Ben Vereen News

Jerad Bortz and Steven Skeels today announced that THANKFUL: A Benefit Album for Jerad Bortz will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, October 23 on iTunes. The album will officially be released on Friday, November 27. The featured vocalists on THANKFUL include Annaleigh Ashford, Shoshana Bean, Stephanie J. Block, and more.

While Broadway remains shut down, BroadwayWorld is keeping up with your favorite stars and giving you a peek at what they have been up to! Check out yesterday's highlights from some of your favorites, including Beth Leavel, Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit, and more!

Tony and Emmy award- winner Billy Porter, Emmy nominee Tituss Burgess, Tony- winner George Faison, Emmy nominee Brandon Victor Dixon and over 90 talented Black men of the Theatre & Broadway community join founder Anthony Wayne and the non-profit organization Black Broadway Men to celebrate Tony award winner and TV/film legend Mr. Ben Vereen for his 74th birthday. 

For anyone who missed the August 31st Zoom debut of the video, a?oeThe Theatre Will Survivea?? (Lyrics: Michael Colby/Music & Orchestrations: Ned Paul Ginsburg) you can now enjoy it on Vimeo, along with a talk back with many of the stars who contributed their talents to the video, all of which benefits The Actors Fund.

Theatre director and social justice activist, Schele Williams, has written a new book for young readers on the history of enslavement.

Porchlight Music Theatre held PorchlightPalooza, a three-day virtual festival Friday, Aug. 21 - Sunday, Aug. 23,  in lieu of its cancelled March 23 ICONS GALA.

Broadway composer/lyricist/author/musical director/vocal arranger/dance arranger/orchestrator/accompanist, best known for composing The Tornado, and Emerald City Ballet in the Broadway hit 'The Wiz,' Timothy Graphenreed, passed away March 1, 2020, at Mt. Sinai at the age of 68.

Tune in today, September 2 (4pm ET) to watch the next episode right here at BroadwayWorld or on Facebook Live. This week's special guest is director Schele Williams!

Just announced: Tony Award winner Ben Vereen will join many of Broadway's greatest voices live at MetropolitanZOOM on Monday, August 31st at 7pm as they celebrate the premiere of the original  music video,  a?oeThe Theatre Will Survivea?? (Lyrics Michael Colby/Music & Orchestrations Ned Paul Ginsburg). 

BroadwayWorld is saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Vereen Jr., the son of Tony-winning actor Ben Vereen.

This summer, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Broadway Theatre Project moved its musical theatre intensive to the virtual landscape.

Founded by three Texas natives, Bridge Arts Project is a training and mentorship program that cultivates the potential of emerging artists nationwide. BAP inspires creativity across all artistic media by providing exceptional individuals access to top industry professionals.

This week's episode of Manoa Valley Theatre's live streaming video series called MVT Live, features Hawaii born and Tony Award winning actress Leilani Jones Wilmore, discussing her background in theatre, what led her to the roles she has played and what's new in the world of entertainment.

Gerard West Media announced today that a fifteenth anniversary edition of Steven Sorrentino's Luncheonette: A Memoir-featuring a new author's note, photos and more-is now available in paperback and eBook formats from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The 22nd annual and first ever Broadway Barks streaming event aptly titled, Broadway Barks Across America debuts tonight, Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. EDT. The streamed event, hosted by co-founder, Bernadette Peters will feature adoptable animals presented by celebrities from across the country.

Since Jim Henson first burst onto the scene over six decades ago, Muppets have taken center stage in pop culture, appearing on film, television, and beyond. From the kid-centric Sesame Street to the universally loved The Muppets Show, the furry (and felty) creatures have often used music to entertain the masses, and many times, called upon the stars of Broadway to help!

Orlando Repertory Theatre has announced a one-night-only opportunity to attend a musical theatre Broadway Masterclass for Adults with Michael James Scott. This event will take place on Wednesday, July 29th from 5pm-9pm at Orlando REP. Tuition is $175, and spots are very limited. Attendees must be over 18.

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce that Richard Kind will host this year's 29th Annual Summer Gala, A Starry Night, which will be streamed online on baystreet.org and other live stream platforms on Wednesday, July 22, at 8 p.m., with a red carpet preshow beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Due to popular demand, Orlando Repertory Theatre (Orlando REP) has added a fourth session of Michael James Scott's Broadway Challenge!  The initial workshop filled up within one day of going on sale, as well as three additional sessions, due to waitlist sign-ups. The final added dates for the fourth two-day intensive are July 30-31. 

Last night, Care For the Homeless raised essential funds during Virtual Vereen & Friends, an online benefit to honor CFH healthcare and shelter heroes that provide care for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness every day.