Broadway’s A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical will play its final performance on Sunday, June 30, before launching a national tour this fall, producers announced today.
The musical, which began previews on November 2, 2022, at the Broadhurst Theatre and opened that year on December 4, will have played 35 preview performances and 657 regular performances when it closes.
The announcement was made today by producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio, who said the production had grossed nearly $63M as of this week.
The musical, which charts the life and career of pop superstar Diamond and includes such hits as “Sweet Caroline,” “Cherry, Cherry” and “Solitary Man,” has seen up-and-down attendance in recent months, with figures for last week indicating that attendance was at just 65% of capacity. The show was one of only several that did not play to attendance of more than 90% capacity during the busy Presidents Day holiday week.
A North American...
The musical, which began previews on November 2, 2022, at the Broadhurst Theatre and opened that year on December 4, will have played 35 preview performances and 657 regular performances when it closes.
The announcement was made today by producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio, who said the production had grossed nearly $63M as of this week.
The musical, which charts the life and career of pop superstar Diamond and includes such hits as “Sweet Caroline,” “Cherry, Cherry” and “Solitary Man,” has seen up-and-down attendance in recent months, with figures for last week indicating that attendance was at just 65% of capacity. The show was one of only several that did not play to attendance of more than 90% capacity during the busy Presidents Day holiday week.
A North American...
- 2/22/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
American Idol winner Nick Fradiani will take over the role of Neil Diamond this month from the departing Will Swenson in Broadway’s bio-musical A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical, producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio announced today.
Fradiani, who won the 2015 edition of American Idol and last year released his second album Past My Past, will begin his role in A Beautiful Noise on Tuesday, October 31 at the Broadhurst Theatre. As previously reported, Swenson’s final performance after originating the role a year ago will be on Sunday, Oct. 29.
“Neil Diamond’s music was a huge part of my childhood,” said Fradiani, who has been the alternate in the role since the show’s premiere, adding, “I have seen first-hand the love, passion, and excitement the audience has brought to our theater over the past year, and I’m so lucky to continue being a part of this beautiful story.
Fradiani, who won the 2015 edition of American Idol and last year released his second album Past My Past, will begin his role in A Beautiful Noise on Tuesday, October 31 at the Broadhurst Theatre. As previously reported, Swenson’s final performance after originating the role a year ago will be on Sunday, Oct. 29.
“Neil Diamond’s music was a huge part of my childhood,” said Fradiani, who has been the alternate in the role since the show’s premiere, adding, “I have seen first-hand the love, passion, and excitement the audience has brought to our theater over the past year, and I’m so lucky to continue being a part of this beautiful story.
- 10/5/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Swenson will play his final performance as Neil Diamond in Broadway’s A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical on Sunday, Oct. 29, producers announced today.
A replacement for the starring role will be announced at a future date.
“It’s been the thrill of a lifetime to get to stand in Neil’s shoes,” Swenson said in a statement. “It’s been such an incredible honor to get to know Neil, to tell his powerful story, and bring his amazing songs to Broadway audiences every night. I’m immensely proud of the moving, beautiful show we made. I will miss it very much.”
A reason for Swenson’s departure was not disclosed, but his planned departure date suggests a year-long contract coming to a close: He and the bio-musical began previews at the Broadhurst Theatre last Nov. 2 (official opening was Dec. 4).
“Making A Beautiful Noise with Will Swenson was a deep and wonderful experience,...
A replacement for the starring role will be announced at a future date.
“It’s been the thrill of a lifetime to get to stand in Neil’s shoes,” Swenson said in a statement. “It’s been such an incredible honor to get to know Neil, to tell his powerful story, and bring his amazing songs to Broadway audiences every night. I’m immensely proud of the moving, beautiful show we made. I will miss it very much.”
A reason for Swenson’s departure was not disclosed, but his planned departure date suggests a year-long contract coming to a close: He and the bio-musical began previews at the Broadhurst Theatre last Nov. 2 (official opening was Dec. 4).
