Checkout Applause Theater Service's New 'Welcome Video"

Don't you just love the Social Media we are all being exposed to these days? Whether its Facebook or Twitter or one of several new social media you may have contact with, we all can share pictures, video, blogs and other cool stuff that are important to us in our daily lives.

At Applause Theater Service in New York City, we have been providing a very high level of personal service for Broadway theater-goers that want great seats and great prices for Broadway Shows. Above all, we think we have the very best Broadway ticket experts that are friendly and knowledgeable about all the shows playing in New York City,

With this in mind, we invite you to visit Applause's web site and simply click on our "welcome video". People seem to enjoy the Applause video as well as the many pictures of Applause's ticket experts we have sprinkled in throughout the Applause Theater Service web site. Shoppers and customers of Applause will often stop and take a moment to call us in New York and ask questions of us like "which one are you in the Applause staff picture"? Or "when will you add more videos to the web site"?

I'm happy to report that we have recently made some home made as well as professional videos in the last week or so. They will be posted to the web site in a few days so that you can get to know our staff a little better as well as enjoy some of the "personal reviews" we give on various Broadway Shows playing now in New York City. We hope you enjoy our pictures and videos as much as we did in making them for you.

If you ever want to talk about Broadway Shows or tickets to events in New York City, we'd love to be of service to you, friends or family members. We consider ourselves trustworthy, local Broadway Show experts. Our company is open 7 days a week and 365 days a year.

Check us out, we know allot about Broadway theater. We look forward to your call.

Regards,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street, suite 601
NY, NY 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 800-451-9930
web site

Buy Tickets for Shrek The Musical on Broadway- at BELOW FACE VALUE

Here's a tip Broadway fans. The best kept secret on Broadway right now is how fantastic Shrek The Musical really is. In addition, did you know you can see this amazing show for less than the regular FACE VALUE printed on the ticket?

It's true, prior to this years Tony Award nominations that are due out any day now (and we expect Shrek to get their share), our company, Applause Theater Service, the locally licensed Broadway Show ticketing experts, can help you obtain orchestra and front mezzanine seats for Shrek for much less than you'd pay if you bought tickets from any other ticket company.

Shrek The Musical is based on the William Steig cartoon adventures of Shrek and the Oscar-winning film of the same name. The main character is called Shrek, played by Brian d'Arcy James, who does an outstanding job on stage along with his co-stars, Sutton Foster (playing Princess Fiona) and Christopher Sieber (playing Lord Farquaad) and Daniel Breaker (playing the Donkey). This is truly a very funny show with lots and lots of laughs with great acting and music as well. Direction is by Jason Moore and the Book and Lyrics are by David Lindsay-Abaire with Music by Jeanine Moore. Don't miss this show, its one you'll never forget.

If Shrek wins several Tony Awards for excellence in the Broadway Theater, my guess is that these discounted tickets we have access to, may be discontinued. For now though, they could use the business at Shrek. So if you think this show might be fun for you and your loved ones to see, simply call Applause Theater Service in New York at 212-307-7050 or toll free at 800-451-9930 and ask for your amazing seats at BELOW FACE VALUE. Just say The Broadway Ticket Man sent you.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street, suite 601
New York, New York 10036
local 212-307-7050
toll free 800-451-9930
web site

Desire Under The Elms on Broadway-Buy tickets at Below Face Value

A few days ago I had the pleasure of seeing a fantastic play at New York's St. James Theater. The show is called Desire Under The Elms, a Eugene O'Neill piece that was written in 1924. Inspired by a Greek tragedy, Desire Under The Elms is a story about a man in his 70's called Ephraim Cabot who returns to his families farm one day with his much younger wife, Abbie. Abbie falls "head over heels" in love with Ephraim's son, Eben. Needless to say, you will be on the edge of your seat as you witness the tragic consequences that transpire.

Although I usually look forward to attending musicals, I decided to see Desire Under The Elms because one of my favorite actors, Brian Dennehy has a starring role in the show. Mr. Dennehy was terrific in his part as was the outstanding performances of Carla Gugino (Abbie) and Pablo Schreiber (Eben). Robert Falls, one of the Broadway theater's leading directors, does a marvelous job in making you feel for all the characters on stage. Now that I have seen this show, I plan on seeing additional non-musicals in the coming weeks. There's nothing like "live theater", is there?

Desire Under The Elms plays every day except Mondays. Right now tickets are on sale through the summer of 2009 and for Applause Theater Service customers and our Broadway Ticket News blog subscribers, we are offering special discounted seats for this wonderful show for all performances through July 5, 2009.

If you think Desire Under The Elms is a show you might want to see, you can contact Applause Theater Service. They are a locally, licensed New York City Broadway expert. Ask for great seats at "below face value". Buying seats at BELOW FACE VALUE for Desire Under The Elms is easy. Just call Applause at their New York office at 212-307-7050 or toll free at 800-451-9930 and tell them Rich Gladstone, The Broadway Ticket Man sent you.

The friendly folks at Applause will set you up for a great Broadway experience at the best prices you can get. You'll have enough left over from the discount you receive to take your loved ones to a superb meal prior to seeing Desire Under The Elms. If you are looking for suggestions on places to eat, you can have a look at Restaurant Row, a great city block of cool restaurants we ourselves frequent before the theater often.

Enjoy Desire Under The Elms or the Broadway Show of your choosing.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street, suite 601
New York, NY NY 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 800-451-9930

How to Purchase Broadway Theater Tickets Below Face Value

DearBroadway Show fan,

Here is an up-to-date current list of 30 popular Broadway Shows that you can see for "below face value". What this means is that right now Applause Theater Service, a locally licensed ticket agency in New York City, can get you fantastic seats in the orchestra and front mezzanine sections of all the Broadway theaters. And you get to pay less than what the regularly suggested list prices are for the shows. We get the seats at a special rate, add on a reasonable service charge then offer them to you at a great price. Not only do you save money but I guarantee that the seats will be some of the finest Broadway has to offer. It's been said by some of our regular Broadway Show customers that we "saved them lots of money and got them superb seat locations" for the shows they purchased. Could you ask for anything more really?

