Monster Mash: Breaking arts news and headlines

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• More delays for Dolly Parton’s stage musical ‘9 to 5’: the Broadway engagement that was scheduled to begin previews at the Marquis Theatre on March 24, 2009, opening April 23, has been pushed back. The show will now begin previews at the Marquis on April 7, with opening set for April 30. ‘9 to 5’ is playing at L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre through Sunday.

• Ten objects were pulled from a London antiquities auction after a last-minute request from the Italian government, which raised questions about the provenance of some vases and sculptures.

• Composer John Adams’ eagerly awaited debut at the Metropolitan Opera is drawing mixed reviews. The New York Times complimented ‘Doctor Atomic’ for its musicianship but faulted director Penny Woolcock’s use of cubicles in the set design. Taking a harsher stance, Variety described the production as ‘disappointing’ and criticized Woolcock’s ‘static staging.’

• Kenneth Branagh has relinquished directorial duties for an upcoming London production of ‘Hamlet,’ starring Jude Law. Michael Grandage will take over as director for the play, which is scheduled to open in May 2009.

• The Boston Symphony is offering half-price tickets and free drinks in an attempt to lure audiences during difficult economic times.

• There are more signs that the art market is feeling the effects of the financial downturn. Artprice, an auction database, says unsold works at auctions held since Sept. 1 this year rose while prices fell during the same period.

• Nonprofit arts organizations are also feeling the pinch. These institutions are usually the first to suffer during a recession, according to experts.

• A new rock opera based on the life of porn star Linda Lovelace is set to open this week in L.A. Charlotte Caffey of the Go-Go’s and Anna Waronker of the band that dog collaborated on the project.

— David Ng