. Great deals for one of the most popular shows ever, "Blue Man Group-Tubes". This show is so much fun and deserves multiple viewings. Here's some of my recollection of the show.
The show is multimedia avaunt-gard performance art at its best. The three performers are completely blue, never say a word, and never blink. They’re like mime artists from Mars on LSD. If there is a narrative (and there really isn’t) they would be a comedy troupe from some far off planet, having found themselves on earth and trying to come up with new material with objects that are as alien to them as they are commonplace to us.
Some of the acts are completely bizarre. Well, it’s all bizarre actually.
The set consists mostly of sewage pipes that resemble scenes from the movie Alien. The pipes are sometimes played as a xylophone or a trombone. There’s painting, marshmallows, obsession with eating cereal, a massive toilet-papering, a medical exam, synthetic drumming, and lots of audience participation. Kids and adults love this stuff!
In fact, the barrier between audience and performers was constantly broken. The audience is threatened and cajoled into participating. The eeriest moments are when they would wander in among us, one of them walking over us, stepping on the armrests. The first few rows of people were required to wear plastic ponchos because of all the spraying paint, and regurgitated food (!).
They played a lot with video art, as they went from some action on the stage to some pre-recorded events that were seamlessly woven into the stream of what we thought was reality. For instance we saw them leave the stage and then on the screen we saw a video feed of them leaving the theater, catching a taxi, then taking off. Only to have them re-emerge on the stage moments later.
In the end I’m convinced the show is all about having fun!
So take advantage of all of these great savings by calling an Applause Sales Expert now at 800-451-9930 and mention the Insider Deals! Happy New Year Guys!

NEED PREMIUM SEATING for Broadway Shows? Call Applause Theatre Service in New York City

Need to sit within the first 10 rows center orchestra for Jersey Boys, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Shrek The Musical or South Pacific on Broadway? Have you been searching the internet only to be quoted outrageously high prices with seating that is not even exactly what you're paying for?

These shows and just about any of the 23 other terrific Broadway Shows playing in New York City right now, offer "amazing seating" in the front center section of the theatre. All you need to do is make a simple call to the Broadway ticket experts at Applause Theatre Service in New York and ask for a quote for PREMIUM SEATING for the show or shows you want to see.

Applause has been around for over 21 years now. They have a friendly group of ticketing guru's that can help you find the best seats for the best shows, not to mention the very best prices for PREMIUM SEATING as well.

Applause is open every day from 9am till 8pm. Give them a call today or whenever your plans include seeing a Broadway Show.

Enjoy the show of your choice. We hope to speak with you soon.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service Inc.
311 west 43rd street, suite 601
New York, NY 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 1-800-451-9930
web site: www.applause-tickets.com

Applause Ticket Agency in New York City- in Broadway We Trust

Need Broadway tickets?

Give a call to the Applause Ticket Agency in New York City, real people you can trust to find you the very best tickets for shows on discount like The Phantom of the Opera.

Call locally at 212-307-7050 or toll free at 1-800-451-9930 seven days a week.

We love to talk Broadway theatre. Ask for the Broadway Insider prices today, you'll be glad you did.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Vice President
Applause Theatre Service
311 west 43rd street, suite 601
New York, NY 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 1-800-451-9930
www.applause-tickets.com

Applause Theatre Service Stays Busy 24/7 and The Key is S-E-R-V-I-C-E

Does anyone care about service anymore?

It seems like everywhere you go these days, so many people are complaining about the
economy. I think its important to remember that we have had a pretty good "run" for over 10 years now on Broadway. So if there is a slight downward trend in visitors coming to New York City, should those of us in the ticket selling business in New York get nervous? Or should we just settle in that our new reality might be that consumers all over the world are feeling the "pinch". Will consumers stop consuming? Will people that love going to live entertainment events like Broadway, all of a sudden stop going to shows? Hardly unlikely my friends. People just need to find a source they can truly trust to provide great service and fair prices. Have you ever heard of Applause Theatre Service in New York City?

If your like me and are somewhat of a news junkie, you, too, will soon get tired of all the little soundbites on the news showing that retailers are heavily discounting their goods and services. It seems obvious to me that many of these merchants simply "jack up the price" of their goods then put up lots of gigantic SALE SIGNAGE that says things like 50 % off. Some even have the nerve to tell us they'll give 80 % off or how about the BUY ONE GET ONE FREE signs we see so much of lately at our local shopping malls? Does anyone really believe these are "real discounts"?

Let me jump to the chase regarding Broadway ticket prices in New York as I have been in this industry for over 30 years now. Broadway Shows simply do not know how to "price" their shows. For instance, why should a show that has a cast of 15 actors and a medium size orchestra price their seats the same as a show that has a cast of 40 and a very large orchestra? The overhead regarding these shows must be different so why does the smaller show charge the same prices as the larger show? In my mind its simply because Broadway Shows have established a baseline for what they need to average on each ticket sold to make a profit. Still many Broadway Shows that need a hand to fill up their theaters, use the same "mall type" discounts.

