Peter Thomas Scolari(September 12, 1955 – October 22, 2021)[1]was an American actor. He was best known for his roles as Henry Desmond in theABCsitcomBosom Buddies(1980–1982) and Michael Harris on theCBSsitcomNewhart(1984–1990), the latter of which earned him three consecutive nominations forPrimetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Seriesfrom 1987 to 1989.

Peter Scolari
Scolari in 2010
Born
Peter Thomas Scolari

(1955-09-12)September 12, 1955
DiedOctober 22, 2021(2021-10-22)(aged 66)
OccupationActor
Years active1978–2021
Spouses
  • Lisa Kretzchmar
    (m.1981;div.1983)
  • Debra Steagal
    (m.1986;div.1996)
  • Cathy Trien
    (m.1998;div.2004)
  • Tracy Shayne
    (m.2013)
Children4

Scolari had roles as Wayne Szalinski in theDisneysitcomHoney, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show(1997–2000) and as Tad Horvath in theHBOseriesGirls(2012–2017), the latter of which earned him thePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.He had recurring roles asGillian B. Loebin thesuperherocrime seriesGotham(2015) and Bishop Thomas Marx in thesupernaturalseriesEvil(2019–2021).

He acted in the filmsThe Rosebud Beach Hotel(1984),Corporate Affairs(1990),That Thing You Do!(1996), andThe Polar Express(2004). On stage, he portrayedYogi Berrain the playBronx Bombers(2014) and acted in theLarry Gelbart'sSly Fox(2004),Eric Simonson'sMagic/Bird(2012), andNora Ephron'sLucky Guy(2013). He also acted in replacement roles in the musicalsHairsprayin 2003 andWickedin 2016.

Early life and education

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Scolari was born inNew Rochelle, New York,to Arthur and Barbara (née Fay) Scolari, and was raised inScarsdalealong with an older sister and two younger brothers.[2][3][4]His father was of Italian descent and played semi-professional baseball before becoming a lawyer.[2]His mother was a singer prior to meeting Scolari's father and later worked with the Alcohol Rehabilitation arm of the Tidewater Psychiatric Institute inVirginia Beach, Virginia.[2][4]In an interview with theToronto StarScolari said that his father was apsychologically abusive,"rageful man", and that his mother struggled withalcoholism.[5]Scolari added that his parents "stayed together for the kids and also because they were hopelessly in love with each other, but they were totally incompatible."[5]

At the age of 13 Scolari did some animation voice acting work and performed in plays while attendingEdgemont High Schoolin Scarsdale, where he also participated in football, baseball and track.[3]At 16 years of age he starred as Finch in a high school production ofHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Tryingand came to the realization that he wanted to be an actor professionally.[6]

In 1972, he enrolled atOccidental Collegein Los Angeles as a theater arts major, but left a year later and returned to New York after his father died.[2][3]He joined the Colonnades Theatre Lab, arepertory theatreinManhattan,working with actors such asDanny DeVito,Rhea Perlman,Jeff GoldblumandMichael O'Keefe.[2][5]Scolari was also working on a degree in comparative literature atCity College of New York.[2]During this time, Scolari appeared in multipleoff-Broadwayplays and met Finnish actor Paavo Tammim, who taught him to juggle.[7]He also studiedmimeand learned to ride aunicycle.[2][8]His performance in a 1974 production of "Reflections" received a rave review fromThe New York Times.[4]In 1979 he returned to Los Angeles.[7]

Career

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1978–1990:Bosom BuddiesandNewhart

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Credited under pseudonym Barney Tramble, Scolari's first film role was in the 1978X ratedfilmTake Off.[9]He played a teenager named Kookie and his performance did not involve nudity.[9]Scolari was signed to do an NBCpilotin 1979 titledThe Further Adventures Of Wally Brown,a show that did not get picked up.[2]He starred in the short-lived 1980 sitcomGoodtime Girlsas Benny, the juggling neighbor of the title characters.[2]His big break came when he was cast withTom Hanksin the 1980 sitcom,Bosom Buddies.[2]Scolari and Hanks play a couple ofadvertisingcopywriterswho disguise themselves as women in order to live in an affordable New York apartment — a women's-only residence called theSusan B. AnthonyHotel.[1]A different actor had initially been cast alongside Hanks, but things didn't work out.[6]Scolari happened to be playing a guest role on an adjacent sound stage and was auditioned for the role.[6]The show's pilot was shot a few days later.[6]Scolari played Henry Desmond, whose female pseudonym was Hildegard, and Hanks played Kip Wilson, who went by the name Buffy.[10]Bosom Buddiesstarted out with good ratings, but failed to hold the public's interest and was canceled after two seasons and 37 episodes. His next starring role was in the 1983 sitcomBaby Makes Five,which was cancelled after only five episodes.[2]

