Playbill: Wicked's Cates to Make a Splash Nov. 3

Wicked's Cates to Make a Splash Nov. 3

By Andrew Gans
October 21, 2008

Kristy Cates, who has played the role of Elphaba in the New York, Chicago and national touring companies of Wicked, will go it solo at Splash Bar Sept. Nov. 3.

As part of Scott Nevins' Curtain Call series at the popular dance club, Cates will perform a full set of theatre tunes following the weekly "Musical Mondays" video presentations of Broadway performances. Cates' concert is scheduled for 11:30 PM.

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Playbill: Jersey Boys Extends Toronto Run Through February 2009; New Canadian Cast Expected

Jersey Boys Extends Toronto Run Through February 2009; New Canadian Cast Expected

By Andrew Gans
October 20, 2008

The Toronto engagement of Jersey Boys, which began performances Aug. 21 at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, has been extended through Feb. 1, 2009.

Initially scheduled to run through Oct. 5, the engagement of the Tony-winning musical had already been extended several times. A new Canadian cast, which will be announced shortly, will step into the production in mid-December.

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Playbill: Espinosa and Hilty to Return to Los Angeles Cast of Wicked

Espinosa and Hilty to Return to Los Angeles Cast of Wicked

By Andrew Gans
October 17, 2008

Eden Espinosa and Megan Hilty, who originated the roles of, respectively, Elphaba and Glinda in the Los Angeles production of Wicked, will return to that production Oct. 31.

The two actresses will stay with the musical until it ends its run at the Pantages Theatre Jan. 11, 2009. As previously announced, the production will then travel to San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre, where performances will resume Jan. 27, 2009. Casting for the San Francisco run will be announced at a later date.

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Playbill: Wicked Playbill Will Go Green for Oct. 30 Anniversary Performance

Wicked Playbill Will Go Green for Oct. 30 Anniversary Performance

By Andrew Gans
October 17, 2008

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Broadway hit Wicked on Oct. 30, the trademark yellow masthead of the musical's Playbill cover will be printed green for one performance only.

The green Playbill banner will mark the first time in the publication's history that the color has been changed for a particular production.

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Playbill: Wicked's Brescia to Host Oct. 27 Monday Nights, New Voices Concert

Wicked's Brescia to Host Oct. 27 Monday Nights, New Voices Concert

By Andrew Gans
October 17, 2008

Lisa Brescia, who was most recently seen in the Kennedy Center's Broadway: Three Generations, will host the Oct. 27 Monday Nights, New Voices concert at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre.

The evening will celebrate the work of composer-lyricist Stephen Weiner, who will accompany the performers on piano. Among those currently scheduled to perform are Ritter Hanz, Lucy Horton, Paul Louis Lessard, Lonna Marie and Quinn Van Antwerp. Show time is 7 PM.

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Playbill: Hairspray to Close Jan. 4, 2009; Fierstein Returns Nov. 11

Hairspray to Close Jan. 4, 2009; Fierstein Returns Nov. 11

By Kenneth Jones
October 22, 2008

Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning musical hit that spawned tours and a Hollywood movie version, will close Jan. 4, 2009, the producers announced on Oct. 22. Original Tony-winning star Harvey Fierstein will join the company Nov. 11 and play to the close.

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Playbill: Tony Winner Kaye Will Reprise Role of Off-Key Singer in Centerstage's Souvenir

Tony Winner Kaye Will Reprise Role of Off-Key Singer in Centerstage's Souvenir

By Andrew Gans
October 22, 2008

Tony Award winner Judy Kaye, who played vocally challenged soprano Florence Foster Jenkins Off-Broadway and subsequently on, will reprise her performance for Baltimore audiences this spring at Centerstage.

Stephen Temperley's Souvenir — which replaces the previously announced Theresa Rebeck play, The Understudy — will be seen at the Maryland venue April 24-May 24, 2009.

Vivian Matalon, who directed the New York productions, will again direct. Donald Corren, who originated the role of Cosmé McMoon, will co-star with Kaye. Prior to Centerstage, the production will be seen at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater.

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