I almost forgot. The Applause Theater Service staff is some of the friendliest you'll ever experience as well as knowledgeable about Broadway theater in New York. In addition we can suggest places where you can have a great meal at prior to the show.

If you want to find out information about any of the shows on the list you can contact the friendly and helpful Applause Theater Service staff seven days a week, 365 days a year at their New York City office at 212-307-7050 or toll free at 800-451-9930. At Applause there is never any pressure to buy, just a good "old fashioned" customer service experience by a local New York City Broadway expert. We hope to hear from you whenever your plans include Broadway theater.

If you have some people in your life that might benefit by knowing about Applause, we would love to meet them as well. Just give out our phone numbers and tell them The Broadway Ticket Man sent you.

Here's the list of Broadway Shows you can see at BELOW FACE VALUE.

33 Variations
39 Steps
9 to 5 The Musical
Accent on Youth
August:Osage County
Avenue Q
Blithe Spirit
Chicago
Desire Under The Elms
Exit The King
God of Carnage
Guys and Dolls
Hair
Impressionism
In The Heights
Irena's Vow
Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Little Mermaid
Mamma Mia
Mary Poppins
Next to Normal
Reasons to be Pretty
Rock of Ages
South Pacific
The Norman Conquests
Phantom of the Opera
The Philanthropist
Waiting for Godot

Why pay more for Broadway tickets than you need to? Give Applause a call. Let us show you what we have to offer, you'll be glad you did, I promise.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theater Service
311West 43rd Street, suite 601
NY, NY 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 800-41-9930

Yankees-Red Sox Tickets On Sale Now At Applause

The Yankees return home this weekend after a road trip with a series against the Anaheim Angels, and follow it up next week with home games against division rivals Boston Red Sox and defending American League Champions Tampa Bay Rays. It will be Boston’s first ever visit to the New Yankee Stadium so it should be a very exciting atmosphere. The Yankees struggled on their recent 6 game road trip losing the first 4 games, but ended it on a high note with 2 straight wins as they look to build on that as they return home.
Applause is a New York State officially licensed ticket agency in business over 20 years, we have tickets to all Yankee games at the new stadium, as well as the Mets and all nationwide tickets, so give us a call today and speak to one of our ticket experts.

Applause has a Great Deal for you at the Famous Palm Restaurants in New York City!!

What can be better than dinner and a Broadway show. Well I'll tell you what's better! A great deal at one of the finest restaurants in New York City. We here at Applause want to help our customers get the best deals possible and have no problem pointing you in the right direction as an added bonus along with our great Insider ticket deals! There are many restaurant and ticket deals available to you and if you call one of our sales experts we will offer suggestions that happen to include awesome experiences, great food, service and prices. For example check out Restaurant Row's website for some of our favorite places to eat!
The Palm Restaurant is the oldest family-owned white tablecloth restaurant to expand across the United States and still maintain family ownership!


Here is the link for the Palm coupon; http://www.thepalm.com/promodetail.cfm?promo_id=109

Call any of the Applause sales experts for more Insider Deals for both tickets(at below the normal face value of the regular ticket price) and restaurant deals. We're here live and waiting to take care of all of your needs! 800-451-9930

Musical Revivals Are The Thing!

Right now there are five musical revivals currently running on the Great White Way. They are Chicago,Guys and Dolls,Hair,South Pacific,and West Side Story.The longest running revival is Chicago which has been running since October 1996.Now granted I loved the show when I saw it back in 1997 but I never expected it to be still running some twelve years later. Say what you want about producers Barry and Fran Weissler but they know how to keep a show running.

Next up is one of my all time favorite shows Guys and Dolls. Having seen both the 1992 revival and the current production I can honestly tell you that while both productions are radically different in style and performance I enjoyed them both. I also think that the critics were much too harsh in their reviews about the current revival.Yes it is a different Guys and Dolls that most people are used to but so what? If you are going to revive a show like Guys and Dolls again then you need to bring something new to it. If not then what's the point?

This season's second revival and one of my favorite shows of the season is the revival of Hair. Prior to seeing the show I had never seen a production of the show or the much loved film. I loved everything about the show. From the sexy and energetic cast to the soulful and inspiring score I was transferred back to the 1960's. I fully expect this show to win the Tony Award for Best Revival along with a win for it's innovative director Diane Paulus.

Last years most acclaimed show and one of our biggest sellers is South Pacific. This Tony Award musical is the first Broadway revival of this Broadway treasure since it opened over fifty years ago. I saw the show in previews and was totally enchanted by the show. The show now in it's second year currently stars Tony winner Paulo Szot and Laura Osnes.

Finally is West Side Story. I loved the movie since I saw it over twenty years ago and was dying to see the show for the first time live on stage.I thought it was a good production. Do I think it deserves all the praise that it has received? No. I think Karen Olivo is the shining star in this overall lackluster production. Now remember this is just my opinion. Do I think you should not see the show? Not at all.I think most people will love the show. I just didn't.

Want tickets to any show On or Off Broadway?
Call Applause Theatre Service now.

