URBAN COWBOY

COWBOY GOES TO NEW YORK

Saddle up the mechanical bull. Previews begin February 27 for the Broadway run of Urban Cowboy, The Musical.

"It sounds like a joke," reports the reliable on-line critic site Culturevulture.net. "What next-Planet of the Apes, the Musical? Don't laugh too hard. This is a great show, and the material translates to the stage remarkably well."

The casting of brunette-and-buff Matt Cavenaugh as Bud certainly won't hurt. In fact, some theatrical sources already tout him as Broadway's next big thing.

According to the January 23 Newsday, Cavenaugh recently traveled to Houston to visit places that inspired the 1980 John Travolta-Debra Winger film. "I probably drank more beer in Houston than I have in a long time," he reported.

Cavenaugh should also get pointers from cast mate Sally Mayes, who locals will remember from her days here with the cabaret trio Montgomery, Mayes and Stritch. The Livingston, Texas, native received a Tony nomination for She Loves Me. Her solo recordings include the 2000 Boys and Girls Like You and Me (Bayview).

Cowboy director Lonny Price won the Emmy for directing the spectacular 2001 George Hearn/Patti LuPone Sweeney Todd with the San Francisco Symphony.

Set to open March 27, the show includes classics from the film, tunes from Shania Twain, Clint Black, and the Dixie Chicks, and original songs.

And, yes, in what is sure to be a moment for the Tonys telecast, Cavenaugh does straddle the bucking bull and ride.