Phumzile Sojola News

Cinderella - it’s a tale as old as time. Oh wait, wrong show. It’s pretty close, though. The story has roots as far back as 200 B.C. in Egypt, but the most well-known version dates to the 17th century, which is the one made famous by Disney in 1950. Broadway at Music Circus is showcasing a new adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella that features a revised book by Douglas Carter Beane. Originally made for television in 1957, Beane’s vision strays from that by incorporating modern elements that appeal to an evolving society while keeping some of the old fairytale flavor. Modern Cinderella opened on Broadway in 2013, the first time ever for any rendition of that title, and ran for two years. Now, it’s here to continue Broadway at Music Circus’ streak of being the place to be in the summer since 1951.

Recorded on Sunday, May 21st The Boston Pops performed a symphonic version of Ragtime, prepared by the original creators Terrence McNally, Lynn Ahrens, and Stephen Flaherty, especially for the Pops.

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.

New York Theatre Workshop and National Black Theatre will present Dreaming Zenzile, based on the life of Miriam Makeba, by Grammy-nominated Vocalist/Composer Somi Kakoma, directed by Obie Award winner, Tony Award nominee, NYTW Usual Suspect & former NYTW 2050 Artistic Fellow Lileana Blain-Cruz.

New York Theatre Workshop and National Black Theatre announced today casting, dates and ticket information for Dreaming Zenzile, based on the life of Miriam Makeba, by Grammy-nominated Vocalist/Composer Somi Kakoma directed by Obie Award winner, NYTW Usual Suspect & former NYTW 2050 Artistic Fellow Lileana Blain-Cruz.

McCarter Theatre Center presents the world premiere musical Dreaming Zenzile, based on the life of Miriam Makeba, written and performed by Grammy-nominated international music sensation Somi. The show runs January 20 - February 13, 2022. 

At a time when social justice issues and the role of entertainers bringing attention to relevant social issues is more prescient than ever, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ production of Dreaming Zenzile is both uplifting and relevant.

 The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) is set to launch its electrifying 2021-22 live theatre season with the world premiere production of Dreaming Zenzile, Based on the life of Miriam Makeba, written and performed by Grammy-nominated international music sensation Somi Kakoma.

It is 1950, and on a rainy South African afternoon in the St. George’s Park Tea Room, Hally (Nick Apostolina) is becoming himself. He was a boy – one prone to arrogance and self-pity, certainly but vulnerable, and capable of sweetness and hope. But now he is becoming a man – a brutal man, “MASTER HAROLD”, who embraces the world’s ugliness and claims it as his own. He does this by spitting in the face of Sam (L. Peter Callender), a Black man who had sheltered him to that point from the world’s worst, including his own father. In this primal way Master Harold joins the oppressors as a way of not joining the oppressed.

An exceptional contemporary drama concludes the reimagined 2020/2021 season as Syracuse Stage presents Athol Fugard's award-winning “'Master Harold' . . . and the Boys,” available as video on demand June 16 – July 4.

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. 

The North American tour of Phantom of the Opera has made its way across the country with stops in Dallas, Cleveland, Denver and more!

With David Alan Grier making his official return to Broadway tonight as Sergeant Vernon C. Waters in Roundabout Theatre Company's A Soldier's Play, we're looking back at his Tony-nominated turn as Sportin' Life in 2012's Tony-nominated production of The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess on the show's opening night. Check out the video to see Grier alongside Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, Phillip Boykin, Joshua Henry, and more as they celebrate the special night!

It's one of the most well-known musicals, but THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA continues to surprise, featuring a stellar cast, design, and dozens of special effects that all add up to a massive spectacle of a show.

Casting has been announced for Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA for its highly anticipated return to the Fox Cities at Fox Cities P.A.C. next month. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America.

Today's top stories: a film adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is in the works, Six will sail the seas on Norwegian Cruise Line, A Christmas Carol is returning to Broadway, and more!

Come to the 'masquerade' as Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera plays at the Blaisdell Concert Hall Aug. 7 through Sept. 1. This marks the first time Phantom has toured through Hawaii in nearly 25 years.

Take in 'the music of the night' as The Phantom of the Opera plays at Segerstrom Center for the Arts July 10-21.

Emma Grimsley will assume the role of 'Christine Daae' beginning August 7 when the spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, currently on tour in North America, starts performances in Honolulu, HI for the first time in almost 25 years.

Casting has been announced for Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA for its highly anticipated return to Orange County at Segerstrom Center for the Arts July 10 - 21, 2019. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America.