Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: December 3, 2023
By: Laura Deni
CLICK HERE FOR COMMENT SECTION

THE REVIVAL OF THE OUTRAGEOUS SPAMALOT IS A POLISHED LAMPOON

Michael Urie, Nik Walker, James Monroe Iglehart, Christopher Fitzgerald, Jimmy Smagula, Taran Killam. Photo by: Matthew Murphy/Evan Zimerman.

The revival of Spamalot is better than the original and that original received 14 Tony Award nominations, winning in three categories, including Best Musical.

Credit director/choreographer Josh Rhodes for this even better version.

It's the same show just a few subtle changes, comparable to cleaning and polishing a diamond. The sparkle is intensified.

Spamalot is a stage musical with a book by Eric Idle; Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle; Lyrics by Eric Idle; Lovingly ripped off from the original screenplay for Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palinscore by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, with lyrics and book by Idle. Based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical offers a highly irreverent parody of Arthurian legend.

This is the show which contains one of my favorite musical numbers - the toe-tapping - Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

The flying cows, killer rabbits and rubber shrubs are still there. So is the Lady in the Lake (Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer) only with a bit more attitude. She is a scene stealer. Same with Lancelot (Tartan Killam) who now has an over the top, priceless French accent. Dialect Coach was Kate Wilson.

Sure, there are a couple of sections that seem a tad bit dated. but we're all older than when Spamalot plowed onto Broadway in on December 21, 20004. When that glitter Star of David was deemed the proper scenic accompanying for the number You Won't Succeed On Broadway neither Rhodes nor his cohorts, couldn't have anticipated today's world conditions. However, in just the last few days, it's been disclosed that an in-depth backstage meeting was held to discuss how to handle this joke about Jews in the entertainment business.

They speculated about the audience's reaction, not knowing what to expect. Hoping patrons would realize the intent was one of joy, acknowledging the important role Jewish individuals have played in the world of entertainment. In the original production the number was frequently listed as You Won't Succeed on Broadway (if you don't have any Jews). The last part has been deleted in the title, but it is that line "We won't succeed on Broadway if we don't have any Jews", sung by Michael Urie, which garners uproarious laughter and applause.

The song might be cringe-worthy to a some, but this is a lampoon- after all the creator is Eric Idle. It's what should have been expected.

All of the performers are all pros. In what has been called "a tribute to the film," where six actors played the majority of the male parts (and a few female ones), several actors in the Broadway production play multiple roles.

Special applause to Ethan Slater, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Nik Walker, and Tartan Killam who should garner several award nominations. Alex Brightman takes over as Sir Lancelot on January 9, 2024

The use of costumes and lighting provides the Lake of the Lake scene added oomph. Photo by: Matthew Murphy/Evan Zimmerman

I like the newly designed costumes by Jen Caprio better than the ones in the original (which did win the Costume Tony Award). The revival costumes are more of a well put together classy tacky, rather than just tacky.

This is an absurd, silly, outrageous spoof which lampoons everything. You can't help but leave the theatre in a better mood.

Starring: Christopher Fitzgerald, James Monroe Iglehart, Taran Killam, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Ethan Slater, Jimmy Smagula, Michael Urie, Nik Walker, Daniel Beeman, Maria Briggs, Gabriella Enriquez, Michael Fatica, Denis Lambert, Shina Ann Morris, Kaylee Olson, Kristin Piro,Drew Redington, and Tyler Roberts.

Swings: Anju Cloud, Darrell T. Joe, Lily Kaufmann and Charlie Sutton.

Standby: David Josefsberg (Sir Lancelot, Sir Robin, Patsy, Historian) and Graham Stevens (King Arthur, Sir Dennis Galahad, Sir Lancelot, Sir Bedevere) Understudies: Daniel Beeman (Sir Robin), Gabriella Enriquez (The Lady of the Lake), Michael Fatica (Sir Lancelot, Historian), Lily Kaufmann (The Lady of the Lake), Denis Lambert (King Arthur, Sir Dennis Galahad) and Drew Redington (Sir Bedevere, Patsy).

While the vast majority of the creatives of the original mounting aren't in this revival for a variety of reason, one aspect which has weathered well the time is the music. Music orchestrated by Larry Hochman, arranged by Glen Kelly, both of whom served in the same capacities in the original Broadway production.

Associate Director: Deidre Goodwin; Associate Choreographer: Charlie Sutton, Scenic Design by Paul Tate dePoo III; Costume Design by Jen Caprio; Lighting Design by Cory Pattak; Sound Design by Kai Harada and Haley Parcher; Projection Design by Paul Tate dePoo III; Hair and Wig Design by Tom Watson; Associate Scenic Design: Anthony Freitas; Associate Costume Design: Anna Blazer; Associate Lighting Design: Jess Creager; Associate Sound Design: Owen Meadows and Joshua Blaisdell; Associate Projection Design: Daniel Vatsky; Associate Hair and Wig Design: Will Vicari; Assistant Costume Design: Heather Neil; Assistant Lighting Design: Will Elphingstone; Assistant Projection Design: Brittany Bland; Moving Light Programmer: Henry Wilen.

