 | Dfernando - Scoops Broadway
Our very own Dfernando once again
brings us the current Broadway scoops on
shows and their current cast changes.
WRITE TO DFERNANDO
|  Dfernando |
|
New Faces, Old Shows...
Spring is here and what to do in New York City? If you were me, the only place to be is at a Broadway theatre seeing one of the numerous shows that have just recently opened or about to open within the next few weeks to make the deadline for the June Tony Awards.
Here are a few words on my recent visits to see some new cast changes on Broadway: At the start of the year I was fortunate to catch Gina Gershon's incredible Broadway stint as Sally Bowles in Sam Mendes' shockingly delicious adaptation of "Cabaret" (at Studio 54). I've been fortunate to have seen every Sally Bowles cast change in the Broadway cast (from Natasha Richardson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mary McCormack, Susan Egan, Joely Fisher and Lea Thompson), and Gina Gershon completely adds her own to the role. I hate to admit this, but even though I was aware of Gina's theatre background, I was only familiar with her film work ("Face Off", "Bound" and the extremely lovable "Showgirls"), so it was a nice revelation to see her incredible acting range that she's really never showcased in any of her film roles. She mustered a solid British accent as well as revealed an unexpected excellent singing voice. Her first scene and final number will leave you numb. No one has ever entered the stage about to sing "Cabaret" the way she did - I'm sure other actresses will incorporate her approach to their versions. I still get chills recalling it. Matt McGrath's seedy Emcee was comparable to Alan Cumming as he not only played-out the shocking sexual element of the character but added an emotional substance to the role as well (unlike the previous Michael Ball who just overdid the sexual bit to extremes). If you've seen or haven't seen "Cabaret" at its night-club setting at Studio 54, now is the time to discover (or rediscover) this masterpiece. Now starring as Annie Oakley in the highly enjoyable revival of Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun" is the one and only, country music legend Reba McEntire. If ever a person was born to play a role, Reba was born to play Annie. When I first heard the rumors of her joining the Broadway cast, I couldn't wait until it was confirmed. When it finally was, I knew this was going to be an event I could not miss. Its only been a few weeks that I first saw her in the show, but I already have my tickets for the 3/28/01 performance - mine and Reba's birthday! As for her Broadway debut goes…her stage presence and dominance is of total control and confidence and a total thrill to experience. Not once do you even think its Reba playing a role - she becomes the role. Her interpretation of those classic Irving Berlin songs: "You Can't Get a Man with a Gun", "Lost in His Arms", "I've Got the Sun in the Morning" and "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)" never sounded this fresh. That Reba voice adds new magic to these famous and well-known songs. Also, her chemistry with Brent Barrett (the 'new' Frank Butler) is a genuine joy to watch. Expect an incredible night. Reba is a revelation. The dance revue of Bob Fosse's choreographic career, "FOSSE" just celebrated its 2nd hit year on Broadway, and currently headlining in its cast are former Bob Fosse favorites: dancer/actor/singer Ben Vereen and dancer/actress/choreographer Ann Reinking (who won a Tony Award for choreographing the current highly successful revival of Bob Fosse's legendary musical "Chicago", as well as this production of "FOSSE"). Anyone familiar with the importance of these 2 artists in Bob Fosse's career knows to expect chills when either of these 2 performers is on stage evoking Fosse's trademark style. Ben Vereen leaves the show on April 1st and joining Ann will be none-other than "Chicago" (and Bob Fosse) favorite: Bebe Neuwirth. Ann Reinking and Bebe both co-starred in the revival of "Chicago" when it first opened back in 1996, so this reunion is going to be explosive. They are both slated to be in "FOSSE" until April 29th, but expect an extension. Now, for the upcoming shows to look forward to: Mel Brooks' musical adaption of his famous 1967 comedy film classic "The Producers"; directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Susan Stroman ("Crazy for You"; "The Music Man" revival and "Contact") and stars Tony Award winners Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. The musical adaption of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" with Joshua Park, Kristen Bell, Linda Purl, Jane Connell & John Christopher Jones and directed by Scott Ellis. The percussion filled "Blast!" featuring 60 Drum Corp musicians. The limited engagement of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" starring Gary Sinise as McMurphy, Amy Morton as Nurse Ratched and directed by Terry Kinney. The longed-for revivals of: Comden & Green's "Bells are Ringing" starring Tony Winner Faith Prince, Marc Kudisch and directed by Tina Landau. Stephen Sondheim's legendary "Follies" featuring a star-studded cast: Blythe Danner, Gregory Harrison, Judith Ivey, Treat Williams, Polly Bergen, Marge Champion & Betty Garrett. "42nd Street" with Christine Ebersole, Michael Cumpsty, Mary Testa, Jonathan Freeman and pianist Billy Stritch with Gower Champion's original choreography recreated by Randy Skinner.
| 
