Should you go see The Capeman? Absolutely.

Yes, I know, it's gotten miserable reviews for its book but most critics praise Paul Simon's score. It was interesting to sit in the theatre and hear the music coming out of the orchestra pit. Why? Because it was different. I had never heard Paul Simon's music like this; well, no one ever has. To me, it was just so un-Broadway. Then again, he did promise something different.

Oh, I'm not backpedaling here. I clearly did not like the book or the music, however that's no reason for you not to go see this show. Everyone's a critic, right? The minute you express your opinion on something you've seen, you're a critic. After all, this is an eleven million dollar Broadway musical and it's going to be talked about for years.

There are some very good things about The Capeman which makes me glad I saw it. Some of the scenery is pretty good, especially the apartment building. Marc Anthony, Ednita Nazario and Reuben Blades turn in fine performances, given what they have to work with. So, go see it. Judge for yourself. Be a critic. Why not? Everyone else is, including me.

Tidbits: Both Chita Rivera and Gwen Verdon graced the cover of InTheater magazine. They're both holding bears of their likeness which will be auctioned off at the BC/EFA charity event on Feb 15th. Chita's bear is from Kiss of the Spider Woman and Gwen's is from Sweet Charity. You can head over to BC/EFA's website for all the details if you'd like to own one of these cuddlies.

Chita states that choreographer Graciela Daniele is coming to take a look at her road show, All That Jazz, (which is destined for Broadway). And Gwen says that she has been asked to work on the film, Chicago, and that's great news. It's a terrific article written by Michael Portantiere so head to your nearest newstand. Or call 1-888-457-3830 to subscribe.

Side Show to be produced next Fall in California? That's the word, however... It'll be time to see Chicago again when Karen Ziemba takes over for Marilu Henner in March... Final two weeks to see The King and I... Previews begin this Thursday for Art... Also on Thursday at City Center, Strike Up The Band opens the Encore series. It's mostly a sold-out subscription series, however, single tickets are available. Run!... The Sound of Music has begun previews and that other much anticipated revival, Cabaret previews Feb. 13th at the Kit Kat Club.

A question I am asked repeatedly by people who e-mail me is, "Where should I eat in the Theatre district?" Well, I'm the last person to answer that. I'm always in Barrymores and I rate their cheeseburger as one of the best in the city. However, I do know someone who knows every single restaurant in the Broadway area and she's dined in them all. So stay tuned for our new restaurant review section coming up later this month!

We also have a book review section coming soon and once we open that you'll be able to link directly to the books which you can buy through our affiliation with Amazon.com.

The entire staff at Talkin' Broadway will be busy this week with works in progress including new interviews and installments of their respective columns.

Our webmaster Mark Bakalor is taking his show on the road, competiting in regional American College Theatre Festival competitions in southern California. So all new columns will be posted on Sunday evening.

Ed Feldman will be hosting "Talkin' Broadway" day at Rutgers University in early March. We'll have details for you in a future column. Ed's bringing over some Broadway friends for a panel-type discussion. His friends include Brian D'Arcy James (Titanic), Christiane Noll (Jekyl & Hyde), and Matt Bogart (Miss Saigon).

A special thanks to all those who have mailed checks for the Phantom of the Opera Tenth Anniversary Playbills. I'm sure they'll be highly collectible and the money is going to a great cause, BC/EFA. We've raised over $200.00 so far!

See you next Sunday!

Wanna' talk to others about this column or anything else theatre related? Check out All That Chat