Friday, May 29, 2009

Girl in coma wakes up singing Mamma Mia!

Come on now! With all it's worldwide success on stage in NY and London(and everywhere else for that matter) and its extremely popular movie starring Meryl Streep, you'd think Mamma Mia has done and accomplished it all AND it continues to sell out nightly. Wait just a second, not quite all!

Now comes word out of London that a three-year-old girl fell into a coma after being struck down by meningitis, but stunned her family when she woke up five days later - singing the Abba hit Mamma Mia.
Layla Towsey(pictured right) was so ill after getting the brain bug she had been put on a life support machine.
The little girl’s family was told to give her a final kiss goodbye when she fell into coma.
However, it was far from the final curtain for Layla, who regained consciousness singing the Abba tune.
“We had been preparing for bad news as the life support machine was keeping her alive. But on Sunday I could hear her singing Mamma Mia quietly. I couldn’t believe it. I knew then she would be OK,” the Sun quoted Layla’s mom Katy as saying.
Layla, from Gidea Park, East London, had learned the song after seeing the Mamma Mia! movie. She has now made a good recovery, with just scars on her legs from blood poisoning.

How's that for positive press? Some story, eh? Well nothing more needs to be said about this now life saving wonderful show. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? I know you probably feel that ticket prices are too high and you'd be right on with that thinking! Well, no worries or excuses now, because Applause has great insider deals available to this show and all Broadway shows where we can get you seats below the normal face value of the ticket!! What more can you ask for? You'll be dancing in the aisles! Call us now at 800-451-9930

A Salute to the 63rd Annual Tony Awards

The 2008-09 Broadway season has been a roller coaster ride, to say the least. All of the fall openings, highlighted by the smash London import Billy Elliot, was followed by the economy's crash. After the holidays, shows closed like crazy: Spring Awakening died quickly. Hairspray died. Young Frankenstein was a major disappointment and closed. Monty Python's Spamalot kicked the bucket. Gypsy closed up early. But the winter turned into a spring of renewal with a bunch of plays—new works and transfers from Off-Broadway and London—filled all the Broadway houses. We've been treated to incredible theater (Exit the King, Mary Stuart), big-haired bands (Rock of Ages), fairy-tale family fun (Shrek), battling families and couples (Dividing the Estate, God of Carnage, Reasons to Be Pretty, Next to Normal, The Norman Conquests), and wonderful secretaries (9 to 5). Classic musical revivals like Guys and Dolls, Hair, Pal Joey, and West Side Story, while Liza Minnelli and George W. Bush (in the person of Will Ferrell) dropped in for a short, well received run.
As the season ends, I salute all 40 actors nominated for Tony Awards. They range from veterans such as Jane Fonda and Angela Lansbury to newcomers like David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish, the three young men who alternate as Billy Elliot. The Tony's will be handed out June 7 at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS.
Watch the Tony's and call Applause to get your tickets to all the nominated shows and winners. We have the best seats at the best prices! 800-451-9930

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Get Your Last Minute Tickets With Applause to See a Broadway Show! Like Say, "West Side Story"?!

So, you're in New York City and forgot to book your Broadway tickets in advance and the show you want to see is sold out. Fear not my friends! We have tickets to all the sold-out Broadway Blockbusters(Wicked, Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot) for day of performances at incredible prices. For instance, "West Side Story" is selling unbelievably well and extremely hard to get tickets for, especially last minute. Well deserved I might add. It's a classic story(how could you forget the gutwrenching tearjerker movie with Natalie Wood!) with amazing performances and some of the best dancing on Broadway(many Tony nominations this year). If you're thinking about what show to see or really have your heart set on this one, go!
It's very simple to order tickets with Applause. Just call a sales expert like myself and we'll get you great seats at a great price. What are you waiting for? We're NEVER Sold Out!! 800-451-9930

Booking Broadway Tickets The Easy Way....

Tired of listening to prompts for what button to press to reach a live operator? Here at Applause you will NEVER encounter that problem. We make booking your New York or London Theatre tickets a piece of cake. With our friendly staff on call you will always speak with a real person all the time. You can even click on our talk to a live operator on our website and have a full conversation with one of our friendly sales staff. Whatever your question may be give Applause a shout and let us help you plan your trip to New York and give you our "insider deals" and hints. What are you waiting for? Call Applause today for the best service and the best seats at the best prices.


Carol Burg
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street
suite 601
New York, New York 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/

How To Buy Broadway Theater-Concert & Sporting Event Tickets Without Getting "Scalped"

Did you ever hear the expression "the more things change, the more they stay the same"? This is certainly true when it comes to the ticket industry. An industry that has provided a very good living for my family and everyone employed at our small Broadway ticket business called Applause.

So what do I mean by this talk of things changing but really remaining the same in the ticket business? It's simple really. For over 70 years, licensed ticket agencies in New York City have been buying and selling Broadway, Concert and Sporting Event tickets to the general public, corporations that entertain their best clients, hotel concierge that fulfill guest requests and the travel industry for New York City vacationers. Although it seemed like there were only a handful of licensed ticket agencies like Applause, there were always many other ticket companies out there that operated outside of New York City. They did so to avoid the SERVICE CHARGE "cap" as well as to not have to pay taxes that those of us operating a business in New York have had to.

So our company and others like Applause that operated within the rules of the "ticket reselling laws" ran very good ticket businesses with the emphasis on "service, knowledge and reasonable service charges". We still do so to this day and are proud of it.

Around 10 years ago, some fairly astute companies that had fantastic technology in ticketing figured out a way to bring the technology to the Internet, added inventory for Broadway shows, concerts and sporting events then allowed the public to buy tickets electronically. Although we buy all sorts of products and services on-line these days, the technology has helped the public get every possible ticket for any event at their fingertips inside of a few keystrokes. There is still one problem that continues to exist with regard to buying tickets for events today. The public is often being fooled into thinking they can buy specific seating locations and then when they go on-line or call a ticket company to make a purchase, suddenly the ticket broker might say something like "sorry, we don't have section 121 but we have tickets between sections 123 and 126, but the seats are not in stock yet". Which really is a way of the ticket broker "lining up" a sale, making the customer wait for days, weeks, maybe even months to get the "actual ticket". This is all due to speculation on the part of the ticket broker. It has gone on this way for decades and will continue to be this way for all of time I suspect. Basically the ticket broker often doesn't own the specific seats he markets at times but is hoping to acquire them, keep his customer happy then finally close the sale. One problem is that customers like to have "tickets in their hands" soon after they place an order, not have to wait a long time to get them.

