BroadwayWorld.com Oklahoma Stories

Cimarron Opera Will Perform PATIENCE at Nancy O'Brian Center

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:59:27 PST

Cimarron Opera will present Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience, presented June 26-28 at the Nancy O'Brian Center for the Performing Arts in Norman.

A favorite among Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts, Patience is a comic operetta that affectionately pokes fun at celebrity culture, artistic trends, and the pursuit of fashionable ideals. Though first performed in 1881, its themes remain surprisingly relevant in a world shaped by influencers, curated identities, and the desire to stand out from the crowd.

The story centers on Patience, a sincere young milkmaid who finds herself caught between two very different poets. Reginald Bunthorne, a flamboyant and self-promoting aesthetic poet, has captivated the hearts of the village maidens with his carefully crafted image. His rival, Archibald Grosvenor, is everything Bunthorne claims to be: handsome, talented, and genuinely admired. As the villagers navigate questions of love, popularity, and authenticity, Gilbert and Sullivan's trademark humor and memorable music drive the story to its delightfully absurd conclusion.

Patience is one of the most beloved collaborations of librettist W. S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, the creative team behind such classics as The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, and The Mikado. Their works helped define the operetta genre and continue to influence musical theater more than a century later.

Cimarron Opera's production features a cast of performers from across Oklahoma, including several artists making their Cimarron Opera debuts.

The cast is led by Christen May Meyer as Patience, Taylor Reich as Reginald Bunthorne, Kacey Dillon Yeargain as Archibald Grosvenor, Alix Golden as Lady Angela, Sarah Spurlin as Lady Saphir, Annie Elliot as Lady Ella, Karena Van Horn as Lady Jane, Pat Meirick as Colonel Calverley, Braden Henson as Major Murgatroyd, and Jarrett Cox as Lieutenant the Duke of Dunstable. This production marks the Cimarron Opera debut of Christen May Meyer, Taylor Reich, Kacey Yeargain, Alix Golden, and Karena Van Horn.

The production is directed by Nicholas Bartell, with musical direction by Kevin W. Smith, choreography by Kassie Carroll Downey, and is conducted by Mason Smith, who also makes his Cimarron Opera debut. The creative team includes Gora Naik (Set Designer), Natasha Naik (Props Designer), Nat Vorel (Costumer), Fabian Garcia (Lighting Designer), Blair Edwards (Lightboard Operator and Programmer), Katy Beaudreau (Costume Apprentice, debut), and Paeton Walker (Stage Manager, debut).

"Patience has been an incredible process," said Stage Director Nick Bartell. "Everyone has brought not only their amazing talents, but also an unabashed dedication to the idea of play, allowing us to explore so many comedic ideas that we can't wait to share with you. From staging to choreography, we hope our emphasis on movement and exploration of the space sheds joyful light on this timeless show."

Each summer, Cimarron Opera presents a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta through both its Summer Opera Theater Camp and its adult summer operetta program. This year, the operetta featured is Patience. Together, the productions engage performers ranging from young students to established adult artists, reflecting the organization's commitment to arts education, community engagement, and lifelong participation in the performing arts.

Performances will be held Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the Nancy O'Brian Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1801 Stubbeman Ave in Norman, Oklahoma.

Video: The Teen Critics' Great Expectations are Met at THE OUTSIDERS

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:21:28 PST

Curious what your teenager might think about some of Broadway's most beloved shows before you buy the tickets? BroadwayWorld's Teen Critics are here to help!

We are continuing the series with Ava (13), Ellie (12), and Zander (13), who recently headed to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater to check out The Outsiders on Broadway. Curious about what they thought of the show? Find out in this video!

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade and their Greaser family of “outsiders” battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. This thrilling new Broadway musical navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them. With a dynamic original score, The Outsiders is a story of friendship, family, belonging... and the realization that there is still “lots of good in the world.”

Click Here to Play!

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this May 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles to The Phantom of the Opera at Seattle's Paramount Theatre and Pippin at Signature Theatre in DC.

Diane Paulus directs an immersive, David Bowie-inspired Life on Mars at American Repertory Theater, the producers of Japan's Gypsy revival walk back a planned title change, and we go behind the scenes with interviews spanning Adam Fields of the Beetlejuice national tour, The Muny's casting director Michael Baxter, Richard Kind on finally taking on Edna in Hairspray, and BWW's Kid Reporters chatting with the touring Von Trapp kids of The Sound of Music. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre, Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre, Pippin at Signature Theatre, and the Manila cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Joshua Wright | Boston

Diane Paulus will direct Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production set to David Bowie's music, as the inaugural production at the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance in May.

GYPSY in Japan: Producers Walk Back Title Change Ahead of 2026 Revival

Joshua Wright | Japan

The Japanese revival of GYPSY will retain its original title when it returns to the stage in 2026, reversing an earlier decision to present the production under the name 'Rose.'

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: BWW’s 'Kid Reporters' Chat With THE SOUND OF MUSIC’s Touring Von Trapp Kids

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles' kid reporters talk with the young touring cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC to find out what it's like to be part of one of Broadway’s most iconic shows and what actually happens behind the curtain.

Interview: Chatting with The Muny's Casting Director Michael Baxter

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

Michael Baxter’s work will shine on The Muny stage during all 50 performances this summer. He led the efforts and had a hand in hiring every one of the 194 actors who will fill the principal and ensemble roles.

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

When The Muny opens their production of Hairspray on June 15, 2026, the legendary Richard Kind will don Edna Turnblad’s housecoat and step into her fuzzy house slippers. Kind, star of stage, screen and film, calls it bucket list moments to get to perform at The Muny and play Edna all at the same time.

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Brava to Alexandra Silber for capturing all the heart and humor of Lerner’s original book with her thoughtful new adaptation and brava to Katie Spelman for dreaming up a Brigadoon that is as ebullient and spirited as it is deeply human.

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

It’s almost unbelievable for me to admit that this was my first time seeing The Phantom of the Opera. Of course, I knew the iconic songs and had seen countless clips over the years, but experiencing the production live on stage for the first time was entirely different, haunting, and spine-chilling in the best way possible. From the chandelier drop to the monumental set pieces, the show truly lives up to its legendary reputation. The 2026 tour, directed by Harold Prince, serves as a revitalized version of the original production, featuring Maria Björnson’s iconic designs, musical staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. It is absolutely ravishing, and Seattle audiences are lining up hours early to witness the spectacle for themselves.

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Videos

Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'

Michael Major | Los Angeles

La Mirada Theatre has released new video footage of Lena Ceja rehearsing 'Journey to the Past' from their upcoming production of Anastasia. The production features Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role first played on Broadway by his brother Derek Klena.

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company is now presenting DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the final production of its 2025/26 season, with performances continuing through July 5. New production photos and video have been released from the Philadelphia production, including footage of Evan A. Kaushesh performing “Waving Through a Window.”

Video: Watch 'Corner of the Sky' From Signature Theatre's PIPPIN

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Watch a video of Brayden Bambino performing 'Corner of the Sky' in Signature Theatre's production of Pippin. The in-the-round production is now running through July 26 with tickets available now.

Photos

Photos: Get a First Look at JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Manila

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

The 2017 Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' has officially opened at The Theatre at Solaire.

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

Ever watched the weekly Broadway grosses roll in and thought you could pick the winners? Now you can put it to the test. BroadwayWorld has launched the Producer Fantasy Game, a free, season-long competition that lets theatre fans build a roster of Broadway shows and earn points based on how those productions actually perform at the box office. The draft window is open now.

How It Works

The setup is simple. During the draft window, you pick any six Broadway productions that opened this season. Drafting is non-exclusive, so there is no need to race a rival for a hot title. Any number of players can roster the same show.

From there, your shows go to work for you. Every week, each production on your roster earns fantasy points based on its reported box office grosses and capacity percentages. When Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations and wins are announced, your shows bank bonus points on top of that. And each week you can answer our Fantasy Forecast prediction questions for up to five bonus points per correct call.

Weekly Scoring

Each week, a show earns one base point for every $50,000 it grosses, so a $1 million week is worth 20 base points. On top of that, shows can earn bonuses: up to five points for filling seats (based on how close to full capacity the house ran), six points for grossing $2 million or more (or three points for grossing between $1 million and $2 million), and eight points if its gross jumped at least 15 percent from the week before. A show loses four points if its gross dropped at least 15 percent. If a show goes dark and reports no gross for a week, it scores zero for that week with no penalty.

The Fantasy Forecast

The Producer Fantasy Game is really two games in one. The first is the box office game: drafting shows and earning points from their weekly grosses and awards. The second is the Fantasy Forecast, a weekly set of prediction questions about what's happening on Broadway, where each correct answer is worth up to five points. You can play one or both.

We track them separately so you can shine at either. Your Producer score covers the box office game, your Forecast score covers your prediction results, and your Combined score adds the two together for the overall championship ranking. The leaderboard lets you toggle between Overall, Producers, and Forecasters, so a sharp predictor can top the Forecasters board even during a rough season for their roster, and a roster powerhouse can lead the Producers board without answering a single question.

Managing Your Roster

Your lineup stays at six shows all season, and you have plenty of room to maneuver. You get one free drop every week, three additional season drops to use anytime before the trade deadline, and free replacements whenever a show on your roster closes. New productions open throughout the season and become available the moment they start reporting grosses, so it pays to keep a transaction in your pocket for that buzzy new opening.

