Tag: Broadway

Posted on

2020 Tony Awards To Air 9/26 On CBS & Paramount+

The 2019-2020 Tony Awards will take place on September 26, 2021

The 2019-2020 Tony Awards will take place on September 26, 2021 The 2019-2020 Tony Awards – titled THE TONY AWARDS® PRESENT: BROADWAY’S BACK! – will take place on Sunday, September 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) with two separate events. As theater fans know, the annual awards ceremony was originally scheduled for June 7, 2020. But the coronavirus pandemic not only ended the 2019-2020 Broadway season on March 12, 2020, but also postponed the Tonys as well. The long-awaited celebration will begin with the presentation of the American Theatre Wing’s 74th Annual Tony Awards® at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT live exclusively on Paramount+. The streaming presentation will honor the outstanding shows, performances and artistry of the 2019-2020 Broadway season, which was brought to a halt by the COVID-19 pandemic. Immediately following, THE TONY AWARDS PRESENT: BROADWAY’S BACK! will air on the CBS Network, bringing the excitement of Broadway to viewers through a live concert event, featuring superstar Broadway entertainers and Tony Award winners re-uniting on stage to perform beloved classics and celebrate the joy and magic of live theatre. The re-opening of Broadway will be further celebrated with special performances from the three Tony nominated Best Musical contenders, followed by the live presentation of three Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Revival of a Play and Best Musical. Other winners will be celebrated throughout the broadcast. Performances on the Great White Way are set to resume September 2 with the return of Hadestown. September 14 will see the reopening of Broadway blockbusters Wicked, Hamilton and The Lion King, to be followed by more in the following weeks.

Posted on

Watch: Gorgeous Gala Celebration ‘MisCast21’

Logo image for MisCast21

Logo image for MisCast21 Michael and I loved this year’s installment of MisCast, the annual fundraiser for MCC Theater (Manhattan Class Company). The annual gala celebration features artists performing songs from roles in which they wouldn’t traditionally be cast. Performances in MisCast21 in order of appearance:

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY performing THOSE MAGIC CHANGES from GREASE MELISSA BARRERA and LESLIE GRACE performing WHAT YOU OWN from RENT CHEYENNE JACKSON performing IF I WERE A BELL from GUYS AND DOLLS JAI’LEN JOSEY performing OUT THERE from THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME ROBIN DE JESÚS performing NOTHING from A CHORUS LINE PATRICK WILSON performing THINK OF ME from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LACHANZE performing WAIT FOR IT from HAMILTON ANNALEIGH ASHFORD performing MISTER MISTOFFELEES from CATS KELLY MARIE TRAN performing YOU AND ME (BUT MOSTLY ME) from THE BOOK OF MORMON BILLY PORTER performing DIVA’S LAMENT from SPAMALOT AARON TVEIT and GAVIN CREEL performing IN HIS EYES from JEKYLL AND HYDE KELLI O’HARA performing BEAUTIFUL CITY from GODSPELL IDINA MENZEL performing MORNING GLOW from PIPPIN

Broadway stars Billy Porter, Kelli O'Hara and Robin DeJesus
Broadway stars Billy Porter, Kelli O’Hara and Robin DeJesus
Funds raised from Miscast21 help MCC Theater produce new work Off-Broadway and support its Youth Company and in-school partnerships that serve New York City public high school students as well as MCC’s literary development work with emerging playwrights. Hit the play button and enjoy. One thing I’ll say about the pandemic – it’s really helped artists to get really skilled at sharing their gifts in these virtual galas.

Posted on

You Will Be Found: Ben Platt’s Star Turn In ‘Dear Evan Hansen’

From the film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Dear Evan Hansen'

From the film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Dear Evan Hansen' Ben Platt is playing the role that made him uber-famous one more time, fortunately for us. Universal Pictures drops the official trailer for the film adaptation for Dear Evan Hansen, the moving stage musical that promises ‘you will be found.’ From Vanity Fair:

The story centers on a kid whose therapist has given him the assignment of writing letters to himself, addressing his fears, hopes, and insecurities.

A classmate named Connor Murphy (Colton Ryan, who understudied the role on Broadway) steals one of the letters and later takes his own life. That boy’s parents (played in the film by Amy Adams and Danny Pino) mistake the letter Evan wrote for their son’s final words, addressed to a kid they assume was his close friend. Evan lets them believe this because he thinks it brings them comfort—but the confusion and lies soon pile up, leading to greater heartbreak.

The Broadway production scored 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical and a Best Actor in a Musical statue for Platt. Folks on social media are making light of 27-year-old Platt playing a high school student, but come on folks – suspend your disbelief a bit and just enjoy. The movie hits theaters September 24.

