THIS WEEKEND’S HIGHLIGHTS:

Friday, May 18

* The Mystery of Edwin Drood, starring Wendi Peters, opens at the West End’s Arts Theatre.

* An Officer and a Gentleman, starring Ben Mingay and Amanda Harrison, opens at Lyric Theatre Sydney.

* The Tempest, starring Daniel Davis, opens at Hartford Stage.

* Jitney opens at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Rep.

* The Closeness of the Horizon opens at LA’s Odyssey Theatre.

* The Medium, starring Varla Jean Merman, opens at Provincetown’s Art House Theatre.

* Roundabout‘s Harvey, starring Jim Parsons, Jessica Hecht, Charles Kimbrough, Larry Bryggman and Carol Kane, begins previews on Broadway at Studio 54.

* Rapture, Blister, Burn, starring Amy Brenneman, begins previews at Off-Broadway’s Playwrights Horizons.

* Ragtime begins previews at London’s Open Air Theatre.

* Food and Fadwa begins previews at NY Theatre Workshop.

* The Metropolitan Opera’s The Enchanted Island airs at 9 PM on PBS (check local listings).

* Let Me Ascertain You, Civilian’s cabaret featuring Emily Ackerman, Matt Dellapina, Dan Domingues, Nina Hellman, Daniel Jenkins, Meghan McGeary, Greg McFadden, Emily Rossell, and Jeanine Serralles, at 9:30 PM NYC’s Joe’s Pub.

Saturday, May 19

* Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff begins previews at Off-Broadway’s Little Shubert Theatre.

* Elaine Stritch Singin’ Sondheim… One Song at a Time concert at 8 PM at LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall.

* Chita Rivera: My Broadway concert, at 7 and 9:30 PM at the NJ Performing Arts Center.

* When You Believe: A Conversation With and Tribute To Stephen Schwartz benefit, at 8 PM at the Palm Springs Art Museum‘s Annenberg Theater.

* Debby Boone’s Reflections of Rosemary concert, at 2 and 8 PM at La Mirada Theatre.

* 1776, starring Brooks Ashmankas and Robert Cuccioli, closes at DC’s Ford’s Theatre.

* The Convert closes at LA’s Kirk Douglas Theatre.

* Uncle Vanya closes at Brooklyn’s Target Margin Theater.

* Man of La Mancha, featuring William Michals, Maria Eberline and Daniel Marcus, closes at Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Playhouse.

* A Conversation with Harold Pinter, starring Julian Sands and directed by John Malkovich, closes at San Francisco’s Royce Gallery.

* The Illusion closes at Pasadena’s A Noise Within.

Sunday, May 20

* She’s of a Certain Age, featuring Rosemary Prinz and Robert Newman, opens at Off-Broadway’s Beckett Theatre.

* Old Jews Telling Jokes, starring Bill Army, Marilyn Sokol, Todd Susman, Audrey Lynn Weston and Lenny Wolpe, opens at Off-Broadway’s Westside Theatre.

* The Marvin Gaye Story (Don’t Talk About My Father Because God Is My Friend) opens at Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theatre.

* Highest Praise concert, starring Norm Lewis, Michael McElroy and the Broadway Inspirational Voices, at 8 PM at NYC’s Central Presbyterian Church, 593 Park Avenue, at 64th Street (also May 21 at 7 PM).

* How to Succeed…. closes on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre after 30 previews and 473 regular performances.

* Are You Now or Have You Ever Been…. closes at Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theatre.

* Time Stands Still closes at Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theatre.

* A Midsummer Night’s Dream, starring Bebe Neuwith, Christina Ricci, Anthony Heald and Taylor Mac, closes at Off-Broadway’s Class Stage Company.

* Damn Yankees, featuring Christopher Charles Wood, Chryssie Whitehead, Hans Altwies, Patti Cohenour and Nancy Anderson, closes at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre.

* A.C.T.’s First Date closes at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre.

* Zorba closes at San Francisco’s 42nd Street Moon.

* The Heiress, starring Richard Chamberlin, Heather Tom and Julia Duffy, closes at Pasadena Playhouse.

* Tickled Pink, starring Rita Rudner, closes at Laguna Playhouse.

* Wicked closes at Denver Center Theatre.

* The 39 Steps, starring Howard McGillin, closes at NJ’s George Street Playhouse.

* The 39 Steps closes at Maryland’s Olney Theatre.

* Little Shop of Horrors closes at Kansas City Rep.

* Spring Awakening closes at PA’s Media Theatre.

* Two Jews Walk Into a War…, starring Jeremiah Kissel and Will LeBow, closes at Rochester, NY’s Geva Theatre.

* New World Theatre Project‘s Welcome to America closes at NYC’s 45th Street Theatre.

* It Shoulda Been You closes at Issaquah, WA’s Village Theatre.

* Heat Wave: The Jack Cole Project closes at Flushing Meadow’s Queens Theatre.

* The Fix, featuring Sal Mistretta, Alix Korey and Adam Simmons, closes at Long Beach’s International City Theatre.

* The Mystery of Irma Vep, starring Mark Chambers and Brad DePlanche, closes at Ft. Myers’ Florida Rep.

* Psycho Beach Party closes at Santa Monica’s Morgan Wixson Theatre.

* Playwrights’ Arena‘s The Girl Most Likely To closes at LA Theatre Center.

* Wonderful Town, starring Molly Pope and Laurie Sutton, closes at Brooklyn’s Gallery Players.

* Reborning closes at Annaheim Hill’s Chance Theatre.

* Last Train to Nibroc closes at North Hollywood’s Eclectic Theatre.

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Reviews for THE SUNSHINE BOYS in London:

The Guardian (Michael Billington):  ”America’s Danny DeVito and Britain’s Richard Griffiths join forces in this joyous revival of Neil Simon’s 1972 comedy about a pair of superannuated vaudevillians. But what makes the play profoundly touching as well as funny is Simon’s understanding of the obduracy, childishness and professional neglect that are often inseparable from old age.”

Daily Mail (Quentin Letts):  ”Laurel and Hardy, the Two Ronnies, Blair and Prescott — double acts have often used contrasting size for comic effect. Now we have tiny Danny DeVito alongside big Richard Griffiths. Is Mr DeVito his co-star, or his lunch?”

The Telegraph (Charles Spencer):  ”This deliciously quirky couple strike great showers of comic sparks off each other. DeVito, grouchy, rumpled and patrolling the squalid New York hotel apartment he inhabits like some furious caged animal, seems physically to inflate with outrage as he remembers the way his former comic partner used to jab him in the chest with his finger and spray spittle all over him. Griffiths, in contrast, brings a sweet reasonableness and shy fastidiousness to his role, though every so often his fleshy face betrays intense pain at DeVito’s more brutal sallies.”

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Several tour dates have been announced for An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin:

July 7: John Drew Theatre at Guild Hall (East Hampton, NY)
Sept. 14:  University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and PAC (Tyler, TX)
Sept. 15:  Charles W. Eisenmann Center for the Performing Arts (Richardson, TX)
Oct. 13: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts (Greenvale, NY)

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RIP: Donna Summer, whose songs “Hot Stuff,” “On the Radio, “Bad Girls” and “MacArthur Park” defined the disco era, died May 17 at the age of 63. An immediate cause of death is unknown, though early reports stated she had been battling cancer.

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Drew Lachey has partnered with the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati to offer Lachey Arts, a two-week musical theatre intensive launching Aug. 6-17.  Click here for more information.

A faculty of professionals includes Merle Dandridge, Missy Lay Zimmer & Andrew Hubbard, Traci Swain, Laurie Wyant-Zenni, Jay Goodlett, Brian Marcum  and Jennifer Marcum.

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Nice Work If You Can Get It will be preserved on a cast album on the Shout! Factory label. Sony will distribute the disc, which will be recorded at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Long Island City, NY, May 20-21. A release date will be announced soon.

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Article:  Walt Disney Pictures is beginning development on a Peter and the Starcatcher movie with writer Jesse Wigutow.

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Laura Osnes will make her cabaret debut next month at NYC’s Café Carlyle in an exclusive two-week engagement, June 19-30.  Reservations: (212) 744-1600.

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2012 GRACE NOTES SURVEY reminder:

It will take less than 5 min. to complete and is completely confidential.  Thank you so much for participating.  The results are invaluable.

Begin the survey here.

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Austin’s Paramount Theatre has annouced its 2012-13 season:

Silver Screen Speakers Series: conversations and screenings with film icons Spike Lee, Ben Mankiewicz and Oliver Stone.

Congress Avenue Series: will include The Moth on the Road, A Pre-Election Roast with The Onion, and William Shatner in Shatner’s World, We Just Live in It.

Leading Ladies Series: L.A. Theatre Works: Pride and Prejudice, Dr. Maya Angelou, and An Evening with Amy Sedaris.

Paramount Marquee Series: DanceBrazil, Wynton Marsalis, and Richard Thomas in the one-man play A Distant County Called Youth.

A Beautiful World Series: The documentary Last Call at the Oasis and Fuel, an entertaining look at energy in America as well as the theater experience Bella Gaia (Beautiful Earth) and Dr. Brian Green presenting The Hidden Reality.

In addition there will be ten extra shows including Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, An Evening with Glenn Close, Cesar Millan: The Dog Whisperer, Tomas Kubinek, The Flatlanders 40th Anniversary, and more.

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NYC’s Epic Theatre Ensemble presents free readings of Michael Brandt’s Flood, a drama about the fight for civil rights within the world of professional baseball. Directed by Ian Morgan, the reading will feature Ned Eisenberg, Michael Gaston, Devin Haqq, Scott Kerns, Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr., Don Lee Sparks, and James Wallert.

Flood will be presented in the press room at Citi Field on May 31, with additional presentations at TBG Theatre on June 2 and 3.

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Jackie Hoffman will be among the stars participating in Match Game Live, to be held at NYC’s LGBT Center Thurs. May 31 at 7 PM. Ben Lerman will host the event.

Match Game Live is a staged version of the famed TV game show where contestants play a game of innuendo and wordplay with celebrities. Audience members will be able to enter their name in a drawing to compete.

Participating celebrities will also include Frank DeCaro, Bianca Del Rio, Colton Ford, Daniel Nardicio and Phoebe Robinson.

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DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company will present a reading of 8 on June 4 at 7 PM, directed by Alan Paul.

