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Dear Playbill...

Dear PLAYBILL: Can you give me any information about the New York production of the British musical Chess?
- Rebecca Newman
Hartford, AL

At present, the plan is to start rehearsals of the American production in January and to open on Broadway in late April, 1988. Neither the cast nor the theatre has been announced.
* * *
Dear PLAYBILL: Have any Broadway musicals other than Sunday in the Park With George and Sweeney Todd been videotaped for public sale?
- Dorothy Dray
Virginia Beach, VA

The TV production of the Broadway musical Pippin; the current revue, Oh! Calcutta!, at the Edison Theatre; and Lena Horne; The Lady and Her Music are also available on videotape.
* * *
Dear PLAYBILL: A friend of mine insists that the current Royale Theatre was once the John Golden Theatre, which is now next door to the Royale. Is that possible?
- Donna Oakley
Brooklyn, NY

Your friend is correct. Actually there have been three John Golden Theatres. The first was located on West 58th Street and is now a TV studio. In 1933 producer Golden lost this theatre, and in 1934 he leased the Royale, which then became the John Golden until 1937. That same year Mr. Golden took over the Theatre Masque (next door) and renamed it the John Golden, at which time the Royale resumed its original name, which it still retains today.
* * *
Dear PLAYBILL: Do you recall an Off-Broadway musical, staged in the late 70's or early 80's, in which two couples gradually discover they are gay and swap mates? - N.J. Callow
Bronx, NY

That was Fourtune by Bill Russell and Ronald Melrose. It opened at the Actors' Playhouse on April 27, 1980 and played 242 performances.
* * *
Dear PLAYBILL: I have just read a new book about Cole Porter called Red, Hot & Rich! In it, the author, David Grafton, states that Clifton Webb's last Broadway show was Cole Porter's You Never Know in 1938 and that Bob Hope made his Broadway debut in Porter's Red, Hot and Blue! in 1936. I believe that both of these statements are incorrect.
- Gerold Hickey
Chicago, IL

You're right. Clifton Webb appeared in three Broadway shows after You Never Know: The Importance of Being Earnest (1939), Blithe Spirit (1941), and Present Laughter (1946). Bob Hope appeared in many Broadway shows before Red, Hot and Blue!, which was his last appearance on Broadway. Among his prior shows: Ups-A-Daisy (1928), Smiles (1930), Ballyhoo of 1932, Roberta (1933), Say When (1934), Ziegfeld Follies (1936).
* * *
Dear PLAYBILL: Your thoughtful article on Driving Miss Daisy neglected to mention that the show was nominated for five 1987 Drama Desk Awards, including that of Outstanding New Play. The Vernon Rice-Drama Desk Awards, established in 1955, were an important element in bringing the Off-Broadway scene to the attention of the public. Governor Cuomo and Mayor Koch have both recognized the unique contribution of the Drama Desk with special citations.
- Leida Snow
Drama Desk President
New York, NY

We appreciate your pointing this out and regret the omission.
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Have a question about the theatre? Write to PLAYBILL, Dept. D.P. 71 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 320, New York, N.Y. 10169

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