Join the Game

The Producer Fantasy Game is free for all BroadwayWorld users, and you can join any time the draft window is open. Draft within the first two weeks of the season and your roster is scored from opening week, so the earlier you get in, the more weeks you bank. Build your roster, make your predictions, and start climbing the leaderboard today.

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

“A Drag Queen Christmas” will return for its 12th year, launching a 39-city national tour this November - December. The 2026 edition is hosted by returning fan favorite and theatre star Nina West, and features an all-new merry lineup of drag superstars from the Emmy-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise.

Artist pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. (local time) with the code “TWELVE,” and general on sale begins Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. (local time) at dragfans.com.

This year's cast includes:

Myki Meeks, Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Nini Coco, Runner-up, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Darlene Mitchell, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Juicy Love Dion, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Discord Addams, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Crystal Methyd, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026) & Drag Race Season 12 (2020)
Silky Ganache, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026), Drag Race All Stars Season 6 (2021), Drag Race Season 11 (2019)

“A Drag Queen Christmas” is the world's premiere holiday drag showcase and a sensational theatrical experience that delivers high camp, over-the-top lip-sync performances, side-splitting comedy, elaborate costumes, Broadway-style staging, and a whole lot of heart—something we all seek during the chaos of the holiday season. With plenty of spectacular surprises in store, the show offers audiences a chance to see drag queens at the top of their game perform showstopping numbers of epic holiday proportions on revered theater stages across America. Each year, “A Drag Queen Christmas” provides an annual tradition for folks from all walks of life to come together and connect, find community, and celebrate the season with joy and laughter.

This dazzling, 18+ holiday extravaganza runs two hours and offers fans the chance to add-on a VIP Meet & Greet Experience—including early access to the venue, photos with the queens on stage, autographs, and exclusive tour merchandise.

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

November 17 - Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Center for the Arts)

November 18 - Morristown, NJ (Mayo Performing Arts Center)

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

November 20 - Durham, NC (Durham Performing Arts Center)

November 21 - Wilmington, NC (Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College)

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

November 28 - Appleton, WI (Fox Cities Performing Arts Center)

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

December 1 - Des Moines, IA (Hoyt Sherman Place)

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

December 5 - Salt Lake City, UT (Kingsbury Hall)

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

December 10 - San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Theatre)

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

December 13 - Santa Rosa, CA (Luther Burbank Center)

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

December 19 - Austin, TX (ACL Live at The Moody Theater)

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

December 22 - St.Louis, MO (The Factory)

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

December 26 - Tampa Bay, FL (Straz Center for the Performing Arts)

December 27 - Fort Myers, FL (Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)

December 28 - West Palm Beach, FL (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts)

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

Review: THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Opening Night) at Civic Center Little Theatre

Sat, 30 May 2026 16:07:10 PST

Southern Plains Productions wraps up the 25-26 season with Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years. It takes some true storytellers to bring this show to life, and my friends.....this production right here does exactly that! Featuring Broadway alum and Oklahoma's own Erin Elizabeth Clemons as Cathy and Tristan McIntyre as Jamie, this story takes us on a journey starting in the end of the marriage (Cathy) and the beginning of the relationship (Jaime) in the same moment. Cathy and Jamie only connect in the same wavelength of time when they were most in love and there for each other. Both Erin and Tristan captivated the audience living in each of those time fragments through song. Hearing these beautiful voices up close in an intimate stage setting, really invites us in to what emotions Cathy and Jamie were really feeling about life passing by, feelings about each other, and if happiness or success can really be attained for yourself if living in the shadow of a partner.

This beautiful production under the direction of Cameron King, The Last Five Years is a must see! It will make you laugh, cry, and most of all think about how we spend our time with the people around us. From the backing visuals of Erin and Tristan as Cathy and Jamie happily married to the phenomenal storytelling on stage, the power they both bring is absolute magic! You can really see and feel the love put in this production. Congratulations and Happy Opening!

Southern Plains Productions The Last Five Years runs from May 29 - June 6, 2026! Trust me, you don't want to miss it!

Special shout out to the band and behind the scenes team:

Band

Conductor/Piano: Eric Grigg

Guitar: Jeff Kirbas

Bass: Nelson Gonzalez

Violin: Katie Barrick

Cello 1: Rob Bradshaw

Cello 2: Victoria Day

Costume Design: Yuanting Zhao

Lighting Design: Carson Decker

Sound Design: Dee Eti-Williams

Casting: Bombshell Casting Co. and Cassandra Magurie, CSA

Scenic Design: Ningnig Yang

Projection Design: Abby Yu Bi

Technical Direction: Rachel Hauser

Stage Management: Sara Ramirez Correal

Music Direction: Eric Grigg

Choreography: Hui Cha Poos

BEST IN TEN Festival to Return at Carpenter Square Theatre with Original Plays

Thu, 28 May 2026 18:27:56 PST

Carpenter Square Theatre will present "Best In Ten" an annual fundraiser that features original ten-minute plays by local writers and a silent auction. Catered by Bo Taylor, the event will take place on Saturday, June 20th at 6:10 PM at 1009 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.

Best in Ten Festival started in 2004 to showcase Oklahoma playwrights with their short ten-minute plays presented in staged readings, as well as individuals who have made significant contributions. Selected from a statewide competition, the playwrights include:

"Dead to Rights" by Michelle Swink Gibbons

"The Night Asimov Daniels Spoke in Tongues" by C.W. Bardsher

"My Last Hitchhiker" by Rick Allen Lippert

"Real Magic in the Magic Kingdom?" by Daniel J. Gamino

Honorable Mention: "Peace Pilgrim Goes to Jail" by Angela Curtis

This year, the individuals honored are Bruce and Jo Ewing as Patrons of the Year, and Phil Carlton and Don Lusk as Volunteers of the Year. A silent auction will feature art, gift baskets, dining packages, and more.

Tickets for Best In Ten are $60 per person and are available online at carpentersquare.com. Proceeds from the event will directly support Carpenter Square Theatre's ongoing efforts to bring high-quality, thought-provoking theatre to Oklahoma City audiences.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit carpentersquare.com or contact the Box Office at 405-232-6500.

SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:59:39 PST

As Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates 35 years as one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, Senbla and SEGA today announced Sonic Live In Concert (www.sonicliveinconcert.com). This new concert experience brings the music and moments of the beloved video games to the stage.

Featuring iconic moments and music from the very first game in 1991 through today, the production will debut in the U.S. at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on September 26, 2026, before making its European premiere at London's Eventim Apollo on September 30. The U.S. tour will visit more than 30 cities nationwide, and a UK tour will follow in February 2027. More European dates will be announced at a later time. Tickets will go on sale May 29, 2026, with pre-sale tickets going on sale on May 28, 2026.

As part of a global rollout celebrating the franchise's milestone anniversary, Sonic Live In Concert features the most recognizable music from the Sonic universe, performed by a live ensemble alongside rock musicians, vocalists, and electronic elements. The setlist includes fan-favorite tracks and an incredible array of music from the very first game through to today accompanied by synchronized HD footage of iconic levels, moments and boss battles from the franchise. Audiences can expect musical Easter eggs woven into the arrangements, adding an extra layer of discovery that brings Sonic's world vividly to life on stage.

The concert also highlights the creative legacy behind Sonic's music from legendary composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has helped define Sonic's sound across generations.

"Sonic has some of the most distinct and celebrated music in gaming," says Ollie Rosenblatt, CEO of Senbla. "We wanted to create a live show that stays true to what the fans love about Sonic's music, from the electronic and melodic themes to high-energy rock."

“Music has always been a core part of Sonic's identity, shaping how fans experience this world across generations," said Ivo Gerscovich, Chief Business & Brand Officer at SEGA of America, Inc. "With this concert, we're looking forward to celebrating that legacy in a live setting; bringing together the energy, emotion, and creativity of Sonic's music in a way that both longtime fans and new audiences can enjoy together.”

Since his debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has become a global entertainment icon spanning video games, film, television, and consumer products. With renewed momentum driven by recent film releases, new game titles, and a global brand campaign tied to the 35th anniversary, the franchise continues to reach new generations of fans worldwide.

The performance schedule includes:

September 20, 2026 – Spokane, Washington – First Interstate Center for the Arts
September 22, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre (preview)
September 23, 2026 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium (preview)
September 25, 2026 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre (preview)
September 26, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
September 27, 2026 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center
September 29, 2026 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center - Ikeda Theater
September 30, 2026 – London, U.K. – London Eventim Apollo
October 1, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
October 2, 2026 – Fresno, CA – Saroyan Theatre
October 3, 2026 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
October 4, 2026 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
October 6, 2026 – Denver, CO – Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
October 8, 2026 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 9, 2026 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
October 10, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
October 11, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
October 13, 2026 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre
October 15, 2026 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
October 16, 2026 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
October 17, 2026 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
October 18, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
October 19, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 20, 2026 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
October 22, 2026 – Brandon, MS – City Hall Live
October 23, 2026 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
October 24, 2026 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
October 25, 2026 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts
October 27, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
October 28, 2026 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
October 29, 2026 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
October 30, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
October 31, 2026 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Au Rene Theater
November 1, 2026 – Orlando, FL – Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
February 17, 2027 – Glasgow, UK – Royal Concert Hall
February 18, 2027 – Edinburgh, UK – Usher Hall
February 19, 2027 – Manchester, UK – Bridgewater Hall
February 20, 2027 – Birmingham, UK – Symphony Hall

For more information, tour dates, and tickets, visit www.sonicliveinconcert.com.

Student Blog: Opening the Dance Floor to the Most Joyful of Dancers

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:39:40 PST

At an elite dance studio in my hometown, dancers show up for practice every Thursday like clockwork. They exude boundless energy that rivals the Rockettes at Christmas. But these dancers aren’t worried about triple pirouettes or perfectly pointed toes. They are there simply for the love of dance and the love of each other.

The Joyful Hearts Dance program serves dancers with developmental disabilities in the DFW area of Texas–dancers who are exuberant about what they do and generous with their support for one another. Whether wearing tap shoes or jazz shoes, they are eager to learn. They are passionate about their friendships. The words “I love you” are as common as a chassé across the floor.

Thanks to special education teacher (and former Kilgore Rangerette) Jennifer Cooper, these kids have a vehicle through which to explore the arts and demonstrate their potential. They attend class once a week during the school year and a weeklong camp every summer. They perform at a recital every year–the same recital as award-winning dancers, many of whom will go on to college dance teams or even dance majors. They have performed in productions of The Nutcracker, competed at local dance competitions and most recently won a Golden Ticket to a World Dance Championship in New York.

As the sibling of someone with profound autism, I know the rarity of programs like Joyful Hearts. My brother was excluded from school shows when others made a decision, without involving my parents, that he would not be included because he cannot speak. This type of ableism, unfortunately, is all too common in schools and society at large–which is why programs like Joyful Hearts are so important.

Good art makes an audience member feel something. Great art makes an audience member feel the love that has been poured into it. And by those standards, the art that comes from Joyful Hearts is beyond great.

I became a volunteer–or dance buddy–for the Joyful Hearts program when it first began, the summer after my freshman year of high school. Mrs. Cooper recruited me, and although I did not fully understand what that role would involve, I had some idea, having grown up with my brother. What I was not prepared for was this role of dance buddy becoming one of the brightest highlights of my high school years. I was not ready for how important that hour every week was, how I hated when anything school-related conflicted with my responsibility to those dancers, how it never felt like a responsibility, but more like a gift.

What better job could there be than simply making sure kids are dancing and having fun? Whether watching these dancers learn Disney-themed routines, hip-hop, or tap, I have seen them all grow, both in their love for the arts and in their self-confidence. I watched children overcome with stage fright eventually be able to step away from their dance buddies, head to the front of a stage, and dance independently. I witnessed one dancer who was so overcome with anxiety that she had to leave her first performance blossom into one of the most exuberant dancers on the stage. I have watched a shy dancer transform into a leader other dancers look to when they need help with choreography. I have watched a non-speaking child use an AAC (Augmented and Alternative Communication) Device to be part of narration from the stage.

Joyful Hearts is so much more than just a dance class. It is an example of what meaningful inclusion looks like and why it is important. It is a place where dancers are not defined by limitations, but by their fierce determination and love for each other. The dancers have taught me patience, joy, and the importance of celebrating every achievement. They have reminded me how much people often take for granted, such as merely the opportunity to be seen and included.

I wish every community had fine arts programs where kids with disabilities are included, step for step, alongside typical peers–the way the world ought to be.

[Author’s note: Another wonderful program for people with disabilities is the nonprofit iCanShine, which provides dancing, biking and swimming camps. My brother learned how to ride a bike at an iCanShine camp many years ago, and biking is now a major part of his life.]https://icanshine.org/

TITANIQUE to Launch North American Tour in 2027

Tue, 19 May 2026 11:10:39 PST

Titanique will launch a multi-city North American tour in 2027. The Tony-nominated musical steered by the songs of pop icon Céline Dion will perform in Los Angeles, San Diego, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Washington, DC and many more cities to be announced in its first year.

Newly nominated for a 2026 Tony Award for Best Musical, the production also scored nominations for Best Lead Actress in a Musical (Marla Mindelle), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Layton Williams), and Best Book of a Musical (Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, and Tye Blue and is currently playing on Broadway at the historic St. James Theatre. Read the reviews for the produciton HERE!

Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli, Titanique fuses a kooky krazy reimagining of the eleven-time Oscar–winning Titanic from the perspective, and certified-platinum hits, of Céline Dion. Want to find out what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night? Just leave it to Céline to enchant the audience with her wild take, recharting the course of Titanic’s beloved moments and characters with her iconic song catalog. Sailing on fierce powerhouse vocals in show-stopping performances of such hits as “My Heart Will Go On,” “All By Myself”, and “To Love You More” – backed by the unparalleled energy of a full live band – Titanique is a one-of-a-kind theatrical voyage bursting with nostalgia, heart, and campy chaos. Tony nominated co-creator Tye Blue (“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Rumer Willis’ Over the Love Tour) directs the Broadway production, with choreography by Tony nominee Ellenore Scott (Ragtime, Funny Girl, Little Shop of Horrors).

The Broadway cast features Marla Mindelle as Celine Dion; Jim Parsons as Ruth Dewitt Bukater; Melissa Barrera as Rose DeWitt Bukater; Deborah Cox as Unsinkable Molly Brown; Frankie Grande as Victor Garber; John Riddle as Cal Hockley; Constantine Rousouli as Jack Dawson; Layton Williams as The Iceberg; Sara Gallo, Polanco Jones, and Kristina Leopold as the Background Vocalists; and Tess Marshall, Brad Greer, and Kyle Ramar Freeman as understudies.

Alongside Tye Blue and Ellenore Scott, the musical’s creative team includes Music Supervisor, Arranger, and Orchestrator Nicholas James Connell; Scenic Designers Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Laubacher for Iron Bloom Creative Production; Lucille Lortel Award-winning Costume Designer Alejo Vietti; Lighting Designer Paige Seber; Sound Designer Lawrence Schober; Drama Desk Award-winning Hair & Wig Designer Charles G. LaPointe; and Music Director Geoffrey Ko. Casting is by The Telsey Office/Rachel Hoffman, CSA, and General Management is by ShowTown Theatricals.

THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour Adds 26 Cities to 2026-27 Route

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:13:15 PST

The North American Tour of THE NOTEBOOK hasannounced engagements for the 2026-27 season, adding 26 cites to the previously announced route, including stops in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Houston. The tour began performances on September 6, 2025, at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, and has welcomed over 500,000 patrons to date.

Read the reviews for the touring production of The Notebook.

Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. Based on the book that has sold millions of copies worldwide and a film that is one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all-time, the musical adaptation of THE NOTEBOOK played Broadway at the Schoenfeld Theatre from March 2024 to December 2024 following a critically acclaimed world premiere engagement at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the fall of 2022.

THE NOTEBOOK features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by playwright Bekah Brunstetter (writer and producer on NBC's “This Is Us,” The Cake). The production is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (Aida, The Wiz), with choreography by Katie Spelman (Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge! The Musical).

The creative team for the tour includes scenic design by David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Mia Neal, and projection design by Lucy Mackinnon. The production's music supervisor is Carmel Dean, who also collaborated on arrangements with Ingrid Michaelson and on orchestrations with John Clancy, and the music director is Tina Faye. Casting by The Telsey Office, Patrick Goodwin, CSA.

The production was recognized with three 2024 Tony Award nominations (Best Book of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical), Drama League Award nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical, two Distinguished Performance Awards and the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing, Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical.

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre
September 22 – October 4, 2026

Dayton, OH — Schuster Center
October 6 – 11, 2026

Grand Rapids, MI — DeVos Performance Hall
October 13 – 18, 2026

East Lansing, MI — Wharton Center
October 27 – November 1, 2026

Richmond, VA — Altria Theater
November 3 – 8, 2026

Pittsburgh, PA — Benedum Center
November 10 – 15, 2026

Schenectady, NY — Proctors
December 1 – 6, 2026

Boston, MA — Emerson Colonial Theatre
December 8 – 20, 2026

Oklahoma City, OK — Civic Center Music Hall
December 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Houston, TX — Hobby Center
January 5 – 10, 2027

Dallas, TX — Winspear Opera House
January 12 – 24, 2027

New Orleans, LA — Saenger Theatre
January 26 – 31, 2027

Hershey, PA — Hershey Theatre
February 3 – 7, 2027

Providence, RI — PPAC
February 9 – 14, 2027

Rochester, NY — Auditorium Theatre
February 16 – 21, 2027

Fayetteville, AR — Walton Arts Center
February 24 – 28, 2027

Huntsville, AL — Von Braun Center
March 2 – 7, 2027

Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Broward Center
March 9 – 14, 2027

Ft. Myers, FL — Barbara B. Mann Hall
March 16 – 21, 2027

Naples, FL — Artis—Naples
March 23 – 28, 2027

North Charleston, SC — North Charleston PAC
March 30 – April 4, 2027

Birmingham, AL — BJCC Concert Hall
April 6 – 11, 2027

Atlanta, GA — Fox Theatre
April 13 – 18, 2027

Tucson, AZ — Centennial Hall
April 27 – May 2, 2027

San Jose, CA — Center for the Performing Arts
May 4 – 9, 2027

Sacramento, CA — SAFE Credit Union PAC
May 11 – 16, 2027

World Stage Theatre Company to Present TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Fri, 15 May 2026 21:49:28 PST

World Stage Theatre Company will close its season with TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee, dramatized by Christopher Sergel. The production will run June 19–28, 2026 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center in the Liddy Doenges Theatre.

