Magic Johnson News

ESPN and ABC's comprehensive 2012 NBA Playoffs coverage - up to 44 games, including The Finals exclusively on ABC - will begin with five games this weekend.

Stars of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, gifted young dancers from The Ailey School and, for the first time ever, talented students from AileyCamp will come together for a spectacular one-night performance on Tuesday, May 8th at 7pm on the world famous Apollo stage. Led by new Artistic Director Robert Battle, the Spring Gala Benefit performance will be at the Apollo Theater (253 W 125th Street, between 7th & 8th Avenues). A gala party with festive dress, décor and dancing to music by the famed DJ Ruckus will conclude the 10th annual celebration.

Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, the producers of the new Broadway play MAGIC/BIRD, announced today that the star of "Lombardi," Dan Lauria, will hold a talkback for ticketholders following the 8pm performance at the intimate Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) this Wednesday, April 18. Lauria, who portrayed the legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the hit play last year, will be joined on stage by his longtime friend Peter Scolari, who is playing legendary coaches Red Auerbach and Pat Riley in Magic/Bird.

“Are you the great white hope?” a Boston sports reporter asks the Indiana-grown college star newly acquired by the home team; a player expected to help his suspiciously pale-hued group of teammates win basketball championships.

Looking for a quick roundup of this week's events in the theatre world? Look no further - here are some of the best articles the week had to offer!

MAGIC/BIRD opened at the Longacre Theatre on Wednesday, April 11. MAGIC/BIRD, directed by Tony Nominee Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights), reunites Lombardi playwright, Oscar Winner and Emmy Nominee, Eric Simonson on MAGIC/BIRD, a new American Play chronicling the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson. Check out highlights from opening night below!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS crosses the pond, LYSISTRATA JONES reunites, Joel turns 80, and so much more!

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson appeared on ABC's 'The View' this week to talk about the storied basketball rivalry and unique friendship with fellow basketball player Larry Bird. Their relationship is chronicled in the new Broadway show MAGIC/BIRD which opened Wednesday night, April 11 at The Longacre Theatre.

Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson will hold a talkback for ticketholders following the 2pm matinee performance today at the intimate 900 seat Longacre Theater (220 West 48th Street), the second show following Wednesday's star-studded opening. Johnson, one of the two key subjects (along with fellow Hall of Famer Larry Bird) of the six person original play, will speak with the audience today and give his thoughts.

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway last night, April 11 and BroadwayWorld was at the post-show celebration to chat with the company! Click below to hear from the cast and director Thomas Kail!

NBA Hall of Famers Magic Johnson and Larry Bird talked about their storied basketball rivalry and their unique friendship off the court on last night's LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN. Their appearance coincided with the Opening Night of the new Broadway show MAGIC/BIRD.

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway last night, April 11. BroadwayWorld was on hand throughout the evening and brings you photo coverage of the starry theatre arrivals below!

MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway Tuesday night, April 10. BroadwayWorld was there to catch the stars, including Larry Bird, Tug Coker, Kevin Daniels, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson and more, in action at the after party and brings you photos below!

Last night, April 11, MAGIC/BIRD opened on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre, with special appearances by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird themselves. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the opening night curtain call and brings you photo coverage below!

MAGIC/BIRD, a new play from the team that brought LOMBARDI to the stage last season opened tonight, April 11, 2012 on Broadway. Let's see what the critics had to say!

MAGIC/BIRD, directed by Tony Nominee Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights), will officially open with a 7 p.m. performance tonight.

On last night's CELEBRITY APPRENTICE on NBC entitled 'Ad Hawk', the contestants were still reeling from last week's dramatic Boardroom, where one Celebrity went on an emotional tirade against a teammate.

Transgender beauty queen Jenna Talackova, who now is eligible to compete in the Miss Universe Canada pageant after originally being disqualified because of a rule stating contestants must be 'naturally born' females, makes her first live appearance, Monday, April 9. Talackova will be joined by her attorney, Gloria Allred.

MAGIC/BIRD, currently in previews, will officially open with a 7 p.m. performance on Wednesday April 11th. The production highlights have been released and BroadwayWorld brings you a first look below!

Transgender beauty queen Jenna Talackova, who now is eligible to compete in the Miss Universe Canada pageant after originally being disqualified because of a rule stating contestants must be 'naturally born' females, makes her first live appearance, Monday, April 9. Talackova will be joined by her attorney, Gloria Allred.