“Making A Beautiful Noise with Will Swenson was a deep and wonderful experience,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“I’m not exaggerating when I say that I grew up on Neil Diamond,” reveals Will Swenson. “He’s my Dad’s favorite singer of all time. So it was just fed to us with our breakfast, practically.” It’s appropriate then, that the Tony-nominated actor is bringing the iconic musician to life in the new bio-musical “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.” The actor was even able to enlist the help of Diamond himself in order to bring the true essence of the star to his physical and vocal transformation. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
Part of Swenson’s job is adopting Diamond’s signature look and stage presence. He admits that there is an enormous change in him when he gears up in the flamboyant, sequined costumes and flowing hair. Suddenly the character clicks into place. “As an actor, you do all this research, and all this rehearsal,...
Part of Swenson’s job is adopting Diamond’s signature look and stage presence. He admits that there is an enormous change in him when he gears up in the flamboyant, sequined costumes and flowing hair. Suddenly the character clicks into place. “As an actor, you do all this research, and all this rehearsal,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Strap on your Laducas and warm up your best 16 bars. The 2023 Tony Awards nominations prediction center is open for business, and a medley of musicals are vying for a spot in this year’s competitive races. Fifteen musicals will compete for Broadway’s biggest honors, and it’s time for you to make your best educated picks as to which ones will rise to the top.
The fall and winter have already seen several new tuners make a play for the coveted Best Musical award. “Kimberly Akimbo” is the latest work from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home”) and book writer/lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire. The story is adapted from Lindsay-Abaire’s straight play of the same name, which centers on the teenage Kimberly (Tony winner Victoria Clark) who has a rare disease that causes her body to age rapidly. The heartwarming and intimate show earned impressive reviews and has audiences swooning.
The fall and winter have already seen several new tuners make a play for the coveted Best Musical award. “Kimberly Akimbo” is the latest work from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home”) and book writer/lyricist David Lindsay-Abaire. The story is adapted from Lindsay-Abaire’s straight play of the same name, which centers on the teenage Kimberly (Tony winner Victoria Clark) who has a rare disease that causes her body to age rapidly. The heartwarming and intimate show earned impressive reviews and has audiences swooning.
- 3/3/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Andy Warhol (Paul Bettany) filming Jean-Michel Basquiat (Jeremy Pope) in Anthony McCarten’s The Collaboration, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah Photo: Jeremy Daniel
In the second instalment with Anthony McCarten we discuss A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, starring Will Swenson and Mark Jacoby as Diamond (now and then respectively), directed by Michael Mayer and The Collaboration with Jeremy Pope (terrific in Elegance Bratton’s impressive The Inspection) as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Paul Bettany as Andy Warhol and Erik Jensen as Bruno Bischofberger, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah.
Michael Stewart and Defacement, Pablo Picasso’s portrait of Gertrude Stein, Ernst Lubitsch’s Heaven Can Wait, Alexander Hall’s Here Comes Mr. Jordan, Noah Baumbach’s adaptation of Don DeLillo’s White Noise, and an imagined production of Anthony’s play The Two Popes with Whitney Houston playing and a Warhol on the wall of the Pope’s quarters inhabiting the “same sort of eerie.
In the second instalment with Anthony McCarten we discuss A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, starring Will Swenson and Mark Jacoby as Diamond (now and then respectively), directed by Michael Mayer and The Collaboration with Jeremy Pope (terrific in Elegance Bratton’s impressive The Inspection) as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Paul Bettany as Andy Warhol and Erik Jensen as Bruno Bischofberger, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah.
Michael Stewart and Defacement, Pablo Picasso’s portrait of Gertrude Stein, Ernst Lubitsch’s Heaven Can Wait, Alexander Hall’s Here Comes Mr. Jordan, Noah Baumbach’s adaptation of Don DeLillo’s White Noise, and an imagined production of Anthony’s play The Two Popes with Whitney Houston playing and a Warhol on the wall of the Pope’s quarters inhabiting the “same sort of eerie.
