tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59901618885664325562024-03-05T09:59:27.942-05:00Reviewing the Drama: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Ballet, Movies, and TV ReviewsRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.comBlogger1028125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-1141357427708808812017-07-27T09:23:00.002-04:002017-07-27T09:23:38.480-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhN8yHf1RDTB_jbTzdwIoHfGaP_2npjCr39Q-sQNwtmAZPhQLqUfLaRSpmf5fpTb_i4bOggtjhyphenhyphenK8tPPswEyX3laLDao0iOvt84i3T1FnUJofQltEBYPr2ZtB9VplrjZfiRGop7VAcltMg/s1600/gonefishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1160" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhN8yHf1RDTB_jbTzdwIoHfGaP_2npjCr39Q-sQNwtmAZPhQLqUfLaRSpmf5fpTb_i4bOggtjhyphenhyphenK8tPPswEyX3laLDao0iOvt84i3T1FnUJofQltEBYPr2ZtB9VplrjZfiRGop7VAcltMg/s320/gonefishing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-33772454512977832532017-07-14T15:08:00.004-04:002017-07-14T15:08:21.270-04:00Week in Review 7.11.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40ucQyBxOAb7T8za7jq3q6esjcjJP1h36tpo-Nw-Z2qWTRlcEYkl6oC3sjLil-nDwZB7VKK_eCjWvmlMG4rlE6QjIg3KmGCFpx0BsYp7rGIj6ETQIwPCS5XINBQ4dUrmTDP4kKOLBlXUN/s1600/leonardodicaprio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40ucQyBxOAb7T8za7jq3q6esjcjJP1h36tpo-Nw-Z2qWTRlcEYkl6oC3sjLil-nDwZB7VKK_eCjWvmlMG4rlE6QjIg3KmGCFpx0BsYp7rGIj6ETQIwPCS5XINBQ4dUrmTDP4kKOLBlXUN/s200/leonardodicaprio.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>
<b>Page to Screen</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/02/88th-academy-award-winners.html" target="_blank">Academy Award winner</a> <b>Leonardo DiCaprio</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/12/the-revenant.html" target="_blank"><i>The Revenant</i></a>) is set to star in a film adaptation of <b><i>Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI</i></b>, a David Grann novel. (Obviously, they'll have to change the title.) DiCaprio will reteam with legendary director <b>Martin Scorsese</b> (they collaborated on <i>The Departed</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/02/leo-leaps-and-love.html" target="_blank"><i>Shutter Island</i></a>, and other films) for the project, which is still in the fledgling stages. The novel is being adapted by screenwrite <b>Eric Roth</b> (<i>Forrest Gump</i>). <a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/news/martin-scorsese-development-killers-of-the-flower-moon-dante-ferretti-1202495680/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE4L0x8fQ8GJNCUjKDGtZMeQUCNxeAY5MYpnAGOh-PL5bChfmiou6eRgjsx6ASj2c5JzadbkKaenBVUxWYFumSlX15C59DxMeXcUf0FECQ4uyZAd3g0v2E2oKRpvYb8_0quY3orklMxhm/s1600/cateblanchett.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="155" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrE4L0x8fQ8GJNCUjKDGtZMeQUCNxeAY5MYpnAGOh-PL5bChfmiou6eRgjsx6ASj2c5JzadbkKaenBVUxWYFumSlX15C59DxMeXcUf0FECQ4uyZAd3g0v2E2oKRpvYb8_0quY3orklMxhm/s200/cateblanchett.jpg" width="134" /></a>Two-time <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/03/academy-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Academy Award winner</a> and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Cate Blanchett</b> (<a href="http://reviewingthedrama.tumblr.com/post/75726564872/blue-jasmine" target="_blank"><i>Blue Jasmine</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/the-present.html" target="_blank"><i>The Present</i></a>) is set to star in the adaptation of <i><b>Where'd you Go, Bernadette?</b></i>, which, BTW, is not about Bernadette Peters. The Maria Semple novel focuses on a woman who mysteriously leaves her husband and child. Blanchett will be joined on screen by <b>Billy Crudup</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/05/metal-children.html" target="_blank"><i>The Metal Children</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/12/spotlight.html" target="_blank"><i>Spotlight</i></a>) and <b>Kristen Wiig</b>. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/01/boyhood.html" target="_blank"><i>Boyhood</i></a> mastermind <b>Richard Linklater</b> co-adapted the screenplay (with Vince Palmo and Holly Gent Palmo) and will direct. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/whered-you-go-bernadette-gets-a-mothers-day-release-1021064" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zx6EnpPMvB_6XE8j3pWvAM2VsuS_8nRa9ro_NDw6vTJr5UVZ4SS7dpj7nbBCdW8kVvyzRomo3nu6w9MNiU4A6CSIw-Tu9wfezo_X-qsINTg_MkF9lTqvAsvvT8W5YrRT5Pmu8BH90YMS/s1600/johnoliver.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="875" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zx6EnpPMvB_6XE8j3pWvAM2VsuS_8nRa9ro_NDw6vTJr5UVZ4SS7dpj7nbBCdW8kVvyzRomo3nu6w9MNiU4A6CSIw-Tu9wfezo_X-qsINTg_MkF9lTqvAsvvT8W5YrRT5Pmu8BH90YMS/s200/johnoliver.jpg" width="200" /></a>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Funny man <b>John Oliver</b> (<i>Last Week Tonight</i>) has reportedly joined the cast of the live-action <b><i>The Lion King</i></b>, voicing the uptight bird Zazu. He joins the previous announced Donald Glover (Simba), James Earl Jones (Mufasa, again), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), and Billy Eichner (Timon). <a href="http://www.thewrap.com/john-oliver-joins-live-action-lion-king-zazu-bird-exclusive/" target="_blank">The Wrap</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Hamilton</i></b></a> will say farewell to <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/02/hamilton.html" target="_blank">King George III the first</a>, <b>Brian d'Arcy James</b>, on July 16. On July 28, <b>Euan Morton</b> will take on the role. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/189127/euan-morton-will-don-the-crown-of-king-george-in-hamilton/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQijSpFaQI3pDKBWJ8q03tGyvQWznnRsoSoBB8qNLn2gfajtEavbxwK-LjMs2RXElNCrh3pKVod7-5QAdZekb6cLBk3vtYc_EbJhhqFeq9GTud_ltZXSfEDYpxK-hIV1k54kaWiH9KQRkH/s1600/peterfriedman.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQijSpFaQI3pDKBWJ8q03tGyvQWznnRsoSoBB8qNLn2gfajtEavbxwK-LjMs2RXElNCrh3pKVod7-5QAdZekb6cLBk3vtYc_EbJhhqFeq9GTud_ltZXSfEDYpxK-hIV1k54kaWiH9KQRkH/s200/peterfriedman.jpg" width="133" /></a>Peter Friedman</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/06/fly-by-night.html" target="_blank"><i>Fly By Night</i></a>) and <b>Deanna Dunagan</b> (<i>August: Osage County</i>) will lead the company of Max Posner's <b><i>The Treasurer</i></b>, which begins previews at Playwrights Horizons on September 6. Opening night is set for September 26. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/tony-nominees-deanna-dunagan-and-peter-friedman-to-lead-cast-of-the-treasurer" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more, including the additional cast members. </li>
<br />
<li><b>Jackie Burns</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2009/11/theyve-got-life.html" target="_blank"><i>Hair</i></a>) will return to the long-running hit <b><i>Wicked</i></b>, once again playing Elphaba. She'll begin performances on July 31, which is also when a new Glinda, Fiyero, Nessarose, Boq, and Madame Morrible will commence their return trips to Oz. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188978/wicked-to-welcome-the-return-of-jackie-burns-as-elphaba-amanda-jane-cooper-ashley-parker-angel-more-join-long-running-hit/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has details. </li>
<br />
<li>Complete casting for the Broadway bow of <i><b>Junk</b></i>, by Ayad Akhtar, as been announced. Joining Steven Pasquale are <b>Matthew Saldivar</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/05/act-one.html" target="_blank"><i>Act One</i></a>), <b>Harry Shrum</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/06/fly-by-night.html" target="_blank"><i>Fly By Night</i></a>), <b>Teresa Avia Lim</b>, <b>Danny Mastrogiorgio</b>, <b>Rick Holmes</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/04/peter-and-starcatcher.html" target="_blank"><i>Peter and the Starcatcher</i></a>), and others. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/189142/matthew-saldivar-more-to-join-steven-pasquale-on-broadway-in-ayad-akhtars-new-play-junk/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has details. </li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexZr1pgOOGCC2lHqTqjZqa7WaaYD8hKRcoFvYhsvKYInSB5hYO_BUCbukCbcJ2UywsQhr3whO81I2MwYFHGzooXRu0_b24oOquuyWaOg-GEDCi1prXt2fmhPdHezocGheUe603cCAQoHl/s1600/umathurman.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="576" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexZr1pgOOGCC2lHqTqjZqa7WaaYD8hKRcoFvYhsvKYInSB5hYO_BUCbukCbcJ2UywsQhr3whO81I2MwYFHGzooXRu0_b24oOquuyWaOg-GEDCi1prXt2fmhPdHezocGheUe603cCAQoHl/s200/umathurman.jpg" width="200" /></a>Coming to the Boards</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Broadway</b>—Writer and activist <b>Beau Willimon</b> (<i>House of Cards</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/03/breathing-time.html" target="_blank"><i>Breathing Time</i></a>) will make his Broadway debut with his play, <b><i>The Parisian Woman</i></b>, set to open on Broadway November 30. (Preview dates and a theatre will be announced at a later date.) <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Pam MacKinnon</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/10/whos-afraid-of-virginia-woolf.html" target="_blank"><i>Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?</i></a>) will direct the play, which previously ran at a couple regional theatres. Academy Award nominee <b>Uma Thurman</b> will lead the company; this will mark her Broadway debut, as well. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/189128/uma-thurman-will-make-her-broadway-debut-in-beau-willimons-the-parisian-woman/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b>Off-Broadway</b>—<b>Roundabout Theatre Company</b> has announced the addition of <b><i>Bobbie Clearly</i></b> to its 2017-2018 season. The Alex Lubisher play will be part of the Roundabout Underground series, and will begin previews on March 8, 2018. Opening night is set for April 3, and the limited engagement is scheduled to conclude May 20. <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Dark-Comedy-About-Nebraska-Killing-to-Take-Roundabout-Stage-in-BOBBIE-CLEARLY-20170712" target="_blank">Broadway World</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b>Off-Broadway</b>—The new play <b><i>Cardinal</i></b> will have its world premiere at Second Stage in winter 2018. Written by <b>Greg Pierce</b> (<i>The Landing</i>, <i>Kid Victory</i>), the play will be directed by <b>Kate Whoriskey</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a>). <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/second-stage-adds-world-premiere-of-cardinal-by-greg-pierce" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAp-3FvPpai4VQraH28gIUXyEUnYdxJCoz61Ptq9Hjcp4pOyftFVyBqDGNk7J9vAb0AMW0n5QOcAl4TIgeZCHOfjvQnlsigrYjvA2iqY9hCohYq15rdEoryfD8Xg8PY0wZf_tUv_njPv8/s1600/dearevanhansen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="655" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAp-3FvPpai4VQraH28gIUXyEUnYdxJCoz61Ptq9Hjcp4pOyftFVyBqDGNk7J9vAb0AMW0n5QOcAl4TIgeZCHOfjvQnlsigrYjvA2iqY9hCohYq15rdEoryfD8Xg8PY0wZf_tUv_njPv8/s200/dearevanhansen.jpg" width="135" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Get ready fansens: A <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Dear Evan Hansen</b></i></a> behind-the-scenes book is coming your way. <i>Dear Evan Hansen: Through the Window</i> will be released November 21, and is set to include "personal memories, photographs, and unreleased lyrics" that the show's writers, <b>Steven Levenson</b>, <b>Benj Pasek</b>, and <b>Justin Paul</b>, have collected to guide readers through the journey of making the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">Tony-winning</a> hit musical. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/steven-levenson-benj-pasek-and-justin-paul-writing-dear-evan-hansen-book" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTSSzoA1Q4mqkMSYtrdrO983d9CfBFvAVbviBpSUfSFHT2K9xX2pyVYj597rxSPub3QOPN8F1ITwp_MGjECKyEFGWXO5RHmhO0pCh7VET75TFU4FpX_GzlbYfyetk7aU-KpZl4-XEmCal/s1600/dominiquemorisseau.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1011" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTSSzoA1Q4mqkMSYtrdrO983d9CfBFvAVbviBpSUfSFHT2K9xX2pyVYj597rxSPub3QOPN8F1ITwp_MGjECKyEFGWXO5RHmhO0pCh7VET75TFU4FpX_GzlbYfyetk7aU-KpZl4-XEmCal/s200/dominiquemorisseau.jpg" width="126" /></a>Dominique Morisseau</b> (<i>Skeleton Crew</i>, <i>Pipeline</i>) is among the honorees of this year's <b>Samuel French Awards</b>. Morisseau will receive the Impact and Activism in the Theatre Community Award. In addition to the physical award, the publishing and licensing company will make a donation on behalf of the award recipient to a theatre program of the honoree's choosing; Morisseau has chosen the Detroit Public Theatre. <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Ken-Ludwig-Dominique-Morisseau-and-Chris-Miller-Nathan-Tysen-Will-Be-Honored-with-2017-Samuel-French-Awards-20170711" target="_blank">Broadway World</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>PBS's <b><i>Great Performances</i></b> series will be dedicated to Broadway this fall. The lineup includes filmed versions of the recent productions of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/03/she-loves-me.html" target="_blank"><b><i>She Loves Me</i></b></a> (October 20); <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><b>Present Laughter</b></a> </i>(November 3); and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/holiday-inn.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Holiday Inn</i></b></a> (November 24). In addition, the <i>Hamilton </i>documentary, <b><i>Hamilton's America</i></b>, will be re-broadcast on December 1. Visit <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/pbs-will-broadcast-broadways-she-loves-me-holiday-inn-and-present-laughter" target="_blank">Playbill</a> for the full lineup.</li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-58588396273591780352017-07-13T13:05:00.001-04:002017-07-13T13:05:16.189-04:0069th Emmy Nominations (2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj7lhN8p_-IlayPUUUkwVuqGITupaNlrKeXvmGVIthrDX4fU9zyH29qO_T6g6TDDcutcc8bhgNvq_ObqV55xC8j8DCqkSXY_kF_1xpVMJ3i6DUPN-CeJQApXS1quZfY-dVHC5ixLX7zuz/s1600/emmy+award+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj7lhN8p_-IlayPUUUkwVuqGITupaNlrKeXvmGVIthrDX4fU9zyH29qO_T6g6TDDcutcc8bhgNvq_ObqV55xC8j8DCqkSXY_kF_1xpVMJ3i6DUPN-CeJQApXS1quZfY-dVHC5ixLX7zuz/s1600/emmy+award+poster.jpg" /></a></div>
The nominations for the 69th Emmy Awards have been announced. The main event is scheduled for Sunday, September 17, on CBS. Herein, nominees in some categories. For the full list of nominees, head to <a href="http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners" target="_blank">emmys.com</a>.<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Comedy</b></div>
<hr />
<b><b>Outstanding Comedy Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Atlanta</i></li>
<li><i>black-ish</i></li>
<li><i>Master of None</i></li>
<li><i>Modern Family</i></li>
<li><i>Silicon Valley</i></li>
<li><i>Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</i></li>
<li><i>Veep </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b>Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Donald Glover</b>, <i>Atlanta</i></li>
<li><b>Zach Galifianakis</b>, <i>Baskets</i></li>
<li><b>Anthony Anderson</b>, <i>black-ish</i></li>
<li><b>Aziz Ansari</b>, <i>Master of None</i></li>
<li><b>William H. Macy</b>, <i>Shamelss</i></li>
<li><b>Jeffrey Tambor</b>, <i>Transparent </i><b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Pamela Adlon</b></b>, <i>Better Things</i></li>
<li><b>Tracee Ellis Ross</b>, <i>black-ish</i></li>
<li><b>Jane Fonda</b>, <i>Grace and Frankie</i></li>
<li><b>Lily Tomlin</b>, <i>Grace and Frankie</i></li>
<li><b>Allison Janney</b>, <i>Mom</i></li>
<li><b>Ellie Kemper</b>, <i>Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</i></li>
<li><b>Julia Louis-Dreyfus</b>, <i>Veep </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Louie Anderson</b></b>, <i>Baskets</i></li>
<li><b>Ty Burrell</b>, <i>Modern Family</i></li>
<li><b>Alec Baldwin</b>, <i>Saturday Night Live</i></li>
<li><b>Tituss Burgess</b>, <i>Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt</i></li>
<li><b>Tony Hale</b>, <i>Veep</i></li>
<li><b>Matt Walsh</b>, <i>Veep</i></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Vanessa Bayer</b></b>, <i>Saturday Night Live</i></li>
<li><b>Leslie Jones</b>, <i>Saturday Night Live</i></li>
<li><b>Kate McKinnon</b>, <i>Saturday Night Live</i></li>
<li><b>Kathryn Hahn</b>, <i>Transparent</i></li>
<li><b>Judith Light</b>, <i>Transparent</i></li>
<li><b>Anna Chlumsky</b>, <i>Veep </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Riz Ahmed</b></b>, <i>Girls</i></li>
<li><b>Matthew Rhys</b>, <i>Girls</i></li>
<li><b>Dave Chappelle</b>, <i>Saturday Night Live</i></li>
<li><b>Lin-Manuel Miranda</b>, <i>Saturday Night Live</i></li>
<li><b>Tom Hanks</b>, <i>Saturday Night Live</i></li>
<li><b>Hugh Laurie</b>, <i>Veep </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Wanda Sykes</b></b>, <i>black-ish</i></li>
<li><b>Carrie Fisher</b>, <i>Catastrophe</i></li>
<li><b>Becky Ann Baker</b>, <i>Girls</i></li>
<li><b>Angela Bassett</b>, <i>Master of None</i></li>
<li><b>Kristen Wiig</b>, <i>Saturday Night Live</i></li>
<li><b>Melissa McCarthy</b>, <i>Saturday Night Live </i><b> </b><i> </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b>Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Donald Glover</b>, <i>Atlanta</i>, "B.A.N."</li>
<li><b>Jamie Babbit</b>, <i>Silicon Valley</i>, "Intellectual Property"</li>
<li><b>Mike Judge</b>, <i>Silicon Valley</i>, "Server Error"</li>
<li><b>Morgan Sackett</b>, <i>Veep</i>, "Blurb"</li>
<li><b>David Mandel</b>, <i>Veep</i>, "Groundbreaking"</li>
<li><b>Dale Stern</b>, <i>Veep</i>, "Justice"</li>
</ul>
<b>Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Donald Glover</b>, <i>Atlanta</i>, "B.A.N."</li>
<li><b>Stephen Glover</b>, <i>Atlanta</i>, "Streets on Lock"</li>
<li><b>Aziz Ansari</b> and <b>Lena Waithe</b>, <i>Master of None</i>, "Thanksgiving"</li>
<li><b>Alec Berg</b>, <i>Silicon Valley</i>, "Success Failure"</li>
<li><b>Billy Kimball</b>, <i>Veep</i>, "Georgia"</li>
<li><b>David Mandel</b>, <i>Veep</i>, "Groundbreaking"<b> </b>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Drama</b></div>
<hr />
<b><b><b>Outstanding Drama Series</b></b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Better Call Saul</i></li>
<li><i>The Crown</i></li>
<li><i>The Handmaid's Tale</i></li>
<li><i>House of Cards</i></li>
<li><i>Stranger Things</i></li>
<li><i>This Is Us</i></li>
<li><i>Westworld </i><b><b><b> </b> </b></b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Matthew Rhys</b></b>, <i>The Americans</i></li>
<li><b>Bob Odenkirk</b>, <i>Better Call Saul</i></li>
<li><b>Kevin Spacey</b>, <i>House of Cards</i></li>
<li><b>Liev Schreiber</b>, <i>Ray Donovan</i></li>
<li><b>Sterling K. Brown</b>, <i>This Is Us</i></li>
<li><b>Milo Ventimiglia</b>, <i>This Is Us</i></li>
<li><b>Anthony Hopkins</b>, <i>Westworld </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Keri Russell</b></b>, <i>The Americans</i></li>
<li><b>Claire Foy</b>, <i>The Crown</i></li>
<li><b>Elisabeth Moss</b>, <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i></li>
<li><b>Robin Wright</b>, <i>House of Cards</i></li>
<li><b>Viola Davis</b>, <i>How to Get Away with Murder</i></li>
<li><b>Evan Rachel Wood</b>, <i>Westworld </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Jonathan Banks</b></b>, <i>Better Call Saul</i></li>
<li><b>John Lithgow</b>, <i>The Crown</i></li>
<li><b>Mandy Patinkin</b>, <i>Homeland</i></li>
<li><b>Michael Kelly</b>, <i>House of Cards</i></li>
<li><b>David Harbour</b>, <i>Stranger Things</i></li>
<li><b>Ron Cephas Jones</b>, <i>This Is Us</i></li>
<li><b>Jeffrey Wright</b>, <i>Westworld </i></li>
</ul>
<b>Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Ann Dowd</b>, <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i></li>
<li><b>Samira Wiley</b>, <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i></li>
<li><b>Uzo Aduba</b>, <i>Orange is the New Black</i></li>
<li><b>Millie Bobby Brown</b>, <i>Stranger Things</i></li>
<li><b>Chrissy Metz</b>, <i>This Is Us</i></li>
<li><b>Thandie Newton</b>, <i>Westworld </i><b> </b><i> </i><b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Ben Mendelsohn</b></b>, <i>Bloodline</i></li>
<li><b>BD Wong</b>, <i>Mr. Robot</i></li>
<li><b>Hank Azaria</b>, <i>Ray Donovan</i></li>
<li><b>Denis O'Hare</b>, <i>This Is Ua</i></li>
<li><b>Brian Tyree Henry</b>, <i>This Is Us</i></li>
<li><b>Gerald McRaney</b>, <i>This Is Us </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Alison Wright</b></b>, <i>The Americans</i></li>
<li><b>Alexis Bledel</b>, <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i></li>
<li><b>Cicely Tyson</b>, <i>How to Get Away with Murder</i></li>
<li><b>Ann Dowd</b>, <i>The Leftovers</i></li>
<li><b>Laverne Cox</b>, <i>Orange is the New Black</i></li>
<li><b>Shannon Purser</b>, <i>Stranger Things </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b>Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Vince Gilligan</b>, <i>Better Call Saul</i>, "Witness"</li>
<li><b>Stephen Daldry</b>, <i>The Crown</i>, "Hyde Park Corner"</li>
<li><b>Reed Morano</b>, <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i>, "Offred (Pilot)"</li>
<li><b>Kate Dennis</b>, <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i>, "The Bridge"</li>
<li><b>Lesli Linka Glatter</b>, <i>Homeland</i>, "American First"</li>
<li><b>The Duffer Brothers</b>, <i>Stranger Things</i>, "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers"</li>
<li><b>Jonathan Nolan</b>, <i>Westworld</i>, "The Bicameral Mind"</li>
</ul>
<b>Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Joel Fields</b> and <b>Joe Weisberg</b>, <i>The Americans</i>, "The Soviet Division"</li>
<li><b>Gordon Smith</b>, <i>Better Call Saul</i>, "Chicanery"</li>
<li><b>Peter Morgan</b>, <i>The Crown</i>, "Assassins"</li>
<li><b>Bruce Miller</b>, <i>The Handmaid's Tale</i>, "Offred (Pilot)"</li>
<li><b>The Duffer Brothers</b>, <i>Stranger Things</i>, "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers"</li>
<li><b>Lisa Joy</b> and <b>Jonathan Nolan</b>, <i>Westworld</i>, "The Bicameral Mind"<b> </b>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special</b></div>
<hr />
<b><b><b>Outstanding Limited Series</b></b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Big Little Lies</i></li>
<li><i>Fargo</i></li>
<li><i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i></li>
<li><i>Genius</i></li>
<li><i>The Night Of </i><b><b><b> </b> </b></b></li>
</ul>
<b><b><b>Outstanding Television Movie</b></b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Black Mirror: San Junipero</i></li>
<li><i>Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love</i></li>
<li><i>The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks</i></li>
<li><i>Sherlock: The Lying Detective</i></li>
<li><i>The Wizard of Lies </i><b><b><b> </b> </b></b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Ewan McGregor</b></b>, <i>Fargo</i></li>
<li><b>Geoffrey Rush</b>, <i>Genius</i></li>
<li><b>Riz Ahmed</b>, <i>The Night Of</i></li>
<li><b>John Turturro</b>, <i>The Night Of</i></li>
<li><b>Benedict Cumberbatch</b>, <i>Sherlock: The Lying Detective</i></li>
<li><b>Robert De Niro</b>, <i>The Wizard of Lies </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Felicity Huffman</b></b>, <i>American Crime</i></li>
<li><b>Nicole Kidman</b>, <i>Big Little Lies</i></li>
<li><b>Reese Witherspoon</b>, <i>Big Little Lies</i></li>
<li><b>Carrie Coon</b>, <i>Fargo</i></li>
<li><b>Jessica Lange</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i></li>
<li><b>Susan Sarandon</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Alexander Skarsgard</b></b>, <i>Big Little Lies</i></li>
<li><b>David Thewlis</b>, <i>Fargo</i></li>
<li><b>Alfred Molina</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i></li>
<li><b>Stanley Tucci</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i></li>
<li><b>Bill Camp</b>, <i>The Night Of</i></li>
<li><b>Michael Kenneth Williams</b>, <i>The Night Of </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b><b>Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie</b></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><b>Regina King</b></b>, <i>American Crime</i></li>
<li><b>Laura Dern</b>, <i>Big Little Lies</i></li>
<li><b>Shailene Woodley</b>, <i>Big Little Lies</i></li>
<li><b>Judy Davis</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i></li>
<li><b>Jackie Hoffman</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i></li>
<li><b>Michelle Pfeiffer</b>, <i>The Wizard of Lies </i><b><b> </b> </b></li>
</ul>
<b>Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Jean-Marc Vallee</b>, <i>Big Little Lies</i></li>
<li><b>Noah Hawley</b>, <i>Fargo</i>, "The Law of Vacant Places"</li>
<li><b>Ryan Murphy</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i>, "And the Winner Is..."</li>
<li><b>Ron Howard</b>, <i>Genius</i>, "Einstein: Chapter One"</li>
<li><b>James Marsh</b>, <i>The Night Of</i>, "The Art of War"</li>
<li><b>Steven Zaillian</b>, <i>The Night Of</i>, "The Beach"</li>
</ul>
<b>Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>David E. Kelley</b>, <i>Big Little Lies</i></li>
<li><b>Charlie Brooker</b>, <i>Black Mirror: San Junipero</i></li>
<li><b>Noah Hawley</b>, <i>Fargo</i>, "The Law of Vacant Places"</li>
<li><b>Ryan Murphy</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i>, "And The Winner Is..."</li>
<li><b>Jaffe Cohen</b>, <b>Michael Zam</b>, and <b>Ryan Murphy</b>, <i>Feud: Bette and Joan</i>, "Pilot'</li>
<li><b>Richard Price</b> and <b>Steven Zaillian</b>, <i>The Night Of</i>, "The Call of the Wild"<b> </b> </li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<hr />
<hr />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Other</b></div>
<hr />
<ul>
<li><b>Kevin Kline</b>, Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, <i>Bob's Burgers</i></li>
<li><b>Ben Schwartz</b>, Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series, <i>The Earliest Show</i></li>
<li><b>Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart</b>, Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program, <i>Martha and Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party </i></li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-21557703269333635312017-07-07T14:46:00.002-04:002017-07-07T14:49:38.267-04:00Week in Review 7.7.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyYgr2qTqT2KcJpc3mDepHMbM6r6qDKm03xvUyy8dCwOZ-RPadDcktEy6UFoCoV2xBAbjUvuvyKDJirLqC4mpnfFRL35OAN0eezorEsYHbeZRla0zGFEPYqFJrUKu0xlLIi1VMSQSVczh/s1600/oscarisaac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyYgr2qTqT2KcJpc3mDepHMbM6r6qDKm03xvUyy8dCwOZ-RPadDcktEy6UFoCoV2xBAbjUvuvyKDJirLqC4mpnfFRL35OAN0eezorEsYHbeZRla0zGFEPYqFJrUKu0xlLIi1VMSQSVczh/s320/oscarisaac.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Scroll down for news about Oscar Isaac and his </i>Hamlet<i> co-star, Keegan-Michael Key.)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67YJD1hLCaS1PsfEfFkd6aroiZ3fMu5Qn9qYqVd7KS1HJ0qaCyphzgE-NZ9p6GMluNaX3AYj8dasqPhCyGzynNZbEeXrmz5Fv-J1KBo7XRNSZOym87b7k0i7vFGYxkVfmZh1O0UwHYYDo/s1600/joshgroban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67YJD1hLCaS1PsfEfFkd6aroiZ3fMu5Qn9qYqVd7KS1HJ0qaCyphzgE-NZ9p6GMluNaX3AYj8dasqPhCyGzynNZbEeXrmz5Fv-J1KBo7XRNSZOym87b7k0i7vFGYxkVfmZh1O0UwHYYDo/s200/joshgroban.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<b>Josh Groban on Your Coffee Table</b><br />
<hr />
This week, Josh Groban teased a coffee table book, <b><i>Stage to Stage: My Journey to Broadway</i></b>. <a href="https://twitter.com/joshgroban/status/882753586840522752" target="_blank">In his tweet, Groban said</a>, "The last few years have been insane. So I made a coffee table book about it. It's full of great memories." Later, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BWO_3TZh5rA/" target="_blank">in an Instagram post</a>, the crooner said, "We collected so many photos and memories from the last few years. Recording the <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Stages-Josh-Groban/dp/B00U3WJHCW/" target="_blank"><i>Stages</i></a> album, promoting it, doing a tour that took me around the world and back, and then signing on and completing my debut in <i>Great Comet</i>...it's all been one serendipitous dream." Groban just completed his run in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a>, marking his much-anticipated and highly acclaimed Broadway debut.
<br />
<br />
<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fosaMmcA25ZhU9pVeA6khufP3UIBxUWilmU4wcu8HH5ws3WdA5FfvYLIeUeKccL_5TOwKYf72mtrPZ1uGM_kNC8nf_yeBZjWfCMWArx-6AYFHTxEZxHqjm3H1HU2wqr0vcm52Sutxz4s/s1600/dollshousepart2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="202" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fosaMmcA25ZhU9pVeA6khufP3UIBxUWilmU4wcu8HH5ws3WdA5FfvYLIeUeKccL_5TOwKYf72mtrPZ1uGM_kNC8nf_yeBZjWfCMWArx-6AYFHTxEZxHqjm3H1HU2wqr0vcm52Sutxz4s/s200/dollshousepart2.png" width="130" /></a>A Doll's House, Part 2</b></i><b> to Welcome New Cast</b><br />
<hr />
The terrific <b>Lucas Hnath</b> play <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><b><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></b></a> will welcome three new cast members this summer. Beginning Tuesday, July 25, Tony winner <b>Julie White</b> (<i>Little Dog Laughed</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/05/airline-highway.html" target="_blank"><i>Airline Highway</i></a>) will take on the role of Nora; <b>Stephen McKinley Henderson</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/05/fences.html" target="_blank"><i>Fences</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/02/between-riverside-and-crazy.html" target="_blank"><i>Between Riverside and Crazy</i></a>) will play Torvald; and <b>Erin Wilhelmi</b> will portray Emmy, Nora and Torvald's daughter. They take over for Laurie Metcalf (who <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">won a Tony</a> for her performance), Chris Cooper, and Condola Rashad, respectively. That trio will play their final performance on Sunday, July 23. Jayne Houdyshell remains with the production. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/new-casting-announced-for-broadways-a-dolls-house-part-2" target="_blank"> Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cgmut9HYc5R1bXYAv_adnV502c3FVxnRtHXJ0dT77X0c_pt1v1Hq3M1PYSUGDftuflT0n5VXtPtFqFpFvUEpIbXz-LEa81jjIVFVhJbBnb0xgs0NTDk6igfmJ0Vu0sOg9o7tdZhth-4K/s1600/keeganmichaelkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="970" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cgmut9HYc5R1bXYAv_adnV502c3FVxnRtHXJ0dT77X0c_pt1v1Hq3M1PYSUGDftuflT0n5VXtPtFqFpFvUEpIbXz-LEa81jjIVFVhJbBnb0xgs0NTDk6igfmJ0Vu0sOg9o7tdZhth-4K/s200/keeganmichaelkey.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Oscar Isaac and Keegan-Michael Key Return to Shakespeare</b>
<br />
<hr />
<b>Oscar Isaac</b> and <b>Keegan-Michael Key</b>, who co-star in the Public Theater's production of <i>Hamlet</i>, are the subjects of recent articles. In <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/theater/oscar-isaacs-mom-died-now-hes-working-out-his-grief-in-hamlet.html" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a>, Isaac talks about turning to Shakespeare after the death of his mother. The veteran of stage and screen (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/10/we-live-here.html" target="_blank"><i>We Live Here</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/01/inside-llewyn-davis.html" target="_blank"><i>Inside Llewyn Davis</i></a>) plays the title role in the downtown production, directed by Sam Gold. Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/the-19-year-detour-that-took-keegan-michael-key-from-comedy-central-to-hamlet" target="_blank">Playbill</a> checks in with <b>Key</b>, who is making his New York stage debut in the production as Horatio. Key, famous for his comedy chops as one half of Key and Peele, is a classically trained actor.
