HOUDINI THE MUSICAL - A NEW SHOW BEING WORKED ON, STAGES ITS FIRST VIRTUAL READING

  

I just read something interesting about a new musical that is being worked on right now. The musical will be called Houdini which will be an original musical based on the life and career of Harry Houdini, the stunt performer and illusionist.  Houdini was most noted for his “escape” acts. 

Two seasoned actors recently performed a virtual reading for this new musical prospect. Laura Osnes, well known for playing in the Broadway revival of South Pacific, also played Bonnie Parker in the musical Bonnie and Clyde in its premier at La Jolla Playhouse. She later played in the same show on Broadway.  Additional Broadway credits include starring roles in the Broadway revival of Anything  Goes and Cinderella.  Ms. Osnes does a good amount of film and television work and has two solo music albums as well.  In this virtual reading Laura Osnes plays the role of Bess Houdini.

Playing opposite Laura Osnes in the reading was Ramin Karimloo, who would play the lead role of Harry Houdini.  On Broadway he played John Valjean in Les Miserables and he also appeared in Anastasia. His first professional acting role occurred when he joined the UK touring cast of the Pirates of Penzance in 2001. Later that year he played the role of Artie Green in Sunset Boulevard. After this role he made his West End debut when he joined the cast of Les Miserables. He also played various roles in London’s The Phantom of the Opera.  He was most recently seen on Broadway playing in Anastasia in 2017.

Houdini has not selected a show synopsis as of yet but the setting is expected to take place at Houdini‘s final performance in Detroit in 1926. Apparently his life will be told through a series of flashbacks that take place on stage.

The city of Detroit will hold the world premiere of this new musical. After that, it’s very likely that the show will move on to Broadway with hopes of then casting a theatre company to play in London’s West End.  No dates for the show's potential opening have been selected as it is too early in the creative process.

You never know what will become a hit in the theater world but I kind of like the chances for Houdini.

Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone.  

Regards,

Rich Gladstone                                                     

President

Applause-Tickets.com

Phone 212-307-7050

BROADWAY SHOWS PLAN A STAGGERED REOPENING, POSSIBLY BEGINNING IN SUMMER 2021

It seems like a lifetime ago when I saw my last Broadway Show, which I think was Hadestown at New York's Walter Kerr Theatre.  The show is fabulous and I'm looking forward to seeing it again not to mention so many others on my list.  That brings me to today's blog post topic, which could also be named Broadway Shows Plan To Reopen in Summer 2021, Maybe?

I believe The League of New York Theatres and Producers have announced 6 or 7 dates when they planned on Broadway's show reopening's since Broadway lights dimmed in March 2020.  I think they know better now and I'm pretty sure that the public doesn't really believe any of these announcements, since they've never come true.  The last date given the public is May 30, 2021 and a few shows are selling tickets with others simply staying more conservative saying they are choosing reopening dates of September through December 2021.  Most shows are adopting a wait and see attitude.

The word on the street is that some of the smaller productions might try to reopen with larger, more difficult to mount shows evaluating how their smaller colleagues are making out first.  Again, no one really knows for sure when the first shows can safely reopen right now.

In order to reopen, every show will need to prove they can limit the spread of the Covid 19 infection inside their theaters.  And realistically, in my own opinion, I would think that theatre staff as well as ticketholders will need to be vaccinated.  Without vaccination, it would be nearly impossible for a safe return.  It would be hard to limit infection spread seeing as how theaters have lots of tight spaces with rows and rows of seats that are all attached to one another.  Backstage, dressing rooms and orchestra pits are extremely tight and would be a problem for sure.  Again, vaccination makes the most sense to me, leaving little or no risk that people would get sick.

Even if everyone wore masks and gloves there would be no way to social distance unless capacity was cut severely, to somewhere between 25-50%.  Reducing capacity is not sustainable for Broadway as most shows need to sell around 80% of their seats to make a profit.  Again, it looks like we'll need everyone to get the vaccine before shows start again.  Thank goodness that the vaccinations have begun and that some medical experts including Dr. Anthony Fauci have said we may get to go to live events somewhere around September 2021, when the entire nation will have been inoculated.  