- 1/8/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Frank Galati, the Tony Award-winning director of Broadway’s The Grapes of Wrath and nominee for Ragtime, died Monday night. He was 79.
A cause of death was not immediately available.
Galati, who was an associate director at Chicago’s famed Goodman Theatre from 1986 to 2008 and a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company since 1985, was Oscar-nominated, along with co-writer Lawrence Kasdan, for the 1988 screenplay adaptation of Anne Tyler’s novel The Accidental Tourist.
Galati’s 1990 stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath won the Tony Award for Best Play; Galati also won the award that year for Best Direction. The acclaimed production, which debuted at Steppenwolf before transferring to Broadway, starred Gary Sinise, Terry Kinney, and Lois Smith in Tony-nominated performances.
“Frank had a profound impact on Steppenwolf, and all of us, over the years,” said Steppenwolf’s co-artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis in a joint statement.
A cause of death was not immediately available.
Galati, who was an associate director at Chicago’s famed Goodman Theatre from 1986 to 2008 and a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company since 1985, was Oscar-nominated, along with co-writer Lawrence Kasdan, for the 1988 screenplay adaptation of Anne Tyler’s novel The Accidental Tourist.
Galati’s 1990 stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath won the Tony Award for Best Play; Galati also won the award that year for Best Direction. The acclaimed production, which debuted at Steppenwolf before transferring to Broadway, starred Gary Sinise, Terry Kinney, and Lois Smith in Tony-nominated performances.
“Frank had a profound impact on Steppenwolf, and all of us, over the years,” said Steppenwolf’s co-artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis in a joint statement.
- 1/3/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadhurst Theatre curtain call for a jubilant Mark Jacoby (Neil Diamond now) and Will Swenson (Neil Diamond then) in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, book by Anthony McCarten, directed by Michael Mayer Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
When I spoke with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer in April of 2022 he had just launched his Broadway revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein (since replaced by Lea Michele) in the Barbra Streisand role as Fanny Brice and Ramin Karimloo taking on Nicky Arnstein, played by Omar Sharif in the film. Now he has A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical with Will Swenson starring as Diamond (then) and Mark Jacoby as Diamond (now). The book is by Anthony McCarten. McCarten also has on Broadway The Collaboration with Jeremy Pope...
When I spoke with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer in April of 2022 he had just launched his Broadway revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein (since replaced by Lea Michele) in the Barbra Streisand role as Fanny Brice and Ramin Karimloo taking on Nicky Arnstein, played by Omar Sharif in the film. Now he has A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical with Will Swenson starring as Diamond (then) and Mark Jacoby as Diamond (now). The book is by Anthony McCarten. McCarten also has on Broadway The Collaboration with Jeremy Pope...
- 1/1/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Anthony McCarten’s The Collaboration starring Jeremy Pope as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Paul Bettany as Andy Warhol at the Manhattan Theatre Club Samuel J Friedman Theatre Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Acclaimed screenwriter, playwright, novelist, and producer Anthony McCarten has two shows that have recently opened on Broadway, and the biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody in cinemas globally.
Anthony McCarten with Anne-Katrin Titze from a Manhattan restaurant: “During the early years of the 2000s I was something of a name as a novelist in Germany.”
In Fernando Meirelles’s The Two Popes, screenplay by McCarten, starring Anthony Hopkins (Pope Benedict XVI) and Jonathan Pryce (Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to become Pope...
Acclaimed screenwriter, playwright, novelist, and producer Anthony McCarten has two shows that have recently opened on Broadway, and the biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody in cinemas globally.
Anthony McCarten with Anne-Katrin Titze from a Manhattan restaurant: “During the early years of the 2000s I was something of a name as a novelist in Germany.”
In Fernando Meirelles’s The Two Popes, screenplay by McCarten, starring Anthony Hopkins (Pope Benedict XVI) and Jonathan Pryce (Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to become Pope...
- 12/30/2022
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Pop superstar and songwriter Neil Diamond, who retired from touring in 2018 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, surprised the opening night audience of A Beautiful Noise Sunday with a post-show performance of his signature hit “Sweet Caroline.” (Watch it below.)