The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause

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

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

"Accent on Youth" Opens on Broadway to Some Mixed Reviews

Unfortunately I have yet to see "Accent on Youth" starring one of my favorite TV/Broadway celebrities David Hyde Pierce. You see, this time of year, right before the Tony cut off, we are overwhelmed with so many shows opening and this happened to overlap with some of the other shows that I really wanted to see. Some of my friends did catch the show and liked it well enough as did the critics. No big raves by any means but the NY Times(the most important one) did like it quite a bit. So here is a roundup of all the major reviews for your reading pleasure;

"Accent on Youth":

[ NYT ] ArtsBeat: A Modern Man for a 1930s Comedy By ERIK PIEPENBURG
David Hyde Pierce, the star of "Spamalot," "Curtains" and "Frasier," talks about performing in the Broadway revival of "Accent on Youth."
[ NYT ] Audio Slide Show: Playing a Playwright
David Hyde Pierce talks about starring in the revival of "Accent on Youth."
[ NY ] Mary Catherine Garrison on Romancing David Hyde Pierce in Broadway's Accent on Youth
[ HC ] David Hyde Pierce Shines In 'Accent On Youth' By MALCOLM JOHNSON
With David Hyde Pierce giving a finely measured display of wit and sophistication as playwright Steven Gaye, Daniel Sullivan's production largely succeeds in restoring Raphaelson's reputation.
[ TNO ] AGELESS WONDERS by JESSICA BRANCH
Accent on Youth is an ageless charmer, with more vigor than many modern shows-as well as a touch of wisdom.
[ BR ] '30s revival pushes nostalgia buttons BY ROBERT FELDBERG
The play is imperfect - the characters' motivations don't always make sense, and the plot takes a dubious turn - but it's amusing and charming, and effortlessly pushes our nostalgia buttons.
[ NYT ] Too Old to Be Hot? Not This Guy By CHARLES ISHERWOOD
Age has not exactly withered this 1934 comedy about a May-December romance in the theater world. But it has not done it any great favors either.
[ TM ] Accent on Youth Reviewed by: David Finkle
David Hyde Pierce leads an adept cast in Samson Raphaelson's mildly entertaining if dated comedy about theater folk.
[ V ] Accent on Youth Review by David Rooney
David Hyde Pierce's effortless timing makes this antiquated comedy tick by painlessly enough.
[ TB ] Accent on Youth Review by Matthew Murray
If it's as hoary a museum piece as one can imagine, at least Sullivan, Hyde Pierce, Garrison, and the others have made it as pristine as possible. Because of the talent of everyone involved, you'll probably be glad you saw Accent on Youth. But you'll be even happier when you can jump back in your time machine and head home.
[ ND ] 'Accent on Youth' starring David Hyde Pierce BY LINDA WINER
The well-dressed production is more than dutiful, but less than scintillating. It's merely pleasant in the leisurely, mild-mannered style of elevated summer stock.
[ AP ] 'Youth' examines a May-December romance By MICHAEL KUCHWARA
Not that Raphaelson's play is a lost masterpiece, but the revival that Manhattan Theatre Club opened Thursday at Broadway's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre is an amiable, minor-league diversion.
[ THR ] Review: Accent on Youth By Frank Scheck
This vintage drawing-room comedy is showing its age.
[ AMNY ] Review of Accent on Youth by Matt Windman (2 out of 4 Stars)
[ NYP ] 'YOUTH' IS WASTED By ELISABETH VINCENTELLI (*)
[ EW ] Review: Accent on Youth By Jeff Labrecque (C-)
[ BS ] Accent on Youth - Reviewed by ERIK HAAGENSEN
"Accent on Youth" is the kind of play for which the word "chestnut" was appropriated. No doubt titillating and somewhat sophisticated in its day, in 2009 it just creaks, groans, and lumbers its way across the stage of the former Biltmore Theatre despite the best efforts of a talented company.
Call Applause today to get your tickets to this classic show and ask a sales expert for an "Insider Deal" which means we can get you tickets below the normal face value of the tickets. Who could ask for anything more? Call 800-451-9930

What Does The Future Hold For Broadway?

Unless you're a big Broadway freak like me you probably didn't realize that yesterday marked the 13th Anniversary of Rent opening on Broadway. It got me thinking about how far Broadway has come since that date and where it is going as we head towards 2010. No show before or since has effected me the way that Rent has. Sure there have been shows over the years that have touched me. There are some that have even made me cry. Now I'm not saying that any of the shows currently running on Broadway don't belong. They do. From the Disney shows to classic revivals to new plays and musicals these shows have secured their place on Broadway. However this season alone has had over eighteen revivals of both plays and musicals. The one good thing is that of the nine new musicals that have opened on Broadway this season five were based on original stories and not a popular movie, book, or cartoon. That alone gives me hope for the future of Broadway as we move forward. I hope I am right.

JWB

Applause Theatre & Entertainment Service
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601New York
NY 10036
212-307-70501-800-451-9930

www.applause-tickets.com

Carrie Fisher Coming To Broadway In Fall 2009

It was just announced that author,screenwriter,and film star Carrie Fisher will make her Broadway debut with her autobiographical play Wishful Drinking.I have been a fan of Ms. Fisher's since I first saw her over thirty years ago in Star Wars and I can't wait to see her live on stage in what I am sure will be an evening of laughter and heartache.The show which is being produced by the Roundabout Theatre Company,in association with Jonathan Reinis, Jamie Cesa, Eva Price & Berkeley Repertory Theatre,will begin previews on September 22 at Studio 54. Opening night is scheduled for October 4 and will run thru January 3, 2010.

According to the producing partners, "In Wishful Drinking, Carrie Fisher recounts the true and intoxicating tale of her life as a Hollywood legend, told with the same wry wit she poured into bestsellers like 'Postcards from the Edge.' The daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher became a cultural icon when she starred as Princess Leia in the first 'Star Wars' trilogy at 19 years old. Forever changed, Carrie's life did not stay picture perfect. Fisher is the life of the party in this uproarious and sobering look at her Hollywood hangover."

Wishful Drinking which first premiered in November 2006 at the Geffen Playhouse has also enjoyed successful runs at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre,Arena Stage,Huntington Theatre Company, and the Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Wishful Drinking will play Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM with Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 PM. Tickets are set to go on sale in July so don't wait too long as I expect Wishful Drinking to be one of next season's big hits.

JWB

Want tickets to any show On or Off Broadway?
Call Applause Theatre Service now.

