Playbill News

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater announces four additional commissioned playwrights as a part of Power Plays, an ambitious initiative commissioning and developing 25 new plays and musicals from a diverse mix of writers, composers and lyricists over the course of 10 years. Playwrights Lauren Yee, Zack Zadek, Emily Feldman and Karen Zacarías join previously commissioned playwrights with projects underway, including Eduardo Machado, whose Power Play Celia and Fidel, a perceptive and authentic look at Fidel Castro's most trusted confidant and political partner, Celia Sánchez, enjoys its world premiere in Arena's Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle, February 28 through April 12, 2020.

After a Members advance sale so busy it prompted the early extension of two productions, tickets for the Stratford Festival's groundbreaking new season go on sale to the public today. The 2020 season is one of the biggest ever and includes the much-anticipated opening of the new Tom Patterson Theatre. With the $100-million fundraising goal a hair's breadth away from completion, the bespoke theatre is one of North America's most significant new arts builds in decades.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory will start 2020 with the surprisingly delightful Gruesome Playground Injuries, a contemporary play by 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Rajiv Joseph. Ashley Teague directs the story of two people and the unique relationship they build over a lifetime of injuries, both physical and emotional. This sharp-witted and dark comedy will run from January 1 - 19, in the Cook Theatre with a pay-what-you-can (minimum $5) preview night on December 31.

Due to popular demand, Firebrand Theatre has announced a second extension of its hit revival of ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE, now playing through Saturday, January 25, 2020 at The Den Theatre's Janet Bookspan Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago.

Stephen Mosher's personal tribute to Jerry Herman on the occasion of his death at 88.

Today's top stories: A Soldier's Play begins previews tonight on Broadway, and more!

While we salute each and every person who has played in a part in the Broadway experience (both onstage or off), BroadwayWorld is shining a spotlight on ten stars who had a particularly killer decade. 

Tonight is opening night of Jimmy Buffett's 'Escape to Margaritaville' at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' Buell Theatre, and to celebrate, Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel is inviting its guests to escape to island time with a very special package. Bookable now through Jan. 5, 2020 (throughout the show's run in Denver), the Escape to Margaritaville package includes:

Inspired by true events, A City of Refuge from Primitive Grace Theatre Ensemble brings the audience squarely to church, a haven-as-melting-pot that reaches its boiling point and beyond. As a motley crew of community members collectively tries to absorb the shockwaves of what's happening outside (the Washington Heights riots), they must individually bear witness to each other, as well as to their own fears, biases, and the need for personal strength amidst relentless violence, shared vulnerability, and dwindling resources.

Harry Connick Jr - A Celebration of Cole Porter, honoring one of America's most respected songwriters, just opened on Broadway last week. Featuring a vibrant, 25-piece orchestra and a modern, multi-media presentation, this entirely new production brings back to Broadway both the magic of Cole Porter's compositions and one of the world's most celebrated live performers.

BroadwayWorld has teamed up with renowned caricature artist Ken Fallin, a life-long theater enthusiast, who has drawn many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Below, check out his latest illustration, featuring Derek Klena, Antonio Cipriano, Elizabeth Stanley, Celia Rose Gooding, and Lauren Patten in Jagged Little Pill.

BroadwayWorld has teamed up with renowned caricature artist Ken Fallin, a life-long theater enthusiast, who has drawn many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Below, check out his latest illustration, featuring the late, great Harold Prince, who will be celebrated this Monday, December 16th at the Majestic Theatre.

It's December, already?! How can that be? Weren't we all just at BC/EFA Flea Market & Grand Auction, and just before that the 2019 Easter Bonnet Competition? How do the years keep flying by faster and faster?

Due to popular demand, Firebrand Theatre's hit revival of ALWAYSa?? PATSY CLINE will add three additional weeks of performances, extending through Saturday, January 4, 2020 at The Den Theatre's Janet Bookspan Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago.

Theatre visionary Brian Clowdus, whose immersive approach to the stage is reinvigorating live theatre nationwide, will work with Columbus Children's Theatre (CCT) to bring a?oeHeathers: The Musicala?? to life within an actual high school summer 2020. Westerville City Schools, a district that prioritizes theatre, will provide an ideal location for this unique experience, opening Westerville North High School to audiences for the run of the show. a?oePicture walking down the halls of the school with the Heathers slamming lockers left and right in a production where you aren't watchinga??you are in it!a?? offers Clowdus. a?oeThis immersive production will come to life using state-of-the-art technology in which every space of the school becomes part of this cult classic musical!a??

BroadwayWorld has teamed up with renowned caricature artist Ken Fallin, a life-long theater enthusiast, who has drawn many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Below, check out his latest illustration, featuring Len Cariou & Craig Bierko in Harry Townsend's Last Stand.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory will start 2020 with the surprisingly delightful Gruesome Playground Injuries, a contemporary play by 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist, Rajiv Joseph. Ashley Teague directs the story of two people and the unique relationship they build over a lifetime of injuries, both physical and emotional. This sharp-witted and dark comedy will run from January 1 a?' 19, in the Cook Theatre with a pay-what-you-can (minimum $5) preview night on December 31.

The Broadway League has announced that Kids' Night on Broadway® tickets are on sale now at KidsNightonBroadway.com. The event will take place in New York City on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

Helena Levitt was born and raised in Montreal. She graduated from Dawson College's Professional Theatre Program, where she says she fell in love with her craft. Upon graduation, she moved to Toronto to seek out more opportunities. After two years in Toronto, and missing her family, she returned to Montreal where stepped away from acting and went back to school, obtaining a BFA in Drama and Education. She dabbled in Drama Therapy, which she found fascinating. She knew there was a strong connection between Drama and therapeutic practices, so she continued her studies, obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University. She married and raised a family before realizing how much she missed performing. She began taking classes, which feels every actor should continue to do throughout their career. She started auditioning and is now a critically acclaimed, well respected member of the Montreal theatre community. I had the immense pleasure to chat with Levitt about her career and d² productions upcoming remount of the award winning play, LATE COMPANY, which opens December 10, 2019 at The Segal Centre Studio.