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The Theatre Museum Awards for Excellence were held Monday night, April 30, at The Players Club. Helen Guditis, President of The Theatre Museum, five time Tony winner Stewart F. Lane, Chairman of the Board of The Theatre Museum and 2011 Honoree for Distinguished Service to the Theatre, Bonnie Comley hosted a celebration to honor excellence in the theatre. See photos of the honorees and attendees below!
Founded in 2003, The Theatre Museum is New York's first and only chartered, non-profit museum dedicated to the history of theatre. Its primary mission is to preserve, protect and perpetuate the legacy of theatre through innovative programming. Currently a museum-at-large -- it presents exhibitions on a myriad of subjects in collaboration with other cultural institutions. The Museum's community outreach includes teaching children how to write, direct and stage live theatre, as well as the presentation of the Theatre Museum Awards for Excellence at its annual Gala.
Honorees at Monday's Gala included the prestigious Theatre Arts Education Award given to Stagedoor Manor and presented by Broadway director, producer, writer and lyricist Richard Maltby. The Theatre Museum honored Frederick O. Olsson with its distinguished Career Achievement Award presented by IATSE Local One president James J. Claffey, Jr.. Don B. Wilmeth, Emeritus Professor of Theatre and of English at Brown University, received the 2012 Theatre History Preservation Award presented by Laurence Maslon, Associate Chair/Associate Arts Professor at the NYU Graduate School of Acting. And the Award for Distinguished Service to the Theatre was awarded to the Theatre Communications Group (TCG) presented by two time Pulitzer Prize finalist and distinguished playwright Tina Howe.
Some of the Stagedoor Manor's best and brightest alumni paid tribute at the gala including: Marni Raab, Jeff Blumenkranz, Noah Silverman, Katherine Doherty, Nick Christopher, Ashley LaLonde, Derek Speedy, Julia Murney, and Etai BenShlomo. Stagedoor Manor's Lawrence Lesher directed the evening's gala. Broadway's Jon Bolton was the master of ceremonies and Kimberly Grigsby was the musical director.On hand to celebrate was Oscar, Emmy & Tony award winner Tony Walton with wife Gen Walton, Joe Benincasa, William Walters, Jim Heinze, Alyssa Renzi, Bobbie Horowitz, many friends of Frederick O. Olsson from The Shubert Organization and lots of Stagedoor Manor alumni and friends.
For more information, visit www.thetheatremuseum.org.
Stewart F. Lane Gets 6th Tony Nomination!
The Tony Awards, celebrating excellence in Broadway theatre in the 2011-12 season, will be broadcast in a live three-hour ceremony from the Beacon Theatre on the CBS television network June 10. Emmy winner Neil Patrick Harris will again host.
“Gore Vidal’s The Best Man” received two nominations, one for Best Revival of a Play and one for the performance of James Earl Jones.
For a complete list of Nominees click HERE and be sure to tune into the 66th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday June 10 at 8:00pm EST!
The 2012 Theatre Museum Awards!
STAGEDOOR MANOR, THEATRE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, DON B. WILMETH, PHD AND THEATRE INDUSTRY LEGEND FREDERICK O. OLSSON ARE THE DISTINGUISHED HONOREES AT THE 2012 THEATRE MUSEUM AWARDS
Continuing its tradition of celebrating outstanding achievement in theatre arts, The Theatre Museum will present its 2012 Awards on April 30 at Manhattan’s legendary Players Club in Gramercy Park, New York.
The Theatre Arts Education Award will be bestowed to Stagedoor Manor. Since 1976, Stagedoor Manor has been an oasis of discovery and unconditional acceptance for passionate young performers seeking a community where dreams are understood and shared. Even though Carl and Elsie Samuelson created this program almost 40 years ago, it is still a family business, currently run by sisters Cindy and Debra. Committed to encouraging all levels of talent and experience, Stagedoor Manor admits students without auditions on a first come basis. Boasting a nine-week schedule of 40 full-scale productions, the organization prides itself in searching out cutting-edge material as it keeps its casts and classes small. Continuously expanding, the program adds new theaters and classrooms almost yearly, seeks out fresh material directly from the Broadway stage, and lures a constant flow of leading professionals from the industry. Last year, Stagedoor Manor was host to young actors from 27 countries and 46 states. Well known alumni include Natalie Portman, Robert Downey, Lea Michelle, Adam Pascal, and Zach Braff.
The Theatre Communications Group (TCG) will be honored with the Award for Distinguished Service to the Theatre. For 50 years, this national organization has existed to strengthen, nurture and promote the professional not-for-profit American theatre. TCG’s constituency has grown from a handful of groundbreaking theatres to nearly 700 member theatres and affiliate organizations and more than 13,000 individuals nationwide. TCG is North America’s largest independent publisher of dramatic literature, with 11 Pulitzer Prizes for Best Play on the TCG booklist. It also publishes the award-winning AMERICAN THEATRE magazine and ARTSEARCH®, the essential source for a career in the arts. In all of its endeavors, TCG seeks to increase the organizational efficiency of its member theatres, cultivate and celebrate the artistic talent and achievements of the field, and promote a larger public understanding of, and appreciation for, the theatre.
Citing his invaluable contribution to the preservation of theatre history, the 2012 Theatre History Preservation Award goes to Don B. Wilmeth, Emeritus Professor of Theatre and of English at Brown University. A university mainstay for 36 years, Wilmeth has either written, co-authored or edited more than forty books on the subject. He co-edited the award-winning, three-volume Cambridge History of American Theatre and wrote George Frederick Cooke: Machiavel of the Stage (Hewitt Award). Contributor to dozens of reference works, for a decade he was series editor for Cambridge University Press' "Studies in American Theatre and Drama" and is currently editor of Palgrave Macmillan's "Studies in Theatre and Performance History." An ardent collector of theatre and entertainment ephemera and memorabilia, he has mounted three public exhibits drawn from his collection.
Anyone familiar with Broadway knows the groundbreaking work of this year’s Career Achievement Award -- Frederick O. Olsson. As a master carpenter for 38 shows at The Broadway Theatre, he has overseen the stage design for such wonderful productions as “South Pacific,” “Mr. Wonderful,” “A Most Happy Fella,” “Gypsy,” and “My Fair Lady.” Also an active singer and performer, Olsson’s dedication to his craft can best be summed up with his motto -- “Do your best, be your best – no matter what the job is and be a good person.”