Although I like to write about Broadway Theatre, most of my posts are written about the actual productions.  What I like about them, the cast of actors that makeup the show as well as what the shows are about.  Most of the time, I write excitedly about the shows as I always try to find the redeeming characteristics a show has.  After all, I'm a ticket broker, a reseller of tickets, not a "critic".

Even though it looks like Broadway has a way to go until we get to see "live theatre" again, the vaccinations should give all of us hope that we are well on our way to putting this horrible pandemic behind us.  Cheers to that my friends.

As this will be my last blog post of 2020, I'd like to take this time to wish all of my family, friends, hotel & travel industry colleagues and everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.  Please stay safe dear friends.  I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely

Rich Gladstone

President

Applause-Tickets.com /Phone 212 307 7050

Will the Broadway Theatre Return In June, 2021? Will Hamilton Steal The Show?

 

Will Broadway Shows Start Reopening In June 2021?

My friends, that may be the $64,000 question. Broadway shows last played on March 11, 2020, nearly 9 months ago.

Although New York’s Governor Cuomo last mentioned that he would like some theaters to begin to reopen in June 2021, it’s possible that limited capacity audiences might be introduced. Although the League of New York Theaters and Producers did say several times that selling tickets with limited capacity is not a sustainable model for the theater. This would only result in huge losses for Broadway. 

A few shows have gone on sale, starting May 30, 2021.. They are

Ain’t Too Proud, Chicago, Hadestown, Mrs. Doubtfire and Jagged Little Pill. The Music Man, starring Hugh Jackman will start on December 20, 2021. For Off Broadway Theatre, Jersey Boys and The Play That Goes Wrong are now on sale for performances beginning May 30, 2021.

And if the above shows decide to push back their plans to start playing at the end of May, I recently found out that the producers of New York’s biggest hit show Hamilton, are starting to plan a possible “restart date” of July 4th. It would allow Hamilton the ability to tie its reopening to an end to Broadway’s “shutdown” and the celebration that surrounds the Declaration of Independence signing, something that is of major significance in the musical production.

Many other shows are planning to restart in September 2021, theoretically several months after the public has been vaccinated. Of course, it is also possible some may push up their restart plans depending on the success of the vaccines. Let’s hope so.

I’d love to hear from anyone on their thoughts about Broadway’s comeback or anything relating to the theatre. Cheers to everyone.

Stay well

Richard Gladstone

President

Applause-Tickets.com

Phone 212-307-7050

APPLAUSE-TICKETS.COM

Applause | NY Broadway Theater Tickets: Seats for Musicals, Theatre & Shows

Buy Broadway Theater Tickets Below Face Value. Seats for New York Musicals, Theatre, Plays, Concerts & More In NYC & London Available at Applause-Tickets.com.

Wednesday Dec 2, 2021- NBC's Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes

 A Somewhat Modified Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes comes to television on December 2, 2020

With the live performances of the 2020 Radio City Christmas Spectacular canceled due to the pandemic, NBC will treat us to a TV special called Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City

Rockettes. It will air on Wednesday, December 2 at 10 PM eastern time.

This special will feature performances as well as holiday greetings from Whoopi Goldberg, John Legend, Josh Groban and many others. The segments were previously recorded at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

This television special will directly follow NBC‘s broadcast of Christmas in Rockefeller Center. Savanna Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin will anchor this broadcast and will feature performances by Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Fallon and the Goo Goo Dolls. This broadcast will start at 8 PM eastern time on NBC.

Being a ticket broker for over 40 years now, I have sold tens of thousands of tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. The show has been a tradition for 88 years now. Although audiences won’t be allowed to attend this year in person or to the tree lighting as well, I’m looking forward this special night of television.

Enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas my friends. Please stay safe and keep your loved ones close.

Cheers

Richard Gladstone

President

Applause-tickets.com

Phone 212-307-7050

Applause-Tickets.com In New York City- We Miss You Broadway Theatre!

Hello Broadway Theatre Friends

It’s been a very long eight months now, having to go without live entertainment in our lives. Especially The Broadway Theatre. 

We certainly miss selling tickets for all the fabulous shows but more importantly, we miss talking with our friends and clients on a day to day basis. I hope and pray everyone is doing well and keeping safe.
Applause-Tickets sends e-broadcasts out to our theatre friends once or twice monthly. We like to keep everyone informed on how to watch Broadway, Ballet, Opera and other great live performances from home. As well as keep everyone aware of when Broadway Theatre will return to live performances again.
If you’d like to join our e-broadcast list, all you have to do is sign up at
www.applause-tickets.com, scroll to the very bottom of our home page where it says Sign Up For Our Newsletter. We promise not to bombard you with wasteful emails like so many companies do today.
If you’d like to talk, please call me at anytime. I’d love to hear from you.

