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

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

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

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

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

Joshua Wright | Boston

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

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

Joshua Wright | Japan

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

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

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

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

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

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

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

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

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

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

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

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

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

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

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

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

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

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

Videos

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

Michael Major | Los Angeles

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

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

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

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

Michael Major | Washington, DC

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

Photos

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

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

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

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

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

How It Works

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

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

Weekly Scoring

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

The Fantasy Forecast

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

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

Managing Your Roster

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

Join the Game

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

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

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

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

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

This year's cast includes:

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

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

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

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

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

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

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

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

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

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

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

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

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

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

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

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

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

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

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

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

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

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

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

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

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

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

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

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

Review: A Lovely Night at Beef & Boards with RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:42:19 PST

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA has held sway over audiences since its television premiere in 1957. Beef & Boards has brought its many charms and magic to life with a dazzling production that is the family show for the season. Audience members young and old are pulled into a timeless fairytale full of colorful characters, laughter, and romance.

Celeste:

I cannot overstate how much I love RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA. I first was pulled in by its memorable melodies when I watched the 1965 version starring Lesley Ann Warren. I fell in love with it all over again in 1997 with the Disney television version starring Whitney Houston and Brandy. That made this experience already full of nostalgia, but it was made all the more exceptional by seeing it through the eyes of my 4-year-old daughter. The swirling costumes and glistening lights drew her and I both in right from the start. Beef & Boards production of RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA breathes new life into this captivating classic.

I always come to Beef & Boards expecting a fantastic production, but some elements were just next-level in this particular staging. I was utterly enchanted with the wig design by Drew Bryson. It is not often that I stop to notice a character’s hair, but these designs helped every performer embody their characters in thoughtful and fun ways. Similarly, the costume design by Kathy Henry was whimsical in all the right ways. The rich visual elements were the perfect touch for an audience that includes younger members. As my daughter can attest, Cinderella’s ball dress in particular was spectacular as she swirled from rags to riches in front of our eyes.

This show is full of songs you will find yourself singing for days to come, but you cannot stage this production without the right Cinderella. Grace Ellis Solomon did not disappoint. She had the crystal clear delivery that makes her character so endearing. You can’t help but root for the disarming kindness of Cinderella when she’s delivered with such sincerity. You can see the hope and love literally light up her face with every song.

I have a soft spot for the Fairy Godmother because she was played by the legendary Whitney Houston. That also means I put extra pressure on whoever dares to deliver that part. Thank you to Chanel Edwards-Frederick for not letting me down. She was funny and frankly a scene-stealer whenever she popped into the wings and cast her spells. If only every little girl were lucky enough to have such an enchanting guardian to make her dreams come true.

Cinderella won’t resonate without a truly charming Prince Charming, and Carmine Mastrokostas had a sweet subtlety to his delivery that brought the romance to life. You can feel a palpable shift from his quiet, brooding demeanor to a starstruck young man who has found the love of his life. It was a touching portrayal of a love story unfettered by modern complications and born out of a simple but impactful meeting on the dance floor.

When you think “Cinderella,” you almost simultaneously think, “magic.” Beef & Boards has done an excellent job keeping up with the latest technical advances that we see in touring Broadway productions, and they really pulled out all the stops this time. From the projection technology to the special effects, the magic was real. You could see the faces of the children in the audience light up in awe.

As my daughter put it so simply several times the day after the show, “Cinderella, good job!”

Dylan:

This weekend, my wife, daughter, and I had the opportunity to see RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA at Beef & Boards, and it turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening of theater. While everyone knows the classic story, this production brought enough energy, heart, and talent to make it feel fresh and engaging from beginning to end. It was the kind of family-friendly show that reminds you why timeless stories continue to resonate generation after generation.

Vocals That Sparkle

One of the strongest elements of the production was undoubtedly the vocal performances. From the principals to the ensemble, the cast delivered beautiful, confident singing throughout the show. The score was performed with warmth and clarity, allowing both the familiar melodies and the emotional moments to shine.

Cinderella's (Grace Ellis Solomon) vocals were especially impressive, bringing both elegance and sincerity to the role. The supporting cast matched that energy, creating rich harmonies and memorable musical moments that consistently elevated the production.

Choreography Full of Energy and Grace

The choreography by Sally Mitchell was another standout feature of the evening. Whether during large ensemble numbers or smaller character-driven scenes, the movement felt polished, purposeful, and entertaining. The dance sequences added excitement and visual variety, helping bring the kingdom to life while maintaining the fairytale atmosphere that audiences expect.

The ensemble deserves particular credit for their work here. Their energy never wavered, and they helped create a lively stage picture throughout the production. The choreography struck a nice balance between elegance and fun, making each musical number feel special.

A Wonderful Family Experience

What makes RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA work so well is its universal appeal. Children can enjoy the magic, humor, and romance, while adults can appreciate the strong performances and craftsmanship on display. Beef & Boards embraced the heart of the story while delivering the production values and professionalism audiences have come to expect.

Another Strong Production from Beef & Boards

Between the excellent vocals, engaging choreography, and charming performances, Cinderella proved to be a delightful outing for the whole family. It captured the magic of the classic fairytale while providing plenty of memorable theatrical moments along the way.

No one wants to miss out on magic come to life, so make your way to Beef & Boards from now until July 12th to see RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA.

Sophia Anne Caruso and Justin Jesso To Lead Discovering Broadway Concert

Sat, 30 May 2026 19:12:40 PST

Discovering Broadway, a pre-Broadway incubator, has announcesdthe stars and concert date for the untitled Zack Zadek musical, which is part of their inaugural musical commissioning initiative, newly named First Listen.

Sophia Anne Caruso (Beetlejuice on Broadway, Netflix’s One Piece) and Grammy Award Nominated singer/songwriter Justin Jesso (Stargazing) will lead the concert event, presented in collaboration with The Cabaret in Indianapolis, on Friday, June 26, 2026.

The Discovering Broadway First Listen of the Broadway-bound musical commission is directed by award-winning film and theater director Joel Kirk (NETFLIX IS A JOKE FEST, Blatantly Blaine), written by acclaimed composer, lyricist, and writer Zack Zadek, and made possible through the support of Marianne Glick and Mike Woods. The evening will also feature an artist panel discussion with the cast and creative team exploring the development of the musical and the creative process behind building original work.

“This commission represents the future of Discovering Broadway,” says Kirk. “For years, we have supported the development of musicals through retreats, concerts, and workshops. First Listen is the next evolution of that mission by creating wholly original work from the ground up while investing directly in artists and giving Indianapolis audiences a front-row seat to the creative process.”

“Discovering Broadway feels deeply aligned with something I love so much about theater: the exchange of imagination, discipline, and vulnerability between artists across generations. I’m incredibly excited to perform, connect with these students, and explore the strange magic of building a life in the theater,” says Caruso.

The newly formed, annual commission will support composers, lyricists, and book writers in the creation and early development of an original musical – providing resources, artistic space, and institutional backing to advance the work toward its next stage of life. Submissions are now open for the 2027 First Listen Commission, the nonprofit’s second annual commissioning initiative.

Zadek is currently developing stage and screen musicals for studios including Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Ars Nova, Arena Stage and Manhattan Theatre Club. His upcoming musical Deathless recently released its studio cast album from Ghostlight Records. The Indianapolis commission marks the inaugural production in Discovering Broadway’s new long-term commission program designed to support wholly original musicals from inception through development.

Zadek’s connection to Discovering Broadway includes teaching their Master Classes, which are designed to educate Central Indiana aspiring artists and include many scholarship opportunities for underrepresented groups. Additionally, Zadek’s musical The Turning was the fourth musical selected for Discovering Broadway’s incubator program back in 2022. The musical will make its world premiere at LA’s Mark Taper Forum this fall.

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.

Constellation Stage & Screen Awarded $20K Clowes Foundation Grant for 5th Season

Tue, 26 May 2026 18:57:44 PST

Constellation Stage & Screen has announced that it has received a $20,000 grant from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation in support of the company’s upcoming 2026/27 season, which marks its fifth season as an organization.

The grant will support general operations for the Bloomington-based professional theater company. Constellation Managing Director Gabe Gloden said in a statement, “We're thrilled to be working with the AWCCF for the first time this coming season. We anticipate this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship as both organizations are in alignment on our commitment to grow our thriving Central Indiana arts community.”

The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation was incorporated in 1990 to continue the legacy of philanthropist and arts patron Allen Whitehill Clowes. The organization supports charitable groups focused on the arts and humanities, primarily in Marion County.

Constellation is among a limited number of organizations outside Marion County to receive support from the foundation. The company noted that the grant reflects the broader regional impact of Bloomington’s arts community on Central Indiana.

Constellation joins a group of recent grant recipients that includes Indiana Repertory Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, Naptown African American Theatre Collective, and Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.

Constellation Stage & Screen was formed in 2022 through the merger of Bloomington Playwright’s Project, Cardinal Stage, and Pigasus Institute. The company produces theater and film programming alongside year-round educational initiatives for students and emerging artists in South Central Indiana.

Constellation Stage & Screen Awarded $20K Clowes Foundation Grant for 5th Season

Tue, 26 May 2026 18:57:44 PST

Lea Salonga and Michael Feinstein to Lead Free Songbook Academy Public Masterclass

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:53:41 PST

Lea Salonga, best known for her Tony Award-winning role in Miss Saigon and as the singing voices of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II, will join five-time GRAMMY Award nominee Michael Feinstein, founder of the Great American Songbook Foundation, to lead the 2026 Songbook Academy Public Masterclass in July.

The Public Masterclass is one of three public events presented during the Songbook Academy, which brings 40 talented high school vocalists from around the country to Carmel each year for a week of professional mentoring, workshops and performances. During the event, the Songbook Foundation's flagship education program, Feinstein and Salonga will provide real-time feedback and coaching live on stage to 10 randomly selected Songbook Academy participants.

Free to the public and also viewable by livestream, the event starts at 2 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the Payne & Mencias Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. Tickets and additional information are available now at TheSongbook.org or by calling the Fifth Third Bank Box Office at (317) 843-3800 or toll-free at (877) 909-2787.

Salonga is renowned worldwide for her powerful voice and acclaimed performances on stage and screen. In addition to the Tony, she has won Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards. She also made history as the first Asian actress to play Eponine in Les Misérables on Broadway and later returned to the production as Fantine. She starred in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Once on This Island and also appeared on Broadway in Here Lies Love, Allegiance, Flower Drum Song and most recently in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends alongside Bernadette Peters.

Fans of all ages recognize Salonga as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine and Fa Mulan, roles that earned her the distinction of Disney Legend. Her recent work includes Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, the critically acclaimed musical-drama Yellow Rose, and Netflix's record-breaking animated film KPop Demon Hunters. Her recent concert tours have played to sold-out audiences across North America and the United Kingdom.

In addition to the Public Masterclass, the Songbook Academy will feature two other events at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, with tickets and livestream reservations available now:

Songbook Showcase

Thursday, July 16 | 7 p.m. ET

The Songbook Showcase offers all 40 participants of the Songbook Academy the opportunity to perform a solo on stage at the world-class Payne & Mencias Palladium. Audiences also will enjoy special appearances by Feinstein and Broadway star and previously announced guest mentor Mandy Gonzalez. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a $5 minimum for in-person attendees and no minimum for livestream viewers.

Songbook Academy in Concert

Saturday, July 18 | 7 p.m. ET

Hosted by Feinstein, Songbook Academy in Concert is the culminating performance of the week, featuring standout solos and vibrant ensemble numbers that celebrate the growth of the students and reflect the breadth, diversity and timeless appeal of the Great American Songbook. The event is part of the BHI Senior Living Songbook Series and kicks off the 2026-2027 Center Presents Season sponsored by Allied Solutions. In-person tickets start at $25. Livestream access is pay-what-you-can with no minimum.

CINDERELLA Cast Announced at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:10:40 PST

Two Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre newcomers will star in the magical fairy tale Cinderella, opening May 28. The enchanting Rodgers & Hammerstein musical is the Family Show of Beef & Boards' 2026 Season.