The cast features Jessica Frances Dukes, Rick Foucheux, Jennifer Mendenhall, Eric Sutton, and Emily Townley, with other actors from the Washington, DC theater community.

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Hudson Stage Company will present a free staged reading of Jeffrey Sweet’s play Kunstler, starring Jeff McCarthy on June 8 at 7:30 PM at the Croton Free Library in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.

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The Oberon Theatre Ensemble will present 24/7, an evening of seven short plays created in 24 hours, at NYC’s Drilling Company June 3 at 7 PM.

Playwrights: Richard Alfredo, Michael Collucio, Alex Dinelaris, Steven Fechter, Neil Koenigsberg, and Jean Passanante. They will be paired with directors Christine Fuchs, Don Harvey, Eric Parness, Matthew Rauch, Jenn Thompson, and Sturgis Warner.

Actors:  Dylan Baker, Gabe Bettio, Lowell Byers, Jane Cortney, Jarel Davidow, Brad J. Fryman, William Tatlock Green, Randy Howk, Teddy Koch, William Laney, Kate Ross, Christina Russo, Laura Siner, James Rees, Dianna Martin, Ryan Tramont, and Stewart Walker.

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Daniel Abeles has replaced James McMenamin in Philadelphia Theatre Company‘s production in reasons to be pretty, to run May 25 – June 24 (opening May 30), directed by Maria Mileaf.

The cast also features Paul Felder, Genevieve Perrier and Elizabeth Stanley.

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GRACE NOTES Testimonials:

For those who have so generously offered to submit a testimonial, thank you so much in advance.

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Video:  Sneak peek at Michael Urie‘s new sitcom, “Partners.”

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Inside Broadway is partnering with Broadway’s Mamma Mia! to offer two free “Creating the Magic” workshops for New York City public school students at the Winter Garden Theatre, on Thurs. June 14 at 10:45 AM and 1:15 PM.

Attendees will get a special behind the scenes look at the world of Broadway with members of the Mamma Mia! cast and crew (lighting, sound, stage management and orchestra) all taking part.

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Houston’s Alley Theatre has announced the cast for its upcoming production of  Noises Off, to be presented May 25 – June 24 (opening May 30), directed by Gregory Boyd.

The cast will feature Josie DeGuzman, Kimberly King, James Black, Melissa Pritchett, John Tyson, Todd Waite, Ben Diskant, Allison Guinn and Mic Matarrese.

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Casting has been announced for Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater production of Anytown, Danial Shapiro and Joanie Smith’s dance piece using the music of Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa and Soozie Tyrell, running June 21-24 at the Dowling Studio.

The cast will feature local dance artists Maggie Bergeron, Jose Bueno, Carl Flink, Emilie Plauché Flink, Megan McClellan, Scott Mettille, Kari Mosel, Eddie Oroyan, Justin Reiter and Laura Selle Virtucio.

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Costa Mesa’s South Coast Rep has announced its 2012-13 season:

Absurd Person Singular, directed by David Emmes(Sept. 7 – Oct. 7), Eurydice, a reimagining of the classic myth (Sept. 23 – Oct. 14), How to Write a New Book for the Bible, directed by Kent Nicholson (Oct. 19 – Nov. 18), A Christmas Carol, adapted by Jerry Patch (Nov. 24 – Dec. 24), The Motherf**ker with the Hat, directed by Michael John Garcés (Jan. 6-17), Chinglish, a co-production with Berkeley Rep, directed by Leigh Silverman (Jan. 25 – Feb. 24), The Whale, directed by Martin Benson (March 10-31), Smokefall, a co-production with the Goodman Theatre, directed by Anne Kauffman (March 29 – April 28), a world premiere TBA (April 14 – May 5) and The Two Gentlemen of Verona,The Verona Project, re-worked by Amanda Dehnert (May 10 – June 9).

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Encore performances of Baby Jane Dexter’s Still Bad, Still Blue will run june 1, 2, 9, 22 and 29 (all at 7 PM) at NYC’s Metropolitan Room.

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Philadelphia’s 160-member Keystone State Boychoir will join thepreviously announced Brian Stokes Mitchell, James Barbour and Melissa Errico in the Irish Rep‘s concert staging of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! on Mon.June 11 at 7 PM at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre, directed by Charlotte Moore.

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Brubank’s Colony Theatre presents Spring Rhapsody, an evening of Big Band music with Dean Mora and his Orchestra, on May 26 at 8 PM.

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Casting has been announced for John Pielmeier’s The Exorcist, a stage adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s 1971 novel, which will begin previews July 3, open July 11 and continue to Aug. 12 at LA’s Geffen Playhouse.  John Doyle directs.

The cast will be headed by Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain, along with David Wilson Barnes, Harry Groener, Emily Yetter, Stephen Bogardus,  Manoel Felciano, Tom Nelis and Roslyn Ruff.

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Soho Cinders, featuring music by George Stiles, lyrics by Anthony Drewe and a book by Drewe and Elliot Davis, will receive its world premiere at London’s Soho Theatre, beginning previews Aug. 2, opening Aug. 8, for a run through Sept. 9.  Jonathan Butterell directs.

The cast stars Jenna Russell, along with Clive Carter, Suzie Chard, Amy Lennox and Beverly Rudd, with the voice of Stephen Fry.

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Kathleen Chalfant will star in the New York Theatre Workshop‘s 2012-13 season-launching production of Red Dog Howls, Alexander Dinelaris’ drama about family secrets shaken loose, to begin performances Sept. 4.  Additional casting will be announced shortly. Ken Rus Schmoll will direct.

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NYC’s Boomerang Theatre Company has announced complete casting for its outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which run June 23 – July 15 in Central Park and is free to the public.

Adapted and directed by artistic director Tim Errickson, the cast features Zack Calhoon as Hamlet and Mark Souza as Laertes, along with Ashley Bloom (Rosencrantz), David Carlyon (Player King), John Greenleaf (Claudius), Austin Ku (Horatio), Annalisa Loeffler (Gertrude), Uriel Menson (Polonius), Ralph Petrarca (The Ghost), Cristina Pitter (Ensemble), Steph Van Vlack (Player Queen), JP Villa (Ensemble), Carsey Walker, Jr. (Guildenstern) and Kayla Wickes (Ophelia).

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Scott Alan’s newest CD, “Live,” will be released for purchase and digital download on June 26. As previously reported, the two-disc set will showcase performances of the songwriter’s work that were recorded during an concert held at Birdland in April and has orchestrations and arrangements by Jesse Vargas.  Pre-order the CD here.

Among the artists who will be heard on 25-track disc are Shoshana Bean,  Stephanie J. Block, Sierra Boggess, Marc Broussard, Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis, Ben Fankhauser, Richard Fleeshman, Hadley Fraser, RJ Helton, Christopher Jackson, Jeremy Jordan, Ramin Karimloo, Mykal Kilgore,Caissie Levy, Jane Monheit, Christiane Noll, Laura Osnes, Alexander Sage Oyen, Pentatonix, Lea Salonga, Melissa vn der Schyff, Willemijn Verkaik, and Raena White.

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TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS:

* The Sunshine Boys, starring Richard Griffiths and Danny DeVito, opens at the West End’s Savoy Theatre.

* Nobody Loves You, featuring Jenni Barber, Alex Brightman, Heath Calvert, Kate Morgan Chadwick, Adam Kantor, Kelsey Kurz, Nicole Lewis and Lauren Molina, opens at San Diego’s Old Globe.

* Cock, featuring Cory Michael Smith, Jason Butler Harner, Amanda Quaid and Cotter Smith, opens at Off-Broadway’s Duke on 42nd Street.

* Amazing Grace, featuring Whitney Bashor, Harriet D. Foy, Chris Hoch and Chris Peluso, opens at CT’s Goodspeed Musicals.

* The Complaint begins performances at London’s Hampstead Theatre.

* L.A. Theatre Works‘ Opus, featuring Jonathan Adams, Jere Burns, Kevin Chamberlin, Stephen Culp and Liza Weil, opens at UCLA’s James Bridges Theatre (through May 20).

* The Closeness of the Horizon previews at LA’s Odyssey Theatre.

* Boston’s A.R.T.’s Woody Sez simulcast live at 7:30 PM (pre-simulcast performance at 6:30 PM) at The Plaza next to the Science Center on the Harvard campus. Event is free, but tickets are required.

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Newsies is now playing an open-ended run. Starting 10 AM on May 21, group tickets will be available to Jan. 6, and single tickets will be available to Nov. 18.

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Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? will return to Broadway in September in a new production seen in 2010-11 at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and Arena Stage in Washington, DC.  The staging celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1962 play.Pam MacKinnon again directs.

Previews begin Sept. 27, with an opening set for Oct. 13, exactly 50 years to the date after the play’s original Broadway opening.  The production will play a Shubert theatre TBA.

Tracy Letts and Amy Morton will again play George and Martha, with Carrie Coon and Madison Dirks as Honey and Nick.

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The Best Man has extended again on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, now through Sept. 9.

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Priscilla Queen of the Desert will play its final performance on Broadway at the Palace Theatre June 24.  When it closes, the musical will have played 23 previews and 526 performances.

The U.S. national tour will launch in Minneapolis at The Orpheum Theatre on Jan. 8.

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Lincoln Center Theater has announced a second extension for 4000 Miles, starring Mary Louise Wilson and Gabriel Ebert, which will now continue through July 1 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater.

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Video:  Highlights of The Iceman Cometh at the Goodman, starring Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy.

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Stars from the original Off-Broadway and Broadway incarnations of William Finn’s “Marvin Trilogy” — including Stephen Bogardus, Alison Fraser, Jonathan C. Kaplan, Michael Rupert and Chip Zien — will reunite for a benefit dinner supporting Long Island Crisis Center, Long Island’s oldest suicide prevention and crisis intervention agency, and its LGBT youth initiative, Pride for Youth. The dinner will be held at Le Pain Quotidien, on June 2.

The dinner precedes a performance of Falsettos, which will play at NYC’s The Theaters At 45 Bleecker Street from May 30 – June 15, following its critically acclaimed run on Long Island at Lantern Theatre.  Purchase tickets to the dinner and/or show here.

The production features Ezra Hernandez (Marvin), Tanya Wills (Trina), Chris Leidenfrost (Whizzer), Dan Pivovar (Mendel), Matthew Leigh (Jason), Lisa Berman (Charlotte) and Mary Palermo (Cordelia).

