Once again, I must re-iterate my absolute distaste for the economy in modern-day America… Too many shows are closing for my liking…

On that unhappy note, it is my sad duty to inform you that two more shows have set closing dates in January, and one other show has moved its date to be a full week earlier than previously announced. And the ulucky shows are:

Young Frankenstein, the new Mel Brooks musical, shall close its doors on January 4th of this upcoming year, joining the realm of shows past at the same time as Hairspray. Young Frankenstein will leave Broadway’s Hilton theatre after 484 regular performances and 30 previews. On the upside, Frankenstein producers said that they wished to focus their efforts on the first national tour, to be launched in Summer of 2009.

Another show set to leave Broadway on January 4th is the new musical 13, which opened for previews on September 16th. It is the only show to ever come to Broadway with an all-teen cast (the oldest cast member is 17 years old). Hey, even their band is made of teens! Plans may be in the works for national and international tours, so teens be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for auditions!

Spamalot, originally set to close on January 18th, will now be closing a full week earlier than expected on January 11th.

And the carnage continues. Let’s hope that we have enough shows coming in to replenish the musical pool!

~Mel

Recognize that title? You should. It’s from the start of Kiss Me Kate, a wonderful show for us “theatre people.” And today I have a very special reason for picking that specific quote for my post title. Tonight I open my second show in as many weekends- a comedy written by my drama instructor at school. Sadly, I won’t be plugging the show here, due to the fact that it would give away my identity and location to some of the creepers that tend to lurk on the internet. All in all I am very excited for this show, and I might even have some new opening night tips for you all come tomorrow! (Let’s hope not, though- those usually come from my mistakes…)

On an un-related note, I went on a wonderful field trip yesterday to Montclair’s theatre day. Basically it was a day where prospective students for the school get to come and do a workshop with Montclair students and faculty, learn about the school, and see a performance from the musical theatre majors (we saw Crazy for You). And let me just tell you- it was AWESOME!!!!! If you ever have a chance to stop by and see one of Montclair’s shows, I would highly recommend it. It is also a wonderful place to look into for anyone interested in getting a degree in an area of the performing arts.

But now back to the sad reality of life. It is now 4:07, and I have to leave for an early call for opening night in 53 minutes. I also need to find time to finish my homework while harassing people for director’s gift money…. Thus is the life of a highschool performer. Wish me broken limbs!!!

~Mel

Yes, you read that right. Marissa Jaret Winokur will be returning to Broadway in the role she created 5 years ago as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. She will be re-joining Harvey Feirstein, another original cast member who is re-joining the cast for its final weeks. Feirstein created the role of Edna Turnblad in 2003 when the show opened on Broadway.

As I said before, Hairspray will be leaving Broadway on January 4th. I think that this is a great way for the show to go out with a bang- this is one pairing that simply can’t be beat. Says Playbill.com:

Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur will re-create the zaftig role of Tracy Turnblad in Broadway’s Hairspray starting Dec. 9 at the Neil Simon Theatre. She joins her original Tony-winning “mama,” Harvey Fierstein, who has already re-joined the troupe for its final weeks.

So, yeah. I’m excited.

~Mel

Well, yesterday was my opening night for The Pirates of Penzance, and I have come out of the experience a little bit wiser, with tips and tricks to share with you all.

1. If you have a lot of things to do to your hair or make-up ((curling, teasing*, or wigs; character make-up, prosthetics*, or masks)), arrive to the show early- about 1/2 an hour before you’re called if at all possible. It leaves time for if your director needs to talk to you pre-show, or if you get pulled into doing other people’s hair. This also leaves time to find missing costume pieces, and to clean up any disasters that may occur. ((errr- I did this one. I spilled liquid foundation on my sister’s hair ribbon and sash…))
2. On that note, things like Tide-to-go pens are a must-have, along with Febreeze. Especially if you are doing a long show run. Trust me- these things are your friends. They can help you avoid many near-disasters. ((again, liquid foundation…))
3. Bring skin-tone band-aids with you. This one isn’t a necessity for school shows, but for community theatre it is definitely a good idea. There will be days when jewelry decides to be stubborn, and refuses to come off. For some shows this isn’t a problem, but if you are playing an un-married girl/woman, the rings need to go. A band-aid over the rings is a good solution for these types of things.
4. GIRLS: If you are wearing something white, or likewise lightly colored, please wear a bra that is either skin-tone or white! Not black or some other insane color that will show through under the stage lights. This rule works in the reverse as well. If you wear something lacy or otherwise transparent, wear a bra that is colored appropriately. ((Same goes for undies))
5. BOYS: Learn how to do your make-up before opening night.
6. Hairspray. Bring it, use it, and learn to love it.
7. When in character shoes*, or other types of heels, walk on your toes only when backstage. If you walk on the keels, the noise will be heard. ((But remember to walk on your entire foot when actually on stage))
8. Bring make-up removal wipes.
9. Make sure that at least one person in the cast has a mending kit ((a needle, and a few colors of thread)) as well as safety pins- you never know what will rip when you’re backstage.

That’s all I have for now- more to come as I think of them!

~Mel

Let it be said, that I officially hate the economy in America right now. It is causing so many shows to close; amayzing shows that should be running for longer… And I now have another show to sttempt to see. Thank goodness for student tickets, because without them I wouldn’t be able to see anything.

Gypsy (currently starring Tony Award winners Laura Benanti, Patti LuPone and Boyd Gaines), will be leaving Broadway on March 1st, 2009. This was announced 2 days ago on Playbill.com. The show will be leaving before it reaches its 1-year anniversary of opening as a revival for previews on March 3rd, 2008.

More news to be coming in the next few days. But for now, I will sign off, for I have an opening night to go to!! Wish me broken limbs, I’ll let you know how it went tomorrow!

~Mel