Alysha Umphress News

The Dramatists Guild Fund welcomes a slew of stars for their 2015 Gala tonight! As previously announced, actor, musician and Emmy-nominated composer, Darren Criss will host and perform at DGF's annual gala GREAT WRITERS THANK THEIR LUCKY STARS at Gotham Hall (1356 Broadway at 36th Street) this evening, October 26 (cocktail reception at 6:30pm, dinner and celebration at 7:30pm).

On Monday, October 26, the Theater People podcast welcomes Tony winner Lena Hall. Hall, who won her Tony Award for her gender bending performance as Yitzhak in the 2014 Broadway production of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, shares stories of her ten-plus career as a working actor and musician in New York City.

The first Broadway production of Dames at Sea opened at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theater (240 W 44th Street), just last night, October 22, and BroadwayWorld was there for all of the festivities. Check out photos from the red carpet arrivals below!

The Dramatists Guild Fund will welcome a slew of stars for their 2015 Gala next week!

After six long years, the wait is finally over! The musical web series THE BATTERY'S DOWN, which wrapped up its final season in late 2009, has returned for a reunion special (which aired on Hulu earlier this week) and a Joe's Pub concert, with performances from original cast members (and some very special guests). BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out highlights from the concert below!

Joe's Pub at The Public has announced its nightly performances, October 21 - November 1, 2015. Scroll down for details or visit www.joespub.com for a complete list of shows!

Acclaimed Director James Lapine was honored with the 2015 'Mr. Abbott' Award for the outstanding artistry and creativity of his forty-year (and counting) career last night, October 19th.

Acclaimed Director James Lapine was honored with the 2015 "Mr. Abbott" Award for the outstanding artistry and creativity of his forty-year (and counting) career on Monday October 19th.

After six long years, the wait is finally over! The musical web series THE BATTERY'S DOWN, which wrapped up its final season in late 2009, returns for a reunion special on Hulu and a Joe's Pub concert tonight, October 20, with performances from original cast members (and some very special guests).

LIVING FOR TODAY will present a benefit concert entitled LFT:R&H, on Sunday, October 25 at Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette St) beginning at 7PM. The concert is produced and directed by David Alpert (IF/THEN, The Trip to Bountiful, The Best Man) with music direction by Jason Wetzel (After Midnight).  Tickets are $20; $40; and $75 (VIP seats which includes an after-show champagne toast with the company) and  are available at www.joespub.com.  

The Northeast Children's Theatre Company, a not-for-profit arts education organization, is proud to announce a star-studded lineup of entertainment for its 3rd Annual Broadway in Connecticut Gala. The fundraiser, set for tonight, October 17 in Connecticut, will feature an evening of music with Broadway stars Julia Murney (WICKED, THE WILD PARTY), Alysha Umphress (ON THE TOWN, AMERICAN IDIOT) and Adam Kaplan (NEWSIES). Special guest appearances by other Broadway stars will be announced at a later time.

Dramatists Guild Fund President Andrew Lippa and Executive Director Rachel Routh announce that actor, musician and Emmy-nominated composer, Darren Criss will host and perform at the annual gala Great Writers Thank Their Lucky Stars on October 26. Joining the previously announced line up are Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth honoring Stephen Schwartz and Mo Rocca honoring Laurence O'Keefe & Nell Benjamin.

Joe's Pub at The Public has announced its nightly performances from October 14-25, 2015. Visit www.joespub.com for a complete list of shows, and scroll down for details!

After six long years, the wait is finally over! As BroadwayWorld previously reported, the musical web series The Battery's Down, which wrapped up its final season in late 2009, will return for a reunion special later this fall. The episode will premiere on Hulu October 20, along with a Joe's Pub concert that night with performances from original cast members (and some very special guests).

The full lineup of Broadway performers has now been announced for the next installment of theBroadway Sings concert series honoring Sara Bareilles. A cast of 20 Broadway stars will sing completely new arrangements of the singer-songwriter's greatest hits, including cast members from the pre-Broadway run of Bareilles' musical Waitress at American Repertory Theatre. The performers will be accompanied by a string orchestra playing original orchestrations.

Marty Thomas presents DIVA is a weekly show at Industry Bar in midtown Manhattan. Featuring a rotating cast of tremendous female vocalists, it is hosted and produced by Marty Thomas (XANADU, WICKED, THE SECRET GARDEN). DIVA celebrates fabulous female vocalists paying tribute to some of histories most over the top icons! The cast performs a brand new show every week with exciting new guests rotating. This weeks cast features Lisa Ramey, Courtney Hammond and Holly Ann Butler.

Dramatists Guild Fund President Andrew Lippa and Executive Director Rachel Routh announce the lineup for the nonprofit's Gala, Great Writers Thank Their Lucky Stars being held on October 26 at Gotham Hall. The Gala is the most critical fundraising event for the Dramatists Guild Fund, the public charity arm of the Dramatists Guild of America. This very special evening pays tribute to legendary writers and recognizes their significant contributions to American theater.

American composer Jonathan Reid Gealt is back in London to launch his third studio album WHATEVER I WANT IT TO BE on Sunday 11th October at St James Studio before its official worldwide release on 29th November.

On Monday, October 12, 2015, Music for Autism will hold a fundraiser at District CoWork NoMad. Featured performers include Broadway veteran, Cody Williams (On the Town, Cinderella, Memphis), Alysha Umphress (On the Town), Thayne Jasperson (Hamilton), and Joe Iconis and family. The event will feature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and will run from 6:00-9:00pm, with the performance beginning at 7:15pm. Tickets begin at $75 and can be purchased in advance at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-musical-evening-benefiting-music-for-autism-tickets-2563832492 or at the door.

On Monday, September 28, the Theater People podcast welcomes back Tony-winner Laura Benanti for part 2 of her interview. The first part of the interview launched earlier this month. In this episode, Benanti discusses her work in the short-lived WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN for which the actress received her fourth Tony nomination. Benanti also discusses her television work including the hugely popular SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE!, NASHVILLE, and the upcoming SUPERGIRL. Additionally, she discussed working with the Radio City Rockettes in last year's SPRING SPECTACULAR, and writing her first book.