Impossible things happen every day in the wonderfully imaginative world of fairy tales. Pumpkins become carriages, the most beautiful ball gown appears with the wave of a wand, and it takes just one dance to fall in love. Cinderella discovers all this and more in this enchanting tale, perfectly paired with the musical styling of Rodgers and Hammerstein. The incomparable duo originally wrote their version for television in 1957, with Julie Andrews as Cinderella. It was recreated in 1965 with Lesley Ann Warren, and again for a new generation in 1997, starring Brandy as Cinderella with Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother.

Now that magic comes to the stage starring two Beef & Boards newcomers: Grace Ellis Solomon as Cinderella and Carmine Mastrokostas as Prince Charming. Returning to the Beef & Boards stage to join them are:

Craig Underwood (Heartbreak Hotel, The Little Mermaid, Fiddler on the Roof) as the King
Karen Pappas (Church Basement Ladies, Grumpy Old Men, It's A Wonderful Life) as the Queen
Amanda Butterbaugh (The Addams Family, Nunsense) as Stepmother
Chanel Edwards-Frederick (Waitress) as the Fairy Godmother

Cinderella is directed by Elizabeth Stark Payne and choreographed by Sally Scharbrough.

As Beef & Boards' 2026 Family Show, Cinderella tickets for children ages 3-15 receive a $10 discount. Tickets are currently on sale exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at beefandboards.com or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Patrons are advised that tickets purchased from third-party sellers may not be valid for performances and may include additional fees.

Cinderella is on stage for 56 performances through July 12. Every performance includes the family-friendly dinner buffet, including Beef & Boards' signature roast beef, along with coffee, tea, or lemonade. Gourmet desserts and bar beverages are available for purchase.

Cinderella is rated G and sponsored in part by Indy's Child.

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

Photos: Inside Rehearsals For GREASE At Summer Stock Stage

Sun, 17 May 2026 16:12:24 PST

Summer Stock Stage will present the hit musical Grease at the Schrott Center for the Arts on the campus of Butler University.

The production will star Summer Stock Stage alum Olivia Broadwater as Sandy, returning to the company after appearing in Urinetown (2018), Godspell (2021), and Fugitive Songs (2022). Broadwater recently completed more than a year as a Main Vocalist at Hong Kong Disneyland, where she performed as Elsa, Rapunzel, and Ariel.

Joining Broadwater is Mabry Scott Smith as Danny Zuko, alongside Bryant Cobb as Kenickie, Erin Lambertson as Rizzo, Sophia Dotson as Frenchy, Clairey Huffman as Jan, Kha’lea Wainwright as Marty, Aleksei Kozlovski as Sonny, Rayon Lim as Doody, Cajani Hurd as Roger, Nina Abel as Patty Simcox, JT Smith as Eugene, Brianna Gutierrez-Diaz as Cha-Cha, Kana’i Nakata as Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel, Paige Murray as Miss Lynch, and ensemble members Sam Hulka, Sofia Warren-Fitzgerald, Jacob Richardson, and Anna Seitz.

One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Grease celebrates the energy, style, and rock ’n’ roll spirit of the 1950s. Set at Rydell High, the show follows the summer romance of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski as they navigate friendship, identity, and teenage rebellion alongside the Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys.

Performances run June 3–7. Tickets can be purchased at the Summer Stock Stage website. Audiences can also purchase Flex Passes now, which include four discounted tickets that can be used for any production in the Summer Stock Stage season.

Aleksei Ivar Kozlovski, Cajani Romar Hurd, Mabry Scott Smith, Kana'i Nakata, Rayon Lim, Jacob Richardson, Bryant Cobb, and Justin Taylor Smith

Sophia Dotson, Sofia Warren-Fitzgerald, Clairey Huffman, Nina Abel, Olivia Broadwater, Anna Seitz, and Kha'Lea Wainwright

Mabry Scott Smith and Olivia Broadwater

Kana'i Nakata, Aleksei Ivar Kozlovski, Cajani Romar Hurd, Bryant Cobb, Sam Hulka, Jacob Richardson, and Rayon Lim

Rayon Lim and Company

Olivia Broadwater, Aleksei Ivar Kozlovski, Mabry Scott Smith, and Cajani Romar Hurd

Sam Hulka, Anna Seitz, Nina Abel, Jacob Richardson, and Director/Choreographer Audra Bryant

Paige Murray, Jacob Richardson and Sofia Warren-Fitzgerald

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.

ANNIE, THE COTTAGE and More Set for Constellation Stage & Screen 26/27 Season

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:31:39 PST

Constellation Stage & Screen has revealed its 2026/2027 season, featuring a mix of theatrical adventures, poignant classic dramas, farces, magic, and beloved family musicals. With four Mainstage shows, two Constellation for Kids productions, and one special event, the company’s 5th Anniversary Season offers something for audiences of all ages.

Heist

Constellation will kick off its season with Heist by Arun Lakra, running September 3-20, 2026 at the Waldron Auditorium. Originally commissioned at Constellation by Susan and David Jones, the thriller has since gone on to gross millions at box offices across North America. Inspired by films like Ocean's Eleven and The Sting, the play follows a group of criminals reunited for one final high-stakes job.

Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium

This fall, the company will celebrate Halloween season with Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium, based on the popular books by R. L. Stine. The musical mystery for kids, tweens, and families runs October 30-November 15, 2026 at the Waldron Auditorium.

Annie

For the holidays, Constellation returns to the Waldron Arts Center with its annual Family Holiday Musical, Annie. The beloved musical follows an optimistic young orphan searching for a place to call home and will run December 10, 2026-January 3, 2027.

The ConstelLate Show: Holiday Special

Alongside Annie, Constellation is introducing a new holiday special event: The ConstelLate Show: Holiday Special. Described as part talk show and part variety show, the production will feature rotating guests, local personalities, and live monitors to create an immersive late-night television experience. The production runs December 17-27, 2026 in the Waldron Firebay.

An Enemy of the People

The company will ring in the new year with An Enemy of the People, Amy Herzog’s Tony-nominated adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama. The production, which explores truth, power, and corruption in a small town, runs February 4-21, 2027 at the Waldron Auditorium.

Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show

This spring, Constellation will present the United States premiere of Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show at the PB&J Cafe, Constellation’s Dinner Theater for Kids. Originally developed at Constellation before appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Adelaide Fringe, the production was created by World Champion of Magic Simon Coronel and Dom Chambers, an America’s Got Talent semi-finalist. The show runs March 26-April 11, 2027.

