Thomas Meehan News

The Charleston Gaillard Center announced its largest season ever for the 2023–2024 programming year with more than 40 shows spanning dance, music, theater, comedy, arts festivals, and family programming from leading local, national, and international artists and organizations.

Duluth Playhouse has announced their 2023-2024 Main Stage season, a thrilling combination of beloved classics and remarkable new productions. Through the power of live theatre, audiences will be transported to another time and place as they laugh, share a tender moment, and create new memories that will last a lifetime.

Leapin' Lizards!  PNC Broadway in Columbus and CAPA have announced that an all-new tour of the iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE will play at the Ohio Theatre from May 12-14.

While many stellar productions are poised to earn multiple nominations this season, it will take quite a few to stand up to the current record holders. Below, check out which Broadway shows hold the records for the most-Tony nominated productions of all time.

Due to popular demand, ELF the smash hit musical returns to London's Dominion Theatre for a second consecutive year to play a strictly limited season from 15 November 2023 until 6 January 2024. After a seven-year absence from the West End, ELF's 2022 sold-out run at the Dominion was further proof of the production's public and critical success.

As if the universe knew that our increasingly divisive country is in desperate need to revisit this hit 2002 Tony Award-winning musical again, HAIRSPRAY has now embarked on a brand new non-equity national tour starring RuPaul's Drag Race fan favorite Nina West. The show, now at Segerstrom Center for the Arts through April 30, does not disappoint.

If a musical comedy could be served up as comfort food, that show would look a lot like “Annie.”  Audiences have been lapping up the sweet story of Little Orphan Annie since it opened on Broadway in 1977.

Patti LuPone will lead a glittering cast of Broadway luminaries for Everybody Rise! A Sondheim Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl. See how to purchase tickets!

A new national tour of HAIRSPRAY, adapted from the original 2002 Broadway production, has arrived at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, bringing with it effervescent joy.

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.

Two season Add-Ons have been announced for the 2023/2024 Broadway at the Eccles season. COME FROM AWAY, the true story of the small town that welcomed the world on 9/11 and ANNIE, the little Orphan that reminds generations of theater goers that sunshine is always right around the corner.

Performing Arts Fort Worth, the non-profit owner and operator of Bass Performance Hall, has announced that ANNIE will host a digital ticket lottery powered by Broadway Direct.

Good morning, Sacramento! Hairspray has brought the beat to town, and you do not want to miss this spectacle of bright, brash, and beautiful 60s splendor! Based on the 1988 John Waters’ movie that became a cult classic, Hairspray opened on Broadway in 2002. It garnered 13 Tony Award nominations and took home 8 wins, including Best Musical. Its staying power rests with the timeless music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and enduring themes woven throughout the book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan.

Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta announced that 2023/2024 season subscriptions are now open to new subscribers.

The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale series has announced its 2023/2024 season at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon returns to Seattle! This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play April 4 through 9 at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre.

What did our critic think of ANNIE JR. at The Royal Theatre?

What did our critic think of ANNIE at Cadillac Palace? The new national tour of Annie is the current offering at Chicago's Cadillac Palace. Hard to believe Annie has been entertaining audiences since it opened on Broadway in 1977. The book was written by Thomas Meehan with lyrics by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. Director Jenn Thompson's recreation is very similar to the original production and why not? She was the original Pepper in the Broadway run starring Andrea McArdle. Ms. Thompson's history with Annie is very apparent in this production. I had forgotten the emotional aspect of this story. The talented ensemble of young actors portraying the orphans is an absolute joy to watch. Their energy is infectious. This production is the national tour debut for each of these young actors. This is also Ellie Rose Pulsifer's (Annie) national tour debut. She fits the role perfectly. Especially touching was her interaction with Daddy Warbucks (Christopher Swan giving a very in depth portrayal) and his assistant Grace Farrell (Julia Nicole Hunter breathtaking). Then there is Miss Hannigan (Stefanie Londino's commanding portrayal spot on), her conman brother Rooster and his girlfriend Lily St. Regis (wonderful singing, dancing and comedy by Nick Bernardi and Krista Curry) round out the villains in Annie's life. The story is about Annie trying to find her parents who left her at the orphanage as a baby. Daddy Warbucks enlists the help of President Franklin Roosevelt (Mark Woodward in his national tour debut) to find her parents. Annie runs away where she immediately befriends a dog named Sandy. She also has soup with inhabitants of a Hooverville under the 59th Street Bridge. This wonderful ensemble of adults also portray Oliver Warbucks' employees, other citizens of NYC and the cabinet of FDR. Quick costume changes are also involved!

The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company has announced its lineup for the 2023–2024 performing arts season.

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon returns to Portland! This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play March 28 through April 2 at Portland's Keller Auditorium.