Joan Marcus News

Today we are talking to a world famous triple-threat star of stage and screen who first shot to fame in the 1980s as the first African American Miss America and found considerable success as a recording artist and actress thereafter, the divine Vanessa Williams. Sharing sage wisdom from her life and career as well as reflecting on many of her most popular properties to date, Williams reveals some of her many secrets to success while also looking ahead to next month's hotly anticipated all-star concert presentation of legendary Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein musical SHOW BOAT, co-starring Julian Ovenden, Norm Lewis, Jane Alexander and many more along with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Ted Sperling. Also, Williams shares her enthusiasm for setting out to create new renditions of some of SHOW BOAT's most noted selections, including 'Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man Of Mine'. Additionally, Williams opens up about her multiple musical theatre endeavors highlighting the work of Stephen Sondheim, including the Tony Award-winning 2002 Best Revival production of INTO THE WOODS and the recent original revue SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM. Plus, Williams details her ongoing participation in THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, after having starred in the well-received Broadway production last season and now finishing up headlining the Los Angeles production before bringing the drama to Boston. All of that, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN memories, saving Audra McDonald's wedding day and much, much more with one of Broadway's brightest stars!

Second Stage Theatre's production of Terrence McNally's play, Lips Together, Teeth Apart, directed by Peter DuBois, officially opens tonight, October 29, 2014.

Tonight, October 28, The Public Theater officially opens Suzan-Lori Parks' FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS (PARTS 1, 2 & 3). Let's see what the critics had to say...

Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Lost Lake, the new play by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn, directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan, is now in previews for a Tuesday, November 11 opening night at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street). Check out a first look at the production below!

Arguably, director Diane Paulus' greatest triumph to date is the spectacular new production of PIPPIN, the 2013 Tony-winning revival of Stephen Schwartz's trippy but winsome musical about the angst-riddled but hyper-aspirational young son of King Charlemagne, and his erratic, sometimes frustrating journey of self-discovery. In her marvelously inventive, re-imagined update---now playing at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood through November 9---Paulus brilliantly orients the topsy-turvy machinations of the entire story within the canvas-lined confines of a big-top circus. Here, the over-the-top performance troupe that 'guides' our hero's search for self-fulfillment aren't merely just actors (or 'players') but are also all agile, athletic circus performers that tumble, leap, and balance themselves for our (and Pippin's) entertainment pleasure. As expected, both Pippin and the audience are equally lulled into submission.

Beyond the bright lights of Broadway - the electric signage that led to its moniker as "The Great White Way" - exists another world: Off-Broadway, a varied and rich wellspring of creativity and innovation.

Today the talented actor speaks exclusively to BWW about making his Broadway debut in this provactive story of aspirations, assimilation and human empathy.

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: SIDE SHOW begins on Broadway, FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS opens off-Broadway, Daniel Radcliffe stops by for a Facebook fan chat and more!

Tonight, October 28, The Public Theater officially opens FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS (PARTS 1, 2 & 3).

The Encores! Special Event The Band Wagon is set to star Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, seven-time Emmy Award winner Tracey Ullman, Academy Award nominee Michael McKean, Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes, Tony Award nominee Tony Sheldon, Tony Award nominee Michael Berresse and Don Stephenson. The Band Wagon will open on Sunday, November 8. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast below!

Sting has mentioned that he's a fan of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and it certainly shows.

THE LAST SHIP - the new musical with music and lyrics by 16-time Grammy Award-winner Sting and book by Tony Award winner John Logan and Pulitzer Prize-winner Brian Yorkey opens tonight, October 26, on Broadway. Let's see what the critics had to say...

Campbell took the time to chat with BroadwayWorld about stepping into Goffin's shoes, sharing the stage with Tony winner Jessie Mueller, and more. Check out the full interview below!

Want to sit in on a live performance, featuring stars of Broadway's PIPPIN?

Whether you've been living under a rock for the past week or you're just in the mood for a recap, BroadwayWorld's 'this week in pictures' is here to satisfy your end-of-the-week fix! Take a look below to catch up on the latest happenings from the Great White Way to The West End (and everywhere in between) with coverage of press events, rehearsals, opening nights and more. Highlights this week include the launch party for Seth Rudetsky's new book, Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella, opening night of DISGRACED, and more!

Golden Globe and Drama Desk Award winner Michael C. Hall is currently in performances in the title role of Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street). Below, BroadwayWorld brings you additional photos of Hall and the company of HEDWIG in action!

Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? This weekend's big news: WIESENTHAL begins tonight at Theatre Row, PHANTOM opens its new pop-up shop today, and THE LAST SHIP sails to Broadway this Sunday!

Ayad Akhtar's drama of being Muslin in post 9/11 American makes for enthrallingly provocative theatre.

Back by popular demand, THE BOOK OF MORMON, which played a record breaking 43 week run in 2012-2013, returns to Chicago for a limited engagement February 24 through May 17, 2015 at Broadway In Chicago's Bank of America Theatre (18 W Monroe). THE BOOK OF MORMON holds the record for the largest weekly gross in the history of the Bank of America Theatre and played to over 100 performance capacity during its 2012-2013 engagement.

The Public Theater is currently presenting Suzan-Lori Parks' FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS (PARTS 1, 2 & 3), featuring Sterling K. Brown (Hero); Louis Cancelmi(Smith); Peter Jay Fernandez (Oldest Old Man); Jeremie Harris (Homer); Russell G. Jones (Leader, Runaway); Jenny Jules (Penny); Ken Marks (Colonel); Jacob Ming-Trent(Fourth, Odyssey Dog); Tonye Patano (Third Runaway); andJulian Rozzell Jr. (Second Runaway). Check out a first look at the cast in action below!