A Queens, NY native, Olsson attended the Juilliard School of Music, and the Columbia University School of Engineering. He starred in two Broadway productions, “Arms and the Girl” (1950) and “Music in the Air” (1951), while he simultaneously juggled his job as carpentry foreman on the construction of the United Nations Security Building. Soon after, he began his long stint as one of the stage’s most respected master carpenters.
Mr. Olsson joined the Shubert Organization, the largest theatrical ?rm in the world, in 1964 where he excelled as Facilities Director, becoming Senior Consultant in 1992.
Overseeing The Theatre Museum tribute is prolific director and writer Gordon Greenberg. Busily hopping between London’s West End and both US coasts, Greenberg recently joined forces with Stephen Schwartz and Lin Manuel Miranda to direct the revival of Stud Terkel’s “Working” for Broadway in Chicago. Texas born and New York raised, Greenberg attended Stanford University and NYU Film School. He is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and the Lincoln Center Directors Lab.
Preparations for this star-filled evening are in full swing with details to follow shortly. The celebration will kick off at 6 pm on April 30 at the Player’s Club at 16, Gramercy Park South. Business attire is requested.
Tickets for the Reception and Buffet Dinner, Presentation, and journal opportunities are available through The Theatre Museum website, by calling the office (212 764 4112), or by emailing awards@thetheatremuseum.org.
Founded in 2003, The Theatre Museum is New York’s ?rst and only chartered, non-pro?t museum dedicated to the history of theatre. Currently a museum-at-large -- it presents exhibitions on a myriad of subjects in collaboration with other cultural institutions. The Museum's community outreach includes teaching children how to write, direct, and stage live theatre, as well as the presentation of the Theatre Museum Awards for Excellence at its annual Gala. Its primary mission is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the legacy of theatre through innovative programming. The Theatre Museum grew out of the legacy of The Broadway Theatre Institute.
The Museum’s Board of Trustees include five-time Tony Award- winning producer and owner and operator of the Palace Theater Stewart F. Lane (Chairman), Helen M. Guditis (President), James Heinze (Treasurer), Joseph Benincasa (Secretary), and William Walters (Member).
For more information, please contact:
(212) 764-4112
press@thetheatremuseum.org
http://www.thetheatremuseum.org
"The Best Man Opens on Broadway!"
Gore Vidal's The Best Man, now at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, which is about the political machinations at a 1960 nominating convention, is so spectacularly prescient it seems almost shocking that it was written 52 years ago. But the best news here is that Michael Wilson's smartly-timed, smartly directed, and very smartly acted revival of this consistently witty work simply can't be bettered.
Much of the credit belongs to the knockout cast, which includes James Earl Jones, John Larroquette, Candace Bergen, Angela Lansbury, Eric McCormack, Michael McKean, Kerry Butler, and Jefferson Mays, each of whom is terrifically good separately -- as well as being part of an extraordinary ensemble.
The famously informed Vidal unfolds his plot in two Philadelphia hotel suites (ingeniously designed by Derek McLane): one where one-time Secretary of State William Russell (Larroquette), a man of great conscience, and one where Senator Joseph Cantwell (McCormack), a man of no conscience whatsoever, are vying for the delegate votes that will put one of them over the top.
Both candidates are seeking the endorsement of ex-President and party leader Arthur "Artie" Hockstader (Jones) as well as Sue-Ellen Gamadge (Lansbury), the sly chairman of the (unnamed) party's women's division, neither of whom have announced their decision.
In addition, the candidate's wives, the weary Alice Russell (Bergen) -- who has long dealt with her husband's philandering -- and the flighty if ambitious Mabel Cantwell (Kerry Butler) also become players, or more accurately pawns, in this political chess game.
Cantwell's win-at-any-cost attitude means he's prepared to circulate ill-obtained medical records containing details of a psychological break-down in Russell's past. The mounting suspense is not just whether Cantwell will disseminate the records, but whether Russell -- at the encouragement of Hockstader and campaign manager Dick Jensen (McKean) -- will lower himself to Cantwell's snake-in-the-gutter level.
Putting aside the sad observation that things have changed so much since 1960 that Bill Russell's strengths may not find their like in the 2012 presidential race, Larroquette deserves special praise for his authoritative performance, and he's well-matched by McCormack as the opportunistic Cantwell.
As a former President wielding power all the while his body is weakening, Jones is the major scene-stealer -- knowing, for instance, the wily way to make applause-getting exits. The same goes for Lansbury, whose speeches (delivered in a strong southern accent) about what the women of America want in their President are both funny and frightening.
via theatermania
Priscilla Queen of the Desert Celebrates One Year Anniversary!
Priscilla Queen of the Desert celebrated the musical’s landmark one year anniversary at the Palace Theatre before the show with the stars cutting the “Priscilla Pink Pie Face Pie” from Australia's most celebrated bakery café “Pie Face.” Following the celebratory performance, Priscilla’s half millionth audience member was crowned on stage along with a secret “Oprah-style” prizing moment and a special surprise performance from the cheerleading squad “Cheer New York"
Read more: http://broadwayworld.com/article/THIS-WEEK-IN-PICTURES-March-17-23-20120#ixzz1r0dawRHP
Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth was honored at the Drama League's 28th Annual Musical Celebration of Broadway on Monday, February 6 at the Pierre Hotel.
The evening featured performances and presentations by Brent Barrett, Kevin Clash and Elmo, Erin Dilly, David Elder, Eden Espinosa, Jason Graae, Joel Grey, Cheyenne Jackson, Nick Jonas, Andrew Lippa, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy, Marni Nixon, Brad Oscar, Elaine Paige, Carole Shelley, Marlo Thomas, and Josh Young.
Among the musical selections were "Willkommen," "Everybody's Girl," "Popular," "For Good," "The Song Is You," "What Makes Me Love Her?", "Knowing When to Leave," "A House Is Not a Home," "What Did I Have," "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," "Gorgeous," and "I'm Still Here."
After accepting her award, Chenoweth closed the show by singing an a capella version of "You'll Never Know."
