A Broadway Musical 1978 - Articles Page 4

Opened: October 10, 1978
Closing: November 12, 1978

A Broadway Musical - 1978 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Theatre of the Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive at 122nd Street New York, NY 10027

A Broadway Musical is a musical with a book by William F. Brown, lyrics by Lee Adams, and music by Charles Strouse. The Broadway production closed after 14 previews and only one performance on December 21, 1978.



The plot about a sleazy white theatre producer's attempt to adapt an African-American writer's serious play for a commercial stage musical was inspired by Adams and Strouse's real-life experiences with their 1964 Broadway production of Golden Boy. The star of the musical-within-the-musical (Sneakers, about a basketball star) closely resembles Golden Boy star Sammy Davis, Jr. When the star opts to leave the show, the playwright - who from the start had resisted turning his work into a musical - steps in and takes on the lead role in order to save the production.

A Broadway Musical - 1978 - Off-Broadway Cast

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A Broadway Musical - 1978 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 4

Review: THE WIZ (THE TOURING COMPANY) at Connor Palace
by Roy Berko - Oct 8, 2023


What did our critic think of THE WIZ (THE TOURING COMPANY) at Connor Palace?

Stage West Opens Season With ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2023


How do you tell a real princess from a wannabe?  You’ll have a grand time finding out, as Stage West, in a co-production with Theatre TCU, presents the charming, classic fairytale musical Once Upon a Mattress, which begins a 3-week run on Thursday, October 19.  Learn more about the production here!

Billy Joel Adds 100th Monthly Residency Show at Madison Square Garden
by Michael Major - Oct 5, 2023


Madison Square Garden announced that by overwhelming demand, legendary musician and MSG franchise Billy Joel has added the next show in his record-breaking, sold-out residency at The World’s Most Famous Arena on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The shows will end in July 2024.

Review: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' at Broadway Rose
by Krista Garver - Oct 4, 2023


AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ is a great musical showcase, as well as a much-needed diversion. The hooting, hollering, clapping, and toe-tapping audience seemed to agree.

Photos: 2023 BC/EFA Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Raises Record-Breaking $1,237,179
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 2, 2023


Broadway’s Happy Place, filled with theatrical treasures, encounters with stars and exclusive auction experiences, welcomed legions of theater lovers from near and far as the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction returned Sunday, October 1, 2023. See photos from the event below!

Which Actors Have Played Their Own Family Members on Broadway?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 1, 2023


This time, the reader question was: In The Shark is Broken, Ian Shaw portrays his father Robert Shaw on stage. Have other actors played their real-life family members on Broadway or off-Broadway?

SAY GOODNIGHT, New Musical In Development At WaterTower Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 27, 2023


Shane Peterman, Producing Artistic Director has announced that WaterTower Theatre is continuing our dedication to the development of new Music Theatre works with a workshop of a new musical SAY GOODNIGHT by Steve Dorff, John Bettis, and Rick Hawkins.

FRANK AND PERCY, Starring Ian McKellen and Roger Allam, Extends at The Other Palace
by Stephi Wild - Sep 27, 2023


With phenomenal demand for tickets and most performances already sold out, producer Bill Kenwright has added two final weeks to the limited season of Ben Weatherill’s new comedy, Frank and Percy, at The Other Palace in London.  Learn more about the show and get tickets to the new performances here!

THE WIZ Gets Broadway Dates, Plus First Look at Cast!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2023


The all-new production of the Tony Award-winning hit musical The Wiz will open on Broadway on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in a limited engagement at the Marquis Theatre.  Preview performances will begin on March 29. Check out an all new first look photo, as well as a video of the cast performing with the orchestra for the first time!

FANGIRLS, MINORITY REPORT, and More Set For Lyric Hammersmith's Spring/Summer 2024 Season
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2023


The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has announced its Spring/Summer 2024 Season, opening April 2024 with Minority Report. Learn more about the full season and how to get tickets here!

New Federal Theatre to Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration Next Month at Edison Ballroom
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 23, 2023


NEW FEDERAL THEATRE will hold its 53rd Anniversary Celebration on October 2 at Edison Ballroom, honoring Woodie King, Jr., Gabrielle Kurlander, and Sade Lythcott. The gala is chaired by Kenny Leon and Lynn Whitfield.

The Motor Company To Present RIVER WATCHERS, A New Play In A Canoe On Newtown Creek
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 22, 2023


The Motor Company presents limited run of RIVER KEEPERS created by Dina Vovsi, Dan Caffrey & Jens Rasmussen, running October 19-29 on Newtown Creek.

Deborah Cox and Lascelles Stephens of Deco Entertainment Join THE WIZ Producing Team
by Stephi Wild - Sep 22, 2023


Entertainment company DECO Entertainment, founded by Lascelles Stephens and Deborah Cox, will join the co-producing team of the all-new production of The Wiz. Learn more about the musical here!

Emmy and Grammy-Winning Adam Blackstone Joins THE WIZ Creative Team
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 20, 2023


Emmy Award®-winning music director and Grammy Award®-winning writer, Adam Blackstone, has joined the creative team as Dance Music Arranger for the revival of The Wiz.

Cast and Creative Team Set For AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' at Music Theater Heritage
by Stephi Wild - Sep 20, 2023


Music Theater Heritage has announced the cast and creatives for its production of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ The Fats Waller Musical Show. Learn more about who is starring in the musical and how to get tickets here!

Tickets On Sale Friday For THE WIZ in San Francisco
by Stephi Wild - Sep 20, 2023


Tickets for the San Francisco engagement of The Wiz will go on sale on Friday, September 22 at 10 a.m. for the four-week engagement performing at BroadwaySF’s Golden Gate Theatre. Learn more about how to get tickets here!

Frank Owens, Broadway Musician And Former Musical Director For IT'S SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO, Passes Away
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 18, 2023


Frank Owens, Broadway Musical Virtuoso, Former Musical Director for 'It's Showtime at the Apollo' Dies. A pianist for nearly seven decades, Owens backed talent on Broadway stages, recording studios and TV sets – backing artists from Lena Horne to The Washington Ballet.

Common and MC Lyte Join the Producing Team For THE WIZ
by Stephi Wild - Sep 12, 2023


Academy Award®, Grammy Award® and Emmy Award®-winning artist, actor, author and activist Common and hip-hop pioneer, actor, philanthropist, and business mogul MC Lyte will join the co-producing team of the all-new production of The Wiz. Learn more about The Wiz and how to get tickets here!

Feature: Nathan Adelson Hospice to present 27th Annual Serenades of Life - Doctors in Concert
by Debbie Hall - Sep 8, 2023


For almost 45 years, Nathan Adelson Hospice, the largest and only nonprofit hospice in Nevada, has cared for people, regardless of their ability to pay. Talented doctors and first responders, along with providing exemplary health care, will perform for the organization’s 27th Annual Serenades of Life – Doctors in Concert inside Myron’s at The Smith Center on Sept. 8.

Which Actors Have Done Multiple Broadway Shows Together?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 10, 2023


This time, the reader question was: Which Actors Have Done Multiple Broadway Shows Together?

Review Roundup: Critics Weigh In on Bradley Cooper's MAESTRO
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 2, 2023


Maestro, the Leonard Bernstein film starring Bradley Cooper, who also co-wrote and directed the feature, opened at the Venice Film Festival this weekend. Check out what the critics had to say!

THE WIZ to Stop at Playhouse Square Ahead of its Return to Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 30, 2023


Get ready for a limited engagement of The Wiz at Playhouse Square this October. Catch the Broadway classic before its highly anticipated return. Don't miss this sensational show as it brings the magic of Oz to life.

New Federal Theatre To Hold 53rd Anniversary Celebration in October
by Stephi Wild - Aug 30, 2023


Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre (NFT), led by Producing Artistic Director Elizabeth Van Dyke, will hold a 53rd Anniversary Celebration October 2, 2023 at Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street.  

Broadway Rose Theatre to Present AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' The Fats Waller Musical Show
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 28, 2023


Experience the infectious energy and humor of Fats Waller's music at Broadway Rose Theatre's production of Ain't Misbehavin' The Fats Waller Musical Show. Don't miss your chance to groove to the sounds of 'Honeysuckle Rose,' 'Black And Blue,' 'The Joint Is Jumpin',' and more. Get your tickets now!

MUSE/IQUE Presents RESPECT: The Women Whose Voices Changed Everything in September
by Stephi Wild - Aug 28, 2023


MUSE/IQUE continues its yearlong concert series, MUSIC = POWER with RESPECT: The Women Whose Voices Changed Everything, Friday September 8 and Saturday September 9 at 7:30 pm at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W 8th St, in Mid-City. 

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