Musical Supervisor: John Bell; Musical Coordinator: David Lai; Conducted by John Bell; Associate Conductor: Danny Percefull; Assistant Conductor: Adam Cole Klepper; Keyboard 1: Adam Cole Klepper; Keyboard 2: Danny Percefull; Violin: Suzy Perelman (Concertmaster), Kiku Enomoto and Una Tone; Viola: Molly Goldman; Cello: Katherine Cherbas; Flute, Piccolo, Recorder, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Sax: Jeremy Clayton; Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Bassoon: Mark Thrasher; Lead Trumpet: Alex Bender; Trumpet: Trevor Neumann; Trombone: Burt Mason; French Horn: Kyle Hoyt; Nylon, Steel, Electric, Banjo, Ukelele: Hidayat Honari; Acoustic/Electric Bass: Pete Donovan; Drums: Rich Rosenzweig; Percussion: Colleen Bernstein; Synthesizer Programmer: Randy Cohen and Randy Cohen Keyboards LLC; Music Preparation: Josh Clayton.

Casting: JZ Casting, Geoff Josselson, CSA and Katja Zarolinkski, CSA; ; Ticketing & Revenue Director: Brian DeVito; Marketing Director: Anna Pitera DeVito; Press Representative: Polk & Co.; Advertising & Marketing: Serino Coyne; Digital Marketing: SINE Digital; Content and Community: Super Awesome Friends; Dance Captain: Charlie Sutton; Fight Captain: Charlie Sutton; Photographer: Matthew Murphy and Andy Henderson.

Don' miss it.

E-Book

Soft back Book

Broadway To Vegas is supported through advertising and donations. Priority consideration is given to interview suggestions, news, press releases, etc from paid supporters. However, no paid supporters control, alter, edit, or in any way manipulate the content of this site. Your donation is appreciated. We accept PAYPAL.

Thank you for your interest.

E-Book

Soft back Book

This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

HEAR RARE MET COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 70 YEARS when the Catalyst Quartet Plays Met Instruments on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

A one-of-a-kind quartet of instruments from the Met collection receives its first outing in more than 70 years! Join Catalyst Quartet, MetLiveArts' 2023–24 Quartet in Residence, and Jayson Kerr Dobney, the Frederick P. Rose Curator in Charge of the Department of Musical Instruments, for an unprecedented evening featuring instruments built in the 1890s by August Gemünder & Sons, located in Astoria, Queens, just across the East River from the Museum.

Hear the complementary sound of a rare matched instrument family—conceived and constructed to be played together—with American and European string quartets spanning more than three centuries! Performance in The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

DESIGN WEEK IN NEW YORK is presented by Sotheby’s New York from December 6-12, comprising four exceptional auction events that bring together the best design the market has to offer. Kicking off the sale series is their bi-annual Important Design sale, a curated survey of international prewar, postwar and contemporary design.

The sale is followed by The Cycad Collection: Masterworks by Tiffany Studios and Prewar Design on December 6, and The Doros Collection: The Art Glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany, on December 7, both extraordinary collections featuring masterpieces by Tiffany Studios. Design Week concludes with Royère x Warhol: Art and Design from the Collections of Peter M. Brant and Stephanie Seymour, a curated and cross-category sale bringing together over 50 exceptional works from the couple’s esteemed collection.

Design Week preview exhibitions are on view at Sotheby’s New York.

E-Book

Soft back Book

SWEET CHARITY

THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE took place last Thursday at London's Royal Albert Hall with Royals the Prince and Princess of Wales and The Duke and Duchess of Västergötland - known as William and Kate and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband in attendance at a concert headlined by Hollywood royalty Cher.

On arrival they met ITV executives before being introduced to Daphne Selfe, who at 95 is the world's oldest supermodel.

Ms Selfe wore a dress which had red feather tassel sleeves resulting the Princess of Wales commenting that she "loved" her dress. Ms Selfe commented that Kate was very tall.

The Princess then joked: "I'm quite tall and I have high heels on, so I'm cheating."

Prince William added: "I don't have high heels on."

The Princess of Wales and the Princess of Sweden were then presented with floral bouquets created from English and Swedish national flowers.

Princess Kate was elegant in a £1,288 teal custom made Talina gown from Safiyaa, which featured flared sleeves and statement making shoulders and a gem-encrusted high-neck. She accessorized with crystal and pearl earrings which appeared to be from J. Crew and a coordinating bracelet and carried a sparkling clutch bag.

Meanwhile Prince William looked sharp in a black tuxedo, and he acted as the perfect gentleman as he held out his hand for his wife as they took to the red carpet.

Victoria made a glamorous appearance in a sophisticated black gown from Toteme, which featured light feathered fabric. The shoulderless dress was teamed with a matching wrap. She accessorized her ensemble with two necklaces - a golden necklace band and another, a more delicate chain. She also wore a black enamel and gold bracelet. Her earrings were a combination of gold and black metals. On her feet were chunky stilettos.

Not to be outdone, the gents dressed for the occasion. Crown Prince Daniel of Sweden, 50, cut a dapper figure in a black and navy suit which featured a chic, two-toned double-breasted blazer. He wore a matching bow tie and shiny black brogues.

Prince William opted for the always elegant black tuxedo.

Before the performance the Prince and Princess of Wales were welcomed with a rendition of The National Anthems performed by West End star Samantha Barks, who plays Elsa in the musical Frozen. She was backed by The Fanfare Trumpeters of The Band of the Welsh Guards and the National Youth Choir.

The Chase star Bradley Walsh served as host this year’s proceedings which is celebrating its 111th year.

Cher, 77, in a (think 'Ahoy Matey' or Pirates of the Caribbean) leather, black buckled corset, metallic studded pants, studded choker and black boots, rocked the place performing several numbers from her new album, Christmas. An exclusive 100th anniversary celebration from Disney Theatrical showcased a medley featuring performances from the casts of The Lion King; Frozen; Aladdin; Hercules and Beauty & The Beast.

