I was finally able to send a message. Now I fear I may have sent it three times. I kept on getting the same error message "parameter is incorrect". I went back, hit forward again and then it did get sent. Strange. What do you mean, Evelyn? one-man Macarena! *swinging arms*

In our jubilation, did you notice who and what didn't get nominated? Uncle Vanya. No Derek Jacobi. Just a single nod for the featured actress Amy Ryan and a nod for scenic design. In 1984, TRT was nominated in 7 categories, the same 5 plus scenic design and costume design. (Actually best play, not best revival). Anyhow, it won all 5 (actor - Jeremy Irons, actress - Glenn Close, featured actress - Christine Baranski, play - Stoppard, director - Mike Nichols). What a hoot if Stoppard gets it again. Oddly enough, that year TRT played along with A Moon for the Misbegotten and American Buffalo. Same as now.

Sadly, the biggest competition is their nationality..... No way will 5 Tonys go to Brits. In 1984 TRT was an American production with Anglo-American cast. Can't believe Derek Jacobi was shut out.

(Evelyn) Sadly, the biggest competition is their nationality..... No way will 5 Tonys go to Brits. Well, since TRT was already honored in '84, I don't think they'll honor it or the director again. But I think the actors have a real shot. Best Actor category is very competitive. I predict the two Yanks, Hoffman and Reilly (both superb actors, BTW) will cancel each other out, coming from the same play. Suchet is well-liked; Bryne's reviews were good, but not as immaculate as SD's. I say SD in a real horse race. Best Actress: Jennifer and Rosemary will tie--yes, you read it first here! The Tony people know how to put on a show;-) Sarah has a good shot as well--nice to see her nommed--she was very good also. TV audience this year will be big. Rosie is back, plus many people tune in for the musicals, and last year was slim pickings--this year, there are some very popular shows. (Kiss Me Kate is fun, saw it earlier this year--FYI for anyone coming to NY.) Gee . . .nothing for Patrick Stewart? What a surprise.;-) ;-)

(Mari)The Tony people know how to put on a show;- You are so right.... The wires already are touting... "Mother and daughter battling it out for Best Actress"... Good publicity for Jennifer. (Mum already has several Tonys....)

Nice pic of Jen and Rosemary, along with Tonys announcment: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_741000/741153.stm

LOL flies don't light long on Paramount Classics...they just issued this press release... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tony Nominations Awarded to Rosemary Harris and Jennifer Ehle, Stars of Upcoming Film SUNSHINE NEW YORK, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran stage and screen actress Rosemary Harris and her daughter, rising star Jennifer Ehle, were both honored with Tony nominations this morning in New York City. The two women will appear this summer along side Ralph Fiennes in Oscar-winning director Istvan Szabo's sweeping film SUNSHINE, scheduled for release from Paramount Classics on Friday, June 9th. Ms. Harris was nominated for her touching turn as an aging but regal stage actress in the Noel Coward play "Waiting in the Wings," in which she stars with Lauren Bacall. Ms. Ehle has recently garnered impressive reviews for her Broadway debut in the Tom Stoppard play "The Real Thing," in which she plays the mistress of a playwright (Stephen Dillane). The two appear in a compelling casting achievement in SUNSHINE. Ms. Harris plays the older version of her daughter's character. In this highly charged historical and romantic epic, Ms. Harris and Ms. Ehle star with Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Deborah Kara Unger, Molly Parker and William Hurt. Mr. Fiennes plays the patriarch in three separate generations of the same extraordinary family. Through the lives, losses and loves of the Sonnenchein ("Sunshine") family, director Szabo creates powerful metaphor of the 20th century quest for personal identity and liberty. SUNSHINE is produced by Robert Lantos and Andras Hamori and was written by Istvan Szabo and Israel Horovitz from a story by Szabo. The Tony Awards take place on Sunday, June 4th, Ms. Harris and Ms. Ehle are currently available for interviews in New York City. For more information please contact In NY: Gwin von Ludwig - DDPR / 212/213-8277 In LA: Bob Meyerson - mPRm / 323/933-3399 SOURCE Paramount Classics ~~~~~~ Now that's timely PR!

True, Evelyn, and that is just the way the machine usually works. That is why we are always surprised/shocked/angered when it does not happen for Colin.

From Robert Osborne's column for THR: Mother vs. daughter for best actress May 9 NEW YORK -- The most entertaining aspect of that Tony Award nomination list, announced Monday at Sardi's, is hands down the fact that a mother (Rosemary Harris in "Waiting in the Wings") and daughter (Jennifer Ehle in "The Real Thing") are competing for the same prize in the same category, best actress in a play. You can't get a better hook for armchair quarterbacking than that. It's also something that sets a precedent: It has never happened before in Tony history or, for that matter, in Oscar's 72-year past, either. The closest things in the Academy's history book to such a family matter are the two occasions when sisters competed for Oscars in the same year: Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine in 1941 and Vanessa Redgrave and Lynn Redgrave in 1966. ... The most confusing aspect of this year's Tony list is that so many productions that were lambasted by the critics ended up in the competition: e.g. the roundly lambasted revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar," up for best revival of a musical, and George W lfe's generally panned "The Wild Party," which pulled seven nominations, including best musical. ... There's undoubtedly cheering in some offices today since the 12 nominations for "Kiss Me, Kate" are certain to upgrade its boxoffice appeal (despite positive reviews, "Kate" has so far failed to take hold as a bona fide hit). The seven for "Wild Party," six for "Swing!," five for "The Real Thing" and three for "Aida" also may help upgrade their b.o. chances, although there'll be some red faces around the "Aida" camp since the highly touted, heavily promoted musical failed, even in a generally weak year, to manage a nom as best musical. (For the record, 15 of the group's nominations went to shows that already bit the dust: "James Joyce's The Dead," "Marie Christine," "Wrong Mountain," "The Rainmaker," "The Price," "Putting It Together" and "Tango Argentino.") The nomination list will not please Patrick Stewart, Julie Taymor, Lauren Bacall, Olympia Dukakis, Woody Harrelson, Derek Jacobi, Roger Rees, Elaine May or Matthew Broderick, all of whom toiled without Tony recognition. If they deserved no better fate this time around, several did: Where were the names of actors Philip Bosco and Michael Cumpsty, both so fine in "Copenhagen"? And Sally Ann Howes, who did such magnificent work in "The Dead"? The nominees, by the way, were announced at the Sardi's gathering by Bebe Neuwirth and Kelsey Grammer.

