It's really a shame when a show that gets some of the best reviews of the season can't even make it three month's on Broadway. Maybe the saying is true. "You need a star to succeed on the Great White Way." It never used to be that way. Gone are the days when the show itself could sell tickets. Look at A Little Night Music. It got mixed reviews yet last week grossed over a million dollars because people want to see Angela Lansbury and Catherine Zeta Jones. Where are the new musicals? Where is the fresh blood? Something need to happen before Broadway becomes extinct. Look I know that will never happen. But something needs to be done to ensure that the future will look a little brighter. That's just one man's opinion. Until next time theatre fans.
JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York,NY 10036
212-307-7050 or 1-800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/
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Showing posts with label Finian's Rainbow on Broadway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Finian's Rainbow on Broadway. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
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
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York,NY 10036
212-307-7050 or 1-800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Follow us on Facebook
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
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York,NY 10036
212-307-7050 or 1-800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Customer Story
This week's customer story is about a very nice couple from Brooklyn. These native New Yorkers who have been going to a Broadway shows since they were kids called to get tickets to see the revival of Finian's Rainbow. In fact they had both seen the original production back in 1947.They were looking for tickets for the first weekend in December which is everybody knows is one of the most popular times in the city. I asked them if they had a preference of where they wanted to sit and they said they didn't care they just wanted the best view possible. I told them that in that in the St. James Theatre the first row of the Font Mezzanine overhangs very close to the stage so if you had a choice of Rear Orchestra or Mezzanine then upstairs would be better. He loved that. An hour later I called him back with two tickets in the third row of the Mezzanine a few seats off the aisle. Not only that but I got him an insider deal as well. Another satisfied customer. Will you be next?
JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York,NY 10036
212-307-7050 or 1-800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/
ollow us at http://twitter.com/applausetickets
Facebook: Applause Theater and Entertainment Service,Inc
JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York,NY 10036
212-307-7050 or 1-800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/
ollow us at http://twitter.com/applausetickets
Facebook: Applause Theater and Entertainment Service,Inc
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Finian's Rainbow Comes to Broadway-Performances Begin October 8, 2009
Finian's Rainbow is a Broadway musical revival I've been personally been looking forward to for several years. Honestly, I have heard talk about it being revived but it never seemed to happen until very recently. So now its my pleasure to tell you a little something I have heard about Finian's Rainbow.
Finian's Rainbow will begin preview performances at the St. James Theater on 44th Street in New York City on October 8, 2009. With a cast of 35 talented actors and actresses, this old fashioned musical with a great musical score is sure to please young and old alike. It's a real quality family show, something Broadway could use much more of in my opinion.
Set in the "deep South", Finian's Rainbow tells the story of an "Irish dreamer" named Finian (played by Jim Norton) and his daughter Sharon (played by Kate Baldwin) who move there all the way from Ireland. Not only is Finian's daughter a difficult person but they settle in a town where they face the prejudice of the local politicians, an economic crisis and an obnoxious leprechaun. Still Finian's Rainbow is also a love story that gives way to some of the best classical songs ever to be written for a Broadway musical.
Jim Norton plays Finian, who was recently seen in The Seafarer and won a Tony Award for his performance in 2008. His daughter Sharon (Kate Baldwin plays the role) falls for Woody (played by Cheyenne Jackson, formerly of Xanadu), and Christopher Fitzgerald plays "Og", the leprechaun. Mr. Fitzgerald recently played in Young Frankenstein on Broadway recently.
At this time, I thought I would share with you a little "secret" insider tip about how to get tickets for Finian's Rainbow at discount prices. If you think you might want to see Finian's Rainbow during the October through December 2009 months, my company can obtain great tickets for you at prices that are below face value. Simply put, we have an insider's price with Finian's Rainbow where we get significant discounts for most performances of the show. We then add on a modest service charge and offer you a retail price that is still lower than the usual printed ticket price.
Applause Ticket Agency (NY State license #71AP1001029) is open seven days a week to answer any questions you may have. If you think you, your friends, co-workers or family members might want to catch a performance of Finian's Rainbow, you might want to call us at 212-307-7050 or toll free at 800-451-9930. Whether you want to make a purchase or just want to talk about Broadway Shows, we'd love to hear from you.
Remember to call and say The Ticket Man told you to call. That's me, Rich Gladstone, The Ticket Man.
Take care now. Enjoy Finian's Rainbow
Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Ticket Agency
311 West 43rd Street, suite 601
NY,NY 10036
web site
Facebook
Follow us at www.twitter.com/applausetickets
Finian's Rainbow will begin preview performances at the St. James Theater on 44th Street in New York City on October 8, 2009. With a cast of 35 talented actors and actresses, this old fashioned musical with a great musical score is sure to please young and old alike. It's a real quality family show, something Broadway could use much more of in my opinion.
Set in the "deep South", Finian's Rainbow tells the story of an "Irish dreamer" named Finian (played by Jim Norton) and his daughter Sharon (played by Kate Baldwin) who move there all the way from Ireland. Not only is Finian's daughter a difficult person but they settle in a town where they face the prejudice of the local politicians, an economic crisis and an obnoxious leprechaun. Still Finian's Rainbow is also a love story that gives way to some of the best classical songs ever to be written for a Broadway musical.
