Grammer to do ‘La Cage’

Grammer to do ‘La Cage’

NEW YORK — Kelsey Grammer is set to star on Broadway in “La Cage aux Folles” next spring. Producer Sonia Friedman says a revival of the 1983 Jerry Herman-Harvey Fierstein musical will open April 18 at the Longacre Theatre. It’s based on the current hit London production and will feature that show’s British star, Douglas Hodge. The director is Terry Johnson.

“La Cage” concerns the relationship between the club owner, portrayed by Grammer, and its drag star, the role played by Hodge. Grammer, 54, played Dr. Frasier Crane on the NBC comedy series “Frasier” for 11 seasons.

Walken heads to Broadway

NEW YORK — How’s this for an intriguing role? Christopher Walken will play a man searching for his missing hand in “A Behanding in Spokane,” Martin McDonagh’s black comedy opening March 4 on Broadway. Producer Robert Fox says Walken will be joined by Anthony Mackie, Sam Rockwell and Zoe Kazan in the play, which begins previews Feb. 15 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.

Walken,66, won an Oscar for his role in “The Deer Hunter.”

‘Birdie’ will say bye-bye

NEW YORK — The Broadway revival of “Bye Bye Birdie” will be saying goodbye in January. The Roundabout Theatre Company production will close Jan. 24 at the Henry Miller’s Theatre after the contracts of its leading actors, John Stamos and Gina Gershon, run out. The show opened Oct. 15.

Today’s birthdays

Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck is 89. Actress JoBeth Williams is 61. Comedian Steven Wright is 54. Guitarist Peter Buck of R.E.M. is 53. Actress Janine Turner is 47. Director Judd Apatow is 42. Keyboardist Ulf “Buddha” Ekberg of Ace of Base is 39.