Broadway Across America News

In its 15th year, THE LION KING remains ascendant, recently becoming the highest-grossing Broadway show in history. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 19 productions around the globe have been seen by more than 64 million people, grossed over $4.8 billion and, cumulatively, run a staggering 91 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the sixth longest running musical in Broadway history and only the second show to produce five productions running 10 or more years.

Hennepin Theatre Trust announced that individual tickets for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the classic musical love story running at Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre October 16-21, 2012, go on sale at 9 a.m. today, June 1, 2012.

Just yesterday, producers Broadway Across America (John Gore, Thomas B. McGrath, Beth Williams), Rich Entertainment Group (Bob and Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman, Latitude Link, Dede Harris, Sharon Karmazin, and Howard and Janet Kagan just announced that the La Jolla Playhouse production of the new American musical HANDS ON A HARDBODY will bow on Broadway in the 2012-2013 season. In preparation for the new musical's move to the Great White Way, BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at photos and video from the production below!

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, the hit musical with productions in New York, Chicago and touring across North America, is launching a national casting search seeking musicians/actors for the roles of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for future replacements and understudies for the Chicago and touring productions.

Producers Broadway Across America (John Gore, Thomas B. McGrath, Beth Williams), Rich Entertainment Group (Bob and Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman, Latitude Link, Dede Harris, Sharon Karmazin, and Howard and Janet Kagan just announced that the La Jolla Playhouse production of the new American musical HANDS ON A HARDBODY will bow on Broadway in the 2012-2013 season.

MEMPHIS, the 2010 Tony® Award-winner for Best Musical, opens at the Ohio Theatre on May 29 for a limited engagement.

In its 15th year, THE LION KING remains ascendant, recently becoming the highest-grossing Broadway show in history. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 19 productions around the globe have been seen by more than 64 million people, grossed over $4.8 billion and, cumulatively, run a staggering 91 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the sixth longest running musical in Broadway history and only the second show to produce five productions running 10 or more years.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, now playing at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street), will close on Sunday, June 24 following 901 performances on Broadway and at New World Stages.

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC bring the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center from June 19 to June 24. Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

BroadwayWorld has confirmed that the revival of GODSPELL on Broadway, despite a lack of Tony nominations, will make an appearance on the 2012 broadcast to perform a selection from the musical. At this time, there is no official word or confirmation on who, or what the cast will be performing.

On Friday, June 8, GODSPELL will play a special added matinee performance at 3 p.m.

The Boston Theater Critics Association previously announced its nominations for the 30h Anniversary Elliot Norton Awards. The awards, which recognize excellence in Greater Boston theater, are to be presented tonight, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Mainstage, 559 Washington Street, Boston.

Wishful Drinking is a must see show, and the best part about this show is Carrie Fisher herself. She is brutally honest and affecting.

NETworks Presentations, LLC and Blue Man Productions today announced a new theatrical touring production will stop at Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, June 15-24, 1012. Blue Man Group is presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust as part of its 2011/12 Broadway Across America-Minneapolis Season. Tickets are on sale now. For information or to purchase tickets, please visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org or call 1.800.982.2787.

The honorees of the Broadway League Awards, honoring excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway, were announced today during the Broadway League's 2012 Spring Road Conference. First presented in 1992, the Broadway League Awards recognize the contributions of those who have displayed exemplary service to the Broadway industry and are considered innovators of their craft.

Kirk Massey, a seven year member of Blue Man Group, took time to speak to Broadwayworld about the evolution of Blue Man Group, and their Pittsburgh tour stop. Blue Man Group performs at Pittsburgh's Benedum Center tonight May 15 through May 20, 2012.

Live at Hard Rock Cafe Seattle, the cast of "Million Dollar Quartet" will perform an exciting preview performance of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

Hennepin Theatre Trust announced today that individual tickets for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the classic musical love story running at Hennepin Theatre Trust's Orpheum Theatre October 16-21, 2012, will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2012.

In its 15th year, THE LION KING remains ascendant, recently becoming the highest-grossing Broadway show in history. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 19 productions around the globe have been seen by more than 64 million people, grossed over $4.8 billion and, cumulatively, run a staggering 91 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the sixth longest running musical in Broadway history and only the second show to produce five productions running 10 or more years.

After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2009, WICKED, Broadway's biggest blockbuster, returns to Salt Lake City's Capitol Theatre July 18-August 26. Tickets for the return engagement go on sale today, Friday, May 11 at 10am. Part of Zions Bank Broadway Across America - Utah.