The best seats at the best prices. That's Applause

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

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

Waiting For Godot Opens April 30

The new Broadway revival of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot starring Tony Award winners Bill Irwin, Nathan Lane,John Glover,and Emmy nominee John Goodman opens tonight at Studio 54. The show which is being produced by the Roundabout Theater Company began previews on April 3 and is scheduled to run thru July 5. Waiting for Godot, according to Roundabout, "revolves around two seemingly homeless men waiting for someone — or something — named Godot. Vladimir (Bill Irwin) and Estragon (Nathan Lane) wait near a tree on a barren stretch of road, inhabiting a drama spun from their own consciousness. The result is a comical wordplay of poetry, dreamscapes and nonsense, which has been interpreted as a somber summation of mankind's inexhaustible search for meaning." I myself have not seen the show but word of mouth so far has been good. I expect the production as well as some of it's stars to receive some Tony nominations when they are announced next week. Until next time theatre lovers.

JWB

Applause Theatre & Entertainment Service

311 West 43rd Street

Suite 601New York

NY 10036

212-307-70501-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/

9 to 5 Set To Open On Broadway

Following an out of town tryout and three weeks of previews on Broadway 9 to 5 The Musical is set to open on Broadway tonight at the Marquis Theatre. The show which is based on the hit 1980 film features a score by Dolly Parton and a libretto by the film's screenwriter Patricia Resnik. Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty and Allison Janney take on the roles created by Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin in the film.

I saw the show a last week and thought it was a lot of fun with great performances and a catchy score. Will the critics like it? I'm not really sure. Earlier this week the show garnered fifteen Drama Desk nominations. Now we all know that doesn't mean anything. Last year A Catered Affair received just as many nominations and wasn't even nominated for a Tony for Best Musical so you never can tell what will happen. I guess we will find out on May 5th when the Tony nominations are announced. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB

Applause Theatre & Entertainment Service
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York NY 10036
212-307-7050
1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/

HAIR vs. WEST SIDE STORY: Broadway Tony Battle Begins/Two Shows Fight For Victory!

This is war…or anti-war…or something. Those crazy, love-loving kids from the hit revival of the revolutionary Broadway musical HAIR had a great opening night. It was a big one, and the critics couldn’t have been more harmonious in their praise for the show. The result is that there is now a battle of two shows for the best musical revival nod…and we’re not talking about Guys and Dolls(although it's still a great musical that should be seen).

This is a Broadway battle between the Arthur Laurent’s gangs from WEST SIDE STORY against the peace-loving nudies from HAIR. The prize is nothing less than Tony Awards, affection and most importantly an audience! West Side Story has had fantastic box-office numbers, and is the more “traditional” of the two shows. HAIR seems to have the advantage of retaining its credibility both as an anti-establishment show and as a relevant exploration of the complications of youth and is also selling extremely well.
Both shows are stunning Broadway, and it will be a battle worth watching as the two shows compete for the hearts
and minds of Tony voters, and audiences. What an amazing season on Broadway this is! I'd have to say my vote goes to Hair. Sorry Arthur! It just blew my socks off!

Call Applause now to get your tickets to these great shows while you still can(especially before

the Tony nominations come out next Tuesday 5/5) and any show on Broadway for that matter. We have great deals available(ask for the Insider Deals). We always get you the best seats at a great price! 800-451-9930

Morton and Rashad Join Broadway's August: Osage County In May

On May 26, the Broadway production of the play August: Osage County will get two very interesting additions to the cast. Amy Morton, who originated the role of Weston daughter Barbara (for which she received numerous awards and nominations), will return to the part that she made such an indelible mark on. On that same day, Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show, numerous Broadway productions including the recent Cat On A Hot Tin Roof revival) will take on the role of pill-popping Weston family matriarch Violet. Morton and Rashad, both formidable actresses, will give fans of the Broadway play a good excuse to go back and see it again and also catch the great Elizabeth Ashley. August: Osage County began at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago before coming to Broadway for what was supposed to be a limited run and soon turned into a long run that is already a year and a half strong. After receiving rave reviews, Tracy Letts's dysfunctional family drama went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Applause can save you some $$ by asking for the "Insider Deal". That means you can purchase tickets below the normal face value of the tickets. That deal is available for most Broadway shows. Call an Applause sales expert now at 800-451-9930

"Ease On Down The Road" With The Wiz This Summer..

The Wiz, the 1974 rock and soul musical based on the beloved L. Frank Baum story about Dorothy and her adventures in Oz, is headed back to New York's City Center Main Stage June 12, 2009 -July 5, 2009. Grammy-winning R&B artist Ashanti will star as Dorothy in the Encores! Summer Stars production of the Charlie Smalls-William F. Brown musical The Wiz at New York City Center.

The summer production will mark the stage debut for Ashanti who has appeared on screen in "American Dreams" as Dionne Warwick, as well as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Coach Carter," "Resident Evil Extinction," "John Tucker Must Die" and "Bride & Prejudice."

The Grammy winner got her first taste of a theatrical Oz when she led a performance of Stephen Schwartz's "Defying Gravity" from Wicked as part of the The Yellow Brick Road Not Taken concert on Broadway last fall. She previously appeared as Dorothy in ABC's "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz," a television special in 2005.


The Encores Summers Stars production of The Wiz will be directed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, the duo who brought the Tony Award-winning In the Heights to Broadway last season.

Complete casting will be announced soon.

Don't delay call Applause today for the Best Seats at the Best Prices.

Applause Theatre & Entertainment Service
311 West 43rd Street
Suite601
New York NY 10036
212-307-7050
1-800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/

"Guys and Dolls" Knocking 'em Dead on Broadway, Yet Again!!

As you may or may not know, there’s a new production on Broadway of the classic musical, Guys and Dolls, starring Oliver Platt, Lauren Graham and Craig Bierko. The word thus far has been good and the show is selling extremely well!

Now some may wonder why they should give a hoot. Isn’t this, after all, just another musical? Not really. Some will argue it's the best musical ever! In a part of theater that is generally the province of gay men and straight women, Guys and Dolls is a straight man’s paradise. In fact, it is legendary in my family because it is the first show my grandmother ever persuaded my grandfather to see. How did she do it? She let him know that it involved horse racing and gambling. He still had his doubts, but, by the end of the opening number, “Fugue for Tinhorns,” he was hooked. Here’s the number from the 1955 movie (the movie starred Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxAX74gM8DY

That’s not to be confused with “The Hills Are Alive” from The Sound of Music.
Now for a couple of numbers from the 1992 Broadway production. First, Nathan Lane and the priceless Faith Prince as the lovers who have been dating for 14 years, Nathan Detroit and his girl Adelaide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAkKPPsfZH0&feature=related

That’s two great performers working together with skill and panache.
Finally, here’s a performance on the Tony broadcast for 1992, featuring two songs with extraordinary lyrics, “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat” featuring Walter Bobbie and “Guys and Dolls” with the entire cast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XE-vFyGKu0

Lyric writing just doesn’t get any better than “And the devil will drag you under/By the sharp lapels of your checkered coat” or “When you spot a John waiting out in the rain/Chances are he’s insane as only a John can be for a Jane./When you meet a gent paying all kinds of rent/For a flat that could flatten the Taj Mahal./Call it sad, call it funny./But it’s better than even money/That the guy’s only doing it for some doll.” And composers for American musical theater don’t get much better than Frank Loesser.

This current production certainly has the "WOW" factor going for it and if you call now, an Applause Sales Expert can get you a great "Insider Deal". What is an "Insider Deal" you ask? Well it basically saves you lots of $$. You get a ticket below the normal face value of the ticket. What more can you ask for? Call us at 800-451-9930

NY Times, Critics and I all Loved "Desire Under the Elms"!!

Directly from its critically acclaimed run at Chicago's Goodman Theatre comes a work of monumental passion and epic sensuality. An intense erotic journey. An experience you will not soon forget... Eugene O'Neill's DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS, starring two-time Tony Award winner Brian Dennehy, stage and screen star Carla Gugino, and Tony nominee Pablo Schreiber, under the direction of Tony Award Winner Robert Falls.
The show will run for a strictly limited 12-week engagement at the ST. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street).
Previews began April 14th, 2009 in preparation for Opening Night which took place last night, Monday, April 27th

I was so caught up in this show and found it to be riveting in every respect and so did the critics. Here's a round up of all the reviews for your reading pleasure;

Desire Under the Elms:
[ NYT ] Audio Slide Show: The Hovering House
Walt Spangler talks about the house he designed for the set of "Desire Under the Elms."
[ NYT ] A High Freudian Love Triangle With Three Sharp Points By CHARLES ISHERWOOD
Rarely has sexual passion been depicted with such tense, animalistic ferocity as it is in this gutsy revival of Eugene O'Neill's "Desire Under the Elms."
[ NYP ] ROCK-SOLID PRODUCTION By ELISABETH VINCENTELLI (***)
Leave your sense of irony at home and embrace the insanity, and you won't find a more intense experience on Broadway.
[ CT ] Goodman's 'Desire Under the Elms' brings its steamy heat to Broadway
O'Neill purists don't like this show. They're failing to see that Falls has done their man a favor.
[ BS ] Desire Under the Elms - Reviewed by DAVID SHEWARD
As he did with his groundbreaking 1999 revival of 'Death of a Salesman', Robert Falls shatters expectations and forces us to rethink an American classic.
[ NJ ] Intense 'Desire Under the Elms' arrives on B'way by MICHAEL KUCHWARA, The Associated Press
"Desire Under the Elms" may not be of such high rank as "Long Day's Journey" or "Iceman," but Falls' startling, enormously imaginative reinvention makes a strong case of it. In other words, this revival is a must for any serious theatergoer.
[ ND ] Review: "Desire Under the Elms" BY LINDA WINER
These powerful actors buy it, which makes us willing to suspend vast stretches of inevitable disbelief.
[ V ] Desire Under the Elms Review By DAVID ROONEY
Transferring from Chicago's Goodman Theater, where it was the centerpiece of a Eugene O'Neill festival, the staging is grimly overwrought, with an intensity that never quite translates into emotional impact, yet its unyielding harshness is undeniably compelling.
[ CU ] Desire Under the Elms
Fortunately, this production has enough striking scenes to offset the risks of its excessively high concept staging
[ TM ] Desire Under the Elms Reviewed by: David Finkle
Robert Falls serves up a decibel-shattering production of Eugene O'Neill's passion-filled melodrama.
[ AMNY ] Review of Desire Under the Elms by Matt Windman (2.5 out of 4 Stars)
[ TB ] Desire Under the Elms Review by Matthew Murray
The crazed excesses polluting this production's every pore almost make the theater's last tenant, the Patti LuPone revival of Gypsy, look reasonable and restrained in comparison.
[ BN ] Dennehy's Menacing Farmer Looms in O'Neill's 'Elms': John Simon
The play runs to 100 tortured, and torturing, intermissionless minutes, perhaps to deny us a respite during which we might speculate about just how lucrative the trade in boulders could have been in 1850s New England.


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Broadway Grosses: April 20-26

Mostly down this week(understandable, it's usually slow in May right before the Summer hits us), with a few exceptions i.e. MARY STUART and JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, both coming off raves. Lots of shows need help: DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS, REASONS TO BE PRETTY (104K, under 30% att.), NEXT TO NORMAL. You can see why IMPRESSIONISM is biting the dust. I hope the raves help THE NORMAN CONQUESTS; he too needs it. But if you're the producers of GOD OF CARNAGE, HAIR or WEST SIDE STORY, you've got to be feeling good. All data provided by The Broadway League ;

Production (Theatre)	Weekly Gross	Total Atten.	Prev.	Perf.	Total Capacity	Avg. Paid Admission	Atten. %
33 Variations (O'Neill)	$291,195	4,526	0	8	1,063	$64.34	53.2%
9 to 5 (Marquis)	$625,252	10,698	7	0	1,611	$58.45	94.9%
Accent on Youth (Friedman)	$176,923	3,591	8	0	650	$49.27	69.1%
August: Osage County (Music Box)	$203,577	3,085	0	8	979	$65.99	39.4%
Avenue Q (Golden)	$236,576	4,156	0	8	796	$56.92	65.3%
Billy Elliot (Imperial)	$1,158,561	11,168	0	8	1,421	$103.74	98.2%
Blithe Spirit (Shubert)	$524,435	7,039	0	8	1,479	$74.50	59.5%
Chicago (Ambassador)	$516,557	7,460	0	8	1,080	$69.24	86.3%
Desire…Elms (St. James)	$190,498	4,101	8	0	1,403	$46.45	36.5%
Exit the King (Barrymore)	$520,068	7,459	0	8	1,050	$69.72	88.8%
God of Carnage (Jacobs)	$747,164	8,459	0	8	1,078	$88.33	98.1%
Guys and Dolls (Nederlander)	$553,946	7,867	0	8	1,217	$70.41	80.8%
Hair (Hirschfeld)	$829,747	11,118	0	8	1,412	$74.63	98.4%
Impressionism (Schoenfeld)	$212,523	3,116	0	8	1,071	$68.20	36.4%
In the Heights (Rodgers)	$691,181	9,029	0	8	1,365	$76.55	82.7%
Irena's' Vow (Walter Kerr)	$195,899	3,907	0	8	947	$50.14	51.6%
Jersey Boys (August Wilson)	$1,037,565	9,804	0	8	1,222	$105.83	100.3%
Joe Turner's...Gone (Belasco)	$263,799	6,293	0	8	1,018	$41.92	77.3%
Mamma Mia! (Winter Garden)	$875,597	11,817	0	8	1,498	$74.10	98.6%
Mary Poppins (New Amsterdam)	$762,384	12,259	0	8	1,797	$62.19	85.3%
Mary Stuart (Broadhurst)	$283,488	5,103	0	8	1,150	$55.55	55.5%
Next to Normal (Booth)	$207,775	4,079	0	8	772	$50.94	66.0%
Reasons to be Pretty (Lyceum)	$104,247	2,152	0	8	910	$48.44	29.6%
Rock of Ages (Atkinson)	$376,529	7,293	0	8	979	$51.63	93.1%
Shrek (Broadway)	$693,744	9,422	0	8	1,735	$73.63	67.9%
South Pacific (Beaumont)	$842,947	7,573	0	8	1,041	$111.31	90.9%
The 39 Steps (Hayes)	$172,636	2,818	0	8	589	$61.26	59.8%
The Lion King (Minskoff)	$1,128,044	12,788	0	8	1,654	$88.21	96.6%
The Little Mermaid (Lunt-Fontanne)	$689,228	10,266	0	8	1,520	$67.14	84.4%
The Norman Conquests (Circle in Square)	$131,403	2,595	3	5	780	$50.64	41.6%
The Phantom of the Opera (Majestic)	$764,301	12,108	0	8	1,615	$63.12	93.7%
The Philanthropist (American Airlines)	$179,498	3,897	7	1	740	$46.06	65.8%
Waiting for Godot (Studio 54)	$385,712	7,297	8	0	1,004	$52.86	90.8%
West Side Story (Palace)	$1,191,832	13,563	0	8	1,697	$87.87	99.9%
Wicked (Gershwin)	$1,458,664	14,336	0	8	1,809	$101.75	99.1%

Call Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc. to book tickets to all of these Broadway shows and ask for the special Insider Deals available for most of these shows at "Below face value". A great savings! 800-451-9930

Tommy Batchelor stars in Broadway’s ‘Billy Elliot’

One of the biggest hits this Broadway season , "Billy Elliot", has added a fourth Billy recently, Tommy Batchelor. I hear he's just terrific!

Tommy Batchelor’s dance teacher predicted he would be on Broadway. “But she thought I would be at least 20,” said Tommy.
Now 13, he is one of four boys playing the lead role in Billy Elliot, the hit musical on Broadway.
Tommy, whose home is in Palm Beach Gardens, was spotted by a talent scout in 2007 at a ballet competition in Orlando and joined the show in May 2008. He officially became the fourth Billy in March.
With music by Elton John, Billy Elliot is based on a 2000 British movie about a boy from a working-class family in northern England who wants to be a ballet dancer. A hit in London and Sydney, Australia, the musical opened in November to raves in New York.
It’s a classic heart warmer: Young boy beats the odds to fulfill his dreams.
Like the character he plays, Tommy Batchelor knows what it means to be devoted to dance. When he was 3 years old, he saw a television biography about the legendary tap dancer Bill Bojangles. “I said, ‘I want to do that.’ ” said Tommy.
Stamina is important for the role. “The Billy's carry the show,” said casting director Nora Brennan. “They are onstage almost three hours, doing ballet, tap, gymnastics, singing and acting. It’s a very demanding role.” Apparently this kid has the chops to carry this show.
I would highly recommend getting your tickets to see this show very soon because I feel it has a very good chance of winning a whole bunch of Tony Awards come June 7th. So call an Applause Sales expert now at 800-451-9930

Rock of Ages Keeps You Rockin'

Okay, so I got to see Rock of Ages on Thursday night at its new home The Brooks Atkinson Theatre. I loved it Off- Broadway and I loved it just as much at the Atkinson. Set in In the late 1980's Rock of Ages takes place in a bar on the Sunset Strip and tells of a love story between a wanna be rocker and a small town girl. Rock of Ages features songs from your favorite big hair bands such as REO Speedwagon, STYX, Journey, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, and many more. As it is intended for mature audiences (14+) I took my 8 1/2 year old daughter to see it for her second time along with my husband who loved it and are asking to see it yet again. Rock of ages is truly an enjoyable evening out.....So if "Your Loookin' For a Good Time" don't delay Call Applause today for the best seats at the best prices to Rock of Ages!!!!!!!