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-84061006759084752152017-06-30T15:06:00.001-04:002017-06-30T15:06:19.180-04:00Week in Review 6.30.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi8X8JRYdjPynfcZUCGJXpl0RUXucX-synSwL-taSmJZ_w5UVvL38a7mdV9a1sAhyBM25fBQu_alLhDQWYfOtz5X-ZYm9fyZCcIGlib8fhDnkV7wXf6eziDfV_XpT0oapMqJY0eFAWtY6/s1600/jakegyllenhaal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi8X8JRYdjPynfcZUCGJXpl0RUXucX-synSwL-taSmJZ_w5UVvL38a7mdV9a1sAhyBM25fBQu_alLhDQWYfOtz5X-ZYm9fyZCcIGlib8fhDnkV7wXf6eziDfV_XpT0oapMqJY0eFAWtY6/s200/jakegyllenhaal.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><b>Jake Gyllenhaal</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/sunday-in-park-with-george.html" target="_blank"><i>Sunday in the Park with George</i></a>) is set to re-team with his <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/11/nightcrawler.html" target="_blank">Nightcrawler</a><b> </b></i>collaborators, actress <b>Rene Russo </b>and writer/director <b>Dan Gilroy</b>, for an untitled film set in the art world. Netflix has already won distribution rights. <a href="http://deadline.com/2017/06/netflix-jake-gyllenhaal-rene-russo-dan-gilroy-movie-deal-art-world-setting-nightcrawler-1202119874/" target="_blank">Deadline</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Freida Pinto</b> (<i>Slumdog Millionaire</i>) will join the cast of <i><b>The Path</b></i> for its upcoming third season, now filming in New York. She joins as a series regular. <i>The Path</i> stars <b>Aaron Paul</b>, <b>Michelle Monaghan</b>, and <b>Hugh Dancy</b>. <a href="http://deadline.com/2017/06/the-path-freida-pinto-season-3-series-regular-1202120181/" target="_blank">Deadline</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuD_0XXuXdCLrUX9bJJ0ZJesIovZjoy5hqt6NLr-qq4fVms2Rzv9iAGMs8eItvXJOFQUW-KJrcrCU8eaRtWZWdpo1hDp-Atey9bUYKtEC9BTJAeCMtrdp2hTKPuzJrcByprUukZ6TAHIh/s1600/victoriaclark.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuD_0XXuXdCLrUX9bJJ0ZJesIovZjoy5hqt6NLr-qq4fVms2Rzv9iAGMs8eItvXJOFQUW-KJrcrCU8eaRtWZWdpo1hDp-Atey9bUYKtEC9BTJAeCMtrdp2hTKPuzJrcByprUukZ6TAHIh/s200/victoriaclark.jpg" width="133" /></a>The terrific <b>Victoria Clark</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/05/cinderella.html" target="_blank">Cinderella</a></i>) will appear in the upcoming Encores! production of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Assassins</i>, starring alongside <b>Steven Pasquale</b>. The Tony winner (for <i>The Light in the Piazza</i>) takes on the role of Sara Jane Moore, filling in for the previously announce Julie White. <i>Assassins</i> runs July 12-15. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/victoria-clark-joins-assassins-at-new-york-city-center" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>Tony and Academy Award winner <b>Mercedes Ruehl</b> is joining the company of <b><i>Torch Song</i></b>, the Second Stage production of Harvey Fierstein's <i>Torch Song Trilogy</i>. Ruehl will star alongside <b>Michael Urie</b>. Previews at the off-Broadway venue begin September 26, with opening night scheduled for October 19. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/189046/mercedes-ruehl-will-join-michael-urie-in-harvey-fiersteins-torch-song-off-broadway/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDTdsCdk6EMC_MNs7PY9K8HDS6muMzCE5wCv8qCBvck8Z1dEelUyRGiCYkBDN6kZoGKOp2tbjNG7zNpadDm9kPLnmWyO-hOFMaQJbHDAsfUJFgmOk8wh_zYfw37Dy-FzOEbB85DPvRFth/s1600/titlephoto.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="470" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDTdsCdk6EMC_MNs7PY9K8HDS6muMzCE5wCv8qCBvck8Z1dEelUyRGiCYkBDN6kZoGKOp2tbjNG7zNpadDm9kPLnmWyO-hOFMaQJbHDAsfUJFgmOk8wh_zYfw37Dy-FzOEbB85DPvRFth/s200/titlephoto.jpg" width="200" /></a>Welcome to the Academy</b><br />
<hr />
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the body that awards Oscars, invited 774 artists to join its ranks. As noted in <i>The Hollywood Reporter</i>, of those invited, 39% are female, and 30% are people of color, showing that the Academy is taking steps toward diversity. Among those newly invited are: sisters <b>Debbie Allen</b> and <b>Phylicia Rashad</b>; <b>Colman Domingo</b> (also a playwright, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/02/dot.html" target="_blank"><i>Dot</i></a>); <b>Keegan-Michael Key</b>; <b>Kate McKinnon</b>; <b>Betty White</b>; <b>B.D. Wong</b>; director <b>Derek Cianfrance</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/01/blue-valentine.html" target="_blank"><i>Blue Valentine</i></a>); writer and director <b>Barry Jenkins</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/moonlight.html" target="_blank"><i>Moonlight</i></a>); writer and director <b>Jordan Peele</b>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/02/89th-academy-award-winners.html" target="_blank">Oscar</a> (and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">Tony</a>) winners <b>Benj Pasek</b> and <b>Justin Paul</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/la-la-land.html" target="_blank"><i>La La Land</i></a>); and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/89th-academy-award-nominees.html" target="_blank">Oscar nominee</a> <b>Lin-Manuel Miranda</b> (<i>Moana</i>). Visit <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/academy-invites-record-774-new-members-39-percent-female-30-percent-people-color-1017318" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> to see the full list.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4M7yWFiMF_CrcBwaRayfzMEQSO3ykZ-lV4ABk3tptpcFc8ZCOEfSP_hwKrvu_CHNR5NdaLe3_XX3XDGh6CVv8CFcppEkxIGg909_FnI2S7-3CPnTSHq_z-4d81Q4B_zDmpgenJMM2w0I/s1600/dearevanhansen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="655" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4M7yWFiMF_CrcBwaRayfzMEQSO3ykZ-lV4ABk3tptpcFc8ZCOEfSP_hwKrvu_CHNR5NdaLe3_XX3XDGh6CVv8CFcppEkxIGg909_FnI2S7-3CPnTSHq_z-4d81Q4B_zDmpgenJMM2w0I/s200/dearevanhansen.jpg" width="135" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>The <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">Tony-winning</a> production of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Dear Evan Hansen</b></i></a> was <b>filmed for the Lincoln Center archives</b>. The musical features a score by <b>Benj Pasek</b> and <b>Justin Paul</b>, a book by <b>Steven Levenson</b>, and performances by <b>Ben Platt</b> and <b>Rachel Bay Jones</b>, all five of whom <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">won Tonys</a> for their work. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/dear-evan-hansen-filmed-for-theatre-on-film-and-tape-archive" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more. (Also, SRO tickets are now available through the digital lottery. Visit <a href="http://dearevanhansenlottery.com/" target="_blank">dearevanhansenlottery.com</a> to enter.)</li>
<br />
<li>The full creative team for the upcoming revival of <i><b>M. Butterfly</b></i> has been announced. In addition to the previously announced director <b>Julie Taymor</b>, composer <b>Elliot Goldenthal</b> has joined the team; he'll provide original music for the production. Previews at the Cort Theatre begin October 7; opening night is scheduled for October 26. Visit <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/oscar-winner-elliot-goldenthal-will-compose-original-music-for-m-butterfly-full-creative-team-set" target="_blank">Playbill</a> to find out who else is on the team.</li>
<br />
<li><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlecarccmW9Z852txNrUJ7z-_dXH4XGeJat5uUmZxIn3ODWk_aBuxx8aGYPsJqodG4IPNVjYZwoERkT4NG_b5Ebgv-rAImOZveiSoTpU5zxqVIlDbnnFhjDbzdFiQJMGfkvblqSxppzm_/s1600/foofighters.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="537" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlecarccmW9Z852txNrUJ7z-_dXH4XGeJat5uUmZxIn3ODWk_aBuxx8aGYPsJqodG4IPNVjYZwoERkT4NG_b5Ebgv-rAImOZveiSoTpU5zxqVIlDbnnFhjDbzdFiQJMGfkvblqSxppzm_/s200/foofighters.png" width="200" /></a>Foo Fighters</b> will play a <b>concert at the Acropolis</b>, and the performance will be filmed for a PBS documentary series, <i>Landmarks Live in Concert</i>. The Acropolis, which translates to "city center," is famously the place where, in ancient Greece, the city gathered. It's home to the Parthenon, several other temples, and the Theatre Dionysus. <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/foo-fighters-plot-concert-at-greek-acropolis-for-pbs-docu-series-w490563" target="_blank"><i>Rolling Stone</i></a> has more about Foo Fighters' performance.</li>
<br />
<li>Full instrumental tracks for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Hamilton</i></b></a> are now available. Check out the #Ham4Ham video (below) announcing the latest <i>Hamilton</i> offering, and then <a href="https://atlantic.lnk.to/HamiltonInstrumentals" target="_blank">find the tracks on your favorite digital music platform</a>. </li>
</ul>
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4kYoFZ76tQw?rel=0" width="400"></iframe></div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-49157213891485365962017-06-23T14:40:00.004-04:002017-06-23T14:40:52.484-04:00Week in Review 6.23.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC8aE89cDXO5IyKOSTtYA6xMHzzxDC_mNr3tGF_KZaX4dq8FyHHCtIBMuqhS083n_ZhyiN1NkK2AwzEKHkItGy4TP92mmHHYks3GTsZvaA_JAyhflcw9pNcRr1KJk_NnIHbLVi9b-J2qf/s1600/foofighters.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="537" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPC8aE89cDXO5IyKOSTtYA6xMHzzxDC_mNr3tGF_KZaX4dq8FyHHCtIBMuqhS083n_ZhyiN1NkK2AwzEKHkItGy4TP92mmHHYks3GTsZvaA_JAyhflcw9pNcRr1KJk_NnIHbLVi9b-J2qf/s200/foofighters.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>New Foo Fighters Album</b><br />
<hr />
Foo Fighters are releasing a new album, <b><i>Concrete and Gold</i></b>, this fall!!! Set for release on September 15, the album, the band's ninth, will be supported by a national tour. You can gain pre-sale access when you pre-order the album (several combo packages are available) and/or you become a verified fan (an anti-ticket bot measure). All pre-orders come with an instant download of the single, "Run." See the announcement below, and head to <a href="https://www.foofighters.com/" target="_blank">foofighters.com</a> to pre-order and rock out. <br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="663" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffoofighters%2Fposts%2F10158794996315545%3A0&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJz_MzG3A_8gfJKpo2vv3J1W6OIXLuBu2d5iroKXb9R9quzQYZlmihmuwqgUGJG376iLaZmpD512onanG-o2eFscNnnksWr7al61UoDiXyrH8XJEl-hALQuGAiyVUABMqqePbiaZ9_FRQ/s1600/tonyshalhoub.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="210" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJz_MzG3A_8gfJKpo2vv3J1W6OIXLuBu2d5iroKXb9R9quzQYZlmihmuwqgUGJG376iLaZmpD512onanG-o2eFscNnnksWr7al61UoDiXyrH8XJEl-hALQuGAiyVUABMqqePbiaZ9_FRQ/s200/tonyshalhoub.jpg" width="115" /></a>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Broadway</b>—Initial casting for the Broadway bow of <b><i>The Band's Visit</i></b> has been announced. Many of the actors from the acclaimed off-Broadway production will be reprising their roles, including <b>Tony Shalhoub</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/the-price.html" target="_blank"><i>The Price</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/05/act-one.html" target="_blank"><i>Act One</i></a>), <b>Katrina Lenk</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a>), and <b>Jonathan Raviv</b>. Previews for the David Yazbek–Itamar Moses musical begin October 7 at the Barrymore Theatre, with opening night scheduled for November 9. <a href="http://broadway.news/2017/06/20/updates/casting/the-bands-visit-has-announced-initial-broadway-casting/" target="_blank">Broadway News</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxmUgkCPXRwFgf_kQZCkqJ82L7SMJLW8F8NSksvWGvGQVOz1e4mQXyW5UEIxfYerEBTip2L91dQ6nMHXCwuU-4gMkwhJ7d0JA8O1dVfZUHrK2aPpjpCveMsh56hJEURZKivYxnD4KhIFm/s1600/patrickwilson.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="510" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxmUgkCPXRwFgf_kQZCkqJ82L7SMJLW8F8NSksvWGvGQVOz1e4mQXyW5UEIxfYerEBTip2L91dQ6nMHXCwuU-4gMkwhJ7d0JA8O1dVfZUHrK2aPpjpCveMsh56hJEURZKivYxnD4KhIFm/s200/patrickwilson.jpg" width="127" /></a>Concert</b>—Tony nominee <b>Patrick Wilson</b> (<i>The Full Monty</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/04/guys-and-dolls.html" target="_blank"><i>Guys and Dolls</i></a>) will (briefly) return to the NY musical stage. He's set to perform in the New York City Center concert production of <b><i>Brigadoon</i></b>, alongside Kelli O'Hara and Robert Fairchild. Wilson replaces the previously announced Steven Pasquale, who withdrew from the production <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/week-in-review-61617.html" target="_blank">after being cast in Ayad Akhtar's <i>Junk</i></a>, which will be running at Lincoln Center at the same time. <i>Brigadoon</i> also stars Heidi Blickenstaff (<i>[title of show]</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/something-rotten.html" target="_blank"><i>Something Rotten</i></a>), and runs November 15-19. Visit the <a href="http://www.nycitycenter.org/tickets/productionNew.aspx?performanceNumber=10672&fullsite=true" target="_blank">City Center website</a> for ticketing information.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHrXEFd-yUeJ8SforHqRMfTIOwriGPeQucxFSUjET1xgCR0xmOATIyJTsJVxGM4qjLo-X0WC3rNjBuf5E_rUKjWghhrntqXhtH7M4k7DZiVR1PvS2nJU0r6EIdmlsSShiUVTg0FkifwYP/s1600/michaelesper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHrXEFd-yUeJ8SforHqRMfTIOwriGPeQucxFSUjET1xgCR0xmOATIyJTsJVxGM4qjLo-X0WC3rNjBuf5E_rUKjWghhrntqXhtH7M4k7DZiVR1PvS2nJU0r6EIdmlsSShiUVTg0FkifwYP/s200/michaelesper.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>
<b>Television</b>—Stage and screen veteran <b>Michael Esper</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/12/lazarus.html" target="_blank"><i>Lazarus</i></a>, <i>Nurse Jackie</i>) will star in the upcoming FX limited series, <b><i>Trust</i></b>. Throughout the ten episodes, <i>Trust</i> will tell the story of the 1973 kidnapping of oil tycoon John Paul Getty's grandson. <b>Donald Sutherland</b> plays the wealthy patriarch; Esper will play his son, John Paul Getty II, and <b>Harris Dickinson </b>is set to portray the kidnapped grandson, John Paul Getty III. Two-time Academy Award winner <b>Hilary Swank</b> will co-star as Getty III's mother, Gail. <a href="http://deadline.com/2017/06/trust-michael-esper-co-star-j-paul-getty-ii-fx-drama-series-veronica-echegui-recur-1202117531/amp/" target="_blank">Deadline</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b>Tour</b>—Get ready to "get on your feet"<i></i> in your town: Initial casting for the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/on-your-feet.html" target="_blank"><i>On Your Feet</i></a> tour has been announced. <b>Christie Prades</b> and <b>Mauricio Martinez</b> will lead the company as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, respectively. The tour launches in Buffalo on September 22. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188993/on-your-feet-national-tour-will-star-christie-prades-mauricio-martinez/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more. (As <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/week-in-review-6217.html" target="_blank">previously announced</a>, the show will conclude its Broadway run on August 20.)<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDKazkWDAG8ulCeNFWgd0SQN9rK-Cpa620qRuXRpNgz_A3J9d2THq2XqkF7tMh76WVfSjT3xy4zYl0hQVHud58IFvMFbNajjQfApa4SaukkwJysshf-cy0k-4c-vC0jdJjiQ6xbo50c2B/s1600/justin_peck.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="300" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDKazkWDAG8ulCeNFWgd0SQN9rK-Cpa620qRuXRpNgz_A3J9d2THq2XqkF7tMh76WVfSjT3xy4zYl0hQVHud58IFvMFbNajjQfApa4SaukkwJysshf-cy0k-4c-vC0jdJjiQ6xbo50c2B/s200/justin_peck.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><b>Justin Peck</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/05/nycb-spring-gala-allegro-brillante-and.html" target="_blank"><i>Everywhere We Go</i></a>, <i>The Decalogue</i>) has been named one of <i>Dance</i> magazine's most influential people in dance today. Also on the list are <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Andy Blankenbuehler</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>), ABT dancer <b>Misty Copeland</b>, and jooker <b>Li'l Buck</b>. Visit <a href="http://www.dancemagazine.com/the-most-influential-people-in-dance-today-2440965004.html" target="_blank"><i>Dance</i> magazine</a> to see the full list of influencers.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Tony Bennett</b> is this year's recipient of the <b>Gershwin Prize for Popular Song</b>, awarded by the Library of Congress. Bennett will receive the award at a November ceremony. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/tony-bennett-wins-gershwin-prize-for-popular-song" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn4jBzXAvCKrVEx5-EbgwVWeeTxtlshcErrHPvGOo8QyddwfkvoO5xLrFLSz8hVMdPrRdoVE-skxJHQS_FUdRtLALNoVH0zwmMvlbgajpj75NSGJ3XeE1hTEq7EmuYnkgEdURGLPX-8Fc/s1600/leonardodicaprio.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="300" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn4jBzXAvCKrVEx5-EbgwVWeeTxtlshcErrHPvGOo8QyddwfkvoO5xLrFLSz8hVMdPrRdoVE-skxJHQS_FUdRtLALNoVH0zwmMvlbgajpj75NSGJ3XeE1hTEq7EmuYnkgEdURGLPX-8Fc/s200/leonardodicaprio.jpg" width="106" /></a>The Hollywood Reporter</i> has released its list of the 100 most powerful people in Hollywood. Disney's <b>Bob Iger</b> tops the list, with <b>Reese Witherspoon</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/12/wild.html" target="_blank"><i>Wild</i></a>), <b>Barry Jenkins</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/moonlight.html" target="_blank"><i>Moonlight</i></a>), producer <b>Scott Rudin</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House Part 2</i></a>, the upcoming <i>Carousel</i> revival),<b> Leonardo DiCaprio</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/12/the-revenant.html" target="_blank"><i>The Revenant</i></a>), and <b>Oprah</b> landing elsewhere on the list. Visit <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/thr-100-hollywood-reporters-powerful-people-entertainment-1013405/item/thr-100-2017-bob-iger-1013464" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> for the full list. </li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><b><i>The Great Comet</i></b></a>, <i>Come From Away</i>, and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><b><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></b></a> are the recipients of Actor's Equity Association's <b>Extraordinary Excellence in Diversity on Broadway Award</b>. Previous winners include <i>Hamilton</i> and <i>American Idiot</i>. <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/equity-diversity-award-recipients-2017_81530.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNe-D9ZF4uD6tmpb_YQyyHca7z8Hp267a790XNKGLmiWeh1i0nQ8VmDsuehJGLrq2N4gZPgDmuf7NtzJyrSOxs363TLM6bVZCc6ipFiV0zo9532KA_HjA8pDAp1Bd-zIExgqoYP0NG11pq/s1600/cliveowen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="448" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNe-D9ZF4uD6tmpb_YQyyHca7z8Hp267a790XNKGLmiWeh1i0nQ8VmDsuehJGLrq2N4gZPgDmuf7NtzJyrSOxs363TLM6bVZCc6ipFiV0zo9532KA_HjA8pDAp1Bd-zIExgqoYP0NG11pq/s200/cliveowen.jpg" width="111" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>The <b>Clive Owen</b>-led revival of <b>David Henry Hwang</b>'s <i style="font-weight: bold;">M. Butterfly</i> will play the <b>Cort Theatre</b>. As <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/week-in-review-61617.html" target="_blank">announced last week</a>, previews begin October 7, and opening night is scheduled for October 26. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/clive-owen-led-m-butterfly-directed-by-julie-taymor-sets-broadway-theatre" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>Speaking of the Cort Theatre, its current resident, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Indecent</i></b></a>, will stick around a little longer. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/week-in-review-61617.html" target="_blank">Last week, it was announced</a> that the <b>Paula Vogel</b> play would conclude its run on June 25, but producer Daryl Roth announced today that the run is being <b>extended through August 6</b>. </li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJavRFwyUzHrr9HWY5mHH2W6-2yx3JSRS-ezd4WPQZVxoiOMVdlbIpIBnk2DLKH2Mhj-H8jeDy6xA63JIje03d4bWFk3_szKfBN7Z1f4O-FwB0VADWjkfRuUKdP-Ncftpjbq6jTyBt8Sk/s1600/dearevanhansen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="655" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJavRFwyUzHrr9HWY5mHH2W6-2yx3JSRS-ezd4WPQZVxoiOMVdlbIpIBnk2DLKH2Mhj-H8jeDy6xA63JIje03d4bWFk3_szKfBN7Z1f4O-FwB0VADWjkfRuUKdP-Ncftpjbq6jTyBt8Sk/s200/dearevanhansen.jpg" width="101" /></a>The cast album for the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">Tony-winning</a> musical <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></b></a> will be released on <b>vinyl</b> July 21. It's now <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Evan-Hansen-Original-Broadway-Cast-Recording2LP-Blue-Vinyl--wDigital-Download/dp/B071J8VCGG?tag=warnermusicuk-21&ie=UTF8&linkCode=as2&ascsubtag=05012ee12ad53aaaca59c274ad550c9a" target="_blank">available for pre-order</a>. Visit <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/cast-album-for-tony-winning-dear-evan-hansen-will-be-released-on-vinyl" target="_blank">Playbill</a> for more.</li>
<br />
<li>The <b>New Group</b> has announced its 2017-2018 season, and it includes <b><i>Jerry Springer: The Opera</i></b> and <b>Lois Smith</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/12/marjorie-prime.html" target="_blank"><i>Marjorie Prime</i></a>) in <b>Lily Thorne</b>'s <b><i>Peace for Mary Frances</i></b>. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188985/jerry-springer-the-opera-will-make-off-broadway-debut-as-part-of-new-groups-2017-2018-season/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16VClrAs3O9dZA-pYh4weC5rlYRWwWjWbBiRpvnSjcyAUQXxFIWyRW-OZn5od0tRoVvFWcktmpueMZ58KNTNL2lTM5usIVmnAAoVVz2l66lNHgRgp3D8TYvXXZBzOjfNUJ0RkFo2zc-8x/s1600/presentlaughterlandscape.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="305" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16VClrAs3O9dZA-pYh4weC5rlYRWwWjWbBiRpvnSjcyAUQXxFIWyRW-OZn5od0tRoVvFWcktmpueMZ58KNTNL2lTM5usIVmnAAoVVz2l66lNHgRgp3D8TYvXXZBzOjfNUJ0RkFo2zc-8x/s200/presentlaughterlandscape.jpg" width="150" /></a>The top-notch revival of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Present Laughter</b></i></a>, starring <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Kevin Kline</b>, will be filmed tonight (June 23) for BroadwayHD. (The performance will not be live-streamed; the filmed version will be available for on-demand viewing at a later date.) <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/present-laughter-starring-tony-winner-kevin-kline-will-be-captured-for-broadwayhd-june-23" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more. </li>
<br />
<li>The revival of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Cats</i> will conclude its Broadway run on December 30. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/cats-set-to-close-on-broadway-december-30" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>Get ready, friends: <b><i>Wet Hot American Summer: 10 Years Later</i></b> is coming to Netflix August 4. The series is a sequel to the original flick, which also enjoyed a pre-quel series on Netflix a couple of years ago. Watch the trailer for <i>10 Years Later</i> below. </li>
</ul>
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x6lo3v-IcPE?rel=0" width="400"></iframe></div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-4537467018054592032017-06-16T18:18:00.003-04:002017-06-16T18:18:38.710-04:00Week in Review 6.16.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1KeijKleqJICtigSo_Vmd4uf_ltlVv99xlnn0ycOw1LBhPGhV8f9IH1MhwQb676vvPXSdPiqqbCuwOgP0fl2nj72PtwBThTNXlqpdOcc4qkxW5QFQ2r2Q5UFgI4gAhyVHyZcIp6E372m/s1600/Bruce-Springsteen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="878" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1KeijKleqJICtigSo_Vmd4uf_ltlVv99xlnn0ycOw1LBhPGhV8f9IH1MhwQb676vvPXSdPiqqbCuwOgP0fl2nj72PtwBThTNXlqpdOcc4qkxW5QFQ2r2Q5UFgI4gAhyVHyZcIp6E372m/s200/Bruce-Springsteen.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
<b>Bruce on Broadway</b><br />
<hr />
This is not a drill. <b>Bruce Springsteen</b> is coming to Broadway. I repeat: Bruce Springsteen is coming to Broadway!!! The Boss will bring a scaled down version of his (amazing) concert to Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre for eight weeks this fall. Exact dates will be announced later. For now, fire up the record player, read through Springsteen's memoir, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Bruce-Springsteen/dp/1501141511/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497648331&sr=8-2&keywords=born+to+run" target="_blank">Born to Run</a></i>, and save money for tickets because, obviously, you'll want to go every night. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188960/born-to-run-bruce-springsteen-to-make-broadway-debut-this-fall/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg-pMwEVjlYLIqwmSeF-8GNtzcID8Nhm-RY1q76-jJfpP21aT9DvjP_ZJUyJYgDGkyImoO1Fiersw_7hM4ZA4w7g4eWXN4GyFD-eogGKUeCmDSq3FvyWxQzXm0V-AlYM7QXwVBr8JcRg1/s1600/tonyaward1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg-pMwEVjlYLIqwmSeF-8GNtzcID8Nhm-RY1q76-jJfpP21aT9DvjP_ZJUyJYgDGkyImoO1Fiersw_7hM4ZA4w7g4eWXN4GyFD-eogGKUeCmDSq3FvyWxQzXm0V-AlYM7QXwVBr8JcRg1/s200/tonyaward1.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<b>Tony Awards</b><br />
<hr />
Broadway's biggest night is now in the history books. Herein, all things Tonys:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.vogue.com/article/jordan-roth-gucci-tony-awards-celebrity-photo-diary" target="_blank">Red carpet looks</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">Full list of winners</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/tony-awards-winners-circle-photos_81380.html" target="_blank">Photos of all the winners</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ew.com/theater/2017/06/12/tony-awards-2017-performances/" target="_blank">Watch all the performances</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/7-unfiltered-moments-from-tony-press-room_81408.html" target="_blank">Anecdotes from the press room</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/inside-the-official-tony-awards-gala-at-the-plaza-hotel" target="_blank">Photos</a> of revelers at the official Tony Awards Gala </li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MBkzeqA_YbFZLtdzUYfqGu0MHBduBnh_cxbnH1DlpSEAGsiWthcG-V2uAKNzG6J84al6aVPbWgqAbN9njVkOW9Jof1WGY-pBi3W7OA2O-oNik36tEeE4lUvbfZ1qLNRX7DJC2Q8R_ay4/s1600/oslo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="284" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MBkzeqA_YbFZLtdzUYfqGu0MHBduBnh_cxbnH1DlpSEAGsiWthcG-V2uAKNzG6J84al6aVPbWgqAbN9njVkOW9Jof1WGY-pBi3W7OA2O-oNik36tEeE4lUvbfZ1qLNRX7DJC2Q8R_ay4/s200/oslo.jpg" width="151" /></a>Comings, Goings, and Extensions</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Extension</b>—Hot off the heels of its win for Best Play, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Oslo</i></b></a> has extended its limited Broadway run. The play, written by <b>J.T. Rogers</b> and featuring (newly minted) <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Michael Aronov</b>, will remain at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre through July 16. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/tony-winning-best-play-oslo-announces-extension" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b>Coming</b>—Previews for the revival of <b>David Henry Hwang</b>'s <b><i>M. Butterfly</i></b> will begin October 7. A theatre is still yet to be announced, but opening night is scheduled for October 26. <b>Clive Owen</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/old-times.html" target="_blank"><i>Old Times</i></a>) stars in the revival, which is directed by <b>Julie Taymor</b>. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/m-butterfly-revival-starring-clive-owen-sets-start-date-on-broadway" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTx3PtobP_0HJs40dydsgGeDmQbOZan4Hp6QDboEKzHb9IUGrhZi2jig1Zc6P2tITJVTwfWNkubJf3GEW7xvFCMasufEHl83JpkmjV9s5eIvlZzeqPoSg5tsYDTZ7G3Yi2zJooTeRyyR2/s1600/indecent.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="298" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTx3PtobP_0HJs40dydsgGeDmQbOZan4Hp6QDboEKzHb9IUGrhZi2jig1Zc6P2tITJVTwfWNkubJf3GEW7xvFCMasufEHl83JpkmjV9s5eIvlZzeqPoSg5tsYDTZ7G3Yi2zJooTeRyyR2/s200/indecent.jpg" width="148" /></a>Going</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The revival of John Guare's <b><i>Six Degrees of Separation</i></b> will conclude its limited run earlier than expected. Rather than playing until July 16, the final performance will be this Sunday, June 18. <i>Six Degrees of Separation</i> stars <b>Allison Janney</b>, <b>John Benjamin Hickey</b>, and <b>Corey Hawkins</b>, who earned a <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nomination</a> for his work. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188408/six-degrees-of-separation-with-corey-hawkins-allison-janney-john-benjamin-hickey-to-close-early/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>The Pulitzer Prize-winning <b>Lynn Nottage</b> play, <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank">Sweat</a></i>, will conclude its Broadway run on June 25. Though lauded by critics and relevant to today's political climate, the play struggled at the box office and did not win a Tony. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-sweat-announces-closing" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Indecent</i></b></a>, which marked Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright <b>Paula Vogel</b>'s Broadway debut, will conclude its Broadway run on June 25. (The production did <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/71st-tony-award-winners-2017.html" target="_blank">win two Tonys</a>, one for director <b>Rebecca Taichman</b> and one for lighting designer <b>Christopher Akerlind</b>.) As the press release states, regional productions are planned at Minneapolis's Guthrie Theater, Boston's Huntington Theatre, and at theatres in 20 other locations, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Kansas City, Washington DC, and Tel Aviv.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nRQ8XOF3Qw0Rm8gGnlLjMBgdlcH6UX7AlpjX1t2IbjJkD338AbGQCsRlVtiKqo8-BR79GFjg1ASPJkC71TQSEqwqIB5B7tgRaxrZvJ7mpbK6BeuSxn2oKumdjZnjEru9LKkG22Rjp78T/s1600/DanaiGurira.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nRQ8XOF3Qw0Rm8gGnlLjMBgdlcH6UX7AlpjX1t2IbjJkD338AbGQCsRlVtiKqo8-BR79GFjg1ASPJkC71TQSEqwqIB5B7tgRaxrZvJ7mpbK6BeuSxn2oKumdjZnjEru9LKkG22Rjp78T/s200/DanaiGurira.jpg" width="166" /></a>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony-nominated</a> playwright <b>Danai Gurira</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/eclipsed.html" target="_blank"><i>Eclipsed</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/03/familiar.html" target="_blank"><i>Familiar</i></a>) will appear in the upcoming Marvel film, <b><i>Avengers: Infinity War</i></b>. (Gurira is well-known as an actress for her work on <i>The Walking Dead</i>.) <a href="http://www.thewrap.com/walking-dead-star-danai-gurira-appear-avengers-infinity-war/" target="_blank">The Wrap</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>Recording artist <b>Ingrid Michaelson</b> will make her Broadway debut when she joins the company of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></b></a> for five weeks this summer. Michaelson will play Sonya July 3-August 15. (She will not perform August 2-6, though.) <b>Brittain Ashford</b>, who originated the role, is taking a temporary leave, and is scheduled to rejoin the company on August 16.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitncKidRUNpdyXsP9Fce076poav6vn5dkrcvnBy_EqhZ9s__OSoPfsp6nFOehP1uL7B0WZ8G6n-Qc8UJ5HNwwlQKbR_gAsl50kamOpaFzqm_N96xFGYQLckssGj9n65F8YX-wxrM8GObq7/s1600/stevenpasquale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="436" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitncKidRUNpdyXsP9Fce076poav6vn5dkrcvnBy_EqhZ9s__OSoPfsp6nFOehP1uL7B0WZ8G6n-Qc8UJ5HNwwlQKbR_gAsl50kamOpaFzqm_N96xFGYQLckssGj9n65F8YX-wxrM8GObq7/s200/stevenpasquale.jpg" width="145" /></a>Casting for the upcoming Encores! Off-Center season has been announced, and you're going to want tickets: <b>Steven Pasquale</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/02/the-bridges-of-madison-county.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Bridges of Madison County</a>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/03/the-robber-bridegroom.html" target="_blank">The Robber Bridegroom</a></i>) will lead the company of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Assassins</i>, starring at John Wilkes Booth. He'll be joined by, among others, <b>Alex Brightman</b> (<i>School of Rock</i>), <b>Julie White</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/05/airline-highway.html" target="_blank">Airline Highway</a></i>), <b>Cory Michael Smith</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/05/cock.html" target="_blank">Cock</a></i>), <b>Steven Boyer</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/hand-to-god.html" target="_blank">Hand to God</a></i>), <b>John Ellison Conlee</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/05/murder-ballad.html" target="_blank">Murder Ballad</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/12/the-curious-case-of-watson-intelligence.html" target="_blank">The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence</a></i>), and <b>Shuler Hensley</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweet-charity.html" target="_blank">Sweet Charity</a></i>). Next, <b>Nikki M. James</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/03/book-of-mormon.html" target="_blank">The Book of Mormon</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/07/preludes.html" target="_blank">Preludes</a></i>) will star in <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin</i>. Closing out the season is <i style="font-weight: bold;">Really Rosie</i>, which will feature Taylor Caldwell (<i>Runaways</i>), as well as choreography by tap phenom <b>Ayodele Casel</b>. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/steven-pasquale-nikki-m-james-and-more-join-encores-off-center-season" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>After <b>Steven Pasquale</b> tackles <i>Assassins</i>, he'll return to Broadway to star in <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/10/disgraced.html" target="_blank">Disgraced</a></i> playwright Ayad Akhtar's <i style="font-weight: bold;">Junk</i>. Previews at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre begin October 5, and opening night is scheduled for November 2. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/steven-pasquale-will-star-in-ayad-akhtars-new-play-junk-on-broadway" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaTwXSwyYFhqZAsoHcIHn4PFS-USZcrby8tOVE3_D98s3-0txQ5ovk6O6L_7EGD2q-IFARR585-UB4F14wmjtYRxlb3noi4uRpV4CahgWAqROtT8fKiuGE-Da5-zUs-1EX4NnJeXeZyFS/s1600/islafisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaTwXSwyYFhqZAsoHcIHn4PFS-USZcrby8tOVE3_D98s3-0txQ5ovk6O6L_7EGD2q-IFARR585-UB4F14wmjtYRxlb3noi4uRpV4CahgWAqROtT8fKiuGE-Da5-zUs-1EX4NnJeXeZyFS/s200/islafisher.jpg" width="133" /></a><b>Isla Fisher</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/nocturnal-animals.html" target="_blank"><i>Nocturnal Animals</i></a>) has joined the cast of <i><b>Tag</b></i>, an upcoming comedy that also stars Ed Helms, Hannibal Buress, Jon Hamm, and Rashida Jones. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/isla-fisher-joins-ed-helms-jeremy-renner-new-line-comedy-tag-1013149" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>Full casting for the Broadway-bound stage adaptation of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Frozen</i> has been announced. Among those joining Caissie Levy (Elsa) and Patti Murin (Anna) are <b>Kevin Del Aguila</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/04/peter-and-starcatcher.html" target="_blank">Peter and the Starcatcher</a></i>) and Andrew Pirozzi. The show begins its Broadway run in spring 2018. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/full-cast-announced-for-broadways-frozen" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEbhLRyHx7uL-2GY1JiV37ObnjiOeD6uKtKaUJXzlxzyj4UUamcEKSzklwJG9rWyhQLeVdI3dw05-kMODCzdVJt1mMIlsu0sr0RddKRPocO3lKeQEjEavq7ODzfoxPIT9sQI-MSUxPX2g/s1600/ashleydkelley.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="970" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEbhLRyHx7uL-2GY1JiV37ObnjiOeD6uKtKaUJXzlxzyj4UUamcEKSzklwJG9rWyhQLeVdI3dw05-kMODCzdVJt1mMIlsu0sr0RddKRPocO3lKeQEjEavq7ODzfoxPIT9sQI-MSUxPX2g/s200/ashleydkelley.jpg" width="200" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Get to know <b>Ashley D. Kelley</b>, the talented star of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/bella-american-tall-tale.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Bella: An American Tall Tale</i></b></a>. Broadway Box asks Kelley to "<a href="http://www.broadwaybox.com/daily-scoop/introduce-yourselfie-bella-leading-lady-ashley-d-kelley/" target="_blank">Introduce Yourselfie</a>," a regular feature on the site. </li>
<br />
<li><b>Katrina Lenk</b> (<i>The Band's Visit</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a>) and <b>Will Pullen</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a>) won this year's <b>Clarence Derwent Awards</b>, which honor actors having breakthrough/debut years. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188934/katrina-lenk-will-pullen-win-clarence-derwent-awards-barbara-barrie-anthony-chisholm-honored-with-richard-seff-awards/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ny8-hkJ6M6OaMXdQj8Zx44ujeWEK8FthLrt_13W5GlXaGHN6OorcCucFCL5rjPHK96KTpui7tqnXlhDQOQbal-kLyAbGaLNv9MixxQPRacKZWF2bSuvBbAnlnaC6V5AFOFhxqkReUOuu/s1600/johnmulaneykidgorgeous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ny8-hkJ6M6OaMXdQj8Zx44ujeWEK8FthLrt_13W5GlXaGHN6OorcCucFCL5rjPHK96KTpui7tqnXlhDQOQbal-kLyAbGaLNv9MixxQPRacKZWF2bSuvBbAnlnaC6V5AFOFhxqkReUOuu/s200/johnmulaneykidgorgeous.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>John Mulaney</b> is bringing his "<b>Kid Gorgeous</b>" comedy tour to NYC's Radio City Music Hall. The show is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2018, and tickets go on sale this Wednesday, June 21, at 10am. <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/OH-HELLOs-John-Mulaney-to-Bring-KID-GORGEOUS-to-Radio-City-Music-Hall-20170616" target="_blank">Broadway World</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>The lineup for <b>Broadway in Bryant Park</b> has been announced, and <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/come-from-away-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory-bandstand-and-more-set-for-broadway-in-bryant-park" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has the full schedule. Concerts take place on Thursdays beginning July 6, and continue through August 10.</li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-61218552251685448852017-06-12T18:00:00.000-04:002017-06-12T18:00:40.314-04:00Bella: An American Tall Tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9jTmnHNujTwJBmGzjfQKNXuJqYn1lyURUorkrG2dl5iDLFE_abi_kRD_hMn7o61rGffwQpNzs_mtL2jII7d0XF5AcaJlN_GFRVeVYk93pGpfyrYksg1D9x_qSKOfMlKEzlT4rLNC46P7/s1600/bella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="960" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9jTmnHNujTwJBmGzjfQKNXuJqYn1lyURUorkrG2dl5iDLFE_abi_kRD_hMn7o61rGffwQpNzs_mtL2jII7d0XF5AcaJlN_GFRVeVYk93pGpfyrYksg1D9x_qSKOfMlKEzlT4rLNC46P7/s320/bella.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Wild West is an iconic American place and time, and the tall tale is a uniquely American storytelling device so, naturally, playwright <b>Kirsten Childs</b> uses both to tell an American story that is conspicuously absent from American lore.<br />
<br />
<i>Bella: An American Tall Tale</i> was inspired by some street gawking Childs witnessed. As she describes in the program notes, she was walking down the street behind an African-American couple, and every man that passed took time to look (stare? leer?) at the woman's ample behind. (She notes that the men were "so spellbound they'd even forgotten to catcall.) Rather than seeing this as blatant street harassment or objectification of women, Childs saw an African beauty ideal being worshiped.<br />
<br />
A Euro-centric beauty ideal pervades society. Pretty much since Twiggy, magazines have been covered with white (often blonde) women who have waif-like bodies: skinny, straight, and with "normal" size features (noses, lips, etc.). In recent years, that standard of beauty has diminished a little (though not enough, in my opinion; even "real women" with curves, for example, can only have curves in certain places—they still must have a flat stomach to be desirable), but that Kate Moss look is still overwhelmingly seen as the ideal and valued over other looks. So Childs was heartened to see men celebrating this zaftig woman, and endeavored to write a musical celebrating the big booty.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE9lzhZjfgxqVbLq5M2WEGn9731G7GdUfXxuPZx69SC0iQ2H38M29NgcsfL4q_zQZO3iqj8dySoS8vkz5y7lDXenXtJTbfOod5F_ZZNOW329Xhlm91In6TlDupt7mArcf_JD0PH6i8MyX/s1600/ashleydkelley.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="970" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE9lzhZjfgxqVbLq5M2WEGn9731G7GdUfXxuPZx69SC0iQ2H38M29NgcsfL4q_zQZO3iqj8dySoS8vkz5y7lDXenXtJTbfOod5F_ZZNOW329Xhlm91In6TlDupt7mArcf_JD0PH6i8MyX/s200/ashleydkelley.jpg" width="200" /></a>Enter Bella, the "Big Booty Tupelo Gal." It's the late 1870s and Bella (an impressive <b>Ashley D. Kelley</b>) is on a train heading west. She has a wild imagination, and carries with her stories and lessons of her ancestors (the early song "The Language of My Nose and Lips and Hair" captures this well), including the "spirit of the booty," whose mission is to get Bella to embrace and harness the beauty and power of her behind.<br />
<br />
While she's on her <i>Wizard of Oz</i>–like journey to acceptance, she meets a cast of characters, many representing overlooked Wild West figures Childs discovered in her research for this show. There's Diego Moreno (<b>Yurel Echezarreta</b>), the gaucho; Miss Cabbagestalk (<b>Kenita R. Miller</b>, who doubles as Bella's mom), a mail-order bride; Tommie Haw (<b>Paolo Montalban</b>), an Asian cowboy (did you know one in four cowboys at that time were people of color?), who does an impressive striptease (yeah, they have fun); and many others.<br />
