Lainie Sakakura News

East West Players has revealed the principal cast and creative team for the world premiere of Tony-winner David Henry Hwang’s newly updated 2026 book for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song.

Celebrating AANHPI Theatremakers on Broadway – a celebratory brunch honoring the AANHPI artists and professionals who are part of the 2024–2025 Broadway season – was held on Tuesday, June 3. See photos here! 

Explore the impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists on Broadway from 1951-1991 at the Library for the Performing Arts, featuring discussions, live performances, and archival footage.

Discover new musical talents as the National Asian Artists Project presents NAAP DISCOVER: NEW MUSICALS 2024 at Theatre 315. Explore innovative works by emerging artists. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

The Broadway productions of Illinoise, The Outsiders, Water for Elephants and more were winners at this year's 2024 Chita Rivera Awards. Check out photos from the red carpet!

New York Theatre Barn will launch the 11th season of its Choreography Lab on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 at 7PM ET.

MasterVoices, under Ted Sperling, found THE FROGS irresistible—and the result was a hit, or, as Shakespeare wrote in “Hamlet”: “A hit, a very palpable hit.” With its libretto by Burt Shevelove and Nathan Lane (and Nathan Lane again), it fit the stage of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theatre very nicely indeed.

The Frogs is a humorous piece of fluff, with great character songs, and lush choral works. MasterVoices hit it out of the park with this exquisite staging of an interesting work that’s unlikely to get a revival like this anytime soon.

TheaterWorks Hartford's production of LIZZIE is written by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt, and directed by Lainie Sakakura. See photos from the production and opening night here.

MasterVoices opens its 2023-24 season on November 3 and 4 at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater, with three performances of a concert staging of Stephen Sondheim and Burt Shevelove's The Frogs, as adapted by Nathan Lane. Learn more about this new production and how to get tickets here!

TheaterWorks Hartford has revealed details for its all-female musical Lizzie by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt. Directed by Lainie Sakakura and with music direction by Erika R. Gamez, Lizzie uses a searing rock score to explore the historical record of Lizzie Borden, the 19th century ax murderer whose controversial acquittal continues to fascinate the public.

TheaterWorks Hartford (TWH), under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero, has announced details for its upcoming 2023–2024 Season. Filled with great music, captivating stories, and world-class writing, it's unexpected and bold theater that brings community together.

Get ready for an exciting season at TheaterWorks Hartford as they reveal their lineup for 2023-2024, including the highly anticipated all-female musical 'LIZZIE'. Immerse yourself in the powerful and captivating story of 'LIZZIE' and experience the unforgettable theater experience that TheaterWorks Hartford has in store for you.

TheaterWorks Hartford has announced details for its upcoming 2023–2024 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets!

Asian American Arts Alliance has announced the selection of Shannon Yu (余香儒) (Sha/Shas) for its 2023 Jadin Wong Fellowship, which includes a $6,000 unrestricted cash award and eight months of professional development training and career support to foster the next milestone of Yu's artistic career.

The theater community rallied together once again with spirited skits, dynamic dance and brilliant bonnets as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Easter Bonnet Competition returned April 24 and 25, 2023. The performances celebrated in-theater Red Bucket appeals that raised $3,601,355 for meals and medication, health care and hope for those who need them most.

Stars, standouts and the most sensational ensembles of Broadway will unveil their best bonnets and skits at next week’s long-awaited return of the Easter Bonnet Competition! See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.

Theatre Producers of Color, the newly formed organization committed to supporting the next generation of BIPOC producers by providing access to education, training, and mentorship, announced their 2023 cohort for the third-annual education program – “Producing 101'.

The winners have been announced for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards, honoring the best in regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

The latest standings as of Monday, December 19th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.