The latest offering in 42nd Street Moon’s 2021 Moonbeams series is a new virtual production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill starring Doris Bumpus as the legendary Billie Holiday. Written by Lanie Robertson and directed by Brandon Jackson with musical direction by Marcus McCauley, the play is both a celebration of Holiday as a musical icon and an exploration of her experience as a Black woman in America. Ultimately, it is a testament to the power of the human spirit to persevere in spite of incredible adversity. Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill is available to stream through May 30, 2021. For further information and to purchase tickets, visit 42ndstmoon.org/moonbeams.
BroadwayWorld caught up with Ms. Bumpus earlier this week in Miami, where she was celebrating her 28th wedding anniversary. The Michigan native grew up singing in church, taking on her first solo at the tender age of five. The actor/singer/producer has her own production company, D’Sunflower Productions, and also has a pair of EP’s on iTunes, including her most recent release, “God Bless the Child,” which pays tribute to Billie Holiday. Her wide-ranging Bay Area theater credits include playing Dorothy Gale in 'The Wiz' and Effie White in 'Dreamgirls,' receiving a Pan Arts Award for Best Lead Actress for both. 42nd Street Moon audiences will remember her as Jewel in 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.' In conversation, Bumpus is easily chatty and ebullient, and her joy in being a working actor is palpable.
Hollywood and Broadway stars are teaming up on Monday, May 17th to celebrate the resilience of the young people experiencing homelessness at Covenant House, the international charity providing housing, food and healthcare to children and youth facing homelessness.
Signature Theatre continues its commitment to new work by presenting the sixth annual SigWorks: Monday Night New Play Readings Series. This initiative highlights and supports the work of DMV playwrights and is an opportunity for playwrights, actors, directors, designers, and patrons to explore new plays in a fun and informal environment.
With a story by Callie Khouri (Oscar® winner for Writing, Thelma & Louise) and Tracey Scott Wilson, and screenplay written by Tracey Scott Wilson. Wilson and Tommy have worked together creatively since the 2009 play The Good Negro written by Wilson, directed by Tommy at The Public Theatre.
The New York Choral Society is celebrating their virtual Spring season on a high note on May 11, 2021 with a Gala of special musical guests and the world premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Invitation to Love.
Philadelphia Theatre Company announced the first winner of the newly revived Terrence McNally Award. The theatre wanted to revive the award and had been in discussion with McNally and his husband, producer Tom Kirdahy, to move forward before McNally passed away due to complications of Covid-19 in March 2020.
New Theatre will be presenting the Australian premiere of this delightful contemporary queer rom-com, from one of America's most acclaimed young playwrights, Joshua Harmon, and to welcome director Hayden Tonazzi to take the helm in his New Theatre debut.
The American Pianists Association has updated its 2021 classical award plans. The five finalists, Dominic Cheli, Kenny Broberg, Mackenzie Melemed, Michael Davidman and Sahun Sam Hong, have each recorded a private adjudicated recital with WFYI TV in Indianapolis.
Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley announced today that they will reunite the casts of some of theater-goers favorite Broadway shows, including “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” “Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella,” and “Anastasia,” all in support of The Actors Fund.
Broadway Inspirational Voices announced today that Founder and Artistic Director Michael McElroy will step down from leading the organization after 27 years, effective June 30, 2021. McElroy will pass the baton to composer/lyricist, producer Allen René Louis, currently the Associate Artistic Director and a talented member of the BIV music team and choir.
Broadway Barks will once again stream its annual animal adoption event on Sunday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The streamed event, hosted by co-founder Bernadette Peters will feature adoptable animals from shelters and presented by celebrities Across America.
Lime Arts Productions presents Twenty-By-Twenty Fringe (TBTF), a new pilot program that was conceived in an effort to provide a platform for artistic directors, theatre practitioners, and theatre-goers across the country to watch bold, innovative, and intimate new works created by the most refreshing and current voices - artists in their 20s.
Today's top stories: Sondheim's Bunuel is no longer in development, first look at Lin-Manuel Miranda's VIVO, Patrick Dempsey reveals he will sing and dance in upcoming Enchanted sequel, and more!
The Park Theatre is adding live-streaming concerts from well-known musical artists to its virtual offerings. These concerts come from all parts of the USA. Virtual Park Theatre initial national artists include Joan Osborne (May 1), Keb’ Mo’ (May 5 & 6), Los Lobos (May 6), Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers (May 7) and more.
Producer Mark Cortale has announced that eleven stars of the stage and screen will now join the full May through June line-up of The Seth Concert Series, the live weekly series based on Seth Rudetsky’s international Broadway series that began at The Art House in Provincetown ten years ago.
The “Spotlight on Plays” series announces the full company for Lillian Hellman's Watch on the Rhine starring Academy award winner Ellen Burstyn, Alan Cox, Sasha Diamond, Alfred Enoch, Carla Gugino, Luca Padovan, Tony Award nominee Mary Beth Peil, Gabriella Pizzolo, Neel Sethi & Tony Award nominee Jeremy Shamos, directed by Sarna Lapine.
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announces plans to welcome audiences back with its first set of concerts for summer. Re-emerging from a one-year pandemic closure of the Filene Center and Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods, Wolf Trap will celebrate the 50th anniversary season at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts with its first live music performances since December 2019.
This spring, Bay Area kids aged 5 and up will learn tools for identifying and combatting racism with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's virtual school tour of A Kid's Play About Racism, based on the book by Jelani Memory.
