March is cabaret month in New York City and what a great way to kick it off!

Tidbits: Speaking of awards, Stephen Sondheim is to receive the Songwriters' Hall of Fame's Johnny Mercer Award this coming June.

Ute rumors? Is she staying on Broadway? Going to Las Vegas? According to Barry Weissler Ute will open the Las Vegas production come March 3rd at the Mandalay Bay with stars Chita Rivera, Marcia Lewis, Ben Vereen and Ernie Sabella.

Annie Get Your Gun opens in previews on Tuesday at the Marquis Theater starring Bernadette Peters and Tom Wopat. Mixed reviews from D.C., but word on the Web says great!

Big ad in the Times announcing Richard Chamberlain joining The Sound of Music as of March 10th. It's at the Martin Beck Theatre and tix are available via Tele-Charge: (800) 432-7250.

Are you a Leprechaun, under 5 feet tall? If so, Mars 2112 restaurant is looking for you. Strong acting is required ... employment guaranteed through St. Paddy's Day. Meals included .... hmmm, wonder if they'll toss in some brew...for an appointment, leave your name and number at 212-591-0552.

In other casting news, the Bochum, German production of Starlight Express is auditioning for all roles including leads. No, you don't have to go to Germany or know how to roller skate. Auditions will be Feb. 10th in New York. Roller skating is taught as part of the rehearsal process. See Backstage for details.

Since Livent re-organized a few months ago, they've lost over 4 million dollars. Ragtime in New York is making money, as well as Phantom in Toronto but the rest of the empire is crumbling. Requeste in pace!

Beauty and The Beast reaches a milestone this Saturday ... 2000th performance. How time flies when you're having fun!

Band in Berlin, a much anticipated musical previews on February 19th. The box office opens on Monday (Feb. 1st) at 10 am. It will be at the Helen Hayes Theatre on West 44th Street or you can call Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200, or 800-432-7250 if you live outside of New York.

In the works here at Talkin' Broadway are two new interviews with Broadway performers; two new Regional sections will open reporting on theater news in their parts of the country; and we're working on the debut of a new column from the nation's capitol, Washington, D.C. This column will focus on the government and the arts. We'll come up with a name for the column, perhaps, "Politics and the Arts". Originally I wanted "Linda Trip is not the only one Singing!", but I was voted down.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown - Be sure to check out Talkin' Broadway's newly revised Broadway Reviews section, starting this Thursday, February 4. First up is our review of Charlie Brown, the happiest musical on Broadway. (Our critic attended Saturday's matinee. Early word is very good. Very, very good.) Next week, on Wednesday, February 10, look for our review of Death of a Salesman.

If this column has piqued your curiosity about Cabaret, be sure to catch our guest column at Broadway Bound.

See you Thursday!