Directed by David Blakely, the production tells the story of Scout Finch and her father, Atticus Finch, as he defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime in the racially divided American South. Through Scout’s perspective, the play examines prejudice, justice, empathy, and moral courage.

The cast includes Larry Cochran as Mr. Gilmer, Cornelius Johnson as Tom Robinson, Kathryn Hartney as Jean Louise, Russell Mills as Walter Cunningham, Lucus Levy Keppel as Atticus, Oti-Lisa Brown as Calpurnia, Timothy Hunter as Judge Taylor, Billie Sue Thompson as Mrs. Dubose, Liz Masters as Maudie Atkinson, Tami Sue Ellis as Stephanie Crawford, Ben Morgan as Bob Ewell, Troy Knauls as Reverend Sykes, Andy Axewell as Heck Tate, Quinn Blakely as Boo Radley, Jay Riggins as Dill, D'mi Johnson as Scout, Brenna Crook as Mayella Ewell, Andrew Smith as Nathan Bradley, Dionne Michelle as Helen Robinson, and Josiah Hoffman as Jem.

Published in 1960, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD earned Harper Lee the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and remains one of the most widely read works in American literature. Lee later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007 for her contributions to literature.

Performance Schedule and Talkbacks

Performances will take place Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $31 to $36.

Facilitated talkbacks exploring the production’s themes will follow the Saturday and Sunday matinee performances.

World Stage Theatre Company to Present TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Fri, 15 May 2026 21:49:28 PST

Performance Schedule and Talkbacks

Performances will take place Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $31 to $36.

Facilitated talkbacks exploring the production’s themes will follow the Saturday and Sunday matinee performances.

WAITRESS, Cynthia Erivo, and More Set For The McKnight Center 2026-2027 Season

Fri, 15 May 2026 05:06:11 PST

The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2026-2027 season. The season includes a lineup of performances including star of stage and screen Cynthia Erivo with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band, touring Broadway musical Waitress, and more.

Cynthia Erivo, MBE is an Emmy, Tony, two-time Grammy Award-winning and three-time Academy Award nominated actress, singer, author and producer. Erivo burst onto West End and Broadway stages in The Color Purple and recently starred as Elphaba in the record-breaking film adaptations, Wicked and Wicked: For Good.

“From Broadway blockbusters and renowned classical musicians to intimate recital experiences and lively community events, the 2026-2027 season reflects our commitment to presenting world-class artistry and making the performing arts accessible, exciting and meaningful for everyone in our region,” said Mark Blakeman, The McKnight Center's Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director. “This eighth season is also a reflection of our mission to engage, educate and inspire. By connecting visiting artists with students and audiences of all ages, we continue to foster creativity, curiosity and a lasting appreciation for the arts across our region. That sense of connection is at the heart of everything we do.”

The performing arts center's eighth season will kick off with a concert in September 2026 featuring Grammy Award-winning Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. The season concludes in April 2027 with two performances by The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda.

Other Noteworthy Performances:

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, Sun. Nov. 15, 2026 at 3 pm
Waitress – Tues., Dec. 1, Wed., Dec. 2 and Thurs., Dec. 3, 2026, at 7:30 pm
LeAnn Rimes Greatest Hits Christmas – Thurs., Dec. 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm
Shucked – Sat., Jan. 30, at 7:30 pm and Sun. Jan. 31, 2027, at 3:00 pm
An Evening with Joshua Henry: Get Up, Stand Up! – Fri., Feb. 12, 2027, at 7:30 pm
Marsalis-McAllister-Ames Trio – Fri., Feb. 26, 2027, at 7:30 pm
Samara Joy – Sat., March 6, 2027 at 7:30 pm
Joshua Bell – Thurs. April 8, 2027 at 7:30 pm
Stephen Schwartz and Friends – Fri., April 16, 2027, at 7:30 pm
The National Symphony Orchestra – Sat., April 24 at 7:30 pm and Sun., April 25, 2027, at 3:00 pm

All performances are presented in the center's intimately sized Performance Hall, which seats 1,098. No seat is more than 100 feet from the stage, giving the audience an up close and personal experience with artists who typically perform in much larger venues.

Concert goers are invited to enhance their experience at most classical programs presented by The McKnight Center by arriving early for certain concerts. Preludes is the center's free pre-concert conversations with visiting artists where guests can gain insight into the music and artists, as a way to deepen their enjoyment of the concert.

Many events are simulcast to the center's 32-foot LED wall in the outdoor plaza. Simulcasts are announced closer to each event date.

WAITRESS, Cynthia Erivo, and More Set For The McKnight Center 2026-2027 Season

Fri, 15 May 2026 05:06:11 PST

Other Noteworthy Performances:

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, Sun. Nov. 15, 2026 at 3 pm
Waitress – Tues., Dec. 1, Wed., Dec. 2 and Thurs., Dec. 3, 2026, at 7:30 pm
LeAnn Rimes Greatest Hits Christmas – Thurs., Dec. 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm
Shucked – Sat., Jan. 30, at 7:30 pm and Sun. Jan. 31, 2027, at 3:00 pm
An Evening with Joshua Henry: Get Up, Stand Up! – Fri., Feb. 12, 2027, at 7:30 pm
Marsalis-McAllister-Ames Trio – Fri., Feb. 26, 2027, at 7:30 pm
Samara Joy – Sat., March 6, 2027 at 7:30 pm
Joshua Bell – Thurs. April 8, 2027 at 7:30 pm
Stephen Schwartz and Friends – Fri., April 16, 2027, at 7:30 pm
The National Symphony Orchestra – Sat., April 24 at 7:30 pm and Sun., April 25, 2027, at 3:00 pm

Many events are simulcast to the center's 32-foot LED wall in the outdoor plaza. Simulcasts are announced closer to each event date.

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:04:02 PST

StageMag, the digital show program platform from BroadwayWorld, today launched its new PDF Editor to all producers and stage managers using the service. The tool gives editors granular, real-time control over how their digital program renders as a downloadable or printable PDF - the format most often used in lobby printouts, accessibility packets, and press kits.

Until now, the StageMag-to-PDF path was a one-shot export: whatever fit, fit. The new editor turns the export into a configurable surface. Each section of a program including the cast list, song list, director's note, bios, advertisements, sponsor pages, articles, listings and more — can be individually told how to paginate. Editors choose between three strategies per section:

Flow: natural pagination, sections may split across pages.
Own page: start the section on a fresh page.
Fit one page: start fresh and scale the section to occupy the whole page.

A live preview pane re-renders the PDF on every change, so editors see the final printed result as they work rather than guessing and re-exporting.Beyond the strategy picker, the editor exposes a set of advanced controls familiar to anyone who has hand-tuned a long-form print document: hide-element selectors (drop sponsor strips or vestigial nav from the print version), forced page breaks before or after named elements, a draggable section-order list, custom header/footer/watermark text, and a custom-CSS escape hatch for theaters whose programs follow a house style.

The release also includes paper-level controls including US Letter or A4, portrait or landscape, three margin presets, three type scales, and a "booklet" mode that adds a binding gutter for stapled lobby printouts.

The PDF Editor is available now to all StageMag-enabled productions at no additional cost, under the Share PDF tab in the program editor. Existing programs render with sensible defaults; the new controls are opt-in and per-production.

About StageMag

StageMag is BroadwayWorld's digital playbill platform, used by Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, university, and community theater productions to publish interactive programs that audiences open on their phones from a QR code in the lobby. StageMag is offered as a free service to participating productions.

About BroadwayWorld

Founded in 2003, BroadwayWorld is the largest theater website in the world, covering Broadway, the West End, and theater news, reviews, interviews, and resources across all 50 US states and 45 countries.

Billy Recce and Eamon Foley's HIT SHOW to Premiere in 2027 in Oklahoma and Kentucky

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:51:46 PST

Southern Plains Productions and The Carnegie will present a joint world premiere of the new musical Hit Show in Spring 2027, setting its sights on an Off-Broadway production to follow. Hit Show features music, lyrics, and book by Billy Recce (Little Black Book, A Musical About Star Wars), with arrangements and orchestrations by Adam Dorfman (The Outsiders, National Tour). Eamon Foley (Michael Arden, David Cromer) serves as director. The musical will launch in Oklahoma City in May 2027 and move to Covington in June 2027. Tickets will go on sale in June 2026.

Hit Show drops you into a jazz-fueled fever dream where the spotlight burns and the truth keeps slipping out of reach. A swanky, noir-flavored musical inspired by the 1963 kidnapping of Frank Sinatra Jr. and set against the stirrings of the queer liberation movement, it unfolds like a smoky 60s floor show with a dangerous edge. The lights are low, the martinis are cold, and the night is closing in.

Sexy, volatile, and darkly funny, Hit Show is a high-gloss hallucination of fame at its most intoxicating and corrosive—a world of flashbulbs, backrooms, and buried secrets where image is currency and identity is a risk. Featuring a cast of four, Hit Show blurs performance and confession into an electrifying, late-night experience that lingers long after the music stops.

