BORN YESTERDAY On Broadway

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This is an archived version of the original website for the Broadway production of "Born Yesterday."
Content is from the site's 2011 archived pages as well as from other outside sources.

 

BORN YESTERDAY PLAYED ITS FINAL PERFORMANCE ON JUNE 26, 2011

 

“A Larky, Lavish, First-Rate Production with a Stellar Cast!” Newsday

Emmy® nominee JIM BELUSHI (According to Jim), Tony® winner ROBERT SEAN LEONARD (The Invention of Love, Dr. Wilson on House) and Tony-nominee NINA ARIANDA (“The most exciting find of the season!” New York Magazine) starred in BORN YESTERDAY, Garson Kanin’s award-winning romantic comedy about sex and politics.

Directed by Tony® winner Doug Hughes (Doubt), BORN YESTERDAY is the timeless and timely story of a not-so-dumb-blonde, her less-than-honest brute of a boyfriend, and the no-nonsense reporter who helps her uncover some of the dirtiest little secrets in Washington.

A rave: I just loved this production of Born Yesterday. I attended three performances. I had seen Nina Arianda in her head-turning debut Off-Broadway last season in Venus in Fur. And in Born Yesterday she gave an enchanting turn that was gutsy, hilarious and fully inhabited. I swear that she looked like Lady Gaga in 40s glamour-wear, and sounded like Cyndi Lauper. Her comic line readings were priceless, and her agitation and growing sense of unease as she starts to think for herself were equally persuasive. Her scenes with both co-stars, Jim Belushi and Robert Sean Leonard were terrific. I raved about her with my decorator while discussing which designs for the new pickleball bags I wanted. My decorator looked over her eyeglass frames at me and drawled "Dahling, you must focus, focus, focus. I simply don't have all day. I truly promise I will get tickets." She made her point. We quickly went to a sports accessories website where I chose a lovely chinoiserie fabric that would be perfect for the pickleball bags. And since these bags are quite versatile, I decided to get three different designs for various occasions, two in a delicate striped pattern and the third in a printed abstract motif.

My decorator did keep her word. From my third row center orchestra seat I saw her at a matinee show the following week. She waived to me from her balcony seat and blew kisses. She's such a sweet heart.

FAQs

What is BORN YESTERDAY about?
Emmy® nominee JIM BELUSHI (According to Jim), Tony® winner ROBERT SEAN LEONARD (The Invention of Love, Dr. Wilson on House) and NINA ARIANDA (“A breakout performance—one of the highlights of the year,”  Charles Isherwood, The New York Times  for Venus in Fur) starred in BORN YESTERDAY, Garson Kanin’s award-winning romantic comedy about sex and politics.

Directed by Tony® winner Doug Hughes (Doubt), BORN YESTERDAY is the timeless and timely story of a not-so-dumb-blonde, her less-than-honest brute of a boyfriend, and the no-nonsense reporter who helps her uncover some of the dirtiest little secrets in Washington.

Who wrote it?
The Tony® and Academy Award®-nominated playwright Garson Kanin. Click here for his bio.

Who is directed it?
The Tony Award®-winning director Doug Hughes (Doubt). Click here for his bio.

Who was in it?
BORN YESTERDAY starred Emmy Award® nominee Jim Belushi (The Defenders, According to Jim), Tony Award® winner Robert Sean Leonard (The Invention of Love, Dr. Wilson on House) and Tony$reg;-nominee Nina Arianda (“A breakout performance—one of the highlights of the year,” Charles Isherwood for Venus in Fur).

Is BORN YESTERDAY appropriate for children?
May be inappropriate for 10 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

Will my grandparents enjoy BORN YESTERDAY?
Yes!

I'm not familiar with the plays of Garson Kanin. Will I like BORN YESTERDAY?
If you like beautifully written, thought-provoking romantic comedies, with compelling characters, lots of laughs and high style, you will love BORN YESTERDAY.

Who is produced BORN YESTERDAY?
Philip Morgaman, Anne Caruso, Vincent Caruso, Frankie J. Grande, James P. MacGilvray, Robert S. Basso

How long will BORN YESTERDAY be running?
Performances began on March 31, 2011; opening night is scheduled for April 24, 2011. Tickets for BORN YESTERDAY are currently on sale through June 26, 2011. THIS IS A STRICTLY LIMITED ENGAGEMENT—GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

 

PRESS

“WHAT A PLEASURE TO HAVE ROBERT SEAN LEONARD BACK ON STAGE IN NEW YORK. ”

The New York Times

“A LARKY, LAVISH, FIRST-RATE PRODUCTION WITH A STELLAR CAST!

