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It’s exciting news that the Devine Miss M will be back on Broadway playing another Devine Miss M. Group discounts to see Bette Midler in “I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers” are available through All Tickets Inc. If you don’t know who Sue Mengers was, then you should. She was an amazing woman who broke the mold when it came to Hollywood agents.

Star Agent for the Stars

This is a story that Broadway groups will cherish as they are introduced to a woman who started with nothing and rose to the heights of success. In the ‘70s, Sue Mengers became one of the most powerful agents in Hollywood. She came to the US as a child, escaping from Hitler’s Germany and went from a life of hard times and poverty to luxury and wealth. She started out as a receptionist at a boutique Hollywood agency and eventually rose to great heights at I.C.M. and William Morris. Her clients included Barbra Streisand, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway and Michael Caine.

Party On!

“I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers” reveals not just the agent. Mengers, who was also known to be a graceful hostess who created some of Hollywood’s most magnificent parties, is also viewed in this role. Anyone who was anyone coveted an invite to one of Mengers’ gatherings. Midler will take on the challenge of playing a multifaceted woman who was driven, charming and smart. Broadway group sales at a group discount for Midler’s return to Broadway after a hiatus of more than 30 years should be strong.

Midler Back on Broadway

The one-woman show “I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers” seems to be a perfect fit for Midler. Mengers bigger than life persona and intrinsically interesting story offer the Divine Miss M a wonderful opportunity.

Midler has a powerful resume that includes two Academy Award nominations, three Grammy Awards, four Golden Globes and three Emmy Awards. She has also been presented with a special Tony Award and has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. She was also one of the producers of the Broadway show “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”

April Opening

“I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers” will offer Broadway groups a great opportunity to see Bette Midler on stage once again at a discount. The one-woman show is written by Tony-winner John Logan and directed by Joe Mantello. It is set to open on April 24 at a Shubert theater that is still to be determined. Contact All Tickets Inc. Broadway group sales agents for discounts and more information.

All Tickets Inc., Broadway’s group discount leader, wishes you happy 2013, as we gear up for Houdini with Hugh Jackman. Jackman (“Les Miserable”) will play the illusionist and in watching him in the newly released film of “Les Miserable,” we were recently reminded of what a great talent he is. Not that we needed much reminding as Jackman’s one-man show, which was a great event, was recently on Broadway. A few year’s ago the talented performer played Curly in the London revival of “Oklahoma!” and gave a wonderful performance.

New Year’s Eve, NYC

There’s a lot to do in NYC on New Years Eve. If you haven’t see Jackman in “Les Miserable” that can be a great choice as well as dinner. Of course many people will be going out to special parties at some of New York’s most exciting nightspots, while others will spend it at home watching the ball drop in Times Square. It won’t be the same without the late Dick Clark hosting the festivities. Ryan Seacrest, who was discovered by the late Merv Griffin quite a few years ago, will host and pay homage to Clark, who started the New Years Rockin’ Eve on ABC in 1974.

Times Square

Times Square really will be the center of attention for much of the U.S. tonight. The first New Year’s celebration occurred in Times Square in 1904 and the initial ball drop was in 1907. Millions of people jam into the area to enjoy live music, fireworks and a party atmosphere. The ball drop offers the East Coast a unique way to count down the old year and go into the new one.

Happy New Year to All!

The staff at All Tickets Inc. wishes each and everyone a Happy New Year. We feel that along with the premiere of the new musical “Houdini” with Hugh Jackman in fall 2013, that the year will offer some watershed events, including the musicals “Cinderella,” “Motown,” and “Matilda.” All of these shows will premiere between January and April of the New Year. Be safe and have a great time tonight no matter how you choose to celebrate.

News on the Broadway group discount front is exciting as “Orphans,” “Pump Boys and Dinettes” and “Flashdance” are in the news. Flashdances makes its Broadway premiere while Orphans and Pump Boys and Dinettes have both been seen in prior New York productions. Here’s the latest on each of these shows.

Orphans with Alec Baldwin

It was big news when it was announced a while ago that Alec Baldwin will return to Broadway in the role of Harold in “Orphans.” Now we hear that Shia LaBeouf, star of TV and also movie blockbusters such as “Disturbia” and “Transformers,” will make his Broadway debut opposite Baldwin as Treat. It has not yet been announced who will be in the role of Phillip. “Orphans” will preview March 19 at the Schoenfeld Theatre and will open April 7. Currently Al Pacino is in the revival of “Glengarry Glen Ross” at the Schoenfeld.