<br />
Bella also pines for her love, Aloysius (<b>Britton Smith</b>), a Buffalo Soldier with whom she exchanges love letters, but is thrown for a loop when she meets the train porter, Nathaniel Beckworth (an understated yet transfixing <b>Brandon Gill</b>). (Childs draws an interesting comparison between Aloysius and Nathaniel and their takes on masculinity.)<br />
<br />
Dramaturgically speaking there are some bumps along the way, particularly in the second act. I saw the show early in its run, and there are a couple of numbers that stop the show in the wrong way; they seem out of place and/or aren't the full-fledged 11 o'clock numbers they aim to be. Still, I was taken with this celebration of a different take on beauty. Yes, I am a white woman with European roots, but I do not fit into the sample size. Though I can't begin to know what it's like for a person of color to be bombarded with photos of white people and hear, "That's beautiful," I do know what's it like to see a single body type held up as the ideal—a body type that is foreign from my own, and so I saw myself in Bella more than in any number of traditional musical theatre characters.<br />
<br />
A note about the scenic design (by <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/06/tony-award-winners.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Clint Ramos</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/eclipsed.html" target="_blank"><i>Eclipsed</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/sunday-in-park-with-george.html" target="_blank"><i>Sunday in the Park with George</i></a>)): the playing floor is a wooden turntable. I could only see it as an allusion to <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a> (which David Korins designed). The opening song (and its reprise that serves as the finale) talks about history from the scholars and other history. "History is the tale from the book of the scholar but some history is taller than the tale," the company sings, and it's <i>your</i> history, too. I believe you know <i>Hamilton</i> is all about history having its eyes on you, and wondering, "Who lives? Who dies? Who tells your story?"<br />
<br />
So while <i>Hamilton</i> is telling a traditional American story with non-traditional casting, <i>Bella</i> (directed by <b>Robert O'Hara</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/09/bootycandy.html" target="_blank"><i>Bootycandy</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/barbecue.html" target="_blank"><i>Barbecue</i></a>)) is telling another American story, not just by people who aren't usually in the story but <i>about</i> people who aren't usually part of the story—and it <i>is</i> an American story. And to the old (white) woman sitting in front of me who left at intermission and said, "It's too long. They're very talented but it's just the beginning [of the run]. They have a lot to fix.": You should have stayed. You, with your judgmental attitude and small mindedness needed to see and experience this story, this celebration of the forgotten, overlooked, and misaligned. Here's to the big booty Tupelo gal, and all the women—past, present, and future—whose bodies break the mold.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-58663732314587531402017-06-11T23:28:00.001-04:002017-06-11T23:28:32.774-04:0071st Tony Award Winners (2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd6jpX16e_MwcRhyTdqHSb6qz69ZHYetK-LFfvgop-enuL18i7nWt68Y40l3sMOyYJRXmijrs63fL0shrGzOFfIsDOdpIT92isF3_qwJYm5rslZoUD02i5rq2nuQwwFKgrhm6nFxhKLH_/s1600/2017tonys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd6jpX16e_MwcRhyTdqHSb6qz69ZHYetK-LFfvgop-enuL18i7nWt68Y40l3sMOyYJRXmijrs63fL0shrGzOFfIsDOdpIT92isF3_qwJYm5rslZoUD02i5rq2nuQwwFKgrhm6nFxhKLH_/s320/2017tonys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The winners for the 71st annual Tony Awards have been announced and feted! The full list of winners is below, beginning with the big four categories. Thereafter are the winners in the play categories followed by the nominees in the musical categories. Winners are notated with bold typeface and an asterisk.<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHssRMxQ6JMZEJ1muWU_KIrH43HCuLIUqN8d6jSRykg_k6-_TjtmlMXVk9Zo6qaOEo88c9BRKTgupIHOWOpTabcaWtHIVMDK8meAhido4ohTEwpteSyqt_bu0TZ4imsNHeqrJcEueG_F5/s1600/dearevanhansen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHssRMxQ6JMZEJ1muWU_KIrH43HCuLIUqN8d6jSRykg_k6-_TjtmlMXVk9Zo6qaOEo88c9BRKTgupIHOWOpTabcaWtHIVMDK8meAhido4ohTEwpteSyqt_bu0TZ4imsNHeqrJcEueG_F5/s200/dearevanhansen.jpg" width="135" /></a>Best Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><i><b><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a>*</b></i></li>
<li><i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
Hooray!!! <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i> had been the early frontrunner, but <i>Come From Away</i> was the horse that broke late, and made the category competitive. (I certainly don't mean that as a knock on <i>Great Comet</i>, which I've seen and loved, or <i>Groundhog Day</i>, which I haven't seen; that's just what the race, according to chatter, was.) I love this musical. It's raw, honest, and important. It worked so well off-Broadway, it works amazingly on Broadway, and you better look for it in your town because I have no doubt it will be incredible on tour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Best Play</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a>, by Lucas Hnath</li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a>, by Paula Vogel</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a>, by J.T. Rogers*</b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a>, by Lynn Nottage</li>
</ul>
This wasn't my first choice, but it's a great choice. (There really weren't any bad choices in this slate.) I thought <i>Oslo</i> was terrific, I just preferred the energy, audacity, and direction of <i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i>. Still, this is a good choice. Possibly controversial side-note: I'm glad <i>Sweat</i> didn't win. I know it won the Pulitzer, but it wasn't a fantastic play. I think had the 2016 US election turned out differently, <i>Sweat</i> wouldn't be getting the attention it is getting, including the Pulitzer. That's a long way of saying that <i>Oslo</i> is the right choice over <i>Sweat</i>.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42JXZ8Pi-56RzyGg_aggT3hBYOKSJqen6n7kzmJutI_TYwZ6ZZEMEqqmsbrvGTVZXMg-zwkjqATgMNt6F2m5qOoz6DG9ADcJ9cJgO3_0uNCO5w3INRQNi4EVxZgHISb-5KqQje-SC8LN2/s1600/hellodolly.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42JXZ8Pi-56RzyGg_aggT3hBYOKSJqen6n7kzmJutI_TYwZ6ZZEMEqqmsbrvGTVZXMg-zwkjqATgMNt6F2m5qOoz6DG9ADcJ9cJgO3_0uNCO5w3INRQNi4EVxZgHISb-5KqQje-SC8LN2/s200/hellodolly.jpg" width="129" /></a>Best Revival of a Musical</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
<li><i><b>Hello, Dolly*</b></i></li>
<li><i>Miss Saigon</i></li>
</ul>
Well, duh! I mean, the actual best revival, <i>Sunday in the Park with George</i>, withdrew itself from nomination. That was probably the best hope for giving the seemingly unstoppable <i>Hello, Dolly</i> a run for its money. I haven't seen <i>Hello, Dolly</i> in any iteration, but word on the street is that this is a great revival of the beloved musical.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Revival of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Jitney*</b></i></li>
<li><i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank">Present Laughter</a></i></li>
<li><i>Six Degrees of Separation</i></li>
</ul>
Congratulations to the company of this production.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<div align="center">
<b>Plays</b></div>
<hr />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogA6cwvAhyphenhyphenYPXinETuqCZuCdhzC76WyX1qPNbK6lqH2ruC6V55zS0Rct20snP0oPGWaKEuTdxNJrBSoIGEOvLjQvzOWxub2T8p9unh9gYgC7tjgIEZ2t3l4Dt3vAeoPiQ2AuT1TSEnbPd/s1600/kevinkline.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogA6cwvAhyphenhyphenYPXinETuqCZuCdhzC76WyX1qPNbK6lqH2ruC6V55zS0Rct20snP0oPGWaKEuTdxNJrBSoIGEOvLjQvzOWxub2T8p9unh9gYgC7tjgIEZ2t3l4Dt3vAeoPiQ2AuT1TSEnbPd/s200/kevinkline.jpg" width="150" /></a>Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Denis Arndt, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/heisenberg.html" target="_blank"><i>Heisenberg</i></a></li>
<li>Chris Cooper, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
<li>Corey Hawkins, <i>Six Degrees of Separation</i></li>
<li><b>Kevin Kline, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank">Present Laughter</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Jefferson Mays, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
</ul>
This was as much of a sure thing as anything was this night, and I'm soooo happy about it. Kevin Kline has been a favorite for years, and the fact that he name-checked the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities in his speech is just icing on the cake. Get to the St. James before <i>Present Laughter</i> closes in July.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDn_4-iL9eO15LIHgl8ni9H_88JCEaehU3hAdbtOkTll8kqOBpFBnbXvr54L6Lzb-c6K_z2HCwW62grobmeSRm0Qv9w44RAvm95svABmLstsgkBKyizF7V5oILAOtixRRZA3JcLJ9M6lB/s1600/LaurieMetcalf.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDn_4-iL9eO15LIHgl8ni9H_88JCEaehU3hAdbtOkTll8kqOBpFBnbXvr54L6Lzb-c6K_z2HCwW62grobmeSRm0Qv9w44RAvm95svABmLstsgkBKyizF7V5oILAOtixRRZA3JcLJ9M6lB/s200/LaurieMetcalf.jpg" width="132" /></a>Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Cate Blanchett, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/the-present.html" target="_blank"><i>The Present</i></a></li>
<li>Jennifer Ehle, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
<li>Sally Field, <i>The Glass Menagerie</i></li>
<li>Laura Linney, <i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><b>Laurie Metcalf, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank">A Doll's House, Part 2</a>*</i></b></li>
</ul>
Yes. This is the right and the only choice to have made. This was Metcalf's fourth nomination, and she's one of the best actresses working today. She absolutely owns the stage in Lucas Hnath's play. She has incredible co-stars (all were nominated for Tonys), but it's her show. Bravo.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohhmLNjexSkw3ankLJfjIj_3x80G3v57q1dsAeEVHsiUD-DBi-Ep9kanlYM0LCSCJKHMF1EbGPwejLRD2VkaCtQV4IcoEpoDHqnZ9wBynvpLyZyRQbguLybc9HY_77vXqZ4dPXc46Gpoj/s1600/michaelaronov.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohhmLNjexSkw3ankLJfjIj_3x80G3v57q1dsAeEVHsiUD-DBi-Ep9kanlYM0LCSCJKHMF1EbGPwejLRD2VkaCtQV4IcoEpoDHqnZ9wBynvpLyZyRQbguLybc9HY_77vXqZ4dPXc46Gpoj/s200/michaelaronov.jpg" width="131" /></a>Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Michael Aronov, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank">Oslo</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Danny DeVito, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/the-price.html" target="_blank"><i>The Price</i></a></li>
<li>Nathan Lane, <i>The Front Page</i></li>
<li>Richard Thomas, <i>The Little Foxes </i></li>
<li>John Douglas Thompson, <i>Jitney</i></li>
</ul>
Yes!!! I was hoping Aronov would win! Danny DeVito had won some of the other awards this season, and I was nervous that he would take home the Tony, as well, even though he was the most detracting feature of a sub-par revival of a not great play. Anyway, Aronov is fantastic in <i>Oslo</i>, and I loved his speech, focusing on his parents, and what they sacrificed for him. Hooray for Aronov.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Johanna Day, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a></li>
<li>Jayne Houdyshell, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
<li><b>Cynthia Nixon, <i>The Little Foxes*</i></b></li>
<li>Condola Rashad, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
<li>Michelle Wilson, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a></li>
</ul>
This is the one performance in this category that I haven't seen, though we all know Cynthia Nixon can do no wrong on stage, so huzzah to the talented actress. I also like that she gave a politically timely speech without pontificating. An extra huzzah to Ms. Nixon.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Direction of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Sam Gold, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
<li>Ruben Santiago-Hudson, <i>Jitney</i></li>
<li>Bartlett Sher, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
<li>Daniel Sullivan, <i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><b>Rebecca Taichman, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank">Indecent</a>*</i></b></li>
</ul>
This was unexpected. Not undeserving, to be sure, but unexpected. I was pulling for Sam Gold because I thought the direction of <i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i> just pushed it from a good play to a great one, but Taichman did great work, and co-conceived the show with playwright Paula Vogel.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA2yBjyaJq4RNZaEJRm_sk1n2h0744PqdLu-8mV6Uv3mH2fE845LbgwVo3l_ZcMl45rydMseAA8ikGnr61ycAOyxdVo5vJ9_wCqvJuZ3ucGqNJYOjdyBmkkQ78he24BPf8SPYOKEoeISf/s1600/playthatgoeswrong.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA2yBjyaJq4RNZaEJRm_sk1n2h0744PqdLu-8mV6Uv3mH2fE845LbgwVo3l_ZcMl45rydMseAA8ikGnr61ycAOyxdVo5vJ9_wCqvJuZ3ucGqNJYOjdyBmkkQ78he24BPf8SPYOKEoeISf/s200/playthatgoeswrong.jpg" width="150" /></a>Best Scenic Design of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li>David Gallo, <i>Jitney</i></li>
<li><b>Nigel Hook, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/the-play-that-goes-wrong.html" target="_blank">The Play that Goes Wrong</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Douglas W. Schmidt, <i>The Front Page</i></li>
<li>Michael Yeargan, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
</ul>
This was my pick. In this farce, the set is another character, integral to the success of the play. Congratulations to (Captain?) Hook.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Costume Design of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Jane Greenwood</b>,<b> <i>The Little Foxes*</i></b></li>
<li>Susan Hilferty, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a></li>
<li>Toni-Leslie James, <i>Jitney</i></li>
<li>David Zinn, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank">A Doll's House, Part 2</a></i></li>
</ul>
Congratulations, Jane Greenwood.<br /><ul>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJYbj2cVF8zbn1h4JCSeBmzW6Vd4Z_jcJ7DXCHHyH_ojxDdI6Z0rFD2A4HWRyIocVHOIVkYpaKkrkhohYzDlAcSbi3FIHFSa1KGCzppyYWZ_xRxOm2b2YGLyyRyFmEfn05E6Rbc002wAO/s1600/indecent.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJYbj2cVF8zbn1h4JCSeBmzW6Vd4Z_jcJ7DXCHHyH_ojxDdI6Z0rFD2A4HWRyIocVHOIVkYpaKkrkhohYzDlAcSbi3FIHFSa1KGCzppyYWZ_xRxOm2b2YGLyyRyFmEfn05E6Rbc002wAO/s200/indecent.jpg" width="148" /></a>Best Lighting Design of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Christopher Akerlind, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank">Indecent</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Jane Cox, <i>Jitney</i></li>
<li>Donald Holder, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
<li>Jennifer Tipton, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
</ul>
I had guessed and hoped this would win. The lighting is as much a character in the play as any of the people portrayed on stage. Bravo, Mr. Akerlind.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<div align="center">
<b>Musicals</b></div>
<hr />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmpagOirhUtTJnn8b7_m5FNXXsroVpUk6xXvaf_6DdjRIdOA_IPIJIr7NigXdjO4xuOS7aBQOuInOzrPCmpCBpFUkI39OE27H21d0ab5FJ7-4nmM0j1M_YIOlxM9j9JtC7wwD6RjkhmPo/s1600/benplatt.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmpagOirhUtTJnn8b7_m5FNXXsroVpUk6xXvaf_6DdjRIdOA_IPIJIr7NigXdjO4xuOS7aBQOuInOzrPCmpCBpFUkI39OE27H21d0ab5FJ7-4nmM0j1M_YIOlxM9j9JtC7wwD6RjkhmPo/s200/benplatt.jpg" width="142" /></a>Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Christian Borle, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
<li>Josh Groban, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li>Andy Karl, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li>David Hyde Pierce, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Ben Platt, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a>*</i></b></li>
</ul>
I had been Team Ben Platt all the way. What he does in that show—eight times a week—is nothing short of magic. And he's only 23! How lucky are we that Platt is going to be dazzling us for decades to come? And I love his line about being yourself, "The things that make you strange are the things that make you powerful." Amen, Ben.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Denee Benton, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li>Christine Ebersole, <i>War Paint</i></li>
<li>Patti LuPone, <i>War Paint</i></li>
<li><b>Bette Midler, <i>Hello, Dolly*</i></b></li>
<li>Eva Noblezada, <i>Miss Saigon</i></li>
</ul>
Another foregone conclusion. What wasn't as predictable was Midler's (seemingly) never-ending speech. (You'd think that, knowing she'd win, she'd prepare something that wasn't as long-winded.) In any case, this was the first competitive Tony the Divine Ms. M won, and I hear it's well-deserved.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Gavin Creel, <i>Hello, Dolly*</i></b></li>
<li>Mike Faist, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li>Andrew Rannells, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
<li>Lucas Steele, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li>Brandon Uranowitz, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
</ul>
This is actually the one performance in this category I haven't seen, but I will always love Gavin Creel, so I have nothing negative to say. (The theatre geek in me loved that Sutton Foster was one of the people who presented Gavin with this award. The two co-starred in <i>Thoroughly Modern Mille</i>, for which Creel earned his first Tony nomination.) What he had to say about arts scholarships was also noteworthy. Love you, Gavin! Congratulations!<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCDjZn6P7J0eWQmOJLeu430f-VEvcSSxnNM4xRYAzzJ6nB0UOF3QopPwMZlX44puHgRAYAycw4DSBsT-ufD_-vDV2_wuXscW_7Y8GfnW1cxnhIBMqxBGg7Rv75Je3jPw2P3wbuoipxvnD/s1600/rachelbayjones.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCDjZn6P7J0eWQmOJLeu430f-VEvcSSxnNM4xRYAzzJ6nB0UOF3QopPwMZlX44puHgRAYAycw4DSBsT-ufD_-vDV2_wuXscW_7Y8GfnW1cxnhIBMqxBGg7Rv75Je3jPw2P3wbuoipxvnD/s200/rachelbayjones.jpg" width="141" /></a>Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Kate Baldwin, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li>Stephanie J. Block, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
<li>Jenn Colella, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Rachel Bay Jones, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Mary Beth Peil, <i>Anastasia</i></li>
</ul>
Hooray for Rachel Bay Jones!!!!!! She has turned in honest and affecting work throughout her career, and she's wonderfully devastating as the frazzled mother in<i> Dear Evan Hansen</i>. I am SOOOO excited by this win. Jones is a delightful person and an unparalleled performer. I liked the moment in her speech when she gave a shout out to her daughter, who "sacrificed so many bed times with mom" so that Jones could pursue her passion. Bravo!<br />
<br />
<b>Best Direction of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Christopher Ashley, <i>Come From Away*</i></b></li>
<li>Rachel Chavkin, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li>Michael Greif, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li>Matthew Warchus, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li>Jerry Zaks, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
</ul>
What?!? What is this BS? This 100% should have gone to Rachel Chavkin. Anyone else think Ashley won because voters split on Chavkin and Greif, leaving Ashley with a plurality? What the what?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jhs9xklh0eAKNUoLRZBQz6SVzyymie-F_iX1-DbpEP9VwsCixhqWGWQAwd0-FPiCm9u2gFKjgJx5opLzM91faf4yGUMRZbJQLloLcGCB42zkHldO0mFjzXs4ZL7nLk-sVnBuy-8iCsrp/s1600/pasekandpaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jhs9xklh0eAKNUoLRZBQz6SVzyymie-F_iX1-DbpEP9VwsCixhqWGWQAwd0-FPiCm9u2gFKjgJx5opLzM91faf4yGUMRZbJQLloLcGCB42zkHldO0mFjzXs4ZL7nLk-sVnBuy-8iCsrp/s200/pasekandpaul.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Best Score</b><br />
<ul>
<li>David Hein and Irene Sankoff, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Tim Minchin, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li>Dave Malloy, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
Ahhh!!!! I'm so excited by and happy about this! I LOVE this score. The deceptive simplicity and emotional rawness make for an utterly compelling score. Pasek and Paul won an Oscar earlier this year, they just won a Tony, and might win a Grammy for the OBCR of <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i>. Anyone want to take bets on when they reach EGOT status?!?<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4RDHOoRPtk_PmJvlzYvtalMKMxAuX21cONvfc3mqYp4j_k-yWPgnUEBW5Ygc_PWyc3i3s1HAklwZvWk2YWXUqTf-_urgum1rhZmCX6h9Yk7b2EZn5jOm4-ahjxLwT75hBrHNUbvg_7hM/s1600/stevenlevenson.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4RDHOoRPtk_PmJvlzYvtalMKMxAuX21cONvfc3mqYp4j_k-yWPgnUEBW5Ygc_PWyc3i3s1HAklwZvWk2YWXUqTf-_urgum1rhZmCX6h9Yk7b2EZn5jOm4-ahjxLwT75hBrHNUbvg_7hM/s200/stevenlevenson.jpg" width="153" /></a>Best Book of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li>David Hein and Irene Sankoff, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Steven Levenson, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Danny Rubin, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li>Dave Malloy, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
Yes. Yes. Yes. With no hard feelings toward Malloy (who had the Herculean task of translating a portion of an epic novel to the stage - in musical form), Levenson wrote an <i>original </i>musical, and the book is solid. It's funny, heartfelt, and truly builds character and pathos, it doesn't just get you to the next song. What a well-deserved win.<br />
<br />
<b><b></b>Best Choreography</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Andy Blankenbuehler, <i>Bandstand*</i></b></li>
<li>Peter Darling and Ellen Kane, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li>Kelly Devine, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li>Denis Jones, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/holiday-inn.html" target="_blank"><i>Holiday Inn</i></a></li>
<li>Sam Pinkleton, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
Congratulations to Andy Blankenbuehler.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Orchestrations</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Bill Elliott and Greg Anthony Rassen, <i>Bandstand</i></li>
<li>Larry Hochman,<i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Alex Lacamoire, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Dave Malloy, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank">Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</a></i></li>
</ul>
Congratulations to Alex Lacamoire.<br /><ul>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwETtfaru5B9ipQRQHdDhloCCVHJIyuHdCLHiZLMbQTCVrPOh8XAqxjnTwhVjh6AC6n-LYDR76l78B8Ou7hgU0QvA7y0tWyoyK-6OoP4-5QnU0z93__2EpmXn4h7g476Z-Hw9T9rXJ6cSM/s1600/greatcomet.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwETtfaru5B9ipQRQHdDhloCCVHJIyuHdCLHiZLMbQTCVrPOh8XAqxjnTwhVjh6AC6n-LYDR76l78B8Ou7hgU0QvA7y0tWyoyK-6OoP4-5QnU0z93__2EpmXn4h7g476Z-Hw9T9rXJ6cSM/s200/greatcomet.png" width="128" /></a>Best Scenic Design of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Rob Howell, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li>David Korins, <i>War Paint</i></li>
<li><b>Mimi Lien, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank">Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Santo Loquasto, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
</ul>
This was really the only choice to make, right? Mimi Lien was able to translate a Russian supper club to a stodgy, stuffy, staid Broadway house, creating a thoroughly immersive experience that is felt no matter where you sit. That's badass.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Costume Design of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Linda Cho, <i>Anastasia</i></li>
<li><b>Santo Loquasto, <i>Hello, Dolly*</i></b></li>
<li>Paloma Young, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li>Catherine Zuber, <i>War Paint</i></li>
</ul>
Congratulations, Santo Loquasto.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Best Lighting Design of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Howell Binkley, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li>Natasha Katz, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Bradley King, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank">Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</a>*</i></b></li>
<li>Japhy Weideman, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
</ul>
When nominations came out, I was having trouble choosing between winner Bradley King and Japhy Weideman. I'm pleased as punch with this win. Let's hear it for the chandeliers!<br />
<hr />
<hr />
And there you have it: The winners for the 71st annual Tony Awards. Congratulations to everyone!Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-55677513080457391982017-06-09T14:32:00.000-04:002017-06-09T14:32:00.169-04:00Week in Review 6.9.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTqbfMWiF3JsCxz2MHJlWPz_sYi227XMXjHXG8uX_VE536WmQjLcQMFp6HOneQZ7oCmlZ26-MwexzuKnRt-r6c7_OSkNbGx6K9-NhgcH1Uu3e2nFB46iWx6NdF0wBbKQxhLOtpjRsy3U5/s1600/idinamenzel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTqbfMWiF3JsCxz2MHJlWPz_sYi227XMXjHXG8uX_VE536WmQjLcQMFp6HOneQZ7oCmlZ26-MwexzuKnRt-r6c7_OSkNbGx6K9-NhgcH1Uu3e2nFB46iWx6NdF0wBbKQxhLOtpjRsy3U5/s200/idinamenzel.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Following <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/06/week-in-review-6217.html" target="_blank">last week's announcement</a> of the ART production of <b><i>Jagged Little Pill</i></b>, inspired by the Alanis Morissette album, this week we learned Tony winner <b>Idina Menzel</b> (<i>Rent</i>, <i>Wicked</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/03/ifthen.html" target="_blank"><i>If/Then</i></a>) will lead an upcoming industry reading of the musical. As noted in the <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188793/idina-menzel-to-lead-reading-of-alanis-morissettes-jagged-little-pill-musical/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> report, though, Menzel is not likely to appear in the ART production since she is <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/week-in-review-51917.html" target="_blank">already slated to star</a> in Joshua Harmon's <i>Skintight</i>, which runs at the same time as the ART <i>Jagged Little Pill</i> production.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Joe Tippett</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/03/familiar.html" target="_blank"><i>Familiar</i></a>) will join the company of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/04/waitress.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Waitress</i></b></a> beginning with the June 13 performance. He'll take on the role of Earl, the titular waitress's abusive husband. (Will Swenson plays the role through June 11.) Tippett's first performance will also mark the first performance of Betsy Wolfe in the title role. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/joe-tippett-will-step-into-broadways-waitress" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more. </li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyDWNouHsxO-iC4lgOTk_qpaQEOsnx0xYFhrZ5V21EfAfHC4itDOU0xWBQsaOrCZoOcAmMuQDbyHkM-1kt-RooT9c9R8kQGTgk_kJntXKo8F1WsEJLDFCIAeEserMnQ77iYC42ic3O1jt/s1600/sarahpaulson.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="366" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJyDWNouHsxO-iC4lgOTk_qpaQEOsnx0xYFhrZ5V21EfAfHC4itDOU0xWBQsaOrCZoOcAmMuQDbyHkM-1kt-RooT9c9R8kQGTgk_kJntXKo8F1WsEJLDFCIAeEserMnQ77iYC42ic3O1jt/s200/sarahpaulson.jpg" width="127" /></a>Additional casting has been announced for Steven Speilberg's <b><i>The Papers</i></b>, a telling of the Pentagon Papers. <b>Sarah Paulson</b> (<i>Collected Stories</i>, <i>American Horror Story</i>), <b>Bob Odenkirk</b> (<i>Breaking Bad</i>), <b>Bradley Whitford</b> (<i>The West Wing</i>, <i>Boeing Boeing</i>), <b>Carrie Coon</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/10/whos-afraid-of-virginia-woolf.html" target="_blank"><i>Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?</i></a>, <i>The Leftovers</i>), <b>Jesse Plemons</b> (<i>Breaking Bad</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/09/the-master.html" target="_blank"><i>The Master</i></a>), <b>Alison Brie</b> (<i>Community</i>), <b>Tracy Letts</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/10/whos-afraid-of-virginia-woolf.html" target="_blank"><i>Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/02/man-from-nebraska.html" target="_blank"><i>Man from Nebraska</i></a>), <b>Michael Stuhlbarg</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/steve-jobs.html" target="_blank"><i>Steve Jobs</i></a>), and <b>Zach Woods</b> (<i>Silicon Valley</i>) are joining the previously announced Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. The film is set for release on December 22. <a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/news/steven-spielberg-pentagon-papers-movie-sarah-paulson-bob-odenkirk-matthew-rhys-1202454085/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dv99MDb5gnTU4eTpZUpilG-MwPGVsG9O-v4aSNtsF4G8DxHSF0YttsegZR3LQDHTMeGwzXH-qmj0V3YL3N1_xc7qIryvpAB2kBFCwTe-zlR1uYY-YxvGjOw2d_Tp7Ig5TV7KoLFv3YaM/s1600/jasonalexander.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Dv99MDb5gnTU4eTpZUpilG-MwPGVsG9O-v4aSNtsF4G8DxHSF0YttsegZR3LQDHTMeGwzXH-qmj0V3YL3N1_xc7qIryvpAB2kBFCwTe-zlR1uYY-YxvGjOw2d_Tp7Ig5TV7KoLFv3YaM/s200/jasonalexander.jpg" width="150" /></a>Tony winner <b>Jason Alexander</b> (<i>Jerome Robbins' Broadway</i>, <i>Seinfeld</i>) will lead the company of <b><i>The Portuguese Kid</i></b>, a new John Patrick Shanley play. The MTC off-Broadway production will begin previews September 19, with opening night scheduled for October 24. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188809/jason-alexander-to-star-in-world-premiere-play-the-portuguese-kid-by-john-patrick-shanley/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Karen Ziemba</b> will join the company of the upcoming Hal Prince tribute musical, <b><i>Prince of Broadway</i></b>. Ziemba assumes the role that was to be played by Nancy Opel, who has withdrawn from the production to star in the new musical, <i>The Curvy Widow</i>. Previews of <i>Prince of Broadway</i> begin August 3, with opening night scheduled for August 24. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188840/tony-winner-karen-ziemba-joins-starry-cast-of-hal-prince-revue-prince-of-broadway/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more. </li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ54VIY5nMVPweVcBDzcHzWGq4sUuxhanLdFw0T3YIWNpLoZ40jvTi7iVlsx3ZQXzRFbk91HGtejaDeYA8lRdlijeJXxajX_wSUvD0DciPgmlF45Sa0jM1rgwMMoRT2ou5G1qvli4yYAg/s1600/tonyaward1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ54VIY5nMVPweVcBDzcHzWGq4sUuxhanLdFw0T3YIWNpLoZ40jvTi7iVlsx3ZQXzRFbk91HGtejaDeYA8lRdlijeJXxajX_wSUvD0DciPgmlF45Sa0jM1rgwMMoRT2ou5G1qvli4yYAg/s200/tonyaward1.jpg" width="132" /></a>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Tony Awards</b>—Broadway's biggest night is this Sunday, June 11! Here are some things to know:<br />
<ul>
<li>Here is the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">full list of <b>nominees</b></a>. </li>
<br />
<li>We'll be treated to <b>performances</b> from the casts of: <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a>; <i>Come From Away</i>; <i>Groundhog Day</i>; <i>Miss Saigon</i>; <i>Hello, Dolly!</i>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a>; <i>Bandstand</i>; and <i>War Paint</i>. Last year's lead actor/actress in a musical <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/06/tony-award-winners.html" target="_blank">winners</a> <b>Cynthia Erivo</b> and <b>Leslie Odom, Jr.</b> will perform, as will Radio City Music Hall's regular tenants, the <b>Rockettes</b>. </li>
<br />
<li><b>Presenters</b> will include <b>Lin-Manuel Miranda</b>, <b>Brian d'Arcy James</b>, <b>Allison Janney</b>, <b>David Oyelowo</b>, <b>Sutton Foster</b>, and <i>Oh Hello</i>'s <b>Nick Kroll</b> and <b>John Mulaney</b>. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188811/lin-manuel-miranda-cynthia-erivo-more-set-to-appear-on-the-2017-tony-awards/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>If you can't stand the suspense, head to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/08/theater/tony-voters-point-to-tight-races-and-sure-bets.html?_r=1" target="_blank"><i>The</i> <i>New York Times</i></a> for a report of <b>how Tony voters are voting</b>. Speaking to Tony voters on the condition of anonymity, they're able to make informed predictions regarding winners in several categories. </li>
<br />
<li>One <b>winner</b> that's already been announced is the recipient of the <b>Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award</b>. This year, that honor goes to <b>Rachel Harry</b>, who is a high school drama teacher in Hood River, Oregon. Read more in the <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/nominees/education_award.html" target="_blank">press release</a>.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0fFuwb3qDUuo7CAZ2M2quFMIgzbZDef4koxjKKsCrMT4kRQgRq8mLQHHgt04r5rj8b23PSYNUJzF6osWjid4Dke8qmtZKEn91wgyVQpLGrbLRqF-vHefe3hFyQ40DXSVaVtbXNJdlIeC/s1600/greatcomet.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="376" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0fFuwb3qDUuo7CAZ2M2quFMIgzbZDef4koxjKKsCrMT4kRQgRq8mLQHHgt04r5rj8b23PSYNUJzF6osWjid4Dke8qmtZKEn91wgyVQpLGrbLRqF-vHefe3hFyQ40DXSVaVtbXNJdlIeC/s200/greatcomet.png" width="128" /></a>Drama Desk Awards</b>—Winners of the 62nd annual Drama Desk Awards, which honor excellence in Broadway and off-Broadway, were announced and feted on Sunday, June 4. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Oslo</i></b></a> took home the Outstanding Play award, while <b><i>Come From Away</i></b> won the Outstanding Musical award. <b>Kevin Kline</b> rightly won Outstanding Actor in a Play for his performance in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Present Laughter</b></i></a>, and <b>Rachel Chavkin</b> was awarded the Outstanding Director of a Musical honor for her vision for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></b></a>. That musical netted three other awards: Outstanding Set Design for a Musical, <b>Mimi Lien</b>; Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical, <b>Nicholas Pope</b>; and Outstanding Lighting Design for a Musical, <b>Bradley King</b>. Visit <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188593/come-from-away-hello-dolly-the-great-comet-more-win-2017-drama-desk-awards/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> for the full list of winners.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjHcNgTdg8vKFlXvBxx5x9cuFeNPrCOW0MdHTICzw5nfJ0Z5ggrO4NnjsIynKwdqPyV0MdIqGcwJymi3l7_xJMv2_x7EnqulT-7hrQxV-UPSL03FGVoAKf4yVjaQbTVxgvMzmli79Pvov/s1600/susanstroman.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="214" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjHcNgTdg8vKFlXvBxx5x9cuFeNPrCOW0MdHTICzw5nfJ0Z5ggrO4NnjsIynKwdqPyV0MdIqGcwJymi3l7_xJMv2_x7EnqulT-7hrQxV-UPSL03FGVoAKf4yVjaQbTVxgvMzmli79Pvov/s200/susanstroman.jpg" width="135" /></a>Coming to the Boards</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>It's possible a Broadway revival of <b><i>Crazy for You</i></b>, a trunk musical featuring an assembled <b>Gershwin</b> score, could bow within the next season or two. After a successful concert at Lincoln Center, the show's original director/choreographer, <b>Susan Stroamn</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/10/big-fish.html" target="_blank"><i>Big Fish</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/05/city-ballet-slaughter-for-love-of-duke.html" target="_blank"><i>For the Love of Duke</i></a>), will stage a production for Los Angeles Center Theatre Group February 7-18, 2018. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188822/crazy-for-you-revival-directed-by-susan-stroman-to-play-los-angeles-before-broadway/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b><i>SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical</i></b> will bow on Broadway this fall. Previews at the Palace Theatre will begin November 6, with opening night scheduled for December 4. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/spongebob-squarepants-musical-will-hit-broadway-this-fall" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b><i>Escape to Margaritaville</i></b>, the musical featuring <b>Jimmy Buffett</b>'s songs, will begin Broadway previews at the Marquis Theatre on February 16, 2018, with opening night scheduled for March 15. <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/jimmy-buffett-musical-marquis-theatre_81274.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJuQuv-7udHFLvwEBWy05VC-a_6TSFyWfk-I3EHbe3A92gHYY1lKOhs18bMYVJKwgQapxd__7mj3oohRQbWQIgJc0Exiz3bdIgrj7dwPxpoR0zTlPj7nA3fEQ0A0Qd4LYBpGyrsNEpJqt/s1600/dollshousepart2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="202" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJuQuv-7udHFLvwEBWy05VC-a_6TSFyWfk-I3EHbe3A92gHYY1lKOhs18bMYVJKwgQapxd__7mj3oohRQbWQIgJc0Exiz3bdIgrj7dwPxpoR0zTlPj7nA3fEQ0A0Qd4LYBpGyrsNEpJqt/s200/dollshousepart2.png" width="130" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Good news: <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank">A Doll's House, Part 2</a></i>, the fantastic, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony-nominated</a> play by <b>Lucas Hnath</b> and directed by <b>Sam Gold</b>, will stick around a little longer. Originally scheduled as a 16-week run, the play will now remain on Broadway through January 7, 2018. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/a-dolls-house-part-2-starring-laurie-metcalf-extends-broadway-engagement" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b>John Stamos</b> will host <b><i>A Capitol Fourth</i></b>, the Fourth of July special that can be seen each year on PBS. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>'s <b>Phillipa Soo</b> is slated to perform, as are the Beach Boys. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/john-stamos-will-host-a-capitol-fourth-featuring-phillipa-soo" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF1d4TG4mWpInzmWo1rlR1GWSfe7IfvRaX7VHX5OZhypv4PRepQ63yHK8bHq-Kqe_kC4gEP7CO2y0eWb2gwsblmenF9zHyxd7cGMwLL0GPrm6V4cL4ngHyNW7eQlG97CtP6yksItfGxUz/s1600/wendywhelan.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="380" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAF1d4TG4mWpInzmWo1rlR1GWSfe7IfvRaX7VHX5OZhypv4PRepQ63yHK8bHq-Kqe_kC4gEP7CO2y0eWb2gwsblmenF9zHyxd7cGMwLL0GPrm6V4cL4ngHyNW7eQlG97CtP6yksItfGxUz/s200/wendywhelan.jpg" width="150" /></a>Wendy Whelan</b> talks to <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wendy-whelan-describes-sublime-human-experience-principal-dancer/story?id=47865171" target="_blank">ABC News</a> about transitioning from NYCB principal to...whatever the incredible dancer finds interesting! This interview is in support of the documentary <b><i>Restless Creature</i></b>, which chronicle's Whelan's surgery, comeback, and final year at NYCB. (I saw it, and LOVED it.) <i>Restless Creature</i> is on the film festival circuit. Visit <a href="https://www.restlesscreaturefilm.com/" target="_blank">restlesscreaturefilm.com</a> to find out when and where it's playing near you.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://ew.com/movies/mary-poppins-returns-exclusive-first-look-photos/practically-perfect-in-every-way" target="_blank"><i>Entertainment Weekly</i></a> has your first look at <b><i>Mary Poppins Returns</i></b>, the Poppins sequel featuring <b>Emily Blunt</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/12/into-woods.html" target="_blank"><i>Into the Woods</i></a>) and <b>Lin-Manuel Miranda</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>). The film is slated for a Christmas 2018 release. (<a href="http://ew.com/movies/2017/06/07/mary-poppins-returns-inside-the-magical-sequel/" target="_blank">Here's the accompanying article</a>.) </li>
<br />
<li><b>Broadway Barks</b>, the annual pet adoption event, will take place July 8, and be hosted by <b>Bernadette Peters</b> and <b>Malcolm McDowell</b>, who co-star on <i>Mozart in the Jungle</i>. (Peters founded the event with the late Mary Tyler Moore.) Head to <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/broadway-barks-2017-to-be-hosted-by-bernadette-pet_81385.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> to find out which stars will be on hand to show off the pets that are up for adoption.</li>
<br />
<li>The filmed version of <b><i>Oh, Hello</i></b>, starring <b>Nick Kroll</b> and <b>John Mulaney</b>, will debut on Netflix June 13, and there's a new trailer to get you extra excited about the hilarity: </li>
</ul>
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YPQL8RbwckU?rel=0" width="400"></iframe></div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-56910129492826992562017-06-06T18:00:00.000-04:002017-06-13T14:13:51.534-04:00Somebody's Daughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ugTEsQ5a7INxx6ckLwZ1VXNFq5iqKN_hVK0TkNwphj4l7Na97RTe9MuPgRjrXK7AkIXMmW9yY-yK6K3LcASG28eWFSdq1McTZCnFWW-p82NIOBb8m4x2ve1WzWQORMSyWCszuPgahyur/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-06-05+at+7.48.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ugTEsQ5a7INxx6ckLwZ1VXNFq5iqKN_hVK0TkNwphj4l7Na97RTe9MuPgRjrXK7AkIXMmW9yY-yK6K3LcASG28eWFSdq1McTZCnFWW-p82NIOBb8m4x2ve1WzWQORMSyWCszuPgahyur/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-06-05+at+7.48.29+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
No matter who you are, you're somebody's daughter and, for better or for worse, that means someone has expectations of you and you have either an example to follow or expectations to rebel against. (I suppose the same is true of sons, but right now we're talking about daughters and the unique mother–daughter dynamic.) In Chisa Hutchinson's play, directed by May Adrales, we look at three daughters, all Asian, each at a different stage of their lives.<br />
