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Carmen Cusack debuts on Broadway in 'Bright Star'

Cusack originated the role of Alice Murphy in early workshops of the Steve Martin/Edie Brickell musical and led “Bright Star” 8 shows a week throughout its Broadway run. Cusack earned rave reviews and a Tony nomination for her star-making portrayal of Alice Murphy, a precocious teen who grows up to be a Southern magazine editor.

McNally's 'Mothers and Sons' opens on Broadway

Mothers and Sons opened on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre after previews. Directed by Sheryl Kaller, the cast stars Tyne Daly as Katharine Gerard, Frederick Weller, Bobby Steggert and Grayson Taylor. The scenic design is by John Lee Beatty, costumes by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Jeff Croiter and sound by Nevin Steinberg.

'The Book of Mormon' premieres on Broadway

The show opened on Broadway after nearly 7 years of development. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded indifferently; however, they did purchase advertising space in its playbill in later runs. The Book of Mormon garnered overwhelmingly positive critical responses, and set records in ticket sales for the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. The show was awarded nine Tony Awards, one of which was for Best Musical, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

'All Shook Up' opens on Broadway

The musical premiered on Broadway at the Palace Theatre and closed after 213 performances and 33 previews. Directed by Christopher Ashley, with choreography by Ken Roberson, the original Broadway cast included Cheyenne Jackson, Jenn Gambatese, and Jonathan Hadary.

'Jake's Women' opens at Neil Simon Theater NYC for 245 performances

The opening play of Jake's Women on Broadway, at the Neil Simon Theater, was directed by Gene Saks. It ran for 7 months with the same cast. Alan Alda got the nomination for the Tony Award as Best Actor in a Play. It depicts a story about Jake, a successful writer talking to women he knows about his struggles in marriage.

Tennessee Williams' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' opens for 694 performances

The original Broadway production of Tennessee's favorite play opened at the Morosco Theater. It was directed by Elia Kazan and starred Barbara Bel Geddes who was nominated for a Tony Award for her role of Maggie. It won Pulitzer Prize in Drama category and NY Drama Critic's Circle named it Best American Play.

Novelist Jules Verne dies at 77

2nd most translated author, sometimes also called „Father of Science Fiction“ died at his home in Amiens, in northern France. Prior to his death, he suffered from diabetes. After his demise, his son made changes and oversaw the publication of the novels „Invasion of the Sea“ and „The Lighthouse at the End of the World“.

Johann Sebastian Bach dedicates his Brandenburg Concertos to Christian Ludwig

Bach wrote a collection of 6 instrumental works for Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg -Schwedt. He seems to have selected 6 pieces from various concertos, he had composed prior to the event to create some of the best compositions of the Baroque era. The work used the widest spectrum of instruments in daring combinations.

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