Michael Arden News

Just before New Year's is often a time of reflection, and BroadwayWorld is taking a moment to look back on the brightest lights in theatre this season. From a history-making creative team to jaw-dropping newby performers and an undeniable cult figure, we think 2015 has seen the rise of some of the top talents in the performing arts world.

There are undoubtedly other productions worthy of merit in 2015 which I did not cover. This list is based only on what I saw and reviewed. (alphabetical listings; Equity, Equity-waiver & Non-Equity productions are mixed) (artists performing outside LA may be included in performance categories) No set, costume, or technical awards. I leave that to the bigger awards and to the expertise of those who really know those fields inside out.

Happy Holidays! It's the last week to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!

Happy Holidays! It's the last week to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!

This morning's GOOD MORNING AMERICA went behind-the-scenes of Broadway's SPRING AWAKENING with the help of the show's stars Marlee Matlin, Camryn Manheim and director Michael Arden.

To life! The Broadway revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF just opened Sunday night, December 20 at The Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway), wrapping up the 2015 Broadway season. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, and choreographed by Hofesh Shechter. BroadwayWorld was there for all of the opening night festivities and you can check out coverage from the red carpet below!

This history-making Broadway revival of SPRING AWAKENING, performed simultaneously in American Sign Language and spoken English by a cast of 28, is breaking boundaries yet again. But this time, their new cast members could have stumbled straight out of THE WALKING DEAD. Below, watch a new spoof (written and directed by Alex Wyse) about how a fatal autocorrect error led to 'Dead' West's undead SPRING AWAKENING!

As Christmas approaches and you find yourself busy hustling and bustling with holiday cheer, take some time out of your day to check out some awesome clips on our BWW Vine Channel! We here at BWW love to hear what the fans have to say, and we think we've conjured up quite the incredible Christmas surprise. Throughout this week (December 22-27), we will have some of your favorite boys from the Broadway cast of SPRING AWAKENING doing a Vine takeover! Be sure to download Vine, follow BroadwayWorld, and see DANIEL N DURANT (Moritz), SEAN GRANDILLO (Voice of Otto/Bass), and DANIEL DAVID STEWART (Voice of Ernst/Piano) giving us backstage looks, sign language tutorials, and sharing any and all things SPRING AWAKENING with our viewers!

Time is running out to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!

Time is running out to vote for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 18. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31!

BroadwayWorld has learned that due to prior commitments, Marlee Matlin and Camryn Manheim will play their final performances in Deaf West Theatre's Broadway production of SPRING AWAKENING on January 10, 2016. Their roles will be filled by Alexandria Wailes and Elizabeth Greene, respectively, and the show will close on January 24 as scheduled.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the only stage collaboration from two masters of the American musical, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, is now available for professional licensing exclusively through Music Theatre International (212-541-4684, www.MTIshows.com).

Voting is fully underway for the 2015 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 11. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.

Voting is fully underway for the 2015 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Regional Awards! Check out the latest live stats as of December 11. Nominations were reader-submitted and after the nomination period ended, BroadwayWorld's local editors proofed the list for eligibility and errors. Voting runs through December 31.

BroadwayWorld is excited to report that Deaf West Theatre's acclaimed Broadway production of Spring Awakening has just announced plans for a national tour to begin in 2017.

Paper Mill Playhouse's recent production of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, based on the novel by Victor Hugo and the Disney animated film, may not be Broadway-bound, but it will get a cast recording. The American Premiere Studio Recording of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the only stage collaboration from two masters of the American musical Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, will be released on January 22, 2016. CLICK HERE to preorder today!

Deaf West Theatre's acclaimed, groundbreaking Broadway production of Spring Awakening will be captured for posterity by New York Public Library's Theatre on Film and Tape archive at Lincoln Center tonight, December 8 at 7 PM.