He starred in the 1984 comedy filmThe Rosebud Beach Hotel,about a couple — played by Scolari andColleen Camp— who turn their hotel into abrothel,by hiringsex workersto work asbellhops.[11]That same year Scolari joined the cast ofNewhartas Michael Harris, apreppily-dressed, wannabeyuppie,and local TV producer of the fictionaltalk show"Vermont Today".[6][12]Harris was a recurring character in the show's second season and the character was so popular with audiences that executive producerBarry Kempsigned Scolari to be a regular cast member in the show's following season, before it was even confirmed that there would be a third season.[13]His role earned Scolari threeEmmynominations for best supporting actor in a comedy and remained with the show until its conclusion in 1990.[6]During this time, Scolari also got to showcase hisvaudevilliantalents during three episodes of the annual television special,Circus of the Stars,including juggling with knives and fire, as well as juggling on atightrope.[7]Scolari once again worked with Hanks on his directorial debut,That Thing You Do!about a fictional 1960s rock band called the Wonders.[14]Scolari plays the role of Troy Chesterfield, the host of avariety showon which the Wonders appear.[14]

1991–2011: Established roles

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In 1993, Scolari starred in the seriesFamily Albumabout a couple who move with their children back to their hometown ofPhiladelphiato be closer to their aging parents.[15]ActressGina Hechtwas initially selected to play the wife of Scolari's character, but was replaced byPamela Reedjust two days before the show's pilot was shot.[15]Scolari told theLas Vegas Review-Journalin 1993 that he and Reed had "instant rapport", however the show lasted one season.[15][16]Two years later he starred in the seriesDweebs,which centers around the employees of a software firm.[17]Scolari plays Warren Mosbey, the company's eccentric, socially-inept, tech-genius owner.[17]The show was cancelled after one season.[18]In 1996, Scolari also starred as Littlechap in a version of the stage musicalStop the World – I Want to Get Off,produced for theA&E television network.[19]

Scolari appeared in suchoff-Broadwayproductions asOld Man Joseph and His Family,The Exonerated,In the Wings,It Must Be HimandWhite's Lies.[20]Scolari starred inHoney, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Showover the show's three seasons.[6]Scolari plays inventor Wayne Szalinski, the role originally played byRick Moranisin theHoney, I Shrunk the Kidsseries of films.[6]During the show's run, he also played astronautPete Conradin the 1998 miniseriesFrom the Earth to the Moon,co-produced by Hanks,Ron HowardandBrian Grazer.[21]Scolari appeared onBroadwayin the musicalHairspray,as Wilbur Turnblad.[22]Scolari and Hanks also provided voices in the 2004 animated filmThe Polar Express.[6]

2012–2021: Resurgence withGirls

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In 2012 he acted playing various roles includingPat Riley,Red Auerbach,Jerry Buss,Bob Woolfin the playMagic/Birdon Broadway. He later had a recurring role as Tad Horvath, the father ofLena Dunham's character on theHBOcoming-of-agecomedy-dramaGirlsfrom 2012 to 2017. He won thePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Seriesin 2016.[6]In 2013, he returned to Broadway in theNora Ephron's newspaper playLucky Guy,which reunited him with hisBosom Buddiesco-starTom Hanks.[6]He playedGotham City's corrupt police commissionerGillian B. LoebinFox's superhero crime dramaGothamfrom 2014 to 2019.[1]In 2014, he portrayedYogi Berrain theEric Simonsonsports playBronx Bomberson Broadway.[1]His wife, Tracy Shayne, played Berra's wife Carmen.[1] Scolari returned toBroadwayin the musicalWicked,as a replacement playing theWizard of Ozfrom 2016 to 2017.[23]He played the role of a show business manager in the 2019 biographicalFXminiseriesFosse/Verdon,and played Bishop Marx on the seriesEvil,from 2019 until his death.[1]

Personal life

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Marriages and family

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Scolari was married four times. His first marriage was to Brooklyn attorney Lisa Kretzchmar.[3]They divorced in 1983.[3]He married Debra Steagal, a costume designer he met while filmingThe Rosebud Beach Hotelin 1986, and they had two children.[1][3]He later wed actress Cathy Trien, with whom he also had two children.[1]In 2013 he married his longtime girlfriend, actress Tracy Shayne.[24]The couple remained together until Scolari's death.[6]