The thing about Broadway plays, is lately, they have all been panned. With the exception of a few notables. Aida was panned so badly during previews that it had to be revamped! Waiting in the Wings was crucified here in Boston. Kelsey Grammer will be here shortly for MacBeth (I'm hoping to get tix). I'm still planning on seeing The Real Thing this summer. It sounds wonderful!

I think JE & SD have won an Award, The World Theatre Awards, or is it a nomination, I am not sure, check out Playbill.com

You are right Ann, another award: WORLD THEATRE AWARD :The 2000 Theatre World Awards, which honor performers making their first big New York splash (including, but not limited to, Broadway debuts), have been announced: Stephen Dillane...TRT Jennifer Ehle ...TRT The Theatre World Awards will be presented May 23 at Studio 54. Attendance at the ceremony is by invitation only. ~~~~~~ Full list : http://www5.playbill.com/cgi-bin/plb/news?cmd=show&type=news&code=+95559&selector=U.S. ~~~~~~ Always good for the CV's. But I've never heard of half of them....

Hey, can we create our own award and then invite the recipients to our bash? Hmmm, mind thinking... pineapple, pineapple, pineapple On the menu...bananas.

What kind of organization is Theatre World? Sounds like a "cult". ;-))

From Liz Smith's Column: TONY NOMINEES such as Gabriel Byrne, Toni Collette, Craig Bierko, Laura Benanti, Stephen Spinella, Blair Brown, Cherry Jones, et al., received fabulous congratulatory baskets courtesy of Taittinger champagne -- everything from velour robes to perfume, silk slippers, crystal paperweights, haircuts at the John Barrett Salon and more. Each basket is valued at about $2,000.

I read in the Times today that from now on we should address Tom Stoppard as Sir Tom Stoppard.

..received fabulous congratulatory baskets courtesy of Taittinger champagne -- everything from velour robes to perfume, silk slippers, crystalpaperweights, haircuts at the John Barrett Salon and more. Each basket is valued at about$2,000. I'd rather have the $$$$....but second, I'd take the bubbly instead. Thanks Sue.. ~~~~~~~ Had an email from Rachel yesterday in response to my congratulatory one to the Donmar. She said "Hi" to everybody.Will post this on 129 since only a few come here.

Tineke: I read in the Times today that from now on we should address Tom Stoppard as Sir Tom Stoppard. I think he was already Sir Tom, but has now been appointed by HRH to the Order of Merit.

A slow day so I thought I'd post this pic of SD at the premiere party.

That bilious green shirt , ug. (I couldn't sell that at a garage sale with provenance.)He is much handsomer than that pic esp. when he smiles.... They call that a widow's peak? Hmmmmmm.

For Donna, from today's Sunday Telegraph - they didn't like AK, no chemistry between AK & V, said HMCF made a creditable stab at the role but was not helped by having an unusually wooden Vronsky. ouch poor KMcK, but I am afraid I have to agree. Also said HMcC was matronly looking and that her AK was less glamourous than usual, however, "But the acting honours belonged to two of the subsidiary roles: DH had an appropriately anguished intensity as Levin, while SD's Karenin was outstanding - a drawling dilletante, knocked utterely off balance by his wife's behaviour. Fingers crossed for TRT and SD at The Drama Desk Awards today. .

I can't wait to see SD's Karenin. He is getting so good at putting his own stamp on each role. Thanks A!

I can't understand what Anna sees in Vronsky, he has no fire, no passion, no romance, no fantasy, no imagination. A bored footloose and fancy-free Russian cavalry officer seducing a lady? I have once known a lovesick Russian lorry driver and he was a poet compared to KMcK. SD is v. good in this, though.

Sounds like poor casting except for SD. LOL no wonder SD put on that pained expression when Charlie Rose asked him "Was Anna Karenina[script] the same [as TRT]. Why did HMc leave SD for Kevin McK? I felt the same in Vanity Fair. And we all agreed in TEP....and even Lord Wessex had his moments;-)

I don't know if this has been posted before re: Tom Stoppard....er, I mean Sir Tom. Mark told us, he had received a new honour by the Queen...but here it is: From British Theatre News: "ROYAL HONOUR FOR STOPPARD Playwright Tom Stoppard has been awarded the Order of Merit, the highest personal award that can be given by the Queen to those of exceptional distinction in the arts, sciences and other areas of learning. Only 24 people at any one time can hold the OM, which is in the personal gift of the Queen and does not require government approval. Other current theatrical holders of the honour are Sir John Gielgud and opera singer Dame Joan Sutherland."