SEUSSICAL JR. Will Come to Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Tue, 12 May 2026 11:04:55 PST

Step into a colorful world of imagination as Theatre Tulsa presents Seussical Jr. at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center this month. Inspired by the whimsical stories of Dr. Seuss, this lively production brings a cast of beloved characters to life on stage. Performances will run May 15-17.

Guided by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, audiences will journey from the Jungle of Nool to the dazzling Circus McGurkus, following Horton the Elephant as he discovers a tiny world of Whos living on a speck of dust.

Filled with catchy songs, playful storytelling, and vibrant visuals, the show captures the heartwarming message of kindness, friendship, and believing in the unseen.

Perfect for audiences of all ages, Seussical Jr. offers a fun-filled theatrical experience packed with energy, humor, and imagination. It’s a delightful adventure that’s sure to entertain from beginning to end.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:12:44 PST

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has announced the full 2026/27 season dates for the North American leg of its world tour. The news comes as OPERATION MINCEMEAT celebrates its 500th performance on Broadway this Saturday, May 2, after hitting 2,000 performances worldwide - now playing simultaneously in the West End, on Broadway, and on tour across the UK. Following the North American leg, further stops on its international journey will include Australia, China, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Read the reviews for the Broadway run here.

Producer Jon Thoday for Avalon said, “Launching our third OPERATION MINCEMEAT production, the North American leg of the world tour, as the show reaches 500 performances on Broadway and passes 2,000 worldwide is incredibly exciting. With its continued international growth and an expanding fanbase, we look forward to welcoming new audiences across the continent.”

The North American leg of the Mincemeat World Tour will launch at the Providence Performance Arts Center (Providence, RI), on September 20, 2026, before crisscrossing North America this upcoming season, with stops including Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center
September 20–26, 2026

Chicago, IL – CIBC Theatre
September 29–October 11, 2026

Boston, MA – Colonial Theatre
October 13–25, 2026

Toronto, ON – Theatre TBD
October–December 2026

Philadelphia, PA – Forrest Theatre
December 15–20, 2026

Columbus, OH – Ohio Theatre
January 5–10, 2027

Detroit, MI – Fisher Theatre
January 12–24, 2027

Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
January 26–31, 2027

Eugene, OR – Hult Center
February 3–7, 2027

Seattle, WA – 5th Avenue Theatre
February 10–21, 2027

Tempe, AZ – ASU Gammage
February 23–28, 2027

Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theatre
March 2–7, 2027

San Francisco, CA – Orpheum Theatre
March 9–28, 2027

Los Angeles, CA – Pantages Theatre
March 30–April 18, 2027

San Diego, CA – Civic Center
April 20–25, 2027

Hartford, CT – Bushnell Center
May 4–9, 2027

Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
May 11–16, 2027

Greenville, SC – Peace Center
May 18–23, 2027

Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
May 25–30, 2027

Tampa, FL – Straz Center
June 1–6, 2027

Washington, DC – The National Theatre
June 8–20, 2027

Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Performing Arts Center
June 22–27, 2027

Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
July 6–11, 2027

Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
July 13–18, 2027

Fort Worth, TX – Bass Performance Hall
July 20–25, 2027

About Operation Mincemeat

In OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, it's 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they've got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), OPERATION MINCEMEAT tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Written by triple Tony Award nominees SpitLip (comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), OPERATION MINCEMEAT began performances on Broadway on February 15, 2025, and continues to play at the historic Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), where it has been extended eight times and will soon celebrate its 500th performance. The West End production, which has been playing at the Fortune Theatre since March 29, 2023, is widely recognized as one of the best-reviewed shows in West End history, holding the record for the most five-star reviews for a new musical, with a tally of 131. OPERATION MINCEMEAT has just launched its world tour, beginning with a UK leg before heading across the pond.

Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky's Edge, National Theatre – Best New Musical Olivier Award winner) will reprise his work for the tour, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. The creative team will include Olivier nominated Set and Costume Designer Ben Stones (Standing at the Sky's Edge), Tony and Olivier winning Lighting Designer Mark Henderson (The History Boys), Tony nominated Sound Designer Mike Walker (Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), Tony nominated Orchestrator Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and Olivier nominated Music Supervisor Joe Bunker (Spring Awakening). Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Production Stage Management is by Geoff Maus, Casting is by Carrie Gardner, CSA, and General Management is by TT Partners.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has been nominated for 64 awards since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, winning 13, including Best Musical 3 times, from the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show was nominated for 4 Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Musical. The production won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone's portrayal of Hester Leggatt, who previously won the Olivier Award in the same category. The production has also received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans' Choice Awards, and Favourite New Musical at the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:00:22 PST

Lincoln Center Theater’s Broadway revival of Ragtime, directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, announced today that it will launch a North American Tour in the fall of 2027. The tour will premiere at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre in Buffalo, New York, before continuing onto cities across the U.S. and Canada. Additional tour stops and casting will be announced at a later date.

Lincoln Center Theater’s limited engagement of Ragtime has been extended twice by popular demand with performances now through August 2, 2026. The production set a new box office record at the Vivian Beaumont Theater and was recently nominated foreight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Lear deBessonet), as well as five Drama League Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Lear deBessonet).

“Ragtime is one of the most ambitious musicals ever written, and it feels timelier than ever,” said producers Tom Kirdahy, Kevin Ryan, Robert Greenblatt, and Lamar Richardson in a statement. “What Lear deBessonet and this extraordinary company have created at Lincoln Center Theater is both epic in scale and deeply human. We couldn’t be more excited to share it with communities across North America.”

“It’s a real honor to kick off the North American Tour of Ragtime at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre,” said Buffalo presenter Al Nocciolino. “This is the kind of production people talk about long after the curtain comes down—remarkable in scale and deeply moving. We’re thrilled to welcome it to our stage and proud to share it with our community first.”

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Featuring a Tony Award-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Tony Award-winning book by Terrence McNally, and Tony Award-winning orchestrations by William David Brohn, Ragtime weaves fictional narratives with real historical figures and events, creating a rich tapestry that blurs the line between personal struggle and national identity, making history feel both intimate and epic.

The creative team for Ragtime includes Ellenore Scott (choreography), David Korins (scenic design), Linda Cho (costume design), Adam Honoré & Donald Holder (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design), 59 Studio (projection design), Tom Watson (hair & wig design), Ann James (sensitivity specialist), and The Telsey Office, Craig Burns, CSA (casting).

OH, MARY! Reveals Tour Dates and Cities For 2026-27

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:23:47 PST

The North American Tour of Oh, Mary! has announced the dates and cities for its 2026-27 season. The tour of the Tony Award and Olivier Award-winning comedy will tech and launch at The Bushnell in Hartford, Connecticut, with performances beginning September 19, 2026. Casting will be announced at a later date. Check out the full list of tour dates below~

Written by Tony Award and Olivier Award winner Cole Escola and directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary! opened on Broadway on July 11, 2024, and continues to play at the Lyceum Theatre, where it became the first show in the theatre’s 121-year history to gross more than $1,000,000 in a single week. Oh, Mary! has since broken its own box office record twelve times and became the first show of the 2024-25 Broadway season to recoup its investment. Oh, Mary! opened to rave reviews in London’s West End on December 18, 2025.

Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).

The full creative team for the Broadway production includes dots (Scenic Designer), Holly Pierson (Costume Designer), Cha See (Lighting Designer), Daniel Kluger (Sound Design and Original Music), Drew Levy (Sound Designer), Leah J. Loukas (Wig Designer), Addison Heeren (Props Supervision), and David Dabbon (Musical Arrangements). Casting by Henry Russell Bergstein, CSA.

Oh, Mary! is produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum & Lucas McMahon and Mike Lavoie & Carlee Briglia with Bob Boyett, The Council, Jean Doumanian Productions, Nicole Eisenberg, Jay Marcus & George Strus, Irony Point, Richard Batchelder/Bradley Reynolds, Tyler Mount/Tommy Doyle, Nelson & Tao, Palomares & Rosenberg, and Showtown Productions.

Tour Dates

September 19–23, 2026
Hartford, CT — The Bushnell

September 29–October 4, 2026
San Diego, CA — San Diego Civic Theatre

October 6–11, 2026
Las Vegas, NV — The Smith Center

October 13–November 1, 2026
San Francisco, CA — Curran Theatre

November 3–8, 2026
Seattle, WA — The Paramount Theatre

November 10–December 6, 2026
Los Angeles, CA — Ahmanson Theatre

December 21, 2026–January 3, 2027
Boston, MA — Emerson Colonial Theatre

January 6–17, 2027
Saint Paul, MN — Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

January 19–February 7, 2027
Chicago, IL — CIBC Theatre

February 9–21, 2027
Washington, DC — The National Theatre

February 23–28, 2027
Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre

March 9–14, 2027
Philadelphia, PA — Miller Theater

March 16–28, 2027
Charlotte, NC — Blumenthal Arts

March 30–April 4, 2027
Cleveland, OH — Connor Palace

April 6–11, 2027
Tampa, FL — Straz Center

April 27–May 9, 2027
Houston, TX — Hobby Center

May 11–16, 2027
West Palm Beach, FL — Kravis Center

PSYCHICS VS. SCIENCE Will Embark on Tour Across The U.S.

