Thomas Schumacher News

Disney’s The Lion King has announced that Robb Sapp and Sam Linda, who play the role of Ed on Broadway and tour, respectively, will switch productions. Learn more here!

The Drama Desk Awards has revealed the line-up of special performances and tributes for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, taking place Sunday, May 17, 2026 at The Town Hall.

Caleb A. Barnett will step into the role of Genie in Aladdin on Broadway after making his Broadway debut in the company as the Genie standby in the summer of 2023.

For Broadway fans, the highlight of every spring is the announcement of the Tony Award nominations—the most prestigious recognition in American theatre. But how are Tony nominees chosen, and who gets to decide? In this guide, we break down the Tony Awards nomination process and reveal how Broadway’s biggest honors are determined.

Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway and WABC-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News New York have launched a new initiative, “Magical Moments,' which offers select audience members the chance to visit backstage.

Michael James Scott, Aladdin’s longest-running Genie and an original cast member, will play his final performance Sunday, May 3. Learn more about Scott and Aladdin here!

On Monday, BTC held its 3rd Annual “Building the Change” Gala at the Rainbow Room in New York City. Learn more about the event and check out photos from the gala here!

The Lion King has announced that longtime cast member Mduduzi Madela will assume the role of Simba beginning Tuesday, February 24. Learn more about him here!

The 1/52 Project has opened applications for its 2026 grant cycle supporting early-career theatre designers from historically excluded groups. Founded by Beowulf Boritt, the OBIE Award-winning program provides financial grants of up to $17,500.

BTC will honor Academy Award-nominated Actor, Producer, Author Taraji P. Henson; Tony Award-winning Producer and Author Thomas Schumacher and more at their 2026 gala.

Aladdin has announced that Rodney Ingram will step into the title role beginning Tuesday, February 3. Ainsley Melham will play his final performance Sunday, February 1. 

The current BEAUTY AND THE BEAST tour is a celebration of the Broadway musical’s 30th anniversary, and a chance for director and choreographer Matt West and book writer Linda Woolverton to revisit a stage version they have been working on since it all began in Houston during 1993.

The North American tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome Zama Magudulela as Rafiki. Magudulela will begin performances on Tuesday, January 13 in Sacramento at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 17, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.

In honor of the Aida’s 25th anniversary, BroadwayWorld spoke to stars Heather Headley (Aida), Adam Pascal (Radames), Sherie Rene Scott (Amneris), Schele Williams (Nehebka), as Thomas Schumacher (original producer and Disney Theatrical Group chief for its first three decades), lyricist Tim Rice, and book writer David Henry Hwang to compile an oral history of the show’s early days, transition to Broadway, and legacy beyond the boards.

Disney Theatrical Group and Playhouse Square will offer a sensory-friendly performance of Disney’s The Lion King in the KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Disney’s The Lion King is coming to The Paramount Theatre stage.

On Tuesday, the cast of Disney's Aladdin, led by Ainsley Melham, Sonya Balsara, and Marcus Martin, took the stage on Live with Kelly and Mark for a performance of 'A Whole New World.' Check out the performance now.

Tickets for the long-awaited return of Disney’s The Lion King at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) will go on sale Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10 a.m.

On Thursday, the cast of Disney's Aladdin, one of the longest-running Broadway shows, took the stage for a magical performance of 'Friend Like Me.' Check it out now!