Until then, stay safe and stay well.
Best regards
Rich Gladstone
President
Applause-Tickets.com
Phone 212-307-7050

APPLAUSE-TICKETS.COM
Applause | NY Broadway Theater Tickets: Seats for Musicals, Theatre & Shows

November 26, 2020-Thanksgiving Day Parade-Broadway Style!

Thanksgiving Day Parade-Broadway Style

Dear Theatre Friends,

I just found out that Broadway Theatre will remain a vital part of this year‘s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But in a different way. The casts of several Broadway shows will be filming performances ahead of the live telecast.

Although Broadway’s lights may have been dimmed during this pandemic year, the stars of some of the biggest hits that had been playing on Broadway will get together again and reunite for Thanksgiving. In years past, the Thanksgiving Day Parade had the Broadway shows perform outside among all the floats, guest stars as well as a view of Santa Clause floating down from NYC’s Upper West Side. For this year, the parade will take place only on one block, 34th Street, and the show will be taped with no in-person crowds.

This year will feature excellent performances from the Broadway casts of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Mean Girls, Jagged Little Pill and Hamilton. Quite an array of talent for anyone tuning in for sure. In order to keep with current health department safety protocols, these performances most likely will not feature full casts nor full staging. Choreography will be changed in order to keep with social distancing in mind. I also just found out that an additional performance presented by the New York City Ballet and featuring a solo ballerina, will be dancing to the music of The Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy.

Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Dolly Parton, Jordin Sparks, one of Hamilton’s biggest stars- Leslie Odom Jr., Patti LaBelle and others will appear as well. I’d say that’s quite an outstanding lineup my friends.

The show will air on Thursday, November 26 on NBC and the Broadway performances are going to be paid for by the network since the shows have no incoming revenue at this time. Bravo to NBC and to the many actors and actresses and thousands of people that help put on these Broadway shows that have been out of work for many months now.

I’m looking forward to the day when the pandemic dies down and the vaccines take hold and we can all gather again and see a live Broadway show in person. Have a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving everyone.

Stay safe dear friends.

Richard Gladstone
President
Applause-Tickets
NY NY
Phone 212-307-7050
www.applause-tickets.com


APPLAUSE-TICKETS.COM

Applause | NY Broadway Theater Tickets: Seats for Musicals, Theatre & Shows

Buy Broadway Theater Tickets Below Face Value. Seats for New York Musicals, Theatre, Plays, Concerts & More In NYC & London Available at Applause-Tickets.com.

Tracy Letts new show The Minutes sets Broadway opening in 2022

Tracy Letts show “The Minutes” will return to Broadway in 2022. Mr. Letts is one of my favorite actors, who has done lots of things on television, the stage and in the movies, and who also received a 2008 Pulitzer Prize in the drama category for his play August: Osage County, will reopen his Broadway show at the renovated Cort Theatre in New York City. At this time the reopening date is set for March 15, 2022. The show originally began its Broadway preview run on February 25 of this year but didn’t officially reopen as Broadway is still on hiatus during the pandemic.

The show‘s producers are hoping to be able to sign the original cast members when the production returns. And what a cast it was including Armie Hammer, Jessie Mueller and Blair Brown.

The Minutes is a production of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre. Tracy Letts has written and stars in the show as well. The show tells the very interesting story of greed, ambition and devious behavior that really goes on behind the scenes of a local small towns city council meeting. It’s supposed to be a show that is both” electrically charged and sharply funny”. It runs about 90 minutes with no intermission. 

Although right now a few Broadway shows say they’re going to start on May 30 of 2021, that remains to be seen. I have a feeling that we will need a vaccine to take hold and then also allow some time for the traveling public to feel safe once again. 

In any case, I hope you enjoy this little post and will be writing regularly to keep people that love the Broadway Theatre like I do as informed as possible.