Among the other attendees at the gala were Rob Ashford, Preston Bailey, Laura Benanti, Stephen Cole, Bonnie Comley, Beverly D'Angelo, Phil Donahue, Jano Herbosch, Stewart F. Lane, Carly Rose Sonenclar, Barbara Steele, Michelle Williams, and B.D. Wong.
SOURCE: TheaterMania.com
Exciting News! I will be producing an all star cast of Vidal's "The Best Man". 'The amazing cast includes: James Earl Jones, Eric McCormack, Candice Bergen, Angela Lansbury, John Larroquette, Michael McKean, and Donna Hanover. Limited run so get your tickets early!
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
The Drama League (Executive Director Gabriel Shanks; Gala Chairpersons Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane) has announced the roster of special guest for their 28th Annual Musical Celebration of Broadway honoring Tony® and EmmyAward®-winner Kristin Chenoweth, to be held on February 6, 2012 at the famed Pierre Hotel (2 East 61st Street). Designed by celebrity event planner Preston Bailey, the Gala supports the educational initiatives of The Drama League Directors Project.
This year The Drama League’s Gala will bring together 400 of New York City’s most influential arts supporters, celebrities, and luminaries for a black-tie evening of cocktails, dinner and the acclaimed, unforgettable one-night-only musical revue featuring dozens of stars from theater, film and television. Special guests include Academy® and Tony Award®-winner Joel Grey, Tony Award®-winner Laura Benanti, Elaine Paige, Tony Award®-winner Donna Murphy, Cheyenne Jackson, Tony Award®-winner Debra Monk, Andrew Lippa, Marlo Thomas, Brent Barrett, Tony Award®-winner Carole Shelley, Josh Young, David Elder, Marni Nixon, Jason Graae, Eden Espinosa, Kevin Clash from “Sesame Street,” plus original and current cast members from the Broadway musical Wicked. (Please note roster is subject to change and additional performers will be announced soon.)
The evening’s special all-star tribute, directed by Evan Pappas, produced by Drama League Artistic Director Roger T. Danforth, with book by Stephen Cole and musical direction by Steve Freeman, will include selections from Wicked, “Glee,” You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Candide, Promises, Promises, Annie, The Music Man, Steel Pier, A New Brain, The Apple Tree, and many more.
The Benefit Gala raises much-needed funds for the vital education programs of The Drama League Directors Project. Since 1984, the Benefit Gala has honored exceptional artists whose talent and passion have served as a benchmark for others. Each year, an enthusiastic audience of 400 theatre lovers – comprised of recognizable names from the professional theatre community and society pages, as well as Drama League members and supporters – come out to support the Drama League Directors Project.
Since 1916, The Drama League of New York has been at the forefront of the American Theatre community, providing talent, audiences, and prosperous support. It is one of the nation’s oldest continuously-operating, not-for-profit arts advocacy and education organizations.
Through its programs, initiatives and events, The Drama League indelibly transforms the lives of artists and audiences by harnessing the unique social and creative dynamism of theatre. Its nationally-renowned, award-winning efforts have two vital goals: To train and nurture the artists of tomorrow and to deepen and strengthen the audience experience.
Ticket prices start at $750. For more information, please contact The Drama League at 212.244.9494 ext 27 or click on http://dramaleague.org/events/2012-benefit-gala.
New York City - The National Yiddish Theatre - Folksbiene held their annual Cabaret Dinner on November 22, 2011 at Bohemian National Hall. The gala honored five-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and critically acclaimed author and playwright, Stewart F. Lane and holocaust survivor and owner of Martin Greenfield Clothiers, Martin Greenfield.
Lane has "War Horse" and "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" currently running on Broadway. Greenfield has created clothes for celebrities, presidents, politicians and most recently, for the cast of the Emmy Award-winning series "Boardwalk Empire."
The event featured performances by Judy Blazer, Judy Kaye, Elmore James, Stuart Zagnit, and Tony and Emmy-Winning actor, Ron Rifkin. A celebration of light and hope, the gala benefit also featured performances by young Folksbiene company members - some in their teens - who are being trained and nurtured by the Drama Desk Award-winning company to carry the torch of Yiddish culture, with all its rich, varied and profoundly humanist traditions.
The Cabaret Dinner benefits The National Yiddish Theatre - Folksbiene, the nation's only professional Yiddish theatre, and the longest continuously producing Yiddish theatre in the world. Now in its historic 96th consecutive season, Folksbiene presents plays, concerts and literary events in English and Yiddish, with English and Russian supertitles accompanying all performances.
The company's two-fold mission is to preserve the legacy of the Yiddish theatre - dating back to the late 19th century in Europe - and to add to this legacy by developing new work. Through its numerous accommodations for non-Yiddish speakers, its outreach to underserved audiences in and outside of New York, and its cultivation of new work and young actors, the company has significantly broadened and diversified its audience.
(via hamptons.com)
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Jennie Garth of ''90210'' stars as Susan, an unemployed Los Angeles museum curator and widowed single mom temporarily living in a small California town with her three sensitive sons. Jake (Brad Rowe of ''General Hospital'') is a single dad of two tomboys who owns a local winery. When Susan's dog Rusty (voiced by Jay Mohr of ''Ghost Whisperer'') falls for Jake's poodle Cheri (voiced by Nikki Cox of ''Las Vegas''), these canine matchmakers help their owners fall in love too. Now with a Christmas Day wedding to plan -- and major complications threatening to unravel it all -- can two mismatched broods find a way to make one happy family? Tom Arnold and Catherine Hicks (''Seventh Heaven'') co-star in this heartwarming holiday film from the producer/director of The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation and Your Love Never Fails.
Pre-Order the DVD coming out on December 6 HERE
Airing on The Hallmark Channel the following dates check local listings for times:
November 29
November 30
December 9
December12
December 13
“A Moment in Time”
A new musical featuring the songs of John Denver
with book by Stewart F. Lane
presented at reading in New York City
Last week (October 20th and 21st) there were industry readings in New York of A Moment in Time, a new musical featuring music and lyrics by the popular singer/song-writer John Denver, with a book by Stewart F. Lane.