To show you that "the more things change, the more they stay the same", I would like to refer you to the recent problems the ticket industry is having with regard to some Bruce Springsteen concerts that have recently taken place at the Izod Center in New Jersey this past month as well as the new set of concerts Mr. Springsteen and his band will have on September 30, October 2 and 3 of 2009 at the Giants Stadium complex. The latter dates are going on sale to the general public on June 1, 2009.

The May concerts that just played had much controversy for sure whereby fans accused TicketMaster and other secondary market ticket sellers of playing games with tickets. Consumers were forced to pay scalper prices even before the primary ticket seller allowed the events to go "on sale" to the general public. This makes no sense of course thus bringing great attention to all of us in the ticket selling industry. I simply don't want my company Applause to be painted with the same "tainted brush" that so many of these ticket companies are confronting these days. These practices have gone on for decades and will continue to do so forever.

In today's local New York and New Jersey newspapers, there are articles written about Bruce Sprinsteen's new Fall 2009 Giants Stadium tour dates and another controversy with ticket distribution. For instance, Anne Milgram, New Jersey's Attorney General has filed charges against several ticket resellers. In the lawsuit, Ms. Milgram has accused these firms of "illegally advertising and selling tickets to upcoming concerts by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Giants Stadium". I believe the charges involve one New Jersey, one Connecticut and one Chicago based ticket company with "advertising and selling concert tickets to consumers without actually having those tickets in its possession". This brings to light that there are probably dozens and dozens of ticket companies that often display tickets on their web sites, but really don't own actual inventory. These companies were offering at least several hundred tickets to Mr. Springteen's upcoming concerts at hundreds of dollars above the printed price on the ticket (face value) and have done so more than a week before the actual concerts go "on sale" to the general public on June 1, 2009. One of these companies had the nerve to offer seats in sections 214 and 130 (in row 30 and row 45). These sections only have seats up to row 11 and row 41 respectively. So they are trying to sell "phantom seats" or seats that clearly don't exist. Once again, they hope to advertise, make sales and then "fill" their ticket orders, deceiving the public that they really are buying what they think they are buying.

Apparently undercover agents made purchases then documented that these ticket companies don't posses any inventory. I don't think Mr.Springsteen is going to be happy about this second "scalping" issue that is sure to upset his huge fan base. It appears that many on-line ticket brokers are trying to drive up ticket prices according to Ms. Milgram's office.

To quote the New Jersey Attorney Generals office the lawsuits say that "the advertisement and sale of the tickets by the three companies constitute the use or employment of unconscionable commercial practices, deception, fraud, false pretense and/or misrepresentation to New Jersey consumers". If its happening in New Jersey, it is happening all over probably right? Ms. Milgram further went on to say that "you cannot make fraudulent or misleading statements" and that " you cannot tell consumers you have a ticket to sell when in fact you do not have that ticket". Lastly she went on the record as saying "there's no question that they didn't have the tickets. It's plain fraud". The lawsuits are trying to stop these companies from marketing, advertising and selling tickets they clearly do not own. In addition they seek restitution for affected consumers. The state is threatening to revoke or suspend the license of one of the New Jersey licensed ticket companies. These lawsuits are a part of a greater investigation into the February 2, 2009 sale of the first set of Bruce Springsteen concerts that took place earlier this month. Apparently thousands of fans complained that they couldn't obtain tickets from TicketMaster and had to buy them through one of the large on-line secondary market ticket companies for considerably higher prices than they felt they should have paid if secured through the primary ticket distribution method. Although TicketMaster made refunds and paid some damages to some consumers, Attorney General Milgram feels that "the industry is in need of serious reform".

In my professional opinion as a more than 31 year licensed ticket agent", mostly selling tickets for Broadway theater, I understand Ms. Milgram has an obligation to protect the needs of the New Jersey public. Unfortunately I think she will come to agree with me as she studies the industry over time, that "the more things change, the more they stay the same. Some ticket brokers are often looking to make a quick buck. It's not necessarily at the expense of the public (as many don't mind paying high ticket prices). It's often that these "sketchy" ticket brokers simply want to "make some sales ahead of the competition".

People that don't mind paying higher prices to obtain tickets are probably not affected by this discussion but its always the "average" person that is left to wonder why they should pay sometimes double, triple and even up to several times more than the "face value" of the ticket for an event. It's companies like the ones mentioned in the lawsuit that have been giving those of us licensed and legitimate ticket brokers a "bad name". Ms. Milgram will learn that there have always been illicit ticket brokering practices for decades now. Those "scalpers" that charge "highway robbery" prices just because an event was in demand. And although I personally helped to lobby and give testimony in New York legislature meetings years ago to help deregulate "service charge pricing" restrictions in New York, my goal was to keep legitimizing my company as a reputable ticket seller. The old laws used to "cap" our service charge at 20 %, an extremely low margin to make a living running a business and paying taxes in New York City. So now in a sense, we have invited competition to New York as the deregulation allows ticket companies to sell tickets at any price they want to. Although we can charge what we want, its another thing to expect the consuming public to pay outrageous prices, particularly in this downward economy.

So now that we all can accept that ticket brokers can charge whatever they think is fair market pricing, today's lawsuits against these three ticket companies points out something I have always been concerned about my entire 31 year career in the ticket industry. The subject of "scalping" is as old a profession as prostitution. Many feel that the public is not having a gun held to its head with high ticket prices as people can always refuse to pay the high prices. But there is no reason for ticket companies to traffic in "pretending" to sell seats they clearly "do not own". In my opinion, it is intentionally forcing consumers to "over-pay" for tickets that they could very likely be able to purchase at the regular box office price or even the usually fair service charges of the primary ticket distributor of the venue, in this case TicketMaster.

In my own business of selling Broadway tickets, we offer tickets for some of the shows that we "do not have physical inventory" for. Please allow me to explain this. There are shows that DO NOT sell out their inventory most days, so we advertise a BELOW FACE VALUE "special" on our home page that we have the public call us for. Then we explain that although we don't have the actual ticket, we can buy it on their behalf, add on a small service charge then sell it for a very reasonable price. In fact we sell these tickets below the regular printed price of admission. But it is important to note that we "never confirm" that we have these tickets nor do we bill the consumer's credit card until we have indeed secured the tickets. We can all understand that a rock concert ticket is a different sort of animal when compared to the Broadway theater ticket. There are only a handful of performance dates for Bruce Springsteen and other concert artists during the course of a year but hundreds of performance dates for a Broadway show, which plays eight performances a week. So in general, rock concert ticket demands are much greater than Broadway theater, possibly bringing the "scalpers" loads of extra profits they simply do not wish to part with.