McFly, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary, performed, as did Rick Astley, Zara Larsson, Paloma Faith performing her latest single and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, who was accompanied by the ENO chorus.

There was also an elegant collaboration from world class pianist Lang Lang who was joined by 14-year-old Lucy, the winner of Channel 4’s The Piano. As well as music from Spice Girl Melanie C who performed a special tribute to theatre producer Bill Kenwright.

London's West End was well represented in the form of the casts from new musical The Little Big Things and the revival of George Gershwin's Crazy For You as well as a magical performance from Derren Brown’s West End creation Unbelievable.

Also taking to the stage was the award winning vocal powerhouse Beverley Knight with the cast of Sister Act, the thrilling Argentinian dancing troupe Malevo, and Simon Cowell introduced Britain’s Got Talent winner comedian Viggo Venn.

Plus, there were laugh getters Tom Allen, Rosie Jones, Ellie Taylor and Simon Brodkin.

Afterwards the royas went backstage to meet and greet the cast.

l The event is staged in aid of the Royal Variety Charity. All monies raised from the show helps those people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance.

BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THEATRE WITHIN took place December 2, 2023 at The Town Hall in New York City.

Legendary artist Nash received the 2023 "John Lennon Real Love Award" with performances by: Rosanne Cash, Marc Cohn, Judy Collins, and Bettye LaVette.

Theatre Within, the non-profit behind the Annual John Lennon Tribute since 1981, honored two-time Rock And Roll Hall of Famer Graham Nash as the ninth recipient of the "John Lennon Real Love Award".

Previous recipients of the prized award include Natalie Merchant, Patti Smith, Ani DiFranco and Donovan.

Graham Nash, whose remarkable career spans from the British invasion with the Hollies, to the legendary Laurel Canyon scene with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, to his still vibrant solo concerts and recordings, played some of his favorite John Lennon/Beatles classics and was joined by a lineup of acclaimed artists including folk legend Judy Collins who made her first Tribute appearance in over a decade; Rosanne Cash performed for the third time, the first since she was chosen as 2018’s John Lennon Real Love Award honoree; soul queen and longtime fan favorite Bettye LaVette returned for her sixth Tribute performance, and drummer/percussionist Rich Pagano, a founding member of the Fab Faux, served as Music Director for the 15th consecutive year.

Proceeds from the Tribute support Theatre Within’s ongoing free workshops in creative expression and mindfulness, including the John Lennon Real Love Project songwriting program, for the cancer community, elementary and middle schools, and youth in crisis.

In 2023, for the fourth consecutive year, Theatre Within provided 200 free workshops for children and adults impacted by cancer through the Red Door Community (formerly Gilda’s Club NYC) and other regional cancer support communities.

One such initiative is The John Lennon Real Love Project, a music education program provided to elementary and middle schools, which in October took place for the first time at a public school in New York City. The program began in 2014 at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx. After learning about John Lennon’s life, music and highest values of peace, love, and equality in a 40 minute presentation, students write new lyrics to Real Love, before recording a new version of the song accompanied by John Lennon’s original vocal and piano track. A video chronicling the experience is made and posted on the John Lennon Tribute YouTube channel on social media.

DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE BEGINS UNIQUE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s (DBDT) has announce a new industry-leading mental health initiative for Dallas Black Dance Academy (DBDA) students that has been made possible through the support of an anonymous sponsor, beginning December 2023. Under this program, all new and existing DBDA students will have access to a free licensed therapist to provide holistic support for an array of challenges such as course work, family dynamics, bullying, mass violence, social injustice, and various forms of loss.

"Mental health sessions are proven to assist adolescents managing life stressors, adjusting to changes, understanding themselves better, making better decisions and living more emotionally balanced lives," explained Katricia Eaglin, Director Dallas Black Dance Academy.

"Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents," Eaglin continued. "Good mental health is closely related to positive outcomes in sports, academics, and the arts."

DBDA has previously worked closely with licensed therapists during their most recent Summer Youth Enrichment Program. After the positive response from that experience, this new initiative is meant to formalize and create the structure needed to ensure the ongoing support of these young dancers and their mental well-being.

Founded in 1976 by Ann Williams, and currently under the direction of Melissa M. Young, Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s mission is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at the highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities. As the largest and oldest professional dance company in Dallas, DBDT is the fourth-largest Black dance company in the nation, the ninth-largest contemporary modern dance company, and ranked 36th among the nation’s leading ballet companies. Located in the thriving downtown Dallas Arts District, DBDT has performed worldwide for over 4.6 million arts patrons and 2.8 million students in 33 states and 16 countries on five continents. The performances include two Olympics (1996 & 2012), the nation’s most prestigious venues (Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Broadway, Jacob’s Pillow), and for such luminaries as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and South African President Nelson Mandela. Since the pandemic began in 2020, DBDT performances have also been viewed virtually in 43 countries. The Company has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as an American Masterpiece Touring Artist (2008) and received the Texas Medal of the Arts Award for Arts Education (2017).

The official school of Dallas Black Dance Theatre celebrates 50 years of delivering dance instruction to a community of diverse backgrounds. It was founded by Ann Williams. The academy trained the first student in the nation to receive the Presidential Scholar Award in Dance in 1980. Students participate weekly in 36 dance classes, including ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and African on-site at DBDT’s studios. Classes are held at Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s studios and are open to students ages four to adult. The academy has three performing ensembles: Allegro Performing Ensemble, Dallas Black Dance Theatre's premier academy ensemble, Senior Performing Ensemble, and Junior Performing Ensemble.

