Today In Theatre History

April 29, 1996. Care to guess what happened on that date? Well if you are like me then you know that one of the greatest musicals of the last twenty years opened on Broadway. Dare I say one of the greatest musicals in the last hundred years. Now that's what I think but I may be a little partial as it is one of my favorite shows of all time. So have you figured out which masterpiece I am talking about? Well I'll give you a clue. The show just has one word in it's title. Still can't figure it out? Well it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and won the Tony Award for Best Musical of the year. Not only that but it was a rock musical. Ding. Ding. Ding. That's right theatre fans. It was Rent. Which by the way I say twenty-five times. Now you may think that is a lot but you would be wrong. I have heard stories of people who saw it hundreds and hundreds of times. Now I'm sure I probably would have seen it more but I figured paying the rent was important. Like I how I threw that in there Rent fans? The show which ran on Broadway for over thirteen years is still being performed in theatres all around the world and will hopefully continue for years to come. Thank you Jonathan Larson. Your memory lives on.


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Tony Nominations

That's right theatre fans. The nominations are in and once again leading the pack for the third time is A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder. I guess I will have to get around to seeing it now huh? Coming in a close second is Hedwig and the Angry Inch which I am dying to see. Let's just hope I can get my hands on a ticket. Of course like every year there were a few snubs. If you had told me at the beginning of the year that Bullets Over Broadway would not be nominated for Best Musical I would have said you were crazy. Yes I know I may be a little partial seeing as I am a huge Woody Allen fan. But come on people. It was a great show. Not that I am sure the other's were not. Other notable snubs were a slew of Hollywood's heavyweights such as recent Tony winner Denzel Washington and fellow Oscar nominees like Michelle Williams and James Franco. Poor Daniel Radcliffe. Three starring roles on Broadway and not one nomination. Oh well. His show is doing well regardless. Be sure to watch this years Tony Awards on June 8 live on CBS. Who will win  and who will lose? The only thing we know for sure is that Hugh Jackman is hosting. Now on to the nominees. Enjoy!


Best Play
Act One 
All The Way 
Casa Valentina 
Mothers and Sons
Outside Mullingar

Best Musical

After Midnight
Aladdin
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder


Best Revival of a Play

The Cripple of Inishmaan
The Glass Menagerie
A Raisin in the Sun
Twelfth Night

Best Revival of a Musical

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Les Misérables
Violet

Best Book of a Musical
Aladdin
Chad Beguelin
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Douglas McGrath
Bullets Over Broadway
Woody Allen
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Robert L. Freedman

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Aladdin
Music: Alan Menken
Lyrics: Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin
The Bridges of Madison County
Music & Lyrics: Jason Robert Brown
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Music: Steven Lutvak
Lyrics: Robert L. Freedman & Steven Lutvak
If/Then
Music: Tom Kitt
Lyrics: Brian Yorkey

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Samuel Barnett, Twelfth Night
Bryan Cranston, All The Way
Chris O'Dowd, Of Mice and Men
Mark Rylance, Richard III
Tony Shalhoub, Act One

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Tyne Daly, Mothers and Sons
LaTanya Richardson Jackson, A Raisin in the Sun
Cherry Jones, The Glass Menagerie
Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Estelle Parsons, The Velocity of Autumn

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Neil Patrick Harris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Ramin Karimloo, Les Misérables
Andy Karl, Rocky
Jefferson Mays, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Bryce Pinkham, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Mary Bridget Davies, A Night with Janis Joplin
Sutton Foster, Violet
Idina Menzel, If/Then
Jessie Mueller, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Kelli O'Hara, The Bridges of Madison County

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Reed Birney, Casa Valentina
Paul Chahidi, Twelfth Night
Stephen Fry, Twelfth Night
Mark Rylance, Twelfth Night
Brian J. Smith, The Glass Menagerie

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Sarah Greene, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Celia Keenan-Bolger, The Glass Menagerie
Sophie Okonedo, A Raisin in the Sun
Anika Noni Rose, A Raisin in the Sun
Mare Winningham, Casa Valentina

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Danny Burstein, Cabaret
Nick Cordero, Bullets Over Broadway
Joshua Henry, Violet
James Monroe Iglehart, Aladdin
Jarrod Spector, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Linda Emond, Cabaret
Lena Hall, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Anika Larsen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Adriane Lenox, After Midnight
Lauren Worsham, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Beowulf Boritt, Act One
Bob Crowley, The Glass Menagerie
Es Devlin, Machinal
Christopher Oram, The Cripple of Inishmaan

