Sorkin "Friended" By Facebook for Biopic

Aaron Sorkin's newest writing project? A biopic about the creators of Facebook. Sorkin, a famed and sought after LA-based writer, has long had a fan in me. And I sure do love me some Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg, creator of the social networking phenomenon, has turned down billion-dollar offers in order to remain independent. The many ownership debates, Facebook's remarkable growth and its presence in the media certainly makes for some good film fodder. And Sorkin definitely has a gift for eloquently turning fodder into though-provoking entertainment.

Sorkin got his start writing for the stage and was quickly swept off to Hollywood where he has penned several successful and critically-acclaimed films. His screenplay writing credits include A Few Good Men, Malice, The American President and Charlie Wilson's War. Sorkin is probably best-known and most-loved for creating and acting as head writer for three very popular TV series: Studio 60, The West Wing and Sports Night.

Last year saw Sorkin returning to Broadway as the author of the very mediocre The Farnsworth Invention. As I stated in my review, it seems as though the producers (which included Steven Spielberg) could not decide if Farnsworth was a film or a play and made the wrong choice. Perhaps the forthcoming film Flash of Genius, which also tells the story of an inventor who gets the shaft, will work better.

In addition to the Facebook film, Sorkin has been tapped for The Trial of the Chicago 7 and the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Follies. I have every confidence that Sorkin will deliver with a heavyhitting courtroom drama, as that is his sweet spot. I have reservations about how he will handle Follies. Hopefully he is more successful bringing stage to screen than he is trying to morph a screenplay to the stage.

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Related Article: Aaron Sorkin To Write Facebook Film

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Change Is Officially Imminent

Barack Obama has accepted the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. It is time for change, folks! Click here to read the transcript of his speech or watch it on YouTube (Pt 1, Pt 2, Pt 3, Pt 4 and Pt 5).

Vote for change on November 4th!

Peace.

The Simpsons Intro in Live Action - 2 Cool!

This video has amassed in excess of 2 million hits since it was added over 2 years ago. 2day, however, was the 1st time I saw it... And it was 2 good not 2 share! Enjoy!

Where The Wild (And Talented) Things Are: 92nd Street Y

Oh, if only I could attend this little event up at the 92nd Street Y...

Several of the announced guests for this celebration/fundraiser are associated with the forthcoming film. This includes director Spike Jonze, Wild Thing Forest Whitaker, Catherine Keener and everyone's favorite Soprano James Gandolfini. Should that list not suffice, they've thrown in some Tony Kushner, Meryl Streep and Anika Noni Rose, among others, for good measure.

General sale tickets are sold out but benefit tickets to for special seats and a post-performance cocktail party are available by contacting Marissa Carty at 212-415-5488 or by e-mail. Funds are donated to Y-sponsored Education Outreach Intiatives that serve 8,000 kids each year.

That's a good thing folks. So if you'll be in NYC on September 15th, if you've got the cash for those special seats and want to part of something cool, I'm thinking this event will qualify.

Incidentally, the Warner Brothers film just wrapped an expensive reshoot in June and is listed on IMDb as being in post-production. A 2009 release date is anticipated though nothing definitive has been released from the studio since mid-July. I respect the fact that the studio is willing to invest time and money in order to give this classic story the artistic attention and integrity it deserves.

I, for one, can't wait...

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RELATED ARTICLES:

Warner Brothers' President Updates Where The Wild Things Are Progress

Kushner, Streep, Rose and More Will Celebrate Sendak at the 92nd Street Y

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Ethics of Reciprocity In Hollywood?

Call it what you will: karma, the Golden Rule or simply what comes around goes around. Whatever you call it, it is nice to see some of Hollywood's finest realize that it is there but for the grace of God and to take a moment to do unto Matilda.

Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law have reportedly donated salaries received for completing The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus to Heath Ledger's daughter, Matilda. Ledger was in the middle of filming Dr. Parnassus when he died of an accidental overdose in January 2008. Following his death, the three actors stepped into Ledger's role so that the film could be completed.

Kudos for a classy move, guys!

Never Neverland (Fly Away)

Well, it has been a month now since Peter Pan has closed. The project was a lot of work but it was also exceedingly rewarding. I believe we brought a good production to the community on a shoestring budget and exposed many kids and families to the wonderment of producing theatre. If we accomplished nothing else, it was that.



