McDonald News

 Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley announced today a theater-lovers dream week of shows, as they will reunite the casts of “Godspell,” “Annie,” and “Pageant,” and host a very special Elphabas vs. Glindas “Wicked” game night!  All will benefit the Actors Fund, and several nights will include matching donations from generous supporters of the arts. 

Today (May 17) in live streaming: more Miscast, Live at the Lortel with Ann James, Night of Covenant House Stars, and more!

BREATHE, a new musical conceived by #1 New York Times bestselling novelist Jodi Picoult (in her theatrical debut) and playwright Timothy Allen McDonald, just had its world premiere exclusively on OVERTURE+ on Friday, May 14th.

STOPTIME: Live in the Moment podcast host Lisa Hopkins speaks to Rebecca Murillo, the multi-faceted artist who most recently collaborated with The Lightning Thief's Rob Rokicki on Breathe a show conceived and written during the pandemic by New York Times best-selling novelist Jodi Picoult and playwright Timothy Allen McDonald.

92Y has announced its upcoming lineup of virtual events.

The UC San Diego Department of Theatre and Dance presents Trojan Women: A Version translated from Euripides by emerita Distinguished Professor of Theatre and Classics Marianne McDonald, directed by emeritus Professor of Theatre Charlie Oates.

Westport Country Playhouse will present “Cabaret in the Robards,” a series of live, in-person, on-stage performances headlined by Broadway musical talents, beginning in June.

Today, we're getting to know Mean Girls vet Cailen Fu, with whom you can book a shoutout today!

TALES FROM THE WINGS: A Lincoln Center Theater Celebration!, a virtual gala, premiered last night, May 13. The event includes never-before-seen clips from the theater's upcoming productions, Flying Over Sunset and Intimate Apparel.

After a year of virtual shows, Maryland Ensemble Theatre will close out their 2020-2021 Season of Surprises with a brand new, in-person, outdoor production: Midsummer: A Most Rare Vision. 

Today's top stories: Annie Live! will air on NBC this holiday season, Patti LuPone gives a video message to theater fans, and more!

A lineup of Broadway stars have joined the HBO period drama 'The Gilded Age' - including Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Kelli O'Hara, Michael Cerveris, Debra Monk, Katie Finneran, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Kristine Nielson, and John Douglas Thompson.

The “Spotlight on Plays” series just announced the full company for Wendy Wasserstein’s The Sisters Rosensweig starring Jason Alexander, John Behlmann, Lisa Edelstein, Kathryn Hahn, Kathryn Newton, Tracee Chimo Pallero, Chris Perfetti and James Urbaniak.

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.