Diamond was greeted with a standing ovation upon entering the the Broadhurst Theatre just before the start of the musical, which chronicles his life and features his music. But the big surprise came after the curtain call, when he rose from his box seat and, with mic in hand, launched into the song’s immediately recognizable lyrics “Where it began…”
Watch video of the performance below.
Diamond was accompanied to the show with wife Katie and, according to the musical’s spokesperson, more than 40 members of his family including children and grandchildren. The surprise performance of “Sweet Caroline” was Diamond’s first performance in his hometown of New York...
Diamond was greeted with a standing ovation upon entering the the Broadhurst Theatre just before the start of the musical, which chronicles his life and features his music. But the big surprise came after the curtain call, when he rose from his box seat and, with mic in hand, launched into the song’s immediately recognizable lyrics “Where it began…”
Watch video of the performance below.
Diamond was accompanied to the show with wife Katie and, according to the musical’s spokesperson, more than 40 members of his family including children and grandchildren. The surprise performance of “Sweet Caroline” was Diamond’s first performance in his hometown of New York...
- 12/5/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Swenson will reprise his Boston performance in A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical when the production moves to Broadway this fall, producers confirmed today.
Swenson will be joined in New York by his Boston costars Mark Jacoby (Swenson and Jacoby play Diamond at different stages of the icon’s life), Robyn Hurder as Marcia, and Linda Powell as Doctor.
The castings were announced today by producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio. A Beautiful Noise begins previews Wednesday, November 2 ahead of a Sunday, December 4 opening night at the Broadhurst Theatre.
Rounding out the cast will be Jessie Fisher, Michael McCormick, Tom Alan Robbins, and Bri Sudia as Ellie Greenwich and Rose Diamond.
Director Michael Mayer said in a statement, “I’m excited to bring our stunning company to the Broadhurst this fall to celebrate the music and life of Neil Diamond. His exceptional career speaks for itself, and I...
Swenson will be joined in New York by his Boston costars Mark Jacoby (Swenson and Jacoby play Diamond at different stages of the icon’s life), Robyn Hurder as Marcia, and Linda Powell as Doctor.
The castings were announced today by producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio. A Beautiful Noise begins previews Wednesday, November 2 ahead of a Sunday, December 4 opening night at the Broadhurst Theatre.
Rounding out the cast will be Jessie Fisher, Michael McCormick, Tom Alan Robbins, and Bri Sudia as Ellie Greenwich and Rose Diamond.
Director Michael Mayer said in a statement, “I’m excited to bring our stunning company to the Broadhurst this fall to celebrate the music and life of Neil Diamond. His exceptional career speaks for itself, and I...
- 9/6/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
As expected, A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical is heading to Broadway, with producers announcing today that previews will begin Wednesday, November 2, at the Broadhurst Theatre, with an official opening night on Sunday, Dec. 4.
The musical, which features a score of Diamond’s songs, currently is in rehearsals in New York for its upcoming world premiere at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre, where it will play a strictly limited six-week engagement from Tuesday, June 21 through Sunday, July 31.
The New York dates were announced today by producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio. The producers note that the Broadway dates coincide with the 50th anniversary of a series of concerts Diamond gave in October 1972 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre.
Casting for the Broadway production of A Beautiful Noise will be announced soon. Last month, Deadline reported that the Boston cast would include Tony Award nominees Will Swenson, Mark Jacoby and Robyn Hurder,...
The musical, which features a score of Diamond’s songs, currently is in rehearsals in New York for its upcoming world premiere at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre, where it will play a strictly limited six-week engagement from Tuesday, June 21 through Sunday, July 31.
The New York dates were announced today by producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio. The producers note that the Broadway dates coincide with the 50th anniversary of a series of concerts Diamond gave in October 1972 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre.
Casting for the Broadway production of A Beautiful Noise will be announced soon. Last month, Deadline reported that the Boston cast would include Tony Award nominees Will Swenson, Mark Jacoby and Robyn Hurder,...
