Joan Marcus News

MATILDA - THE MUSICAL, overall, is genuinely a fun time. It's a cheeky, kid-friendly (and, really, kid-catering) stage musical that has plenty for both kids and their parents to enjoy together. Featuring lively songs by Tim Michin and a witty, yet easily digestible book by Dennis Kelly, MATILDA - THE MUSICAL celebrates how one adorable, truly likable kid ---who, sure, may seem a little odd and different---can overcome a troubled environment and still come out the other side a remarkably self-assured, open-minded, and kind-hearted young lady who can fully distinguish right from wrong---while having a bit of naughty fun along the way. The national touring company of the just recently closed Broadway musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved children's novel continues through January 29 in Costa Mesa.

The completely original new musical Something Rotten!, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Aladdin), with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Wayne Kirkpatrick and Golden Globe Award and Tony Award nominee Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Tony Award nominees Karey Kirkpatrick and best-selling author John O'Farrell, launched its National Tour on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Boston Opera House. See the cast in action below!

The producers of Sara Bareilles' Waitress announced today (Thursday, January 26), that the show has recouped its $12 million investment in less than 10 months on Broadway.

The U.S. National Tour of ANNIE, now in its third smash year, will return to the State Theatre in Easton on Friday, February 24.   Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19th time, this production of ANNIE is a brand new incarnation of the iconic Tony Award-winning original.

Before Hedwig was the semi-known rock star she is today, she was a resident of East Berlin during the Cold War who found solace in American rock music. This influence led her West to America where she continued finding herself and her other half. It is this longing for her unknown other half that pushes her narrative six inches forward and gives this hero her quest. Through flashy lights and electric guitar, Hedwig and the Angry Inch brings a genderqueer rock story from East Berlin to Western Pennsylvania in over-the-top fashion.

Stage and screen stars Ari Graynor, Stefania LaVie Owen, Justice Smith and Lucas Hedges lead the American premiere of Yen, Anna Jordan's Bruntwood Prize-winning play, directed by MCC alum Trip Cullman. YEN opens January 30 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street), where it runs through February 19, 2017.

Clearly, Brian Strumwasser is an artist, having garnered inspiration and expressed his creativity through a variety of media throughout his life. Beginning with painting and fine arts, the circuitous journey of life has eventually led him to his current career as a noted make-up designer for the national touring company of the Broadway hit, Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.

Today's big news: RING TWICE FOR MIRANDA begins previews Off-Broadway, and HELLO, JERRY! celebrates Jerry Herman at York Theatre Company!

With nine Tony Award nominations under its belt, SOMETHING ROTTEN! closed on Broadway on January 1, 2017, and barely took a breather before hitting the road with three of its principal players reprising their roles. Director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw brings Rob McClure, Adam Pascal, and Josh Grisetti on the National Tour that launches in Boston at the Opera House.

The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and Disney Theatrical Productions are pleased to announce that Family Night at Disney's THE LION KING will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 7P.

When August Wilson's Jitney had its 1982 world premiere at Pittsburgh's Allegheny Repertory Theatre, there were no plans for it to serve as 1/10th of the greatest achievement in American drama. But by the time a revised version of that script opened Off-Broadway in 2000, six of the plays that would each represent a decade in his American Century Cycle had made it to Broadway and Wilson was firmly established as one the country's great playwrights.

There's wiping a tear from your eye during an emotional performance, and then there's mopping up buckets of tears from your shirtsleeve for most of the show. For me, Fun Home was the latter.

Today's big news: Hundreds of organizations across the country take part in THE GHOSTLIGHT PROJECT this evening, and August Wilson's JITNEY opens tonight on Broadway!

A friendly reminder! The long-awaited Broadway debut of August Wilson's Jitney, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Gem of the Ocean), opens tomorrow, today January 19, at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

THE ILLUSIONISTS, a stunning showcase of magical artistry and theatricality, is a breathtaking and totally fun experience, well worth the suspension of belief and reason, now onstage at ASU Gammage and continuing through January 22nd after which the tour moves on to California and Oregon.

Producers today have announced that OH, HELLO ON BROADWAY has officially recouped its $2.9 million capitalization, just before closing its limited run on January 22. 

The wait is over. Tickets for THE BOOK OF MORMON at Melbourne's Princess Theatre go on sale to the general public on Monday 8 February.

Broadway In Chicago has announced that WICKED, Broadway's biggest blockbuster and Chicago's most popular musical, will return to Chicago's Oriental Theatre (24 W Randolph) during the holiday season for a limited seven-week engagement Dec. 6, 2017- Jan. 21, 2018.

Today's big news: Wayne Brady takes his first bows as 'Aaron Burr' in Chicago's HAMILTON, and SOMETHING ROTTEN! launches its National Tour in Boston this evening!

Today, January 17th, Robert DeNiro, Tommy Mottola, Chazz Palminteri and Jerry Zaks will stop by NBC's TODAY to discuss the new Broadway musical A BRONX TALE.