In my experience as a small business owner, I am for profit also but if a show has lower overhead than another one, why not pass on the savings to people that might want to buy tickets for the "smaller to produce" show? It just makes sense to me. The smaller show might even stay in business longer. Wouldn't that make sense to you?

Anyway my friends, our little company Applause has access to just about any seat for just about any Broadway Show these days. Applause Theatre Service's savvy knowledge of a Broadway Shows availability coupled with computer access directly to every major ticket source one could think of, are just a few reasons why our little ticket service holds up in "good times and in bad".

We treat people well, offer the best personal ticket selling service second to none in the country (in my expert opinion) and always follow-up to make sure our customers have had a good time. If you simply ask someone that uses our service how they are treated both before and after we provide our service, you will know what I'm speaking of.

It comes down to service. That's service with a capital S-E-R-V-I-C-E. Everywhere you go, you get lots of those "bargain" shoppers" like I mentioned earlier in my blog. We have many customers that like good ticket deals as well. If you are on a budget and are flexible where you can sit, you may want to check out our Broadway Insider's ticket deals. We usually offer some very good seating options and often can save consumers $40-55.00 off our usual retail prices. Yes we make somewhat less than a full price sale but we are sensitive to the needs of theatre-goers today. And many will not go to the theatre if quoted the "extremely high" prices of dozens of ticket companies that have sprung up throughout the country. These guys may have sprung up over the years but as I study my own small little business in this ever changing industry, I clearly see "price gouging" all over the place. This is due to the greed of many I'm sure. If prices would only be rolled back in the way in which we are watching the housing industry start to lower their prices, the Broadway Theatre probably wouldn't be chasing away "future theatre-goers" like they are doing now.

Ask some of your kids in their twenties and maybe a bit older if they would spend upwards of $150 to $400 for a ticket to a Broadway show and even though many have never been introduced to the magical experience of seeing live Broadway Theater, it seems to me that exorbitant prices will keep them from ever really embracing live Broadway theater. So our Applause Broadway ticket experts simply ask a few questions about where our customer might want to sit, offer different seating suggestions and prices along with our knowledge of each and every theatre in New York City. When we have given the customer all the pertinent information they will need and answer every question they have, we either make a sale or not. Either way Applause's ticket experts know that making a purchase for Broadway tickets is not always an easy one.

Whether we make a sale or not, we like to think the person that called us was given "excellent service". Does anyone ever really think consumers require this excellent service I just spoke of? Of course we all know they do but it seems like everybody that has a job to sell something puts much to much emphasis on "making a sale", not on the customer.

When I went to college and took all sorts of retail management classes, great emphasis was placed on the S-E-R-V-I-C-E aspect of selling, not necessarily making the sale. Applause Theatre Service answers lots of questions about lots of ticketing related things. Many times we simply don't wind up making a sale but suggest a restaurant or two. Either way we are in it for the S-E-R-V-I-C-E we provide to everyone that calls Applause Theatre Service in New York.

We feel if we can S-E-R-V-E well, the business will come as well in time. Consumers need to T-R-U-S-T. I love the Broadway ticket business but I don't like the way in which many in our business treat the very consumer prospects that call upon them to provide much needed guidance about Broadway, ticket prices and seating options.

So what I see is the possibility of a somewhat downward trend of people buying Broadway tickets from "high priced" ticket sellers. Although I am concerned in many ways just like the local shopping mall merchants I see with the big DISCOUNT SALE SIGNAGE on the news, at the end of the day, it seems like no one talks about providing great customer service anymore.

If your plans include the possibility of seeing a Broadway Show or two, we hope you'll be able to call on our team at Applause Theatre Service in New York City. There is never any pressure to buy, although we might ask you if you'd like to join our daily growing "mailing list". Simply put, you give us your name and address and every month we send you a little postcard to remind you of the great service you experienced the first time you contacted us.

You may not buy the first time. You may not even buy the second or third time but that's OK. People deserve to have their trust earned by anyone of us in sales, especially in Broadway ticket sales.

Our hope is that whenever you, a friend, a co-worker or relative is thinking abut Broadway Theatre, that you will let us hear from you. We often say we offer the theatre-going public "the best seats for the best shows at the best prices". It all adds up to the B-E-S-T B-R-O-A-D-W-A-Y T-I-C-K-E-T S-E-R-V-I-C-E you'll ever get. Applause Theatre Service that is.

Some of Broadway's most popular shows are Wicked, Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot, Shrek The Musical and over 20 others. See a show, Have some fun, Call Applause today.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theatre Service
311 west 43rd street, suite 601
New York, NY 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 1-800-451-9930
www.applause-tickets.com

There's no Better time to see a Broadway Show in New York City-And Applause Theatre Service has Insider Prices for You Today

I like to think that after spending 31 years in the ticket selling business, that I might know a thing or two about what's happening with Broadway Theater in New York. So well my friends, that I would like to share a little secret with you about insider ticket prices for the typically off peak winter months of January and February 2009.