- 5/18/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The upcoming pre-Broadway world premiere engagement of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical in Boston has cast Tony Award nominees Mark Jacoby and Robyn Hurder, and Linda Powell to its cast, producers said today.
Jacoby will play the musical icon as he is now, while the previously announced Will Swenson will portray Diamond as a young man. Jacoby’s casting is the first indication that A Beautiful Noise will include two actors portraying the singer-songwriter.
“Neil Diamond has had a myriad of career highs which are a joy to celebrate, but sometimes as artists we look back and only see the mistakes, the roads not taken, the failures, and the aftermath success can leave behind,” said director Michael Mayer in a statement. “Anthony McCarten’s book for A Beautiful Noise beautifully weaves these two perspectives together: the highs and the lows, looking forward and looking back, the artist...
Jacoby will play the musical icon as he is now, while the previously announced Will Swenson will portray Diamond as a young man. Jacoby’s casting is the first indication that A Beautiful Noise will include two actors portraying the singer-songwriter.
“Neil Diamond has had a myriad of career highs which are a joy to celebrate, but sometimes as artists we look back and only see the mistakes, the roads not taken, the failures, and the aftermath success can leave behind,” said director Michael Mayer in a statement. “Anthony McCarten’s book for A Beautiful Noise beautifully weaves these two perspectives together: the highs and the lows, looking forward and looking back, the artist...
- 4/21/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
It gives me no pleasure to report this, but Kanye West could potentially face criminal charges for electoral fraud. West is currently heading a somewhat haphazard campaign for the Presidency and, despite missing the filing deadline in many key states, had apparently successfully filed petitions in several of them. This seemed to mean that he would be on the ballot as an independent candidate in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey and Wisconsin. However, upon verification of the signatures, some big red flags were quickly raised.
Illinois (West’s home state) announced that only 1,200 of the 3,128 signatures were valid, leading to him being removed from the ballot. In New Jersey, meanwhile, Democratic opponents alleged that there were forged signatures, with West’s team withdrawing the petition. Similar issues arose in Wisconsin, too, with critics drawing attention to signatories like “Mickey Mouse” and “Bernie Sanders,” witnesses claiming they were duped into signing and...
Illinois (West’s home state) announced that only 1,200 of the 3,128 signatures were valid, leading to him being removed from the ballot. In New Jersey, meanwhile, Democratic opponents alleged that there were forged signatures, with West’s team withdrawing the petition. Similar issues arose in Wisconsin, too, with critics drawing attention to signatories like “Mickey Mouse” and “Bernie Sanders,” witnesses claiming they were duped into signing and...
- 8/11/2020
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
Recently, CBS served up the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Elementary" episode 4 of season 4. The episode is entitled, "All My Exes Live in Essex," and it turns out that we're going to see some pretty interesting stuff take place as the murder of a fertility lab tech, prompts Holmes and Watson to investigate, and more. In the new, 4th episode press release: Holmes And Watson Investigate The Murder Of A Fertility Lab Technician Who They Discover Had A Secret Life, On "Elementary," Thursday, Nov. 26. Press release number 2: When Holmes and Watson investigate the murder of a fertility lab technician, they are going to discover the woman had a secret personal life that leads them to multiple suspects. Also, the tables will get turned on Watson when she's investigated by an NYPD detective. Guest stars feature: Gabriel Olds (Mark Lawton), Robert Manning, Jr. (Dr. Branford Fisher), Jenn Colella...
- 11/19/2015
- by Eric
- OnTheFlix
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents the World Premiere production of Five Presidents. Broadway and television veterans Mark Jacoby, Martin L'Herault, Steve Sheridan, Jeff Steitzer, and Brit Whittle, along with Rep Associate Artist Reese Madigan, make up the cast of Five Presidents from Emmy Award-winning writer Rick Cleveland The West Wing, House of Cards, Mad Men, and Six Feet Under. Directed by Milwaukee Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements, the production opens tonight, March 13, 2015 and runs through April 5, 2015.
