Putting It On: The West End Theatre of Michael Codron - by Michael Codron (Author), Alan Strachan (Author)
Michael Codron is undoubtedly the leading producer of postwar British theatre. Still active after an astonishing half-century in the industry - he is 80 this year - every major British dramatist of the period has had a production under the Codron banner: Alan Ayckbourn, Alan Bennett, Michael Frayn, Simon Gray, David Hare, Joe Orton, John Mortimer, Harold Pinter and Patrick Marber, to name just a few. Describing himself as 'A man of vulgar taste with an impeccable streak', he has had many hits with lighter entertainment as well as serious plays. Aware of his own homosexuality from an early age, Codron grew up in an era of prejudice and intolerance; his experiences parallel the enormous shifts in metropolitan gay life since the 1950's. In "Putting It On" he talks frankly of the most important relationships of his life, from early flings with older, sophisticated figures like David Hicks to David Sutton, the main love of his life and his business partner for over twenty-five years. Codron's CV reads like a concise history of the post-war stage, and the book examines the sea-changes in the commercial sector and the rise of the subsidised theatre, revealing, too, what it was like working with the greatest actors of our time, including Alec Guiness, John Gielgud, Michael Gambon, Tom Courtenay, Richard Briers, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, Felicity Kendall, Penelope Keith, Julie Waters and Victoria Wood. A fascinating insight into the victorious ups and hair-raising downs of the theatre, "Putting it On" is a testament to an extraordinary career, dramatic in every sense of the word, and unlikely to be parallelled in our time.
The musical comedy Manuel Vs the Statue of Liberty, which played an award-winning, sold-out, extended run at NYMF, will release its concept album this January.
Straight Forward, a new Off-Broadway musical by Billy Aberle and Chris Sabol, will release an EP. Straight Forward will have its premiere this Spring in New York City. Learn more about the show and the album!
Straight Forward, a new Off-Broadway musical by Billy Aberle and Chris Sabol, has released an EP of 5 songs on November 26. Straight Forward will have its premiere this Spring in New York City. Listen to the new EP here.
Patrick Finegan has announced the release of his new novel, Toys in Babylon: A Language App Parody and Whodunnit, a satire and murder mystery. Learn more about the novel here.
Chris R. Weilert has announced the release of his newest book, Deep Thoughts from a Recliner Quarterback, Volume 2. Learn more about the book and how to purchase here!
Get ready for more Wicked music! In an Instagram post, John Powell has confirmed that a score album, featuring instrumental compositions from him and Wicked's Stephen Schwartz, will be released on December 6.
The Moana 2 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is available now. Featuring the music of Grammy® Award winning songwriters Barlow & Bear, listen to Moana 2's songs here.
Newly released listings are previewing the home video release for the Wicked movie, which will arrive in stores in either February or March of 2025. The standard 4K Ultra HD release will include the theatrical version of the film, along with a sing-along edition.
In celebration of Cher's memoir's release (which also happens to feature an audiobook read by Tony winner Stephanie J. Block), we're turning back time for a special multimedia flashback of the acclaimed Broadway show.
BroadwayWorld spoke with Wicked author Gregory Maguire about the upcoming film adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, his new book Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, and much more. Read the full interview here.
David Friedman and Christina Connors released a children's book, WE CAN BE KIND, teaching kindness and empathy through story and song. The book offers a multi-sensory experience for young readers.
Center Stage Records has announced the release of The Sabbath Girl: A New Musical (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording) on all digital platforms, with a CD to be issued in early 2025.
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe latest joint venture, an album titled, 'Together At Home', has hit the #1 spot on the official UK Albums Chart, making it their fourth album to do so.
Rob Rokicki, known for THE LIGHTNING THIEF, announced the digital release of his concept album THE REAL GEMMA JORDAN, featuring a book by Anna K. Jacobs and a cast of Broadway stars. Learn more!
T.3 has released their new holiday EP FaLaLaLonely in streaming and digital formats. A CD edition will be released in December. Learn more about T.3 and their album!
Rufus Wainwright's latest work, Dream Requiem, received its world premiere in Paris this year with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and with Meryl Streep as the narrator. On January 17th 2025, Warner Classics will release the live recording.
Cue the snow and holiday cheer: the Chris, Mrs. - A New Holiday Musical studio album from Boldly Productions is almost here! Listen to the single 'Ready to Try' now!
Reefer Madness: New Los Angeles Cast Recording, featuring the full cast from its 25th Anniversary Los Angeles revival will be released this winter! Three tracks are available now. Listen here!
BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first listen to the track 'Little Saint Nick' from vocal trio T.3. Listen to the track now, and learn more about the EP out this week!
Join the South Street Seaport Museum's free book club to discuss 'Native New Yorkers' by Evan T. Pritchard, focusing on the Lenape's legacy in New York City. Registration encouraged.
YELLOW SOUND LABEL will release of the new album Reefer Madness: New Los Angeles Cast Recording, featuring the full cast from its critically acclaimed 25th Anniversary Los Angeles revival. Check out a first listen of a song from the album here!
GREG PROOPS (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) will release his new comedy album 'PURPLE SHASTA RACCOON' on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15. The album was recorded live at The Punch Line in San Francisco for the third New Year's Eve in a row.
Mauricio Martinez is writing his inspiring autobiography, tentatively titled My First Act. The book, scheduled for worldwide release in late 2025, will be accompanied by a new album that serves as a musical companion.
Musical Theatre Melodies, hosted by Rob Morrison, will mark the 70th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of Fanny by Harold Rome on Tuesday, November 12th featuring the original 1954 Broadway cast recording.
Author Anton S. Sommer has released his latest novel, Modern Times - Double Future, a gripping political thriller set against the backdrop of a not-so-distant future.
Naomi Moon Siegel has released her third album, SHATTER THE GLASS SANCTUARY. The album explores her transition to life in Missoula, Montana. Listen to it now!
David G. Gitkov has invited readers on a journey spanning continents, seas, and decades in A Long, Long Watch: Volume II: The Sea: 1925 to 1946. This remarkable historical biography chronicles Gitkov's relentless pursuit of a life shaped by ambition, adventure, and the pursuit of freedom during some of the 20th century's most turbulent years.
Kelvin Funches has announced the release of his debut children's book, Sprouting Success! Little Tim's Mission. This heartwarming story follows Little Tim, a determined boy who sets out to grow more than just a garden-he sows the seeds of hope, healthy living, and community spirit.
CLUB44 RECORDS has released “Silver Bells” – the new holiday single from celebrated jazz vocal stylist Jane Monheit – on streaming and digital formats. The song, a joyously infectious Latin-inspired take on the seasonal classic, was originally released as a bonus track on last year's vinyl edition of her 2022 album, The Merriest.