Although it looks like you might have to wait for good deals on Wicked, Jersey Boys and Billy Elliot for upwards of a year or so or more, right now the local Broadway Ticket Experts at Applause Theatre Service in New York City are passing on insider prices for the following Broadway Shows.

Simply give the Applause Broadwaymaniacs (and I mean that with a very high degree of respect)a call locally in New York City at 212-307-7050 or toll free at 1-800-451-9930. Applause is open every day and we are confident we can secure the best seats at the very best prices for anyone that uses our service. We have been in business for 21 years now and are looking to make new friends and customers for a lifetime, not just a one shot deal.

In addition to providing the best seats for the best shows at the very best prices, Applause Theatre Service can suggest some really terrific places to dine before the theater. All you have to do is ask

They special deals on Broadway Shows for January and February 2009 are:

Avenue Q

Chicago

Equus

Guys and Dolls

Hedda Gabler

In The Heights

The Little Mermaid

Mary Poppins

Pal Joey

Shrek The Musical

Spamalot

Speed The Plow

Spring Awakening

The 39 Steps

The American Plan

The Phantom of the Opera

Young Frankenstein

Why wait? If you're considering seeing a Broadway Show now or just want to talk theatre, give Applause a call today. We are an officially licensed ticket agency and consider our team a group of "real people you can trust".

In New York City you can call our local phone at 212-307-7050. For our out-of-town friends, feel free to call us toll free at 10800-451-9930

We hope to hear from you soon. Take care now.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Vice President
Applause Theatre Service
311 west 43rd street, suite 601
New York, New York 10036

Get Tickets To Broadway's Most "Popular"Show Wicked Thru Applause Theatre Service

Since 2003 Wicked has been delighting audiences and breaking box office records worldwide. And why not? It is one of the most exciting and thrilling shows that Broadway has seen in years. I first saw the show when it opened five years ago and I absolutely loved it. And you will too. And better yet Applause Theater Service has tickets anytime you want to go. Want to see Wicked on a Saturday night? Give us a call. How about next week? No problem. We have tickets to all performances. Now what if you want to see Wicked but you don't want to come to New York? Good news. Not only do we sell Wicked on Broadway but we sell it for London and every city in between. How can you beat that? Call now and see what Applause Theatre Service can do for you.

Want tickets to any other show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Now Is The Best Time To See A Show

Now more than ever New York theatre is alive and well. So what are you waiting for people? It’s time to see a show! What’s your pleasure? Musical comedy? We got that. Heavy drama? Check. Outstanding revivals of some of theatre’s most beloved classics? There all here. Plus if you don’t know what to see call us and we will recommend something for you. We are open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Give us a call or visit us on the web.

Want tickets to any other show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

"Grease" closing at the Brooks Atkinson and "Rock of Ages" Ready to Move In!!

The current home of the "Grease" revival which closes January 4th at the Brooks Atkinson, will now be called home to the Hit Off-Broadway show "Rock of Ages" which closes at its current home the New World Stages also on January 4th. Previews at the Atkinson will begin March 20, 2009, with an official opening scheduled for April 7. This is great news for a cast that's deserving of a Broadway run. It's already opened to great reviews and we all loved it here at Applause Theatre Service. This show is an absolute blast!
Rock of Ages, press notes state, "is an explosive new musical with a heart as big as 80's rock hair. As a legendary rock club faces its demise at the hands of eager developers, a young rocker hoping for his big break falls for a small town girl chasing big dreams of her own."
The musical features hits from such rockers as Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia and Whitesnake.
In a joint statement Rock of Ages producers Matthew Weaver and Carl Levin said, "After such an exciting run Off-Broadway, we are delighted to be moving Rock of Ages to Broadway. We know these are difficult and uncertain times for everyone, so we are thrilled to announce that Rock of Ages will set a new precedent with the lowest priced tickets on Broadway for any Musical.
The Off-Broadway company boasts "American Idol" finalist Constantine Maroulis. Whether on not he will remain with the show is still not certain.
New Line recently won the screen rights for Rock of Ages. Librettist D'Arienzo will not only pen the screenplay but will direct the feature film as well.
Show times on Broadway will be Monday at 8 PM, Tuesday at 7 PM, Thursday at 8 PM, Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 3 and 7 PM.
Tickets for the Broadway production will go on sale Jan. 5, 2009 and can be purchased by calling an Applause Sales Expert at 800-451-9930.