- 3/13/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Milwaukee Repertory Theater announced final casting for the upcoming World Premiere production of Five Presidents. Broadway and television veterans Mark Jacoby, Martin L'Herault, Steve Sheridan, Jeff Steitzer, and Brit Whittle, along with Rep Associate Artist Reese Madigan, make up the cast of Five Presidents from Emmy Award-winning writer Rick Cleveland The West Wing, House of Cards, Mad Men, and Six Feet Under.
- 3/10/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Milwaukee Repertory Theater announced final casting for the upcoming World Premiere production of Five Presidents. Broadway and television veterans Mark Jacoby, Martin L'Herault, Steve Sheridan, Jeff Steitzer, and Brit Whittle, along with Rep Associate Artist Reese Madigan, make up the cast of Five Presidents from Emmy Award-winning writer Rick Cleveland The West Wing, House of Cards, Mad Men, and Six Feet Under.
- 2/11/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Norm Lewis has been tapped to be the next Phantom in the megahit The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, a move that makes him the first African-American to slip behind the famous mask on the Great White Way.
Producers said Thursday the Tony Award nominee, who brought his deep and rich voice to Porgy in the recent Porgy and Bess revival, will make his debut opposite Sierra Boggess, who returns as Christine, beginning May 12.
Lewis played John in Broadway’s Miss Saigon, Javert in Les Miserables on Broadway in 2006, and was in the shows Side Show, The Little Mermaid,...
Producers said Thursday the Tony Award nominee, who brought his deep and rich voice to Porgy in the recent Porgy and Bess revival, will make his debut opposite Sierra Boggess, who returns as Christine, beginning May 12.
Lewis played John in Broadway’s Miss Saigon, Javert in Les Miserables on Broadway in 2006, and was in the shows Side Show, The Little Mermaid,...
- 3/20/2014
- by Associated Press
- EW.com - PopWatch
Wayne Knight, who played Jerry Seinfeld’s nemesis Newman on Seinfeld, will have some big, red pants to fill this November when he steps in as Santa in the Broadway musical Elf. The Exes star will assume the role originally played by George Wendt in the 2010 production based on Will Ferrell’s 2003 movie. Tony award winner Beth Leavel, Mark Jacoby, Valerie Wright, and Adam Heller will reprise their roles as Emily, Walter, Deb, and Mr. Greenway, respectively, and Casey Nicholaw returns to direct and choreograph.
The title character Buddy hasn’t been cast yet. May we suggest Michael Richards? If...
The title character Buddy hasn’t been cast yet. May we suggest Michael Richards? If...
- 9/20/2012
- by Maane Khatchatourian
- EW.com - PopWatch
Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in association with Unique Features announced today that the hit musical Elf will star Tony Award winner Beth Leavel Emily, Tony Award nominee Mark Jacoby Walter, Valerie Wright Deb, Adam Heller Mr. Greenway and Michael Mandell Store Manager. Leavel, Jacoby, Wright and Mandell are reprising the roles they originated in the 2010 production of Elf. Additional casting will be announced soon.
- 9/6/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Tonight, in TPACs James K. Polk Theatre, Michael Andrew, Marissa McGowan, Mark Jacoby, Klea Blackhurst, Jamie Ross and the rest of the ensemble will take to the stage to bring The Nutty Professor to life once more for a Nashville audience. Today, however, the company has been quietly reflective, taking to social media to express their shock and grief at the loss of their shows composer...
- 8/7/2012
- by Jeffrey Ellis
- BroadwayWorld.com
Courtesy of the Elf on BrodwayWebsite
When weheard that there was going to be a Broadway adaptation of the 2003 Will Ferrellmovie Elf, we were a little skeptical. After all filling Ferrell's pointy-toedshoes seemed like a pretty big feat. And the fact that the project would be BobNewhart-less, seemed like a travesty beyond forgivable proportions.
But wewere pleasantly surprised during the recent Macy's Thanksgiving Parade to seethe Elf production number. In a Broadway landscape riddled with recycled rocksongs jammed into convoluted storylines and overblown wire-gag filledbudget-busters, this instant Christmas classic seems like an old-school toetapper — with music by Matthew Sklar (Shrek the Musical) and lyrics by ChadBeguelin (The Wedding Singer).
