Bessie Smith News

'Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie,' 'Maestro: Leonard Bernstein,' 'The Devil's Music: The Life and Times of Bessie Smith,' 'One Night with Janice Joplin.' What do these all have in common? They are shows that Cleveland Play House has staged in the last several years, and they are productions that showcase the musical talents of a particular artist.

Today, REVOLT TV announced a new community initiative, HELLO Harlem, designed to raise interest, awareness and support for the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem

I never thought that writing a rave review would be more difficult than constructing a less than positive critique, but Carole J. Bufford, damn her, is causing me creative problems. That's because for the third time in three years I'm compelled to praise this attractive powerhouse cabaret singer to the skies (you can find my two previous essays on her unassailable talent here and here) and my author's arsenal contains only so many superlatives. With yet another outstanding performance last Thursday night at the Metropolitan Room, the young woman who was named BroadwayWorld.com's 2013 Cabaret Vocalist of the Year has snatched my mental thesaurus (not to mention my online one) and trampled all over it. She's given me the writer's block blues.

Explore the powerful role women have played in the world of rock and roll music inside the Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power exhibition at Henry Ford Museum starting today, May 17 through August 24, 2014. Created by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, this groundbreaking and provocative exhibition features the firsts, the bests, and the celebrated and sometimes the lesser-knowns whose innovation advanced the progress of rock and roll.

Glenn Close, John Lithgow, Lindsay Duncan, Bob Balaban, Clare Higgins, and Martha Plimpton will star in a new Broadway production of Edward Albee's A DELICATE BALANCE this fall at the Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production, which will be directed by Pam MacKinnon, begins previewsMonday, October 20 and plays an 18-week limited engagement through Sunday, February 22, 2015. Opening night is Thursday, November 20.

Art Museum Day is celebrated around the world! Join us May 18 to explore the National Portrait Gallery and learn about the importance of museums and art.

In celebration of one year since the release of her debut CD entitled 'Except Sometimes' on Concord Records, Molly Ringwald who launched her CD release at Rockwell last year and has since performed over 150 concerts in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and widely across the United States in major Concert Halls, Performing Arts Centers and Jazz Festivals. Back by popular demand Ringwald will perform live in Hollywood for three Tuesdays to include June 17th; July 1st; and July 15th at Rockwell Table & Stage.

Today we continue our Tonys coverage with Mary Bridget Davies, a nominee for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for A Night with Janis Joplin, who chats about the honor of bringing Janis back to the stage, getting to take a group picture with her fellow nominees, and more. Check out what she had to say below!

It's Tonys season! The 2014 Tony Awards will broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City, on CBS, on Sunday, June 8th 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. The ceremony is still weeks away, and in the meantime, BroadwayWorld wants you to get to know this year's nominees. BroadwayWorld was on hand at the Tonys Meet & Greet on April 30, 2014, and we will be bringing you special coverage leading up to the big night. Below you can check out photos of Mary Bridget Davies, nominated for Best Actress in a Musical for A Night with Janis Joplin, in the BroadwayWorld.com series 'In the Spotlight' by acclaimed photographer Walter McBride!

According to Deadline, Queen Latifah has signed on to play blues legend Bessie Smith in HBO's upcoming, untitled biopic of the late star. PARIAH's Dee Rees will write and direct.

Royal Albert Hall has announced its May 2014 listings. Details below!

Last month New Brooklyn Theater concluded their seven-week run of Edward Albee's The Death of Bessie Smith at Interfaith Medical Center. Approximately 1800 people saw the show, 22 of 28 performances were sold out, and, thanks in part to renewed public pressure, the hospital has been given a new lease on life: Interfaith is expected to emerge out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on May 14, 2014.

The New York Times has revealed part of the story behind A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN's abrupt cancellation prior to its scheduled off-Broadway run at the Gramercy Theater this month. Producers broke the news to the cast at their final rehearsal on April 8, just two days before the show's reopening downtown.

Tonight, April 24, 2014, producer Robb Nanus (Andrew Lippa's I Am Harvey Milk) announces the opening of DEBUTANTE., a new play written by Ryann Weir and created and directed by Annie Tippe.

Producer Robb Nanus (Andrew Lippa's I Am Harvey Milk) presents the world-premiere production of DEBUTANTE., written by Ryann Weir and directed/created by Annie Tippe. After a sold out presentation at Ars Nova's ANT Fest last June, DEBUTANTE. returns to New York City this spring at the Bernie Wohl Center (647 Columbus Avenue) starting tonight, April 23.

Gary Naylor sees a show filled with songs from some of the last century's greatest singers - given full due by some of the West End's finest vocalists.

Penguin Rep Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Joe Brancato and Executive Director Andrew M. Horn, announces the slate of plays and special events for its 37th season.

The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts (RHCPA) proudly welcomes Molly Ringwald tonight, April 10th at 8:00 pm. Best known for her roles in the iconic movies Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, Molly has now become one of jazz's great voices. Making her only Canadian stop, join Molly as she takes the main stage with a full repertoire of jazz standards.

'A Night With Janis Joplin at Gramercy Theater will postpone its opening indefinitely due to production issues. Refunds will be available for all ticket holders at point of purchase. Further information will be released when available.'