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Upcoming on “Theater Talk”:

* Tony Predictions 2012 May 25 at 1 AM ET on NYC’s WNET/13. The panel, who will forecast this year’s Tony winners, will include Jesse Green (New York Magazine), Michael Musto (The Village Voice) and Patrick Pacheco (LA Times). Additional air times are May 26 at 8:30 PM, May 27 at 12:30 PM and May 28 at 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM on CUNY TV.

* Spotlight on Newsies May 20 at 5 AM ET on NYC’s WNET/13. The 30-minute program will feature interviews with Alan Menken and  Harvey Fierstein, who will “describe the popular show’s incubation period, and perform several of the show’s best songs, plus a couple of others that didn’t make the cut.” Menken will also share a tune from the score of the original 1992 movie of “Newsies,” which won him that year’s Razzie Award for Worst Song. Encore broadcasts are scheduled for May 19 at 8:30 PM, May 20 at 12:30 PM and May 21 at 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM on CUNY TV.

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The Blank Theatre’s Nationwide Young Playwrights Festival has chosen 12 plays by young playwrights, aged 9 -19, from nine different states. These plays will be presented by professional actors and directors in this year’s festival at Hollywood’s Stella Adler Theatre May 31 – June 24. Click here for more information.

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The Last Smoker in America, a new musical comedy, will make its New York premiere July 11 upstairs at the Westside Theatre with an official opening Aug. 2.

The musical features book and lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Peter Melnick.  Andy Sandberg will direct the production with choreography by AC Ciulla.

Casting will be announced shortly.

The musical is a ”raucous and irreverent four-character musical comedy about a dysfunctional family struggling to survive in a world where smoking has recently been outlawed.”

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Kritzerland Upstairs at Sterling‘s presents The Randy Newman Album Sun. June 3 at 7 PM, starring Melody Hollis, Dennis Kyle, Gia Mora, Leigh Ann Larkin and Stephen Van Dorn, with special guest guitarist and composer Grant Geissman.  Musical direction by Tom Griep.  Reservations: 818-754-8700.

The concert will take place at North Hollywood’s Sterling’s at The Federal,  5303 Lankershim Blvd.

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The Rhinebeck Writers Retreat has announced this summer’s writing teams and musicals:

* Little Miss Scrooge, by John Caird, Sam Caird, and Paul Gordon; supported in part by The Harry, Cathy, Gabriella and James Rubin Foundation.

* Willow’s One Night Stand by Alexandra Collier and Greta Gertler; supported by Alec Stais and Elissa Burke.

* Broadcast by Nathan Christensen and Scott Murphy; supported by Stacey Mindich Productions.

* The Sisters Fox by Sean Barry, Laura Eason, and Jenny Giering; supported by Stacey Mindich Productions.

* Beatsville by Wendy Wilf and Glenn Slater; supported in part by John Levin and Diane Keefe Fund.

* Loveless Texas by Henry Aronson and Cailin Heffernan; supported in part by Jody and Giulio Martini.

* The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes by Chistopher Dimond and Michael Kooman; supported by The Noël Coward Foundation.

* Makeover by Darrah Cloud and Kim Sherman; supported in part by the Marcus Greenbaum Family and Susan Phillips.

The 2012 applications panel, who selected the musicals, included Tory Bailey (Theatre Development Fund), Neil Bartram (composer), Gigi Bolt (William Inge Festival), Nick Demos (Demos/Bizar Entertainment), Brian Hill (bookwriter), Donna Lynn Hilton (Goodspeed Musicals), Kevin Moore (The Human Race Theatre Company) and Michael Robertson (The Lark Play Development Center).

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Lincoln Center Theater this week joined New York’s three-theatre club—members of this exclusive group include the Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theatre Club and, most recently, Signature Theatre Company—with the unveiling of its latest space, the rooftop aerie christened the Claire Tow Theater.

The Tow joins LCT’s long-standing duo of spaces, the Broadway-large Vivian Beaumont and the more intimate Mitzi E. Newhouse. The two-story Tow actually sits, penthouse-like, atop the Beaumont, and is accessible via an elevator in the Beaumont lobby.

The Tow will be home to LCT3, Lincoln Center Theater’s already up-and-running (it commenced in 2008) programming initiative dedicated to new works by new, and often younger, playwrights and directors.

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Norbert Leo Butz, Melissa Errico, Mandy Gonzales, Joshua Henry, Christopher Jackson, and Lisa Lampanelli are set to participate in Seth Rudetsky’s Not Since High School!, a benefit for Chesapeake Bay Academy, to be held at NYC’s XL Cabaret (512 West 42nd Street) on Mon. June 18 at 7:30 PM.

These Broadway stars will sing songs from the roles they played when they were way too young — such as Bloody Mary, Harold Hill, Evita and more.

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LABA: The National Laboratory for New Jewish Culture and the Jewish Plays Project are set to present OPEN: The New Jewish Theater Residency at the 14th Street Y, a five-project residency to take place June 23 – July 1.

The residency, which will provide space, significant resources, and fully staged readings to five teams of artists.

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Julie Atherton, Jon Boydon, Louise Dearman, Ross Hunter, Landi Oshinowo, Stuart Matthew Price, Hannah Waddingham, and Rachael Wooding are featured on the newly released CD showcasing the work of songwriter Richard Beadle, “Songs.”  Download the mp3 here.

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Plays and directors are lined up for The Araca Group‘s AracaWorks, a week-long series of play readings May 21-25 at 7:30 PM at NYC’s Studio at Theater 511 (511 W. 54th Street. Admission is free and open to the public, although reservations are required.

May 21: Sister Sister by Barbara Blumenthal-Ehrlich, directed by Mark Brokaw

May 22: Mommune by Dorothy Fortenberry, directed by Rebecca Taichman

May 23: Vertebrae by Lila Feinberg, winner of the AracaWorks Graduate Playwriting Award, directed by Kip Fagan

May 24: That Good Night by Andrew Dolan, directed by Daniel Aukin

May 25: Ask Aunt Susan by Seth Bockley, directed by Seth Bockley

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Scott Bakula will host The Actor’s Fund‘s 16th Annual Tony Awards Party, to be held on Sun. June 10 at 3:30 PM at LA’s Skirball Center.

Cocktails and silent auction begin at 3:30 PM, dinner and live broadcast begin at 5 PM, and the presentation of the Julie Harris Award for Lifetime Achievement to Jason Alexander at 8 PM.

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Off-Broadway’s Second Stage Theatre has announced its 2012-13 season:

* Modern Terrorism, Or They Who Want to Kill Us and How We Learn to Love Them, a “provocative satire” to be directed by Peter DuBois. Previews will begin in mid-September prior to a mid-October opening.

* Water by the Spoonful, directed by Davis McCallum, will begin previews in mid-December toward an opening in early January.

* Two additional plays, TBA.

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Broadway’s Death of a Salesman will recoup its entire original investment of $3.1 million this week.

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Chicago’s American Theater Company, which found success with a staging of the original, gritty version of Grease in 2011, will unearth the original Off-Broadway script and score of Hair April 26 – June 16, 2013.   The production offers ”a restored and revised version.”

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The annotated script of Peter and the Starcatcher will be published by Disney Editions June 5.  Pre-order the paperback here.

The 192-page book includes the complete script with commentary and insight about the characters and scenes from the creative team. Barry and Pearson offer a foreword to the book, which also includes a look at the development and production history of Peter and the Starcatcher by Ken Cerniglia. Numerous color photos and production sketches of the Broadway production are also included.

Additional highlights include Tony-nominated scenic designer Donyale Werle’s vision for the design of the Starcatcher proscenium, as well as cut scenes from the various stages of the play’s development. The cast and creative team also share their childhood wishes as the closing chapter of the book.

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The Little Mermaid opens in Holland (at the Rotterdram) on June 16, and in Russia (at Theatre on Pushkin Square) on Oct. 6.  Glenn Casale directs.

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Rod Gilfry and Karen Ziemba will star in Sweeney Todd at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis May 26 – June 24 in rep.  Ron Daniels will direct the production, which is conducted by Stephen Lord and choreographed by Sean Curran.

The cast also includes Nathaniel Hackmann as Anthony Hope, Deanna Breiwick as Johanna, Kyle Erdos Knapp as Tobias Rigg, Timothy Nolen as Judge Turpin, Susanne Mentzer as the Beggar Woman, Scott Ramsay as Beadle, Anthony Webb as Pirelli, Marco Stefani as Jonas Fogg and Jason Eck as the Bird Keeper.

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RIP: Beatrice Terry, a theatre director who was the associate director on several Broadway shows (Memphis, God of Carnage, La Bete, Spring Awakening and Leap of Faith), died May 15 at her home in Jackson Heights, Queens. She had been battling cancer.

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The stage musical adaptation of the film Finding Neverland will receive its world premiere as part of Leicester’s Curve Theatre, running Sept. 21 – Oct. 18.  Rob Ashford directs and choreographs the production.  Casting TBA.

Featuring a score by Scott Frankel and Michael Korie, and a book by Alan Knee (adapted from his play The Man Who Was Peter Pan), the musical is based on the 2004 film of the same title, which explores the life of author J.M. Barrie, his relationship with widow Sylvia Liewellyn Davies and her four children, and the creation of his novel “The Adventures of Peter Pan.”

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Jeremy Kushnier, currently appearing on Broadway in Jesus Christ Superstar, will play a one-night concert engagement at NYC’s Birdland on Mon. June 18 at 7 PM. Sonny Paladino is the musical director.

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Norm Lewis is set to join Michael McElroy and Broadway Inspirational Voices for Highest Praise, a special concert event, May 20 (8PM) and 21 (7 PM) at NYC’s Central Presbyterian Church (593 Park Avenue at 64th Street).

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The Lyric Stage Company of Boston has announced a two week extension of its production of the musical Avenue Q, now through June 24.

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1988′s Lucky Stiff (by Ahrens and Flaherty) is being adapted into a film by the same name.  Christopher Ashley will direct a cast that includes Jason Alexander, Nikki M. James, Dominic Marsh, Pamela Shaw, and Jayne Houdyshell.  Filming will begin mid-June in California. A release date has not been announced.