Revival of "Pal Joey" Opens Tonight at Studio 54

"Pal Joey" is a classic Broadway musical that has some of my favorite songs ever written. As a matter of fact, as an on again, off again aging actor, LOL, I used the song "I Could Write a Book" as one of my audition songs. It fit my voice perfectly, not that it got me anywhere. Honestly though, I never really gave myself a real shot here in New York, scared of failure I guess! I think that I'll dust that song off one day and use it again, we'll see. Anyway, enough about me and more about the show itself. This show was supposed to open up last week but due to a foot injury by it's leading man, "Jersey Boys" Tony Award winning actor(Tommy DeVito) Christian Hoff, they had to replace him with his understudy Matthew Risch early in previews. Causing much drama to say the least. Well hopefully this is all behind this production and the show will open to good reviews and have a very successful run!
Oh, did I mention this production also stars Stockard Channing(Rizzo from the movie Grease), Tony Award winner for Joe Egg, who sings my other favorite song from the show, "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered". Also starring in the role originally made famous by Elaine Stritch is Martha Plimpton as Gladys Bumps. With little history as a musical actress, Plimpton has been wowing Studio 54 preview crowds with her powerful, husky singing voice and her confidence with classic Rodgers and Hart songs (including the specialty number, "Zip," which has been reinvented for the revival by new librettist Richard Greenberg, director Joe Mantello and choreographer Graciela Daniele).
This is the first Broadway revival of Pal Joey in over 30 years.
The show was a year-long success in its original production (starring Gene Kelly and Vivienne Segal) but was a bigger hit when it was revived on Broadway in the 1950s (with Harold Lang and Segal).
According to Roundabout, "Set in Chicago in the late 1930s, Pal Joey is the story of Joey Evans, a brash, scheming song and dance man with dreams of owning his own nightclub. Joey abandons his wholesome girlfriend Linda English, to charm a rich, married older woman, Vera Simpson, in the hope that she'll set him up in business."
I really enjoyed this production and believe that this show deserves to be seen. My only negative comment would be that the song "Bewitched" sung by Stockard was a bit of a let down. Her rendition is a bit underwhelming.
Call us here at Applause Theatre Service and speak to a sales expert, including myself, Erik, and we'll get you the best seats at the absolute best prices! 800-451-9930

Applause Theatre Service has the Official Press Release of the Crazy Happenings at "Speed The Plow"!

Jeremy Piven OUT!!
WILLIAM H. MACY
AND
NORBERT LEO BUTZ
COME TO THE RESCUE IN DAVID MAMET’S
SPEED-THE-PLOW

Tony Award winner NORBERT LEO BUTZ and Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee WILLIAM H. MACY have come to the rescue of the acclaimed production of DAVID MAMET’s SPEED-THE-PLOW, in the wake of the unexpected departure of Jeremy Piven.

“We have been advised by Jeremy Piven’s medical representatives that he is seriously ill and is unable to fulfill his contractual obligation to Speed-the-Plow.” Consequently, he has left the production ten weeks early,” stated the play’s producers.

Both portraying the role of “Bobby Gould,” NORBERT LEO BUTZ will assume the role beginning next TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23rd through SUNDAY, JANUARY 11th, and WILLIAM H. MACY will assume the role beginning TUESDAY, JANUARY 13th through SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd.

“We are thrilled that NORBERT LEO BUTZ and WILLIAM H. MACY have joined the production, which stars the outstanding RAÚL ESPARZA and the luminous ELISABETH MOSS who, under the brilliant direction of NEIL PEPE, have received universal critical acclaim for their performances,” said the show’s producers.

Drama Desk Award winning actor JORDAN LAGE, who previously took over for LIEV SCHREIBER during his illness in Glengarry Glen Ross in 2005, will play the role through this Sunday, DECEMBER 21st.

NORBERT LEO BUTZ, recently hailed as “one of the finest American stage stars of (his) generation” by Ben Brantley of the New York Times, has starred on Broadway in Is He Dead?, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, Drama League award winner, Best Actor, Musical), Wicked (original cast, Fiyero), Thou Shalt Not (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics nominations) and Rent (original cast, Broadway debut). He most recently appeared Off-Broadway in the acclaimed production of Fifty Words (Manhattan Class Company)

WILLIAM H. MACY has a long association with playwright David Mamet, having starred in New York in productions including Oleanna and American Buffalo. He received an Academy Award nomination for his work in the film Fargo. He also appeared in Benny & Joon, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Seabiscuit, Magnolia, Pleasantville, Boogie Nights and Air Force One. In 2002, he won Emmy Awards for both Lead Actor in a Miniseries and Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries with the TV film “Door to Door”.

Speed-The-Plow holiday schedule:
Tuesday, December 23 at 7 pm; Wednesday, December 24 at 2 pm and 8 pm; Friday, December 26 at 8 pm; Saturday, December 27 at 2 and 8 pm; Sunday, December 28 at 3 and 7 pm; Monday, December 29 at 8 pm; Tuesday, December 30 at 7 pm; Wednesday, December 31 at 2 pm; Friday, January 2 at 2 pm and 8 pm; Sunday, January 3 at 2 pm and 8 pm; Sunday January 4 at 3 pm. There is also an added performance on Monday, January 5 at 8 pm and no performance on Sunday, January 11, 2008.

Speed-the-Plow performs at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th St). Performances are Tuesdays at 7 pm, Wednesday–Saturday at 8 pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets are sold through Applause Theatre Service at 800-451-9930

Applause Theatre Service and Critics All Agree that Shrek the Musical is a Big Fat Hit!

