Like anywhere, New York has a shortage of rehearsal space. So the raves are pouring in for a new $29.6 million rehearsal center on 42nd Street that hasn’t even opened yet. “It’s the first building built specifically for a range of art forms, and for both nonprofit and commercial uses.” – New York Times
Category: theatre
THE ART OF REVIVAL
Veteran playwright Peter Nichols, whose 1981 “Passion Play” is currently enjoying a revival at London’s Donmar Warehouse, reflects on what kept him going during the decades when his writing fell out of favor with producers. “Unlike films, plays only survive by revival, like cryogenic subjects stunned into life by electrodes: “stand clear, thump, well done, chaps”, or “good try, sorry, cheers”.” – The Telegraph (UK)
HOW TO SING
There’s a gap growing wider between the kinds of music being played on Broadway. Last week’s Tonys illustrate the gulf. – Dallas Morning News
BEYOND BROADWAY
It’s been widely reported that this year’s Broadway season was boffo box office, with record-breaking ticket sales and the second highest attendance on record. Now the numbers are in from regional theaters around the country, and they’re equally encouraging: a combined box-office take of $1.2 billion and total attendance of more than 23 million. – Backstage
WAR STORIES
What can theater do during a time of war? What use is drama when your country has been all but destroyed? Thirty-seven theatre critics, playwrights, and directors from 11 countries (18 from Yugoslavia) gathered in Serbia to address such questions during the International Symposium on Theater and War. – The Guardian
BOARD RESIGNATIONS IMPERIL THEATRE
Southern California’s 13-year-old Alternative Repertory Theatre is near demise after most of its board of directors resigns. – Orange County Register
BRITS TAKE BROADWAY
Despite the advance buzz that this year – for once – Americans were set to sweep the awards on their own, the Brits prevailed yet again at Sunday’s Tony Awards, winning a total of nine awards. – The Sunday Times (UK)
TICKETS UP, RATINGS DOWN
Tony winners get a surge in ticket sales the day after the awards, but TV ratings for the awards broadcast dragged on the floor. – New York Post
BROADWAY REDISCOVERS DANCE
There was a time there, during the mega-musical era when Broadway seemed to forget what it was like to dance. Now most of the best musicals are energized by movement as the street remembers how much fun it is to dance. – The Times (UK)
“COPENHAGEN,” “CONTACT,” “KISS ME KATE” BIG WINNERS —
— at Sunday’s Tony Awards. – New York Times
Complete Tony reports, video, pictures. – MSNBC
Backstage at the Tonys. – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette