Last Chance To See Bye Bye Birdie On Broadway

That's right theatre fans. You only have one more week to see Bye Bye Birdie. This new revival marks the first time on Broadway since the original 1960 production. Now while reviews for the show were not that good audiences of all ages have flocked to the theatre since it first opened in September 2009. Whether you loved the show or absolutely hated it you can deny it's appeal. I mean who hasn't either seen or starred in a their local high school or community theatre production of the show at least once in their lifetime. I have. For years there was talk about reviving the show on Broadway but nobody wanted to take a chance. Like it or not you have to commend the Roundabout Theatre Company for at least taking a chance on this beloved show. I'm guessing this will be the last time we will see another production of Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway again. Who knows? Stranger things have happened.

JWB
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Last Three Weeks To See Bye Bye Birdie On Broadway

That's right all you Conrad Birdie fans. You only have twenty-one more chances to see Bye Bye Birdie. The show which first premiered on Broadway in 1960 began performances in September 2009 and opened to very negative reviews. Although it was slated to run thru April 24th low ticket sales and the departure of it's two stars John Stamos and Gina Gershon sealed it's fate. Now while the show was poorly received by the critics the show was a big seller with audiences. This production marked the first Broadway revival of the show. I dare say it will be a long time before we see it again. Good seats are still available for all performances thru January 24.Get your tickets to see Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway.

JWB
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Broadway And Musical Revivals

That's right theatre fans. Right now there are eight musical revivals currently running on the Great White Way with two more set to open in the Spring. They are Bye Bye Birdie,Chicago,Finian's Rainbow,Hair,A Little Night Music,Ragtime,South Pacific,West Side Story, Promises, Promises, and La Cage aux Folles. Quite a lineup.Let's take a look at each one.

Chicago-Broadway's longest running revival first premiered back in 1975. Now while the show was very well received it was overshadowed by A Chorus Line and ran less then two years. It wasn't until twenty-one years later when it was brought back to life by the Encores! theatre series and went on to become of the most acclaimed shows in years. It was quickly moved to Broadway and the rest is history. Three theatres and thirteen years later it is still going strong. Not bad for a show with no sets or special effects.

Bye Bye Birdie-This new productions marks the first Broadway revival since the original 1960 production. The show which did not receive the greatest reviews is actually selling very well and has recently extended it's run into April 2010. I guess the show is more popular than anyone thought. The truth is there are very few shows on Broadway that the whole family can enjoy. This happens to be one of them.

Finian's Rainbow-Who would have thought that a sixty-two year old show would be one of this season's most well received productions? The show which premiered on Broadway in 1947 was like Chicago revived at Encores! to critical acclaim earlier this year. How long the show lasts is anyone guess. I personally did not see it. It seemed a little hokey for my tastes. It seems to have an audience so time will tell how long it will be around.

Hair-One of my favorite shows from last season was an unexpected surprise for me. Yes I knew a couple of the songs going in but never did I expect to be as moved as I was by this production. The show which won the Tony Award for Best Musical revival is a must see and can be enjoyed by people of all generations.

A Little Night Music-The first Broadway revival of one of Stephen Sondheims most loved musicals stars five time Tony Award winner Angela Lansbury and Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones in her Broadway debut. Now except for Company and Sunday in the Park with George I usually find his other work to be boring. But who cares what I think. Ticket sales are going thru the roof for the show since it was first announced. The big question is what will the critics think. We will soon find out.

Ragtime-Now I'll admit I didn't care for Ragtime the first time it was here back in 1998. Now while I loved most of the songs I just found it to be long and boring. Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald being out that night probably didn't help. The reviews for this new production were quite good and as of now it seems to be selling very well. Most people think that this will be the show to beat come Tony time.

South Pacific-Now almost two years into it's run South Pacific is still going strong. I loved the show and am so happy that it is back on Broadway where it belongs once again. The show which like most on this list won the Tony Award for Best Revival continues to pack them in eight times a week at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. It is a must see.

West Side Story-The movie has been a personal favorite of mine for over twenty years. When it was first announced that the show was coming back to Broadway after a near thirty year hiatus I was very excited. Finally I was going to get the chance to see a live production of one of my favorite shows. I have to say I was slightly disappointed by the production. Now don't get me wrong. The energy on that stage was electric and every performer was giving their all. I just felt it could have been a lot better. I blame the director on that one. Not the cast.

Promises, Promises-To be honest I don't really know a lot about the show except what I have read and that it is based on the Oscar winning movie The Apartment. I do like some of the songs and I hope the show is as good as people have said it is. This new revival stars Emmy Award winners Sean Hayes(Will and Grace)and Kristen Chenoweth(Pushing Daises. I can't wait to see it. I just worry that the Broadway Theatre is too big for this little show. I hope I am wrong.

La Cage aux Folles-Last but not least is La Cage. The show which won the 1984 Tony Award for Best Musical was last seen on Broadway in 2005. Although that production won the Tony for Best Revival it did not have a long run and was a financial flop. This production is based on the award winning London production which is still playing. Douglas Hodge who won an Olivier Award for his performance as Albin will make his Broadway debut. It was just announced that Emmy Award winner Kelsey Grammer has joined the cast as George. I thought the last revival was fine. Not sure what to expect with this one but I am willing to give it a chance.

So there you are. Ten revivals on Broadway. I can't recall there ever being that many on Broadway at the same time. Which one will you see?

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service
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Bye Bye Birdie Is Back On Broadway

I saw the first revival of Bye Bye Birdie tonight at the newly refurbished Henry Miller Theater. It's the opening of the Roundabout Theatre Company's 2009-2010 theater season. Bye Bye Birdie last appeared on Broadway 48 years ago and was a Tony Award-winning musical at the time. Although this Bye Bye Birdie aims to please its audience, somehow I think it never quite gets you to fall in love with everything that goes on, on the stage. Still it is a show that has lots of "heart". The hard working and energetic cast is the one reason why I think many out-of-towners and locals alike should consider buying tickets.

Bye Bye Birdie is based on the 1963 film starring Dick Van Dyke, Ann Margaret and Janet Leigh. The show tells the story of an "Elvis-like" rock star named Conrad Birdie (played by Nolan Gerard Funk, making his Broadway debut) who seems to have every girl in the nation eating out of the palm of his hands. Conrad travels to Sweet Apple, Ohio where he is supposed to give "one last kiss" to young teenager Kim MacAfee (who just happens to be the leader of his fan club), just before he is to be drafted into the military. The special "kiss" is to take place on The Ed Sullivan Show on nationwide TV. Sounds kind of corny but "public relations is public relations, right"?

The main characters in the show are Conrad Birdie's record producer/manager Albert Peterson (played very capably by John Stamos) and his love interest Rose Alvarez (played by Gina Gershon). Mr. Stamos has played in Broadway's Cabaret, Nine and How To Succeed in Business..., as well as film and television for over 25 years now. He is always fun to watch in every medium he performs in and can even "carry a tune" quite nicely in this show. He has toured the country frequently throughout his career playing the drums with The Beach Boys, my favorite band.

Miss Gershon, who was last seen on Broadway in the 2008 Best Play Revival named Boeing- Boeing,has appeared in Cabaret, Camille, several other theater productions and a ton of film and television as well. She was very funny in Boeing-Boeing and tonight showed she has versatility while being able to convey herself as a "good girl" as well as someone who can "strut her stuff" as well. Although not a singer, she capably handles her song material. In Bye Bye Birdie, she plays Albert's secretary of 8 years waiting and waiting for him to propose. Unfortunately Albert's mother Mae has been against the relationship all the time. Mae is played by the very funny Jayne Houdyshell. She has performed in "Wicked" and "Well" on Broadway and has lots of additional theater, film and television credits. There are several moments where she clearly steals the show.

Rounding out the large cast are Bill Irwin who plays the young teenager Kim MacAfee's father and Dee Hoty as her mom. Mr. Irwin has an incredibly accomplished career that includes several Broadway shows, winning a Tony Award for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf in 2005 and lots of film and television credits too. Mr. Irwin might just be the best thing about this production of Bye Bye Birdie. He is funny and has a very unique style with mannerisms that make him quite noticeable throughout the evening. Dee Hoty has earned several nominations for Broadway appearances in Footloose, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public and The Will Rogers Follies. She has played the role of Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! in many cities throughout the country and also played major roles in City of Angels, Me and My Girl, The Five O'Clock Girl and Shakespeare's Cabaret.

