Rosie O'Donnell will tap in 'No, No, Nanette'

Linda Winer | Critical Mass

April 27, 2008

Can Rosie tap?

This is not, for everyone, a roiling question of our tumultuous times. But for people who fixate on old musicals - which means the crowds that swarm New York City Center for the semi-staged "Encores!" series - Rosie O'Donnell's dancing feet are part of the anticipation commotion around "No, No, Nanette" May 8-11.

O'Donnell, of course, is no unknown on Broadway. She made a fine bully as Rizzo in "Grease" in 1998, then was a replacement Cat in the Hat in "Seussical" and a second-cast Golde in the last revival of "Fiddler on the Roof." And, in 2003, she produced "Taboo," the short-lived Boy George musical that - were she not simultaneously distracted by the noisy courtroom fight over her late magazine - might have been terrific.

"Nanette," circa 1925, has not been revived since the big 1971 adaptation that starred Ruby Keeler and Patsy Kelly, and was at least nominally choreographed by Busby Berkeley, then 75. The tap-happy romantic farce won four Tony Awards and the credit/blame for having kicked off the nostalgia craze for escapist entertainment.

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In addition to Rosie (as Pauline, promised to be a tap-dancing cook), the cast will include Sandy Duncan, Fred Willard, "Tea for Two," "I Want to Be Happy" and the comforting sound of steel-tipped shoes on an amplified floor. (Tough-to-score tickets, $25-$95; call 212-581-1212.)

ARTHUR, ARTHUR. The fascination with semi-staged or concert musicals continues to bubble. This is, after all, a chance to catch up with little-known or favorite shows and performers without waiting forever for someone to invest in a big production.

The same week as "Nanette," you can find "Camelot" from May 7-10 with the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall. This revival of the 1960 Lerner and Loewe musical stars Gabriel Byrne (on break from his five-day a week appointments as the shrink of HBO's "In Treatment") as King Arthur, with Marin Mazzie, Nathan Gunn, Christopher Lloyd, Fran Drescher, Stacy Keach and Marc Kudisch. (Tickets, $65-$225; call 212-875-5656. You can also watch from home May 8 or set the DVR for PBS' "Live From Lincoln Center" (8 p.m. on WNET/13).

Also, "Pamela's First Musical," the Wendy Wasserstein- Cy Coleman show that has been unproduced in New York since the death of both artists, will be seen for just one performance May 18 at 3 p.m. at Town Hall. This is a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Open Door Program, which Wasserstein founded. Donna Murphy plays Pamela's Aunt Louise, with a big cast expected to include Christine Ebersole and Tommy Tune. Tickets, $60-$1,000; call 212-840-0770.

AWARDS GALORE. The Broadway season doesn't officially end until May 7, but award madness has already begun. For those who want to mark their calendars:

According to a customary mysterious process, the Outer Critics Circle Awards (critics from surrounding areas and smaller publications) got a jump on the rest by announcing the nominations Monday - yes, before seven Broadway shows opened. At least winners won't be announced until May 12.

The Lucille Lortel Awards, devoted to Off-Broadway, are May 5. The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Club Awards, for cabaret, are May 6. The New York Drama Critics Circle (reviewers from major area newspapers and magazines) chooses its best play and best musical May 12.

Also that day, newbies will be awaiting news from the Theatre World Awards, given to actors making their New York stage debuts. The Drama League Awards (picked by genuine civilian theatergoers who belong to the 74-year-old group) are May 16. The Drama Desk Awards (chosen by theater reporters, editors and critics) honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway May 18 (streamed live on theatermania.com).

Tired of winners and losers yet? Finally, the Tony Awards telecast is June 15, with nominations announced May 12. Expect nonstop jockeying for publicity between those dates.

JUST THE TICKET. Sometime in late May or early June, Broadway theatergoers will be able to avoid trips to individual box offices and buy tickets (regular and premium-priced) at a single centralized location. Run by the Broadway League - formerly the League of American Theatres and Producers - the swankily named Broadway Concierge & Ticket Center will be inside the Times Square Information Center on Broadway between 46th and 47th streets.

The Concierge will also offer advice in six languages about plays, food and parking. What's described as the "friendly Broadway League Concierge staff" can make reservations for restaurants and hotels. Special packages will be available, including something called the "Regular Guy's Guide to Broadway Package." No word yet on criteria for being a regular guy.