SPREADING THE WORD

HUMBUG

Humbug Photo: Grant Walker/Secret Skeakeasy

an immersive experience at the magical Christmas Dive Bar under the Waterloo Station, London.

Uncover the secret entrance and venture down a magical tunnel of dazzling lights to discover an unbelievable world where the Christmas cheer is on tap. Celebrate with attitude inside Santa's favorite dive bar, Humbug for a magically immersive festive experience. There's snow place quite like it!

Filled to the brim with dazzling neon lights and Christmassy memorabilia. Experience a night of raucous festive fun and Christmas cheer on tap.

Santa isn’t quite feeling his usual jolly self - think too much Christmas Eve pressure. He retreats to his favorite dive bar in the hope of some well needed rest and recuperation. And that’s where you come in. Guests will be required to bring their festive A-game to nurse a weary Santa back to his full elf.

Guests can expect to encounter all manner of Himbug regulars. We’re talking a disgruntled dive bar waitress, a mailman who has lost all his letters to Santa, and an ever-changing line-up of London’s finest cabaret, circus and musical acts. Head on down to Santa’s beloved watering hole and get involved in the quest to help save Christmas. The storytelling will be inspired by everyone’s favorite Christmas songs and movies, so you can indulge in a big dollop of nostalgia along the way, and party into the early hours of the morning with the plethora of live music and DJ sets.

Sure to be a wonderfully interactive, fun-filled evening.

Presented and designed by Secret Speakeasy, a brand-new production team from the co-founder of Backyard Cinema.

Everyone welcome (as long as you’re of legal drinking age). Humbug will be open until January 6.

WORKS & PROCESS AT THE GUGGENHEIM announces Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi, Dance Heginbotham and Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson on December 8-10, 2023.

Isaac Mizrahi narrates and directs Sergei Prokofiev’s charming children’s classic, Peter & the Wolf, accompanied by Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect, conducted by Michael P. Atkinson. The cast, wearing costumes by Mizrahi, performs choreography by John Heginbotham, bringing the 30-minute story to life for the young and young at heart.

SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW will blow into the Dubai Opera in Dubai, UAE December 8-10, 2023.

Slava's Snowstorm offers the perfect opportunity to spread joy and wonder with a gift that transcends the ordinary. This universal and poetic spectacle celebrates imagination, taking audiences on a journey into the heart of childlike wonder.

it's an invitation to share moments of pure delight and togetherness. Slava's Snowstorm is also an opportunity for adults to reconnect with the unadulterated joy they once knew, basking in the beauty of simplicity and heartfelt laughter. It's a show for the whole family! Prepare to be transported into a whimsical world of laughter, awe, and pure magic with the whole family.

This performance is brought to you by Dubai Opera & Broadway Entertainment Group.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT TOUR the longest-running concert tour in the industry is sleighing all over the country. Mannheim Steamroller creator and founder Chip Davis released his first Christmas album in 1984, revolutionizing the making and marketing of holiday music. With more than 31.5 million Christmas albums sold, Davis is the #1-selling Christmas artist of all time, with Elvis coming in at a distant 17 million holiday albums sold. With 19 Gold, 8 Multi-Platinum, and 4 Platinum-Certified Records, Davis is among an elite group of highly decorated musicians.

This year's tour celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album and features a traveling ensemble performing classic Christmas hits set to dazzling multimedia effects. There are two touring units. If one is anywhere near you, put it on your 'don't miss' list.

Performances Sunday, December 10 at 2pm and 7:30pm at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ

BAFTA WINNER DOMINIC WEST will star in the Lindsay Posner directed revival of Arthur Miller's A View From the Bridge at Theatre Royal Bath’s intimate Ustinov Studio in February 2024.

The play, which he released in 1955 tackles one man’s place in the close-knit Italian-American community in 1950s New York.

A View from the Bridge was first performed as a one-act verse drama on Broadway in 1955 before being revised for its West End premiere a year later, directed by Peter Brook and starring Richard Harris and Anthony Quayle.

The play has since been produced for stage, film, television, radio and as an opera, starring many notable actors and winning numerous awards.

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR – CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA takes place Friday, December 8 at the State Theater of New Jersey in New Brunswick, NY. The program showcases these gifted musicians in a program featuring Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, popular songs, and holiday favorites.

WINTER WONDERLAND CABARET A one-night only Christmas celebration in which the Hartford Stage lobby has been transformed into a magical holiday cabaret lounge. Starring Tony Award-nominee John-Andrew Morrison and music director/pianist Drew Wutke, the Winter Wonderland Cabaret features a mix of Christmas favorites, Broadway classics and an audience sing-a-long. Come deck the halls and see Hartford Stage as you’ve never seen it before. December 12 at Hartford Stage in in Hartford, CT.

OSCAR WILDE'S HAIR

Auction exhibit of Oscar Wilde's Hair. "When I went to America, I had two secretaries, one for autographs, one for locks of hair," claimed Oscar Wilde. "Within six months, one had died of writer’s cramp, the other was completely bald," he quipped. Photo: Fonsie Mealy's Auction

or rather a lock of it, will be hammered down in an auction next month. The strands will go under the hammer at Fonsie Mealy's Highly Important Rare Book & Collectors' Sale on December 12 and 13 in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Previously owned by the writer’s son, Vyvyan Holland who in 1960 attended the first London performance of Michael Mac Liammoir's pioneering one-man show The Importance of Being Oscar, which he compiled from Wilde’s writings.