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:30:23 PST

Fact, fraud, or phenomenon? A psychic and a scientist share the same stage to put those questions to the test in Psychics vs. Science (www.psychicsvscience.com), a high-energy, interactive live event touring 15 U.S. cities in June. Launching June 9 in Houston, the production features "America's Greatest Mind Reader" and world record holder Joe Diamond (The Mind Reader) battling cognitive scientist and Carthage College professor Dr. Anthony Barnhart (The Professor) for an unpredictable night that challenges what audiences think they know about the human mind.

Each performance unfolds as a live back-and-forth between intuition and analysis. Audiences witness demonstrations of mind reading, prediction, and perception followed by real-time scientific insight into attention, memory, bias, and belief. There is no barrier between performer and audience. Every moment happens live with audience members at the center of the experience since Psychics vs. Science is built around participation, spontaneity, and unscripted moments. No two performances are ever the same.

"This isn't church. You don't have to believe a single word I say. Personally, I do believe we're all a little psychic, but that doesn't matter. What matters is what you experience in the moment during this live show," says Diamond.

Dr. Barnhart brings a scientific lens to those moments, offering insight into how audiences perceive what they experience in real time.

"What makes this show so compelling is that it lives right at the intersection of perception and explanation," says Dr. Barnhart. "Joe's performances create moments that feel impossible, and my role is to explore how our minds interpret those moments and why the answers aren't always as straightforward as we'd like."

Blending elements of mind reading, psychology, skepticism, and storytelling, the production is designed to entertain a wide audience including fans of magic, science, those fascinated by the unexplained, and more.

Tour Dates

June 9 Houston, TX House of Blues
June 11 Lubbock, TX The Buddy Holly Hall - Helen DeVitt Jones Theater
June 12 San Antonio, TX Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
June 13 Dallas, TX Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre
June 14 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theater
June 17 St. Paul, MN Fitzgerald Theater
June 18 Green Bay, WI Meyer Theatre
June 19 Bloomington, IL Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
June 20 Marion, IL Marion Cultural and Civic Center
June 21 Nashville, IN Brown County Music Center
June 23 Oklahoma City, OK Tower Theatre
June 25 Grand Junction, CO Asteria Theatre
June 26 Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
June 27 Boulder, CO Boulder Theater
June 28 Mesa, AZ Mesa Arts Center

Play Broadway Games Every Day in May and Win a Merch Prize Pack

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:30:20 PST

Broadway fans, your daily warm-up just got a whole lot more rewarding. BroadwayWorld is launching the May 2026 Games Challenge - a month-long streak competition open to fans across the U.S., with a $250 merch prize pack featuring merchandise from popular Broadway shows up for grabs.

The challenge runs all 31 days of May 2026 (Eastern Time), and all you need to enter is a free BroadwayWorld account.

How It Works

The rules are simple: play at least one BroadwayWorld game every day in May. That's it. Complete all 31 days and you'll earn one entry to win the prize pack. Tracking is automatic once you're logged in - your progress populates on the challenge page as you play, no manual check-ins required.

Any of these six games count toward your daily credit:

Make-Up Days: Because Life Happens

Miss a day? You're not out of the running. Play all six games in a single day and you'll earn a make-up credit, which automatically forgives your earliest missed day. You can bank up to three make-up credits over the course of the month - so a skipped Tuesday or a busy weekend doesn't have to end your streak. Credits are applied to your missed days in order, oldest first.

Ready to Start Your Streak?

The May 2026 BroadwayWorld Games Challenge runs May 1-31 (Eastern Time) and is open to U.S. residents only.

Click here to get started. Sign in with your free BroadwayWorld account and your tracking begins automatically - no registration beyond that required.

See full rules and regulations here.

NEWSIES Unseats LES MISÉRABLES to Win BroadwayWorld's 2026 Ultimate Movie Musical Bracket

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:26:32 PST

After six weeks of voting, BroadwayWorld readers have crowned Newsies the Ultimate Best Movie Musical in the 2026 edition of BroadwayWorld's Annual Bracket. The 1992 Disney film, directed by Kenny Ortega and featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, defeated Les Misérables in the final round, ending the Tom Hooper-directed film's two-year winning streak.

In both 2024 and 2025, Les Misérables was voted as the Ultimate Best Musical of all time, making it the title to beat heading into this year's competition. Newsies, a perennial fan favorite that developed a devoted following after its theatrical release and has since been adapted for the Broadway stage, advanced through six rounds of head-to-head matchups before claiming the title.

Now in its third year, BroadwayWorld's Bracket invites readers to debate, defend, and ultimately crown the greatest movie musical of all time from a field selected by BroadwayWorld editors. Voting in the 2026 edition opened on Tuesday, February 24 and concluded on Sunday, April 12, with new matchups released each week.

BWW Q&A: Karen Coe Miller Talks ANASTASIA at Oklahoma City University

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:25:17 PST

Oklahoma City University's Bass School of Music is bringing the sweeping Broadway musical ANASTASIA to the historic Kirkpatrick mainstage this April, with a 31-member cast, a 15-piece chamber orchestra, and original costumes. Performances run April 24 through 26.

At the helm is director Karen Coe Miller, now in her 18th season as Assistant Director of OCU's Oklahoma Opera and Music Theater Company and a 2024 recipient of the university's Distinguished Service Award. Miller brings decades of experience in opera, musical theater, and new work development to this adaptation of the 1997 Oscar-nominated animated film.

Featuring music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally, the Tony-nominated musical transports audiences from the final days of the Russian Empire to the Paris of the Roaring '20s, with beloved songs including 'Journey to the Past' and 'Once Upon a December.'

BroadwayWorld spoke with Miller about adapting the animated favorite for the stage, the show's themes of identity and home, and the collaborative process behind a production involving more than eighty students and faculty.

Anastasia was a popular animated movie before it came to Broadway as a musical in 2017. Might fans of the original movie be surprised at changes made to adapt the story to the stage?

Yes. The animated feature was created for children. The musical adaptation reaches a much broader audience while keeping the heart of the story alive for fans of the movie. The biggest change is that the evil ghost of Rasputin, the villain of the movie, is not in the story. The musical needed a flesh and blood antagonist. Enter the character of Gleb, an eager Soviet officer who pursues Anya to Paris. Gleb isn’t evil. He’s a man trying to vindicate his father’s role in the revolution but tortured by his doubts and his affection for Anya. Dmitry and Vlad remain as love interest and comic relief but with more insight into their own histories. In an interview Flaherty gave to American Theatre magazine, he quoted a young woman who had been a fan of the film as a girl. She said, “I realized that I grew up with the movie, but the musical grew up for me.”

You refer to the musical as "a powerful story about each character's search for identity." Do you think this theme is especially significant in current times?

I think it’s a theme for every generation, but because young people today have more freedom, they also have more decisions to make about the path they choose to take. At our first staging rehearsal, we went around the room and named what we appreciated about the story. Here are some the responses—how the themes of memory, trauma, lineage, and politics influence identity, how the characters’ search for home and family leads them to unexpected discoveries about the meaning of those terms.

How have the students responded to the show in rehearsals? Have you had any favorite moments you'd like to share?

They’ve been very excited. Most of them knew the animated film and have been singing the musical’s songs for years. Favorite moments for me are all about the collaborative process—discussing a tricky scene in rehearsal with four cast members and finding a solution together, working with the choreographer by layering ideas until the moment is just right.

The major roles in the show are double-cast, which indicates that OCU has a deep talent pool to draw from. Can you tell us about the audition process for this show, and at OCU in general?

Yes, we are fortunate to have so many talented students. We double-cast to give more opportunities. We have four or five auditions for the season throughout the academic year. The process includes an initial individual audition—sometimes live, sometimes by digital submission—followed by a callback for each show. For Anastasia, we held an additional dance callback because of the special ballet requirements. An excerpt from the ballet Swan Lake is part of the story in Act 2!

Although this is a production of the music school -- with a student cast and student orchestra -- majors from other OCU disciplines such as theater design and dance are also involved in the show. How many people in total work on a mainstage show like this? How does that collaborative process work?

Wow! I couldn’t give an accurate count. My guess is over eighty in addition to the cast and orchestra. This includes faculty and staff from music, theater and dance, faculty mentors in design and production, student designers, and lab students from theater and music who help build the set and costumes. The creative team—director, choreographer, student designers, faculty mentors—for ANASTASIA began design discussions last November. Those were followed in the spring by production meetings held to check on the progress of each department. The music team also has a process of preparation. After the cast was chosen in mid-January, ensemble roles and vocal parts were assigned, and the orchestra was chosen and rehearsed.

Given your years of experience with the theater, why does such an ancient art form continue to resonate in a digital age when so many entertainment options are available with the click of a button?

Nothing can replace the transformative energy of live theater. It’s an invisible but tangible exchange between audience and actor that has the power to touch the heart.

What are your three biggest highlights from Anastasia?

This is a difficult question. I’m going to choose three things from different aspects of production. 1) The way our design team worked together to create a magical world very different from the Broadway premiere. 2) The choice we made to connect Anastasia to her younger selves at the end of the show. 3) The glorious sound of our cast singing “Stay, I pray you” as they say goodbye to their homeland. This sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it.

What do you hope audiences take away from the show?

