Karen Olivo News

While Mr. Strong definitely did not fix the book issues that have plagued the show since its inception - and dare I say it made it even worse - this production is yet another example of why the show continues to be produced. The music is exceptional and at the Kennedy Center it's performed by some of the best in musical theater today.

Good morning BroadwayWorld! Today's top stories: Escape to Margaritaville begins previews on Broadway today, and also releases its original cast recording!

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents the semi-staged Broadway Center Stage concert production of CHESS, the epic rock opera about love and political intrigue set against the backdrop of the Cold War as two superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

In a new interview for Metro Weekly, Raul Esparza talks about bringing Chess back to the stage, as well as how important it is to perform such a politically charged musical in this day and age. Esparza is currently performing in Chess at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Good morning BroadwayWorld! Today's top stories come out of D.C.'s Kennedy Center: CHESS opens, starring Raul Esparza, Karen Olivo, and Ramin Karimloo; and Corey Cott, Solea Pfeiffer and more lead WEST SIDE STORY in concert!

The Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season (BISA). HAMILTON anchors the season with a three week run, May 7-26, 2019. With eight productions, the season includes a mixture of Blockbuster Tony Award®-winners, five market premieres and returning audience favorites.

Good morning BroadwayWorld! Today's top stories: Taylor Trensch begins performances in Dear Evan Hansen, In the Body of the World opens, and more!

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will soon present the Broadway Center Stage production of CHESS, the epic rock opera about love and political intrigue set against the backdrop of the Cold War as two superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

On Monday, February 5 Theater People podcast welcomes Tony winner Lea Salonga. For the episode, Salonga Talks about taking on the role of Erzule, The Goddess of Love in Michael Arden's Broadway revival of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, which is currently playing at The Circle in the Square theater on Broadway.

The original cast of In the Heights reunited? No me diga! To celebrate 10 years since the show opened on Broadway, Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original stars of In the Heights reunited for a panel at BroadwayCon yesterday. Check out the full panel below, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda (Music & Lyrics, Usnavi), Karen Olivo (Vanessa), Olga Merediz (Abuela Claudia), Javier Muñoz (original Ensemble, Usnavi), Alex Lacamoire (Musical Director), and more original stars of In the Heights!

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today announced additional creative team members for the Broadway Center Stage production of CHESS, the epic rock opera about love and political intrigue set against the backdrop of the Cold War as two superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

2017 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards Finalists Announced!

BroadwayCon has announced today that Mandy Gonzalez, Priscilla Lopez, Seth Stewart, and Krysta Rodriguez have joined the lineup for the In The Heights 10 Year Reunion at BroadwayCon 2018. They join previously announced cast members and creatives Lin-Manuel Miranda, Karen Olivo, Olga Merediz, and Javier Mu oz, and moderator Luis Miranda, for a discussion on the impact that In The Heights had on Broadway.

On Today, January 13, 2018, the National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) will honor Tarell Alvin McCraney - Academy Award-winning playwright, 1999 YoungArts Winner in Theater and YoungArts master teacher - with the 2018 Arison Alumni Award at the organization's annual Backyard Ball on the YoungArts Campus (2100 Biscayne Boulevard).

On Monday, January 8, Theater People podcast welcome's back Broadway favorite Telly Leung. For the episode, Leung discusses recently winning the title role in Disney's ALADDIN on Broadway. He also shares stories from his recent work on IN TRANSIT and ALLEGIANCE.

Michelle Veintimilla joins the cast of Women of the Wings: A Celebration of Female Musical Theatre Writers Volume II.

The 2017 awards honor productions which opened between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. Nominations were completely reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended October 31, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Simone Allen in The Songs of Simone Allen on January 27th, 2018 at 11:30 PM. Simone Allen (Broadway Stands Up For Freedom/NYMF's Women of Note) makes her Feinstein's/54 Below debut in The Songs of Simone Allen. Simone presents a night of original singer/songwriter material as well as songs from her current musical theater project, Underground. Her unique sound draws from jazz, pop, rock, folk, and musical theater. She has received praise for her deep and varied collection of work and her natural fantastic melodic sensibility.

On Monday, December 18 the Theater People podcast welcomes Olivier Award winner Leslie Margherita (MATILDA THE MUSICAL, DAMES AT SEA, ZORRO THE MUSICAL). On what will be the final Theater People episode of 2018, Margherita discusses WHO'S HOLIDAY, The one woman show in which she is currently starring as a grown up Cindy Lou Hoo--the character from the beloved Dr. Seuss Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Raul Esparza recently took part in the Broadway Bares Soul series at the Sheen Center. BroadwayWorld attended the event and you can check out photos here!