<br />
Alex Chan (Michelle Heera Kim), born in America, is a 15-year-old high school student. She excels academically, plays multiple instruments, and speaks even more languages. On paper, she's somebody's perfect Asian daughter. Her mother is Millie (Vanessa Kai). Millie and her husband, Richard (David Shih) immigrated to the United States shortly after they married. Their dynamic is such that Richard is responsible for working and providing for the family; Millie is responsible for raising the family. (The family, at this time, is just the three of them; there's no son, which is a point of contention.)<br />
<br />
Feeling unseen, Alex goes to her high school guidance counselor, Kate Wu (Jeena Yi), for help. While Kate seems to sincerely care about her students, she could use a little guidance herself: shortly after we meet her, we see her blow it with her boyfriend, Reggie (Rodney Richardson), an African-American man. A little later we'll meet Alex's crush, the all-American, white, high school guy, Russ (Collin Kelly-Sordelet (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/10/the-last-ship.html" target="_blank">The Last Ship</a></i>))<br />
<br />
Of course there are specifics about family relationships in Asian culture, and the interracial relationships are specific in their portrayal, as well, yet what it means to be somebody's daughter is universal. While we never meet Millie's mother, we can infer what that relationship was like and how it shaped her relationship with her daughter. (Similarly, we never meet Kate's mother, but we can guess as to its dynamic, and the effect it has on her relationships and the way she reacts to her students.)<br />
<br />
I was thoroughly engaged in these daughters' stories and found myself unexpectedly moved toward the end. Alex's journey is part coming-of-age, and deals with first love; I usually groan at such storylines, finding them trite, but not this time. The burgeoning romance between Alex and Russ was sweet, and seemed good for Alex. I'm a daughter, so I know firsthand how daughters' actions and life views and relationships revolve heavily around what their mothers think of them. I was comforted to see the way these women grew and came to terms with being somebody's daughter.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-77931710961213551002017-06-02T15:06:00.002-04:002017-06-02T15:06:21.012-04:00Week in Review 6.2.17<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aCPS5kknspCzLWejPSKhFmx5u3zBKlw-_791jkwozqHUA4ok2lal51P7UuBxhdGcK4GoqPIo1nywdLyjwPjcENsvdDi5GLJ2md0PGXNoIY8OixqBPjlURLnyj8Soz7Pc_7Wf91_GXe0X/s1600/jaggedlittlepill.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="634" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aCPS5kknspCzLWejPSKhFmx5u3zBKlw-_791jkwozqHUA4ok2lal51P7UuBxhdGcK4GoqPIo1nywdLyjwPjcENsvdDi5GLJ2md0PGXNoIY8OixqBPjlURLnyj8Soz7Pc_7Wf91_GXe0X/s200/jaggedlittlepill.jpg" width="150" /></a>Coming to the Boards</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Regional</b>—There's a stage adaptation of <b>Alanis Morissette</b>'s <i><b>Jagged Little Pill</b></i> in the works, and it's premiering at American Repertory Theater (in Massachusetts) next year. Featuring Morissette's music and a book by Oscar winner <b>Diablo Cody</b> (<i>Juno</i>, <a href="http://reviewingthedrama.tumblr.com/post/19697295628/youngadult" target="_blank"><i>Young Adult</i></a>), <i>Jagged Little Pill</i> will be directed by <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Diane Paulus</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/05/pippin.html" target="_blank"><i>Pippin</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/04/waitress.html" target="_blank"><i>Waitress</i></a>) and feature orchestrations by Tony and Pulitzer winner <b>Tom Kitt</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2009/11/normal-nah-extraordinary-yes.html" target="_blank"><i>Next to Normal</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/03/ifthen.html" target="_blank"><i>If/Then</i></a>), who, you might remember, also provided the incredible orchestrations for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/04/american-idiot-rocks-broadway.html" target="_blank"><i>American Idiot</i></a>. Visit <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/alanis-morissettes-jagged-little-pill-musical-will-premiere-in-2018" target="_blank">Playbill</a> for more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXShzfRkLQi6wFmiYYSsYx5MzRMpA_uuy3De_v8fmK0POHt4BaOBo8_XirhfNACOzUq9H5E2ZkBvbQ6yVytkfAf-SHJRHzJdmGaRz_gFeZMidmwmPV1MjO4iaaPpg3fIyA5t_xujgpkNL/s1600/zoekazan.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="125" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXShzfRkLQi6wFmiYYSsYx5MzRMpA_uuy3De_v8fmK0POHt4BaOBo8_XirhfNACOzUq9H5E2ZkBvbQ6yVytkfAf-SHJRHzJdmGaRz_gFeZMidmwmPV1MjO4iaaPpg3fIyA5t_xujgpkNL/s200/zoekazan.jpg" width="125" /></a>Off-Broadway</b>—A new play by <b>Zoe Kazan</b> (as a writer: <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/10/we-live-here.html" target="_blank"><i>We Live Here</i></a>, as an actress: <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/love-love-love.html" target="_blank"><i>Love, Love, Love</i></a>) has been added to Lincoln Center Theater's 2017-2018 season. <b><i>After the Blast</i></b>, set in a <i>Children of Men</i>-style dystopia, will begin performances at the LCT 3 Claire Tow Theatre October 7. Opening night is set for October 23, and the limited engagement is scheduled to conclude November 19. <b>Lila Neugebauer</b> will direct. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/lct3-to-debut-new-play-by-zoe-kazan" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U_rkynnk7DbwWgDd-VF7rFNdYFUuyiAlvVrnC3gJCo8RRUEdzZtfPKd7djq6GSc0U_K5_GNe12NwQTAg1bDh6ZDKRwPlnXFZR6KMjvUn6VcYQ3HOPTxBsjF21NAVqdp1PNb3MTevgph5/s1600/publictheater20172018.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="668" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6U_rkynnk7DbwWgDd-VF7rFNdYFUuyiAlvVrnC3gJCo8RRUEdzZtfPKd7djq6GSc0U_K5_GNe12NwQTAg1bDh6ZDKRwPlnXFZR6KMjvUn6VcYQ3HOPTxBsjF21NAVqdp1PNb3MTevgph5/s200/publictheater20172018.png" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Public Theater 2017-2018 Season</b><br />
<hr />
The venerable off-Broadway company, which launched recent hits like <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>, has announced its 2017-2018 season. Among other productions, the season includes <b>Elevator Repair Service</b>'s take on <b><i>Measure for Measure</i></b>, running September 18-October 29; the New York premiere of <b><i>Office Hour</i></b>, a new play by <b>Julia Cho</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/08/aubergine.html" target="_blank"><i>Aubergine</i></a>), running October 17-December 3; <b><i>Low Road</i></b>, written by <b>Bruce Norris</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/02/clybourne-park.html" target="_blank"><i>Clybourne Park</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/the-qualms.html" target="_blank"><i>The Qualms</i></a>) and directed by <b>Michael Greif</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>), running February 13- April 1, 2018; and <b><i>Milma's Tale</i></b>, a new play from <b>Lynn Nottage</b>, whose <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a> played at the Public last year before transferring to Broadway and winning the Pulitzer this year. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/lynn-nottage-thomas-kail-and-more-make-up-new-public-theater-season" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has the full lineup, and subscriptions are now on sale.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SzEytYbMHA6Ppf9xGFJN4caSEXbbxhK6yzM0GzcIAfbHjpAKUapuOlgzssLnElhpltk4VkkNv-xs8MIRLwhiW22pUbyGNt_TIlLAO_VRY6lK_4rMZMmBD6Sx7JyylPM8BJFWlMb51ymi/s1600/onyourfeet.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="458" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SzEytYbMHA6Ppf9xGFJN4caSEXbbxhK6yzM0GzcIAfbHjpAKUapuOlgzssLnElhpltk4VkkNv-xs8MIRLwhiW22pUbyGNt_TIlLAO_VRY6lK_4rMZMmBD6Sx7JyylPM8BJFWlMb51ymi/s200/onyourfeet.jpg" width="126" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>The fun-filled musical <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/on-your-feet.html" target="_blank"><b><i>On Your Feet</i></b></a> will <b>conclude its Broadway run</b> on August 20. The show, which chronicles the life of Gloria and Emilio Estefan and uses their music, opened on Broadway in November 2015. <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/on-your-feet-announces-closing-date_75521.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>As <b>New York City Ballet</b> prepares for its summer stint at Washington, DC's Kennedy Center, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_danc/pain-satin-and-paper-towels-what-it-takes-for-ballerinas-to-dance-on-their-toes/2017/05/26/b4824cd6-3cd0-11e7-b9e3-606b45ad1e5b_story.html?tid=sm_fb&utm_term=.6b4f8599b7c7" target="_blank"><i>The Washington Post</i></a> explores what it's like to endure <b>pointe shoes</b>.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DU_W2AQ6jTS8xyLszZGJp6kwe8HuDupxyPJRXsBViPrWDieSrX3c3idvTv4bJZdNHb5Ize7_0uBgI5SUGnxNGRNhNz4h60mclozAFk6tRy6IZVKGD573trtkxfJbOmW5A_2sktmuK-rG/s1600/tonyaward1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DU_W2AQ6jTS8xyLszZGJp6kwe8HuDupxyPJRXsBViPrWDieSrX3c3idvTv4bJZdNHb5Ize7_0uBgI5SUGnxNGRNhNz4h60mclozAFk6tRy6IZVKGD573trtkxfJbOmW5A_2sktmuK-rG/s200/tonyaward1.jpg" width="132" /></a>The first round of <b>Tony Award presenters</b> <a href="http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/tonynight/presenters_and_performers.html" target="_blank">have been announced</a>. Current <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">nominees</a> <b>Josh Groban</b>, <b>Bette Midler</b>, and <b>Ben Platt</b> will pull double duty, serving as presenters. Other presenters include <b>Stephen Colbert</b>, <b>Tina Fey</b>, and <b>Keegan-Michael Key</b>. Broadway's biggest night is Sunday, June 11.</li>
<br />
<li>The audio-book company <b>Audible</b> has announced a <b>$5 million grant</b> to commission works from emerging playwrights. Selected playwrights will write one– or two–person radio plays that will be produced and distributed specifically for and by Audible. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/audible-announces-5-million-grant-for-emerging-playwrights" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li>The <b>Chis Hutchinson </b>play <b><i>Somebody's Daughter</i></b> has been extended. The Second Stage Uptown production, which focuses on three Asian women, daughters all, will now run through June 25. The play opens June 6. <a href="http://theatermania.com/off-broadway/news/second-stage-uptown-extends-somebodys-daughter_81263.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-52861181279639957742017-05-26T14:59:00.000-04:002017-05-26T14:59:07.260-04:00Week in Review 5.26.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlVe4vF5BaygobZa26KT5TUCIX-rp9HUELU89A6dhJws8KW8-NNZ9Yqx_xlkrBpmIWzmdhC5aa1rOlZQZN4YwgNhxcEQRRxesRannxyPxkRSQhpwNy9QvzRpcfaWC-s4CcbOM-wvQz5X3/s1600/saramearns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="380" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlVe4vF5BaygobZa26KT5TUCIX-rp9HUELU89A6dhJws8KW8-NNZ9Yqx_xlkrBpmIWzmdhC5aa1rOlZQZN4YwgNhxcEQRRxesRannxyPxkRSQhpwNy9QvzRpcfaWC-s4CcbOM-wvQz5X3/s200/saramearns.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>NYCB principal dancer <b>Sara Mearns</b> will appear as a guest artist in the Matthew Bourne ballet adaptation of <i><b>The Red Shoes</b></i>, which will play at New York's City Center this fall. Mearns will alternate performances with <b>Ashley Shaw</b>, who originated the role of Victoria Page, the tortured dancer, in the London premiere. <i>The Red Shoes</i> runs October 26 through November 5. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/arts/dance/city-center-new-season-the-red-shoes-and-brigadoon.html?_r=1" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> has more<i>, </i>and the <a href="http://www.nycitycenter.org/tickets/productionNew.aspx?performanceNumber=10680" target="_blank">City Center website</a> has the cast schedule. </li>
<br />
<li><b>Lin-Manuel Miranda </b>(<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>) has joined the cast of the upcoming reboot of the beloved animated series, <b><i>Duck Tales</i></b>. Miranda joins a cast that already includes <b>Ben Schwartz</b> and <b>Danny Pudi</b>. <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/lin-manuel-miranda-joins-ducktales-cast_81161.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2L8I0SR6rXlC502j1Fv27gZcxGt6DioumT7-6j-MD_ZUfxOYMhyphenhyphentCgg0AByPJIlB8vYTANndPeiRTVVfovFHltUcrcdpcWGngaajuk1BIlM0wC71XA1LLc2WPHoYObq0-tz-QCMRxU62/s1600/benplatt.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="606" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2L8I0SR6rXlC502j1Fv27gZcxGt6DioumT7-6j-MD_ZUfxOYMhyphenhyphentCgg0AByPJIlB8vYTANndPeiRTVVfovFHltUcrcdpcWGngaajuk1BIlM0wC71XA1LLc2WPHoYObq0-tz-QCMRxU62/s200/benplatt.jpg" width="142" /></a>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Drama League Awards</b>—Winners of the Drama League Awards were announced, with <b>Ben Platt</b> making history as the youngest winner of the Distinguished Performance Award. Elsewhere, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Oslo</i></a> took home the Outstanding Play honor, and Platt's show, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>, won Outstanding Musical. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188672/good-for-you-ben-platt-becomes-youngest-actor-ever-to-win-drama-league-distinguished-performance-award/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has the full list of winners.<br />
<br />
<b>Billboard Music Award</b>—Smash hit <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Hamilton</b></i></a> can put another feather in its cap: the original Broadway cast recording has been named the Billboard 2017 Top Soundtrack/Cast Album. <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/HAMILTON-Original-Cast-Recording-Picks-Up-Billboard-Music-Award-20170521" target="_blank">Broadway World</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOitWNzkLkmIN1JfWZ2Y5oz9Gtvp3ILn7jPdnoqdP0rLtDJiwxuMtq9xDlPyaQE-ADkESAe4fmTReBf6da_-_8ZtNuirWVIfFBJvlpuZZ588CIyBo2-3bs3FgTduTohUug_wBMEToEYszA/s1600/marieandrosetta.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="336" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOitWNzkLkmIN1JfWZ2Y5oz9Gtvp3ILn7jPdnoqdP0rLtDJiwxuMtq9xDlPyaQE-ADkESAe4fmTReBf6da_-_8ZtNuirWVIfFBJvlpuZZ588CIyBo2-3bs3FgTduTohUug_wBMEToEYszA/s200/marieandrosetta.png" width="153" /></a>Obies</b>—Obie Award winners have been announced. The Obies honor excellence in off-Broadway (O-Bs). Winners include <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Oslo</i></b></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Sweat</i></b></a>, <b><i>The Band's Visit</i></b>, <b>Kecia Lewis</b> for her performance in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/09/marie-and-rosetta.html" target="_blank"><i>Marie and Rosetta</i></a>, <b>Amy Ryan</b> for her performance in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/love-love-love.html" target="_blank"><i>Love, Love, Love</i></a>, and <b>Anna Deavere Smith</b> for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/notes-from-field.html" target="_blank"><i>Notes from the Field</i></a>, among others. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/oslo-and-the-bands-visit-among-2017-obie-award-winners" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has the full list of honorees.<br />
<br />
<b>Other Theatre Awards</b>—Winners of the <b>Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards</b>, which honor excellence on Broadway and on tour, and are chosen by the fans, and the <b>Outer Critics Circle Awards</b>, which honor excellence both on and off-Broadway, and are chosen by critics, were feted this week. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/photos/gallery/315/for-the-fans-by-the-fans-ben-platt-more-step-out-for-the-broadwaycom-audience-choice-awards/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has photos of their awards' honorees, and <a href="http://theatermania.com/broadway/news/outer-critics-circle-awards-photos_81233.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has photos from the OCC Awards ceremony.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrYIVe4zCMxC4oWhfgy9krybCsPG7oqE5epA8G7hWqKHAie-2Qwnu1z4DeSeawGS2JUjzCqCa87R45d1iJUlWSzZy2_O2JriEHT75Rd2Zkpn42_klXcouM4ekerXyN9vK1yrg11xRkjSS/s1600/bandsvisit.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrYIVe4zCMxC4oWhfgy9krybCsPG7oqE5epA8G7hWqKHAie-2Qwnu1z4DeSeawGS2JUjzCqCa87R45d1iJUlWSzZy2_O2JriEHT75Rd2Zkpn42_klXcouM4ekerXyN9vK1yrg11xRkjSS/s200/bandsvisit.jpg" width="150" /></a>Coming to the Stage</b><br />
<hr />
<b><i>The Band's Visit</i></b>—The acclaimed musical, <i>The Band's Visit</i>, which debuted at the Atlantic during this past season, will bow on Broadway this fall. With a score by <b>David Yazbek</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/11/women-on-verge-of-nervous-breakdown.html" target="_blank"><i>Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown</i></a>) and a book by <b>Itamar Moses</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/09/completeness.html" target="_blank"><i>Completeness</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/10/the-fortress-of-solitude.html" target="_blank"><i>The Fortress of Solitude</i></a>), previews at the Barrymore Theatre will begin October 7. Opening night is set for November 9. <b>David Cromer</b> will reprise his direction, and casting will be announced later. <a href="http://broadway.news/2017/05/24/updates/announcements/the-bands-visit-will-arrive-on-broadway-this-fall/" target="_blank">Broadway News</a> has more.
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QuBN7GR0E861qKX2PqadAk-B8fxfNZzke0uB9LhDTXzAHypSOfgjQJqPJNGSJivVnRX2v8_c1DCUVW3zyjkOxpI8Cyzq6fs9bVkhzsXFl0vsgTSNYf4itIEoPex8yNEvrq7BgTPKaAao/s1600/vineyard.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QuBN7GR0E861qKX2PqadAk-B8fxfNZzke0uB9LhDTXzAHypSOfgjQJqPJNGSJivVnRX2v8_c1DCUVW3zyjkOxpI8Cyzq6fs9bVkhzsXFl0vsgTSNYf4itIEoPex8yNEvrq7BgTPKaAao/s200/vineyard.jpg" width="150" /></a>Vineyard Theatre</b>—The off-Broadway company has announced another show that will be part of its 2017-2018 season: the world premiere of <i><b>The Amateurs</b></i>, a new play by <b>Jordan Harrison</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/12/marjorie-prime.html" target="_blank"><i>Marjorie Prime</i></a>). According to press notes, <i>The Amateurs</i>, set in 14th century Europe, "examines the origins of creativity." Exact dates have yet to be announced, but expect this to run this fall, as the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/week-in-review-5517.html" target="_blank">previously announced <i>The Beast in the Jungle</i></a> is slated for spring 2018.<br />
<br />
<b>Encores!</b>—The 2017-2018 season of Encores! will include a special 25th anniversary concert featuring songs from shows that Encores! has yet to stage. That will run February 7-11, 2018. <b><i>Grand Hotel</i></b> will be featured March 21-25, followed by <b><i>Me and My Girl</i></b> May 9-13. The Off-Center season will be announced at a later date. The season kicks off with the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/week-in-review-42117.html" target="_blank">previously announced</a> gala production of <i><b>Brigadoon</b></i>. Visit <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/arts/dance/city-center-new-season-the-red-shoes-and-brigadoon.html?_r=1" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> for more about the Encores! season.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjk_gmeLnaFjZZNS3moBAUXEAbnyB_RSGUHGUM17jjLWcsN6WVXNOtldFssuKm1cwy1oEZdCxJRFzSHjVI_tHHVrezkAJq5mPKA12lGNPpr_AIYsxi2GRZ5ZNkzhvP_LEhcZumj767jw2a/s1600/siliconvalley.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="675" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjk_gmeLnaFjZZNS3moBAUXEAbnyB_RSGUHGUM17jjLWcsN6WVXNOtldFssuKm1cwy1oEZdCxJRFzSHjVI_tHHVrezkAJq5mPKA12lGNPpr_AIYsxi2GRZ5ZNkzhvP_LEhcZumj767jw2a/s200/siliconvalley.jpg" width="170" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><b><i>Silicon Valley</i></b> has been renewed for a fifth season. (The fourth season is airing on HBO Sundays at 10.) <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tj-miller-exiting-hbos-silicon-valley-1007767" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> notes, however, that <b>T. J. Miller</b>, who plays blowhard Erlich Bachman, will not return for the new season. </li>
<br />
<li>The NBC live telecast of <b><i>Bye Bye Birdie</i></b> has been pushed to 2018. It was originally scheduled to air this winter, but has been rescheduled to accommodate <b>Jennifer Lopez</b>'s schedule. Lopez, of course, is slated to star as Rosie. <a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/bye-bye-birdie-jennifer-lopez-nbc-upfront-2017-1202425236/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony–nominated</a> scenic designer <b>David Korins</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>, <i>War Paint</i>) gives <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/style/hamilton-war-paint-set-designer-david-korins-tony-awards.html" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> a tour of his design studio and a peek into the design process.</li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-14992956237849212902017-05-19T11:17:00.002-04:002017-05-19T11:17:16.155-04:00Week in Review 5.19.17<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidednhJBtCP1TXoaQG3ZwBPFQIYk-Ka8aDh9ggVUDPbMR7BtR7sTPXSkviSAwc-6-OUoP5NtUxDy9_uwkG5YlN-0Y-UhyA9CNA8mprdpfZR7MsOuFasZ97NjJlAOXtQgihDM4Y1ysTxodt/s1600/DeneeBenton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidednhJBtCP1TXoaQG3ZwBPFQIYk-Ka8aDh9ggVUDPbMR7BtR7sTPXSkviSAwc-6-OUoP5NtUxDy9_uwkG5YlN-0Y-UhyA9CNA8mprdpfZR7MsOuFasZ97NjJlAOXtQgihDM4Y1ysTxodt/s200/DeneeBenton.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Lilly Awards</b>—<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Denee Benton</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a>) and others are among this year's Lilly Award honorees. These awards recognize women's contribution to American theatre, and the women will be feted at the May 22 ceremony. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/denee-benton-julie-taymor-and-more-among-this-years-lilly-nominees" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b>Mark Twain Prize for Humor</b>—Funny man and former late night weirdo <b>David Letterman</b> has been named the 2017 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Letterman will be honored at the Kennedy Center in October, and an edited recording of the tribute will likely air on PBS later in the year. <i><a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/david-letterman-wins-mark-twain-prize-for-american-humor-w482499" target="_blank">Rolling Stone</a></i> has more.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4PqzjIskS2kGB1LHAOxl7SLlwGVk-qB659nN-yUqkDCSPaAPiNe1pIFhixJB8cP3u8OSqofHhZ6eWtfKUHHlW9YF4XMOqicXfB578ChKR8tXw1FXQdWkIur-BLaEmCgimTustwQ1jrS-/s1600/dearevanhansen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4PqzjIskS2kGB1LHAOxl7SLlwGVk-qB659nN-yUqkDCSPaAPiNe1pIFhixJB8cP3u8OSqofHhZ6eWtfKUHHlW9YF4XMOqicXfB578ChKR8tXw1FXQdWkIur-BLaEmCgimTustwQ1jrS-/s200/dearevanhansen.jpg" width="135" /></a><b>Broadway.Com Awards</b>—Winners of the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards were announced, and the fans loved <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a></i>. The musical won eight awards, including Favorite New Musical and Favorite Lead Actor, Ben Platt. Visit <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188657/dear-evan-hansen-leads-winners-of-broadwaycom-audience-choice-awards-falsettos-bette-midler-also-take-top-prizes/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> for the full list of winners.<br />
<br />
<b>Off-Broadway Alliance Awards</b>—Honoring excellence in off-Broadway, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award winners were announced this week. The Vineyard Theatre production of Paula Vogel's <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank">Indecent</a></i> won Best New Play, and the site-specific, immersive production of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Sweeney Todd</i> won Best Revival of a Musical. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/indecent-sweeney-todd-among-2017-off-broadway-alliance-award-winners" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has the full list of winners.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtehufkCeC-JkacijuGLtRLRv7i8NedVKOouoDHxggZDepVOVvkJgV916b5TgRCYVTJpr-tCvTzMhNvDsyKgR8pTnKqnRY0NJQNA3rhIC5Ef2HeIc_6SIUVbJxZonktGs5pp2TvrTrECx/s1600/idinamenzel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtehufkCeC-JkacijuGLtRLRv7i8NedVKOouoDHxggZDepVOVvkJgV916b5TgRCYVTJpr-tCvTzMhNvDsyKgR8pTnKqnRY0NJQNA3rhIC5Ef2HeIc_6SIUVbJxZonktGs5pp2TvrTrECx/s200/idinamenzel.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>Idina Menzel Sets Stage Return</b><br />
<hr />
Roundabout is adding the world premiere of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Skintight</i> to its 2017-2018 season. The new comedy is penned by Roundabout vet <b>Joshua Harmon</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/10/bad-jews.html" target="_blank">Bad Jews</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/significant-other.html" target="_blank">Significant Other</a></i>), and will star Tony-winning icon <b>Idina Menzel</b> (<i>Rent</i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/03/ifthen.html" target="_blank">If/Then</a></i>). Previews at the off-Broadway Laura Pels Theatre begin May 31, 2018, with opening night set for June 21. The limited engagement, directed by <b>Daniel Aukin</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/10/bad-jews.html" target="_blank">Bad Jews</a></i>), is scheduled to conclude August 26. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/idina-menzel-will-return-to-the-stage-in-the-world-premiere-of-skintight" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30pw4ASNxX5bHzu9Vl16eVUuL5PFVcRxiyOQNltT3XKLYZzqd_nrlnp7qFn50Knhm5p1yAg50g86NnrVKSuEMU6UxtNi8ZlSQytVj84FRloLXpChSpdGCmTUNNhZvv_s3FAsxLYTCnWXL/s1600/LaurieMetcalf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30pw4ASNxX5bHzu9Vl16eVUuL5PFVcRxiyOQNltT3XKLYZzqd_nrlnp7qFn50Knhm5p1yAg50g86NnrVKSuEMU6UxtNi8ZlSQytVj84FRloLXpChSpdGCmTUNNhZvv_s3FAsxLYTCnWXL/s200/LaurieMetcalf.jpg" width="132" /></a><b>Coming to the Stage</b>
<br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><b>Edward Albee</b>'s <i style="font-weight: bold;">Three Tall Women</i> will come to Broadway next season. Starring <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Laurie Metcalf</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank">A Doll's House, Part 2</a></i>) and <b>Glenda Jackson</b>, will begin previews February 27, 2018, and open March 29. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/three-tall-women-to-come-to-broadway-with-laurie-metcalf-and-glenda-jackson" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Classic Stage Company</b>'s 2017-2018 season has been announced, and will feature Shakespeare, new works by American playwrights, and a revival of <i>Carmen Jones</i>. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/carmen-jones-a-terrence-mcnally-premiere-and-more-set-for-classic-stages-50th-anniversary-season" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has details. </li>
<br />
<li>A <b>national tour</b> of <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank">Dear Evan Hansen</a></i> will launch in Denver in October 2018. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188640/for-forever-tony-nominated-musical-dear-evan-hansen-will-launch-national-tour/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">King Kong: The Musical</i> is slated to hit Broadway in fall 2018, with a new book writer in tow. The musical would play the Broadway Theatre. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/king-kong-musical-will-conquer-broadway-in-2018-harry-potter-scribe-joins-creative-team" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLNbaRfVhIK1qmkINhhyphenhyphenBNIOpLFHdfM5TadvBMXtYFFEp417oNlamz5wyp6z8llh4VxG8DO2w52yTxmoojB96YfWkrAFMR_bP-0k7qzI8wSwLnbqhHQbp_JVq6Ea0JiL_mdw8xc8u1s6z/s1600/justin_peck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLNbaRfVhIK1qmkINhhyphenhyphenBNIOpLFHdfM5TadvBMXtYFFEp417oNlamz5wyp6z8llh4VxG8DO2w52yTxmoojB96YfWkrAFMR_bP-0k7qzI8wSwLnbqhHQbp_JVq6Ea0JiL_mdw8xc8u1s6z/s200/justin_peck.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><i><a href="http://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/sufjan-stevens-justin-peck-nycb/#_" target="_blank">Interview</a></i> magazine spoke to <b>Justin Peck</b> and <b>Sufjan Stevens</b> about their latest collaboration, <b><i>The Decalogue</i></b>, which premiered at NYCB on Friday, May 12.</li>
<br />
<li>Spend the morning with <b>NYCB</b> principal dancer, <b>Tiler Peck</b>, via <a href="http://coveteur.com/2017/05/12/tiler-peck-daily-routine-new-york-city-ballet-principal-dancer/" target="_blank">this Coveteur feature</a>. </li>
<br />
<li>A new block of tickets for <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank">Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</a></i> is now on sale. Fans can purchase tickets for performances through January 8, 2018. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/new-block-of-tickets-now-on-sale-for-tony-nominated-the-great-comet" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5KW2tFOONVVAG9kDyOHRoLjEkcDVV80sU439ixbtIxchikkunhtTxqitKYrAclDDHnm0d1_hyphenhyphenzhyphenhyphenrSKSexKn1Rs3uRF3vie8HGhho7-G3506t6hEosyGAIWhbaSvhvl0jS-VvH0qEGRC/s1600/celiakeenanbolger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5KW2tFOONVVAG9kDyOHRoLjEkcDVV80sU439ixbtIxchikkunhtTxqitKYrAclDDHnm0d1_hyphenhyphenzhyphenhyphenrSKSexKn1Rs3uRF3vie8HGhho7-G3506t6hEosyGAIWhbaSvhvl0jS-VvH0qEGRC/s200/celiakeenanbolger.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/05/tony-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Celia Keenan-Bolger</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/04/peter-and-starcatcher.html" target="_blank">Peter and the Starcatcher</a></i>) will lead the cast of Bruce Norris's <i><b>A Parallelogram</b>. </i>Previews at Second Stage begin July 11, with opening night set for August 2. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/celia-keenan-bolger-and-stephen-kunken-to-lead-cast-of-second-stages-a-parallelogram" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has the full cast list.</li>
<br />
<li><b>Jimmy Kimmel</b> will return as <b>host of the Oscars</b> in 2018. Hollywood's biggest night is set for March 4, 2018. <i><a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/jimmy-kimmel-2018-oscars-1202428589/" target="_blank">Variety</a></i> has more.</li>
<li>A filmed version of <b style="font-style: italic;">Oh, Hello</b>, the Broadway play written by and starring by <b>John Mulaney</b> and <b>Nick Kroll </b>(and directed by <b>Alex Timbers</b>) is coming to Netflix on June 13. <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/oh-hello-on-broadway-on-netflix_81142.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-22145225375478074962017-05-12T15:39:00.000-04:002017-05-12T15:41:01.592-04:00Week in Review 5.12.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YsVKSY47NCDPWfAT-JJvPFhPcPli7MbnyjkiRjurOU0DkQiI_7mw6jOrb4x5xqXFUX742Fo6P_Uh8N4hTlzHiWTwRvxMPyspYZnI8BzRTFnbVUu99U7PzixzVI_CP5Vb5U7X18vmilti/s1600/MarkRylance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YsVKSY47NCDPWfAT-JJvPFhPcPli7MbnyjkiRjurOU0DkQiI_7mw6jOrb4x5xqXFUX742Fo6P_Uh8N4hTlzHiWTwRvxMPyspYZnI8BzRTFnbVUu99U7PzixzVI_CP5Vb5U7X18vmilti/s200/MarkRylance.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<b>Mark Rylance Sets Broadway Return</b><br />
<hr />
The <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">three-time Tony Award winner</a> and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/02/88th-academy-award-winners.html" target="_blank">Academy Award winner</a> will return to Broadway this winter. Rylance (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/11/richard-iii-and-twelfth-night.html" target="_blank"><i>Twelfth Night</i></a>, <i>Bridge of Spies</i>) leads the cast of <b><i>Farinelli and the King</i></b>, a new play by <b>Clair van Kampen</b> that premiered at Shakespeare's Globe in 2015. As noted in the <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/mark-rylance-will-return-to-broadway-in-farinelli-and-the-king" target="_blank">announcement on Playbill</a>, <i>Farinelli and the King</i> is "inspired by the true story of the Italian castrato opera singer," and includes many Handel arias. Previews at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (where Rylance was last in the dual <i>Twelfth Night/Richard III</i> productions) begin December 5, with opening night set for December 17. The limited engagement is scheduled to conclude March 25, 2018. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TbBBuV7mGJh7hpH6UJOFFfsTRbEsZfgsLKbAcqyDq4nDJI259MKCrn1eZ-ZZ6wiJhcF9TwwvK04cTFkfH-mUzjHMazEbX4JxRXDHZvyIiPxgjBOdf1zX5YMJwXLvzPBTjp6HANknLHR-/s1600/aarontveit.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TbBBuV7mGJh7hpH6UJOFFfsTRbEsZfgsLKbAcqyDq4nDJI259MKCrn1eZ-ZZ6wiJhcF9TwwvK04cTFkfH-mUzjHMazEbX4JxRXDHZvyIiPxgjBOdf1zX5YMJwXLvzPBTjp6HANknLHR-/s200/aarontveit.jpg" width="133" /></a>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>This is not a drill: <b>Aaron Tveit</b> will play Bobby in <b><i>Company</i></b> this summer! The stage and screen vet (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2009/11/normal-nah-extraordinary-yes.html" target="_blank"><i>Next to Normal</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/05/graceland.html" target="_blank"><i>Graceland</i></a>) will take on the lead role of Stephen Sondheim's musical at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA, August 10-September 2. Visit the <a href="https://barringtonstageco.org/Season-Shows/company/" target="_blank">Barrington Stage Company's website</a> for more. </li>
<br />
<li>Stage and screen veteran <b>Stockard Channing</b> (<i>The West Wing</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/11/other-desert-cities.html" target="_blank"><i>Other Desert Cities</i></a>) will guest star in season three of <i><b>Difficult People</b></i>. Another stage and screen vet, <b>John Turturro</b> (<i>The Big Lebowski</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/05/zorba.html" target="_blank"><i>Zorba</i></a>), will also guest star in the upcoming season, which returns to Hulu August 8. <a href="http://www.etonline.com/tv/216732_stockard_channing_joins_difficult_people_on_hulu/" target="_blank"><i>Entertainment Tonight</i> online</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdzuqACHrWijVtB8K8BXFwn3FkCFJ3738MTlzy4jQ4jF3m1Z5Zv7TQWE7L5KvRtHMFdHKbrDSFpby4sxxEMwHvAUTmLEfkI_atr46ZL2O7H1nCM-Ha_8eA0Skxpvg5UF-idai-eKQnzxc/s1600/andreholland.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdzuqACHrWijVtB8K8BXFwn3FkCFJ3738MTlzy4jQ4jF3m1Z5Zv7TQWE7L5KvRtHMFdHKbrDSFpby4sxxEMwHvAUTmLEfkI_atr46ZL2O7H1nCM-Ha_8eA0Skxpvg5UF-idai-eKQnzxc/s200/andreholland.jpg" width="133" /></a>Andre Holland</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/moonlight.html" target="_blank"><i>Moonlight</i></a>, <i>Jitney</i>) has been cast in the upcoming Hulu–Stephen King series, <b><i>Castle Rock</i></b>. As reported in<i> <a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/moonlight-andre-holland-hulu-castle-rock-1202423364/" target="_blank">Variety</a></i>, Holland will play "a death row attorney with a unique and complicated history in the" fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, where many of King's novels have been set.</li>
<br />
<li>Additional (and complete) casting has been announced for the Public's production of <b><i>Hamlet</i></b>. Joining star Oscar Isaac are <b>Ritchie Coster</b> and <b>Charlayne Woodward</b> as Claudius and Gertrude, respectively. Previews begin June 20, with opening night set for July 13. At this time, the limited engagement is scheduled to conclude September 3. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/the-publics-hamlet-with-oscar-isaac-finds-complete-cast" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1YlbnaZ6Cr63-g0dpetHTc0KBWnT_E1xUMuyL8jMWzAdk_sAkTowygPSv6Pebd2IPHP2SEckoFokLCzDT9QU2JY32aPfLxh0CwanRk0RTTI6IUCO1HIlNWPN30cOqwW3MwuJUYiyYqFh/s1600/jakegyllenhaal.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1YlbnaZ6Cr63-g0dpetHTc0KBWnT_E1xUMuyL8jMWzAdk_sAkTowygPSv6Pebd2IPHP2SEckoFokLCzDT9QU2JY32aPfLxh0CwanRk0RTTI6IUCO1HIlNWPN30cOqwW3MwuJUYiyYqFh/s200/jakegyllenhaal.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's not set in stone, but <a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/news/benedict-cumberbatch-jake-gyllenhaal-movie-rio-1202424722/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> reports <b>Jake Gyllenhaal</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/11/nightcrawler.html" target="_blank"><i>Nightcrawler</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/sunday-in-park-with-george.html" target="_blank"><i>Sunday in the Park with George</i></a>) will star alongside <b>Benedict Cumberbatch</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/11/12-years-slave.html" target="_blank"><i>12 Years a Slave</i></a>) in the upcoming film, <b><i>Rio</i></b>, written by Steve Knight and directed by Luca Guadagnino.</li>
<br />
<li>According to <a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/news/dave-chappelle-lady-gaga-bradley-cooper-star-is-born-1202410745/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a>, <b>Dave Chappelle</b> has joined the growing cast of the <b><i>A Star is Born</i></b> remake, directed by Bradley Cooper. Chappelle joins Cooper, Lady Gaga, and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/week-in-review-5517.html" target="_blank">Anthony Ramos</a>.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakw6pHk1VJGWjq-yzdnQGFdyeLHP7CNETT-2VJx4azSfeqjB_xFdWFqMfR7P2uBcKkiapfHTARPc-mULxIscjNHTQOvbj2Rko4zofjP60AmZdkPV8nQHKRTX7iWcb5velC75O0UNG9iuV/s1600/tutu.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakw6pHk1VJGWjq-yzdnQGFdyeLHP7CNETT-2VJx4azSfeqjB_xFdWFqMfR7P2uBcKkiapfHTARPc-mULxIscjNHTQOvbj2Rko4zofjP60AmZdkPV8nQHKRTX7iWcb5velC75O0UNG9iuV/s200/tutu.JPG" width="149" /></a>New York City Ballet (and Beyond)</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://wwd.com/eye/people/new-york-city-ballets-young-guns-eight-rising-dancers-to-watch-10882351/" target="_blank"><i>Women's Wear Daily</i></a> checks in with eight up-and-coming <b>corps de ballet dancers</b> at New York City Ballet. The NYCB spring season continues through the end of the month.</li>
<br />
<li>Spend a day with <b>Georgina Pazcoguin</b>, the NYCB soloist who took a leave of absence to join the <i><b>Cats</b></i> revival. Visit <a href="http://tv.ivy.com/drive-from-ballet-to-broadway/" target="_blank">IVY</a> for the video.</li>
<br />
<li>Former NYCB principal dancer <b>Damian Woetzel</b> has been named the next president of <b>Julliard</b>. Though this will be the first academic administration position for Woetzel, he has recently directed the Aspen Institute Arts Program and the Vail International Dance Festival, and he holds a master's in public administration from Harvard. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/10/arts/music/juilliard-names-damian-woetzel-as-its-new-president.html" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRV4T5TpksjqhNUEGzwDu4e5AUi7mM0d5YFLWY9kaVEQx-gb9icf7MQfNN1dyPQGnVUC_wgZA5sa8ZY6UebjjMy5axRJ85Lgs-FkpPJq29gMBoRusdWVAx1ny1_o42kWAgKuSDjiJN5tb/s1600/oslo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRV4T5TpksjqhNUEGzwDu4e5AUi7mM0d5YFLWY9kaVEQx-gb9icf7MQfNN1dyPQGnVUC_wgZA5sa8ZY6UebjjMy5axRJ85Lgs-FkpPJq29gMBoRusdWVAx1ny1_o42kWAgKuSDjiJN5tb/s200/oslo.jpg" width="151" /></a>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Lucille Lortel Awards</b>—Winners of the Lucille Lortel Awards, which honor excellence in off-Broadway, were announced and honored on Sunday, May 7. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Oslo</b></i></a> and <b><i>The Band's Visit</i></b> took home tops honors. <i>Oslo </i>actors <b>Jennifer Ehle</b> and <b>Michael Aronov</b> took home acting honors, as did <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>'s <b>Ben Platt</b> and <b>Rachel Bay Jones</b>. Outstanding Scenic Design went to <b>Laura Jellinek</b> for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/a-life.html" target="_blank"><i>A Life</i></a>, and <b>Anna Deavere Smith</b> won Outstanding Solo Show for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/notes-from-field.html" target="_blank"><i>Notes from the Field</i></a>. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188532/2017-lucille-lortel-awards-the-bands-visit-ben-platt-more-named-winners/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has the full list of winners.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrz9SfTGB2t7M0KcqBjU7tdZqTRPnuClmQS5mBCQkyg9uWvpXA6zWtiG7zUgk-D9TklnOScAaHXNkY-s-vGJic_mtnbqkMQbhL2Jwnye5VVDy8qAzbUL8a_hTpb1u-rIaIY6bXbCIUmvd/s1600/kevinkline.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrz9SfTGB2t7M0KcqBjU7tdZqTRPnuClmQS5mBCQkyg9uWvpXA6zWtiG7zUgk-D9TklnOScAaHXNkY-s-vGJic_mtnbqkMQbhL2Jwnye5VVDy8qAzbUL8a_hTpb1u-rIaIY6bXbCIUmvd/s200/kevinkline.jpg" width="150" /></a>Outer Critics Circle Awards</b>—Winners of the Outer Critics Circle Awards, which honor excellence in both Broadway and off-Broadway, were announced this week. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Oslo</i></b></a> and <b><i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/02/if-i-forget.html" target="_blank">If I Forget</a> </i></b>took home top play honors (Broadway and off-Broadway, respectively), while <b><i>Come From Away</i></b> and <b><i>The Band's Visit</i></b> took home top musical honors. The great <b>Kevin Kline</b> won Outstanding Actor in a Play for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a>, and <b>Mimi Lien</b> and <b>Bradley King</b> won Outstanding Scenic Design and Outstanding Lighting Design, respectively, for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a>. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188539/2017-outer-critics-circle-awards-come-from-away-more-win-top-prizes/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has the full list of winners.