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Christopher Barreca, Rocky
Julian Crouch, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Alexander Dodge, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Santo Loquasto, Bullets Over Broadway

Best Costume Design of a Play
Jane Greenwood, Act One
Michael Krass, Machinal
Rita Ryack, Casa Valentina
Jenny Tiramani, Twelfth Night

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Linda Cho, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
William Ivey Long, Bullets Over Broadway
Arianne Phillips, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Isabel Toledo, After Midnight

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Paule Constable, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Jane Cox, Machinal
Natasha Katz, The Glass Menagerie
Japhy Weideman, Of Mice and Men

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Christopher Akerlind, Rocky
Howell Binkley, After Midnight
Donald Holder, The Bridges of Madison County

Best Sound Design of a Play
Alex Baranowski, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Steve Canyon Kennedy, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Dan Moses Schreier, Act One
Matt Tierney, Machinal

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Peter Hylenski, After Midnight
Tim O'Heir, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Mick Potter, Les Misérables
Brian Ronan, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Best Direction of a Play
Tim Carroll, Twelfth Night
Michael Grandage, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Kenny Leon, A Raisin in the Sun
John Tiffany, The Glass Menagerie

Best Direction of a Musical
Warren Carlyle, After Midnight
Michael Mayer, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Leigh Silverman, Violet
Darko Tresnjak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Best Choreography
Warren Carlyle, After Midnight
Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine, Rocky
Casey Nicholaw, Aladdin
Susan Stroman, Bullets Over Broadway

Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway
Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County
Steve Sidwell, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Jonathan Tunick, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
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or 1-800-451-9930

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Customer Story

Today's customer story comes all the way from the great state of California. Last week I received a call from one of our regular travel agent's who was planning a trip to New York for her and her husband and wanted to see a couple of shows while they were here. By the way for all you travel agents out there who use us not only do we get you the best seats but you also get a discount as well when the tickets are for you. Who doesn't love a bargain? I know I do. So anyway after finding out when they would be here I asked them what they wanted to see and of course how much they wanted to spend. Their choices were Cabaret and Bullets Over Broadway. Two shows that not only did I see but enjoyed too. How often does that happen? Not too many my friends. Actually the truth is I have enjoyed more shows lately then I used too. I guess I'm getting less picky in my old age. O.K. I'm not that old. Yet. But enough about me. Now since they were going to be here for a few days I suggested that if they wanted to get the best seats they might want to go during the week. Luckily they agreed with me and I was able to get them some excellent seats in the Mezzanine for both shows and on an aisle as well. So there you have it folks. Two great shows and great prices to boot. Another satisfied customer. Will you be next?


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
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Drama Desk Award Nominations

Well here we go again. As I mentioned earlier in the week the award season is in full swing. Three days ago the Outer Critic's Award nominations were announced. Today it is the Drama Desk nominations with the Tony nominations set to be announced on Tuesday morning. Leading the pack this year with 12 nominations is A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder which interesting enough got the most Outer Critic's Circle nominations as well. I'm sensing a trend here people. Now on to the nominations. Enjoy!




Outstanding Play Nell Benjamin, The Explorers Club 
Steven Levenson, Core Values
Conor McPherson, The Night Alive 
Richard Nelson, Regular Singing
Bruce Norris, Domesticated
Robert Schenkkan, All The Way
John Patrick Shanley, Outside Mullingar


Outstanding Musical
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Aladdin
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Fun Home
Love’s Labour’s Lost
Rocky
The Bridges of Madison County


Outstanding Revival of a Play
I Remember Mama
London Wall
No Man's Land
Of Mice and Men
The Cripple of Inishmaan 
The Model Apartment 
Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe Production)




Outstanding Revival of a Musical
Hedwig and the Angry Inch 
Les Misérables
Violet


Outstanding Actor in a Play
Bryan Cranston, All The WayHamish Linklater,
The Comedy of ErrorsIan McKellen,
No Man's Land
David Morse, The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin 
Chris O'Dowd, Of Mice and Men
Daniel Radcliffe, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Denzel Washington, A Raisin in the Sun


Outstanding Actress in a Play
Barbara Andres, I Remember Mama
Tyne Daly, Mothers and Sons
Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill 
Laurie Metcalf, Domesticated
J. Smith-Cameron, Juno and the Paycock
Harriet Walter, Julius Caesar


Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Neil Patrick Harris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Adam Jacobs, Aladdin
Andy Karl, Rocky
Jefferson Mays, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Steven Pasquale, The Bridges of Madison County
Bryce Pinkham, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder


Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Sutton Foster, Violet
Idina Menzel, If/Then
Jessie Mueller, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical 
Kelli O'Hara, The Bridges of Madison County 
Margo Seibert, Tamar of the River
Barrett Wilbert Weed, Heathers: The Musical


Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play
Reed Birney, Casa Valentina
Chuck Cooper, Choir BoyPeter Maloney, Outside Mullingar 
Bobby Moreno, Year of the Rooster 
Bill Pullman, The Jacksonian
Brian J. Smith, The Glass Menagerie


Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
Betty Buckley, The Old Friends
Julia Coffey, London Wall
Diane Davis, The Model Apartment
Celia Keenan-Bolger, The Glass Menagerie 
Jan Maxwell, The Castle
Sophie Okonedo, A Raisin in the Sun


Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Danny Burstein, Cabaret
Nick Cordero, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical 
Joshua Henry, Violet
James Monroe Iglehart, Aladdin
Rory O’Malley, Nobody Loves You
Bobby Steggert, Big Fish


Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
Stephanie J. Block, Little Miss Sunshine
Anika Larsen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Adriane Lenox, After Midnight
Sydney Lucas, Fun Home
Laura Osnes, The Threepenny OperaJennifer Simard, Disaster!
Lauren Worsham, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder


Outstanding Director of a Play
Joe Calarco, A Christmas Carol 
Tim Carroll, Twelfth Night 
Thomas Kail, Family Furniture 
Bill Rauch, All The Way
Anna D. Shapiro, Domesticated
Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream


Outstanding Director of a Musical
Sam Gold, Fun Home
Michael Mayer, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Bartlett Sher, The Bridges of Madison County
Susan Stroman, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical 
Alex Timbers, Rocky
Darko Tresnjak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder


Outstanding Choreography
Warren Carlyle, After Midnight
Steven Hoggett, Kelly Devine,
RockyDanny Mefford,
Love's Labour's Lost
Casey Nicholaw, Aladdin
Susan Stroman, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical 
Sonya Tayeh, Kung Fu


Outstanding Music
Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County 
Andrew Lippa, Big Fish
Steven Lutvak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Alan Menken, Aladdin
Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, Heathers: The Musical 
Jeanine Tesori, Fun Home


Outstanding Lyrics
Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin, Aladdin
Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County
Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Michael Friedman, Love's Labour's Lost
Michael Korie, Far from Heaven
Lisa Kron, Fun Home


Outstanding Book of a Musical
Chad Beguelin, Aladdin
Robert L. Freedman, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Joe Kinosian, Murder for Two
Lisa Kron, Fun Home
Douglas McGrath, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical 
Marsha Norman, The Bridges of Madison County


Outstanding Orchestrations
Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison County 
John Clancy, Fun Home
Larry Hochman, Big Fish
Steve Sidwell, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical 
Michael Starobin, If/Then
Jonathan Tunick, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder


Outstanding Music in a Play
Lewis Flinn, The Tribute Artist
Elliot Goldenthal, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Rob Kearns, The Life and Sort of Death of Eric Argyle 
Tom Kochan, Almost, Maine
Nico Muhly, The Glass Menagerie
Duncan Sheik, A Man's a Man


Outstanding Revue
After Midnight
I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Musik from the Weimar and Beyond 
Le Jazz Hot: How the French Saved Jazz
Til Divorce Do Us Part
What's It All About? Bacharach Reimagined


Outstanding Set Design
Christopher Barreca, Rocky
Alexander Dodge, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Richard Hoover, Small Engine Repair
Santo Loquasto, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical
Ian MacNeil, A Doll's House
Donyale Werle, The Explorers Club


Outstanding Costume Design
Constance Hoffman, A Midsummer Night's Dream 
William Ivey Long, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical 
Zane Pihlstrom, Nutcracker Rouge
Loren Shaw, The Mysteries
Jenny Tiramani, Twelfth Night
David C. Woolard, The Heir Apparent


Outstanding Lighting Design
Christopher Akerlind, Rocky 
Jane Cox, MachinalDavid Lander, The Civil War 
Peter Mumford, King Lear 
Brian Tovar, Tamar of the River 
Japhy Weideman, Macbeth


Outstanding Projection Design
Robert Massicotte and Alexis Laurence, Cirkopolis 
Sven Ortel, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Aaron Rhyne, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Shawn Sagady, All The Way
Austin Switser, Sontag: Reborn Ben Rubin, Arguendo


Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical
Kai Harada, Fun Home
Peter Hylenski, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical
Peter Hylenski, Rocky
Brian Ronan, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Dan Moses Schreier, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder 
Jon Weston, The Bridges of Madison County


Outstanding Sound Design in a Play
M.L. Dogg, The Open House
Katie Down, The Golden Dragon
Paul James Prendergast, All The Way 
Dan Moses Schreier, Act One 
Christopher Shutt, Love and Information 
Matt Tierney, Machinal


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
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New York Institution Tavern On The Green Is Open And Ready For Business

Now it's interesting but in all the years that I have lived here I have never been to Tavern on the Green. Yes I know it's been closed for almost five years but even before that I never had a desire or frankly the money to ever try it. Plus I figured it was going to be around forever so I knew that eventually I would get around to checking it out. Well here we are today and Tavern on the Green is back. In fact it just reopened last night. Now while some things may have changed including the owners it looks like one of New York's famous restaurants is here to stay. Not only that but the prices don't look as bad as I was expecting. Earlier today I read an article about the opening on one of my favorite sites which not only included pictures of the restaurant but also the opening night menu as well. Now I don't know about you but all this talk of food is making me hungry. I think it's time for a little snack. Who knows? Maybe I'll have to make my way over to Central Park and see what everybody is talking about. Until next time foodies.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Well that's it theatre fans. With the opening last night of the Broadway revival of Cabaret the 2013-2014 Broadway season has officially come to a close. Now as I have stated in my previous blogs the last revival of Cabaret was a personal favorite of mine. Not too mention the fact that I got to hang out at Studio 54 during my three years that I worked in the Box Office. Well that and also hang out with the cast on many occasions as well. I guess working in this industry does have it's advantages. But enough about me. You came here to find out what the critic's had to say so let's get to it. Enjoy!


Associated Press


Chicago Tribune


Hollywood Reporter


NBC New York


Newsday


New York Daily News


New York Magazine


New York Post


New York Times


Time Out New York


USA Today


Variety




JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
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Broadway Revival Of Cabaret To Open Tonight On Broadway

That's right theatre fans. Cabaret is back on Broadway where it belongs. Seeing the last Broadway revival still remains one of my favorite theatrical experiences of all time. Plus having worked at the theatre's box office I must have seen the show a dozen or more times. Good thing I liked it right? Now following a ten year hiatus the show is back. In fact they just announced today that a new block of seats just went on sale thru January 5, 2015. By the way the last production which was only scheduled to run for six months ended up lasting six years. Will lighting strike twice? We will soon find out. Be sure to check back tomorrow morning when I will post the reviews. Until next time theatre fans.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
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Hedwig and the Angry Inch Reviews

That's right theatre fans. Last night marked the official Broadway debut of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Not only is the show a personal favorite of mine but so is it's star Neil Patrick Harris. The show which first premiered Off-Broadway in 1998 is a must see. That is if you can get a ticket of course. Now don't worry. Tickets are available. You just have to know where to look. Luckily for you we sell them. Now on to the reviews. Enjoy!


AMNY

Associated Press


Entertainment Weekly


Hollywood Reporter


NBC New York


Newsday


New York Daily News


New York Magazine


New York Post


New York Times


Time Out New York


USA Today


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Outer Critic's Circle Award Nominations

That's right theatre fans. The awards season has officially begun. First up is the Outer Critic's Circle Awards. Leading the pack with the most nominations is A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder. Now to be honest I have never seen the show but it did get amazing reviews. Winners are set to be announced on May 12. Now on to the nominees.


OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY PLAYAct One
All The Way
Casa Valentina
Outside Mullingar
The Realistic Joneses


OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL
After Midnight
Aladdin
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Rocky


OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY PLAY
Appropriate
Choir Boy
The Explorer's Club
The Heir Apparent
Stage Kiss


OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
Far From Heaven
Fun Home
Murder For Two
Storyville
What's It All About? Bacharach Reimagined


OUTSTANDING BOOK OF A MUSICAL (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Aladdin
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Fun Home
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Rocky


OUTSTANDING NEW SCORE (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Aladdin
The Bridges of Madison County
Fun Home
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
If/Then


OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A PLAY (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
The Cripple of Inishmaan
The Glass Menagerie
Machinal
Twelfth Night
The Winslow Boy


OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Cabaret
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill
Les Misérables
Violet


OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A PLAY
Tim Carroll, Twelfth Night
Michael Grandage, The Cripple of Inishmaan
Lindsay Posner, The Winslow Boy
Bill Rauch, All The Way
Lyndsey Turner, Machinal


OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL
Warren Carlyle, After Midnight
Laurence Connor and James Powell, Les Misérables
Sam Gold, Fun Home
Alex Timbers, Rocky
Dark Tresnjak, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder


OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER
Warren Carlyle,  After Midnight
Peggy Hickey,  A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine, Rocky
Casey Nicholaw, Aladdin
Susan Stroman, Bullets Over Broadway
 
OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN
(Play or Musical)
Christopher Barreca, Rocky
Beowulf Boritt,  Act One
Bob Crowley,  Aladdin
Es Devlin,  Machinal
Alexander Dodge, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
 
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
(Play or Musical)
Gregg Barnes, Aladdin
Linda Cho, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
William Ivey Long, Bullets Over Broadway
Jenny Tiramani, Twelfth Night
Isabel Toledo,  After Midnight
 
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN
(Play or Musical)
Kevin Adams,  Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Howell Binkley,  After Midnight
Paule Constable,  Les Misérables
Natasha Katz, Aladdin
Philip S. Rosenberg,  A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
 
OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Bryan Cranston, All The Way
Ian McKellen, No Man’s Land
Brían F. O’Byrne, Outside Mullingar
Mark Rylance, Twelfth Night
Tony Shaloub,  Act One
 
OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Tyne Daly, Mothers and Sons
Rebecca Hall, Machinal
Jessica Hecht, Stage Kiss
Cherry Jones, The Glass Menagerie
Estelle Parsons, The Velocity of Autumn
 
OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Michael Cerveris, Fun Home
Neil Patrick Harris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Andy Karl, Rocky
Jefferson Mays, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Bryce Pinkham, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
 
OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Sutton Foster, Violet
Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
Jessie Mueller, Beautiful:  The Carole King Musical
Kelli O’Hara, The Bridges of Madison County
Michelle Williams, Cabaret
 
OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY
Paul Chahidi, Twelfth Night
Michael Cyril Creighton, Stage Kiss
John McMartin, All The Way
Alessandro Nivola, The Winslow Boy
Brian J. Smith,  The Glass Menagerie
 
OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Barbara Barrie, I Remember Mama
Andrea Martin, Act One
Sophie Okonedo, A Raisin in the Sun
Anika Noni Rose, A Raisin in the Sun
Mare Winningham, Casa Valentina
 
OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Danny Burstein, Cabaret
Nick Cordero, Bullets Over Broadway
Joshua Henry, Violet
James Monroe Iglehart, Aladdin
Jarrod Spector, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
 
OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Judy Kuhn, Fun Home
Anika Larsen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Sydney Lucas, Fun Home
Marin Mazzie,  Bullets Over Broadway  
Lisa O’Hare, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
 
OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
Jim Brochu,  Character Man
Debra Jo Rupp,  Becoming Dr. Ruth
Ruben Santiago-Hudson,  How I Learned What I Learned
Alexandra Silber,  Arlington
John Douglas Thompson,  Satchmo at the Waldorf


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

The Cripple of Inishmaan Reviews

That's right theatre fans. Last night marked Daniel Radcliffe's third time on the Great White Way. The Cripple of Inishmaan, which opened last night at the Cort Theatre first premiered Off-Broadway back in 1998. This new production which marks it's first time on Broadway is based on the recent sold out London production which also starred Mr. Radcliffe. Will this role finally garner him a Tony nomination? I think most people, myself included were surprised that he wasn't nominated for at least one of his previous roles. Who knows? Maybe the third time will be a charm. We shall see. Now on to the reviews. Enjoy!


AMNY


Associated Press


Entertainment Weekly


Hollywood Reporter


NBC New York


Newsday


New York Daily News


New York Magazine


New York Post


New York Times


USA Today


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

That's right theatre fans. It's Monday morning and you know what that means don't you? No it's not another customer story. A new show opened last night. Actually two shows opened last night. Violet and The Cripple of Inishmaan. Now don't worry. I'll be sure to post the reviews for that one too. One show at a time. Violet, which stars two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster and first premiered Off-Broadway in 1997 is scheduled to play at the American Airlines Theatre thru August 10. Although if this morning's reviews are any indication I would not be surprised if it extends. We shall see. Now on to the reviews. Enjoy!


