Corey Brunish News

Fertile Ground 2026 wrapped up last weekend, and on the whole, it was fantastic. I saw 17 shows, which included readings of plays by well-known local playwrights, new works by rising stars, and some fun genre-bending original performances. Here are my notes about the final set. If you missed my first two review roundups, find them here and here.

The 2026 Fertile Ground Festival kicks off on April 10. This annual grab bag of new works is my favorite time in Portland’s theatre calendar because it gives us a chance to see works at various stages of development, from early readings to fully staged world premieres.

Freedom Theatricals is developing Taimak: The Glow, an original production that brings the life and legacy of martial arts icon Taimak to the stage. The one-man show is slated to debut in 2027.

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) announced that they will host a virtual writer-producer Speed Date event via Zoom this month. Learn more about the event here!

The Drama League announced the 2025 Drama League Awards Nominees for Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Play, Outstanding Direction of a Musical, and the much-coveted Distinguished Performance Award. We have the full list of nominees here!

The new Broadway production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will open its box office at The Barrymore Theatre beginning on Tuesday, August 6 at 10 am! To mark the occasion, the production will be giving out a special exclusive gift to the first 100 people in line on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7.  

Pamela Weiler Grayson's new play OBSERVANT will headline the Spark Theatre Festival NYC with a limited engagement from September 12 - 28 at The Chain Theatre.

Pamela Weiler Grayson's new play OBSERVANT explores faith, family, and the future. Running from September 12-28 at The Chain Theatre, it headlines the Spark Theatre Festival NYC by Emerging Artists Theatre.

The original Broadway cast recording of the new musical How to Dance in Ohio, is available digitally on all platforms. Listen to the full album here!

An exultant and effervescent Red Bucket Follies returned after a four-year, pandemic-induced hiatus to celebrate six weeks of enthusiastic and dedicated fundraising. The star-studded variety show, performed December 4 and 5, 2023, honored 46 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies that participated in fall fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. See photos from the show below!

Broadway’s biggest names and brightest talents, both onstage and behind the scenes, are set to celebrate six weeks of dedicated fundraising with songs, skits and dance at the return of Red Bucket Follies, produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning FAT HAM by James Ijames, directed by Saheem Ali will conclude its Broadway run at the American Airlines Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!

The critically acclaimed, five-time Tony Award nominated, Pulitzer Prize- winning FAT HAM by Tony nominee James Ijames will add one week of performances on Broadway.

The Drama League has announced the 2023 Drama League Awards Nominees. See the full list!

Broadway Producer Corey Brunish is, once again, helping to pave the way for young musical theatre talent heading to college programs. Corey Brunish, with Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre, established 'The Brunish Broadway Musical Theatre Scholarship' in 2022 as a $3,000 award.

Broadway in Portland has announced the return of the national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed the world on September 11, 2001.

The American Theatre Guild will present the must-see engagement of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world. This production is part of the BROADWAY IN EUGENE SERIES and will take the Hult Center stage for eight performances April 25–30, 2023.

What did     These 12 actors have created the most perfect professional ensemble show I have ever seen. There was no stand out star of this show, there were no pro or antagonists. There was only circumstances and stories. Often reviewers say things like, “This is not a show to be missed!’ “Catch it while you can!” and other such things, so I won’t. But I will tell you that you will be missing out on some of the best theater I have seen. So, get your tickets, it’s only “90 minutes without an intermission” and worth every second. This is a show I personally hope to see again and again.

The Bushnell has announced the national tour of Come From Away, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, will return to Hartford for a limited engagement December 20-24, 2022. Come From Away, tickets are on sale now!

The national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, makes its Madison debut at Overture Center on Tuesday, Nov. 15 through Sunday, Nov. 20 in Overture Hall.