SHREK THE MUSICAL is your destination for OGRE-SIZED BROADWAY ENTERTAINMENT. Featuring an unforgettable score of all-new songs and breathtaking scenery and costumes, it's part romance, part twisted fairy tale and 100% BIG, GREEN FUN FOR EVERYONE! We here at Applause Theatre Service, especially myself, had an absolute ball and fell in love with the Big Lug and all his cast mates! The Critics loved Shrek as well and here is just a small sampling of their love fest;

"TRUE HAPPINESS.
'Shrek The Musical' is DEFINITELY A CUT ABOVE,
in the best tradition of screwball comedy. SUTTON FOSTER (Fiona) is an inspired, take-charge musical comedian in the
tradition of Danny Kaye and Carol Burnett."
-Ben Brantley, The New York Times

"BRIAN d'ARCY JAMES (Shrek) gives a
multi-layered ogre that is AMAZING."
-Barbara Hoffman, NY Post

"A TRIUMPH OF COMIC IMAGINATION!
The most INGENIOUSLY WACKY, TRANSCENDENTLY TASTELESS Broadway musical since 'The Producers.'
ALTOGETHER IRRESISTIBLE!
DANIEL BREAKER (Donkey) is PERFECTLY HILARIOUS.
'SHREK' is A GAS, GAS, GAS!"
-USA Today

"FAR, FAR AND AWAY THE FUNNIEST
NEW MUSCIAL ON BROADWAY!
LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER... SEE 'SHREK!'"
-Pat Collins, WOR-TV

"I'm SHRIEKING for 'SHREK!'
EVERYBODY IN THE CAST IS TERRIFIC!
CHRISTOPHER SIEBER (Lord Farquaad) is HYSTERICAL.
Don't miss this GRAND NIGHT OF PURE FUN!"
-David Richardson, WOR Radio

Call an Applause Sales Expert now and mention the Insider Deal to get the best seats at an amazing price. 800-451-9930.

Now Is The Best Time To Save On The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Christmas is just around the corner and this year's Radio City Christmas Spectacular will soon be a memory. The good news is there is still plenty of time to see it before the end of the year. Plus if you call Applause now we can get you seats to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at some incredible savings. Don't delay. This years Radio City Christmas Spectacular ends on December 30.

Want tickets to any other show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Mamma Mia Breaks Records and Applause Theatre Service has your tickets to see it Live on Broadway!

I love the film and I love the Broadway Show!

The international hit Universal Pictures film "Mamma Mia!" — based on the London and Broadway musical of the same name — has bested the decade-long reign of "Titanic" to become the highest-grossing film ever to be released in the U.K. "Mamma Mia!" recently earned Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture (musical or comedy) and Best Actress (musical or comedy) for star Meryl Streep. Using the catalogue of '70s pop group ABBA, the plot tells the story of bride-to-be Sophie Sheridan, who hopes to discover her father's identity on the eve of her wedding. She brings three men from her mother Donna's past back to the Greek island they last visited 20 years previously.
The show and film feature music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Since the original London production opened in 1999, the musical has grossed over $2 billion worldwide.

Mamma Mia! continues to play to sell-out crowds at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre

and in London so go and see it live as it's supposed to be seen! Applause can get you tickets anywhere!

Call an Applause Sales Expert now and mention the Insider Deal for some big Winter Savings this January and February at 800-451-9930

Get tickets to see the new Franki Valli of "Jersey Boys" in Chicago with Applause Theatre Service!

Peter Gianopulos of North Shore Magazine has an interesting piece on Cory Grant. Grant says he still isn’t sure how he got the part — the chance to play Frankie Valli … in Jersey Boys … on Broadway — but to be honest with you, he isn’t quite sure he wants to know. If you won, in his words, “the lottery,” would you really want to know why the Quick Pick gods chose you?
“I must,” he says, “have filled all the requirements.”
Shorter than 5′8″. Can do the splits like Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Can sing higher than Tiny Tim. And can grow a mane of black hair that would have made Elvis jealous.
What more does a man need to be a star? Visit NorthShoreMag.com to read the full story.
Call Applause Theatre Service to get tickets to any performance of Jersey Boys here in the States, Toronto or London! 800-451-9930

Save Big this Winter with Applause Theatre Service for the Longest Running Show on Broadway, "The Phantom of the Opera"!!

Winter Sale! Phantom of the Opera? No, this is not a hoax! A full-page ad appeared in many NYC newspapers (including NY Times) announcing discount tickets "Just in Time for the Holidays!" The ad also reads, "Order by midnight, Christmas Eve, and get Orchestra and Front Mezzanine seats at an amazing price. Offer valid for performances Jan. 2 - March 16, 2007."

Why are they doing this? Well, this is the "off season" for Broadway. It is also the height of the "snow season" in NYC. Anyone thinking of traveling to NYC to take advantage of this discount should keep in mind that NYC's winters are brutal & traveling is difficult. There are usually delays or closings on the roads & at the airports.

Call an Applause Theatre Service Sales Expert now and soon to take advantage of this great deal and gift idea at 800-451-9930. Just mention the Applause Insider Deal!

See Chicago On Broadway Thru Applause Theatre Service

You've seen the movie. Now see the show. Winner of 6 1997 Tony Awards. Productions in over 25 countries. Over 5,000 performances and the longest running revival in Broadway history. Chicago is directed by Walter Bobbie and Choreographed by Ann Reinking. Even after 11 years Chicago still plays to packed audiences on Broadway week after week. Plus thru March 16 you can get tickets to the hottest show in town at an incredible savings. Get your tickets now. Because "SIN IS IN" at the Ambassador Theatre eight times a week!

P.S.Melora Hardin, Jan from NBC’s “The Office”, joins the cast of Chicago as Roxie Hart December 29th For 7 Weeks Only!



Want tickets to any other show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Save This Winter On Disney's Mary Poppins Thru Applause Theatre Service

Calling all Mary Poppins fans!That's right folks. Disney's classic musical Mary Poppins is available and at some incredible savings. Don't tell me you still haven't seen it yet? Well what are you waiting for? Now is the best time to see the show that has been charming audiences eight times a week. Nominated for 7 2007 Tony Awards Mary Poppins is a great show for all ages. As a young child I must have seen the movie over fifty times. But to see it live on a Broadway stage....Wow! There is no comparison. I promise you will not be disappointed. So call now and get seats to the show that is truly "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious".

Want tickets to any other show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Applause Theatre and Entertainment
“Where Sold Out is Never Part of the Equation

Save This Winter On Disney's The Little Mermaid With Applause Theatre Service

Calling all Disney fans. Now is the best time to see The Little Mermaid on Broadway. Even better if you call Applause now we can get you tickets to The Little Mermaid at some incredible savings. From now thru February 28,Applause has tickets to the show that has been delighting audiences of all ages since 2007. I will be the first to admit that I am not the biggest Disney fan in the world. In fact excluding Aida I have never seen a Disney show on Broadway. But you know what? It really doesn't matter what I or the critics think. Without Disney, young kids might never have had the chance to experience the magic that is live theatre. To see the smile on a child's face enjoying a Broadway show, that alone makes it all worth it. We go to the theatre to be entertained. To forget about our problems. To escape. The Little Mermaid does just that. Go to the show and you will see why.

Want tickets to The Little Mermaid or any other show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Applause Theatre and Entertainment

Last Chance To See Patti Lupone In Gypsy Thru Applause Theatre Service

It was just announced today that the Tony winning revival of Gypsy will be closing on January 11,2009 rather than the previously announced date of March 1, 2009. In a statement producer Roger Berlind said, "Though we originally announced that Gypsy would play its final performance on March 1, 2009, due to these uncertain financial times my partners and I have made the difficult decision to close instead on January 11, 2009." When it closes, the production will have played a total of 27 previews and 332 regular performances. I personally loved the show when I saw it earlier this year.In all my years of seeing shows, I have never seen anyone command the stage like Patti Lupone. What a powerhouse. Even if you have seen Gypsy before, I strongly suggest that you see this production before it is too late. You will not be disappointed.

Want tickets to Gypsy or any other show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Applause Theatre and Entertainment

"Where Sold Out is Never Part of the Equation"

Last Chance to see Cirque du Soleil's WINTUK in New York City

I thought I would write a quick blog to anyone interested in seeing WINTUK, Cirque du Soleil's new winter wonderland family adventure by Sunday January 4, 2009. This amazing creation by the Cirque du Soleil performers takes place now through the first weekend in January 2009 and Applause Theatre Service in New York City is announcing its very "first time Insider's ticket deals" for Applause customers and the general public.

Wintuk tells the wonderful heart warming story about a young boy's mission to bring "joy and snow" to a usual gray and dreary winter time. As is standard in all Cirque du Soleil shows, you will get to witness thrilling acrobatics as well as amazing special theatrical effects. Beautiful songs and an emotional story line as you get to see the young boy's journey with his friends to the imaginary place called WINTUK, will create lasting memories of the Christmas time of year for you, your friends and family.

There's only 3 weeks left to see this great show and Applause will get you excellent seats with great prices. Simply call Applause Theatre Service in New York City now at 212-307-7050 or toll free at 1-800-451-990 and ask for the "Wintuk special". You can see Rich Gladstone told you to call.

The ticket experts at Applause Theatre Service love to talk Broadway Theatre so feel free to ask any other questions you may have about seating, prices, restaurant suggestions, shopping and more.

Enjoy WINTUK today. This is only played during the Christmas holiday season each year so try to make a date if you want to see a special show.