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Concealing Judy Holiday has been extended at Venice, CA’s Pacific Resident Theatre, now to June 24.

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Lily Rabe will play Mary Pickford in a biopic movie based on Eileen Whitfield’s book “Mary Pickford: The Woman Who Made Hollywood.” Scheduled to begin shooting in early 2013, the film has a scrip written by Josh Fagin.

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Music-Theatre Group will present an interview with Daine Paulus and Randy Weiner, moderated by Thomas Schumacher, on June 7 at 7:30 PM at NYC’s  Dimenna Center for Classical Music (450 W. 37th Street).

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TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS:

* What the Butler Saw, featuring Omid Djalili and Samantha Bond, opens at the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre.

* The Hairy Ape opens at London’s Southwark Playhouse.

* 6 Character in Search of a Director opens at London’s Charing Cross Theatre.

* Endgame (starring Bill Irwin) and Play open at San Francisco’s A.C.T.

* Sondheim on Sondheim, featuring Marie-France Arcilla, Justin Keyes, Destan Owens, Brian Sutherland and Emily Walton, opens at Cleveland’s Playhouse on the Park.

* What We’re Up Against, a new play by Theresa Rebeck, opens at Houston’s Alley Theatre.

* A Little Night Music opens at LA’s East West Players.

* Chicago, starring Christie Brinkley, opens at LA’s Pantages Theatre.

* Cats, starring Jacob Brent and Ken Page, begins performances at Long Island’s Gateway Playhouse.

* Storefront Church, written and directed by John Patrick Shanley and featuring Bob Dishy,Giancarlo Esposito, Zach Grenier, Ron Cephas Jones and Tonya Pinkins, begins previews at Off-Broadway’s Atlantic Theatre Company.

* Gem of the Ocean, starring Lillias White, begins previews at Ventura, CA’s Rubicon Theatre.

* In Love with Jobim free concert staging, featuring Curt Hansen, Ken Land. Ashley Perez Flanagan and Jeff McCarthy, at 3 and 7 PM at Off-Broadway’s York Theatre (also May 17 at 3 PM).

* NTI’s One Man, Two Guvnors encore broadcasts begin at U.S. cinemas.  Click here to find a theater near you.

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End Of The Rainbow, starring Tracie Bennett, will play the Ahmanson Theatre as part of the Center Theatre Group‘s 2012-13 season.

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Evita will launch a first national tour in fall 2013 at Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI.   Casting and additional information will be announced at a later date.

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A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Blair Underwood and Nicole Ari Parker, has extended its Broadway run at the Broadhurst Theatre to Aug. 19.

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Bring It On: The Musical, which has been touring the country, will play Broadway‘s St. James Theater, July 12 – Oct. 7 (opening Aug. 1).  The production is directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler.  Book by Jeff Whitty, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, music by Tom Kitt, and lyrics by Amanda Green

The cast features Taylor Louderman, Adrienne Warren, Ryann Redmond, Elle McLemore, Jason Gotay, Ariana DeBose, Gregory Haney, Neil Haskell, Janet Krupin, Kate Rockwell and Nick Womack, along with Calli Alden, Nikki Bohne, Dexter Carr, Shonica Gooden, Haley Hannah, Rod Harrelson, Casey Jamerson, Dominique Johnson, Michael Mindlin, Adrianna Parson, Bettis Richardson, Antwan Bethea, Danielle Carlacci, Michael Naone-Carter, Courtney Corbeille, Dahlston Delgado, Brooklyn A. Freitag, Melody Mills, David Ranck, Billie Sue Roe, Sheldon Tucker and Lauren Whitt.

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Ever After, Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler’s Cinderella musical that was to debut out-of-town in 2009 prior to a Broadway bow, is now aiming to arrive on Broadwayduring the 2013-14 season.

Inspired by the 1998 film of the same title that starred Drew Barrymore, Ever Afterwas first announced to have its world premiere in 2009 at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco prior to an anticipated Broadway run. Theresa Rebeck was originally attached as co-book writer, with Doug Hughes as director.

Kathleen Marshall has been tapped to direct and choreograph the upcoming Broadway production of Ever After, which will arrive in New York following an out-of-town try-out.

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New network series (and casting) in the 2012-13 season:

NBC

“The New Normal” - Andrew Rannells, Justin Bartha, Georgina King and Ellen Barkin. Watch clips here.

“Go On” – Matthew Perry, Laura Benanti and Julie White. Watch clips here.

“Do No Harm” – Steven Pasquale, Michael Esper and Phylicia Rashad. Watch clips here.

“1600 Penn” – Josh Gad, Andre Holland and Bill Pullman. Watch clips here.

“Save Me” – Anne Heche.  Watch clips here.

“Animal Practice” – Justin Kirk.  Watch clips here.

“Hannibal” – Hugh Dancy.  Clips not available.

“Next Caller” – Dane Cook and Jeffrey Tambor. Watch clips here.

“Chicago Fire” – David Eigenberg and Merle Dandridge.  Watch clips here.

“Revolution” – Giancarlo Esposito and Tim Guinee.  Watch clips here.

“Infamous” - Victor Garber and Tate Donovan.  Watch clips here.

“Guys with Kids” - Jamie-Lynn Sigler, directed by Scott Ellis. Watch clips here.

Returning shows: “Smash” (mid-season replacement), “Law & Order SVU,” “The Voice,” “The Office,” “Parks & Recreation,” “Community,” “Fashion Star,” and “30 Rock.”

CBS

“Friend Me” - Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Nicholas Braun, Parvesh Cheena, Tim Robinson and Dan Ahdoot.

“Partners” - David Krumholtz, Michael Urie, Sophia Bushand Brandon Routh.

“Made in Jersey” - Janet Montgomery, Stephanie March, Kyle MacLachlan, Erin Cummings, Toni Trucks, Felix Solis, Pablo Schreiber and Donna Murphy.

“Elementary” - Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu and Aidan Quinn.

“Golden Boy” - Theo James, Holt McCallany, Bonnie Somerville, Chi McBride,Kevin Alejandro and Stella Maeva.

“Vegas” - Dennis Quaid, Michael Chiklis, Jason O’Mara, Carrie-Anne Moss and Taylor Handley.

ABC

“Malibu Country” - Reba McEntire, Sara Rue, Jai Rodriguez, and Lily Tomlin. Watch the promo here.

“666 Park Avenue” – Vanessa Williams, Terry O’Quinn, Dave Annable, Rachel Taylor and Robert Buckley.  Watch the promo here.

“Last Resort” - Andre Braugher, Sahr Ngauajah Daisy Betts, Daniel Lissing, Autumn Reeser, Scott Speedman, Camille De Pazzis, Dichen Lachman and Jessy Schram. Watch the promo here.

“How to Live With Your Parents the Rest of Your Life” - Sarah Chalke, Brad Garrett, Orlando Jones and Elizabeth Perkins.  Watch the promo here.

Renewed: “Modern Family,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Revenge,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Suburgatory,” “Happy Endings,” “The Middle,” “Castle,” “Don’t Trust the B_ in Apt. 23,” “Private Practice,” “Scandal” and “Dancing With the Stars” (all-star edition).

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GN quote of the week: “Actors are the opposite of people.”  ~ Tom Stoppard

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After more than 5,000 auditions, the Broadway revival of Annie has cast its orphans:

As previously announced, 11-year-old Lilla Crawford will star in the title role. She will be joined by Emily Rosenfeld (Molly) Tyrah Skye Odoms (Kate), Junah Jang (Tessie), Georgi James (Pepper), Madi Rae DiPietro (July) and Taylor Richardson (Duffy).  Jaidyn Young will be the standby for the roles of Annie, Pepper, Kate and July. Richardson will understudy the role of Annie.

The musical will open on Broadway in the fall at a Nederlander theatre to be announced.

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The NY Post‘s Michael Riedel reports that Henry Winkler and Cheyenne Jackson may star in The Performers, about the porn industry.

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Dayton, Ohio’s Human Race Theatre will stage the Midwest premiere of Band Geeks!, which will run May 31 – June 17, opening June 1.

Band Geeks! was conceived by Tommy Newman and has a book by Newman and Gordon Greenberg, lyrics by Gaby Alter and Newman, and music by Alter, Newman and Mark Allen.

The cast includes Sarah Agar, John Robert Armstrong, Tyler J. Baranski, Dane C. Becker, Richard Cerato, Zach Cossman, John Fisher, Liz Fye, Human Race Resident Artist Jennifer Joplin, Mykal Kilgore, Katie Klaus, Jon Kovach and Jennifer Roehm.

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If It Only Even Runs A Minute 10, the latest edition of the series that offers rare songs, behind-the-scenes tales and inspiring photos from musicals that may not have been fully appreciated the first time around, will be presented June 17 at 7 and 10 PM at NYC’s Le Poisson Rouge.

7 PM: The concert features Etai BenShlomo, Jared Bradshaw,Ted Chapin, Michelle Federer, Louis Hobson, Debra Monk, Anne L. Nathan, Lindsay Northen and Jill Paice. Audiences can expect to hear songs from and stories about A Man of No Importance, The Gay Life, Molly, Musical Chairs, Oil City Symphony, They’re Playing Our Song and Violet. Information and reservations.

10 PM:  The concert features Kennedy Caughell, Robin DeJesus, Kenny Francoeur, Tricia Giordano,Colin Hanlon, Anika Larsen, Lauren Lawson, Melissa Rapelje, Jose Restrepo, Katie Thompson, Alysha Umphress, Donna Vivino and Zack Zadek, and will will spotlight such shows as Billy, “Camp”, Fame, I Love You Because, The Red Shoes, Something’s Afoot, Saturday Night Fever, Zanna, Don’t! and Zombie Prom! Information and reservations.

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Casting has been announced for Berkeley Rep‘s world premiere production of Eve Ensler’s Emotional Creature, June 14 – July 15 in the Roda Theatre. Direction is by Jo Bonney, with musical direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.

The show will be comprised of original monologues and songs about and for girls.

The cast features Joaquina Kalukango, Ashley Bryant, Molly Carden, Emily S. Grosland, Sade Namei, and Olivia Oguma.

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The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) has announced the full slate of musicals, special events and concerts in the 2012 festival, which will run July 9-29. An additional slate of free events, including 12 staged readings and several educational panel discussions, will be announced shortly.

