On the Twentieth Century 1978

Opened: February 19, 1978
Closing: March 18, 1979

On the Twentieth Century - 1978 - Broadway History , Info & More

St. James Theatre (Broadway)
246 West 44th St. New York, NY

Based on the play Twentieth Century by Ben Hecht, Charles MacArthur and Bruce Milholland

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Broadway Shows Based on the Top 1000 Highest-Grossing Films
by Michael Major - Jan 21, 2024

Of all the films on IMDB's list of the 1000 highest-grossing movies of all time, 31 have been adapted into Broadway musicals. Check out a guide to each those musicals below, along with musicals that are in development or ones that have not yet made their way to Broadway.

Milwaukee Art Museum To Present The First American Survey Exhibition Of Acclaimed British Artist Idris Khan
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 25, 2023

The Milwaukee Art Museum will present the first museum exhibition in the U.S. dedicated to the work of renowned London-based multidisciplinary artist Idris Khan in 2024.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play FENCES by August Wilson is Coming to Shakespeare & Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 17, 2023

Experience the emotional depth and powerful storytelling of August Wilson's Fences at Shakespeare & Company. Follow the struggles of Troy Maxson as he navigates dreams, regrets, and a longing for a different life. Don't miss this Pulitzer Prize-winning play, part of Wilson's acclaimed American Century Cycle. Get your tickets now!

Broadway Theatres Will Dim Lights in Memory Of Robin Wagner on June 17
by Stephi Wild - Jun 9, 2023

The Broadway community honors the memory of Robin Wagner, the triple Tony Award-winning scenic designer who worked on more than 60 Broadway shows in a career that spanned over five decades.

Three-Time Tony Award-Winning Designer Robin Wagner Dies at 89
by Alan Henry - May 29, 2023

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of Robin Wagner, who designed scenery for landmark, critically acclaimed Broadway shows for over 50 years.

South Street Seaport Museum Welcomes Tall Ship Capitán Miranda
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 9, 2023

The South Street Seaport Museum is to co-hosting the 1930 Capitán Miranda, a sail training tall ship of the Uruguayan Navy, when she arrives in New York in May 2023.

Merle Dandridge, Michael Hayden, Jodi Long & More to Star in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 2, 2023

Pasadena Playhouse has announced the cast for the 50th anniversary production of A Little Night Music. See who is starring, and how to purchase tickets!

Video: Celebrate 45 Years of ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 19, 2023

45 years ago, on February 19, 1978, On the Twentieth Century opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre. Watch videos of the original and revival casts!

Christine Ebersole, Judy Kaye, and More Will Reunite on BACKSTAGE BABBLE
by Stephi Wild - Feb 6, 2023

On February 19 at 8 PM EST, Charles Kirsch, the 15-year-old host of the hit theater podcast Backstage Babble, will present a reunion of the 1978 Broadway sensation On the Twentieth Century in honor of the 45th anniversary of its opening night.

Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 1, 2023

The full cast and creative team has been announced for the brand new Kander & Ebb musical, NEW YORK, NEW YORK. Plus, check out a new trailer of the cast in action!

Slovo Theater Group, Matt Braunger & More Announced for The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage December Schedule
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 23, 2022

Millennium Stage will offer free live community performances, streamed live, plus online programs and film screenings, Wednesday–Sunday each week throughout our campus.

Larry Owens' SONDHEIMIA, Bernadette Peters & More Announced for Pasadena Playhouse's Sondheim Celebration
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 15, 2022

Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman announced the latest news for the theater’s upcoming six-month-long celebration of the works and impact of Stephen Sondheim January 26 through June 11, 2023. 

Who Has Worn the Most Hats on Broadway? Part 2
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 13, 2022

Today's question is: Who has worn the most hats on Broadway- director, producer, writer, actor, etc.? Here are a few folks that could hold a record for the 'number of hats' they've worn on Broadway shows. Part one includes those who have worn four or five hats on Broadway shows and part two will include those who have held even more positions than that!

San Francisco Opera Releases 'Streaming The First Century' Free Historical Recordings and Interviews
by Stephi Wild - Sep 13, 2022

As part of its centennial celebrations, San Francisco Opera released the first installment of Streaming the First Century.

Casts Announced for American Ballet Theatre's 2022 Fall Season Featuring the World Premiere of LIFTED & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 24, 2022

Casting for American Ballet Theatre’s 2022 Fall season has been announced. Principal Dancers for the 2022 Fall season include Joo Won Ahn, Aran Bell, Isabella Boylston, Skylar Brandt, Daniel Camargo, Herman Cornejo, Thomas Forster, and more.