But we did accomplish more... In previous posts I have also mentioned The Heart Gallery exhibit that was being displayed in the theatre's Geissinger Annex Gallery during the run of Peter Pan. Every night after the show we would gather in the Annex among the faces of over 30 children searching for permanent homes through adoption. Words cannot express the feelings experienced when I learned that 4 of the children from that exhibit have now been placed in homes. Indeed, a little fairy dust was sprinkled on our unassuming theatre in Brookfield. And it is because of moments like that in life that I do believe.

So, I have left Neverland behind and have pointed my compass in the direction of Concord, NH. Beginning in September, I will be spending a few months at TBTA with Jo March and about as much estrogen as one show can muster. In many ways, Little Women will be the polar opposite of the musical about the boy who would not grow up. This is definitely a journey that I am eager to begin.

Beyond September, plans are in the works and announcements are forthcoming... So stay tuned.

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"Never Neverland (Fly Away)" from Dreaming Wide Awake by Scott Alan

www.shrekthemusical.com

Obama, Iconis & Sondheim

Wait! Barack Obama listens to Joe Iconis? When asked about late-period musical theatre, Obama replied thusly:

Despite the emergence of the Brown-Lippa-LaChiusa triptych and younger, DIY voices like Lopez/Marx and Joe Iconis and in the post-Larson era, no one writing today even approaches the emotional depth, harmonic complexity and the spiritual clarity evident in the work of the still-living legend Stephen Sondheim. Maybe Adam Guettel, but he supports drilling.

Of course, I think it is a bit unfair and premature to compare Joe Iconis to America's most revered living musical theatre composer, who happens to be 50 years Iconis' senior. I also have a hard time believing that Obama is rocking out to Iconis on his iPod... I'm just saying.

And since we're speaking of Sondheim...

FINALLY - some casting news for the much-anticipated revival of West Side Story: Matt Cavenaugh (A Catered Affair, Grey Gardens) will play the coveted role of Tony, a move guaranteed to catapult him to Broadway superstardom. The remaining casting decisions remain a mystery but, with a February opening, I suspect they will be announced soon.

The WSS announcement comes directly on the heels of The Public Theater announcing the Off-Broadway run of Sondheim's Road Show. The musical, whose previous incarnation under the title of Bounce, will be directed by Sondheim's staple director of late John Doyle. The production will star Michael Cerveris and Alexander Gemignani.

And in more solemn Sondheim news, George Furth, the librettist for Company and Merrily We Roll Along, passed away at the age of 75. Merrily is one of my favorite Sondheim musicals, one that is also rumored for revival. Strangely enough, in my quest to find a composer for my musical project, I received a resume from someone who recently worked with George and cited him as one of his references. Perhaps this is a sign. And you know how I am about signs...

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Related Article: Barack Obama and John McCain Weigh In On Pop Culture
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A Little Toast with Jam-boree

As usual, Iconis and his merry band of troubadours kicked some major ass at Joe's Pub this past Monday night. Take a gander at some highlights from the evening...

"The Whiskey Song" featuring Matt Hinkley, Lance Rubin, Joe Iconis & Jason "Sweet Tooth" Williams

"The Answer" from The Black Suits performed by Krysta Rodriguez

"Vagabond" performed by Matt Hinkley

"Sorta Kinda Not So Bad" from The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks with Lance Rubin & Jason "Sweet Tooth" Williams

"The Song" performed by Joe Iconis

"Helen's In Skin Flicks Now" performed by Jason "Sweet Tooth" Williams

"The Bar Song" featuring Jason "Sweet Tooth" Williams, Joe Iconis, Matt Hinkley and Lance Rubin

"The Goodbye Song" performed by John Gallagher, Jr.

"Penny Dreadfuls" featuring Jason "Sweet Tooth" Williams, Lance Rubin, Joe Iconis and Matt Hinkley

Crazy Talented Cheyenne

How amazing is it to be Seth Rudetsky and constantly be around people as sick with talent as this? I'm guessing pretty fucking amazing.

August: Osage County Inches Closer To The Silver Screen

Tracy Letts' stellar ensemble play, which already boasts the Pulitzer and five Tonys, is getting closer to what will undoubtedly be a few Oscars.

According to Variety, Doumanian Productions and Steve Traxler, the Broadway production's lead producers, will executive produce the cinematic incarnation of dysfunctional tour-de-force written by Steppenwolf playwright Tracy Letts. No budget, schedule or cast has been set but every time a Hollywood A-list actor goes to see August: Osage County, rumors certainly fly. In fact, theatre bloggers have made great sport of predicting which Tinsel Town luminaries they'd like to see bring the Weston family to the big screen.

I realize that several of the original cast will have had the opportunity to perform this masterpiece in London and perhaps on the US tour. I also understand the allure that some of the best written roles in contemporary theatre hold for established film actors. But please, God, please, let the Steppenwolf actors have the opportunity to immortalize their brilliant performances for the public at large. A broader audience deserves to see those performances.

And I did say please.

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Click here to play casting agent for August: Osage County in the Fantasy Casting poll.

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The Dempster Girls Take In The Plants That Ate Dirty Socks

So apparently the most popular keywords currently driving traffic to my blog are (1) related to reviews of Joe Iconis' The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks or (2) my maiden name.

Well who am I to disappoint?

If you are searching under my maiden name, you probably know me from my college years or before. A lot has changed since then. I am now Alicia Dempster. Google that. Or friend me on Facebook.

Also, as it would happen, on a rainy Sunday afternoon last week my three daughters and I took the train to the City to see Plant, the second of the two fully-realized Iconis shows produced this summer. And, since it is what my readers want, I will write a review.

In its 20th season of offering free theatre to children, TheatreworksUSA's production of The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks continues the tradition of providing literature-based musicals featuring some of theatre's most promising talent. Iconis' one-hour family friendly rock musical is currently in production at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and is based on the first installment of Nancy McArthur's popular book series from the late 80s. A less-gory spin on another rock musical, Little Shop of Horrors, it is the story of two very different brothers who find common ground in their unusual plants.

Many of the titles in Joe's songbook are for mature audiences only, so several tracks get skipped when we're listening to Mommy's Iconis CD in the car. My girls have, however, heard "Plants Make Wonderful Pets" enough times that they were humming it well before they saw the show. In fact, we even incorporated the book into storytime, so they were aptly primed for our journey to see the musical adaptation.

Iconis' pulsating rock score and clever lyrics are appealing to both the primary audience for which they are intended and the parents seated at their side. Most notable are the jaunty and catchy "Plants Make Wonderful Pets" and "Welcome To My Room", although the one that my girls now keep screaming around the house is "I Saw It Suck Up A Sock!" Some of Iconis' best songs, in my opinion, are the ones with lilting melodies and simple sentiment, thus making "Sorta Kinda Not So Bad" my personal favorite (hey, I'm a sentimentalist).

Iconis' book solidly retells McArthur's story with only minor variances from the less-than-complex chapter book. Most of the changes, I presume, were made to keep the cast size small and its run-time under an hour thus increasing its tour appeal. While children's theatre may not be the genre one would dub as being in Iconis' comfort zone, he has certainly risen to the task with an infectious and entertaining production.

The at-odds brothers, portrayed by Jason "Sweet Tooth" Williams and Lance Rubin, are energetic and endearing. Williams is wide-eyed and soulful as big brother Michael, a perfect compliment to Rubin's dorky yet comical Norman. Both manage the various song styles with the vocal power necessary to handle a loud, rock score but lend just the right amount of heart to ballads like the aforementioned "Sorta Kinda Not So Bad".

As the meddling neighbor kids, Lauren Marcus and Jeffery Omura have the opportunity to show off their pipes in their featured number, "Talk of the Town." Marcus is spirited and nasty as nosy-cheerleader-with-a-dark-side Patty Jenkins. Her bulldog scene with Lisitza is classic and, despite her tantrums, her character was a favorite with my girls. Doubling as egomanical 7th grade pal Jason and ratings-hungry telejournalist McKenzie, Jeffrey Omura creates characters that are appropriately loathesome. He also has 15 seconds in "Welcome To My Room" as the Mailman that delivers the mysterious sock-eating plant seeds. My eldest daughter was deeply concerned that he was not credited for this role in the Playbill. I believe she may have a future as an agent.

Lorinda Lisitza and Kilty Reidy play the boys' far-too-accomodating parents with cartoon character perfection. Since most of the songs are relegated to the kids characters, the only time we really got to hear Lorinda wail is during the riotous "Talk of the Town". But wail she does. For more wailing, click here. Lisitza and Reidy also show up at the science fair to chew the scenery a bit as Sanjay and the Judge respectively.

The eponymous plants are the brainchild of puppeteer designer Eric Wright and are manipulated by puppeteer Michael Shupbach. While I did see some kids hiding their eyes during the sock-slurping scenes, the plants are truly lovable, as is witnessed in a cute and humorous scene between Michael and his plant Stanley.

No strangers to Iconis material, director John Simpkins and choreographer Jennifer Werner stage a tight production. Michael Schweikardt's colorful set deftly set the stage, whether it is the boy's bedroom or the cafegymitorium, and it is highlighted by Tracy Christensen's youthful costumes and Chris Dallos' lighting design.

While I personally prefer my Iconis a little bloodier, Plant is a great introduction to the brilliantly damaged mind of Joe Iconis. I had a great afternoon at the theatre with my girls and, with all due to respect to the folks over at CityCenter, they said they liked it better than Damn Yankees.

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The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks runs at the Lucille Lortell Theater in New York until August 22nd. For information, visit http://www.theatreworksusa.org/.

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A Career Change?

Half-Blood Prince vs. Half-Baked Stableboy

Not sure which Daniel Radcliffe project I'm looking forward to more...

Or...

I just know that I'm really looking forward to both of them. A lot.

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City Center Scores with Damn Yankees

There are some musicals that stand the test of time and therefore, I suppose, are called classic. The classic musical comedy Damn Yankees has been once revived on Broadway and yesterday ended its three week run as part of NY City Center Encores! Summer Stars series. I must say, of the many old school musicals that I've grown (sometimes kicking and screaming) to appreciate, this is one that I actually like.

My first introduction to Damn Yankees was via the 1958 film starring Ray Walston and Gwen Verdon, who both received the 1956 Tony for their peformances in the Broadway production. Even as a tween, before I had the good sense to revere Bob Fosse for the genius that he is, I fell in love with the choreography. By the time Broadway got around to reviving it in 1994, I was well-versed with Fosse's body of work and I was anxious to see the show staged.

The revival did not disappoint. I saw it twice - the first time with Victor Garber and Bebe Neuwirth and the second with their successors Jerry Lewis and Charlotte d'Amboise. Victor and Bebe were great, Jerry and Charlotte not so much. But despite his scenery gnawing and her bland performance, I still enjoyed it the second time around.

A couple of years ago, I stage managed a production of Damn Yankees. These days, stage managing is something I rarely do. However, if it is a show I really like or it gives me the opportunity to work with specific directors, I will dust off my stage manager's kit and take on the task. In this instance, both criteria applied.


When word hit the streets that Sean Hayes and Jane Krakowski would be headlining in Damn Yankees at NY City Center, I rung up the director of the aforementioned production and an outing was planned. Uncle Brad, as many affectionately call my director friend, is someone whose work and creative mind commands my deepest respect. Being able to see the show with my husband and kids and then being able to deconstruct it with Uncle Brad was a delight in and of itself. The fact that it was a stellar production was simply the icing on the cake of an already great experience.

Sean Hayes, of course, is noted for his Emmy winning turn as Jack McFarland on the hit sitcom Will & Grace. His New York theatre debut as Mr. Applegate has certainly proven the actor worthy of a Broadway run some time in the future. Musical comedy is a genre he is unsurprisingly suited for and a transfer of Damn Yankees, much in the vain of City Center's Gypsy, would not surprise me (although it has not, as yet, been rumored).

Hayes is a solid actor and he used just the right dose of Jackisms in his Applegate. The hissy fits that we loved in Jack are perfectly suited for those had by Applegate. In this production it worked to crowd-pleasing effect. Hayes also proved himself vocally strong in his self-accompanied showstopping number "Those Were The Good Old Days". After an appreciative fan whistled from the crowd, Hayes, a classically trained pianist, took a beat, leaned out and whispered: "I'm really playing." And he was. To an audience that was loving every minute of it.

I've long been a fan of Jane Krakowski's and was pleased to see her team up with Hayes to take on the Herculean task of filling the role that was immortalized by Gwen Verdon. Jane's got some formidable vocal chops and comic skills - which I've known since her Ally McBeal days. Known most recently from her role as Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock, Krakowski is a decent enough dancer but I felt there was something off during her big dance numbers. During intermission, Uncle Brad told me that Fosse choreographed very distinctly for the body and that nowadays dancers are so waifish that some of it just doesn't work. Gwen Verdon had a little meat on her bones, so when she was jiggling and grinding it just suited her better (and I mean that in the nicest of ways). I would have to say that I agree with Uncle Brad on this one. Man that bastard is smart.