Plans are in development for a fully staged production of A Moment in Time. The musical features such well known # 1 hits like “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Rocky Mountain High,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” and Gold-certified songs including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Calypso” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
The 11-member cast for last week’s reading included Drake Bell (Nickelodeon’s Drake and Josh), Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll & Hyde, Les Miserables), Liz Larsen (Hairspray, The Most Happy Fella) and Lindsay Pierce (The Glee Project, Glee).
Created by Stewart F. Lane a.k.a. Mr. Broadway, A Moment in Time follows the story of a mortally wounded marine in Afghanistan who recalls a happier time with his family in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and finds a reason to live through those memories.
The musical director, arranger and orchestrator for A Moment in Time is Christine Riley. The musical is produced by Stellar Productions.
Stewart F. Lane is a five-time Tony Award-winner and a four-time Drama Desk Award sinner. He was recently honored with the 2011 John Denver Spirit Award. He is also an author, playwright and the co-owner/operator of the Palace Theatre in New York.
John Denver (1943-1997) One of the world’s best-known and best-loved performers, John Denver earned international acclaim as a songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian. He wrote and recorded more than 300 songs and released 12 Gold and 4 Platinum-selling albums. Denver’s career spanned four decades and his music has outlasted countless musical trends and garnered numerous awards and honors.
Stewart F. Lane received the John Denver Spirit Award in Central Park, NYC on Tuesday, October 12, 2011. On Tuesday, October 12th the John Denver Spirit Award was presented to Stewart F. Lane at a ceremony in Central Park. Presented by Karmen T. Dopslaff of The Starsong Foundation and JoLynn Long of JD Spirit, the award celebrates the legacy of the late singer/songwriter John Denver.
The Award was given to Broadway producer Stewart F. Lane for promoting the world renowned singer/songwriter John Denver's music and the positive impact his music has made on society. Mr. Lane is the creator of "A Moment In Time," a new Broadway musical with music and lyrics by John Denver, and an original story. A developmental reading of the new musical is planned for later this month in New York City.
Stewart F. Lane is a five -time Tony award winning producer and a four - time Drama Desk Award winner. He is also an author, director, playwright and the co-owner/operator of the Palace Theatre in New York.The Award ceremony included a performance of John Denver songs by Broadway leading lady Liz Larsen along with a dedication of a park bench in honor of the occasion. The John Denver Spirit Award, a bronze marquette of a statue was designed by Sue DiCicco.Previous winners of the John Denver Spirit Award include Terry Lipman (2009), Joe Henry (2008), Bill Danoff (2007), Erma Deutschendorf (2006), Kenn Roberts (2005), Hal Thau (2004), Tom Crum (2003), Kris O'Connor (2002).
One of the world's best-known and best-loved performers, John Denver earned international acclaim as a songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian. Denver's career spanned four decades and his music has outlasted countless musical trends and garnered numerous awards and honors.Denver contributed his talents to the benefit of many charitable and environmental causes and received numerous civic and humanitarian awards over the years. Fans responded to his heartfelt urgings about ecology, peace, and compassion that were consistently delivered in a gentle manner on his records and at live performances.John Denver died tragically in a plane crash on October 12, 1997. Today, millions of fans old and new enjoy the work of this extraordinary performer. His humanitarian work continues to strengthen our global village, and his dynamic celebration of life, spirit and nature is a powerful inspiration to us all. For more information see: www.starsongfoundation.org
Producer Stewart F. Lane, who earned his fifth Tony Award this year for War Horse, has probed deep into the roots of the Great White Way to show the profound influence and input of Jews from Irving Berlin to Tony Kushner throughout the past century in every facet: performers, composers, lyricists, directors, choreographers and producers. Lane’s fascinating historical survey is an amazing page turner, full of delicious anecdotes and significant information. The Friars Club book party for Lane brought out such names as composer Charles Strouse, (Bonnie and Clyde, Bye Bye Birdie), lyricist Ervin Drake (I Believe, It Was A Very Good Year) legendary TV talk show host Joe Franklin, comedians Freddie Roman and Stewie Stone and many more to congratulate Lane. McFarland, softcover, 231 pages,
Stewart Lane to Receive John Denver Spirit Award!
From TheaterMania:
By: Brian Scott Lipton · Sep 16, 2011 · New York
Producer Stewart F. Lane will receive the John Denver Spirit Award in New York City's Central Park on Wednesday, October 12. The Award will be presented by the Starsong Foundation and JD Spirit.
Lane is the creator of "A Moment In Time," a new Broadway-bound musical with music and lyrics by John Denver, about a mortally wounded marine in Afghanistan who recalls a happier time with his family in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and finds a reason to live.
The ceremony will include a performance of John Denver songs and the dedication of a Park Bench.
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley Producing "Top Hat" in London!
This is a dream come true! Stewart & Bonnie are producing a stage version of the musical movie classic Irving Berlin's "Top Hat" They start the the tour mid- August in Milton Keynes England & December! Next stop the West End!
To buy tickets click link HERE
Stewart F. Lane to receive John Denver Spirit Award 2011!
The John Denver award, a gallery-quality bronze maquette of Windstar's "Spirit" statue of John Denver by noted artist Sue DiCicco, is given to the individual who best exemplifies the music and the positive impact John Devner has made in sociaty. This year we are proud to annouce that Stewart F. Lane will be the recipient of this award!
This award is given to Mr. Lane for promoting John Denver's music and making it known to old and new fans alike through a Broadway stage show. He is writer, director and producer of A Moment in Time, with music and lyrics by John Denver.
The award will be presented:
October 12th, 2011
New York City by the John Denver's Memorial Bench in Central Park.
Exact time to be announced.
Award will be presented by Karmen T. Dopslaff, Sue DeCicco, JoLynn Long (others to be announced.)
For More information & to learn more about the John Denver Award click HERE
Stewart & Bonnie in the New York Times July 17!
"The Dog Who Saved Halloween" - Coming this Fall!
Executive Produced by Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley....PLUS a special guest apperance! Don't blink or you will miss it!
"War Horse" Storms to Victory Giving Stewart F. Lane his 5th Tony Award & Bonnie Comley her 2nd!
Last night's star studded Tony Awards Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris turned out to be an exciting evening for everyone involved in the production of "War Horse". The World War I epic from the National Theatre of Great Britain brings human actors with life-size puppets together creating a visually stunning story about a boy and his favorite horse that left grown-ups in tears.
