Composer Josh Schmidt Keeps Adding

It was a 1992 production of Candide at the Skylight Opera Theater's former space that first caught Josh Schmidt's attention -- and set him on a career in theater. "I can point to that particular experience," recalls the Milwaukee, WI native, talking by phone from his home in Brooklyn, which he shares with his wife of five years. He's leaving the next day to sound design The Merry Wives of Windsor at Canada's Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Then it's off to the Alley Theatre in Houston to work on Pygmalion before heading back to his hometown of Milwaukee.

Michael Urie Celebrates Celebrities

With the cancellation of the beloved TV series, "Ugly Betty," Michael Urie is no longer employed to assume the colorful persona of Marc St. James, but that doesn't mean he's sitting at home and alphabetizing his spice rack. On the contrary, he earned praise when he stepped into the role of Prior Walter in the Signature Theater Company's acclaimed revival of Angels in America, then he immediately headed up to the Vineyard Playhouse on Martha's Vineyard to appear in their production of the Stephen Belber play, Tape.

The 2011 Phony Awards

The Phony Awards are usually given out before the Tonys, but I'm a little late this year because I wanted to wait for Spider-Man to officially open. (I strongly suspect it will be long gone by the time the 2012 awards season rolls around.) As in the past, I've retained some categories from previous years and have added new ones where I felt necessary.

So in Love with Patricia Morison

As Patricia Morison herself remarks, "I really had two careers, one in film and one in the theater. I was lucky."

Jonathan Tunick: The Sweetest Sounds

If you're reading this article, chances are you're well aware that Jonathan Tunick is the orchestrator of several all-time-great Broadway shows, including the lion's share of Stephen Sondheim's masterpieces as well as A Chorus Line and Promises, Promises.

Jeremy Jordan Makes Headlines

The phrase "up-and-comer" absolutely applies to Jeremy Jordan, in spades. The young actor has the leading role of Jack Kelly in the wildly anticipated stage adaptation of the Disney film, Newsies, premiering September 25, 2011 at the Paper Mill Playhouse.

Brunchtime: Meet Greet and Eat with the 2002 Tony Award Nominees

High atop Times Square, on the 49th floor of the Marriott Marquis Hotel, is The View, a restaurant, a portion of which usually revolves with tourists gaping in awe at Manhattan's wonders (and a bit later at the bill!). Yesterday (May 15, 2002), it was a good thing the revolve stage was in the off mode. The 2002 Tony Award nominees who gathered there to receive their silver-framed nomination citations were dizzy enough trying to run the gauntlet of multi-media reporters, lights and cameras.

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 updated May 2, 2017

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