Broadway Friday

-Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Beach, Tituss Burgess, David Burtka, Charles Busch, Nancy Dussault, Malcolm Gets, Cheyenne Jackson, and Tastiskank (Kate Reinders and Sarah Litzsinger) will be among the performers of Broadway Backwards 3, to be held at the American Airlines Theatre on Monday, February 4. The concert will feature a diverse cast of male singers performing songs traditionally performed by female singers, and vice versa, with all proceeds benefiting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Community Center in New York City.

– The revival of Gypsy starring Patti Lupone will begin previews at the St. James March 3, 2008, with an official opening March 27.

-The five-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone will close Dec. 30 at the Marquis Theatre following 674 performances and 32 previews. I saw it twice with the full original cast. Still the best thing I’ve seen on Broadway. BTW, Drowsy is the most successful Canadian show in Broadway history.

-Hairspray: The Musical received a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Best Ensemble Cast. Unlike with the Golden Globes, no noms for Sweeney Todd.

– Dr. Seuss led last week’s grosses at $1.5M, Wicked close behind at $1.4M.

-The League of American Theatres and Producers has changed their name to the Broadway League. According to the League, the change would more accurately represent a membership that includes not only producers and theater owners but general managers and other theater professionals.