Karen Olivo News

If we all come together and fight against these people in power, if we demand change in the industry, we can make theatre a better place for future generations, for everyone who's ever dreamt of being on Broadway. Because we shouldn't have to compromise our art for our morals.

Today's top stories: director Rob Roth is stepping down from the Beauty and the Beast UK tour after an email he wrote in support of Scott Rudin went public.

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, following a recent story by the Hollywood Reporter about Scott Rudin's abusive workplace behavior, the producer has announced that he will 'step back' from Broadway productions. Since then, UK director Rob Roth has come under heat as an email that he wrote in support of Rudin was made public.

Sutton Foster has spoken out about the recent controversy surrounding Scott Rudin, and explained the reason for her lack of public acknowledgement of the situation.

Olivo was asked if she personally had stories related to Rudin, which she declined to respond, but she did say she's been the victim of assault.

Award Winning Writer and Actor, Joshua Turchin truly opens the curtains by sharing the craziest backstage stories from his time in A Christmas Story, Forbidden Broadway, and more. He proceeds to talk about his experience hearing about the Broadway Shutdown while rehearsing for Trevor: The Musical. 

Today's top stories: Karen Olivo announces they will not return to Moulin Rouge! when it returns to Broadway, and more.

Karen Olivo, a 2020/21 Tony nominee for her performance in Moulin Rouge!, has just announced via Instagram that she will not return to the show when it reopens on Broadway.

The Musical Theater and Acting departments at The University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, will host an exclusive online senior showcase for their thirty-five graduating seniors on April 12 after canceling their New York showcase for the second consecutive year due to COVID restrictions.

The Musical Theater and Acting departments at The University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, will host an exclusive online senior showcase for their thirty-five graduating seniors on April 12 after canceling their New York showcase for the second consecutive year due to COVID restrictions.

Broadway and screen actors are coming together to support the Equal Rights Amendment at the virtual Living Equality fundraiser and awards gala on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET.

Broadway Backwards, the annual event where gender doesn't matter but love does, made its virtual premiere earlier this week with special appeals from Chasten Buttigieg, Ariana DeBose, Debra Messing, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tony Shalhoub and Ben Vereen. The stream will be available on demand through 11:59pm tonight, April 3.

The virtual edition of Broadway Backwards delivered an emotional and exuberant evening of performances and raised a record $749,555 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.

“You Will Be Found” by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is performed by Jenn Colella, Jay Armstrong Johnson and Cast Amy Adams, James Monroe Iglehart, Cheyenne Jackson, L Morgan Lee, Raymond J. Lee, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Ruthie Ann Miles, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and many more!

Today's episode of Little known Facts features theatre administrator, writer, and advocate Howard Sherman. What are his thoughts on the return of Broadway? 'I think if you asked me a couple of weeks ago, I might have been slightly less optimistic than I am today,' he said.

“But,” she says hopefully, “with the re-spark of the Black Lives Matter movement, I have been able to find my voice in theatre, as well as socially.” “We still have so much work to do.” she continues. “And there are so many performers, as well as organizations, putting in the work for things to change; to push for equity on and off the stage.”

Broadway Backwards, the annual event where gender doesn’t matter but love does, is set to make its virtual premiere this Tuesday, March 30, 2021, with special appeals from Chasten Buttigieg, Ariana DeBose, Debra Messing, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tony Shalhoub and Ben Vereen.

Actors Equity has responded to a recent petition from several members of the Broadway community, asking for a town hall to discuss the path to reopening.

A cavalcade of beloved Broadway, television and film stars have joined the roster of performers for the virtual edition of Broadway Backwards, the show where gender doesn’t matter but love does. The stream premieres at 8 pm Eastern on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.  

The stars announced for April and May include Matt Doyle, Ali Stroker,  Stephanie J. Block, Sebastian Arcelus,  Mandy Gonzalez, Andrea McArdle, Christine Pedi, Laura Benanti, Linda Benanti, and Leslie Uggams.