Audra McDonald News

The world premiere production of HAMILTON, inspired by the book 'Alexander Hamilton' by Ron Chernow, with book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and directed by Thomas Kail, will run an additional four weeks through Sunday, May 3 with an official press opening last night, February 17 at The Public Theater. BroadwayWorld was there for the opening and you can check out photos from the big night below!

On Friday, February 20 the Palm Beach Opera will present the first world premiere in its 53-year history with Ben Moore's Enemies, A Love Story. Hailed as “one of the most eagerly anticipated premieres of the season” (WQXR), the unprecedented new production is one of several original projects designed to bring opera to a wider audience at the Florida house, which remains one of American opera's most inspirational recent success stories. Highlighting the company's creative audience engagement initiatives, ticket prices have been substantially lowered on more than 600 seats per performance this season, and tickets for family concerts reduced to a single flat fee of just $5, giving an unprecedented level of accessibility to Palm Beach Opera's current offerings.

Broadway veteran Norm Lewis joins Tell The Bartender LIVE for one night only tonight, February 18, 2015. Doors: 7:30 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m.

The Public Theater announced the 2015 Spring Public Forum season, featuring an exciting line-up of one-night-only readings and discussions that connect dramatic literature to society. Continuing its fifth year, the popular Public Forum series presents the theater of ideas: conversations and performances with leading voices in politics, media, and the arts.

The North Carolina Symphony continues its 2014-15 Pops Series on Valentine's Weekend with performances of the romantic classic Casablanca in Raleigh's Meymandi Concert Hall tonight, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. Max Steiner's Oscar-nominated score will be played live by the Symphony, while the film is projected on the giant screen. Constantine Kitsopoulos will conduct.

The School of Theatre at Florida State University presents Ragtime, written by Terrence McNally with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and based on the novel 'Ragtime' by E.L. Doctorow. Ragtime will be directed by Fred Chappell, head of the MFA Directing program at Florida State University. The show features a musical selection as diverse as New York City, from the ragtime rhythms of Harlem to the bold brass band and up-tempo banjo tunes characterizing America at the turn of the century.

Audra McDonald has earned Tonys, Grammys and other accolades for her work on stage and screen. Soon, the multitalented performer will add another accomplishment to her extensive resume.

Broadway veteran Norm Lewis joins Tell The Bartender LIVE for one night only on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Doors: 7:30 p.m. / Show: 8 p.m.

Now the big news we've been waiting for ... Monty Python's SPAMALOT will be the Bowl's official musical of the summer with an all-star cast expected for 3 performances - Friday July 31, Saturday August 1st and Sunday August 2nd. No cast or creative team has yet been announced.

Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: APPLICATION PENDING, opening tonight, showcases Christina Bianco's versatility, JOHN & JEN and ROCKET TO THE MOON begin off-Broadway, BEAUTIFUL starts performances in the West End and more!

Today we are talking to one of Broadway's best baritones all about his accomplished career in musical theatre that began nearly 20 years ago with a memorable turn in MISS SAIGON, the thoughtful and debonair Matt Bogart. In addition to looking back at his arrival on Broadway during the mega-musical era, Bogart also comments on subsequent starring roles in Broadway productions ranging from Elton John and Tim Rice's Tony Award-winning AIDA to Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy's THE CIVIL WAR and far beyond. Additionally, Bogart sheds considerable light on projects he has participated in over the years in regional productions and workshops, including THE BAKER'S WIFE, CAMELOT, ACE and more. Most importantly, Bogart offers the full 411 on this weekend's hotly anticipated evening of music from famous rock concept musical CHESS and clues us in on what we can expect from the starry evening, directed by Scott Coulter. Furthermore, Bogart shares stories from the set of SMASH, outlines some of his favorite musical theatre songs to date and details the process in bringing his previous solo albums to fruition along with JAY Records executive producer John Yap, looking ahead to the release of a brand new release set for later this year. All of that, a thorough analysis of participating in 2500 performances of long-running Tony Award-winning Broadway super smash JERSEY BOYS, appearing in the international broadcast and DVD edition of SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, memories of the legendary 2002 Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration and much, much more!

Artistic Director Mandy Greenfield has announced the Williamstown Theatre Festival's 2015 Season, the 61st Season for the Tony Award-winning theatre company and first under Ms. Greenfield's leadership.

The recipients of the 2015 Martin E. Segal Awards, this year, expanded to encompass nominees from all of Lincoln Center's resident organizations, were announced today by Lincoln Center President Jed Bernstein. The awards will be presented at a special gala evening on the Adrienne Arsht Stage of Alice Tully Hall on March 2.

Three musicals and two plays - along with the return of the 2nd OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN FESTIVAL for lyricists - will comprise the historic BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE's 76th anniversary season in New Hope, Pa. starting in April, it has been announced by the Playhouse's producing team of Tony Award-winning producers, Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman, Stephen Kocis and Josh Fiedler.

In the musical theatre today, it seems the world goes 'round the shows of composer John Kander & lyricist, the late Fred Ebb. On Broadway, one of their final musicals 'The Visit,' starring Chita Rivera with a book by Terrence McNally, begins previews next Month and opens in April.

The winner of the 2015 Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theater was announced earlier this week by the American Academy of Arts and Letters, which administers the Rodgers Awards: String, by Adam Gwon and Sarah Hammond. The show was awarded a Studio Production.

Hosted by Sirius XM Radio Star Seth Rudetsky whom the New York Times dubbed 'The Mayor of Broadway,' this unique series arrives this winter at The Nourse Theater with two concerts scheduled for Megan Hilty tonight, February 7th and Cheyenne Jackson on March 14th.

In this week's edition, we caught up with Julia Udine, who is starring as 'Christine' in The Phantom of the Opera- currently playing at the Majestic Theatre.

Posted in my classroom is a sign that reads, 'You miss one 100% of the shots you don't take.' I love the sports analogy and thinking about the theatre as a sport. Surely the training, athleticism, and grit required on any field are also required (dare I say 'doubly, if not triply') for a career in the theatre.

Today we are celebrating the incredibly accomplished multi-award-winning performer, composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda.