Heads Up 1930

January is often a rough month in the theater industry - there are fewer shows running, audiences are reluctant to venture out into the winter weather, there is typically a slate of Broadway closings, and companies are taking stock of their financial situation following the closure of (typically) popular holiday productions.

Last week, the Broadway League announced that Charlotte St. Martin would be “retiring” after 18 years. An email went out to League members shortly before the release. And I’m not sure I’ve ever received quite so many theater-related communications before noon.

Get ready to be mesmerized by Mark Ulrich's captivating performance in Steppenwolf's NO MAN'S LAND. Discover the new talent that brings fresh energy to this acclaimed production. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic - limited time engagement!

With Marjorie Prime currently running at the company's home base in South London and Funny Girl on Broadway, the Menier Chocolate Factory announced forthcoming programming for 2023. Learn more about the lineup here!

There’s no arguing that musicals made from movies can be hit or miss. Broadway has had it’s share of them over the last few decades. Sometimes they work well (e.g., HAIRSPRAY, LEGALLY BLONDE, THE PRODUCERS) and sometimes not so much (e.g., CARRIE, KING KONG, DRACULA) but there is something particularly thrilling about seeing a fan favorite brought to life on stage. That is certainly the case for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, the musical version of the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy film of the same name. And lucky for fans (of either the film or the musical) the current production at Osceola Arts in Kissimmee is absolutely fabulous – from the first bolt of lighting to the last thunderclap (and audience clap) – it’s a non-stop, rollicking good time.

Theatre Arlington is set to open Biloxi Blues by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Neil Simon on Friday, August 19. 

Legendary Australian performer Paul Capsis leaves microphones and costumes behind in his first ever solo acoustic program.

Actor, singer and television personality Danielle de Niese will star as ‘Elle’ in a new film of LA VOIX HUMAINE, Jean Cocteau’s one-woman drama set to music by Francis Poulenc, shot on location in London and Paris. Directed by James Kent (Aftermath, Testament of Youth), with Cinematography from Laurie Rose (High Rise, Rebecca) and designed by Peter Francis (The Father, The Children Act) the film will have its UK premiere on BBC Two in the spring.

Anita Kollinger is a standout in a powerful show that features some interesting and questionable interpretations from director Gabe Flores.

L.A. Theatre Works will release their state-of-the-art audio recording of Stephen Tobolowsky’s A GOOD DAY AT AUSCHWITZ June 2, 2021. Based on a true story, Stephen has adapted GOOD DAY from his previous book My Adventures with God. Stephen managed to find some time between his podcast The Tobolowsky Files, his many film and TV commitments, and being half of a beloved Los Angeles theatre acting/directing couple, to answer a few of my enquiries.

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest protest songs from 1939-2020. See if your favorite songs or artists made the list!

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best TV episodes from the 1950's to 2020; see if your favorites made the list!

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best film musicals since the sound era began; see if your favorites made the list!

BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature Lea Salonga, Ramin Karimloo & Barbra Streisand, The Muny's CINDERELLA and more!

Drummer Dave Schoepke will be releasing his first solo drum album titled “Drums On Low” on July 15, 2019. Schoepke is an accomplished North American drummer, who has had the pleasure of working with the legendary Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre. Dave toured with Martin's band in 2017 and in 2018 for the “Cruise To The Edge” Tour. He's also been the primary drummer for The Willy Porter Band since 2002, and has loved every second of his time with the band. Dave has toured with Willy Porter on a number of occasions over the years, and has numerous television and radio appearances on his record. The amazing part is that Dave is able to do all of this, and still has time to devote to his own band Tweed. Tweed has been a mainstay touring in Europe for the last few years along with a number of other blues and soul groups. 

PIGALLE, the latest circus cabaret creation from director Craig Ilott makes it's Sydney debut in the beautiful Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent for Sydney Festival.

MARGARET: THE REBEL PRINCESS, an insightful new two-part biography of Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth's beautiful and rebellious younger sister, will premiere on Sundays, February 10 and 17, 2019, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS.

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

Old world charm and wonderful performances come together for SHE LOVES ME, the heartwarming story of lonely-hearts letter writers.

Irish Arts Center (IAC), the arts and cultural center dedicated to projecting a dynamic image of Ireland and Irish America for the 21st century, presents an exhilarating array of musical programs this spring.

PITTSBURGH CLO is pleased to welcome a collection of writing teams from across the country to Pittsburgh for the inaugural SPARK festival in March. These teams were chosen from a highly-selective submissions process and will have the opportunity to rehearse and revise their work in residencies ranging from two days to three weeks. SPARK will provide dramaturgy and production resources to 10 new musicals at all stages of development, in addition to the world premiere of UP AND AWAY. As a part of the development period, eight of the musicals will receive public presentations through which the writing teams can gather audience insights and focus their intentions for the next phase of development. A major initiative of Pittsburgh CLO's recently completed Next Generation Capital Campaign, SPARK is designed to cultivate new and innovative work from emerging and established musical theater artists. 

'Mr. Holmes, I am under such a strain that I shall go mad if it continues,' said Enid to the master detective. Thus begins a race against time for Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to stop the bizarre murders in an eerie country manor in 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band.'

The Broadway League, the national trade organization for the commercial theatre industry, announces Jason Ford as the 2017 League Educator Apple Award recipient.

'It's possible.' Especially for Broadway's original Cinderella, Laura Osnes, who is busier than ever these days rehearing for multiple shows and benefit concerts. On Sunday, February 19, the Tony Award nominated actress will play Polly Baker in Manhattan Concert Productions' one-night only 25th anniversary performance of Crazy for You at Lincoln Center.

What's coming up this month in Connecticut theater.