Posted on

Broadway & TV Star Jeremy Jordan’s New Concert ‘Carry On’

Broadway & TV star Jeremy Jordan

Broadway & TV star Jeremy Jordan
Broadway & TV star Jeremy Jordan
Broadway’s Jeremy Jordan, known for his powerful voice and provocative storytelling, returns to the stage with his new concert, Carry On. Equal parts humor and heartache, Carry On journeys into Jeremy’s new life as a father. Unpacking and attempting to reconcile his own complicated childhood, Jeremy soon discovers there is more to being a parent than he could have ever imagined. Featuring an array of musical styles (musical direction by Benjamin Rauhala), as well as some never-before-heard songs, Carry On has been thoughtfully reimagined for the virtual stage after winning multiple awards for its premiere at Feinstein’s/54 Below just over a year ago. Jeremy Jordan is best known for his Tony and Grammy-nominated portrayal of Jack Kelly in Newsies on Broadway, as well as his many roles on television including series regulars on CW’s “Supergirl”, NBC’s “Smash” and Disney Channel’s “Tangled.” Recently, he starred on Broadway opposite Kerry Washington in the provocative new play, American Son, and then reprised his role in the Netflix film adaptation. Additional Broadway credits include starring as Clyde in Bonnie & Clyde (Theatre World Award), Tony in West Side Story, and lead roles in Waitress and Rock of Ages. Following the initial premiere date, the concert will be made available on demand for three weeks and accessible to fans across the world. Click here for ticket info.

(via press release)

Posted on

NY Gov: Broadway Will Reopen At Full Capacity In September

Broadway's HAMILTON at the Richard Rodgers Theater

Broadway's HAMILTON at the Richard Rodgers Theater
(photo: Sudan Ouyang)
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced at a press conference this morning that Broadway shows will be able to reopen September 14. Beginning tomorrow, May 6, producers will be able to put tickets on sale – wait for it – at 100% capacity. More from the New York Times:

Why the four-month wait? With as many as eight shows a week to fill, and the tourists who make up an important part of their customer base yet to return, producers need time to advertise and market. They need to reassemble and rehearse casts who have been out of work for more than a year. And they need to sort out and negotiate safety protocols.

But the biggest reason is more gut-based: individually and collectively, they are trying to imagine when large numbers of people are likely to feel comfortable traveling to Times Square, funneling through cramped lobbies and walking down narrow aisles to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers.

The Times mentions that long-running mega-hits Wicked, The Lion King, and Hamilton are already planning their announcements to reopen next week. Aladdin, Chicago, Come From Away and American Utopia are also looking strong to reopen in September.

Posted on

NY Gov Says Broadway Can ‘Effectively’ Re-Open May 19, But…

A photo of Broadway marquees in Times Square
(photo: Ludovic Bertron/Flickr)
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given the green light for Broadway shows to reopen as of May 19, although getting productions up and running on the Great White Way is actually going to take a bit longer. From The Hollywood Reporter:

Though Broadway can effectively reopen on that date “from a capacity point of view,” Cuomo said, the governor noted that it will take time to remount productions and sell tickets.

“They may make their own economic decision as to when they reopen,” Cuomo said during a Monday press briefing. “We’re talking about Broadway.”

For their part, Broadway leaders — including The Broadway League — had previously said a September reopening is more likely. This came after Mayor Bill de Blasio said he expects New York City to reopen in July.

And, following Cuomo’s Monday remarks, the League remains committed to reopening at full capacity in the fall.

Included in Cuomo’s announcement was an emphasis on social distancing measures which would have to remain in effect per the CDC unless theatergoers provide proof of vaccination or recent negative test results. Read the full article here.

Posted on

Podcast: Chatting With Mike Abrams On ‘The Wrong Cat Died’

Hit play to hear my interview with the fun podcast "The Wrong Cat Died"

Hit play to hear my interview with the fun podcast "The Wrong Cat Died" Grizabella was the wrong cat to die. After seeing CATS the Musical for the first time in July of 2016, podcast host Mike Abrams was filled with a whirlwind of emotions. He was amused, confused, and a little angry. Almost exactly three years later when the 2019 CATS movie trailer came out, Mike had enough. It was time to speak his truth – Grizabella was the wrong Cat to Die at the Jellicle Ball. In this podcast series, Mike interviews CATS cast members, CATS superfans, CATS haters, and explores the backstories of the Jellicle characters all to make a case for why they were more worthy to ascend to the Heavyside Layer than Grizabella. I’ve written in the past that in 1986 my life was changed when I was cast as the ‘Magical Mr. Mistoffelees’ in a brand new National Touring company of CATS. To give some perspective, CATS was, in terms of popularity, the Hamilton of its day. All over America, everywhere we went, we were sold out months before we arrived.