SebastianArcelus, who takes on Ferrell's role of Buddy, is getting great reviews. As isthe supporting cast of Mark Jacoby in the part originated by James Caan and AmySpanger who plays the love interest created in film by Zooey Deschanel.
And whileTV...
When weheard that there was going to be a Broadway adaptation of the 2003 Will Ferrellmovie Elf, we were a little skeptical. After all filling Ferrell's pointy-toedshoes seemed like a pretty big feat. And the fact that the project would be BobNewhart-less, seemed like a travesty beyond forgivable proportions.
But wewere pleasantly surprised during the recent Macy's Thanksgiving Parade to seethe Elf production number. In a Broadway landscape riddled with recycled rocksongs jammed into convoluted storylines and overblown wire-gag filledbudget-busters, this instant Christmas classic seems like an old-school toetapper — with music by Matthew Sklar (Shrek the Musical) and lyrics by ChadBeguelin (The Wedding Singer).
SebastianArcelus, who takes on Ferrell's role of Buddy, is getting great reviews. As isthe supporting cast of Mark Jacoby in the part originated by James Caan and AmySpanger who plays the love interest created in film by Zooey Deschanel.
And whileTV...
- 12/10/2010
- by Pop Culture Passionistas
- popculturepassionistas
It's easy enough to sit through the Broadway production of "Elf" and feel yourself transforming into Scrooge. That, however, would mistakenly suggest it is easy to sit through "Elf."
The play, like the 2003 Will Ferrell movie, is about a guy who thinks he's an elf, but is actually human. Buddy (Sebastian Arcelus, "Jersey Boys," "Wicked") is not as fast as the others in making toys, or in much else. Then, one day, Buddy overhears two elves talking and discovers the truth.
"I can't believe you didn't see this coming," Santa tells Buddy, "You're 6'2" and I have to order your tights on Amazon."
Santa urges Buddy to visit his dad, who works in the Empire State Building. Buddy asks what New York is like, and the sage advice Santa dispenses is, "There are like 30 Rays Pizza and they all say they are the original. It's on 6th Avenue and 11th Street.
The play, like the 2003 Will Ferrell movie, is about a guy who thinks he's an elf, but is actually human. Buddy (Sebastian Arcelus, "Jersey Boys," "Wicked") is not as fast as the others in making toys, or in much else. Then, one day, Buddy overhears two elves talking and discovers the truth.
"I can't believe you didn't see this coming," Santa tells Buddy, "You're 6'2" and I have to order your tights on Amazon."
Santa urges Buddy to visit his dad, who works in the Empire State Building. Buddy asks what New York is like, and the sage advice Santa dispenses is, "There are like 30 Rays Pizza and they all say they are the original. It's on 6th Avenue and 11th Street.
- 11/22/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
It's easy enough to sit through Elf and feel yourself transforming into Scrooge.That, however, would suggest it is easy to sit through Elf.
Just because something is dressed up in candy cane stripes and features a fat guy in a red Santa suit doesn't automatically make it an instant feel-good Christmas classic.
Santa, by the way, is George Wendt (Norm, of Cheers fame) and is the smartest person in the production - he's barely on stage. When he is, he's fine. Wendt sings a little, reminds the audience in a clever enough way to turn off their cell phones, and open their candy in the beginning of the show.
It's wonderful when a seasonal show lures in audience members who would not normally go to the theater. This becomes painfully obvious when the woman behind him me screamed "Norm" whenever Wendt entered and the man in front of me...
Just because something is dressed up in candy cane stripes and features a fat guy in a red Santa suit doesn't automatically make it an instant feel-good Christmas classic.
Santa, by the way, is George Wendt (Norm, of Cheers fame) and is the smartest person in the production - he's barely on stage. When he is, he's fine. Wendt sings a little, reminds the audience in a clever enough way to turn off their cell phones, and open their candy in the beginning of the show.