The Cottage

Closing out the Mainstage season is The Cottage by Sandy Rustin, a farce set in the English countryside that follows the fallout of an affair gone wrong. The production runs May 13-30, 2027 at the Waldron Auditorium.

Constellation also announced the launch of the Stage Door Circle, a Sunday playgoing club for women of all ages. Members will attend first Sunday afternoon performances of Constellation’s Mainstage productions and gather afterward for social receptions.

Season ticket packages for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now and include discounted tickets, early seat access, missed performance insurance, waived ticketing fees, and complimentary premium seat upgrades. Single tickets will go on sale July 15, 2026.

Constellation will also continue its Pay What You Will Thursdays and Community Access Tickets initiatives, sponsored by Jessika and Bryan Hane, to help make professional theater more accessible throughout South Central Indiana. In addition, the company will offer sensory-friendly performances for both Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium and Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show as part of its Constellation for Kids series.

ANNIE, THE COTTAGE and More Set for Constellation Stage & Screen 26/27 Season

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:31:39 PST

Heist

Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium

Annie

The ConstelLate Show: Holiday Special

An Enemy of the People

Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show

The Cottage

Review: A Tale as Old as Time, Reimagined BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Murat Theatre

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:45:50 PST

Catching Beauty and the Beast at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre was nothing short of magical. This Broadway touring production delivered exactly what you hope for from a Disney classic—and then some. From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear this was a production built with incredible care, detail, and a deep respect for the source material, all while embracing the joy and theatricality of live performance.

The design elements in this show are absolutely stunning. The costumes are lavish and intricately detailed, bringing every character to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The lighting and set design work seamlessly together to create a world that feels fully immersive from the grandeur of the castle to the charm of the village. Every transition felt polished and intentional, adding to the sense of wonder throughout the evening.

This is no easy production to pull off, and that effort shows in the best way possible. The sheer complexity of the staging, combined with the musical and technical demands, makes it clear just how much precision and talent is required across the board. From the ensemble to the principals, every performer rose to the challenge. Belle (Kyra Belle Johnson), in particular, brought warmth, strength, and vocal excellence to the role, anchoring the show with a truly standout performance.

One of the most pleasant surprises of the night was just how much the show embraced its theatrical camp. Rather than being a straightforward, scene-for-scene recreation of the animated film, this production leaned into humor, exaggeration, and playful storytelling, and it absolutely worked. It added an extra layer of fun and made the experience feel fresh, lively, and perfectly suited for the stage.

Of course, the music remains a highlight. These iconic songs are performed with energy and polish, drawing in both longtime fans and first-time viewers alike. It’s a show that feels especially welcoming for families, but there’s plenty here for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

This Beauty and the Beast isn’t just a retelling: it’s a celebration of what makes live theater so special. With its dazzling visuals, committed performances, and joyful tone, it’s a production that fully earns its standing ovation.

In short: a beautifully crafted, delightfully fun, and thoroughly magical night at the theater that captures the heart of Disney while embracing the magic of the stage. ?

ANOTHER REVOLUTION Will Make Indiana Premiere in June

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:39:08 PST

This June, Constellation will present the Indiana Premiere of Another Revolution, a new play by Jacqueline Bircher, playwright of Constellation’s hit 2024 production of Webster’s B!+@#. Directed by Jonathan Michaelsen, Another Revolution is playing June 4-21 at the Constellation Playhouse.

In Another Revolution, Kat and Henry, two graduate students from opposing scientific disciplines, are forced to share a lab at Columbia University in 1968. Amidst interpersonal differences, a campus devolving into political chaos, and the uncertainty and turmoil of the outside world, they each discover what it’s like to be thrown into someone else’s orbit.

Bringing Kat and Henry to life are two talented professional actors. Starring as Kat, an ecologist conducting early studies on climate change, is Isabelle McNamara-Angel, who was last seen in Constellation’s production of The Da Vinci Code. A recent graduate of Indiana University’s MFA in Acting program, Isabelle starred in Pride and Prejudice (Lizzy), Twelfth Night (Viola), and Dial M for Murder (Maxine Hadley) at Indiana University and Hurricane Diane (Rene) at Off Night Productions. Starring alongside her as Henry, a new graduate student studying astrophysics, is Nick Barakos. Making his Constellation debut, Nick has performed regionally across the United States and in New York at the East Village Playhouse, Signature Theatre, and New World Stages.

At the helm of the production is Jonathan Michaelsen, faculty member at Indiana University, where he served as chair of the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance for fourteen years. His directing credits include Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, Hamlet, Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play, Vanya, Sonia, Marsha, and Spike, and  A Clean House at Indiana University and Apropos of Nothing at the Bloomington Playwrights Project. Recently, Jonathan starred in Constellation’s production of The Da Vinci Code as Sir Leigh Teabing. Working alongside Jonathan are Scenic Designer Seth Howard, Lighting Designer Chelsie McPhilimy, Costume Designer Becky Underwood, Sound Designer David Sheehan, Stage Manager Mitchell Ward, and Assistant Stage Manager Airen Pike.

Another Revolution runs June 4-21 at the Constellation Playhouse and tickets are on sale now! In addition to traditionally priced performances, Constellation offers Pay What You Will Thursdays for all Thursday evening performances. Supported by Jessika and Bryan Hane, this program allows audiences the chance to choose their own ticket price (starting at $13) when attending on Thursday evenings.

ANOTHER REVOLUTION Will Make Indiana Premiere in June

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:39:08 PST

40 High School Singers Selected for 2026 Songbook Academy

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:38:04 PST

Forty of the nation's most talented high school vocalists have been selected to participate in the 2026 Songbook Academy, a weeklong summer intensive that immerses young performers in the gold standard of storytelling through song and helps them develop as artists under the guidance of Broadway stars, entertainment professionals and leading arts educators.

Now in its 17th year, the Songbook Academy is the flagship education program of the Great American Songbook Foundation. The 2026 Songbook Academy will take place July 11-18 at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. The program includes workshops, masterclasses, and performance opportunities that help participants hone their vocal and stage skills, particularly in song interpretation, while building friendships and professional connections that last a lifetime.