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2008-2009 Drama Desk Nomonations

That's right theatre fans. The award season continues. Nominations for this years Drama Desk Awards were announced today and just like with the Outer Critics Circle Awards there were a lot of suprises not to mention some glaring omissions. Leading the pack with 15 nominations is 9 to 5 followed by Shrek with 12 and Billy Elliot with 10. According to their website,"The Drama Desk is an organization of theatre critics, writers and editors that honors excellence in all areas of New York theatre: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway and not-for-profit." Now on to the nomionations.

Outstanding Play:
Annie Baker, Body Awareness
Gina Gionfriddo, Becky Shaw
Neil LaBute, reasons to be pretty
Lynn Nottage, Ruined
Michael Weller, Fifty Words
Craig Wright, Lady

I loved reasons to be pretty but I can't believe they left out God of Carnage the best reviewed and most successful new play of the season.

Outstanding Musical:
9 to 5
Billy Elliot The Musical
Fela!
Liza's at the Palace….
Shrek The Musical
The Story of My Life

Come on. Liza? Really? Yes she's a legend but the Drama Desks are also giving her a special award for " Herenduring career of sustained excellence, and her glorious performance in Liza's at the Palace."

Outstanding Revival of a Play:
Blithe Spirit
Exit the King
Mary Stuart
The Cripple of Inishmaan
The Norman Conquests
Waiting for Godot

Excluding Inishmaan it will probably be the same at the Tony's. However you shouldn't count out Equus or All My Sons.

Outstanding Revival of a Musical:
Enter Laughing The Musical
Hair
Pal Joey
West Side Story

Should be the same at the Tony's just insert Guys and Dolls instead of Enter Laughing.

Outstanding Actor in a Play:
Simon Russell Beale, The Winter's Tale
Reed Birney, Blasted
Raúl Esparza, Speed-The-Plow
Bill Irwin, Waiting for Godot
Daniel Radcliffe, Equus
Geoffrey Rush, Exit the King
Thomas Sadoski, reasons to be pretty

Strong category here and will be at the Tony's as well.

Outstanding Actress in a Play:
Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Ruined
Jane Fonda, 33 Variations
Marcia Gay Harden, God of Carnage
Elizabeth Marvel, Fifty Words
Jan Maxwell, Scenes From an Execution
Janet McTeer, Mary Stuart

Glad to see Jane Fonda got a nomination.

Outstanding Actor in a Musical:
James Barbour, A Tale of Two Cities
Daniel Breaker, Shrek The Musical
Brian d'Arcy James, Shrek The Musical
Josh Grisetti, Enter Laughing The Musical
Sahr Ngaujah, Fela!
Will Swenson, Hair

I loved Daniel Breaker but he stands a better shot of winning in the featured catagory.

Outstanding Actress in a Musical:
Stephanie J. Block, 9 to 5
Stockard Channing, Pal Joey
Sutton Foster, Shrek The Musical
Megan Hilty, 9 to 5
Allison Janney, 9 to 5
Karen Murphy, My Vaudeville Man!

I really don't think all three girls from 9 to 5 wil be nominated but you never know. Sutton Foster gets her usual nomination of course.

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play:
Brian d'Arcy James, Port Authority
Jeremy Davidson, Back Back Back
Peter Friedman, Body Awareness
Ethan Hawke, The Winter's Tale
Pablo Schreiber, reasons to be pretty (Off-Broadway)
Jeremy Shamos, Animals Out of Paper

Not one Broadway show nomination. Really?

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play:
Rebecca Hall, The Cherry Orchard
Zoe Kazan, The Seagull
Angela Lansbury, Blithe Spirit
Andrea Martin, Exit the King
Carey Mulligan, The Seagull
Condola Rashad, Ruined

They will probably give it to Angela.

Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical:
Hunter Foster, Happiness
Demond Green, The Toxic Avenger
Gregory Jbara, Billy Elliot The Musical
Marc Kudisch, 9 to 5
Bryce Ryness, Hair
Christopher Sieber, Shrek The Musical

I like all the nominees.

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical:
Farah Alvin, The Marvelous Wonderettes
Christina Bianco, Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab
Haydn Gwynne, Billy Elliot The Musical
Karen Olivo, West Side Story
Nancy Opel, The Toxic Avenger
Martha Plimpton, Pal Joey

Karen Olivo is my favorite here and my favorite for the Tony.

Outstanding Director of a Play:
Sarah Benson, Blasted
Michael Blakemore, Blithe Spirit
Garry Hynes, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Terry Kinney, reasons to be pretty
Matthew Warchus, The Norman Conquests
Kate Whoriskey, Ruined

Glad to see Terry Kinney in there. I would nominate Matthew Warchus for God of Carnage though instead of Norman.

Outstanding Director of a Musical:
Walter Bobbie, Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot The Musical
Joe Mantello, 9 to 5
Jason Moore, Shrek The Musical
Diane Paulus, Hair
Stuart Ross, Enter Laughing The Musical

Diana Paulus all the way.

Outstanding Choreography:
Karole Armitage, Hair
Andy Blankenbuehler, 9 to 5
Peter Darling, Billy Elliot The Musical
Bill T. Jones, Fela!
Randy Skinner, Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Lynne Taylor-Corbett and Shonn Wiley, My Vaudeville Man!

Expect it to be a two-way race between Bily Elliot and Fela!

Outstanding Music:
Neil Bartram, The Story of My Life
Zina Goldrich, Dear Edwina
Elton John, Billy Elliot The Musical
Dolly Parton, 9 to 5
Stephen Sondheim, Road Show
Jeanine Tesori, Shrek The Musical

Who would have thought we would have a season with both Dolly Parton and Elton John.

