BroadwayWorld.com Kentucky Stories

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

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:21:28 PST

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

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

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

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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.

VOICES of Kentuckiana Reveals Artistic Leadership Transition During Pride Month Before End of Season Concert

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:04:25 PST

VOICES of Kentuckiana has announced an artistic leadership transition for the chorus. Mason Rice, who has served this past season as Associate Artistic Director, will step into the role of Artistic and General Director. After serving as Artistic Director, Kimcherie Lloyd will move into a new role as Artistic Partner and Principal Guest Conductor.

Rice brings experience as a choral conductor, educator, collaborative pianist, and vocal coach. A native of Manchester, Kentucky, he has taught choir, piano, and musical theatre, served in church music leadership, conducted honor chorus ensembles, and worked extensively with the Governor’s School for the Arts in Kentucky. He holds degrees in Vocal Music Education, Choral Conducting, and Collaborative Piano.

“It is an honor to step into this role with VOICES of Kentuckiana,” said Mason Rice. “This chorus is filled with passionate singers, meaningful stories, and a mission that matters. I am grateful for Kimcherie’s continued partnership and guidance, and I look forward to building on the strong artistic foundation already in place.”

In her new role, Lloyd will remain an active part of VOICES’ artistic life, serving on the Board of Directors and continuing to help guide the musical integrity, vision, and excellence of the chorus while balancing her expanding professional responsibilities.

“Kimcherie’s artistry, generosity, and commitment to musical excellence have shaped VOICES in powerful ways,” said John Hanson, Board of Directors Chair. “We are deeply grateful that she will continue to be part of our artistic family as Artistic Partner and Principal Guest Conductor and look forward to welcoming her on the Board of Directors. At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Mason Rice into the role of Executive Artistic Director. Mason has already brought tremendous energy, skill, and heart to the chorus, and we are excited for the future under his leadership.”

Lloyd’s leadership has brought artistry, depth, and care to VOICES. A respected conductor, educator, and scholar, she serves as Director of Orchestral Studies and Opera Theatre at the University of Louisville School of Music, where she holds the Moritz von Bomhard Endowed Chair of Music and currently serves as interim Associate Dean of Students and Academic Planning. Her career includes work with Kentucky Opera, the Louisville Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and guest conducting appearances across the United States and internationally.

“VOICES of Kentuckiana is a remarkable chorus with a powerful mission, a beautiful community, and a deep commitment to artistic integrity,” said Kimcherie Lloyd. “While my role is shifting, my commitment to VOICES remains strong. I look forward to continuing to make music with this ensemble and supporting Mason as he leads the chorus into its next chapter.”

The transition reflects both growth and continuity for VOICES of Kentuckiana. Rice’s new leadership role creates opportunities for day-to-day artistic direction, community engagement, and the next chapter of VOICES’ musical life, while Lloyd’s continued presence ensures the chorus will remain connected to the artistic foundation she has helped strengthen.

VOICES of Kentuckiana invites the community to celebrate the close of the season at its end-of-season concert on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Highlands Community Ministries, 1228 E. Breckinridge Street, Louisville, KY.

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.

PRIMARY TRUST, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and More Set for Actors Theatre of Louisville 2026-2027 Season

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:53:43 PST

Actors Theatre of Louisville has unveiled its 2026–2027 season, featuring productions and programs across the Pamela Brown Auditorium, Bingham Theatre, and Main Street Complex. The season includes Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (September 9–27, 2026), Dead as a Dodo (October 14–November 1, 2026), A Christmas Carol (November 28–December 20, 2026), Primary Trust (February 17–28, 2027), and the return of the Storytelling Revolution Festival (April 1–11, 2027).

Additional offerings includeTheatre for the Very Young programming, public learning opportunities, and summer theatre camps for students.

Memberships and subscriptions for the 2026–2027 season are now available at actorstheatre.org/membership. Members receive exclusive early access to tickets for all mainstage productions, including last season's sold out run of A Christmas Carol.

Two subscription packages are also now available. The Opening Night Subscription includes reserved opening night seats for every mainstage production, invitations to opening night receptions, priority exchanges and booking, and a Green Membership. The Sunday Matinee Subscription includes first Sunday matinee seats for every mainstage production, priority exchanges and booking, waived ticketing fees on exchanges, and a Green Membership.

Individual memberships range from a free Green tier to Gold Flex. Corporate memberships are also available. Visit actorstheatre.org/membership or contact the box office at boxoffice@actorstheatre.org or (502) 584-1205 for details.[AP1] [CH2]

Learning and Creative Engagement Programs

The work of Actors Theatre extends well beyond its stages. The theatre offers hands-on opportunities for artists and curious community members of all ages to build new skills, explore creativity, and connect with the craft of theatre-making. This season's initial offerings include:

Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse

Theatre Skills for Survival, Sustainability, and Maintaining Joy

Built on a simple premise — that the skills used to make theatre can also help make a life — Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse is a hands-on workshop series open to the public. Each session teaches a practical theatrical craft in a welcoming environment where no experience is required, and curiosity is the only prerequisite.

The series kicks off Sunday, June 14 with Upholstery Basics, where participants will learn to strip, rebuild, and re-cover furniture from the ground up.

The full lineup spans an intentionally eclectic range:

· August 7–9 — Adult Musical Theatre Camp

· October 18 — Puppet Workshop

· December 13 — Sustainable Gifting

· February 14, 2027 — Electrics Basics

Tickets start at just $10 for members of Actors Theatre or the Louisville Tool Library, and $20 for non-members. Space is limited. Learn more at actorstheatre.org.

Summer Theatre Camps

For middle and high school students
Launching July 2026 — returning July 2027
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday [AP5] | $300 per week

This summer, Actors Theatre launches its first-ever Summer Theatre Camps — four weeks of professional, hands-on training for middle and high school students, led by working local theatre artists. Each week is self-contained, allowing students to attend one session or all four, with each culminating in a sharing on an Actors Theatre stage.

July 6–10 — Audition Techniques for Theatre
July 13–17 — Epic Voices / Epic Battles: Stage Combat and Vocal Production
July 20–24 — New Voices Playwriting
July 27–31 — Technical Theatre and Design

Students who attend all four weeks receive $200 off total enrollment. Financial assistance is available; contact lace@actorstheatre.org for details.

Already booked a different camp for this July? Summer camps will return in July 2027.

DETAILED SEASON OFFERINGS AND DESCRIPTIONS

Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

directed by Amelia Acosta Powell
September 9 – 27, 2026
in the Pamela Brown Auditorium

The play's afoot! Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson tackle one of their most famous cases in this murderously funny adventure, which transforms the classic Gothic thriller The Hound of the Baskervilles into a fast-paced comedy fueled by theatrical invention. Does a phantom hellhound prowl the desolate moors, hunting the heirs of the Baskerville line? Can the intrepid sleuths unravel the twisty secrets of a family curse before it strikes again? Join the fun as our dashing detectives juggle a dizzying web of clues, disguises and deceit while five actors portray dozens of characters swirling through this hilariously madcap investigation.

Wakka Wakka presents Dead as a Dodo

directed by Gwendolyn Warnock and Kirjan Waage
written by Gwendolyn Warnock and Kirjan Waage
with help from the ensemble
October 14 – November 1, 2026
in the Pamela Brown Auditorium

Don't miss the return of this Halloween season hit that has dazzled grown-ups and kids alike! Take a journey through the underworld, a dark realm filled with glittering light and mystery where the dead are very much alive. In this fantastical adventure infused with astonishing puppetry, humor, music, and magical visual effects, two skeleton friends, a dodo and a boy, are drawn into the epic battle between existence and extinction as they fight to stay together. Experience this mesmerizing odyssey from the Obie Award-winning company Wakka Wakka, international leaders in stretching the boundaries of theatrical imagination.

