Monster Mash: Backlash over Obama’s Broadway trip; Susan Boyle hospitalized; Lester Horton Dance Awards

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Costly night out: Republicans grumble about taxpayers footing the bill for Barack and Michelle Obama’s trip to Broadway.

In need of a break: Scottish singer Susan Boyle reportedly suffers an ‘emotional breakdown’ after losing ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ contest to dance group Diversity. Her brother says she’s ‘fine’ but perhaps ‘a wee bit homesick.’

Local troupes honors: Method Contemporary Dance Company wins outstanding achievement honors from Lester Horton Dance Awards.

A new type of toy story: Universal Pictures is in a deal with Mattel to create a live-action musical film based on a monster toy. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (‘Hairspray’) will do the music.

In court: Chicano artist Frank Romero sues Caltrans over a painted-over mural on the Hollywood Freeway.

Financial turnaround: After a decade of financial uncertainty, Mass MOCA appears on track to breaking even.

Kent Nagano’s new home: Design is unveiled for $259-million Montreal Symphony Orchestra concert hall.

Grand (re)opening: The Huntington unveils its newly expanded Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art, one of a number of museum galleries dedicated to American art. Christopher Knight reviews.

Raising awareness: New York painter Eric Fischl organizes ‘America Now + Here,’ a planned cross-country exhibition of art, theater, music and poetry.

Still available: An oil painting depicting a nude Madonna and ex-husband Guy Ritchie fails to sell at auction in Scotland.

Heading east: Goodman Theatre’s double bill of O’Neill’s ‘Hughie’ and Beckett’s ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ sets April 2010 Broadway opening.

As expected: Geoff Nuttall named artistic director of Spoleto Festival USA chamber music series.

New leadership: Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Ortiz and John Gould Rubin step down as artistic directors of LAByrinth Theater Company.

Something’s fishy here: Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium offers a course in sushi making.