Judy Garland News

When preparing to watch Lorna Luft perform in concert, it is impossible not to feel nostalgic about her late mother, the legendary Judy Garland. Perhaps no one is more aware of this conundrum than Luft herself. And yet, at her return engagement to Feinstein's/54 Below on June 22 (the opening of a three-show run) performing a show celebrating Gay Pride Month, Luft managed to pay homage to both her mother's influence on herself as well as her enduring cultural impact, while also reminding audiences why she's had staying power in this industry in her own right. And yes, there was a juicy Judy story or two.

Celebrated vocalist Julie Benko, stepping off the Broadway stage where she appears in Fiddler on the Roof, returns to the Cornelia Street Cafe on Sunday, July 31st at 8:30PM to present an evening of jazz. She is backed by a virtuosic sextet including Jason Yeager (piano), Danny Weller (bass), Jay Sawyer (drums), Andy Warren (trumpet), Kenny Pexton (reeds), and Walter Harris (trombone).

Creating Arts Studios is proud to present The Clifton's Canteen - A Tribute to the 1940s USO Shows, this show is the first in a series and is an all new style of immersive theatrical cabaret where the audience and cast become one to tell the story in different stages at the venue. This exclusive event runs only two days only tonight, July 2nd and July 3rd, 2016 from 8PM - 10PM at Clifton's Cafeteria, 648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014.

BroadwayWorld.com continues our exclusive content series, in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, which delves into the library's unparalleled archives, and resources. Below, check out a piece by Michael T. Hearn, Information Assistant, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts on: A Brief History Of She Loves Me.

Today, Curve Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster, announces the cast for his production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated actress Cathy Tyson will star as the iconic Lady Bracknell in Foster's stylish reimagining of Wilde's much-loved comedy. Cathy is best known for her role in the multi-award winning film Mona Lisa, classic ITV drama series Band of Gold and her stage work with the RSC and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

Seth Sikes, of whom NY Arts Review said, 'may well be one of the saviors of the Great American Songbook' will make his Provincetown debut as part of the 2016 Broadway Series season at The Crown & Anchor's Paramount Theatre on Tuesday, August 2nd at 7:30PM in his critically acclaimed show Seth Sikes Sings Judy Garland, an evening of Garland's most loved songs.

Called 'a cabaret diva' by TimeOut Chicago, acclaimed vocalist Melissa Young's takes audiences on a tour of the gay rights movement through song and comedy in Out And Proud! A Rainbow Celebration. This special one night only benefit for The Center Orlando, musical celebration takes place at Davenport's, 1383 N Milwaukee, Chicago, Thursday , July 28th Showtime at 8pm.

Creating Arts Studios is proud to present The Clifton's Canteen - A Tribute to the 1940s USO Shows, this show is the first in a series and is an all new style of immersive theatrical cabaret where the audience and cast become one to tell the story in different stages at the venue. This exclusive event runs only two days only July 2nd and July 3rd, 2016 from 8PM - 10PM at Clifton's Cafeteria, 648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014.

Hailed as one of Time Out New York's Top 10 Cabaret Artists (2013), belter and bad decision maker Tori Scott returns to Joe's Pub at The Public just in time for Gay Pride with her solo show, MAKING AMERICA GAY AGAIN! -- a shameless journey that celebrates stiff drinks, bad decisions and the gays that enable her -- tonight, June 25th, at 9:30pm.

This weekend's big news: Goodspeed's starry new take on BYE BYE BIRDIE begins tonight, plus it's your last chance to see Broadway's BRIGHT STAR and THE KING AND I before they close Sunday!

It's been 77 years since Judy Garland made Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg's 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' forever famous. Just last night, her daughter, Lorna Luft, brought the beloved song back to life (something she has never done before now) at Feinstein's/54 Below, in a moving tribute to Stonewall, Orlando, and of course, her late mother. Check out the entire, emotional performance below!

Hailed as one of Time Out New York's Top 10 Cabaret Artists (2013), belter and bad decision maker Tori Scott returns to Joe's Pub at The Public just in time for Gay Pride with her solo show, MAKING AMERICA GAY AGAIN! -- a shameless journey that celebrates stiff drinks, bad decisions and the gays that enable her -- on June 25th at 9:30pm.

After several sold-out Feinstein's/54 Below engagements, Lorna Luft returns with a brand new show to celebrate Pride Week in NYC! The evening will be a celebration of what it means to be proud. Join Lorna Luft as she sings, tells stories, and focuses on the history behind New York City Pride and what it means to her while also dedicating her show to everyone who has pride in themselves. This is a show for all ages, shapes, and sizes and is a true celebration of who we all are, Lorna- style!

Tony Award-winning actor Paul Sand took time out of his Sunday afternoon off to talk with BWW. He is currently putting on his third-ish re-incarnation of KURT WEILL AT THE CUTTLEFISH HOTEL at the Miles Memorial Playhouse. Inspiration for CUTTLEFISH initially hit Paul as he was walking on the Santa Monica Pier. 'Wouldn't Kurt Weill's nasty songs about murder and revenge and broken hearts be terrific down here?'

BWW Interviews: Rachel Womble of THE WIZARD OF OZ to Take the Fox Theatre by Storm

The producers of IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS, the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film, have announced today that Lorna Luft will reprise her role as Martha Watson in the upcoming National Tour. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Provincetown's Art House brings some of its heavy hitters out early to kick-off its summer season with a bang.

Celebration Theatre at the Lex and Bruce W. Zisterer in association with Nicholas Caprio, Michael C. Kricfalusi, Todd Milliner and Jack Morrissey presents, under the artistic direction of Michael Matthews & Michael A. Shepperd, and thrilled to announce that their critically-acclaimed (LA Times Critic's Choice) Smash-Hit, West Coast premiere of THE BOY FROM OZ, music and lyrics by Peter Allen, book by Martin Sherman, original book by Nick Enright, choreography by Janet Roston, musical direction by Bryan Blaskie, produced by Andrew Carlberg and directed by Celebration Theatre co-artistic director Michael A. Shepperd is EXTENDING through SUNDAY, JULY 31 at the Celebration Theatre's new home, Celebration at the Lex Theatre, 6760 Lexington Ave. in Los Angeles.

Director/choreographer Arlene Phillips is to helm the world premiere of new British rock musical, written and co-directed by Sam Cassidy. The show runs 8 September-22 October at London's Cockpit Theatre, with press night on 12 September.

Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestras begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week as picked by our theatre editors, including: Al(exandra) Silber's Casual Monday, The Broadway Princess Party feat. Laura Osnes, Barbara Cook, Lorna Luft Celebrates Pride Week, and Anything But Love the Musical in Concert.