Full productions: A Letter to Harvey Milk, with book by Jerry James, music by Laura I. Kramer, and lyrics by Ellen M. Stewart; Arnie the Doughnut, with book by Frances Limoncelli, music and lyrics by George Howe; Baby Case, with book, music and lyrics by Michael Ogborn; Central Avenue Breakdown, with book by Kevin Ray and Andrea Lepcio, with music and lyrics by Kevin Ray and additional story by Suellen Vance; Flambe Dreams, with book and lyrics by Matthew Hardy, music by Randy Klein; Foreverman, with book, music and lyrics by Brett Boles;  The Groove Factory, with book by Chad Kessler and David James Boyd, music and lyrics by Boyd; He’s Not Himself, with book, music and lyrics by Marc Silverberg; Himself and Nora, with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Brielle;  How Deep Is the Ocean?, with book by Pia Cincotti, music and lyrics by Peter Cincotti;  Le Cabaret Grimm, with book and lyrics by Jason Slavick, music by Cassandra Marsh; Living with Henry, with book, music and lyrics by Christopher Wilson; Prison Dancer: The Musical, with book by Romeo Candido and Carmen DeJesus, music and lyrics by Romeo Candido; Re-Animator The Musical, with book by Dennis Paoli, Stuart Gordon and William Norris, music and lyrics by Mark Nutter; Rio, with book, music and lyrics by Mitch Magonet and Joey Miller; Shelter, with book and lyrics by Brittany Bullen, music by Brittany Bullen and Newell Bullen; Stand Tall with book and lyrics by Lee Wyatt-Buchan, music by Aldie and Sandy Chalmers; Stuck, with book, music and lyrics by Riley Thomas; Swing State, with book and lyrics by Dana Yeaton, music by Andy Mitton; Trouble: A New Rock Musical, with book by Michael Alvarez, music and lyrics by Ella Grace; and Zapata! The Musical, with book by Ana and Peter Edwards, music and lyrics by Peter Edwards.

Special Events: American Vaudeville Theatre presents…Travesties of 2012, featuring sketches and songs by Trav S.D. among others; In the Night, written and directed by Goetz Neumann, choreographed by Karen D. Savage; It’s On!, conceived by Stan Zimmerman, with book by Zimmerman and Christian McLaughlin; My Perfect Pet, with book by Bruce J. Robinson, music and lyrics by Jeff Eisenberg; Picture Incomplete, A One Man Musical!, with book and additional lyrics by Trent Armand Kendall, with music and lyrics by Michael Polese; Really Bad Things, with book, music, and lyrics by Nick Misette; Requiem for a Lost Girl, with book and lyrics by Onalea Gilbertson, with additional material by the chorus, and music by Marcel Bergmann; Show Me Real, conceived and choreographed by Clare Cook with original music and lyrics by Amy Burgess, dramatic text and lyrics by Gena Oppenheim; and The Two-Month Rule, with book and lyrics by Griffin Hennelly and Nolan Hennelly, music by Chris Scott Geller.

Concerts: “6″ with music and lyrics by Zach Zadek, additional Lyrics by Gina DePalo; Cutting Edge Composers where up-and-coming musical theatre writers are teamed with Broadway’s hottest performers; Koberet, written by Andrew Kober and David Ruttura; Part of It All: Introducing the Next Generation, featuring songs by talented college students and recent graduates; and Stealing Time with music and lyrics by Tor Hyams and Lisa Neubauer.

Venues: The 45th Street Theatre, the Theatre at St. Clements, the PTC Performance Space (formerly the Peter Norton Space), and the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center. Developmental readings and NYMF at Night programming will be held at the Upstairs Theatre at 45th Street Theatre; and additional free events will be held at the first-ever NYMF Hub, a pop-up box-office, lounge, and performance space on 42nd Street that will open June 15.

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New Dramatists has announced a preliminary line-up of guests who will pay tribute to the previously reported Lifetime Achievement honoree Bernadette Peters at the organization’s 63rd Annual Spring Luncheon tribute, to be held May 24 at 11:30 AM at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Among those offering tributes will be Mary Tyler Moore, Elaine Stritch, and Artistic Director Todd London. Joel Grey and John Dossett will offer musical tributes.

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New principal casting has been announced for the Broadway production of   Mamma Mia! at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Judy McLane will assume the starring role of Donna Sheridan beginning June 4.  Felicia Finley and Lauren Cohn will star as Tanya and Rosie, respectively.

Aaron Lazar , Daniel Cooney and Graham Rowat will take over the roles of Sam Carmichael, Bill Austin and Harry Bright, respectively.

Christy Altomare and Zak Resnick will both make their Broadway debuts opposite each other as Sophie Sheridan and her fiancé Sky. Jacob Pinion will continue as Sky’s sidekick Pepper with Halle Morse as Lisa, Traci Victoria as Ali and Andrew Chappelle as Eddie.

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Mark Bramble, who directed the 2001 revival of 42nd Street, will direct a U.K. tour of the musical, which launches June 1-2 at the Rhyl Pavilion.

The cast will be headed by Marti Webb and Dave Willetts. Additional casting TBA.

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Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff will make its US debut at Off-Broadway’s Little Shubert Theatre (422 West 42nd Street) May 19 – Aug. 12, opening June 3.

Written and performed by two-time Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarkson andJefferson Turner, the play takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing, or “potting”, all seven Harry Potter books into 70 madcap minutes, aided only by multiple costume changes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic. The show also invites audiences to engage with a real life game of Quidditch, but according to Clarkson and Turner’s unique set of rules.

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An industry workshop production of the new musical comedy Serrano – Poet, Lover…Hitman! will take place May 21 at 1 PM and 4:30 PM and May 22 at 2 PM at NYC’s Foxwoods Studios (214 West 43rd Street).  Industry only:  thuebel@martianentertainment.com.

Based on the French classic Cyrano de Bergerac, the musical is written by Madeline Sunshine with music by Robert Tepper. Joel Zwick will direct.

The cast will feature James Barbour, Chad Doreck, Brian Beacock, Michael Nouri, Jessica Rush, Michelle Duffy, Eddie Korbich, Paul Romero, Jamison Stern, Jennifer Simard, Jay Winnick, John Schuck, Michael Farina and Ray McLeod.

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Video: In rehearsal with Michael Feinstein and his Cy Coleman tribute.

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“The Way He Was,” items from the estate of Arthur Laurents, will be publicly auctioned through NYC’s Roland Auctions on June 2.

Among the theatre memorabilia to be auctioned are engraved silver and crystal gifts from cast members and celebrities, as well as awards Laurents earned. Design sketches by Theoni Aldredge and Irene Sharaff, as well as set designs from Laurents’ productions are also part of the estate.

American furniture and fine art from Laurents’ West Village brownstone will also be auctioned.

The Estate of Arthur Laurents will be on view May 30 – June 1 from 10 AM – 7 PM at Roland Auctions, 80 East 11th Street. The auction will take place June 2 at 11 AM.

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The revised Off-Broadway production of Carrie will be licensed for live performance by R&H Theatricals (release date TBA).

In addition, a piano vocal selections book from Carrie, to be published by Imagem Music/Hal Leonard, is due later this year.

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San Francisco’s Magic Theatre has announced its 2012-13 season:

The West Coast premiere of Sharr White’s The Other Place, directed by Loretta Greco (Sept. 12 – Oct.14), the world premiere of Anna Ziegler’s Another Way Home, directed by Meredith McDonough (Nov. 7 – Dec.  9), the world premiere of Octavio Solis’ Se Llama Cristina directed by Loretta Greco (Jan. 30 – March 3), the Bay Area premiere of Julie Marie Myatt’s The Happy Ones (March 27-April 28), and a fifth production that is yet to be determined.

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InViolet Repertory Theater has announced that Richard Masur is set to star in its upcoming world premiere production of Megan Hart’s This is Fiction, June 12-30 at Off-Broadway’s Cherry Lane Studio Theatre. Shelley Butler will direct.

In This is Fiction, Amy, an aspiring young writer, is on the verge of having her first novel published, but before she does, she has to break the news to her family that it’s not entirely fiction.

The cast will also feature Bernardo Cubria, Aubyn Philabaum, and Michelle David.

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Anthony Rapp will bring his one-man show Without You to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Aug. 1-26 at the E4 Cow Barn) and London’s Menier Chocolate Factory (Aug. 29 – Sept. 15).

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Vicki Lewis and Joan Ryan are set to present Two’s Company: An Afternoon of Showstopping Duets as part of San Francisco’s Firehouse Arts Center Cabaret Series, June 10 at 2 PM.

Two’s Company will celebrate great duets by great performers such as Carol Burnett, Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Bette Midler, and Liza Minnelli.

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The Crucible will run June 7 – July 14 (opening June 8th) at LA’s Lillian Theatre.

Directed by Bill Voorhees, the cast includes Al Richter, Anthony Backman,  Ashley Morey, Bernadette Speakes, Bill Voorhees, Brad Light, David Ross Paterson, Doug Burch, Grace Kaufman, Jessicah Neufeld, John Money,  Lauren Dobbins Webb,  Lorianne Hill, Lynn Odell, Michael Rhea, Rebecca Sigl, Rebecca Spicher, Shannon Kummer, Trevor H. Olsen and Warren Davis.

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PBS launches a new documentary series, “Broadway or Bust,” chronicling the lives of America’s top high school musical perfomers and The Jimmy Awards in New York City.

“Broadway Or Bust” will air Sundays, Sept. 9, 16 and 23 at 8 PM EST.

The three-part documentary series tracks the real-life stories of America’s top high school musical performers, vying in the ultimate competition to find the nation’s best young theater stars. Part competition, part performance and part non-fiction drama, the series starts in regional theatrical programs, then moves to New York City, where the “best of the best” compete in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (a.k.a. The Jimmy Awards).

Each hour-long program will have a clear and dramatic story arc that ends with a cliffhanger. The series will zero in on the 10 strongest characters and track them 24/7, from the moment they leave their hometowns to their arrival on Broadway, through to the finale.

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Congratulations! The Broadway League Award for Outstanding Achievement in Road Marketing was given to Wayne McWorter of LA’s Pantages Theatre for his dedication and creation of an in-house marketing department.