The play, based on a children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo and adapted by Nick Stafford, beat out “Good People,” “Jerusalem” and “The Motherf—- With the Hat” for the top drama honor.
From: CBS NY.com
Diana Oswald of the "Hampton Sheet" says "Bravo" to Stewart F. Lane for new Book!
It would be difficult to reflect on the New York theater without summoning up the names of Fanny Brice, Irving Berlin, Barbra Streisand, Jerome Kern, Alan Menken, and Tony Kushner, to name a few. Jews on Broadway, by Stewart F. Lane (McFarland), reveals the history of how Jewish performers, directors, composers, lyricists, producers, and choreographers made a fundamental impact on Broadway over the last century. Taking us from their beginnings staging Yiddish productions on New York’s Lower East Side to their monumental rise both behind the scenes and onstage, this informative tome is filled with engaging anecdotes and details on some of the major Jewish legends of the American theater. Bravo!
American Cancer Society Mother of the Year Award Luncheon - Big turn out for a great cause!
The American Cancer Society held its Mother of the Year Award Luncheon at the Plaza in honor of Muffie Potter Aston (who attended with her adorable twin girls), a champion of major charitable and humanitarian undertak- ings, and Dr. Freya Schnabel, a preeminent breast cancer surgeon. Both outstanding women are devoted mothers and are inspirations to both their children and the communities they unremittingly serve. Emcee David Patrick Columbia rallied support from guests. Muffie’s hubby, Dr. Sherell Aston, couldn’t say enough about his lovely wife as he commended her for her many accolades.
Chairs included Grace Hightower De Niro, Diana Feldman, Daphna Keitel, Cynthia Lufkin, Georgette Mosbacher, Tory Burch, Allison Stern, Adrienne Vittadini, Anne Ford, Lily Safra, CeCe Black, Cricket Burns, Wendy Carduner, Maria Cuomo Cole, Cece Cord, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Diandra Douglas, Charlotte Ford, Eleanora Kennedy, Anne Hearst McInerney, Susan Fales Hill, Ashley McDermott, Margo MacNabb Nederlander, Gigi Mortimer, Debbie Bancroft, Christine Schwarzman, Topsy Taylor, Barbara Tober, Faye Wattleton, Kimberly Rockefeller, and Bettina Zilkha.
The luncheon was an enormous success, with guests enjoying a wonderful lunch for a worthwhile cause while celebrating motherhood.
To see more pictures of the event click HERE
The New York Philharmonic is bringing its star-studded production of Stephen Sondheim's Tony award-winning musical, Company, to a movie theater near you for a limited time starting June 15.The star studded cast includes: Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, Stephen Colbert, Christina Hendricks, Jon Cryer, and Martha Plimpton. Use the links below to find out where its playing by you & purchase tickets!
US Residents HERE
Canada Residents HERE
New York City - Friars Freddie Roman, Stewie Stone, Irv Welzer, and Dick Capri held a mini roast for Friar Stewart F. Lane to kick off the release of his new book "Jews On Broadway" at The Friars Club on May 18, 2011. "Please buy the man's book, he needs to pay tuition for those kids," shouted Roman as he pointed to Lane's children Leah, Lenny and Frankie Lane. "Books like this, about the Jewish contribution to Broadway and culture need to be written and they need to be read, so now you need to buy it and read it!", stated Stone.
Jewish performers, composers, lyricists, directors, choreographers and producers have made an indelible mark on Broadway for more than a century. "Jews on Broadway" is an historical volume that captures the story of the Jewish emergence from immigrants in ghettos staging Yiddish productions on New York's Lower East Side to their significant social and cultural impact on the stages of Broadway. Lane has been part of the Broadway community for over 30 years, winning four Tonys, and numerous other awards.
Lane took to the podium to read several paragraphs and explain, "The research for the book was a lot of work but the most difficult part was the editing. I had so many more chapters and people to include but the editors would only allow a limited number of pages. I couldn't include everyone. I want to apologize for those left out of this volume and try to include them in the next." Those mentioned in volume one include Fanny Brice, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Barbra Streisand, Alan Menken, Tony Kushner, and many more.
In attendance to support Lane were friends and family including Bonnie Comley, Charles Strouse, Roy Furman, Ted Hartley, Roy Goodman, Tony Walton, Ervin Drake, Don Buchwald, Carol Ostrow, Randie Levine-Miller, Joe Franklin, Lee Harris, Shelley Goldberg, Judy and Rod Gilbert, Paul Kreppel, Ken and Marge Wilpon, Robert Zimmerman, and Jim Murtaugh.
A stage version of the 1935 Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers tuner "Top Hat" will receive its world preem on a U.K. regional tour this summer.
Produced by Kenny Wax with Lee Menzies, Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley, the production features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin; it's based on the RKO movie screenplay by Dwight Taylor and Allan Scott, adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques. It is presented by arrangement with RKO Pictures, Warner Bros. Theater Ventures and the Irving Berlin Music Co.
White also will helm the production, following his successful Menier Chocolate Factory revivals of "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Sweet Charity," both of which transferred to the West End.
Choreographed by Bill Deamer, the show will be designed by recent Olivier winner Hildegard Bechtler, with costumes by Jon Morrell and lighting by Peter Mumford. The 31-strong cast is led by Tom Chambers (2008 winner of BBC reality competish "Strictly Come Dancing") and Summer Strallen, who created the role of Meg Giry in the "Phantom" sequel "Love Never Dies."
After opening in Milton Keynes Aug. 16, the production tours to Birmingham, Southampton, Salford Quays, Plymouth, Norwich, Canterbury, Edinburgh and Leeds prior to a projected West End berth in spring 2012.
New York City - Stewart F. Lane, also known as "Mr. Broadway," has a lot to celebrate these days - his Broadway shows for this season; "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" at The Palace Theater, "War Horse" at Lincoln Center and the recent sold out-production of "Merchant of Venice" are pulling in lots of nominations. Several years ago, Lane received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is listed in the Congressional Records, and next weekend he will visit Ellis Island to watch as his father–in-law, James Comley, receives the 2011 Ellis Island Award.
Lane's new book, "Jews on Broadway," about the history of the Jewish contribution to American Theatre, is being released from McFarland Publishing and he has several book signings scheduled around town but the get together on Saturday night, April 30, 2011, was to celebrate his birthday!
