David Newman

National Philharmonic Announces 2022-2023 Season

National Philharmonic has announced its 2022-2023 season, which includes eight classical programs conducted by Music Director Piotr Gajewski and two by Chorale Artistic Director Stan Engebretson; two pops shows led by Principal Pops Conductor Luke Frazier; and a piano recital.

BWW Interview: So Now You Know With Katy Grenfell

'A good anecdote should always be shared, because it's interesting!' said Sardi's Roundable Hostess and Producer Randie Levine-Miller. I read some really wonderful behind-the-sceens anecdotes on Broadway Actress Katy Grenfell's private Facebook page about a week ago where she lifted the curtain on her experiences in the 1997 Broadway show THE LIFE.

Photos: Billy Porter-Helmed THE LIFE Concludes Performances at Encores!

Just last night, New York City Center Encores! wrapped up The Life, directed and adapted by Billy Porter. The production starred Jelani Alladin as Lou, Alexandra Grey as Queen, Antwayn Hopper as Memphis, Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore as Young JoJo, Grammy Award winner Ledisi as Sonja, Erika Olson as Mary, Destan Owens as Old Jojo, and Ken Robinson as Fleetwood. Check out photos from inside closing night.

Sunday Morning Michael Dale: Baldwin Debates Buckley, The Brontës Rock Out and Billy Porter Revises The Life

Debate: Baldwin vs Buckley is an extraordinary recreation of A 1965 televised debate, Glass Town is a fun rock concert with a Bronte band, The Life gets reworked for Encores! and an O'Neill drama involving Andrew Jackson may be seen differently today.

Review Roundup: THE LIFE at City Center Encores!

The Life, directed and adapted by Billy Porter, began performances at City Center Encores! last night, March 16 and will run through March 20, 2022. The production stars Jelani Alladin as Lou, Alexandra Grey as Queen, Antwayn Hopper as Memphis, Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore as Young JoJo, Grammy Award winner Ledisi as Sonja, and more.

Photos: First Look at Encores! THE LIFE, Directed by Billy Porter

The Life, directed and adapted by Billy Porter, is now in performances at City Center Encores!. The production stars Jelani Alladin as Lou, Alexandra Grey as Queen, Antwayn Hopper as Memphis, Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore as Young JoJo, Grammy Award winner Ledisi as Sonja, Erika Olson as Mary, Destan Owens as Old Jojo, and Ken Robinson as Fleetwood. Performances run through March 20, 2022.

Video: First Look at THE LIFE Directed by Billy Porter at City Center Encores!

The production includes Jelani Alladin as Lou, Alexandra Grey as Queen, Antwayn Hopper as Memphis, Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore as Young JoJo, Grammy Award winner Ledisi as Sonja, Erika Olson as Mary, Destan Owens as Old Jojo, and Ken Robinson as Fleetwood.

San Diego Symphony Announces 2022 Season at The Rady Shell

 The San Diego Symphony announced today its 2022 Conrad Prebys Summer Season of concerts at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the orchestra’s new, captivating waterfront venue that opened August 2021.

VIDEO: Sneak Peek of Encores! THE LIFE in Rehearsals

The Life, directed and adapted by Billy Porter, is getting ready to begin performances at City Center Encores! this week. The production stars Jelani Alladin as Lou, Alexandra Grey as Queen, Antwayn Hopper as Memphis, Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore as Young JoJo, Grammy Award winner Ledisi as Sonja, Erika Olson as Mary, Destan Owens as Old Jojo, and Ken Robinson as Fleetwood. Performances run March 16-20, 2022.

Full Cast Announced For THE LIFE Directed by Billy Porter at City Center Encores!

The production includes Jelani Alladin as Lou, Alexandra Grey as Queen, Antwayn Hopper as Memphis, Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore as Young JoJo, Grammy Award winner Ledisi as Sonja, Erika Olson as Mary, Destan Owens as Old Jojo, and Ken Robinson as Fleetwood.

VIDEO: Sneak Peek of Encores! THE LIFE in Rehearsals

The Life, directed and adapted by Billy Porter, is getting ready to begin performances at City Center Encores! this week. The production stars Jelani Alladin as Lou, Alexandra Grey as Queen, Antwayn Hopper as Memphis, Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore as Young JoJo, Grammy Award winner Ledisi as Sonja, Erika Olson as Mary, Destan Owens as Old Jojo, and Ken Robinson as Fleetwood. Performances run March 16-20, 2022.

VIDEO: Watch a Costume Featurette From WEST SIDE STORY Featuring Paul Tazewell

A Costume Featurette from Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” featuring 2022 Critics Choice Nominee and Tony Award® and Emmy Award® winning costume designer, Paul Tazewell, has been released.

VIDEO: Ariana DeBose Talks Audra McDonald & WEST SIDE STORY on THE LATE LATE SHOW

Ariana DeBose appeared on the Late Late Show With James Corden to discuss her Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award-nominated performance in West Side Story. In the interview, DeBose discusses Audra McDonald stopping her in the airport after finding out about her award nominations. Watch the segment, also featuring RuPaul, now!

VIDEO: Steven Spielberg Talks Mike Faist as Riff In WEST SIDE STORY

Steven Spielberg spoke on casting Mike First as Riff in this new adaption of West Side Story in the new 'Steven on Mike' featurette. The film also stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, David Alvarez, Ariana DeBose, Rita Moreno, Brian D'Arcy James, and more.

VIDEO: Watch the 'Celebrate Tonight' WEST SIDE STORY Teaser

A new teaser for West Side Story has been released! The 'Celebrate Tonight' trailer features new footage of Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, Josh Andrés Rivera, and David Alvarez in the new film. Watch the new teaser now!

VIDEO: Watch Ariana DeBose Perform 'America' in New WEST SIDE STORY Clip

A new clip of Ariana DeBose performing 'America' in West Side Story has been released! The the new video also features DeBose and David Alvarez discussing the meaning behind the song. West Side story also stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno, Brian D'Arcy James, and more.

VIDEO: Rita Moreno & Ariana DeBose Talk Anita on NBC NIGHTLY NEWS

Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose sat down with Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News to discuss Steven Spielberg's new West Side Story film. The discuss playing the role of Anita, the differences between their interpretations, and the impact that the film has on the Latin community.

VIDEO: Steven Spielberg Talks David Alvarez as Bernardo in WEST SIDE STORY

In a new West Side Story featurette, Steven Spielberg speaks on casting David Alvarez as Bernardo. 'West Side Story' tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. The cast also includes Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, and Rita Moreno.

VIDEO: Ariana DeBose Talks WEST SIDE STORY Audition on DREW BARRYMORE SHOW

Ariana DeBose sat down with Drey Barrymore to discuss her emotional audition process for Steven Spielberg's upcoming West Side Story scene. In the interview, she also spoke about filming 'America' and her conversations Rita Moreno on set.

VIDEO: Spielberg Talks Rita Moreno in WEST SIDE STORY Featurette

In a new West Side Story feaurette, Steven Spielberg discussed casting the original flim's Anita, Rita Moreno, in a new role and the impact that she had on the new film. Watch the 'Steven on Rita' featurette, which also features new film and rehearsal footage of Moreno in action alongside Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, Rachel Zegler, and more, now!