Called that one -- Broadway/LA, 09

A few posts back, I speculated that "Legally Blonde: the Musical" would likely make it to the Pantages Theatre as part of the Broadway/L.A. series now that "Wicked" will be vacating in January of next year.

And so it will, albeit in August of 2009.

What else is coming? Well...

"Phantom of the Opera," Jan 21-Feb 21. Gotta love repositioning. Apart from the usual boilerplate about "Phantom" being the musical juggernaut it has been since, sheesh, the mid 80s, the B/LA folks are reminding us that this is the first time "Phantom" has played the PANTAGES, in "over a decade."

For the record, I've seen the play four times, one of which was a work obligation. The only way I'll see it again, and with great reluctance, is if I decide to take the kid.

"Grease," March 10-22. I was dubious that this was indeed "direct from Broadway" as advertised, until I checked and was reminded that, yes, "Grease" has recently been revived. And there was a reality TV series that helped cast the leads. So Kathleen Marshall's production is kinda new, albeit a conventional choice.

"Mamma Mia," April 7-19 See, here's what you can do when your theater is "Wicked Free." Close one show and open another two weeks later. And not just any show, but "Mamma Mia" the ABBA fluffer that will be at the Pantages for "the first time in five years" and the first L.A. engagement since the release of the movie. Remember my earlier remark about promotional repositioning? Well, double it here.

"Dirty Dancing,– the Classic Story On Stage" April 28-June 14. A West Coast premiere, hanging around for longer than the quick one week and offs. Not sure how this will translate. Hoping DD film star Patrick Swayze will be in good health when it gets here.

"Fiddler on the Roof," Jul 22- Aug. 9. The rare announcement that can also include a confirmed cast member, Topol, who stared in the movie and who will be a 73 year old Tevye when he takes the stage.

The aforementioned "Blonde," Aug. 12- Sept. 6.

"Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," Nov. 10-Jan. 3-2010, a perennial down in San Diego where it was birthed, and now on Broadway. Somebody got the bright idea to take it regionally.

Bonus productions,

"Rent" with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rap, March 3-8, 09: the original Roger and Mark return. Aren't they a little old to be bohemians?

"RAIN: the Beatles Experience" March 31-April 5, 2009 because no season is complete without some sort of a rock flashback cum tribute event.

OK, so I snark from time to time, but this lineup certainly beats the Ahmanson piggyback of last year to accommodate the "Wicked" hoards.