Me back in 1986 as ‘the Magical Mr. Mistoffelees’
Fast forward to Fall 2020, my cast reunited in a virtual event performing material from the show to raise money for The Actors Fund. At the time, as “the journalist” of the group, folks asked if I would try and help with the publicity aspect. At the time, I came across Mike’s very entertaining podcast where, initially, he opined on which cat actually should have/deserved to go to the Heaviside Layer at the end of the show. I booked three of my cast mates to go on the podcast and share, not only about our event, but their time ‘back in the day.’  Mike had interviewed cats from the Broadway revival, but no one from the original days in the 1980s. Listening to his character by character in the beginning episodes, I was charmed to find that my character was – in his opinion – the cat that really deserved that next “Jellicle” life. Some weeks ago, he invited me to come on the show and chat. I believe I’m the first ‘Mistoffelees’ to be interviewed on the show, which is quite the honor. This was much fun to revisit the Hit the play button below or listen wherever you get your podcasts – Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Posted on

Scott Rudin Addresses Reports Of ‘Troubling Interactions’ With Colleagues

Producer Scott Rudin

Producer Scott Rudin
Producer Scott Rudin (screen capture via 60 Minutes)
After reports of excessive bullying, Broadway producer Scott Rudin has issued a statement to the Washington Post apologizing for his “history of troubling interactions with colleagues.” He adds that he will step away from “active participation” in his current and upcoming Broadway productions.

“Much has been written about my history of troubling interactions with colleagues, and I am profoundly sorry for the pain my behavior caused to individuals, directly and indirectly,” he wrote in a three-paragraph statement emailed to The Post.

“After a period of reflection, I’ve made the decision to step back from active participation on our Broadway productions, effective immediately. My roles will be filled by others from the Broadway community and in a number of cases, from the roster of participants already in place on those shows.”

“My passionate hope and expectation is that Broadway will reopen successfully very soon, and that the many talented artists associated with it will once again begin to thrive and share their artistry with the world. I do not want any controversy associated with me to interrupt Broadway’s well deserved return, or specifically, the return of the 1500 people working on these shows.”

In addition to blockbuster productions like the Bette Midler revival of Hello, Dolly!, Rudin had three productions running on Broadway (West Side Story, The Book of Mormon, To Kill a Mockingbird), as well as the upcoming The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman. Read the full article here.

Posted on

People In Theater Seats Saw Live Performances On A Broadway Stage Today

“NY PopsUp is an expansive festival consisting of hundreds of pop-up performances that will regularly permeate the daily lives of New Yorkers,” reads the official website. “It is intended to revitalize the spirit and emotional well-being of New York citizens through the energy of live performance.” Today, lights lit up a Broadway stage for the first time in over a year as Tony Award winners Nathan Lane and Savion Glover took to the stage of the St. James Theater to a small but thrilled live audience. #Progress The brief matinee was directed by Broadway veteran Jerry Zaks. In a 20-minute tap-dance stream of consciousness, Glover reflected on his life in the theater dropping bits of “Memory,” “One,” and “Fabulous Feet.” Lane performed a new monologue by playwright Paul Rudnick, which told the story of a theater-obsessed man cooped up in his studio apartment during quarantine, his particularly hilarious encounter with Hugh Jackman and others. The video below shows the audience arriving and making its way through safety precautions plus excerpts from each of the two stars’ performances.

The festival continues through Labor Day, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Tribeca Film Festival and the Festival at the new Little Island at Pier 55. Performances are not announced in advance, thus the reference to “PopsUp.” You can follow the program on Instagram here.

Posted on

IG Live: Rachelle Rak & Her New Musical ‘Electric Island’

Cover image for the new musical "Electric Island"

Cover image for the new musical "Electric Island" Broadway and TV veteran (and my longtime friend) Rachelle Rak chats with me about her new musical, “Electric Island.” p.s. my first-ever Instagram Live chat…! The musical follows and celebrates the real stories of women working on Broadway: those working hard to go from show to show and aren’t the recognized stars above the marquee.

Shining light on women of all ages, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, “Electric Island” illuminates how these performers have navigated the highs and lows of a life in the theater–on stage and off. The streaming event (below) features selections from the show and will be available for a few days after. Plus, the live stream will benefit the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, a program of The Actor’s Fund.

A quick run-down of Rachelle’s lengthy resume includes her many Broadway Credits: Fosse, Catch Me If You Can, The Look of Love, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Thou Shalt Not, Oklahoma!, and CATS. TV audiences know her from Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms on Lifetime TV. During the pandemic, Sas (as she’s known among friends) launched her own dance conventions, Ignite Dance Live – which have now gone virtual. AND, she offers her own master classes – SasStorm.com – where studios around the country can book her one on one for their students. Every class she offers is a form of weather – because, as I say, she’s a force of nature. You can check out my in-depth chat with the indomitable Rachelle Rak from last fall on The Randy Report podcast here.