<br />
<br />
<b>Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards</b>—The nominees have been chosen, and voting is now open for the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards, in which fans pick the winners. Between now and May 17, fans can choose their favorite performances from the 2016-2017 Broadway season. Winners will be announced on May 19, and will be honored at a private reception on May 25. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188554/nominations-announced-for-2017-broadwaycom-audience-choice-awards/" target="_blank">Go vote</a>!<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQ8gZ8R4oRokFqmNwL-fJmg2L6Yn5oGBJE68amp6_CaKpYl_OHOB7ARhW1kWH990emjMLzMtm3P_OBdjfVbfs_X3e_lWXJSGG5hvEV15Nxq-Scc_ZFWG8K7DFdd4DR0MuOSXJzLFbxnTV/s1600/joshgroban.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQ8gZ8R4oRokFqmNwL-fJmg2L6Yn5oGBJE68amp6_CaKpYl_OHOB7ARhW1kWH990emjMLzMtm3P_OBdjfVbfs_X3e_lWXJSGG5hvEV15Nxq-Scc_ZFWG8K7DFdd4DR0MuOSXJzLFbxnTV/s200/joshgroban.jpg" width="134" /></a>Theatre World Awards</b>—Honoring outstanding Broadway or off-Broadway debuts, Theatre World Award winners were announced this week. Among those recognized are <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet</i></a> actors <b>Josh Groban</b>, <b>Denee Benton</b>, and <b>Amber Gray</b>, and the show's composer, <b>Dave Malloy</b>, will receive a special award in recognition of his Broadway debut as a composer. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188585/josh-groban-christy-altomare-lucas-hedges-more-win-theatre-world-awards/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has the full list of honorees.<br />
<br />
<b>NY Drama Critics</b>—The New York Drama Critics' Circle have named <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Oslo</i></b></a> and <b><i>The Band's Visit</i></b> best play and musical, respectively, of the season. Special citations were also awarded to <b>Taylor Mac</b> for <i>A 24-Decade History of Popular Music</i>; <b>Ruben Santiago-Hudson</b> and the cast of <b><i>Jitney</i></b>; and <b>Paula Vogel</b>, represented on the boards this year with <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a>, for her career achievement as a writer and mentor. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188557/oslo-the-bands-visit-win-2017-new-york-drama-critics-circle-awards/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> had more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9PANtjabg872IkVsTb5kK5RgdU1dNwnNV7Xtw2bD6KbDTxLh-mjYOmKpqwX4x2sNCjHN7BBc4JUV7BJQqxX0ENohNKz8X9It5Re6UBNBIessPJHTwyEfIXR8mRZGk1FczznFd3ABeW1g/s1600/tonyaward1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9PANtjabg872IkVsTb5kK5RgdU1dNwnNV7Xtw2bD6KbDTxLh-mjYOmKpqwX4x2sNCjHN7BBc4JUV7BJQqxX0ENohNKz8X9It5Re6UBNBIessPJHTwyEfIXR8mRZGk1FczznFd3ABeW1g/s200/tonyaward1.jpg" width="132" /></a>Tony Award Predictions</b>—As is tradition, <i>The New York Times</i> theatre critics named their picks for who will win, who should win, and who should have been nominated. (As in years past, the critics open the "who should have been nominated" to productions ineligible for Tonys, which I think is cheating.) New this year is <b>Ben Brantley</b>'s co-chief, <b>Jesse Green</b>, who recently joined the <i>Times</i> after long-serving critic Charles Isherwood was abruptly let go. The consensus? There's no consensus. Brantley thinks, for example, that <b><i>Come from Away</i></b> will win the top prize, while Green believes Best Musical will go to <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></b></a>. Their picks continue to diverge, with few duplicate picks. Both critics, though, list <b>Jake Gyllenhaal</b> as someone who should have been nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Musical. (Gyllenhaal, of course, was in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/sunday-in-park-with-george.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Sunday in the Park with George</i></b></a>; producers, of which Gyllenhaal is one, took the production out of Tony consideration.) <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/11/theater/tony-award-nominations-ben-brantley-jesse-green.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Take a look at their picks</a>, and then tune into the Tonys on Sunday, June 11, to find out who's right. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsLJ9Tm4mQ64ZLZICStKC-uWSbMYcxlKC9AoxYCQFkkdVGf5AsSC34OmsYrAo2od0lA102cCORGB-3owadbueugS5dCq4r5s14F0_ql9zAHBtTqZl6Vm8CdWOGN9TK8t6CDjbUwHoYAyh/s1600/dearevanhansen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsLJ9Tm4mQ64ZLZICStKC-uWSbMYcxlKC9AoxYCQFkkdVGf5AsSC34OmsYrAo2od0lA102cCORGB-3owadbueugS5dCq4r5s14F0_ql9zAHBtTqZl6Vm8CdWOGN9TK8t6CDjbUwHoYAyh/s200/dearevanhansen.jpg" width="135" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Get an insight into the creation of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></b></a>. In the <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/inside-tony-nominee-steven-levensons-dear-evan-hansen-notebook" target="_blank">Playbill feature</a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Steven Levenson</b> (who wrote the book for the incredible musical) annotates the first scene of the show. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/10/theater/how-ben-platt-beame-the-toast-of-broadway-dear-evan-hansen-tony-awards.html" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> profiled the show's star, <b>Ben Platt</b>. For the story, the <i>Times</i> spoke to Platt's collaborators, mother, and rabbi, among others. </li>
<br />
<li>The latest Broadway revival of <b><i>The Glass Menagerie</i></b> will conclude its run earlier than planned. Led by <b>Sally Field</b>, the production was set to close July 2; instead, it will conclude on May 21. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188458/sally-field-led-glass-menagerie-revival-will-close-early/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
<br />
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbtZosB_Xbv6hzYFtDYTdxUen0GbY6o8WWl-fUdi0x5R3s8zc6wJJovIcDG18i7GNJnsPM4Yc5ZNY8SzMq9Dfdz1xyaZLCvCXPs2TFk616nxQCFU3yuJs8-58cdSWq75WRzILNnucqLlb/s1600/onceonthisisland.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbtZosB_Xbv6hzYFtDYTdxUen0GbY6o8WWl-fUdi0x5R3s8zc6wJJovIcDG18i7GNJnsPM4Yc5ZNY8SzMq9Dfdz1xyaZLCvCXPs2TFk616nxQCFU3yuJs8-58cdSWq75WRzILNnucqLlb/s200/onceonthisisland.png" width="133" /></a>The Broadway revival of <b><i>Once on this Island</i></b> will play the <b>Circle in the Square Theatre</b>. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/week-in-review-33117.html" target="_blank">As previously announced</a>, previews begin November 9, and opening night is set for December 3. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Michael Arden</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/09/spring-awakening.html" target="_blank"><i>Spring Awakening</i></a>) directs. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188586/michael-arden-helmed-once-on-this-island-revival-finds-its-broadway-home/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more. </li>
<br />
<li>Roundabout Theatre Company has announced an addition to its 2017-2018 season: a revival of <b><i>Time and the Conways</i></b>, by <b>J.B. Priestley</b>. The production will be directed by <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Rebecca Taichman</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a>), and star <b>Elizabeth McGovern</b> (<i>Downton Abbey</i>). Previews at the American Airlines Theatre begin September 14. Opening night is set for October 10, and the limited engagement is scheduled to conclude on November 26. The <a href="http://broadway.news/2017/05/10/shows/roundabout-theatre-company-announces-first-show-of-201718-season-time-and-the-conways/" target="_blank">Broadway Briefing</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-65117591095189660402017-05-08T17:48:00.003-04:002017-05-08T17:48:18.326-04:00New York City Ballet: New Ratmansky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADBIkouw9ZyFBX-33ocGfyT2y5Lw4HH07l-uqU7u6uWOxiZY-svzQaT5B97TY8wNmX7ZjGOvjQe9NpBNEJVmxs_8G0TWQqgAuQTharJJMfL-oQFtqbtFXYsdTFB2fbIg-MyEbmC994bQ8/s1600/trio.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADBIkouw9ZyFBX-33ocGfyT2y5Lw4HH07l-uqU7u6uWOxiZY-svzQaT5B97TY8wNmX7ZjGOvjQe9NpBNEJVmxs_8G0TWQqgAuQTharJJMfL-oQFtqbtFXYsdTFB2fbIg-MyEbmC994bQ8/s320/trio.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The New York City Ballet Here/Now Festival continues, and on Saturday, May 6, I got to see program five, which includes the newest from Alexei Ratmansky, <i>Odessa</i>. Herein, some notes about all five ballets that are part of the program.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNdKDOS7d2AHqzWakFHJOG7KYLnC3ytHFJouGDCdHfQglreKZssQmVNTwDV_JOVDeP9ZEaVu3IFrJuui_-XsTVX68OJXZLwVzDaPUmC1nzrHdRpIqnw4kkPy4hCj9CNrodlFs83L8mG2q/s1600/jeudecartes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNdKDOS7d2AHqzWakFHJOG7KYLnC3ytHFJouGDCdHfQglreKZssQmVNTwDV_JOVDeP9ZEaVu3IFrJuui_-XsTVX68OJXZLwVzDaPUmC1nzrHdRpIqnw4kkPy4hCj9CNrodlFs83L8mG2q/s200/jeudecartes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0-KbG5hO9kwq_ur7KzyDujCbTkN2yonWEYbBlZeIf3AdLD8Oo0hsJI94AGHGa78EmQ3WpE61ZbOKjsNCvRjZvxwkzQJ3xM-x89C88JuCYrRlfqJ1pzh-i-tn9dlvi8_QJvo6utQ9R_Gs/s1600/meganfairchild.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0-KbG5hO9kwq_ur7KzyDujCbTkN2yonWEYbBlZeIf3AdLD8Oo0hsJI94AGHGa78EmQ3WpE61ZbOKjsNCvRjZvxwkzQJ3xM-x89C88JuCYrRlfqJ1pzh-i-tn9dlvi8_QJvo6utQ9R_Gs/s200/meganfairchild.jpg" width="150" /></a>Jeu de Cartes</b></i>—For a ballet that's supposed to be light, the choreography is heavy, it feels—in many sections—grounded. This <b>Peter Martins</b> ballet, which is set to Igor Stravinsky's eponymous composition, is meant to be an abstract representation of a card game. <b>Megan Fairchild</b> is the Queen of Hearts, and she's joined along the way by <b>Harrison Ball</b>, <b>Joseph Gordon</b>, and <b>Aaron Sanz</b> as the Kings of Spades, Diamonds, and Clubs (respectively). The estimable ensemble are also dressed as the various suits.<br />
<br />
For all that frivolity, it's just an uninteresting ballet. It's not bad or off-putting, but it's also not engaging, despite, on Saturday, a talented cast. Gordon was fine if a little one-dimensional; Sanz was appropriately playful; and Ball danced with a vivacity I wasn't expecting. Fairchild was lovely, though the costuming, especially the way the light hit off her black tights, blunted some of the sharpness and grace of her execution of the steps. That said, Fairchild showed off one of the few interesting things about the ballet: when turning, her non-turning foot was flexed. That added interest to the turn, though that's not enough make <i>Jeu de Cartes</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/06/city-ballet-jeu-de-cartes-moves-and.html" target="_blank">which I'd seen before</a>, a must-see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldJrG9_dTOkI7svbdX_mW7JYsty9zTmqZL8luYRzaZz4G2eZ1mUbwO8DOGvWs8ehBXeJNsmEX-SCB7Pvg-AmijeRa87mA7wXOrm0jHxXzcvCWGbjvrbLnZPNcyqoSrZ7wGfAu9MemuTpG/s1600/aftertherain.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldJrG9_dTOkI7svbdX_mW7JYsty9zTmqZL8luYRzaZz4G2eZ1mUbwO8DOGvWs8ehBXeJNsmEX-SCB7Pvg-AmijeRa87mA7wXOrm0jHxXzcvCWGbjvrbLnZPNcyqoSrZ7wGfAu9MemuTpG/s200/aftertherain.png" width="195" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuyn5hMLDCKRgTqw3qzRhuJMaOcoueBPNUBUEaxxPifL-H2u96RkVQqIYenRu9OaBkiKpdbH8VmIxGTI7bg3lO3WqBobhwqyhSWUA8e4C1vMlEJ8obsnWF2AnQx6E31y-LaGhOVLdTPV8/s1600/mariakowroski.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuyn5hMLDCKRgTqw3qzRhuJMaOcoueBPNUBUEaxxPifL-H2u96RkVQqIYenRu9OaBkiKpdbH8VmIxGTI7bg3lO3WqBobhwqyhSWUA8e4C1vMlEJ8obsnWF2AnQx6E31y-LaGhOVLdTPV8/s200/mariakowroski.jpg" width="150" /></a>After the Rain </i></b>(pas de deux)—I don't think I've ever watched <b>Christopher Wheeldon</b>'s masterpiece without crying. (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/nycb-21st-century-choreographers.html" target="_blank">See previous reviews</a>.) Again, along with the Arvo Part music ("Spiegel im Spiegel"), I was struck by the romanticism of this ballet, the idea that after the rain—all the chaos and tumult—there is peace and hope and a way forward. I'll be honest with you, dear readers. When I read, a few weeks ago, the casting for this, I was unsure of what to expect. <b>Maria Kowroski</b> is a great dancer, though I never saw her as a particularly emotional dancer (like, say, Sara Mearns), and <b>Ask ls Cour</b> has never struck me as especially engaging.<br />
<br />
I was totally wrong. As <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTr69lEFLqA/" target="_blank">Kowroski noted on Instagram</a>, the two dancers were part of the original cast of the full ballet (they danced and helped create the prologue, the rain), so they were returning to the material, and getting to explore a new part of it. They were terrific, making the roles their own. They seemed particularly connected to each other, which made the piece resonant more. There were subtleties they added to the piece, moments of connection, that heightened the emotion, making it unforgettable. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVWHBKaIQ7TmJE4bs6B1g7Fy9KX_NGWKBI9wwZghZiKTe7ukDRUst6k_DWAVEoAjq1Z_gBGgAZy6ADH-U132LruJ__Q-NYvvmVjMgGS9Kp-zAS1Z0qH4JqhZ0LqaKZoJeumn3L0E1WkOX/s1600/forclara.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVWHBKaIQ7TmJE4bs6B1g7Fy9KX_NGWKBI9wwZghZiKTe7ukDRUst6k_DWAVEoAjq1Z_gBGgAZy6ADH-U132LruJ__Q-NYvvmVjMgGS9Kp-zAS1Z0qH4JqhZ0LqaKZoJeumn3L0E1WkOX/s200/forclara.png" width="198" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>For Clara</i></b>—Principal dancer <b>Lauren Lovette</b>'s choreographic debut, set to Robert Schumann's "Introduction and Concert - Allegro, Op. 134," is lovely. Just as I thought the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/nycb-21st-century-choreographers.html" target="_blank">first time I saw this</a>, it shows Lovette's promise as a choreographer, and makes me excited for her next ballet, which will debut during NYCB's 2017-2018 season. The featured cast was the same as in October, with the exception of <b>Andrew Veyette</b>, who danced Zachary Catazaro's track.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aQuPrlUxsc9nR9E_gNTKZg2lwuoEnpExPq4kORnUo6Ndd952mR40P4f7eqBMuehjuKqNTIbtGkYrBjCeTnxI3KC9SwzebSzE_Q4K9lwwXKl0eZGNZm9MRlFChDVKHbQlboigJnt5zHV6/s1600/teninseven.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aQuPrlUxsc9nR9E_gNTKZg2lwuoEnpExPq4kORnUo6Ndd952mR40P4f7eqBMuehjuKqNTIbtGkYrBjCeTnxI3KC9SwzebSzE_Q4K9lwwXKl0eZGNZm9MRlFChDVKHbQlboigJnt5zHV6/s200/teninseven.png" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmPOchSfok0zRY-FVJ-Mri-zpwrtV-8CmSotJgfzwZ3BRUrUUOuVX42eAEsytkm-7fmSoc8bTT2KIHzVu2BQd4O0xmn7M0NFLuHLOjYq_jsmh5iR9DcYaqcdaiNeOLeLB0edkqbWWycHk/s1600/AshlyIsaacs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmPOchSfok0zRY-FVJ-Mri-zpwrtV-8CmSotJgfzwZ3BRUrUUOuVX42eAEsytkm-7fmSoc8bTT2KIHzVu2BQd4O0xmn7M0NFLuHLOjYq_jsmh5iR9DcYaqcdaiNeOLeLB0edkqbWWycHk/s200/AshlyIsaacs.jpg" width="169" /></a>ten in seven</i></b>—This work by <b>Peter Walker</b>, a corps de ballet member, is modern and jazzy, and reminiscent of other works. Derivative has a negative connotation, but these combinations <i>are </i>derived from what's come before, which is good; one would hope that an artist would be inspired by what's already been created. For example, the third movement, "Divertissement du Blues" is like the "Statics" movement in <i>NY Export: Opus Jazz</i>, and the fifth movement, "Le son de deux," is like <i>Opus Jazz</i>'s "Passage for Two" movement (or like the "Byplay" movement in <i>Interplay</i>). Certainly, the jazz score and the dancers being off pointe (they wear flat ballet slippers) certainly prompts such comparisons to <i>Opus Jazz</i>, but the dancing does, too. Switching mediums, <i>ten in seven</i>'s sixth movement, "Rapide Furieux," which features <b>Spartak Hoxha</b> doing an impassioned solo, reminds me of the memorable <i>A Chorus Line</i> number, "The Music and the Mirror." I mean this all as a compliment. It's a fun ballet (featuring a commissioned score by Thomas Kikta), and it is always good to these dancers, like <b>Ashly Isaacs</b> and <b>Sean Suozzi</b>, two terrific soloists, showing off a different side of their dancing. (By the way, without looking at my notes, I drew many of the same comparisons this time as I did <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/nycb-21st-century-choreographers.html" target="_blank">the first time I saw <i>ten in seven</i></a>.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_fUKwzu_UzQ_msa2pq82Gs9n8q0pml96zHCTVlOYtGB8XXl-Xyo13N7e5w_XkE64LcssZffTVsqueF0O-uLLkdIj_Sz9S227TJUWhqKuNBZlHQhp2oXFZRduYOA7s6t9BWzMN_dSQkDb/s1600/odessa.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_fUKwzu_UzQ_msa2pq82Gs9n8q0pml96zHCTVlOYtGB8XXl-Xyo13N7e5w_XkE64LcssZffTVsqueF0O-uLLkdIj_Sz9S227TJUWhqKuNBZlHQhp2oXFZRduYOA7s6t9BWzMN_dSQkDb/s200/odessa.png" width="198" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Odessa</i></b>—This is the fifth ballet <b>Alexei Ratmansky</b> has created for New York City Ballet. It's set to Leonid Desyatnikov's "Sketches to Sunset," which, as noted in the program notes, "is a collection of incidental music from the 1990 Russian film <i>Sunset</i>, based on Isaac Babel's tales of Jewish gangsters in Odessa after the Russian Revolution." I mention all these details because the notes were necessary for me. Even with them, though, I'm not sure I understood the story Ratmansky was trying to tell, though I liked the telling.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3Y_xAr2iNmUmLnySOESQhKJy5IpIws10iKTi0AtymWIG3j2sqJVmU_HLygRoe8pwQhKd5GEZEWQGRg-h_2b7zXv7CbpPJCM9hEvRejtzX5batcDmdPUuY_4wcLGpi4Pd0b4Bnt-j4heA/s1600/tilerpeck.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3Y_xAr2iNmUmLnySOESQhKJy5IpIws10iKTi0AtymWIG3j2sqJVmU_HLygRoe8pwQhKd5GEZEWQGRg-h_2b7zXv7CbpPJCM9hEvRejtzX5batcDmdPUuY_4wcLGpi4Pd0b4Bnt-j4heA/s200/tilerpeck.jpg" width="150" /></a>To put it in musical theatre parlance, I'd say the book needs work. The relationships among the three featured couples—<b>Sterling Hyltin</b> and <b>Joaquin de Luz</b>; <b>Unity Phelan</b> and <b>Amar Ramasar</b>; and <b>Tiler Peck</b> and <b>Taylor Stanley</b>—are not clearly defined or fully resolved. For example, the first highlighted interaction between Peck and Stanley is aggressive and violent. I was genuinely uncomfortable. Later, though, Peck dances a happy, <i>Tschai Pas</i>–like solo, and when she dances with Taylor a few moments later, there's neither a struggle nor an acknowledgment of reconciliation. Hyltin and de Luz dance a somewhat dreamlike section, with some of the moments seeming like a bad dream (there are a lot of obstacles in their way). Phelan (who was dancing in place of the recuperating Sara Mearns) and Ramasar have the most abstract pas de deux, and I can't quite make out what it's meant to suggest.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtJWQjJlj99Kp0RDtJkFW2cyDah8S4_IOy_Bw4JF27P794gp4-6XJXxRG64y6jhcXn2VqiXdCSdRI6mGJ3lgnnb3cPSuklovEd2VPPMGeZZQSgxfao6Qz-rwuBWQJM6ehGJ2BZsE9GdJ2/s1600/sterlinghyltin.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtJWQjJlj99Kp0RDtJkFW2cyDah8S4_IOy_Bw4JF27P794gp4-6XJXxRG64y6jhcXn2VqiXdCSdRI6mGJ3lgnnb3cPSuklovEd2VPPMGeZZQSgxfao6Qz-rwuBWQJM6ehGJ2BZsE9GdJ2/s200/sterlinghyltin.jpg" width="150" /></a>Traces of Russian heritage—the culture, the look, the movements—abound, appropriately, which is a little different from the classic NYCB repertoire. Also impressive is the way Ratmansky pushes these dancers. I'm thinking in particular of some of the sustained lifts (notably with Hyltin and de Luz), causing us all to marvel at the dancers' strength and beauty. <i>Odessa</i> boasts beautiful dancing, I just don't know what it means. (I'll be seeing this again in the fall, and I'm hoping that, on a second viewing, the story will reveal itself.)Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-10461971183191168752017-05-05T15:10:00.003-04:002017-05-05T15:13:11.465-04:00Week in Review 5.5.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxakT57pBOAvAAb8C_X91VRyYdUxCzEiOwTP-X4wmzsFwyQlAS2e26pixs6_Knf74CSnuCV-9gyZlvmf-T28Rs3L7qMf3aO54s7ampOxSf-My75QFvOcMlukfIAGEewwrflb408_r7hpE7/s1600/dianekeatonjanefondacandicebergen.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxakT57pBOAvAAb8C_X91VRyYdUxCzEiOwTP-X4wmzsFwyQlAS2e26pixs6_Knf74CSnuCV-9gyZlvmf-T28Rs3L7qMf3aO54s7ampOxSf-My75QFvOcMlukfIAGEewwrflb408_r7hpE7/s320/dianekeatonjanefondacandicebergen.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Scroll down for some exciting news about these grand dames.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWJLMx2rEAZhcVdMkhv10KV6bkg9nWaby9HWhsqELUFQFDsRBAfUiHkagOokNJniMY_9Q4tlcPAjkCMPBt399ckoRKHM5XYGPUS1Tt8_aHhyMqVkZAwOulpgtgUehBm120JCLBOeL22R6/s1600/RajivJoseph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWJLMx2rEAZhcVdMkhv10KV6bkg9nWaby9HWhsqELUFQFDsRBAfUiHkagOokNJniMY_9Q4tlcPAjkCMPBt399ckoRKHM5XYGPUS1Tt8_aHhyMqVkZAwOulpgtgUehBm120JCLBOeL22R6/s200/RajivJoseph.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
<b>Coming Up</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Atlantic Theater 2017-2018 Season</b>—The Atlantic Theater Company has announced its 2017-2018 season. In addition to two Atlantic for Kids productions, the off-Broadway company will present:
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>On the Shore of the Wide World</i></b>, by <b>Simon Stephens</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/10/the-curious-incident-of-dog-in-night.html" target="_blank"><i>The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time</i></a>); this runs August 23-October 1, and is a New York premiere; <b>Neil Pepe</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/09/marie-and-rosetta.html" target="_blank"><i>Marie and Rosetta</i></a>) directs</li>
<li><i><b>Describe the Night</b></i>, by <b>Rajiv Joseph</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/guards-at-taj.html" target="_blank"><i>Guards at the Taj</i></a>); this runs November 1-December 17, and is a world premiere co-production with Alley Theatre; <b>Giovanna Sardelli</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/03/the-north-pool.html" target="_blank"><i>The North Pool</i></a>) directs </li>
<li><b><i>The Homecoming Queen</i></b>, by <b>Ngozi Anyanwu</b>; this runs January 10, 2018-February 11, and is a world premiere<b> </b></li>
<li><b><i>Hangmen</i></b>, by <b>Martin McDonagh</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/04/the-cripple-of-inishmaan.html" target="_blank"><i>The Cripple of Inishmaan</i></a>); this runs January 18-March 4, and is a US premiere; <b>Matthew Dunster</b> directs</li>
<li><i><b>This Ain't No Disco</b></i>, a musical with a book by <b>Rick Elice</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/04/peter-and-starcatcher.html" target="_blank"><i>Peter and the Starcatcher</i></a>) and music and lyrics by <b>Stephen Trask</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/05/hedwig-and-angry-inch.html" target="_blank"><i>Hedwig and the Angry Inch</i></a>) and <b>Peter Yanowitz</b>; this runs May 11-July 1, and is a world premiere; <b>Trip Cullman</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/significant-other.html" target="_blank"><i>Significant Other</i></a>) directs</li>
<li><b><i>The Great Leap</i></b>, by <b>Lauren Yee</b>; this runs May 23-June 17, and is a New York premiere </li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfu4qyA_p0YiCJcN4QH81xID2_o4juPUDs4rCksiubzb-MmgCdVO0dLoZ1M59mQJ3bl7sYDSFzQ_XgigJ0qsDwPJCz5QPy8SXTZAo2VnNBIKt_DLuOFdYhXyDfvaJlGdEN6z8vMFKIc7X/s1600/termsofmysurrender.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfu4qyA_p0YiCJcN4QH81xID2_o4juPUDs4rCksiubzb-MmgCdVO0dLoZ1M59mQJ3bl7sYDSFzQ_XgigJ0qsDwPJCz5QPy8SXTZAo2VnNBIKt_DLuOFdYhXyDfvaJlGdEN6z8vMFKIc7X/s200/termsofmysurrender.jpg" width="97" /></a>Michel Moore on Broadway</b>—Academy Award winning documentary filmmaker <b>Michael Moore</b> will make his Broadway debut this summer in his one-man play, <b><i>The Terms of My Surrender</i></b>, to be directed by Tony winner <b>Michael Mayer</b> (<i>Spring Awakening</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/04/american-idiot-rocks-broadway.html" target="_blank"><i>American Idiot</i></a>). Running for a limited engagement at the Belasco Theatre, previews begin July 28, with opening night set for August 10. The run, which will mark Moore's Broadway debut, is scheduled to conclude on October 22. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188470/michael-moore-to-debut-solo-show-the-terms-of-my-surrender-on-broadway/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaaZP6gFOts5r0V_8Azq65xcuF1lJl413Uycty8jNrOt0NK5ROyNd_1V9gDNdTi1nA3sQnDDWDTywuAHgxeEWCl45iF1m2QbbScSurHNTnHNLSymk2SMBrkD3Csejhxzg7q09432l06Fd/s1600/susanstroman.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaaZP6gFOts5r0V_8Azq65xcuF1lJl413Uycty8jNrOt0NK5ROyNd_1V9gDNdTi1nA3sQnDDWDTywuAHgxeEWCl45iF1m2QbbScSurHNTnHNLSymk2SMBrkD3Csejhxzg7q09432l06Fd/s200/susanstroman.jpg" width="135" /></a>Vineyard Season</b>—While the full 2017-2018 Vineyard Theatre season has yet to be announced, the off-Broadway company has revealed that the new season will include <b><i>The Beast in the Jungle</i></b>, a new musical written by <b>John Kander</b> (music) and <b>David Thompson</b> (book), and directed and choreographed by <b>Susan Stroman</b>. That will run in spring 2018. The other two main stage productions, the developmental lab, and the reading series offerings will be announced soon.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGcqWpjU0GFUa-Q7mStrVseXo8HNRFJ-SzBaM1hDfx5LsIbAOOdj5U-yKzVxrpSBWh67CkcPSSsrzhBLtfxEq84v7GmaAs-o3opsLrhLfdCd6b8kC0b62TEw1mRjd_zwkPnwJTN6ejnR_/s1600/tonyaward1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGcqWpjU0GFUa-Q7mStrVseXo8HNRFJ-SzBaM1hDfx5LsIbAOOdj5U-yKzVxrpSBWh67CkcPSSsrzhBLtfxEq84v7GmaAs-o3opsLrhLfdCd6b8kC0b62TEw1mRjd_zwkPnwJTN6ejnR_/s200/tonyaward1.jpg" width="132" /></a>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Tony Awards</b>—Nominees for the 71st annual Tony Awards were announced this week. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><b><i>The Great Comet</i></b></a> led the pack with 12 nominations, and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></b></a> was close behind with nine. (Many prognosticators might be quick to say that <i>The Great Comet</i> now has the edge but tread carefully: Both shows earned nominations in the high profile categories of Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, and Best Orchestrations, and both earned three acting nominations, including for their respective leading men, <b>Josh Groban</b> and <b>Ben Platt</b>. The volume of nominations does not indicate a certain win.) Happily, the fantastic new play <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><b><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></b></a> earned the most nominations for a play (eight nods), including nominations for its four actors. Check out <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/05/71st-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">my post from Tony Nomination Day for the full list of nominees</a>, and tune into CBS on June 11 to watch Broadway's biggest night. (Extra: <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2017-Tony-Awards-The-Nominees-React-UPDATING-LIVE-20170502" target="_blank">Broadway World</a>, <a href="http://theatermania.com/broadway/news/stephanie-j-block-rachel-bay-jones-and-more-react-_80939.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a>, and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/02/theater/im-in-love-with-everybody-tony-award-nominees-react.html?_r=0" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> have reactions from nominees. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/photos/gallery/296/and-theyre-off-the-2017-tony-nominees-meet-the-press/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has photos from the Meet the Nominees presser. In addition, Dallas Theater Center has been named the recipient of the 2017 Regional Theatre Tony Award. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/dallas-theater-center-receives-the-2017-regional-theatre-tony-award" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has details.)<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiAGVHmaoeXARghyphenhyphenxDZgcgLS3mj431luLb2ztTYQVSqMZ4OBRvs8ed3AeAfZrMR-YpUUXG3DTlCsXBtbU9E7UR6PpVCGDRvI7tcBpoMNkRhaeEJOmAOxtL7KDF7NjCFz6jL7EGGnoGAFa/s1600/holidayinn.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiAGVHmaoeXARghyphenhyphenxDZgcgLS3mj431luLb2ztTYQVSqMZ4OBRvs8ed3AeAfZrMR-YpUUXG3DTlCsXBtbU9E7UR6PpVCGDRvI7tcBpoMNkRhaeEJOmAOxtL7KDF7NjCFz6jL7EGGnoGAFa/s200/holidayinn.png" width="148" /></a>Chita Rivera Awards</b>—Honoring excellence in dance on both stage and screen, the nominees for the Chita Rivera Awards (nee, Astaire Awards) were announced. Among the nominees are <b>Denis Jones</b> (choreographer) and <b>Corbin Bleu</b> (actor) for <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/holiday-inn.html" target="_blank">Holiday Inn</a>;</i> the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></b></a> ensemble; NYCB soloist <b>Georgina Pazcoguin</b> (<i>Cats</i>); and <b>David Neumann</b> (choreographer) and <b>Ato Blankson-Wood</b> and <b>Curtis Wiley</b> (actors) for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/the-total-bent.html" target="_blank"><i>The Total Bent</i></a>. Visit <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BANDSTAND-CATS-HOLIDAY-INN-SWEET-CHARITY-Among-2017-Chita-Rivera-Award-Nominees-20170501" target="_blank">Broadway World</a> for the full list of nominees.<br />
<br />
<b>Broadway.com Audience Choice Nominations</b>—It's time to choose the nominees for the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards—theatre awards chosen entirely by fans. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188491/you-pick-the-nominees-choose-your-favorites-for-the-2017-broadwaycom-audience-choice-awards/" target="_blank">Head to Broadway.com</a> to select a slate of nominees in 21 categories. Polls are open through Sunday, May 7, and nominees will be announced the next day. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdqvtEfweCCTIZXN4wGvMzOYximXil8DpafeLuimzZIvj9luKtF2EAtN08kvGp_RaSpCYr070Wh5iediWCNGhlZ5u6shfw9KYBsMATeR8pwnHGdbse_hfcjLRR6a1XItlfXVMFUhofV-m/s1600/houseofcards2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdqvtEfweCCTIZXN4wGvMzOYximXil8DpafeLuimzZIvj9luKtF2EAtN08kvGp_RaSpCYr070Wh5iediWCNGhlZ5u6shfw9KYBsMATeR8pwnHGdbse_hfcjLRR6a1XItlfXVMFUhofV-m/s200/houseofcards2.jpg" width="133" /></a>TV Tidbits</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://variety.com/2017/scene/vpage/episodes-season-5-finale-matt-leblanc-show-secrets-1202404663/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> talks to <b>Matt LeBlanc</b> and <b><i>Episodes</i></b> showrunners, <b>David Crane</b> and <b>Jeffrey Klarik</b>. The Showtime comedy returns for a fifth and final season August 20.<br><br /></li>
<li><b>Beau Willimon</b> (<i>House of Cards</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/03/breathing-time.html" target="_blank"><i>Breathing Time</i></a>) is creating a series about the (imagined) first human mission to Mars. The series was ordered by and will be broadcast on Hulu. <a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/hulu-the-first-beau-willimon-mars-tv-show-1202407542/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> has more.<br /><br></li>
<li>The full trailer for the upcoming fifth season of <b><i>House of Cards</i></b> was released this week. The Netflix drama will be back on May 30. Watch the trailer below.</li>
</ul>
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UW8Zyt8SF_U?rel=0" width="400"></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxakT57pBOAvAAb8C_X91VRyYdUxCzEiOwTP-X4wmzsFwyQlAS2e26pixs6_Knf74CSnuCV-9gyZlvmf-T28Rs3L7qMf3aO54s7ampOxSf-My75QFvOcMlukfIAGEewwrflb408_r7hpE7/s1600/dianekeatonjanefondacandicebergen.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxakT57pBOAvAAb8C_X91VRyYdUxCzEiOwTP-X4wmzsFwyQlAS2e26pixs6_Knf74CSnuCV-9gyZlvmf-T28Rs3L7qMf3aO54s7ampOxSf-My75QFvOcMlukfIAGEewwrflb408_r7hpE7/s200/dianekeatonjanefondacandicebergen.png" width="200" /></a>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Legendary actresses <b>Diane Keaton</b>, <b>Jane Fonda</b>, and <b>Candice Bergen</b> will star in <i><b>Book Club</b></i>, a movie that centers around a group of older women reading <i>Fifty Shade of Grey</i> in their book club. <a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/festivals/diane-keaton-jane-fonda-candice-bergen-book-club-cannes-1202409156/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> has more.<br><br /> </li>
<li><b>Anthony Ramos</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>) has been cast in both the <b><i>A Star is Born</i></b> remake (alongside Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper) and a <i>Godzilla</i> sequel, <b><i>Godzilla: King of the Monsters</i></b>. <i>A Star is Born</i> is set for a September 28, 2018, release, and <i>Godzilla</i> is slated to hit theaters March 22, 2019. <a href="http://deadline.com/2017/05/anthony-ramos-a-star-is-born-godzilla-king-of-the-monsters-1202080399/" target="_blank">Deadline</a> has details.<br><br /></li>
<li><b>Telly Leung</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/11/godspell.html" target="_blank"><i>Godspell</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/in-transit.html" target="_blank"><i>In Transit</i></a>) will join the Broadway company of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/04/aladdin.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Aladdin</b></i></a> as the titular leading man. He'll begin performances June 13. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/187294/telly-leung-will-take-on-the-title-role-in-broadways-aladdin/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more. </li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nv93Sl-E6ctlylbQVNR2cHTe0hc2QqqBFdQW1S0Y2K1fTFOjSkZsJR4Vo2t4xYp9jMv57ZKoY10E3TtDmZhBuUnnXTUrwgLFlOJR-yCBGWc4Ki8NgxKTOG01aZcXTEY-aWqWj2Kk5epM/s1600/amelie.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nv93Sl-E6ctlylbQVNR2cHTe0hc2QqqBFdQW1S0Y2K1fTFOjSkZsJR4Vo2t4xYp9jMv57ZKoY10E3TtDmZhBuUnnXTUrwgLFlOJR-yCBGWc4Ki8NgxKTOG01aZcXTEY-aWqWj2Kk5epM/s200/amelie.png" width="145" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Amelie</i>, the musical adaptation of the 2001 movie, will conclude its Broadway run May 21. The show, which, in a season with 13 new musicals, had been struggling to find an audience, did not receive any Tony nominations. <i>Amelie</i> is led by <b>Phillipa Soo</b> and <b>Adam Chanler-Berat</b>. <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/amelie-musical-to-end-broadway-run_79527.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more.<br><br /></li>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAn4-hjfjyK_N8e-xRzmZofxeNDStE1KhvstZwPD4wSCb07wkPL1Ul7HmZrDCjO3x7pQFNRzY0ZS83ngHjA2sq1ZBwf_NplhGxyDSGIj2pYtuYOglPo-AWUCwdP1K1jAnEgd48Cr7kgXh/s1600/benmillepied.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAn4-hjfjyK_N8e-xRzmZofxeNDStE1KhvstZwPD4wSCb07wkPL1Ul7HmZrDCjO3x7pQFNRzY0ZS83ngHjA2sq1ZBwf_NplhGxyDSGIj2pYtuYOglPo-AWUCwdP1K1jAnEgd48Cr7kgXh/s200/benmillepied.jpg" width="150" /></a>Choreographer and former NYCB principal dancer <b>Benjamin Millepied</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/12/black-swan.html" target="_blank"><i>Black Swan</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/09/new-york-city-ballet-fall-gala.html" target="_blank"><i>Neverwhere</i></a>) will make his film directorial debut with an adaptation of the Bizet opera, <b><i>Carmen</i></b>. The feature will begin shooting in LA in early 2018. <a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/global/dimitri-rassam-helen-estabrook-to-produce-benjamin-millepieds-debut-carmen-exclusive-1202409097/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> has details.<br><br /></li>
<li>The Broadway bow of <b><i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</i></b> will open at the Lyric Theatre on April 22, 2018. Preview dates, casting, and other details have yet to be announced. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188515/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-announces-opening-date-on-broadway/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-15875255004824994712017-05-02T09:16:00.000-04:002017-05-02T14:14:02.683-04:0071st Tony Award Nominations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd6jpX16e_MwcRhyTdqHSb6qz69ZHYetK-LFfvgop-enuL18i7nWt68Y40l3sMOyYJRXmijrs63fL0shrGzOFfIsDOdpIT92isF3_qwJYm5rslZoUD02i5rq2nuQwwFKgrhm6nFxhKLH_/s1600/2017tonys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqd6jpX16e_MwcRhyTdqHSb6qz69ZHYetK-LFfvgop-enuL18i7nWt68Y40l3sMOyYJRXmijrs63fL0shrGzOFfIsDOdpIT92isF3_qwJYm5rslZoUD02i5rq2nuQwwFKgrhm6nFxhKLH_/s320/2017tonys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The nominees for the 71st annual Tony Awards have been announced. The full list of nominees is below, beginning with the big four categories. Thereafter are the nominees in the play categories followed by the nominees in the musical categories. Tune into the Tony Awards on CBS June 11 to find out who will walk away with a statue.<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHssRMxQ6JMZEJ1muWU_KIrH43HCuLIUqN8d6jSRykg_k6-_TjtmlMXVk9Zo6qaOEo88c9BRKTgupIHOWOpTabcaWtHIVMDK8meAhido4ohTEwpteSyqt_bu0TZ4imsNHeqrJcEueG_F5/s1600/dearevanhansen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHssRMxQ6JMZEJ1muWU_KIrH43HCuLIUqN8d6jSRykg_k6-_TjtmlMXVk9Zo6qaOEo88c9BRKTgupIHOWOpTabcaWtHIVMDK8meAhido4ohTEwpteSyqt_bu0TZ4imsNHeqrJcEueG_F5/s200/dearevanhansen.jpg" width="135" /></a>Best Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li><i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
There were 13 new musicals this season, necessarily leaving several off this list. That said, from what I've seen and heard, these are the right choices. (A fifth nominee was possible if a certain number of shows earned a certain percentage of the vote, but, clearly, that didn't happen.) What's notable is that two of the four musicals, <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i> and <i>The Great Comet</i>, opened in the fall. All too often, shows that open in the fall either quickly close, or, if they're still open, are forgotten by Tony nominators amid the glut of spring shows. These are the two shows I've seen, and they are—by far—highlights of the season. I don't know how I'd choose if I were a voter, but I'd give the edge to <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i>. Beware, though: There's lots of buzz around <i>Come From Away</i>; look for it to be a spoiler.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuniEC9af_K6kGO2VM6eHEtMWIfeKT5-9dH9FzJmOFofANGEFCPVCOBLsGwvsS2ZXhQzz8_zXryYPu6lGzCt4yYTMIsTxdH-LTO7ajWErjZnlCTkWrelIAEnTHgYrSGWUprjaOgY_kxCv/s1600/dollshousepart2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuniEC9af_K6kGO2VM6eHEtMWIfeKT5-9dH9FzJmOFofANGEFCPVCOBLsGwvsS2ZXhQzz8_zXryYPu6lGzCt4yYTMIsTxdH-LTO7ajWErjZnlCTkWrelIAEnTHgYrSGWUprjaOgY_kxCv/s200/dollshousepart2.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<b>Best Play</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a>, by Lucas Hnath</li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a>, by Paula Vogel</li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a>, by J.T. Rogers</li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a>, by Lynn Nottage</li>
