Look up. I see hope in the air.

I do not claim to be a financial expert, but it certainly feels as if we are finding our way out of the recession. I read an article today that GM posted its first profit since 2004. GM article Several major stores had positive sales reports from the holiday season. Holiday sales article But what matters most to me is the excitement building around the upcoming spring season on Broadway and the number of pilots being developed for TV.

Not only are there approximately seven or eight musicals, either new or revivals, opening in the next few weeks, but they are so diverse. From traditional remakes to edgy original pieces, it seems like it will all be covered. There is something exciting about a healthy spring season on Broadway. It keeps actors working, yes, but the local economy also gets a huge injection of cash. Tourism will be up, restaurants will be crowded and the streets will be to capacity.

And, there are some exciting plays being produced fueled by some heavy names, like the London transfer of War Horse at Lincoln Center, That Championship Season, House of Blue Leaves. I think there is room for all of them. Well, I hope there is, regardless. May they all find their way to success.

There was a great article in Variety this week about the shows that are being developed and the penchant for circling around established actors. Variety article I, though, was over the moon by the number of pilots being developed. And two of them, Grace and Smash, really excite me. The opportunities, if they get picked up, that they could potentially provide to the musical theatre communities are thrilling.

Again, I don't claim to be an expert about financial forecasting. But when I see this many actors, crew members and PR folks with jobs to do, I can't help but be optimistic. Cue the dancing girls, because we can afford them again.

And, here we go!

Everything's coming up blogging. No, seriously, it is. And after reading so many blogs about people's daily adventures from their dates to the shoes they bought, I decided it was time to let my blog bloom.

Today was all about Fosse. They are bringing back Dancin' at the Roundabout and the majority of my day focused on the upcoming show at Studio 54. Graciela Daniele is directing (yaay) and Kathryn Doby is in charge of resetting the choreography (double yaay). But, what dawned on me is that most dancers are about a generation away from actually learning Fosse style and repertoire from a true source. Sure, everyone has turned their feet in and nodded their head to the beat, but that ain't it, kid. (Yes, a Bennett reference in a Fosse post.) I needed to work on getting a real Fosse source to try and do some master classes. It would help my clients prepare and really enhance the integrity of the process for the production. Stay tuned for details to follow.

Check out this amazing clip from the original Dancin' commercial in 1978. It will be great to have a dance show back on Broadway!!
Dancin' Broadway commercial