News

Richard Maltby Jr, acclaimed lyricist and director, sits down again with Rob and Kevin to pull back the curtain on his illustrious career. In this episode, Richard discusses how he met David Shire, looks back onLove MatchampHow Do You Do I Love You,two musicals that never came to Broadway, and the process of working with choreographers. Plus, Richard pulls back the curtain on such legends as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ronny Graham, and Cameron Mackintosh.

The world premiere of the Garth Drabinsky production of Sousatzka, the new musical by three-time Tony Award-nominated book writer Craig Lucas and the legendary composing team of Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr. Lyrics and Academy Award winner David Shire Music, is headed to Broadway in 2017. The show will star Tony Award winner Victoria Clark in the title role of Madame Sousatzka, a celebrated, eccentric, Polish-born piano teacher who was forced into exile. Today, Clark shared what drew her to the role in a post on the musical's Facebook page.

Today in 1983, Baby opened at the Ethel barrymore Theatre, where it ran for 241 performances. Baby is a musical with a book by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.. It concerns the reactions of three couples each expecting a child. Lizzie and Danny are university juniors who have just moved in together. Athletic Pam and her husband, Nick, a sports instructor, have had some trouble conceiving. Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, is unsure of what to do, contemplating abortion while her husband Alan is thrilled with the thought of a new baby. Throughout the show, these characters experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, the desperate lows and the comic highs, that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby.

Yellow Sound Label has announced the release of the world premiere recording of Stars of David today, December 16 on iTunes and Amazon.com. The album is produced by Michael Croiter Matilda, Heathers, Big Fish and Executive Produced by Daryl Roth, featuring the talents of Alex Brightman, Joanna Glushak, Janet Metz, Brad Oscar, Alan Schmuckler, Aaron Serotsky, and Donna Vivino. The album features original musical material by Marilyn and Alan Bergman Susan Birkenhead Michael Friedman Amanda Green Marvin Hamlisch Sheldon Harnick Tom Kitt Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire Duncak Sheik and Steven Sater Nathan Tysen and Chris Miller and Jeanine Tesori.

Yellow Sound Label has announced the release of the world premiere recording of Stars of David on December 16 on iTunes and Amazon.com The album is produced by Michael Croiter Matilda, Heathers, Big Fish and Executive Produced by Daryl Roth, featuring the talents of Alex Brightman, Joanna Glushak, Janet Metz, Brad Oscar, Alan Schmuckler, Aaron Serotsky, and Donna Vivino. The album features original musical material by Marilyn and Alan Bergman Susan Birkenhead Michael Friedman Amanda Green Marvin Hamlisch Sheldon Harnick Tom Kitt Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire Duncak Sheik and Steven Sater Nathan Tysen and Chris Miller and Jeanine Tesori.

Today in 1983, Baby opened at the Ethel barrymore Theatre, where it ran for 241 performances. Baby is a musical with a book by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.. It concerns the reactions of three couples each expecting a child. Lizzie and Danny are university juniors who have just moved in together. Athletic Pam and her husband, Nick, a sports instructor, have had some trouble conceiving. Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, is unsure of what to do, contemplating abortion while her husband Alan is thrilled with the thought of a new baby. Throughout the show, these characters experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, the desperate lows and the comic highs, that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby.

The York Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals and preserving neglected shows from the past, has announced complete casting for the season opener of the Fall 2014 Musicals in Mufti Series Big, with book by John Weidman, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire. This presentation of Big marks the New York premiere of the script and score created by the authors for the show's national tour-a significantly revised version of the show with eight new Maltby and Shire songs, yet to be recorded.

Roundabout Theatre Company is currently presenting Tony Award-winner, two-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Academy Award nominee Jim Dale in his solo show, Just Jim Dale, directed by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr. The production is currently playing the Laura Pels Theatre in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre through August 10, 2014. In celebration of the legend's highly acclaimed solo show, BroadwayWorld brings you an exclusive look back at Dale's careers, roles, and accolades throughout the years - check it out below...

Roundabout Theatre Company presents Tony Award-winner, two-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Academy Award nominee Jim Dale in his solo show, Just Jim Dale, directed by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr. Just Jim Dale officially opened earlier this week at the Laura PelsTheatre in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre 111 46th Street. This is a limited engagement through August 10, 2014. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and you can check out interviews with the company below...

Roundabout Theatre Company presents Tony Award-winner, two-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Academy Award nominee Jim Dale in his solo show, Just Jim Dale, directed by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr. Just Jim Dale officially opens tonight, June 3, at the Laura Pels Theatre in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre. Let's see what the critics had to say...