A Christmas Carol

by Charles Dickens
adapted by Lavina Jadhwani
co-directed by Amelia Acosta Powell and Emily Tarquin
November 28 – December 20, 2026
in the Pamela Brown Auditorium

After a sold-out new production last winter, Scrooge is back in all of his humbug glory! His disdain for Christmas is no match for visits from enchanting ghosts, a lively ensemble of characters, and the music of the season. Honoring Dickens' classic tale, this acclaimed adaptation embraces generosity, community, and second chances. Bring your friends and family to Actors Theatre of Louisville for the return of this celebrated staging that has rekindled all the warmth and wonder of a beloved tradition.

Primary Trust

by Eboni Booth
directed by Jamil Jude
February 17 – 28, 2027
in the Bingham Theatre

With a mix of compassion and humor, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the story of Kenneth, a man whose life of quiet routine consists of working in a small-town bookstore and sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar. When he suddenly loses his job, Kenneth's existence is upended, and he starts to face a whole universe of unfamiliar possibilities that he's long shut out—with transformative and sometimes comical results. Eboni Booth's heartwarming breakout play is a tale of new beginnings, old friends, and how even small acts of kindness and connection can open up an entire world.

Storytelling Revolution Festival

April 1–11, 2027
throughout Actors Theatre's Main Street Complex

Come along for another springtime celebration of bold new work as the Storytelling Revolution Festival enters its second year and again fills our stages with the spirit of discovery. Following a remarkable launch last season that brought together adventure-loving audiences and artists from across the region, this vibrant event will again create a space of exploration spanning two weekends. Gather in community to toast the development of imaginative new art and rejoice in an expansive vision of what live theatre can do.

Photos: First Look Inside The Lexington Workshop Of BORDEN: A NEW MUSICAL

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:55:27 PST

You can now get a first look at the cast of BORDEN: A New Musical in character ahead of the production's run at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center as part of the Voices HEaRd Festival. See Reilly Richardson as Emma Borden and McKinley Harper as Lizzie Borden.

The musical's upcoming workshop presentation will take place June 11–13, 2026, at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center as part of the Voices HEaRd Festival.

Created by Cavan Hendron, BORDEN is a new musical that explores the complex dynamics of the Borden family in the weeks leading up to and following one of America's most infamous crimes. Centered on the relationship between sisters Emma and Lizzie Borden, the musical examines loyalty, freedom, ambition, and the lasting legacy of a family forever defined by tragedy.

The production is supported by historical advisor and award-winning author Cara Robertson, author of The Trial of Lizzie Borden, alongside a creative team that includes co-book writer Aaron Roitman, composer and lyricist Matthew Nassida, director Neeta Thadani, and leading producer Audrey Belle Adams.

Photo credit: Harper Photography

Reilly Richardson and McKinley Harper

Interview: Jaelon "Majiggk" Harris On Taking On the Title Role in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Market House Theatre

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:21:33 PST

Market House Theatre is staging the iconic Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in a contemporary setting that draws deliberate parallels to today's societal climate, exploring the universal mechanics of power and how it is accumulated, wielded, and used to manipulate events and people. Told entirely through song, the score weaves together rock, soul, and gospel into one of the most celebrated works in musical theatre history.

Stepping into the title role is Jaelon "Majiggk" Harris, a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans music production, creative direction, and visual storytelling. No stranger to the Market House Theatre stage, Harris has previously appeared in SISTER ACT, SWEAT, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, and RIOT: ASBURY PARK. His work is rooted in emotional honesty and bold creative expression, exploring identity, spirituality, culture, and human connection through a theatrical lens.

The production is directed by guest director Ron Ziegler, with scenic and lighting design by Tom Hansen and costume design by Davin Belt. Framed largely through Judas' perspective, this retelling grounds the story in earthly events: political maneuvering, crowd psychology, betrayal, and the cost of becoming a symbol larger than yourself.

BroadwayWorld spoke with Harris about portraying Jesus as a man rather than an icon, the inquiry-driven process he has brought to the rehearsal room, and what this production means for the Paducah community that has supported his artistic journey.

What does it mean to you personally to take on the role of Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and how does your own relationship with spirituality and identity inform how you're approaching the character?

Taking on the incredible task of portraying Jesus in his final week of life is gut-wrenching yet extremely beautiful. In a spiritual context it highlights my beliefs on patience and understanding how we have a personal duty; that being contributing to the greater collective. Often times I think we dismiss the burden of seeking paths that aren't carved plainly in society. Leadership can be lonely, and to become Jesus for just about two hours and grapple with such a complex mission is for me: the most honest human approach I've yet to take.

This production frames the story largely through Judas' perspective and reframes Jesus as someone who becomes a symbol larger than himself. How has that framing changed or deepened the way you're playing the title role?

This frame changed how I wanted to portray Jesus as human rather than an untouchable symbol. Judas' POV shifts the narrative towards a man who slowly loses touch with himself, the movement he started, the powers that be, and the fear his trusted friend battles with. I leaned more into exhaustion, isolation, and doubt. And that is most noticeable in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas' kiss symbolizes how much he loved Jesus, and how soft betrayal can be. It's interesting to ask the audience "what happens when followers, friends, and even enemies all create different versions of you all at once and you have to choose?"

You've described digging into the "why" behind every moment in this role. Can you walk us through what that inquiry-driven process looks like in the rehearsal room for a production like this?

Personally I declared quickly "I knew I didn't want to be so sure about my portrayal of Jesus." Why? I wanted to keep his interest pinging. Jesus shifts often in this show. The emotions, music and scenes happen so fast that it became a character study of marking the mental journey of Jesus. This is where rehearsal is the most beneficial for me. Because Jesus' relationships are so different, I'm always adjusting based on who's in front of me and what they need/want from me. I enjoyed working with the cast because we collectively developed with each other. It's like remembering to keep each moment curious and engaging. I spent rehearsals specifically identifying where he feels the most connected and where his symbol has become too large. In my opinion it's during The Temple. Why then has the weight of projection become much to bear for Jesus? He then has to make a decision. The moment I stopped focusing on playing an icon or purely divine and more so a man under immense pressure, the performance began to open naturally.

Since JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a rock opera with no spoken dialogue, how has that changed the way you communicate character and emotion compared to more traditional musical theatre formats?

Singing an entire show gives one nowhere to hide. In traditional musical formats, dialogue bridges the transition of emotions or explains the characters. The vocals, physicality, and silence all offer meaning in the storytelling. I moved according to a mixture of directorial blocking and instinctive honesty. I couldn't rely on speaking so this is where I learned to express intentionally through vocal scribing. When digging into the lyrics I found Jesus balancing intimacy and spectacle. The audience then internally understands through the vocal delivery the heart, the energy, and sometimes the tension in this production.

The production draws deliberate parallels to today's societal climate. What contemporary resonances have you personally connected with most strongly while developing this role?

With today's worldview being shaped largely by what we see via social media, news and trends, I've connected the through-lines of media "influencers", obsession, fear, and cancel culture. Society currently seems to recognize a need for change, yet when someone decides to spearhead a cause; we praise and support until the challenge lands on the front porch of comfortability. Many people find it trendy to rebel until the rebellion threatens the system they're invested in protecting.

How do you approach the physical and vocal demands of a rock opera score, and what has the rehearsal process been like in terms of balancing that with the emotional depth the role requires?

