Jake Epstein News

Today's big news: HEISENBERG, starring Denis Arndt and Mary-Louise Parker, opens tonight on Broadway!

The abundantly talented Jake Epstein returns to Broadway's Beautiful :The Carole King Musical this fall and is savoring the experience of stepping back into a role he originated almost three years ago, as one of rock and roll's top songwriters. Gerry Goffin wrote the lyrics to some of the most celebrated masterpieces that not only defined a generation, but also continue to pierce the hearts of human beings everywhere -- as they stem from themes that are most pertinent to our nature. Themes of love, loss, confusion, joy, and pain all bleed into the words and melodies that Goffin created with songwriting partner and first wife -- the beloved Carole King. With immortal hits such as 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' 'Up on the Roof,' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,' among countless others, Goffin and King were able to explore the depths of the human experience - regardless of gender - and have produced a legacy that will continue to remain timeless and evoke nostalgia for years to come.

Despite a recent report in Time Out New York- which stated that Beautiful would play its final performance this December- BroadwayWorld has learned that the show has no plans to leave Broadway anytime soon. 

Today's big news: Jake Epstein returns to BEAUTIFUL, Roundabout's LOVE, LOVE, LOVE starts previews, I LIKE IT LIKE THAT, starring Tito Nieves, bows Off-Broadway, Mobile Unit's HAMLET opens at the Public, and Betty Buckley brings STORY SONGS to Joe's Pub!

Producers Paul Blake and Sony/ATV Music Publishing welcome back Jake Epstein, who originated the role of Gerry Goffin on Broadway in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, returning to the role tonight, September 22, 2016.

Today's big news: BROADWAY VILLAINS live it up at 54 Below, Barbara Cook receives The Players' first-ever Helen Hayes Award, and THE CHERRY ORCHARD, starring Diane Lane, starts previews on Broadway tonight!

Producers Paul Blake and Sony/ATV Music Publishing announced today that Jake Epstein, who originated the role of Gerry Goffin on Broadway in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, will return to the role on September 22, 2016.

The World Premiere of Straight, a new play written by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola and directed by Andy Sandberg (Application Pending), will conclude its off-Broadway run this Sunday, May 8 after having played 101 performances at The Acorn Theatre @ Theatre Row (410 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036).

Produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, this year's Easter Bonnet Competition (#BroadwayBonnets) was held at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45th Street), home to Disney's The Lion King. Featuring performances by more than 230 Broadway and Off-Broadway singers and dancers, the Broadway Inspirational Voices and a stellar lineup of Broadway favorites, this year's fundraising total was a whopping $5,528,568! 

Dramatic Publishing Company has acquired the professional, stock and amateur theatrical performance rights to the hit Off-Broadway play STRAIGHT, co-authored by Scott Elmegreen & Drew Fornarola, and directed by Andy Sandberg.

How many of these great songs do you know from underappreciated musicals?

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with your favorite Broadway stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on! In this week's edition, we caught up with Jake Epstein, who stars as 'Ben' in Straight, playing at Theatre Row's Acorn Theatre.

Before every show, Straight star Jenna Gavigan warms up with Disney songs. Last week, she had her fellow cast members Jake Epstein and Thomas E. Sullivan participate in 'The Disney Challenge,' where they were played a clip from a Disney song and had to correctly name the movie it came from. It was a close call - watch the video below to see who won!

The world premiere of STRAIGHT, a new play written by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola and directed by Andy Sandberg (Application Pending), officially opened off-Broadway last night, February 29, and will run through May 8, 2016 at The Acorn Theatre @ Theatre Row (410 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036). BroadwayWorld brings you photos from opening night below!

Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: Two shows open off-Broadway, Roundabout marks its 50th anniversary, and a Happy Leap Year to all!

The world premiere of STRAIGHT, a new play written by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola and directed by Andy Sandberg (Application Pending), officially opens off-Broadway tonight, February 29, and will run through May 8, 2016 at The Acorn Theatre @ Theatre Row (410 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036).

Veteran director Andy Sandberg's newest project is the play STRAIGHT, which he is bringing to life Off-Broadway. Straight tells the story of Ben, a 26 year old investment banker, and his relationships with his longtime girlfriend Emily and a new young guy named Chris. The new play is turning heads Off-Broadway and is proving to be quite the conversation starter.

The world premiere of STRAIGHT, a new play written by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola, directed by Andy Sandberg (Application Pending), is currently in previews at The Acorn Theatre @ Theatre Row and opens February 29 for a run through May 8, 2016. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

Votes are cast; polls are closed; and results have been tabulated! This was our biggest year yet! After a record number of voters in more than 70 regions worldwide, I am very excited to announce the 2015 BroadwayWorld Toronto Award winners! Thanks to all who voted, and huge congratulations to all the winners!

Complete casting for the world premiere of STRAIGHT, a new play written by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola and directed by Andy Sandberg (Application Pending), was announced today. Jenna Gavigan (Broadway's Gypsy, "The Good Wife") will play "Emily," joining previously announced cast members Jake Epstein (Broadway's Beautiful, "Degrassi") as "Ben" and introducing Thomas E. Sullivan as "Chris."