Debra Messing News

On this day we celebrate the premiere of NBC's Broadway-centric drama, Smash, starring Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee, Debra Messing, Christian Borle, Anjelica Huston, and Brian d'Arcy James. 

The entertainment industry has been hit hard by the health crisis, and many venues and arts organizations are in danger of closing.

It's no secret that the state of the world has had a major impact on the theatre industry over the past year. Broadway, which usually brings in $14 billion to New York City's yearly revenue, has been shuttered since last March, leaving the futures of many artists and shows in limbo. While many of those productions move forward with plans to reopen when Broadway officially returns, some have already announced that they will not open again.

A fundraiser was recently launched to help save the West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theater. Since 1978, West Bank Cafe has been one of the epicenters of New York City's theatre community, and due to the pandemic, it is on the verge of permanently closing. A GoFundMe campaign was launched, alongside a Virtual Telethon, to raise the necessary funds to stay afloat.

Since 1978, West Bank Cafe has been one of the epicenters of New York City’s theatre community, and due to the pandemic, it is on the verge of permanently closing. With Broadway dark, tourism down, indoor dining closed, and no relief plan in sight, 2020 has created a plethora of financial problems for the beloved theater district institution. 

Today (December 25) in live streaming: Broadway unites to save the West Bank Cafe, and so much more!

Since 1978, West Bank Cafe has been one of the epicenters of New York City’s theatre community, and due to the pandemic, it is on the verge of permanently closing. With Broadway dark, tourism down, indoor dining closed, and no relief plan in sight, 2020 has created a plethora of financial problems for the beloved theater district institution. 

On Christmas Day 2020 a huge gathering of star-studded talent joins together in a virtual telethon to save a beloved show-business institution greatly in need of help.

Since 1978, West Bank Cafe has been one of the few authentic epcicenters of New York City's theatre community, and due to the pandemic, it is on the verge of permanently closing. With Broadway dark, tourism down, indoor dining closed, and no relief plan in sight, 2020 has created a plethora of financial problems for the beloved theater district institution. We don't want that to happen.  Enter the theatre community. It's called community for a reason.  

Today's top stories: BroadwayWorld launches Stage Door featuring classes, shoutouts, and more from your favorite stars. Plus, Leslie Odom Jr. sings O Holy Night, Ma Rainey Black Bottom reviews, and more!

The Costume Industry Coalition and the FIT Foundation have launched a virtual Holiday Auction where the public has the opportunity to bid on luxury items from the stage and screen. The Holiday Auction will raise vital funds to support CIC artisans and business owners who create and supply costumes for the entertainment industry.

A group of Broadway artists has come together to encourage Georgia voters to vote for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. This company of artists has produced a vibrant, engaging video called, “Go Go GA,” with the simple premise that, despite the challenges of 2020, if Democratic voters—in Georgia—turn out, the Senate will flip.

This week's Theater Stories features the American Airlines Theatre! Learn about the Tony-winning plays to grace the stage, including 12 Angry Men, The Constant Wife and more; the theatre's upcoming shows 1776 and Birthday Candles, and much more!

PlayMakers Repertory Company will present a star-studded virtual benefit on Sunday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. EST.

Tony-nominee Megan Hilty joins Project Angel Food for two events Thanksgiving week. First, she is headlining the organization’s Night of Gratitude & Song on Sunday, November 22; then she is delivering meals on Thanksgiving to those in need day with her daughter Viola.

Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced plans to resume production in Fall 2021. On deck is Jeanine Tesori and Tony Kushner’s CAROLINE, OR CHANGE starring Sharon D Clarke, directed by Michael Longhurst, and choreographed by Ann Yee at Studio 54. Additionally, Alice Childress’s TROUBLE IN MIND, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, will debut at the American Airlines Theatre.

John Patrick Shanley's play 'Outside Mullingar' is coming to the big screen! Watch the trailer for 'Wild Mountain Thyme,' starring Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt, below.

It's Election Day and Broadway stars across the country are sharing their voting selfies and messages!

On Election Eve, Nov. 2nd, many of America's biggest stars will join together for the second-ever Telethon for America.

In a recent interview with Variety, Emmy-winning actor Andre Braugher discussed giving up 'Birthday Candles,' his potential Broadway debut that was ultimately canceled due to COVID-19.