Illness and death

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Scolari's struggles with substance abuse andbipolar disorderwere featured on a 2014 episode ofOprah: Where Are They Now?.[1][25]Scolari died fromleukemiainManhattanon October 22, 2021, at age 66.[26][27]He had been diagnosed with the disease two years earlier.[28]

Acting credits

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1978 Take Off Kookie Segment: "1950s" (Credited as Barney Tramble)
1984 The Rosebud Beach Hotel Elliot Garner
1986 Mr. Bill's Real Life Adventures Mr. Bill Short film
1990 Corporate Affairs Simon Tanner
1993 Ticks Charles Danson Video
1994 Camp Nowhere Donald Himmel
1996 That Thing You Do! Troy Chesterfield
2002 Sorority Boys Louis
2004 The Polar Express Billy the Lonely Boy Motion captureonly
2005 Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D Pete Conrad Voice; Documentary
2006 Mentor Jonathan Parks
Cathedral Pines Father Mike McGary
2007 Suburban Girl Mickey Lamm
A Plumm Summer Agent Hardigan
2012 Letting Go Bill
2016 Dean Patrick
2018 All You Can Eat Dr. Zakreski
2020 Looks That Kill Paul Richardson Final film role

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1979 Wally Brown Douglas Burdett Unknown episode
Angie Kenny Episode: "The Thief"
1980 Goodtime Girls Benny Loman 13 episodes
1980–1982 Bosom Buddies Henry Desmond
Hildegarde 'Hilde' Desmond
37 episodes
1982 Circus of the Stars#7 Himself TV special
Remington Steele Albie Fervitz Episode: "Steele Waters Run Deep"
Missing Children: A Mother's Story Woody Television film
1983 Carpool Robert Duff
Happy Days Jake Episode: "May the Best Man Win"
Baby Makes Five Eddie Riddle 5 episodes
1984 Amazons Dr. Jerry Menzies Television film
Finder of Lost Loves Ted Caton Episode: "A Gift"
Steambath Paul Episode: "Tandy's Legacy"
1984–1990 Newhart Michael Harris 142 episodes
1986 Hotel Tom Episode: "Shadows of Doubt: Part 1"
Family Ties Paul Kenter Episode "Once in Love with Elyse"
You Are the Jury Stephen Best Episode: "The State of Ohio vs. James Wolsky"
The Love Boat Frank Hobbs
Wellington David Rothmeyer
3 episodes
Fresno Waiter Television film
1987 Fatal Confession: A Father Dowling Mystery Chris Robinson
The New Mike Hammer Andy Shales Episode: "Green Blizzard"
Harry Anderson's Sideshow performer
1988 The Twilight Zone Delos of Atlantis
Leonard Randall
Episode: "The Trance"
1989 CBS Summer Playhouse Morgan Episode: "Microchips"
Trying Time Howard LaMotta Episode: "Death and Taxes"
The Ryan White Story David Day Television film
1990 Encyclopedia Brown Bandini Episode: "The Case of the Incredible Culpepper"
World's Greatest Magicians... At the Magic Castle Unknown Television film
1991 Danger Team Police Officer Shields
Fire: Trapped on the 37th Floor Paul DeWitt
Perfect Harmony Derek Sanders
Perry Mason: The Case of the Glass Coffin David Katz
1992 The House on Sycamore Street Dr. Zachary 'Zach' Drummond
Nurses George Myrock Episode: "Our Fred"
1992–1995 Batman: The Animated Series John Hamner
Gunther Hardwicke / Shark
