Broadway Friday

- 9 to 5: The Musical will begin Broadway previews March 24, 2009, at the Marriott Marquis Theatre following a Sept. 3-Oct. 19 tryout at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Joe Mantello directs a cast that includes Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty, Allison Janney and Marc Kudisch.

- Whoopi Goldberg joins the cast of Xanadu on July 29th for a six-week run as the evil Calliope. Goldberg replaces Jackie Hoffman, who will return after Goldberg's run. I love Whoopi, but Xanudu - Hoffman = refund.

- The Helen Hayes Theater, currently home to Xanadu, has agreed to be purchased by the Second Stage Theatre, which will begin productions there in 2010. Second Stage will become the fourth non-profit Broadway house, joining Roundabout Theater Company, Manhattan Theater Club, and Lincoln Center Theater.

- A revival of West Side Story comes to Broadway in March 2009. Casting to be announced. An out-of-town trial begins at DC's National Theater in December.

- Monday, July 21st: Broadway Stands Up For Freedom! - a benefit concert to support the youth programs of the New York Civil Liberties Union. The show "focuses the spotlight on the NYCLU's dedication to reproductive rights and other civil liberties issues relevant to young people." More info here.

- Forbidden Broadway: Dances With The Stars includes a song parodying Broadway beefcake. Title: Xanadude.

- Phantom Of The Opera will close for a week next month for the installation a new surround sound system. "Designed by Olivier Award winner Mick Potter, the $750,000 new surround sound system will consist of over six miles of cable, 155 speakers placed throughout the auditorium, and a digital sound desk that will make the 28-member orchestra and 36 strong cast sound more powerful and clear than ever before. The digital system will up the number of microphones used in the show from 58 to 76 and The Phantom himself will have 3 dedicated microphones."