Roundabout Theatre Company presents Tony Award-winner, two-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Academy Award nominee Jim Dale in his solo show, Just Jim Dale, directed by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr. Just Jim Dale officially opens tomorrow night, June 3, at the Laura Pels Theatre in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre 111 46th Street. This is a limited engagement through August 10, 2014. Click below to watch highlights from the show...

On Wednesday, The Lone Ranger received multiple Razzie nominations, including the notorious Worst Picture nod. The next day, The Lone Ranger was nominated for an Oscar, for best makeup.

This isn’t the first movie to get nods from both ends of the spectrum. Since the Razzies first began back in 1981, 47 movies have been nominated for both “awards”– some even for the same exact person or song. Here’s a look at the club The Lone Ranger just joined:

The Competition

Oscar nods: Film editing, music (original song) for “People Alone” with music by Lalo Schifrin and lyrics by Wilbur...

Today in 1999, Fosse opened at the Broadhurst THeatre, where it ran for 1093 performances. Fosse is a three-act musical revue showcasing the choreography of Bob Fosse. The original Broadway production, conceived and directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Ann Reinking was choreographed by Reinking and Chet Walker. In 2002, Fosse, featuring Reinking and Ben Vereen, was aired as part of the Great Performances series on PBS television. A London production opened at the West End Prince of Wales Theatre on February 8, 2000 and closed January 6, 2001. The musical did not recreate the musical numbers as originally presented but instead had primarily black-and-white costumes including the all-important hats, set against a simple setting.

Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire are among the top songwriting teams working in the musical theatre today. Their shows written together, including Starting Here Starting Now, Baby, Closer Than Ever, Big, Take Flight, Love Match, and How Do You Do I Love You will be celebrated by Broadway's best in story and song. Their work was just celebrated at 54 Below with What Could Be Better, which was performed earlier this month. Check out highlights from the concert below...

Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire are among the top songwriting teams working in the musical theatre today. Their shows written together, including Starting Here Starting Now, Baby, Closer Than Ever, Big, Take Flight, Love Match, and How Do You Do I Love You will be celebrated by Broadway's best in story and song. Their work was just celebrated at 54 Below with What Could Be Better, which was performed last night, December 17. Check out photos from the concert below...

Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire are among the top songwriting teams working in the musical theatre today. Their shows written together, including Starting Here Starting Now, Baby, Closer Than Ever, Big, Take Flight, Love Match, and How Do You Do I Love You will be celebrated by Broadway's best in story and song. Expect original cast performances recreated, as well as brand new interpretations, and even a world premiere song...

Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire are among the top songwriting teams working in the musical theatre today. Their shows written together, including Starting Here Starting Now, Baby, Closer Than Ever, Big, Take Flight, Love Match, and How Do You Do I Love You will be celebrated by Broadway's best in story and song. Expect original cast performances recreated, as well as brand new interpretations, and even a world premiere song...

Today in 1983, Baby opened at the Ethel barrymore Theatre, where it ran for 241 performances. Baby is a musical with a book by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.. It concerns the reactions of three couples each expecting a child. Lizzie and Danny are university juniors who have just moved in together. Athletic Pam and her husband, Nick, a sports instructor, have had some trouble conceiving. Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, is unsure of what to do, contemplating abortion while her husband Alan is thrilled with the thought of a new baby. Throughout the show, these characters experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, the desperate lows and the comic highs, that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby.

54 Below just welcomed a part of its December line-up for a special performance preview, including Tony Award-winner Randy Graff, Tony nominee Todd Graff, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone from 'The Graff Family Holiday Special' running 1214 amp 16 Tony-nominated song-writing team Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire running 1217 Tony nominee Euan Morton running 1212 and Chip Zien running 125 amp 11. Check out photos from the previews below...

It will be a homecoming when the original cast of the York Theatre Company's 2012 revival production of the classic Off-Broadway hit musical Closer Than Ever, with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire, featuring Jenn Colella,George Dvorsky, Christiane Noll and Sal Viviano, reunite for the official New York release of the new cast recording on the Jay Record Label.

Today in 1991, Miss Saigon opened at the Broadway Theatre, where it ran for 4092 performances. Miss Saigon is a musical by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, with lyrics by Boublil and Richard Maltby, Jr. It is based on Giacomo Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly, and similarly tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance involving an Asian woman abandoned by her American lover. The musical premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London on 20 September 1989, closing after over four thousand performances, on 30 October 1999.The musical represented Schonberg and Boublil's second major success, following Les Miserables in 1985.