Holland, who was then 74, went backstage after the show and told Mac Liammóir he had been so impressed by the performance that he wanted to gift him with a lock of his father’s hair.

The present owner acquired the item at a Fonsie Mealy’s auction in December 2007, and has kept it unopened since then, the auctioneers stated.

Housed in Mealy’s sealed custom made box, the auction item contains a manuscript note reading "Piece of Oscar Wilde’s hair/Very important", in Mac Liammoir’s hand. The hair will be sold with a variety of other items, including a copy of the actor's published script from 1963 and a selection of eight publicity photographs of the actor in various roles, from his own collection, some which he has inscribed.

The lot 690 is expected to fetch between €6,000 - €8,000.

Elsewhere in the sale, which takes place at Fonsie Mealy’s Auction Rooms in Castlecomer, a Collection of Irish Literature, including works by Yeats and Heaney, will be up for grabs. Bidders may attend in person or participate online.

About Vyvyan Oscar Beresford Wilde OBE (November 3, 1886-October 10, 1967) was an English author and translator. He was the second-born son of Oscar Wilde and Constance Loyd, and had a brother, Cyril.

When Wilde was imprisoned in 1895 after a celebrated trial for homosexual offenses, his two sons were sent abroad, their names changed to Holland and they lived in secret. Vyvyan had a child, Merlin Holland, with his second wife Thelma Besant. Merlin Vyvyan Holland (born December 1945) is the sole grandson of Oscar Wilde.

WOMEN AREN'T MAKING PROGRESS IN NON-ACTING PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS

In the typically male-dominated television categories, things are getting worse for women, according to the latest analysis by Womens Media Center.

This year, women were 33% (828) of the total 2,497 non-acting nominees and men 67% (1,665), the same percentage as 2022. Less than 1% (4) are nonbinary people.

Male nominees also continue to dominate the majority of Emmy-nominated shows in the four top non-acting Emmy fields: producing, directing, writing, and editing. In 2023, of the 1,433 nominees in these four fields, 33% (477) are women, 67% (953) are men, and less than 1% (3) are nonbinary. Those percentages mirror those in 2022.

"These numbers show that the pendulum is swinging in the wrong direction,” said Julie Burton, president and CEO of the Women’s Media Center. “Women continue to demonstrate excellence in behind-the-scenes roles without the same access as men to the rewards and benefits that often come with these high-profile, career-shaping awards."

Three out of the four major non-acting fields saw noticeable decreases in female representation.

The number of women director nominees dropped to 13% (25) from 15% (27) in 2022. Men were 87% (170) this year and 85% (155) in 2022. Nominated writers took an even bigger percentage plummet, with women comprising 24% (37) of writer nominees in 2023, compared to 34% (48) in 2022. Men were 76% (115) and 66% (93).??

In 2023, women of color are particularly underrepresented in two of the biggest non-acting categories: Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. All of the nominees are white, and all but two of the nominees are white men. The LGBTQ shows that get the most nominations continue to be those led by and starring men.

The report found that in the editing categories, 31% (41) of nominees are women, compared to 68% (91) men, and one is a nonbinary person, comprising 1%. In 2022, 35% (42) were women and 64% (76) were men, and one person (1%) was nonbinary.

Only one field — producing — saw a very modest increase of 3 percentage points to 39% (374) from the previous year’s total of 36% (344). Men were 61% (577) and 64% (600), respectively.

The 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards and the Creative Arts Emmy Awards (for technical categories) had originally been scheduled to take place in September but were rescheduled due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. The 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will now take place on January 15, 2024, and will be televised on Fox. The companion Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be presented on January 6 and January 7, 2024.

HANG IN THERE

STEPHEN COLBERT 59, who had to cancel a week of his popular The Late Show With Stephen Colbert show due to a burst appendix. Why was his appendix permitted to burst? He could have died. Medical personnel knew he still had his appendix. He had to have been suffering. Even if he was attempting to hide his discomfort, those around him would have sensed something was wrong. Not operating until the appendix began to vibrate, on the verge of rupturing, used to take place during the 1950s. Somebody needs to check their calendar and get updated on currently medical procedures. When an appendix bursts the patient usually dies. Glad he is doing better.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

FOLLOWING IN HIS MOTHER'S FASHION STATEMENTS while much has been made of Queen Elizabeth II using jewelry and dresses to make social statements and show respect for countries she was visiting, her son King Charles III is following in his mother's footsteps. This past week he's been in Dubai, UAE attending climate talks. Last Friday he wore a tie emblazoned with the Greek flag while meeting world leaders. The husband of Queen Camilla has worn the tie before and also has cuff links with the Greek flag, which he wears in honor of his father. He has long been noted for adding a bit of spice to his suits with carefully coordinated and snazzy neckties and pocket squares. He also has a marvelous sense of color and cleverly incorporates pastels into his accessories,

He has a variety of playful ties including a Hermès tie features a jaunty cat and owl print. Another tie has bunnies; one features prancing horses while another has pastel dinosaurs and elephants grazing on palm fronds.

He might consider involving Dumfries House, already a part of his Foundation. Have the students at their Future Textiles colony design and custom make or mass produce a selection of Royal ties and pocket squares from their unique and clever designs which King Charles has approved. They could sell them at Dumfries House, on line and through the Royal Palace gift site.