Even after a mostly "deregulated" ticket industry in this country, the public still has to put up with the shenanigans of a "few bad apples" in the ticket business. This will always be the way it is. I think the important thing for the public to remember when buying tickets is to really research the company they want to buy from.

Some tips you may want to consider when shopping for tickets:
1.Ask for the ticket company's State they do business in as well as their license #.
2.Ask how long the company has been in business.
3.Ask for references of other ticket buyers.
4.Check out the web site's FAQ section of the site.
5.Make sure you can speak with a live ticket agent. Also ask if you can place a phone order not just a web site on-line order.
6.Get the exact seat location wherever possible.
7. Get a guarantee of delivery date of your tickets.
8.Most importantly, like many things in life, if it seems too good to be true, then maybe it is too good to be true.

Our 21 year old company Applause Theater Service, specializes in providing a very friendly and knowledgeable ticket service for obtaining Broadway tickets in New York. Although our specialty is being the "local Broadway expert", we would be pleased to lead you in the right direction if you ever need concert tickets or sporting event tickets. We don't usually have our own concert and sporting event tickets in stock but we can refer you to other trustworthy, local providers that will take good care of you.

Of course when you find yourself looking into obtaining tickets for Broadway, we hope you'll consider using our ticket service. If you have a chance to look at our web site, you'll get a feeling for who we are. Good luck.

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

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Facebook: Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.

15 TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR BILLY ELLIOT

Billy Elliot and The Producers are the only shows to receive 15 nominations in the history of the Tony Awards. The three fantastic young men who play the role of Billy Elliot were nominated as one for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, which I believe is the first time three people were nominated as one unit.
So many people have been back to see the show again and again and many are trying to make sure that see all three young men in the roll of Billy Elliot.

Billy Elliot was also nominated for 10 Drama Desk Awards and 7 Outer Critics Circle Awards.

The story takes place in a coal mining town in Wales where a young boy falls in love with ballet and instead of dedicating himself to football(soccer) he takes ballet lessons. The show is moving at many levels: the struggles of the miners against conditions and wages in the mill, the poverty of the miners, the struggle of a boy who is interested in dancing where his society dictates that young men should be involved in sports.

Applause has sold so many tickets to this show and have received nothing but thanks from the customers to whom we recommended Billy Elliot. Call us and speak to a sales expert now for the best seats at the best prices anywhere! 800-451-9930

Bill

Ann Harada Gets Ready to Return to Broadway's "Avenue Q"

One of the great surprises for me was the musical "Avenue Q". Before I even saw the show I hated it for beating one of my all time favorite musicals "Wicked" for the 2004 Tony Award as Best Musical. I said how could this be? An adult Sesame Street type musical with puppets beats the great musical "Wicked"? Well I avoided the show for sometime and finally gave in and saw what I found to be one of the funniest musicals ever with really clever music! Do I think it deserved to win over Wicked? No way! But I definitely enjoyed it and the show continues to sell extremely well. I highly recommend this show wholeheartedly!

Now comes word that 9 to 5's wonderful character actress Ann Harada(who's really wasted in 9 to 5), who created the character of Christmas Eve in the Tony Award-winning musical, will return to that role in the acclaimed production at Broadway's Golden Theatre July 6.
That day will also welcome several cast members from the shows recent national tour: Anika Larsen (Xanadu, All Shook Up, Rent; the upcoming Shafrika, the White Girl) will be Broadway's new Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut, Robert McClure (I'm Not Rapport) will assume the roles of Princeton/Rod and Danielle K. Thomas will play Gary Coleman.
They will all join a cast that includes Christian Anderson, Jennifer Barnhart and Nicholas Kohn.

Avenue Q will mark its sixth anniversary on Broadway July 31.

Avenue Q features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, a book by Jeff Whitty and direction by Jason Moore. The musical is produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, The Vineyard Theatre and The New Group.

Call Applause tickets now to get tickets Below the Normal Face Value of the Ticket! Great seats at an incredible price for all Broadway shows! 800-451-9930

Next to Normal: 11 Tony Adward Nominations

What a big surprise this show is: Next to Normal was a musical written for the Theatre (usually musicals are adapted from other medium); It has a cast of 6 (a rarity for a Broadway musical); It has garnered 11 Tony Award Nominations including Best Musical,Best Original Score written for the Theatre, Best Score, Best Director, Best Lead Actor & Best Lead Actress, Best Featured Actress, etc

It is a non-stop look into the stop/start life of a suburban bi-polar mother and the hell her unreality wreaks on her husband, daughter and son as she rides the sharp edge between coping and insanity.

Alice Ripley (Sunset Blvd, Company, Rocky Horror Show) is the mother, J Robert Spencer(jersey Boys) the father, Aaron Tveit(Wicked & Hairspray)is the son and Jennifer Damiano(Spring Awakening) is the daughter. Direction is by Michael Greif, the Director of Rent and Gray Gardens.

The New York Times said: "No show on Broadway right now makes as direct a grab for the heart-or wrings it as thoroughly-as "Next to Normal" does.This brave, breathtaking musical focuses squarely on the pain that cripples the members of a suburban family, and never for a minute does it let you escape the anguish at the core of their lives. "Next to Normal" does not, in other words, qualify as your standard feelgood musical. Instead this portrait of a manic-depressive mother and the people she loves and damages is something much more: a feel everything musical, which asks you, with operatic force, to discover the liberation in knowing where it hurts.

If you wish to discuss it further, please give us a call at Applause. 800-451-9930

Bill

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"South Pacific" on Broadway Shows No Signs of Slowing Down!

