J.J. Abrams News

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 23, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Last week, All Out: Comedy About Ambition by Simon Rich held its gala performance.  VIP guests included P!nk, Jimmy Fallon, J.J. Abrams, and more. Check out photos here!

Broadway celebrated the Gala performance of All Out: Comedy About Ambition by Simon Rich and the Broadway debuts of Ike Barinholtz, Eric Andre, Abbi Jacobson, and Jon Stewart, alongside soul-pop band Lawrence. See photos!

The LA Phil will dedicate the Hollywood Bowl’s iconic stage to John Williams. This dedication — the first in the storied history of the Bowl — honors the legendary composer and conductor whose music has inspired generations of filmgoers.

Jamie Lloyd is back on Broadway with a new production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. The production officially opened on September 28. Check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!

Jon M. Chu is booked and busy. As he touches up the final edits for Wicked: For Good, the filmmaker is now attached to direct a new live-action Hot Wheels movie for Mattel and Warner Bros. 

TIME has revealed this year's edition of its TIME100 list, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The 2025 TIME100 list has included Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Daniel Dae Kim, and Nicole Scherzinger. 

The Max Original drama series Duster, from Emmy®-winner J.J. Abrams and showrunner LaToya Morgan, debuts Thursday, May 15 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on Max. Watch a teaser for the show!

The Play That Goes Wrong has announced another extension with tickets now on sale through August 31. The smash hit continues its run at New World Stages.

Discover the star-studded cast of Broadway's OTHELLO as previews launch tonight, February 24, 2025, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Premiere set for March 23.

The City of Aventura will present Phat Cat Swinger on Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Described by some as if Bruno Mars and Frank Sinatra made a band, Phat Cat Swinger specializes in high-energy music with that classic Hollywood touch.

It’s a new year, with new exhibits, IMAX films and STEM-based programs to inspire adventure and ignite the imagination at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)! See full programming!

The Green Room 42 will present three-time Tony Award nominee and TikTok star Kevin Chamberlin making his New York solo cabaret debut “Finding the Joy” on Sunday, November 24 and Monday, November 25 at 7 pm. We spoke with him about the upcoming show.

American Cinema Editors (ACE) has announced that the organization will honor acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu with the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award, recognizing an artist who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film. 

Disney has released the trailer and announced the release date for Music by John Williams. The new documentary, which centers on the life and career of the legendary composer, will have a limited theatrical release and begin streaming November 1 on Disney+.

The New World Symphony (NWS), America’s Orchestral Academy, announced that actress Daisy Ridley will narrate the season-opening performance of From the Diary of Anne Frank, composed by NWS Co-Founder and Artistic Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas, and led by Artistic Director Stéphane Denève at New World Center.

The American Film Institute will present the world premiere of Robert Zemeckis' film HERE as the Centerpiece Gala at AFI FEST presented by Canva. Learn more about the film.

La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts will open its 2024-2025 season with the Southern California regional theatre premiere of the hit Broadway musical, WAITRESS.

The Boston Pops will host six multimedia concerts this fall, featuring the music of John Williams, circus acts, and Halloween-themed performances.

Max has released a new brand spot featuring footage from highly anticipated HBO and Max Originals coming later this year and in 2025. The spot includes a look at new and returning fan-favorites, highlights never-before-seen footage from new HBO Originals and previews returning series. Watch the video!