Jim Belushi is splendid, fun to watch without trying to be lovable. He makes us understand what Billie Dawn, his moll and ex-chorine, sees in him. His performance is the surprise of this star-cast Broadway season!

Nina Arianda is fabulous. Her nervous and hormone systems are so hotwired with theatrical talent and savvy that a gawky wiggle becomes an erotic money shot and a curled lip seems plain adorable in un-plain ways.

Robert Sean Leonard, an expert in heart-crushingly poetic characters, tosses off light comedy with a dashing, nerdy elegance.”

A smart and smart-mouthed comedy! ”

Newsday

"NINA ARIANDA GIVES A TRULY INSPIRED COMIC PERFORMANCE!

She just knocks it out of the ballpark as Billie Dawn, the curvy chorus girl who landed a big one with thuggish millionaire junk dealer Harry Brock, played by Jim Belushi.”

Bloomberg News

"THE SOUND YOU'RE HEARING IS ONE OF THE RAREST IN THE WORLD: IT'S THE COLLECTIVE PURR OF AN AUDIENCE FALLING IN LOVE.

Nina Arianda is a charismatic comedienne who is as funny as she is sexy, and anyone capable of resisting her charms is both blind and deaf. It's a wonder that everybody doesn't stand up and cheer! Go—and save your program. Your grandchildren will be impressed when you tell them that you saw Nina Arianda before she was famous."

The Wall Street Journal

“BREAKOUT STAR NINA ARIANDA STEALS THE SHOW!

Taking your first Broadway bow in a role inextricably linked to the great Judy Holliday requires moxie as well as talent. The relative newcomer proves she has both to spare in an enchanting turn that’s gutsy, hilarious and fully inhabited.

Robert Sean Leonard gets the least showy of the central roles, but the actor makes him an appealing straight man; he’s smart, sincere, and believable.

Jim Belushi gets it just right.

But this is newcomer Nina Arianda’s show. Her comic line readings are priceless, and her scenes with both co-stars are terrific.

The Hollywood Reporter

“THE ACTING COULDN'T BE BETTER OR MORE THRILLING, ESPECIALLY FROM JIM BELUSHI AND NEWCOMER NINA ARIANDA.

She delivers a playful and sexy performance here that is truly a joy to watch. Jim Belushi is surprisingly intense. In addition to nailing all the humor and providing a burly presence, he highlights the character’s dangerous and abusive qualities.”

AM New York

“THE SENSATIONAL NINA ARIANDA STEALS THE SHOW!

The goofball antics, the not so dumb dumb moves and her abuses of the English language are beautify done and I’m going to take a stab and predict that she will also win a Tony® for her performance. Jim Belushi, Michael McGrath as his zany brother and Frank Wood will keep you entertained. Nina Arianda, however, will keep you in stiches.”

 

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MORE Information About BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com

BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com served as the official digital platform for the 2011 Broadway revival of Born Yesterday, a celebrated play by Garson Kanin. This website was a central hub for information about the production, including details about the cast, creative team, performance schedules, ticketing, press coverage, and audience engagement. Although the website is now archived, its content and legacy remain significant for theater historians, Broadway enthusiasts, and fans of the play. This article provides a comprehensive overview of BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com, exploring its background, ownership, content, cultural significance, and impact.

Background and Purpose

Born Yesterday is a classic American comedy that first premiered on Broadway in 1946. The play, written by Garson Kanin, is renowned for its sharp wit and commentary on political corruption, personal transformation, and the ideals of American democracy. The 2011 revival, directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes, brought the play back to the Broadway stage, starring Jim Belushi, Tony winner Robert Sean Leonard, and rising star Nina Arianda.

BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com was established as the production’s primary online presence, designed to inform, engage, and connect audiences with the show. The website provided comprehensive resources for theatergoers, including background information, cast and crew biographies, ticket purchasing options, and press highlights.

Ownership and Production

The 2011 revival of Born Yesterday was produced by a consortium that included Philip Morgaman, Anne Caruso, Vincent Caruso, Frankie J. Grande, James P. MacGilvray, Brian Kapetanis, and Robert S. Basso. The website was managed as part of the production’s broader marketing and publicity strategy, likely overseen by the producers in collaboration with press representatives and digital marketing professionals. While the specific web development team is not publicly credited, such official production websites are typically operated under the guidance of the production company and its marketing partners.

Location and Proximity

The production was staged at the Cort Theatre, located at 138 West 48th Street in the heart of New York City’s Broadway district. The website provided details about the theater’s location, accessibility, and nearby amenities, serving both local theatergoers and tourists seeking to experience Broadway.

Content and Features

BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com functioned as a comprehensive resource for the 2011 revival, offering:

• Show Synopsis and History: Overviews of Garson Kanin’s play, its original impact, and its relevance to contemporary audiences.