The curtain rang down on Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific in 1954 after five years of extraordinary acclaim and countless awards including nine Tonys and a Pulitzer. Now in its first Broadway revival, one of my favorite all time shows, SOUTH PACIFIC won seven 2008 Tonys and has been playing to sold-out houses since the first preview in March 2008 and show's no sign of slowing down anytime soon! The marvelous cast of 40, led by Laura Osnes(Grease) and 2008 Tony-winner for Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Paulo Szot, is directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher (The Light in the Piazza,Awake and Sing! and the current critically acclaimed hit play "Joe Turner's Come and Gone") Although well known for its extraordinary score -- the songs include "Some Enchanted Evening", "Younger Than Springtime", "Bali Ha'i", "There Is Nothin' Like A Dame", and "A Wonderful Guy" -- SOUTH PACIFIC is also a deeply felt drama. Its portrayal of Americans stationed in an alien culture in wartime is as relevant today as when it first thrilled audiences in 1949.
Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize winning book Tales of the South Pacific, the musical is set on a tropical island during World War II and tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples – U.S. Navy nurse Nellie Forbush(Laura Osnes) and French plantation owner Emile de Becque(Tony award winner Paulo Szot) and Marine Joe Cable and a young local native girl Liat – and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of the war and by their own prejudices. Considered by many the finest musical ever written and I could not agree more!!
Call Applause now for some of the best deals and best seats to see this great American musical. 800-451-9930

Thank you,
Erik Swanson
eriks@applause-tickets.com
http://www.applause-tickets.com/

Applause Theatre & Entertainment Service Inc.
311 West 43rd Street, Ste 601
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
fax: 212-397-3729

Applause Theatre Service Has Learned That Woverine AKA Hugh Jackman & James Bond AKA Daniel Craig Are Ready To Take B'way By Storm!

The New York Post's Michael Riedel is reporting that film stars Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig will team up in a new play this fall on Broadway.
The drama that will bring them together, reveals Riedel, is "A Steady Rain" by Keith Huff, is about two Chicago cops whose lifelong friendship is put to the test when they become involved in a domestic dispute in a poor neighborhood.



Theater sources say Craig and Jackman have the potential to match Broadway's biggest box- office champ, Julia Roberts, who sold over $10 million worth of tickets in just 12 weeks in the play "Three Days of Rain" in 2006.
Although "A Steady Rain" is harsh and harrowing, one Broadway expert predicted that even those theatergoers whose tastes run to splashy musicals will want to see it.
Said the expert: "Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman in police uniforms? All the boys will be there!"
The Post reports that Barbara Broccoli who oversees the James Bond movie franchise, is producing "A Steady Rain." She arrives in New York from Europe this weekend to scout out Broadway theaters, sources told Riedel. The daughter of legendary James Bond producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, Barbara Broccoli produced "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" on Broadway in 2005.
It was expected that Hugh Jackman would return to Broadway in another musical, the rumored 'Houdini', but it now appears that he has chosen a gritty dramatic piece for his next visit. To read the full report in The New York Post, click here.



Call Applause now for your advance group and individual sales bookings for this and all Broadway shows at the best prices!! 800-451-9930


Thank you,
Erik Swanson
eriks@applause-tickets.com
Applause Theatre & Entertainment Service Inc.
311 West 43rd Street, Ste 601
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050

Broadway has memorable weekend! Box Office Gets Boost From Holiday Crowds!

Broadway got a holiday boost last week, with most shows feeling some extra lift from the Memorial Day weekend.
Most productions on Broadway posted gains, although just a few increases proved remarkable. Large-scale tourist-magnets benefited most from the weekend traffic, with "Shrek the Musical" (up $135,000 to $770,039) seeing the biggest surge of them all and "Wicked" being the biggest seller on Broadway.
"The Phantom of the Opera" ($810,280), "Mary Poppins" ($778,623) and "The Little Mermaid" ($775,764) also stepped up by more than $100,000 each.
Total $$'s rose about $950,000 to $20.5 million for 34 shows. Attendance climbed by about 10,000 to 271,392, putting overall all capacity at 84%.
In its final week, struggling play revival "Desire Under the Elms"($346,570) reported one of the larger gains of the week, with biz spurred by last-minute ticket buyers. But in an indicator of how tough it is to attract theatergoers in a crowded play season, two Tony-nominated revivals, "Mary Stuart" ($320,683) and "The Norman Conquests" ($304,815), were among the shows that saw receipts slip last week.
Well-reviewed new play contender "Reasons to Be Pretty" ($176,152) did rise by more than $35,000, but still only played to 50% capacity. "Irena's Vow" ($177,701), left out of the Tony race, was down.
Among the spring musical entries, "9 to 5" ($805,908) didn't rise by much but nonetheless broke the $800,000 mark for the first time, while both "Rock of Ages"($450,676) and "Next to Normal" ($337,306) continued to gather momentum.

Call Applause to get tickets at a great price to all of these shows. We can even get tickets at an amazing discount, below the normal face value of the ticket. Call 800-451-9930

APPLAUSE STIMULUS PACKAGE

We are selling tickets to most Broadway shows below face value. Compare us to the competition. Take adavantage of this great opportunity to see the shows you have wanted to see.


Thank you,
Bill Stolting
bill@applause-tickets.com
http://www.applause-tickets.com/

Applause Theatre & Entertainment Service Inc.
311 West 43rd Street, Ste 601
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
fax: 212-397-3729

Finding Disney Magic on Broadway with Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service!

With three Disney musicals currently playing on Broadway, the question is not whether to go see one of the amazing Disney theatrical productions, but which one to choose. The Lion King, Mary Poppins or The Little Mermaid? So the decision comes down to what the best deal would be for tickets. Well, no worries. We have great deals on all three shows!

Plan Ahead . . .
Seeing live theater in New York, particularly Broadway blockbusters, can be an expensive proposition. Securing discounted tickets for Broadway shows is where good planning (or not) comes into play. If you have only one date or time that you will be able to see a show, you should plan as far in advance as possible, and buy tickets ahead of time. The Applause website has information on all of the shows, and how to purchase tickets. There are many discounts available, and by calling an Applause Sales Expert you will be able to find them. Many deals below the normal face value of the ticket price!

Or Don’t!
If you cannot plan ahead because your dates are not certain, you can always call us last minute or visit us in New York on the day of the show, we are right in Times Square.