From the iconic songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and home and family. More than two dozen classic hits - including 'I Walk the Line,' 'A Boy Named Sue,' 'Folsom Prison Blues,' and the title tune - performed by a multi-talented cast, paint a musical portrait of The Man in Black that promises to be a foot-stompin', crowd-pleasin' salute to a uniquely American legend Richard Maltby, Jr. created the piece and will also direct The Rep's production. It was originally conceived by William Meade with orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby. Malty is re-conceiving his Johnny Cash tribute specifically for a five-member ensemble for The Rep's Stackner Cabaret. The cast features Trenna Barnes, Eddie Clendening, Jason Edwards, David Miles Keenan and Mark W. Winchester, who are all making their Rep debuts. Ring...

From the iconic songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and home and family. More than two dozen classic hits - including I Walk the Line, A Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues, and the title tune - performed by a multi-talented cast, paint a musical portrait of The Man in Black that promises to be a foot-stompin', crowd-pleasin' salute to a uniquely American legend Richard Maltby, Jr. created the piece and will also direct The Rep's production. It was originally conceived by William Meade with orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby. Malty is re-conceiving his Johnny Cash tribute specifically for a five-member ensemble for The Rep's Stackner Cabaret. The cast features Trenna Barnes, Eddie Clendening, Jason Edwards, David Miles Keenan and Mark W. Winchester, who are all making their Rep debuts. Ring of Fire The Music of...

Anybody who has ever been to a high school reunion (and I’ve been to my share) will tell you that the calendar and the clock can be incredibly cruel (particularly when combined with the long-term effects of gravity, but let’s not go there).

Time punishes creative works as well. Some work grows dated, stale, stiff. Time and the evolving form of the given art leaves a once vibrant and exciting work behind looking dead and obsolete.

More cruel, perhaps, is work that is simply…forgotten. Not for any good reason. Good as it was, maybe it was simply not successful enough to lodge very deeply in the popular consciousness; working well enough in its day, but soon lost among the ever-growing detritus of a lot of other pieces of yesterday.

Movie music is particularly vulnerable to the cruelties of time. Outside of the form’s devotees, it rarely...

Today in 1999, Fosse opened at the Broadhurst THeatre, where it ran for 1093 performances. Fosse is a three-act musical revue showcasing the choreography of Bob Fosse. The original Broadway production, conceived and directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Ann Reinking was choreographed by Reinking and Chet Walker. In 2002, Fosse, featuring Reinking and Ben Vereen, was aired as part of the Great Performances series on PBS television. A London production opened at the West End Prince of Wales Theatre on February 8, 2000 and closed January 6, 2001. The musical did not recreate the musical numbers as originally presented but instead had primarily black-and-white costumes including the all-important hats, set against a simple setting.

Today in 1983, Baby opened at the Ethel barrymore Theatre, where it ran for 241 performances. Baby is a musical with a book by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.. It concerns the reactions of three couples each expecting a child. Lizzie and Danny are university juniors who have just moved in together. Athletic Pam and her husband, Nick, a sports instructor, have had some trouble conceiving. Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, is unsure of what to do, contemplating abortion while her husband Alan is thrilled with the thought of a new baby. Throughout the show, these characters experience the emotional stresses and triumphs, the desperate lows and the comic highs, that accompany the anticipation and arrival of a baby.

Due to the overwhelming success of the one-night performance of the hit Off-Broadway musical revue, Starting Here, Starting Now, with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire, The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director has added two encore performances on Sunday evenings, December 9th amp 16th at 730 p.m. at The York Theatre at Saint Peters entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.

Due to the overwhelming success of the one-night performance of the hit Off-Broadway musical revue, Starting Here, Starting Now, with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire, The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director has added two additional performances Sunday evenings, December 9th amp 16th at 730 p.m. at The York Theatre at Saint Peters entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.

The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director, following the recent successful five month run of Closer Than Ever, continues the celebration with a one-night only performance of the hit Off-Broadway musical revue, Starting Here, Starting Now, with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire, this evening, December 2, 2012 at 730 p.m. at The York Theatre at Saint Peters entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.

The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director, following the recent successful five month run of Closer Than Ever, continues the celebration with a one-night only performance of the hit Off-Broadway musical revue, Starting Here, Starting Now, with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire, on Sunday evening, December 2, 2012 at 730 p.m. at The York Theatre at Saint Peters entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.

The York Theatre Company has announced the first Off-Broadway revival of the of Closer Than Ever, with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire, will end its extended run with its 150th performance on Sunday evening, November 4, 2012 at 700 p.m. at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue where performances began June 5, 2012.

A new block of tickets are now on sale for one of the best reviewed Off-Broadway shows of the year, Closer Than Ever with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire. Tickets are now on sale through Novembefr 18, 2012 at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.

