All Entries in the "Bebe Neuwirth" Category
The Addams Family Broadway Takes Final Bow
The Addams Family played its final Broadway performance on Sunday, December 31 after 725 performances and 34 previews.
Since beginning previews on March 8 2009, The Addams Family has been seen by more than 748,000 people. Prior to Broadway, The Addams Family played an 8 week engagement at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, where it grossed more than $12 million, making it the most successful Broadway tryout in Chicago’s history.
The national tour of The Addams Family launched on September 15 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts in New Orleans and is booked in more than 30 cities through 2012.
Get a look back at the production, from Chicago to Broadway and beyond, below!
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus (Broadway, Chicago); Jeremy Daniel (Tour)
The current Broadway cast of The Addams Family starred Brooke Shields as Morticia, Roger Rees as Gomez; Brad Oscar as Fester, Rachel Potter as Wednesday, Jackie Hoffman as Grandma, Zachary James as Lurch, Adam Riegler as Pugsley, Heidi Blickenstaff as Alice Beineke, Adam Grupper as Mal Beineke and Jesse Swenson as Lucas Beineke; the original Broadway cast included Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth as Gomez and Morticia, Terrence Mann as Mal Beineke, Carolee Carmello as Alice Beineke, Kevin Chamberlin as Uncle Fester, Jackie Hoffman as Grandma, Zachary James as Lurch, Adam Riegler as Pugsley, Wesley Taylor as Lucas Beineke and Krysta Rodriguez as Wednesday.
Brooke is Morticia
In an inspired bit of casting, Brooke Shields becomes Morticia on June 28. Read about it in this excerpt from a Patrick Healy piece—
Brooke Shields -- Morticia to be. (photo: AP)
Brooke Shields Will Be the New Morticia in ‘Addams Family’
By PATRICK HEALY
New York Times
March 31, 2011
Brooke Shields will continue her run as high-profile replacement actress on Broadway this summer when she takes over the role of Morticia in “The Addams Family” musical from Bebe Neuwirth, who will depart the show after 15 months.
The producers announced on Thursday that Ms. Shields will begin performances on June 28, on the cusp of the high summer season when many Broadway musicals have strong earnings thanks to tourists. Ms. Neuwirth will give her last performance on June 26; she is now playing opposite Roger Rees, who took over the leading man role of Gomez from Nathan Lane in mid-March.
The Addams Family Musical An Entertaining Afternoon of Theatre
Catherine (me) and Rick Elice
Last weekend was a whirlwind of friends, parties, and great Broadway entertainment! AND I was able to spend some time with my favorite Broadway writer, Rick Elice. Rick is that rare breed of celebrity who is unassuming, humble and completely genuine. He is such a pleasure to know – one would never guess he has two of the top 10 shows currently running on Broadway.
While Saturday was all about Jersey Boys, Sunday was reserved for The Addams Family. I had second row center seats for the matinee – up close and personal - and I was a little bit nervous. There have been mixed reviews, not only from the critics, but from a few of the readers here on the blog, and I didn’t want to go in with any preconceptions about the show. So, I went in with an open mind, and I had a blast!
From the opening number “When You’re An Addams”, to the final curtain, I had a smile on my face and a laugh in my throat. I don’t want to get into a scene by scene analysis – that’s been done to death. I just want to share my thoughts.
Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth were wonderful as Gomez and Morticia, two parents facing what all parents face when they realize that their baby is all grown up and about to leave the nest. Of course, not all parents face it in quite the same way! Bebe was gorgeous! Her flawless skin and deadpan expression were classic Morticia. She danced beautifully, and her “Just Around The Corner” was one of my favorite numbers. Nathan definitely lived up to the hype. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he had the audience in stitches.
Kevin Chamberlin was hilarious as the “moonstruck” Uncle Fester. He really got into his oddball personae, and the audience loved him.
Jackie Hoffman as Grandma was as hysterical as everyone says. Although her role was small, she made the most of each and every line, leaving the audience doubled over in laughter. At one point during “dinner”, she was obviously ad-libbing, talking about running the mara…mara…mara..thon (NY marathon was run that day), and the cast was laughing so hard, Bebe actually had to lay her head on the table so the audience wouldn’t see. Of course, being in the second row, I could see her head shaking!
As the tormented young couple, Wednesday Addams and Lucas Beineke, Krysta Rodriguez and Wesley Taylor were fantastic. They portrayed just the right amount of teenage angst, mixed with a craziness that comes with young love. Krysta’s voice was crystal clear, with a bit of a rock edge to it, and Wesley was a perfect accompaniment. Their “Crazier Than You” was another of my favorites. I’ll be keeping an eye on their careers, I’m betting they go far.
Carollee Carmello and Terrence Mann played Alice and Mal Beineke, Lucas’s “normal” parents from Ohio. If that’s normal, I’d hate to see odd. She with her bright yellow dress and rhyming speech, and he with his tough-guy “I won’t be pushed around” act (until I meet the right squid), were very entertaining, and they played the roles to perfection.
As Lurch, the mostly silent butler, Zachary James was brilliant. And Adam Riegler was terrific as Pugsley. He had a fantastic voice for such a young age, and was very enjoyable to watch. His sadness at realizing his sister was growing up and wouldn’t be around to “play” with him much longer was very touching.
And last, but certainly by no means least, the Ancestors were all superb. Each one had his/her own personality, they danced beautifully, and the way they were utilized onstage was ingenious.
On the top of my list of ”high points” has to be the set design. Congratulations to Julian Crouch and Phelim McDermott for a tremendous job! Basil Twist’s puppetry was also spectacular, adding a layer of creativity not seen in many shows. And, as usual, Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman wrote a great story, with a perfect mix of humor, seriousness, and Charles Addams absurdity.
“Just Around The Corner” and ”Crazier Than You” were my favorite musical numbers, with “When You’re An Addams” and the tango scene following close behind. Gomez had two ballady numbers that dragged a bit (for me), but Nathan performed them beautifully. And Uncle Fester and the moon, and Mal Beineke and the squid were a bit over the top, but hey, this is the Addams Family - they are over the top!
Please bear with me while I vent….I know this is a family friendly show, and yes, they sell candy at the concession stand, but people, this is a high dollar Broadway show, not a movie theater. Please have the courtesy to NOT open loud candy wrappers, slurp noisily on lollipops, or rifle through your shopping bags in the middle of the performance (yes, I experienced all of this within two rows of me, and the perpetrators were all adults.) This is not only rude to your fellow audience members, but most especially to the cast.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the entire Addams Family ‘family’ for an exciting and entertaining afternoon of theatre!
Replacement Named for Nathan Lane in The Addams Family Musical
Well, it’s been discussed at length here on the Addams Family Blog….who will replace Nathan Lane when his contract expires in March? Readers weighed in, with suggestions all over the place - from Danny DeVito to Antonio Banderas. But the guessing game is over, for it has been announced that Tony winner Roger Rees will take over the role of Gomez Addams on March 22, 2011. And to add to this piece of good news, it has also been announced that Bebe Neuwirth will continue in her role as Morticia into the summer months. Congratulations to Mr. Rees, and to the entire cast of The Addams Family!
Mr. Rees, who is recognizable from many venues – he won a Tony Award for best actor in 1982 for the play “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby”…he played the Sheriff of Rottingham in Mel Brooks’ 1993 film, “Robin Hood: Men in Tights”…he appeared in “The West Wing” from 2000-2005 as Lord John Marbury – is no stranger to The Addams Family family. He is currently working with Rick Elice, co-directing Elice’s Peter and the Starcatchers as part of the New York Theatre Workshop’s 2010-2011 season. And Mr. Rees is close friends with Bebe Neuwirth. The two are perhaps best known for their overlapping work on the NBC series “Cheers.” Mr. Rees was a frequent guest star on “Cheers” as Robin Colcord, a British playboy and love interest of bar manager Rebecca Howe, played by Kirstie Alley; Ms. Neuwirth played the chilly psychiatrist Lilith Crane on the show.
Nathan Lane fans, rest assured your favorite Gomez will continue in his role until March 6, giving you plenty of time to get yourself to the theatre! After Mr. Lane’s final show, understudies will play Gomez opposite Ms. Neuwirth until Mr. Rees joins the show on March 22.
Who Would Be YOUR Picks For Gomez and Morticia Replacements?
According to several news sources, producers of The Addams Family are actively searching for replacements for Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, whose contracts expire in March, 2011. Although (according to the NY Times) star actors were deliberately played down in the show’s advertising – emphasizing instead the famous Addams brand – which would make it easier for actors to “slide” into the lead roles, after the recent hit the box office took when Lane was out on vacation, it would seem they are searching for recognizable names to fill the Gomez and Morticia costumes.
It is rumored that John Leguizamo and Minnie Driver, who would have fit the bill quite nicely, both turned down offers, with no specific reasons given. So the search continues.
Who would YOU pick to replace Bebe and Nathan? Let’s hear it from the fans!
Jonas Brothers Visit The Addams Family
Nick and Kevin Jonas, along with little brother Frankie, visited another famous family this week – The Addams Family!
For more pics, visit broadway.com.
Bebe Neuwirth will show off ‘Morticia’s Nails’ on July 15
Bebe Neuwirth to Unveil The Addams Family Themed Nail Polish, With Proceeds to Benefit the Actors Fund
Tony winner Bebe Neuwirth will host the launch of Morticia’s Nails, a nail polish collection inspired by her character in The Addams Family, on July 15 at the Eventi Hotel. Neuwirth and her husband, Chris Calkins, have teamed with Essie Cosmetics to design and release the line, which will include three colors: Midnight Tango, Bone Chilling White and Blood Curdling Red. All proceeds will benefit The Actors Fund. Neuwirth will be joined by her female Addams co-stars at the event.
Morticia’s Nails will have a limited release of 5,000 pieces retailing at $30 per three-color set. Neuwirth expects the collection to raise more than $100,000 for charity.
