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The Lazy, Crazy Days of Summer

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It seemed appropriate, being July, that this month's article focus on the summer theatre scene.

For many, July is a month of vacations, going to the lake, barbecues and finding countless ways to entertain the kids who are freshly out of school. Going to the theatre doesn't seem to be on the minds of most of us.

Also, summer is often the time when some shows come to a close(MAMA MIA and HAIRSPRAY both closed in Toronto in the spring) and many assume there just isn't anything good playing. Well, that's hardly the case, especially if you're going to visit the Big Apple this summer.

Did you know that many shows open just prior to summer (beginning of May) in order to make them eligible for a Tony nomination?

And speaking of the Tonys, Monty Python's SPAMALOT, this years 2005 Tony winner for best musical, has an overwhelming demand for tickets as the lazy days of summer bring many tourists to NYC. For performance days and times, check out this website:

http://www.telecharge.com/behindTheCurta...

If you're looking for something geared to entertaining the kids, try the stage version of the popular movie, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. To accomodate children and families, beginning July 5th, showtimes change from the usual 8:00 p.m. curtain to 7:00 p.m.

Find more info here:

http://theater.about.com/gi/dynamic/offs...

If you're a real toe tappin' music lover, perhaps ALL SHOOK UP or GOOD VIBRATIONS are more your style. Created following the success of the style of MAMA MIA, ALL SHOOK UP features the music of Elvis and GOOD VIBRATIONS is full of the hits of the Beach Boys.

Revivals are big on Broadway this season, including SWEET CHARITY http://www.broadway.com/gen/Show.aspx?si...

AND STEEL MAGNOLIAS http://www.broadway.com/gen/show.aspx?SI...

***Side note: For those of you who are Marsha Mason fans, as I have been for years, she is playing the role of Ouiser in Broadway's revival of Steel Magnolias. It's wonderful to have Mason back where she belongs, on the stage.

Just take a look at http://www.broadway.com and you'll find a plethora of shows all offering summer performances. No wonder they call NYC the city that never sleeps. Broadway doesn't know the meaning of the lazy crazy days of summer!

Many cities also feature touring productions in the summer and some cities even have theatre companies that just perform during the summer months. Personally, I love the melodramas that seem to run rampant at this time of year.

If you're looking for everything from quirky and offbeat to more standard fare in musicals, comedy, dance and drama, why not find the nearest fringe festival. Prices for fringe shows are a fraction of the cost of a Broadway show and I guarantee you, there's always something for absolutely everyone's tastes.