Voice, 2 episodes[29]
1993 Fallen Angels Clerk Episode: "I'll Be Waiting"
1993–1995 The Mommies Ken Ballantine 2 episodes
1993 Family Album Jonathan Lerner 6 episodes
1993–1994 Animaniacs Wilford Wolf, Driver Voice, 2 episodes[29]
1994 Burke's Law Johnny Lake Episode: "Who Killed the Host at the Roast?"
Empty Nest Dieter Dietz Episode: "Brotherly Shove"
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Stuart Hofferman Episode: "The Source"
1994, 2001 Touched by an Angel Charles Hibbard, Tim Albright 2 episodes
1994–1995 Dave's World Fred, Kenny's Boss 2 episodes
1995 A Whole New Ballgame Glenn 2 episodes
Dweebs Warren Mosbey 10 episodes
Can't Hurry Love Colin Episode: "Three Blind Dates"
1995–1996 Gargoyles Preston Vogel Voice, 5 episodes[29]
1996 The Home Court Kenyon Stanton Episode: "Syd & Sensibility"
The Drew Carey Show Councilman Kemp Episode: "What the Zoning Inspector Saw"
Stop the World, I Want to Get Off Littlechap Television film
Talk to Me Howard Grant
For Hope Date #2 (uncredited)
1997 Duckman Brad Voice, episode: "From Brad to Worse"
The Nanny Leslie Tilbert Episode: "The Bank Robbery"
George & Leo Dr. Michael Harris Episode: "The Cameo Episode"
1997–1998 Pinky and the Brain Weird Guy, Mr. Perfect Voice, 2 episodes[29]
1997–2000 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show Wayne Szalinski / Various 66 episodes
1998 From the Earth to the Moon Pete Conrad Episode: "Can We Do This?"
Hey Arnold! Doug Voice, episode: "Stinky Goes Hollywood/Olga Gets Engaged"[29]
2000 The Ultimate Christmas Present Edwin Hadley Television film
2001 Ally McBeal Hooley Episode: "Nine One One"
2002 Reba Parker Reynolds Episode: "The Story of a Divorce"
The King of Queens Ron Episode: "No Orleans"
ER Kyle Evans Episode: "Bygones"
The West Wing Antares C.E.O. Jake Kimball Episode: "Enemies Foreign and Domestic"
What I Like About You Dad Episode: "Pilot"
What's New, Scooby-Doo? Prof. Higginso Voice, episode: "Scooby-Doo Christmas"
2003 Sabrina, the Teenage Witch Ringmaster Episode: "Cirque du Sabrina"
2005 Listen Up Andrew McKillop 2 episodes
2006 Big Love Seminary Teacher Episode: "Affair"
American Dad! Himself / Limo Driver Voice, episode: "Roger n' Me"
2011 Batman: The Brave and the Bold Ray Palmer / Atom Voice, episode: "Sword of the Atom!"[29]
2012–2017 Girls Tad Horvath Recurring role; 21 episodes
2013 White Collar Zimmer the Keymaster Episode: "Brass Tacks"
2015 Gotham CommissionerGillian B. Loeb 5 episodes
Chopped Himself Episode: "Tournament of Stars: Actors"
2016 Madoff Peter Madoff 4 episodes
2017 Odd Mom Out Lawyer Episode: "Jury Doody"
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Dr. Dennis Barkley Episode: "Unintended Consequences"
2018 The Good Fight Greg Episode: "Day 436"
Murphy Brown Fred Noonan Episode: "The Wheels on the Dog Go Round and Round"
2019 Fosse/Verdon Mel 2 episodes
2019–2021 Evil Bishop Thomas Marx Recurring role, 9 episodes
2020 Blue Bloods Captain Higgins Episode: "Careful What You Wish For"
2021 Lisey's Story Dave Debusher 2 episodes

