HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Y’ALL! By Peter Filichia
So, according to the records, September 17 is the day of the year on which most people are born. Now that we’re around the 260th day of 2025, let’s celebrate the birthdays on that date of those who have contributed to musical theater in one way or another. “In one way or another” allows us […]
THE SEASON THEN, THE SEASON NOW By Peter Filichia
It all started with my wanting to do something nice for The Theatre World Awards – the 79-year-old organization that recognizes performers who make their Broadway and off-Broadway debuts. For the last 26 years, I’ve chaired the nominating committee and emceed the annual ceremony. To raise money, we take a table at the annual Broadway […]
SONG & DANCE: Not the Same Song and Dance By Peter Filichia
In a way, it could be considered a Bernadette Peters album. Most of the star’s longtime fans can tell you that over the decades, Peters has released six solo recordings. But she really did a seventh as well. It’s her lengthiest one, at 64 minutes: SONG & DANCE – THE SONGS. Does that title sound […]
SO, YOU THINK YOU KNOW SWEENEY TODD… By Peter Filichia
What you don’t know – or don’t remember – about SWEENEY TODD could fill a book. Rick Pender has proved that by writing Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: Behind the Bloody Musical Masterpiece. Pender, a Cincinnati reviewer, has attended the tale of Sweeney Todd for 252 pages. To mark the musical’s 46-year history, here are 46 […]
SONS OF A CHORUS LINE By Peter Filichia
With all the talk about A CHORUS LINE’S 50th anniversary, let’s remember that without this excellent 1975 musical, there wouldn’t have been an excellent 2001 musical. A CLASS ACT. It told of Edward Kleban, A CHORUS LINE’s lyricist, whose work netted him the Tony, Drama Desk and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards, as well […]