Taking lots of moments to stretch, rest and reset has been my gospel. Pairing coconut water with daily vocal exercises has become essential to hydrating and preparing for this demanding production. To keep my voice healthy I sing pretty light (for the most part) while rehearsing because I like saving it for a live audience. Considering the rock opera element of this show and the final week of Jesus, the emotional depth is naturally written in the score, so it has mainly been about figuring out how to emote and convey those moments of betrayal, trust, and duty to which I think it's about allowing Jesus to react with his body in real time. Figuring out how to use my body as vocal extension in rehearsal was and is new every time I'm on stage. I do my own choreographed gestures to block where the music director and I have composed a story in the music. This process keeps me grounded while performing.

Working with guest director Ron Ziegler, what has the collaborative process been like in terms of shaping your interpretation of Jesus within his vision for the production?

Working with Ron Ziegler has been a collaborative effort due to him creating an environment of exploration. Since rehearsals began, there has been a strong presence of digging beneath the surface of who Jesus can be instead of relying on traditional interpretation. But what I appreciate most is the trust Ron extended to the cast. This gave me a lot of freedom to create Jesus with a lot of nuance outside of his established symbolic iconography. Ron has a way of cultivating a clear vision whether it be via his early morning notes on the previous nights' rehearsal or him giving us weekend homework "seeking truth" during our rehearsal breaks. It has been a process that has been intellectually challenging yet so emotionally raw with such fast pacing.

What does it mean to you to be doing this production at Market House Theatre in Paducah, and what do you hope this show represents for the community that has supported you?

Doing this production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Market House Theatre is meaningful because the community has been part of my journey as an artist and person. To be trusted with the role of Jesus Christ is very humbling and I'm grateful. I hope this production encourages truthful conversations. The show deals with power, identity, fear, compassion and symbolic influence. All of which are timely subjects of discussion and what better medium to explore that than live theater? Most importantly I want this show to remind people how powerful the arts are. Holding space is what theatre does. It shows us how enriching it is to be in a shared space where those of many backgrounds can learn from one another if they suspend their disbelief.

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

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

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

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

This year's cast includes:

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

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

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

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

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

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

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

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

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

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

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

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

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

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

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

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

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

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

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

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

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

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

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

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

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

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

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

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

KPA Bradley Awards Name Kentucky and Southern Indiana's Top High School Theatre Stars

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:11:20 PST

High School Theater in Kentucky and Southern Indiana was celebrated as Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA), in partnership with the Louisville Theatrical Association, held the 2026 KPA Bradley Awards on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Brown Theatre in Louisville.

As the winners across all categories were officially announced, two Kentucky students were selected to represent the region as Jimmy Awards national finalists. The students named Best Actor in a Leading Role, Jack Nelson, and Best Actress in a Leading Role, McKinley Harper, are now set to travel to New York City for the 2026 Jimmy Awards, an all-expenses-paid experience that includes 10 days of individual coaching, master classes, and rehearsals with Broadway professionals. Their journey will culminate in a live national awards ceremony at the Minskoff Theatre on Monday, June 22, 2026. The event will be livestreamed on the Jimmy Awards' website: https://www.jimmyawards.com/.

Jack Nelson is a graduating Senior at McCracken County High School in Paducah, KY and McKinley Harper will be entering her Senior Year at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, KY.

The KPA Bradley Awards ceremony, held in the historic Brown Theatre, featured performances by students from all 35 participating schools. The KPA Bradley Awards are named in honor of Bradley Broecker, whose central role in bringing touring Broadway shows to Kentuckiana has made an immeasurable impact on the region's vibrancy. This program is an official regional awards program of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA), known also as The Jimmy Awards, and seeks to build community amongst the region's high school musical theatre programs and amplify the significant accomplishments of our region's educators and students.

The recipients of the 2026 KPA Bradley Awards are as follows:

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Jack Nelson as Curly
McCracken County High School, Paducah, KY - OKLAHOMA!

Best Actress in a Leading Role

McKinley Harper as Penelope Pennywise
George Rogers Clark High School, Winchester, KY - URINETOWN

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Emmett Rathgeber as Ali Hakim
McCracken County High School, Paducah, KY - OKLAHOMA!

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Clara Pierce as Aunt Eller
McCracken County High School, Paducah, KY - OKLAHOMA!

Best Overall Musical Production-Sponsored by Michael E. Berry

McCracken County High School, Paducah, KY - OKLAHOMA!

Outstanding Dance Execution-Sponsored by Caesars Foundation of Floyd County

McCracken County High School, Paducah, KY - OKLAHOMA!

Outstanding Student Designer-Sponsored by Think Tank Marketing

Ryan Chapman, Scenic Design
Assumption High School, Louisville, KY – ANASTASIA

Outstanding Ensemble Performance-Sponsored by Frank and Paula Harshaw

McCracken County High School, Paducah, KY - OKLAHOMA!

Outstanding Technical Execution

McCracken County High School, Paducah, KY - OKLAHOMA!

Outstanding Community Engagement

Mercer County Senior High School, Harrodsburg, KY - THE WIZARD OF OZ

Outstanding Arts Mentor-Sponsored by Bruce Merrick and Karen McCoy

Jay Schwandt
Youth Performing Arts School, Louisville, KY – CINDERELLA

Behind the Scenes Excellence - Sponsored by Bradley Broecker

Bryan Station High School, Lexington, KY - SWEENEY TODD: SCHOOL EDITION
Sophie Stokley / Stage Manager
Sydney Jeffries / Costume, Graphic & Scenic Design
Sofia Martinez / Asst. Student Directing
Daniel Amaral / Asst. Student Directing
Taylor Glass / Makeup & Hair

The KPA Bradley Awards selected two student reporters to provide coverage of this year's program and host the red carpet experience livestream, sponsored by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), before the awards ceremony. Both students were submitted for consideration to serve as The Jimmy Awards Student Reporters as well.

The 2026 KPA Bradley Awards Student Reporters

Audrey Harris from Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville, KY
Colby Pennington from Floyd Central High School in Floyds Knobs, IN

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

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:59:39 PST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The performance schedule includes:

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

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

Earendel Theatricals to Launch First Kentucky Emerging Playwrights Summer School

Thu, 21 May 2026 19:16:02 PST

Earendel Theatricals has announced the first Kentucky Emerging Playwrights Summer School, to take place July 28th - August 2nd, 2026 at the Dwelling Place Monastery in Martin, Kentucky.

The Summer School will match a small cohort of eight student and early-career playwrights with professional mentors to revise a full-length play for professional submission and develop a personalized strategic plan for each writer's next career steps. Participants will also receive master classes on the craft and business of playwriting.

The 2026 Summer School faculty are two Kentucky playwrights:

Steve Moulds has been a Michener Center fellow, a Jerome Fellow, a National New Play Network Playwright in Residence, a Kentucky Arts Council Fellow, and a Writer in Residence at Vanderbilt University. Plays include The Body (Phoenix Theatre, Indianapolis); Emergency Prom; the Humana Festival anthology Oh, Gastronomy!; and The Wedding Guest (Actors Theatre of Louisville). He has also written five plays with his spouse, Diana Grisanti, including the immersive productions Untimely Ripp'd and Enter Ghost for Kentucky Shakespeare, and frequently writes commissions for Creede Rep and other TYA programs. He has also written commissions for The Appalachian Center for the Arts' Vitality Touring Theatre Company (Galaxy Girl) and Pikeville 200's bicentennial production Spirits of Pikeville Past (The Joy of Flight about John Paul Riddle). newplayexchange.org/users/661/steve-moulds