Anika Larsen joins the cast of The York Theatre Company's Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire beginning tonight, August 28, 2012. With direction by Mr. Maltby, associate direction and choreography by Kurt Stamm and music direction by Andrew Gerle, the cast also features Jacquelyn Piro Donovan Miss Saigon, Les Misrables, George Dvorsky The Scarlet Pimpernel and Sal Viviano The Full Monty. Now in performance through September 30th at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.

The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, has announced Anika Larsen Xanadu, All Shook Up, Avenue Q will join the cast of Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire beginning August 28, 2012, replacing previously announced Leslie Kritzer who departed due to a scheduling conflict.

The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, has announced a new addition to one of the best reviewed Off-Broadway shows of the year, Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire Broadway veteran Leslie Kritzer A Catered Affair, Sondheim on Sondheim, Legally Blonde, The Musical beginning August 28, 2012. Ms. Kritzer will step in for Julia Murney who departs the cast on August 25th.

The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, has added two new additions to one of the best reviewed Off-Broadway shows of the year, Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire Broadway veterans Jacquelyn Piro Donovan Miss Saigon, Les Misrables and Julia Murney Wicked, Wild Party. Ms. Donovan replaced Christiane Noll and Ms. Murney replaced Jenn Colella who departed to join the company of the new Broadway musical Chaplin.

Closer Than Ever, with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire, presented by The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, recently resumed performances at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue. Santino Fontana and Joan Rivers stopped by to visit the cast and you can check out photos below...

The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, has announced two new additions to Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire Broadway veterans Jacquelyn Piro Donovan Miss Saigon, Les Misrables beginning August 3, and Julia Murney Wicked, Wild Party beginning August 6. Ms. Donovan will step in for Christiane Noll and Ms. Murney for Jenn Colella who will both depart to join the company of the new Broadway musical Chaplin.

Just last night, Closer Than Ever, with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire, presented by The York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, resumed performances at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue. Kathie Lee Gifford stopped by to visit the cast and you can check out photos below...

York Theatre Company presents the first New York City revival of the classic Off-Broadway hit Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire. Performances began last night and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production shots below It's set for a limited run through July 14, 2012 at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.

More than two decades after Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire’s “Closer Than Ever” first opened in New York, the songwriting duo have reunited to revive their musical revue at the York Theatre Off-Broadway. The show has become something of a cult classic, known for its adult-themed songs and dramatic yet hilarious take on the complexities of middle-aged life.“It seems like a totally new show,” says Maltby, who is perhaps best-known for writing lyrics to shows like “Miss Saigon” and “Song and Dance.” “These performers are finding new meaning and excitement in the songs. I sit there in the rehearsals thinking, ‘I’ve never heard this song before’” However, the revival of “Closer Than Ever,” which officially opens on June 20 and is directed by Maltby, is only slightly different than the 1989 production. Maltby and Shire discarded two of the original songs and wrote three new ones, in addition to.

Its the homecoming of an Off-Broadway classic York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director presents the first New York City revival of the classic Off-Broadway hit Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire. Performances begin tonight, June 5, 2012 for a limited run through July 14, 2012 at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue. Opening Night is Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 800 p.m.

Its the homecoming of an Off-Broadway classic York Theatre Company James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director will present the first New York City revival of the classic Off-Broadway hit Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire. Performances begin Tuesday, June 5, 2012 for a limited run through July 14, 2012 at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue. Opening Night is Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 800 p.m.

York Theatre Company will present the first New York City revival of the classic Off-Broadway hit Closer Than Ever with Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Music by David Shire. Performances begin Tuesday, June 5, 2012 for a limited run through July 14, 2012 at The York Theatre at Saint Peters Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue.

Today in 1991, Miss Saigon opened at the Broadway Theatre, where it ran for 4092 performances. Miss Saigon is a musical by Claude-Michel Schnberg and Alain Boublil, with lyrics by Boublil and Richard Maltby, Jr. It is based on Giacomo Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly, and similarly tells the tragic tale of a doomed romance involving an Asian woman abandoned by her American lover. The musical premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London on 20 September 1989, closing after over four thousand performances, on 30 October 1999.The musical represented Schnberg and Boublil's second major success, following Les Misrables in 1985.

Today in 1999, Fosse opened at the Broadhurst THeatre, where it ran for 1093 performances. Fosse is a three-act musical revue showcasing the choreography of Bob Fosse. The original Broadway production, conceived and directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Ann Reinking was choreographed by Reinking and Chet Walker. In 2002, Fosse, featuring Reinking and Ben Vereen, was aired as part of the Great Performances series on PBS television. A London production opened at the West End Prince of Wales Theatre on February 8, 2000 and closed January 6, 2001. The musical did not recreate the musical numbers as originally presented but instead had primarily black-and-white costumes including the all-important hats, set against a simple setting.