Theatre

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Year Title Role Venue Refs.
2003 Hairspray Wilbur Turnblad(replacement) Neil Simon Theatre,Broadway [30]
2004 Sly Fox Chief of Police Ethel Barrymore Theatre,Broadway [31]
2012 Magic/Bird Pat Riley/Red Auerbach/Jerry Buss/Bob Woolf Longacre Theatre,Broadway [32]
2013 Lucky Guy Michael Daly Broadhurst Theatre,Broadway [33]
2014 Bronx Bombers Yogi Berra Circle in the Square Theatre,Broadway [34]
2016–2017 Wicked The Wonderful Wizard of Oz(replacement) Gershwin Theatre,Broadway [35]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
1987 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Newhart Nominated [36]
1988 Nominated [37]
1989 Nominated [38]
2012 Critics' Choice Television Award Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series Girls Nominated [39]
2016 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Won [40]

References

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  1. ^abcdefghiSchudel, Matt (October 24, 2021)."Comic actor won an Emmy for role in 'Girls,' was Tom Hanks's TV buddy".The Washington Post.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023.
  2. ^abcdefghijkKnutzen, Eirik (June 20, 1987)."Love that jerk! Times are good for Peter Scolari: the pay is great and work steady playing a yuppie jerk on Newhart".Toronto Star.p. S76.ProQuest435580926.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  3. ^abcdefBrennan, Patricia (March 12, 1989)."Crescendo or climax?".The Washington Post.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023.
  4. ^abc"TV Spotlight: Peter Scolari".Casper Star-Tribune.April 28, 1985. p. 71.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– via Newspapers.
  5. ^abcOuzounian, Richard (September 20, 2008)."From tragedy, a comedian is born".The Toronto Star.RetrievedOctober 1,2018.
  6. ^abcdefghijklGenzlinger, Neil (October 22, 2021)."Peter Scolari, 'Newhart' and 'Girls' Actor, Is Dead at 66".The New York Times.RetrievedOctober 22,2021.
  7. ^abcTerry, Clifford (March 13, 1988)."Peter Scolari delves into shallow Michael".Chicago Tribune.p. 3.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  8. ^Burton Terry, Carol (August 10, 1986)."Off camera".Newsday.p. 62.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  9. ^ab"Newhart's 'Michael' once a porn star".The Rock Island Argus.April 24, 1988. p. G1.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– via Newspapers.
  10. ^Abramovitch, Seth (March 16, 2023)."On Bosom Buddies, Tom Hanks Became a Star in Drag".The Hollywood Reporter.Vol. 429. p. 60.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  11. ^Maltin, Leonard(September 2, 2014).Leonard Maltin's 2015 Movie Guide.Penguin Publishing Group.ISBN9780698183612.
  12. ^Baker, Kathryn (August 30, 1987)."Scolari has 'too much fun'".Sun Sentinel.p. 4.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  13. ^Bianculli, David; Walstad, David; Shister, Gail (April 27, 1984)."A regular spot for a buddy".The Philadelphia Inquirer.p. D5.ProQuest1819998511.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  14. ^ab"'That Thing' reunites buddies Hanks, Scolari ".Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.October 19, 1996. p. D8.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  15. ^abcBeck, Marilyn (July 13, 1993)."Peter Scolari happy to return to TV sitcom".Las Vegas Review-Journal.p. 3C.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  16. ^Gorman, Gary (November 13, 1993)."Bad Reception".Los Angeles Times.p. 1.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  17. ^abEndrst, James (August 18, 1995)."Of megabytes and 'dweebs'".The Hartford Courant.p. E1.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  18. ^Jicha, Tom (November 3, 1995)."'Dweebs,' 'Bonnie Hunt' rubbed out ".Sun Sentinel.p. 4E.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  19. ^Koehler, Robert (March 9, 1996)."TV Reviews; 'Stop the World' Raises Questions".Los Angeles Times.p. 22.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  20. ^"Peter Scolari".Internet Off-Broadway Database.Archived fromthe originalon October 8, 2012.RetrievedMay 27,2023.
  21. ^Lee, Luaine (January 19, 1999)."Scolari's fresh start Disney series puts actor back on his feet in new home, new life".Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.p. C7.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  22. ^Lowry, Mark (April 14, 2006)."'Hairspray' The True Hollywood (Squares) Story ".Fort Worth Star-Telegram.p. 144.RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– via Newspapers.
  23. ^Oliver, David (October 22, 2021)."Actor Peter Scolari, of 'Bosom Buddies,' 'Newhart' and 'Girls' fame, dies at 66".USA Today(Online).RetrievedSeptember 4,2023– viaProQuest.
  24. ^Eggenberger, Nicole (October 4, 2013)."Peter Scolari Marries Tracy Shayne, Tom Hanks Gives" Amazing "Toast".Us Weekly.RetrievedSeptember 9,2018.
  25. ^Exec Prod. Julie Simpson, Jill Van Lokern, and Jonathan Sinclair; Co-Exec. Prod. Heather Aldridge. CEO/Chief Creat. Off. Oprah Winfrey (January 10, 2014). "Ralph Macchio, Tia and Tamera Mowry, Kenny Loggins & Peter Scolari".Oprah: Where Are They Now?.Oprah Winfrey Network.
  26. ^Genzlinger, Neil (October 22, 2021)."Peter Scolari, 'Newhart' and 'Girls' Actor, Is Dead at 66".The New York Times.RetrievedOctober 22,2021.
  27. ^Schudel, Matt (October 22, 2021)."Peter Scolari, stage and TV actor who won an Emmy for 'Girls,' dies at 66".The Washington Post.RetrievedOctober 22,2021.
  28. ^Oliver, David (October 22, 2021)."Actor Peter Scolari, of 'Bosom Buddies,' 'Newhart' and 'Girls' fame, dies at 66".USA Today.RetrievedOctober 22,2021.
  29. ^abcdef"Peter Scolari (visual voices guide)".Behind The Voice Actors.RetrievedOctober 24,2023.A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  30. ^"Hairspray (Broadway, 2002)".Playbill.RetrievedMay 12,2023.
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  34. ^"Bronx Bombers (Broadway, 2014)".Playbill.RetrievedMay 12,2024.
  35. ^"Wicked (Broadway, 2003)".Playbill.RetrievedMay 12,2024.
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