Big Deal 1986

Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Today’s subject Anne Tolpegin is currently living her theatre life on tour playing the roles of Allie’s Mother and Nurse Lori in The Notebook. The show begins performances this evening at the National Theatre where it will play through August 30th.

One of the greatest joys of experiencing live theater comes from the ability to revisit a past show through a new lens. When shows are revived or a new company mounts their own production, this allows newer voices to put their stamp on timeless material. The hallmark of any timeless story is its ability to transform and adapt with the changing times. Part and parcel with this is a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone in order to provide a new emotional truth to material that is both familiar and unknown.

Ruth Eckerd Hall will host the 4th Annual Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam on May 30 and 31, featuring top jazz artists. Tickets for the event will go on sale this Friday.

Decades before cementing himself in the pop culture consciousness as Ali Wong’s curmudgeonly father in Beef, Yee originated the role of Bradley Yamishita (played in this production by Daniel J. Kim).

The Phantom has returned: Ben Forster, celebrated for his titular role in the 30th-anniversary West End run of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 'The Phantom of the Opera,' is back to don the iconic mask for the musical’s world tour, which is now playing at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center, MusicalFare Theatre, AnsariSaxon Productions, Second Generation Theatre, and Road Less Traveled Productions has revealed the lineup of shows headed to the Shea’s 710 Theatre stage. Learn more!

For Musical Theatre West's new, winning large-scale production—now on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach through April 13, 2025—director Kari Hayter and a company of terrific performers have revived the musical in an expected, true-to-the-classic staging, bursting with the color and aura of a storybook fairy tale come-to-life. While, sure, nothing necessarily new is presented in MTW's vibe, this lively, genuinely spirited presentation reminds old and new fans exactly why the show—for many theatergoers—continues to be a beloved show decades after it first conjured itself on stage.

Discover the star-studded cast of Broadway's OTHELLO as previews launch tonight, February 24, 2025, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Premiere set for March 23.

What did our critic think of THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE at Merrimack Repertory Theatre?

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The Fabulous Thunderbirds will perform back-to-back shows at the Harris Center for the Arts.

FRIGID New York will present the 12th annual Gotham Storytelling Festival at UNDER St. Marks. The event features diverse storytellers and offers both in-person and livestream options. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Saban Films announced the acquisition of worldwide rights to the upcoming comedy THE 4:30 MOVIE directed and written by Kevin Smith (Clerks III, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, Red State). 

Join the Avalon Theatre in Union County for a weekend of family-friendly events celebrating the total solar eclipse on April 8th.

Don't miss New Jersey Symphony's live concert of Matilda with Danny DeVito narrating! Composer David Newman conducts the enchanting score at State Theatre New Jersey.

Sometimes when you travel, the trip is long and boring. There are crying babies, you sit next to someone who snores, and/or you’re lonely. This was not the case with Broadway World’s favorite MC and guest writer Blake Woodson during his recent trip to Denver. Blake had the privilege to sit next to Arkansas Concert Royalty Dennis Stone and decided to seize the moment by getting to know him better.  

I had the incredible pleasure of talking to Marilu Henner on her upcoming show at the Write-Off Room Music and Memories on September 23, 2023. She completely wowed me with her uncanny detailed memory of her illustrious career. Marilu is only one of twelve people in the world who has hyperthymesia, or in laymen’s terms: total recall memory. Accompanying Marilu on her one-nighter will be musical director Michael Orland on piano.

A miniature masterpiece.

Irvine Barclay Theatre has announced more shows for its 2023-24 season. One of the most popular performing arts venues in Orange County, Irvine Barclay Theatre presents renowned artists in a wide range of genres, from jazz, classical, country, Motown, and global music, to comedy, dance, theater, captivating speakers, and more.

Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the complete cast for the Roundabout Underground world premiere of Covenant by York Walker, directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene.

Jerry Mayer, a nonagenarian from St. Louis has written and/or produced for many classic TV shows and specials. In 1986, his first play, Almost Perfect, debuted at Santa Monica Playhouse which has led to almost a dozen more - so far! I decided to speak with him about his latest comedy, Jews R 2 Much Fun, at the Santa Monica Playhouse as well as his long-running and extremely successful TV writing career.

The Orange Tree (OT) has announced its first full year of programming under new Artistic Director Tom Littler. It features world and European premieres by Zoe Cooper and Lucas Hnath; revivals from Mustapha Matura, Noël Coward and Oliver Goldsmith; directors including Trevor Nunn and Matthew Dunster; and Niamh Cusack headlining the first major London revival of Polly Stenham's breakout hit That Face.

Boston Baroque will celebrate its 50th Year with a season led by founding Music Director Martin Pearlman.

Beginning today, guests visiting the Museum of Broadway can view several new artifacts from recently-closed Broadway shows. Learn more about what is now on display here!

Reviewer Peter Nason ranks his choices for Burt Bacharach's top 50 tunes.