Enjoy, thanks for reading.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theatre Service
311 west 43rd street, suite 601
New York, New York
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 1-800-451-9930

Now Is The Best Time To See In The Heights On Broadway

Winner of this year's Tony Award for Best Musical is In The Heights. Not only have I seen this amazing show several times but I practically listen to the show every day. I guess you could say I love it. And why not? An original story. (A rarity on Broadway I know.) Great music. Great performances. What more could you want in a Broadway musical? And if you call Applause Theatre Service now we can get you seats to see In The Heights at some incredible savings. This deal is only running thru March 15th so call Applause now and get tickets to see In The Heights. I loved it and so will you.

Want tickets to any show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Applause Theatre and Entertainment

"Where Sold Out is Never Part of the Equation"

Get Tickets To See Speed-The-Plow Thru Applause

Speed-The-Plow, which is currently running at the Barrymore Theatre thru February 22 is a roller coaster ride of a show with three knockout performances in the forms of Jeremy Piven(Entourage)Raul Esparaza(Company)and Elizabeth Moss(Mad Men)Until I saw Speed-The-Plow I had never seen or read a play by it's acclaimed playwright David Mamet. What a show. From the very beginning I was drawn in to the fascinating web of greed and deceit. I highly recommend this show. Please note.If you have a problem with a lot of profanity then this is probably not the show for you.

Want tickets to any show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Applause Theatre Service Announcment; Marissa Jaret Winokur Rejoins the Broadway Cast of "Hairsray" tonight, 12/9

Wow! She's Back and They're Together Again! Marissa Jaret Winokur will reprise her Tony
Award-winning performance asTracy Turnblad when she rejoins the cast of "Hairspray" tonight Tuesday, December 9 through the final performance Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre.

She joins Harvey Fierstein who is currently reprising his Tony-winning performance as the dangerously devoted stage mother Edna Turnblad.
How fabulous is this great chance to see these two do there thing in this Tony Award winning show! This is one of my favorite all time musicals. So much excitement and energy that just cannot be beat!

Call Applause Theatre Service now and mention the Applause Insider Deal for some extra added savings during this holiday season!

J's Top Ten Shows Of 2008

Well since Time Magazine and my colleague Erik Swanson decided to make their list of the Top Ten shows of 2008 I figured I might as well do the same. So here goes.

1.)In The Heights

2.)August:Osage County

3.)Passing Strange

4.)Sunday In The Park With George

5.)Shrek The Musical

6.)Rock of Ages

7.)Come Back Little Sheba

8.)A Tale of Two Cities

9.)Speed-The-Plow

10.)The Marvelous Wonderettes

Want tickets to any show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Katheen Turner To Star In New Play This Winter Off-Broadway

Kathleen Turner most recently seen in New York in the very successful revival of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf,returns to the stage to star in The Third Story,a new play by famed playwright Charles Busch. The show which also stars Mr. Busch begins performances on January 14th and will run thru February 28th at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.The play is being produced by the Manhattan Theatre Company.

The Third Story is composed of three interconnected stories: a realistic tale of a mother and son screenwriting team in the 1940's, a B-movie about the uneasy alliance between a mob queen and a frosty lady scientist, and a Russian fairy tale in which a painfully shy Princess makes a dark pact with a mercurial old witch.

Expect this to be a hot ticket come this winter.


Want tickets to any show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Time Magazine and Erik Swanson of Applause Theatre Service release their Top 10 Shows of 2008

Time Magazine has unveiled their "Top 10 Everything of 2008," rating news, entertainment, pop culture and more. Included here is the magazine's top picks for "Top 10 Plays and Musicals" as are mine, Erik Swanson of Applause Theatre Service. Time's complete list ; http://www.time.com/time/specials/2008/top10

Theatre writer Richard Zoglin's choices for the best onstage in 2008 follow:
1. Billy Elliot
2. Hair
3. All My Sons
4. The Visit
5. Black Watch
6. reasons to be pretty
7. The Little Mermaid
8. Blasted
9. South Pacific
10. Farragut North

I, Erik Swanson, also have my own list of favorites so far this year and they are as follows;

1.South Pacific
2.All My Sons
3.Liza's at the Palace
4.Shrek
5.Boeing-Boeing
6.39 Steps
7.Equus
8.Little Mermaid
9.White Christmas
10.Slava's Snowshow

Just missed the cut;
Rock of Ages
Billy Elliot

Sorry Billy's at the bottom of my list, but I was entertained more by all the above. I'm not saying Billy Elliot is terrible by any means, because it is a good show, but I was expecting a lot more.
To purchase great seats at great prices for all of these fabulous shows, call an Applause Sales Expert at 800-451-9930 now!

Shrek The Musical Set To Open On December 14th

Now I'll be the first to admit that Shrek was not a show that I was exactly looking forward too this season. I've never seen the original movie or any of it's many sequels over the years. To be honest I'm not a Disney fan. Yes I know it was Dreamworks but it's still a cartoon. You see the idea of a bunch of people dressed like animals singing and dancing was not something that I wanted to see. I am proud to admit that I was wrong. I loved Shrek. From the moment the curtain rose to the first musical note I was transformed to another place. Everyone from the chorus to the main characters were on their game. It has been a long time since I came out of a Broadway show humming the tunes but I did with this one. Now some may say that Shrek is a kids show. I couldn't disagree more. Shrek is good for all ages. I can not recommend this show enough. If you want a show that is going to make you smile and warm your heart then Shrek is the show for you.

