Barbara Whitman News

Is the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee returning to New York City? A mysterious new website and social media account are teasing a potential new production of thr Tony-winning musical.

Denver Center Theatre Company has announced the 2025/26 season for the regional producing theatre arm of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation revealed the recipient and four finalists for the 2025 Barbara Whitman Award. Learn more about the award here!

NYU's Tisch New Theatre will present Fun Home Off-Broadway at the American Theatre of Actors from April 26th to May 4th, 2025. Welcome to the Fun Home, and be sure to wipe your shoes at the door.

Producers Grove Entertainment (Beth Williams, Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman and Alan Cumming have announced that the new musical Ceilidh, based on one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved customs, will make its North American premiere in Baltimore, MD this fall.

 Spotlight Repertory Theatre will present Next to Normal, the musical that redefined contemporary theatre, directed by Jacques Stewart. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.

Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, revealed applications for the fourth year of The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program for early career designers, founded by Boritt and a group of Broadway designers, are now open for the 2025 cycle.

 The Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School Drama Society, in ongoing partnership with Black Box Studios, will present THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE this December.

Tectonic Theater Project's annual gala A Tectonic Cabaret will take place at Current (Pier 59 Chelsea Piers) starting with a 6:30 PM cocktail hour and performances beginning at 7:30 PM.

Liz Diamond, Jonathan Parker, and Barbara Whitman have been announced as new members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) Board of Trustees, bringing their extensive experience to the organization.

The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program founded by Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, has selected third round of nine early-career designer recipients to benefit from $150,000 in grants.

In an all new panel discussion, cast and creative team members talked about Next to Normal, which is now in production at Barrington Stage. The panel delves into the themes of mental health and family dynamics presented in Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt’s musical. Check out the video here!

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts revealed the complete cast and creative team for the Broadway Center Stage production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. See who is starring!

We spoke to Natalie Joy Johnson, most recently seen on Broadway in Lempicka about starring in Barrington Stage's Next to Normal, directed by  Artistic Director Alan Paul, in a co-production with Round House Theatre in Washington, DC. 

Check out production photos for Next to Normal at Barrington Stage Company starring Natalie Joy Johnson, Alan H. Green, and more here!

Celebrate the 15th anniversary of NEXT TO NORMAL with a newly remixed and remastered Original Broadway Cast Recording, featuring updates from composer and album co-producer Tom Kitt. Listen now!

Next to Normal (Original Broadway Cast Recording) [15th Anniversary Edition], will be released in streaming and digital formats on Friday, August 9.

Go inside rehearsals for Barrington Stage's Next to Normal directed by  Artistic Director Alan Paul (August 13-September 8), in a co-production with Round House Theatre in Washington, DC. The production stars Natalie Joy Johnson, most recently seen on Broadway in Lempicka.

The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation revealed the recipients of the inaugural Abe Burrows Award for Assistant Directors, recognizing emerging talent in the field of stage direction. Learn more about the recipients.

Discover the exciting lineup at 54 BELOW next week, featuring a variety of performances from Broadway stars and up-and-coming talents. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.