Jayme Kilburn is a playwright, director, and Assistant Professor of Theatre at Union Commonwealth University in Kentucky. Her original full-length plays Ding! Or Bye Bye Dad and Garbage Kids premiered at Venus Theatre, and her writing often explores themes of care, confinement, and resilience. Jayme also facilitates playwriting workshops for incarcerated writers through Voices Inside at Northpoint Training Facility and is committed to expanding access to storytelling in rural and justice-impacted communities. She is the Founding Artistic Director of the Strand Theater Company in Baltimore, dedicated to producing works by women playwrights, and has directed over forty productions across the country. Jayme holds a Ph.D. in Theatre Arts from Cornell University and an M.A. in Humanities and Social Thought from NYU. www.jayme-kilburn.com

The Summer School will take place at the Dwelling Place Monastery, a mountaintop retreat center of the Mt. Tabor Benedictines located in Floyd County near Martin, KY (mtabor.com). The program is an initiative of Earendel Theatricals, a Pikeville-based professional theatre company whose mission is to tell stories of hope, with a special focus on new and innovative theatrical works bridging the urban-rural divide. www.earendelonstage.com

"This will be our third playwriting retreat at the Dwelling Place, after hosting Erik Ehn's extraordinary Stillwright silent playwriting retreats in 2023 and 2024," says Earendel's president, Br. Christian Cole Matson. "We've found that the mountains of eastern Kentucky help writers settle into a place of quiet. We hope the Summer School will allow each writer to emerge from this beautiful environment with a clear sense of direction and a solid piece of work that displays their gifts to the world. We want more playwrights to find their place in the professional theatre."

Writers who have completed at least one draft of a full-length play are invited to apply by May 31st. Writers do not need to be affiliated with Kentucky, and there is no application fee. The final cohort will be selected by June 15th. For more information, including tuition costs, visit kysummerschool.eventbrite.com or contact Br. Christian Cole Matson at christian@earendelonstage.com.

Writers may apply via JotForm: https://www.jotform.com/form/260728438453160.

CALENDAR GIRLS to Open Derby Dinner Playhouse's 52nd Season

Tue, 19 May 2026 18:22:38 PST

Derby Dinner Playhouse will kick off its 52nd season with the heartwarming comedy Calendar Girls, opening May 20 and running through June 28, 2026.

When Annie's husband, John, passes away from leukemia, she and her Best Friend Chris set out to raise funds for the local hospital waiting room. Their unconventional idea? Persuading four fellow Women's Institute members to pose tastefully nude for an "alternative" calendar. With the help of hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence, their charitable effort quickly captures national attention. As media frenzy descends on their quiet Yorkshire village, the calendar's success brings unexpected challenges-testing friendships and changing lives along the way.

Written by Tim Firth, Calendar Girls is based on the Miramax motion picture by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth, and inspired by a remarkable true story.

Derby Dinner's production is directed by Tina Jo Wallace and features a talented cast including Lisa Woods, Jennifer Pennington, Elizabeth Loos, Janet Essenpreis, Bryana Bentley, Katie Gilbertson, Michael Drury, J.R. Stuart, and more.

For ticket information, call 812-288-8281 or visit www.derbydinner.com.

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

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:13:15 PST

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

Read the reviews for the touring production of The Notebook.

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

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

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

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

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schenectady, NY — Proctors
December 1 – 6, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

Providence, RI — PPAC
February 9 – 14, 2027

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEATH BECOMES HER Sets Closing Date

Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:20 PST

BroadwayWorld has just learned that the Tony Award winning and Grammy Award nominated musical, and the most nominated production of the 2024/2025 Broadway season, DEATH BECOMES HER, will conclude its Broadway run on Sunday, June 28, 2026 after 20 months, over 650 performances and 900,000 tickets sold at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Lowe Cunningham, SVP, Head of Creative & Strategy, Universal Theatrical Group said today on behalf of the producers, “Bringing Death Becomes Her to Broadway has been an incredible joy, and we are immensely proud of every artist, musician, crew member, and individual who helped make this show what it is. Night after night, it has been a thrill to watch audiences come together to laugh, celebrate, and embrace the wildly entertaining spirit of this production. We are deeply proud of what this show has brought into the world, and we are excited for its life to continue as it tours across the U.S. and beyond in the years ahead.”

DEATH BECOMES HER will launch a multi-year North American tour this September at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, OH.

DEATH BECOMES HER North American tour schedule:

CLEVELAND, OH 9/12/2026 10/3/2026 Playhouse Square
COLUMBUS, OH 10/6/2026 10/11/2026 Ohio Theatre
ST. LOUIS, MO 10/13/2026 10/25/2026 The Fabulous Fox
OMAHA, NE 10/27/2026 11/1/2026 Orpheum Theatre
NASHVILLE, TN 11/3/2026 11/8/2026 TPAC
DURHAM, NC 11/10/2026 11/15/2026 DPAC
ATLANTA, GA 11/17/2026 11/22/2026 The Fox Theatre
KNOXVILLE, TN 11/24/2026 11/29/2026 Tennessee Theatre
ORLANDO, FL 12/1/2026 12/6/2026 Dr. Phillips Center
TAMPA, FL 12/8/2026 12/13/2026 Straz
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 12/15/2026 12/27/2026 Broward Center for the Performing Arts
NAPLES, FL 12/29/2026 1/3/2027 Artis-Naples
GREENSBORO, NC 1/5/2027 1/10/2027 The Tanger Center
BOSTON, MA 1/12/2027 1/24/2027 Citizens Bank Opera House
PROVIDENCE, RI 1/26/2027 1/31/2027 Providence Performing Arts Center
BALTIMORE, MD 2/2/2027 2/7/2027 The Hippodrome Theatre
CHARLOTTE, NC 2/9/2027 2/14/2027 Blumenthal | Belk Theater
BUFFALO, NY 2/16/2027 2/21/2027 Shea's Performing Arts Center
PITTSBURGH, PA 2/23/2027 2/28/2027 Benedum Center
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 3/2/2027 3/7/2027 DeVos Performance Hall
LOUISVILLE, KY 3/9/2027 3/14/2027 Overture Center
MADISON, WI 3/16/2027 3/21/2027 Overture Hall
DETROIT, MI 3/23/2027 4/4/2027 Detroit Opera House
TULSA, OK 4/6/2027 4/11/2027 Tulsa Performing Arts Center
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 4/13/2027 4/18/2027 Civic Center Music Hall
HOUSTON, TX 4/20/2027 4/25/2027 The Hobby Center
AUSTIN, TX 4/27/2027 5/2/2027 Bass Concert Hall
SAN ANTONIO, TX 5/4/2027 5/9/2027 Majestic Theatre
DALLAS, TX 5/11/2027 5/23/2027 Music Hall at Fair Park
DENVER, CO 5/25/2027 6/6/2027 Buell Theatre
SAN FRANCSISCO, CA 6/9/2027 6/27/2027 Orpheum Theatre
LOS ANGELES, CA 7/6/2027 7/25/2027 Hollywood Pantages Theatre
COSTA MESA, CA 7/27/2027 8/8/2027 Segerstrom Center for the Arts
SAN DIEGO, CA 8/10/2027 8/15/2027 San Diego Civic Theatre
TEMPE, AZ 8/24/2027 8/29/2027 ASU Gammage
SACRAMENTO, CA 9/1/2027 9/5/2027 SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center

For more information on the tour, visit https://deathbecomesher.com/tour/.

Death Becomes her opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 21, 2025. Check out what the critics had to say.

Death Becomes Her at the box office.

DEATH BECOMES HER was the most nominated show of the 2024-2025 Season with 34 total nominations, including: 12 Outer Critics’ Circle Award Nominations, Five Drama Desk Award Nominations, Four Drama Leage Award Nominations, Two Chita Rivera Award Nominations, 10 Tony Award Nominations, and One GRAMMY Award Nomination for “Best Musical Theater Album.”

DEATH BECOMES HER became a viral sensation on social media following the release of the Original Broadway Cast Recording, which has been streamed over 34 million times in North America and 16 million times elsewhere worldwide. A clip of Tony Nominee Jennifer Simard performing the album’s 16th track, “Hit Me,” went viral on TikTok—peaking at #2 on the TikTok Viral Chart and #13 on the TikTok 50 Chart—with 491,000 creator uses and over 2.7 billion total views to date. The track “Let’s Run Away Together” has also gained traction on the platform, inspiring over 10,000 videos using its audio.

The cast and creative team of DEATH BECOMES HER made over 30 national television appearances during the Broadway run, completing interviews and musical performances on such programs as NBC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, CBS’s Tony Awards, NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, NBC’s TODAY (Four musical performances and multiple interview segments), CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live, ABC’s Good Morning America, NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show, Fox’s SHERRI, Bravo TV’s Watch What Happens Live, ABC’s Nightline, NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, and more.

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DEATH BECOMES HER features direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli, a book by Tony Award Nominee Marco Pennette, and an original score by Tony Award Nominees Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, and stars Tony Award nominees Betsy Wolfe (Madeline Ashton), Tony Award Nominee Jennifer Simard (Helen Sharp), Tony Award Nominee Christopher Sieber (Ernest Menville), and Grammy® Award winner Michelle Williams (Violet Van Horn) with Taurean Everett (Chagall) and Josh Lamon (Stefan). The cast also features Marija Abney, Kate Bailey, Sarita Colón, Alexa DeBaar, Brayden Newby, Ximone Rose, Jonalyn Saxer, Bethany Ann Tesarck, Mitch Tobin, Sir Brock Warren, Bud Weber, Ryan Worsing, David Wright Jr., Warren Yang, Ayla Ciccone-Burton, Kristine Covillo, Alex Hartman, Lakota Knuckle, McKinley Knuckle, Justin O’Brien, Preston Perez, Amy Quanbeck, and Dee Roscioli.

DEATH BECOMES HER features scenic design by two-time Tony Award winner Derek McLane, costume design by Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Tony Award winner Justin Townsend, sound design by Tony Award winner Peter Hylenski, hair and wig design by two-time Drama Desk Award winner Charles G. LaPointe, make-up design by Joe Dulude II, fight direction by Drama Desk Award winner Cha Ramos, with music supervision by Drama Desk Award winner Mary-Mitchell Campbell, orchestrations by three-time Tony Award winner Doug Besterman, music direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, dance & music arrangements by Tony Award nominee Sam Davis, vocal arrangements by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Julia Mattison & Noel Carey, music coordination by Kristy Norter, casting by Tara Rubin Casting, production stage management by Rachel Sterner, and general management by 321 Theatrical Management. Marcia Goldberg serves as Executive Producer.

Madeline Ashton is the most beautiful actress (just ask her) ever to grace the stage and screen. Helen Sharp is the long suffering author (just ask her) who lives in her shadow. They have always been the best of frenemies… until Madeline steals Helen’s fiancé away. As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that’s to die for. After one sip of Viola’s magical potion, Madeline and Helen begin a new era of life (and death) with their youth and beauty restored…and a grudge to last eternity. Life’s a bitch and then you die. Or not!

Public Workshop Of BORDEN: A New Musical To Perform At Downtown Arts Center

Sun, 17 May 2026 15:43:22 PST

Tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated public workshop presentation of BORDEN: A New Musical, presented as part of the 2026 Voices HEaRd Women's Theatre Festival by Voices Amplified.

Created by Lexington native and New York-based writer Cavan Hendron, BORDEN centers on the complex relationship between sisters Lizzie and Emma Borden in the days before and after the infamous 1892 murders that changed American history forever. Rather than retelling the case through sensationalism, the musical explores loyalty, grief, identity, and the cost of loving someone without limits.

The workshop marks a major next step in the musical's development following its acclaimed 2024 industry presentation in New York City. Audiences in Lexington will have the rare opportunity to experience the show during its development process before its next stage.

The production is being developed in collaboration with acclaimed author and leading Lizzie Borden historian Cara Robertson, who serves as Dramaturg and Historical Advisor on the project. Robertson is the author of the critically acclaimed The Trial of Lizzie Borden and is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on the case. She will participate in a special public talkback following the June 11 performance alongside members of the creative team.

BORDEN features a creative team led by Hendron alongside co-book writer Aaron Roitman, composer Matthew Nassida, lyricists Hendron and Nassida, director Neeta Thadani, and creative producer Audrey Belle Adams.

The workshop will take place June 11-13, 2026 at the Downtown Arts Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Tickets can be purchased on Ovationtix website.

In addition to the performances, attendees will also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive private reception hosted at the historic Mary Todd Lincoln House on Saturday, June 13 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The reception will include refreshments, conversation with the creative team and Cara Robertson, and a unique opportunity to celebrate the development of the musical in one of Lexington's most iconic historic locations. Space for the reception is limited.

LITTLE MERMAID, 9 TO 5 and More Set for Derby Dinner Playhouse 52nd Season

Thu, 14 May 2026 10:37:32 PST

Derby Dinner Playhouse has revealed its 52nd Season, featuring a lineup of beloved musicals and comedies. The season kicks off with the heartwarming comedy Calendar Girls (May 20-June 28), a touching and hilarious tale of friendship, courage, and unexpected fame that is based on a true story. Audiences will then dive under the sea with the family favorite Disney's The Little Mermaid (July 1-Aug 9), followed by Heartbreak Hotel (Aug 12-Sept 27), a high-energy musical celebrating Elvis Presley and the rise of a rock 'n' roll legend.

Thrills take center stage with the suspenseful drama Misery (Sept 30-Nov 8), based on the chilling Stephen King novel. The holiday season brings festive cheer with A Christmas Story: The Musical (Nov 11-Dec 31), a nostalgic and humorous tale perfect for the whole family.

In the new year, patrons can enjoy the fast-paced British farce The Cottage (Jan 6-Feb 14), delivering plenty of wit and romantic misadventures. The season continues with the cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors (Feb 17-March 28), combining tongue-in-cheek comedy and unforgettable music.

Closing out the season is the empowering and crowd-pleasing 9 to 5: The Musical (March 31-May 16, 2027), a high-spirited story of friendship, revenge, and workplace justice set to a lively score written by Dolly Parton.

"Our 52nd season truly has it all. Comedy, drama, nostalgia, and spectacular music and dance," said Producing Artistic Director, Tina Jo Wallace. "We are so excited to continue our long tradition of offering our patrons the chance to come together, escape for a night of joyful entertainment, and create life-long memories with family and friends!"

Review: Broadway in Cincinnati presents SUFFS at The Aronoff Center

Thu, 14 May 2026 10:14:35 PST

It is always baffling to me, the things that history books don’t teach us. How can something so important within the history of our country be overlooked? This was one of many conversations I had last night after attending the opening night performance of Suffs in Cincinnati. The show focuses on Alice Paul and her involvement with the women’s suffrage movement until its ratification of the 19th amendment giving (white) women the right to vote. If you happen to be reading this review, I ask you this: do you know who Alice Paul is? How about Carrie Chapman Catt? Or even Ida B. Wells? These women and many more helped to shape our country over 100 years ago, and this sharp new musical written entirely by Shaina Taub is finally giving them their time in the spotlight - where they should’ve been all along. Ultimately winning two Tony Awards, Suffs is now touring the country in a stunning and awe inspiring fashion.