Bo Bice on Broadway

In the fourth season of American Idol, Bo Bice finished second to Carrie Underwood. Now the singer/musician is slated to appear in the revival of the popular concept musical “Pump Boys and Dinettes” at Circle in the Square. The musical, which premieres March 19, will also star Alexander Gemignani, Erik Hayden, Justin Hosek, Jane Pfitsch, and Leenya Rideout. All actors will also cover as the band. The original production of the musical opened in 1982 and ran for 573 performances. It was nominated for a Best Musical Tony. “Pump Boys and Dinettes” takes place at a gas station/diner that is situated along Highway 87 in North Carolina. The homage to small town life offers humor, heart and some fine homespun music.

Flashdance Tour Before Bway

Jennifer Beals made a big splash, literally and figuratively, in the movie Flashdance. Now it’s hoped the musical stage version will do the same on Broadway. The musical will begin a national tour in January 2013 prior to opening on Broadway. However, the touring production will not be the one produced for The Great White Way. Who can forget that amazing dance sequence set to “Flashdance … What a Feeling” when Beal’s character auditions for the formal and stodgy dance school faculty? The musical will include that chartbuster as well as the two other huge hits from the film, “Maniac” and “Gloria.” “Flashdance” was Beals’ second movie.

More Information for Group Discounts

For more information on these shows and all Broadway offering contact All Tickets Inc. by calling 1-800-922-0716. All Tickets exclusive and all-inclusive Broadway COMP promo runs until December 31, 2012. Be sure to follow us on Twitter to get the latest on deals, our Buzz Stream and access our new feature—Theatre Trivia Tweets.

Who do you want to be for Halloween? Many people choose to be someone from a Broadway show. It makes sense since there are so many characters in Broadway musicals and plays that are from the other side or connected to spells, spirits and spooky encounters. Here are some of All Tickets top picks for those wanting to go Broadway for Halloween.

Broadway Opera Styling

If you’re looking for a classic, stylized faux opera look then consider going as The Phantom from the longest running show in Broadway history The Phantom of the Opera. Although he is not from the other side, he is exceedingly creepy. Living in the sewers of Paris, abducting beautiful, talented young women and going into fits of extreme anger make Broadway’s Phantom a great choice when it comes to Halloween.

Creepy Family Americana

The musical Addam’s Family gives just about everyone and anyone a choice when it comes to being a larger than life character. There’s the mom, Morticia, and the dad, Gomez. Both are oddly, less than normal with Morticia being instantly recognizable. Wednesday, the daughter, has her own sort of penetrating intensity that is really offsetting.

Pugsley, the son, may be the least intimidating; however, if you decide to have him carry around a dead pet that jacks up the weird meter a bit. Lurch, Grandma and Fester are a trio of oddities who are strikingly bizarre. There’s nothing normal about them and if you have the right body type you have a good chance of being quite convincing.

The Sexy and the Undead

Dracula is certainly the king of the sexy and the undead. At least as far as ale characters are concerned. Lestat is another male vampire who has that sexy look. Of course, there are vamp characters as well as vampires. The first vamp in the movies was Theda Bara. What’s a vamp? She’s a woman who is extremely sexy and guaranteed to lead a man down the road to perdition. She’s the American version of a Siren. Velma Kelly in Chicago has All That Jazz that makes a woman a vamp, as does Ulla in The Producers who sings When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It. Dressing as either of these sexy women will certainly get people’s attention.

The Famous & Recognizable

Of course you don’t have to go as someone frightening, odd or dangerous. You can opt to be a famous character who is instantly recognizable. The list is seemingly endless and eminently diverse. Characters include Pee Wee Herman, Spiderman, Shrek and Mary Poppins. Halloween for many of us is about dressing up and becoming someone else, which is what every actor on Broadway does. So go as The Phantom or as Frankie Vali, become Galinda or Elphaba or transform into the Wizard or take on the persona of Jekyll and Hyde or of Annie. Daddy Warbucks, Chaplin or Elf—the choice is yours. Who do you want to be? Halloween will be here soon. Go Broadway for Halloween.

