Judy Garland News

Signature Theatre presents a special return engagement of Old Hats, created and performed by Bill Irwin and David Shiner, with music and lyrics by and featuring Shaina Taub, directed by Tina Landau. The production officially opened last night, February 18, and will now play an extended run through April 3, 2016 in The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues). BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and you can check out photos below!

Judy Garland fans will be holding their breath for this collection. JSP Records has announced it will release in 2017 a 4-CD, 109-track set, produced by John Stedman, called JUDY GARLAND: CLASSIC DUETS, which will include 14 tracks never previously issued on CD.

NBC just announced an all-star team of Broadway's finest creatives -- featuring familiar faces Kenny Leon, Jerry Mitchell and Harvey Fierstein -- for its upcoming production of HAIRSPRAY LIVE, the network's latest stage musical following the phenomenal success of THE WIZ LIVE. The telecast will air Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The cast for HAIRSPRAY LIVE will be announced at a later date, but based on this news, BWW can't wait to see what NBC has in store!

Maurice Hines Tappin' Thru Life at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street) will play its final performance this Sunday, February 21st. At the time of closing the show will have played 21 previews and 46 performances.

This week, I sat down with Janelle Lutz backstage at The Firehouse Theatre, moments before she took the stage for her second (and final) dress rehearsal for THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, which runs February 18th through March 6th. Lutz (pronounced 'loots,' although she doesn't correct those that rhyme her name with klutz) shared her affection for Julie Andrews' portrayal of the role in the 1967 movie, and admitted some intimidation in following in Sutton Foster's Broadway shoes. As we talked about her exciting stage opportunities around DFW, I couldn't help but observe how one of DFW's largest stage personalities is also one of the most sincere, humble performers I've had the chance to speak with. Upon the end of our conversation, when I gave Ms. Lutz the opportunity to add anything I may have overlooked, she thought for a moment and responded: 'I'd just like to say thank you to the Dallas theatre community. This is my family; they've taken huge chances on me.'

Dynamic Broadway and Disney star Anneliese van der Pol (That's So Raven, Beauty and the Beast, Vanities) teams up with frequent Feinstein's/54 Below headliner and vocalist extraordinaire Tyce Green for a concert at Feinstein's/54 Below

Just yesterday, the star of Maurice Hines Tappin' Thru Life, Maurice Hines himself stopped by Sardi's to unveil his new portrait. BroadwayWorld was there for the celebration and you can check out photos below!

Signature Theatre presents a special return engagement of Old Hats, created and performed by Bill Irwin and David Shiner, with music and lyrics by and featuring Shaina Taub, directed by Tina Landau. The production officially opens tonight, February 18, and will now play an extended run through April 3, 2016 in The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues).

ALMOST HOME brings to life the untold stories of Judy Garland, through the eyes of the man who last held her heart, Mickey Deans. Based on an autobiography written by Mickey, about Judy, ALMOST HOME delves into the heart and soul of the ruby slippered superstar, celebrating how incredibly loved she was, firstly as the world's most successful movie star, but more importantly, as a wife, mother and friend. Experience stories only Judy's closest companions could share, intertwined with exciting, new male arrangements of Judy's greatest hits including: 'The Man that got away', 'The Trolley Song', 'ComeRain or come Shine' and, of course, 'Over the Rainbow'. 

First images are released today of End of the Rainbow, which opens at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester this Thursday ahead of a 5-month UK Tour. The production features Lisa Maxwell as Judy Garland, Gary Wilmot as Anthony and Sam Attwater as Mickey.

MAURICE HINES TAPPIN' THRU LIFE is a swinging, song and dance musical that celebrates the astonishing showmanship of one of the last great tap dancers of a by-gone era still working today and whose collaborators were a jaw-dropping, who's who of theatre, music, film and television. Co-starring the fierce tap dancing Manzari brothers, John and Leo, and the all female vivacious Diva Jazz Orchestra, the show is directed by Jeff Calhoun. Performances began December 23rd at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street), and opened January 11th. Last night, GOTTA DANCE stars Andre De Shields and Lillias White visited with Hines and the Manzari Brothers after the show. Check out the photos below.

Tonight, Artistic Director Mark Clements and Managing Director Chad Bauman announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater's 2016/17 Season to a group of The Rep's subscribers, donors, community leaders, and members of the press.

Theatre Memphis has made its play selections for the 2016-17 season and they include a variety of entertainment that touches many bases. Featuring musicals, comedy, drama, classics and new work, the season offers options and regional premieres to Memphis patrons.

The hit new British musical MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS opens at the Noel Coward Theatre tonight 16 February 2016.

MAURICE HINES TAPPIN' THRU LIFE is a swinging, song and dance musical that celebrates the astonishing showmanship of one of the last great tap dancers of a by-gone era still working today and whose collaborators were a jaw-dropping, who's who of theatre, music, film and television. Co-starring the fierce tap dancing Manzari brothers and the all female vivacious Diva Jazz Orchestra, the show is directed by Jeff Calhoun (Newsies, Deaf West's Big River, Grease). Performances began December 23rd at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street), and opened January 11th. Legendary Broadway star Chita Rivera recently visited Hines after the show - check out photos below!

?A hit in the West End and on Broadway, End of the Rainbow makes its awaited return to the stage, playing at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry from Tues 23 to Sat 27 Feb as part of a major new UK tour, starring Lisa Maxwell as Judy Garland.

Today in 1905, Harold Arlen was born. Having written over 500 songs, a number of which have become known the world over, Arlen is best known for writing the songs for The Wizard of Oz, including the classic 1938 song, 'Over the Rainbow.' Arlen is a highly regarded contributor to the Great American Songbook. Harlen's music has been featured in a number of other early Broadway shows including Hooray for What!, Bloomer Girl, St. Louis Woman, House of Flowers, Mr. Imperium, Jamaica, Saratoga, and many more.

Manilow appeared at Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party last night, and performed a set which included his classic hit, 'Mandy'

We go around our Broadway World to feature France as our newest International spotlight. Below, we round up the top 10 theatre companies in France. Check out the list below!