Andrew Samonsky News

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'The Wiz Live!' has arrived, as have the casts of three tours to the Loop. 'Bridges' is in Iowa, though. The Marriott takes on 'Spring Awakening,' and the Piccolo Theatre, Congo Square and Theo Ubique do December in their own ways. The Second City opens another revue, and in Milwaukee, 'My Fair Lady!'

Stars Elizabeth Stanley and Andrew Samonsky visit the novel's romantic setting.

The national tour of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, launches in Des Moines, IA at the Des Moines Performing Arts Civic Center, officially opening tonight, December 1st.

The first national tour of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY opens at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre on December 10, 2015, and playing through January 17, 2016. (Previews on December 8 and 9.)

The national tour of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, launches in Des Moines, IA at the Des Moines Performing Arts Civic Center with performances beginning today, November 28th and an official opening on Tuesday, December 1st.

Highlights from this week include MISERY opens on Broadway, BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY gets ready to hit the road, THE WIZ LIVE gets ready to hit TV screens, LAURA BENANTI ties the knot and SO much more!

Below, check out photo coverage from the National Tour Media Day for the production, held yesterday at New York City's New 42nd Street Studios!

Below, check out photo coverage from the National Tour Media Day for the production, held yesterday at New York City's New 42nd Street Studios!

It's not long until the launch of the first national tour of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, led by Elizabeth Stanley (On the Town, Million Dollar Quartet) as Francesca and Andrew Samonsky (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, South Pacific) as Robert. Joining them are Cullen R. Titmas (The Last Ship, Avenue Q) as Bud,Mary Callanan(Mamma Mia!, Annie) as Marge, David Hess (Sweeney Todd, Annie Get Your Gun) as Charlie, Dave Thomas Brown(The Legend of Georgia McBride, Heathers) as Michael, Caitlin Houlahan (Parade at Lincoln Center) as Carolyn andKatie Klaus (The Bridges of Madison County Original Broadway Cast Member, Bonnie & Clyde) as Marian/Chiara/State Fair Singer.

Stage vets Elizabeth Stanley and Andrew Samonsky lead the national tour of Jason Robert Brown's much-loved, short-lived musical THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY.  Check out the photo shoot below!

Musical Theatre Factory in association with The Chelsea Symphony presented a gala concert event 'Get Yourself Some New Orchestrations,' the launch of an exciting new series which pairs emergent musical theatre writers with Broadway orchestrators to commission stunning new orchestrations of their shows. 'New Orchestrations,' took place at Merkin Concert Hall (129 W 67th St) on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 8PM. BroadwayWorld has photos from the red carpet below!

Musical Theatre Factory in association with The Chelsea Symphony will present the gala concert event "Get Yourself Some New Orchestrations," the launch of an exciting new series which pairs emergent musical theatre writers with Broadway orchestrators to commission stunning new orchestrations of their shows.

Still not over the cast of FUN HOME's Halloween Costumes? Still trying to win the #Ham4Ham lottery? Didn't have time to check in on your favorite Broadway stars? Well don't worry BroadwayWorld has rounded up some of the biggest stories from this week from Broadway and beyond with BroadwayWorld's 'This Week in Pictures.'

It's not long until the launch of the first national tour of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, led by Elizabeth Stanley (On the Town, Million Dollar Quartet) as Francesca and Andrew Samonsky (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, South Pacific) as Robert. Joining them are Cullen R. Titmas (The Last Ship, Avenue Q) as Bud,Mary Callanan (Mamma Mia!, Annie) as Marge, David Hess (Sweeney Todd, Annie Get Your Gun) as Charlie, Dave Thomas Brown (The Legend of Georgia McBride, Heathers) as Michael, Caitlin Houlahan (Parade at Lincoln Center) as Carolyn and Katie Klaus (The Bridges of Madison County Original Broadway Cast Member, Bonnie & Clyde) as Marian/Chiara/State Fair Singer.

The new concert series curated by the renowned Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, conductor, and director, Jason Robert Brown, concludes its run tonight, November 2nd, at SubCulture. Each unique performance incorporates an eclectic mix of material, featuring music from throughout his acclaimed career, along with new works in development. Tonight's performances will feature BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY stars Elizabeth Stanley and Andrew Samonsky, as well as Rozz Morehead.

Musical Theatre Factory, in association with The Chelsea Symphony, has just announced the lineup for its gala concert event GET YOURSELF SOME NEW ORCHESTRATIONS, the launch of an exciting new series which pairs emergent musical theatre writers with Broadway orchestrators to commission stunning new orchestrations of their shows.

The full cast is set for the first national tour of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, opening at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre on December 10, 2015, and playing through January 17, 2016. (Previews on December 8 and 9.)

Full casting has been announced for the first national tour of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. Joining the previous announced Elizabeth Stanley (On the Town, Million Dollar Quartet) as Francesca and Andrew Samonsky (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, South Pacific) as Robert are Cullen R. Titmas (The Last Ship, Avenue Q) as Bud, Mary Callanan (Mamma Mia!, Annie) as Marge,  David Hess (Sweeney Todd, Annie Get Your Gun) as Charlie, Dave Thomas Brown (The Legend of Georgia McBride, Heathers) as Michael, Caitlin Houlahan (Parade at Lincoln Center) as Carolyn  and Katie Klaus (The Bridges of Madison County Original Broadway Cast Member,  Bonnie & Clyde) as Marian/Chiara/State Fair Singer. The ensemble comprises Cole Burden (Les Miserables), Caitlyn Caughell (Newsies), Brad Greer (I Am Harvey Milk at Lincoln Center), Lucy Horton (Cats), Amy Linden (Cheer Wars), Trista Moldovan (The Phantom of the Opera), Jessica Sheridan (Sister Act), Matt Stokes (Jesus Christ Superstar), Tom Treadwell (Annie) and Bryan Welnicki (Peter and the Starcatcher). THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY company will soon head into rehearsals in New York in preparation for the tour launch at the Des Moines Civic Center November 28 - December 5.

Des Moines Performing Arts, in partnership with THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY national tour and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, just welcomed Elizabeth Stanley and Andrew Samonsky, who will star as Francesca Johnson and Robert Kincaid in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY's upcoming national tour. The duo performed selections from the musical at the 46th Annual Madison County Covered Bridge Festival in Winterset, Iowa. THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, is famously set in Iowa and will launch its national tour at the Des Moines Civic Center November 28 - December 5. Go behind the scenes of the special day below!

A taste of his performance from earlier this year in the musical's U.S. premiere production.