Songbook Academy Week features three public performance events at the Center's world-class concert hall, the Payne & Mencias Palladium, for both in-person audiences and livestream viewers worldwide. These events offer opportunities to witness the rising stars of tomorrow alongside today's top performers.

On July 13, Songbook Foundation founder and five-time GRAMMY nominee Michael Feinstein and a soon-to-be-announced celebrity guest mentor will offer real-time feedback to 10 randomly selected participants during the Public Masterclass. Then, on July 16, the Songbook Showcase will feature all 40 students in solo performances, along with special appearances by Feinstein and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez. The week culminates Saturday, July 18, in the Songbook Academy in Concert, with all 40 singers coming together for a dynamic program of ensemble numbers and featured solos celebrating the breadth, diversity and timeless appeal of the Great American Songbook.

Tickets for all three public performances will go on sale May 18.

Following the judging process, every applicant to this year's Songbook Academy received personalized written feedback from a national screening panel. The 2026 Songbook Academy National Screening Panel featured an incredible lineup of Broadway performers, jazz vocalists, music directors and acclaimed educators, including:

Max Chernin (Broadway's Parade, Bright Star, Sunday in the Park with George)
Jessie Hooker-Bailey (Broadway's Waitress, Beautiful, Tour: Company)
Mary Michael Patterson (Broadway's Phantom of the Opera, Anything Goes, Tour: Love Never Dies)
Melinda Rodriguez (jazz vocalist; first ever commercial vocalist of the U.S. Army Blues)
Cinderella Ksebati (sought-after vocal coach, clinician and international performer)
Kathleen Hacker (renowned soprano and longtime vocal professor).

After reviewing a remarkably talented group of applicants, the panel selected 40 students from 29 cities and 13 states to participate in the 2026 program.

2026 Songbook Academy Participants

Lucy Chesley, Burbank, California, John Burroughs High School
Jacob Cintron, Westfield, Indiana, Westfield High School
Sadie Cohen*, Carmel, Indiana, Carmel High School
Finn Davis, Mill Valley, California, Tamalpais High School
Maddie Delbridge*, Pasadena, California, Polytechnic School
Cecilia Diamond, Agoura Hills, California, Agoura High School
Cami Errami, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Rural Virtual Academy
Aarthi Eswaran*, Carmel, Indiana, Carmel High School
Charlotte Green, Wheaton, Illinois, Wheaton Academy
Grady Griffin*, Carmel, Indiana, Carmel High School
Ella Harris, Lexington, Kentucky, Lafayette Senior High School
Aubreyana Eileen Hoeppner, Kokomo, Indiana, Western High School
Madeline Hogan*, Winter Garden, Florida, Montverde Academy
Ian Jones, Carmel, Indiana, Carmel High School
Claire Kashman, Indianapolis, Indiana, Park Tudor School
Clara Keiper, Zionsville, Indiana, Zionsville Community High School
Annabelle Kim, Carmel, Indiana, Carmel High School
Julianna Joy Lawson-Schlitz, North Aurora, Illinois, Classical Homeschool
Maya Mariano, Westlake Village, California, Santa Susana High School
Ethan Mathias*, Ada, Michigan, Michigan International Prep School
Maggie McBride, Ashburn, Virginia, Rock Ridge High School
Soren McLaughlin*, Noblesville, Indiana, Noblesville High School
Julia Mooney, Holmdel, New Jersey, Holmdel High School
Krishaa Motycka*, Carmel, Indiana, Carmel High School
Adrienne Nicastro*, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, Lower Moreland High School
Sophia O'Toole*, Medfield, Massachusetts, Medfield High School
Dilan Patton*, Los Angeles, California, Van Nuys High School
Charlotte Raynor, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Central Bucks High School West
Mia Rettig*, Indianapolis, Indiana, Park Tudor School
Addison Rogers, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Central Bucks High School West
Connor Ruckman*, Los Angeles, California, Van Nuys High School
Claire Noelle Scrogham, Greenwood, Indiana, Silver Hill Academy
Hannah Sevening, Carmel, Indiana, Carmel High School
Akshara Shrikant, Boston, Massachusetts, American Embassy School, New Delhi, India
Olivia Steele, Kokomo, Indiana, Northwestern High School
Lucy Thiel, New Hope, Pennsylvania, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy
Kellyssa Rose Vincent*, West Palm Beach, Florida, The King's Academy
Jacob Volker*, Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville School of the Arts
Caiden Woll, Perkasie, Pennsylvania, Pennridge High School
Maddox Wood*, Webb City, Missouri, Webb City High School

* Indicates alumni of the Songbook Academy

These young vocalists will join the larger Songbook Academy community, which includes alumni who have released music and performed from Broadway to concert hall stages around the world. They include Reed Gnepper (2018) and Jason Mulay (2021), currently touring with Wicked and Mamma Mia!, respectively; Emily Fink (2012), who debuted on Broadway last season in Dead Outlaw; Matthew Fedorek (2017), on tour with A Beautiful Noise following his tour with Funny Girl; and Jack Ducat (2019), who made his national tour debut as Buddy on the 2025 national tour of Elf this past holiday season.

In music, April Varner (2015) was named 2025 Rising Star Female Vocalist in the 73rd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll, while Anaïs Reno (2018) won a 2026 Bistro Award. Ava Nicole Frances (2020 & 2022) and Ethan Mathias (2024-2026) were honored with 2026 MAC Awards. Singer-songwriters Taylor Bickett (2017), Eleri Ward (2012) and Ryan Peter Murphy (2018) continue to release new music and build national followings.

The Songbook Academy receives generous support from the Efroymson Family Fund, Traditions Senior Communities, the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, the Ira & Leonore S. Gershwin Trusts, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Westfield Veterinary Care and the City of Carmel.

Guest Mentor support is provided by generous contributions from individual donors, including Libby and Randy Brown, Michael and Margie Draper, Peggy Ford, The Fuller Family, David Gerstein, Tim and Karyl McGeath, Bob and Rose Popovich and The Tobin Family.

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.

The Great American Songbook Foundation Awarded GRAMMY Museum Grant

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:26:36 PST

The Great American Songbook Foundation has been selected as one of 14 recipients nationwide to receive funding from the GRAMMY Museum Grant Program, which supports research, archiving and preservation initiatives across the United States.

The $20,000 grant will fund the Songbook Library & Archives’ efforts to digitize and provide access to approximately 350 lacquer and vinyl discs from the James McDowell Collection. The recordings document McDowell’s career as “Jimmy Mack,” a prominent Midwestern radio and television broadcaster known for his influential role in the region’s mid-20th-century music scene.

This project will make the full collection of rare and commercially unavailable recordings publicly accessible through the Songbook Foundation’s Preservica digital asset management system and online archives.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded a GRAMMY Museum Grant, which will allow us to digitize an incredible collection of radio recordings,” said Emily Rapoza, the Songbook Foundation’s Director of Library & Archives.

“Recordings like those in the James McDowell Collection provide archives and researchers with access to a wealth of information about a specific and important time period. Without preservation, these stories are much harder to tell. Thanks to this grant, we will be able to share rare radio recordings that document wartime and local Indiana news through the lens of Jimmy Mack.”

Born in Nebraska, McDowell met his wife and creative partner, Peggy, at an Indianapolis record shop while stationed at Camp Atterbury during World War II, according to his obituary. After serving in England during the war, the lifelong music aficionado launched a broadcast career that eventually brought him back to Indianapolis, where in the late 1950s he and Peggy produced the Teens & Tunes radio show and a TV dance party called Teen Twirl for WISH. After stints at radio stations including WXLW, WBRI and WIRE, he hosted the teen dance show Bandstand 13 on WLWI (now WTHR) from 1965 to 1969 and came to be known as “Indy’s own Dick Clark.”

McDowell was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2009 and donated his collection to the Songbook Library & Archives in 2018 before passing away at age 99 in 2021. The items include recordings of his radio shows as well as WWII-era transcription discs, music and other programming issued by federal agencies and other organizations to entertain and inform military personnel, often on extra-large 16-inch platters.

Generously funded by the Recording Academy, the GRAMMY Museum Grant Program provides annual support to organizations and individuals working to advance the preservation of the Americas’ recorded sound heritage, as well as research exploring the impact of music on the human condition.

About the Great American Songbook Foundation

The mission of the Great American Songbook Foundation, founded in 2007 by five-time Grammy Award nominee Michael Feinstein, is to inspire and educate by celebrating the foundational era of American popular music. Headquartered at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, the Foundation advances this rich legacy by curating physical artifacts of its creators, performers and publishers in the Songbook Library & Archives; operating a multimedia exhibit gallery; overseeing the Songbook Hall of Fame; offering programs for the public and research opportunities for scholars and artists; and providing educational opportunities for student musicians, including the annual Songbook Academy® summer intensive. The Foundation is a Cultural Affiliate of the Los Angeles-based Grammy Museum®. More information is available at TheSongbook.org.

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.”

Lincoln Center Theater" width="356">

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

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

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

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:23:47 PST

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

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

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

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

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

Tour Dates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:30:23 PST

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour Dates

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

The New Harmony Project Unveils Lineup of Artists Supporting 2026 Writers' Residency

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:09:43 PST

The New Harmony Project has announced the nationally renowned collaborators joining their 14 artists in residence at NHP's Annual Writers Residency, to be held from May 21-May 31, 2026.

“The New Harmony Project was founded to nurture stories in film, television and theatre, and this year we're intentionally focusing on projects for film and television, and we're delighted to bring back Matt Williams and Angelo Pizzo, two of NHP's incredible alumni, to work with this year's artists in residence. And Aurin Squire's mentorship for television writers is unmatched,” said Jenni Werner, NHP's Executive Artistic Director.

“We are thrilled to partner with Humanitas to program our Industry Workshops, and to continue our partnership with Mosaic Theater to develop 24K's The People v. Marion Barry.”

Humanitas is a Los Angeles-based organization that honors and empowers television and film writers whose work explores the human condition in a nuanced, meaningful way. www.humanitasprize.org Mosaic Theater Company produces bold, culturally diverse theater that illuminates critical issues, elevates fresh voices, and sparks connection among communities throughout Washington, D.C. and beyond. www.mosaictheater.org

This incredible lineup of industry professionals will lead workshops, one-on-one sessions to develop scripts, workshops on pitching projects, and hands-on discussions about staffing and leading writers' rooms, selling projects to studios, the state of the industry, and other aspects of the business. To read full bios for each of the artists below, visit https://www.newharmonyproject.org/2026celebrationofstorytelling.

Joining in New Harmony as Consultants:

Matt Williams (NHP founding board member, creator of TV shows including Home Improvement and Roseanne)
Angelo Pizzo (NHP Alumni, Hoosiers, Rudy, and other feature films)
Aurin Squire (Evil, The Good Fight, and This is Us and more)

705 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 • www.newharmonyproject.org

Joining Virtually for Industry Workshops:

Jairo Alvarado (Redefine Entertainment)
Julia Brownell (Parenthood, This Is Us, The Path, and more)
J. Holtham (The Handmaid's Tale, Marvel's Jessica Jones, Supergirl, and more)
Erika Kennair (Head of Scripted, US and Canada at The Mediapro Studio, Stranger at the Gate, and more)
Melanie Marnich (Apples Never Fall, Big Love, The Big C, and more)
Sharyn Rothstein (Einstein, Suits LA, Orphan Black: Echoes, and more)
Molly Smith Metzler (Maid, Sirens, Orange is the New Black, Shameless, and more)
Alena Smith (Dickinson, Cry Wolf, The Affair and more)

Additionally, on May 30, NHP will present a work in progress sharing of 24K's The People v. Marion Barry.

The People v. Marion Barry

By 24K (Psalmayene 24 and KOKAYI)
Directed by Tony Thomas
Dramaturged by Chelsea Radigan
Featuring performances by KOKAYI, Michael Bahsil-Cook, Montel Butler, Jonathan Feuer, and Nia Savoy-Dock

The People v. Marion Barry is a new musical by 24K (Helen Hayes Award winning theater artist Psalmayene 24 and Grammy-nominated artist KOKAYI). The project is a docu-musical based on interviews with Washingtonians who knew Marion Barry, the late mayor of Washington, DC. Exploring this complex and polarizing figure through the stories and insights of those most familiar with him, this unconventional musical will center the cultural, racial, and sociopolitical landscape Barry navigated while giving shape to the soulful and rhythmic way he moved through the world. Tickets for the sharing of The People v. Marion Barry are available at https://www.newharmonyproject.org/2026celebrationofstorytelling.

NHP previously announced the 14 artists in residence, including: KOKAYI (Grammy-nominated musician, You are Ketchup: and Other Fly Music Tales), Psalmayene 24 (Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest), Ryan Amador (The Future Perfect Project, Q2), Bleu Beckford-Burell (The End of the Line Anthology), Kristiana Rae Colón (The Chi, BLK EURYDICE), Ty Defoe (Ojibwe and Oneida Nations, Firebird Tattoo), Sarah Galante (Swallow Me Whole), Peter Gil-Sheridan (This Space Between Us), MJ Kaufman (Therapist Crush), Sondai NaNaBuluku (DOOMPOCALYPSE), a.k. payne (Furlough's Paradise), Nia Akilah Robinson (The Great Privation; Or How to Flip Ten Cents into a Dollar), Kap Taylor (Writers' Room Assistant, I Suck at Girls), and Caity-Shea Violette (RX Machina).

ABOUT THE NEW HARMONY PROJECT

The New Harmony Project is Indiana's premier destination for the development of scripts for the stage and screen. NHP is a national arts organization whose mission is to nurture writers in the development of scripts and new stories that interrogate the complexity of hope. Through artist-centered programming, we care for artists so they can change the world. The organization was founded in 1986 when a group of theatre, film, and television professionals gathered to engage and support writers whose work sought not just to entertain, but to empower and uplift. It was out of this meeting that The New Harmony Project was created. For nearly four decades, The New Harmony Project's flagship program has been its Annual Writers' Residency, held in the peaceful serenity of New Harmony, Indiana. There, writers are provided time and space to dream, create, develop, and workshop new scripts. The Residency stands apart from other programs in the country with its focus on community. In 2024, The New Harmony Project began to expand its support and care of alumni writers, as well as significantly expanding support for the further development of new work through PlayFest Indy, a season of new play development produced in partnership with Indianapolis producing theatre companies. The New Harmony Project boasts an impressive roster of past participants including Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson (Mexodus), Erika Dickerson-Despenza (Susan Smith Blackburn Prize winner cullud wattah, 2019 Princess Grace Award), Rajiv Joseph (King James, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo), Robert Schenkkan (All the Way, The Great Society, Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner), Theresa Rebeck (Bernhardt/Hamlet, NBC's Smash, Seminar), Lee Blessing (Tony and Pulitzer Prize nominee, A Walk in the Woods), Steven Dietz (Lonely Planet), Donnetta Lavinia Grays (Where We Stand, Last Night and the Night Before), Vichet Chum (Kween, Bald Sisters, 2018 Princess Grace Award), James Still (four time Pulitzer Prize nominee, The Velocity of Gary), Meredith Stiehm (Emmy winner, Homeland, Cold Case), Danny Strong (two-time Emmy winner, Empire, Lee Daniels' The Butler), George Brant (Grounded, Marie and Rosetta), Idris Goodwin (Break Beat Play, How We Got On), Regina Taylor (Drowning Crow, Crowns), Anna Ziegler (Photograph 51, Actually), Dael Orlandersmith (After the Flood), Jim Leonard (Major Crimes, Dexter), Ngozi Anyanwu (The Homecoming Queen, Good Grief), Mark St. Germain (Freud's Last Session, The Cosby Show), Matt Williams (Home Improvement, Roseanne), David McFadzean (Home Improvement, Roseanne) and Angelo Pizzo (Rudy, Hoosiers).

The New Harmony Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For information on how to support this unique and worthwhile organization, please visit www.newharmonyproject.org.

ABOUT HUMANITAS

Since 1974, Humanitas has honored and empowered television and film writers whose work explores the human condition in a nuanced, meaningful way. Humanitas distinguishes itself among other artistic organizations by celebrating stories that explore the human experience, because we believe that the act of acknowledging our common humanity is transformational.

The New Harmony Project Unveils Lineup of Artists Supporting 2026 Writers' Residency

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:09:43 PST

The New Harmony Project has announced the nationally renowned collaborators joining their 14 artists in residence at NHP's Annual Writers Residency, to be held from May 21-May 31, 2026.

“We are thrilled to partner with Humanitas to program our Industry Workshops, and to continue our partnership with Mosaic Theater to develop 24K's The People v. Marion Barry.”

Joining in New Harmony as Consultants:

Matt Williams (NHP founding board member, creator of TV shows including Home Improvement and Roseanne)
Angelo Pizzo (NHP Alumni, Hoosiers, Rudy, and other feature films)
Aurin Squire (Evil, The Good Fight, and This is Us and more)

705 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 • www.newharmonyproject.org

Joining Virtually for Industry Workshops:

Jairo Alvarado (Redefine Entertainment)
Julia Brownell (Parenthood, This Is Us, The Path, and more)
J. Holtham (The Handmaid's Tale, Marvel's Jessica Jones, Supergirl, and more)
Erika Kennair (Head of Scripted, US and Canada at The Mediapro Studio, Stranger at the Gate, and more)
Melanie Marnich (Apples Never Fall, Big Love, The Big C, and more)
Sharyn Rothstein (Einstein, Suits LA, Orphan Black: Echoes, and more)
Molly Smith Metzler (Maid, Sirens, Orange is the New Black, Shameless, and more)
Alena Smith (Dickinson, Cry Wolf, The Affair and more)

Additionally, on May 30, NHP will present a work in progress sharing of 24K's The People v. Marion Barry.

The People v. Marion Barry

By 24K (Psalmayene 24 and KOKAYI)
Directed by Tony Thomas
Dramaturged by Chelsea Radigan
Featuring performances by KOKAYI, Michael Bahsil-Cook, Montel Butler, Jonathan Feuer, and Nia Savoy-Dock

ABOUT THE NEW HARMONY PROJECT

The New Harmony Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For information on how to support this unique and worthwhile organization, please visit www.newharmonyproject.org.

ABOUT HUMANITAS

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.

THE OUTSIDERS Coming to Louisville This August

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:46:58 PST

PNC Broadway in Louisville has announced that single tickets for the Tony Award winning Best Musical, The Outsiders, based on the seminal novel by S.E. Hinton and Francis Ford Coppola's landmark motion picture, will go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10 am.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his Best Friend Johnny Cade and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders' battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. The Outsiders 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.”

The winner of four 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Outsiders features a book by Tony Award nominee Adam Rapp with Tony Award winner Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Tony Award nominees Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, music supervision, orchestration & arrangements by Justin Levine, choreography by Tony Award nominees Rick Kuperman & Jeff Kuperman and is directed by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor.

The Outsiders features Scenography by Tony Award nominees AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian, Costume Design by Sarafina Bush, Lighting Design by Tony Award winner Brian MacDevitt, Sound Design by Tony Award winner Cody Spencer, Projection Design by Tony Award winner Hana S. Kim, Special Effects Design by Jeremy Chernick & Lillis Meeh, Hair & Wig Design by Alberto “Albee” Alvarado, Makeup Design by Tishonna Ferguson, Sound Effects Specialist Taylor Bense, Creative Consultant Jack Viertel. Speech Text & Dialect Coach Gigi Buffington. Music Supervision & Additional Orchestrations by Tony Award nominee Matt Hinkley, Music Direction by Remy Kurs. Production Supervision by Beverly Jenkins, Production Stage Management by Edmond O'Neal. Casting is by The TRC Company/Xavier Rubiano, CSA.

The Outsiders opened on Broadway on April 11, 2024, to rave reviews and continues to play to sold out houses at the Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th Street). The New York Post proclaims The Outsiders as “THE BEST NEW MUSICAL OF THE SEASON." “STUNNING THINGS ARE HAPPENING ON THE STAGE OF THE JACOBS THEATER. Electrifying. Astonishing. Endlessly effective. The Outsiders has been made with so much love and sincerity. It is fair to call it golden." says The New York Times. Entertainment Weekly says, “The Outsiders has a heart of gold and THE POWER TO INSPIRE AN ENTIRE GENERATION.” “AN EXHILARATING WORLD OF MOVEMENT WITH HIGH-OCTANE CHOREOGRAPHY,” states New York Magazine. Time Out New York calls it “RAW AND MORE PULSE-POUNDING than anything else on Broadway right now."

The Outsiders is produced on tour by The Araca Group, American Zoetrope, Olympus Theatricals, Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky, Angelina Jolie, Betsy Dollinger, Jonathan & Michelle Clay, Cristina Marie Vivenzio, The Shubert Organization, LaChanze & Marylee Fairbanks, Debra Martin Chase, Sony Music Masterworks, Jamestown Revival Theater, Jennifer & Jonathan Allan Soros, Tanninger Entertainment, Tamlyn Brooke Shusterman, Mistry Theatrical Ventures, Galt & Irvin Productions, Tulsa Clarks, Paul & Margaret Liljenquist, Bob & Claire Patterson, Voltron Global Media, James L. Nederlander, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, The John Gore Organization, Independent Presenters Network, Stephen Lindsay & Brett Sirota, Jeffrey Finn, Playhouse Square, ASR Productions, Indelible InK, Lionheart Productions, The Broadway Investor's Club, Starhawk Productions, Distant Rumble, GTR Productions, Green Leaf Partnership, Michael & Elizabeth Venuti, Leslie Kavanaugh, Deborah & Dave Smith, Belle Productions, Chas & Jen Grossman, Rungnapa & Jim Teague, Michael & Molly Schroeder, Casey & Chelsea Baugh, Jim & Emily Flautt, Jon L. Morris, Becky Winkler, William Moran Hickey Jr. & William Moran Hickey III, Melissa Chamberlain & Michael McCartney, Wavelength Productions, Rob O'Neill & Shane Snow, Eric Stine, Rachel Weinstein, Cornice Productions and La Jolla Playhouse.

The Grammy-nominated Original Broadway Cast Recording of The Outsiders from Sony Masterworks Broadway is now available at https://theoutsidersbroadway.lnk.to/castalbum.

The world premiere of The Outsiders was produced by La Jolla Playhouse, Christopher Ashley, Artistic Director and Debby Buchholz, Managing Director, in March 2023.

Tickets will be available by calling 502-584-7777 or online at BroadwayInLouisville.com. The Outsiders will play The Kentucky Center in Louisville August 18-23. The performance schedule is available 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.

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

This year's cast includes:

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

Review: A Lovely Night at Beef & Boards with RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA

Vocals That Sparkle

Choreography Full of Energy and Grace

A Wonderful Family Experience

Another Strong Production from Beef & Boards

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Constellation Stage & Screen Awarded $20K Clowes Foundation Grant for 5th Season

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2026-2027 Tour Dates:

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ANNIE, THE COTTAGE and More Set for Constellation Stage & Screen 26/27 Season

Heist

Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium

Annie

The ConstelLate Show: Holiday Special

An Enemy of the People

Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show

The Cottage

ANNIE, THE COTTAGE and More Set for Constellation Stage & Screen 26/27 Season

Heist

Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium

Annie

The ConstelLate Show: Holiday Special

An Enemy of the People

Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show

The Cottage

Review: A Tale as Old as Time, Reimagined BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Murat Theatre

ANOTHER REVOLUTION Will Make Indiana Premiere in June

ANOTHER REVOLUTION Will Make Indiana Premiere in June

40 High School Singers Selected for 2026 Songbook Academy

2026 Songbook Academy Participants

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

The Great American Songbook Foundation Awarded GRAMMY Museum Grant

About the Great American Songbook Foundation

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

About Operation Mincemeat

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027

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

Tour Dates

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

Tour Dates

The New Harmony Project Unveils Lineup of Artists Supporting 2026 Writers' Residency

Joining in New Harmony as Consultants:

Joining Virtually for Industry Workshops:

The People v. Marion Barry

ABOUT THE NEW HARMONY PROJECT

ABOUT HUMANITAS

The New Harmony Project Unveils Lineup of Artists Supporting 2026 Writers' Residency

Joining in New Harmony as Consultants:

Joining Virtually for Industry Workshops:

The People v. Marion Barry

ABOUT THE NEW HARMONY PROJECT

ABOUT HUMANITAS