Home
About "OTB"
E-mail Janine

Previous issues in the
Archive
Search this site
Loading
Serving the Theatre Community since 1998

Issue #81: February 1, 2002

Broadway

  • The Broadway record book is being revised again – Les Miserables has passed A Chorus Line as Broadway’s second longest running musical. Friday, January 25 marked the 6,138th performance of the celebrated Victor Hugo classic. At the performance were former cast members from A Chorus Line and as a tribute the cast of Les Miserable sang “One singular sensation” at the curtain call. Producer Cameron Mackintosh was there to preside over the festivities and now looks at overcoming the longest running musical milestone of Cats, another one of his productions which stands at 7,485 shows. Since Cats closed in 2000 you can look for Les Miz to break that record later this year

Broadway On The Road

  • Auditions are taking place in Toronto and other cities for a new Broadway musical that has dance legend Twyla Tharpe and music legend Billy Joel collaborating. The new piece, produced by James Nederlander, is tentatively scheduled to open in December.
  • Disney is looking at a fall 2003 premiere for the new musical Hoopz. Still in the pre-pre-production stage at the Trinity Rep in Providence, R.I.. the location for the debut.

London's West End

  • Cats, London’s longest running musical will finally slink away after 21 years. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will have performed more than 9,000 shows when the doors shut on May 11.
  • Revivals appear to have taken over the 2002 Laurence Olivier Awards nominations. The American import Kiss Me, Kate led the way with nine nominations but close behind is Cameron Mackintosh’s My Fair Lady with eight. The revival of Noel Coward’s comedy Private Lives led the plays with seven nominations. Winners will be announced on February 15.
  • Just a reminder to all you Jude Law fans, his Young Vic opening of Dr. Faustus is set to start previews on March 7 with the opening on March 18. The run is only until April 27 and how it is received will determine if it has an after life.
  • The Young Vic will also be the venue for Tony Kushner’s Homebody/Kabul currently packing them in Off-Broadway. The epic drama will open on May 10 and run through June 22.

Broadway Around the World

  • A new Swedish musical based on the life of the 20th century’s most reclusive actress, Greta Garbo, is set to open in Stockholm in September. Garbo the Musical will include new information about the star that her that relatives recently released. The music, the producer says, is inspired by Quebec diva Celine Dion.

Bits & Pieces

  • Stars are returning to Broadway in droves this spring. Look for Estelle Parsons, Frances Sternhagen and Elizabeth Franz to join the ranks of Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Alan Bates, Frank Langella, Chris O’Donnell and Vanessa Williams. Let’s hope all this star power will bring the masses back to the “great white way.”

back to top