Stay well and stay safe.
Regards
Rich Gladstone
President
Applause-Tickets.com
NY NY
Phone 212-307-7050

Forty-Three Years Ago Today In Theatre History

June 5, 1977. Know what happened on that date? Well if you are a theatre fan like me, you know that was the day that the theatre industry came together to honor those plays and musicals that opened during the 1976-1997 Broadway season. Also known as the The Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence In Broadway Theatre, or as what we call it today, the Tony Awards. 1977 was a very interesting year on the Great White Way, with sixty-seven shows opening that season.However as it turns out, there wasn't one hit musical until near the end of the season. Not only that, but each of those shows all opened in the same week in April.

So what were those shows you ask? Well I'll tell you. I Love My Wife, Side by Side by Sondheim, and last but not least Annie. Of the three, Annie is probably the most well known, as well as the one that most of seen. Now when it comes to musicals today, there are usually more new productions than revivals. However during the 1976-1977 Broadway season, there were a total of eight musical revivals, with the most successful being Guys and Dolls, Porgy and Bess, and The King and I, with Porgy and Bess winning the first ever Tony Award for Best Innovative Production of a Revival, which we now know as the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, and Best Revival of a Musical.

Also that night, Annie took home the prize for Best Musical of the Year, along with six other Tony Awards including Best Book, Best Score, and Best Actress in a Musical, and The Shadow Box won the Best Play of the Year. Since then, there have been forty-two Tony Award ceremonies, with this year's ceremony set to be it's seventy-fourth.Sadly, it along with most of the 2019-2010 Broadway season, was put on hold due to the coronavirus. As I have said many times before, we don't have any idea when Broadway will return. And quite frankly, I am tired of guessing. Actually I am just tired. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Metropolitan Opera Cancels Fall Performances

Yesterday, I posted a blog about London cancelling all of their shows thru the end of August. Now comes news that the world famous Metropolitan Opera, is the latest victim of the coronavirus shutdown. The season, which was scheduled to begin on September 21 with Verdi's Aida, has been cancelled thru December 30. Notice that I didn't say until the end of the year? That is because they are planning a special gala performance to officially launch the new season. Here's hoping it happens. Now believe it or not, but I have never seen a live opera. I have seen a DVD of one, as well as touring the Met Opera a few years ago. But like I said in yesterday's blog, nothing beats the real thing. Watching it live. Now whether that is theatre, opera, dance, concerts, or sports, it doesn't really matter. All that matters is that we are gathered together once again enjoying something we love. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

West End Theatre Extends Shutdown Thru August 2

Well all I can say is, "It's about time." I mean did you really think that London theatre was going to open before Broadway? Originally, it was shut down thru June 28, but let's be honest. We all knew that wasn't going to happen. Don't get me wrong. I want theatre to come back just as much as anyone. But we have to be realistic. And more importantly, we have to be patient. What we are going through right now will not last forever. It can't. But it's also not going to disappear overnight either. The last couple of months, we have gotten our "Theatre Fix" by watching prerecorded and live streams of some of the theatres greatest shows, along with concerts and other events featuring some of our favorite stars. And while that's all fine and good, nothing beats the real thing. Live theatre. Stay safe everyone, and please look out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Broadway And Reality Television

One of the biggest hit's of the 2000's, was Legally Blonde, starring future Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon. Now as much as I loved the movie, I wasn't thinking, "Wouldn't this make a great Broadway musical someday?" Turns out I was wrong, because less than six years later, there it was  larger than life on the big stage. The show, which starred Laura Bell Bundy in the title role, and directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, was nominated for seven 2007 Tony Awards, including Best Book and Score, and Best Actress in a Musical.

It also aired on MTV in November of that year, beginning a relationship with the cable music channel that would continue in 2008, with a new reality show, Legally Blonde - The Search for Elle Woods. Premiering on June 2, 2008, the eight episode series featured fifteen female finalists vying for the role of a lifetime. In the end, twenty year old Bailey Hanks from South Carolina was selected as the winner. She debuted on July 23, 2008, and performed with the show until it closed on October 19 of that year. Now believe it or not, but Legally Blonde was not the first show to use reality television to find it's star. 

The 2007 revival of Grease,  began the trend with Grease: You're The One That I Want, where they allowed America to choose Broadway's Danny and Sandy. Winning the contest were Max Crumm and Laura Osnes, who has since become one of Broadway's most acclaimed leading ladies, starring in six Broadway shows, and receiving Tony Award nominations for Best Actress in a Musical, for her performances in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, and Bonnie and Clyde. Now despite the show not being a ratings success, it did give the show a hefty advance at the box office. 

