Arthur Laurents News

Need a great book to spring into the new season? This spring, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 16 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Spring 2026 reading list.

National Youth Music Theatre announced its 50th anniversary summer season in Birmingham, including a large-scale production of WEST SIDE STORY at Birmingham Hippodrome, new musicals, and workshops following a record year of over 1,300 auditions.

The Gateway Playhouse is bringing one of the most iconic musicals of all time back to the Bellport stage this spring. WEST SIDE STORY, the groundbreaking reimagining of Romeo and Juliet set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, runs May 8 through May 31, 2026.

Musicals and plays based on movies? Many. Based on books? Also plentiful. Based on true stories? Of course. But musicals and plays based on or inspired by magazine articles? These are a rare breed. One recently opened on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre.

Paper Mill Playhouse has revealed the complete cast and the creative team for West Side Story, the final production of Paper Mill’s 2025-2026 season, including Noah Henry, Sarah-Anne Martinez making their Paper Mill debuts.

Theatre Tulsa invites audiences to experience one of the greatest musicals ever written as Gypsy takes the stage at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center April 24 through May 3. 

George Street Playhouse announced performers for its 2026 Gala Benefit, featuring Victoria Clark, Norm Lewis, Tony Yazbeck, Rashidra Scott, and Lea DeLaria, with honors for Emily Mann and two arts advocacy recipients.

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra will bring one of Broadway's most iconic musicals to life with a fully staged production of West Side Story at Miller Auditorium. Learn more here!

Opera House Theatre Company announced the full cast for its summer production of Gypsy, running June 18-28 at Thalian Hall, starring NaTasha Yvette Williams.

The San Francisco Symphony has revealed four upcoming performances as part of the 2026 Summer with the Symphony season, including a concert featuring Sutton Foster and Kelli O'Hara, plus more.

David Gersten, Vice-President of ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers (IATSE Local 18032), died on Monday, April 6 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Skylight Music Theatre announced its 67th season, featuring a lineup that underscores the transformative power of music theatre. The season promises to engage audiences with daring characters and compelling stories, set to iconic music. This milestone season reflects the theatre's commitment to bold artistic vision and community engagement, continuing its legacy as a pivotal cultural institution.

Second Street Players will hold auditions for the classic musical GYPSY at the Riverfront Theatre in Milford, DE. Opportunities are available for various roles across age groups, with sessions scheduled for April 10 and 11.

George Street Playhouse's 2026 Gala Benefit will honor Thomas M. Gorrie, Ph.D. with the prestigious Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award. The event will feature a champagne reception and dinner at Stage Left/Catherine Lombardi.

Diamond Head Theatre stages the Tony-winning musical WEST SIDE STORY, exploring themes of love and conflict in 1950s New York, from March 13 to April 5, 2026.

George Street Playhouse's 2026 Gala Benefit will honor Roberto Muñiz, President and CEO of Parker Health Group, with the prestigious Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award.

Washington National Opera has revealed new venues and dates for its production of Bernstein's West Side Story, which will star Ryan McCartan and Shereen Pimentel.

Trustees of the Laurents / Hatcher Foundation revealed that Feast!, a new play by acclaimed playwright Calamity West, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Laurents / Hatcher Award.

George Street Playhouse's 2026 Gala Benefit will honor Emily Mann, playwright and former Artistic Director of McCarter Theatre Center, with the Arthur Laurents Award for Distinguished Artistic Achievement.

The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company has announced that their rights to the musical Do I Have a Waltz? have been revoked and the company will no longer be presenting the production.