A scene from the UK production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Photo: Alastair Muir

November 1, 2004 - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will soon be heard on Broadway! The musical based on Ian Fleming's novel is scheduled to begin previews at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in March 2005.

Also hitting Broadway with a bang is Billy Crystal, beginning a much anticipated one-man show at the Broadhurst Theatre this month. Directed by Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, 700 Sundays is based on Crystal's life.

Pacific Overtures, a Roundabout Theatre Company production, also debuts on the Great White Way this month. Based on the book by John Weidman, Pacific Overtures stars B.D. Wong, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and will be staged at Studio 54.

Based on a film from across the Atlantic, La Cage aux Folles begins performances at the Marquis Theatre this month. The musical, based on a French film also made in the U.S. as The Bird Cage starring Robin Williams, tells the story of a gay couple who pretend to be straight for an evening to fool a senator.

Refusing to be duped at the Biltmore Theatre is Mary Louise Parker, playing a woman who discovers on Christmas Eve that her husband has hired a killer to take her life. Presented by the Manhattan Theatre Club and Second Stage, Reckless opened last month and is scheduled to run through December 5.

Meanwhile, feminist powerhouse Eve Ensler will bring The Good Body to the Booth Theatre this month. The series of solo performances explore social representations of women.

Women also take the lead in 'night Mother, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Marsha Norman. Playing the mother-daughter leads at the Royale Theatre beginning this month are Edie Falco and Brenda Blethyn.

Also arriving with a big buzz is Little Women, starring Sutton Foster and Maureen McGovern. The show based on Louisa May Alcott's classic novel will begin performances at the Virginia Theatre next month.

As these curtains open, another one closes: De La Guarda recently ended a six year run at the Daryl Roth Theatre. The 80' x 45' facility located on East 15th Street is now available to host film productions. For more information, contact Adam Hess at 212-375-1110 x 8.

The Daryl Roth Theatre is now available to host film productions.