Bessie Smith News

MUSE/IQUE will present THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM, celebrating the Harlem Renaissance with Tony winner Kecia Lewis, Sy Smith, and the MUSE/IQUE Orchestra at The Huntington and Skirball Cultural Center.

Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of Joe Brancato, founding Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director, announced that casting is complete for the New York premiere of Deborah Brevoort’s My Lord, What a Night, which officially kicks off the company’s 49th season.

Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara is continuing its 47th season A Night With Janis Joplin, created and written by Randy Johnson, and starring Tony nominee Mary Bridget Davies in her portrayal of Janis Joplin. Get a first look at production photos!

Florida Studio Theatre has announced that A Night with Janis Joplin, a concert-style celebration of the legendary singer and the artists who inspired her, has been extended again by audience demand.

Florida Studio Theatre's A Night with Janis Joplin, an electrifying concert-style celebration of the legendary singer and the artists who inspired her, has been extended.

THE MUSIC OF US: FROM THEN TO NOW on 3/13 celebrated America's 250 years in music. The trio of phenomenal guest singers - Max Clayton, Nova Payton and Ephraim Sykes brought down the house at the famed venue. Bravo!

Abingdon Theatre Company has announced the cast of an invitation-only reading presentation of the company's first-ever commissioned piece, His Name Was Bobby Short, written by previous Carolyn Halpert Artist-in-Residence Cris Eli Blak.

Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara will present A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at the New Vic Theatre, starring Tony nominee Mary Bridget Davies. The music-driven production explores the life and influences of Janis Joplin.

Florida Studio Theatre will present the Tony-nominated musical A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN starting March 11. The production promises a vibrant tribute to the iconic singer with a powerful performance by its lead.

Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for February 2026 include Mrs. Doubtfire and more.

Penguin Rep Theatre will present a 29-hour reading of the new musical Take Me America on February 13, 2026, at Studios 353 in New York City. The work features a book and lyrics by Bill Nabel and music and additional lyrics by Neil Berg.

SFJAZZ will present a diverse lineup of jazz performances in February 2026, featuring renowned artists and ensembles. The month-long event will take place at the iconic SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco.

Hattiloo Theatre will present its first African performance with the musical BLUES IN THE NIGHT at Johannesburg's Market Theatre from February 5-22, 2026.

Tony Award winner and original Dreamgirls star Jennifer Holliday brought the house down at 54 Below with a powerful performance of “I Am Changing,” the signature anthem she made famous on Broadway.

Here are a few top picks to consider this week including understudies and standbys from current hit Broadway shows, a reconstruction of a rare early Broadway show presented by renouned writer and linguist John McWhorter and more.

Opera Memphis has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant as part of the America250 initiative. The funding will support two performances honoring American cultural figures during the company’s 2025–2026 season.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: A New Orleans Gumbo, the new  musical conceived and written by Tony Award winner Jack Viertel, is head to Broadway! Learn more here.

Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of Joe Brancato, founding Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director, presents the world premiere of Flawless, a new play by John J. Wooten, Friday, September 26 through Sunday, October 19 in Stony Point, New York.

The full cast has been revealed for A Night with Janis Joplin, starring and co-directed by Mary Bridget Davies, which runs at Bell Theater. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Catherine Russell leads the Jazz Hounds band on a trip through jazz history. This 9/3 show celebrated the release of her new album with Colin Hancock and the Jazz Hounds featuring older gems from jazz history.