Debbie Allen News

From November 18th-21st, Judson Theatre Company will be presenting a new holiday comedy by Stan Zimmerman & Christian McLaughlin titled YES, VIRGINIA at Owens Auditorium inside the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center. Actress Arnetia Walker stars in the production opposite Mindy Sterling. She has appeared on Broadway in THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN'S WINDOW, TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, RAISIN, THE WIZ, and DREAMGIRLS. Her TV credits include: QUANTUM LEAP, NURSES, THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, MAD ABOUT YOU, NYPD BLUE, MALCOLM & EDDIE, JUST SHOOT ME!, THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW, TOUCHED BY AN ANGLE, CITY OF ANGELS, JUDGING AMY, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, and DYNASTY. Her film credits include: THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME, SCENES FROM THE CLASS STRUGGLE IN BEVERLY HILLS, LOVE CRIMES, FOR LOVE OF THE GAME, and COLLEGE ROAD TRIP. I had the great pleasure of interviewing her about all of this and more.

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts announces an eclectic array of programming, including two theater world premieres, one music world premiere and one U.S. premiere, for the balance of its 2021/2022 Season that encompasses produced and presented works in dance, theater, music, family events, and cinema featuring exceptional Southern California-based artists.

Emmy Award winner and Kennedy Center Honoree Debbie Allen and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in association with The Annenberg Foundation will present its award-winning family spectacular 'Hot Chocolate Nutcracker' on Friday, November 19th at 7pm PST at the Drive-Up Santa Monica Airport.

The Actors Fund announced today that last night’s 2021 Virtual Gala raised over $1 million to support their programs and services. The evening celebrated The Actors Fund; Emmy Award-winning icon, Debbie Allen; creators of the talk show “Stars In The House,” Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, as they received The Actors Fund’s Medal of Honor, and more.

A couple of weeks ago, I was the stage manager of “The Golden Era”, a Tap Dance show directed by Carolina Guzmán, my tap teacher and mentor. The show managed to take the audience on a journey back in time, to a jazz club in the 40’s, with a live jazz band and tap dancers swinging along with the rhythm. Being part of this show was a big deal to me because tap is part of who I am.

The Actors Fund announced today performers and presenters for their Virtual Gala on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 7:00pm ET. As previously announced, the evening will celebrate The Actors Fund; Emmy Award-winning icon, Debbie Allen; Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, as they receive The Actors Fund’s Medal of Honor and more.

Excited for FUNNY GIRL's return to Broadway? We've got casting news today about Ramin Karimloo, Jane Lynch and Jared Grimes joining the cast for the first Broadway revival of FUNNY GIRL.

Directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran, Stephanie Pope Lofgren (Pippin, Chicago), the electrifying musical celebration of 1950’s Rock n’ Roll began performances Thursday, September 30, 2021 and continues through Sunday, October 24, 2021 at ACT of CT (36 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877).

Watch as the longtime friends chat about Dick Van Dyke's career. Earlier this year, stage and screen legend Dick Van Dyke received a Kennedy Center Honor- which almost 20 years ago was also bestowed upon the equally legendary Chita Rivera. In the video, the friends chat about the significance of the honor, their shared experiences and the career and achievements of Van Dyke.  

ACT of Connecticut will welcome audiences back for their 2021-2022 Season with the record-breaking Broadway smash-hit musical revue, Smokey Joe's Cafe - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller.

Pioneering arts leader Paul Crewes, who has served since 2015 as the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts' first Artistic Director, steps down from his position at the end of this year and transitions to a new role as Artistic Advisor for the balance of The Wallis' 2021-2022 Season, it was announced by Michael Nemeroff, Chairman of the Board.

Coinciding with DREAMGIRLS 40th Anniversary, DREAMGIRLS’ original Effie Jennifer Holliday will perform her concert HERE’S TO LIFE at The Wallis October 9, 2021. Had the chance to chat with Jennifer of her current LIFE, her signature song, and her one-upping lockdown.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder features Leslie Odom Jr., Lizzo, Keke Palmer, Lil NasX, Normani, Gabrielle Union, Lena Waithe, and more!

The two filmed performances won behind-the-scenes awards, but the Creative Arts Emmys also honored Broadway talent throughout the night, including Debbie Allen,Sterling K. Brown, Keke Palmer, & more!

BroadwayWorld spoke with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. about this incredible time in their career, what inspired them to record their new album, how it felt to perform at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, and much more! 

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts announced it plans to resume live indoor performances beginning in October with an eclectic array of entertaining and groundbreaking programming for the first half of its 2021/2022 Season that encompasses produced and presented works in dance, theater, music, and cinema.

The evening will celebrate Emmy Award-winning icon, Debbie Allen; Clean Tech Investor, Real Estate Developer and  Philanthropist Niko Elmaleh; Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning producer Stacey Mindich; and creators of the talk show “Stars in the House,” Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, as they receive The Actors Fund’s Medal of Honor.

She receives the award “for her unprecedented achievements in television and her commitment to inspire and engage marginalized youth through dance, theater arts and mentorship.”

Read all about the late, great Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical “Tick, Tick… Boom!” and how it's getting the movie musical treatment, helmed by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda!

The Tony Awards Administration Committee has announced that they will present the 2020 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre to four outstanding contributors to the Broadway industry - Fred Gallo, President of PRG Scenic Technologies; Broadway press agent Irene Gandy; stage manager Beverly Jenkins and New Federal Theatre, Woodie King, Jr. Founder.