The Book of Merman Photos Page 2 -

Lincoln Center Theater's production of the new musical WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, based on the film by Pedro Almodóvar, with a book by Jeffrey Lane, music and lyrics by David Yazbek and direction by Bartlett Sher opened last night November 4 at The Belasco Theatre on Broadway. A long-standing opening night tradition on the Great White Way, the fabled Gypsy Robe is bestowed upon a veteran Broadway chorus member for each opening production. In what has now become a theatrical ritual, originating on Broadway 60 years ago, Julio Agustin was the given the robe.

On August 13, Ravinia opened its three-day run of Irving Berlin's hit-filled Broadway classic ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Taking on her third Merman role, Patti LuPone stars as the sharp-shooter opposite Patrick Cassidy as Frank Butler and George Hearn as Buffalo Bill Cody. The production is directed by Lonny Price with Paul Gemignani leading the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The shows, Aug. 13 through 15, begin at 7:30 p.m.

FAMILY DINNER, a new play by Michele Willens, is being given its world-premiere Off-Broadway this summer in a production directed by Jamibeth Margolis at the Beckett Theatre On Theater Row (410 W. 42 St.) in Manhattan, with official press opening held last night June 21.

FAMILY DINNER, a new play by Michele Willens, will be given its world-premiere Off-Broadway this summer in a production directed by Jamibeth Margolis at the Beckett Theatre On Theater Row (410 W. 42 St.) in Manhattan, with previews beginning June 17 prior to an official press opening June 21.

Friends and colleagues including Bruce Vilanch, Valarie Pettiford, Rachel York, Rita McKenzie, Carole Cook, Thom Troupe, Kathryn Jootsen, Lily Tomlin, Florence Henderson, Donna Mills, Jackie Joseph, Channing Chase, Tippi Hedren, JoAnne Worley, Kate Linder and the Los Angeles cast of RENT among others were more than thrilled to turn out for this special engagement of 'The First 80 Years are the Hardest,' that marked Carol Channing's return to the stage after her accident last year that forced her, for the very first time in her 70 year career, to cancel all scheduled performances.

Gypsy, starring Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone in the towering role of Rose, played from August 11th through August 13th at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago