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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.

SIX to Welcome New Cast for UK and China Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:45:50 PST

SIX, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, has announced a new cast for its 2026 UK and China tour. The new company will take over from Wednesday 15 July, opening at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, before touring across the UK until 26 September. The production will then embark on a 12-week tour of China, until 20 December 2026. The new Queens are Madison Swan (Catherine of Aragon), Izi Maxwell (Anne Boleyn), Laura Dawkes (Jane Seymour), Hannah Victoria (Anna of Cleves), Lizzie Emery (Katherine Howard) and Eloise Lord (Catherine Parr). Lorren Santo-Quinn, Rosie Singha and Erin Summerhayes will be joining the cast as Alternates, with Super Swings Selen Berry and Darcy Stewart. The cast are backed by the show's all-female band, The Ladies in Waiting, led by Musical Director Yutong Zhang.

SIX follows the six wives of Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power.

On the international stage, SIX continues its reign on Broadway at the Lena Horne Theatre and is now booking into its fifth year. SIX has toured the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, The Philippines, South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Switzerland and enjoyed a seven-week season at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. 2026 sees its return visit to China. Back on home turf, the London production recently celebrated its sixth sensational year in the West End and continues its reign at the Vaudeville Theatre (its third royal residence), whilst nationally, the UK tour - now booking through 2027 - continues to break Box Office records.

Winner of over 35 major international awards including the 2022 Tony Award for ‘Best Original Score' and ‘Best Costume Design' on Broadway, triple Whatsonstage Award winner for ‘Best West End Show' 2022, 2023 and 2025 and the 2020 BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for ‘Best Musical', SIX was also nominated for five Olivier awards, including ‘Best New Musical'. The original studio album of SIX officially turned Platinum in 2026, with the Broadway album SIX - Live on Opening Night nominated for a Grammy Award and collectively, the music has been listened to over 5.5 billion times. Last year, the live captured event cinema release of SIX the Musical! Live was seen in cinemas across the UK, broadcast on the most screens of any limited release cinema event, beating Taylor Swift's Eras tour.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX is co-directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, featuring choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille. The design team includes Emma Bailey (Set Design), Gabriella Slade (Costume Design), Tim Deiling (Lighting Design) and Paul Gatehouse (Sound Design). The score features orchestrations by Tom Curran with music supervision and vocal arrangements by Joe Beighton. Associate Directors Alexandra Spencer-Jones and Beth Wilkinson, Associate Choreographer Nicole Bondzie and Associate UK Musical Supervisor Lauren Hopkinson. Casting is by Pearson Casting. SIX is produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles.

SLEEP NO MORE to Close in Shanghai After 10 Years, to Open in Shenzhen in 2027

Wed, 27 May 2026 07:15:50 PST

Following its opening in Shanghai in 2016, Sleep No More, a co-production between SMG Live and Punchdrunk, quickly established itself as the must-see cultural experience in the city. Following ten years and 2670 performances the production will close on 30 August 2026. Having played to over 700,000 people and generated revenues of over 10 billion RMB, Sleep No More not only was the most successful theatrical production in Shanghai's history, but it also was the catalyst for an explosion in immersive cultural events throughout China. Tickets for the final three months of performances will go on sale soon.

As one chapter ends, so another begins - as a brand new production of Sleep No More created by the original creative and production team, will open in the Chinese city of Shenzhen in 2027. A partnership between SMG Live, Punchdrunk and Shenzhen Runwen Culture Development Co., Ltd and Shenzhen Media Group - Good Media Co., Ltd the production will open at Shenzhen Bay MIXC. This iteration will be an entirely new production that incorporates local culture to deliver a unique immersive experience. This will be the second version of Sleep No More in China, and the only version in China from 2027 onward.

This is not the first time Sleep No More has travelled beyond Shanghai – previously, its IP-derived exhibitions toured multiple cities including Shenzhen, Qingdao, and Changsha. The official arrival of the Shenzhen edition marks SMG LIVE's ambition to bring world class immersive entertainment to all of China. Building on ten years of experience, SMG LIVE will continue to empower urban cultural development across China with high-quality cultural, commercial, and tourism IPs originating from Shanghai.

SLEEP NO MORE to Close in Shanghai After 10 Years, to Open in Shenzhen in 2027

Wed, 27 May 2026 07:15:50 PST

Anja Bihlmaier Will Conduct Beethoven 5 and Long Yu Will Conduct Joe Hisaishi and Brahms With Hong Kong Philharmonic

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:57:46 PST

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra has announced two programmes in June 2026. German conductor Anja Bihlmaier returns with an all-Beethoven programme, while HK Phil Principal Conductor Long Yu leads the orchestra in a programme that interweaves the soundscapes of Joe Hisaishi and Brahms.

Anja Bihlmaier Conducts Beethoven 5 (12 & 13 June)

Anja Bihlmaier returns with an all-Beethoven programme. Joining her is Czech violinist Josef Špaček, who is known for his “fluent technique and expressive finesse,” and described by The Guardian as “coolly contained Špaček”. He makes his HK Phil debut in Beethoven's Violin Concerto. The concert opens with Beethoven's Leonore Overture no. 3 and culminates in the composer's Symphony no. 5.

“Anja Bihlmaier Conducts Beethoven 5” will be held on 12 June 2026 (Fri) at 7:30PM and 13 June 2026 (Sat) at 5PM at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall.

Long Yu Conducts Joe Hisaishi and Brahms (19 & 20 June)

Joe Hisaishi transcends traditional movie scores, crafting evocative melodies that resonate across diverse musical landscapes. Similarly, Brahms, a prominent figure of the Romantic period, expanded classical symphonic traditions with innovative ideas in his four symphonies. In the concerts, Berlin Philharmonic's First Principal Viola Diyang Mei joins Long Yu and the HK Phil to present a programme that intertwines the rich emotions of the two composers from different times. Highlights include Hisaishi's “Merry-Go-Round” and “Cave of Mind” from Howl's Moving Castle, along with his Viola Saga. The evening culminates with Brahms's Fourth Symphony, a masterpiece that showcases the depth and complexity found in both composers' works.

“Long Yu Conducts Joe Hisaishi and Brahms” will be held on 19 June 2026 (Fri) at 7:30PM and 20 June 2026 (Sat) at 5PM at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.

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.

Michael Sanderling and François‑Frédéric Guy Will Headline Hong Kong Phil’s May Programmes

Tue, 12 May 2026 11:02:10 PST

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) will present two programmes in mid-May. Renowned German conductor Michael Sanderling returns with Strauss's Also sprach Zarathustra, while celebrated French pianist François‑Frédéric Guy brings Beethoven's complete piano concertos over two consecutive evenings. Tickets are now available at URBTIX.

Swire Maestro Series: Michael Sanderling Conducts Also sprach Zarathustra

15 & 16 May

Michael Sanderling returns to the HK Phil for two performances. The programme opens with Brahms's Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn, followed by the world premiere of the Maverick Cello Concerto, featuring the HK Phil's Principal Cello, Richard Bamping. The work is composed by Hong Kong-born British composer Dani Howard and co-commissioned by the HK Phil. The programme concludes with Richard Strauss's symphonic poem Also sprach Zarathustra, a masterpiece inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical novel of the same name. Its opening fanfare, made famous by Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, has become one of the most iconic passages in classical music.

François-Frédéric Guy's Beethoven Piano Concertos I & II

22 & 23 May

François-Frédéric Guy will perform and conduct all five Beethoven piano concertos over two consecutive evenings. Deeply connected to the piano, Beethoven expressed his most profound emotions through this instrument. The five concertos trace the composer's musical journey, from the youthful spirit of the First to the majestic grandeur of the Emperor. Guy will perform the Second, Third, and Fourth concertos on 22 May, followed by the First and Fifth on 23 May.

HK Phil Will Perform East-Meets-West Concert with Kahchun Wong & Angela Chan

Mon, 04 May 2026 10:27:25 PST

The Jockey Club TUTTI Programme will mark its second year. As part of the Programme, the Jockey Club Masters Series concert will be held on 8 and 9 May 2026. Conducted by world-renowned Singaporean maestro Kahchun Wong and featuring acclaimed Hong Kong violinist Angela Chan, this concert is a celebration of cultural collaboration, blending the Western symphonic tradition with the vibrant sounds of Chinese instruments.

The concert opens with Wagner's Tannhäuser Overture, followed by Mendelssohn's beloved Violin Concerto, performed by Angela Chan, first prize winner of the 2024 Hannover Joseph Joachim Violin Competition. Praised for her sensitivity and remarkable tone, Chan has established herself as a compelling soloist and chamber musician. At the Joseph Joachim Competition, she also received the award for the Best Interpretation of the Commissioned Work. She previously won first prize and the Best Interpretation of Concerto Prize at the 2017 Louis Spohr Violin Competition.

In the second half of the programme, Kahchun Wong brings his own orchestration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition to Hong Kong. Wong, Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of The Hallé and Chief Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, premiered this spectacular version at Klassik Open Air in Nuremberg in 2022. Along with the HK Phil, guest Chinese instrument soloists from the Singapore Chinese Orchestra – Benjamin Boo (percussion), Lee Jun Cheng (dizi), Ma Huan (yangqin), Tan Manman (huqin) and Wang Siyuan (pipa) – will perform Wong's unique arrangement.

Wong weaves Eastern and Western musical traditions in his orchestration, inviting audiences to discover the distinctive colours of Chinese instruments within Mussorgsky's familiar and much-loved melodies. Conceived as a concerto grosso for various Chinese instruments and symphony orchestra, the work reimagines iconic movements such as “The Old Castle” and “The Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks” through a richly Eastern sound world.

The Jockey Club TUTTI Programme is a three-year flagship education initiative of the HK Phil, exclusively sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The programme offers a diverse range of music education activities, providing local young talents and students with the unique opportunity to learn from leading industry professionals and renowned international musicians. Through interactive events and concerts led by world-class maestros, the initiative aims to broaden access to classical music while inspiring and nurturing the next generation of Hong Kong's musical excellence.

In addition to the Jockey Club Masters Series concert, a series of education programmes and outreach activities will be held, including an interactive workshop (25 April), an open rehearsal (7 May), “Share the Stage with Maestro Kahchun Wong – Public Working Session & Conducting Masterclass” as well as an “Artist Talk by Maestro Kahchun Wong” (both on 10 May). All events are free of charge.

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.

Concert Will Celebrate 135th Anniversary of Prokofiev's Birth in China

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:43:25 PST

The National Centre for the Performing Arts will host a special concert on June 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in its Concert Hall, marking the third installment in a series commemorating the 135th anniversary of Sergei Prokofiev’s birth.

Titled Commemorating the 135th Anniversary of Prokofiev’s Birth Series III: Johannes Wildner and Serena Wang Perform Prokofiev, the program highlights two of the composer’s most representative works from different periods of his life. Pianist Serena Wang will perform alongside conductor Johannes Wildner.

The concert will feature Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16 and Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 100. The Second Piano Concerto, composed during Prokofiev’s youth, is known for its bold, avant-garde style, large-scale structure, and extraordinary technical demands on the soloist. In contrast, the Fifth Symphony, one of his most frequently performed orchestral works, reflects a later stage in his career and has been described by the composer as “a symphony of the greatness of the human spirit.”

Prokofiev’s artistic journey was shaped by both acclaim and adversity. Emerging during a time of political upheaval, he initially faced criticism at home, with early works such as his First Symphony dismissed by some as escapist. These challenges contributed to his decision to leave his homeland, leading to years abroad in the United States and Europe. During this period, he experienced both success and setbacks—praised by The New York Times as “the most promising Russian composer after Stravinsky,” yet also criticized in certain circles for his artistic approach.

After more than a decade overseas, Prokofiev chose to return to his homeland in 1933, citing a deep connection to Russian culture and a desire to reconnect with its artistic and emotional landscape. The works featured in this concert reflect both his early experimental voice and the mature style he developed after his return.

The performance offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience two defining compositions that together trace the evolution of one of the 20th century’s most influential composers.

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

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:34:45 PST

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

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

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

What's New in My Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Started

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

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

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

Click Here to Play!

Hong Kong Philharmonic Celebrates Finnish Artistry in Spring Programmes

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:44:14 PST

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will present two programmes this spring, showcasing two generations of Finnish artistry.

HK Phil's Music Director Designate Tarmo Peltokoski will lead a performance of Esa-Pekka Salonen's Violin Concerto and Shostakovich's Symphony no. 11 in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, while HK Phil's Composer-in-Residence Esa-Pekka Salonen himself will take the podium to conduct a programme featuring his own Horn Concerto and Sibelius's Symphony no. 5.

Tarmo Peltokoski Conducts Shostakovich 11

24 & 26 April, Hong Kong & Guangzhou

Finnish composer-conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen describes his Violin Concerto, premiered in 2009, as “a kind of summary of my experiences as a musician and a human being at the watershed age of 50.” Specially written for renowned violinist Leila Josefowicz, the work returns to the stage with its original soloist – whom Salonen praised as someone who “knows no limits, she knows no fear.” Conducted by his protégé Tarmo Peltokoski, the programme concludes with Shostakovich's Symphony no. 11. Subtitled “The Year 1905”, the symphony is a stark and unflinching portrayal of war.

Following the Hong Kong performance, Peltokoski will make his debut in the Chinese Mainland, leading the HK Phil to present the same programme on 26 April 2026 (Sun) at 4PM at the Xinghai Concert Hall Symphony Hall in Guangzhou. Tickets are priced at RMB¥880, ¥680, ¥480, ¥280 and ¥180.

Swire Maestro Series: Esa-Pekka Salonen Conducts Sibelius 5

1 & 2 May

Esa-Pekka Salonen leads a programme that places the horn in the spotlight. Opening the programme is Richard Strauss' Don Juan, followed by the Asia premiere of Salonen's Horn Concerto, co-commissioned by the HK Phil. Acclaimed for “a sound that blends power with lyrical beauty” (The Guardian), Stefan Dohr, Principal Horn of the Berlin Philharmonic, takes on the solo part. Salonen has said the horn was his first love in the world of music, and the concerto explores the instrument's full expressive and technical range. The programme culminates in Sibelius's Symphony no. 5, whose final movement features the iconic horn theme inspired by sixteen swans in flight.

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.

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

Yu Long and Mei Diyang Will Perform as Part of the China Philharmonic Orchestra's Season Finale

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:31:03 PST

The China Philharmonic Orchestra will close its 2025–2026 season with a major concert at Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts on June 26, 2026, bringing together renowned conductor Yu Long and violist Mei Diyang for a program that bridges contemporary and classical repertoire.

The performance, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., will feature music by celebrated Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi alongside works by Czech Romantic composer Antonín Dvořák. The concert marks the season finale for the China Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the country’s leading symphonic ensembles.

A highlight of the evening will be the Chinese premiere of a viola concerto by Hisaishi, performed by Mei Diyang. The work, which premiered in 2023 and was later released internationally on a Deutsche Grammophon recording, has already generated strong attention in the classical music world.

The program also includes music by Dvořák, whose richly melodic and folk-inspired compositions remain central to the orchestral canon. Known for works such as his Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” and his cello concerto, Dvořák’s music blends Romantic tradition with national identity, making it a fitting counterpart to Hisaishi’s contemporary voice.

Under the direction of Yu Long—artistic director of the orchestra and one of China’s most prominent conductors—the concert is expected to showcase both technical virtuosity and a dialogue between musical eras.

Founded in 2000, the China Philharmonic Orchestra has played a significant role in shaping China’s classical music landscape, regularly presenting major symphonic works and premieres while collaborating with leading International Artists.

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

WestK FunFest is Now Open in Hong Kong

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:05:16 PST

The third WestK FunFest is now open in Hong Kong, running 19 March – 12 April. This year’s FunFest brings together top arts groups and performers from Australia, Spain, the UK and Hong Kong to present more than 120 diverse programmes at West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK). A key highlight is the large-scale interactive art installation The Cats that Slept for a Thousand Years, created by renowned UK creative studio Air Giants, which is open to the public free of charge at the Harbourside East Lawn of WestK’s Art Park from tomorrow until 7 April.

The centrepiece of this year’s Festival, The Cats that Slept for a Thousand Years, from the renowned UK creative studio Air Giants, makes its Asian debut on WestK’s Harbourside East Lawn. Following its commission by Manchester Museum in the UK, this marks the installation’s first exhibition outside Europe. Specifically for FunFest, the Air Giants team has expanded the installation from the original single 10-metre-long giant cat into a cat family consisting of two big cats and a kitten.

Blending sound, light and interactive elements, the artwork features giant inflatable cats with gently swaying tails. Visitors are invited to cuddle up to the cats or softly stroke their bodies to hear and feel their soothing purrs and rhythmic heartbeats. The work aims to create a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city, fostering warm connections between people. It explores themes of care and empathy while allowing visitors to rediscover their childlike wonder through interaction with the cats.

Over the course of FunFest, WestK will present over 120 cultural and family-oriented art programmes throughout the District, including the Art Park, Freespace and Xiqu Centre, more than 60 of which will be free programmes, pop-up performances and workshops.

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.

Take The Survey

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

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:33:07 PST

Voting is now open for the third 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

Harry Gor Gor and Joshua Tan Will Perform SWIRE FAMILY SERIES: A MAGICAL MUSICAL MEANDER

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:40:38 PST

Join the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) for a spectacular journey through timeless classics, guided by beloved magician Harry Gor Gor (Harry Wong) and dynamic maestro Joshua Tan. Perfect for families and children, this Magical Musical Meander brings to life great composers from the past 350 years through lighthearted storytelling and magical surprises.

On stage, Harry Gor Gor will weave spellbinding illusions set against the romance and drama of Tchaikovsky's immortal ballet, Prokofiev's tragic love story, and Debussy's charming musical picture book for his daughter, alongside glorious works by Mozart, Ravel, and Vivaldi under the baton of Joshua Tan. Audiences may even be invited to join Harry Gor Gor in magical acts during the performance.

Harry Gor Gor is a leading figure in local music education and a well-known children's television host. Blending comedy and magic, his performances delight audiences of all ages. His family-focused education programmes have been presented across the UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Macau. Joshua Tan, Principal Conductor of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra and Director of Asia Virtuosi, shares a seamless partnership with Harry Gor Gor. Both have appeared on the HK Phil stage many times, bringing joy and inspiration to audiences.

This concert is suitable for ages 3 or above and lasts approximately 65 minutes without an intermission. “Swire Family Series: A Magical Musical Meander” will be held on 10 April 2026 (Fri) at 7:30PM and 11 April 2026 (Sat) at 5:00PM at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.

Joshua Tan, conductor

Second Prize winner of the 2008 Dimitri Mitropoulos International Competition, Singaporean conductor Joshua Tan’s rise to prominence on the international scene has been marked by successful debuts in Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie Berlin, Mariinsky Hall and Bunkamura. A graduate of The Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music, he is an awardee of numerous scholarships and awards, such as the Young Artist Award, Singapore (2011), Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation Award, NAC-Shell Scholarship, and the SSO/MOE Scholarship.

Harry Gor Gor, magician

Harry Gor Gor (Harry Wong) is well known among children and adults for his humourous personality and amazing magic. Music and magic have been part of his life since young, and with these gifts, Harry determines to use his talents to serve the community and brings joy to the public through all kinds of media. After completing his studies in music education and commercial music at the University of Liverpool, he started off his career as a musician and a teacher. He is the Fellowship of Trinity College, London on recorder (FTCL) and he holds FTCL in recorder and is a member of the European Recorder Players’ Society. He is one of the leading specialists in the local music education field. His series of music textbooks, Music Today, and his recorder methods have been widely adopted by primary schools throughout Hong Kong with significant contribution to all music students and teachers.

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

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:38:03 PST

Voting is now open for the second 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

What was eliminated in round one?

32 movies were eliminated in the first round of voting.

Hello, Dolly! (1969)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Cats (1998)
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967)
Tommy (1975)
Man of La Mancha (1972)
Mary Poppins (1964)
Damn Yankees (1958)
The King and I (1956)
Anything Goes (1956)
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
The Producers (2005)
Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025)
Camelot (1967)
Rent (2005)
Mean Girls (2024)
Annie Get Your Gun (1950)
Funny Girl (1968)
The Music Man (1962)
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
Matilda (2022)
South Pacific (1958)
Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
Sweeney Todd (2007)
Cabaret (1972)
My Fair Lady (1964)
Dreamgirls (2006)
Oliver! (1968)
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Annie (1982)

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

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:51:37 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this February 2026 edition, an unusual spotlight falls on Washington, DC, where three of our top headlines originate - a rarity for this roundup, but a reflection of an especially consequential month in the nation’s capital. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the arts scene in DC finds itself at the center of major conversations, from headlines about the renaming of the Kennedy Center Honors and layoffs affecting theater coverage at The Washington Post to artists gathering for the First Amendment Troop’s ResistDance performance. Plus, explore new interviews with industry voices, standout reviews from regional stages, performance videos from around the world, and major international headlines from across the BroadwayWorld.

Video: ResistDance Honors Renée Good & Alex Pretti in DC

Nicole Rosky | Washington, DC

On President’s Day, the First Amendment Troop staged “ResistDance” - a tribute and act of artistic dissent - at the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial. Watch the full performance in this video.

Washington Post Eliminates Chief Theater Critic Role Amid Mass Layoffs

Joshua Wright | Washington, DC

The Washington Post has laid off Chief Theater Critic Naveen Kumar as part of a sweeping staff reduction that has eliminated approximately one-third of the newspaper’s workforce.

Kennedy Center Honors to Be Renamed 'Trump Kennedy Center Honors' for 2026 Ceremony

Sidney Paterra | Washington, DC

The Kennedy Center Honors will be renamed the “Trump Kennedy Center Honors,” according to The New York Times. The ceremony will relocate during the Kennedy Center’s planned two-year renovation.

Interviews

Interview: Producer Mark Michelson on CHILDREN OF EDEN, Broadway Economics, & More

Joshua Wright | Chicago

Producer Mark Michelson opens up about the development of Children of Eden, Broadway’s economic barriers, the Chicago staged reading, casting the concert, and plans to rethink theatre’s financial future.

Interview: Director Barry Pearl of I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE

Shari Barrett | Los Angeles

I spoke with Director Barry Pearl about taking on I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, his vision for the production, and how he plans to direct only four actors into 40 characters.

Interview: Guillermo Cienfuegos And Ann Noble of RICHARD III at A Noise Within

Shari Barrett | Los Angeles

Here's my interview with director Guillermo Cienfuegos and Richard III star Ann Noble about their vision for the production.

Interview: Tamara Kangas Erickson of GUY'S AND DOLLS at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Jared Fessler | Minneapolis / St. Paul

In 1986, Tamara Erickson was just nine years old when she appeared on the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres stage as Marta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music—the second child from the left, brimming with confidence and joy. At the time, no one could have predicted that this young performer would one day help lead the very theatre where her journey began.

Interview: Theatre Life with Susan Jaffe

Elliot Lanes | Washington, DC

Today’s subject Susan Jaffe is currently living her theatre and dance lives as the Artistic Director of One the country’ finest dance companies American Ballet Theatre (ABT). She assumed the post in December of 2022. ABT is coming to town this week for a weeklong engagement of the Christopher Wheeldon choreographed The Winter’s Tale. The show performs in the Opera House at Kennedy Center from February 11th through 15th.

Reviews

Review: NEWSIES at The Argyle Theatre

Sam Desmond | Long Island

A musical forged in ambition of set, stage, and stamina, director Tommy Ranieri’s vision of a world only beginning to stand up for their rights was sprawling and spectacular. Unlike other versions of “Newsies,” Rainieri’s production had a maturity that touched the cast’s characters to truly feel they deserved better than the circumstances they were backed into.

Review: AMADEUS at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Director Darko Tresnjak has crafted a visually-appealing world that unfortunately reduces the action of the play to broad strokes enacted in a toy theatre.

Review: HEDDA GABLER at The Old Globe

ErinMarie Reiter | San Diego

“Hedda Gabler” by Henrik Ibsen, now given a taut new version by Erin Cressida Wilson and directed with precision by Barry Edelstein at The Old Globe, stars Katie Holmes in the title role through March 15th.

Review Roundup: Critics Sound Off On CHEZ JOEY at Arena Stage

Joshua Wright | Washington, DC

Chez Joey is now running at Arena Stage through March 15th, 2026. What did the critics have to say? Read all the reviews.

Videos

Video: COME FROM AWAY at Paper Mill Playhouse

Joshua Wright | New Jersey

Get a first look at Paper Mill Playhouse's production of the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away. Check out all-new video of the production.

Video: Trump-Inspired Opera MONSTER'S PARADISE at The Hamburg State Opera

Joshua Wright | Opera

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Shanghai Will Host the 25th China Shanghai International Arts Festival in Fall 2026

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:42:32 PST

Shanghai is preparing to welcome one of Asia’s most influential performing arts celebrations later this year, as organizers announce details for the 25th China Shanghai International Arts Festival, set to take place from October through November 2026.

The festival, a nationally recognized cultural brand hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and organized by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, continues its tradition of bringing world-class performances to audiences across Shanghai.

Now in its 25th year, the China Shanghai International Arts Festival has become a leading platform for showcasing both domestic and international performing arts. The 2026 edition is expected to feature a rich lineup of theatrical productions, music and dance performances, and multi-genre stage shows that reflect contemporary artistic innovation as well as China’s cultural heritage.

Applications from performing troupes and arts organizations worldwide are currently open through March 31, 2026, signaling plans for a diverse program of new works, co-productions, and critically acclaimed classics.

Organizers emphasize that the festival aims to balance artistic excellence with cultural exchange, presenting productions that resonate with both Chinese audiences and global visitors.

Past editions of the Shanghai International Arts Festival have attracted tens of thousands of spectators and featured hundreds of events over several weeks, contributing significantly to Shanghai’s cultural tourism and performing arts sectors. The 2025 edition, for example, hosted more than 500 performances across the city.

As Shanghai positions itself as a major hub for the arts in the Asia-Pacific region, the 2026 festival is expected to draw international touring companies and local creatives alike, offering one of the most vibrant artistic seasons in China’s cultural calendar this year.

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

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:16:07 PST

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

Hong Kong Philharmonic Hosts YOUR STAGE AWAITS Fundraising Concert

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:39:43 PST

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra hosted two fundraising concerts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall on 7 & 8 February 2026 (Saturday & Sunday) successfully.

Led by HK Phil's Resident Conductor Lio Kuokman, there were 24 performing units this year, including: Joseph Yourong Cai, Canadian International School of Hong Kong, Adele Chan, Charis Chan, Annette Che, Abraham Cheng, Dr Alex Chui Chuen-shun, John Foo, Grazioso Music Academy, HKBUAS Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School with members of the HK Phil Chorus, Hong Kong Harp Chamber Music, Hong Kong International School Upper Primary Onsom Orchestra, Seven Xiya Jing, Michelle Kwong, Yannis Lee, Freya Lei, Catherine Leung, Malvern College Hong Kong, St. Stephen's Girl's College Orchestra, Yumiao Wang, Yuxin Wang, and Stacey Dongbo Zhang.

Some highlights of the concerts were:

The Fundraising Concert attracted a significant number of applicants and was held over two days. The HK Phil welcomed new performers and is grateful for the continued support from our returning performers, one of them includes Charis Chan, who made her debut in the fundraising concert at the age of 3 and has returned for her 11th appearance this year.
A richly varied programme which includes classical masterpieces and a new composition, presented by solo vocalists, choirs, orchestral groups and an impressive array of instrumentalists from piano and strings to harp and marimba. Young musicians from institutions such as Grazioso Music Academy and Hong Kong Harp Chamber Music were also featured. HK Phil musicians opened the Fundraising Concerts with Glinka's Ruslan and Ludmila Overture.
Five student orchestral groups from Canadian International School of Hong Kong, HKBUAS Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School, Hong Kong International School, Malvern College Hong Kong and St. Stephen's Girls' College shared the stage with the esteemed members of the orchestra, made possible through rigorous guidance from HK Phil principals and conductor Lio Kuokman.
Captivating vocal performances by young talents including Annette Che, Seven Xiya Jing, Michelle Kwong, as well as seasoned performers, Dr Alex Chui Chuen-shun and Co-chair of the Fundraising Concert Organising Committee Ms Catherine Leung.
Fisherman's Song, composed by Yannis Lee, an artist from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, made its world premiere on stage with the HK Phil. The composition draws inspiration from the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated in Tai O Fishing Village and the vibrant tradition of Cantonese folk melodies. Yannis also took part in the performance as horn player. The performance was sponsored by the Swire Group Charitable Trust.
An enchanting performance of Handel's Messiah: Worthy is the Lamb was presented by the HKBUAS Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School, a joint performance of 20 members from the Secondary Division Symphony Orchestra; 32 members from student chorus A-Singers; 8 members from teacher and parents chorus A-Parent Singers, along with 16 members from the HK Phil Chorus.

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil) is regarded as one of the leading orchestras in Asia. Presenting more than 150 concerts over a 44-week season, the HK Phil attracts more than 200,000 music lovers annually. The HK Phil won the prestigious UK classical music magazine Gramophone's 2019 Orchestra of the Year Award – the first orchestra in Asia to receive this accolade.

Tarmo Peltokoski is the HK Phil's Music Director Designate in 2025/26 and will become Music Director in the 2026/27 season. Currently, Long Yu serves as Principal Guest Conductor and Lio Kuokman is Resident Conductor. Esa-Pekka Salonen is Composer-in-Residence in the 2025/26 season.

BroadwayWorld.com China Stories

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