AMNY


Associated Press


Entertainment Weekly


NBC New York


Newsday


New York Daily News


New York Magazine


New York Times


USA Today


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Jersey Boys Movie Trailer

That's right theatre fans. One of Broadway's most popular shows is headed to the big screen. Jersey Boys which won the Tony Award for Best Musical is set to open nationwide on June 20. Now I'll be honest when the show first opened I was intrigued but never got around to seeing it. Too much hype as far as I was concerned. Cut to two years later I was offered a ticket so I decided to give in and check it out. Of course the fact that the ticket was free certainly helped. Well imagine my surprise when I ended up loving it. In fact I would probably put the show in my "Top 15" Broadway shows of all time. I guess you could say I liked it.


Now for those of you who still haven't seen it you are in luck. We sell the show. Not only that but if you call right now we can get you tickets to see Jersey Boys at rates that can't be beat. Be advised that while this "Insider Price" is good thru June 1 it is not good for Saturday nights and is always subject to availability. Get your tickets to see Jersey Boys on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre. You will love it. Wait a minute. I almost forgot the sole reason for this blog which was to show you the trailer for the movie. Good thing I remembered. So here you go. Enjoy! Until next time theatre fans.










JWB


Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

See Broadway's Motown For Less On Broadway

Still haven't seen Motown yet? Well there is no better time than the present. I loved the show when I saw it. Of course being a big fan of the music certainly helps. I mean how can you not right? The Temptations? Check. The Jackson Five? Check. Diana Ross? Check. How about a little Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson thrown in as well. Motown has them all and then some. Now like I said I loved the show. In fact The Temptations are one of my favorite groups of all time. Well them and Lynyrd Skynrd. Now that is a story that deserves to be musicalized. But enough about what I like. You came here to find out how you can see Motown for less right? So let's get to it.  Good seats are now available for performances thru July 6. Be advised that while this "Insider Price" is good thru then it is not good for Saturday matinees and as always is subject to availability. Get your tickets to see Motown on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. You will love it.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Of Mice and Men Reviews

That's right theatre fans. Of Mice and Men opened last night at the Longacre Theatre on Broadway.  The show which has not been seen on the Great White Way in forty years is scheduled to close on July 27. So were the critic's kind to James Franco and Chris Dowd and company? Let's find out. Enjoy!


AMNY


Associated Press


Entertainment Weekly


Hollywood Reporter


NBC New York


Newsday


New York Daily News


New York Magazine


New York Post


New York Times


Time Out New York


USA Today


Variety



 JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill Extends Thru August 10

That's right theatre fans. You will have even more chances to see Audra McDonald in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill on Broadway. No big surprise considering the outstanding reviews the shows got on Monday. Now while I haven't seem the show yet I have only heard good things about it. The big question is of course what category they will put the show in when the Tony nominations come out at the end of this month. Technically it is a "Play with Music" even though she does perform over a dozen of Billy Holiday's greatest hits. Plus I would think Audra might have a better shot at winning her sixth Tony Award due to this year's competitive race in the Best Actress in a Musical category. Either way we will find out on April 29 when the nominations are announced. Make sure to check back on that day when I will list the nominees.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Of Mice and Men To Open Tonight on Broadway

You've read the book. You've seen the movie. Now see Of Mice and Men live and on stage. Now believe it or not but I have never read the book or seen the movie. Although I do recall an episode a few years back on Saturday Night Live with the late Chris Farley and John Malkovich where they spoofed it in a very funny sketch. Does that count? Anyway this new production which opens tonight stars James Franco, Chris O'Dowd and Leighton Meester and marks the shows third time on the Great White Way and the first time in almost four decades. As of now the show is scheduled to play thru July 27 but if reviews are good it could extend.We shall see. I will post the show's reviews tomorrow so make sure to check back here to see what the critic's had to say. Until next time theatre fans.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Customer Story

Today's customer story comes all the way from Saratoga. No I am not talking about the one in New York but the one in Georgia. It's funny but I didn't even know there was another city called Saratoga out there. I guess it's true what they say huh? You learn something new every day. So anyway this past Saturday I received a call from a very nice gentleman who came to us via his travel agent who highly recommended us. Got to love customers like that right? So after finding out when he and his family would be here I asked him what he wanted to see. His choices were Rocky, All The Way, The Book of Mormon and last but not least the New York Yankees. Quiet a selection don't you think?