</ul>
I saw all the eligible new plays this year (save <i>The Encounter</i>), and it was a strong year. My favorite, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/significant-other.html" target="_blank"><i>Significant Other</i></a>, didn't make the cut, but this slate of nominees is a good one. <i>Sweat </i>recently won the Pulitzer, though I don't think it's actually such a great play, and I wonder if the 2016 election had turned out differently if <i>Sweat</i> would be accumulating the accolades being bestowed. A lot of people like <i>Indecent</i> for its advocacy for the arts, and <i>Oslo</i> is a fascinating look behind the scenes of diplomacy, but my choice is <i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i>. It's fabulous in all areas, and a terrific example of art inspiring art.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42JXZ8Pi-56RzyGg_aggT3hBYOKSJqen6n7kzmJutI_TYwZ6ZZEMEqqmsbrvGTVZXMg-zwkjqATgMNt6F2m5qOoz6DG9ADcJ9cJgO3_0uNCO5w3INRQNi4EVxZgHISb-5KqQje-SC8LN2/s1600/hellodolly.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42JXZ8Pi-56RzyGg_aggT3hBYOKSJqen6n7kzmJutI_TYwZ6ZZEMEqqmsbrvGTVZXMg-zwkjqATgMNt6F2m5qOoz6DG9ADcJ9cJgO3_0uNCO5w3INRQNi4EVxZgHISb-5KqQje-SC8LN2/s200/hellodolly.jpg" width="129" /></a>Best Revival of a Musical</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
<li><i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><i>Miss Saigon</i></li>
</ul>
With the actual best revival, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/sunday-in-park-with-george.html" target="_blank"><i>Sunday in the Park with George</i></a>, removing itself from consideration, this is a fine slate. (Note that <i>Cats</i> was not nominated.) There's a lot of industry love for <i>Falsettos</i>, but that closed and likely won't tour, so look for <i>Hello, Dolly</i> to take home the Tony<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NoFRrsFuzZC_H9KGOu73QwE-BVpK_A5Dey4qCmRl8Pn0M-wqOvjm_iLua17PXCRq785QLxFG5V_7rY8jVIXvrE0jxuFVxngXMv_Ok6kYoIJcD1Xdf8bUr1I5mJrrWQXDqrw4mDc1f1jX/s1600/presentlaughter.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NoFRrsFuzZC_H9KGOu73QwE-BVpK_A5Dey4qCmRl8Pn0M-wqOvjm_iLua17PXCRq785QLxFG5V_7rY8jVIXvrE0jxuFVxngXMv_Ok6kYoIJcD1Xdf8bUr1I5mJrrWQXDqrw4mDc1f1jX/s200/presentlaughter.jpeg" width="129" /></a>Best Revival of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Jitney</i></li>
<li><i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a></li>
<li><i>Six Degrees of Separation</i></li>
</ul>
Here, too, there were several eligible productions left out of this category, including a new take on <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/the-cherry-orchard.html" target="_blank"><i>The Cherry Orchard</i></a>. At this time, I've only seen <i>Present Laughter</i>, and I loved it. I'm seeing <i>Six Degrees of Separation </i>tonight, and I have only heard good things about <i>Jitney</i> and <i>The Little Foxes</i>, so in my estimation, this a toss up.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<div align="center">
<b>Plays</b></div>
<hr />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogA6cwvAhyphenhyphenYPXinETuqCZuCdhzC76WyX1qPNbK6lqH2ruC6V55zS0Rct20snP0oPGWaKEuTdxNJrBSoIGEOvLjQvzOWxub2T8p9unh9gYgC7tjgIEZ2t3l4Dt3vAeoPiQ2AuT1TSEnbPd/s1600/kevinkline.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogA6cwvAhyphenhyphenYPXinETuqCZuCdhzC76WyX1qPNbK6lqH2ruC6V55zS0Rct20snP0oPGWaKEuTdxNJrBSoIGEOvLjQvzOWxub2T8p9unh9gYgC7tjgIEZ2t3l4Dt3vAeoPiQ2AuT1TSEnbPd/s200/kevinkline.jpg" width="150" /></a>Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Denis Arndt</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/heisenberg.html" target="_blank"><i>Heisenberg</i></a></li>
<li><b>Chris Cooper</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
<li><b>Corey Hawkins</b>, <i>Six Degrees of Separation</i></li>
<li><b>Kevin Kline</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a></li>
<li><b>Jefferson Mays</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
</ul>
Look, these are all fine actors, but we're coalesced around Kevin Kline, right? The way he makes a meal out of every moment, the way he stalks the stage and chews scenery, the way he (appropriately) begs for laughs—just delightful.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDn_4-iL9eO15LIHgl8ni9H_88JCEaehU3hAdbtOkTll8kqOBpFBnbXvr54L6Lzb-c6K_z2HCwW62grobmeSRm0Qv9w44RAvm95svABmLstsgkBKyizF7V5oILAOtixRRZA3JcLJ9M6lB/s1600/LaurieMetcalf.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDn_4-iL9eO15LIHgl8ni9H_88JCEaehU3hAdbtOkTll8kqOBpFBnbXvr54L6Lzb-c6K_z2HCwW62grobmeSRm0Qv9w44RAvm95svABmLstsgkBKyizF7V5oILAOtixRRZA3JcLJ9M6lB/s200/LaurieMetcalf.jpg" width="132" /></a>Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Cate Blanchett</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/the-present.html" target="_blank"><i>The Present</i></a></li>
<li><b>Jennifer Ehle</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
<li><b>Sally Field</b>, <i>The Glass Menagerie</i></li>
<li><b>Laura Linney</b>, <i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><b>Laurie Metcalf</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
</ul>
Cate Blanchett is undoubtedly talented, and Jennifer Ehle was great in <i>Oslo</i>, but I absolutely loved Laurie Metcalf in this challenging role. (I'll bet I would love Laura Linney, but I haven't seen <i>The Little Foxes</i>.) I don't know if this is a lock, but Metcalf is my choice.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohhmLNjexSkw3ankLJfjIj_3x80G3v57q1dsAeEVHsiUD-DBi-Ep9kanlYM0LCSCJKHMF1EbGPwejLRD2VkaCtQV4IcoEpoDHqnZ9wBynvpLyZyRQbguLybc9HY_77vXqZ4dPXc46Gpoj/s1600/michaelaronov.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohhmLNjexSkw3ankLJfjIj_3x80G3v57q1dsAeEVHsiUD-DBi-Ep9kanlYM0LCSCJKHMF1EbGPwejLRD2VkaCtQV4IcoEpoDHqnZ9wBynvpLyZyRQbguLybc9HY_77vXqZ4dPXc46Gpoj/s200/michaelaronov.jpg" width="131" /></a>Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Michael Aronov</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
<li><b>Danny DeVito</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/the-price.html" target="_blank"><i>The Price</i></a></li>
<li><b>Nathan Lane</b>, <i>The Front Page</i></li>
<li><b>Richard Thomas</b>, <i>The Little Foxes </i></li>
<li><b>John Douglas Thompson</b>, <i>Jitney</i></li>
</ul>
I absolutely do not understand Danny DeVito's nomination. As I noted in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/the-price.html" target="_blank">my review</a>, I was falling asleep during <i>The Price</i>, and DeVito's incessant yammering was one of the reasons why. Michael Aronov's performance is the only other one I've seen so while I can't call him <i>the</i> favorite (never count out theatre darling Nathan Lane), I'm calling him <i>my</i> favorite. (Should have been nominated, IMO, Harold Perrineau for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/the-cherry-orchard.html" target="_blank"><i>The Cherry Orchard</i></a>.)<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbmk45CvVxALxAeVa4CL9gqiZSFso7oMslhSiVQqKWh6lt74bvmoDkxYOYZN0AzZsoNpdspN_BtJnCT7A1ylLnxkxcLi5Z5iBI-kob2OIXgrdQRMdbUoJ1gD-aSa0qjf6MSx8t4NJHI9x/s1600/johannaday.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbmk45CvVxALxAeVa4CL9gqiZSFso7oMslhSiVQqKWh6lt74bvmoDkxYOYZN0AzZsoNpdspN_BtJnCT7A1ylLnxkxcLi5Z5iBI-kob2OIXgrdQRMdbUoJ1gD-aSa0qjf6MSx8t4NJHI9x/s200/johannaday.jpg" width="153" /></a>Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Johanna Day</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a></li>
<li><b>Jayne Houdyshell</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
<li><b>Cynthia Nixon</b>, <i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><b>Condola Rashad</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
<li><b>Michelle Wilson</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a></li>
</ul>
Wow. What a strong category. I haven't seen Cynthia Nixon, but I've seen the other four performances. Notably, the other four performances come from just two plays. It'll be interesting to see if the intramural competitors end up canceling out one another. I don't think that'll happen, though. My guess says Johanna Day will be the winner. (Also, I'm a little bummed neither Kate Burton nor Kristine Nielsen were nominated for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a>.)<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV43f_vfGX7gVILymuEF8aiv8nM3OUj5FEblBcabKu70M_OhdI_O5Om8R747z-Zf6wuw8L5sOweL1h0r0GPpqCWnkX5Fo3i4QSzTSEPjsEo6Mzbf2AZTwthXdqMOlmxthqR1O-5h1bwVe/s1600/samgold.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFV43f_vfGX7gVILymuEF8aiv8nM3OUj5FEblBcabKu70M_OhdI_O5Om8R747z-Zf6wuw8L5sOweL1h0r0GPpqCWnkX5Fo3i4QSzTSEPjsEo6Mzbf2AZTwthXdqMOlmxthqR1O-5h1bwVe/s200/samgold.jpg" width="129" /></a>Best Direction of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Sam Gold</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
<li><b>Ruben Santiago-Hudson</b>, <i>Jitney</i></li>
<li><b>Bartlett Sher</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
<li><b>Daniel Sullivan</b>, <i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><b>Rebecca Taichman</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a></li>
</ul>
I absolutely <i>loved</i> Sam Gold's direction of <i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i>, though I'm pleased to see a woman on this list, and Rebecca Taichman is deserving of the nomination, to boot. Still, I'm going with Gold.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA2yBjyaJq4RNZaEJRm_sk1n2h0744PqdLu-8mV6Uv3mH2fE845LbgwVo3l_ZcMl45rydMseAA8ikGnr61ycAOyxdVo5vJ9_wCqvJuZ3ucGqNJYOjdyBmkkQ78he24BPf8SPYOKEoeISf/s1600/playthatgoeswrong.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA2yBjyaJq4RNZaEJRm_sk1n2h0744PqdLu-8mV6Uv3mH2fE845LbgwVo3l_ZcMl45rydMseAA8ikGnr61ycAOyxdVo5vJ9_wCqvJuZ3ucGqNJYOjdyBmkkQ78he24BPf8SPYOKEoeISf/s200/playthatgoeswrong.jpg" width="150" /></a>Best Scenic Design of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>David Gallo</b>, <i>Jitney</i></li>
<li><b>Nigel Hook</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/the-play-that-goes-wrong.html" target="_blank"><i>The Play that Goes Wrong</i></a></li>
<li><b>Douglas W. Schmidt</b>, <i>The Front Page</i></li>
<li><b>Michael Yeargan</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
</ul>
Honestly, I'm surprised Miriam Buether's set for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a> wasn't nominated. It is, to be sure, simple and stark, but it is one of the most effective scenic designs (especially the position of the playing area and the huge dark door) I've seen in a while. Of the nominees, I think I'd have to go with Nigel Hook, who's design for <i>The Play that Goes Wrong</i> is essentially another character in the play.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Costume Design of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Jane Greenwood</b>, <i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><b>Susan Hilferty</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a></li>
<li><b>Toni-Leslie James</b>, <i>Jitney</i></li>
<li><b>David Zinn</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJYbj2cVF8zbn1h4JCSeBmzW6Vd4Z_jcJ7DXCHHyH_ojxDdI6Z0rFD2A4HWRyIocVHOIVkYpaKkrkhohYzDlAcSbi3FIHFSa1KGCzppyYWZ_xRxOm2b2YGLyyRyFmEfn05E6Rbc002wAO/s1600/indecent.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJYbj2cVF8zbn1h4JCSeBmzW6Vd4Z_jcJ7DXCHHyH_ojxDdI6Z0rFD2A4HWRyIocVHOIVkYpaKkrkhohYzDlAcSbi3FIHFSa1KGCzppyYWZ_xRxOm2b2YGLyyRyFmEfn05E6Rbc002wAO/s200/indecent.jpg" width="148" /></a>Best Lighting Design of a Play</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Christopher Akerlind</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a></li>
<li><b>Jane Cox</b>, <i>Jitney</i></li>
<li><b>Donald Holder</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
<li><b>Jennifer Tipton</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank"><i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i></a></li>
</ul>
I didn't see <i>Jitney</i>, but the lighting designs for <i>Indecent</i> and <i>Oslo</i> are particularly effective and integral to the storytelling. I give the edge to <i>Indecent</i>.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<hr />
<div align="center">
<b>Musicals</b></div>
<hr />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmpagOirhUtTJnn8b7_m5FNXXsroVpUk6xXvaf_6DdjRIdOA_IPIJIr7NigXdjO4xuOS7aBQOuInOzrPCmpCBpFUkI39OE27H21d0ab5FJ7-4nmM0j1M_YIOlxM9j9JtC7wwD6RjkhmPo/s1600/benplatt.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmpagOirhUtTJnn8b7_m5FNXXsroVpUk6xXvaf_6DdjRIdOA_IPIJIr7NigXdjO4xuOS7aBQOuInOzrPCmpCBpFUkI39OE27H21d0ab5FJ7-4nmM0j1M_YIOlxM9j9JtC7wwD6RjkhmPo/s200/benplatt.jpg" width="142" /></a>Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Christian Borle</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
<li><b>Josh Groban</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li><b>Andy Karl</b>, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li><b>David Hyde Pierce</b>, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Ben Platt</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
</ul>
After seeing some of the other theatre award nominations, I was worried that Josh Groban would be left off this list. I'm glad to see that the talented performer, making his Broadway debut, earned a nod for his rich performance. That said, I'm Team Ben Platt all the way. What he does in that show—eight times a week—is nothing short of magic.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRg1TD0dgxZLxSDzMBKjC9AqiRafJJmqc-fih8F5ng2TeU9AqffTv5L_ysMywtyOAGPGe-DJ6LXns4V2aIQlFgoLoZvMXZEXUXaxX2vPWumlQuRZoQZkVPx1Rzw0-q0hkTISnhP0TaV-3/s1600/DeneeBenton.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRg1TD0dgxZLxSDzMBKjC9AqiRafJJmqc-fih8F5ng2TeU9AqffTv5L_ysMywtyOAGPGe-DJ6LXns4V2aIQlFgoLoZvMXZEXUXaxX2vPWumlQuRZoQZkVPx1Rzw0-q0hkTISnhP0TaV-3/s200/DeneeBenton.jpg" width="150" /></a>Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Denee Benton</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li><b>Christine Ebersole</b>, <i>War Paint</i></li>
<li><b>Patti LuPone</b>, <i>War Paint</i></li>
<li><b>Bette Midler</b>, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Eva Noblezada</b>, <i>Miss Saigon</i></li>
</ul>
Well, it's the divas vs. the newbies. Of the nominees, I've only seen Denee Benton's performance, though I'm seeing <i>War Paint</i> later this month. Good money give Bette Midler the win, but that's not a foregone conclusion. This is still a competitive category (and, at the moment, I'm rooting for Benton).<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwecWekD1gtNHDJfvy4kfN0uhEvUm3XP7dQkw9ifRHARekSoMW3lxPqpTNhXWUlvqTZnYWJAloLjvqyNg6aVzL8QFYISN7baMQ2r2t9sKzYDhz7nAaWA4_jJ_5eStYDXMTCwjJIOfr_Gi/s1600/lucassteele.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwecWekD1gtNHDJfvy4kfN0uhEvUm3XP7dQkw9ifRHARekSoMW3lxPqpTNhXWUlvqTZnYWJAloLjvqyNg6aVzL8QFYISN7baMQ2r2t9sKzYDhz7nAaWA4_jJ_5eStYDXMTCwjJIOfr_Gi/s200/lucassteele.jpg" width="153" /></a>Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Gavin Creel</b>, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Mike Faist</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li><b>Andrew Rannells</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
<li><b>Lucas Steel</b>e, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li><b>Brandon Uranowitz</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
</ul>
You guys, this category is great. (Of course, I haven't seen <i>Hello, Dolly</i>, but I'll always love Gavin Creel so I'm on board with his nomination.) The most (pleasantly) surprising contender here is Mike Faist. I thought Brandon Uranowitz was one of the best parts of <i>Falsettos<b> </b></i>(see the next category for the other best part), and Lucas Steele is dashing and delicious in the flashy role of Anatole. I don't have a read as to who has the edge. It's possible the two <i>Falsettos</i> nominees will cancel each other out, leaving a lane for Creel or Steele. Likely Steele.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCDjZn6P7J0eWQmOJLeu430f-VEvcSSxnNM4xRYAzzJ6nB0UOF3QopPwMZlX44puHgRAYAycw4DSBsT-ufD_-vDV2_wuXscW_7Y8GfnW1cxnhIBMqxBGg7Rv75Je3jPw2P3wbuoipxvnD/s1600/rachelbayjones.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCDjZn6P7J0eWQmOJLeu430f-VEvcSSxnNM4xRYAzzJ6nB0UOF3QopPwMZlX44puHgRAYAycw4DSBsT-ufD_-vDV2_wuXscW_7Y8GfnW1cxnhIBMqxBGg7Rv75Je3jPw2P3wbuoipxvnD/s200/rachelbayjones.jpg" width="141" /></a>Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Kate Baldwin</b>, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Stephanie J. Block</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a></li>
<li><b>Jenn Colella</b>, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Rachel Bay Jones</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li><b>Mary Beth Peil</b>, <i>Anastasia</i></li>
</ul>
Hooray for Rachel Bay Jones!!!!!! She has turned in honest and affecting work throughout her career, and she's wonderfully devastating as the frazzled mother in<i> Dear Evan Hansen</i>. I absolutely love Kate Baldwin and Mary Beth Peil, but I haven't seen their performances. Jenn Colella, is buzz is to be believed, has a real shot at this, though theatre community favorite Stephanie J. Block might be the one to beat. (She was <i>the</i> best part of <i>Falsettos</i>.) Still, my favorite is Jones.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyKWVynVo6SOZAJKmC8cDke_MGhED0WicplB3e-l9W5wu0_ehyphenhyphenrRfxbRryUAxdvCqCCLTssv_cuRKeTsN7XGCBdjpUcTYNVzjthcI_Xri9r0ZkU_hNNw9lcSA-r6pV-CyfvCrgd7hZFM2/s1600/rachelchavkin.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyKWVynVo6SOZAJKmC8cDke_MGhED0WicplB3e-l9W5wu0_ehyphenhyphenrRfxbRryUAxdvCqCCLTssv_cuRKeTsN7XGCBdjpUcTYNVzjthcI_Xri9r0ZkU_hNNw9lcSA-r6pV-CyfvCrgd7hZFM2/s200/rachelchavkin.jpg" width="153" /></a>Best Direction of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Christopher Ashley</b>, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Rachel Chavkin</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li><b>Michael Greif</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li><b>Matthew Warchus</b>, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li><b>Jerry Zaks</b>, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
</ul>
I think this has to go to Rachel Chavkin. To corral the big ideas and ambitions and cast of <i>The Great Comet</i> and somehow make it work shows such ingenuity and talent. I won't say anything bad about beloved Michael Greif, especially because I love <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i> so much. I will say I'm rooting for Chavkin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jhs9xklh0eAKNUoLRZBQz6SVzyymie-F_iX1-DbpEP9VwsCixhqWGWQAwd0-FPiCm9u2gFKjgJx5opLzM91faf4yGUMRZbJQLloLcGCB42zkHldO0mFjzXs4ZL7nLk-sVnBuy-8iCsrp/s1600/pasekandpaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jhs9xklh0eAKNUoLRZBQz6SVzyymie-F_iX1-DbpEP9VwsCixhqWGWQAwd0-FPiCm9u2gFKjgJx5opLzM91faf4yGUMRZbJQLloLcGCB42zkHldO0mFjzXs4ZL7nLk-sVnBuy-8iCsrp/s200/pasekandpaul.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Best Score</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>David Hein and Irene Sankoff</b>, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Benj Pasek and Justin Paul</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li><b>Tim Minchin</b>, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li><b>Dave Malloy</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
I'm torn. Having heard only <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i> and <i>The Great Comet</i>, I supposed I can't justifiably choose a favorite, but I'm going to anyway: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The recent Oscar winners put together an emotional and powerful score that includes the instant classics, "Waving through a Window" and "So Big, So Small."<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4RDHOoRPtk_PmJvlzYvtalMKMxAuX21cONvfc3mqYp4j_k-yWPgnUEBW5Ygc_PWyc3i3s1HAklwZvWk2YWXUqTf-_urgum1rhZmCX6h9Yk7b2EZn5jOm4-ahjxLwT75hBrHNUbvg_7hM/s1600/stevenlevenson.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4RDHOoRPtk_PmJvlzYvtalMKMxAuX21cONvfc3mqYp4j_k-yWPgnUEBW5Ygc_PWyc3i3s1HAklwZvWk2YWXUqTf-_urgum1rhZmCX6h9Yk7b2EZn5jOm4-ahjxLwT75hBrHNUbvg_7hM/s200/stevenlevenson.jpg" width="153" /></a>Best Book of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>David Hein and Irene Sankoff</b>, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Steven Levenson</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li><b>Danny Rubin</b>, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li><b>Dave Malloy</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
Let's not discount <i>The Great Comet</i> just because it's mostly sung-through. There is most definitely still a book; the book is the story and holds the character and narrative arcs together. Dave Malloy did a terrific job exploring the soap opera in the mere 70-page section of <i>War and Peace</i> that inspired <i>The Great Comet</i>. With that said, I'm choosing Steven Levenson, who managed to find humor and pathos is what could easily be either overwrought or ghoulish.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwETtfaru5B9ipQRQHdDhloCCVHJIyuHdCLHiZLMbQTCVrPOh8XAqxjnTwhVjh6AC6n-LYDR76l78B8Ou7hgU0QvA7y0tWyoyK-6OoP4-5QnU0z93__2EpmXn4h7g476Z-Hw9T9rXJ6cSM/s1600/greatcomet.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwETtfaru5B9ipQRQHdDhloCCVHJIyuHdCLHiZLMbQTCVrPOh8XAqxjnTwhVjh6AC6n-LYDR76l78B8Ou7hgU0QvA7y0tWyoyK-6OoP4-5QnU0z93__2EpmXn4h7g476Z-Hw9T9rXJ6cSM/s200/greatcomet.png" width="128" /></a></b>Best Choreography</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Andy Blankenbuehler</b>, <i>Bandstand</i></li>
<li><b>Peter Darling and Ellen Kane</b>, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li><b>Kelly Devine</b>, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Denis Jones</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/holiday-inn.html" target="_blank"><i>Holiday Inn</i></a></li>
<li><b>Sam Pinkleton</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
I'm glad to see that <i>Holiday Inn</i>, which was a limited engagement that began in the fall and closed around the new year, was remembered. It is a throwback to the big, splashy song and dance shows of yore, and featured some of the most entertaining true dance numbers since, perhaps, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/03/anything-goes.html" target="_blank"><i>Anything Goes</i></a>. But <i>The Great Comet</i> is still playing, which gives it an edge. And Sam Pinkleton does great work with a wily cast, a cast that dances on catwalks and in the audience and has an anarchic party in the middle of the second act. Somehow, it does not devolve into chaos, and that's thanks to Pinkleton.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Orchestrations</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Bill Elliott and Greg Anthony Rassen</b>, <i>Bandstand</i></li>
<li><b>Larry Hochman</b>,<i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Alex Lacamoire</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
<li><b>Dave Malloy</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwETtfaru5B9ipQRQHdDhloCCVHJIyuHdCLHiZLMbQTCVrPOh8XAqxjnTwhVjh6AC6n-LYDR76l78B8Ou7hgU0QvA7y0tWyoyK-6OoP4-5QnU0z93__2EpmXn4h7g476Z-Hw9T9rXJ6cSM/s1600/greatcomet.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwETtfaru5B9ipQRQHdDhloCCVHJIyuHdCLHiZLMbQTCVrPOh8XAqxjnTwhVjh6AC6n-LYDR76l78B8Ou7hgU0QvA7y0tWyoyK-6OoP4-5QnU0z93__2EpmXn4h7g476Z-Hw9T9rXJ6cSM/s200/greatcomet.png" width="128" /></a>Best Scenic Design of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Rob Howell</b>, <i>Groundhog Day</i></li>
<li><b>David Korins</b>, <i>War Paint</i></li>
<li><b>Mimi Lien</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li><b>Santo Loquasto</b>, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
</ul>
Mimi Lien all the way. The design begins when you walk into the Imperial, as the lobby and ticketing area look like an underground punk club. You enter the house, and realize you're in an opulent Russian supper club—and the design continues into the rear mezzanine. You feel enveloped by the surroundings, and it becomes a truly radical theatrical experience.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Costume Design of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Linda Cho</b>, <i>Anastasia</i></li>
<li><b>Santo Loquasto</b>, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Paloma Young</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li><b>Catherine Zuber</b>, <i>War Paint</i></li>
</ul>
It's curious that Emily Rebholz's costume design for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a> wasn't nominated given the way the colors help tell the story. As it is, I feel like I can't declare a favorite without seeing <i>Hello, Dolly</i> or <i>War Paint</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mvfMewHMwocVy5yMu5aeHWFVnT3CuFhjZf-nPy4ITaoJpiSQlYwpuUPPC4rG_Fk2BfCKrMrYeRFTrGyKImg_yeNP__MfOMSKx6H6wydfHnJ5_80MIEYx9SFnaHzsZWdYRVclS74-C0An/s1600/dearevanhansengreatcomet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mvfMewHMwocVy5yMu5aeHWFVnT3CuFhjZf-nPy4ITaoJpiSQlYwpuUPPC4rG_Fk2BfCKrMrYeRFTrGyKImg_yeNP__MfOMSKx6H6wydfHnJ5_80MIEYx9SFnaHzsZWdYRVclS74-C0An/s200/dearevanhansengreatcomet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Best Lighting Design of a Musical</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Howell Binkley</b>, <i>Come From Away</i></li>
<li><b>Natasha Katz</b>, <i>Hello, Dolly</i></li>
<li><b>Bradley King</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a></li>
<li><b>Japhy Weideman</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a></li>
</ul>
Eke! How do you choose between <i>The Great Comet</i> and <i>Dear Evan Hansen</i> in this category? Both shows use light in powerful ways; the designs seem integral to the storytelling. I can't choose a favorite.<br />
<hr />
<hr />
And there you have it: The nominees for the 71st annual Tony Awards. Congratulations to everyone who was eligible, and here's to next year, when this slate of nominees will, once again, include sound designers. Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-56734651479961431762017-04-30T12:00:00.000-04:002017-05-02T17:39:50.806-04:00New York City Ballet: All-Christopher Wheeldon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40oOm8LdWoLaeB8u_WrD8bOYZM_gmsaVobGdIhuLnIrqAqEeAWrWBBcYJ9WQ0FMcN5SpWBTIDuKsQpXpm_io9UBQGTwDRswH62GJOf5oy3p2DsJsMNltWxJzqcoxCKpJRptHwrvz4z0qt/s1600/christopherwheeldon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40oOm8LdWoLaeB8u_WrD8bOYZM_gmsaVobGdIhuLnIrqAqEeAWrWBBcYJ9WQ0FMcN5SpWBTIDuKsQpXpm_io9UBQGTwDRswH62GJOf5oy3p2DsJsMNltWxJzqcoxCKpJRptHwrvz4z0qt/s1600/christopherwheeldon.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Helping to kick off New York City Ballet's Here and Now Festival, which celebrates modern choreographers' works, was an all-Wheeldon program. During the evening, fans got to watch four ballets by the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony-winning choreographer</a>, who was the company's first resident choreographer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxnyKJyGQAhX7_f6W9q4q6I-9qh4YDbJfa2sHGtQfy6VnoEpPd5JQl-WWQPgPRNvHlX3Nw-8ISKEkGhhh3-DIkSXNgyrzgV3lmRg_wXFG7XDrm4RXRAx7v7CdPihpTNn0GqiJ_6tru8NH/s1600/mercurial.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxnyKJyGQAhX7_f6W9q4q6I-9qh4YDbJfa2sHGtQfy6VnoEpPd5JQl-WWQPgPRNvHlX3Nw-8ISKEkGhhh3-DIkSXNgyrzgV3lmRg_wXFG7XDrm4RXRAx7v7CdPihpTNn0GqiJ_6tru8NH/s200/mercurial.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_gtnegscZAbB9NmBSGMb6-3pdRVGAZ1rQjklZUTOZn_pE2ndh84k9zz8H6r48aaR5okWHhaf-FGZ92fR2lMnOpK8KNSWkGgkEd7AJ42KCOXamB3tn8HKLPtvMrFYEzXHapxhr4xv0NUf/s1600/tilerpeck.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_gtnegscZAbB9NmBSGMb6-3pdRVGAZ1rQjklZUTOZn_pE2ndh84k9zz8H6r48aaR5okWHhaf-FGZ92fR2lMnOpK8KNSWkGgkEd7AJ42KCOXamB3tn8HKLPtvMrFYEzXHapxhr4xv0NUf/s200/tilerpeck.jpg" width="150" /></a>The evening began with <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/06/city-ballet-apollo-donizetti-variations.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Mercurial Manoeuvres</b></i></a>, which, notably, is the last ballet Wheeldon choreographed for the company while still one of its principal dancers. A ballet for 21 dancers (set to Shostakovich's "Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 35"), this has a decidedly militaristic feel in the ensemble moments. (Watch, for example, the dancers' arms—they move with precision like the hands on a clock. It's exact and clipped.) That's beautifully juxtaposed with the grace and softness of the utterly impressive pas de deux (danced on Saturday by <b>Tiler Peck</b> and <b>Tyler Angle</b>).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJJ_xeutkt8oQGk23hlh9i0KaBKZjtIQrDcdb1mEFV_LKaoElPtgnNZ3z5NCAOmsqcZt_C9M6_bHSfginU2iI264tqsY_GubUpuIBOgjJOXggH4Jtt_KFdlMlGab-L5rSe7s-eQWXx88x/s1600/tylerangle.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJJ_xeutkt8oQGk23hlh9i0KaBKZjtIQrDcdb1mEFV_LKaoElPtgnNZ3z5NCAOmsqcZt_C9M6_bHSfginU2iI264tqsY_GubUpuIBOgjJOXggH4Jtt_KFdlMlGab-L5rSe7s-eQWXx88x/s200/tylerangle.jpg" width="150" /></a>Both types of dancing—ensemble and pas—are mercurial. The ensemble keeps changing formation, like a military unit doing some sort of drills. The continual change in the pas de deux, interestingly, is less in the choreography and more in the relationship the dancing explores. I had forgotten just how exquisite this pas de deux is. There's plenty of precision, like in the ensemble sections, but it's but softer, more elegant, and it's filled with incredible catches and unbelievably quick turns. You see Peck spinning with your own eyes but you still can't believe it's humanly possible. The performance of this pas de deux is also a great example of a great partnership. Peck and Angle are frequent on stage partners, and you can see it in the way they interact with and have complete faith in each other; it allows them to push further and dig deeper in order to present a breathtaking performance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k-yfI2etjPAEwPCPFbQT5pNMlqi1a6j6mpgawG0AVYQMkSlzdb-NB3jrXljQzrQvTm2Msvenmm0_LWI6MKqhffDXCJUjs0UcB5_qTujOw64umb7TDNbEEYIHeYVsO9PwXqFl_IyxsAwp/s1600/polyphonia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k-yfI2etjPAEwPCPFbQT5pNMlqi1a6j6mpgawG0AVYQMkSlzdb-NB3jrXljQzrQvTm2Msvenmm0_LWI6MKqhffDXCJUjs0UcB5_qTujOw64umb7TDNbEEYIHeYVsO9PwXqFl_IyxsAwp/s200/polyphonia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlDs3zDInxd-LS4W1edlV_POl2CpxkeFxq4fZoapdSc1tTYmzcjyu0F5EO_ZKe7CTj2q2lKNnRx_CVIWCpoI8u9-hxcEE8SS9gKq-6HRq37Kt5NWzNvKihurDP31S9cIPnIF5bwkCletj/s1600/ZacharyCatazaro.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlDs3zDInxd-LS4W1edlV_POl2CpxkeFxq4fZoapdSc1tTYmzcjyu0F5EO_ZKe7CTj2q2lKNnRx_CVIWCpoI8u9-hxcEE8SS9gKq-6HRq37Kt5NWzNvKihurDP31S9cIPnIF5bwkCletj/s200/ZacharyCatazaro.jpg" width="169" /></a>Next was Wheeldon's breakthrough work, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/05/city-ballet-divertimento-no-15.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Polyphonia</i></b></a>. Featuring a more modern score than <i>Mercurial Manoeuvres</i> (selections from Gyorgy Ligeti), this also features more modern dancing. What I always find most memorable about this are the darker, tenser sections with choreography that's reminiscent of the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/nycb-stravinsky-x-five.html" target="_blank"><i>Stravinsky Violin Concerto</i></a> pas de deux. <i>Polyphonia</i> boasts two such sections, danced on Saturday by <b>Unity Phelan</b> and <b>Zachary Catazaro</b>. In these sections, the dancers contort and wrap around each other, striking stark, provocative poses. It's here you see what strength ballet dancers must have in order to do their jobs well. These sections are not meant to be beautiful in the classical ballet sense (though they <i>are</i> beautiful); rather, it's about the combinations matching the dissonance and tension in the music.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDLl8jMRwy6dOcYCVZ_uHn432ncsUKn9nTgOcf7w3upubizP_2cfoAaPnbXzjGRfiPWzjNtK9GsoPkO2K0t6VEDR4N4mwIL85BCw4ct-ijiwLgLvfjaKY0SOFY60k4lbMit3Xd3nwALdm/s1600/saramearns.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDLl8jMRwy6dOcYCVZ_uHn432ncsUKn9nTgOcf7w3upubizP_2cfoAaPnbXzjGRfiPWzjNtK9GsoPkO2K0t6VEDR4N4mwIL85BCw4ct-ijiwLgLvfjaKY0SOFY60k4lbMit3Xd3nwALdm/s200/saramearns.jpg" width="150" /></a>Other highlights of <i>Polyphonia</i> include watching <b>Sterling Hyltin</b> be light and airy in more festive movements (she's partnered by <b>Gonzalo Garcia</b>), and watching <b>Sara Mearns</b> command the stage. Mearns was partnered by <b>Chase Finlay</b>, and, it turns out, this was the perfect pas de deux for him because it required no personality. (I often find Finlay to be thoroughly un-engaging on stage.) To wit: After he partners Mearns, Finlay leaves the stage and Mearns dances the same combinations by herself—and you don't miss anything.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozSD0QdiBjguVz9nWp2FiJuHSIU5tj8BiVtzhiZmPM0ZZT_1QFJS5XS-EF1U0jxp6I8mHUNteMG3NO65l25RGSxmvjKoQQ95DOc49ux_yEGoHOyFDcWGjrBBv4rgJ6GxJYF5cLdQUq-rv/s1600/liturgy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozSD0QdiBjguVz9nWp2FiJuHSIU5tj8BiVtzhiZmPM0ZZT_1QFJS5XS-EF1U0jxp6I8mHUNteMG3NO65l25RGSxmvjKoQQ95DOc49ux_yEGoHOyFDcWGjrBBv4rgJ6GxJYF5cLdQUq-rv/s200/liturgy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY69fMWuq94a0COpolh4OIZX3wm8z95f7xrDs8pSV-a65xlrcou_qeceJuBvGoaa66p5ueN89gUsWDDDUuAgbcOpb2e8lhrS_cOyPiwrPZ_Jl9_kPzt0BkatQqOAMIkQx4QMuEepLiLVTv/s1600/mariakowroski.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY69fMWuq94a0COpolh4OIZX3wm8z95f7xrDs8pSV-a65xlrcou_qeceJuBvGoaa66p5ueN89gUsWDDDUuAgbcOpb2e8lhrS_cOyPiwrPZ_Jl9_kPzt0BkatQqOAMIkQx4QMuEepLiLVTv/s200/mariakowroski.jpg" width="150" /></a>After a second intermission we got to the brief pas de deux, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/10/city-ballet-2-part-inventions-liturgy.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Liturgy</i></b></a>. Wheeldon chose an Arvo Part piece for this, and, much like the Part music used in Wheeldon's <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/nycb-21st-century-choreographers.html" target="_blank"><i>After the Rain</i></a>, the strings provide great color. The percussion tones at the end of the composition ("Fratres, for violin, strings, and percussion) is almost monastic, no doubt inspiring Wheeldon to create a ballet with religious undertones, some sort of liturgy. This is palpable throughout in the way <b>Jared Angle</b> interacts with <b>Maria Kowroski</b>; it's almost like he's presenting her as some sort of sacrifice (not in an aggressive way, more in exultation). It's most obvious, though, in the choreography that concludes the ballet. Kowroski and Angle find themselves center stage repeating and repeating and repeating the same sequence—it's like they are practicing a chant, and it's rather enchanting. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ocPNCPZjX6eJLYUsu4e8Z1EkQb52-xdmdYZyh6CwJ9u8UKrCS2fMpqX14GNI9FFDNZGZEp1OepmYLfIHxg2HOxrA2c619iKslgp5E-xEPSin2ZzjrV_pVEYKsEb7G6JfGwow3wmjUtX8/s1600/americanrhapsody.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ocPNCPZjX6eJLYUsu4e8Z1EkQb52-xdmdYZyh6CwJ9u8UKrCS2fMpqX14GNI9FFDNZGZEp1OepmYLfIHxg2HOxrA2c619iKslgp5E-xEPSin2ZzjrV_pVEYKsEb7G6JfGwow3wmjUtX8/s320/americanrhapsody.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sj1kBpK4gY9NF0kyMpqfAsDTRIYtW-wazSFrS5wrm_OuDnfNGBfLf9XcHbdXyCNyLDI4T08-W-Ba2OrEqKhUN3lWKpEVIEypjrfDMbTedXsv_kQMilJ2wsFgAD0mPnpsj-P5NhPdQs37/s1600/laurenlovette.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sj1kBpK4gY9NF0kyMpqfAsDTRIYtW-wazSFrS5wrm_OuDnfNGBfLf9XcHbdXyCNyLDI4T08-W-Ba2OrEqKhUN3lWKpEVIEypjrfDMbTedXsv_kQMilJ2wsFgAD0mPnpsj-P5NhPdQs37/s200/laurenlovette.jpg" width="169" /></a>Bringing the evening to a rousing close was Wheeldon's most recent ballet, <b><i>American Rhapsody</i></b>. You might recall that <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/nycb-belles-lettres-mothership-american.html" target="_blank">when I saw it for the first time</a>, I was underwhelmed. That had so much to do with expectations. It was the first ballet Wheeldon was presenting in New York since choreographing <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/an-american-in-paris.html" target="_blank"><i>An American in Paris</i></a>, for which <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">he won a Tony</a>, starred his muses, Robert Fairchild (also in <i>An American in Paris</i>) and Tiler Peck, and was set to the orchestral version of George Gershwin's canonical "Rhapsody in Blue." Expectations were impossibly high.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuKFGj5bzfJ8QKjlgl_U2PtKJX3qjw-aV82QBuJKqJ_sOLdzSeJ2-JYcLnXPq2YI7XQvTaFSCuMUWmv3ybr9sQ5UwIv_ahxVuMsqMECFvXD0F4suG7IBm5VHhJ8zA7LiSRg1VGAJosEwK/s1600/RussellJanzen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuKFGj5bzfJ8QKjlgl_U2PtKJX3qjw-aV82QBuJKqJ_sOLdzSeJ2-JYcLnXPq2YI7XQvTaFSCuMUWmv3ybr9sQ5UwIv_ahxVuMsqMECFvXD0F4suG7IBm5VHhJ8zA7LiSRg1VGAJosEwK/s200/RussellJanzen.jpg" width="169" /></a>Without that pressure, I was able to better enjoy the ballet. I still don't think it's a spectacular piece; it certainly won't be remembered like some of his other works, but Wheeldon created a fun, whimsical ballet. <b>Unity Phelan</b> and <b>Amar Ramasar</b> reprised their roles from the premiere, but dancing in place of Peck and Fairchild were <b>Lauren Lovette</b> and <b>Russell Janzen</b>. I think they're both lovely dancers, and I was pleasantly surprised to see what personality and flair Janzen brought to the role. It's difficult to beat that Robbie Fairchild-flair, but Janzen really came to life. And you simply can't beat that music.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-28760050752744728842017-04-28T18:00:00.000-04:002017-05-02T17:16:16.717-04:00New York City Ballet: All-Justin Peck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tEgd3MVmJYsBB4VuUnzph-iZfz9u0fIVjBNIBg4Wn6sDy3woXcP-PlTBxpOhs989UaGeFllKYNmLOVacDeKdSan0kNUzwMgJLK0pNla2hps3W-u8WXbajJ-H6ANzcVl5g0o-owovhPzW/s1600/justin_peck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tEgd3MVmJYsBB4VuUnzph-iZfz9u0fIVjBNIBg4Wn6sDy3woXcP-PlTBxpOhs989UaGeFllKYNmLOVacDeKdSan0kNUzwMgJLK0pNla2hps3W-u8WXbajJ-H6ANzcVl5g0o-owovhPzW/s1600/justin_peck.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
History was made at New York City Ballet on Thursday (April 2<i>7</i>) night as the venerable dance company presented its first–ever all–Peck program, an evening dedicated to ballet's golden boy, <b>Justin Peck</b>, a soloist with the company and its resident choreographer.<br />
<br />