Seeing Mary Poppins and Disney's premier Theater;
The New Amsterdam Theatre ( West 42nd Street), along with the New Victory, Lyceum and Hudson theaters, are some of the oldest surviving legitimate theaters on Broadway. The theatre opened in 1903 with a production of Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights’ Dream. Florenz Ziegfeld staged his Follies at the New Amsterdam from 1913 through 1927 (there are stories that the theater is still haunted by one of the Ziegfield dancers). In 1937 the New Amsterdam was converted to a movie house, and then it fell into disuse. The theater was purchased by the Nederlander Organization 1982, which planned to reconvert it back to its original use, piggybacking on the proposed redevelopment of the Times Square area. However, major structural problems, combined with the uncertainty of the City's economic health repeatedly delayed the reconstruction. New York State purchased the New Amsterdam in 1992 and subsequently resold it to the Walt Disney Co. for $29 million when Michael Eisner saw the theater’s potential. The complete reconstruction of the theater between 1995 and 1997 signaled Disney's confidence in Times Square and anchored the further redevelopment of the area.

The Show!
The theater is absolutely gorgeous. The 42nd Street Beaux-Arts entrance opens into one of the finest Art Nouveau theater interiors in New York. Carved and painted plaster, carved stone, carved wood, murals and tiles—all combine to evoke what it was like going to the theater at the turn of the century. Mary Poppins is a collaboration between Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, the producer of The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Les Miserables. This production (the book for the play was written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes) is based both on the Mary Poppins books by P.L. Travers and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. As a result, the play is quite different from what Disney fans might remember from the film, although there are some tributes to the movie hidden in plain sight (like penguins riding in baby carriages in a park scene in the play—remember the penguins from the sidewalk chalk scene in the film?).

A review in The New Yorker magazine called the musical: “. . . a strange and beautiful thing, containing an astonishing variety of moods and distinguished by a faithful rendering of the books’ brisk and sophisticated comic sensibility.” Indeed, the production has maintained many of the elements of the film version, including beloved songs by Robert and Richard Sherman, like “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Feed the Birds.” New songs by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles blend seamlessly with the classic songs, and bring additional depth to the stage version. “Practically Perfect” was an amazingly catchy tune that my girls sang over and over on the drive home. I thought that the “new” Mary Poppins was a bit more prickly and distant than Julie Andrews played her, but I also thought that Mr. and Mrs. Banks characters were more developed and more sympathetic. There is a wonderful touching scene where Mrs. Banks is preparing for a dinner party ("A Spoon Full of Sugar”), but the event is a disaster because no guests arrive. In addition, there is a fantastic and whimsical scene set in Mrs. Corry’s shop, where people can buy words as well as gingerbread ("Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious”). There is also a new character, the evil Miss Andrew, Mr. Banks’ old nanny, who he calls upon to step in when Mary Poppins leaves. Miss Andrew is a very harsh nanny, and believes that children should be subjected on a regular basis to a horrible medicine that tastes like cod liver oil (“Brimstone and Treacle”). The sets were gorgeous, the costumes lush, and the voice talents of the actors superb. Mary Poppins is currently played by Scarlett Strallen, who played the role in London’s West End production (it is no longer playing there), and Bert is played by Adam Fiorentino.

The Side Trip
Disney fans who happen to be in New York for a show, or for any other reason, should not overlook the World of Disney Store on 5th Avenue at 55th Street. The store is huge, with three floors of Disney merchandise, including pins (you can do pin trading with cast members and there are monthly pin-trading events), a make-your-own crown station, Disney candy, Mr. Potato Head and an Art of Disney Gallery. We were lucky enough to happen onto the store a few minutes before a scheduled character meet and greet with Chip and Dale and Donald Duck. A Disney’s Photopass photographer was on hand to capture the magic on film. Not to miss merchandise included a very cute (but, unfortunately, not available in my size) “I (Mickey Ears) NY” t-shirt.

Call Applause now to get the best deals on all 3 of these fabulous shows as well as all Broadway shows! 800-451-9930

Thank you,
Erik Swanson
eriks@applause-tickets.com
http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Applause Theatre & Entertainment Service Inc.
311 West 43rd Street, Ste 601
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
fax: 212-397-3729

Save $$$$ Through Applause....

I'm sure you have heard you can get great buys in New York. Well it is true you can get great prices on everything here in New York including Broadway Theatre tickets. Right now Applause can offer you Below Face Value on 27 Broadway shows. Along with our great customer service we can offer you "Bargains", What more can you ask for? So give Applause a call you will be happy you did! The following shows are offering great seats in the Orchestra of Front Mezzanine area at below face value.

39 Steps

9 to 5 The Musical

Accent on Youth

August:Osage County

Avenue Q

Blithe Spirit

Chicago

Exit the King

God of Carnage

Guys and Dolls

Hair

In the Heights

Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Little Mermaid

Mamma Mia!

Mary Poppins

Mary Stuart

Next to Normal

Reasons to be Pretty

Rock of Ages

Shrek The Musical

The Norman Conquests

The Phantom of the Opera

The Philanthropist

Waiting for Godot



Carol Burg
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street
suite 601
New York, New York 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

25 Reasons to See a Broadway Show In The Spring and Summer of 2009

Why pay more than you have to for Broadway theater tickets?

I don't know about you but I am fortunate that I get to see almost every Broadway Show that plays in New York. For those of you theater-lovers like me that often see live Broadway theater, I wanted to simply point you to a reliable ticket agency that has access to 27 Broadway Shows. And at a substantial discount as well. Everyone knows that ticket agencies have to charge a service charge for the service and time they spend seeking out the best prices and seat locations for theater-goers all over the country.

So if a ticket agency buys a ticket for $120.00 then adds a markup, you might pay them $150 to $250 a ticket, depending on the type of seats and service that are provided. Our company, Applause Theater Service in New York City (license # 71AP1001029) has been in the ticket business for nearly 22 years now. We pride ourselves on offering first class service and being local Broadway ticket experts that you can trust. Applause gives excellent advice on where to sit in the theater and has an uncanny knack for arranging several shows and dates so that you will get the benefit of sitting in the best seat on the best day. Most people seeing several shows like us to do this for them. In addition, the customers appreciate our advice on which shows to see as well.

Our regular customers are familiar with the BELOW FACE VALUE program we have been offering for quite some time now. Simply put, Applause has an inside track on obtaining many shows at below the regular cost on shows that are terrific Broadway Shows but often do not sell out all their inventory. So the theaters offer Applause an insider "discount" price for our customers. We simply add on a small service charge and sell the tickets at fantastic prices to the public. How fantastic are these prices you might ask? After the discount, you will still pay less than you, yourselves can purchase them for.

When you put the discount prices along with friendly Broadway ticket experts that are trustworthy and knowledgeable about how to purchase Broadway tickets at the best prices, I'm sure you'll agree that making a phone call to Applause could have profound benefits for you, your friends and your family. And maybe even some co-workers as well.

