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STAGE DIRECTIONS FROM THE LEAGUE
BY BEN PESNER

Stars of Touring Broadway

When trucks loaded with costumes and scenery arrive in one of the 145 North American cities visited by touring Broadway shows each year, the production team swings into action along with the staff of the local theatre hosting the show. These institutions, whether prominent regional performing arts centers or lovingly restored downtown playhouses, are key players in the cultural lives of their communities. In order to fulfill their mission, many theatres depend on the assistance and generosity of local supporters. Last month the League of American Theatres and Producers bestowed four Star of Touring Broadway Awards on individuals and businesses committed to enriching their communities by supporting Broadway theatres.

David and Mary Ann Cofrin received an award for their support of the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts in Green Bay, Wisconsin. "They have forever changed the cultural life of Wisconsin through their leadership and giving," says the Weidner's Tom Gabbard. The Cofrins' generosity helped build the center in 1993 and expand it in 1998, making it one of the leading presenters of Broadway shows in the midwest. 

A second honoree, U.S. Bank, has sponsored the Ordway Music Theatre's Broadway season for the past seven years. The company's financial support has enabled the Ordway to bring dozens of touring Broadway shows to Minneapolis. 

Ed Cassidy, the third award recipient, is the marketing director for The Tennessean. This Nashville paper has supported the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Broadway season through innovative joint marketing initiatives.

The final honoree was Jane M. Becker of East Lansing, Michigan, home of Wharton Center for Performing Arts. "In 1987 I heard a volunteer speak passionately about why you should work for Wharton Center," Ms. Becker says. "Here was this collection of extremely talented and intelligent individuals giving us their time for the betterment of the community. I realized suddenly that maybe I didn't have to sing or dance—even though I couldn't cut it, onstage, I could be of some use behind the scenes." She started as a volunteer in the box office and has never left.

"Our Star Award recipients' passionate commitment to the theatre as a presence in their communities epitomizes the importance of Broadway theatres as vital cultural institutions throughout North America," says League President Jed Bernstein. "This would never be possible without these dedicated individuals and businesses. We applaud them and thank them."

Broadway Ticket Center
AT THE TIMES SQUARE VISITORS CENTER
Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets
[[image — "(888)BROADWAY"]]
1-888-BROADWAY
THE BROADWAY LINE*
IN METRO NEW YORK 1-212-302-4111

By phone or in person, getting to Broadway has never been easier. Just visit the Broadway Ticket CenterTM, Broadway's one-stop-shopping ticket headquarters. It's located in the Times Square Visitors Center on the east side of Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets.

Or call The Broadway Line(R) for storylines, show times, tickets, and more. The Broadway Line is sponsored by Continental Airlines and The New York Times, with technology provided by Lucent Technologies.

STAGE DIRECTIONS is presented, courtesy of Playbill, by The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc., the national trade association for the commercial theatre industry. [[image — Continental Airlines logo]] [[image — Live Broadway logo]]

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CELEBRITY CHOICE

[[image — headshot of Paul Schoeffler]] PAUL SCHOEFFLER (Hook in Peter Pan at the Gershwin Theatre) chooses LA VERANDA, 163 W. 47th St., bet. B'way & 6th Ave.

Luigi, the Italian leprechaun behind the popular La Veranda, greets guests with a mischievous twinkle. He created the new murals lining his theatre-area restaurant and has good reason to be jaunty. He's hosted Mary Tyler Moore, Joe Torre, Luciano Pavarotti, Mayor Rudy Guiliani and, lest we forget, stars of Cabaret and Snakebit.

Chef Joe Alozo, a long-time La Veranda whiz, still whips up some of the best old-fashioned dishes in town (his chicken piccata's a fave), while ace maître d' Adrian remains adept even in the face of those lunch and dinner surges. Man, does this place ever generate a loyal following!

An unpretentious dinner can be tastily yours for only six dollars more than the à la carte entree, and by the time the dessert cart came by, we were cheerily sated. What to do? We narrowed the choices to a tempting three—then thoroughly enjoyed each one!

LA VERANDA is open seven days, noon to midnight. Dinner entrees $14.95-$27.95. Daily specials Request dishes fulfilled. Wine list. Priv. parties. Approp. dress. Free parking. Res. sug. 391-0905.

[[image — Andrea McArdle's headshot]] Andrea McArdle
(Belle in Beauty and the Beast at the Palace Theatre) chooses NIRVANA, 30 Central Park South, bet. 5th & 6th Aves.

If you love Indian food and unique cuisine with international flavor, then you'll be wild about Nirvana, the legendary palace-in-the-sky that attracts such diners as Bruce Springsteen and Sir Anthony Hopkins. What a view! And Nirvana's recent face-lift embraces a dramatic new shamiana (hand-woven, multi-hued tent top).

Let Rimi, the lovely head chef, plan your repast; be it a delectably complete dinner or a lavish feast fit for one of the many visiting rajahs who regularly dine here when on state visits. Our group relished the vegetarian platter, classic Mulligatawney soup, light cheese naan (tandoor-baked flat bread), chicken Masala, lamb Biryani and elegant desserts.

By the way, do try founder Shamsher Wadud's newest venture, the equally sophisticated Landmark Club Restaurant. Though the menu is utterly different, this gathering spot (at 313 E. 58th St.) looks like a winner with its contemporary American cuisine.

NIRVANA is open seven days, continuously serving noon-1 am. Dinner entrees $16.95-$24.95. Feasts $169 (for 2)-$499 (for 10). Wine list. Glamorous priv. parties. Approp. attire. CC. Res. 486-5700.

AFTER THEATRE

MUSTANG JACK'S This newcomer, near to Rent and Ragtime, conjures up elegant restaurants in Irish cities like Galway. Chef Tim Connors's menu is world-eclectic, accenting seasonal dishes done with aplomb. His food's satisfying, the ambience warmly beckoning. Tapas daily. 147 W. 40th St. (bet. Broadway & 7th Ave.). 869-8300.

ST. ANDREWS Gotham's only Scottish restaurant and pub is golf-themed, upscale and authentic (the bartenders wear kilts). Audiences streaming from The Lonesome West rave about great steaks, mussels, chicken pot pie and the raw bar—thanks to wonder chef Richard Calton. Merry bar. Kitchen open till 2 A.M. 120 W. 44th St. (bet. B'way and 6th Ave.). 840-8413.

BY BOB EDISON
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