Pho to by Pa u l Ko ln ik Arts & Entertainment Broadway Bounty The cast in the finale of A Chorus Line This holiday season offers visitors to the Big Apple a bunch of newproductions with a Jewish twist. Alice Burdick Schweiger Special to the Jewish News f you think Broadway isn't accommo- dating family-minded theatergoers, . think again. This holiday season there is an abundance of musicals suitable for younger audiences. "Parents want to see shows they can take their children to, and Disney alone has four musicals playing on the New York stage: Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and their newest extravaganza, Mary Poppins:' says Kenneth Jones, a former Metro Detroiter and enter- . tainment contributor to the Jewish News now serving as managing editor of Playbill. COM. "I think Mary Poppins, in particular, should be high on many families' what-to- see list. It is a massive physical production with amazing special effects" Beloved musicals making a return to Broadway are the revivals of A Chorus Line, Les Miserables and Company. "These shows all had very long runs and have returned to play for new audiences and generations',' says Alan Cohen, spokesperson for the American Theater Wing. The best news, says Cohen, is that atten- dance is way up. "Last season was the high- est grossing one in Broadway history, and we expect to match or exceed those num- bers this coming year'.' As in most years, there are plenty of dramas and musicals with a Jewish con- nection — stars, composers, playwrights, directors and themes. In fact, there are four Off-Broadway plays with "Jew" or "Jewish" in their title: 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother; My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm in Therapy; A Jew Grows in Brooklyn; and Jewtopia. Here is a sampling of what's new on and off Broadway. George Furth wrote the book; he also has acted in many films, including Oh God!, Doctor Detroit, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Blazing Saddles and Sleeper. At the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St. (212) 239-6200. Broadway Grey Gardens Adapted from the 1975 film by Jewish documentary filmmakers and brothers Albert and David Maysles, this musi- cal is set in the Hamptons and tells the story of Jackie Kennedy Onassis' eccentric aunt Edith BOuvier Beale and heradult daughter,"Little" Edie. Both were socialites who became notorious recluses. Starring Christine Ebersole with music by Jewish composer Scott Frankel and lyrics by Michael Korie. At the Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 W 48th St. (212) 239-6200. A Chorus Line In a string of show-stopping musical num- bers, this Tony Award winning revival about 17 dancers who audition for their opportu- nity and dream of a lifetime — to perform on Broadway — is being hailed as "one singular sensation:' One by one, the dancers step up and tell their captivating stories. Music by Jewish composer Marvin Hamlisch, with lyrics by Edward Kleban; lighting by Jewish lighting designer Natasha Katz (who is married to former Jewish Detroiter and sound designer Dan Moses Schreier) with Tharon Musser. At the Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St. (212) 239-6200. Company This musical revival tells the story of five married couples as seen through the eyes of their bachelor friend, Bobby. In contem- plating love and commitment in New York, Bobby weighs the pros and cons of wedded life. Cast members play musical instru- ments. Jewish composer Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics. Jewish librettist High Fidelity Based on the best-selling book by Nick Hornby and the 2000 movie starring John Cusack, this musical comedy centers on Rob, a record-store owner who knows everything about music but not much about keeping a girl. After his latest girlfriend jilts him, he recounts his top five breakups and tries to figure out how to win her back. Music and lyrics by Amanda Green (daughter of legendary Broadway lyricist Adolph Green) and Torn Kitt; both are Jewish. Oak Park native Jeffery Seller, a co-producer of White Christmas (currently at Detroit's Fox Theatre) is one of the producers. At the Imperial Theatre, 249 W. 45th St. (212) 239-6200. Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me This fun musical night at the theater stars the Irish-Catholic Martin Short (who says he is "Jewish on his manager's side") and tells the partly true-mostly fictitious story of the comic's road to fame. At the piano on stage, and as part of the show, is Jewish composer Marc Shaiman (Hairspray). Some of the cast members impersonate the likes of Joan Rivers, Sarah Jessica Parker, Britney Spears and Tommy Tune. Usually there is a celebrity in the audience who is brought up on stage and interviewed by Short's signature character, Jiminy Glick. Star guests have included Martha Stewart, Regis Philbin, Steve Martin, Jerry Seinfeld and Jerry Springer. At the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W 45th St. (212) 239-6200. Spring Awakenings Based on the once controversial and scan- dalous 1891 German Expressionist play by Frank Wedekind, this coming-of-age alternative rock musical has moved from Off-Broadway to the Great White Way. The story tackles a variety of issues: first sex, homosexuality, abortion and teen suicide. Music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics. by Steven Sater; cast member Gideon Broadway Bounty on page 44 November 23 2006 41