Five Knights: Left to right, David Hyde Pierce as Sir Robin (holding the Chicken of
Bristol), Hank Azaria as Sir Lancelot, Christopher Sieber as Sir Dennis Galahad, Steve
Rosen as Sir Bedevere and Tim Curry as King Arthur in "Monty Python's Spainalot."

Broadway Bona za

Heading to the Big Apple this spring? Check out these newer stage offerings with a Jewish twist.

ALICE BURDICK SCHWEIGER

Special to the Jewish News

A

ddressing "a diversity of tastes" sums up the New York theater scene this
season. "There is something for everyone," says Jed Bernstein, president
of the League of American Theatres and Producers. "We have great per-
formances by celebrities from stage, film and television, and there is a broad
array of offerings: musicals and plays, contemporary and classic, some extraordi-
nary revivals."
There is one show that seems to win the hearts of most all theater goers:
Monty Python's Spamalot. Not since The Producers has there been such hype
about a Broadway show, and not without reason; this heartwarming musical
comedy leaves audiences dancing in their seats.
As far as ticket sales, Bernstein says, "Last season, 11.6 million tickets were
sold to Broadway shows (the third-highest number in history), and we are
expecting to surpass that number this season."
If you are planning a trip to New York, here are some shows to look out for
with a Jewish twist.

5/19
2005

90

Broadway

All Shook Up
Set in the heartland -in 1955, this musical comedy features the songs of Elvis
Presley. It's not a biographical account of the king of rock 'n' roll's life but a tale
loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me
Tender" and, of course, "All Shook Up" are some classic Elvis tunes that tell the
story of a guitar-playing stranger clad in a leather jacket and blue suede shoes
who helps the townsfolk discover romance and pop music.
Jewish performer Alix Korey plays Mayor Matilda Hyde. She received a
Drama Desk Award for The Wild Party, written by Oak Park's Andrew Lippa.
At the Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway at 47th St. (212) 307-4100.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Based on the Disney film of the same name, this musical is about an inventor
and father of two who rebuilds a junkyard car. This stage version has a 50-mem-
ber ensemble cast, featuring Jewish actors Marc Kudisch ( Thoroughly Modern
Millie) and Chip Zien. Special effects in the show include the snazzy automo-
bile that flies over a few rows of the orchestra.