Since then, there have been several more shows produced in the hopes of finding it's leading man or leading lady. Any Dream Will Do (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), I'd Do Anything (Oliver!), and Over The Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz). All great choices. Now what get's me, is that no other Broadway shows have used this device since Legally Blonde. Who knows? This might just be the thing that Broadway needs to create a little buzz when it comes back. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Forty-Nine Years Ago Today

The first time I ever played a lead role, was during my sophomore year in high school. The role? Charlie Brown, in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown of course. The show, which first premiered Off-Broadway on March 7, 1967, where it played for a total of 1,597 performances, transferred to the John Golden Theatre, and opened on June 1, 1971. Unfortunately the Broadway production was not as successful, and closed after thirty-two performances and fifteen previews.

Cut to almost twenty-eight years later, and the show returns to Broadway in a new production starring Anthony Rapp, Tony Award winner B.D. Wong, Ilana Levine, Stanley Wayne Mathis, Roger Bart, and Kristin Chenoweth, with the latter two winning Tony Awards for their performances. Having starred in the show before, I was so excited to see it live on the big stage. It did not disappoint. I only wish that it would have had a longer run on the Great White Way.

Here's a thought. How about a brand new all-star production when Broadway opens back up? Or even a one night concert with all of the proceeds going to a great cause? I'd be fine with either one honestly. Actually if I'm really being honest, the one thing I want more than anything, is to sit in a theatre once again. Watching a Broadway or Off-Broadway show. I mean let's face it. That's what we all want. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

My Journey

May 31, 1991. That was the day my journey began. And no that was not the day that I was born. Trust me. I wish I was that young. On that day, I walked across the stage, and received my high school diploma. It was in that moment, that I went from young kid, to young man. The month before, I played my final performance on the Paris High School stage, and that very weekend, I was accepted into the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, for the following year. It truly was a weekend that I will never forget.

Now her I am twenty-nine years later, and I am still living in New York City, pursuing my dream. The same dream that began in my high school gym on that hot day in May 1991. Since then, my life has taken a lot of twist and turns. I guess you could say the same thing about our world in the last few months. As most of you know, several states, including New York are slowly reopening. But let's face it. It will be a long time before things are back to where they were before. And who knows? Maybe a little change is just the thing we need right now.

Last night, I watched a production of 42nd Street that I had recorded on PBS. Believe it or not, but until that point, I had never seen the show. All I knew was that it was the quintessential Broadway musical. and loved by everyone. When I first moved here, musicals like 42nd Street were all I wanted to see. However in the last few years, I preferred shows with a little more edge. But without live theatre right now, you sort of have to take what you can get.

Well wouldn't you know it, but within minutes, I was smiling from ear to ear. Believe me. I was surprised too. For the next two and a half hours, I was transported to the 1930's, where life was a little simpler than it is today. Oh sure they were living during the "Great Depression, but it was a much different world than right now. Now I don't know about you, but I'm thinking we could use a revival of 42nd Street again once this is all over. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Happy Birthday Idina Menzel

You've heard her belt "Let It Go" in Frozen. You've seen her fly in Wicked. And for almost twenty-five years, you have seen her grace the stage of Broadway, and theatres around the world. That's right. I am talking about the one and only Idina Menzel. The New York native, who made her Broadway debut in Rent in 1996, and won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Wicked in 2004,was born on May 30, 1971. Her other Broadway credits include her Tony Award nominated performances in Rent and If/Then, and Aida. Even I forgot about that last one.

Now along with her multiple performances on Broadway and the West End, she continues to play to packed houses throughout the United States and across the globe. Pretty impressive for a girl from Long Island who spent her weekends as a wedding and bar mitzvah singer, before landing the role of Maureen Johnson in the Off-Broadway production of Rent in 1995. Looking forward to her next Broadway performance. Whenever that will be of course. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

One Year Later

My how things can change in just three hundred and sixty-five days. Sometimes when I am having trouble coming up with a subject for my daily blog, I often look back at some of my posts from before. Not only does it usually spark an idea or two, but it also gives me a chance to see my growth as a writer over these past few years. Normally around this time of year, the Broadway League releases their stats for the current Broadway season.You know, how much money was made at the box office for that year. For the 2018-2019 Broadway season, they grossed a total of $1.83 billion, breaking the record from the year before. Sadly this year, the only record being broken is that this is the longest that Broadway has ever been shut down. The longest time before that, was the musicians strike in 1975 that lasted twenty-five days.