Want tickets to see Shrek or any show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Applause Theatre and Entertainment
"Where Sold Out is Never Part of the Equation"

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert To Open In Toronto Fall 2009

Priscilla Queen of the Desert will make its North American premiere in fall 2009 in Toronto at a David Mirvish theatre. The show which has been breaking box office records around the world is based on the cult 1994 Australian film about a trio of drag queens who take their show to the middle of the outback aboard a battered old bus nicknamed Priscilla.The musical is also set to begin performances in London at the Palace Theatre on March 10th with an official opening of March 23rd.

Priscilla, according to press notes, "tells the story of a glamorous Sydney-based performing trio: Tick, Bernadette and Adam. Travelling across Australia in a battered old bus (nicknamed Priscilla), the three agree to take their show to the middle of the Australian outback. In a heart-warming, uplifting adventure, these three fish out of water, searching for love and friendship, end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed."

So whether you want to see Priscilla in Toronto or London just remember an Applause agent is just a phone call away.

Want tickets to any show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Call Applause Theatre Service For All Of Your Last Minute Ticket Needs

How many times has this happened to you? You head to the theatre to see your favorite show, and when you get there they are sold out. It sucks right? I know, I’ve been there myself. Well thanks to Applause your worries are over. That’s right folks, we sell everything. What’s your pleasure? Broadway, Off-Broadway, Sporting Events, Concerts, Ballet. You want it. We got it. What if you need last minute tickets? We’ve got that too. With Applause you never have to worry about being shut out of your favorite event again.

Want tickets to any show On or Off Broadway? Call Applause Theatre Service now. The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause.

1-800-451-9930 or 212-307-7050, or visit us on the web at
http://www.applause-tickets.com.

Applause Theatre and Entertainment
"Where Sold Out is Never Part of the Equation"

The Holiday's Are Here and Applause Theatre Service has all the Kid-Friendly Shows you Want!

There is certainly no shortage of family friendly shows on Broadway this holiday season. I personally have seen all of these productions and honestly loved each and everyone. Here is a list compiled by Applause Theatre Service of all the shows that you can feel safe taking the whole clan to;

KID/FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOWS :

13
Closing: 1/18/2009
A musical coming-of-age story featuring a cast of teenagers.
Musical, Comedy, Kid-Friendly

Blue Man Group
Three bald, blue men show downtown crowds an unforgettable time.
Comedy, Kid-Friendly


Billy Elliot the Musical
A life-affirming musical about a young boy beating all odds to fulfill his dream
Dance, Kid-Friendly, Musical, New

Gazillion Bubble Show Holiday Spectacular ; Call 800-451-9930 for more info on this
All ages are sure to be amazed by this bubble artistry!
Comedy, Kid-Friendly

Grease
Closing: 1/4/2009
Grease is the word! Get tickets to reunite with Broadway’s hit 1950s musical.
Musical, Comedy, Kid-Friendly, Classic

Hairspray
Closing: 1/4/2009
You can’t stop the beat of this Tony Award-winning musical sensation!
Musical, Comedy, Award-Winning, Kid-Friendly , Dance

Mary Poppins
Have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time with everyone's favorite nanny.
Musical, Kid-Friendly

Shrek the Musical
The most beloved swamp-dwelling ogre of all time makes his Broadway debut.
Musical, Comedy, Kid-Friendly, Dance, New

Slava's Snowshow
Closing: 1/4/2009
This snow-filled world of clowning comes to Broadway for a limited holiday engagement.
Kid-Friendly, New

Stomp call 800-451-9930 for more booking info
Ordinary objects become musical instruments in this rhythmic explosion.
Kid-Friendly, Dance

The Lion King
Experience the circle of life as Disney’s beloved film comes to eye-popping life onstage.
Musical, Award-Winning, Kid-Friendly, Dance

The Little Mermaid
Dive under the sea with Ariel the mermaid in this splashy Disney musical.
Musical, Comedy, Kid-Friendly, Classic

The Phantom of the Opera
This haunting love story is Broadway's longest-running show!
Musical, Drama, Award-Winning, Kid-Friendly, Classic

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Closing: 12/30/2008
America's most beloved holiday theatrical!
Kid-Friendly,Dance, New

White Christmas
Closing: 1/4/2009
The classic holiday story based on Irving Berlin's beloved film.
Musical, Kid-Friendly, Dance, Classic, New




Wicked
The gravity-defying, family-friendly phenomenon.
Musical, Comedy, Kid-Friendly






You may also want to check out The Big Apple Circus, The Nutcracker and Wintuk.

Call an Applause Theatre Expert right now to get you and your family tickets to see these fabulous shows! 800-451-9930, Mention the Applause Insider Deal for some extra savings!