Jim Norton plays Finian, who was recently seen in The Seafarer and won a Tony Award for his performance in 2008. His daughter Sharon (Kate Baldwin plays the role) falls for Woody (played by Cheyenne Jackson, formerly of Xanadu), and Christopher Fitzgerald plays "Og", the leprechaun. Mr. Fitzgerald recently played in Young Frankenstein on Broadway recently.
At this time, I thought I would share with you a little "secret" insider tip about how to get tickets for Finian's Rainbow at discount prices. If you think you might want to see Finian's Rainbow during the October through December 2009 months, my company can obtain great tickets for you at prices that are below face value. Simply put, we have an insider's price with Finian's Rainbow where we get significant discounts for most performances of the show. We then add on a modest service charge and offer you a retail price that is still lower than the usual printed ticket price.
Applause Ticket Agency (NY State license #71AP1001029) is open seven days a week to answer any questions you may have. If you think you, your friends, co-workers or family members might want to catch a performance of Finian's Rainbow, you might want to call us at 212-307-7050 or toll free at 800-451-9930. Whether you want to make a purchase or just want to talk about Broadway Shows, we'd love to hear from you.
Remember to call and say The Ticket Man told you to call. That's me, Rich Gladstone, The Ticket Man.
Take care now. Enjoy Finian's Rainbow
Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Ticket Agency
311 West 43rd Street, suite 601
NY,NY 10036
web site
Follow us at www.twitter.com/applausetickets
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Finian's Rainbow Box Office Now Open
Calling all fans of the Irish. Now of course you don't have to be Irish to appreciate Finian's Rainbow but it certainly helps. This new production which will mark it's first revival on Broadway since the original 1947 production is based on the Encores! production at City Center that played earlier this year. The show will star most of the cast from that production along with a few newcomers. Performances are set to begin at the St. James Theatre on October 8 with an official opening set for October 29. The good news is that from now thru October 28 all seats are being sold at some incredible savings. What not give us a call? You'll be glad you did.
JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York,NY 10036
212-307-7050 or 1-800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Follow us at http://twitter.com/applausetickets
Facebook: Applause Theater and Entertainment Service,Inc
JWB
Applause Theatre and Entertainment Service, Inc.
311 West 43rd Street
Suite 601
New York,NY 10036
212-307-7050 or 1-800-451-9930
http://www.applause-tickets.com/
Follow us at http://twitter.com/applausetickets
Facebook: Applause Theater and Entertainment Service,Inc
Friday, June 05, 2009
The Classic Musical "Finian's Rainbow" Returns to Broadway!
Here’s a pot o’gold o’ good news from Applause: The recent Encores! concert performance of the 1947 musical “Finian’s Rainbow” will transfer as a full production to the St. James Theater!“Finian’s Rainbow” — which has not been seen on Broadway since 1960 — includes a memorable score of such standards as "Look to the Rainbow", “Old Devil Moon” and “How Are Things in Glocca Morra.” Irishman Finian
McLonergan and his daughter Sharon travel to a small town in the mythical state of Missitucky with plans to bury a stolen pot of gold in the shadows of Fort Knox in the mistaken belief it will grow and multiply. They have been followed from Ireland by the owner of the gold, a leprechaun named Og, who shows up determined to recover his treasure. I loved the movie which starred Fred Astaire and Petula Clark and can't wait to see it on stage.The original cast is expected back for Broadway including the great Cheyenne Jackson and Kate Baldwin.
We are sorry, but tickets are not on sale yet except for group bookings for Finian's Rainbow.
Performances Begin: August 4, 2009
Tickets normally go on sale about a month in advance of a shows first performance.
Here are some of the reviews from the Encores production;
“MIGHTY WAVES OF LAUGHTER. Finian’s Rainbow is surprisingly ageless. Its mad invention is bathed in a radiant score by Burton Lane and E.Y. Harburg, weaving a spell of happy enchantment. The ever-delightful Jim Norton is perfectly cast as Finian. Kate Baldwin is a discovery as Sharon. Her rich, pure soprano rides the crest of the melodies with ease. Pixie dust must have been mixed into the recipe for Finian’s Rainbow.”- The New York Times
“Finian’s Rainbow IS A POT OF MUSICAL GOLD! A 24-carat revival packed with fantastic tunes. Thanks to a terrific cast assembled by director Warren Carlyle, it is hard to imagine ‘How Are Things in Glocca Morra,’ ‘Look to the Rainbow,’ ‘Old Devil Moon,’ ‘When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love’ and the other songs sounding any better. The wonderful Kate Baldwin and the charismatic Cheyenne Jackson have sparkling chemistry together.”- Daily News
“Dazzling! Magical! A stirring production featuring a top-flight cast!”- NY Post
Call Applause now to book your groups and pre-orders for this great show and all Broadway shows! 800-451-9930
We have the best deals on Broadway!
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