Now while I won't even begin to speculate what the numbers will be for the 2019-2020 Broadway season, I can tell you it will for sure be one of the lowest in years, and well below a billion dollars.Yes I know it's only been ninety days since Broadway shut down, but when you consider that the gross for the last full week of shows on March 9, 2020 was a little over $26 million dollars, you can pretty much estimate how much Broadway will be down from last year.Not to mention there is always a spike in sales during the month of May, for all the shows that have been nominated for Tony Awards. The truth is, it will be a long time before Broadway hit's the one billion mark again. All we can hope is that when it does come back, it will be even better than ever before, and that everyone in the theatre will feel safe once again. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

The Musicals Of Stephen Schwartz

Believe it or not, but Stephen Schwartz did write other shows before Wicked. Yes I know. You can't even fathom it right? Of course I'm kidding. I mean if you are a true musical theatre fan, then you know that he wrote many, many musicals before those two witches from Oz arrived on the Great White Way. One of those shows was The Magic Show, which opened exactly forty-six years ago today on May 28, 1964, and starred the incomparable Doug Henning. Now for those of you that are under the age of twenty-five, you probably have never heard of him. He was basically the Canadian version of David Copperfield, yet slightly more goofy and with a better sense of humor.

The show, which played the Cort Theatre for a total of one thousand nine hundred and twenty performances, was nominated for Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Henning. It was also known for being the Broadway debut of former Late Show band leader Paul Shaffer, who played piano in the pit for the show. Following The Magic Show, he wrote The Baker's Wife, Working, The Trip, Rags, and Children of Eden, with Rags being the only one to play Broadway. Well at least for eighteen previews and four performances that is.

And in just in case you are wondering, I did not forget about Pippin or Godspell. Those just happened to open before The Magic Show. Now while Wicked may have been his last original show to open on Broadway, he has stayed quite busy for the past two decades, writing the lyrics for Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dam, Enchanted, Disenchanted, and the composer and lyricist for The Prince of Egypt, which was in it's first month of performances when it was shut down to the coronavirus. Here's hoping that it, along with every other show in the West End, as well as Broadway and Off-Broadway will return once things get back to normal. Stay safe everyone, and don't forget to look out for each other.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Today In History

Ever since this pandemic began, I have been posting a blog every day. Sometimes two. One of my regular topics, is "Today In Theatre History, which focuses on a particular show that opened years ago, or sometimes someones birthday. However today's blog is not about a famous Broadway star, or a composer, or a play or musical on the Great White Way. Although it does have ties to Broadway. On May 27, 1963, Bob Dylan released The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. Unlike his first studio album, which only featured two original songs, Dylan composed eleven new compositions for the album.

One of those songs went on to become one of his biggest hits. Maybe you've heard of it. "Blowin' in the Wind"? Another one of the songs? "Girl From The North Country", which fifty-seven years later, ended up being the name of a brand new Broadway musical. I was fortunate enough to see the show about a week before it opened. I loved it. And as it turns out, so did the critic's. Here's hoping it, along with every other show, will return once we are able to open up once again. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for one another. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

The Music Man On Broadway

September 6, 2020. That is the date that Broadway and Off-Broadway shows are shut down through, due to the coronavirus. September 9, 2020. On that day, the new Broadway revival of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster, is scheduled to begin previews at the Wintergarden Theatre. September 10, 2020. Theatre in New York City will unfortunately, baring a miracle, still be shut down. Trust me. I don't like it anymore than you do. But we have to be realistic.

Theatre as we know it, will more than likely not be back until 2021. Now I'm no expert. Nor have I ever claimed to be either. What I am is a theatre lover, and have been for most of my life. Plus The Music Man is one of my favorite shows of all time. Which is why I was so excited when it was announced last year that the show was coming back to Broadway. Now believe it or not, but I have never seen Hugh Jackman on Broadway. I have however seen Sutton Foster many times, and she has never disappointed.

If there was ever a more  perfect pair to play Professor Harold Hill and Marion Paroo, then I don't who. I like most, can't wait to see the show. Actually, there are many shows that I can't wait to see. But that's what we are going to be doing for the time being. Waiting. Waiting for businesses to reopen. Waiting for things like bars and restaurants to open back up at full capacity. And waiting for the day that we can sit in a theatre once again. I know I'm willing to wait. How about you? Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for one another. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Happy Memorial Day!

Hard to believe it's already time to celebrate Memorial Day. I mean it seems just like yesterday, that we were celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Which by the way, was the last day before the coronavirus changed our world forever. It was also the last time that I was in my office, not too mention the last time that I  was in Manhattan. Don't get me wrong. I love the Bronx. In fact in the last month in a half, I have exercised more, and discovered some amazing places in my borough that I never knew existed.

Oh and in case you are wondering, I do wear a mask each and every second that I am outside. Now as much as I have enjoyed my time at home, I miss going into work each day. I miss riding the subway. And like most, I miss going to the theatre. Not that all of the streaming shows, and other events haven't been great. I mean let's face it. They have really helped pass the time. But I miss sitting in the theatre. 

I miss waiting for that moment when the curtain rises, and the magic begins. And I even miss when it's over, so I can talk to my friends about what we liked, and sometimes what we didn't like too. Theatre is not perfect. But it doesn't have to be. It just needs to be what it has always been. An escape. A way to forget everything that is going on in the world. If only for a little while. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for each other. Until next time theatre fans

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Original Cast Album: Company Documentary To Air Next Month

One of my favorite shows of all time is Company. In fact, the new Broadway revival, was the last show that I saw prior to the shutdown. And while I wasn't born until years after the original production, it was for me, and many others, their first exposure to the show. However, it wasn't until around the 2007 revival, that I first became aware of the celebrated D.A. Pennebaker documentary, which focused on the shows recording of it's cast album.

Even though I have yet to see the entire film, I have seen a few of the numbers, including "You Could Drive A Person Crazy", "Getting Married Today", "Barcelona", and "Being Alive". Of course the highlight of the film, was the recording of "Ladies Who Lunch", by the incomparable legend Elaine Stritch. Now while her rendition of this classic song is a highlight of the film, the scenes leading up to it, well they need to be seen to believe. Which brings me to today's blog.

On June 15, the documentary will live stream on the Criterion Channel. It was also announced, that the stars and creative team of the recent Documentary Now! parody of the film, will be interviewed as part of the telecast. Scheduled to appear are stars John Mulaney, Seth Myers, Richard Kind, Paula Pell, Alex Brightman, and Renee Elise Goldsberry, as well as director Alex Buono, and composer Eli Bolin. Well, I know where I will be on June 15. How about you? Stay safe everyone and don't forget to look out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Today In Theatre History

Anyone that knows me, knows that my favorite Broadway show of all time is Rent. Not only did I see the original cast ten times, but I also saw the show a total of twenty-five times during it's twelve year run on the Great White Way. What can I say? I was a fan. However, most people tend to forget that Jonathan Larson wrote several shows before Rent. One of those was Tick, Tick, Boom. Originally conceived as a solo piece called Boho Days, it first premiered Off-Off-Broadway in a workshop production at Second Stage Theatre in September 1990, before going on to open at the Village Gate Theatre in November 1991, under the title we know it as today.

Oh and also he called it a "Rock Monologue" which as it turns out was a new form of theatre at the time. Always the innovator. Set in New York City in 1990, Tick, Tick, Boom tells the story of Jon, a composer, who is nearing his 30th Birthday, and depressed about his career, and the state of his relationships with his girlfriend Susan, and his childhood friend Michael. Now while the show didn't up being the success that he hoped, it did manage to attract the attention of up and coming producer Jeffrey Seller, who became a champion of the young artists work.