A colleague of mine always says that entertainment is a tactic for engaging audiences on a deeper level. With that in mind, I hope audiences are entertained and come away reflecting on the choices they’ve made to connect with their own identity, their own true self.

GYPSY To Be Presented By Theatre Tulsa At Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:21:46 PST

Theatre Tulsa invites audiences to experience one of the greatest musicals ever written as Gypsy takes the stage at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center April 24 through May 3.

Inspired by the memoir of Gypsy Rose Lee, the world's most famous striptease artist, Gypsy is the ultimate tale of a relentless stage mother fighting for her daughters' success and stardom – while yearning for her own. This legendary musical offers a powerful portrait of a family bound by love, fractured by ambition, and driven by the pursuit of success at any cost.

Featuring an iconic score by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, Gypsy has long been hailed as one of the best written musicals in theatrical history - celebrated for its wit, emotional depth, and show-stopping numbers.

Since its 1959 Broadway debut starring Ethel Merman, the towering role of Mama Rose has become a defining challenge for generations of leading actresses, including Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, and Audra McDonald. Now, Theatre Tulsa continues that legacy with Tulsa's own powerhouse performer, Kim Frie, stepping into the iconic role.

“Rose is considered to be the Mount Everest for women in musical theatre,” Frie said. “It is a chance as an actress to embrace a character who is fierce, funny, driven, protective, and vulnerable. She can mistakenly be seen as a one-dimensional and despicable woman. When you look deeply, she is broken, desperate to be noticed, and fiercely protective of her daughters. Living through them shields her from dealing with her own pain and insecurities.”

Theatre Tulsa Executive Director Travis Guillory, who also directed the production, said, “It's been an honor to guide this remarkably talented cast through this masterpiece of a show. The way they tell this story and the way they perform this score will blow the roof off the PAC."

Performances of Gypsy run April 24 through May 3, with 8 p.m. performances on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available through the Tulsa PAC box office at 918-596-7111 or online at tulsapac.com.

Cast Set for ANASTASIA at Oklahoma City University

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:46:39 PST

A 31-member cast will present the Broadway musical Anastasia April 24-26 on Oklahoma City University's historic Kirkpatrick mainstage.

The theatrical adaptation of the 1997 Oscar-nominated animated film debuted on Broadway in 2017, where it won raves from The New York Times ("A monster hit!") and Time Out New York which praised the show as "a sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic that piles discovery upon discovery."

OCU's Bass School of Music production, featuring a 15-piece chamber orchestra and original costumes, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. A pre-show tea celebrating "grandmothers, granddaughters, queens and princesses" will be held at 1 p.m. in the Bass Music Center Atrium.

Tickets to the musical ($20-36) and the celebration tea ($10) are available online A free talk by director Karen Coe Miller will be held 30 minutes before curtain.

Inspired by the real-life story of a princess rumored to have escaped revolutionaries' 1918 execution of the imperial Romanov family, the show transports audiences from the final days of the Russian Empire to the Paris of the Roaring '20s. The title character is an enigmatic orphan trying to unravel the mystery of her past while dealing with a pair of charming conmen and fleeing a Soviet officer determined to hunt her down.

The Tony-nominated show features music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally. Its songs include Journey to the Past and Once Upon a December.

OCU's creative team includes Miller as director; Matthew Mailman, music director; Alana Martin, choreographer; Taylor Hutchinson, assistant conductor/vocal coach; Ari Johnson, costume design; Tess Rosen, scenic design; Peyton Rucker, lighting design; Zadari Elizondo, sound design; Dixie Huckabay, props designer; and Jessica Seaton, production stage manager.

BroadwayWorld My Shows is Now Part of the New & Improved App

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:34:45 PST

Since launching last fall, BroadwayWorld My Shows has been the place where theatre fans log every production they've seen, rate performances, write reviews, and document their theatre experiences. Today, we're thrilled to announce that the complete My Shows experience - rebuilt from the ground up - is now available inside the BroadwayWorld app for iPhone and iPad.

Whether you're a Broadway regular, a West End devotee, a tour-chaser, or someone who just caught their very first show last weekend, My Shows in the app lets you track it all, connect with friends who love theatre as much as you do, and carry your entire theatregoing history with you wherever you go.

@broadwayworld
The complete My Shows experience - rebuilt from the ground up - is now available inside the BroadwayWorld app for iPhone and iPad. Get started now!
♬ original sound - BroadwayWorld

What's New in My Shows

A Social Feed Built for Theatre Fans- See what your friends are watching in real time: new logs, star ratings, and reviews in a scrollable activity stream. Like, comment, and discover what your community is raving about.

Your Complete Theatregoing Stats - The redesigned Profile turns your history into beautiful statistics: Shows Seen, Total Attendances, Repeat Visits, a Broadway / West End / Tour / Off-Broadway / Regional breakdown, and a Musicals vs. Plays split.

Smart, Grouped Show History - Seen Wicked four times? Record repeart attendances with individual visits, ratings, and reviews.

Find Friends - Search members, send and accept requests, and build your theatre community. A friend-requests banner at the top of your feed means you never miss a new connection.

The Quick Start Wizard - Catching up on years of theatregoing? Rapidly rate and log shows across Broadway, West End, Touring, Off-Broadway, and a curated popular list of the longest-running Broadway productions of all time.

Theatres You've Visited - Browse every theatre on Broadway, and beyond. See where you've been, what's still on your list, and every production that's ever played there.

Wishlist - Keep track of the shows you're dying to see, now front and center in the app's tab bar.

Built for iPhone and iPad — The entire experience is fully optimized for both, with layouts that adapt to bigger screens.

Getting Started

If you already have a BroadwayWorld account, just open the app, tap My Shows, and sign in. Everything you've ever logged on the website will be right there waiting for you.

New to BroadwayWorld? Create a free account in seconds and start building your theatregoing history today.

Download the BroadwayWorld app - free on the App Store - and take your theatre life with you.

Click Here to Play!

Review: HELL'S KITCHEN NORTH AMERICAN TOUR (OKC) at Civic Center Music Hall 4/7/26

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:21:53 PST

The North American Tour of Hell's Kitchen 'Followed the River' to OKC!

Based on the life story of Alicia Keys, Hell's Kitchen not only brings you all of the hits, I mean all of this hits, but takes you into Alicia's world before it even starts. The tone is set via the cypher-ish DJ set (Alicia's playlist growing up maybe?) reminicent of 106& Park, Rap City, digital underground, and artists on the street corner inviting you in to a melodic flow of New York (many of us grew up on IYKYK).

As the beautiful "HK" letters rise to the top of the stage, the river bring us into another place and time.....Ali's world. OKC was in for a beautiful night! We had the honor of seeing Marley Soleil in her National Broadway Tour debut and Beda Spindola in the roles of Ali and Jersey. Followed by THE Roz White as Miss Liza Jane, Desmond Sean Ellington as Davis, and the beautiful ensemble of HK dancers, musicians seen and unseen, all I can say is from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU. This cast is filled with so much love. When I tell you it wasn't a dry eye in the house, it wasn't a dry eye in the house. I mean every single person was wiping tears away. This is how powerful Hell's Kitchen is and you know its good when you hear that "amen corner" in the back with an occasional "Well" or "Amen".

A true story of a mother's love for her daughter, and Ali searching for her true calling in life and in love. Marley Soleil's Ali and Beda Spindola's Jersey both shine in that love. If you've followed the career of Alicia Keys, you'll notice every single lyric, every single movement, article of clothing and every single person in this company tells the story of those favorite songs you have and invites you into Ali's headspace in each moment of her life moving her towards finding her true voice, honoring those shoulders on which she stands.

You'll love the way the songs have been arranged. (Buy that cast album too). How some of the lyrics pass from person to person surrounding Ali in the moment vs the AK album versions. I had a few moments myself during "If I Ain't Got You" filling in the blanks with Ali and her father Davis (Desmond Sean Ellington). I'm not going to give it all away because you have to see this for yourself.

As those beautiful "HK" letters closed the doorway to that other place and time, Oklahoma City became another part of the fabric in the life of Alicia Keys.

To Marley Soleil - Thank you for bringing Ali to life you are a true gift. The magic you bring to music is one in a million. You've inspired this Aly too.

To Every single person in this company THANK YOU! Hope to see you back in OKC soon.

Hell's Kitchen North American Tour is here in OKC April 7-12, 2026. Keep following the river to the Civic Center Music Hall and bring everyone you know.

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from March 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:54:50 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this March 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from the world premiere of Mrs. Christie at Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park to touring productions of The Great Gatsby in Houston, Water for Elephants in Minneapolis, and Wicked in Providence.

Tony-winning Stereophonic lands at DPAC in Raleigh, The Hunchback of Notre Dame takes the stage at Hale Centre Theatre in Utah, and Safety Not Guaranteed makes its way to Signature Theatre in DC. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including White Rooster at Lookingglass Theatre, the new tour of Kinky Boots, Romeo and Juliet at Arden Theatre Company, The Crucible at Washington National Opera, and the Manila cast of A Chorus Line - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Interview: Matthew Lombardo and Beth Leavel Tell the Tale of WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL

R. Scott Reedy | Boston

After the headline-making 2019 run of his “Tea at Five,” which starred Faye Dunaway, playwright Matthew Lombardo returns to Boston’s Huntington Theatre April 3–18 with his latest effort, “When Playwrights Kill,” a behind-the scenes comedy about an up-and-coming playwright whose Broadway dreams are dashed when his female lead, a famously difficult diva, derails his play’s out-of-town tryout in Boston.

