“Some of today’s kids…should take a look at the work this woman continues to do…”
Angela Lansbury has had a wonderful career. Actors on Broadway and in Hollywood recognize her as one of the great living legends. What is most striking about Lansbury is that she continues to work, to perfect her craft and to awe audiences.
Last night in New York City, The Drama League honored Lansbury’s life and career. We were on hand to interview the stars and to hear what Lansbury had to say about receiving the honor. What we found most striking is that Lansbury was more keen on talking about her current Broadway show A Little Night Music and Cathrine Zeta-Jones than about being honored. She told us she found that more interesting to talk about.
Click here or the image above to see what Angela Lansbury performance inspired Edie Falco to become an actor.
The revival of HAIR on Broadway has inspired a whole new group and generation of Broadway theatergoers. On March 7th, the current cast of HAIR will pack their bags and head to London to open the show in the West End. Last night at the Angela Lansbury Drama League Benefit Gala, we asked HAIR star Will Swenson about the cast heading to London and what he was looking forward to most. Watch the video above to see what Sweson had to say.
BROADWAY MAGAZINE – It was the best of times for Broadway, really. Charles Dickens, the author of legendary stories like “Oliver Twist”, “Little Dorrit” and “David Copperfield” among others, was born on February 7th 1812 in Portsmouth, England.
Charles Dickens started out on a career as an actor, but eventually turned to writing novels and it was in that medium that he found his greatest success.
Without question, the actor turned novelist has been a boon for Broadway. At this date 42 dramas or musicals based on Charles Dickens work have hit the Broadway stage…to say nothing of the countless Christmas Carols that entertain audiences around the world.
Most recently, A Tale Of Two Cities the musical appeared on Broadway, with mixed results. Still, we think, Mr. Dickens would’ve approved…and certainly would’ve got a ticket.
–Daniel Armirola, Broadway Magazine (photo by Carol Rosegg)
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BROADWAY MAGAZINE—The first actor to be knighted, Sir Henry Irving, was born on February 6 in 1833 in Keinton, Somersetshire (not to be confused with the Henry Irving born on this date in Sarasota, Florida). Sir Henry Irving was no stranger to Broadway, and brought his company of actors across from England long before there was a Bridge project.
With his seminal productions of classic plays and contemporary gems like The Bells, Mr. Irving gave his life to his love of the theatre, and so we wish him a happy 117th Birthday. Visit The Irving Society on-line and send Henry a wish.
Bonus Day In Broadway History Bit: The singer, songwriter, pianist and actress Natalie Cole was born on February 6th 1950. Daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole, she followed her father steps by being an active part on the music scene for decades until this date. Hits like “Thankful”, “Natalie” and “Mona Lisa” among others made her appear in the top music lists. She also played on Broadway in November 1976.
–Daniel Armirola, Broadway Magazine
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BROADWAY MAGAZINE – Few musical biographies on Broadway have so successfully woven together the factual, artistic, and mythical like Fela! While the authentic core of the musical is the actual music of Nigerian artist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, it is the artistic ensemble that brings this complex and nuanced story to life. We had the good fortune to speak Saycon Sengbloh who has earned critical praise for her portrayal of the real-life Sandra Isadore in Fela!
Saycon first appeared on Broadway in Aida, and her Broadway credits that include Wicked, HAIR and The Color Purple. She made Broadway history as the first black actress to play Elphaba on Broadway in the hit musical Wicked.
Now, she finds herself performing in the middle of one of the most important new musicals in Broadway history. Check out our video interview with Saycon right here.
The Atlanta-born actress even lets us in on a little secret. She actually went to high school with Sahr Ngaujah in Atlanta. Sahr is one of two actors who play the lead role of Fela Kuti in the musical. Saycon Sengbloh = another reason to love Fela!
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Broadway was nearly beside itself when Michael Feinstein and Dame Edna were to have two shows on Broadway with nearly with the same name. Then Broadway cheered when the two shows became one.
We caught up with Feinstein and Dame Edna recently to see what we all can expect in seeing All About Me. Click here or the image above to see the interviews.
BROADWAY MAGAZINE — February 5th marks another funny day in Broadway history. One year ago today, audiences were poised to discover how fun “You’re Welcome America” a comedy directed by Adam McKay and written by Will Ferrell would be. Opening on February 5th 2009, the production was an instant success and was nominated for the 2009 Tony Award for the Best Special Theatrical Event.
He lost the Tony Award to Liza Minnelli, but Ferrell earned high marks for having a major impact on the health of the Broadway box office during a very cruel January and February on Broadway in 2009.
The production was hilarious starring Will Ferrell in his clever impersonation of George W. Bush. The production was also aired as an HBO special, and gave audiences a whole new way to appreciate the follies of a Commander-In-Chief and the talents of Mr. Ferrell at the same time.
–Daniel Armirola, Broadway Magazine
Relive the show and interviews with the creative team, including Mr. Ferrell, right here on Broadway.tv.
BROADWAY MAGAZINE—Fans of George and Emily and Grovers Corners should take a minute today to give a quiet word of thanks to celebrate the birth of Thorton Wilder’s iconic play Our Town, which opened on Broadway on February 4, 1938.
The show won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and remains one of the most important American plays ever written. Our Town is currently enjoying an exceptional revival at the Barrow Street Theatre directed by David Cromer. Have a milkshake and see it.
Bonus Broadway History Bit: A Broadway songwriter was born on this day too:
Ray Evans (born Raymond Bernard Evans), the songwriter of academy winning soundtracks and classics such as “Mona Lisa” from 1950’s drama “Captain Carey U.S.A” or “Que Sera Sera” from Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Man Who Knew Too Much“, was born February 4th 1915 in Salamanca, New York.
This hall-of-fame songwriter also was successful on Broadway with musicals such as Let It Ride and Oh! Captain! This musical comedy was nominated for multiple 1958 Tony Awards, including a Tony nominee for Tony Randall for Best Actor In A Musical.
Photo by Carol Rosegg.
–Daniel Armirola, Broadway Magazine
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Lastnight Stritch celebrated her 85th birthday with a slew of her celebrity friends including Stephen Sondheim himself!
It was a really special night as Stritch finished the last performance of her show at the Cafe Carlyle titled, “At Home At The Carlyle: Elaine Stritch Singin’ Sondheim…One Song At A Time.”
If you have Sirius XM Radio at your office, tune in to the Broadway Channel now to listen to Seth Rudetsky interview Broadway favorite Betty Buckley live from the Broadway Concierge & Ticket Center in Times Square. Also with live performances, it is set to be a great show!
BROADWAY MAGAZINE—Fans of George and Emily and Grovers Corners should take a minute today to give a quiet word of thanks to celebrate the birth of Thorton Wilder’s iconic play Our Town, which opened on Broadway on February 4, 1938.
