Carol Channing News

Today's top stories: New casting has been announced for Tina, two new cast members are set for Dear Evan Hansen, and more!

Kevin Cahoon will co-star on the new season of Glow when it drops August 9th. Cahoon starred on Broadway asEd the Hyena in The Lion King and went on to be the stand by for John Cameron Mitchell in the original production of Hedwig. He also played George in The Wedding Singer, The Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and was in the revival of The Rocky Horror Show.

Her autobiography is entitled I've Slept With Everyone and, after hearing our interview with Sondra Lee, we think you will understand why. Sondra's Broadway credits include High Button Shoes, Peter Pan (where she originated the role of Tiger Lily), Hotel Paradiso, Jerome Robbins Ballet: USA, Sunday in New York, and Hello, Dolly where she originated the role of Minnie Fay!

The American Theatre Wing announces that it will celebrate the legacy of Jonathan Larson and the Larson family at its annual gala, dubbed 'Say YES to Artists Gala,' which will be held on Monday, September 16, 2019 at Cipriani 42nd Street (110 East 42nd Street).

'Forbidden' is certainly a fitting adjective for Roxy's Downtown current production entitled Forbidden Broadway. If you simply look up the word 'forbidden' in the dictionary, you will find its meaning to be prohibited, not allowed or even banned. It's a clever little title to describe this Off-Broadway parody rated PG-13 which spoofs many lyrics and shows such as Mamma Mia, Cats, and even Hairspray which would send original playwrights and performing artists rolling in their graves with laughter. Opening originally in 1982 by parodist Gerard Alessandrini, the show has gone under many revisions to include even newer musicals. Starring Julia Faust, John Keckeisen, Seth Knowles, Shaun-Michael Morse, Patty Reeder, and Christine Tasheff, Forbidden Broadway runs from now until August 24 at the 1930s cabaret venue in downtown Wichita.

Broadway and TV actor Frances Jue is currently starring in TheatreWorks' production of Julia Cho's 'The Language Archive.' Mr. Jue recently talked to BroadwayWorld about his lengthy and surprising career path, from his formative experiences with Stephen Sondheim and TheatreWorks to working with Tony winners David Henry Hwang and Jeanine Tesori, and of course his continuing role on the CBS television series 'Madam Secretary.' His fascinating story serves as an inspiring example for anyone who doesn't see a clear path to success or struggles to find a place to fit in.

ANIMANIACS: LIVE! brings Rob Paulsen, and Emmy Awarding winning cast of the show, and those beloved characters to the Balboa stage on Thursday, July 18th at 7:30pm.  

The Perfect Fit, a new family musical featuring book, music and lyrics by twelve-year-old musical sensation Joshua Turchin (The Little Mermaid Live-To-Film, Forbidden Broadway Salutes Carol Channing, A Christmas Story National Tour, TrevorLive, The Pill) will be making its world premiere this Summer in a staged developmental production that will run August 11 - 23 as part of the Rave Theater Festival. Directed by Broadway veteran Garth Kravits (Drowsy Chaperone, Gettin' the Band Back Together), The Perfect Fit will run at the Teatro Latea Theater, at the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, 107 Suffolk Street, 2nd Floor. 

On behalf of the Gisela Johnson and the Johnson family, we are informing you that Emmy winning comedic actor, Arte Johnson has passed at 1:45am, July 3rd, 2019.  There are no services planned.  His ashes will be taken to his home away from home in HI, were a private ceremony will be held.

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has announced Andrea McArdle and Donna McKechnie: Celebrate Sondheim & Hamlisch on Monday, July 8 at 8 pm as part of Bay Street Theater's Music Mondays concert series. Tickets range from $79 - $125 and are on sale now at baystreet.org and through the Box Office at 631-725-9500, open daily from 11am to showtime. 

Broadway Soprano & Master Voice Teacher Mary Setrakian is currently embarking on her LET THE SUN SHINE U.S. & Australian TOUR, with Musical Direction by Matt Rofe. LET THE SUN SHINE is slated for Sydney Opera House on July 28th, 2019.

With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Chicago is now the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

African-American director David Norwood will premiere a uniquely re-envisioned American version of TENDER NAPALM by renowned British playwright Philip Ridley (The Pitchfork Disney, Mercury Fur, The Fastest Clock in the Universe). This poetic two-hander originally premiered in London in 2011, before making a limited engagement Off-Broadway debut in 2012 to critical acclaim. Previews begin July 18 at HERE with opening set for July 24.

The Actors Fund announced today that, in partnership with the Jacob Burns Film Center's series Life on Stage, tickets are now on sale for a special evening celebrating the smash hit, reimagined production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! - the recent recipient of two Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Producer The Green Room 42 played host on Friday, June 14, 2019, to the fourth edition variety show of The Early Night Show LIVE! created, written, directed, accompanied, and performed by 12 year old Joshua Turchin. The young performer, writer and composer drew lots of laughs and applause throughout the cabaret featuring music, sketch comedy, improv, and special guests.

In celebration of 86 Years of Theatre By The Sea, owner and producer Bill Hanney presents the joyous musical, Singin' in the Rain, which will be presented from June 19 - July 13, 2019.

I had never seen a professional production of HELLO, DOLLY! until now. I recall the 1969 film with Walter Matthau and Barbra Streisand. I did see the play it is based on, THE MATCHMAKER by Thornton Wilder at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and really did not enjoy it.

In honor of the fiftieth anniversary of Judy Garland's death, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, presents Judy Garland at Carnegie Hall, on Sunday, June 23rd at 7PM.

Bob Mackie has won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Musical for The Cher Show.

Perfectly Theatrical, LLC announces the premiere of The Perfect Fit as part of the inaugural RAVE THEATER FESTIVAL. This family friendly musical features the book, music and lyrics written by twelve-year-old musical prodigy Joshua Turchin.