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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.

EXCLUSIVE: Take a First Look at 9 Works Theatrical’s YEMAYA in Rehearsal

Sat, 30 May 2026 17:01:41 PST

Manila, Philippines—Get an exclusive first look inside the rehearsal room of 9 Works Theatrical’s upcoming production of Yemaya.

A Filipino translation of Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes’s Yemaya’s Belly, the play follows a young boy’s search for home across land and sea. Translated by Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Ed Lacson Jr., the production bridges the playwright’s Latin American roots with the Filipino archipelagic experience. Weaving elements of magical realism with the once-aspired-for "American Dream," Yemaya aims to resonate deeply with local realities.

The production stars Bituin Escalante (Yemaya/Inay), Tommy Alejandrino (Jesus/Mulo), Benedix Ramos (Jesus/Mulo), and Sheena Belarmino (Maya). They are joined by Ness Roque (Maya), Herbie Go (Tico), Sheenly Gener (Lila), Anthony Falcon (Jelin), and covers Wenah Nagales and Only Torres.

Joining Deldoc and Lacson on the creative team are Teresa Barrozo (music and sound design), Ericson Navarro (costumes and props management), Jethro Nibaten (lighting design), Wika Nadera, assistant set designer and art director; Sheik Completado, technical director; Eliza Aurelio, hair and makeup designer; and Lee Morale, photographer.

Yemaya runs at The Blackbox at the Proscenium Theater from June 13 to July 5, 2026.

Photos: Loreta Arroyo

Tommy Alejandrino, Bituin Escalante

Anthony Falcon

Bituin Escalante

Sheenly Gener

Anthony Falcon

Sheena Belarmino, Benedix Ramos

Sheenly Gener

Sheena Belarmino, Benedix Ramos

Bituin Escalante

Sheena Belarmino

Benedix Ramos, Sheena Belarmino

Benedix Ramos

Sheena Belarmino, Benedix Ramos

Herbie Go

Tommy Alejandrino

Ness Roque, Tommy Alejandrino

Bituin Escalante

Tommy Alejandrino

Review: Balancing Fact and Fiction in MASTER CLASS

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:33:56 PST

MANILA, Philippines—The Maria Callas, the famed soprano, of Terrence McNally’s Master Class is, in many ways, the extreme opposite of the real-life "La Divina." In this Tony Award-winning piece, Callas is portrayed as vicious, hilarious, and witty in the classroom. By contrast, historical accounts describe the real Callas as brisk, professional, and humorless when teaching voice students at Juilliard in the early 1970s—a period widely considered past her vocal prime. McNally, an opera aficionado, deliberately reimagines her as a sensitive, creative soul whose biting humor lands with panache and whose tragic backstory hits like a punch to the gut.

Ultimately, strict historical accuracy does not make a compelling two-act play. McNally sugarcoats Callas’s technical, rigid vocal classes with a fictionalized, razor-sharp wit that effortlessly engages the audience. However, the play’s structure becomes noticeably repetitive in Act Two—a flaw that reads more glaringly in this Philippine Opera Company (POC) production, directed by Jaime del Mundo and starring Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.

In del Mundo’s staging, the play's most dramatic moments—such as Callas’s internal monologues on past heartaches—are set in Callas's classroom, where she shares the stage only with a student and a rehearsal pianist. Regrettably, she is blocked almost identically in both acts. This repetitive staging renders the events predictable and physically uninspired, despite set designer Joey Mendoza’s massive, imposing veneer wall panels, which shift mood effectively under the deep blue and purple hues by lighting directors D Cortezano and Perine Bianzon.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo plays Maria Callas.

Kudos, however, to Lauchengco-Yulo for delivering a multi-layered portrayal of the revered soprano. Her performance beautifully channels both Zoe Caldwell (who originated the role on Broadway) and Tyne Daly (who led the 2011 revival). Fresh off an extraordinarily good turn in the title role of Kimberly Akimbo, Lauchengco-Yulo is also extremely funny here. Her passive-aggressive dominance establishes Callas as an intimidating force long before her pupils utter their first notes, underscored by a scrumptious comic timing—particularly in her deliberate, dismissive mangling of her students' names and how “they look.”

Yet, in her demanding, text-heavy monologues, Lauchengco-Yulo wisely avoids playing Callas as a permanently terrifying tormentor. Instead, she anchors the diva's anger in profound insecurity and grief. In her moments of solitude, she breaks the audience’s heart, vividly recalling her impoverished childhood, her abusive relationship with Aristotle Onassis, walking out on the producers at La Scala, and being fired by the Metropolitan Opera.

In her final monologue, Lauchengco-Yulo speaks with incisive clarity, delivering the exact words the real-life Callas left behind for the next generation of artists: “What matters is that you use whatever you have learned wisely. Think of the expression of the words, of good diction, and of your own deep feelings.” Lauchengco-Yulo articulates the absolute hardship and bitter sacrifice of the artistic calling with a sensible, clear-eyed focus. By letting the historical Callas speak through her without theatrical bells and whistles, she ensures the production ends not on a trite dramatic note, but on a profoundly haunting truth.

Beyond the diva herself, McNally’s Juilliard classroom serves as a theatrical arena where Callas’s uncompromising ideals collide with her students' raw, unpolished ambition. Her first student, Sophie de Palma (played by Alexandra Bernas), is the literal and figurative "first victim" of Callas’s tough-love tutorials. She is followed by Anthony Candolino (Arman Ferrer) and Sharon Graham (Angel Benipayo)—the latter role famously winning Audra McDonald her first Tony Award in a straight play. While Bernas, Ferrer, and Benipayo prove themselves to be remarkably strong vocalists, their acting choices occasionally lean into mere caricatures of fear or overconfidence. Nevertheless, each character successfully charts a journey toward a more mature, self-aware artistic standpoint.

Arman Ferrer plays Anthony Candolino; Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Maria Callas.

Meanwhile, Louie Angelo Oca masterfully handles a demanding dual role as pianist Manny Weinstock and the show's actual accompanist. Oca provides a grounded, organic support that keeps the production anchored in a believable reality, successfully making the performance space look and sound like an authentic voice studio.

Master Class gives us a Maria Callas who is simultaneously hilarious, intimidating, and her own harshest critic—and entirely vulnerable when confronting her lost voice and traumatic personal life. Through Lauchengco-Yulo's commanding portrayal of the subject, this POC revival serves as a potent reminder of the legendary soprano's enduring musical legacy. It remains a definitive, sweeping portrait of a consummate artist.

Photos: Myra Ho

REP Breathes New Life Into the ‘Impossible Dream’

Mon, 25 May 2026 06:08:20 PST

Manila, Philippines — Repertory Philippines (REP) is set to breathe new life into local theater with the triumphant return of “Man of La Mancha,” running at the REP Eastwood Theater from June 5 to 28, 2026. This reimagined staging promises a stirring, four-week theatrical journey that invites today's audiences to rediscover Don Quixote’s timeless quest for hope and inspiration.

Helmed by director Nelsito Gomez, known for his inventive storytelling, this adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece aims to captivate and connect deeply with modern audiences. Award-winning actor Nonie Buencamino, fresh from his 2025 Gawad Buhay triumph, makes a much-anticipated return to musical theater in the dual roles of Alonso Quijano and Don Quixote, drawing on his rich experience across film, television, and stage.

“We are deeply honored to bring ‘Man of La Mancha’ back to the REP stage—a production that remains very close to my heart as one of my all-time favorite musicals,” says Mindy Perez-Rubio, REP President and CEO.

“At a time when it’s easy to grow weary or guarded, Don Quixote reminds us—in his wonderfully quixotic way—to hold fast to courage, imagination, and the possibility of something better,” Perez-Rubio adds. “Guided by an extraordinary team led by Nelsito Gomez and Nonie Buencamino, we’ve created a production that feels both intimate and urgent. I’m truly excited to share it with audiences. This is a theater experience you cannot miss.”

A landmark in musical theater history, “Man of La Mancha” follows a fictionalized Cervantes who, while imprisoned during the Spanish Inquisition, defends his manuscript by enacting the story of the chivalrous knight errant. Based on the foundational novel “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha,” the 1965 Broadway premiere went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The iconic score—featuring a book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion—introduced the legendary anthem “The Impossible Dream,” alongside beloved classics like “Dulcinea,” “I, Don Quixote,” and “I’m Only Thinking of Him.”

This staging marks a major homecoming for the piece; REP previously produced the musical in 1987 at the Insular Life Theater and in 2005 at Onstage Greenbelt.

Stepping into the role of Aldonza is Katrine Sunga, joined by Marvin Ong (recently seen in REP's “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”) as the ever-loyal Sancho Panza.

The company also features Tarek El Tayech as the Governor/Innkeeper, Alfredo Reyes as the Duke/Carrasco, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia, Sarah Facuri as the Housekeeper, Steven Hotchkiss as the Padre, Julio Laforteza as Pedro/Male Dancer, Dippy Arceo as Jose, Jasper Jimenez as Juan/Barber, Ralph Oliva as Paco, Khalil Tambio as Anselmo, Liway Perez as Maria/Female Dancer, and Rafa Sumilong as the Captain. JV Fulgencio and Aly Wijangco serve as the Male and Female Swings, respectively.

Bringing the golden age musical to life is a stellar creative team: musical director Farley Asuncion, vocal coach Arman Ferrer, choreographer Jim Ferrer, set and props designer Julio Garcia, Costume Designer Hershee Tantiado, sound designer Kabaitan Bautista, and lighting designer and technical director D Cortezano.

Photo: Repertory Philippines

FIRST LOOK: Cebu's HOOK UP THE MUSICAL Reveals New Character Portraits Ahead of Pride Month Return

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:43:55 PST

Cebu City--HOOK UP THE MUSICAL, written by Jude Gitamondoc and produced by Kadasig Entertainment Production, has officially released new character portraits ahead of its highly anticipated return.

The hit musical is set for a strictly limited, three-performance run at Sky Hall Seaside Cebu on June 13, 2026, perfectly timed for Pride Month.

HOOK UP THE MUSICAL has Shim Dagatan and Paul Pablo, who alternate as TimidTim, a shy young man looking for genuine connection amid the hookup culture.

Jan Echavarria and Grant Bacaltos share the role of IAmAnonymous, an app user whose radical honesty about his HIV status triggers a profound emotional awakening for Tim.

On the other hand, Maverick Niñeza stars as WitchingHour.

More than just a love story found online, HOOK UP THE MUSICAL tackles pressing contemporary issues. According to infectious disease specialist Dr. Bryan Albert Lim, the musical's themes are more relevant than ever; recent data from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) reveals a staggering 300% surge in local HIV cases over the last five years.

HOOK UP THE MUSICAL performances on June 13 are scheduled at 1 p.m. (student matinee), 4:30 p.m. (regular performance), and 8 p.m. (gala performance).

Tickets are priced from P800 to P2,000.

Photos: Kadasig Entertainment Production

Shim Dagatan plays Tim aka TimidTim.

Paul Pablo plays Tim aka TimidTim.

Jan Echavarria plays Manny aka IAmAnonymous.

Grant Bacaltos plays Manny aka IAmAnonymous.

Maverick Niñeza plays Dan aka WitchingHour.

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.

Celeste Legaspi To Join THE NOTEBOOK In The Philippines

Sun, 10 May 2026 18:52:13 PST

Theatre Group Asia has announced acclaimed Filipino performer Celeste Legaspi will take on the role of Older Allie in its highly anticipated production of The Notebook, The Musical. Legaspi brings with her not only a storied career, but a lifetime of shaping the landscape of Filipino music, theater, and cultural advocacy.

TGA Creative and Overall Artistic Director Clint Ramos remarks, “It is our honor to have a Philippine icon play the role of Older Allie. This is a dream casting for us. Ms. Celeste Legaspi is a titan in the musical theater industry and Philippine music in general. She brings gravitas and wisdom to the role; and we can’t wait for the Philippine audience to see another side of this legendary artist. We are so excited to see the evolution of Allie’s character from her younger version with the vulnerable innocence of Sheena Belarmino, her blossoming through the strength and prowess of Morissette, and onto her full unravelling into the masterful insight of Ms. Celeste Legaspi."

In stepping into The Notebook, The Musical, Legaspi embraces both the artistic challenge and emotional depth of the role. She reflects: “The characters in Notebook are interesting. How it shows their growth and learnings. To be able to portray that is a challenge. And as I study the music of older Allie I learn that the music is modern and exacting; at the same time I will need to get to the heart of her. A great challenge. And I love challenges. Accepting challenges has been my motivation through all my years.”

Her portrayal of Older Allie is shaped by personal experience as well. “My family suffered when my mother got sick with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. It was one of the most difficult times in our lives. Although remembering that is painful, it will be my responsibility to honor my mother by bringing understanding and compassion to my role.”

Together with Morissette as Middle Allie and Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie, the casting reflects TGA’s commitment to assembling a multi-generational ensemble capable of capturing the sweeping emotional scope of The Notebook: The Musical. Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony Award-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter, the musical is celebrated for its intimate storytelling and its portrayal of love as it evolves through youth, adulthood, and old age.

REVIEW: Celebrity, Spectacle, and Betrayal in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Fri, 08 May 2026 05:10:15 PST

Manila, Philippines--When Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice premiered “Jesus Christ Superstar” in 1971, it jolted both the Church and the musical theater world. More than 50 years later, the Olivier Award-winning production at The Theatre at Solaire demonstrates the score’s power still sizzles, even as “rock opera” now suggests nostalgia.

As a pivotal destination on its international tour until May 31, this production defiantly rejects tradition. Originating at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Timothy Sheader’s approach is raw and contemporary, distilling the story to its throbbing essence.

The original 1970 concept album pulsed with classic rock, but this version adopts a sleek “concert-noir” atmosphere. Its meta-commentary shines: handheld and stand-mounted microphones become new props and symbols of power. Characters wield them as weapons, shields, and objects of worship. By trading biblical grandeur for industrial minimalism, Sheader exposes the music’s unfiltered force.

The show’s pulse comes from Sheader’s direction and Drew McOnie’s choreography. The ensemble moves as one, restless organism. McOnie’s sharp choreography mirrors a society obsessed with idols, spiraling into frenzy. By highlighting the “Superstar” motif, the production critiques the fickleness of fame, showing how adoration turns hostile in an instant. Roman-occupied Judea becomes a chillingly familiar police state.

This approach peels back the layers of Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene, exposing their vulnerability. By reframing Christ’s last days as a modern thriller, Sheader strips away distance, revealing the characters’ wounds. This intensity, sustained from the first guitar riff to the final breath, earned this iteration the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

Joshua Bess plays Jesus, surrounded by company members.

The story pivots around the disillusioned gaze of Judas Iscariot. This staging magnifies his tragedy, painting the betrayal as a last, frantic act by a man watching his friend vanish beneath the weight of his own myth.

Lee Curran’s lighting is crucial, using stark contrasts of sterile whites and metallic golds. Early gold lighting evokes a sense of celebrity and a concert atmosphere. Later, gold marks Judas’s blood money, casting corruption over Judea during priestly scenes. Intense white in the "Trial Before Pilate (Including the 39 Lashes)" and “The Crucifixion” strips illusions, revealing vulnerability.

Tom Scutt’s multi-level industrial set lets the ensemble surge and scatter. Steel and scaffolding form a gritty, utilitarian playground. His costumes—hoodies, joggers, streetwise tunics—aim to root the story in youth culture, but their subdued hues lack the promised “Superstar” spark.

Unforeseen offstage events affected the Manila gala performance on May 5. The principal Jesus, Luke Street, was absent for the birth of his second child, a joyful occasion that left a gap. Understudy Joshua Bess, who also covers Pontius Pilate, stepped into the lead. The transition from supporting player to “Superstar” proved challenging.

Gab Pangilinan plays Mary Magdalene; Joshua Bess, Jesus.

Bess’s habit of adjusting his hair during the performance broke immersion. “Gethsemane,” the role’s defining challenge, requires spiritual depth and vocal power. Bess did not meet this; his vocals lacked grit, leaving the climax incomplete. Without transcendence, the crucifixion felt more intellectual than emotional.

Bess was at his strongest in the most intense scenes. In the "Trial Before Pilate (Including the 39 Lashes)," he was convincingly vulnerable. By “The Crucifixion,” his nervousness faded, embodying the production’s rawness as the martyr the show required.

The evening’s emotional focus shifted to Jovan King as Judas. King has a powerful voice, but his performance often lacked nuance and dramatic control, with scenes swinging from whisper to shout. Yet in “Judas’s Death,” King found the emotional core, channeling his earlier instability into a portrayal that is both dangerous and tragic.

The production’s Achilles’ heel was the absence of chemistry among its leads. Gab Pangilinan struggled to convey Mary Magdalene’s emotional warmth, making her scenes feel distant rather than moving. "I Don’t Know How to Love Him" should ground the show emotionally, but Pangilinan’s rendition felt rehearsed rather than heartfelt, depriving the number of its usual vulnerability. The lack of conviction between her and Bess made Mary’s devotion feel unearned, diluting the intimacy and emotional weight needed for betrayal to resonate.

Gab Pangilinan plays Mary Magdelene.

Ethan Hardy Benson’s Pilate began unevenly, with a “Pilate’s Dream” that missed menace. But as the trial continued, Benson transformed, channeling inner conflict. By the "Trial Before Pilate (Including the 39 Lashes),” he commanded the stage, delivering one of the night’s best moments.

While the leads wavered, the high priests stole the show. Grant Hodges gave Caiaphas a weighty pragmatism that hardened into ruthlessness. Kodiak Thompson’s Annas spiraled into paranoia and complicity. Their dynamic outshone the trio, energizing the political urgency the show needs.

Erich W. Schleck electrified the second act as King Herod, subverting the show’s mood. During “King Herod’s Song,” he abandoned comedy for a sinister edge. Schleck’s flamboyance crackled with menace, turning the cameo into a chilling reminder that power feeds on spectacle and cruelty.

The apostles, too, showed unevenness. Will Silver’s Simon Zealotes, meant to spark rebellion, failed to ignite. In “Simon Zealotes/Poor Jerusalem,” Simon must set the pace, but Silver faltered with the score and missed the soaring notes.

Javon King plays Judas; Grant Hodges, Caiaphas.

Thomas McFerran delivered one of the night’s most authentic performances as Peter. In “Peter’s Denial,” as McFerran shifted from bravado to self-preservation with precision, the audience could feel Peter’s growing desperation and shame. His subtle expressions and body language made the apostles’ fear and guilt palpable amid the production’s relentless drive.

Sheader’s inventive direction and McOnie’s choreography dazzled, but the Manila gala showed that bold staging can’t mask uneven leads. The second act roared with trademark intensity, yet the night left a lingering question: what heights might the principal “Superstar” have reached?

Photos: Oliver Oliveros, Rem Delos Reyes, & Vitt Salvador

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

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:42:53 PST

Manila, 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. This acclaimed UK production is set to run through May 31, 2026.

Leading the Manila leg of the international tour is homegrown star Gab Pangilinan (“Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “Mula sa Buwan”) as Mary Magdalene. She is joined by a powerhouse international cast featuring Luke Street as Jesus (Joshua Bess performs the role at certain performances) and Javon King as Judas.

The principal cast also includes Ethan Hardy Benson (Pilate), Grant Hodges (Caiaphas), and Kodiak Thompson (Annas), supported by a triple-threat ensemble from North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Originally released as a concept album in 1970, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is a fully sung-through rock opera that reimagines the final days of Jesus Christ. Seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the production delves into the raw humanity and complex relationships of those surrounding Christ, including Mary Magdalene, his disciples, and the Roman Empire leadership.

This production is directed by Timothy Sheader, who also helmed the celebrated Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre staging. The creative team features choreography by Drew McOnie, production design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster, and music supervision by Tom Deering.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” is presented in Manila by GMG Productions, in association with David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions.

Photos: Vitt Salvador

Gab Pangilinan, Joshua Bess

Javon King, Grant Hodges

The company

Joshua Bess and company

Joshua Bess, Gab Pangilinan, and company

Joshua Bess, Javon King, and company

Gab Pangilinan

Raw and Evocative: 9 Works Theatrical Shifts to the Black Box for YEMAYA

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:38:17 PST

Manila, Philippines—9 Works Theatrical kicks off its 2026 season with "Yemaya," a Filipino adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes’s debut play, "Yemaya’s Belly" (2003). While Hudes is globally recognized for penning the book for "In the Heights," this production marks a deliberate artistic pivot for 9 Works Theatrical.

Moving away from the grand spectacles of its previous season at the Proscenium’s main stage, 9 Works Theatrical is embracing a raw, evocative approach, trading the expansive main house for the immersive, close-quarters experience of the Black Box.

Using magic realism as a device, directed by Ed Lacson Jr, with the Filipino translation by Eljay Castro Deldoc, “Yemaya” follows a boy’s coming-of-age odyssey across land and sea that, in this specific staging, aims to bridge the gap between Hudes’ Latin American roots and the shared maritime and archipelagic experiences of our local setting, The Philippines. Its previous stagings have been described as a “visceral exploration of myth, motherhood, and the tides of fate.”

“Yemaya” stars Bituin Escalante as Yemaya/Inay; Tommy Alejandrino and Benedix Ramos, sharing the role of Jesus/Mulo; Sheena Belarmino and Ness Roque sharing the role of Maya; Herbie Go as Tico; Sheenly Gener as Lila; Anthony Falcon as Jelin; and Wenah Nagales as Yemaya/Inay cover.

In its creative and production team, Lacson Jr. is also the set designer, alongside Wika Nadera as assistant set designer/art director; Teresa Barrozo, music and sound designer; JM Cabling, movement director; Ericson Navarro, costume and prop designer; Jethro Nibaten, lighting designer; Sheik Completado, technical director; Eliza Aurelio, hair and makeup designer; Mara Agleham and Pat Gascon, stage managers; Robbie Guevara and Mio Infante, artistic consultants; Santi Santamaria, managing director/executive producer; Anna Santamaria, operations and finance director; and Charyl Guzman, production manager.

An early version of “Yemaya’s Belly” was staged by the Miracle Theatre in Portland, Oregon, in 2004; it received its professional premiere at Portland Stage Company in Maine in 2005.

Photos: Lee Morale, 9 Works Theatrical

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.

Benedix Ramos and Sheena Belarmino To Join THE NOTEBOOK In The Philippines

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:44:43 PST

Following the announcement of Morissette as Middle Allie in its upcoming international premiere of The Notebook: The Musical, Benedix Ramos as Young Noah and Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie have been added to the cast.

Joining a production that reimagines Nicholas Sparks’ beloved story across different stages of life, Ramos and Belarmino will bring to life the formative years of Noah and Allie, the chapter of first love marked by intensity, innocence, and defiance.

Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony Award winning book by Bekah Brunstetter, The Notebook tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who 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.

More About Benedix Ramos

Ramos is an actor, singer-songwriter, and host whose growing body of work across television, film, and theatre has established him as one of the most promising young performers of his generation. He first gained national recognition through Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10: Celebrity Edition and has since built a diverse portfolio spanning screen and stage. His theatre credits include Tabing Ilog: The Musical, Next to Normal, and Bar Boys: The Musical, where his performance earned him a Gawad Buhay nomination for Best Male Lead in a Musical. He was also recognized with the Emerging Talent Award by the Manila Society of Theater Reviewers.

More About Sheena Belarmino

Sheena Belarmino brings a compelling blend of vocal power and stage presence to the role of Young Allie. A singer, dancer, actress, and host, Belarmino began her career in major reality competitions before becoming a regular performer on ASAP. She has steadily built her theatre credentials with roles in One More Chance: The Musical, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, Next to Normal, and Bar Boys: The Musical, most recently taking on Wendla Bergmann in Spring Awakening. Her performance in One More Chance earned her a Gawad Buhay nomination for Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Musical.

THE MOON AND THE BAKUNAWA Premieres this Weekend: A Poignant Exploration of Dementia and Caregiving

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:58:15 PST

Manila, Philippines—Written by Nitoy Chan Jr. and directed by Roobak Valle, “The Moon and the Bakunawa” (A Dementia Carer Story) bridges Philippine folklore with the lived realities of dementia caregiving. The play opens this weekend at the Jayne Offemaria-Abuid Auditorium, AIMS Tower, Pasay City, running Saturdays and Sundays from April 18 to 26, 2026.

Its story follows the poignant relationship between a son, Tonyong (also known as Benny), and his mother, Mamay, whose memories are slowly dimming. Executive producer Arlene Abuid-Paderanga, who also portrays Mamay, intends for the production to catalyze empathy and mental health advocacy.

“The production, which recently made its world premiere in Perth, Australia, functions as both a personal tribute and an educational tool,” the producers said. “It proves that love persists even when memories vanish.”

The staging relies on an intimate, minimalist aesthetic to focus on the emotional weight of mundane interactions between the caregiver and his patient. It leans heavily into the metaphor of the Bakunawa—the mythical, moon-eating serpent of Philippine lore—representing the disease that slowly eclipses the "light" of a loved one's mind.

The cast with director Roobak Valle

Staged on a campus, the production also serves as a "living classroom," encouraging students to confront mental health issues and develop empathy. This initiative aligns with AIMS' commitment to nurturing young artists while expanding its role in meaningful social advocacy.

The play stars Abuid-Paderanga, sharing the role of Mamay with Divina Cavestany, who originated the role in the Australian premiere—meanwhile, Phil Panganiban and Remus Villanueva alternate in the role of Tonyong aka Benny.

Its creative and production team includes Julio Garcia, production designer; Roman Cruz, lighting designer; TJ Ramos, sound designer and engineer; Sheik Completado, video designer and technical director; Wenna Jarito, stage manager; Charyl De Guzman and Owa Bautista, production managers; Harly Daria and Derick Mendoza, marketers; Kingsley Franco and Delo Monterde, graphic designers; and Jefferd Wyrd Ubera and Myra Ho, videographer and photographer, respectively.

You may call Daria for tickets at 09260811522.

Photos: Oliver Oliveros

HOOK UP THE MUSICAL to Return This June for Special Pride Month Engagement

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:13:19 PST

Cebu, Philippines—The digital age meets the stage once again as Cebu’s original hit, HOOK UP The Musical, returns for a strictly limited three-performance run at Sky Hall Seaside Cebu on June 13, 2026. In celebration of Pride Month, the production continues its mission to blend contemporary storytelling with vital social commentary.

To mark the return, BroadwayWorld is proud to premiere “Meet Cute,” a standout number from Act One. Watch the video below, featuring original cast member Paul Pablo as "TimidTim"—a fresh graduate navigating the exhilarating, often complex world of newfound freedom and digital intimacy.

Written by Jude Gitamondoc and produced by Kadasig Entertainment Production, HOOK UP The Musical is a bilingual (English/Cebuano) theatrical experience that dives deep into the complexities of identity and sexual health.

“Following a successful debut at the Capitol Social Hall last November, this restaging is ‘bigger, bolder, and more urgent,’” the producers say.

The production arrives at a critical time; infectious disease specialist Dr. Bryan Albert Lim notes that the work is essential, as local HIV cases have surged by 300% over the last five years, as supported by recent data from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).

HOOK UP The Musical’s performances on June 13 are scheduled at 1 p.m. (student matinee), 4:30 p.m. (regular performance), and 8 p.m. (gala performance).

Tickets are priced from P800 to P2,000.

Enjoy an “early bird” discount of 20% off until April 30, 2026; send a private message on the HookUpMusical FB Page.

Karylle Joins CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:23:38 PST

Manila, Philippines— Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia have confirmed that Filipino star Karylle (“The Sound of Music,” “Carousel”) will headline the Manila leg of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” global tour when the show runs at the Theatre at Solaire in July 2026.

Karylle steps into the role of the devoted Mrs. Bucket, performing alongside Oliver Wong and Cohen Toukatly, who share the role of Charlie Bucket.

Based on Roald Dahl's beloved classic, this production invites audiences on a wondrous journey with the eccentric Willy Wonka and five golden ticket winners. Its original Broadway director, Jack O'Brien, is at the helm, along with book writer David Greig, and new direction by Matt Lenz, with stage wizardry design, including cutting-edge "hologauze" 3D technology, by Tim Clothier.

The production strikes a perfect chord of nostalgia and novelty, pairing the iconic film hits—"Pure Imagination" and "The Candyman"—with a fresh score from the geniuses behind another Broadway hit musical, "Hairspray," Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

With over 300 performances on Broadway in 2017, starring Christian Borle as Wonka, the production has completed a four-year North American tour through 2022. It also played in London's West End, receiving two Olivier Awards, "Best Costume Design" and "Best Lighting Design."

Also in the creative team are Joshua Bergasse, original choreography; Alison Solomon, tour choreography; Nate Patten and Greg Jarrett, musical supervision; Mark Thompson, set and costume design; Christine Peters, tour scenic design; Jeff Sugg, projections design; Rory Beaton, lighting design; Mike Thacker for Orbital Sound, sound design; Basil Twist, puppet design; Doug Besterman, orchestrations; and Shaiman, musical arrangements.

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is presented in Manila with support from HY Culture Fund, Doug Meyer, AMA Group, GMG Productions, Auro Chocolote, HY Culture Company, Doug Meyer Productions, Bergamot Front Row Fund, and Willette Klausner.

Following its Manila run, the global tour is scheduled to continue through 2028, with upcoming stops in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Seoul.

BroadwayWorld will be sitting down with Karylle later this week to discuss her return to the musical stage—check back soon for the full interview.

Photo: Karylle IG

Morissette Will Play 'Middle Allie' in THE NOTEBOOK in Manila

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:20:27 PST

Theatre Group Asia has announced the casting of acclaimed Filipino vocalist Morissette as Middle Allie in its upcoming production of The Notebook: The Musical, opening in September 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. The production will serve as the musical's international premiere.

Opening TGA's 2026-27 season, The Notebook: The Musical is a stage adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' beloved novel, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter. The musical debuted in 2022 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater under the direction of Michael Greif and Schele Williams, then went on to Broadway, where it received three Tony nominations.

While the story is widely recognized through its 2004 film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, the stage version expands the narrative by portraying Allie and Noah across multiple stages of their lives, offering a layered perspective on how love matures, fractures, and ultimately endures. Praised for its emotional restraint and lyrical storytelling, the musical offers a more intimate, reflective interpretation of the classic romance, exploring themes of memory, aging, and devotion through contemporary musical sensibilities.

TGA's Overall Artistic and Creative Director Clint Ramos shares, “We are very honored to welcome Morissette to the TGA family. Casting Middle Allie is a tough process because the character's songs are technically challenging and emotionally demanding. It takes a special kind of vocalist and actress to tackle this role. And we're overjoyed that Morissette welcomed the prospect. She's spectacular!”

Morissette, widely known as “Asia's Phoenix,” is a multi-award-winning Cebuana artist recognized for her extraordinary vocal range and commanding stage presence. Over a career spanning more than 15 years, she has established herself as one of the Philippines' most celebrated performers, known for her powerful live vocals and her ability to connect deeply with audiences through music and storytelling.

Morissette first rose to national prominence through televised singing competitions before achieving international recognition with chart-topping songs, major concert productions, and collaborations with global artists, such as Michael Bolton, Ben Adams, and Alan Menken. Her career has taken her to sold-out venues across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She previously appeared in the Philippine production of Camp Rock: The Musical, marking an early step into theatre. She was also one of the first performers who launched Circuit's Blackbox Theater when she appeared in The Mister Kupido Musical, and was likewise one of the first performers in S-PAT with Favor Church. In 2025, she celebrated her 15th anniversary with Ember, a landmark solo concert. That same year, she made her film debut in Song of the Fireflies, earning Best Actress at the Manila International Film Festival.

Reflecting on her return to the stage, Morissette shares that the opportunity came at a meaningful moment in her career. “First and foremost, I'm so excited to be returning to the theater stage after almost a decade, and to be working with TGA on The Notebook: The Musical. The opportunity came at a perfect time because I had already been thinking about going back to theater,” she says, adding that she felt both surprised and deeply grateful to be entrusted with the role of Middle Allie. Having long admired the story, she notes, “I loved the film adaptation, and the songs from the musical are so beautiful and moving.”

She finds a personal connection in Middle Allie's character, describing her as “free-spirited and strong-willed,” qualities she relates to in her own life. “I tend to take risks in my professional and personal life, and I fight for what I believe in,” she explains. As she immersed herself in the material, Morissette shares that the story resonated on a deeper level. “When I started studying it, it hit a little close to home. I really believe that to love and be loved is so empowering—it gives you the courage to take risks.”

For Morissette, the enduring appeal of The Notebook lies in its portrayal of love that evolves. “Love conquers all, especially when it stands the test of time, as Allie and Noah's does. I love how the story shows them across different generations and how their relationship grows and changes through the years,” she says. She also highlights the musical's score as a defining element, describing it as “honest and sincere in portraying what the characters cannot simply say, very heartwarming yet powerful.”

In preparing for the role, Morissette has taken an immersive approach, returning to The Notebook for deeper insight into the characters and narrative while continuously engaging with the musical's soundtrack. “I've been physically and vocally preparing myself to step into Middle Allie's shoes and voice,” she shares.

As she steps into this new chapter, Morissette hopes audiences will see a different dimension of her artistry. “I want people to take away that I love storytelling just as much as I am capable of hitting big notes,” she says candidly, acknowledging both her excitement and nerves. “This is very different from what I'm used to, but I'm willing to relearn the discipline of theater, especially with a material as beautiful as this.”

With Morissette as an integral part of the production, TGA's The Notebook: The Musical is poised to be a landmark cultural event, one that brings together a globally celebrated story, a contemporary musical voice, and a defining Filipino artist in a production that promises to resonate deeply with audiences in Manila and beyond.

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.

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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!

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.

Photos

Photos: The Cast of WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL Meets the Press

Bruce Glikas | Boston

The World Premiere production of WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL, a new backstage comedy by Matthew Lombardo and directed by Noah Himmelstein, will be performed in Boston. The cast recently met the press and BroadwayWorld was there. Check out photos here!

Photos: CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE at South Coast Rep

Joshua Wright | Los Angeles

South Coast Repertory presents CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, a bilingual musical by Karen Zacarias and Deborah Wicks La Puma, running February 20–March 8.

PHOTOS: A CHORUS LINE Manila Cast Meets the Press

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

See photos from A Chorus Line Manila's press meet! Conrad Ricamora & Lissa deGuzman lead the all-Filipino cast at Samsung Performing Arts Theater, March 2026.

PHOTOS: Take a Peek at Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Royce Cabrera in ENDO

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:58:56 PST

Manila, Philippines— Ticket2Me and PETA Plus have joined forces for “Endo,” the stage adaptation of the acclaimed 2007 film. Directed by Melvin Lee and adapted for the stage by Liza Magtoto, the play explores the persistent issues of contractual labor and the complexities of the post-pandemic gig economy in the Philippines.

Lead actors Jasmine Curtis-Smith (Tanya) and Royce Cabrera (Leo) recently performed snippets from the play during an open-rehearsal visit.

In an environment, where perpetual work yields no upward mobility, can a long-term romantic relationship can still co-exist alongside the pressures of basic human survival?

“The production is framed not merely as a revival, but as a ‘diagnosis’ of the persistent social wounds caused by a world designed to pull people apart through algorithmic measurement and fragmented labor,” the producers said. “We are expanding and contemporizing the scope of the original film.”

Alternating in the roles of Tanya and Leo are Rissey Reyes-Robinson and Esteban Mara, respectively. Meanwhile, actresses Kate Alejandrino and Iana Bernardez share the role of Candy.

Also in the cast, playing support and ensemble roles, are Denmark Brinces, Carlon Matobato, Ekiz Gimenez, Jacinta Pascual, Nikki Soriano, Noelle Polack, Kirby Dunnzell, Raflesia Bravo, Teetin Villanueva, and Raphne Catorce.

Completing the creative and production teams are Eric Villanueva Dela Cruz, assistant director and dramaturg; Christine Crame, choreographer; D. Cortezano, production designer; and Kaan Bautista, music director; Meann Espinosa, executive producer; Mico Esquivel, production manager; Loren Rivera, technical director; David Esguerra, lighting designer; Aldrie Valmonte, associate lighting directo; Julio Garcia, production design executioner; Paul Adrian Martinez, costume design assistant; and Dan Pucyutan, stage manager.

“Endo” runs at the PETA Theater Center from April 10 to May 10, 2026.

Get tickets via Ticket2Me (P1,600 to P2,700).

Photos: Oliver Oliveros

Royce Cabrera, Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Iana Bernardez

Carlon Matobato

Royce Cabrera, Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Ekiz Gimenez, Royce Cabrera,

Royce Cabrera, Raphne Catorce

Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Royce Cabrera

Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Denmark Brinces, Royce Cabrera, Carlon Matobato

LES MISÉRABLES vs. NEWSIES: Final Round Voting Open For BroadwayWorld's Movie Musical Bracket

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:59:10 PST

Voting is now open for the final round of BroadwayWorld's Annual Bracket! Which film is really the Best Movie Musical of all time? Our editors have selected the options, and now BroadwayWorld invites YOU to join us and our readers in deciding which movie musical deserves the title of The Ultimate Best Movie Musical!

Now in its third year, BroadwayWorld's Bracket brings together our community to debate, defend, and ultimately crown the greatest of them all. In both 2024 and 2025, Les Misérables was voted as the Ultimate Best Musical of all time.

Will the beloved musical be reigning champ again across mediums? Or will the Newsies finally unseat the incumbent champ?

What will win this year's Ultimate Movie Musical Bracket? Vote now!

How To Participate

-Select your pick in each contest round below & submit the form.
-Come back for round each round to see if your selections made it.
-Didn't join the contest in the first round? No problem! Join in any round.

Schedule of Events

Round 1: Starts Tuesday, February 24, 2026 and ends Sunday, March 8, 2026
Round 2: Starts Monday, March 9 and ends Sunday, March 15, 2026
Round 3: Starts Monday, March 16 and ends Sunday, March 22, 2026
Round 4: Starts Monday, March 23 and ends Sunday, March 29, 2026
Round 5: Starts Monday, March 30 and ends Sunday, April 5, 2026
Round 6: Starts Monday, April 6 and ends Sunday, April 12, 2026

Check back daily for live stats to see how your favorite shows are ranking!

Vote Now & View Stats

BroadwayWorld Goes Even More Global: Now Available in 20 Languages

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:00:20 PST

The world's largest theatre site expands its multilingual platform ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, America's 250th Anniversary, and a wave of international visitors — fueled by exponential month-over-month audience growth. International visitors have always been at the heart of Broadway's story.

As New York City and the broader United States prepare to welcome the world for a historic stretch of global events — including FIFA World Cup 2026 and America's 250th Anniversary celebrations — BroadwayWorld is expanding its platform to meet that moment in a meaningful way.

Since launching BWW Translate in September 2025 with five languages, BroadwayWorld has seen exponential month-over-month growth in international readership. That momentum has made one thing clear: the appetite for Broadway coverage, delivered in the language audiences know best, is far greater than we imagined. Today, we're proud to announce that BWW Translate is expanding to 20 languages.

Readers around the world can now follow BroadwayWorld's industry-leading news, reviews, and features in:

Spanish (Español)
French (Français)
German (Deutsch)
Portuguese (Português)
Italian (Italiano)
Chinese (中文)
Japanese (日本語)
Korean (한국어)
Hindi (हिन्दी)
Dutch (Nederlands)
Russian (Русский)
Arabic (العربية)
Hebrew (עברית)
Polish (Polski)
Swedish (Svenska)
Turkish (Türkçe)
Greek (Ελληνικά)
Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
Ukrainian (Українська)
Thai (ไทย)

"When we launched with five languages last fall, we hoped the world would respond — and they did, beyond anything we projected," said Robert Diamond, CEO and Founder of BroadwayWorld. "With FIFA bringing millions of international fans to American cities, and the country's 250th birthday drawing visitors from every corner of the globe, there has never been a better time to make sure anyone who wants to experience live theatre has a guide they can actually read. Twenty languages is a milestone, but it's not the finish line."

The expansion builds on BroadwayWorld's existing international infrastructure, including language-specific guides developed with the site's global network of editors, covering everything a first-time Broadway visitor needs to know — from buying tickets to understanding the Tony Awards. Those resources, now available across all 20 languages, are designed to turn curious international travelers into lifelong theatregoers.

About BroadwayWorld

Wisdom Digital Media Publishing launched in 2001 and its flagship site, BroadwayWorld.com, in 2003. BroadwayWorld is the largest theatre site on the internet, covering Broadway, the West End, and beyond — across 100 US cities, 45 countries, and now 20 languages worldwide. BroadwayWorld delivers complete up-to-the-minute Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre news, in-depth interviews, extraordinary photo coverage, entertaining video features, lively message boards, ticket discounts, reviews, and more.

Fifth Round Voting Open For BroadwayWorld's Best Movie Musical Of All Time Bracket

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:19:18 PST

Voting is now open for the fifth round of BroadwayWorld's Annual Bracket! Which film is really the Best Movie Musical of all time? Our editors have selected the options, and now BroadwayWorld invites YOU to join us and our readers in deciding which movie musical deserves the title of The Ultimate Best Movie Musical!

How To Participate

Schedule of Events

Round 1: Starts Tuesday, February 24, 2026 and ends Sunday, March 8, 2026
Round 2: Starts Monday, March 9 and ends Sunday, March 15, 2026
Round 3: Starts Monday, March 16 and ends Sunday, March 22, 2026
Round 4: Starts Monday, March 23 and ends Sunday, March 29, 2026
Round 5: Starts Monday, March 30 and ends Sunday, April 5, 2026
Round 6: Starts Monday, April 6 and ends Sunday, April 12, 2026

Check back daily for live stats to see how your favorite shows are ranking!

Vote Now & View Stats

The Barricades Meet the Bay: LES MISÉRABLES Reimagined as a Global Spectacle

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 01:38:28 PST

Singapore—Following a triumphant engagement in Manila, the barricades have been raised at Marina Bay—but this time, they come with a view of the future. As dusk settles, Singapore’s skyline doesn’t simply glow; it performs.

At Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, "Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular" arrives as both a theatrical event and a cultural statement. Presented by Cameron Mackintosh, in partnership with Nick Grace Management and Base Entertainment Asia under the direction of Chantal Prud'homme, this Asian finale of the world tour reimagines Boublil and Schönberg’s landmark musical on a scale rarely seen in Singapore. It is not a traditional proscenium staging, but a high-powered arena concept, concert-style—designed to match the emotional and historical weight of "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo with sheer sonic and visual force.

For those strolling the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade between March 27 and 29, the experience is immersive. The city itself has become a stage. The Marina Bay Sands towers and The Shoppes roofline are currently bathed in a triumphant gold (The Icons). The ArtScience Museum has turned a soulful blue, featuring a haunting projection of Cosette—the universal face of hope (The Muse). Even the Singapore Flyer has joined the fray, spinning in a patriotic palette of red, blue, and white (The Horizon). As selected tracks from the legendary score echo across the water, the atmosphere is less "press release" and more "cultural phenomenon."

In a world of fleeting trends, the "People’s Song" continues to ring out with startling relevance. Whether you're a lifelong "Friends of the ABC" or a newcomer to the streets of 19th-century Paris, this is the theatrical event of the season.

The musical itself remains a cultural touchstone. Its music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer continue to resonate across generations. At the same time, the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel anchors its emotional depth. Additional material by James Fenton and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird complete the creative legacy behind the phenomenon.

While the original production continues its record-breaking residency at London’s Sondheim Theatre, the Arena Spectacular is a different beast entirely. It’s an "electrified" version of the beloved Staged Concert, expanded for the grandest venues on earth.

The stage's preset

With a company of over 65 internationally acclaimed performers and musicians, the production utilizes cutting-edge set and lighting designs to bridge the gap between intimate Victorian drama and modern arena rock. It’s the "Les Mis" we know by heart, but with the volume—and the stakes—turned up to eleven. It brings the production to life on a scale never seen before in Singapore.

In Singapore, though, this fleeting run offers something rare: a chance to experience the epic in its most expansive, immersive form—set against a skyline that, for a few nights, becomes part of the story itself.

An outstanding international company leads the Singapore season. Gerónimo Rauch’s portrayal of Jean Valjean is nothing short of breathtaking. With a voice that fills the theatre with both power and vulnerability, he brings profound emotional weight to every note. From the soaring "Bring Him Home" to the introspective "Soliloquy," Rauch transcends the source material. Meanwhile, understudies Daniel Koek and Owain Williams are allowed to explore the profound emotional landscape of Valjean, making the role their own.

Jeremy Secomb delivers a chilling, magnetic Javert, refined through acclaimed runs on the West End and Broadway. He embodies the law itself—cold, unyielding, and driven by moral absolutism. Secomb balances grandeur with nuance in "Stars," while his "Javert's Suicide" offers a devastating portrayal of a collapsing worldview. His commanding presence and sharp, deliberate gestures create an unparalleled intensity. While Adam Robert Lewis and Shaun Dalton are primed to step into the role, commanding Javert to deliver a definitive interpretation of this complex and tragic character.

A true force of nature, Lea Salonga returns to "Les Misérables" with a career-defining turn as Madame Thénardier. Sharp-tongued and dangerous, she transforms the character from a comic villain into a whirlwind of wit and malice. Her "Master of the House" is a high-energy highlight, charged with a dark humor that only a performer of her caliber could deliver. Salonga doesn’t just play the role; she elevates it, proving once again why her connection to this musical is legendary. With understudies Helen Walsh and Emma Ralston ready to step into the role.

Red Concepcion plays Thénardier; Lea Salonga, Madame Thénardier.

Red Concepcion reinvents Thénardier with a mischievous boldness that is impossible to ignore. Every gesture is a calculated weapon, blending sly intelligence with sharp wit. He fearlessly navigates the spectrum between comedy and tragedy, turning "Master of the House" into a mesmerizing spectacle. Impeccable in his theatrical command, Concepcion delivers a definitive, multifaceted portrayal of musical theatre’s favorite villain. Understudies Connor Jones and Jordan Lee Davies are poised to step into the role, each bringing their own formidable energy to the part, ensuring that every performance leaves an unforgettable impression.

Na-Young Jeon as Fantine returns to the production with a soul-scorching performance defined by raw beauty. Her voice is a force of controlled anguish, turning every lyric into a visceral tale of sacrifice. Jeon’s "I Dreamed a Dream" is a shattering moment of hopelessness, but it is in "Fantine's Death" where she truly haunts, becoming a spectral presence that lingers long after the final note. It is a seismic, devastating portrayal of a tragic descent. With understudies Mary-Jean Caldwell and Jade Davies prepared to step in for a force of seismic intensity, bringing every tremor of the character's sorrow to life.

While Singaporean artist Nathania Ong as Éponine brings undeniable vocal precision to the role, her performance leans toward a more disciplined, carefully measured interpretation. Though her voice is technically flawless, the delivery feels highly controlled, at times missing the spontaneous, rugged defiance often associated with Éponine’s journey. In "On My Own," her clean execution provides a beautiful, melodic clarity, yet it lacks some of the bone-deep, unscripted yearning found in more grit-driven interpretations. Ultimately, Ong delivers a clinical vocal that highlights her skill, even if it trades raw intensity for musical perfection. Understudies Jo Stephenson and Beth Curnock stand ready to step into the role, leaving a lasting imprint on the heart, resonating long after the stage has gone dark.

Will Callan’s Marius is a powerful journey through love and loss. With a voice that moves seamlessly between soaring passion and tender vulnerability, he captures the character’s evolution with stunning clarity. From the romantic purity of his scenes with Cosette to the sorrow of "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," Callan brings a rare depth to the role, ensuring the full weight of the revolution is felt by the audience. Understudies James Sillman and Harry Grant Smith are ready to step in, each poised to capture Marius's heart in their own unique way, leaving a lasting impression on the role.

Lulu-Mae Pears reinvents Cosette, bringing a rare strength and fresh vitality to a character often defined only by sweetness. Her crystal-clear vocals provide the purity the role requires while weaving in a sophisticated layer of longing. From the reflective tenderness of "In My Life" to the joyful hope of her duets, Pears ensures Cosette’s arc is as powerful as it is unforgettable. With understudies Jo Stephenson and Charlie Geoghegan ready to step into the role, it leaves a lasting impression, one that will resonate long after the final note fades.

The company

Harry Chandler’s Enjolras is a masterclass in revolutionary fervor. Setting the stage ablaze with an impassioned "Do You Hear the People Sing?", Chandler captures the unrelenting commitment and personal cost of leadership. His voice is a formidable force—awe-inspiring in its power yet heartbreakingly human in its quieter reflections. He inhabits the very spirit of the revolution with magnetic charisma. Understudies Andrew Maxwell and Jonathan Bentley are poised to capture the revolutionary spirit and heart of Enjolras in their own unique ways, leaving a lasting impression on the audience with their powerful performances.

Earl Carpenter brings understated brilliance to the Bishop of Digne, portraying the character with deep compassion and humility. His presence is a calm, resolute force, grounding the production’s themes of mercy and redemption. With a voice that radiates peace, Carpenter turns his brief stage time into a poignant turning point for both Valjean and the audience. It is a moving performance that proves the simplest acts of kindness can leave the most lasting impact.

Oliver Maurice delivers a vibrant Gavroche, blending cheeky bravado with unexpected vulnerability. His "Little People" is a standout, balancing sharp comedic timing with poignant bravery. Maurice’s performance is both spirited and heartfelt, leaving a lasting impression of the character’s humanity.

Maya Sharma delivers a moving performance as Little Cosette, beautifully capturing the character's fragility and quiet strength. With a sweet, clear voice, her "Castle on a Cloud" perfectly embodies a dreamlike longing that contrasts poignantly with her harsh reality. Sharma's natural charm and tender connection with Valjean evoke deep empathy, leaving an unforgettable impression of innocence and hope.

For those who couldn't snag a seat in Manila, the barricades are rising again—this time, just a short flight away. Experience "Les Misérables" at Marina Bay, where the future of the skyline meets the soul of a classic. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, seeing this global phenomenon in Singapore is an absolute must. This is your moment to witness the magic in a way you’ve never seen before. Don’t let the barricades close without you; it’s more than a show—it’s a memory in the making.

Photos: Base Entertainment Asia

Review: TGA’s A CHORUS LINE is a Golden Celebration of Filipino Diaspora

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:37:50 PST

Manila, Philippines—What began as 40 hours of taped sessions with Broadway’s “gypsies” has evolved into a 50-year legacy that redefined the American musical. By shifting the spotlight from the stars to the chorus, this celebrated work earned nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Now, in a momentous local staging at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre, Theatre Group Asia (TGA) proves that “A Chorus Line” remains as vital—and as heartbreaking—as ever.

Under the direction of Emmy winner Karla Puno Garcia, the opening number, "I Hope I Get It," takes on a newfound resonance. Through the lens of the Filipino diaspora, the precision of the 30-strong ensemble feels like a collective reclamation of space. Garcia transforms the traditional Broadway audition into a poignant narrative of the Filipino artist’s search for a place on the global stage.

It is an iteration that even long-time fans of the show may find revelatory. Garcia—a veteran Broadway "chorus girl" herself—celebrates the "steely strength" of the Filipino physique alongside the culture’s famed "high-octane" vocal ability. While the cast comes from diverse backgrounds, they move in sync, as if they have been a company for years.

The production maintains the integrity of Michael Bennett and Bob Avian’s original choreography, which remains visually stunning against Marvin Hamlisch’s indelible score and Edward Kleban’s stirring lyrics.

Conrad Ricamora as Zach, and company

As Zach, the formidable casting director, Tony nominee Conrad Ricamora is a commanding presence. Whether he is an authoritative voice from the darkened house or physically navigating the orchestra and mezzanine, Ricamora is occasionally ruthless yet consistently magnetic.

Opposite him, Broadway’s Lissa deGuzman offers a striking, soul-baring portrayal of Cassie. Her Cassie refuses to beg for sympathy; instead, she demands to be seen. In her climactic 10-minute solo, "The Music and the Mirror," deGuzman displays unashamed vulnerability, pleading for a spot "on the line" with palpable desperation.

The technical elements further elevate storytelling. Miguel Urbino’s shifting mirrors, punctuated by Cha See’s marquee-style lighting, serve as a constant reminder of the dancer’s self-reflection and the looming "shelf-life" dictated by age.

