1. So this isn’t about Chicago, and we’ve been a little Sondheim heavy lately, but he wrote the most amazing letter to the New York Times in response to their article about the remake of Porgy and Bess going up at the American Reperatory Theater, and then Broadway. Sondheim takes issue with the show being called The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, and with the producers’ claim that Gershwin would have altered his production like they are. He also says he doesn’t mean to judge “this production in advance, only the attitude of its creators toward the piece and the audience.” Seriously, read the letter. It’s amazing.
2. Sweeney Todd begins previews this weekend at Drury Lane Theater. Gregg Edelman, their own Sweeney Todd, talks about how he’s the “Susan Lucci of Broadway” and his intimate relationship with Sondheim.
3. Pinkalicious is moving to the Broadway Playhousefor the rest of its run, which is into January.
4. Why do Chicago actors stand out? “Chicago is a very elemental town-as in vicious winters and blistering summers-that’s forced to manufacture its own fantasies,” writes Lawrence Bommer. “We have no palm trees to provide a semi-tropical escapism. What you see is what you get. In the face of such ruthless realism as seches, blizzards, heat waves, power failures and potholes, our theaters work overtime to create their own saving make-believe.” Why does it always gotta be about the weather?
5. Wolf by Brikenbrak Theatre Project at The Think Tank starts next week. “Given the nature of society, can certain relationships ever be more than just predator and prey? The relationship between a young teacher and his student is put under the microscope after tragedy strikes, and in a case with more questions than answers, the truth may be little more than a question of perception,” says the press release.
Questions? Tips? Email kdries@wbez.org.
