Karen Olivo News

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center are producing and presenting an original production that celebrates South Florida's home grown talent. The show launches the Center's Bring It Home Miami, a new initiative to reconnect established artists with the community that inspired their careers. Funding for Bring It Home Miami is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation's Knight Arts Challenge.

Tony Award-winning Broadway performer Karen Olivo recently announced her early retirement from show business and announced new plans to live a life as an artist far away from New York City and the fruits of the triple-threat star's labors are now available to view and purchase via craft retail site Etsy.

Billy Porter, 2013 Tony Award Winner for Best Actor in a Musical (Kinky Boots) surprised students of Broadway Artists Alliance Summer Intensive Session One with his appearance on July 25th. Porter entertained the students with tales of his experiences. In addition, he participated in a Q&A, answering student's questions and providing advice for young performers. Check out a look back below!

Tony Award winner Karen Olivo, who was most recently seen appearing in the sold out IN THE HEIGHTS reunion concert in New York City, as well as in Manhattan Theatre Club's MURDER BALLAD last fall, has confirmed to The Ledger -- following her 'Starting Over' blog post in March -- that she will not be returning to acting in the forseeable future. Olivo has moved to Madison, WI, to start over.

Tony Award winner Gabriel Ebert visited students at Broadway Artists Alliance Alumni Session to share his journey from young actor to Tony Award Winner. Earlier this year, Ebert won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Mr. Wormwood in Matilda the Musical. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Two-time Tony nominated Best Actress Laura Osnes visits Broadway Artists Alliance Junior. and Alumni Only Summer Intensives on July 16th. Osnes provided feedback to students as well as participated in a Q&A. Check out a look back at the event below!

Today we are talking to a passionate and prolific performer who has appeared in a number of impressive properties over the course of his career thus far - Milky White in the most recent Broadway revival of INTO THE WOODS to his starring roles in MEMPHIS and beyond - the charming Chad Kimball.

SMASH and First Date star Krysta Rodriguez recently joined Broadway Artists Alliance to lead a master class. Rodriguez provided feedback to the students on their audition material and participated in a Q&A. Scroll down for photos!

Conceived by Jonathan Larson, Murder Ballad is the story of a twisted love triangle. With a book by Blackburn Prize Winner Susan Smith and music and lyrics by rock singer Julia Nash, Murder Ballad is an electrifying story that captivates audiences through perfectly executed songs.

It's time for the newest episode of BWW's exclusive TV series - CHEWING THE SCENERY WITH Randy Rainbow! In this week's episode, Randy talks about the recent trend of stars leaving showbusiness, including Elaine Stritch and Karen Olivo, and writes a blog post in which he reveals his lost dream to star as 'Grizabella' in Cats. Click below to watch episode 26!

This week's topics:Randi Graff not nominated, interacting with the audience, obscure musicals, It's a Bird...It's a Plane..., STARCATCHER at New World Stages, most shocking Tony Win, Karen Olivo is retiring

The very popular and Tony winning Karen Olivo, who was most recently seen appearing in the sold out IN THE HEIGHTS reunion concert in New York City, shared a blog on her web site this morning, revealing a new direction. BWW selfishly hopes that this won't be a permanent break.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: IN THE HEIGHTS reunites, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S searches for 'Cat,' SMASH drops 'Bombshell' album, and so much more!

Viva Broadway, an initiative of the Broadway League, in collaboration with 5000 Broadway Productions and the United Palace of Cultural Arts presented In The Heights: In Concert, a special, one-night only benefit concert at the United Palace of Cultural Arts in Washington Heights on February 11. Olga Merediz reprised her Tony nominated performance as 'Abuela Claudia', singing 'Paciencia y Fe.' Click below to watch her in action!

Viva Broadway, an initiative of the Broadway League, in collaboration with 5000 Broadway Productions and the United Palace of Cultural Arts presented In The Heights: In Concert, a special, one-night only benefit concert at the United Palace of Cultural Arts in Washington Heights last night, February 11. BroadwayWorld brings you highlights of the all-star cast in action below!

Viva Broadway, an initiative of the Broadway League, in collaboration with 5000 Broadway Productions and the United Palace of Cultural Arts presented In The Heights: In Concert, a special, one-night only benefit concert at the United Palace of Cultural Arts in Washington Heights last night, February 11. BroadwayWorld brings you phtoos of the all-star cast in action below!

Viva Broadway, an initiative of the Broadway League, in collaboration with 5000 Broadway Productions and the United Palace of Cultural Arts presented In The Heights: In Concert, a special, one-night only benefit concert at the United Palace of Cultural Arts in Washington Heights last night, February 11. The cast performed two cut songs from the show, titled 'Para Siempre' and 'Hear Me Out.' Check them both out below!

Viva Broadway, an initiative of the Broadway League, in collaboration with 5000 Broadway Productions and the United Palace of Cultural Arts presented In The Heights: In Concert, a special, one-night only benefit concert at the United Palace of Cultural Arts in Washington Heights last night, February 11. Cast member Arielle Jacobs filmed the encore, 'Carnaval,' from onstage and you can check out the high-energy finale below!

Viva Broadway, an initiative of the Broadway League, in collaboration with 5000 Broadway Productions and the United Palace of Cultural Arts presented In The Heights: In Concert, a special, one-night only benefit concert at the United Palace of Cultural Arts in Washington Heights last night, February 11. BroadwayWorld was there for the concert's afterparty, and you can check out photo coverage below!

In honor of tonight's big concert event, BroadwayWorld celebrates the show below with perfomance clips and other highlights from the show's Broadway run. Check it out below!