Lane's wife and producing partner, Bonnie Comley, threw a black tie bash at Doubles where the champagne was flowing. Broadway legends Tommy Tune and Leslie Uggams sang for the birthday boy and the crowd of Broadway luminaries including Tovah Feldshuh, David Zippel, Ervin Drake, Marilyn Sokol, Amy Nederlander, Jerry Frankel, Harriet Leve, Jamie DeRoy and Robert Nederlander. Also in attendance were former Senator Roy Goodman, Felicia Taylor, Rod Gilbert, Alex Washer, David Steiner, Barbara Tober, Lee Harris, Mark Simone and Hunt Slonem.
Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley hosted the screening on Sondheim, the Birthday Concert with the NY Philharmonic for PBS's Great Performances at the NYIT Auditorium.
Ellen Krauss, Bonnie Comley, Stewart Lane
June 11, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the Guild Hall Benefit and opening night of Equus in the Hamptons
June 8, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the Friars Club's Applause Gala & Ball honoring David Steiner at the Waldorf Astoria
June 7, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the American Theatre Wing Spring Gala at Cipriani
May 29, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the UMass/Lowell Commencement & Distinguised Alum Award Presentation
May 24, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the Artrageous Hall of Fame's 10th Anniversary at Cipriani
May 17, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend The Theatre Museum Benefit honoring Richard Sherman at the Player's Club
May 14, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the National Arts Club Private Dinner hosted by Michelle-Maire Heineman
May 5, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the Central Park Conservancy Hat Luncheon at the Conservatory Gardens
May 2, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend Elie Hirschfeld's Birthday party at the Plaza
April 26, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the National Meningitis Gala at the New York Athletic Club
April 19, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the AJC National Human Relations Award Dinner Honoring Philip J. Smith at the Hilton
April 15, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend The ASPCA Bergh Ball at the Plaza
April 12, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend The Actors Fund Gala at the Marriott Marquis
March 8, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the Academy of Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards at Cipriani Guild Hall
Feb. 8, 2010:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley attend the Drama League Gala at the Pierre.
Feb. 5, 2010:
Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball at Cipriani's
Feb. 1, 2010:
The first rehearsal for All About Me
Stewart F. Lane, Michael Feinstein
Christopher Durang, Stewart F. Lane
December 2009:
Making The Great White Way a Little Brighter
Dec. 7, 2009:
Stewart F. Lane and his wife, Bonnie Comley hosted a Holiday Party at the Harmonie Club
Stewart F. Lane, Lenny Lane, Frankie Lane, Bonnie Comley
Society Allure
Black Tie Magazine
Hamptons.com
Nov. 19th, 2009:
The American Museum of Natural History's annual Museum Gala.
David Patrick Columbia's Social Diary
Nov. 18th, 2009:
Gato Barbieri received the UNICEF Award at the Argentinian Consulate.
Nov. 17th, 2009:
Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley hosted a luncheon with Tory Burch, Pamela Fiore and Stan Herman @ Bergdorf Goodman Restaurant.
Society Allure
Nov. 16th, 2009:
Stewart F. Lane and wife Bonnie Comley were honored at the Arts Horizons 2009 Gala. They received the Paul Newman Award for Services to the Arts and Children.
Fellow honoree John Devol, host Lauren Glassberg, Bonnie Comley & Stewart F. Lane
Eliana, Stewart, Franklyn, Leonard, and Leah Lane, and Bonnie Comley
BroadwayWorld.com
Theaterlife.com
Society Allure
Black Tie Magazine
Patrick McMullan Photos
Nov. 14th, 2009:
David Steiner's 80th Birthday Party
Stewart F. Lane, David Steiner & Bonnie Comley
The USO Liberty Bells
Nov. 11, 2009:
Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley participated in the Mark Druck reading of Wife of A Dead Congressman, produced by Ward Morehouse III at the National Women's Republican Club Theater. Stewart played a US Senator and Bonnie a news anchor/Congresswoman.
Nov. 10th, 2009:
Stewart F Lane and Bonnie Comley host a Benefit @ the Lane Penthouse for The Actors Fund with David Hyde Pierce. The Benefit is for the Special Campaign For Essential and Evolving Needs of The Actors Fund.
Society Allure
Nov. 9th, 2009:
Stewart F. Lane introduced Tony Walton at a Convocation at Five Towns College where Walton was being honored.
Brian Stokes Mitchell was also honored at the Five Towns Convocation.
November 2009:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley to receive Paul Newman Award from Arts Horizons
Black Tie Magazine
hamptons.com
Oct. 27th, 2009:
DVD Signing at the Palace with the Drama League
The Drama League
Black Tie Magazine
Broadway World
Patrick McMullan Photos
Oct. 27th, 2009:
Opening Night of Superior Donuts
Stewart F. Lane, Michael McKean, Bonnie Comley
Bonnie Comley, Jon Michael Hill, Stewart F. Lane
Bonnie Comley, Tracey Letts, Stewart F. Lane
Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley, Tina Landau
Above photos by Barry Gordin
Oct. 15th, 2009:
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley were in Boston in October to teach a master class in acting and screen their movie "Show Business, the Road to Broadway," followed by a Q&A, all inside the Comley-Lane Theatre.
Hampton Sheet
Jan. 7, 2009:
Cyrano de Bergerac starring Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner aired on PBS for Great Performances January 7, 2009 at 8pm. Please visit http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/cyrano-de-bergerac/introduction/431/ for more information.
Nov. 2008:
Bonnie A. Comley and Stewart F. Lane with Denise Rich at the Angel Ball November 2008
Karen Ziemba, Stewart F. Lane, Marvin Hamlish & Bonnie Comley at Arts Horizons Benefit 10/08
Aug. 2008:
Stewart Lane with James Nederlander and Bonnie Comley at the Southampton Hospital Foundation's 50th annual summer party, The Golden Gala.
June 2008:
Producing team Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley – in conjunction with Andrew Collier – are taking the 2008 Tony Award-winner for Best Theatrical Event, Jay Johnson: The Two and Only to England. The show will be performed for a limited run, from June 25th to September 28th at the Arts Theatre London.