The show is led quite beautifully by Maya Keleher as Alice Paul. She exquisitely inhabits the force of nature this woman was, relentless in her pursuit for voter equality. While her fiery moments are exciting, I want to put emphasis on the more subtle heartfelt ones as well, like the Act 1 song “Worth It” where Alice asks herself if the cause is worth dedicating her whole life to achieving. Acting as her foil is Marya Grandy as Carrie Chapman Catt. Grandy plays Catt with Grace and sophistication, which makes the moments we see her crack all the more impactful. At the end of the day these two characters want the same things, but fundamentally disagree on how to achieve them. Rounding out the trio of what I would consider the true leads of the show is Danyel Fulton as Ida B. Wells. Fulton plays Wells as very stoic and reserved, and beautifully delivers the heartbreaking “Wait My Turn”. A piece regarding the fact that sadly the 19th amendment would ignore black women if and when their cause is realized.

The supporting cast is all uniformly strong, and there are too many to give everyone their flowers but I was very taken with Monica Tulia Ramirez as Inez Milholland. Ramirez has stunning vocals and commands the stage as if it’s the easiest thing in the world. Watching her experience the character’s highs and lows is just thrilling. Livy Marcus’ Dorris Stevens is quirky and adorable, bringing many moments of needed comedy, and is a great energetic addition anytime she is onstage. I also must recognize Jenny Ashman as President Wilson. Ashman plays the character with just the right amount of tongue in cheek bafoonery, adding some needed levity to what is essentially the villain of our story. She has wonderful timing and a soaring voice.

Visually, the show doesn’t have a lot going on, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The sets are very basic and serve the purpose of the show which is to give focus to the writing and the characters that drive the experience. I will say that the lighting did a magnificent job of adding in layers and depth to what is sometimes a rather bare stage.

I believe genuinely that Suffs is one of the best musicals written in the last decade. It is so rare these days to hear a score be so utterly complete in its vision and storytelling that it’s something wonderful to behold. On top of that, the show tackles a highly fascinating and often overlooked subject with what I would consider world class performances. This production is only running for a week in Cincinatti, and I while I realize it’s not the flashiest title - I urge any and everyone to go see it. Suffs is so utterly important, especially right now as we often need to be reminding that progress is possible, not guaranteed.

SUFFS

Now - May 17th

Aronoff Center For The Arts

650 Walnut Street Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Frank Sinatra Jr. Musical HIT SHOW Will Make World Premiere at The Carnegie

Thu, 14 May 2026 05:15:40 PST

Covington, KY's THE CARNEGIE and Oklahoma City's SOUTHERN PLAINS PRODUCTIONS have announced a joint world premiere of the new musical Hit Show in Spring 2027, setting its sights on an Off-Broadway production to follow. Hit Show features music, lyrics, and book by Billy Recce (Little Black Book, Fowl Play, FIVE: The Musical), with arrangements and orchestrations by Adam Dorfman (The Outsiders National Tour). Eamon Foley (Michael Arden, David Cromer) serves as director. The musical will launch in Oklahoma City, OK in May 2027 and move to Covington, KY in June 2027. Tickets will go on sale in June 2026.

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

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

Billy Recce is an award-winning, Billboard-charting composer, lyricist, and playwright who believes in the transformative power of musical comedy. His work actively aims to queer the canon by centering fringe moments and characters from pop culture history. One of the most prolific young musical theatre writers of his generation, Billy began his career with Balloon Boy: The Musical, becoming the youngest writer ever selected for the New York Musical Theatre Festival at age 17. The show went on to receive productions across the country and is now available for licensing.

His Off-Broadway and NYC credits include Fowl Play (directed by Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Tye Blue), FIVE: The Parody Musical (“ABC Nightline” and New York Times feature), A Musical About Star Wars, Singfeld, VAPE, Petunia's Big Day, RealityTown, and Hear/Now. His Heidi Fleiss musical, Little Black Book, received its concert premiere at the Bowery Ballroom starring Tony Award nominee Orfeh and directed by Tony nominee Kristin Hanggi. Licensed titles include The Big Twist: A Musical OzVenture and 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse: The Musical.

Billy's work has been performed by Bernadette Peters, Mandy Patinkin, Laura Benanti, Tituss Burgess, Alice Ripley, Beth Leavel, Bonnie Milligan, Leslie Kritzer, Kerry Butler, Rachel Dratch, Jackie Hoffman, Nathan Lee Graham, Jessica Vosk, and RuPaul's Drag Race favorites Rosé, Jackie Cox, and Alexis Michelle. His songs have been heard internationally and at venues including Broadway in Bryant Park, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Signature Theatre, and 54 Below. He has developed musicals and projects with Goodspeed Musicals, Barrington Stage, and the Edinburgh Fringe.

Billy is a two-time MAC Award winner and has been recognized by the The Orchard Project, the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, NAMT, The Bushwick Starr, and the Jonathan Larson Grant. He is currently under commission with the EST/Sloan Project, USDAN, Barrington Stage, Broadway Licensing/Concord, and several production companies.

Eamon Foley was cast in his first Broadway show at nine years old and went on to perform in four other Broadway productions before the age of sixteen. He then went to Princeton University to turn his focus towards direction and choreography, where he founded Grind Arts Company. Eamon began his professional career choreographing two-time Tony Award winning director Michael Arden's production of Merrily We Roll Along and went on to choreograph numerous productions with Arden including Guys and Dolls in Tokyo and Annie at the Hollywood Bowl. Eamon also choreographed Tony Award winning director David Cromer's Next to Normal at Writer's Theater.

As director-choreographer, he helmed the re-imagined, contemporary ballet-infused Sunday in the Park with George at The Axelrod Performing Arts Center to critical acclaim. He also conceived, directed, and choreographed the aerial-dance, rock musical Hero. He has directed and choreographed Cyrano, Sweeney Todd, Nine, and The Last Five Years with Grind Arts Company, along with a slew of dance films and music videos for which he has also been the cinematographer. Most recently, Eamon directed and choreographed I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical at SoHo Playhouse, which was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical Revue. Other choreography credits include His Story directed by Jeff Calhoun, Ragtime in Tokyo, The Wedding Banquet in Taiwan directed by Gordon Greenberg, Next to Normal at Barrington Stage Company, Waitress at Theater Raleigh, and Hello, Dolly! at Olney Theater Center.

Adam Dorfman is a music director, arranger/orchestrator, and multi-instrumentalist primarily based in New York City, and currently on the road as the associate music director for the first national tour of The Outsiders. He has worked closely with Nadia DiGiallonardo, Doug Besterman, Ian Weinberger, Nate Patten, Jeanine Tesori, Mark G. Meadows, Charlie Rosen, Will Van Dyke, Joey Contreras, and more.

The Carnegie Theatre, part of Northern Kentucky's largest multidisciplinary arts organization, operates within a historic landmark dedicated to connecting people through meaningful arts experiences. As Greater Cincinnati's only professional theatre devoted exclusively to musicals, it reimagines beloved titles through bold, contemporary staging—transforming audience familiarity into urgent, shared experience. In 2025, the Theatre welcomed more than 18,000 in-person audience members, signaling sustained growth and deepening regional demand driven by a younger, more diverse, and increasingly engaged audience. Looking ahead, the Theatre will expand its performance schedule in 2027 to meet this demand, reinvesting increased revenue into greater artistic scale, production capacity, and creative risk, while introducing new musical works alongside established titles. Through this evolution, The Carnegie Theatre is not only growing—it is redefining what a regional musical theatre can be: a dynamic cultural force and a vital gathering place for Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. For more information visit thecarnegie.com.

Southern Plains Productions is a professional, nonprofit arts organization dedicated to enriching Oklahoma City's cultural landscape through dynamic live performance. Operating within a presenting and producing model, the company brings innovative and acclaimed work to local audiences. Most recently, Southern Plains Productions presented the Drama Desk and Obie Award-winning Wakka Wakka for a run of Dead as a Dodo. In addition, the company offers an annual free-to-the-public series, expanding access and ensuring a broad, diverse community can experience its programming. The company is currently in residence at the Oklahoma City Civic Center.