It was a momentous occasion for the toast of the town, who, still under 30, is seen as a ballet wunderkind and, perhaps, the superhero who is going to bring ballet back to popular culture. Peck has been choreographing for NYCB (and others) for just five years, yet he's already created 13 ballets for the company (with a 14th set to premiere in May), including one that was the subject of the documentary <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/04/ballet-422.html" target="_blank"><i>Ballet 422</i></a>, his ode to his hometown, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/02/nyc-ballet-paz-de-la-jolla-variations.html" target="_blank"><i>Paz de la Jolla</i></a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOPdbYMwx2NRItUcxQ2fFw9utggRSl81gu4hnnJbr10569Dh-tZ4R_0-opEMX7iMCu1D8VxkDZ2A3VeBzGdfZ9bNopT7ThHW6YAF-P2ksllE_RgRKGyyFU0nPS_lfOrRMBGtM8mAhXXQC/s1600/in_creases.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOPdbYMwx2NRItUcxQ2fFw9utggRSl81gu4hnnJbr10569Dh-tZ4R_0-opEMX7iMCu1D8VxkDZ2A3VeBzGdfZ9bNopT7ThHW6YAF-P2ksllE_RgRKGyyFU0nPS_lfOrRMBGtM8mAhXXQC/s200/in_creases.jpg" width="200" /></a>Peter Martins had his pick of Peck's many creations, but for the first all–Peck program, he chose four works: <i>In Creases</i>, the first ballet Peck made for NYCB; <i>The Dreamers</i>, a pas de deux; <i>New Blood</i>, one of Peck's collaborations with fashion designer Humberto Leon of Opening Ceremony and Kenzo; and <i>Everywhere We Go</i>, his second (and counting) collaboration with Sufjan Stevens (and my favorite Peck ballet).<br />
<br />
I've seen and reviewed all of these before so for the first all–Peck program, I find I can only review them as a body of work. (My original reviews are linked at the bottom of this post.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM92baXDPjg-UUzrDf2GtgoI6AMVgnPPGZjq8TkLsMR1eIkzlM9Fsx2b8FAQuYms8sUqtBz4xQWIx_7a93z8Y9SN6JPHw6rtXbmGqmN76TH1ac0HW2gXh_sDey8uV6d1HSVZdQHwiKZ5Es/s1600/dreamers.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM92baXDPjg-UUzrDf2GtgoI6AMVgnPPGZjq8TkLsMR1eIkzlM9Fsx2b8FAQuYms8sUqtBz4xQWIx_7a93z8Y9SN6JPHw6rtXbmGqmN76TH1ac0HW2gXh_sDey8uV6d1HSVZdQHwiKZ5Es/s200/dreamers.png" width="146" /></a>Beginning with <b><i>In Creases</i></b>, set to "Four Movements for Two Pianos, 1st and 3rd movements," by Philip Glass, Peck reminds us to never take our eyes off the ensemble. A single dancer could be doing something special, but watch the ensemble—they're always doing something special. As we move into <b><i>The Dreamers</i></b>, the pas de deux set to Bohuslav Martinu's "Piano Quintet No. 2, II Adagio," we see Peck prove George Balanchine right: There are no new steps, only new combinations. In <i>The Dreamers</i>, Sara Mearns's first steps appear to be the same as Taylor Stanley's big moment in <i>In Creases</i>. They're put together slightly differently, surrounded by different steps and emotion, and so something familiar becomes a new combination. (This piece has a palpably relaxed look and style, especially when compared to the precise movements in <i>In Creases</i>.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIAtwcxiyJW4_bz-7noTbtq6TNZFXEwv6P0UgREatyiJvBye7GfDW8NsL_uBzYdRTNESq8wyBaNnditjU2w_c2reRcnmTH7N3BPwygozy7JVxLSpO-B3v1Z0oZOKHMDio0E0R1jwN84kF/s1600/newblood.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIAtwcxiyJW4_bz-7noTbtq6TNZFXEwv6P0UgREatyiJvBye7GfDW8NsL_uBzYdRTNESq8wyBaNnditjU2w_c2reRcnmTH7N3BPwygozy7JVxLSpO-B3v1Z0oZOKHMDio0E0R1jwN84kF/s200/newblood.png" width="148" /></a>Similarly, you can see common themes between <b><i>New Blood</i></b>, set to Steven Reich's "Variations for Vibes, Piano, and Strings," and <i>Everywhere We Go</i>. In each piece, you can see the dancers reviving one another, as everywhere we go there is new blood, new hope. Notice, in particular, that in <i>New Blood</i> the dancers' costumes have cut outs wherever they're touched—there are no barriers between people, there's always a chance to connect. Another trope in <i>New Blood</i> is that its successive duets see women dancing together and men dancing together. That's not unheard of but certainly atypical. Peck is changing that. (See his gorgeous <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/02/city-ballet-pictures-at-exhibition.html" target="_blank"><i>Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes</i></a>.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwluG_x-2-1u4VA5RrhNpMKgqJ_75fRv3MEynZcSgcmwoGJd9zQH9NORYyTUFi03jp6WKQ4NIciTdR8bU-j4QWGyWRDWqrgi0yZ5MlRcOWMVugmJBRmQH8C5zW0I0lNoB4kdU4YO2Uu3_/s1600/everywherewego.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwluG_x-2-1u4VA5RrhNpMKgqJ_75fRv3MEynZcSgcmwoGJd9zQH9NORYyTUFi03jp6WKQ4NIciTdR8bU-j4QWGyWRDWqrgi0yZ5MlRcOWMVugmJBRmQH8C5zW0I0lNoB4kdU4YO2Uu3_/s200/everywherewego.jpg" width="200" /></a>It all culminates in Peck's masterpiece, <b><i>Everywhere We Go</i></b>. I was there for its world premiere, and it moves me like almost nothing else each time I see it. I love the beauty and gracefulness; I love the athleticism; I love the way the dancers relate to one another and revel in one another; I love its life–affirming message, bolstered by the names Peck has given each movement. (The first: The Shadows Will Fall Behind. The last: Thanks to the Human Heart by Which We Live.) It's also in this ballet that you see all the pieces of Peck's choreographic inklings come together—technique mixed with style mixed with a fervent desire to take the classical foundation and make it relevant and modern. And I am convinced that I absolutely need a recording of the score, which only underscores the relevancy of a modern choreographer, like Peck, connecting and collaborating with other artists. It keeps the beautiful art of ballet present and vital.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<b>Featured Casting and Original Reviews</b>:<br />
<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/06/city-ballet-serenade-sonatas-and.html" target="_blank"><i>In Creases</i></a>: Sara Adams; Devin Alberda; Daniel Applebaum; Harrison Coll; Emilie Gerrity; Brittany Pollack; Taylor Stanley; and Indiana Woodward<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/nycb-21st-century-choreographers.html" target="_blank"><i>The Dreamers</i></a>: Sara Mearns and Amar Ramasar<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/city-ballet-polaris-blue-of-distance.html" target="_blank"><i>New Blood</i></a>: Daniel Applebaum; Ashley Bouder; Rachel Hutsell; Russell Janzen; Lauren King; Claire Kretzschmar; Brittany Pollack; Tayler Stanley; Kristen Segin; Andrew Veyette; Sebastian Villarnin-Velez; Peter Walker; and Lydia Wellington<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/05/nycb-spring-gala-allegro-brillante-and.html" target="_blank"><i>Everywhere We Go</i></a>: Sterling Hyltin; Russell Janzen; Maria Kowroski: Tiler Peck; Amar Ramasar; Teresa Reichlen; and Andrew Veyette;Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-7956286433186567112017-04-28T15:22:00.002-04:002017-04-28T15:22:32.943-04:00Week in Review 4.28.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEQLo7Ry8XEOMkrld1-SfKl1sytf9iCbivw8Wr3xTTgt98SH05LEunR2pL_KzzUA_4xo62RJZxNT4E0eGO3393fvd_Ye6_3Ra5UUlg1_LDNAmOlSscArQ6g1XzP0cAPbhE74gPSX8WQi8/s1600/tonyaward1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEQLo7Ry8XEOMkrld1-SfKl1sytf9iCbivw8Wr3xTTgt98SH05LEunR2pL_KzzUA_4xo62RJZxNT4E0eGO3393fvd_Ye6_3Ra5UUlg1_LDNAmOlSscArQ6g1XzP0cAPbhE74gPSX8WQi8/s200/tonyaward1.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<b>Tony Awards</b><br />
<hr />
Lots of Tony Awards news.<br />
<ul>
<li>In a long-overdue decision, the Tony Awards Administration Committee has decided to <b>reinstate the Best Sound Design categories</b>, which had been eliminated after the 2013-2014 season. The categories, as well as a new voting process for that and the Best Orchestrations category, will be effective starting with the upcoming 2017-2018 season. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188370/tony-awards-to-reinstate-competitive-sound-design-categories-in-2018/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more. Tony Award nominations for <i>this</i> season will be announced May 2.<br /><br /> </li>
<li><b>Baayork Lee</b>, a member of the original <i>A Chorus Line</i> company, will receive the honorary <b>Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award</b> in recognition of her humanitarian work. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/baayork-lee-named-recipient-of-2017-isabelle-stevenson-tony-award" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br /><br /> </li>
<li><b>James Earl Jones</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/09/you-cant-take-it-with-you.html" target="_blank"><i>You Can't Take It With You</i></a>) will receive the 2017 Tony Award for <b>Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre</b>. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188428/stage-screen-legend-james-earl-jones-to-be-honored-with-special-tony-award-for-lifetime-achievement/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, the final round of eligibility rulings were announced. Unless noted below, eligibility is consistent with opening night credits. That means that actors billed above the title are eligible in the Lead Actor categories, while actors billed below the title are eligible in the Featured Actor categories. Tony nominations will be announced on May 2, and the Tonys will be handed out on Sunday, June 11. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188451/final-2017-tony-awards-eligibility-rulings-hello-dolly-star-david-hyde-pierce-as-leading-actor-more/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Jon Jon Briones</b> and <b>Eva Noblezada</b> will be eligible in the Lead Actor/Actress in a Musical categories for <i>Miss Saigon</i></li>
<li><b>Henry Shields</b> will be eligible in the Lead Actor in a Play category for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/the-play-that-goes-wrong.html" target="_blank"><i>The Play that Goes Wrong</i></a></li>
<li><b>Phillipa Soo </b>will be eligible in the Lead Actress in a Musical category for <i>Amelie</i></li>
<li><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zjdRQSL_iIwDoqVD0eSb1eFnl_IOJMyRZ7FfRgfnZHMxsMt4GPdI5FbsU9mwqyLDdj1X4ncZDPea0_oYQGLfYsjnWyngF6WSpaeFVmWofSmDAG1ceUPOqvNZncnmNQGXaen2ND4mzH9r/s1600/oslo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zjdRQSL_iIwDoqVD0eSb1eFnl_IOJMyRZ7FfRgfnZHMxsMt4GPdI5FbsU9mwqyLDdj1X4ncZDPea0_oYQGLfYsjnWyngF6WSpaeFVmWofSmDAG1ceUPOqvNZncnmNQGXaen2ND4mzH9r/s200/oslo.jpg" width="151" /></a>Jefferson Mays</b> and <b>Jennifer Ehle</b> will be eligible in the Lead Actor/Actress in a Play categories for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a></li>
<li><b><i>Groundhog Day</i></b>: <b>Andy Karl</b> will be eligible in the Lead Actor in a Musical category; <b>Peter Darling </b>and <b>Ellen Kane</b> will be jointly eligible in the Best Choreography category<i></i></li>
<li><b>Laura Linney</b> will be eligible in the Lead Actress in a Play category for <i>The Little Foxes</i></li>
<li><b><i>Hello, Dolly</i></b>: <b>David Hyde Pierce</b> will be eligible in the Lead Actor in a Musical category<i>; </i><b>Larry Hochman</b> will be eligible in the Best Orchestrations category<i><b> </b></i></li>
<li><b>Christian Borle</b> will be eligible in the Lead Actor in a Musical category for <i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</i></li>
<li><b><i>Anastasia</i></b>: <b>Christy Altomare</b> will be eligible n the Lead Actress category<i>; </i><b>Lynn Ahrens</b> and<b> Stephen Flaherty</b> will be eligible in the Best Original Score category;<i><b> </b></i><b>Alexander Dodge</b> and <b>Aaron Rhyne</b> will be jointly eligible in the Best Scenic Design category<i><b> </b></i></li>
<li><b>John Benjamin Hickey</b> will be eligible in the Featured Actor in a Play category for <i>Six Degrees of Separation</i></li>
<li><b>Corey Cott</b> and <b>Laura Osnes</b> will be eligible in the Lead Actor/Actress categories for <i>Bandstand</i></li>
<li><b>Jayne Houdyshell</b> and <b>Condola Rashad</b> will be eligible in the Featured Actress category for <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/a-dolls-house-part-2.html" target="_blank">A Doll's House, Part 2</a><b> </b> </i></li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDGIz2jneDaVdEchghsg-s8mSc3mZ_x-CCF642165ubbKHi_n3idd9cVbEWsZ58q58zKu5zAF5j98DbX0NpzBT4FaVQOGn3PWEPHkLJmmRm2STPO0DwG3G75ScUZDXJXnpubOy7ii-7HZ/s1600/karenpittman.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDGIz2jneDaVdEchghsg-s8mSc3mZ_x-CCF642165ubbKHi_n3idd9cVbEWsZ58q58zKu5zAF5j98DbX0NpzBT4FaVQOGn3PWEPHkLJmmRm2STPO0DwG3G75ScUZDXJXnpubOy7ii-7HZ/s200/karenpittman.jpg" width="200" /></a>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Complete casting for <b>Dominique Morisseau</b>'s play, <i><b>Pipeline</b></i> has bee announced. <b>Karen Pittman</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/10/disgraced.html" target="_blank"><i>Disgraced</i></a>) will lead the cast, which also includes <b>Tasha Lawrence</b> (<i>If I Forget</i>). Previews of the LCT production begin June 15, with opening night scheduled for July 10. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/disgraceds-karen-pittman-to-lead-cast-of-dominique-morisseaus-pipeline" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br /><br /><br /> </li>
<li>Complete casting for the Roundabout revival of <i><b>Marvin's Room</b></i> has been announced. <b>Medra McClyde</b> is among those joining the previously announced Janeane Garofalo and Lili Taylor. Preview begin June 8, with opening night scheduled for August 27. The limited engagement is scheduled to conclude August 27. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-premiere-of-marvins-room-finds-its-complete-cast" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has details.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Michael Xavier</b> has joined the company of the upcoming <i><b>Prince of Broadway</b></i>, a celebration of Hal Prince's works. Previews begin August 3, and opening night is scheduled for August 23. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188445/sunset-boulevard-star-michael-xavier-joins-prince-of-broadway/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more. </li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8FH4cdXi9fd-3IlBa7fP6t_k3eNI88hoAruPn29eVGGFBG2zSz3CjYfeJPu0GGmGpOrMXCoyBHqP4Fzbmm6ax_paaqzY2d_7B6-xYEwMUGea6vAyOPcob9b1s9aEE24tRMW8w4Gy0UMs/s1600/golden+globe.bmp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8FH4cdXi9fd-3IlBa7fP6t_k3eNI88hoAruPn29eVGGFBG2zSz3CjYfeJPu0GGmGpOrMXCoyBHqP4Fzbmm6ax_paaqzY2d_7B6-xYEwMUGea6vAyOPcob9b1s9aEE24tRMW8w4Gy0UMs/s200/golden+globe.bmp" width="150" /></a>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced several changes to various <b>Golden Globe</b> categories. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/golden-globes-change-rules-animated-foreign-language-movies-995407" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> has full details regarding changes to directing credits on animated and foreign language films, as well as we rule change about the eligibility timeline. This year's nominees will be announced December 11.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, Drama Desk Award nominations, and the Off-Broadway Alliance Award nominations were all announced this week. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/anastasia-leads-2017-outer-critics-circle-award-nominations" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has the full list of <b>OCC Award nominees</b>; the <a href="http://dramadeskawards.com/nominees" target="_blank">Drama Desk website</a> has the full list of <b>Drama Desk Award nominees</b>; and <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188409/the-bands-visit-more-shows-nominated-for-off-broadway-alliance-awards/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has the full list of <b>Off-Broadway Alliance Award nominees</b>.<br /><br /></li>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAqCOiloWigtegwBZSw-2EtNEb_NGkF-wD-OQNaZZIiKlV2eTBYaWWH5kdqmEvCejR7tPbRYtQTiisLd7KmowrNrFlgnTH4hbm2w5cyG_LW09oW4KFul_b-bTBpfWOi3PSJipqo2q-3p8/s1600/billyporter.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAqCOiloWigtegwBZSw-2EtNEb_NGkF-wD-OQNaZZIiKlV2eTBYaWWH5kdqmEvCejR7tPbRYtQTiisLd7KmowrNrFlgnTH4hbm2w5cyG_LW09oW4KFul_b-bTBpfWOi3PSJipqo2q-3p8/s200/billyporter.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Billy Porter</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/04/kinky-boots.html" target="_blank"><i>Kinky Boots</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/04/shuffle-along-or-making-of-musical.html" target="_blank"><i>Shuffle Along...</i></a>) will receive the Vito Russo Award at the 28th <b>GLAAD Media Awards</b>, to be held May 6. The specific award is presented to media professionals who make "a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance." <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/billy-porter-will-be-honored-at-28th-annual-glaad-media-awards" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Pulitzer Prize winner <b>Paula Vogel</b> will receive the <b>Lifetime Achievement Obie Award</b> in recognition of her prolific work off-Broadway. Vogel, a veteran playwright, is making her Broadway debut this spring with the Broadway transfer of <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a>. The Obies will be presented May 22. Visit <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/paula-vogel-to-receive-obie-award-for-lifetime-achievement" target="_blank">Playbill</a> for more.<br /><br /></li>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4JI-bs4zD6WKEDBOpxO8JGbzh5m8UB9vhTHvosUvWAyM6l6kuiijaz1TKykY34rEPy9wUkwYaQwjMZJoZkZAdmqBa80z9bP3PpZEeuVx3OkS3_GaoEq4GUemH8rUbv3nugUlmN2m2OxQ/s1600/greatcomet.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4JI-bs4zD6WKEDBOpxO8JGbzh5m8UB9vhTHvosUvWAyM6l6kuiijaz1TKykY34rEPy9wUkwYaQwjMZJoZkZAdmqBa80z9bP3PpZEeuVx3OkS3_GaoEq4GUemH8rUbv3nugUlmN2m2OxQ/s200/greatcomet.png" width="128" /></a>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a> creators <b>Dave Malloy</b> (writer) and <b>Rachel Chavkin</b> (director) will receive the inaugural <b>American Ingenuity Award</b>, presented by <i>Smithsonian</i> magazine. They'll receive their honor at the November 29 ceremony. <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/GREAT-COMET-Creators-Dave-Malloy-and-Rachel-Chavkin-Win-Smithsonians-2017-Ingenuity-Award-20170427" target="_blank">Broadway World</a> has more. </li>
</ul>
<b><i>The Great Comet</i> Music Video</b><br />
<hr />
Leading up to the release of the original Broadway cast recording for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a>, the production has treated fans to another music video, this one for "Charming," featuring <b>Amber Gray</b>. Watch below, and then <a href="https://joshgroban.lnk.to/GCCastRecording" target="_blank">pre-order the album</a>, which comes out May 19.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hQeka-7k8bc?rel=0" width="400"></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP4xjpP4LXSLGJfkMTrnDXqb4rDucVLFelsKgccmLln66ByqSD-9-72eXCg0Fik07yBL_Z1LVfIvXvnznDVnVCFrEEhjAUnraLts9lcQnBO92FL4uELhYGd8mek18BXYpDti6xZkGfKB1/s1600/vivianhoward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP4xjpP4LXSLGJfkMTrnDXqb4rDucVLFelsKgccmLln66ByqSD-9-72eXCg0Fik07yBL_Z1LVfIvXvnznDVnVCFrEEhjAUnraLts9lcQnBO92FL4uELhYGd8mek18BXYpDti6xZkGfKB1/s200/vivianhoward.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Chef <b>Vivian Howard</b> talks to <a href="http://www.saveur.com/vivian-howard-interview" target="_blank">Saveur</a> about food bridging divides in an increasingly divisive times, and what to expect on the next season of <i><b>A Chef's Life</b></i>.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Extensions: The MTC revival of <b><i>The Little Foxes</i></b> has been extended through July 2. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/the-little-foxes-extends-on-broadway" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more. The world premiere of <b>Annie Baker</b>'s <i><b>The Antipodes</b></i> has been extended (again) through June 11. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/annie-bakers-the-antipodes-extends-for-fourth-time" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXlC58GBJ4P_avkzbjOZl7dW-YDMUQ-fTqe0MI0JJBB22VfPnamIFEEIVzSBrbEtAh64zg9RoYe_ghIekBJiEbXAgP3SmBtr_1FwqdNFbH1JjozMH5Pk-Xyr1T5ltOOcLQOrYShlQVbxg/s1600/kingcharles.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXlC58GBJ4P_avkzbjOZl7dW-YDMUQ-fTqe0MI0JJBB22VfPnamIFEEIVzSBrbEtAh64zg9RoYe_ghIekBJiEbXAgP3SmBtr_1FwqdNFbH1JjozMH5Pk-Xyr1T5ltOOcLQOrYShlQVbxg/s200/kingcharles.jpg" width="200" /></a>The TV adaptation of Mike Bartlett's <i style="font-weight: bold;">King Charles III</i> will debut on PBS on May 14. The adaptation features the late Tim Pigott-Smith, who earned a Tony nomination for playing the title character on Broadway.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Reminder: The <b>Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</b> ceremony will air on HBO this Saturday, April 29. <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hbo-to-air-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-on-sunday-w479111" target="_blank"><i>Rolling Stone</i></a> has more.<br /><br /> </li>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNTlnKzQLSP0-E_xIpDEJVkZ0bo_f59_R8L7n0xQwWJSlq8-hQJudoijsHX5Ce_8F8ELQ_G3DHeHzZlr2hO6qEUvjx3DGNHFN9LZ7i-tbIfnGUyx0pm0mv_ZExWpnJRI74zwn10UGnlM5/s1600/rogerrees.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNTlnKzQLSP0-E_xIpDEJVkZ0bo_f59_R8L7n0xQwWJSlq8-hQJudoijsHX5Ce_8F8ELQ_G3DHeHzZlr2hO6qEUvjx3DGNHFN9LZ7i-tbIfnGUyx0pm0mv_ZExWpnJRI74zwn10UGnlM5/s200/rogerrees.jpg" width="143" /></a>The late great <b>Roger Rees</b> (<i>The West Wing</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/04/peter-and-starcatcher.html" target="_blank"><i>Peter and the Starcatcher</i></a>) is the namesake of a newly established Master Voices fund, the Roger Rees Fund for Musical Theater. <a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/MasterVoices-Announces-Establishment-of-The-Roger-Rees-Fund-for-Musical-Theater-20170427" target="_blank">Broadway World</a> has details.<br /><br /><br /> </li>
<li>Congratulations to <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/06/tony-award-winners.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Leslie Odom, Jr.</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>) and his wife, <b>Nicolette Robinson</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/12/invisible-thread.html" target="_blank"><i>Invisible Thread</i></a>)! The talented couple welcomed their first child, Lucille Ruby, on April 23. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTUKlf3htEH/" target="_blank">Odom posted on Instagram</a> about the new addition to their family, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTUKWhGhyiw/" target="_blank">as did Robinson</a>.<br /><br /><br /> </li>
<li><b>Wendy Whelan</b> talks to <a href="http://www.vogue.com/article/wendy-whelan-restless-creature-documentary-ballet" target="_blank"><i>Vogue</i></a> about the documentary, <b><i>Restless Creature</i></b>. The film follows Whelan as she recuperates from an injury and makes the decision to retire from New York City Ballet. (I saw it at the NYFF last year and LOVED it.) Watch the trailer below. </li>
</ul>
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frestlesscreatureww%2Fvideos%2F1801483020179616%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-78298552798219881962017-04-27T18:00:00.001-04:002021-01-05T12:01:57.508-05:00A Doll's House, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1-kwUSXRflfnh_rhzcCVQITRAOBADv7wuUswBzKmXjXseJRhnbBXszdCJ0QrTFXVkMoQn8FGwEePq8O94RK_T6SbqcwphfS_qVgRe1lQ-D48Ll5qQNs9y3HmHbbSTDI2KAb523Q2WZgL/s1600/dollshousepart2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1-kwUSXRflfnh_rhzcCVQITRAOBADv7wuUswBzKmXjXseJRhnbBXszdCJ0QrTFXVkMoQn8FGwEePq8O94RK_T6SbqcwphfS_qVgRe1lQ-D48Ll5qQNs9y3HmHbbSTDI2KAb523Q2WZgL/s1600/dollshousepart2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1879, Nora slammed the door on Torvald, and it shocked Victorian readers and, soon thereafter, audiences world-wide. <i>A Doll's House</i> catapulted <b>Henrik Ibsen</b> into the international spotlight, and solidified his position as a subversive writer. Nearly 140 years later, <b>Lucas Hnath</b>, a subversive and gifted writer in his own right, imagines what happened after the door slammed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p6JqsbzuMbM4WPD8E0DT4mT2UFxwC3J0RK-LtLhnZtGMGJHSZZKMy04P1DIjQtHKq1nAMAxbH-IQRfFeGoDzp_6l2skiwFPMUHkSkvrH9b_3O5lua5rPg3vPi_-NAgFWwYNwtY34F-Aa/s1600/chriscooper.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p6JqsbzuMbM4WPD8E0DT4mT2UFxwC3J0RK-LtLhnZtGMGJHSZZKMy04P1DIjQtHKq1nAMAxbH-IQRfFeGoDzp_6l2skiwFPMUHkSkvrH9b_3O5lua5rPg3vPi_-NAgFWwYNwtY34F-Aa/s200/chriscooper.jpg" width="135" /></a>Details reveal themselves naturally so I won't give too much away (especially not the 100% perfect, A++ first and final moments of the show). Suffice it to say that <i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i> picks up 15 years after Nora (Laurie Metcalf) left her husband, Torvald (Chris Cooper), and young children. The doll returns to her house, which Miriam Buether has cleverly designed to suggest a boxing ring. The metaphor continues in the direction (by <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> Sam Gold), as actors brace themselves on and grasp at the walls like a boxer working the ropes. Toward the end, we find both Nora and Torvald on the floor, waiting to see who is down for the count, and who will rise, victorious in the match.<br />
<br />
When Nora arrives, she finds her nanny, Anne Marie (Jayne Houdyshell), still there, having raised the children and kept Torvald company. Later, she meets with her daughter, Emmy (Condola Rashad). We learn what Nora's been up to (I'll give you a hint: it involves making good on the feminist inklings she had in part one), and why she's returned.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Gy1Sp-MiiUZR3D-Vnsq21aSRcIUWwyuPLqhqMWptjLSkVe9FV9sEwTk7AbWSvr3fBZJxZNoX9efD6JZPhmKIoJHmIoo0jdL7_JGz69wA2cFVLxJxMIm2yzZGLA5OhFuEOycbfio_jfQw/s1600/jaynehoudyshell.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Gy1Sp-MiiUZR3D-Vnsq21aSRcIUWwyuPLqhqMWptjLSkVe9FV9sEwTk7AbWSvr3fBZJxZNoX9efD6JZPhmKIoJHmIoo0jdL7_JGz69wA2cFVLxJxMIm2yzZGLA5OhFuEOycbfio_jfQw/s200/jaynehoudyshell.jpg" width="200" /></a>Hnath's play is almost a well-made play (keeping fidelity of time and location), save for a brief time lapse between scenes in the middle of the play. This slight lapse, as well as the projected scene titles (like boxing round cards), bothered me a little because I wanted this play's structure to match its source material; I thought that would have made a nice parallel. This is a minor quibble, of course, and does not take away from the quality of the play.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDjcV8p0Rk0TEwnoVlDsGQ9-yVPM5fHR0pFXdsS_vf1NrzTU5aBlvRMvn-xr8UmUye5-SojCGKasSsQrgKfN15GAm4MrE2iBLeZNQHyTs1bdl_uqp8xfeDYpqNxEdVUL6DGYfHgNw9SPA/s1600/CondolaRashad.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDjcV8p0Rk0TEwnoVlDsGQ9-yVPM5fHR0pFXdsS_vf1NrzTU5aBlvRMvn-xr8UmUye5-SojCGKasSsQrgKfN15GAm4MrE2iBLeZNQHyTs1bdl_uqp8xfeDYpqNxEdVUL6DGYfHgNw9SPA/s200/CondolaRashad.jpg" width="200" /></a>The young and promising Hnath (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/09/the-christians.html" target="_blank"><i>The Christians</i></a>) wrote an incredibly compelling play, bringing a modern sensibility and vernacular to this dusty classic. Much of the funny and persuasive dialogue is delivered in speeches, not unlike in Ibsen's play, yet this small but mighty cast palpably reacts to and connects with one another. You can see that the content of their speeches is getting through. (To the audience, too. Gold (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/12/fun-home.html" target="_blank"><i>Fun Home</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/john.html" target="_blank"><i>John</i></a>) has his actors deliver many of their speeches while looking out to the audience, kind of like a boxer (or WWE wrestler) hyping the crowd.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/06/tony-award-winners.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> Houdyshell (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/the-humans.html" target="_blank"><i>The Humans</i></a>) does nice work, especially when in co-conspirator mode with Nora. Tony nominee Rashad (<i>Stick Fly</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/09/romeo-and-juliet.html" target="_blank"><i>Romeo and Juliet</i></a>) deftly lulls Nora into a false sense of security with her sweetness, only to reveal Emmy is as feisty and cunning as her mother. Academy Award winner Cooper (<i>Adaptation</i>) triumphantly returns to the Great White Way with a fittingly understated performance. Torvald was always nice and mild mannered, which bothered Nora, and Cooper takes those traits and makes Torvald a whole person.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNlNZQoGhBTKnCV_wVWMA-bgqywv3QKLiePUVa_x3tk6gIN2xuONsQfeJz8jVsnyuCpjbyQCS4OebsV519Oe8dOlq71uofHR1Ep_2Gmx3gQI6ctUzecY-U-3iw-bFXHjb8-ouZ5kWdU6B/s1600/LaurieMetcalf.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNlNZQoGhBTKnCV_wVWMA-bgqywv3QKLiePUVa_x3tk6gIN2xuONsQfeJz8jVsnyuCpjbyQCS4OebsV519Oe8dOlq71uofHR1Ep_2Gmx3gQI6ctUzecY-U-3iw-bFXHjb8-ouZ5kWdU6B/s200/LaurieMetcalf.jpg" width="132" /></a>The play belongs, though, to three-time Tony nominee <b>Laurie Metcalf</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/02/the-other-place.html" target="_blank"><i>The Other Place</i></a>), who absolutely commands the stage. Her physicality tells you just as much as her words. (Watch how she drapes and spreads herself over the furniture.) She shows us Nora is independent, finished with mores, and perhaps a bit exasperated to have to be there in the first place. When Nora regales Anne Marie with the story of what she's been doing and the controversy it caused, it almost feels like she's giving the world's greatest TED Talk. Metcalf, of course, takes you in. This is no prepared speech—this is a passionate woman with strong convictions, and she is honoring us by letting us in on her secrets.<br />
<br />
Right before Nora leaves Torvald in Ibsen's play, he says to her, "Before all else, you are a wife and a mother." Nora, with courage and conviction, replies, "I don't believe that any longer. I believe that before all else I am a reasonable human being, just as you are—or, at all events, that I must try and become one." Female empowerment was just as germane to humanity in 1879 as it is now. Nora's feminist struggles, and the ripple effects they have on her (previously) loved ones, sound entirely (and, perhaps, unfortunately) modern. As written by Hnath and embodied by Metcalf, Nora is no longer a doll. She has, indeed, become a live, vital, reasonable human being.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-50622251811949023902017-04-21T15:01:00.001-04:002017-04-21T15:01:33.496-04:00Week in Review 4.21.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPViRIRloCuOx3goUrHPARt8O-JEtIyIjP979FsXgmHVTl9Y_CmV0GMNFrhMDvEOWmUcqTjaVW4fdOtjhFJ6HCXAcYjThdlWQns5Kmz-2CqsqT8bdEJEDU4vjlHgc_eTZtE28e56ALhiAj/s1600/jessiemuellerjoshuahenryjustinpeckcarousel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPViRIRloCuOx3goUrHPARt8O-JEtIyIjP979FsXgmHVTl9Y_CmV0GMNFrhMDvEOWmUcqTjaVW4fdOtjhFJ6HCXAcYjThdlWQns5Kmz-2CqsqT8bdEJEDU4vjlHgc_eTZtE28e56ALhiAj/s200/jessiemuellerjoshuahenryjustinpeckcarousel.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Carousel</i> <b>Revival to Hit Broadway in 2018</b><br />
<hr />
A revival of the <b>Rodgers and Hammerstein</b> musical <i>Carousel</i> will bow on Broadway in spring 2018, officially opening at a theatre to be announced on March 23. The production will be directed by <b>Jack O'Brien</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/03/catch-me-if-you-can.html" target="_blank">Catch Me If You Can</a></i>) and choreographed by NYCB resident choreographer <b>Justin Peck</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/05/nycb-spring-gala-allegro-brillante-and.html" target="_blank">Everywhere We Go</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/nycb-new-combinations.html" target="_blank">The Times Are Racing</a></i>). Peck's fellow NYCB dancers <b>Amar Ramasar</b> and <b>Brittany Pollack</b> will be among the company, figuring prominently in the act two dream ballet. The production will star <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Jessie Mueller</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/01/beautiful.html" target="_blank">Beautiful</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/04/waitress.html" target="_blank">Waitress</a></i>) as Julie Jordan and two-time <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/04/68th-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Joshua Henry</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/10/scottsboro-boys.html" target="_blank">The Scottsboro Boys</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/04/violet.html" target="_blank">Violet</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/04/shuffle-along-or-making-of-musical.html" target="_blank">Shuffle Along...</a></i>) as Billy Bigelow. (Now <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQI5BRYgWeA/" target="_blank">this photo of Justin and Joshua</a> has been demystified.) Opera diva <b>Renee Fleming</b> will also appear in the production. In the <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/carousel-will-return-to-broadway-with-jessie-mueller-joshua-henry-and-renee-fleming" target="_blank">Playbill</a> announcement, Peck promises "an even more dance-and-movement-focused production." Keep an eye on this one! <br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiegQ7B5ROfUR6D0YNFuOgQKNub0BviJdjgqOtBkNt6lPYcnXrMjuPe5XpfihRvtmlP4zFGMwD7Ei-6-0txUzWpEonf2spKBZOJ5Pmy2OnM8MSNu-kvsZ3wWBni22UlagnGBXex0pXhZ0/s1600/2ST20172018season.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiegQ7B5ROfUR6D0YNFuOgQKNub0BviJdjgqOtBkNt6lPYcnXrMjuPe5XpfihRvtmlP4zFGMwD7Ei-6-0txUzWpEonf2spKBZOJ5Pmy2OnM8MSNu-kvsZ3wWBni22UlagnGBXex0pXhZ0/s200/2ST20172018season.png" width="174" /></a>Second Stage Announces Season</b><br />
<hr />
The venerable off-Broadway theatre company, which helped bring us <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2009/11/normal-nah-extraordinary-yes.html" target="_blank"><i>Next to Normal</i></a> and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>, has announced its 2017-2018 season. New this year is the company's Broadway home, the Helen Hayes Theater. The season will feature: <b><i>Torch Song</i></b> (nee, <i>Torch Song Trilogy</i>), written by <b>Harvey Fierstein</b> and directed by <b>Moises Kaufman</b>, beginning in September at the off-Broadway theatre; a revival of <b><i>Lobby Hero</i></b>, written by <b>Kenneth Lonergan</b>, directed by <b>Trip Cullman</b>, and starring <b>Michael Cera</b> and <b>Chris Evans</b> (making his Broadway debut), beginning in March 2018 at the Hayes; <b><i>Mary Page Marlowe</i></b>, written by Tracy Letts, beginning in June 2018 at the off-Broadway theatre; <b><i>Straight White Men</i></b>, written by <b>Young Jean Lee</b> and directed by <b>Anna D. Shapiro</b>, beginning in July 2018 at the Hayes; and an additional off-Broadway production to be announced. In addition, Second Stage announced a partnership with L.A.'s Center Theatre Group to co-commission plays from Lee, <b>Jon Robin Baitz</b>, <b>Will Eno</b>, <b>Lisa Kron</b>, <b>Lynn Nottage</b>, and <b>Paula Vogel</b>. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188319/chris-evans-michael-cera-to-lead-kenneth-lonergans-lobby-hero-at-broadways-helen-hayes-theatre/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TgEwN4UCjFo1ZGHWhBDBfO0H0GmwDmFnaIPeWsJK6Ry0Gz5tlReiQ0TsPwTuLTh7DdYW42ar78Q7Wma8R2hJTFiMe1Q1koFEz2WvwLDPYJozLZCuPVpvUCyH-UuVk2lQO5BFPujWJU6G/s1600/caissielevy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TgEwN4UCjFo1ZGHWhBDBfO0H0GmwDmFnaIPeWsJK6Ry0Gz5tlReiQ0TsPwTuLTh7DdYW42ar78Q7Wma8R2hJTFiMe1Q1koFEz2WvwLDPYJozLZCuPVpvUCyH-UuVk2lQO5BFPujWJU6G/s200/caissielevy.jpg" width="200" /></a>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Initial principal casting for the Broadway bow of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Frozen</i> has been announced. As previously rumored, <b>Caissie Levy</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2009/11/theyve-got-life.html" target="_blank">Hair</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/03/les-miserables.html" target="_blank">Les Miserables</a></i>) will play Elsa (who sings "Let It Go) and <b>Patti Murin</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/12/lysistrata-jones.html" target="_blank">Lysistrata Jones</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/06/fly-by-night.html" target="_blank">Fly by Night</a></i>) will play Elsa's sister, Anna. They'll be joined by <b>Greg Hildreth</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2012/04/peter-and-starcatcher.html" target="_blank">Peter and the Starcatcher</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/05/cinderella.html" target="_blank">Cinderella</a></i>) as Olaf, <b>John Riddle</b> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/the-visit.html" target="_blank">The Visit</a></i>) as Hans, and <b>Jalani Alladin</b>, making his Broadway debut, as Kristoff. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-frozen-will-star-caissie-levy-patti-murin-and-more" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgQmtYkfKRVj0Du6smxmoR5Rv0gt0XPL6iymTVLJK2qbTlw3KlQVbOuWDN3bS3GO82uX8ZnmOs9l6-GMNXB_d9XXN2cb4DNDRFwd9zotNLDhwdXsVFjoy7uV_SQWzhc3QEsYnHH8EXo2M/s1600/rizahmed.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgQmtYkfKRVj0Du6smxmoR5Rv0gt0XPL6iymTVLJK2qbTlw3KlQVbOuWDN3bS3GO82uX8ZnmOs9l6-GMNXB_d9XXN2cb4DNDRFwd9zotNLDhwdXsVFjoy7uV_SQWzhc3QEsYnHH8EXo2M/s200/rizahmed.jpg" width="200" /></a>Riz Ahmed</b> (<i>The Night Of</i>) is joining <b>Jake Gyllenhaal</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/sunday-in-park-with-george.html" target="_blank"><i>Sunday in the Park with George</i></a>), <b>Joaquin Phoenix</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/01/inherent-vice.html" target="_blank"><i>Inherent Vice</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/12/her.html" target="_blank"><i>Her</i></a>), and <b>John C. Reilly</b> in a big-screen adaptation of Patrick deWitt's novel, <b><i>The Sisters Brothers</i></b>. Visit <a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/news/riz-ahmed-cast-in-the-sisters-brothers-joaquin-phoenix-john-c-reilly-jake-gyllenhaal-1202013510/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> for more.<br /><br /><br /> </li>