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Emily Ackerman, Matt Dellapina, Dan Domingues, Nina Hellman, Daniel Jenkins, Meghan McGeary, Greg McFadden, Emily Rossell, and Jeanine Serralles will perform in The Civilians’ cabaret, Let Me Ascertain You, at NYC’s Joe’s Pub on May 18 at 9:30 PM.

Mia Rovegno directs the performance, which features songs by Michael Friedman and Shaina Taub. The interview-based piece includes tales of death, near-death experiences, corpses, and insights into forensic anthropology.

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Tim Minchin (who also wrote the music for Matilda), former Spice Girls singer Melanie C and Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles will star in the new U.K. arena stage touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar. It kicks off at London’s 02 Arena Sept. 21, before touring nationwide.

The title role will be cast by public vote on an ITV reality TV show “Superstar,” with a panel of live show judges led by Lloyd Webber.  Check out the show’s website here.

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TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS:

* Detroit, featuring Will Adamsdale, Clare Dunne, Stuart McQuarrie, Justine Mitchell and Christian Rodska, opens at London’s National Theatre.

* John Kander’s The Landing devopmental lab, starring Julia Murney, David Hyde Pierce and Paul Anthony Stewart, opens at Off-Broadway’s Vineyard Theatre.

* It Is Done, site-specific thriller, opens at Hollywood’s Pig ‘N Whistle Restaurant.

* Medieval Play, starring Anthony Arkin, Heather Burns,Tate Donovan, Kevin Geer, Josh Hamilton and John Pankow, begins previews at Off-Broadway’s Signature Theatre.

* Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, starring Christopher Sutton, begins previews at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre.

* Chicago, starring Christie Brinkley, previews at LA’s Pantages Theatre.

* Cy Coleman: Bringing Jazz to Broadway concert, featuring Chuck Cooper, Michele Lee, Tamara Tunie, James Naughton and Johnny Rodgers, at 7:30 PM at Lincoln Center‘s Allen Room (also May 16).

* Betty Buckley‘s Ah, Men! The Boys of Broadway concert, at 7:30 PM at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Auditorium (also May 16).

* Luba Mason‘s Mixtura concert, at 8 PM at NYC’s Iridium.

* Lysistrata Jones cast album released. Order the CD here.

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Reviews for HANDS ON A HARDBODY at La Jolla Playhouse:

LA Times (Charles McNulty):  ”Hands on a Hardbody, the new musical based on S.R. Bindler’s 1997 documentary film about a nutty endurance contest at a Texas auto dealership, pulls off something most pundits would have considered impossible today: This is a Red State musical that Blue State audiences won’t hate themselves for enjoying.”

UT San Diego (James Hebert):  ”It’s a show loaded with ace performers, strong new songs and a title metaphor that handily takes in desire, conflict, godliness and good ol’ American hucksterism.Now all that Hands on a Hardbody might need is to keep its foot on the gas.”

Theatermania (Rob Stevens):  ”While it might seem like watching 10 people standing around a truck might get boring, the result proves to be a very lively and well-crafted production — one that could drive itself into the winner’s circle on Broadway if it so chooses.”

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* * * 2012 GRACE NOTES SURVEY * * *

Thank you all for your extraordinary loyalty over the past 14 years. As my website traffic has expanded by 1,000% in its first year, it’s now time for another survey  to determine how best to support you and learn a bit more about you for my advertisers.

The survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Please note that all your responses will remain strictly confidential – neither your name or email will be attached to the survey – it is completely anonymous.

And thank you again for spending a few minutes to help make GRACE NOTES even better.

Click here to begin the survey.

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Broadway Grosses for the week ending May 13:

Frontrunners (by Gross)
1. The Lion King ($1,717,281)
2. Wicked ($1,579,314)
3. The Book of Mormon ($1,598,593)
4. Evita ($1,533,055)
5. Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark ($1,218,613)

Underdogs (by Gross)
5. Godspell ($216,762) *
4. The Lyons ($215,547) *
3. Leap of Faith ($199,899)
2. Don’t Dress For Dinner ($172,669)
1. Magic/Bird ($123,784)

Frontrunners (by Capacity)
1. The Book of Mormon (102.63%)
2. Newsies (100.83%)
3. The Lion King (99.69%)
4. Death of a Salesman (99.61%) *
5. Nice Work If You Can Get It (95.27%)

Underdogs (by Capacity)
5. Magic/Bird (54.00%)
4. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (53.65%)
3. Venus in Fur (52.84%)
2. Priscilla Queen of the Dessert (52.58%)
1. The Lyons (45.91%)

* Number based on seven regular performances
Data Provided by the Broadway League.

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Boston’s A.R.T. production of Woody Sez has been extended, now to June 3.

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The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and The Philhallmonic Society will present Swingin’ on a Star, a free musical celebration of the 1940s, to be held Saturday, June 23 at 2:30 PM at Lincoln Center‘s Bruno Walter Auditorium.

Under the leadership of Phil Hall, The Philhallmonic Society comprises Karen Arlington, Mary Lou Barber, Dolly Ellen Friedman, Lenore Fuerstman, Jani Gerard, Valerie Lemon, Linda Sue Moshier, Rachael Robbins and Diana Silva.

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Video: Follies — opening night in LA and performance highlights.

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Elaine Paige:

* Several post-Follies concert dates will take place in Australia and New Zealand.  Click here for the complete schedule.

* Article:  Elaine on  Follies, Sondheim, Lloyd-Webber, and more.

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The Broadway revival of Godspell will offer a “Pay-Your-Age Night” on May 17.

Starting at 5 PM that day, a limited number of tickets will be available at the Circle in the Square Box Office (1633 Broadway at 50th St.). Ticket price: the theatregoer’s age.

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Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment is developing a new performing arts center to open in Istanbul in 2013.

Nederlander Worldwide has aligned with Zorlu Property Group to build the center, which will include a 2,300-seat theatre, as well as a 770-seat theatre, with the intent of hosting Broadway productions, concerts and dance shows.

Programming for the $300 million venue will be announced later this year.

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Artists in Partnership will present the 10th Annual Cabaret Festival, to run May 16-20 at NY’s Long Beach Public Library.

May 16 at 7:30 PM: “Why Cabaret and the American Songbook?” discussion. Susan James will explore that topic with artist Anita Darian.

May 17 at 7:30 PM: Tedd Firth, Kate Cooke, Cynthia Crane, Amy Dolan Fletcher, Diane Hoffman, and Susan Winter will present That Could Be Arranged, a demonstration of interpretive style.

May 18 at 7:30 PM: Karen Oberlin will present Daydream, followed by a Q&A with author and music reporter David Hajdu.

May 19 at 2 PM: Critic rob Lester, Metropolitan Room booking manager Tanya Holt and performers Dana Lorge, Terese Genecco, Shaynee Rainbolt, Marissa Mulder, and Bill Zeffiro will lead “Cabaret Conversations,” about the genre of cabaret performances.

May 19 at 7 PM:  A Tribute to Marilyn Maye, featuring Maye, Billy Stritch, Steve Doyle, Kevin Alvey, Deb Berman, Grace Cosgrove, Terese Genecco, Peggy Herman, Sidney Myer, Shaynee Rainbolt, Steve Webber, Susan Winter, and Bill Zeffiro.

May 20 at 1:30 PM:  Stephanie Nakasian will star in a Billie Holiday tribute titled Billie Remembered.

May 20 at 3:30 PM: Champagne Pam will star in The Dog-Walking Diva.

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Andrew Lloyd Webber will receive a BASCA Fellowship (presented by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, the professional association for music writers of all genres in the UK), at this year’s Ivor Novello Award, being held in London May 17.  He will be presented with the award by Leslie Bricusse.

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HERO Theatre (a bi-coastal theatre company established in August 2011) is set to present a benefit reading of Small Craft Warnings by Tennessee Williams, starring William H. Macy, in Los Angeles this summer (date and location TBA). John Levey will direct.

Small Craft Warnings is a look at a lonely and disparate group of working class people.

This production is part of HERO’s fundraising efforts to present its first full-scale production, a world-premiere of a new translation of Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters.

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The 22nd Annual Kleban Prizes:

Most Promising Musical Theatre Lyricist: Marcy Heisler

Most Promising Musical Theatre Librettist (tie): Andrew Gerle and Matt Schatz

Each receives $100,000.

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Barbara Walsh is set to star in Master Class at White Fish, MT’s Alpine Theatre Project, June 15-24. David Ackroyd will direct.

The production will also feature opera singers Esther Heideman, Ryan MacPherson, and Katrina Thurman.

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Tovah Feldshuh and Sheldon Harnick will headline The Museum of the City of New York‘s benefit cabaret, Second Avenue Meets Broadway, on May 31 at 6:30 PM, directed by Michael Montel.

Featuring songs in both Yiddish and English, the show will also feature performances by Gregg Edelman, Randy Graff, Stephen Mo Hanan, Rachel Ulanet and Stephanie Umoh.

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Video:  Sneak peek at The Scottsboro Boys at San Diego’s Old Globe.

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Long Beach’s International City Theatre is set to present Ken Ludwig’s  Leading Ladies, June 5 – July 1 (opening June 8), directed by Richard Israel.

Leading Ladies turns a play within a play into a farcical statement about art and appearances.

The cast stars David Engel and John J. Joseph, along with Jamison Lingle, Lyndsi LaRose, Katherine McKalip, Daniel Lench, Corey Craig and Don Oscar Smith.

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Kevin Kline and Dianne Wiest will perform I take your hand in mine … in a staged reading benefiting The Acting Company to be held at  NYC’s Hunter College Kaye Playhouse on Mon. June 25 at 7 PM.  Information and tickets: 800-838-3006.

This play by Carol Rocamora features the love letters of Anton Chekhov to Olga Knipper.

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Chloe Sevigny will portray Abigail Williams in Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s  Abigail/1702, a new drama that explores the aftermath of The Crucible, which will be staged as part of Vassar’s New York Stage and Film‘s 2012 Powerhouse June 27 – July 8.

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Article:  Blair Underwood and Nicole Parker speak out against the critics of Broadway’s multi-racial A Streetcar Named Desire.

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Peter and the Starcatcher will launch a national tour at Denver’s Ellie Caulkins Opera House in August 2013.  Additional details are forthcoming.

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Boston’s Reagle Theatre has announced its summer season:

A Chorus Line, starring Lorenzo Lamas (June 15-24), Bye Bye Birdie, starring Anita Gillette (July 13-22) and My Fair Lady, starring Rick Hilsabeck and Sarah Pfisterer (Aug. 10-19).