The below-the-title actors were no hacks either: Cheyenne Jackson, Randy Graff, Megan Gallagher (who replaced the injured Ana Gasteyer), Veanne Cox and Michael Mulheren. Not a bad supporting cast, eh?

Cheyenne Jackson was an amiable Young Joe Hardy and it was nice to see him have the opportunity to work with Krakowski (who vacated the role of Kira/Clio in Xanadu after her sitcom got picked up). He has a kick ass voice, is not a bad dancer and undeniably easy to look at (many in our party agreed that spending a little more time in his undershorts during the locker scene would have been all right with us).

Tony winner Randy Graff brings the right amount of heartbreak and devotion to Meg, the wife that's been left behind during his stint as a Washington Senators champion. Megan Gallagher's nosy reporter Gloria Thorpe lacked the necessary spunk that role needs to be endearing. Veanne Cox was perfection as Sister and Michael Mulheren's Coach Vanburen led the well-known "Heart" number to enthusiastic response. Veanne and Michael, however, shone the brightest at the stage door after the show.


My girls know Veanne from Disney's remake of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, in which she played one of Cinderella's stepsisters. My eldest told me later that when she met Veanne she felt like she was meeting a movie star! My husband and I mentioned how we had seen Cinderella many times and how much we loved it. Veanne was very appreciative of the permanence of film and at the same time a bit nostalgic about the fleetingness of theatre. She did affirm one of my pillar convictions: the importance of bringing children to theatre so that this art form does not die. She was definitely a cool chiquita banana!

Michael Mulheren also took the time to chat with the girls about the show and asked them where they were from. When they replied, he just looked at them and said, "Danbury! I've worked there!" And indeed he had... Apparently he did Pirates of Penzance at Candlewood Playhouse with my friend Kevin. Oh the theatre and its players comprise a small world indeed!

Having now seen professional productions of both the original and revival scripts of Damn Yankees, I have to say that there were things from the revival that I missed. I like the "Blooper Ballet" as a way of introducing the Washington Senators "in action". And, like my friend Brad, I prefer "Heart" to be sung by ALL of the ball players instead of just VanBuren and the Quartet. Finally, while I enjoyed seeing Fosse's beatnicky choreography performed by Jackson and Krakowski in "Two Lost Souls", I prefer that number to be performed by Applegate and Lola. It gives Applegate another song in the show (which I would have liked to have seen) and it allows Joe Hardy to maintain his devotion to Meg by eliminating the kiss between him and Lola.

Both versions of the musical, however, have the same strong story at its core. It is the story where good triumphs over evil, where the underdog team wins the prize and the boy gets the girl. Throw in a good Republican joke, a seductress in her underwear and a Fosse jig and you've got an All-American musical sure to please for years to come!


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Related Articles:

New York Times: Selling His Soul For The Part
New York Daily News: Damn Yankees Had Some Great Runs
Playbill.com: Bottom of the Ninth: Damn Yankees Ends City Center Run July 27
New York Newsday Review: Damn Yankees At City Center Encores!

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More Movie Musicals On The Horizon

It seems the movie musical's resurgence in popularity has everyone in Hollyood scrambling...

I'm not sure which has me cringing more: John Waters writing the sequel to the movie musical Hairspray (with an eye on the cast of the 2007 film to reprise their roles) or Emma Thompson authoring the screenplay for the remake of the Lerner and Loewe classic My Fair Lady.

Meanwhile MTV is planning to revamp Rocky Horror Picture Show and Kenny Ortega is bringing Footloose back to the movie houses. It should be interesting to see how the Broadway incarnations of those films impact the remakes...

And over at Universal, Marc Platt is planning the film remake of Jesus Christ Superstar and Wicked's move to the silver screen (which, if you ask me, will ultimately be the one to beat).

In case you were wondering, I am still on the fence as to whether or not this movie musical mania is madness or euphoria.

UPDATE: I neglected to mentioned the upcoming film of Sondheim's Follies, which has Aaron Sorkin in the unenviable position of adapting. And, of course, there is movie musical wiz Rob Marshall's adaptation of Nine.