I thought that the Conrad Birdie role could have been a stronger one but maybe its because Mr. Funk needs a little more experience on the Broadway stage. Only time will tell.

Bye Bye Birdie has a book by Michael Stewart with excellent music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams. The sets are quite nicely done by Andrew Jackness with really colorful costumes by Gregg Barnes.

There are many songs in Bye Bye Birdie that take me back to the 1960's as I now recall the film from my childhood. The include "We Love You Conrad", "Put On A Happy Face", "One Boy", "One Last Kiss", "Kids", "A Lot Of Livin' To Do", "Rosie" and of course "Bye Bye Birdie".

So even though I sat in the audience for 2 hours and 20 minutes tonight, and was waiting for the show to "wow" me, maybe some of us expect too much when we go to the theater. Does every show have to "wow" us? I've seen 18 of the shows currently playing on Broadway. I've enjoyed many of them. And although maybe I expected too much from this Bye Bye Birdie, it is a show still worth seeing.

If you need advice on obtaining discount tickets while the show is in previews, I'd be happy to help you. Call me at Applause Ticket Agency (license #71AP1001029) in New York City, toll free at 800-451-9930 or locally at 212-307-7050. I consider myself a Broadway Show ticketing expert and would love to help you get great seats and prices for Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Ticket Agency
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Three Broadway Shows To Begin Performances This Week

In all the years in this business I can't recall that many shows opening in the same week. Now by opening I mean previews not the official press opening which is usually three to four weeks later. Also God of Carnage the 2009 Tony Award winner for Best Play returns tonight following a six week hiatus. Let's take a look at the shows beginning this week.

Bye Bye Birdie-You know the songs. Heck some of you have probably seen the show at your local high school or community theatre or like me acted in a production when they were younger. I was Randolph Macafee in case you were wondering. Anyway this new production marks the first time the show has been on Broadway since the original 1960 production. This version which is being produced by the Tony Award winning Roundabout Theatre Company stars John Stamos and Albert Peterson and Gina Gershon as Rose Alvarez. Like most Roundabout shows a majority of their tickets are reserved for their subscribers so get your tickets now before it is too late. One interesting note is that this will mark the first production in the newly refurbished Henry Miller's Theatre. They kept the facade due to it being an historical landmark and built a brand new theatre around it. Having seen pictures of the theatre I can tell you they did an amazing job. Now let's see if the show is as good as the theatre. We will soon find out. Previews begin on September 10 with an official opening set for October 15.

Hamlet-This new play by unknown playwright William Shakespeare is set to star the largely unknown actor Jude Law. Of course I am kidding. The show has only been performed about a million times over the years which ironically enough is about the number of films that Mr. Law has done recently. The show which received rave reviews in London is set to begin previews on September 12 and run thru December 6 only. Tickets are selling very well so don't wait to long to get them.

A Steady Rain-Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few months then you know that this new play by Keith Huff is starring Daniel Craig and Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman. Most dates are already sold out. The show which will begin on September 10 is like Hamlet set to close on December 6.

Three different shows. Three big sellers. Now let's see what the critics have to say. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
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Bye Bye Birdie Box Office To Open Today

What? You didn't know that Bye Bye Birdie was coming back to Broadway? Well it's true. The Tony Award winning Roundabout Theatre Company is bringing back this beloved musical back to Broadway for the first time since the original 1960 production. I first heard of the show in eighth grade when I auditioned for the local high school production of Bye Birdie back in 1987. God I feel old. I nailed the audition and walked away with the role of Randolph MacAfee the obnoxious little brother of Kim MacAfee and son to the Ed Sullivan loving Harry MacAfee. It was my first show and after that I was hooked. I guess that's why I moved to New York 18 years ago to work in the theatre. Anyway back to the Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie. Previews are set to begin at the brand new Henry Miller's Theatre on September 10. The theatre is new but they kept the name along with it's original facade. The show has an all star cast including John Stamos, Gina Gershon, and Bill Irwin. Roundabout is well know for their revivals over the years so I hope this one is good. I can't wait to see it. Call Applause now to get your tickets to see Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway. If this doesn't make you put on a happy face then nothing will.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
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212-307-7050 or 1-800-451-9930

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What Will Be This Season's Breakout Hit-Part One

With the 2008-2009 Broadway season now behind us it is time to take a look at the season ahead. So far sixteen different productions are scheduled to open before the end of the year. Let's take a look.

