McKenzie Kurtz News

It's been one year since Bryson Battle took center stage as a winner of the 12th annual Jimmy Awards. As a participant from Charlotte, North Carolina's Blumey Awards, Battle took part in the first ever virtual presentation on July 15, 2021, and was awarded Best Performance by an Actor, along with a check for $25,000 to further his education. BroadwayWorld is checking in with Bryson to catch up on what he's been up to since his big win, as well as advice for this year's participants.

Alliance Theatre’s season is coming to an end with TRADING PLACES, a world premiere musical. With book by Thomas Lennon, and music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, TRADING PLACES is a delight for viewers.

Take a look at the teaser trailer for the world premiere musical Trading Places at Alliance Theatre! Inspired by the iconic and beloved 1983 Paramount Pictures film, Trading Places is a hilarious and contemporary musical reimagining of the prince and pauper fable. The cast is led by Aneesa Folds and Bryce Pinkham.

Alliance Theatre is presenting the world premiere musical, Trading Places. Inspired by the iconic and beloved 1983 Paramount Pictures film, Trading Places is a hilarious and contemporary musical reimagining of the prince and pauper fable.

BroadwayWorld has a first look at the set of Alliance Theatre's world premiere musical, Trading Places. Inspired by the iconic and beloved 1983 Paramount Pictures film, Trading Places is a hilarious and contemporary musical reimagining of the prince and pauper fable.

For Thursday evening’s performance of Frozen the Musical the crowd was buzzing, little girls and women of all ages appeared in Elsa and Anna dresses, and some were carrying Olafs by their side in anticipation of a magical trip to the fictional Arendelle. Like many of us immersed in pop culture and especially here in the Sunshine State where Disney makes Central Florida a primary vacation destination, the magic of Frozen has appeared in our lives in some form or fashion over the course of the last 8-9 years. Since its release in November of 2013, the Disney film Frozen has captivated audiences and families of all ages. From its hit musical numbers to the lovable characters Disney once again created something for everyone. In 2019 Disney released a sequel to the behemoth film and added yet another magical adventure to Arendelle with the release of Frozen 2. Led by an all-star cast of Broadway Legends from Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff to film actress Kristen Bell, Frozen and Frozen 2 warmed even the coldest of hearts and the world of Disney animation has never been the same since, and for that, we are forever thankful.

The Alliance Theatre has announced the cast and creative team of its world premiere musical, TRADING PLACES. Inspired by the iconic and beloved 1983 Paramount Pictures film, TRADING PLACES is a hilarious and contemporary musical reimagining of the prince and pauper fable.

Today's top stories include McKenzie Kurtz, who made her Broadway debut playing “Anna” in Frozen, will reprise the role on the North American tour March 17 – April 11, 2022.  Plus, the cast of The Minutes is preparing for Broadway, episode four of The Aging Ingenue, and more!

Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, has announced that McKenzie Kurtz, who made her Broadway debut playing “Anna” in Frozen, will reprise the role on the North American tour March 17 – April 11, 2022.  She will play opposite her Broadway co-star Ryan McCartan, who is starring in the tour March 17 – April 17.

Last night, one of the most beloved Broadway musicals came to NBC. Annie LIVE! starred Celina Smith as Annie, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace, Tituss Burgess as Rooster and Megan Hilty as Lily St. Regis. Check out photos from the broadcast now!

ANNIE LIVE! is live now on NBC! Get a look inside the broadcast here as Broadway stars Tituss Burgess and Megan Hilty join Taraji P. Henson for the villainous tour de force, 'Easy Street.'

ANNIE LIVE! is live now on NBC! Get a look inside the broadcast here as Mr. Warbucks and Grace take Annie to Broadway in 'NYC' with stars Harry Connick, Jr., Celina Smith and Nicole Scherzinger.

ANNIE LIVE! is live now on NBC! Get a look inside the broadcast here as the incredible ensemble perform, 'I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here' with stars Celina Smith and Nicole Scherzinger.

ANNIE LIVE! is live now on NBC! Get a look inside the broadcast here as the cast of talented tots that make up the orphans open the show with their iconic number, 'It's A Hard Knock Life.'

Star of NBC's Annie Live, Celina Smith, is taking over our Instagram story today to share her favorite spots around New York City ahead of the musical's premiere tonight! Tune in to Annie Live tonight on NBC at 8pm ET.

Earlier this week, executive producer of Annie Live, Neil Meron, took over our Instagram to answering fan questions about putting together NBC's latest live TV musical. Wondering why the producers chose Annie for right now? How about the best part about filming in New York? Meron answers all of these questions and more here.

Wonder what it's like producing a live musical adaptation? Well we've got the takeover for you! Join executive producer Neil Meron as he takes our followers behind the scenes of creating NBC's Annie Live, premiering on Thursday, December 2.

It has been announced that the soundtrack for NBC's Annie Live! will be released on December 3rd! The musical event of the Holiday Season, 'Annie Live!' will air on Thursday, December 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The full cast of the star-studded broadcast has now been revealed! The ensemble will feature Felice Kakaletris as Molly, Cate Elefante as Kate, Sophie Knapp as July, Tessa Frascogna as Tessie, Arwen Monzon-Sanders as Duffy and Audrey Cymone as Pepper as well as Wendi Bergamini, Jadaya Bivins, Brittany Conigatti, Ben Davis, Zachary Downer, and more.

The 12th Jimmy Awards ceremony will be available to watch online on Thursday, July 15th at 7:30PM ET. Fans can watch right here at BroadwayWorld. Before the big night we're looking back on the Jimmy performances by students that went on to be recognized at the Tonys, take over iconic roles on Broadway, and more!