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NJ’s George Street Playhouse will rename its Mainstage The Arthur Laurents Stage. The theater has also announced the formation of the Arthur Laurents Fund for New Work.

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Lyric Theatre Belfast presents The Importance of Being Earnest June 3 – July 7, with two males in central roles – Lady Bracknell is being played by Paddy Scully, and Richard Orr  plays Miss Prism.

Graham McLaren directs a cast that also includes Aaron McCusker (Algernon)   Patrick Moy (Ernest), Ailish Symons (Cecily), Melody Grove (Gwendolyn), Niall Cusack (Laine/Merriman) and Paddy Jenkins (Rev Chausable).

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Video:  Jim Parsons, Scott  Ellis, and more, talk Harvey.

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Christine Pedi, Michael West, Christina Bianco and Tommy Walker – the four principal cast members in NEWSical the Musical: End of the World Edition – have extended their contracts in the show through Dec. 21, at Off-Broadway’s Kirk Theatre, at which point the world will definitely end.

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The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) has announced 15 awards granted from their National Fund for New Musicals:

Diversionary Theatre (San Diego, CA) for Harmony, Kansas by Bill Nelson and Anna K. Jacobs; Playwrights Horizons (New York, NY) for Far From Heaven by Richard Greenberg, Scott Frankel and Michael Korie; TheatreWorks (Palo Alto, CA) for Wheelhouse by Gene Lewin, Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda;  American Music Theatre Project at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) for The Verona Project by Amanda Dehnert; Center Theatre Group (Los Angeles, CA) for a new musical about urban superheroes by Matt Sax; Dallas Theater Center (Dallas, TX) for Stagger Lee by Will Power, Justin Ellington and Daryl Waters;  Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre, University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK) for Something Wicked This Way Comes by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill; Ars Nova (New York, NY) for Suprema by Jordan Harrison and Daniel Zaitchik; Chicago Shakespeare Theatre (Chicago, IL) for Othello: The Remix by GQ and JQ (The Q Brothers); Millikin University (Decatur, IL) for The Grid by Marisa Michelson and Frank Terry; New York Theatre Barn (New York, NY) for Speargrove Presents by Sammy Buck & Brandon James Gwinn; New York University-The Steinhardt School (New York, NY) for Pool Boy by Janet Allard and Nikos Tsakalakos; Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland, OR) for Elijah By Night by Shaina Taub; Theatre Under The Stars (Houston, TX) for Love Like Crazy by Ryan Kennedy; and TheatreWorks (Palo Alto, CA) for La Ronde by Kait Kerrigan, Brian Lowdermilk, Chris Miller, Michael R. Jackson, Adam Gwon, Jenny Giering, Janine Nabers, Deb Stein, Dan Dietz, Lauren Gunderson and Peter Nachtreib.

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Yes, Prime Minister, the stage version of the hit TV series of the same name, is to return to the West End, beginning performances June 6 at the Trafalgar Studios, close to the heart of government, for an open-ended run.  Casting TBA.

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A pre-New York tryout of Roller Disco The Musical!, an unautherized parody of the classic film “Roller Boogie,” will play Boston’s Oberon May 30 – Aug. 30, opening June 13.  The musical aims to transfer to Off-Broadway in Spring 2013.

Written by Sam Forman and Jen Wineman, Roller Disco The Musical! has been scored by Sam Forman (lyrics) and Eli Bolin (music).

Directed and choreographed by Jen Wineman, with musical direction by James O’Leary, the cast stars Jacqui Grilli and Ahmad Maksoud, along with Kenard Jackson, Mariah MacFarlane, Mark Mauriello, Kevin B. McGlynn, Kenneth Miller, DJ Petrosino, Marissa Rae Roberts, Misch Whitaker and Claudia Yanez.

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Mike Stoller In Conversation with Steve Barri will be presented at LA’s Skirball Cultural Center on Thursday, May 31 at 2 PM.

Listen in as Stoller, one-half of the songwriting team of Leiber and Stoller, discusses his colorful life and celebrated career.

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Bret Michaels, the lead singer of the rock group Poison, has settled a lawsuit with CBS and the organizers of the Tony Awards, according to The Associated Press.

As previously reported, Michaels suffered a busted lip and broken nose when he was hit in the head by a piece of scenery during the June 2009 Tony Awards ceremony at Radio City Music Hall. In his lawsuit, Michaels claimed the accident contributed to a brain hemorrhage in April 2010, for which he was treated for and hospitalized.

The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, although the AP quotes a joint statement from the Tony Award producers and CBS saying that it was “an amiable resolution.”

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Concerts for City Greens (produced and directed by Raissa Katona Bennett) is dedicating four of this summer’s free, outdoor concerts to the music of its illustrious song contest judges. The concerts take place in South Park of Tudor City Greens Park (between 41st - 42nd Streets, and 1st – 2nd Avenues)

The series that brings the sounds of music to heart of Midtown, will showcase  Amanda McBroom (May 30), Neil Sedaka (Aug. 1), Ann Hampton Callaway (Sept/ 12) and Michael John LaChuisa (Oct. 3). These four – plus David Friedman and Matthew Parillo – are serving as judges for the first Concerts for City Greens Songwriting Contest.

The fifth edition of the summer series, whose mission is to increase audiences for live music in New York while promoting sensitive stewardship of New York’s privately owned public green spaces, will also present the songs of its eight semifinalist songwriters. The songs, all of which celebrate the different roles green spaces play in the lives of New Yorkers, will be performed — two per concert — by prominent guest artists from the worlds of Broadway, jazz, cabaret and classical music.

The eight songwriters include Larry Kerchner, Judy Kellersberger, Will Reynolds, Kristine Mills, Benjamin Bonnema & Arianna Rose, Inland Traveler (consisting of Katie Locke, Lucas Madrazo and Gerald Edward), Lauren McCall.

Veteran tunesmith Charles Bloom penned a song with a LA-based playwright,  Karl Gadjusek, in their first collaboration.

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TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS:

* Noel and Company’s The Mousetrap free reading, featuring Carole Shelley, Jill Paice, Greg Jackson and Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, at 7 PM at NYC’s National Arts Club (15 Gramercy Park South).

* Queen Bee free reading, featuring Leslie Ayvazian, Kyle Beltran, Aya Cash, William Jackson Harper and Chip Zien, at 7 PM at Off-Broadway’s Ars Nova. Reservations are required: rsvp@arsnovanyc.com.

* Telly Leung in concert at 7 PM at NYC’s Birdland.

* Red Bull Theater‘s Beaux’ Strategem reading, featuring Patricia Conolly, Veanne Cox, Christopher Innvar, and Dakin Matthews, at 7:30 PM at NYC’s Theatre at St. Clements.

* Fingerlickin’ Fierce concert, with Michael James Scott and Asmeret Ghebremichael, at 8 PM at NYC’s Canal Room.

* The Broadway Musicals of 1975 concert, featuring Ashley Brown, Lari White,  Bob Stillman, Maya Days, Scott Coulter and Carole J. Bufford, at 8 PM at NYC’s The Town Hall.

* 4 Scores and 7 Shows Ago, BC/EFA benefit, at 9:30 PM at NYC’s Laurie Beechman Theatre.

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FUNDAY MONDAY!

This week’s quiz – Jukebox Musicals, by Laura Frankos:

1.  Leader of the Pack (1984) examined the life of singer-songwriter Ellie Greenwich.  Which of these groups did not record songs written by Greenwich?  The Ronnettes ….. the Dixie-Cups ….. the Shangri-Las ….. the Plaids ….. or the Crystals?

2.  Who owned the rights to the Buddy Holly song catalog and gave his blessing and assistance to producer Paul Elliot in making the musical Buddy (1989) a reality?  Clive Davis ….. Michael Jackson ….. Quincy Jones ….. Paul McCartney ….. or Michael Bolton?

3.  Return to the Forbidden Planet (1989 – in the West End) had a plot that was based partly on the classic sci-fi film “Forbidden Planet” and partly on which Shakespeare play?  Romeo and Juliet ….. Twelfth Night ….. As You Like It ….. King Lear ….. or The Tempest?

4.  Which of these Tony-nominated actresses has not played Donna in Mamma Mia! (1999 in London, 2001 on Broadway)? Judy Kaye ….. Carolee Carmello ….. Beth Leavel ….. Michelle Pawk ….. or Dee Hoty?

5.  True or false:  Twyla Tharp took home Movin’ Out‘s (2002) only Tony (for Best Choreography)?

6.  The Boy from Oz (2003) starred Hugh Jackman, who also hosted the Tony Awards that season.  What actress did Hugh pluck from the audience to dance with him in a memorable number?  Stephanie Block ….. Rebecca Luker ….. Anne Hathaway ….. Sara Jessica Parker ….. or Cynthia Nixon?

7.  The original notion for using the songs of the Four Seasons in a musical (which became 2005′s Jersey Boys) came to Bob Glaudio, a founding member of group, after he saw one of their songs used to great effect in a movie.  Which song gave Glaudio his inspiration (bonus points for knowing the award-winning film, too)?  ”December 1963 (Oh What a Night)” ….. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” ….. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” ….. “Walk Like a Man” ….. or “Stay”?

8.  Which of these did not have a jukebox musical about him or them in 2005?  John Lennon ….. the Beach Boys ….. Elvis Presley ….. Harry Chapin ….. or John Denver?

9.  Which of the following songs from the film of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011) is not used in the Broadway show?  ”Thank God I’m a Country Boy” ….. “Magic Bus” ….. “A Fine Romance” ….. “Follie! Delirio vano è questo! Sempre libera!” ….. or MacArthur Park”?

10.  Which of the following things does not happen at Rock of Ages (2009)?  Waving imitation lighters during song numbers ….. drinks are served in-house by the ushers ….. a sing-along ….. guitar picks are thrown into the audience ….. or the people in the front row are given florescent-colored leg warmers?

Scroll down for the answers…..

