I've been thinking about Newsies a lot this week. At its core, it is a show about activists fighting for change and battling against the status quo. Obviously, this is a fairly pressing and urgent idea, this week especially. It tells us that we should raise our voices to protest unjust systems, and that if we hold out, important bounds forward can be made to better things for ourselves and others.
Today's top stories: Hugh Jackman breaks silence on Rudin and The Music Man, sneak peek at Jeremy Jordan's streaming concert 'Carry On', In The Heights film soundtrack sets release date, and more.
As outrage over the accusations surrounding Broadway producer Scott Rudin continues, Actors' Equity is speaking out about how it will handle Rudin-produced projects moving forward. Many have called upon Equity to place Rudin on its 'Do Not Work' list, essentially barring the union's members from employment in his productions.
Over the weekend, Sutton Foster spoke out about the recent controversy surrounding Scott Rudin- the former producer of her Broadway-bound revival of The Music Man. Now her co-star, Hugh Jackman, has broken his silence. The New York Times' Michael Paulson shared a statement.
If we all come together and fight against these people in power, if we demand change in the industry, we can make theatre a better place for future generations, for everyone who's ever dreamt of being on Broadway. Because we shouldn't have to compromise our art for our morals.
Rudin has decided to take his actions a step further by also removing himself from film and streaming projects. 'When I commented over the weekend, I was focused on Broadway reopening successfully and not wanting my previous behavior to detract from everyone's efforts to return. It's clear to me I should take the same path in film and streaming.'
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, theatre makers are taking to the streets on Thursday, April 22, to demand change in the industry. Of the demands outlined by the group is is a full list of organizations that AEA is working with to help Black, Indigenous, and POC feel safer, in addition to a full report of how the 2020 Equity dues were spent and what percentage is being spent to help conversations around diversity. Now Equity has responded with a statement.
Today's top stories: director Rob Roth is stepping down from the Beauty and the Beast UK tour after an email he wrote in support of Scott Rudin went public.
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, following a recent story by the Hollywood Reporter about Scott Rudin's abusive workplace behavior, the producer has announced that he will 'step back' from Broadway productions. Since then, UK director Rob Roth has come under heat as an email that he wrote in support of Rudin was made public.
Sutton Foster has spoken out about the recent controversy surrounding Scott Rudin, and explained the reason for her lack of public acknowledgement of the situation.
Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has issued a statement from President Kate Shindle and Executive Director Mary McColl in response to news that Scott Rudin is stepping back from his role as producer in several Broadway shows:
Following a recent story by the Hollywood Reporter about stage and screen producer Scott Rudin's abusive workplace behavior, the producer has finally responded to the various allegations.
Award Winning Writer and Actor, Joshua Turchin truly opens the curtains by sharing the craziest backstage stories from his time in A Christmas Story, Forbidden Broadway, and more. He proceeds to talk about his experience hearing about the Broadway Shutdown while rehearsing for Trevor: The Musical.
Do you want to work with one of the greatest storytellers in the theatre from anywhere in the world? Tony Award Winner, Theatre Hall of Fame honoree, and legendary Broadway star Betty Buckley will be offering her Song/Monologue Master Class ONLINE, at the T. Schreiber Studio. Betty will share her own unique spiritual philosophy and meditation techniques to help actors and singers not only connect passionately and truthfully to their material, but understand how to bring that connection to each and every audience member.
A March on Broadway has been planned by Instagram users Nattalyee Randall (@50milerunforjusticeprotest) and Courtney Daniels (@randomblackgirllll) on Thursday, April 22 at 1pm ET.
Karen Olivo, a 2020/21 Tony nominee for her performance in Moulin Rouge!, has just announced via Instagram that she will not return to the show when it reopens on Broadway.
Today's top stories: Broadway vaccination site opens next week, new Beatles musical She Loves Me premieres in Denmark in 2022, Heathers announces West End return and UK tour, and more!
Stage and screen producer Scott Rudin's abusive workplace behavior has been brought to light in a recent story by the Hollywood Reporter. The article outlines tales from several ex-Rudin staffers who detail volatile and 'traumatizing' past experiences.