Thursday, March 28, 2024
Miles from the Mainstream
D. R. ZUKERMAN, proprietor
Broadway on Broadway

SEPTEMBER 25, 2005 --

The 2005-2006 Broadway season got underway with the now-traditional free Times Square mid-Sunday in September taste of the season's Broadway musicals.

On September 18, thousands of people filled Seventh Avenue and Broadway north of the Broadway on Broadway stage set up in Times Square.

And with Harvey Fierstein's image as Tevye, in Fiddler on The Roof,
dancing above the crowd on a building on the west side of Broadway, from 43rd to 44th streets, the gathering was treated to songs from 16 shows, including two that will open this season,

"The Color Purple" and "In My Life the other numbers coming from musicals that were playing last season and, indeed, for several seasons, as in the case of "Hairspray," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," and "Mamma Mia," "Rent," "The Producers," among others.

The Broadway on Broadway program included "Imagine," from Lennon which opened recently.

John Lithgow and Christina Applegate hosted -- Ms. Applegate also was one of the performers, joined by members of the "Sweet Charity" company in the show's
"Big Spender."

Christopher J. Hanke, who, with Jessica Boevers, sang the show's title song, "In My Life," told LPR that this was a special day for him because four years ago, he was standing in the crowd watching the
Broadway on Broadway concert.

The program ended with all the performers singing "Give My Regards to Broadway," as multi-colored confetti filled the air -- to be swept up, quickly, by Times Square alliance workers in their red coveralls.

Paul Gemignani directing the American Theatre Orchestra, opened the program with the overture from "Funny Girl," whose composer, Jules Styne, was born 100 years ago.

And before the music began, Mayor Bloomberg welcomed the crowd and seemed to refer to the fact that he is seeking re-election.

Photos posted here show Christina and other members of the Sweet Charity company, the ensemble from Lennon, on stage and at the photo op, Jessica Boevers and Christopher J. Hanke on stage and providing an exclusive photo op for LPR, the ensemble from Rent, Carolee Carmello (center) from Mamma Mia with Robin Baxter and Judy McLane; Ashley Brown from "Beauty and the Beast," and from "Wicked," a decidedly not wicked-looking Megan Hilty (left) and Shoshana Bean.

The other shows represented on this year's Broadway on Broadway program were "All Shook Up," "The Light in
the Piazza" and "Avenue Q" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." The only representation from
"Fiddler on the Roof" was that huge sign above the crowd. (It should be noted that Mr. Fierstein appeared on the Broadway on Broadway program a few seasons ago when he was in "Hairspray.")

An LPR Exclusive Photo -- Jessica Boevers and Christopher J. Hanke


Jessica Boevers and Christopher J. Hanke singing "In My Life."


The crowd in Times Sqaure enjoying Broadway on Broadway.


Broadway on Broadway - the Finale.


The grounds crew cleaning up the confetti at the Broadway on Broadway event.

Broadway on Broadway -- Two early arrivals from the Navy.


The Fiddler on the Roof billboard above the Broadway on Broadway crowd - featuring Harvey Fierstein as Tevye.


John Lithgow and Christina Applegate hosted the show.


Beauty and the Beast.


The cast of "Lennon" perform.


The "Lennon" ensemble pose for a group photo.


The cast of "Rent" taking the stage.


The crowd watches as the ensemble from "Rent" performs.


Mamma Mia.


Christina Applegate and cast perform a number from "Sweet Charity."


Wicked.