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Related Articles:

John Waters to Pen Sequel to Hairspray Movie Musical

Academy Award Winner Thompson to Pen Screenplay for "My Fair Lady" Remake

MTV Plans Remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Wicked Film and Jesus Christ Superstar Remake on Platt's Plate

A Life-Changing Revelation

Today I realized why the rewrite of Harvest Home has taken almost 3 1/2 years... Because it was meant to be a musical, not a screenplay.

All the signs were there... How can I have been so obtuse?

Plugging In To The Battery's Down

I have a new theatre geek addiction. Sometimes, and this is one of those times, you feel the need to share. It is called The Battery's Down. It is hil-FREAKIN'-larious! And if you're a theatre person, especially of the acting variety, you'll love it!

I had heard about it when it launched back in February (yes, I know, I'm late jumping on the bandwagon). Knowing it was up my alley, I kept meaning to watch it but had never gotten around to it. In Episode 6, however, a friend of mine had a cameo so I finally dragged my lazy fingers over the keyboard to type: www.thebatterysdown.com to finally check it out.

Lovable, guy-next-door actor Jake Wilson has created an online series in the vain of [title of show] and Cubby Bernstein in which he details the trials and tribulations of the young New York actor. Featuring viral marketing veterans Cheyenne Jackson and Jonathan Groff, among others, the series is a great showcase for some of musical theatre's brightest up and coming talent.

The multitalented Wilson directs, choreographs, writes and stars in the series and has assembled an excellent supporting cast, including a few fellow University of Michigan alums. The music, both clever and catchy, features the work of Pasek & Paul, Salzman & Cunningham and Ryan Scott Oliver. My favorite, so far, is Oliver & Guenther's "This Is Your Life", which is a sort of theatrical "La Vie Boheme". A close runner-up is Salzman & Cunningham's "You Should Be In That", featured in Episode 3. Oh, yes, I've had conversations that were frightening similar to the one featured in this song... I suppose most theatre folks have.

So if you're in need of a quick 20 minute dose of clever comedy targeted to musical theatre types, head on over to the show's Web site or check it out on YouTube. You'll laugh your leg warmers off!

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http://www.thebatterysdown.com/

The Battery's Down on YouTube

Episodes are released on the first day of each month at 12:01am.

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The Summer of Iconis Continues @ Theatreworks USA

Ummm... Go see this. Why? Because it's free. Because Matt Lauer is Honorary Chair. Because it gets children to the theatre. Because it has some wickedly talented people in it.

And because the music, lyrics and book are by Joe Iconis. DUH! I've only been telling you about him forever. I don't understand why you haven't been to one of his shows yet. And this, my friend, is the perfect opportunity to get to one! This free offering by Theatreworks USA is a palatable little nibble of Iconis that will definitely leave you craving more.

The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks is based on a series of children's books by Nancy McArthur about a plant that eats... well... socks. In preparation for our family outing to NYC, I've actually been reading the book with my girls. We're only on Chapter 9 but it essentially seems to be a less gory version of Little Shop of Horrors. It is definitely a charming way to introduce kids to (1) musical theatre and (2) Joe Iconis. This morning, whilst looking at the book cover, my eldest was actually singing from the show. Yes, I've taught her well!

But maybe sock-eating plants are not your thing. For those that prefer their Iconis bloodier (and with a cocktail), go see this:

Or this:

You will not be disappointed. And you will thank me.

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Ticket Info:

Plant That Ate Dirty Socks at Theatreworks USA

Joe Iconis and Friends at Laurie Beechman

Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree at Joe's Pub

Whoopi Joins Xanadu for Month of August

Just announced on The View...

For the month of August, Whoopi Goldberg will be covering the role of Calliope/Aphrodite in the award-winning cult musical Xanadu. Mary Testa, who plays the role of Melpomene/Medusa, appeared on the talk show and announced that Whoopi will be playing her conniving counterpart next month.

I love Whoopi! And I'm hoping that her stint at the Helen Hayes will bring more people to see this charming musical comedy that makes virtually all who see it an unexpected fan of the show.

My husband has mentioned several times that he would like to see (1) Xanadu and (2) her on stage (I saw her in Forum). Perhaps we can work it into our already crammed schedule. But even if we can't... you should!

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Whoopi Goldberg will be featured in Xanadu from July 29th thru September 7th, 2008.
Tickets: http://www.telecharge.com/behindTheCurtain.aspx

Official Website: http://xanaduonbroadway.com/