TIM RICE

Live theater is uniquely tested by the virus, one reason it will be among the last sectors to return to normal. It's not technically live theater, but its soul is theatrical. Play and musical licensor Concord Theatricals says theater companies across the country are looking for flexibility in case of virus restrictions. Launched shortly before the pandemic with 15 podcasts, the theater shutdown initially wiped out its revenue streams, advertising and sponsorship. “It’s not anything that will ever replace live theater, but it’s an extension.

Waiting has been frustrating and he and the cast recorded the cast album in their homes during lockdown. “The irony of 50 years later my having to do another concept album because I’m not able to get my show on stage has suddenly not been lost on me.”The new stage musical “Cinderella” features a brand new score from Lloyd Webber with lyrics by David Zippel. Lloyd Webber hopes it will open next spring in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. He owns or co-owns seven West End theaters including the Gillian Lynne Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the London Palladium. We’re going to actually do essential work and improvements to the buildings,” Lloyd Webber said.

LONDON – Herbert Kretzmer, the journalist and lyricist best known for his English-language adaptation of the musical Les Miserables, has died. Tributes poured in from giants of the London stage, including theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh, singer Elaine Paige and lyricist Tim Rice. Les Miserables producer Mackintosh said Kretzmer was instrumental in bringing Victor Hugo's classic tale of defiance and redemption in early 19th century France to the stage in English in October 1985, five years after it had opened in Paris. Until a young British producer by the name of Cameron Mackintosh invited Kretzmer to tea in June 1984 and his life changed. Though the expanded English version of Les Miserables — it was never Les Mis for Kretzmer — had mixed reviews at the start, it would soon become one of the biggest successes of 20th century theater.