American Ballet Theatre Announces 2022 Fall Season Featuring the World Premiere of Christopher Rudd's LIFTED & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 18, 2022

Programming for American Ballet Theatre’s 2022 Fall season, October 20–30 at the David H. Koch Theater, was announced. The season will be highlighted by the World Premiere of Christopher Rudd’s new work Lifted, and more.

Jenn Colella, Gavin Creel, Marilyn Maye & More to be Featured in Eugene O'Neill Theater Center 58th Summer Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2022

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center has announced its 2022 summer season, which features the return of some beloved in-person public events put on pause during the virtual and hybrid seasons of 2020 and 2021. 

The Guthrie Theater Announces 2022-2023 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 23, 2022

The Guthrie Theater today announced 10 ambitious, full-scale productions to commemorate the theater’s 60-year legacy: Qui Nguyen’s love-and-war comedy Vietgone; the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks’ Sally & Tom, produced in collaboration with The Public Theater and more. See the full schedule and find out how to get tickets.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia Announces New UK Tour
by Marianka Swain - Sep 6, 2021

Raymond Gubbay Limited is pleased to announce that the The Russian State Ballet of Siberia will once again tour the UK in 2021 and 2022, accompanied by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra, presenting its iconic and classical repertoire of THE NUTCRACKER, SWAN LAKE, SNOW MAIDEN, CINDERELLA and ROMEO AND JULIET, brought to life with magical special effects.

What's On Stage This Summer? Check Out Our Guide To Theatre Across The Country!
by Alan Henry - Apr 24, 2021

We've rounded up some of the top productions on stage this summer! Find something near you to see using our comprehensive guide below!

Student Blog: Zodiac Signs of Tony-Nominated Musicals
by Student Blogger: Madison Moore - Mar 22, 2021

The criteria are that these shows have been nominated for Best Musical from the 3rd Tony Awards (the ceremony that started the Best Musical category) in 1949 to the nominations of what will now be the 74th Tony Awards in 2021. I will be determining their signs based upon their Broadway premiere date. With those rules in mind, here we go!

New York Theatre Ballet Presents BETWEEN THE ACTS: ANTONY TUDOR
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2021

New York Theatre Ballet will present Between the Acts: Antony Tudor on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 11am ET on Zoom. Taking a look at the life and works of Antony Tudor, this installment of Between the Acts will also feature curator of dance for the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Jane Pritchard and more.

BWW Feature: ONLINE OPERA VIRTUAL TOUR SEPT. OCT.3-10 at Home Computer Screens
by Maria Nockin - Oct 2, 2020

Los Angeles Opera has a new a?oeLiving Room Recitala?? with mezzo-sopranno Taylor Raven sings with three different pianists, Jeremy Frank, Nino Sanikidze, and Brendon Shapiro. She sings two songs from Hector Berlioza??s Les Nuits da??Étè, four songs from Xavier Montsalvatgea??s Cinco Canciones Negras, and other delightful pieces.

Theater Stories: The First Rodgers & Hammerstein Collaboration, HELLO, DOLLY! and More About The St. James Theatre!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 12, 2020

Today's Theater Stories features The St. James Theatre! Learn about the first Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration, which Oscar-winning movie was filmed at the theater, the longest-running show to play the St. James and more!

The Drama Desk Awards to Posthumously Honor Hal Prince with Namesake Lifetime Achievement Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2020

The 65th Annual Drama Desk Awards will celebrate the life and legacy of American theater producer and director Harold 'Hal' Prince with the Drama Desk's newly established lifetime achievement honor.

On the Twentieth Century FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stranded Again
Saddle Up the Horse
On the Twentieth Century
I Rise Again
Lily Garland [i]
Indian Maiden's Lament
Veronique
I Have Written a Play
Together
Never
Our Private World
Repent
Mine
I've Got It All
Entr'acte
Five Zeros
Sextet
She's a Nut
Max Jacobs
Babette
The Legacy
Lily, Oscar
This Is the Day
Grand Central Station
Lucky Lily
Happy Birthday, Oscar Jaffe
This Biz Is the Lowest Biz There Is
Dear John Ringling
Lily Garland [ii]
On the Twentieth Century has had 8 productions including Broadway which opened in 1978, Broadway which opened in 1978, US Tour which opened in 1979, West End which opened in 1980, Off-Off-Broadway which opened in 1985, Broadway which opened in 2005, Broadway which opened in 2005 and Broadway which opened in 2015.
Best Musical , , Best Book of a Musical for Betty Comden, Best Book of a Musical for Adolph Green, Best Direction of a Musical for Harold Prince, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Betty Comden , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Adolph GreenBest Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Cy Coleman and Best Scenic Design for Robin Wagner.
Best Book of a Musical for Betty Comden Best Book of a Musical for Adolph Green Best Direction of a Musical for Harold Prince Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Betty Comden , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Adolph Green, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Cy Coleman, Best Scenic Design for Robin Wagner, .

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