Later on July 15, the actress will appear with Addams castmates Carolee Carmello, Jackie Hoffman, Zachary James, Wesley Taylor, Adam Riegler and Krysta Rodriguez, and composer Andrew Lippa at an album signing for the show’s cast recording at the Lincoln Square Barnes and Noble.
Cast members of “The Addams Family” to Perform at Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle has announced its events calendar for the month of July.
On Thursday, July 15 at 4:30pm, cast members of THE ADDAMS FAMILY will perform and sign copies of the original Cast Recording. Appearing at the event will be composer-lyricist Andrew Lippa, Bebe Neuwrith, Carolee Carmello, Zachary James, Adam Riegler, Wesley Taylor, Krysta Rodriguez and Jackie Hoffman.
Bebe & Nathan Soar at the Tonys
Bebe and Nathan hit it out of the park at the Tony Awards. And are incredibly good sports.
The Addams Family Nominated for Drama League Awards
Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth announced Drama League Award nominees, live at Sardi's
On April 20, 2010, Bebe Neuwirth (The Addams Family) and Kelsey Grammer (La Cage aux Folles) announced nominations for the 76th Annual Drama League Awards, to be presented at a ceremony and luncheon May 21 in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square.
Among this year’s nominees:
DISTINGUISHED PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
The Addams Family
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice; Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre)
DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE AWARD
Nathan Lane, The Addams Family
In addition to this year’s nominees, nine past recipients of the Distinguished Performance Award will be honored for their work this season. However, because an individual can only receive the Distinguished Performance Award once in his/her lifetime, they are ineligible for award consideration this year. Among those past honorees will be Bebe Neuwirth of The Addams Family.
The Drama League announced earlier this Spring that among it’s special recognitions, Nathan Lane will receive the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre Award.
Great honors, indeed. Congratulations to The Addams Family!
Click here to view a list of all nominees.
“The Addams Family” – WORD OF MOUTH
The Addams Family can’t rely on the critics, so it’s up to the fans of the show to show their support through WORD OF MOUTH.
CLICK HERE to visit the WORD OF MOUTH post. Scroll to the bottom and click “Comments” to share your thoughts or experiences of “The Addams Family” on Broadway, and to read others’ experiences.
Bebe Neuwirth Thrilled to be Playing Morticia
Bebe Neuwirth Revels in Playing the Macabre Matriarch in The Addams Family
By Beth Stevens,
BroadwayWorld.com
If you expect to encounter someone uptight and humorless when meeting Bebe Neuwirth, you will be surprised. She is not half as harsh as the characters she plays. With her loose curls (as opposed to the tight bun her character Lilith wore on Cheers and Frasier and the severe black wig she sported as Velma Kelly in Chicago) and easy laugh, the two-time Tony winner looks fresh and relaxed and she sips a Diet Coke on a chaise in her dressing room at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. It’s obvious that the recent newlywed is reveling in her return to Broadway in the deliciously fitting role of Morticia Addams in The Addams Family. The new musical, in which Neuwirth stars opposite Nathan Lane, opens on April 8, 2010. The actress took time out of her busy schedule of rehearsals and previews to chat with Broadway.com about being a dancer first and foremost, imagining how cartoonist Charles Addams’ macabre matriarch might move and the possibility of a wardrobe malfunction.
You seem born to play this role.
I have loved this character ever since I was a kid. I think I probably was exposed to Morticia via the sitcom first because I was a little girl in the ‘60s and watched it. Then sometime when I was a kid, I also saw the cartoons, so it’s thrilling for me to play this part that I’ve always wanted to play.
Did you look at the original Charles Adams cartoons a lot as you thought about playing Morticia?
Yes, I did. I tried to see what I could emulate about her physicality and what I could find that is useful in informing me of who she is. A lot of actors work from the inside out, but I think—probably because I’m a dancer first—that I’m an actress who works from the outside in. Frequently—not always. In the case of Morticia, I think it’s been very helpful to me to see how she sits and how she holds her arms [in the cartoons]. It makes you wonder how she would move.
Grammer and Neuwirth To Announce Noms For 76th Drama League Awards
The Drama League announced yesterday that “Cheers” and “Frasier” stars Kelsey Grammer (La Cage aux Folles) and Bebe Neuwirth (The Addams Family)will reunite to announce the nominations for The 76th Annual Drama League Awards.
Grammer and Neuwirth will announce the nominations at an 11 a.m. press conference on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Sardi’s Restaurant in midtown Manhattan. Video coverage of the press conference will be streamed live on the Internet at the drama league website, and on broadwayworld.com.
This spring, Kelsey Grammer returns to Broadway as Georges in the revival of La Cage aux Folles, opening April 18 at the Longacre Theatre on West 48th Street. Two blocks south, Bebe Neuwirth stars as Morticia Addams in the new musical The Addams Family, now in previews in advance of an April 8 opening at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
As previously announced, The 76th Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon is set for Friday, May 21, 2010 in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square (1535 Broadway at 46th St.). The event begins at noon.
