As You Like It - 1964 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 1

When FUNNY GIRL opened on Broadway it was a smash hit in 1964 and would jettison the career of Barbra Streisand. It became a staple on repertory companies, regional and community theatres and summer stock. But the looming memory of Streisand's iconic performance  on stage and then on screen seemed to have destined the show to be unproduceable without a genuine triple threat actress who could sing, act, AND be a comedian par excellence. It took almost 60 years for a Broadway revival to occur, and poor Beanie Feldstein was not up to the leading lady task, being replaced with the much more appropriate star Lea Michele. Once again, the tale of  Fanny Brice had resurfaced and the often comedic, often dark musical comedy has been re-introduced to audiences who can look at the piece without Streisand's interpretation burned into our memory.

The musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that has just landed at the Sands Theatre leans into celebrating a world of vivid invention. It keeps the heart of the beloved material and commits even further into its absurdity. It guarantees a night at the theatre that will leave you going “what…was…that.' A night you won't soon forget. 

While The Winter's Tale's regarded as a play of two halves (set in Sicilia and Bohemia), former Royal Shakespeare Company director Greg Doran's poignant and absorbing Walking Shadow is a book of two halves.

xBroadway’s current theater capacity rules have not always been how they are now. The distinctions between Broadway, off-Broadway, and other types of venues have changed over the decades as the industry has evolved. 

Perhaps the most well-known instance of a show changing titles during the development process belongs to the groundbreaking 1943 phenomenon, Oklahoma! The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that changed the art form in terms of subject matter, integration of elements, and more was originally titled Away We Go! when it went out of town for a New Haven tryout. Oklahoma! is far from the only instance where a musical changed its title along the development road.

Beck Center for the Arts announced its 94th professional theater season, featuring a world premiere comedy by Cleveland playwright Eric Coble, regional premiere musicals, and a collaboration with Oberlin College & Conservatory Music Theater Program.

Chandler Center for the Arts announced its 2026–2027 season lineup, set to launch following a major interior renovation. The season includes music, dance, theater, and family entertainment, with Pick 5 packages now available to members.

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another excellent production at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton, CT, JERRY’S GIRLS, a show that celebrates the music of Jerry Herman whose music was featured in Hello Dolly!, Mame,  and other musicals. Starring the phenomenal first-rate vocals of stars Sandra Fernandes, Makenzie Massey, and Emerson Raymond, accompanied by talented pianist Jane Best, this show is highly entertaining! The star power of these performers succeeds in pulling off this challenging production, under the brilliant combination of the direction of Liz Muller, associate direction of Jacob Marcus, and choreography of Brandy and Michael Bailey. I am not exaggerating when I say that if Sandra, Makenzie, and Emerson were to audition for American Idol next year, they would likely be the top three contestants. Yes, they are that good!

Spring has sprung, and with it's arrival, comes new plays for theatre lovers of all kinds. Whether you live for intense dramas or would rather escape with zany comedies, there's something for everyone both on and off-Broadway in April 2026.

A second batch of shows for this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been announced, bringing the current total number on sale for 2026 to 2,083. Learn more here!

A new documentary film will be released about blues musician Bobby Rush. Titled King of the Chitlin’ Circuit, the movie explores the life of the 92-year-old musician and his 70-plus-year career. 

Broadway and cabaret's new power couple, Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney (HADESTOWN), wowed with three sold-out shows at The Green Room 42 in February.

Next week, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Allison Bailey, Jordan Tyson and more. 

It’s… Hairspray! BroadwayWorld is taking a look back at what the cast of this beloved musical has been up to since the show first graced the Broadway stage!

It's music's biggest night! Laufey, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo, Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, and more took home awards at The 68th Annual GRAMMYs. Check out the full list of GRAMMY winners here.

Next month, 54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Vanessa Williams, Tony Danza and more. 

Tony Award–nominated Broadway actress, singer, and author Melissa Errico has released her new American Songbook album, I Can Dream, Can’t I?, now available on all digital streaming platforms. Listen to it now.

Maybe You Like It will bring critically acclaimed thriller Down to Chance and queer farce Sorry (I Broke Your Arms and Legs) to London. Wednesday 22nd April – Saturday 9th May 2026.

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 26, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.

54 Below will honor the Black performers, producers, and artists who are vital members of our artistic community this Black History Month, featuring performances by Vanessa Williams and more.

The festival runs from 25 February to 8 March in Glasgow.

We spoke to Tyler Hardwick about joining the company of Hello, Dolly! as Cornelius Hackl at OFC Creations opposite The Parent Trap star and Dancing with the Stars finalist Elaine Hendrix.

Troupe has announced the full cast and creative team for its forthcoming production of Noël Coward’s The Rat Trap, reimagined by Bill Rosenfield. Learn more here!

What did our critic think of PLAID TIDINGS at Artistry?

Tony Award-nominated Broadway performer Melissa Errico has shared her new single, a rendition of Frank Loesser’s 1943 ballad, “Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year,” from her forthcoming album. Check out the official music video now.