I am posting an article from The Times (London), May 8th, 2000. This was printed the day the Tony announcements came out - and how prophetic this article was! This article has to do with Patrick Stewart's feud with his producers, and lists some background, including his possible panic over the good reviews that his rivals received. Of course, he ultimately never received a Tony nomination, but the 4 other actors mentioned in this article did. The author, Joanna Coles, did not mention David Suchet, who received the 5th nomination (presummably Patrick's slot). Enjoy, this is an interesting read. I highlighted some of the interesting parts, including the part about Ben Brantley of the NY Times, who gave TRT a rave review. Big money, the TV actor and President Barbie Forget the May Day rallies, the most heroic act of civil disobedience took place on Broadway last week when the British actor Patrick Stewart stunned his audience by suddenly reappearing on stage after his curtain call to badmouth his producers. Stewart - better known for his travails as Captain Jean-Luc Picard aboard the starship Enterprise - is starring in Arthur Miller's Ride Down Mount Morgan, but declared himself furious and depressed that the producers had failed to advertise the show as promised. Neither, he continued, had they erected favourable review quotes in the theatre's lobby. "Arthur Miller and I have no confidence in our producer's commitment," he told an astonished audience. "I know we have an extraordinary, provocative and vastly entertaining play. What is also needed is promotion and publicity. Arthur and I feel frustrated and helpless." The move is a first in Broadway history, and prompted several to claim that Stewart was absolutely crazy. "There is no excuse for not picking up the phone and screaming at someone," snorts one Broadway stalwart. "I was totally shocked," says Ron Kastner, producer of Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing and Sam Shepard's True West, both playing to full houses in neighbouring theatres. "I also heard there was a secret vote among the cast as to whether they should complain and everyone voted No," he tells me. "Patrick might have taken that as a hint." But the question mystifying everyone is why exactly Stewart, known in the business as a consummate pro, should take on his producers, the Shubert Organisation, which is one of theatreland's most powerful outfits. In addition, he's supposed to be a close friend of the company's chairman, Gerald Schoenfeld. Some point out that there's a financial stake involved. Stewart eschewed the normal salary in exchange for a share of the profits. (An example set by Kevin Spacey, who recently cleaned up after full houses for The Icemen Cometh.) But others suggest he may be panicked by the recent rash of great reviews for other actors, notably Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Dillane, Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly, who may eclipse him for the all-important best actor Tony award - this year's nominations will be announced later today. The core of his argument also appears shaky. Shubert, which has replied to the attack by filing charges against the star with the actors' union, Equity, says it has spent $1 million marketing the show, which received mixed reviews. Broadway insiders also point out that Stewart was suspiciously lucky in that The New York Times - whose review is crucial - chose to assign the task to the paper's Off-Broadway critic. Bruce Weber found the play "an intelligent and savage satire". Ben Brantley, the paper's chief drama critic, who would normally review a new Broadway drama, had previously described the play as "musty . . . Mr Miller has really brought nothing new to the table". I track Stewart down to his dressing room, but Equity has got to him first, advising him to hold his peace at least until its hearing on Thursday is over. "I'm afraid I can't say anything," he says, with a meaningful pause. "I really can't say anything at all." I have come across Stewart's nemesis, the all-powerful Shoenfeld, only once, at a New York fundraiser for London's Royal Court Theatre. We both arrived early and, not quite catching his name, I asked him whether he was associated with any one theatre in the city. "You could say that," he said, eyes twinkling. "I own 17 of 'em."

Yippee!! Welcome to New York Stephen! The Drama Desk Awards have been announced. TRT was nominated in only 2 categories, but took both prizes: ACTOR (PLAY): Gabriel Byrne, A Moon for the Misbegotten Kevin Chamberlin, Dirty Blonde Stephen Dillane, The Real Thing Derek Jacobi, Uncle Vanya Philip Seymour Hoffman, True West Paul Sparks, Coyote on a Fence REVIVAL (PLAY): A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O'Neill The Price by Arthur Miller The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard True West by Sam Shephard Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov Waste by Harley Granville Barker

Full awards are at: http://www.broadway.com/stories.cfm?ssection=buzz&id=205&ssectionid=1 Thanks E for the wake-up call :-)

Great news Donna, and no more than he deserves, hope it augurs well for everyone next month. BTW was it televised and where you able to watch or video it?

Yes it was televised locally, but I could not watch or tape :-(

Fantastic! Did you check out the "Behind the Scenes" news item? There's a pic of SD and it's labeled "British hunk Stephen Dillane took home Outstanding Actor in a Play for TRT" http://www.broadway.com/stories.cfm?ssection=buzz&id=207&ssectionid=1

Nice-goin Steverino.Cute pic too. Wish they hadn't cut off his head...looks like a pic I would take. Great week for Tom Stoppard...honored by the Queen, 5 Tony nominations and Drama Desk Award for TRT. Wow! Wish David Leveaux would have won.But only one category for director of a play and I guess Copenhagen is sweeping the boards. (Jennifer was not nominated on this one. Outer Critics Awards due on May 25th)

Super news, and very well deserved!

Go Steven! Looking good for that Tony.

Time Magazine, May 22, p. 158: There's Nothing Like a Good Gene Pool Joan and Melissa Rivers may want to watch their backs. [what a hideous example!!] For years, they have owned the coveted mother-daughter spot on the red carpet at awards shows, but next month their pre-eminence will be challenged by two women of somewhat more refined talents. Last week Rosemary Harris and her daughter Jennifer Ehle were nominated for Tony awards in the category of Best Actress. Harris, a stage veteran who has won a Tony, was recognized for her role in Waiting in the Wings; Ehle, best known for playing Elizabeth Bennet in the 1995 television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, got the nod for her Broadway debut in The Real Thing. This summer the two can be seen in the film Sunshine, also starring Ralph Fiennes, in which Harris plays the older version of Ehle's character, the most inspired casting since Joan and Melissa played themselves in the TV movie of their life story. Evelyn: Think you need to write Time a letter. Joan and Melissa Rivers being compared to these two. What a travesty!! Who is this imbecile?

Thanks Karen...didn't get my issue yet. Joan & Melissa ...puhleeeze. But the publicity is welcomed :-)

I'm so glad SD won! Here's another pic I found, with Michael Sheen. I don't know if you've seen this one before. No green shirt this time!

I didn't know SD's real name is Stephen Delaney. If this has been posted before, I apologise. Check out the Star Files at Broadway.com. Stephen Dillane Star File There's one about JE as well.

Hmm, link didn't work! Second attempt: Star File

(Tineke) I didn't know SD's real name is Stephen Delaney. No apologies necessary! No, it wasn't posted. Actually he went from Delaney to Dillon to Dillane. One of his earlier theatre programs acknowledged this.

All log in at 11.30 am (ET) tomorrow at www.tonys.org for live interviews at the Nominees Brunch. According to Playbill online, JE will be there. From Playbill: Tony Nominees To Bunch At Brunch: Annual Event At Sardi's, May 17 On May 8, Tony nominations for the 1999-2000 Broadway season were announced at Sardi's restaurant by Bebe Neuwith and Kelsey Grammer. Aside from peer recognition, increased esteem in the business, and the chance to win a Tony Award, a Tony nomination means...free food! Every year, the American Theatre Wing and the League of American Theatres and Producers, who co-produce the Tony Award, throw a brunch for the nominees at Sardi's theatrical restaurant. This year's lunchtime event -- which is as much a meet-and-greet for the stars and media as it is an occasion to dine -- takes place May 17, 11:30 AM in the restaurant's Eugenia Room. Tony nominees will receive their special certificates at the gathering. Among notables expected at the Brunch are Boyd Gaines, Jennifer Ehle, Craig Bierko, Blair Brown, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, Claudia Shear, David Suchet and Karen Ziemba, according to Tony spokespersons at the Keith Sherman press office.

I'm listening to the live interviews at Tony.org at the moment. JE, SD and RH have just been interviewed. The interviews were rather short, but interesting, even though the interviewer didn't know that much about the nominees (she said she thought this was RH's first Tony nominations whereas she's got several and actually won a Tony once). I believe the transcripts of all interviews will appear on the Tony website eventually. So I will not try to write down what's been said.

Just listened to the Live Interviews of SD, JE and RH from Sardi's on Tony.com. Did anybody else hear it? They sounded uncomfortable.American actors came across as chattier...more relaxed.The interviewer didn't help. Laughed when she asked if this was RH's first Tony nomination.!!! Things are heating up for the Tony's. Click on to the Calendar on Tony website. Designer clothes, jewels from Harry Winston, Van Cleef...trying to mimic the Oscars, I guess.But Tony's is just B'way....and it's a big country.So it will never have a big audience. But arguably the highest award for theatre world-wide.

(Tineke) even though the interviewer didn't know that much about the nominees Yes, the interviewer's knowledge was a bit on the short side. She also said that TRT got 7 nominations. Seemed like she knew more about the musicals than the plays. Did you hear the part where Claudia Shear was looking for "that cute guy from TRT"? LOL

I had to laugh when the interviewer said "Claudia Shear is looking for the cute guy from The Real Thing" heehee!

Jinx, Donna!

Hee hee, Claudia and the rest of us!

Good thing JE couldn't remember how she found out she was nominated. It saved her from a "was that a cell phone call?" question.

Didn't you find the comment from SD interesting...how the play changes every night... the ambiguous ending....some night's you think Henry and Annie are going to make it and some you don't.Interesting comment. Ask him to elaborate on that one, Donna...next time you talk to him;-) Wonder what that depends on...the audience? How the actors feel about the characters that night? They're sure having a good time .

Did you catch Gabriel Byrne's comment about sometimes people in the first row think they're watching a baseball game, and "getting away with it"? I wonder what that was about? But I did like his comment about coming back to NY being like appreciating a girlfriend on the second go-round.

