Last night, TheaterWorksUSA celebrated 57 years with its benefit at The Current at Chelsea Piers hosted by Broadway's James Snyder. The evening raised critical funds to support TheaterWorksUSA's mission which addresses the disproportionate accessibility of theater for young people by creating exceptional, transformative theatrical experiences for audiences in diverse communities throughout New York City and North America. The sold-out event honored TheaterWorksUSA champions, Marco Masotti and Tracy Stein, Judith C. Prince, and apple seeds.
The cast of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING will include Jamar Brathwaite (Ensemble), Danielle Brooks (Beatrice), Grantham Coleman(Benedick), Chuck Cooper (Leonato), Javen Crosby (Ensemble), Denzel Fields (Ensemble), Jeremie Harris (Claudio), Tayler Harris (Ensemble), Erik Laray Harvey (Antonio/Verges), Kai Heath (Messenger), Daniel Croix Henderson (Balthasar), Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (Friar Francis/Sexton), Tiffany Denise Hobbs (Ursula), Lateefah Holder (Dogberry), LaWanda Hopkins (Dancer), Billy Eugene Jones (Don Pedro), Margaret Odette (Hero), Hubert Point-Du Jour (Don John), William Roberson (Ensemble), Jaime Lincoln Smith (Borachio), Jazmine Stewart(Ensemble), Khiry Walker (Conrade/Ensemble), Olivia Washington (Margaret), and Latra A. Wilson (Dancer).
Tootsie officially opened last night, April 23! BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and you can check out photos of all the red carpet action below!
SINCERELY OSCAR is the latest addition to the Off Broadway musical scene, celebrating one of Broadway's greatest lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein. With a book by Doreen Taylor, who also stars along with Azudi Onyejekwe, this show/musical revue takes you through some of the most fantastic and iconic songs associated with Mr. Hammerstein, and a few more deep cuts from shows of which you might not know.
The first time that I met Tony and GrammyAward nominated, composer/lyricist, Andrew Lippa, it was just before the Broadway opening of BIG FISH. It was my first big 'show' that I covered at Sirius XM. I was also introduced to now, 2 time Tony Award nominee and personal diva, Kate Baldwin, and 6 time Tony Award winning Costume Designer, William Ivey Long.
Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of Choir Boy plays its final performance today, March 10. Choir Boy is written by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight, The Brother/Sister Plays) and directed by Drama Desk Award nominee Trip Cullman.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a press event with the cast of BEETLEJUICE The Musical. I love going to these events. It's the best time to be at the beginning of a show's journey on the Great White Way. I got the chance to talk to the main cast (Rob McClure, Alex Brightman, Sophia Anne Caruso, Kerry Butler, Adam Dannheisser, and Leslie Kritzer), the composer/lyricist, Eddie Perfect, and the director, Alex Timbers.
Since I have already told you how much I LOVE the current Broadway Limited-Run Hit, CHOIR BOY, it stands to reason that with a little artful requesting, I would be able to wrangle an interview with somebody from that show.
Every year at this time, I get very excited because I get the chance to meet some of the most promising lyricist and librettist in musical theater at the Kleban Prize Reception. Sometimes, I get a chance to talk to them before the big day. I recently got the chance to talk to 2 of the 3 winners of the coveted prize in studio, Sarah Hammond and Charlie Sohne, and I got a chance to talk to the 3rd winner, Shaina Taub, at the event along with some of the other notable guests.
I have the great fortune to talk to fabulous people all of the time, and Multi-Award Winning Playwright and Screenwriter, Dominique Morriseau, is no exception. This playwright has taken to the written word to create amazing conversations with her plays like SUNSET BABY, DETROIT 67, SKELETON CREW. Her recent Off Broadway play, PIPELINE, starring one of my fierce STAGE/FILM//TV Divas, Theater World Award Winner, Karen Pittman, ( Broadway's DISGRACED, Marvel's LUKE CAGE, FX's THE AMERICANS). It is a discussion about the pipeline that is taking young men of color out of our schools and right into the prison system, and some of the forces that could be responsible for making this happen.
DirectTV and Lionsgate have released the trailer for A Vigilante, starring Olivia Wilde. The film will premiere exclusively on DIRECTV on February 28 and in theaters, On Demand March 29.
BroadwayWorld has teamed up with renowned caricature artist Ken Fallin, a life-long theater enthusiast, who has drawn many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Below, check out his latest illustration, featuring Jeremy Pope, Austin Pendleton, & Chuck Cooper in Choir Boy.
Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of Choir Boy, by Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Trip Cullman, will extend for two additional weeks, now playing through Sunday, March 10 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of Choir Boy, by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Drama Desk Award nominee Trip Cullman, will extend for one additional week of performances, playing through Sunday, February 24
