Wanted: ‘New York Love Stories’

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Karen Nowosad

Here’s a unique opportunity for anyone who has a story to tell about something special connected with New York City. Playwrights Horizons is looking for “New York Love Stories.”  They will be curating a collection of great NYC love stories and images that will be displayed in a gallery on their website, social media and maybe even in their Mainstage Theater lobby that will run in conjunction with their next upcoming production called Fly By Night.

The submissions should be something that you want to share that is connected to NYC. The story needs to be 300 or words or less and an image (digital if available) to accompany it. You can also send an image and information on where and when the image was taken. Specifically, be sure to let them know the role New York City played in your image/story such as City establishments, landmarks, modes of transportation: in other words, what makes your story a New York story?

Submission will be accepted until Friday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. Go to the Playwrights Horizons website at this link for more information and the form.

About the next show playing at Playwrights Horizons:

Fly By Night is by Will Connolly, Michael Mitnick, and Kim Rosenstock. It is described as “a tale of love, hope, and sandwiches set against the backdrop of the northeast blackout of 1965.”

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‘Cabaret’ Opens and ‘Aladdin’ Reviews are In

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Karen Nowosad

cabaret

Cabaret began previews last night. The long awaited revival of the classic show is starring Alan Cummings and Michelle Williams. Cummings is reviving his role as the Emcee for which he won a Tony Award in 1998. This show marks the Broadway debut of Michelle Williams who plays Sally Bowles.

Cabaret is running at the Studio 54 Theatre and will play a limited run until August 31, 2014. The orchestra is set up with tables of 4 for seating to resemble a nightclub. Prices are running between $47 – $362 on the show’s official website at Roundabout Theater. Discounts aren’t being found at this point. This might be a tough show to get tickets for as the months go on.

Aladdin, Disney’s new entry onto Broadway, opened on Thursday night to a string of very fine reviews. Last week, before this all occured, the average ticket price clocked in at $74.25. Look for that to go up as it ran at 100% attendance. Broadway Box has moved it to their Hot shows category meaning discounts aren’t there. The show is playing at the New Amsterdam Theatre which seats just about 1,800 people.

Running a quick check through on the site for tickets, availability for the next few weeks is very tight and for some shows, completely sold out. The one ticket found in the last row of the theater was $56 not counting TicketMaster fees. A $140 – $145 price is being shown on their pricing scale but those aren’t always accurate.

Watch for Disney to eventually do some nice family and group pricing for this show. But it could remain high priced pre-Tony Awards and in the months where tourist are willing to pay better the better prices.

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The Phantom and Hedwig Making News

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Karen Nowosad

25 anniversaryThe Phantom of the Opera will have two new leads in the show beginning May 12. At that time, Tony Award winner Norm Lewis will take on the role of the Phantom in the show which holds the distinction of being the longest running show on Broadway.
Joining Mr. Lewis will be Sierra Boggess who will take the role of one of my favorite heroines of musical theater, Christine.

Mr. Lewis will make history as first African American Phantom on Broadway. He absolutely wowed me in “Porgy and Bess” so I know I will be returning to the Majestic Theatre very soon to see him in this part. Ms. Boggess did a beautiful job singing the role in the 25th Anniversary celebrations in London and New York so I’m sure she will be remarkable to see also.

Norm Lewis succeeds the current Phantom, Hugh Panaro who has done this role over 2,100 times. I’m so glad I got to see him do this role several times over the years.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

For all you Hedwig fans out there, the Lottery and Standing Room policy was announced for this show which is due to start previews this month.

A minimum of 20 tickets will be sold via lottery for each performance. According to press notes: “Beginning two-and-a-half hours before every performance, patrons are invited to enter the lottery at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street). Winners will be drawn two hours before each performance. Each person will print their name and the number of tickets (1 or 2) they wish to purchase on a card that is provided. Entries will be collected and names will be drawn at random. Winners will then be able to purchase tickets at $37 each. All cards are checked for duplication prior to drawing. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Tickets may be purchased in cash or with a valid credit card. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Subject to availability. Seat locations may be partial view.”

The Standing Room Policy is as follows according to press notes:

“Standing room tickets are available on the day of the performance when the Belasco Theatre box office opens. Standing room tickets are only available when the performance is sold out. Limit 2 tickets per person.”

Ticket prices for “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” as scheduled to range from $142 – $47.

The performance schedule for this show will only include 7 shows a week and once the show is past the first few weeks, it will play on the following days and times:

Wednesday through Friday at 8 PM; Saturday at 7 PM and 10 PM; Sunday at 3 PM and 7 PM.

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