Producers Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane, Andrew Collier and Dan Whitten outside the London production of Jay Johnson: The Two and Only
Stewart F. Lane and Daniel Evans at Studio 54
Stewart F. Lane with Jenna Russell at Studio 54
At the Actors Fund Gala - Alec Baldwin, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane
Sierra Boggess, Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley
Howard Lutnick, Allison Lutnick, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane
Franklin Lane, Bonnie Comley, Stewart F. Lane, Leonard Lane
Renée Fleming,
Patrick Stewart
Stewart F. Lane with Kevin Kline, Jennifer Garner and Daniel Sunjata, the cast of Cyrano de Bergerac
Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley, along with Theatre Museum President Helen Guditis and performers at the annual Theatre Museum Awards on October 16th.
The Tag Team of Broadway Theatre:
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Broadway director, producer, actor and writer Stewart Lane is riding high with his latest 7 Tony nominated production, “Legally Blonde” starring Laura Belle Bundy. The staged version of the film of the same name starring Reece Witherspoon has been enchanting audiences since it opened in April on Broadway at the Palace Theatre for an open-ended run. This isn’t anything unusual for Mr. Broadway, as he calls himself. “In my high school days I used to collect old radio shows and there was one called, Mr. First Night…and I thought instead of calling myself Mr. Coffee, I’d use Mr. Broadway,” Lane jested of the name that became his web site persona.
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Lane, whose lucky charm is anything to do with theatre, won his fourth Tony in June for the 2006 hit, “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only.” With a producer credit in one form or another, over his 30-year career in theatre when it comes to staging a new production he considers producing the ‘real work.’ “Directing I like best of all because I can look at it like a picture. Acting is fun because you get to develop the entire character and create a brand new persona. But, the toughest part is writing - it’s really lonely,” he explains of the many Broadway hats he’s worn in a production.
In 1981 when, “Women of the Year” with Lauren Bacall was nominated with 6 Tony awards, with that recognition Lane felt a hint of “making it.” In three years he finally had when he won his first Tony in 1984 for the legendary, “La Cage Aux Follies.” It became a box office smash on the stage and screen. “It was an amazing experience, not only because it solidified my position in the industry that I could produce an award winning show, but also deliver the profits. I was able to achieve both the financial and artistic success you’re looking for,” he said of his first major accomplishment. In 1991 he won his 2nd Tony with “Will Rogers Follies,” the spectacular musical directed and choreographed by the long legged Tommy Tune. All were home to The Palace Theatre, an obvious lucky rabbit foot for Lane, which in 1980 he became part owners with the Nederlander’s.
When it comes to his plays, Lane has no favorites as he considers all of them his babies. “The typical gestation period for a show is seven years.” A majority of that time is spent obtaining the rights, finding the right director, set designer, writing the first and second draft and talent try-outs.
In 1961 at 10 years-old, Lane fell in love with theatre when he met a friend’s father who was an actor. “It’s one of those life altering experiences,” he remembered when he went to their house one day and found the father home and not at work. His friend explained that his father was an actor and worked nights in a theatre. Young Lane was curious and wanted to know more about his work. The boy’s father invited them both to see him performing in the Broadway show, “Little Me” starring Sid Ceasar. “His father was Sid Ceasar,” Lane exclaimed. “I didn’t know he was a TV star…I didn’t stay up late to watch his show.” They sat in the front row and went back stage after the production where Lane observed the camaraderie and friendship that the cast and crew generated. “It was incredible. Immediately I thought that’s what I wanted to do. I knew exactly what I wanted to be.”
Lane decided to compile all of his theatre experiences for a book, “Let’s Put on A SHOW!,” a how-to guide for those just starting out in the business. It was released in April and this Saturday, August 25th, he’ll be having a book signing in East Hampton at the East End Book Shop at 6:30 PM, and there may just be some “Legally Blonde” giveaways.
This fall Lane will produce, “The Receptionist” directed by Joe Montello at the Manhattan Theatre Club and says, “You’ll leave the theatre with a chill.” In 2008, he will executive produce for PBS a TV version of the Broadway show, “Company” which won best revival this year.
Lane’s beautiful wife Bonnie Comley, also an actor and producer for stage and screen, brings not only her own credits and accomplishments to the dynamic duo, but glamour and verve. Never mind loading up their mantle with yet another Tony award.
Her first Tony nomination as producer was for “Gypsy” with Bernadette Peters, “Fiddler on The Roof” was her second and third nomination was her first Tony win for producer on “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only.” Comley recalls the night, “It was a great. Stewart was laughing that my family is a bunch of hand-holders all sitting together. Everyone was there, my parents and children.” The twins, only 10 months old at the time, stayed home.
Comley first met Lane in 1995 when she was a reporter and host on the Travel Channel. “I interviewed him on a show I was producing. And over the next few years I called him for other articles I was writing.” They were both already married at the time, but by 1997 they were both single again.
“I always thought he was a great guy. And I liked about him what everyone else did: he was an expert, very intelligent and enthusiastic. He is passionate about life in general.” Seven years ago the couple came out to the Hamptons for a summer, and a year later bought a house in East Hampton to raise their children and live year round.
With over a dozen characters in her performance repertoire, Comley’s favorite role was the one her husband wrote for her in 2000, “Randi Lester” in “If It Was Easy.” Lane directed it at the Douglas Fairbanks Theatre. “It was a fun role. To be able to watch the transformation of it, and play opposite Kevin Dobson and later John Jellison, was a joy especially because everybody was in sync.”
With a background in writing and reporting for TV and radio, making the transition into producing theatre productions wasn’t fraught with difficulties for Comley. “Being at someone’s side [Stewart’s], who’s been in theatre for over 20 years helps. In turn I introduced him to film and television. So we end up working on everything as a team. The two of us have a lot of the same perspective. It’s all entertainment, so it’s very similar.” In film you’re always able to market and sell to other places, but in theatre Comley says, “Once you turn off the lights that’s the end of it.”
Comley was the executive producer for a documentary about the Broadway season and the race for the Best New Musical at the 2004 Tony Awards in “Show Business,” along with “Brooklyn Rules,” starring Alec Baldwin and Freddie Prinze Jr.