<li>Casting for the Encores! production of <i><b>The Golden Apple</b></i> has been announced. <b>Lindsay Mendez</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2011/11/godspell.html" target="_blank"><i>Godspell</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/significant-other.html" target="_blank"><i>Significant Other</i></a>) leads a cast that also includes <b>Ryan Silverman</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/11/side-show.html" target="_blank"><i>Side Show</i></a>) and <b>Max Chernin</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/sunday-in-park-with-george.html" target="_blank"><i>Sunday in the Park with George</i></a>). The one-weekend run begins May 10 and will conclude May 14. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/lindsay-mendez-ryan-silverman-and-more-set-for-the-golden-apple-at-encores" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaUX8qNcM14t59Nux9tdrtDRRd-woXvidHlR31s2ORd6ggrXzQxTpr28bjgVR-OGOR1rha2e1fzrAY1VbjnJjlEkF4Z1lunVQ-n2CQa245_KNcRw6oim4xNo2ane0GIdyNgcaEN6ZBYyw/s1600/kevinspaceytonyawards.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaUX8qNcM14t59Nux9tdrtDRRd-woXvidHlR31s2ORd6ggrXzQxTpr28bjgVR-OGOR1rha2e1fzrAY1VbjnJjlEkF4Z1lunVQ-n2CQa245_KNcRw6oim4xNo2ane0GIdyNgcaEN6ZBYyw/s200/kevinspaceytonyawards.png" width="195" /></a>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Tony Awards</b>—Two-time Academy Award winner and Tony winner <b>Kevin Spacey</b> (<i>House of Cards</i>) <b>will host</b> Broadway's biggest night. (Alas, though <a href="https://twitter.com/reviewingdrama/status/835678816915845127" target="_blank">many were hopeful</a>, it seems a John Mulaney–Nick Kroll-hosted ceremony was not to be.) This will mark the first time the stage and screen veteran has hosted the ceremony. The Tonys will be held June 11, and the CBS broadcast begins at 8. (<i>House of Cards</i>, by the way, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/week-in-review-12017.html" target="_blank">returns on May 30</a>.) <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188293/kevin-spacey-to-host-71st-annual-tony-awards-from-radio-city-music-hall/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more. In addition, general managers <b>Nina Lannan</b> and <b>Alan Wasser</b> will receive the 2017 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/nina-lannan-and-alan-wasser-will-receive-2017-tony-honors-for-excellence-in-the-theatre" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has details.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgYi4qkCZ8Jmo3u_mfq4MTOnxAxRdK1qPb17Hixxpm4FXMgKKwh3qa0cVMr8qxdR19JUsbAS9LbsLYNJ-UB4hhIfSIibcVwBA14-83ATlfOO66YPVI2TZdjlvPjMxkisAuSZjIj4goCds/s1600/dearevanhansen.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgYi4qkCZ8Jmo3u_mfq4MTOnxAxRdK1qPb17Hixxpm4FXMgKKwh3qa0cVMr8qxdR19JUsbAS9LbsLYNJ-UB4hhIfSIibcVwBA14-83ATlfOO66YPVI2TZdjlvPjMxkisAuSZjIj4goCds/s200/dearevanhansen.jpg" width="135" /></a>Drama League Awards</b>—Broadway's royal couple, <b>Audra McDonald</b> and <b>Will Swenson</b>, will host the Drama League Awards on May 19. These awards honor excellence in both Broadway and off-Broadway, and include five competitive categories. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/audra-mcdonald-and-will-swenson-to-host-this-years-drama-league-awards" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more about the hosting gig, while <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188307/2017-drama-league-nominations-announced-laura-osnes-daniel-radcliffe-more-receive-nods/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has the full list of Drama League Award nominees. Here are some of them:<br />
<ul>
<li>Outstanding Play: <i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/02/if-i-forget.html" target="_blank"><i>If I Forget</i></a>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/indecent.html" target="_blank"><i>Indecent</i></a>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/a-life.html" target="_blank"><i>A Life</i></a>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/the-play-that-goes-wrong.html" target="_blank"><i>The Play That Goes Wrong</i></a>; and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a></li>
<li>Outstanding Revival of a Play: <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a> and <i>Six Degrees of Separation</i></li>
<li>Outstanding Musical: <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>; <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></a>; and <i>War Paint</i></li>
<li>Outstanding Revival of a Musical: <i>Hello Dolly</i>; <i>Sweeney Todd</i>; and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweet-charity.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweet Charity</i></a></li>
<li>Distinguished Performance Award (a performer can only win this honor once in a lifetime): <b>Denee Benton</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Great Comet...</i></a>; <b>Reed Birney</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/02/man-from-nebraska.html" target="_blank"><i>Man from Nebraska</i></a>; <b>Cate Blanchett</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/the-present.html" target="_blank"><i>The Present</i></a>; <b>Ato Blankson-Wood</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/the-total-bent.html" target="_blank"><i>The Total Bent</i></a>; <b>Kate Burton</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a>; <b>Johanna Day</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweat</i></a>; <b>Jennifer Ehle</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><i>Oslo</i></a>; <b>Sutton Foster</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweet-charity.html" target="_blank"><i>Sweet Charity</i></a>; <b>Gideon Glick</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/significant-other.html" target="_blank"><i>Significant Other</i></a>; <b>Josh Groban</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>Great Comet...</i></a>; <b>Corey Hawkins</b>, <i>Six Degrees</i>...; <b>Allison Janney</b>, <i>Six Degrees....</i>; <b>Rachel Bay Jones</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>; <b>Kevin Kline</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/present-laughter.html" target="_blank"><i>Present Laughter</i></a>; <b>John Leguizamo</b>, <i>Latin History for Morons</i>; <b>Kecia Lewis</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/09/marie-and-rosetta.html" target="_blank"><i>Marie and Rosetta</i></a>; <b>Laurie Metcalf</b>, <i>A Doll's House, Part 2</i>; <b>David Hyde Pierce</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/a-life.html" target="_blank"><i>A Life</i></a>; <b>Ben Platt</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>; <b>Amy Ryan</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/love-love-love.html" target="_blank"><i>Love, Love, Love</i></a>; and <b>Anna Deveare Smith</b>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/notes-from-field.html" target="_blank"><i>Notes from the Field</i></a></li>
</ul>
<b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir445tVZ0tib05jr1vs82YYYc8gWyZbplVduZBiu_QpB4JtgTAhuKYO3J3BRM7KHxYmiP40VhAvTOAA6agdXWQ9sgWpZwXnsllT4nGfMVlUEW-SLAX0AdQepcR_p3Jldxft3_w0l9T4aCu/s1600/violadavis.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir445tVZ0tib05jr1vs82YYYc8gWyZbplVduZBiu_QpB4JtgTAhuKYO3J3BRM7KHxYmiP40VhAvTOAA6agdXWQ9sgWpZwXnsllT4nGfMVlUEW-SLAX0AdQepcR_p3Jldxft3_w0l9T4aCu/s200/violadavis.jpg" width="150" /></a>Time</i> 100</b>—The news magazine has released its annual 100 Most Influential People list. Among those deemed influential are: (Visit the <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/" target="_blank"><i>Time</i> website</a> for the full list.)<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Riz Ahmed</b> (<i>The Night Of</i>), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4742708/riz-ahmed/" target="_blank">tribute by Lin-Manuel Miranda</a></li>
<li><b>Samantha Bee</b> (<i>The Daily Show</i>, <i>Full Frontal with Samantha Bee</i>), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4742710/samantha-bee/" target="_blank">tribute by Jane Curtain</a></li>
<li><b>Viola Davis</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2010/05/fences.html" target="_blank"><i>Fences</i></a>), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736294/viola-davis/" target="_blank">tribute by Meryl Streep</a></li>
<li><b>Barry Jenkins</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/moonlight.html" target="_blank"><i>Moonlight</i></a>), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736189/barry-jenkins/" target="_blank">tribute by Kathryn Bigelow</a></li>
<li><b>Leslie Jones</b> (<i>Saturday Night Live</i>), tribute by Russell Crowe</li>
<li><b>John Legend</b>, <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736217/john-legend/" target="_blank">tribute by Harry Belafonte</a></li>
<li><b>Representative John Lewis</b> (D-GA), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736273/john-lewis/" target="_blank">tribute by Senator Cory Booker</a> (D-NJ)</li>
<li><b>Sarah Paulson</b> (<i>American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson</i>), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736222/sarah-paulson/" target="_blank">tribute by Cate Blanchett</a></li>
<li><b>Jordan Peele</b> (<i>Key and Peele</i>, <i>Get Out</i>), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4742702/jordan-peele/" target="_blank">tribute by Barry Jenkins</a></li>
<li><b>Ben Platt</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/dear-evan-hansen.html" target="_blank"><i>Dear Evan Hansen</i></a>), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736197/ben-platt/" target="_blank">tribute by Zac Efron</a></li>
<li><b>Senator Elizabeth Warren</b> (D-MA), <a href="http://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/4736325/elizabeth-warren/" target="_blank">tribute by Senator Kamala Harris</a> (D-CA) </li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIiYnVCtUkR0jWWx9QKHIm2MIDXEriZ1jDA3UzGKIl53FijWcf09bERlDTsiDCAHXUqanlfgtRBuM5cuvxtJqr6KTgEA3-dNpVGQFMjJAwNmLY1fVun2v5UDG-1XwHA2Y30aVBTby4lu-/s1600/brigadoon.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIiYnVCtUkR0jWWx9QKHIm2MIDXEriZ1jDA3UzGKIl53FijWcf09bERlDTsiDCAHXUqanlfgtRBuM5cuvxtJqr6KTgEA3-dNpVGQFMjJAwNmLY1fVun2v5UDG-1XwHA2Y30aVBTby4lu-/s200/brigadoon.jpg" width="200" /></a>Coming Up</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Encores!</b>—City Center Encores! will present a production of Lerner and Loewe's <i><b>Brigadoon</b></i> this fall. Running November 15-19, the production will be directed and choreographed by <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Christopher Wheeldon</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/an-american-in-paris.html" target="_blank"><i>An American in Paris</i></a>), and will feature <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> <b>Kelli O'Hara</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/the-king-and-i.html" target="_blank"><i>The King and I</i></a>) and Tony nominees <b>Steven Pasquale</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/03/the-robber-bridegroom.html" target="_blank"><i>The Robber Bridegroom</i></a>) and <b>Robert Fairchild</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/an-american-in-paris.html" target="_blank"><i>An American in Paris</i></a>). Visit <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/20/theater/kelli-ohara-brigadoon-city-center.html" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> for more.<br />
<br />
<b><i>An Enemy of the People</i></b>—Playwright <b>Branden Jacobs-Jenkins</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/06/gloria.html" target="_blank"><i>Gloria</i></a>) will pen a new translation of Ibsen's <i>An Enemy of the People</i> that will bow on Broadway in the 2017-2018 season. (This will mark Jacobs-Jenkins's Broadway debut.) This translation will be paired with the 2013 <b>Thomas Ostermeier</b>–<b>Florian Borchmeyer</b> Berlin production. Additional information, including specific dates, a theatre, casting, and a full creative team, will be announced at a later time. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/branden-jacobs-jenkins-to-make-broadway-debut-with-adaptation-of-an-enemy-of-the-people" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Nz13J0DdMDbzp3TWHJu7Mavff6GJ4N39Sauoeg0UNCx10te5JZazdcLUI2kgr1YcAB4v06AOB3sUhKUOk9OgeW_LTr6W740fW-yhz7DU3vB3gXe1ci6J40cIx1_ZBA5H9HwpmcPckC4j/s1600/sundayintheparkwithgeorge.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Nz13J0DdMDbzp3TWHJu7Mavff6GJ4N39Sauoeg0UNCx10te5JZazdcLUI2kgr1YcAB4v06AOB3sUhKUOk9OgeW_LTr6W740fW-yhz7DU3vB3gXe1ci6J40cIx1_ZBA5H9HwpmcPckC4j/s200/sundayintheparkwithgeorge.jpg" width="200" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>Great news: There will be a <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/sunday-in-park-with-george.html" target="_blank">Sunday in the Park with George</a></i> cast recording so you'll be able to listen to <b>Jake Gyllenhaal</b> and <b>Annaleigh Ashford</b> sing <b>Stephen Sondheim</b>'s score all. the. time. The album will be recorded next month, and released this summer. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/sunday-in-the-park-with-george-starring-jake-gyllenhaal-will-be-preserved-on-a-cast-recording" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Want to know what your favorite <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/08/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Hamilton</i></b></a> stars are up to (on screen)? <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/what-broadways-hamilton-stars-are-doing-hollywood-995000/item/thomas-kail-whats-next-hamilton-stars-994999" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> has you covered.<br /><br /></li>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE1ph5X9QYuWaKsUe8rhd8rSiHeAoHi8sjPAuo3eT207NtMgPpqeKnyDmZlOU-WRpMf9ivw2H_3y712cYooB985QsbD6LuH8ghL_7y9Z81szCV7ibXXOD2l1fZKz2zb1a69i2HEzr3Vwe/s1600/justin_peck.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE1ph5X9QYuWaKsUe8rhd8rSiHeAoHi8sjPAuo3eT207NtMgPpqeKnyDmZlOU-WRpMf9ivw2H_3y712cYooB985QsbD6LuH8ghL_7y9Z81szCV7ibXXOD2l1fZKz2zb1a69i2HEzr3Vwe/s200/justin_peck.jpg" width="200" /></a>Next week, the first-ever <b>all-Peck</b> program will debut at <b>New York City Ballet</b>. (We'll see <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/06/city-ballet-serenade-sonatas-and.html" target="_blank"><i>In Creases</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/nycb-21st-century-choreographers.html" target="_blank"><i>The Dreamers</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/city-ballet-polaris-blue-of-distance.html" target="_blank"><i>New Blood</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/05/nycb-spring-gala-allegro-brillante-and.html" target="_blank"><i>Everywhere We Go</i></a>.) Anticipating the momentous occasion, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTHOSAFgIe_/" target="_blank"><b>Justin Peck</b> posted a reflection on Instagram</a>. Peck plus: Peck, <b>Alexei Ratmansky</b>, and <b>Christopher Wheeldon</b> spoke to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/20/arts/dance/alexei-ratmansky-justin-peck-christopher-wheeldon-ballet-choreography.html" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> about choreography as an art form, and what it's like to choreograph at New York City Ballet.<br /><br /></li>
<li>The world premiere production of <b>Steven Levenson</b>'s <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/02/if-i-forget.html" target="_blank"><b><i>If I Forget</i></b></a> will be filmed and later streamed by <b>Broadway HD</b>. The off-Broadway Roundabout production features <b>Jeremy Shamos</b>, <b>Maria Dizzia</b>, and <b>Kate Walsh</b>. <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/news/broadwayhd-to-tape-steven-levensons-if-i-forget_80761.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more.<br /><br /> </li>
<li><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk_ORjDFrq_rEIPrciqF0JsTdX-atC1Zncc6-RnxWHZtrBPFtgLhIxnRv1dfxiiE7-lNTdBGyvh0au6ABpibsoZ3AUwuI5CEnFZiPvHkZlH56Jy6-vgvm4hthNKwcI_81bZoMS6FlOu9R/s1600/MarkRylance.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk_ORjDFrq_rEIPrciqF0JsTdX-atC1Zncc6-RnxWHZtrBPFtgLhIxnRv1dfxiiE7-lNTdBGyvh0au6ABpibsoZ3AUwuI5CEnFZiPvHkZlH56Jy6-vgvm4hthNKwcI_81bZoMS6FlOu9R/s200/MarkRylance.jpg" width="163" /></a>Sir Mark Rylance</b>. The three-time <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/06/tony-awards-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">Tony winner</a> (<i><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/11/richard-iii-and-twelfth-night.html" target="_blank">Twelfth Night</a></i>) and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/02/88th-academy-award-winners.html" target="_blank">Academy Award winner</a> (<i>Bridge of Spies</i>) was knighted this week. <i><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/apr/19/mark-rylance-victoria-beckham-chris-ofili-honours-buckingham-palace" target="_blank">The Gaurdrian</a></i> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/89th-academy-award-nominees.html" target="_blank">Academy Award nominee</a> <b>Michael Shannon</b> (<i>Revolutionary Road</i>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/nocturnal-animals.html" target="_blank"><i>Nocturnal Animals</i></a>) and the great <b>Michael B. Jordan</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/09/fruitvale-station.html" target="_blank"><i>Fruitvale Station</i></a>, <i>Creed</i>) will star in an HBO adaptation of <i><b>Fahrenheit 451</b></i>. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/michael-b-jordan-michael-shannon-star-farenheit-451-movie-hbo-995676" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li>Can't get enough <b>Josh Groban</b>? You're in luck. The talented multi-platinum recording artist who is making an impressive Broadway debut in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><i>The Great Comet</i></a> is this week's <b><i>Show People</i></b> guest. Watch below.</li>
</ul>
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8jW7YhfIe_A?rel=0" width="400"></iframe></div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-82641847797642124492017-04-14T15:05:00.002-04:002017-04-14T15:05:34.260-04:00Week in Review 4.14.17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V6IOr0if5HNa2XWVPKDpJEKpuZTYNbo7TIjGtz0Q4o9rVk0H4RIYLlFUAPSGhJVLSO1DTHrJQv124eCcoljh4lyRvIZS7uTnOMFOEBLsu1G-4BtyUo3Zq-HGKjUF9YPD68Kz-8j3K4kq/s1600/nycblogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V6IOr0if5HNa2XWVPKDpJEKpuZTYNbo7TIjGtz0Q4o9rVk0H4RIYLlFUAPSGhJVLSO1DTHrJQv124eCcoljh4lyRvIZS7uTnOMFOEBLsu1G-4BtyUo3Zq-HGKjUF9YPD68Kz-8j3K4kq/s200/nycblogo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>New York City Ballet 2017-2018 Season</b><br />
<hr />
NYCB teased the 2017-2018 season, which will be headlined by a centennial tribute to <b>Jerome Robbins</b>, one of the company's founding choreographers. 19 Robbins ballets will be featured, including favorites <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/05/city-ballet-all-robbins-interplay-fancy.html" target="_blank"><i>Fancy Free</i></a> and the <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/nycb-dances-at-gathering-and-west-side.html" target="_blank"><i>West Side Story Suite</i></a>. Resident choreographer <b>Justin Peck</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/05/nycb-spring-gala-allegro-brillante-and.html" target="_blank"><i>Everywhere We Go</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/01/nycb-new-combinations.html" target="_blank"><i>The Times Are Racing</i></a>) will create at least two new ballets for the company, including one set to a <b>Leonard Bernstein</b> score, an homage to Robbins, who famously collaborated with Bernstein on the aforementioned ballets/shows. (2018 marks the centennial for both Robbins and Bernstein; the <a href="https://nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/1718/season-highlights" target="_blank">NY Phil's 2017-2018 program</a> includes lots of Bernstein.) The season will also include new works by company members <b>Lauren Lovette</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/nycb-21st-century-choreographers.html" target="_blank"><i>For Clara</i></a>), <b>Troy Schumacher</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/10/city-ballet-polaris-blue-of-distance.html" target="_blank"><i>Common Ground</i></a>), and <b>Peter Walker</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/nycb-21st-century-choreographers.html" target="_blank"><i>ten in seven</i></a>), as well as a new piece by 18-year-old SAB student, <b>Gianna Reisen</b>. (She'll be the youngest person to choreograph for the company.) Several friends of the company will return to create new works. In the winter, expect to see ballets by <b>Mauro Bignozetti</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/02/city-ballet-vespro-spectral-evidence.html" target="_blank"><i>Vespro</i></a>), <b>Benjamin Millepied</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/09/new-york-city-ballet-fall-gala.html" target="_blank"><i>Neverwhere</i></a>), <b>Angelin Preljocaj</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/10/nycb-spectral-evidence-soiree-musicale.html" target="_blank"><i>Spectral Evidence</i></a>), and <b>Alexei Ratmansky</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/nycb-estancia-pictures-at-exhibition.html" target="_blank"><i>Pictures at an Exhibition</i></a>). The season will also include <i>Swan Lake</i>, <i>Coppelia</i>, and <i>Romeo and Juliet</i>. Visit <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/13/arts/dance/jerome-robbins-tribute-new-york-city-ballet-season-2017-2018.html" target="_blank"><i>The New York Times</i></a> for more. (Ballet bonus: preview <b>Sufjan Stevens</b>'s commissioned score for Justin Peck's upcoming ballet, <b><i>The Decalogue</i></b>, which premieres May 12.)<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l7jXp0qFz0Y?rel=0" width="400"></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWLzQA_yjRICM8-n6GyAa7QdJsWyWxJWYEvlfySIagBQXabmetTcY638fx5PPuLcC0TqgFikTuKa-ricTdAIh84GnyKpvFFLxBxnbrWFyNsv-zm0X5Xzxp5RdgxBo8DTvkqVW0kaCNWj1/s1600/sweatbroadway.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWLzQA_yjRICM8-n6GyAa7QdJsWyWxJWYEvlfySIagBQXabmetTcY638fx5PPuLcC0TqgFikTuKa-ricTdAIh84GnyKpvFFLxBxnbrWFyNsv-zm0X5Xzxp5RdgxBo8DTvkqVW0kaCNWj1/s200/sweatbroadway.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's an Honor</b><br />
<hr />
<b>Pulitzer Prize</b>—The 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama has been awarded to <b>Lynn Nottage</b> for her play, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/sweat.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Sweat</i></b></a>. Nottage previously won a Pulitzer for her play, <i>Ruined</i>, in 2009, making her the first female playwright to win the Pulitzer more than once. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/lynn-nottages-sweat-wins-pulitzer-prize-for-drama" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaQIP0asJyCnqWa0yecmrkkVfpR2dkN_oymQVcq79OUp9xzGSbplioEyvzuv050r9QeDkZmOxsPOyAUG0aaIt19TFzvvXIHhqaZ3vTzMTzf1IwhLc6Fg9B-PQVpbG-Y54Iw7JNFYiQbAV/s1600/amyadams.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaQIP0asJyCnqWa0yecmrkkVfpR2dkN_oymQVcq79OUp9xzGSbplioEyvzuv050r9QeDkZmOxsPOyAUG0aaIt19TFzvvXIHhqaZ3vTzMTzf1IwhLc6Fg9B-PQVpbG-Y54Iw7JNFYiQbAV/s200/amyadams.jpg" width="200" /></a>American Cinematheque</b>—Five–time <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/01/86th-academy-awards-nominees.html" target="_blank">Oscar nominee</a> <b>Amy Adams</b> will receive the 2017 American Cinematheque Award, presented November 10 in Beverly Hills. Adams was most recently seen in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/nocturnal-animals.html" target="_blank"><i>Nocturnal Animals</i></a> and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/arrival.html" target="_blank"><i>Arrival</i></a>. This year, she'll be seen in <i>Justice League Part One</i> (as Lois Lane) and HBO's <i>Sharp Objects</i>, an adaptation of the eponymous Gillian Flynn novel. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amy-adams-get-2017-american-cinematheque-award-992833" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> has more.
<br />
<br />
<b>TV Academy Honors</b>—The tenth annual Television Academy Honors will be bestowed upon <b><i>Last Week Tonight with John Oliver</i></b>, <b><i>Before the Flood</i></b> (the Leonardo DiCaprio–Fisher Stevens climate crisis documentary), and <b><i>This Is Us</i></b>, among others. The award honors "programming that explores and confronts significant issues facing society." <i><a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/is-us-john-olivers-last-week-tonight-tv-academy-honorees-993134" target="_blank">The Hollywood Reporter</a> </i>has more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh6NbgqMzSUASJCz-K1PssQl4YJSMMYfGhDipBTdt5tlQLmK3g7XD45z0iPKqA-s2QP8nsDucZUPSJtGDWH5f4rP7-76n0p-G55Ay6xLD3ZqXZEvMCgDmYdqcUk6fr4NwGZ5zBhYyKCXR/s1600/significantother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh6NbgqMzSUASJCz-K1PssQl4YJSMMYfGhDipBTdt5tlQLmK3g7XD45z0iPKqA-s2QP8nsDucZUPSJtGDWH5f4rP7-76n0p-G55Ay6xLD3ZqXZEvMCgDmYdqcUk6fr4NwGZ5zBhYyKCXR/s200/significantother.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
<b>Broadway Farewells</b>
<br />
<hr />
Two Broadway shows will close this month. <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/03/significant-other.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Significant Other</i></b></a> will conclude its Broadway run earlier than <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/week-in-review-4717.html" target="_blank">previously announced</a>, closing on Sunday, April 23. The <b>Joshua Harmon</b> play had a celebrated run off-Broadway in 2015, and recently transferred to the Great White Way. A week earlier, on Sunday, April 16, Broadway's first a cappella musical, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/12/in-transit.html" target="_blank"><b><i>In Transit</i></b></a>, will conclude its Broadway run. The show, set in the NYC subway system, began last fall. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/significant-other-sets-closing-date-on-broadway" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more about <i>Significant Other</i>, and <a href="http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/in-transit-ends-broadway-run_78302.html" target="_blank">Theater Mania</a> has more about <i>In Transit</i>.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1YtjlLRFWvMgARLfo7a9M4BU1EukLMN4J13pVvPHnxn7PteyyveMnkFYzenQui6ZHFUSSPqH6mTpmZRuR4b85oIDYHJhJ3Stso2eCbKv3lZl0auDhB1SwTKmfUo0YTyFRXbTeZihzONK/s1600/betsywolfe.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1YtjlLRFWvMgARLfo7a9M4BU1EukLMN4J13pVvPHnxn7PteyyveMnkFYzenQui6ZHFUSSPqH6mTpmZRuR4b85oIDYHJhJ3Stso2eCbKv3lZl0auDhB1SwTKmfUo0YTyFRXbTeZihzONK/s200/betsywolfe.jpg" width="200" /></a>Casting News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li><b>Betsy Wolfe</b> will take on the role of Jenna, the titular server in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/04/waitress.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Waitress</b></i></a>, beginning June 13. The role was originated by Jessie Mueller; she played her final performance in March. The show's songwriter, Sara Bareilles, has been playing the role since, and will continue through June 11. Wolfe was most recently seen in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/10/falsettos.html" target="_blank"><i>Falsettos</i></a>, and also starred in <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2013/04/the-last-five-years.html" target="_blank"><i>The Last Five Years</i></a>, among other shows. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/187095/shift-change-betsy-wolfe-will-take-over-for-sara-bareilles-in-waitress-on-broadway/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.<br /><br /><br /> </li>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMg1qdASgjZB-y5oFv-frRd_77bqNEZx9TLhz9WU9aLQ_ElVwaY5PRe9U3nLcx-vAB-5AfYLXY5lwTM4yGwBe8H9Iu_unoAB_PEyGLCD2k-Y8I0EiHWrezNA6H8uiAlMcqT6T4DCZXGgD/s1600/briandarcyjames.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMg1qdASgjZB-y5oFv-frRd_77bqNEZx9TLhz9WU9aLQ_ElVwaY5PRe9U3nLcx-vAB-5AfYLXY5lwTM4yGwBe8H9Iu_unoAB_PEyGLCD2k-Y8I0EiHWrezNA6H8uiAlMcqT6T4DCZXGgD/s200/briandarcyjames.jpg" width="148" /></a><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/69th-tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nominee</a> <b>Brian d'Arcy James</b> (<a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/something-rotten.html" target="_blank"><i>Something Rotten</i></a>, <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/02/hamilton.html" target="_blank"><i>Hamilton</i></a>) and <b>Molly Ringwald</b> will star in the independent film, <b><i>All These Small Moments</i></b>, written and directed by Melissa B. Miller-Costanzo. The flick is shooting in Brooklyn. <a href="http://variety.com/2017/film/news/molly-ringwald-brian-darcy-james-brendan-meyer-all-these-small-moments-1202028790/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Alex Brightman</b> will return to <i><b>School of Rock</b></i>, for which he received a <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/05/tony-award-nominations.html" target="_blank">Tony nomination</a>, for two weeks. He begins performances today (April 14), and will continue through April 30. <b>Eric Petersen</b> will return to the role of Dewey Finn on May 1. <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/188240/exclusive-alex-brightman-will-return-to-hit-musical-school-of-rock-on-broadway/" target="_blank">Broadway.com</a> has more.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L8yAUOayPGDn3-mrPnAJ_AXdbbGme2WtxQY5n6ybC5aG8E2VFWUCoXly3Myd3Q33u1E-BHlI2olFsYo31cm2IsukY_X7Vaa6m7vmrkxn4Irxc-t2cVFunwWO_fRSg_m9ZDYanRtUc026/s1600/path.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L8yAUOayPGDn3-mrPnAJ_AXdbbGme2WtxQY5n6ybC5aG8E2VFWUCoXly3Myd3Q33u1E-BHlI2olFsYo31cm2IsukY_X7Vaa6m7vmrkxn4Irxc-t2cVFunwWO_fRSg_m9ZDYanRtUc026/s200/path.jpg" width="133" /></a>More TV</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>The Hulu original series, <b><i>The Path</i></b>, has been renewed for a third season. The show stars <b>Aaron Paul</b>, <b>Michelle Monaghan</b>, and <b>Hugh Dancy</b>, and centers on followers of a (fictional) religion/cult/movement. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/path-renewed-season-3-993168" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li>The Netflix original series, <b><i>Grace and Frankie</i></b>, as been renewed for a fourth season. The third season of the show, which stars <b>Jane Fonda </b>and <b>Lily Tomlin</b>, premiered a few weeks ago. <a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/grace-and-frankie-renewed-season-4-netflix-lisa-kudrow-1202028787/" target="_blank"><i>Variety</i></a> has more, including the announcement that <b>Lisa Kudrow</b> will have a recurring role.</li>
</ul>
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOJXDi32KNny0KCg31MWg3eft1AgciKPAjVDi31x0_sAiPgWPmSZKBnOqX5WSIhyphenhyphenuZp5jaCWK3kNO58_S1m3NGJZ9fg_KIBieq9mP5XjvDisJ2oyTIJf4JeW7bwrqZMwxwLn5q3SgUQTD/s1600/greatcomet.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOJXDi32KNny0KCg31MWg3eft1AgciKPAjVDi31x0_sAiPgWPmSZKBnOqX5WSIhyphenhyphenuZp5jaCWK3kNO58_S1m3NGJZ9fg_KIBieq9mP5XjvDisJ2oyTIJf4JeW7bwrqZMwxwLn5q3SgUQTD/s200/greatcomet.png" width="128" /></a>In Other News</b><br />
<hr />
<ul>
<li>The <b>original Broadway cast recording</b> for <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2016/11/the-great-comet.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812</i></b></a> is now available for pre-order. The album features the show's stars, <b>Josh Groban</b> and <b>Denee Benton</b>, and the two-disc CD will be released May 19. (The digital release is the same day.) In celebration of the news, the cast performed two songs, "Prologue" and "Pierre," on <i>Good Morning America</i>. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/watch-josh-groban-and-cast-of-the-great-comet-perform-two-songs" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has video of the performance, and you can visit <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Pierre-and-the-Great-Comet-of-1812-Original-Broadway-Cast-Recording2CD/dp/B071XZDYK4?tag=linkfire03-20&ie=UTF8&linkCode=as2&ascsubtag=492e63409c324ff0e93ec380fb2419c1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or your favorite music retailer to pre-order.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h7y-k-kuyhXLY6Bef85o3uj7xYAMF406DPcywr8Xn6vuR5Nms25kfqreGGwnqVaqDbWNB1FqzFPuJL7Ozpr2jMw_hnQ9e-qwoonDzunPI6k7h8o5MqY3nrGpS-l8tCTZYQhuVPsZLqse/s1600/playthatgoeswrong.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6h7y-k-kuyhXLY6Bef85o3uj7xYAMF406DPcywr8Xn6vuR5Nms25kfqreGGwnqVaqDbWNB1FqzFPuJL7Ozpr2jMw_hnQ9e-qwoonDzunPI6k7h8o5MqY3nrGpS-l8tCTZYQhuVPsZLqse/s200/playthatgoeswrong.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/the-play-that-goes-wrong.html" target="_blank">The Play that Goes Wrong</a></i></b> will stick around a little longer. The production just released a new block of tickets, extending the run through December 31. <a href="http://www.playbill.com/article/new-block-of-tix-now-on-sale-for-broadways-the-play-that-goes-wrong" target="_blank">Playbill</a> has more.<br /><br /></li>
<li><a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2017/04/oslo.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Oslo</i></b></a>, the <b>J.T. Roger</b> play that just opened on Broadway after an acclaimed off-Broadway run, is being adapted for the big screen. Rogers is writing the screenplay, and Tony winner <b>Bartlett Sher</b>, who directed the off-Broadway and Broadway iterations, will make his feature film debut as the film's director. <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oslo-movie-marc-platt-boards-film-adaptation-political-broadway-play-993381" target="_blank"><i>The Hollywood Reporter</i></a> has more.</li>
</ul>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5990161888566432556.post-9092606660041159392017-04-13T18:00:00.000-04:002017-04-13T18:00:13.894-04:00Oslo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UPKjV-wr6hQL27P83IpMbNZax5ZPaV8cv9aMs84h_F4CYDIqEPbuTygljFW1i5UYLDvXDv5VkH6DVf1Hx8wjG4KQ-Hh3EIDwzE88b2VX4u2RDcMo2ij67sqhE-fJYRZ72ixoJvsqOgFi/s1600/oslo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UPKjV-wr6hQL27P83IpMbNZax5ZPaV8cv9aMs84h_F4CYDIqEPbuTygljFW1i5UYLDvXDv5VkH6DVf1Hx8wjG4KQ-Hh3EIDwzE88b2VX4u2RDcMo2ij67sqhE-fJYRZ72ixoJvsqOgFi/s320/oslo.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
There has been unrest in the Middle East since <a href="http://thewestwingweekly.com/episodes/300" target="_blank">Isaac and Ishmael</a>, and various diplomatic efforts have tried to curb the carnage. In September 1993, the Oslo Accords represented the first-ever peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). In <b>J.T. Rogers</b>'s play, we go behind the scenes to see what led to that historic moment.<br />
<br />
(In program notes, Rogers explains the genesis of the play, and makes a point to point out that this is <i>his</i> telling of the events. He notes that everything in the play happened, but names, locations, and certain details have been changed for dramatic effect and expediency.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kf0EKiG2PJUZSvourPfpU8ya8eYjZp972vliRKGf-kHu88-js1YngVNh6jFFqeG3truy9J77KQQnDqY83rm5if1SLzPc5vUvJ3k2cHwA5997pzlhtEEzwElsxndpSvT67_soYPWG10v4/s1600/jenniferehle.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kf0EKiG2PJUZSvourPfpU8ya8eYjZp972vliRKGf-kHu88-js1YngVNh6jFFqeG3truy9J77KQQnDqY83rm5if1SLzPc5vUvJ3k2cHwA5997pzlhtEEzwElsxndpSvT67_soYPWG10v4/s200/jenniferehle.jpg" width="131" /></a>It seems that a Norwegian husband-and-wife team got the ball rolling. Terje Rod-Larsen (<b>Jefferson Mays</b>) and Mona Juul (<b>Jennifer Ehle</b>) hatch the idea that under a specific diplomatic approach an agreement would be possible. Terje, an academic, believes that if a more personal approach is taken by the negotiators, they will be able to find common ground. (Mona is an official in the foreign ministry.) Via back-channeling and some misdirection, Terje and Mona are able to bring negotiators from Israel (first Yair Hirschfeld (<b>Daniel Oreskes</b>), a placeholder until an official Israeli representative is approved, then Uri Savir (<b>Michael Aronov</b>)) and the PLO (chiefly Ahmed Qurie (<b>Anthony Azizi</b>)), and they, eventually, hammer out the agreement that would become the Oslo Accords.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2UoBFUGFW-eexHl5SG-U918qvn62eP-zxFK-mqwlr1QRMKJz23-agm-I3xSzrRjwglZ8Uh-jm0rGZU5G8LiPdCRD3EyFe1q1SLdCRGMM0iLEldrsezSdRCBQkMVPCHZZAUm6AeWBI9Ks/s1600/anthonyazizi.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2UoBFUGFW-eexHl5SG-U918qvn62eP-zxFK-mqwlr1QRMKJz23-agm-I3xSzrRjwglZ8Uh-jm0rGZU5G8LiPdCRD3EyFe1q1SLdCRGMM0iLEldrsezSdRCBQkMVPCHZZAUm6AeWBI9Ks/s200/anthonyazizi.jpg" width="131" /></a>Indeed, it does seem that making personal connections helped the players break through ancient grudges. Before beginning the negotiations, for example, Qurie, the chief PLO negotiator, comments that he's never met an Israeli in person. His right hand man says to his Israeli counterpart, "You were my first Jew." We think the "others" are horrible until we meet them; we've seen this happen before. Think back to the the Harvey Milk era, when members of the LGBT community were encouraged to come out, thereby confronting prejudiced people with the fact that they've met a gay person, and it's OK. It's a wonder it took so long to try this approach in this arena. To be fair, though, the reviews regarding the efficacy of the Oslo Accords are mixed; the play's coda, though hopeful, admits as much. There is still work to be done.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dCgtHqw2ggmVJ44mdt_9h0gfn_B4-qlCIZ5ZyUqXVguuKlGeZ8N8bTWi6S_jv17JNKrkjx70YLiTepGTNtm0LTxpG2eXr7SDE0P7ddRstHW70KZ3_Z2bWeNPZuLTcmpSRaUi8d5eo8ea/s1600/michaelaronov.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dCgtHqw2ggmVJ44mdt_9h0gfn_B4-qlCIZ5ZyUqXVguuKlGeZ8N8bTWi6S_jv17JNKrkjx70YLiTepGTNtm0LTxpG2eXr7SDE0P7ddRstHW70KZ3_Z2bWeNPZuLTcmpSRaUi8d5eo8ea/s200/michaelaronov.jpg" width="131" /></a>Which is what makes this both so intriguing and cringe-inducing. Consider the geopolitical landscape these days. You have Brexit; "leaders" using chemical weapons on their own people; an irrational, unpredictable simpleton in the White House. I couldn't help but think of a couple of recent <a href="https://getcrookedmedia.com/pod-save-the-world-7cc67d64dd56" target="_blank">Pod Save the World</a> episodes in which former Obama administration officials recounted the thought, care, patience, and humility that went into <a href="https://art19.com/shows/pod-save-the-world/episodes/513dea9b-2106-4295-a61f-97a49bfcdead" target="_blank">restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba</a> and <a href="https://art19.com/shows/pod-save-the-world/episodes/720258b7-effd-4b42-98c6-fc62eda1e8bf" target="_blank">making the Iran deal</a>. Are those days behind us?<br />
<br />
As far as the production is concerned, I appreciated that Rogers took care to let us get to know these characters—these people, and he's aided by <b>Bartlett Sher</b>'s direction. Hints of Sher's work with musicals (he won a Tony for <i>South Pacific</i>, and, among others, also directed <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2014/02/the-bridges-of-madison-county.html" target="_blank"><i>The Bridges of Madison County</i></a> and <a href="http://www.reviewingthedrama.com/2015/04/the-king-and-i.html" target="_blank"><i>The King and I</i></a>) are palpable. Sher incorporates a lot of movement, serving as momentum to keep the talks (and the play) going. And while it's men doing the negotiating, it appears that Mona, a woman was <i>the </i>pivotal player. It was her connections that allowed much of this to happen, and the negotiators say on more than one occasion that they only said yes and came to the table because of Mona. So perhaps the takeaway is it's a man's world, but smart women get things done. Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17667352335707078678noreply@blogger.com0