There's a lot things to be thankful for in Utah theater

When you have a weekly column, this is one of those weeks for which us writers are thankful. We all have a built-in subject — Thanksgiving.

Trying to avoid the cliche, I sat thinking of another equally timely sentiment, and came up with nothing.

So why not? After all, I spend many weeks lamenting, so today, I'm giving thanks.

I'm thankful for:

• Shows! Shows, shows, shows! Good shows, bad shows, musical shows, non-musicals, I love them all.

• Public relations people at our local theaters who are organized, delightful and make promoting shows an enjoyable experience.

• Cubical mates who put up with me humming ... on a very regular basis.

• E-mail exchanges with readers who take the time to send thoughts and questions.

• E-mail updates that tell me when tickets to the Big Apple drop to $175 (like right now) ... give me a minute while I book this flight. ...

Here are some things happening this week in the theater world:

Adolescent goodbye: "13," the musical by Jason Robert Brown ("The Last 5 Years," "Parade"), has announced a closing date of Sunday, Jan. 4. The show, featuring the first all-teenage cast dancing and singing about "fitting in," earned the L.A. Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Production and Best Musical during its Los Angeles run.

Blithe Broadway: The upcoming revival of "Blithe Spirit," set to start previews Feb. 26, has a pretty impressive cast lined up. Angela Lansbury, Christine Ebersole (who won't be singing) and Rupert Everett ("My Best Friend's Wedding"). Could be the perfect spooky night out.

Rosie Randoms: Rosie O'Donnell is back (perhaps you'll join me for a collective groan). "Rosie Live," a holiday special that airs Nov. 26, has a few Broadway folks joining — Liza Minnelli, Jane Krakowski, Clay Aiken and Harry Connick Jr.

Marissa's Return: Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur will join former original cast mate Harvey Fierstein, in the musical "Hairspray" for the show's closing. She'll be back on Dec. 9, with the show scheduled to close Jan. 4 (Fierstein returned Nov. 11).

"I can't imagine being anywhere else for the final performance than on stage," Winokur said. That's all fine and good, and having seen her in the role, she's outstanding. But I do feel quite sorry for the gal playing Tracy now, Marisa Perry (funny they have the same name!). Wouldn't that be a let-down? I guess you can stop the beat.

Quick Reminder: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is on NBC at 9 a.m. Thursday. Here are appearances by Broadway folks: