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Remember that great theatrical in-joke in DEATHTRAP? Sidney Bruhl, jealous of the terrific thriller that his student has written, tells his wife that it’s so good that “even a gifted director couldn’t hurt it.” Yes, some directors do believe that they can improve on what the writer(s) wrote. Ever hear about the production of SOUTH […]

Fifty-five years ago, audiences saw Charity Hope Valentine stuck in an elevator with Oscar Lindquist. As it turned out, she was the braver individual and helped calm down the claustrophobic.  As the title character of SWEET CHARITY, Gwen Verdon was marvelous – so what else was new? – in showing Charity’s concern for anyone in […]

He was known – and always will be known – for bringing Mark Twain back to life. But indeed, Hal Holbrook might well have become a star of Broadway musicals had he got the chance. When I heard of his death on Jan. 23rd, I recalled our conversation of nineteen years ago. It began with […]

To be sure, we savor many wonderful songs when we hear the original cast albums of ANNIE, INTO THE WOODS, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and OLIVER! And yet, when we see and hear children sing selections from these scores, we get an additional treat. The Junior Theater Festival, held last month, saw kids perform hits from […]

When you get the newly released Original Cast Album of WEST SIDE STORY on vinyl (available exclusively at Barnes & Noble), pretend you’re getting this recording in 1957 as tens of thousands did. The packaging on the new issue has the same front jacket showing Larry Kert as Tony and Carol Lawrence as Maria running […]