Menier Chocolate Factory News

Just yesterday, THE COLOR PURPLE's Tony Award-winning director John Doyle was joined by some special guests, as Sardi's unveiled his caricature, which joins the historic collection on the restaurant's walls, honoring Broadway's finest for over 85 years. BroadwayWorld was there for the special day and you can check out photos below!

Director Sean Foley, who has recently enjoyed sell-out success adapting and directing The Painkiller in the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company season of Plays at the Garrick will, starting this autumn, under producer Mark Goucher, direct two new productions in the West End.

Ghostlight Records will release the Original London Cast Recording of KYLE RIABKO's Close to You: Bacharach Reimagined in digital formats, Friday, June 24 with two-disc physical copies online and in stores Friday, July 1.

In Theatr Clwyd's 40th anniversary year, Artistic Director Tamara Harvey, today announces full casting for her Theatr Clwyd directorial debut production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Harvey directs Lisa Palfrey in the role of Beatrice and John Ramm as Benedict. They are joined by David Bark-Jones, Jonathan Harden, Sian Howard, Nakay Kpaka, Steven Meo, Catherin Morris, Lowri Palfrey, Kerry Peers, and Sion Pritchard.

On May 4, the 2016 Tony nominees flocked to the Paramount Hotel, where they met with the press for the first time since getting the big news. BroadwayWorld will be bringing you coverage from the epic day over the next month (so watch out for lots more), but for now, check out photos of Best Direction of a Musical nominee for The Color Purple, John Doyle, as captured by Walter McBride!

The latest play from French sensation Florian Zeller just finished its run at Menier Chocolate Factory and will now transfer to Wyndham's Theatre in the West End, beginning June 22nd, according to the Daily Mail. 

Bay Street Theater has announced some of the principal cast of MY FAIR LADY, Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe, Based on Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw & Gabriel Pascal's motion picture, and Directed by Michael Arden, Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for Best Director of a Musical for the Broadway revival of

Today's big news: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre launches its summer season with RUNNING WILD tonight in London!

Sutton Foster, currently starring in TV Land's hit series YOUNGER, will soon return to the stage!

Pre-orders for the Menier Chocolate Factory production that transferred to the West End's Savoy Theatre are now being taken by Amazon.

The new musical FLOWERS FOR MRS HARRIS begins tonight, May 18, for a run through June 4, 2016 at the Crucible Theatre.

Michael Arden has been a part of the New York theatre community for quite a while, having made his debut in the 2003 revival of BIG RIVER. This year he stepped behind the scenes, making his Broadway directing debut with Deaf West's SPRING AWAKENING (for which he was nominated for Best Direction of a Musical). How did he end up here? Watch below to find out!

Commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, the world premiere of It Is Easy To Be Dead by award-winning playwright Neil McPherson opens at the Finborough Theatre for a four week limited season on Wednesday, 15 June 2016 (Press Night: Friday, 17 June 2016 and Saturday, 18 June 2016 at 7.30pm).

Arguably one of the most complex and intriguing female characters ever written, HEDDA GABLER weaves a mesmerizing tale of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who is driven by a need for power and freedom. Working from a freshly translated script by Anne-Charlotte Harvey that removes stilted language while staying true to Ibsen's voice, the actors have put their personal touches on their characters to create a piece that speaks to contemporary audiences. Lovers of classic theatre will not want to miss this gripping world premiere translation.

Natasha J Barnes plays the role of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre for a short period whilst Sheridan Smith takes 2 - 4 weeks leave of absence from the production due to stress and exhaustion.  

59E59 Theaters will welcome Dillie Keane (from Fascinating Aida) back to Brits Off Broadway with the US premiere of HELLO DILLIE, written by Ms. Keane and Adele Anderson, and directed by Simon Green and featuring Michael Roulston on piano. Produced by Pleasance Theatre Trust Ltd, HELLO DILLIE begins performances on Tuesday June 7 for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 3.  Press opening is Tuesday, June 14 at 7:30 PM.  The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday at 8:30 PM; Saturday at 2:30 PM & 8:30 PM; and Sunday at 3:30 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $25 ($17.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org. 

Now in its record breaking 31st year, Cameron Mackintosh has announced cast changes for 'LES MISERABLES' at the Queen's Theatre.

Director John Doyle has taken on his fair share of revivals, but perhaps none have been as stunning as this season's THE COLOR PURPLE, starring Tony nominees Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks, as well as Jennifer Hudson in her Broadway debut. So how does the master of musical revivals do what he does? Watch below to find out!

BroadwayWorld is thrilled to announce that THE COLOR PURPLE's Carrie Compere is taking over our Twitter account @BroadwayWorld tomorrow (May 7th) to give our readers a behind the scenes look at a two show day on Broadway! Live from inside The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, Compere will be tweeting photos, videos, and fun facts all about the show!

With a gorgeous, epic score by Richard Rodgers and a groundbreaking for its time book by Oscar Hammerstein II, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Allegro opened in 1947 to the highest advance in Broadway history