Eric Schaeffer News

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, NY: The Bard SummerScape festival presents an entirely new way to experience Oklahoma!, Rodgers and Hammerstein's quintessential celebration of the American frontier. Starring Damon Daunno, Amber Gray, and two-time Tony nominee Mary Testa, Bard's production is directed by Daniel Fish - 'a magical manipulator' (New York Times) - with new musical arrangements for a six-piece Americana band by Henry Hewes Award-winner Daniel Kluger, and new choreography by Jacob's Pillow Dance Award-winner John Heginbotham. This intimate, revelatory production brings audience and artists together in the round, sharing food and telling the story of a young nation forming its identity. Oklahoma!will be mounted in 25 performances between June 25 and July 19 in the LUMA Theater of the Frank Gehry-designed Fisher Center. SummerScape also presents Fernando Rubio's Everything by my side, an alfresco performance-installation that takes place outdoors under the trees in Bard's glorious Hudson Valley landscape (July 9-12).

Drury Lane Productions and Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso (Broadway's Spring Awakening, Rock of Ages) present the pre-Broadway production of Beaches, A New Musical, based on the beloved novel by Iris Rainer Dart. The show began previews June 24 and opens tonight, July 2nd, running through August 16, 2015. The original musical is written by Iris Rainer Dart and Thom Thomas, with music by David Austin and lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart. The production is directed by Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the stars in action below!

Drury Lane Productions and Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso (Broadway's Spring Awakening, Rock of Ages) present the pre-Broadway production of Beaches, A New Musical, based on the beloved novel by Iris Rainer Dart. The show began previews June 24 and opens tonight, July 2nd, running through August 16, 2015. The original musical is written by Iris Rainer Dart and Thom Thomas, with music by David Austin and lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart. The production is directed by Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet).

The original creator talks BEACHES!

Bottom line? If you have an opportunity to check out one of the four remaining performances at Wolf Trap this weekend, it is worthwhile to do so.

The national tour of the Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will celebrate the closing of its 4th season on the road on Sunday, June 28.  Inspired by the electrifying true story of four rock 'n' roll icons, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET played over 60 cities in the last year from Anchorage and Oklahoma City to St. Louis and Buffalo, and will conclude at Vienna, VA's beautiful outdoor venue, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

The Bard SummerScape festival presents an entirely new way to experience Oklahoma!, Rodgers and Hammerstein's quintessential celebration of the American frontier

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'On Your Feet!' and 'City Of Angels' rake in the reviews, while Bette plays the UC. Kristin and Idina plan concerts here, outdoor movies light up the summer, and the 'Beautiful' tour and 'Charlie Brown' are slated for Christmas. By summer's end: 'The Boy From Oz,' 'Glory Days' and 'Triassic Parq!'

Gigi, the new Broadway production of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's beloved Oscar and Tony Award-winning musical comedy, will play its final performance today, Sunday, June 21 at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). The production, which began previews on Thursday, March 19 and opened officially on Wednesday, April 8, will have played 20 previews and 86 performances.

As Stages Theatre Company (STC) unveils our 32nd season, we continue our commitment providing high-quality, accessible theatre for young audiences.

The award-winning musical, A Letter to Harvey Milk, based on the short story "A Letter to Harvey Milk" by Leslea Newman,  will enjoy an invite-only industry reading in New York City on Monday, June 22, 2015 at Times Square's Playroom Theatre. A Letter to Harvey Milk, has a book by Jerry James, Cheryl Stern and Laura I. Kramer, lyrics by Ellen M. Schwartz with additional lyrics by Cheryl Stern, and music by Laura I. Kramer, it has been musical directed, arranged and orchestrated by Ned Paul Ginsburg, and the reading will be directed by Evan Pappas (Performer: Parade, My Favorite Year).

Vanessa Hudgens and the cast of Broadway's GIGI took to the street to serenade the cast of JERSEY BOYS, their neighboring show at 52nd Street's August Wilson Theatre.

Vanessa Hudgens says au revoir to GIGI!

Broadway In Chicago and Emerald City Theatre are thrilled to announce A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS by Charles M. Schulz will play the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) November 14, 2015 through January 3, 2016. Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson and adapted for the stage by Eric Schaeffer by special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson,  A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS will be directed by Emerald City Theatre Artistic Director Ernie Nolan.

?Gigi, the new Broadway production of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's beloved Oscar and Tony Award-winning musical comedy, will play its final performance on Sunday, June 21 at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street). The production, which began previews on Thursday, March 19 and opened officially on Wednesday, April 8, will have played 20 previews and 86 performances.

Virginia's Signature Theatre opens its' air-conditioned doors once again for the annual Sizzlin' Summer Nights Series. Two and a half weeks of live music and performances by Signature favorites, DC area stars, and some of New York's most exciting Broadway performers. The cabaret series runs July 8 through July 25, with a different performance each night.

The 26-year-old stopped by TODAY to explain how she balances her social life with her rigorous eight performances a week.

In the May issue of Social Life Magazine, Vanessa Hudgens discusses making her Broadway debut in the title role of GIGI.

Thank Heaven for Corey Cott! Watch the latest video from Gigi, in which Corey Cott sings the title song from the Broadway musical Gigi, below!