Rebecca the Musical, which looks like a premium group discount experience, will be on Broadway this fall. Manderlay is the mysterious setting for this musical, which is akin to a gothic psychological thriller. Like the Oscar winning 1940 movie and popular 1938 novel by Daphne du Maurier, Rebecca, the musical version, offers a ghostly, haunting atmosphere. It’s one as if you expect the deceased Rebecca to pop up at any moment.

Hitchcock Film

As Mrs. Danvers, Judith Anderson was eerie and frightening.Film director Alfred Hitchcock knew a great story when he saw one and the novel Rebecca certainly had that. Plus, it had the otherworldly feeling that Hitchcock always so ably created in his greatest movies. That atmosphere that made you wonder if you were in some way existing in a place that was halfway between the real world and a dream.

I’ll never forget the first time that I saw Rebecca. It was 35 years after the movie had premiered. I watched it on television one evening and was hypnotized by it. So much so that I became a big fan and eventually added a photo from the film autographed by the two leads, Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, to my collection.

The ghostlike atmosphere was reinforced by the settings, camera work and acting. As Mrs. Danvers, Judith Anderson was amazingly eerie and frightening. Fontaine as the unnamed second Mrs. Maxim de Winter was naïve and vulnerable and Olivier played the aristocrat perfectly. Hitchcock created a perfect combination of elements that made Rebecca a classic.

Rebecca The Musical

Watch the clip of the musical Rebecca to see how this production captures the atmosphere that is so important in transferring the novel to the stage. Also stunningly done are the special effects and the acting is totally engaging.

The music captures the high emotions, the tensions and the mysteries of the piece. The book and film both open with the line, “Last night I dreamt of Manderlay again.” But the narrator, the second Mrs. De Winter, cannot go back because the magnificent estate has been destroyed.

Loss, Love and Obsession

Within the haunting environment that invites the memory and invokes the ghost of Rebecca, is a tale that is about loss, love and obsession. The musical, like the two works that precede it, focuses on how the past can occupy the present to such a degree that it destroys that present.

Although Rebecca The Musical deal with emotion on a high level, it is about something that everyone must contend with at some point in their life—letting go and going on to be in the present. In Rebecca The Musical those who cannot do that are destroyed. This is a musical that will elevate your emotions and tantalize your imaginations, putting you in the midst of what is an overpowering situation that leads to catastrophic events.

For group who are interested in saving money through group discount tickets, this can be an especially valuable and moving evening in the theatre. Contact All Tickets at
800-922-0716 for more information on Rebecca The Musical, which is slated to start previews on October 30, 2012.It is one of many great-looking Broadway musicals scheduled to premiere this theatre season.

A Christmas Story comes to Broadway and All Tickets has group discounts and comps!All Tickets has group discount tickets and COMPS to the Broadway premiere of A Christmas Story The Musical. Based on the film A Christmas Story, New York will welcome the show starting November 5th and running until December 30th. A Christmas Story, which focuses on the Parker family in Hohman, Indiana, successfully completed a five-city tour last holiday season and it’s sure to transport everyone who sees it in New York back to a simpler time.

What’s Your Favorite Part?

The highly quotable and memorable movie A Christmas Story is filled with wonderful moments. Who can forget Randy, Ralphie’s younger brother who never ate, and who was dressed in so many layers of winter clothing when he fell down he could not get up as he “lay there like a tick ready to pop.” Or what about the classic scene of Ralphie helping the Old Man change the flat tire only to knock the tire nuts into night, making him say the dreaded bad word of all bad words: “Fuudddggge!” (Only he didn’t say, “fudge.”) Or what about Scut Farkus and his yellow teeth and eyes and horrific laugh and the moment where Ralphie finally unloads on the bully? Or the Bumpus dogs filching the family turkey on Christmas Day and the wonderful rendition of “Deck the Halls” sung in the Chinese restaurant by the workers as the family is introduced to “Chinese turkey?”

The Christmas Quest

In A Christmas Story, Ralphie wants one thing for Christ- the Red Ryder air rifle but…!
What is Christmas to a kid if they don’t have a quest for the ultimate gift? For Ralphie in A Christmas Story it’s the Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. That is all that he wants, but it seems as if he is destined to be disappointed. As just about everyone says to him, including his mother, teacher and Santa himself, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” (And of course when he does get the rifle, he just about fulfills the prophecy.)

Young Talent Abounds

John Rando will direct A Christmas Story, which features a book by Joseph Robinette and choreography by Warren Carlyle. Two young composers, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, have been cited by critics for their work on A Christmas Story. Song titles include (appropriately enough) “Red Ryder,” “Ralphie to the Rescue,” “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” and “A Major Award.”

