As of September 28, Nan Knighton will have two shows running simultaneously on Broadway. Ms Knighton is the book writer and lyricist of The Scarlet Pimpernel for which she received a 1998 Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical. She has continued her work on SP, most notably with an extensive rewrite last year, and some tweaking this year to arrive at SP3, which is currently running at the Neil Simon Theatre.

Nan was the major force behind the decision by Ted Forstmann and Radio City Entertainment to take over the reins of SP in 1998 and recreate it with a new director. SP2 opened in October, ‘98 to markedly better reviews and better audiences. SP3 came about when the show was bumped from its former home, The Minskoff Theatre, to make room for Ms. Knighton's second Broadway production, Saturday Night Fever.

Saturday Night Fever comes to New York from London, where it received a 1999 Olivier nomination for Best Musical, and continues to run to packed houses on the West End. Knighton was responsible for the stage adaptation in collaboration with Paul Nicholas, Robert Stigwood, and director Arlene Phillips. The show is based on the 1977 movie that set the tone for the disco era of the late ‘70s. It comes into New York with a $12 million advance, three young leads - James Carpinello, Paige Price, and Orfeh, and three Pimpernel alumni - Bryan Batt, Casey Nicholaw, and Paul Castree.

The Scarlet Pimpernel - Neil Simon Theatre. In their "scandalous third year" says the Ad in the Times. Currently starring Carolee Camello, Ron Bohmar and Marc Kudisch. Tickets available through Ticket Master (212) 307-4100 or (800) 755-4000.

Saturday Night Fever - The Minskoff Theatre Previews Tuesday, Sept 28 at 8 Pm, Opens Oct 21. Tickets available through Ticket Master.

We think Congrats are in order for Nan Knighton. We also know she has a wonderful sense of humor. Here's a candid shot for you of Nan with Douglas Sills. Obviously there is a wee bit of the devil in Douglas. Special thanks to Nancy Rosati for this photo and info for this column. For an indepth interview with Nan Knighton check this out!

Talkin' Broadway welcomes Michelle Butler as our new Washington D.C. Regional correspondent. Her first column takes a look at the Signature production of Sweeney Todd.


See you Thursday!


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