(Evelyn) They sounded uncomfortable.American actors came across as chattier...more relaxed. Yeah, I thought the same thing. The Amercians really seemed to be having fun, the UKers treated it more as a chore than an opportunity to schmooze with the press. JE really sounded like she didn't want to be interviewed, or maybe she just didn't like the questions (me too!). SD sounded like he could slip into some "disputatiousness" if properly motivated. Hee hee, that's my new favorite word. I believe that was the first time I ever heard David Suchet's real voice. Sort of a bittersweet moment for him. I saw him in a restaurant recently, the waiters were fawning all over him. Cute in person. how the play changes every night You know, I was just rewatching the Charlie Rose interview. The scene from TRT that they show at the beginning of the clip is played fairly somber. I've seen it played lighter, which I prefer. I only saw it once where JE screams "I'm behaving normally. It's you who's abnormal." Her actions/voice were a nice counterpoint to the words, it got a nice laugh. I wonder too how/when they decide to change the tone in the various scenes. Maybe it's like a jam session with musicians. One kind of takes off and the others follow :-) You know, it never crossed my little pea-brained mind that Henry and Annie wouldn't make it. But then, some of you have been down this path with me before, hopeless romantic that I am (or is that hapless romantic?). And the inquiring minds want to know - do ya think Claudia ever caught up with that cute guy!!!??? ROTFLMAO

(Donna)do ya think Claudia ever caught up with that cute guy!!!??? ROTFLMAO You can't get over that comment, can you? LOLLOL! When I heard it, I immediately thought of you. I knew you'd love it. how the play changes every night That was an interesting comment. The second time I saw TRT was a couple of months after I had first seen it. I had noticed a couple of changes but thought that was under David Leveaux' direction. One of the changes was that Annie no longer sat in the couch for the "touch me" scene. But then I read in the discussions that this changes every night. There was another interesting change of which I'd always wondered whether it came on the spur of the moment or not. I'm talking about one of the discussions between Henry and Annie. Annie's trying to say something but Henry keeps finishing her lines. Eventually she says "For Christ's sake, will you stop finishing my sentences for me!" The second time I saw the play, Henry cut her off. Annie: "For Christ's sake, will you stop..." Henry: "finishing my/your(?) sentences!" I thought this was incredibly funny. And now I know that it's SD improvising on the spot.

Finally got a response from some unnamed individual at the Charlie Rose Show. Question: The opening clips of the May 4th show had Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle answering questions about their characters from The Real Thing. Neither of those questions was included in the subsequently aired segment. Are there any plans to show a more complete interview? Many of my friends would be very interested in that interview, as we have seen the play in London and/or NY and have been discussing the play in our Internet forum. Answer: Karen, I just printed out your letter for Charlie. I also passed on your idea to one of our producers. I hope it helps, I personally like your idea, but don�t book the show. As always, thank you for watching as we try to bring the most interesting guests we can to the roundtable. Charlie Rose Viewer Services

(Karen) I personally like your idea, but don�t book the show. Well thanks for trying...

(Tineke) I had noticed a couple of changes but thought that was under David Leveaux' direction. I must share another funny incident. I have seen this play, read it, seen it, read it, etc. So I feel I know it pretty well. There is a moment in the second act just before Henry brings out the cricket bat where he says, "it's interesting how many of the all time greats begin with B: Beethoven, the Big Bopper" ... audience laughs. This one evening Stephen is reciting this line, but instead of saying "Beethoven" first, out of his mouth comes "the Big Bopper." Well, I knew instantly that this was out of order, and you could tell from his eyes that he immediately caught his mistake, as it were, ruining his own punch line. But the audience laughed. Then he cocked his head to the side like a puppy, made a funny face, then continued with "Beethoven." Well, the audience laughed a second time. He did it smooth as silk. There was no mistaking however that this was a boo-boo. Several weeks go by. I am seeing the play again, and don't you know it, they are now doing it the "wrong way", with Big Bopper first, because it drew 2 laughs instead of the usual 1. Strangely enough, the delivery wasn't nearly as funny as the first time when it was unintentional. No pause or funny cocking of the head. But the audience laughed twice. Ah, the magic of live theater!

Thanks Karen...good for them to know they could improve on their editing.If only that cardinal hadn't died that day..... JE really sounded like she didn't want to be interviewed, or maybe she just didn't like the questions (me too!) What...she couldn't answer..."How did you hear of the award?" Make it up, fergodsake.Instead, she says"Hmm, I don't remember..." Grrrrr. Well...she's on all by herself for the A&E interview taping on Friday for airing on Tony-Sunday "Breakfast with the Arts". I putting up the joss-sticks.

..."How did you hear of the award?" The interviewer just wanted to know whether she heard it from the website first. That question didn't bother me much. How about this question? "Your mum has been nominated as well. Will this cause trouble at home?" ..As if!

To see pics of yesterday's brunch, go to http://www.broadway.com/stories.cfm?ssection=buzz&id=284&ssectionid=1

Since they like to do collages, thought I'd make viewing a little easier: Sort of a deer caught in the headlights look, don't you think?

Thanks Karen.The guy with RH is a fellow actor, not DH. JE&RH have the same "ping-pong"cheeks as the Telegraph once called them. Something tells me SD doesn't like to have his picture taken....

Yes, it's Ray Dotrice. I know he has an impressive CV, but my recollections of him are from the TV show Beauty and the Beast. ;-)

(Karen) Sort of a deer caught in the headlights look, don't you think? He was thinking, "please hurry up and take the damn picture before Claudia works her way over to this side of the room."