It's wonderful when a seasonal show lures in audience members who would not normally go to the theater. This becomes painfully obvious when the woman behind him me screamed "Norm" whenever Wendt entered and the man in front of me...
- 11/22/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
One of the few great Christmas movies of the last decade is heading to Broadway this fall: Elf. Based on the 2003 holiday hit, the musical adaptation opens at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre November 10 and will play through January 2, 2011. Unfortunately, Will Ferrell will not be returning to the theater (after his George Bush show) to reprise his role of Buddy, the tallest and possibly dumbest of all Santa's helpers. That part has not been cast yet, though, and nor has Zooey Deschanel's character. According to USA Today, the role of Santa Claus, performed by Ed Asner in the movie, has just been filled by Cheers vet George Wendt, who previously portrayed St. Nick in the TV movie Santa Baby (though not its sequel).
Wendt joins Mark Jacoby (in the James Caan role) and Beth Leavel (taking over for Mary Steenburgen), among others for the stage version, which has new songs...
Wendt joins Mark Jacoby (in the James Caan role) and Beth Leavel (taking over for Mary Steenburgen), among others for the stage version, which has new songs...
- 8/12/2010
- by Christopher Campbell
- Cinematical
Remember "Elf"? The Jon Favreau-directed 2003 family comedy starring Will Ferrell as an elf exiled from Santa's workshop? Well it's coming to Broadway. And that theater adaptation now has a cast, or a large chunk of one at any rate.
NewYorkTheatreGuide.com reports on the announcement of the star-studded main cast, which includes Tony Award winner Beth Leavel (Emily), Tony Award nominee Mark Jacoby (Walter), Matthew Gumley (Michael), Valerie Wright (Deb), Michael McCormick (Mr. Greenway), Michael Mandell (Store Manager) and six-time Emmy Award winner George Wendt (Santa). Still to be revealed are the actors in the starring roles of Buddy and Jovie, Ferrell's and Zooey Deschanel's characters, respectively. Also in the cast, in unnamed roles, are Timothy J. Alex, Callie Carter, Cara Cooper, Lisa Gadja, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Blake Hammond, Emily Hsu, Jenny Hill, Nancy Johnston, Marc Kessler, Matt Loehr, Lee Wilkins and Kirsten Wyatt.
"Elf" opens at the Al...
NewYorkTheatreGuide.com reports on the announcement of the star-studded main cast, which includes Tony Award winner Beth Leavel (Emily), Tony Award nominee Mark Jacoby (Walter), Matthew Gumley (Michael), Valerie Wright (Deb), Michael McCormick (Mr. Greenway), Michael Mandell (Store Manager) and six-time Emmy Award winner George Wendt (Santa). Still to be revealed are the actors in the starring roles of Buddy and Jovie, Ferrell's and Zooey Deschanel's characters, respectively. Also in the cast, in unnamed roles, are Timothy J. Alex, Callie Carter, Cara Cooper, Lisa Gadja, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Blake Hammond, Emily Hsu, Jenny Hill, Nancy Johnston, Marc Kessler, Matt Loehr, Lee Wilkins and Kirsten Wyatt.
"Elf" opens at the Al...
- 8/12/2010
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
White Plains Performing Arts Center (Jack W. Batman, Executive Producer) is pleased to announce complete casting for the upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical A Little Night Music, by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. The cast of this brand new production of this Broadway masterpiece will feature Tony Award nominees Penny Fuller (Applause, Dividing The Estate) as ?Desiree? and Mark Jacoby (Ragtime) as ?Fredrick,? Broadway veteran Sheila Smith (Follies) as ?Madame Armfeldt,? Laura Osnes (Grease) as ?Anne? and Rachel de Benedet (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Nine) as ?Charlotte.? A Little Night Music will be directed by Sidney J. Burgoyne, who helmed this season?s acclaimed Camelot and last year?s sold-out production of Ragtime for the theatre, with Music Direction by James Bassi with choreography by Melissa Rae Mahon and Sean McKnight.
- 2/3/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
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