Tonya Pinkins News

The New Group has announced a second extension for the New York premiere production of David Rabe's Good for Otto, which will now play its final performance on Sunday, April 15.  Due to demand, the company previously announced a one week extension through April 8.

Due to demand, The New Group has announced a three-week extension for Jerry Springer - The Opera, with Matt McGrath appearing as Jerry Springer beginning March 13.  Terrence Mann, currently appearing in the role of Jerry Springer, plays his final performance March 11 due to an existing commitment beyond that date.

Troupe today announces full casting for the UK premiere of Joel Drake Johnson's tense workplace drama Rasheeda Speaking. Sheila Reid (Rose Saunders) and Bo Poraj (Dr David Williams) complete the company with the previously announced Elizabeth Berrington (Ileen Van Meter) and Tanya Moodie (Jaclyn Spaulding). Directed by Jonathan O'Boyle the production opens at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 20 April, with previews from 18 April, and runs until 12 May.

Due to demand, The New Group has announced a one-week extension for the New York premiere production of David Rabe's Good for Otto. Previews begin tonight, February 20, in advance of an Official Opening Night on Thursday, March 8. Originally set to play a limited Off-Broadway engagement through April 1, this production now plays through Sunday, April 8 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street).

On Monday, February 19, the Theater People podcast welcomes Broadway favorite Adam Kantor back to the podcast. Kantor, currently co-starring as Telephone Guy in the critically acclaimed new musical THE BAND'S VISIT shares stories of how he won the role, working with the creative team on creating the role, and perfecting his character's haunting and beautiful song 'Answer Me.'

SPARKLE & CIRCULATE with JUSTIN SAYRE - the official monthly podcast of the International Order of Sodomites - has posted its new episode, which features an interview with Julian Fleisher. The sophisticated vocalist, composer, bandleader, producer, actor and author discusses his albums "Rather Big" and "Finally," his book 'The Drag Queens of New York: An Illustrated Field Guide'... and why he needs a boyfriend. Plus, he spills secrets about his musical collaborations with Kiki & Herb and Ana Gasteyer. And Justin sends us his best for the new year, if slightly belatedly. SPARKLE & CIRCULATE was recently named among the "10 Comedy Podcasts You Should Listen To" by Backstage. All episodes are available on iTunes HERE.

On Monday, February 5 Theater People podcast welcomes Tony winner Lea Salonga. For the episode, Salonga Talks about taking on the role of Erzule, The Goddess of Love in Michael Arden's Broadway revival of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, which is currently playing at The Circle in the Square theater on Broadway.

The New York Pops and Music Director Steven Reineke were joined by Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart (currently appearing as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton, and previously seen as the Genie in Aladdin and Bobby in Memphis) and Broadway regular Capathia Jenkins (Medda inNewsies, as well as appearances in Caroline, Or Change, and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me) for Heart and Soul on Friday, February 2 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall.

The contribution of Jewish composers and lyricists to the Great American Songbook will be explored in a special concert event created, written, directed and hosted by NYC impresario Scott Siegel. Famous songs from the theater, movies, and pop that have become beloved standards -- all written by Jews -- will be highlighted. Expect to hear classics both old and new from the likes of Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, The Gershwins, Leonard, Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Jason Robert Brown, as well as hits made famous by their composers, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, and more.

An all-star cast full of Tony, Drama Desk, and Nightlife Award winners and nominees will launch The Town Hall's 18thSeason of Broadway by the Year® on February 26 at 8pm. Tony Award winners Chuck Cooper (The Life) and Tonya Pinkins (Jelly's Last Jam) lead the 2/26 cast, joined by Tony Award nominee Emily Skinner (Side Show), Drama Desk Honoree Danny Gardner (Dames at Sea), Drama Desk Nominee Kerry O'Malley (Into the Woods), Nightlife Award Winner Scott Coulter, and featuring former Broadway Rising Star Pedro Coppeti. As always, series creator Scott Siegel will write, direct, and host this special concert event.

Troupe today announces Elizabeth Berrington and Tanya Moodie are to star in the UK premiere of Joel Drake Johnson's tense workplace drama Rasheeda Speaking. Directed by Jonathan O'Boyle the production opens at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 20 April, with previews from 18 April, and runs until 12 May.

The New Group has announced that Rhea Perlman will join F. Murray Abraham, Kate Buddeke, Laura Esterman, Nancy Giles, Lily Gladstone, Ed Harris, Charlotte Hope, Mark Linn-Baker, Amy Madigan, Rileigh McDonald, Kenny Mellman, Maulik Pancholy and Michael Rabe in the New York premiere of David Rabe's Good for Otto. Rhea Perlman will appear in the role of Nora, as Rosie O'Donnell, previously announced, is unable to appear due to illness. Directed by Scott Elliott, this production will play a limited Off-Broadway engagement February 20 - April 1, with Opening Night on Thursday, March 8 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, 480 West 42nd Street).

The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle (LADCC) has announced its nominations and special awards for excellence in Los Angeles, Orange County and Ventura County theatre for the year 2017 (Dec. 1, 2016 Nov. 30, 2017).

Today, January 21, is Big Hug Day and Broadway casts, crews and fans alike united for a big hug in Times Square. The group hug took place at noon at the Red Steps / Father Duffy Statue in Times Square.

The New Group has announced full casting and creative team for David Rabe's Good for Otto, with Kate Buddeke, Laura Esterman, Nancy Giles, Lily Gladstone, Charlotte Hope, Mark Linn-Baker, Kenny Mellman and Maulik Pancholy joining, as previously announced, F. Murray Abraham, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Rileigh McDonald, Rosie O'Donnell and Michael Rabe in this New York premiere directed by Scott Elliott.

On Monday, January 8, Theater People podcast welcome's back Broadway favorite Telly Leung. For the episode, Leung discusses recently winning the title role in Disney's ALADDIN on Broadway. He also shares stories from his recent work on IN TRANSIT and ALLEGIANCE.

The New Group has announced full casting for the Off-Broadway premiere Jerry Springer The Opera with Jennifer Allen, Florrie Bagel, Brandon Contreras, Sean Patrick Doyle, Bradley Greer, Luke Grooms, Nathaniel Hackmann, Billy Hepfinger, Justin Keyes, Beth Kirkpatrick, Elizabeth Loyacano, Tiffany Mann, Jill Paice, Kim Steele and Nichole Turner joining, as previously announced, Terrence Mann and Will Swenson.

SPARKLE & CIRCULATE with JUSTIN SAYRE the official monthly podcast of the International Order of Sodomites has posted its new episode, which features an interview with the chanteuse and songwriter Lady Rizo. The Grammy Award winner discusses her sophomore album 'Indigo recorded at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis and her annual concert tribute to the legendary Nina Simone. Rizo comes to the IOS studio to talk about growing up in a theatrical hippy family in Oregon and how motherhood has affected her as a performer.

On Monday, December 18 the Theater People podcast welcomes Olivier Award winner Leslie Margherita (MATILDA THE MUSICAL, DAMES AT SEA, ZORRO THE MUSICAL). On what will be the final Theater People episode of 2018, Margherita discusses WHO'S HOLIDAY, The one woman show in which she is currently starring as a grown up Cindy Lou Hoo--the character from the beloved Dr. Seuss Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The New Group has announced today that Terrence Mann and Will Swenson will star in the company's Off-Broadway premiere of Jerry Springer - The Opera, as 'Jerry Springer' and 'Warm-Up / Satan,' respectively.