Outstanding Lyrics:
Neil Bartram, The Story of My Life
Jason Robert Brown, 13
Marcy Heisler, Dear Edwina
David Lindsay-Abaire, Shrek The Musical
Dolly Parton, 9 to 5
Stephen Sondheim, Road Show

Outstanding Book of a Musical:
Steven Cosson and Jim Lewis, This Beautiful City
Joe DiPietro, The Toxic Avenger
Lee Hall, Billy Elliot The Musical
Brian Hill, The Story of My Life
David Lindsay-Abaire, Shrek The Musical
Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5

You nominate Lee Hall for Best Book but not Best Lyrics? Remind me again who is on the nominating committee?

Outstanding Orchestrations:
Larry Blank, Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Bruce Coughlin, 9 to 5
Aaron Johnson and Antibalas, Fela!
Edward B. Kessel, A Tale of Two Cities
Martin Koch, Billy Elliot The Musical
Danny Troob, Shrek The Musical

Who knows?

Outstanding Music in a Play:
Mark Bennett, The Cherry Orchard
Mark Bennett, The Winter's Tale
Dominic Kanza, Ruined
DJ Rekha, Rafta, Rafta…
Richard Woodbury, Desire Under the Elms
Gary Yershon, The Norman Conquests

I didn't see any of them but I like the category.

Outstanding Set Design of a Play:
Dale Ferguson, Exit the King
Rob Howell, The Norman Conquests
David Korins, Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them
Derek McLane, 33 Variations
Neil Patel, Fifty Words
Walt Spangler, Desire Under the Elms

I would say Exit the King or Desire Under The Elms.

Outstanding Set Design of a Musical:
Tim Hatley, Shrek The Musical
Anna Louizos, Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Thomas Lynch, Happiness
Scott Pask, 9 to 5
Scott Pask, Hair
Basil Twist, Arias With a Twist

Shrek is my pick.

Outstanding Costume Design:
Tim Hatley, Shrek The Musical
Rob Howell, The Norman Conquests
William Ivey Long, 9 to 5
Michael McDonald, Hair
Martin Pakledinaz, Blithe Spirit
Carrie Robbins, Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Shrek again.

Outstanding Lighting Design in a Play:
Marcus Doshi, Hamlet (Theatre for a New Audience)
David Hersey, Equus
Ben Kato, Washing Machine
R. Lee Kennedy, Bury the Dead
Paul Pyant, The Winter's Tale
Hugh Vanstone, Mary Stuart

Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical:
Kevin Adams, Hair
Jules Fisher and Kenneth Posner, 9 to 5
Rick Fisher, Billy Elliot The Musical
Jason Lyons, Clay
Sinéad McKenna, Improbable Frequency
Richard Pilbrow, A Tale of Two Cities

Hair is the winner.

Outstanding Sound Design:
Acme Sound Partners, Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Paul Arditti, Billy Elliot The Musical
Gregory Clarke, Equus
John Gromada, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told by Himself)
André J. Pluess, 33 Variations
John H. Shivers, 9 to 5

Outstanding Solo Performance:
Mike Birbiglia, Sleepwalk With Me
Frank Blocker, Southern Gothic Novel
Michael Laurence, Krapp, 39
Lorenzo Pisoni, Humor Abuse
Matt Sax, Clay
Campbell Scott, The Atheist

Unique Theatrical Experience:
Absinthe (2008 Edition)
Arias With a Twist
Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words
Désir
Soul of Shaolin
Surrender

Productions with multiple nominations
9 to 5, 15
Shrek The Musical, 12
Billy Elliot The Musical, 10
Hair, 8
Irving Berlin's White Christmas, 6
Ruined, 5
The Norman Conquests, 5
Blithe Spirit, 4
Exit the King, 4
Fela!, 4
reasons to be pretty, 4
The Story of My Life, 4
The Winter's Tale, 4
33 Variations, 3
A Tale of Two Cities, 3
Enter Laughing The Musical, 3
Equus, 3
Fifty Words, 3
Mary Stuart, 3
Pal Joey, 3
The Toxic Avenger, 3
Arias With a Twist, 2
Blasted, 2
Body Awareness, 2
Clay, 2
Dear Edwina, 2
Desire Under the Elms, 2
Happiness, 2
My Vaudeville Man!, 2
Road Show, 2
The Cherry Orchard, 2
The Cripple of Inishmaan, 2
The Seagull, 2
Waiting for Godot, 2
West Side Story, 2

The 54th Annual Drama Desk Awards, hosted by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, will be held May 17 at the F.H. LaGuardia Concert Hall at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. The ceremony will begin at 9 PM.

So there we are. Who will win and who will lose? Expect some upsets. I will be back next week with the Tony nominations.

Impressionism Set To Close On May 10

It was announced today that Impressionism,the new play starring Tony Award winners Jeremy Irons and Joan Allen will play it's final performance at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater on May 10. The play which opened on March 24 to mostly negative reviews was originally supposed to play thru July 5. This once highly anticipated show,mostly due to the returns of Mr. Irons and Ms. Allen to the Great White Way suffered from poor word of mouth from the get go. Will this show be remembered come Tony time? Probably not but stranger things have happened. We shall wait and see.


JWB




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Go See "Hair" on Broadway ASAP!!!

"Hair" is the only show currently on Broadway that feels like an experience. The cast (The Tribe) is excellent, the production is fantastic and the songs sound better then ever. The shows themes (Sex, War, Drugs, Race) are as relevant today as they were forty years ago. The best part is the sense of community that the Tribe forms with the audience. It resonated with me long after I left the theatre. I encourage all theatergoers to purchase their tickets ASAP. I also encourage them to take part in the show and the finale. I guarantee, that no one will regret being a part of the Hair experience.
Call an Applause Sales Expert now at 800-451-9930 and order tickets to this hot show. I'm certain it will be nominated for many Tony's and will win for Best Revival of a Musical. Once that happens, good luck getting tickets! Call Now!