Bessie Smith News

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.

This is the last chance to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Columbus Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

We're in the final weeks to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Columbus Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

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.

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Columbus Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Columbus Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Columbus Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

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.

SFJAZZ has expanded its 2025/26 Season with three newly added performances, including additional concerts by vocalist Madeleine Peyroux and more. See the full lineup here!