A Major Award

In A Christmas Story, the major award creates a major conflict
In A Christmas Story, The Old Man hears that he’s won a major prize and he cannot contain himself as the crate is delivered. What can it be? Perhaps a bowling alley? He reads the wooden crate before opening it, pronouncing the words boldly stenciled across it, as if they might be a clue to the contents, “Fra-gee-lay!” (“Fragile”). Or course when the crate is opened, the major prize is about as hideous as it can be. It’s a large lamp in the seductive shape of a woman’s leg, dressed in fishnets with the lampshade representing the bottom of a tasseled skirt which barely covers the buttock region.

The Old Man proudly places it prominently in the front living room window for all to see and although Mrs. Parker (the mother) tries her best to deal with the embarrassing eyesore eventually she accidently destroys it causing an uproar and debate that lasts for years. It is all simply hilarious.

Family for the Holidays

Do NOT try this! In A Christmas Story it ends up causing a whole lot of pain.
If the Holiday Season is about family, then the Parker family is one you’ll have to visit. They will be in residence in the musical A Christmas Story at the Nederlander Theatre and All Tickets can get you great group discount seats and will supply you with COMPS for this wonderful show. Call All Tickets today at 800-922-0716 or follow this link for more information on group prices, our time limited COMP PROMO and suggestions on how to make your trip to see A Christmas Story a very special event. (And yes, your tongue will stick to a metal flagpole if you lick it in the dead of a cold, harsh winter! Just ask Flick, if you don’t believe me.)

What’s the next great Broadway musical ticket you’ll buy? Will it be at low group discount prices? Might it include COMPS? All Tickets thinks Broadway musicals, great ones, should available at low, value-based prices. In other words, we want you to get boffo value on a boffo show. But what are some of those amazing musicals? You know what we mean, the ones that will have great audience appeal and capture the eyes and ears of next year’s Tony committee? Here’s a preview of upcoming shows that are looking for a long run on The Great White Way. Each has group discounts and COMPS exclusively from All Tickets. All shows are listed in chronological order according to preview date.

Chaplin

Theatre: Barrymore Theatre
First Preview: August 21
Opening: September 10
Director: Warren Carlyle
Cast: Rob McClure

The musical Chaplin, which premiered at La Jolla Playhouse, features music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis and a book by Curtis and multi-Tony winner Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers and Hairspray). This is a big cast musical with 22 players. It would have to be big to trace the career of a man who grew up in extreme poverty and hardship to eventually become the most recognized face on the planet and one of the first movie stars. Chaplin’s life was filled with romance, conflict and glamour and, of course, controversy and scandal. Charlie Chaplin’s story has all the makings of a great Broadway musical.

All Tickets Inc. Chaplin Deal: Group discounts plus ATI SPECIAL COMP PROMO—1 COMP for every 25 purchased (up to 4 COMPS total). Orders must be confirmed by September 30, 2012. (Note: Our standard COMP PROMO is 1 COMP for every 30 purchased. This offer of 1 COMP for every 25 purchased is only for the musical Chaplin unless otherwise stated.)

Annie

First Preview: October 3, 2012
Opening: November 8, 2012
Director: James Lapine
Cast: Lilla Crawford, Anthony Warlow, Katie Finneran

The musical Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan, is back on Broadway with a reworked book and a new vision from Tony winning director/writer James Lapine. It’s the story of Little Orphan Annie and how she went from her “Hard Knock Life” to “Easy Street,” finding the family of her dreams. Annie won seven Tonys in 1977 and was a huge hit, running for six years on Broadway and touring nationally and internationally. With a great list of songs, including “Tomorrow,” “N.Y.C.” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” an energetic group of mischievous orphans and a cast of leading players that includes Lilla Crawford as Annie, Katie Finneran as Miss Hannigan and Anthony Warlow as Oliver Warbucks, Broadway audiences are in for a wonderful revival of this hit musical.

All Tickets Inc. Annie Deal: Group discounts plus ATI COMP EVENT—1 COMP for every 30 purchased (90 purchased equals three COMPS). For orders of 100+ tickets groups get 5 COMPS! Orders must be confirmed by July 16, 2012. (Note: Our standard COMP PROMO is 1 COMP for every 30 purchased. This offer of 5 COMPS for every 100 purchased is only for the musical Annie unless otherwise stated.) After July 16, 2012, Annie will be available under the ATI COMP PROMO—1 COMP for every 30 purchased (up to 4 COMPS total). Orders for this offer must be confirmed by September 30, 2012.

Rebecca

Theatre: Broadhurst Theatre
First Preview: October 20, 2012
Opening: November 18, 2012
Director: Michael Blakemore and Francesca Zambello
Cast: Jill Paice, Ryan Silverman, Karen Mason, Howard McGillin, James Barbour, Donna English, Nick Wyman, Henry Stram

The Academy Award winning film by Hitchcock, which starred Sir Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, is haunting and beautiful. Like this new musical, Rebecca was based

on the novel by Daphne du Maurier. In some ways the story is simple—it focuses on Maxim de Winter and his new wife. Set on de Winter’s country estate, Manderley, the new Mrs. de Winter must deal with the memory of her husband’s late first wife, which seems to haunt the home and countryside. She must also contend with the housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, who is devoted to keeping the deceased wife’s memory alive. Rebecca premiered in Vienna in 2006 and features book and lyrics by Michael Kunze and music by Sylvester Levay. Tony Award winner Christopher Hampton (Sunset Boulevard) has adapted the book into English and Hampton and Kunze have created the English lyrics.

All Tickets Inc. Rebecca Deal: Group discounts plus ATI COMP PROMO—1 COMP for every 30 purchased (up to 4 COMPS total). Orders must be confirmed by September 30, 2012.

Matilda

Theatre: TBA

First Preview: Spring 2013
Director: Matthew Warchus
Cast: TBA

Matilda The Musical is a huge hit in London, winning plaudits from everyone. Awards include 7 Oliviers, 5 Best Musical Awards from various organizations and five stars from seven leading publications. Matilda is the journey of an exceedingly smart and gifted girl with extraordinary powers who is constantly psychologically abused and bullied by her father and then by the headmistress of her school. But she perseveres, discovers happiness and is loved for who she is. Based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 book of the same name, Matilda is written by playwright Dennis Kelly and has music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin. Tony and Olivier Award winner Matthew Warchus directs it.

All Tickets Inc. Matilda Deal: Group discounts plus ATI COMP EVENT—1 COMP for every 30 purchased (90 purchased equals three COMPS). For orders of 100+ tickets groups get 5 COMPS! Orders must be confirmed by July 16, 2012. (Note: Our standard COMP PROMO is 1 COMP for every 30 purchased. This offer of 5 COMPS for every 100 purchased is only for the musical Matilda unless otherwise stated.) After July 16, 2012, Matilda will be available under the ATI COMP PROMO—1 COMP for every 30 purchased (up to 4 COMPS total). Orders for this offer must be confirmed by December 31, 2012.

Motown

Theatre: TBA
First Preview: Spring 2013
Director: Charles Randolph-Wright
Cast: TBA

Motown is the story of one of the most successful men to ever be a part of the recording and music industry—Berry Gordy. Gordy started Motown Records on a few bucks and a dream and working with new artists created the ‘the Sound of Young America,’ which included The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5 and many more. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1960s, when race relations were strained and passions and emotions ran high, Motown chronicles Gordy’s unique story as he helped create a family of pop-rock-soul superstars. Motown features a score composed of the Motown record label hits.

All Tickets Inc. Motown Deal: Group discounts plus ATI COMP PROMO—1 COMP for every 30 purchased (up to 4 COMPS total). Orders confirmed by December 31, 2012.

Big Fish

Theatre: TBA
First Preview: Spring 2013
Director: Susan Stroman
Cast: TBA

The new musical Big Fish is based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Columbia Pictures film written by John August. Tony winner Susan Stroman (Contact, Crazy for You, The Producers) will direct and choreograph. The story is a fantasy adventure tale with deep resonance as a son tries to reconnect with his dying father through the tall tales his dad has woven about his youth. Music and lyrics for Big Fish are by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party, The Addams Family) and the libretto is by screenwriter August.

All Tickets Inc. Big Fish Deal: Group discounts plus ATI COMP PROMO—1 COMP for every 30 purchased (up to 4 COMPS total). Orders must be confirmed by December 31, 2012.

