Anika Noni Rose News

Broadway alum Anika Noni Rose and her production company Roaring Virgin Productions have optioned TV and film rights to Daniel José Older's bestselling YA fantasy series, SHADOWSHAPER.

Opening Act, which for more than a decade has provided free after-school theater programming to New York City's most underserved public high schools, announced today that Jasmine Cephas Jones (Hamilton), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), and Tom Pelphrey (Iron Fist), have joined the cast of Opening Act's 11th Annual Benefit Play Reading at New World Stages on April 25th, 2017.

Anika Noni Rose has signed on for the upcoming thriller ASSASSINATION NATION. Abra and Suki Waterhouse, Odessa Young and Hari Nef round out the cast. Sam Levinson will direct from his own screenplay.

Spring is here! Why doesn't my heart go dancing? Well, Mr. Lorenz Hart, personally, we are too damn busy with creating the magic of live theater: We're directing a show (Daddy's Dyin'…Who's Got the Will? opens next week - April 20 - at The Larry Keeton Theatre in Donelson, thank you very much) and trying to make it out to see as much theater in Nashville as possible before old age takes its toll - it's tough out there for a theater critic!

Nicola Yoon's bestselling book, 'Everything, Everything' is set for film release on May 19th.

Opening Act, which for more than a decade has provided free after-school theater programming to New York City's most under-served public high schools, announced today that Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Christopher Jackson (Hamilton), and Auli'i Cravalho (Moana) will headline a night of performance and song for Opening Act's 11th Annual Benefit Play Reading at New World Stages on April 25th, 2017.

Jackie Welch, Tamiko Robinson Steele and Lauren Frances Jones together onstage are like the royalty of Nashville theater: three formidable actresses who bring a wealth of experience to any role they play as individuals. Yet, collectively, the three women are more than mere forces of nature, they are nature itself, their remarkable talents combining to create a theatrical experience that will long be remembered, venerated and discussed among those people fortunate enough to see them in Nashville Repertory Theatre's stunning production of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.

After 25 years at the helm, Carey Perloff, artistic director at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), announced today that she will be departing the Bay Area's premier nonprofit theater organization following the conclusion of the 2017-18 season.

Tony Award-winning Lea Salonga brings her powerful voice to Pepperdine University's Smothers Theatre at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.

???????Lea Salonga has thrilled audiences worldwide as a Disney princess - Jasmine (Aladdin) and Mulan (Mulan and Mulan II) in the Disney animated classics, and has toured in the title role of the enchanting rags-to-riches fairy tale Cinderella. On stage, she has starred on Broadway in Les Miserables and created the role of Kim in Miss Saigon - for which she won a Tony Award.

Due to demand, SubCulture artist-in-residence Jason Robert Brown will welcome Steven Pasquale for a second show this weekend. The star of Brown's The Bridges of Madison County will join him in concert on Saturday, March 18 at 8 p.m. (sold out) and now 10 p.m. Click here for tickets!

The upcoming Theatre Under The Stars production of DREAMGIRLS comes to life with spectacular scenic and costume design. As previously announced, Kevin Depinet, will be returning to TUTS as Scenic Designer for the theatre's upcoming production of DREAMGIRLS. Depinet also acted a Scenic Designer for TUTS' acclaimed production of INTO THE WOODS in December of 2016.

The upcoming Theatre Under The Stars production of DREAMGIRLS comes to life with spectacular scenic and costume design. As previously announced, Kevin Depinet, will be returning to TUTS as Scenic Designer for the theatre's upcoming production of DREAMGIRLS. Depinet also acted a Scenic Designer for TUTS' acclaimed production of INTO THE WOODS in December of 2016.

Set your clocks and pop your popcorn... the Oscars are just TWO days away! While the annual salute to Hollywood's best and brightest has never been as 'full-on Broadway' as, say, that other theatrical celebration typically held in June, we can't deny that recent ceremonies have contained a bit more theatrical glitz than not, thanks in no small part to the rising popularity of the movie musical.  With Lin-Manuel Miranda among the roster of nominees, and Pasek and Paul's global phenom LA LA LAND poised to take home Oscar gold, there's no doubt that trend will continue throughout this Sunday's ceremony. (And trust me, we Broadway buffs couldn't be happier!)  So, to celebrate… we've compiled a list of the most prominent 'Broadway-fied' Oscar moments of the last decade, featuring Tony winners, big Broadway numbers, and a whole lotta that aforementioned flash. Take a walk down memory lane, and relive these seven glorious moments went Oscar 'went Broadway.' 

???????Drama Desk Award-winner, Lisa Howard will be performing as part of the Broadway Spotlight II concert scheduled for Monday, March 6 at Ocean State Theatre in Warwick.

The winners of the "48th NAACP Image Awards" in the non-televised categories were announced during a gala dinner celebration that took place Friday, February 10, 2017, at the Pasadena Conference Center - the event was hosted by Erica Ash and Deon Cole.

Disney princess Lea Salonga has thrilled audiences worldwide as Jasmine (Aladdin) and Mulan (Mulan and Mulan II) in the Disney animated classics, and has toured in the title role of the enchanting rags-to-riches fairy tale Cinderella. On stage, she has starred on Broadway in Les Miserables and created the role of Kim in Miss Saigon.  The Ridgefield Playhouse and Ridgefield Magazine Broadway and Cabaret Series presents the Tony Award winner in a magical concert of hits that you know and love on Sunday, April 2 at 8 p.m.  Praised around the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch, Lea Salonga is a singer and actress who is best known for her Tony Award-winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards in the field of musical theatre. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Miserables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival.  This spectacular evening is partially underwritten by Adam Broderick Salon and Spa with media sponsor CPBN - Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network.

Theatre Forward and UBS will host the 14th Annual Broadway Roundtable today, February 3 at UBS (1285 Avenue of the Americas) from 12:00pm - 2:00pm.

Following a sold-out engagement in 2015, Tony and Olivier Award-winning star and recording artist Lea Salonga returns to Feinstein's at the Nikko. Salonga smartly weaves together a set list of her favorite standards, go-to pop tunes, and Broadway ballads. This trio of piano, guitar, and voice ensures an intimate experience with a true Broadway icon.

Theatre Forward and UBS will host the 14th Annual Broadway Roundtable on Friday, February 3 at UBS (1285 Avenue of the Americas) from 12:00pm - 2:00pm.