Q. Hi Skot, my friends and I enjoy going to the movies after the Oscars are announced, but we don't have the time or money to go to New York to check out the nominated plays and musicals. Any suggestions on how we can get familiar with what's happening on Broadway so we can better enjoy the Tony Awards?
A. Read on!
1. If a soundtrack exists for a musical, buy it! Of course, you cannot see the choreography, but you will become familiar with the score and book by listening to the songs and reading the synopsis that will be provided, hopefully.
2. If a paperback version exists for the play, buy it! Again, nothing beats a live performance, but think of how proud you will be when someone asks "What is this play about?"
3. Watch THEATRE TALK on PBS. You might have to search your TV Guide for this. Some local stations air the New York-based discussion show that includes interviews with actors, directors, producers, and playrights.
4. We now have the Internet! Check out the following sites -- www.playbill.com ( this gives you a link to THEATER TALK. ), www.theatermania.com, www.broadway.com, and www.tonyawards.com.
5. Subscribe to PLAYBILL MAGAZINE. This monthly publication offers lists of the plays and musicals currently being performed in addition to articles and interviews with everyone you need to know about. If you cannot find it in your bookstore, go to playbill.com. The magazine ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY also provides a section called "Stage" once a month with reviews of plays and musicals. I will also be talking about possible nominees in the near future.
5/4--Final date for Tony eligibility.
5/10--Tony Nominations announced!!
Copyright 2005 Scott C. Forrest
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Saturday, April 23, 2005
The Plays
DOUBT
John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer-Prize winning drama stars Cherry Jones as a nun making accusations against a priest portrayed by Tony-Winner Brian F. O'Byrne.
DEMOCRACY
Michael Frayn's latest political piece has James Naughton portraying Willy Brandt, West German chancellor in the 1960's.
GEM OF THE OCEAN
Phylicia Rashad plays 287-year old Aunt Ester in August Wilson's newest installment.
BROOKLYN BOY
Adam Arkins headlines Adam Arkin's dramactic comedy about a writer finally making it big
while his personal life suffers.
THE PILLOWMAN
Billy Crudup is in Martin McDonagh's Olivier-Award winner focusing on an author and the coincidental murders in his small town.
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
Edward Albee's masterpiece is revived with Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin as George & Martha, one of theatre's most infamous couples.
TWELVE ANGRY MEN
This intense revival of what happens behind closed doors when jurors have it out is directed by Scott Ellis.
ON GOLDEN POND
James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams revive this drama dealing with a retired couple's views on the past, present, and future.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Delta Burke and Marsha Moore head an all-star cast reviving the Southern Belles and their relationships.
John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer-Prize winning drama stars Cherry Jones as a nun making accusations against a priest portrayed by Tony-Winner Brian F. O'Byrne.
DEMOCRACY
Michael Frayn's latest political piece has James Naughton portraying Willy Brandt, West German chancellor in the 1960's.
GEM OF THE OCEAN
Phylicia Rashad plays 287-year old Aunt Ester in August Wilson's newest installment.
BROOKLYN BOY
Adam Arkins headlines Adam Arkin's dramactic comedy about a writer finally making it big
while his personal life suffers.
THE PILLOWMAN
Billy Crudup is in Martin McDonagh's Olivier-Award winner focusing on an author and the coincidental murders in his small town.
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
Edward Albee's masterpiece is revived with Kathleen Turner and Bill Irwin as George & Martha, one of theatre's most infamous couples.
TWELVE ANGRY MEN
This intense revival of what happens behind closed doors when jurors have it out is directed by Scott Ellis.
ON GOLDEN POND
James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams revive this drama dealing with a retired couple's views on the past, present, and future.
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Delta Burke and Marsha Moore head an all-star cast reviving the Southern Belles and their relationships.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
The Special Events
DAME EDNA: BACK WITH A VENGEANCE!
Yes, she is! Barry Humpries entertains her Possums yet again during her command performance.
700 SUNDAYS
Billy Crystal stars in this highly acclaimed autobiography.
WHOOPI
Oscar Winner Whoopi returns to Broadway as she celebrates the 20th Anniversary of her first visit!
THE GOOD BODY
Eve Ensler's follow up to her enormously successful The Vagina Monologues.
LAUGH WHORE
Mario Cantone brings his brand of humor to the Great White Way as he offers his own unique perspective on life.
JACKIE MASON: FRESHLY SQUEEZED
Also returning to NYC is this very popular comic.
Yes, she is! Barry Humpries entertains her Possums yet again during her command performance.
700 SUNDAYS
Billy Crystal stars in this highly acclaimed autobiography.
WHOOPI
Oscar Winner Whoopi returns to Broadway as she celebrates the 20th Anniversary of her first visit!