Currently, she’s working on three documentaries all being filmed in the Hamptons. The subjects have a varied interest for her. The first being fertility. “Because it was eight years between our 9 year-old and one year-old twin babies. Over a five-year period I had been at three different fertility clinics and it wasn’t successful. So we ended up using a gestational carrier.” Comley wanted to share and explore fertility for other women who may be facing the same challenges.
Her second documentary is about equestrians. “As soon as we came out here our daughter, who was two at the time, saw all the horses and wanted to ride. I took her for a couple of lessons and she fell in love with pony camp. I discovered horse people are like dog and cat people. The horses are so pampered. They have this bond with the horses and it’s so fascinating. It’s been a tradition for centuries.”
An unusual family outing brought about her third documentary, campers in the Hamptons. “We live two minutes from Cedar Point Park and someone recommended this great little snack bar there. It’s on a cliff with a billion dollar view of the ocean where people with RV’s and pup tents camp throughout the summer. Meanwhile down the road are Donna Karan and Sean Combs estates. Everyone swims in the same water, whether they’re in a mansion or a tent. It’s simply beautiful and people have a great summer no matter which one they’re laying their head in.”
To stay informed of what’s hot on Broadway, you can visit their web sites at: www.MrBroadway.com and www.BonnieComley.com
Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley
Stewart F. Lane wins his fourth
Tony Award for Jay Johnson:
The Two & Only
Stewart F. Lane
Producer Sets the Stage for Success
MR. SHOW: Lane fell in love with Broadway as a boy on Long Island; today he co-owns the Palace Theatre.
July 9, 2007-- In the industry, Stewart Lane is called Mr. Broadway - a writer, producer and director whose credits include “Legally Blonde,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “La Cage Aux Folles,” which won him the first of three Tony Awards at the age of 33. Those trophies are on display at Lane’s Times Square office, where we caught up with the 56-year-old to find out when he fell in love with Broadway, how he broke into producing and why he’ll never move to Los Angeles.
Everyone in show business has that “a-ha” moment when they realize they’ve found their calling; when was yours?
Mine happened when I was 11, and hanging out in my hometown of Great Neck with my best friend, Ricky. I used to go to his house after school, and his father would always be there. One day I asked him, ‘What’s the deal with your dad? Doesn’t he work?’ And he said, “Oh yeah, he’s an actor. He works at night.” Something about that seemed so cool to me. Of course I had no idea who his dad was, let alone that he was Sid Caesar. But a few weeks later he invited us to see him on Broadway, and I was just mesmerized. I loved everything about it, from the Playbills to the plush seats and the chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. Afterwards we went backstage, and there was this incredible camaraderie. From that day on, I was all about the theater. I took acting classes, joined the drama club.
But you never became an actor?
I did in the beginning. I got my acting degree at Boston University and ended up taking an apprenticeship at the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival. My first job was building their sets and hanging lights, but I also got to act. I did “Oklahoma” there, and went on to do summer stock in North Carolina. Then I moved out to L.A., and absolutely hated it. That camaraderie I spoke about loving? There wasn’t any. But going there was the best thing I could have done. It solidified my love for the theater.
What made you decide to switch into production?
As you get older, your priorities change. In my late 20s, all of a sudden touring the country for 12 months didn’t sound as fun as trying to meet someone and start a family. Plus, I wanted at least the illusion of some kind of control over my life. So I came back to New York and asked my friend Jimmy Nederlander for a job. When I told him I wanted to produce, he said, “Invest in one of my shows, and I’ll include you in all of my meetings.” So I took what was left of my bar mitzvah money and invested in a script called “Who’s Life Is It Anyway?” That was my introduction to producing.
Did anything surprise you when you transitioned from actor to producer?
Coming from the creative end, I was always participating in creating set designs and hanging lights, but now all of a sudden I was management, and management didn’t do those things. So that was a shocker. On the flip side, though, one of the things I bring to this business is knowledge of both sides. I know what it takes to be creative, but I also know what it takes to be practical.
What exactly does a producer do?
Ha! Even my mother doesn’t totally understand this. Basically you’re the CEO of your show. You pick the shows and then you’re responsible for getting them off the ground. You have to find a theater, raise money, find the right star, hire the talent - it can be years. That’s why I always tell young people that it’s important to work on more than one project at a time. In the last month, I had a press screening for my film “Show Business: On the Road to Broadway,” we opened “Legally Blonde,” and I released my book “Let’s Put on a Show,” which gives insider advice on being a producer. The more you have going on at once, the less affected you are by individual setbacks. And in production there are always setbacks.
Do you have a favorite part of the process?
When I get the entire orchestra together and hear the music for the first time. I also love standing in an empty theater before a show opens. Sometimes I go to the Palace and I just stand there in the dark and smell the theater. It feeds me.
Photo by Anita & Steve Shevett
Stewart F. Lane celebrates the opening night of Fiddler on the Roof with Alfred Molina and Bonnie Comley.
Photo by Anita & Steve Shevett
Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley celebrate opening night of Fiddler on the Roof with the creators. (l-r: Bonnie Comley, Jerry Boch, Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick, Stewart F. Lane.)
Stewart F. Lane celebrates the opening night of Gypsy with Bernadette Peters. Gypsy is nominated for 4 Tony Awards, including Best Revival and Best Actress for Bernadette.
Stewart F. Lane receives the Ellis Island Award, a Congressional Medal bestowed for high achievement and support of American Ideals.
The late Isabelle Stevenson hugs Leah Lane at the opening of Gypsy while Dad, Stewart Lane, leans in.
Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley are honored by the Jewish National Fund for the 100th Anniversary.
The Tree of Life Award is a humanitarian award given in recognition of outstanding community involvement.
Stewart F. Lane with Mayor Bloomberg.
Thoroughly Modern Millie's Tony for Best Musical
is Stewart F. Lane's Third Tony as a Producer
Thoroughly Modern Millie Wins
Six Tony Awards Including Best Musical!
Click HERE for the official website, modernmillie.com
Utilizing songs from John Denver, one of America's most cherished songwriters and performers, A MOMENT IN TIME, is about a marine in Afganistan who, moments before a battle, recalls a safer, happier place. The new musical received its world premiere at the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center in New York, June 2010.
Let's Put On A Show! DVD
With glamour, grace and an inner fire that blazed a trail for generations, the legendary Lena Horne has never failed to amaze.
