Review: THE NOTEBOOK: THE MUSICAL at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts
by Albert Gutierrez - May 14, 2026
The stage production does make a lot of strides that strengthens the endurance and popularity of this love story. It repeats iconic moments from the popular 2004 film, but isn’t aping the original screenplay in any way. A new libretto offers a fresh take that borrows the basic structure of the novel and memorable film moments, whilst breathing in new voices and new scenes that add different layers to these familiar characters.
Did You Know That These Broadway Shows Originally Had Different Names?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 17, 2026
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.
Did you Know that These Broadway Shows Are Inspired by Magazine Articles?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Apr 19, 2026
Musicals and plays based on movies? Many. Based on books? Also plentiful. Based on true stories? Of course. But musicals and plays based on or inspired by magazine articles? These are a rare breed. One recently opened on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre.
Linda Eder, Kate Baldwin, Jenn Colella and More to Perform at 54 Below for Women's History Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
Next month, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond for Women's History Month, including Linda Eder, Kate Baldwin, Jenn Colella and more.
Review: ANGELS IN AMERICA, PART TWO: PERESTROIKA at Theater West End
by Albert Gutierrez - Feb 21, 2026
Theater West End was wise to split Angels in America in the season as two separate performances, each with their own block in the schedule. Originally, I was concerned that the Part Two of it all might turn away prospective theatergoers. But upon watching both parts now, and bearing in mind my own familiarity for the characters, I can also see now how the original production’s 18-month gap would have also been enticing for an audience.
Review: ANGELS IN AMERICA, PART ONE: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES at Theater West End
by Albert Gutierrez - Jan 18, 2026
While much of the dramatic weight of Angels in America undeniably stems from the specter of AIDS, it would do the play a huge disservice to reduce it to a story about disease alone. What Theater West End makes clear is that Kushner’s work is as much about identity, loss, and the human struggle to reconcile who we are deep down with who we present to the world.
A Complete History of RAGTIME
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 8, 2026
The Broadway production of Ragtime was a glorious accomplishment, a riveting testament to the original American musical and to all that America itself could be. The show ran for 834 performances at the Ford Center, closing in the final year of the 20th century. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, taking home four.
Interview: Various Artists of THE 39 STEPS at Twin Valley Players Colonnade
by Andrea Stephenson - Oct 7, 2025
The first four-actor stage adaptation of The 39 Steps was written by Corble and Dimon and first premiered in 1966. It was subsequently rewritten by Patrick Barlow in 2005. It is a favorite for community theatres around the world, but it first began its life as a 1915 novel by John Buchan, which was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock for his 1935 spy thriller film.
Breaking Down Broadway's Spookiest Musicals
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 12, 2025
This past season contained a higher than usual amount of Broadway shows involving death; in fact, Operation Mincemeat and Dead Outlaw both specifically revolved around transporting a corpse! And Death Becomes Her leans into the hilarity as two women become gorgeous living corpses before our very eyes, thanks to a touch of magic. But plays and musicals about death and its attendant macabre topics have been a part of the theatre landscape for many decades...
A History of Pop Music Bio-Musicals
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 29, 2025
Just In Time’s origin story as well as overall conceit has much in common with one of Broadway’s very first jukebox musicals, which was ahead of its time. In 1985, Leader of the Pack, telling the story of pop singer-songwriter Ellie Greenwich, opened at the Ambassador on Broadway. Learn all about pop music bio-musicals here!
A History of Off-Broadway Venues
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 22, 2025
Second Stage Theatre’s 43rd Street off-Broadway house, right near 8th Avenue, recently changed hands and is now the home of Studio Seaview . Seaview’s first production in the space is Angry Alan, starring John Krasinski. They have renovated and updated the space since Second Stage switched off-Broadway locations to now present shows at the Signature.