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:04:02 PST

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

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

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

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

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

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

About StageMag

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

About BroadwayWorld

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

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

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:51:46 PST

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

Teddy Abrams & The Louisville Orchestra Release 'The Year Of Silence'

Thu, 07 May 2026 07:08:23 PST

The Louisville Orchestra with Music Director Teddy Abrams, Dashon Burton, and Jeffrey Kahane will release The Year of Silence, featuring commissioned works by Christopher Cerrone and Andrew Norman.

Cerrone's The Year of Silence is inspired by Kevin Brockmeier's short story about a city that mysteriously falls silent, a text the composer first encountered in 2010 but only returned to during the early months of the pandemic. What once felt like a self-contained, almost mythic narrative suddenly seemed prophetic, as Cerrone wandered the unusually quiet streets of Brooklyn and rediscovered the story amid the stillness and uncertainty of that time. Choosing to preserve as much of the text as possible, Cerrone shapes the work around a narrator who moves between speech and song – written with Burton's voice in mind – while the orchestra evokes a world where silence is not emptiness but a warm, enveloping presence. Under Abrams' direction, the Louisville Orchestra brings this sound world to life through unconventional textures and gestures.

In contrast, Split – composed by Norman and performed by Kahane – offers a sharply kinetic counterpoint, its restless energy exploring fragmentation and duality.

"Writing topical and relevant music is very challenging. Many attempts, no matter how well-intentioned, fail in superficiality or obsolescence. The two compositions on this album succeed because fundamentally they are exceptional, engaging, cohesive works of art aside from their social commentary. The works' allegories are subtextual and aesthetic.

Indeed, the genius of Andrew Norman and Christopher Cerrone is that they have intuited, absorbed, and expressed the nature of life today in a manner that leaves the audience with a part to play. We aren't told what or how to think by these two composers, but are instead offered musical simulacra for our confounding modern world, with glimpses of regeneration and reconstitution that would be wise to consider." - Teddy Abrams

The album will be released on 26 June.

Track List

Christopher Cerrone (b. 1984)
The Year of Silence
1) Shortly after two in the afternoon
2) He put the pill bottle back
3) There was another silence
4) Who was the first person
5) The silence was plain and rich and deep
6) Shortly after nine a.m.
7) The cryptographer’s theory
8) Every day the silence receded

Andrew Norman (b. 1979)
9) Split*

Louisville Ballet Launches $100,000 Commonwealth Choreography Award

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:34:44 PST

Louisville Ballet is launching the Commonwealth Choreography Award, an international annual award of $100,000 made possible through the generosity of visionary anonymous donors. Designed to identify, elevate, and invest in exceptional choreographers at pivotal moments in their artistic development, the award supports the creation and premiere of a new work, including a $25,000 honorarium for the recipient. It provides full production support for its presentation as part of a triple-bill program, Momentum, featuring additional choreographic voices.

Guided by the vision "From the Commonwealth to the Global Stage," the Commonwealth Choreography Award positions Louisville Ballet as a vital incubator for choreographic innovation. It recognizes artists who are advancing the field through originality, perspective, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Rooted in Kentucky's identity as a Commonwealth, this award extends that ethos beyond geographic borders and serves as a platform to champion choreographers whose work reflects a singular artistic voice that resonates across diverse cultures, communities, and international stages.

Recipients are selected through a competitive international application process and adjudicated by a distinguished jury of global dance leaders, including Wendy Whelan, Associate Artistic Director, New York City Ballet; Grace Holmes, Director of San Francisco Ballet School; Norton Fantinel, Artistic Director, Arles Youth Ballet Company; Kinsun Chan, Artistic Director of the Semperoper Ballett, and Louisville Ballet's Artistic Director, Anthony Krutzkamp. In addition to direct financial investment, the award recipient's work will be presented as a world premiere for Louisville Ballet, ultimately expanding their visibility through national and international networks.

Krutzkamp said, "Through this award, Louisville Ballet not only invests in individual artists but also reinforces its role as a cultural leader, bridging regional identity with global artistic impact."

Applications for the inaugural award open Tuesday, May 5, and close Friday, June 5, 2026. The selected choreographer will be awarded on August 7, 2026, with a public announcement to follow. Interested individuals should submit their application to (need a unique URL like the Commonwealth Choreographer Award). Applicants must submit a 500-word proposal for a new work, a resume, and two links to recent works as videos.

For more information about the award and jury members, visit Commonwealth Choreography Award. Or, contact Arricka Dunsford at 502.376.9947 or via email at adunsford@louisvilleballet.org

SOMETHING WONDERFUL: RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN AT THE MANSION Announced By Opera Saratoga

Sun, 03 May 2026 12:05:41 PST

Opera Saratoga opens its 2026 season with concerts featuring the 2026 Festival Artists, accompanied by Opera Saratoga’s music staff, led by acclaimed pianist and coach Adam Nielsen, who joined the company in December 2025.

Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein at the Mansion, will showcase the voices of this year’s Festival Artists at The Mansion Inn, only minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs.

“These young singers are some of the best we’ve ever had in Saratoga Springs — they’ve won national awards, sung, and played in A-houses and many are going to Europe next year” says General and Artistic Director, Mary Birnbaum. “We are tremendously lucky to have them at Opera Saratoga, and I can assure you, you won’t want to miss this chance to hear them in a beautiful, intimate setting!”

“Something Wonderful” features many song from the musical theatre repertoire including songs from “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” and rarities like “Allegro,” “The Boys from Syracuse,” “Floyd Collins,” and “Once Upon a Mattress.”

Performances will take place on May 31 at The Mansion Inn located at 801 NY 29 Rock City Falls, NY. Tickets can be purchased at the Opera Saratoga's website.

Broadway Beyond Louisville Review: Broadway in Cincinnati presents WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The Aronoff Center

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:36:56 PST

Having first seen Water for Elephants: The Musical on an early tour stop in Louisville, KY, I came to the Arnoff Center with a sense of familiarity for the show. But also, very curious about how it might resonate a second time. From the moment the curtain rises, the production draws the audience into its dreamlike world, where love, survival, and the search for belonging unfold. Experiencing the show in a new city revealed fresh nuances in the performances and staging, proving that even a story I already knew could still surprise and move me in ways I didn’t expect.

Adapted from the beloved novel, the show itself follows Jacob Jankowski (Zachary Keller), a veterinarian – almost. Jacob joins the circus by chance after running away from the horrific tragedy of losing both his parents. As he familiarizes himself with the carnival workers, he meets Marlena (Helen Krushinski) and her husband August (Connor Sullivan). August is owner and ringmaster, while Marlena is the star.

When August discovers that Jacob has veterinary training, he hires him to join them on the road officially, giving him closer proximity to Marlena with whom he shares a growing, mutual attraction. After the tragic loss of their star horse, August decides to purchase Rosie, a strong-willed elephant meant to help revive the act. As Jacob and Marlena work together to train her, their bond deepens and they fall more and more in love. Framed as a memory, the story unfolds through an older Jacob (Robert Tully), looking back on his time reflectively and with longing.

The performances here are very strong. Zachary Keller is a bright new star on the scene and he carries the show wonderfully. With great vocals and a commanding presence, I cannot wait to see what future roles await him. Helen Krushinski does great as well, her vocals are quite lovely, and her chemistry with both Keller and Sullivan is strong. Her stand out for me was the beautifully sung “Easy” early in the first act. Connor Sullivan is the villain of our story, and he fills those shoes well. His August oozes charisma, and it was a joy to watch as he fell more and more into depravity. Robert Tully is well suited to his role as older Jacob, and really anchors the evening as the narrator. He’s got a warmth about him, almost evoking an old friend you’re catching up with.

The standout of the show for me lies in the staging. The acrobatics and arial work are truly a sight to behold. The stunts come quickly and often, and the audience (myself included) are simply in awe of a lot of the feats achieved. Jessica Stone’s original direction is also really phenomenal. She takes what could be a paint-by-numbers musical and injects innovative soul into every moment, giving the show distinct character.

As for the writing -and this is the sticking point for me - The score by Pigpen Theatre Co., just wasn’t very striking. The songs are pleasant enough in the moment, but with no continuity or through line, none of them really hold much weight. The music serves the story as well as it needs to, but the next great score this show is sadly not. The book by Rick Elice is done well enough, but often feels very safe. Like the score, it serves the show as it needs to, but there’s nothing too inspiring or deep about the work he’s done here.

In the end, I did quite enjoy my revisit to the circus. The four central performances are very impressive, paired with the acrobatic stunts and Jessica Stone’s mindful original direction, the so-so material is elevated to the best that it can be. At its core, this is a good night at the theatre, and I think the positives definitely outweigh any of my aforementioned gripes with the writing. Jessica Stone (in her original vision) really cannot be under-praised for this, as I truly think with a less creative person at the helm, this could’ve been a slog, but is thankfully mainly a delight.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

Now - May 3rd

Aronoff Center For The Arts

650 Walnut Street Cincinnati, OH 45202.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:12:44 PST

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

Read the reviews for the Broadway run here.

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

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

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

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

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

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

Toronto, ON – Theatre TBD
October–December 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Operation Mincemeat

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

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

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

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

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:00:22 PST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:23:47 PST

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

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

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

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

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

Tour Dates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Full Cast Set for THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME at Ramsey Theatre Company

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:45:23 PST

SKYPAC has revealed the full cast for Ramsey Theatre Company's production of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, happening June 26, 27, and 28. This timeless tale, based on Victor Hugo's epic novel and the beloved Disney animated feature, is a sweeping musical journey you won't want to miss experiencing in person.

This cast of thirty-four, plus a choir of twenty, features performers with experience in New York City, on Broadway National Tours, and on stages across the country and region. The production also highlights familiar faces from Ramsey Theatre Company productions, while Orchestra Kentucky takes its place of honor in the Robin and David Ciochetty Orchestra Pit.

This musical features music by Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast", "Little Mermaid", "Little Shop of Horrors") and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked", "Godspell", "Pippin") and is based on the 1996 animated Disney classic film.

Multi-Dove award and Grammy award winning songwriter Mr. Dick Tunney will be Music Directing and conducting Orchestra Kentucky.

Choreography will be led by Jake Dukes, Ramsey Theatre Company veteran ("Cinderella", "Grease") and recent alumnus of Western Kentucky University's Dance program. Jake was the Associate Choreographer for last year's blockbuster Ramsey Theatre Company production of the "Wizard of Oz". "What I am looking forward to the most is getting to see my vision come to life and getting to fully experience the storytelling process as a choreographer," said Choreographer Jake Dukes.

Cast members include Christopher Hager (Frollo), Max Desantis (Clopin), recently on the Broadway National Tour of "The Addams Family". Astoncia Bhagat (Esmeralda) and Chris Monell (Phoebus) both previously onstage with Actors Theatre of Louisville and Christian Leigh (Quasimodo) Manhattanville University alum, currently based in New York City.

Quasimodo is played by Christian Leigh, Frollo by Christopher Hager, Esmeralda by Astoncia Bhagat, Phoebus by Chris Monell, and Clopin by Max Desantis. Frederic, U/S Phoebus is played by Matt Propst; Florika, U/S Esmeralda by Bailey Bryant; Father Dupain, U/S Frollo by Shawn Quinn; St Aphrodisius by Gage Carnes; Jehan by Nate Simpson; and Madame by Emily Barr. U/S Quasimodo, U/S St. Aphorodisius is played by Joseph Hanrahan; U/S Clopin, U/S Frederic, U/S Jehan by Harrison Belcher; Storyteller, U/S Florika, Swing by Emma Puerta; and U/S Madame by Brittany Gatlin-Lloyd.

Storytellers include Emily Barr, Keenan Beasley, Harrison Belcher, Bailey Bryant, Gage Carnes, Wesley Christensen, Reili Farmer, Brittany Gatlin-Lloyd, McCaleb Hanks, Joseph Hanrahan, Cameron Hepp, Aubin Jefferson, Ella Jones, Sam Lemmon, Bern Miranda, Brinlee Price, Matt Propst, Emma Puerta, Nate Simpson, and Brooke Vinson.

The Youth Ensemble includes Mikey Borton, Amberlin Burgett, Xavier Gravil, M Lemmon, Gavin Perry, Grace Prather, Kasey Taylor, and Lainey K.

Rehearsals begin in May, leading up to three performances spanning across Friday, June 26, Saturday, June 27, (7:30 PM) and Sunday, June 28, (3:00 PM) at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKYPAC).

BroadwayWorld.com Kentucky Stories

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

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

Editor's Picks: Top News Stories

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

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

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

Reviews

Videos

Photos

VOICES of Kentuckiana Reveals Artistic Leadership Transition During Pride Month Before End of Season Concert

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Weekly Scoring

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PRIMARY TRUST, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and More Set for Actors Theatre of Louisville 2026-2027 Season

Learning and Creative Engagement Programs

Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse

Summer Theatre Camps

Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Wakka Wakka presents Dead as a Dodo

A Christmas Carol

Primary Trust

Storytelling Revolution Festival

Photos: First Look Inside The Lexington Workshop Of BORDEN: A NEW MUSICAL

Interview: Jaelon "Majiggk" Harris On Taking On the Title Role in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Market House Theatre

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

This year's cast includes:

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

KPA Bradley Awards Name Kentucky and Southern Indiana's Top High School Theatre Stars

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Best Overall Musical Production-Sponsored by Michael E. Berry

Outstanding Dance Execution-Sponsored by Caesars Foundation of Floyd County

Outstanding Student Designer-Sponsored by Think Tank Marketing

Outstanding Ensemble Performance-Sponsored by Frank and Paula Harshaw

Outstanding Technical Execution

Outstanding Community Engagement

Outstanding Arts Mentor-Sponsored by Bruce Merrick and Karen McCoy

Behind the Scenes Excellence - Sponsored by Bradley Broecker

The 2026 KPA Bradley Awards Student Reporters

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

Earendel Theatricals to Launch First Kentucky Emerging Playwrights Summer School

CALENDAR GIRLS to Open Derby Dinner Playhouse's 52nd Season

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

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

DEATH BECOMES HER Sets Closing Date

DEATH BECOMES HER North American tour schedule:

Public Workshop Of BORDEN: A New Musical To Perform At Downtown Arts Center

LITTLE MERMAID, 9 TO 5 and More Set for Derby Dinner Playhouse 52nd Season

Review: Broadway in Cincinnati presents SUFFS at The Aronoff Center

SUFFS

Frank Sinatra Jr. Musical HIT SHOW Will Make World Premiere at The Carnegie

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

About StageMag

About BroadwayWorld

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

Teddy Abrams & The Louisville Orchestra Release 'The Year Of Silence'

Track List

Louisville Ballet Launches $100,000 Commonwealth Choreography Award

SOMETHING WONDERFUL: RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN AT THE MANSION Announced By Opera Saratoga

Broadway Beyond Louisville Review: Broadway in Cincinnati presents WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The Aronoff Center

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

About Operation Mincemeat

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027

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

Tour Dates

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

Full Cast Set for THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME at Ramsey Theatre Company