And well you know the rest. Seller teamed up with fellow producers Kevin McCollum and Alan Gordon, along with the New York Theatre Workshop, and they went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical for Jonathan Larson's masterpiece Rent. Sadly, he never lived long enough to see his success. On January 25, 1996, Jonathan passed away from an aortic aneurysm at the age of thirty-five. But his legacy lives on, and so will his words and music. Thank you Jonathan Larson. Oh and what happened today in theatre history? Tick, Tick, Boom began previews today at the Jane Street Theatre. May 23, 2011. Stay safe everyone, and keep looking out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
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 Seller

Seventy-two days. That's how long it's been since Broadway and theatre in New York City has been shut down. Sixty-six days. That's also how long it's been since I was in my office. The truth is, none of us have any idea when things will be back to normal. Look, I want theatre to come back just as much as anyone. Just like I want to be able to ride the subway again, or eat at a fancy restaurant, or have a cold beer or two with my friends. Be normal. What we are going through right now won't last forever. It just seems like it some days.

Ever since this happened, live theatre has been replaced by prerecorded shows and concerts, and Zoom get together's featuring our favorite performers and artists. Now as much as I enjoy seeing what Stephen Sondheim, or Audra McDonald's living room looks like, I would much prefer to be looking at a fake set of someone's home in a theatre. And even if that doesn't happen next week, or six months from now, it will happen again. And we will all celebrate like never before. Stay safe everyone, and don't forget to look out for each other. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

Sixty-One Years Ago Today On The Great White Way

Let me just start off by saying, that I was not alive when Gypsy first premiered on Broadway. Although I did see the last revival starring two-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone. To most, Gypsy not only has the greatest book of any Broadway show in history, but is also one of the greatest show business musicals of all time. And you know what? I would happen to agree. Nominated for eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical of the Year, Gypsy features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents.

Interesting enough, none of these three legendary men were nominated for their work on the show. Another interesting note, is that while original leading lady Ethel Merman did not win for her performance as "The Stage Mother From Hell" Mama Rose, three out of the four next actresses who played the part, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, and Patti LuPone, did win in subsequent revivals. Now while it's only been twelve years since the last revival, every few years rumors start about a new production starring leading ladies like Sutton Foster or Audra McDonald.

Now I know what your're thinking. "Oh sure they would be amazing, but aren't they both a little young?" Well look at the facts. Ethel Merman was fifty-one when she played the part. Angela Lansbury was forty-nine. Tyne Daly was forty-three. Only Bernadette Peters and Patti LuPone were fifty-five and older when they performed it. Oh and Sutton Foster and Audra McDonald? Forty-five and forty-nine respectively. I rest my case. Stay safe everyone and keep looking out for each other.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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

My First Off-Broadway Show

Over the years, I have seen hundreds of shows in New York. And while most have been on the Great White Way, I have always had a little place in my heart for what I like to call it's "Little Brother". Otherwise known as Off-Broadway. In the Spring of 1992, I was a student at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Between classes, and rehearsals, I didn't really have a lot of free time. However when I did, it was usually spent sitting in a theatre watching a show. Now since I was a poor acting student, I didn't have a whole lot of money.

Which is why every show I saw my first year or two, were free tickets I got thru my school. It's how I saw Tony Award winning musicals like Miss Saigon, The Secret Garden, Jelly's Last Jam, and classic plays like August Wilson's Two Trains Running, and Neil Simon's Lost In Yonkers. But today's blog is not about how many Broadway shows that I have seen. It's about my first Off-Broadway show. Which believe it or not, was only a block away from my school. The show? Forever Plaid? The venue? The former Steve McGraw's on West 72nd Street, now known as The Triad.

Now for those of you that are not familiar with the show, it's a musical revue about the Plaids, an all male quartet set in the 1950's, who while in the midst of pursuing a recording career, are tragically killed when a bus carrying a group of Catholic school girls on their way to see The Beatles American debut on the Ed Sullivan show, crashes into them. O.K. O.K., I know it sounds a little morbid. But trust me, once you get past the little thing about them dying, it's actually a lot of fun.

Of course it helps that it has tons of great tunes from the era including, "Three Coins In The Fountain", "Sixteen Tons", "Chain Gang", "Lady of Spain", "Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing", and many, many more. The show, which enjoyed a four year run, continues to play at regional and community theatres, and high school and colleges around the country. Not bad for a little show that first premiered at a small supper club on West 42nd Street over thirty years ago. Oh and the date that the show opened on West 72nd Street? May 20, 1989. Thirty-one years ago today. Stay safe everyone, and don't forget to look out for each other.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
165 West 46th Street
Suite 1107
New York, NY 10036
212-307-7050
or 1-800-451-9930

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