Theater Hits and Misses of 2005

Shortest Broadway Run:
Suzanne Summers briefly had a one-woman show on Broadway this summer called The Blonde in the Thunderbird (referring to her film debut in American Graffiti). The show began previews July 8, 2005, with an official opening on July 17, and was supposed to be a limited run through September 8. Instead the show closed on July 24. With previews, the show had only 19 performances.

Most Anticipated Reunion:
Nathan Lane and Mathew Broderick were a huge hit when they created the roles of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom in the musical version of The Producers. To excited audiences, the two teamed up again this year in The Odd Couple which opened on October 27. The critics gave the show mixed reviews, but since the show was completely sold out before it opened, who cared?

Losses:
Ossie Davis, who is well known as an actor, but is also a noted writer. He won a Tony in 1970 for the book of the musical Purlie. Mr. Davis passed away in February.
Also in February, Arthur Miller passed away. Mr. Miller is one of the great playwrights of American theater having written Death of a Salesman and The Crucible.
In October, August Wilson passed away from liver cancer. Mr. Wilson set out to capture the African-American experience of the 20th Century, by writing ten plays, each play dealing with a specific decade.

Best Award Ceremony:
The Tony Awards had become hard to watch, but last year Hugh Jackman came on the scene and revived them. This year Mr. Jackman again hosted, and, in my opinion it was the best Tony show in years. His opening number was incredible, demonstrating what a great performer he is. It seemed to me that knowing Mr. Jackman was hosting revived the theater community’s interest in the awards.

Best Tony Acceptance Speech:
When Dan Fogler, won the 2005 Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), he looked completely surprised. My favorite part of his speech: “I feel like Rocky right now, she's my Adrian - Jodie! We did it! And we did it with this hair, and in this body. Be brave, be different.”

Most Anticipated Movie Musical:
The rumors of a film version of Rent have been floating around for years. This Thanksgiving, devotees of the musical were finally rewarded for their patience. Most of the original cast returned to the film to play the parts they had created on Broadway.

Longest Broadway Run:
On January 9, 2006, Phantom of the Opera will surpass Cats as the longest running musical. I know this doesn’t happen until next year, but the buzz has started this year including a contest by the producers of Phantom to win tickets to the event.