Burn The Floor(Longacre Theatre)That's right all you dancing fans. Burn The Floor which has been touring the globe since 1999 will be playing a limited 12-week engagement at Broadway's Longacre Theatre.Previews begin on July 25 with an official opening set for August 2. Shows like these tend to do well on Broadway so hopefully this one will be a hit. We shall see.
First Preview: July 25
Closes:October 18

A Steady Rain(Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre)
It's only been two days since they announced dates for A Steady Rain and the phones have been ringing off he hook. I have never seen this much anticipation for a new play. I wonder why that is? Maybe because it's starring two movie stars in the form of James Bond and Wolverine AKA Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman. Tickets seem to be selling very well so we might already have our first hit of the season. Will the reviews being any good? At this point it probably won't matter. The show will probably sell out before the first preview.
First Preview:September 10
Closes:December 6

Superior Donuts(Music Box Theatre)
This is the one play that I am really looking forward to this season. Why you ask? Because it is written by Tracy Letts. You might have heard of a little show of his called August:Osage County. You know the show that won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play. Will lighting strike twice? I think so. We will find out soon enough.
First Preview:September 16
Open Run

Wishful Drinking(Studio 54)
What young boy didn't fantasize about Carrie Fisher when Return of the Jedi first came out over twenty-five years ago? Has it really been that long? Anyway she's a little older, a lot wiser, and ready to tell her story. Reviews were outstanding for the show last year and I for one cannot wait to see it. Should be a riot.
First Preview:September 22
Open Run

Hamlet(Broadhurst)
Do we really need another production of Hamlet on Broadway. I mean wasn't the last one fourteen years ago? I guess I can't complain since Gypsy seems to come back every five years. The main reason for this revival is the fact the Jude Law is starring in the title row. Can he pull it off? Critics and audiences across the pond loved him. Will American audiences feel the same way? I guess will find out.
First Preview:September 12
Open Run

The Royal Family(Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)
Evidently this is supposed to be one of the theatre's greatest comedies. I'll give it a chance.
First Preview:September 15
Open Run

Oleanna(Golden Theatre)
The first David Mament show of the season. Last year we had Speed-the-Plow and American Buffalo. Speed was a hit. Buffalo closed right after opening.Olenna premiered Off-Broadway in 1994 and was a modest hit. This new production stars William H. Macy and Julie Stiles. Sounds like a winner to me.
First Preview:September 29
Open Run

Bye Bye Birdie(Henry Miller's Theatre)
Who has not done this show in high school or seen a production at their local community theater. This production marks the first Broadway revival and stars John Stamos and Gina Gershon. Roundabout Theatre Company which is producing the has a good track record when it comes to revivals. Tickets are selling well and I expect this show to do very well. Good for the whole family.
First Preview:September 10
Open Run

Next week I will look at the other eight new shows including the Broadway revivals of Neil Simon's Brighten Beach Memoirs and Broadway Bound along with the revival of Ragtime. Until next time theatre fans.

JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
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Customers talk back with Todd

You know today was one of those days that I love...When one call after another is just a pleasure. I spoke to many wonderful travel agents today that always put a smile on my face, several hotel concierges that are always a pleasure and some of the nicest consumers as well. I had such a great call from a delightful Grandmother bringing her 6 grandchildren in to see The Lion King. I got her the perfect seats for them all to see and we had the best chit chat in between it all. Then a wonderful travel agent called and wanted to book GOD OF CARNAGE, and then she asked me what it was about. I told her it is a raucous comedy where 2 families come together to discuss their kids fighting on the playground and only ending up behaving worse than the kids. She said that sounds like alot of fun and reminds me of a story when my son got in trouble for hitting another kid back after being struck at the Y. She laughed and said I told the administrator who said we have a "no hitting" policy that if you hit me right now...I would hit you right back and I am standing by that with my child. I love hearing other peoples stories.