I found another review at http://www.broadwaybeat.com If you go to http://www.broadwaybeat.com/tvindex.htm, you'll find three RealPlayer files. The first is Bebe Neuwirth and Kelsey Grammar announcing the Tony nominations. They show a short clip of each nominated play, musical, actors,... when making the announcement. BROADWAY SNAP-SHOT, 11 May 2000 by Russell Bouthiller

I couldn't post it all in one message, I had to cut it. Here's the review. THE REAL THING The American Theatre Wing's Tony nominations came out this week and, as expected, Britwright Tom Stoppard's THE REAL THING did quite well, receiving five nods including one for "Best Revival of a Play." Among its fellow contestants in this catagory, this critically acclaimed Donmar Warehouse import pulled the most nominations, topping A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN's four, AMADEUS's two and THE PRICE's one. Jennifer Ehle enters into a five-person race for "Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play," up against her own mother, Rosemary Harris, from Noel Coward's WAITING IN THE WINGS. Stephen Dillane earned recognition as "Leading Actor," David Leveaux for "Best Direction of a Play," and Sarah Woodward as "Featured Actress." THE REAL THING is Stoppard's slick and refined look at love, marriage and other such romantic entanglements. Opening with a play-within-a-play, we see a young couple coming apart as the Husband discovers his Wife's infidelity. In the next scene we meet the true players and the true play. The opening sequence is, in fact, a scene from "House of Cards," a play written by the often caustic Henry (Stephen Dillane). His actress wife, Charlotte (Sarah Woodward), portrayed the adulterous Wife. Their actor friend Max (Nigel Lindsay), the Husband, comes by their apartment with his wife, Annie (Jennifer Ehle), whereupon it is quickly established that Henry and Annie are having their own illicit affair. Is this art reflecting life or life reflecting art? These are among the many tribulations knocking about Henry's crisply intelligent mind. At one turn he is the long-suffering artiste, at another the dictatorial grammarian. He is not beneath being above it all. His confidence in his opinions is unfailing, especially in affairs of the heart and, of course, writing. There is but one emotion he seems to have evaded: guilt. It fazes him not to facilitate the break-up of not only Annie and Max's marriage but also his own. And, Debbie (Charlotte Parry), Henry and Charlotte's teen-aged daughter, barely enters into the equation. As Henry and Annie's relationship moves ahead, a tint of irony washes over the fabric of their love. The sharp-minded Henry slips into a muddle, eventually questioning the state of their affair. He seems caught between his view of the world and his place in it; his lofty ideals of love and the stinging realities of his present affair. Henry's view of pop music serves as an example of the way his mind operates. He cannot enjoy this style of music for what it is: simple and ordinary. He must regard it as possessing a greater profundity; otherwise, how could a mind as complex as his enjoy it. Henry's confidence is called into question when Annie, also an actress, ends up in another affair. With a determined vigor, she champions the cause of Brodie (Joshua Henderson), a political prisoner. Determined to get Brodie's voice heard, she convinces Henry to rewrite Brodie's pathetic drama (another play-with-a-play), as she intends to play a leading role in it. While on the road, Annie becomes involved with a handsome young actor, Billy (Oscar Pearce). Henry is miffed to discover his towering principles compromised by such a puerile infatuation. In the inevitable confrontation, Annie deftly appeals to Henry's intellectual superiority by pleading the younger man's vulnerable state. She hopes to let Billy down gently, confident that Henry will be there for her in the end. Theirs may well be the "real thing" after all. With all cast members making their Broadway debuts, the performances in Tom Stoppard's THE REAL THING have the vital precision necessary to bring both the comedic and tragic element into a tidy symbiosis. Under the direction of David Leveaux (whose production of last season's ELECTRA garnered well-deserved accolades), Dillane's Henry reaches the perfect balance between effete snobbery and misguided idealism. Even his disheveled hair and slovenly dress (sets and costumes ably designed by Vicki Mortimer) convey an above-it-all outlook. Jennifer Ehle, with her apple-cheek charm and hauntingly Meryl Streep-ish good looks, unearths Annie's grounded pragmatism as well as her fiery passions. Next to Henry she seems temperate, yet not so measured as to avoid her own acts of infidelity. Ehle, whom many of us enjoyed in the BBC production of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, makes this an auspicious debut on the New York stage. This Donmar Warehouse revival of THE REAL THING comes to Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theatre after an honored run in London. Stephen Dillane earned the Evening Standard Award for his performance and Olivier Award nominations went to Dillane and Jennifer Ehle. The original Broadway production opened in January of 1984 at the Plymouth Theatre and won Tony Awards for Best Play, Leading Actor Jeremy Irons, Leading Actress Glenn Close, Featured Actress Christine Baranski and Director Mike Nichols.

Thanks, Tineke! So glad I got to see TRT with you, you are quite the expert. SD was so good. Looking at those pictures of him on stage brings it all back.

Liked this guy's review.

Liked this guy's review So did I . Love it when they mention JE in P&P.I bet she's surprised about how many US fans she has.(Including the producer of "Breakfast...") evelyn

Catching up with you all here. Thanks everyone for the new photos, reviews and reports. I keep thinking what a nice thing this is for JE and RH to be sharing together. What a special time for them. I picture them shopping Bloomies together for their Tony gowns! (Don't think it's an Oscar-type deal where the designers and jewelers come to you, but what do I know;-) I wonder if A&E will have Tiffany(?) Whatsis doing the JE interview as she did for CF. I keep remembering her burying her head in her hands midway through--ah, the poor woman was smitten, perfectly understandable. I guess that's why they pay Katie C. and Barbara W. the big bucks.:-)

(Mari) Don't think it's an Oscar-type deal where the designers and jewelers come to you, but what do I know;-) Actually, I think I heard on TV the other day, that the purveyors of fine purveyables (like Harry Winston) are coming forward for the Tonys now... Getting more glam. Have written to Rosie to ask when SD and JE will be on. Specifically pointed out the tremendous following P&P has and that it's the benchmark for all costume dramas nowadays. Also, tossed in a hint about Colin and the unique casting for BJD. Must get these TV show people educated and interested!!

