Busy, busy, busy....
Some random things piling up:
1. Spring Awakening has joined the throng of shows announcing their closing. While I saw it coming, it still saddened me...more than I thought it would, actually. Luckily -- thanks to a truly great friend -- I currently have a ticket to closing night. Don't know if I can use it...but it's great to know its available if I can make it.
Rumors are that much of the original cast will be there for the closing as their schedules allow. I'm supposing that means those out on the tour that appeared ON B'way: Blake Bashoff, Kyle Riabko and Matt Shingledecker would NOT be included...which is kind of sad.
It had a great run, set records by re-couping it's initial investment in only 8 months on b'way and had a profound effect of so many people. Personally, I have some lovely and lasting friendships because of it: and you know who you are and why. And gads of memories...which will keep me laughing when I am old and gray. (Ok, old-er and gray-er.)
2. I'm sadly confident that there will be several more closings before January comes to an end. My guesses: Avenue Q; Mary Poppins; 13; Young Frankenstien and possibly A Tale of Two Cities will all get the ax. Here's to hoping that I'm clueless.
3. On the encouraging side: I have heard NOTHING but wonderful reviews of B'way's newest musical, Billy Elliot. Based on the movie of the same name, this West End hit of two (?) years has crossed the pond. I had a chance to see it this weekend, but opted for a musical free weekend. I am now busy kicking myself in the behind. (Although I couldn't tell which play I'd sacrifice...)
West Side Story, although the casting has been bizarringly hush-hush, supposedly began rehearsal today for their DC "try out" which opens mid-December. It hits NY late Feb and opens late March. (I'm so thrilled that my students scored tix for this for their annual NYC trip in March.)
Stephen Sondheim, 78, has a new musical opening on 10/29 at the Public Theatre. ROAD SHOW. I believe I will see it over the winter vacation. Mr. Sondheim spoke of it during a public interview this past Friday at Northeastern U. He was gracious, generous and a true delight to listen to. I was mesmorized by him. From Playbill.com, Road Show in a nutshell: "Spanning 40 years from the Alaskan Gold Rush to the Florida real estate boom in the '30s, Road Show is the story of two brothers whose quest for the American dream turns into a test of morality and judgment that changes their lives in unexpected ways." It might not SOUND amazing, but it's SONDHEIM. So, even if it's just AVERAGE....that's still damn good and thought provoking in Sondheim terms.
4. For those of you that haven't caught this super silliness, Please RUN to www.drhorrible.com for a real treat. (And keep an open mind.) I started to watch this as the webisodes first started airing but didn't keep up with it. A student (thanks Andy!) reminded me of it and burned a cd of the music from it. I'm SO in adoration with the Whedon Bros and Mr. Hammer and Dr. Horrible and in love once again with Neil Patrick Harris (you remember him: Doogie Howser? Who didn't crush on him way back when?)
Which brings me to a question: Neil -- when are you returning to B'way? Please.
Whew. Promising another post next week after my weekend of non musicals! Stay Tuned