Interviews

Interview: Adam Grant Morrison, Albus Potter in HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD at The Fox Theatre

Joseph Harrison | Atlanta

The magic of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD has officially arrived in Atlanta, with the first-ever touring production now playing at the Fox Theatre as part of the 2025/2026 Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta season, running through March 15. To celebrate this landmark engagement, I caught up with Adam Grant Morrison, who stars as Albus Potter, Harry’s son, in this theatrical continuation of the beloved wizarding world. In our conversation, Morrison reflects on growing up in Atlanta, discovering theatre unexpectedly, stepping into an iconic role he once only dreamed of, and what it means to bring this magical story home to the Fox Theatre stage.

Interview: Eymard Cabling of MISS SAIGON at Short North Stage

Paul Batterson | Columbus

Growing up in Rockville, Md., Eymard Cabling’s fields of study were somewhat limited. Cabling, who will be playing the role of The Engineer in Short North Stage’s upcoming production of the epic MISS SAIGON, thought he had three career choices.

Interview: SoCal's Leianna Weaver Talks Lydia, Ghosts, and BEETLEJUICE

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

Southern California native Leianna Weaver speaks with BroadwayWorld about what it felt like to land the role of Lydia Deetz in BEETLEJUICE, how she relates to the character, and some onstage mishaps (that may or may not have involved fire).

Interview: Theatre Life with David Andrews Rogers

Elliot Lanes | Washington, DC

Today’s subject David Andrews Rogers Is currently living his theatre life and a lifelong dream on the conductor’s podium as the Musical Director and Conductor of the new touring production of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast. The show begins performances here in DC on March 18th and will play through April 5th at The National Theatre.

Interview: Theatre Life with Suzy Eddie Izzard

Elliot Lanes | Washington, DC

Today’s subject Suzy Eddie Izzard is an award-winning performer, marathon runner, and author. Her tour de force solo show The Tragedy of Hamlet will be seen right here in DC at Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) from March 27th to April 11th. The show will be performed in STC’s Klein Theatre.

Reviews

Review: MRS. CHRISTIE at Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park

Caroline Conard | Cincinnati

It’s very seldom these days that an original play check sall the boxes, yet Mrs. Christie manages to do exactly that. A fantastical show with mystery, quirky characters, and deeper themes, Mrs. Christie is sure to have something for everyone!

Review: THE GREAT GATSBY at Broadway at The Hobby Center

Brett Cullum | Houston

The book is full of mysteries, unspoken judgements, and a vicious sense of classism mixed with ruthless self-preservation, and there is not a lot of this present in this interpretation, brought to life by Kait Kerrigan's book, Jason Howland's music, and Fitzgerald-inspired lyrics by Nathan Tysen.

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis

Jared Fessler | Minneapolis / St. Paul

Water for Elephants has officially set up shop at the Orpheum Theatre, and it honestly doesn’t take long to get swept up in it. From the start, it feels less like you’re sitting in a theatre seat and more like you’ve wandered backstage at a traveling circus that just happens to break into song.

Review: STEREOPHONIC at DPAC

April Sigler | Raleigh

Stereophonic, the most Tony-nominated play of all time and winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Play, offers a compelling fly-on-the-wall look at a 1970s rock band recording their next album. With strong performances and music that feels like a character of its own, the show immerses you in the creative process, even if its scale and runtime occasionally soften the intimacy.

Review: WICKED at Providence Performing Arts Center

Andria Tieman | Rhode Island

One could be forgiven for feeling a little burned out on Wicked these days. After two super-sized movies and a press tour that seemed to last a decade, Wicked-mania feels a bit on the wane. However, there is no substitute for seeing this show live on stage. This show is more relevant than ever, and the current touring cast are exceptional.

Review: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME at Hale Centre Theatre

Sydney Naegle | Utah

Review: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME at Hale Centre Theatre Mesmerizing and a true Top of the World experience.

Review: SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Nostalgia is a funny thing. It catapults the ordinarily rational into webs of what-ifs and immobilizes presence in the now. But what if you could turn back time to fix that one regret or evaluate outcomes of disparate decisions. Would you do it, or would you choose to accept your past as part of you. Safety Not Guaranteed at Signature Theatre takes that exact journey and winds up in an alt-indie-rock concert with a semblance of sci-fi and human connection. Much like most time machines however, it’s transcendent in theory but lacks flawless execution in reality.

Videos

Photos & Video: First Look at WHITE ROOSTER at Lookingglass Theatre

Chloe Rabinowitz | Chicago

You can now get a first look at photos and video of the world premiere of White Rooster, written and directed by Ensemble Member Matthew C. Yee. The production has revealed an extension of its run.

Video: First Look at 'I Can Hear The Bells' from HAIRSPRAY at Casa Mañana Theatre

Joshua Wright | Dallas

Casa Mañana Theatre is currently presenting HAIRSPRAY, running through March 8. Check out a first look at “I Can Hear the Bells” in the video below.

Video: First Look at THE BODYGUARD at The John W. Engeman Theater

Joshua Wright | Long Island

Watch a first look video of The Bodyguard at The John W. Engeman Theater, running March 12 through April 26, 2026 in Northport, NY.

Photos/Video: First Look at ROMEO AND JULIET at Arden Theatre Company

Nicole Rosky | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company has released production photos and video from its staging of ROMEO AND JULIET, William Shakespeare’s tragedy directed by Barrymore Award–winning director Amina Robinson.

Video: KINKY BOOTS Tour First Look

Joshua Wright | Philadelphia

Get a first look at the new non-equity North American Tour of Kinky Boots. Leading the tour is Omari Collins as Lola, Noah Silverman as Charlie Price, Sophia Gunter as Lauren, Jason Daniel Chacon as Don, Emma Dean as Nicola, and John Anker Bow as George

Video: Hale Centre Theatre's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

Joshua Wright | Utah

Watch a first look video of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME at Hale Centre Theatre, running March 9 to April 25, 2026, with full cast details and performance schedule.

Video: Watch 'One Man Wrecking Machine' From Signature Theatre's SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Signature Theatre has shared an exclusive look at the cast of Safety Not Guaranteed performing 'One Man Wrecking Machine.' Watch the video from Ryan Miller and Nick Blaemire's musical now!

Video: First Look at THE CRUCIBLE at Washington National Opera

Joshua Wright | Washington, DC

Watch a first look video of THE CRUCIBLE at Washington National Opera, running March 21–29, 2026, with full cast and creative team details.

BroadwayWorld.com Oklahoma Stories

Cimarron Opera Will Perform PATIENCE at Nancy O'Brian Center

Video: The Teen Critics' Great Expectations are Met at THE OUTSIDERS

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Editor's Picks: Top News Stories

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

Reviews

Videos

Photos

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

How It Works

Weekly Scoring

The Fantasy Forecast

Managing Your Roster

Join the Game

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

This year's cast includes:

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

Review: THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Opening Night) at Civic Center Little Theatre

BEST IN TEN Festival to Return at Carpenter Square Theatre with Original Plays

SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Student Blog: Opening the Dance Floor to the Most Joyful of Dancers

TITANIQUE to Launch North American Tour in 2027

THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour Adds 26 Cities to 2026-27 Route

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

World Stage Theatre Company to Present TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Performance Schedule and Talkbacks

World Stage Theatre Company to Present TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Performance Schedule and Talkbacks

WAITRESS, Cynthia Erivo, and More Set For The McKnight Center 2026-2027 Season

Other Noteworthy Performances:

WAITRESS, Cynthia Erivo, and More Set For The McKnight Center 2026-2027 Season

Other Noteworthy Performances:

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

About StageMag

About BroadwayWorld

Billy Recce and Eamon Foley's HIT SHOW to Premiere in 2027 in Oklahoma and Kentucky

SEUSSICAL JR. Will Come to Tulsa Performing Arts Center

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

About Operation Mincemeat

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027

OH, MARY! Reveals Tour Dates and Cities For 2026-27

Tour Dates

PSYCHICS VS. SCIENCE Will Embark on Tour Across The U.S.

Tour Dates

Play Broadway Games Every Day in May and Win a Merch Prize Pack

NEWSIES Unseats LES MISÉRABLES to Win BroadwayWorld's 2026 Ultimate Movie Musical Bracket

BWW Q&A: Karen Coe Miller Talks ANASTASIA at Oklahoma City University

GYPSY To Be Presented By Theatre Tulsa At Tulsa Performing Arts Center

Cast Set for ANASTASIA at Oklahoma City University

BroadwayWorld My Shows is Now Part of the New & Improved App

What's New in My Shows

Getting Started

Review: HELL'S KITCHEN NORTH AMERICAN TOUR (OKC) at Civic Center Music Hall 4/7/26

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from March 2026

Editor's Pick

Interview: Matthew Lombardo and Beth Leavel Tell the Tale of WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL

Interviews

Interview: Eymard Cabling of MISS SAIGON at Short North Stage

Interview: SoCal's Leianna Weaver Talks Lydia, Ghosts, and BEETLEJUICE

Interview: Theatre Life with David Andrews Rogers

Reviews

Review: MRS. CHRISTIE at Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park

Videos

Photos