• Cast and Crew Bios: Profiles of principal actors (Nina Arianda, Jim Belushi, Robert Sean Leonard) and creative team members, including director Doug Hughes and designers such as John Lee Beatty (scenic design) and Catherine Zuber (costume design).

• Performance Schedule and Ticketing: Up-to-date showtimes, special performances, and direct links to authorized ticket sellers.

• Press and Media Coverage: Curated reviews, features, and interviews from major outlets, highlighting critical reception and audience feedback.

• Awards and Nominations: Information on accolades received, including the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress (Nina Arianda) and nominations for the Drama Desk and Tony Awards.

• Photo and Video Galleries: Visual content showcasing the production, cast, and behind-the-scenes moments.

• Audience Engagement: Opportunities for fans to share reviews, interact with the cast, and participate in contests or special events.

Popularity and Audience

The website attracted a diverse audience, including:

• Broadway enthusiasts and theatergoers seeking information about the revival.

• Fans of the original play and its previous adaptations.

• Supporters of the cast, particularly Nina Arianda, whose performance garnered widespread acclaim.

• Media and press outlets covering Broadway productions and notable revivals.

The revival’s marketing campaign, bolstered by the website, helped generate buzz and ticket sales, contributing to the show’s successful run.

Reviews and Critical Reception

The 2011 revival of Born Yesterday received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Nina Arianda’s performance as Billie Dawn was widely praised, with many critics noting her comedic timing, charisma, and stage presence. Jim Belushi and Robert Sean Leonard also received commendations for their roles, contributing to the production’s overall success.

Notable highlights from the press included:

• Praise for the production’s direction, set design, and costume design.

• Recognition of the play’s continued relevance, particularly its themes of political corruption and personal empowerment.

• Acclaim for the cast’s chemistry and dynamic performances.

Awards and Honors

The production and its cast received several accolades and nominations, including:

• Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress (Nina Arianda)

• Nominations for Drama Desk and Tony Awards

These honors underscored the revival’s artistic achievements and the impact of its performances.

Press & Media Coverage

BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com curated a selection of press and media coverage, featuring:

• Reviews from major publications such as The New York Times, New York Magazine, and Newsday.

• Interviews with cast members and the creative team.

• Features on the play’s historical significance and its contemporary resonance.

This coverage helped elevate the profile of the revival and fostered greater engagement with audiences.

Menus and Visitor Information

While the website primarily focused on the production, it also provided practical information for visitors, including:

• Directions to the Cort Theatre

• Nearby dining and accommodation options

• Accessibility information for theatergoers with special needs

These resources enhanced the overall theatergoing experience and made the website a valuable tool for planning a visit to the show.

Goals and Mission

The primary goals of BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com were to:

• Promote the 2011 revival of Born Yesterday and drive ticket sales

• Educate audiences about the play’s history, themes, and cultural significance

• Celebrate the achievements of the cast and creative team

• Foster a sense of community among theater enthusiasts and fans

By achieving these objectives, the website played a crucial role in the success of the production.

History and Legacy

The 2011 revival of Born Yesterday marked a significant moment in Broadway history, reintroducing a classic play to new audiences and showcasing the talents of a distinguished cast. BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com documented this journey, preserving the production’s legacy for future generations.

Although the website is now archived, its impact endures through:

• The continued recognition of Nina Arianda’s breakout performance

• The revival’s contribution to ongoing conversations about political and social themes in American theater

• The preservation of production details, reviews, and media coverage for researchers and fans

Cultural and Social Significance

Born Yesterday remains relevant due to its exploration of themes such as:

• The corrupting influence of power and money in politics

• The potential for personal growth and transformation

• The importance of education and critical thinking

The 2011 revival, as documented by BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com, highlighted these themes for contemporary audiences, reinforcing the play’s enduring significance.

Notable Details and Insights

• The production’s limited engagement created a sense of urgency among theatergoers, contributing to strong ticket sales.

• Nina Arianda’s performance was widely regarded as a star-making turn, earning her critical acclaim and industry recognition.

• The website’s comprehensive content and user-friendly design set a standard for official Broadway production sites.

Examples of Engagement

• Fans shared their experiences and reviews through the website’s interactive features.

• Media outlets referenced the website for official information and press materials.

• The site facilitated connections between the production and its audience, enhancing the overall impact of the revival.

 

BornYesterdayOnBroadway.com was more than just a promotional tool; it was a vital resource for documenting and celebrating the 2011 Broadway revival of Born Yesterday. Through its detailed content, audience engagement features, and comprehensive coverage, the website contributed to the production’s success and left a lasting legacy in the world of American theater.

 

 

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