E-Book

Soft back Book

QUEEN CAMILLA CELEBRATES THE FOREIGN PRESS ASSOCIATION'S

Queen Camilla delivering the keynote addrress. PHOTO: The Royal Family

135 years - London's oldest and largest association of foreign correspondents in the world. Founded in 1888 when journalists from across Europe arrived in London to cover the story of Jack the Ripper. Finding it difficult to find their footing in a new and difficult city, they decided to join forces to gain access to sources and news, and so the FPA was founded. It now counts over 500 full members and is a member of the UK Press Card Authority, giving out over 2200 press cards a year to foreign journalists working in the capital.

Her Majesty wearing a green velvet ME+EM dress, black heels and Van Cleef and Arples diamond earrings met international journalists, judges and all 33 nominees at the annual Foreign Press Association Awards at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane in London. The FPA holds its annual awards gala every November. It's the only awards ceremony that combines domestic and international journalism.

Serving as host was comedian Alexander Armstron while The Queen made the keynote address.

Camilla said: "It is a huge pleasure to be here with you this evening to celebrate the 135th anniversary of the Foreign Press Association and to reflect on your many achievements as the world's oldest and biggest association of foreign journalists.' "But I cannot begin without also reflecting that as we gather, journalists, photographers and their support teams are even now risking their lives. We think particularly of those reporting from Ukraine and the Middle East in these most difficult of times." "Ladies and gentlemen, yours is an awe-inspiring responsibility: you question, debate and analyses and thus protect what is so easy for us to take for granted – true freedom of expression. "There are journalists in my family," she said referring to her son food critic and MasterChef star Thomas Parker Bowles. Then she quipped, "and I have even been the subject of one or two stories myself over the years." Getting serious she emphasized, "I have also had the opportunity to visit a significant number of newsrooms and have seen how tough your work is. Particularly, if I dare say so, for women, who, despite the many hurdles they have faced, have been among the bravest reporters of all.’’

Referring to the beginnings of the FPA she commented: "The FPA was, of course, founded in 1888, when foreign correspondents came to the United Kingdom to report on the Jack the Ripper murders and decided to band together to secure better access to information and sources. Although we might now deplore some of the more sensational approaches to those terrible events, the fact is that the FPA grew out of the need to reveal and condemn violence against women."

"And this remains a key part of journalism today."

"You have the ability to break the corrosive silence that frequently surrounds abuse. You bring into the open the voices of victims, you break taboos, you shine a light on these heinous crimes and you guide the public on what they can do to help," she stressed.

She singled out the work of trail-blazing and brilliant women in the industry who "have been among the bravest reporters of all, despite the many hurdles they have faced." She highlighted Marie Colvin and Daphne Caruana Galizia, who both tragically paid with their lives in pursuit of their profession. "Their courage was matched only by their conviction that the truth matters," Her Majesty emphasized.

She added: "Perhaps this has never been more evident than in our digital age, where disinformation runs rife and where female journalists are increasingly targeted on social media." She paid tribute to the Daily Mail's "late great" correspondent Dame Ann Leslie who died earlier this year at age 82, and reported from front-lines across the world over. Writing for the Daily Mail since the 1960s, she filed articles from more than 70 countries and won numerous accolades including nine British Press awards, two lifetime achievement awards and a damehood in 2007 for service to journalism.

Queen Camilla said: "As the late great Dame Ann Leslie wrote, it is among the sacred duties of journalists to 'face the glacier in the cupboard and to expose its coldness and cruelty to the bright, clear and humanizing light of day.' That is what she, and all of you, do. "

Nominees for TV Documentary Story of the Year Kavitha Chekuru and Laila Al-Arian, a Palestinian journalist from America, told the Queen about their film about the death of their Al Jazeera colleague. Titled The Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, they told the PA news agency that their colleague was "killed in May 2022 by an Israeli sniper in the West Bank".

She referred to her husband's attendance at the awards ceremony in 2008 when he was Prince of Wales, reiterating his observation that journalists held an 'awe-inspiring responsibility to protect true freedom of expression which she believed to be at the heart of our democratic system'.

At that ceremony he was made an honorary member of the FPA. Now his wife joins him. Presenting the Queen with honorary membership, FPA director Deborah Bonetti said: "There are not many associations who can show off that they have two crowned kings and queens as their honorary members."

THE 2023 BOOKER PRIZE has been awarded to Ireland's Paul Lynch, 46, for Prophet Song, a dystopian vision of Ireland in the grips of totalitarianism. Set in Dublin, it tells the story of a family grappling with a terrifying new world in which the democratic norms they are used to begin to disappear.

Reacting to his win on stage at the award ceremony in Old Billingsgate, London, Lynch said it was with "immense pleasure" that he was returning to his native Ireland with the Booker. He said he was going to use a portion of his £50,000 prize money to pay his mortgage.

The book is Lynch's fifth and he spent four years working on it. He told the crowd attending the ceremony that he started writing it just before his son was born and, by the time he finished, his boy was able to ride a bike.

Head judge Esi Edugyan said the panel "sought a winning novel that might speak to the immediate moment while also possessing the possibility of outlasting it". She added: "In these troubled times, we sought a novel with a guiding vision - a book to remind us that we are more than ourselves, to remind us of all that is worth saving."

The other Booker Prize nominees were:

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
Western Lane by Chetna Maroo
This Other Eden by Paul Harding
If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery
Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein
The Booker Prize is one of the leading literary awards in the English speaking world.