Below you'll find an up-to-date listing of the 27 Broadway Shows that we can obtain for you at BELOW FACE VALUE prices, with great "orchestra and front mezzanine" seating. Call us if we can be of service to you in securing great seats today.

BELOW FACE VALUE Broadway Shows are as follows:

39 Steps

9 to 5 The Musical

Accent on Youth

August:Osage County

Avenue Q

Blithe Spirit

Chicago

Exit the King


God of Carnage


Guys and Dolls


Hair

In the Heights

Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Little Mermaid

Mamma Mia!

Mary Poppins

Mary Stuart

Next to Normal

Reasons to be Pretty

Rock of Ages

Shrek The Musical

The Norman Conquests

The Phantom of the Opera

The Philanthropist

Waiting for Godot

We hope to hear from you soon when your plans include Broadway theater. And if you need some great places to have a meal before the Broadway theater, check out this web site called Restaurant Row New York.

Sincerely,
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

follow us at twitter/applausetickets

2009 TONY AWARDS

I know I am just a theatre geek, but the first Sunday in June was always a day to look forward to for as long as I can remember...The TONY Awards! Every year we hear networks complain about the ratings and question whether they should still televise the awards or not. I have heard people say they shouldn't because nobody really cares. I know I am not the only person in the world who looked forward to seeing the awards and still do. I have even been able to attend the awards live and considering how much I loved them as a kid, that was almost as exciting as if I had actually won one. Well almost! Maybe not as many people will tune in as they do for the the Super Bowl, but don't discount how much it means to all the theatre geeks in the world who care. For me, it was my only exposure to the great shows in New York. Something that I knew someday I would be able to actually go and see, but at the time the TONYS were as close as I was going to get. For someone who loves theatre and is in the theatre, the TONYS are as big an event as the Academy Awards. So I hope that they will always be televised for all the Broadway lovers and of course Broadway geeks like me out there! This year looks like it will be an exciting line-up. I am just excited to get to see scenes from BILLY ELLIOT , NEXT TO NORMAL , HAIR , WEST SIDE STORY , ROCK OF AGES and SHREK . Now I have seen all of these shows but I am still excited to see them perform on the TONYS. I also look forward to seeing the Broadway/Film and TV personalities who will be presenting. Like Kristin Chenoweth, Edie Falco, Jane Fonda, Angela Lansbury, Nicole Kidman and they are being hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. Now many will think most of these folks are just for ratings but all are either appearing on Broadway now or have in the past. Get ready and take a look at some of the great new shows and revivals that have been nominated this year on our Applause website. And then mark your calendar for Sunday June 7th, 2009 and hopefully get as excited as I do every year to see Broadway in the spotlight on the TONY AWARDS!!!!! I know you will be calling me come Monday June 8th, wanting to get tickets to see winners or just the one that knocked your socks off!

Friday, May 22, 2009

The New Star on Broadway- www.applause-tickets.com




I have been a licenced theater ticket broker my entire career now, just short of 32 years. Although the original business plan my partner Bill and I had was to provide a high level of personal service for visitors to New York City and those that used hotel concierge for their Broadway ticket needs, the business changed dramatically over the years.

After the hotels starting using us, they soon considered us a reliable source for Broadway show tickets. We would even deliver as little as 1 ticket to a hotel a mile away, and for no extra charge. Then came the Travel industry. Travel agencies from all over the world would call us for Broadway show tickets all the time. They also used computer terminals to electronically send us Broadway ticket orders. Then, very well known tour operators that sell hotel packages that include hotel rooms, Broadway show tickets, sightseeing tours and some restaurant meals started using Applause to provide the Broadway theater ticket ingredient of their hotel/theater packages.

Before not too long, Bill and I looked back and we had a solid business. We kept working on developing a reputation for outstanding service. We took our time with shoppers and customers and charged reasonable service fees giving outstanding service and free delivery (still do). The hard work paid off and we grew like crazy over the years.

Then came the Internet and that changed everything almost overnight really. Consumers all over the world started seeing the Applause web site. Several other industry web sites liked the service we provided and linked their web sites to Applause's, then we added the shopping cart that allowed people to see their tickets on a seating chart, view a price and make an on-line order. Amazing when you think of the progress we have all made.

Still we really feel the Internet is a good tool to use to gather information about Broadway. The problem is that now anyone with $125.00 or so can start their own web site and try to sell Broadway tickets too. Still this is not necessarily the way the public wants to purchase their Broadway tickets.

For instance if you "Google" for a Broadway show name, you will see hundreds of "Google answers". How will you know which web site to click on and then you have to search several web sites hoping to find the information you need. This is often a frustrating task indeed.

Thankfully the Applause Theater Service web site has been getting millions of visitors over the years. I must say that I am so glad I have had the chance to keep our company up and current on business practices. I've read lots of business books and they have taught us well. Still every time I pickup the telephone or I hear one of our staff talking to our customers, I feel in my heart that we really are the best at what we do. There is no substitute for great personal customer service, is there?

Of the thousands of companies that sell tickets throughout the world, I'm sure there are many local providers that subscribe to the "Applause way to treat customers handbook". In fact, so many so called ticket agencies say they sell tickets but simply buy tickets from other ticket providers, add on a markup and then resell them to the public. I'm not really sure if this can continue for a long time as in my opinion, there is only so much money that people will pay for tickets, then one of two things will happen. Either they will stop going to live Broadway or other events or they will simply do what lots of shoppers are doing these days. And that is to look around for the "lowest price", giving up on the need for service. Personally, when I shop, I would rather consider paying a little more but getting great personal service.

So for anyone out there that loves Broadway just like we do, and wants the best seats for the best shows at the best prices, I can make you a guarantee today. Our service and our prices cannot be beat.

Simply give a call to Applause Theater Service in New York, the company I co-founded nearly 22 years ago with my friend and partner Bill Stolting. You'll experience service they way your parents and grandparents used to give and receive in their lives. Applause is licensed by the New York State Licensing Division of our home state (license # 71AP1001029) and we are open for business 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We even call forward our phone lines on the weekends so our customers will have service 24/7. How's that for "customer service".

For quite some time now we have been actively promoting our Applause Theater Service BELOW FACE VALUE special on our home page. Consider checking this out friends. We offer the public a way to get the very best seats in most of the Broadway theaters for upwards of nearly 30 Broadway shows. And for prices that are below what anyone can regularly buy them for, even if they were to go directly to the box office. Simply check out the BELOW FACE VALUE special on our web site.

Could you ask for anything more?

If you want to talk Broadway theater, restaurants or anything about New York, feel free to give me a call at 212-307-7050 in New York City or toll free at 800-451-9930. Just ask for the Broadway Ticket Man.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street, suite 601
NY,NY 10036
web site
follow us at twitter.com/applausetickets

Tovah Feldshuh in "Irena's Vow" is a MUST See!!

Don’t walk, run to get tickets to see "Irena's Vow" while you still can! I loved it!! The NYTimes called it “cheesy”, and the reviewer felt it skipped over things — but c’mon we are telling a Holocaust story. I personally thought everyone did a beautiful job and hey — I cried, so I went home happy…which is more than I can say about a host full of mediocre cliched plays I’ve seen in the past weeks. So good is good is my opinion and great is great. Go see Irena’s Vow. It’s about something good, real and not just another war story. In fact, I’m really happy to see all these Holocaust stories coming to life from other perspectives.
Remember when the only story we knew of was Anne Frank? It’s okay. It doesn’t get tired. It’s part of history. Tovah Feldshuh gives a powerful performance as well as the rest of the cast. The best is that it's only 90 minutes and Irena's real life daughter comes out at the end of the show for a Q & A. Awesome stuff!!

Producers are eying Scarlett Johansson for the role of Irena in the film version of the current Broadway show. Irena was a blonde bombshell in her day, so I'd say perfect casting.
Irena’s Vow is the true story of a of a woman who saved the lives of Jews during World War II. The story is told through a flashback; Johansson would play the younger Irena. No word on who would play the modern-day version of the character, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Tovah Feldshuh gets offered the role, she deserves it!

Call Applause now to get tickets to this limited run! Ask a Sales Expert for the deal to beat all discount deals. We can get you tickets below the normal face value of the ticket! You can't get better than that gang! Call 800-451-9930

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Be a Part of Their World at The Little Mermaid...

Take a journey to the wonderful world under the sea and beyond your wildest dreams! Disney's The Little Mermaid will dazzle your eyes, delight your ears and capture your heart with its timeless tale, and irresistible songs -- including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."

Whether you take your friends, first date or family. You will make this the show to see. Join Ariel, the beautiful mermaid with the glorious voice, as she ventures far from home in search of love on land. The Little Mermaid allows you to experience the spectacle, music and romance by becoming become part of their world. For the best seats at the best prices call Applause and mention "Insider Deal". Looking forward to seeing you "under the sea"

Carol Burg
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street
suite 601
New York, New York 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/

There Are Plenty of Reasons to See Best Play Tony Nominee "reasons to be pretty"!

There are plenty of reasons to like Neil LaBute's surprisingly wonderful "reasons to be pretty", but the biggest is Tony nominated Thomas Sadoski as Greg, a knucklehead stuck in a dead-end job and a relationship going nowhere in a hurry. Right before our eyes, Greg transforms from a juvenile jerk into a mature man. But getting there is anything but pretty.

I count myself as a LaBute fan, with his The Shape Of Things ranking among my favorite plays. For other LaBute fans, if I were to describe his latest work -- wonderfully directed by Terry Kinney(HBO's Oz fame(which I appeared 3 times!) -- as a Shape Of Things flipped inside out, I think you’d get my meaning. That earlier work makes you think that the central, seemingly beautiful relationship is about trust, but ultimately gets turned upside down with a startling revelation. There's no lulling about in reasons to be pretty, where the honesty that alternately seems too much or completely lacking in Greg's relationship with Steph (a marvelous Marin Ireland) is actually right down the middle all along. Although, it’s hard to believe anyone could possibly find Steph as anything close to ugly, unless you get a huge heaping load of ugliness spewing from her acid tongue(lots of strong language, beware!). "reasons to be pretty" epitomizes a coming of age story for a new generation, even if its hero is a little late to life’s game of standing up for what's right. It’s that courage of conviction and great cast that makes reasons to be pretty so compelling.

Call Applause now to get your tickets to this great Tony nominated play. Ask a Sales Expert for the special insider deal where you can get tickets below face value of the normal ticket price. 800-451-9930

Don't Miss Best Revival of a Play Nominee, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone"

Bartlett Sher won a Tony last year for directing the revival of “South Pacific” for Lincoln Center Theater, and on June 7 he’ll be at the Tony's again, nominated as director for the revival of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” The day after the Tony's, he’ll dive into his next project: a musical version of the film “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The man doesn't stop turning out the most amazing productions on Broadway. I think he's genious and Joe Turner proves it once again. I'm glad I don't have to pick among the four nominees for best revival for a play: “Joe Turner's Come and Gone,” “Mary Stuart,” “The Norman Conquests" and "Waiting for Godot". All great productions, but Joe has got a great shot at winning the big prize!

It was Mr. Wilson’s favorite among his plays — and that of many critics — “Joe Turner” was not a raging popular success in its first New York incarnation. Unfortunately it is not a big seller now as well even after the rave reviews and multiple Tony nominations. It would be a shame if this production doesn't find a wide audience and I think that it really needs this Tony for Best Revival in order to stick around on Broadway. The show has an amazing cast who give powerful performances. Lead by Roger Robinson who's been nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

Get your tickets now to a night of some of the most compelling theatre that you'll see this season on Broadway. Call now and ask for the amazing Applause offer of getting tickets BELOW face value of the normal price of a ticket for this and most Broadway shows. Great deal! Don't wait, take advantage of this offer for this limited run. 800-451-9930

"Jersey Boys" Still Going Strong on Broadway and London, the National Tour and now in Austrailia!

Still one of the top 3 sellers currently on Broadway, "Jersey Boys" is one of the best nights you'll have on the Great White Way! Absolutely one of my favorite all time shows. Also knocking em dead in London and on tour throughout the U.S., this show has become a phenomenon! If you haven't seen it, what the heck are you waiting for?

The show’s appeal is that as much as it’s set in Jersey, it’s really not about Jersey at all!
It’s a story about four guys aspiring to more than what they had. It’s a story of brotherhood and friendship among guys who happened to be megastars. Of course, the Mafia thing is a big draw card for people who don’t see musicals, too. It is the sense of triumph that is at the heart of the show. It’s about 10 years of not making any money and then within three to four months having three No. 1 hits in a row. When you really go on that journey with these guys, it’s inspiring because that’s something we all want to achieve ourselves.