Now because they were only here for a limited amount of time they decided to see the Yankees on the same day as The Book of Mormon. Let's just hope there are no rain delays that day right? Because they just wanted the experience of going to the game they didn't necessarily have to have the best seats. Finally after a little checking around I was able to find then some really nice seats behind the Yankees dugout. Once down. Three to go. For both All The Way and The Book of Mormon I suggested the Front Mezzanine as the view is much better from up there. Luckily they agreed with me and I was able to get them some very nice seats in the center for both shows and for a rate that was lower than they were expecting. Two more down. One to go.


Now I actually saw Rocky last month and really enjoyed it. Oh sure the critics weren't as kind as the could of been but the critics also gave mixed reviews to Wicked when it opened eleven years ago and look what happened to that one? I rest my case. Now for those of you that are not familiar with the seating for Rocky they sell the first eight rows of the Orchestra not at a Premium which is usually the case but at regular price. They call it the Golden Circle and basically the ushers come down during the last twenty-minutes of the show, take you out of your seat, and escort you on to the stage where you sit and watch the show from bleachers. Pretty exciting don't you think? So there you have it folks? Four great events with great seats and prices to boot. Another satisfied customer. Will you be next?



 JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill Reviews

You know to be honest I actually forgot that Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill was opening last night. I mean it's kind of hard to keep track these days with shows opening up every week. That's what happens this time of year with all the new shows trying to open up before the Tony deadline. As expected the reviews were pretty good. I mean let's face it. It is Audra McDonald were talking about here people. Has this woman ever gotten a bad review in here life? I don't think so. Plus she's got five Tony Awards up on her mantel. Will this show win her a record breaking number six? We will soon fine out. Now on to the reviews. Enjoy!


AMNY


AP


Entertainment Weekly


NBC New York


Newsday


New York Daily News


New York Magazine


New York Post


New York Times


Time Out New York


USA Today




JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Bullets Over Broadway Reviews

Well theatre fans the reviews are in and instead of telling you whether they are good or not I will just let you read them for yourself and let you decide. I loved the show as you can tell by the blog I posted yesterday. In another blog I stated that not only do I expect Bullets Over Broadway to be nominated for Best Musical but that it will win as well. I guess we will see on June 8th if I was right. Now on to the reviews. Enjoy!


AMNY


Chicago Tribune


Hollywood Reporter


NBC New York


Newsday


New York Daily News


New York Post


New York Magazine


New York Times


USA Today


Variety


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Bullets Over Broadway To Open Tonight

Just last week I posted a blog about Bullets Over Broadway. To say that I loved it would be an understatement. In fact I can't tell you the last time I laughed that much at a Broadway show. Yes I can. It was in August 2003 when I saw Avenue Q for the first time. Since then I have seen the show over a half a dozen times. I guess you could say I'm a fan huh? Now do I think I could watch Bullets Over Broadway that many times and still find it just as funny each and every time? Well I am a big Woody Allen fan so you never know. That is if I can get my hands on some tickets after the reviews come out tomorrow. Now do I think the critic's will like it? I would like to think so but I guess I will just wait and see. Check back here tomorrow when I will post the reviews. Until next time theatre fans.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Customer Story

Today's customer story comes all the way from Washington. No not our nation's capitol. The state of Washington is what I am talking about. Spokane to be exact. Earlier in the week I received a call from one of our regular travel agents who's client was planning a trip to New York in June and wanted to see two shows while they were here. Care to guess what they wanted to see? Well I'll give you a couple of hints. Both are musicals and both won the top prize at the Tony Awards. Any idea yet? No it's not The Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King although those would be good guesses. Nope. I am talking about The Book of Mormon and Kinky Boots. Two popular shows that surprisingly I have never seen. Oh well. It's not like they aren't going to be around for a long time right? So anyway now that I knew what they wanted to see I needed to find out when and more importantly where they wanted to see and how much they wanted to spend. Since they were flexible on their dates I suggested that the choose a weekday performance as not only would the seats be better but more than likely cheaper as well. Thankfully for them they agreed with me as I was able to get them excellent seats in the Center Mezzanine for both shows and at a rate that was lower than they were expecting. Another satisfied customer. Will you be next?


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

A Raisin In The Sun Reviews

Well the reviews for A Raisin In The Sun are in and guess what? They're pretty good. I mean are we really surprised? I know I'm not. After all Denzel Washington is my favorite actor of all time. Yes I know I may be a little partial. Plus I was hoping the critic's wouldn't give him a hard time because he is playing a forty year old man when we all know he is closing in on sixty. You know what I say? Who cares. A great actor is a great actor. Plus it helps that he is surrounded by a great cast and has a very talented director at the helm. Not too mention the show is a classic. Now on to the reviews.


Associated Press


Entertainment Weekly


Hollywood Reporter


NBC New York


Newsday


New York Daily News


New York Post

New York Magazine


New York Times


USA Today


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

A Day In The Life Of A Ticket Broker

Ten years. Where has the time gone? Ten years ago today I walked thru the doors of Applause to begin a new chapter in my life. Now while some of those doors may have changed over the years Broadway and the theatre is still a big part of my life. When I look back at all the shows that I have seen over the years I will say there have been more hits than misses. Yes there have been some that I have been less than thrilled with over the years. Doesn't mean they weren't entertaining at times. I love me some bad theatre. Well once in awhile that is. Now for those of you who read my blogs you are well aware about my feelings on the future of Broadway.


I am not nor have I ever been a big fan of Disney. The fact that they are on Broadway just makes be dislike them even more. Look don't get me wrong. They do have their place. If not for them most children would probably never get to experience Broadway for the first time or at all for that matter. For that they should be commended. I have always been a fan of those shows that are not afraid to take risks and more importantly are not based on a film or in Disney's case a cartoon. Yes I realize they are films too. I was just over exaggerating for effect. I tend to do that. Maybe I'm just being bitter because my own show is not on Broadway yet.


And yes I do mean yet. It will get there someday. Sooner than later I hope. So you may be wondering where I am going with all of this right? Well I'll tell you. As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog I have worked at Applause for ten years. Since then ten new musicals have taken the top prize at the Tony Awards. Of those ten only three were original. Care to guess which ones they are? Avenue Q, In The Heights, and last but not least The Book Of Mormon. Really? Three out of ten? I have just one word to describe how I feel about that. Pathetic. I take that back. I have two words to describe how I feel about it. Sad. Now just in case you are wondering here is the rest of the other winners.


Monty Python's Spamalot
Jersey Boys
Spring Awakening
Billy Elliott
Memphis
Once
Kinky Boots


Not only that but fourteen of the runner ups were all based on movies too. Where are the new ideas at people? Look I'm sure you all think I'm just being bitter because my own show may not be at the level that I want it to be. You couldn't be further from the truth. I love the theatre. That is the reason I moved here twenty years ago and is why I am still here today. Broadway is one of the greatest things about this city. It is one of the main reasons people travel all over the world after all. Let's just hope that continues for years and years to come. If not a lot of hard working people would be out of a job and quite frankly it would make me pretty sad too. Until next time theatre fans.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

A Raisin In The Sun Starring Tony Winner Denzel Washington To Open Tonight On Broadway

Well would you look at that. A show on Broadway that I actually want to see. Now while I'll admit there are quite a few other shows that I am looking forward too none can compare to seeing my favorite actor in A Raisin in the Sun. In fact I can't recall a time when Denzel Washington wasn't my favorite actor. It must be going on at least twenty or more years. Now while I didn't get a chance to see him in his Tony Award winning performance four years ago in Fences I am going to move hell and high water to see this one. The only problem is I only have a limited time to do it as the show is schedule to close on June 15. Yes that means you better get your tickets too before time runs out. I will be posting the reviews first thing tomorrow so make sure to check back here to see what the critic's had to say. Until next time theatre fans.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service

Run, Don't Walk To See Bullets Over Broadway

Let me just first start off by saying that I am a huge Woody Allen fan. HUGE! Which is why I was so excited when it was announced over two year's ago that they were turning one of my favorite films into a big Broadway musical. Now for those of you who read my blogs know that I am not a big fan of movies being turned into musicals. Trust me. I'm not the only one who feels that way. I mean for every successful ones like The Lion King and Kinky Boots there are failures like Spider-Man and Shrek. Yes I know Spider-Man ran for over three years. It still lost millions of dollars and let's face it that's what really counts anyway. Am I right? Anyway as I'm sure you figured out by the title of my blog I saw the show. Last night in fact. Suffice to say I loved it. In fact I will go on record right now that not only will it probably receive the most Tony nominations of any show but it will also will win Best Musical of the Year. Yes I know that is a pretty bold prediction but I stand by it. Mark my words theatre fans. Bullets Over Broadway is going to be a big fat hit! Get your tickets now.


JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
723 7th Avenue
Suite 902
New York, NY 10019
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Facebook:Applause Theater and Entertainment Service