The production finds only minor stumbles in its vocal and dramatic consistency. Christina Glur’s Diana could benefit from a more dynamic arc in "Nothing," a vital anthem of artistic identity. Similarly, Universe Ramos’ pivotal monologue as Paul—while deeply earnest—could use a more varied pacing to capture the introspection and warmth the role demands fully.

Ultimately, this Manila production is a "must-see" event where extraordinary Filipino talent radiates. As the cast closes with "What I Did for Love," they perfectly capture the raison d'être of every performer, proving exactly why “A Chorus Line” endures 50 years later.

Photos: Theatre Group Asia

Introducing the StageMag Show Promo Kit

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:19:43 PST

Introducing the Show Promo Kit — your all-in-one toolkit for promoting your production! Everything you need to spread the word, now in a single dedicated page in your Stage Mag dashboard.

What's included:

Save the Date Page — A beautiful, branded landing page for your show with your cover artwork, dates, venue, and StageMag overlay. Share it anywhere with a direct link, QR code, or embed code.
Downloadable Social Media Images — Ready-made promotional graphics in every major size (Instagram Story, Instagram/Facebook Post, Facebook Cover, Twitter/X). Choose from multiple designs: Save the Date, Coming Soon, 7 Days Away, 3 Days Away, It's Today!, and Now Playing.
Countdown Clock — Build anticipation with a live countdown timer on your Save the Date page.
Ticket Link Button — Drive advance sales with a prominent, customizable ticket button.
Email Subscriber Signup — Collect emails directly from your Save the Date page with custom promo text, confirmation emails, and a styled dark-theme signup form.
Responsive JS Embed — A lightweight embed snippet that auto-sizes to fit any website, in addition to the standard iframe embed.

Find it in your Stage Mag dashboard under Show Promo Kit in the sidebar navigation.

StageMag 2026 is designed to support theatres of every size, helping you spend less time wrestling with tools and more time telling your story. Begin your StageMag experience today!

Fourth Round Voting Open For BroadwayWorld's Best Movie Musical Of All Time Bracket

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:59:01 PST

Voting is now open for the fourth round of BroadwayWorld's Annual Bracket! Which film is really the Best Movie Musical of all time? Our editors have selected the options, and now BroadwayWorld invites YOU to join us and our readers in deciding which movie musical deserves the title of The Ultimate Best Movie Musical!

How To Participate

Schedule of Events

Round 1: Starts Tuesday, February 24, 2026 and ends Sunday, March 8, 2026
Round 2: Starts Monday, March 9 and ends Sunday, March 15, 2026
Round 3: Starts Monday, March 16 and ends Sunday, March 22, 2026
Round 4: Starts Monday, March 23 and ends Sunday, March 29, 2026
Round 5: Starts Monday, March 30 and ends Sunday, April 5, 2026
Round 6: Starts Monday, April 6 and ends Sunday, April 12, 2026

Check back daily for live stats to see how your favorite shows are ranking!

Vote Now & View Stats

BAGETS THE MUSICAL Takes Final Bow After Sold-Out Performances

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 20:37:25 PST

Manila, Philippines—The nostalgia-fueled phenomenon "Bagets The Musical" concludes its run at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre today, March 22, 2026. A vibrant coming-of-age story set in 1984 Manila, the production—based on the iconic Viva Films classic—has played to capacity crowds since its January opening, having captured the hearts of both original fans and a new generation of "Bagets" audiences.

Line produced by PETA Plus and directed by Maribel Legarda, "Bagets" has been presented by Newport World Resorts, alongside The Philippine Star and Viva Communications Inc.

The musical breathes new life into the transition to adulthood of five high school friends: Adie, Topee, Arnel, Tonton, and Gilbert. Beyond the teenage angst, the production has been praised for its poignant focus on the boys' relationships with their "ermats" (mothers), blending generational hearts with '80s humor.

The material has been adapted for the stage by J-mee Katanyag, with new musical arrangements by its musical director, Vince Lim. It features a score including hits from the original film, such as the iconic anthem "Growing Up," "Farewell," and "So It's You."

Today's final matinee performance features Andres Muhlach (Adie), Ethan David (Arnel), Milo Cruz (Tonton), Sam Shoaf (Topee), Noel Comia Jr. (Gilbert), and Natasha Cabrera (Delia).

Meanwhile, the final gala performance stars Mico Chua (Adie), KD Estrada (Arnel), Migo Valid (Tonton), Jeff Moses (Topee), Tomas Rodriguez (Gilbert), and Kakai Bautista (Delia).

Also in the cast are Carla Guevara Laforteza (Virgie), Ring Antonio (Luz), Mayen Cadd (Ditas), and Neomi Gonzales (Ana).

Check out the cast in action below.

Stay tuned to BroadwayWorld for news on future runs or upcoming new productions.

Photos: Newport World Resorts

Tomas Rodriguez plays Gilbert; Andres Muhlach, Adie.

(Center) KD Estrada plays Arnel.

Yani Lopez plays Rose; Milo Cruz, Tonton.

Jeff Moses plays Topee.

The company

Take Our Spring 2026 Survey For A Chance To Win A $100 Amazon Gift Card

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 08:12:17 PST

BroadwayWorld's research surveys are used by industry members to make decisions about productions, marketing, and more. We'd love to know more about your preferences.

The BroadwayWorld Research platform provides data-driven insights to industry members and the community at large.

Take our survey for a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card and to help theatres and other entertainment venues make informed programming decisions for the future. Have your say and make your voice heard among industry professionals.

BroadwayWorld.com Philippines Stories

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

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BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

How It Works

Weekly Scoring

The Fantasy Forecast

Managing Your Roster

Join the Game

EXCLUSIVE: Take a First Look at 9 Works Theatrical’s YEMAYA in Rehearsal

Review: Balancing Fact and Fiction in MASTER CLASS

REP Breathes New Life Into the ‘Impossible Dream’

FIRST LOOK: Cebu's HOOK UP THE MUSICAL Reveals New Character Portraits Ahead of Pride Month Return

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

About StageMag

About BroadwayWorld

Celeste Legaspi To Join THE NOTEBOOK In The Philippines

REVIEW: Celebrity, Spectacle, and Betrayal in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

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

Raw and Evocative: 9 Works Theatrical Shifts to the Black Box for YEMAYA

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

Benedix Ramos and Sheena Belarmino To Join THE NOTEBOOK In The Philippines

More About Benedix Ramos

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THE MOON AND THE BAKUNAWA Premieres this Weekend: A Poignant Exploration of Dementia and Caregiving

HOOK UP THE MUSICAL to Return This June for Special Pride Month Engagement

Karylle Joins CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Morissette Will Play 'Middle Allie' in THE NOTEBOOK in Manila

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

What's New in My Shows

Getting Started

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

PHOTOS: Take a Peek at Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Royce Cabrera in ENDO

LES MISÉRABLES vs. NEWSIES: Final Round Voting Open For BroadwayWorld's Movie Musical Bracket

BroadwayWorld Goes Even More Global: Now Available in 20 Languages

About BroadwayWorld

Fifth Round Voting Open For BroadwayWorld's Best Movie Musical Of All Time Bracket

The Barricades Meet the Bay: LES MISÉRABLES Reimagined as a Global Spectacle

Review: TGA’s A CHORUS LINE is a Golden Celebration of Filipino Diaspora

Introducing the StageMag Show Promo Kit

What's included:

Fourth Round Voting Open For BroadwayWorld's Best Movie Musical Of All Time Bracket

BAGETS THE MUSICAL Takes Final Bow After Sold-Out Performances

Take Our Spring 2026 Survey For A Chance To Win A $100 Amazon Gift Card