By Raphael Sugarman
In the past four years, Queens theater lovers seem to have responded to a call from members of the Broadway community, who asked that all New Yorkers further support Broadway and Off-Broadway productions in the way of Sept. 11.A survey by the League of American Theaters & Producers, Inc., the national trade organization for the Broadway industry, showed that during the final week of the summer, an estimated 17,300 people from the city's outer boroughs attended the theater, up nearly 3,000 from the same time last year. An estimated 300,000 non-Manhattanites attended a Broadway play during the first 14 weeks of the summer, the league's survey showed, also an increase over past years.Though the polling did not ask theatergoers which borough outside Manhattan they were from, league officials said they are confident that attendance is up from all the outer boroughs. Queens is believed to provide Broadway with a substantial portion of its outer-borough theater traffic, as several of its communities are situated rather close to Times Square.As was the case with the fall theatrical season, spring 2006 is a broad mix of splashy musicals and ambitious dramas, of highly regarded imports from London's West End and plucky, homegrown fare. Here is a sampling of some of the more interesting offerings for the spring.MusicalsLESTAT: It won't open until late April, but this musical is already creating a pre-Broadway buzz, having broken box office records for its world premier in San Francisco. “LESTAT” is inspired by author Anne Rice's “The Vampire Chronicles.” The musical also marks the first theatrical collaboration between composer Elton John and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. Hugh Panaro will star in the title role, joining a cast of 21 actors. “LESTAT” will begin previews at the Palace Theatre on Saturday, March 25, and open on Tuesday, April 25. The Palace Theatre is at 1564 Broadway at 47th Street.The Pajama Game: Crooner Harry Connick Jr. will star in the Roundabout Theatre's 40th anniversary revival of the Tony Award-winning musical, which features such songs as “Hernando's Hidaway,” and “Steam Heat.” Set in the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory during a tense labor negotiation, “Pajama Game's” steam comes from the relationship between the plant's new manager and an attractive union representative. Joining Connick are Kelli O'Hara and Michael McKean. Currently in previews, it opens Feb. 23 at the American Airlines Theatre, 227 W. 42nd St.Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show was created by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby Jr. and William Meade, and directed by Richard Maltby Jr. “Ring of Fire” features 38 of Cash's songs, including “Country Boy,” “A Thing Called Love,” “Five Feet High and Rising,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “I've Been Everywhere,” “The Man in Black” and his final hit “Hurt.” Previews begin on Feb. 8, with opening night scheduled for March 12, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St.PlaysThree Days of Rain: Julia Roberts comes to the stage in the Broadway production of the play, written by Richard Greenberg and directed by Joe Mantello – both Tony Award winners. Also starring Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper. The play tells the story of a brother and sister and their childhood friend who meet in New York to divide the inheritance of their late fathers, who were partners in a prominent architectural firm. The story then shifts to an earlier time and all three actors portray members of an earlier generation. “Three Days of Rain” begins previews at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45th St., on Tuesday, March 28, and opens on Wednesday, April 19. The limited 12-week engagement will run through Sunday, June 18.The Lieutenant of Inishmore: Arguably one of the funniest and most bizarre black comedies to hit the Broadway stage in years, the play is set in County Galway in 1993 on the Island of Inishmore, off the coast of Ireland. “Mad Padraic” is a terrorist who feels no remorse for the people he blows up, but loves his little cat “Wee Thomas.” When the cat is killed, the other cast members scramble to conceal his death before Padraic returns. If this production is anything like the one in London's West End several years ago, you'll be surprised at how hard you can laugh at such a bloody play. The play by Martin McDonagh (“The Pillowman”) is also a poignant commentary about our attitudes toward war and violence. Previews begin Feb. 8, opening night Feb. 27. Limited engagement through April 9. Atlantic Theater Company, 336 West 20th St.Faith Healer: After drawing huge notices and a Tony Award for her role in “Doubt,” Cherry Jones takes on a new role in Brian Freil's play. Jones is joined by film actor Ralph Fiennes, who returns to Broadway a decade after his highly acclaimed performance as Hamlet. The play tells the story of a faith healer and his companions who travel the back roads of Scotland. It deals with issues such as belief and trust. The play is a production of the Dublin Gate Theatre. “Faith Healer” begins preview performances on April 18, at the Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45 St.