Travis, an agent from Texas (another of my favorites) called looking for some suggestions for his clients that are bringing the family in to NYC. We went through all the various shows that are appropriate; Lion King, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, Bye Bye Birdie, Shrek, Little Mermaid and I think they are probably leaning towards West Side Story. Just another great day at APPLAUSE.

H. Todd Freeman

Vice President/OperationsApplause Theatre & Entertainment Service, Inc.311 West 43rd Street, Ste 601 New York, NY 10036 800-451-9930/212-307-7050 http://www.applause-tickets.com/Follow at www.twitter.com/applausetickets
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Put On A Happy Face Bye Bye Birdie Flys Back to New York September 2009

Get ready for the MacAfee family (and all of Sweet Apple, Ohio) to go topsy-turvey when teen idol Conrad Birdie comes to town to serenade one lucky fan before he enters the Army. The bouncy score includes "Put on a Happy Face," "The Telephone Hour" ("What's the story, morning glory? Did you hear they got pinned?"), "Kids" and "A Lot of Livin' to Do. Scheduled to open in the Henry Miller Theatre September 2009. This is personally one of my favorite musical and I can't wait for it to be back. For the best seats at the best prices call Applause today!!!!!!!
Carol Burg
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Broadway Revival Of Bye Bye Birdie Announces Theatre

It was announced today that the new revival of Bye Bye Birdie has found a home. That's right theatre fans the popular 50's musical will play at the Henry Miller Theatre which is the first new Broadway theatre built in twelve years. The 1,055 seat house is located on 43rd Street at the new 55 story Bank of America Tower. The original facade from the old theatre was left intact after the old theatre was demolished to make room for the tower. Urinetown The Musical was it's last tenant prior to demolition in 2002. According to an article in the New York Times the Roundabout Theatre Company which is producing Bye Bye Birdie has signed a 20 year lease with the theatre making the Henry Miller Theatre it's third Broadway home along with Studio 54(Waiting For Godot) and the American Airlines Theatre(The Philanthropist)

I am so excited that Broadway has a new theatre and I can't wait to see it and it's first production. Bye Bye Birdie is set to begin previews Sept 10, with an official opening scheduled for October 15 and will star John Stamos, Gina Gershon, and Bill Irwin. Tickets will be going on sale soon so call Applause now to get your tickets to see Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway.

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"Where Sold Out is Never Part of the Equation"

Stamos, Gershon, Irwin and Houdyshell Lead Roundabout's 'BYE BYE BIRDIE'

Can you believe that this is the first ever Broadway revival after a 48 year absence? "Bye Bye Birdie" will return to Broadway this fall presented by Roundabout Theatre Company in a production starring John Stamos (Albert Peterson), Gina Gershon (Rose Alvarez), Bill Irwin (Mr. Harry MacAfee) and Jayne Houdyshell (Mrs. Mae Peterson). Bye Bye Birdie begins preview performances September 10, 2009, and has Opening Night set for October 15, 2009. It will be a limited production!
Directed & choreographed by Robert Longbottom, Bye Bye Birdie has a book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams and music by Charles Strouse. Roundabout is proud to welcome back three artists who have previously worked at the theatrical institution: John Stamos, Gina Gershon and Bill Irwin.

Additional creative members and citizens of Sweet Apple, Ohio will be announced shortly. Tickets go on sale in June!

In Bye Bye Birdie, the exuberant rock n' roll musical comedy, it's 1960 and hip-swingin' teen idol superstar Conrad Birdie has been drafted into the army. Birdie's manager Albert (Stamos) and his secretary Rosie (Gershon) have cooked up a plan to send him off with a swell new song and one last kiss from a lucky teenage fan... on "The Ed Sullivan Show"!
Bye Bye Birdie received the 1961 Tony Award® for Best Musical and features such beloved songs as "Put on A Happy Face," "Kids," "Spanish Rose," "The Telephone Hour" and "A Lot of Livin' To Do."

Call Applause today for all of your ticket needs! 800-451-9930