Tonya Pinkins News

Today's big news: SCHOOL OF ROCK's Alex Brightman hosts this year's BROADWAY SALUTES, Melissa Errico returns to Feinstein's/54 Below, and THE FRONT PAGE (more here), HEISENBERG (follow this link) and THE ENCOUNTER start previews tonight on Broadway!

Dozens of theater artists have signed a statement expressing solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives following the cancellation of Broadway Supports Black Lives Matter, a benefit that was to be hosted at Feinstein's/54 Below, a popular cabaret club.

On Monday, September 18 the Theater People podcast welcomes Tony and Emmy Award winning director Thomas Kail. For the episode, Kail discusses creating the smash hit musical HAMILTON alongside his longtime collaborator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Meeting* hosted by Justin Sayre - the monthly gathering of the International Order of Sodomites, the centuries-old organization which sets the mythic Gay Agenda - will open its eighth and final season on Sunday, September 18 at 9:30 PM at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2016 TRU Love Benefit, Embracing the Unlimited: A Celebration of Inclusion in the Arts, and an initial lineup of top performers for the event have been announced.

The Meeting* hosted by Justin Sayre - the monthly gathering of the International Order of Sodomites, the centuries-old organization which sets the mythic Gay Agenda - will open its eighth and final season on Sunday, September 18 at 9:30 PM at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater.

Today's big news: SPAMILTON (more here) and EDWIN, THE EDWIN BOOTH STORY open Off-Broadway, and the stars of OH, HELLO meet the press, so stay tuned for coverage!

BROADWAY SUPPORTS BLACK LIVES MATTER, a concert directed by Tonya Pinkins originally to be held on September 11, 2016 at Feinstein's/54 Below, has been cancelled due to the venue's conflict with part of Black Lives Matter's platform.

SPARKLE & CIRCULATE with JUSTIN SAYRE - the official monthly podcast of the International Order of Sodomites - has posted its new episode, which features an interview with Jim Colucci, author of the terrific new book Golden Girls Forever. 

Kushnier made his Broadway debut in the lead role of Ren McCormack in the 1998 production of FOOTLOOSE. He went on to star on Broadway in RENT, JERSEY BOYS, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. He was a part of the original New York company of SHEAR MADDNESS, and he can currently be seen in PARAMOUR, Cirque Du Soliel's first-ever Broadway production.

The theatre community comes together to raise their voices for Black Lives Matter in BROADWAY SUPPORTS BLACK LIVES MATTER on September 11, 2016 at Feinstein's/54 Below.

On Monday, August 15, the Theater People podcast welcomes three-time Tony-winning producer Kevin McCollum. Best known for producing Broadway mega-hits RENT, AVENUE Q, and, IN THE HEIGHTS, McCollum is also know for taking chances on smaller shows and shepherding them to Broadway. He brought THE DROWSY CHAPERONE to Broadway in 2006--it would go on to win five Tony Awards--and [TITLE OF SHOW] to Broadway in 2009.

The New Group has announced additional casting for Sweet Charity, the production launching the company's 2016-2017 Season.  Choreographed by Joshua Bergasse and directed by Leigh Silverman, this production features Yesenia Ayala, Darius Barnes, James Brown III, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Shuler Hensley, Sasha Hutchings, Donald Jones, Jr., Nikka Graff Lanzarone, Emily Padgett and Joel Perez, and as previously announced, two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster as Charity Hope Valentine.  A limited Off-Broadway engagement plays November 2 - December 11 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street), with Official Opening Night set for Sunday, November 20.

The Meeting* hosted by Justin Sayre - the monthly gathering of the International Order of Sodomites, the centuries-old organization which sets the mythic Gay Agenda - will come to an end at the conclusion of its upcoming season.

SPARKLE & CIRCULATE with JUSTIN SAYRE - the official monthly podcast of the International Order of Sodomites - has posted its new episode, which features an interview with vocalist and songwriter Carol Lipnik. Called "an ethereal vocal phenomenon' by The New York Times, Lipnik tells Justin about her latest album "Almost Back to Normal," her Sundaynight residency at the downtown NYC club Pangea, and her influences from Mothra to Laura Nyro. She and Justin wax rhapsodic about Tennessee Williams, the 13th Century poet Rumi and B-movies of the 50s. Plus, Justin offers some simple tips on staying cool, calm and collected during the summer. SPARKLE & CIRCULATE was recently named among the "10 Comedy Podcasts You Should Listen To" by Backstage. All episodes are available on iTunes HERE.  

On Friday, July 22, the Theater People podcast welcomes Broadway favorites Emily Skinner and Alice Ripley. Skinner and Ripley first worked together when they were cast as Daisy and Violet Hilton in the 1998 production of SIDE SHOW. The pair reunited on stage in 2000 in the Broadway production of JAMES JOYCE'S THE DEAD.

On Wednesday, July 20th, the Theater People podcast welcomes three-time Tony Award-nominee, Christopher Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald began working professionally in New York theater in the late 1990s. His early work includes roles in the controversial Terrance McNally play CORPUS CHRISTI and the Broadway production of AMOUR.

On Monday, July 11, the Theater People podcast welcomes Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart. Iglehart made his Broadway debut in 2007 as Mitch in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. In 2009 he originated the role of Bobby in the Tony Award winning Best Musical, MEMPHIS.

The New York Musical Festival (NYMF), previously known as The New York Musical Theater Festival, has announced Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller (Waitress, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical) as the 2016 NYMF Honorary Chair. The 2016 New York Musical Festival will be presented from July 11 through August 7 in various venues in Midtown Manhattan.

On Monday, June 27th, the Theater People podcast welcomes Broadway favorite Betsy Wolfe. She made her Broadway debut in the 2007 production of 110 IN THE SHADE, and in 2010, she returned to Broadway in EVERYDAY RAPTURE.