Houdini

Theatre: TBA

First Preview: 2013-2014 season
Director: Jack O’Brien
Cast: Hugh Jackman

Houdini the musical looks to be extremely exciting. Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman will return to Broadway, playing the masterful illusionist/escape artist. The musical is written by Stephen Schwartz-Aaron Sorkin and is scheduled for the 2013-2014 Broadway season. More to come on Houdini.

All Tickets Inc. Houdini Deal: Group discounts plus ATI COMP PROMO—1 COMP for every 30 purchased (up to 4 COMPS total). Orders must be confirmed by December 31, 2012.

The Excitement of Broadway Musicals

All Tickets is devoted to offering groups THE TOTAL NEW YORK EXPERIENCE and provides groups with discount theatre tickets plus ATI’s exclusive COMP offers. Combine events and experiences for bigger discounts. Groups of 50 or more can enjoy additional discounts on dining and various NYC experiences and events when booked through All Tickets. Contact us at 800-922-0716 or through our website for more information. We’re ready to offer you superior service and value.

All Tickets, which has great deals on student discounts (starting at $39.00) and other group tickets for Annie, is looking at the history of the original production of the musical and its former cast members. As groups have contacted us to take advantage of our exclusive COMP PROMO, we’re struck by how many of them remember former young actresses who played Annie in the original Broadway production, which was directed by Martin Charnin. In 1977, Annie won 7 Tonys, including Best Musical, and 7 Drama Desk Awards. It ran for close to six years.

Original Cast

Of the original Annie cast, three were nominated for their performances. Reid Shelton, who played the role of Oliver Warbucks for six years, was nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. He did not win. Two actresses, Andrea McArdle as Annie and Dorothy Loudon as Miss Hannigan, received nominations for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Loudon won the Tony.

But it was McArdle who created a name for herself as Annie. As it is for many child stars, that role would be a tough one for her to leave behind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i1RjfAmVtg&feature=plcp&list=PL9C22BDD46B7FC5E4
McArdle sings Tomorrow and later in the video the orphans, with Danielle Anne Brisebois, tear up the place.

The cast of orphans also included a young performer who would go on to be a TV star. It was Danielle Anne Brisebois (Molly). She was the youngest and smallest in the cast. Her dance moves energized the house in Hard Knock Life. She went on to star in All in the Family and in the spinoff Archie Bunker’s Place. She is now 43 and continues to have a productive acting and singing career.

Many More Annies

Many think that McArdle was the original Annie. She was not. The first Annie was Kristen Vigard who was cast in the role for the premiere at the Goodspeed Opera House prior to Broadway. But producers felt she was too sweet to play the street-smart orphan and McArdle moved up from being an orphan to replace her. Vigard became the Broadway understudy for the lead role.

There were many different little girls who played Annie in the original run, including early cast member Shelly Bruce who first played Kate. Allison Smith was the fourth Annie. Alyson Kirk was the first to play Annie on Broadway after initially going on national tour with the show. Sarah Jessica Parker, of Sex and the City fame, played the role of July on Broadway before being cast as Annie.

A New Deal

The latest Broadway revival of Annie is a whole new deal as James Lapine directs and book writer Thomas Meehan is at work revising the script. The production will be at the Palace Theatre with Lilla Crawford as Annie, Katie Finneran as Hannigan and Anthony Warlow playing Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks.

Annie is an optimistic show that has a whole lot of heart, energy and theatricality. It’s a great family show and is wonderful for schools. Along with student discounts and low-priced tickets for other groups, All Tickets COMP PROMO continues as groups receive 1 COMP for every 30 purchased (up to 4 per group; this offer expires September 30, 2012). Oh, wait a minute! Check our newsletter, Tweets and this blog for an extra special PROMO on Annie and Matilda! Warning—it will be a great deal and extremely time sensitive! You can contact us ahead of time at 800-922-0716 or through this link for information on our New Deal!

The Tony winning musical FELA! is back on Broadway for a limited time and group discounts are as low as $39.00 for school groups. The musical will play from July 9th through August 4th, at The Al Hirschfeld Theatre and groups of 10 ore more qualify for discount from All Tickets. Plus, for every 30 tickets purchased, you’ll receive 1 COMP (up to 4 per performance per group).

Creating FELA!

FELA!, which was first a hit Off-Broadway, was born from the highly creative vision of choreographer/director/writer Bill T Jones. The show’s energy comes from the life of the highly controversial and talented artist Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Using the African artist’s music, which fused traditional African beats and sounds with jazz and funk, and combining it with extraordinary choreography, Jones creates a story that reverberates with resoundingly diverse energies. He has created a total theatre experience.