Good for you Karen, what would we do without you. BTW I may be wrong but wasn't it The Rosie Show that JE was on just before Paradise Road was released. If so I remember her saying she would love to have JE's Mum on the Show.

Yes, Jennifer was on Rosie's show to promote Paradise Road. Evelyn lent me the tape for that short segement. The reason I wrote is that I've checked the TV listings for next week and she is starting to have some of the Broadway Tony stuff on, like Kiss Me Kate and Contact. Perhaps it will be the week after next when the actors from the nonmusical shows will appear.

(Don't think it's an Oscar-type deal where the designers and jewelers come to you, but what do I know;-) bradway.com has an article that is following a Tony nominee through fittings for designers, & Harry Winston and Van Cleef jewels. You know NYC doesn't want Hollywood to have all the glam. Even Rudy is getting into the act: Gracie Mansion Lawn Party - New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani invites the Tony nominees and the rest of the theatre community to his residence for an afternoon celebration of the 1999-2000 season on Broadway and off. May 24, 2000 International Press Event - Sponsored by The Creative Coalition, this is an opportunity for the world's media to meet and interview the Tony nominees. ~~~~~~ I hope our guys make it til Aug 13. Read where "Waiting in the Wings" is closing on May 28; ahead of the June target date. I'm surprised it lasted this long. Noel Coward is not as popular here and this play is not one of his best. Glad I'm seeing it on the 26th. ~~~~~~ Thanks Karen.Let's see what the next two weeks bring. Too bad WITW is closing. An appearance on Rosie might have helped; though I doubt it. Dramas have a tough time on B'way. And those theatres are Big.

After hitting Refresh 26 times, I finally got in...phew! Here's another pic I like from the Nominees Brunch. (Tonys.org)

I think Monday, when our admin people are back on the job, I'll talk to them about the problems we're having. That's persistence, Tineke!

I just found out that Ordinary Decent Criminal was last week's Sneak Preview and I missed it! :-( Now I have to wait till June 26th for it to open. I watched the trailer (a different trailer than the one on your website, Donna) but it showed SD only once.

(dreuleur) That's persistence, Tineke! You can say that again! Unfortunately it's a rainy day here so I am forced to be indoors. Trouble here at drool and other PC woes. Re-boot time again :-( (Tineke) Now I have to wait till June 26th for it to open. Oooh, where? My toes are curling up just thinking about it! From reading the reviews, I thought this would be such a turkey that it would go straight to video in the US. For anyone reading this, MLSF reviews got RAVE reviews by comparison. The reviewers universally panned the ODC script, some are getting tired of Spacey. But Stephen got nice reviews. I think one of them said he was the only cop (he plays an Irish cop chasing Spacey) that had a 3-digit IQ. Hee hee. Actually SD got very little mention, most of the reviews spent all the space complaining about what a terrible movie it is. And in anticipation of seeing SD in Anna Karenina, I watched the Vivien Leigh version last night (fell asleep about half way through). From what I saw, I think this may be the most satisfying version I've seen to date. Ralph Richardson did a real nice job of Karenin, but actually the script allowed him to do more. It showed how Anna became bored with him. Other movies tend to gloss over their relationship, so you tend to not have sympathy for Anna when she strays. I can't wait to see how the new script treats their relationship. Gee, how can AK possibly stray from SD? One of the reviewers described the character Karenin as bad in bed... LOL Now, if this doesn't post... #@#@$@@!@@!##$$

The public here seemed to like this film, Donna (BTW, here is Belgium). It got a sneak score of 8.1/10 which is very high! In case you wonder how the Sneak Preview here works; the idea is that you go the cinema, but you don't know in advance what film you'll be seeing. All you know is that it's an avant-premiere. I love the few minutes leading up to it, wondering what film it's going to be. If you don't like the film and leave the theatre before the first half hour, you get your money back. This is a student town, so most of the people in the theatre are students. After the film, you fill in a form about what you thought of the film. The results of this poll are always published on the web. So lots of people, when they can't decide what film they should see, check the sneak website and read the reviews there. Some films that were trashed by the newspapers and magazines may still get good reviews in the sneak and vica versa. The sneak results say more about whether a film is enjoyable or not than other reviews. A newspaper review is one person's opinion, whereas the Sneak Results are the votes of more than 300 people. And from what I can tell from the trailer, ODC looks pretty funny.

(Tineke) It got a sneak score of 8.1/10 which is very high! Well that is encouraging news! Belgium, eh? Gee, I would offer to meet you in June, but can't manage it :-) And it could be that the UK critics are just plain sick of the story, which is based on a real life crook. I remember reading that they were dissatisfied about how the movie seemed to glorify this thug (Spacey), etc. But the rest of us aren't familiar with his story, so maybe we can appreciate the movie as just an entertaining caper without getting involved in moral issues. I can't wait to hear your review!

The Q&A section of this month's Ritz Filmbill says Ordinary Decent Criminal will open in the U.S. "soon." So, it has avoided direct to video!:-) Last month there were two separate questions on CF.

