BWAY: Hedwig Inching Toward Broadway?

John Cameron Mitchell, famous for his autobiographical musical revue, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, just might see the lights of the Great White Way in the Fall of 2010.  The original film has become a cult classic, as did the previous stage incarnations, including a couple Off-Broadway stints.

The first Broadway production of HEDWIG will feature JCM and his band, The Angry inch, as well as the original director, Peter Askin. Stephen Trask, the composer-lyricist, says he will write some new tunes for the Broadway version.

For those new to HEDWIG, it is shocking, outrageous, and wonderfully different. With the changes in store for its Broadway debut, it might turn out to be a 21st century sing-along a` la ROCKY HORROR.

BLOG: ELF THE MUSICAL is not just a joke anymore

by Trish Causey

Even though you might be over the holiday madness for 2009, that's no reason not to look forward to a holiday-themed Broadway show for winter 2010.

In 2003, Will Ferrell starred in the move, Elf, in which a 6-foot tall elf raised at the North Pole by Santa's elfen compadres, is sent to New York to be reunited with his real family. While Elf the Musical may sound like a joke title, it is an actual script with songs and a workshop cast that presented a well-received reading just last week.

The larger than usual elf, "Buddy," was played by Christian Anderson with George Wendt as "Santa Claus," Mark Jacoby as Buddy's father, and Beth Leavel playing Buddy's mother. Produced by Warner Brothers, the presentation was more than the average reading and included blocking and props. Directed by Spamalot choreographer, Casey Nicholow, the book was written by Thomas Meehan (The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and features better than expected songs by The Wedding Singer tuneful team, Matthew Sklar and Shad Beguelin.

Shows that have a limited focus do not usually have a long run on Broadway, and Elf the Musical may not endure as a year-round B'way staple. However, if it is a good show, it may be mounted in limited runs each holiday season. Or it could be alternated with recent winter wonderland productions of White Christmas and The Grinch.

Regardless, it will become a welcome entre` into the limited "holiday show" catalogue in secondary licensing. Elf the Musical could become a holiday classic for companies around the country, and a nice musical divertissement from the holiday perennial, It's a Wonderful Life.

Source:
http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/no_lack_of_elf_esteem_Wyy4C1Zov8KiYBfmX2BcUK

BLOG: Sondheim To Release Memoirs

by Trish Causey

Sondheim fans will have to wait a year or two, drooling in antici----pa-tion for the tell-all tomes to be written by Mr. Musical Theatre himself. According to Bookseller.com, Sondheim reached a deal to publish his memoirs through British giant, Virgin Books, with anecdotes of his life and work printed in two volumes to be released sequentially in 2010 and 2011. The books will be titled Finishing a Hat and Look, I Made a Hat, respectively, and released in time to celebrate Sondheim's 80th birthday.

Sondheim has been a pioneer in the musical theatre artform and has won every major award available including an Oscar, multiple Grammys and Tonys, and a Pulitzer Prize. Though his music was considered too controversial and cerebral for most audiences, Sondheim has persevered to be one of the most loved and respected composers of the 20th (and now 21st) century.

Source: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/103777-page.html

Welcome to Musical Theatre Talk!

My name is Trish Causey, and I have started a new online radio show called "Musical Theatre Talk". We will have guests come on to discuss the topic-o'-the-week, and registered listeners can call in and ask questions.

Go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Musical_Theatre_Talk ... Just click on the episode to listen. You will see a phone number to call if you want to ask your questions of the guests. It is FREE to register to call-in! You can listen online LIVE, or come back later and download the podcast at your convenience.

The first show is tentatively set for 5:00 p.m. CST/6:00 p.m. EST, on March 11, 2009.

As a private teacher and workshop presenter, I found that I always wanted more time to give information and answer questions. This radio platform will feature professionals who work in the field as well as performers who want to grab hold of the brass ring.

Tell your friends and get the word out! We want LOTS of listeners when we air our first show in the next few weeks! Find us on Facebook and Twitter for updates!

Thanks!
trish