The Story

Nigeria, a country of extreme oppression, seething with violence and teeming with poverty, is the setting for this Afrobeat-inspired musical. We are taken on a journey that starts immediately as we enter the theatre, which has been turned into a memorial to Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

It is the 1970s and on stage is the lead character’s stage—a nightclub

platform from which he will play his music, fight his political battles and act the bad boy. Fela Anikulapo Kuti was not a simple man. There were huge complexities that composed his personality and Fela! does not shy away from them.

His music is a central thread in this emotional and worldwide journey. He was a man with 27 wives who fought against oppression; he lived in a country ruled by terror and he prospered; and although a world traveler, he held dear to many of his tribal customs. He caused trouble, smoked pot and displayed an immense ego.

FELA! is a theatrical event that is part concert, part celebration, part nightmare and part party. It’s beat is ongoing and multifaceted and much of the story is told through a blending of bold narrative, wildly uncompromising dance and amazingly complex music.

Book FELA! Tickets Now

Part history, part biography and part expose’, FELA! will take you to places no traditional musical can ever take you. All Tickets can get your group wonderful discounts and we are the only agency offering COMPS to this Tony winning show. This production includes actors from the Broadway and National Theatre production in London. FELA! is a highly theatrical, inspiring musical. Contact All Tickets on the Internet or by calling 800-922-0716.

There are always various British productions that make their way to Broadway and many end up being huge hits. This season those of note include the Tony winning comedy One Man, Two Guvnors and the Tony nominated Ghost The Musical and End of the Rainbow. There are also various shows on Broadway that started in the UK and have been running anywhere from a little over a year to more than 20! In this blog, All Tickets offers three British imports on Broadway with wonderful group discounts.

War Horse

War Horse is an emotionally moving story that also travels across the landscape of an entire continent. The play, which utilizes amazing life-size puppets and refined manipulation techniques, is the story of a boy and his horse. The beloved horse is conscripted into the British Army and is sent to Europe and the boy follows him.

Simultaneously uplifting and tragic, touching and heart wrenching, War Horse, which won the 2011 Tony for Best Play, Direction and three other aspects, is simply a masterpiece. That’s all there is to it. It is a stirring tale that will move you to tears. All Tickets has fantastic seats and group discounts for this show. Contact us today on the web.

Mary Poppins

Although the movie was overall an American film, the books and characters are definitely British and the Broadway version was written and conceived by British artists and started in London where it won numerous Olivier Awards before coming to the US. In 2005 in London, it received two Oliviers and in 2007 on Broadway it received seven nominations and earned a win and also was awarded two Drama Desks.

Mary Poppins is a magical nanny who manages to teach a family a thing or two about being alive, human and loving. The songs, scenery, special effects and production numbers are all right on target. This is a fine Broadway show with low group rates. Call All Tickets at 800-922-0716 for more informationhttps://allticketsinc.wordpress.com/wp-admin/media-upload.php?post_id=642&TB_iframe=1 on Mary Poppins.

The Phantom of the Opera

After it premiered on London’s West End in 1986, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera came to Broadway in 1988 where it won seven Drama Desk Awards and seven Tony Awards. Harold Prince won a Drama Desk and Tony as Director. Phantom, which is the most successful show in Broadway history is still running since it premiered on Broadway in 1988.

The story is well known. The Phantom, a man who was a composer who was disfigured during a moment of anger, falls in love with the diva, Christine, of the Paris Opera. He becomes obsessed with her and wants to control her. There is a connection and in a way, she is drawn to him. This musical captures the passions of this relationship, then theatricality of the story and the big musical themes that reflect the emotions and desires in the musical. If your group has not seen it or you have a new generation of theatregoers who are wanting to see this amazing show contact All tickets for low group discounts.

See a Show This Summer

The summer is a fantastic time to see a Broadway shows. Groups can often get deeper discounts and All Tickets can sweeten the mix with extra savings on dining, accommodations, attractions, maritime experiences and more or call us at 800-922-0716.

In our last blog, All Tickets Inc. offered some fine Broadway shows for those wanting to have a good laugh. Actually, a good many laughs. A wonderful comedy can do a lot to make you forget a tough day, help you relax or get you to let go of anything negative in your life. In a very different way, a moving drama can do the same thing. Currently, there are nine dramas running on Broadway and the staff at All Tickets can ensure that your group gets the best seats and the biggest discounts for these shows.

Shows to See

Currently, there are nine dramas running on Broadway and the staff at All Tickets can ensure that your group gets the best seats and the biggest discounts for these shows.

A Streetcar Named Desire

Directed by the innovative and insightful Emily Mann this production of A Streetcar Named Desire stars Blair Underwood
as Stanley Kowalski, Nicole Ari Parker as Blanche DuBois, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Stella Kowalski and Wood Harris as Mitch.

This is one of Tennessee Williams’ most passionate plays as the animalistic Stanley and refined Blanche find themselves in an extreme conflict that puts Blanche’s sister and Stanley’s wife Stella between the two. A Streetcar Named Desire is one of Williams’ very best dramas and it is wonderfully rendered by a fine cast. The show received one Tony nod.

Clybourne Park

The Pulitzer Prize winning play Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris utilizes characters and elements from Lorraine Hansberry’s magnificently written A Raisin in the Sun. Set in the Chicago neighborhood of Clybourne Park, this is an imaginative, theatrical drama about race relations. Winner of the Olivier Award in London and now nominated for a Tony as Best Play, Clybourne Park is a truly unique piece of theatre.

Death of a Salesman

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the iconic salesman Willie Loman. This much anticipated production of what is considered to be one the America’s greatest dramas is masterful.

This is a once in a lifetime experience. Philip Seymour Hoffman is nominated for a Tony and the play earned a nod from the Tony committee as Best Revival. Andrew Garfield and Linda Emond both have Featured Role nominations.

End of the Rainbow

Tracie Bennett stars as Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow. The drama looks at the charismatic Garland as she focuses on making one last attempt at a comeback. Featuring numerous songs that Garland made famous, End of the Rainbow is a premium drama with an amazingly moving and truthful performance by Bennett. In London, she won the Olivier for this role and is now nominated for a Tony!

Other Desert Cities

With five Tony nominations, including Best Play, Best Actress In A Leading Role In A Play (Stockard Channing) and Best Actress In A Featured Role In A Play (Judith Light), Other Desert Cities is considered to be one of the best of this season. It was remounted on Broadway after a successful Off-Broadway run. What happens when a novelist uses her real family’s history for the basis of her work? In Other Desert Cities there’s a lot of intense conflict. Written by Jon Robin Baitz and directed by Joe Mantello, this is a topnotch production.

The Best Man

The revival of Gore Vidal’s drama about the politics of picking a presidential nominee at the national convention, The Best Man, garnered Tony noms for Best Revival and for Beat Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role in a Play (James Earl Jones).Although written back in the mid-20th century, this play still resonates today. The Best Man has an all-star cast too! This is a limited run so be sure to catch it!

The Columnist

John Lithgow has returned to Broadway and received a Tony nomination for his efforts in the role of Joseph Alsop in The Columnist. The drama, which is written by David Auburn, focuses on political intrigue in Washington, D.C. in the 1950s. You may remember that playwright Auburn won the Pulitzer a few years ago for the engaging Proof.

Venus in Fur

Written by David Ives and directed by Walter Bobbie, this sexy, two-character play offers audiences a highly theatrical game of cat and mouse. Nominated for the Tony for Best Play, Venus in Fur is a time shifting, clever and emotive play that stars Nina Arianda as the young, talented actress Vanda. For her interpretation of Vanda, the woman who is up for a role she desperately desires, Arianda received her second Tony nomination in as many years. Venus in Fur is also nominated for Best Play.

War Horse

War Horse, which won last year’s Tony for Best Play, is running strong. This highly emotional and richly theatrical drama utilizes advanced puppetry techniques to help create what is a deeply moving story about a young boy and his horse. The horse, which is conscripted into service in World War I, goes on a remarkable adventure, as does the boy, who follows him into battle. War Horse is dynamically told tale.

Hefty Group Discounts

This is the perfect time to book one of these shows for your group through All Tickets Inc. The discounts are huge and All Tickets can put together a value-based combo deal that includes attractions, meals, accommodations, other shows and more. Simply contact us here or call All Tickets at 800-922-07168. ATI also has excellent group discounts for comedies and a special Comp Promo for upcoming Broadway shows.

Coming up we look at Peter and The Starcatcher—a play that’s great theatre but tough to define as fare as genre goes. So with that dilemma facing us, we decided to give it a blog of it’s own!