Barnes News

Good morning, BroadwayWorld! We'd like to wish a happy first performance to Hannah Corneau who is making her Broadway debut in the role of Elphaba in Wicked, beginning tonight! Break a leg, Hannah!

After considering hundreds of live stage productions, concerts, and art exhibitions in Austin between the dates of May 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019, members of the Austin Critics Table have announced their nominees for outstanding dance, classical music, visual art, and theatre with the nominees for the 2019 Critics Table Awards.

Classic 107.3, “The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis”, announced today that founding Station Manager Jim Connett will retire effective June 14, 2019.

This year's Stars in the Alley concert was held on May 10. Hosted by Alex Brightman, the celebration included performances and appearances by 2019 Tony Award-nominated performers including: Caitlin Kinnunen (The Prom), Sarah Stiles (Tootsie), as well as performances from 2019 Tony Award-nominated musicals including: Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations; Beetlejuice; Hadestown; Kiss Me, Kate; Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!; The Prom; and Tootsie.

MCC Theater announces the extension of the New York Premiere production of BLKS, written by Aziza Barnes, and directed by Robert O'Hara. Previously scheduled for a limited run through May 26, BLKS will now play through Sunday, June 2 at the The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space

Author Paul Orwell's new book 'Total Sh*t Donald Trump' (ISBN: 978-1733807302; ppb; Oceania Press) released today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and many other platforms, makes the case that the president is, in a sense, 'the physical embodiment of our nation's collective excrement' and that 'we citizens have a duty to flush it, not just shovel it.'

The 23rd Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is excited to announce their distinctive 2019 lineup of narrative features, documentaries and short films in competition. Films are set to screen in Miami from June 13-15 at the Regal Cinemas South Beach and the New World Center.

MCC Theater's New York Premiere production of BLKS, written by Aziza Barnes, and directed by Robert O'Hara opened just last night, May 9, in the Newman Mills Theater at The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space (511 West 52nd Street).

The West End production of The Twilight Zone, currently running at the Ambassadors Theatre, continues to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original and iconic CBS television series by Rod Serling with a series of special post-show Q&A's.

The 23rd annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), taking place in Miami June 12-16, continues to deliver on their promise to showcase some of today's hottest talent and provide a platform for emerging artists. This year's lineup will include conversations, screenings and panels with diverse and inspiring filmmakers, icons and industry executives, presented by some of the most innovative brands in entertainment.

Tickets are now on-sale for the New York Premiere of the new musical comedy BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER, opening Off-Broadway this summer at Greenwich House Theater (27 Barrow Street). The follow-up to his viral smash hit Be More Chill which made its Broadway bow this spring, BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER features music and lyrics by two-time Drama Desk Award nominee Joe Iconis ('Smash', The Black Suits, Bloodsong of Love at Ars Nova), who also co-wrote the book with Lance Rubin (Denton Little's Deathdate), and Jason SweetTooth Williams (Be More Chill). Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner (The Book of Mormon Supervising Associate Director), BROADWAY BOUNTY HUNTER begins previews Tuesday, July 9, 2019, with an official opening night of Tuesday, July 23, for a limited engagement of ten weeks through Sunday, September 15.

1969 marked a year that was full of both trepidation and excitement for Stax Records. Just one year before, the Memphis soul outlet ended its relationship with musical giant Atlantic Records, effectively leaving the label as an independent entity, without a music catalog (which had previously included a formidable collection of hits by Otis Redding, Carla Thomas and Sam & Dave, among others). Under the guidance of co-owner Al Bell, the label proceeded to rebuild and release an impressive collection of 27 albums and 30 singles in just a handful of months—a period known as “Soul Explosion.” The gamble paid off, and at the 1969 Stax sales summit—themed “Getting It All Together”—the label reaffirmed its place as a soul powerhouse. Craft Recordings celebrates the 50th anniversary of this prolific, make-or-break moment for Stax—and its enduring legacy—with a wide selection of physical and digital reissues. Additionally, Craft will pay tribute to the label throughout the year with a series of playlists, original content, contests and more.

The Pittsburgh CLO Guild is proud to announce that The Kobus Family (Christine, Tom, and their daughters, Christy and Diana) will be honored with the CLOE Award for Community Service at the 64th Annual Pittsburgh CLO Guild Gala on June 1 at the Rivers Casino Event Center. The CLOE award was established in 2011 to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to our community. 

Broadway's Los Angeles love story PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will launch its North American Tour in Providence, Rhode Island in October 2020, at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago's home for close-up magic, continues its Artist-In-Residence series with Sean Masterson's Timeless Magic, Wednesdays at 7:30pm starting June 26, 2019. Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge shows are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com.

When famed Victorian explorer Melford Pumbleshire is torn to pieces by something horrible and unseen while on safari in deepest, darkest Africa, his redoubtable fiance Euphonia Riggstone must lead an expedition to put his unquiet spirit to rest. This globetrotting adventure comedy has romance, betrayal, an amnesiac ghost, perfidious cultists, and a Lovecraftian tentacle monster. Part of the Main Stage Series.

Just last night, Second Stage Theater celebrated its 40th Birthday Gala with a special concert performance last night, May 6 at Hammerstein Ballroom, headlined by Emmy and Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth.