Spice Girls musical gets awful reviews in London, more

Spice Girls
The Spice Girls musical "Viva Forever," which opened this week in London, got slammed with some pretty harsh reviews. The Daily Telegraph described it as "tawdry, lazy and unedifying." Frankly, I don't think we need to see this in New York. And if it does come in, I think we at least deserve to be freed of "Mamma Mia!"

Hunter drops Linklater's 'The Vandal'
Holly Hunter, who was slated to headline the Flea Theater's production of Hamish Linklater's new play "The Vandal," has dropped out for unspecific reasons. She will be replaced by Deirdre O'Connell, who gave a terrific performance three years ago in the penetrating comedy "Circle Mirror Transformation."

Bice to headline country musical 'Pump Boys'
Bo Bice, one of the numerous "American Idol" contenders who emphasized a passion for the country music scene, will make his Broadway debut in the forthcoming revival of "Pump Boys and the Dinettes," which will play Circle in the Square this spring.

Despite previous plan, 'Evita' to close in Jan.
A few weeks ago, I noted my surprise at the announcement that the Broadway revival of "Evita" would apparently soldier on with new cast members following the triple departure of Ricky Martin, Elena Roger and Michael Cerveris on Jan. 26. But on Tuesday, the show's producers reneged and confirmed that it will indeed close on the 26th. "The planets have simply not aligned for us to engage the right talent at the right time," producer Hal Luftig said in a statement.

Lea not a diva? That's not how I remember it.
In the latest issue of Marie Claire, "Glee" star Lea Michele adamantly denies the rumors that she acts like a diva. Well, I vividly recall being told by multiple ushers at "Spring Awakening" back in 2007 about how Michele frequently would act like a difficult, self-obsessed diva, while her co-star Jonathan Groff (who has also been on "Glee") was the sweetest person in the world.

Boston 'Pippin' revival heading directly to B'way
Although it just started previews at the American Repertory Theatre in Boston, it looks like Diane Paulus' ("Hair") revival of the 1970s musical "Pippin" will transfer straight to Broadway. The buzz is that this is a spectacular show that incorporates the original Fosse choreography. And based on the early production pics, Patina Miller ("Sister Act") looks incredibly sexy as the Leading Player.

'In the Heights' to be staged in the Heights
It was inevitable that "In the Heights" would actually be performed in Washington Heights. It's great to hear that much of the original Broadway cast, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Karen Olivo and Christopher Jackson, will reunite to perform the Tony-winning musical at the United Palace of Cultural Arts on Feb. 11 as part of Viva Broadway, an attempt to promote Broadway among Hispanics.

Spotted ...
"Downton Abbey" cast members, including Elizabeth McGovern and Hugh Bonneville, at "The Heiress" ... Wallace Shawn at "Once" ... Adam Duritz, Patrick Wilson, Christine Lahti and Tyne Daly at opening night of "Golden Boy."