Revamped shows appeal to new generation of fans

• If you go...
• Broadway stages old favorites with new, energetic talent
• New York City still full of unusual things to see and do

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

NEW YORK — Everything old is new again on Broadway. Many of the current hit shows have a storied past, and are being discovered by a new legion of fans.

For instance, "Mamma Mia," a musical montage with only a barebones plot, corrals 1970s ABBA hits. And how Swede it is — dancing queens and even teens are slurping up this concoction with its very sweet and soft center.

"The classic Rodgers & Hammerstein favorite "Oklahoma!" has been tidily updated by British director Trevor Nunn with vibrant new choreography by American Susan Stroman. Cameron Mackintosh ("Phantom of the Opera," "Cats," "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon"), is the producer of this landmark American musical.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie," this year's toast of the town (six Tony Awards), had earlier life as a Julie Andrews film, but Sutton Foster as Millie makes you forget Andrews.

"Into the Woods," bewitching with Vanessa Williams as the witch, is playing to a new generation of Stephen Sondheim advocates.

Unfortunately, some oldies stink, including the "Sweet Smell of Success," reinvented as a musical with tunes by Marvin Hamlisch, based on the 1957 film starring Burt Lancaster as an egotistical and influential columnist and Tony Curtis as a parasitic press agent. A Tony winner for John Lithgow as the journalist, the show closed recently — not helped by its cynicism.

If you go...

Helpful information for planning your New York trip:

Where to eat

• Carnegie Deli, 854 Seventh Ave. Humongous sandwiches, tall cheesecakes and more. (212) 757-2245.
• Angus McIndoe, 258 W. 44th St. Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick are investors in this eatery next to where "The Producers" is playing; the menu offers fowl, seafood and chops and the prices are cheaper than the show. (212) 221-9222.
• Blue Water Grill, 31 Union Square West at 16th St. Great seafood, oyster bar. (212) 675-9500.
• Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse, 269W. 45th St. Classic American; best liver and pork chops. (212) 997-9494.
• Gallagher's New York Steakhouse, 2228 W. 60th St. If you like meat ... (212) 245-5336.
• Brazil Grille, 787 Eighth Ave. at 48th St. Brazilian fare, including seafood. (212) 869-4440.
• Cabana Carioca, 123 W. 45th St. Portuguese/Brazilian cuisine; upstairs is where the natives hang out. (212) 581-8088.
• Carmine's, 200 W. 44th St. Southern Italian, served family style, in gargantuan portions. (212) 221-3800.
• Blue Fin, 1567 Broadway at W. 47th St., in the W Times Square. The hottest spot of the moment, salads, seafood and camaraderie. Huge, huge downstairs bar, upstairs dining. (212) 918-1400.
• Foley's Fish House, Renaissance New York Hotel, 714 Seventh Ave. Seafood specialties galore. (212) 261-5200.
• Osteria Al Doge, 145 W. 44th St. Hearty old-world Italian favorites, open late. (212) 944-3643.
• Victor's Cafe 52, 236 W. 52nd St. Cuban/Caribbean delicacies. (212) 586-7714.
• Virgil's Real Barbecue, 152 W. 44th St. Baby back and St. Louis ribs, plus chicken. More than 70 beer varieties. (212) 921-9494.

Where to stay

These hotels are all in midtown within easy range of theaters.

• Renaissance New York Hotel, Broadway at Seventh Ave. From $259. (212) 765-7676.
• Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, 811 Seventh Ave. From $174. (212) 581-1000.
• Sheraton Manhattan Hotel, 790 Seventh Ave. From $174. (212) 581-3300.
• New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway. From $259. (212) 398-1900.
• Millennium Broadway, 245 W. 44th St. (212) From $159. 768-4400.
• Crowne Plaza Manhattan, 1605 Broadway. From $169. (212) 977-4000.
• Hotel Edison, 28 W. 47th St. From $129. (212) 840-5000.
• New York Hilton & Towers, 1335 Avenue of the Americas. From $325. (212) 586-7000.
• The Bryant Park, 40 W. 40th St. From $255. (212) 869-0100.
• Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44th St. From $149. (212) 840-6800.
• Doubletree Guest Suites, 1568 Broadway. From $229. (212) 719-1600.
• Paramount Hotel, 235 W. 46th St. From $149. (212) 764-5500.
• Portland Square Hotel, 132 W. 47th St. From $99. (212) 382-0600.