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62nd Outer Circle Critics Award winners:

New Broadway Play: One Man, Two Guvnors

New Broadway Musical: Once

New Off-Broadway Play: Sons of the Prophet

New Off-Broadway Musical: Queen of the Mist

Revival of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway): Death of a Salesman

Revival of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway): Follies

Actor in a Play: James Corden, One Man, Two Guvnors

Actress in a Play: Tracie Bennet, End of the Rainbow

Actor in a Musical: Danny Burstein, Follies

Actress in a Musical: Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess

Featured Actor in a Play: James Earl Jones, The Best Man

Featured Actress in a Play: Spencer Kayden, Don’t Dress for Dinner

Featured Actor in a Musical: Michael McGrath, Nice Work If You Can Get It

Featured Actress in a Musical: Judy Kaye, Nice Work If You Can Get It

Solo Performance: Denis O’Hare, An Iliad

Book of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway): Once

New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway): Newsies

Director of a Play: Nicholas Hytner, One Man, Two Guvnors

Director of a Musical: John Tiffany, Once

Choreographer: Christopher Gattelli, Newsies

John Gassner Award (presented for an American play, preferably by a new playwright): Jeff Talbott, The Submission

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Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey,”) will play suitor Morris Townsend in the new Broadway production of The Heiress, starring the previously announced Jessica Chastain and David Strathairn, directed by Moisés Kaufman.

Performances will begin in October at a theatre to be announced.

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Complete casting has been announced for the national tour of War Horse, which launches at LA’s Ahmanson Theatre June 14 – July 29 (opening June 29), directed by Bijan Sheibani.

The cast features Andrew Veenstra (Albert Narracott), Brian Keane (Arthur Narracott), Michael Wyatt Cox (Billy Narracott), Todd Cerveris (Ted Narracott), Angela Reed (Rose Narracott), Jason Loughlin (Lieutenant James Nicholls) and Jason Alan Carvell (Private Schnabel), along with Michael Stewart Allen, Danny Beiruti, Brooks Brantly, Laurabeth Breya, Brian Robert Burns, Grayson DeJesus, Catherine Gowl, Aaron Haskell, Mike Heslin, Jon Hoche, Mat Hostetler, Chad Jennings, Nathan Koci, Jessica Krueger, Nick LaMedica, Rob Laqui, Megan Loomis, Christopher Mai, Gregory Manley, Andrew May, John Milosich, Alex Morf, Patrick Osteen, Jon Riddleberger, Lavita Shaurice, Derek Stratton and Danny Yoerges.

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Katrina Lenk will join the cast of Broadway’s SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark in the role of “Arachne” on May 29. She will replace Christina Sajous, who will play her final performance on May 27.

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Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center is offering $30 advance student discount tickets in the first two rows of the orchestra section for all performances of the national tour of American Idiot, which runs May 29 – June 3.

Tickets must be purchased in person at the box office.  There is a limit of two tickets per each valid student ID and only cash will be accepted. This is in addition to the regular student rush ticket program.

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Article: Theater and movie industry execs Jed Bernstein, Bob Israel and Rich Battista have teamed to launch the Broadway and Vine Fund, a new fund for optioning movie titles for musical theater adaptations. The first property to be optioned is 1984 Fox pic “The Flamingo Kid.”

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Geeks! The Musical! returns to Hollywood’s Write Act Repertory Theatre June 19 – July 8.

Directed by Bennett Cohon, with musical direction/arrangement by Rocco Vitacco and choreography by Liz Heathcoat, the cast features Juliette Angeli, Brandon Murphy Barnes, Wil Bowers, Redetha Deason, Tyler Koster, Andy Liegl, and Stefan Rich.

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The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, which produced the professional regional premiere of Next to Normal (September 2011), will remount the musical for a limited engagement June 15 – July 1, directed by D. Lynn Meyers. The production reunites much of the original Cincinnati cast.

Jessica Hendy stars along with Bruce Cromer, Mia Gentile, Nick Cearley, Michael Schwitter and Charlie Clark.

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Kevin Chamberlin has replaced Adam Arkin in the L.A. Theatre Works production of Michael Hollinger’s Opus, which runs May 17-20 at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater.  The cast also includes Jonathan Adams, Jere Burns, Steven Culp and Liza Weil.

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RIP: Joyce Redman died May 9 in Kent, England at age 96. On Broadway, she appeared in eight shows, including Uncle Vanya, Anne of a Thousand Days, in which she played Anne Boleyn, and the 1987 revival of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, in which she played Mrs. Higgins opposite Peter O’Toole and Amanda Plummer. She received Oscar nominations for her roles in Tom Jones and Othello, in which she played Emilia. Her many other film and television credits include Vanity Fair, Prudence and the Pill, Les Miserables, and Tales of the Unexpected.

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Julianne Moore will star in a film remake of “Carrie.”

Chloe Moretz wil play Carrie and Gabriella Wilde will play Sue Snell. No other casting has been announced.

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Olympia Dukakis and her husband, Louis Zorich, wil star in a staged reading of Rest in Pieces, by Steve Bluestein, to be held May 30 at 7 PM at NYC’s Actors Chapel (239 West 39th Street). The reading will be directed by Mary Fassino.  Tickets are free to the public and seating is on a first come, first-served basis.

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BoHo Theatre will close its 2011-12 season with Floyd Collins, to run June 15 – July 15 (opening June 16) at Chicago’s Theater Wit.

Directed by Peter Marston Sullivan, the cast will feature Sarah Bockel, Christa Buck, Nathan Carroll, Jim DeSelm, Greg Foster, Jon Harrison, Benjamin Kirberger, Evan Tyrone Martin, Tom McGunn, Steve O’Connell, Michael Potsic, Patrick Rooney, Russell Alan Rowe, and David Tibble.

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Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company will present the world premiere of Andrew White, Ben Sussman, and Andre Pluess’ Eastland: A New Musical, to run June 6 – July 29.

Amanda Dehnert will direct a cast that includes Larry DiStasi, Christine Mary Dunford, Doug Hara, Jeanne T. Arrigo, Derek Hasenstab, Erik Hellman, Malcolm Ruhl, Michael Smith, Scott Stangland, Tiffany Topal, Claire Wellin, and Monica West.

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Simon Beaufoy will adapt his screenplay for the hit film “The Full Monty” for a stage production, to premiere Feb. 1-23 at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield, according to published reports. The production was announced by Sheffield Theatres’ artistic director Daniel Evans.  Click here for more information.

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Got a question for Jeremy Jordan? Ask it here.

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Williamstown Theatre Festival has announced updated casting for its summer season:

June 21-24: A workshop of Here Lies Love, a new theatrical event created by David Byrne and directed by Alex Timbers, with music by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, June 21-24 at the Hunter Center for the Performing Arts at MASS MoCA. The cast features Renee Albulario, Carol Angeli, Joyelle Cabato, Joshua Dela Cruz, Debralee Daco, Evan D’Angeles. Jose Llana, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Conrad Ricamora, Janelle Velasquez, and Zach Villa.

June 26 – July 14:  David Hyde Pierce will direct The Importance of Being Earnest. The cast will feature Marylouise Burke, Louis Cancelmi, Sean Cullen, Tyne Daly, Glenn Fitzgerald, Paul McGrane, Amy Spanger and Henry Stram.

June 27 – July 8: Blythe Danner will star in the world premiere of Lucy Boyle’s The Blue Deep, to be directed by Bob Balaban. The cast will include Becky Ann Baker, Jack Gilpin, Heather Lind, and Finn Wittrock.

July 11-22: Jessica Stone will direct Last of the Red Hot Lovers, July 11-22, with a cast including Brooks Ashmanskas, Susie Essman, and Lili Taylor.

July 18-27: A free production of The Valley of Fear, based on the story by Arthur Conan Doyle, and adapted by Steve Lawson.  Casting TBA.

July 19-29: Kelli O’ Hara will star in Far From Heaven, a new musical by Scott Frankel and Michael Korie, with a book by Richard Greenberg and direction by Michael Greif. The cast will also include JB Adams, Nancy Anderson, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Brandon Victor Dixon, Sarah Jane Everman, Alison Fraser, Chris Hoch, Mary Stout and Tony Yazbeck.

July 25 – Aug. 5: Bradley Cooper and Patricia Clarkson will co-star in The Elephant Man, directed by Scott Ellis.

Aug. 1-19: A new translation of Ivan Turgenev’s A Month in the Country, directed by Richard Nelson.  The cast will include Louis Cancelmi, Jessica Collins, Sean Cullen, Kate Kearney-Patch, Paul McGrane, Jeremy Strong, and Elisabeth Waterston.

Aug. 8-19:  The world premiere of Katori Hall’s WHADDABLOODCLOT!!!, to be produced in association with Signature Theatre. The cast will include Tina Benko, Aaron Costa Ganis, Bryan Tyree Henry, Greta Lee, Andres Muner, and Kathy Searle.

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Mike Batistick’s Chicken will make its London debut June 25 – July 21 at Trafalgar Studios 2. June 25 – July 21, directed by Sam Neophytou.

The play, which is set in New York City, focuses on Wendall and Floyd, a pair of childhood best friends who are grooming a sickly rooster for an illegal cockfight.

The cast will includes Craig Kelly, Belinda Stewart-Wilson and George Georgiou.

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The St. Louis Muny will present Thoroughly Modern Millie June 18-24, directed by Marc Bruni and choreographed by Chris Bailey.

The cast stars Beth Leavel, Leslie Uggams, and Tari Kelly.

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Answers to this week’s quiz – Jukebox Musicals:

1.  Ellie Greenwich did not write for the Plaids.

2.  Paul McCartney owned the rights to the Buddy Holly song catalog.

3.  Return to the Forbidden Planet is partly based on the The Tempest.

4.  Judy Kaye did not play Donna in Mamma Mia! — she played Donna’s pal Rosie.

5.  Twyla Tharp did not win the only Tony for Movin Out — Bill Joel and Stuart Malina won for Best Orchestrations.

6.  Hugh Jackman pulled Sarah Jessica Parker from the audience to dance with him in “The Boy Next Door” at the Tony Awards.

7.  ”Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” was used to great effect in 1978′s “The Deer Hunter,” and helped Bob Glaudio to create the Jersey Boys.

8.  Harry Chapin helped turn his own songs into an early jukebox musical, 1975′s The Night That Made America Famous.  The other musicals date from 2005.

9.  ”Magic Bus” (from the film “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”) is not included in the Broadway production.

10.  Leg warmers are not given to people in the front row at Rock of Ages.

Got a quiz you’d like to submit?  Send it on over.  Text only, 10 questions or less, please.

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