THE GOOD BODY
Eve Ensler's follow up to her enormously successful The Vagina Monologues.
LAUGH WHORE
Mario Cantone brings his brand of humor to the Great White Way as he offers his own unique perspective on life.
JACKIE MASON: FRESHLY SQUEEZED
Also returning to NYC is this very popular comic.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
The Musicals
BROOKLYN, THE MUSICAL
Arguably, this is the season's most original new musical. The story of a woman in search of her father is told almost entirely by song by street performers. (soundtrack available now at www.amazon.com)
SPAMALOT
This new musical boasts broad, bawdy humor. Based on one of Monty Python's most successful movies, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pearce, Christopher Sieber, and Sara Ramirez are making audiences laugh, sing, and cheer. (visit www.deccabroadway.com)
LITTLE WOMEN
Tony winner Sutton Foster & Maureen McGovern star in this adaption of Louisa May Alcott's novel. (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)
ALL SHOOK UP
The Bard meets Elvis in this new musical starring Cheyenne Jackson. Handsome Chad rides his motorcycle into town and shows everyone how to rock! (visit www.amazon.com)
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Based on the movie of the same name, John Lithgow & Norbert Leo Butz star as con men swindling a young woman out of $50,000.00. (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
William Finn (Falsettos) is bringing his Off-Broadway h-i-t to The Great White Way. Six word obsessed contestants compete for the grand prize! (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
Another original new musical deals with a mother's disapproval of her daughter's attractive boyfriend. (visit www.amazon.com)
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
The car soars over the audience in this retelling of the popular 1968 movie. (London cast soundtrack available.)
DRACULA
The sun came up and the cutrain went down much too soon on this musical based on Bram Stoker's famous novel.
GOOD VIBRATIONS
More than 30 songs tell the tale of freezing New Englanders getting help from Rhonda and her car as they drive cross country to sunny California.
PACIFIC OVERTURES
B.D. Wong starred in this Stephen Sondheim masterpiece about America's influence on Japan circa 1850. (visit www.psclassics.com)
THE FROGS
Another Sondheim musical starred Tony winners Nathan Lane & Roger Bart in this remake of the comedy originally written in 405 BC. (visit www.psclassics.com)
SWEET CHARITY
Christina Applegate will finally dream her dream when she dances her way into the role of Charity Hope Valentine. (soundtrack being discussed; no official release date yet)
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
The remake of 1983's Tony Winner for Best New Musical challenges contemporay audiences with their views on real family values. (no soundtrack information)
Arguably, this is the season's most original new musical. The story of a woman in search of her father is told almost entirely by song by street performers. (soundtrack available now at www.amazon.com)
SPAMALOT
This new musical boasts broad, bawdy humor. Based on one of Monty Python's most successful movies, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pearce, Christopher Sieber, and Sara Ramirez are making audiences laugh, sing, and cheer. (visit www.deccabroadway.com)
LITTLE WOMEN
Tony winner Sutton Foster & Maureen McGovern star in this adaption of Louisa May Alcott's novel. (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)
ALL SHOOK UP
The Bard meets Elvis in this new musical starring Cheyenne Jackson. Handsome Chad rides his motorcycle into town and shows everyone how to rock! (visit www.amazon.com)
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Based on the movie of the same name, John Lithgow & Norbert Leo Butz star as con men swindling a young woman out of $50,000.00. (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
William Finn (Falsettos) is bringing his Off-Broadway h-i-t to The Great White Way. Six word obsessed contestants compete for the grand prize! (visit www.sh-k-boom.com)
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
Another original new musical deals with a mother's disapproval of her daughter's attractive boyfriend. (visit www.amazon.com)
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
The car soars over the audience in this retelling of the popular 1968 movie. (London cast soundtrack available.)
DRACULA
The sun came up and the cutrain went down much too soon on this musical based on Bram Stoker's famous novel.
GOOD VIBRATIONS
More than 30 songs tell the tale of freezing New Englanders getting help from Rhonda and her car as they drive cross country to sunny California.
PACIFIC OVERTURES
B.D. Wong starred in this Stephen Sondheim masterpiece about America's influence on Japan circa 1850. (visit www.psclassics.com)
THE FROGS
Another Sondheim musical starred Tony winners Nathan Lane & Roger Bart in this remake of the comedy originally written in 405 BC. (visit www.psclassics.com)
SWEET CHARITY
Christina Applegate will finally dream her dream when she dances her way into the role of Charity Hope Valentine. (soundtrack being discussed; no official release date yet)
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
The remake of 1983's Tony Winner for Best New Musical challenges contemporay audiences with their views on real family values. (no soundtrack information)
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