Nice pic. of JE, SD, SW & RH at Sardi Tony Brunch, at Playbill.com

Thanks Ann! BTW, have you sen this RH pic at Tonys.org? I think it's rather funny;-)

Rosie O'Donnell will be highlighting these Broadway shows. Nothing said yet about non-musical guests. The schedule for the week of May 29 to June 2 runs as follows: May 29: a performance from Jesus Christ Superstar May 30: a performance from Aida May 31: a performance from Kiss Me, Kate June 1: a performance from Swing! June 2: a performance from The Music Man

Updated schedule for the Rosie show. Still no mention of non-musical actors as guests... Thursday, May 25: The Wild Party Friday, May 26: Contact Monday, May 29: Jesus Christ Superstar Tuesday, May 30: Aida Wednesday, May 31: Kiss Me, Kate Thursday, June 1: Swing! Friday, June 2: The Music Man

Check out http://www.broadway.com/nominee.cfm Like Playbill, they too give their opinion on what the chances of each nominee are. Stephen Dillane chances: Not bad. As the philadering husband in Tom Stoppard's keen relationship play, Dillane is sexy, charming and centered. But his laid-back manner may not be showy enough to snag the prize. (Byrne got : promising but competition is stiff. Reilly: pretty good)

Again, I had to cut the message! And it's not even long! Jennifer Ehle: chances: Strong. Ehle is the discovery of the season and Tony voters may want the chance to claim her as one of our own before Hollywood comes knocking. Rosemary Harris: chances: Despite strong competition from her own flesh and blood, Harris may just repeat her Tony win of 34 years ago Sarah Woodward: chances: Woodward is marvelous as the down-trotten ex-wife to Dillane. She plays the part for real, miles away from Christine Baranski (who originated the part in the original Broadway production). She could easily ride a wave of Real Thing wins. And finally, what they have to say about TRT's chances in the Best Revival category: For it: This production offers a fresh look at a piece that many skeptics thought was purely 1980s. There are genuine starmaking turns by Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle to boot. Against it: The American production of Misbegotten may have an edge simply because its a homegrown hit. Doubtful, but possible

Wow, Tineke!! Those writeups on the odds are amazing. Hadn't thought they'd be that positive, especially for Jennifer. Shame Evelyn is offline, but she's in NY now, a mere stone's throw from the theater.

Tineke - thanks for the info on the Tony nominees...very interesting on their predictions. Also quite an interesting comment about not liking Christine Baranski's Charlotte from 1984. Oh now I wish I really could see a video of that other cast in action. By the way, a few notes back you mentioned seeing another trailer for Ordinary Decent Criminal. Was that in the theater or online? Mari - I think I was with you a while back when you predicted that the 2 guys from True West would cancel each other out. Now it's getting to be pins and needles time. Fingers and toes crossed. And wonderful news about ODC coming to the Ritz. Hey, maybe we can invite Stephen to join us at the viewing? Let's see, he has Mondays off :-) Karen - I nearly s**t a brick when I saw the HG's mug shot on the other topic. Snicker. FYI, I was able to get someone to tape the Drama Desk Awards, so hopefully I can get some good snappies out of it. The viewer said SD gave his presenter a nice smacker when he went up for the award :-)

the 2 guys from True West would cancel each other out That usually happens, although I wonder if there would be some sympathy for Philip Seymour Hoffman because of his three movie performances last year that failed to even get nominated (Ripley, Magnolia or Flawless). He received outstanding reviews for all of them and not even a supporting actor nomination.

For the Ordinary Decent Criminal trailer, go to http://www.cinebel.com/cgi/trailers.exe?nl Just scroll down, the films are ranked alphabetically. Even though the site is in Dutch, the trailers are in English with Dutch and French subtitles. There are three different qualities to choose from ("Kwaliteit" = quality); low, middle and high.

Hi Tineke. Yeah, if you blink your eyes, you miss him. And I thought his hair was short in Welcome to Sarajevo and Deja Vu. I think his 'do is even shorter in this one. Thanks, it's a great site.

OK, here's another pic of Stephen :-) I thought I recognized the brown shirt. This pic is of him at the Theatre World Awards held today at Studio 54. I think it is the same shirt he wore at the Drama League Awards, posted by Tineke, 237.

Hmmm, I'll try one more time. If unsuccesful, try this link: http://www5.playbill.com/cgi-bin/plb/news?cmd=show&type=news&code=+95962&selector=U.S.

Got it!

Compare

Not to belabor the point... BUT ... isn't that the shirt worn in the Charlie Rose interview too? :-)

Could be. Was dark. Must be due to the weight restrictions on luggage. ;-)

Evelyn sends her regard to everyone! She had a nice chat with JE after the show, and I am sure she will fill in the details when she gets back online. But I am happy to report that her encounter with the warm, luminous and charming JE was most enjoyable. And she thought that the play was better than ever. She had an SD sighting after the show too, but did not talk to him as he sped away blending into the crowd. That's all from this roving reporter :-)

Excellent news! Have been meaning to call her up. What time do you think is the best to reach her at the hotel, Donna?

Hi - my guess would be about 11:00-11:30 NY time. The plays let out about 10:40, so unless she goes out partying, hee hee, she should be wide awake and back at the hotel by then.

Hmmm, looks like Stephen's wardrobe is as vast as Colin's. '-) Looking forward to seeing Evelyn's report. Is someone we know going to the Tonys?