Previous winning authors include Margaret Atwood, Hilary Mantel, Bernardine Evaristo and Salman Rushdie.

AUDIOFILE'S BEST AUDIOBOOKS OF THE YEAR have been announced. Categories of special interest to Broadway To Vegas readers include:

Biography & Memoir
The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession
By Michael Finkel | Read by Edoardo Ballerini, Michael Finkel | Random House Audio | 5.5 hrs.

How to Say Babylon
By Safiya Sinclair| Read by Safiya Sinclair | Simon & Schuster Audio | 16.75 hrs.

King: A Life
By Jonathan Eig | Read by Dion Graham | Macmillan Audio | 20.75 hrs.

Making It So
By Sir Patrick Stewart | Read by Sir Patrick Stewart | Simon & Schuster Audio | 18.75 hrs.

While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence
By Meg Kissinger | Read by Meg Kissinger | Macmillan Audio | 11 hrs.

Why Fathers Cry at Night: A Memoir in Love Poems, Recipes, Letters, and Remembrances
By Kwame Alexander | Read by Kwame Alexander | Hachette Audio | 3.5 hrs.

Audio Originals
Alison Bechdel's Dykes to Watch Out For
By Alison Bechdel, Madeleine George | Read by Jane Lynch, Carrie Brownstein, Roberta Colindrez, Roxane Gay, and a Full Cast | Audible, Inc. | 3 hrs.

Exodus: The Shanghai Jews
By Kate McAll | Read by Edita Brychta, Michael Canavan, Shannon Cochran, Arye Gross, Anna Mathias, Alan Shearman, André Sogliuzzo, Joanne Whalley | L.A. Theatre Works | 1.5 hrs.

The Scavenger Door: The Finder Chronicles, Book 3
By Suzanne Palmer | Read by Karen Novack, John Kielty, Rayner Gabriel, Gail Shalan, and a Full Cast |GraphicAudio | 9.75 hrs.

Sunshine
By Jarrett J. Krosoczka | Read by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Jaiden Meltzer, Xavier Krosoczka, Noah Rico, and a Full Cast | Scholastic Audiobooks | 2.25 hrs.

Third Eye
By Felicia Day | Read by Sean Astin, Felicia Day, Neil Gaiman, LilyPichu, London Hughes, Wil Wheaton, and a Full Cast | Audible, Inc. | 7 hrs.

Fiction
Chain-Gang All-Stars
By Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Read by Shayna Small, Aaron Goodson, Michael Crouch, Lee Osorio | Random House Audio | 13.75 hrs.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
By James McBride | Read by Dominic Hoffman | Penguin Audio | 12.5 hrs.

I Have Some Questions for You
By Rebecca Makkai | Read by Julia Whelan, JD Jackson |Penguin Audio | 14 hrs.]

The Late Americans
By Brandon Taylor | Read by Kevin R. Free | Penguin Audio | 9.25 hrs.

Tom Lake
By Ann Patchett | Read by Meryl Streep | Harper Audio | 11.5 hrs.]

Yellowface
By R.F. Kuang | Read by Helen Laser | Harper Audio | 8.75 hrs.

ENSEMBLE STUDIO THEATRE'S YOUNGBLOOD program is proud to announce new members for the 2023-2024 season: jose sebastian alberdi, Libby Carr, Hanna Novak, Audley Puglisi, Eliana Theologides Rodriguez, Marissa Joyce Stamps, Graham Techler and May Treuhaft-Ali.

Ensemble Studio Theatre (EST) celebrates the 2023/24 season’s new members of Youngblood, the Obie Award-winning collective of emerging professional playwrights. Now in its 30th year, Youngblood serves as a creative home for the next generation of theatre artists. Youngblood provides artistic guidance, peer support, regular feedback and a fertile development environment, which allows member playwrights to hone their skills and explore their craft. The group also provides exposure to the public and the press, professional outreach to the industry, and opportunities for production and publication.



MACBETH by William Shakespeare.

Directed by Max Webster.

"O, full of scorpions is my mind"

A spellbinding story of love and murder, the renewing power of nature, and of the internal struggles of a damaged man as he tries to control his destiny. "This bracingly fresh production of the Scottish play places us inside the mind of Macbeth, asking are we ever really responsible for our actions?"

Shakespeare’s most extraordinary psychological drama is led at the Donmar this winter by David Tennant, who plays the title role for the first time in his illustrious stage career.

In addition to Tennant the production stars Cush Jumbo as Lady Macbeth and features Moyo Akandé, Annie Grace, Brian James O'Sullivan, Casper Knopf, Cal MacAninch, Kathleen MacInnes, Alasdair Macrae, Rona Morison, Noof Ousellam, Raffi Phillips, Jatinder Singh Randhawa, Ros Watt and Benny Young .

This production will use binaural technology to create a rich and unnerving 3D sound world, which the audience will experience through wearing headphones, placing them right inside the head of the central couple. Director Max Webster will collaborate with sound designer Gareth Fry, who previously used binaural sound for Complicite’s multi-award winning production The Encounter.

Creative team also includes Designer Rosanna Vize, Lighting Designer Bruno Poet, Sound Designer Gareth Fry, Movement Director Shelley Maxwell, Composer & Musical Director Alasdair Macrae, Fight Directors Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown of Rc-Annie Ltd. and Casting Director Anna Cooper CDG.

December 8, 2023 to February 10, 2024 at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

THE INHERITANCE OF A LONG-TERM FAULT written by Mêlisa Annis.

Directed by Vanessa Morosco.

While presenting the keynote at a high-profile conference, Me, a successful geologist in her field, asks her peers: what is our creation story? “The Inheritance of a Long-Term Fault” takes an explosive look at the generational impact of societal structures created by colonialism, and how these original sins continue to shape our world today; physically, linguistically, spatially, and spiritually. Interrelated scenes over space and time reveal the friction between what Me wants and what she’s inherited. Only a tectonic shift will allow her to hear the echoes from a mythological past, and explore new possibilities of what comes next.

The production stars Craig Wesley Divino as Josh/Man/Oliver/Others, Gina Fonseca as Nest, Christianne Greiert as Me, and Gabra Zackman as Gwen/Samantha/Others.

The production features scenic design by Jessie Bonaventure, costume design by Izzy Fields, and lighting design by Elizabeth M. Stewart. Angela Baughman is the sound designer and Kristine Schlachter is the stage manager. Dramaturg by Carrie Chapter, publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.

Presented by Clutch Productions December 1 to December 23 Opening Night: Tuesday, December 6 at Theatre Row in New York City.

DEATH, LET ME DO MY SHOW an original musical comedy from Rachel Bloom.

Directed by Seth Barrish.

"From the co-creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend comes a one woman musical comedy that is definitely not about the ever-present spectre of death. Rachel Bloom’s new show is filled with raunchy and escapist material that will in NO way explore the pandemic and all the tumultuous events that ensued in her personal life. Nothering will stop Rachel from partying like it's 2019!"

For her work on the CW musical dramedy series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend as co-creator, executive producer, and star. Bloom received five Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations for her work on the series, winning one of each.

The creative team includes Beowulf Boritt (Scenic Design), Aaron Copp (Lighting Design), Hana S. Kim (Projection Design), Jerome Kurtenbach (Music Direction), and Kristin Isola (Costume Design).

Performances December 7 at the Orpheum Theatre in New York City and plays through January 6, 2024.

E-Book

Soft back Book

This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

FINAL OVATION

EDWARD DOUGLAS IBOLD known as Doug, was a film editor and former American Cinema Editors board member, lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Motion Picture & Television Fund Mary Pickford House in Woodland Hills, California. He was 83.

He was proud to be the CBS pool camera operator of an RCA TK 11 on the pitching deck of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp televising his first live shots of the Gemini 6 and 7 space capsule landings via the Telstar Satellite. Doug shot and edited film for John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the early 70s and then transitioned to a successful career as a film editor in Los Angeles. He cut shows for Don Bellisario and edited the original pilot for Dick Wolf's seminal Law and Order. His working relationship with Dick Wolf would last for many decades. Among his numerous television credits, in addition to Law and Order and Law and Order SVU, are Quincy M.E., the original Magnum P.I.; Miami Vice; Walker Texas Ranger; "Xena: Warrior Princess; Tour of Duty; Drug Wars: The Cocaine Cartel, and many others. Doug served on the American Cinema Editors Board for the better part of two decades, was an Emmy and Eddie Award-nominated film editor, and received the ACE Career Achievement Award in 2012.

JACK SEIZER Emmy winning producer passed away in Beverly Hills, California. He was 92.

Seizer worked as a sports writer, director and producer in newspaper, radio, and television for four decades. He covered eight Olympic Games, producing the official film coverage for NBC. His last project in sports was as an Emmy winning creator and producer of the interview show Sports Look, which became Up Close." He was a member of the Directors Guild of America. He is survived by his wife Fern, son Steven and daughter Susan, daughters-in-law Claudia and Catherine, and grandsons Daniel, David, Keith, Forrest, and Andrew.

SHIRLEY JO FINNEY'S memory will be honored at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, California on Tuesday, December 12 beginning at 7 p.m. The memorial event will be hosted by the FountainTheatre. Finney passed away on October 10 at the age of 74 following an eight-month battle with cancer.

A respected and beloved Los Angeles theater director who worked at regional theaters across the country and in South Africa, Finney was also an established television and film director. She was the winner of numerous honors and awards, including for eight productions she directed at the Fountain Theatre over the course of a decades-long artistic relationship.

FRANCES STERNHAGEN the Tony Award winning actress died November 27, 2023 at her home in New Rochelle, New York .She was 93.

Sternhagen was known as a character actress who appeared on- and off-Broadway, in movies, and on television over the course of her six decade career. She received numerous accolades including two Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award, a Saturn Award, as well as nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards.

Sternhagen, a seven time Tony nominee, gained acclaim for her extensive career on the Broadway stage. She made her debut in The Skin of Our Teeth (1955). She went on to receive two Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performances as a Performer in Neil Simon's comedic play The Good Doctor (1973) and as Lavinia Penniman in Ruth and Augustus Goetz's dramatic play The Heiress (1995). Her other Tony-nominated roles were for The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (1972), Equus (1975), Angel (1978), On Golden Pond (1979), and Morning's at Seven (2002).

She gained prominence and Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her recurring roles as Esther Clavin in the NBC sitcom Cheers (1986–1993) and Bunny MacDougal in the HBO series Sex and the City (2000–2002). She also had a recurring role on the TNT series The Closer (2006–2012). Sternhagen also acted in numerous films.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Carlin whom met while in graduate school and married in 1956. He passed away in 1991. She is survived by her four sons and two daughters and their families.

Next Column: December 10, 2023
Copyright: December 3, 2023 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
Link to Main Page

---

Laura Deni

For the snail mail address, please E-mail your request.