The upcoming Melbourne production of JERSEY BOYS opens at the Princess Theatre on July 4!

Between now and next year, JERSEY BOYS national tour will be playing all over the United States! Here’s the latest schedule update:

Atlanta, GA at the Fox Theatre, May 27-June 21, 2009

Raleigh, NC at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts—Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, June 24-July 18, 2009

Boston, MA at the Citi Performing Arts Center Shubert Theatre, July 23-September 26, 2009

Washington, DC at the National Theatre, October 1-December 12, 2009

Detroit, MI at the Fisher Theatre, December 17, 2009 - January 23, 2010

Memphis, TN at the Orpheum Theatre, January 24-February 14, 2010

Charlotte, NC at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, March 31-April 18, 2010

Buffalo, NY at the Sheas Performing Arts Centre, April 21-May 9, 2010

Providence, RI at the Providence Performing Arts Center, May 12-June 6, 2010

Louisville, KY at the Kentucky Center, July 28-August 15, 2010

Call Applause now to get your tickets at some really great prices for all of these great cities, the best anywhere! 800-451-9930

Rock On With Rock of Ages...

With five 2009 Tony Nominations Rock of Ages is sure to please. Taking place in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl meets a big city rocker in LA’s most famous rock club, they fall in love to the greatest songs of the 80s.

ROCK OF AGES is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER, STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, PAT BENATAR, TWISTED SISTER, POISON, ASIA, WHITESNAKE and many more.

Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on! So if you wanna ROCK call Applause for the best seats at the best prices.

Carol Burg
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street
suite 601
New York, New York 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/

Broadway Bound Musical Memphis Announces Theatre

It was announced today that the new musical Memphis is likely to play Broadway's Shubert Theatre come this fall. Although no official announcement has been made it is expected to begin previews on September 23 with an official opening set for October 18. The theatre currently houses the Tony nominated revival Blithe Spirit which is on sale thru July 19th. According to press notes, "Memphis follows the fictionalized life story of young, white radio disc jockey Huey Calhoon growing up in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1950’s. An unlikely hero with a great love of the music he hears in the black bars on Beale Street, Huey’s on-air antics and unstoppable enthusiasm for 'race records' creates a new white audience for African-American music. His personal life transcends the race line as well, when he falls in love with a beautiful black singer - with dramatic consequences."

Based on the response it received at La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle's 5th Avenue Theater I expect the show to do very well. Besides it's about time we had some original shows on Broadway. Until next time theatre fans.

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/

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Saks Fifth Avenue Sales Down 25%

For those out of town Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most upscale stores in NYC. No matter the socio-economic level of the customer, they still want to save money. While I have an ulterior motive in this blog, it is my duty to tell you that you should compare our prices to the competition. You never see Applause on Wheel of Fortune giving away a $10,000 gift certificate. It is not that we don't like the show, it is just over our heads. It cost more than the $10,000 to buy that time.

Applause can provide a majority of Broadway tickets for BELOW FACE VALUE. If you think back to how your portfolio shrunk, it makes good sense to save money whenever possible, especially when you get the same quality product for a lower price. You always hear about the cost of a night on Broadway: the ticket, dinner, parking, a baby sitter, etc. Here is an opportunity to reduce the cost of a great evening out in NYC.

I am just asking you to do some comparison shopping. You will not only save money but will get Upper Class service from our staff.

Bill Stolting
Applause Theater Service
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York, New York 10036
local phone 212-307-7050
toll free 800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/

John Cudia Will Succeed Howard McGillin, World's Longest-Running Phantom, on Broadway

What a run! Howard McGillin will exit Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera on July 25 to pursue new projects. He leaves the Majestic Theatre after ten years — with some breaks in between — and takes with him a new record: world's longest-running Phantom! I saw him twice and he was quite good. But I'd have to say that it's about time that this show gets a fresh Phantom!

At a record-breaking 2,450 performances and counting, McGillin has already played the title role more than any other performer on Broadway. His closest competition, as far as performance count, at just under 2,400 performances, is the late Rob Guest, who played the title role in Australia and New Zealand. Americans Franc D'Ambrosio — the longtime record-holder before Guest — and Brad Little follow with over 2,100 performances each.
John Cudia, the current star of the national tour, will take over the role on Broadway after a nearly decade-long association with the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, directed by Harold Prince, on July 27.

After ten years since his first of many engagements with the production, McGillin has decided to pursue other theatrical ventures, according to a statement released May 7.
McGillin is a two-time Tony Award nominee as Best Actor in a Musical (Anything Goes) and Best Featured Actor in a Musical (The Mystery of Edwin Drood).
Cudia will return to the Broadway production, where last summer he stepped in to play the title role for a limited engagement of ten weeks. This time, he'll be taking over the role officially.
Continuing in their roles in the Broadway cast are Marni Raab (Christine, Jennifer Hope Wills returns June 1), Ryan Silverman (Raoul), George Lee Andrews (Monsieur André), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Patricia Phillips (Carlotta), Rebecca Judd (Madame Giry), Evan Harrington (Piangi), Heather McFadden (Meg Giry) and Elizabeth Loyacano (Christine at certain performances).
Cudia has had a long association with the show. He first joined the national tour in November 1999 as a Swing and cover for the leading role of Raoul. After eight months he took over as Raoul, which he played from July 2000 through March 2002, earning a National Broadway Touring Award nomination. He also covered the title role. On that tour, he met his future wife, Broadway actress Kathy Voytko. In October 2002 he joined the Broadway company as Raoul, a role that he would play in New York for over two-and-a-half years and 750 performances, through May 2005.
During this time, he also continued to cover the title role. He next took over as The Phantom on the national tour in April 2006, playing it for nearly 700 performances through November 2007. He will continue to perform with the tour until his final performance in Minneapolis on May 24.
Cudia also played Jean Valjean in Les Misérables on Broadway.
The longest-running show in Broadway history (achieved in 2006 when it surpassed the then-record run of Cats), The Phantom of the Opera is the winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is currently working on a sequel to the show, Phantom: Love Never Dies, to bow in 2009-10.
The Phantom of the Opera has discounts available with Applause at below the normal face value of the ticket. What a bargain! We can all use bargains today, can't we? Call 800-451-9930