The Life - 1997 - Broadway Articles Page 5

Looking back over 2025, it appears I sat in a dark room and wrote barely legible thoughts into a notebook on about 150-odd occasions. By the grace of God and the BroadwayWorld UK editor, I saw a real smörgåsbord of delights, everything from highly anticipated West End theatre to opera, dance, circus, cabaret, comedy and immersive theatre.

It wasn’t until later on in theatre history that revivals began including shows that weren’t initially well received or financially successful in their initial engagements. As musical theatre continued to evolve, and more shows entered the canon, a consensus began to grow about shows being worthy of additional exploration even if they hadn’t been hits the first time around. What about musicals that had been ahead of their time, musicals that had fallen prey to circumstances, early works by writers who became successful later on, and of course, shows that found an audience after closing via their cast recordings?

The idea of the concept album took flight at the same time as the idea of the rock musical. A concept album introduces audiences to the score of a musical by deliberately releasing an album of the songs before any live production exists at all. The concept album ostensibly stands on its own terms.

Cher, Paul Simon, Whitney Houston, and more will be honored during the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Jan. 31, 2026. The event will celebrate the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustee Award and Technical Grammy Award recipients at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. 

The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) will honor Laurence Fishburne with the inaugural James Earl Jones Prize at the 2026 Voice Arts Awards, taking place on January 18 at the Beverly Hilton.

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including 54 Celebrates Hanukkah, Jantzen Theatrical’s Christmas in New York and more. 

Dance Camera West’s 26th season of the world-renowned Los Angeles–based Dance Camera West Festival has been revealed.

The Foyle Foundation has announced £2.2 million in funding for Community Foundations across the nations and regions of the UK and Northern Ireland as it completes its 25-year grant giving journey.

The Storm Theatre Company announced the cast and creative team for for its upcoming production of An Ideal Husband, the classic play by Oscar Wilde which will be presented at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at A.R.T./New York Theatres.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday for new performances of the highly-anticipated major musical ANASTASIA, which will open at Sydney's Lyric Theatre.

Producers John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia announced that Broadway musical Anastasia will premiere at Adelaide’s Festival Theatre from August 2026.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts will present the return of the American Songbook series with a new season curated by producer, creative director, and Lincoln Center Artist-in-Residence Clint Ramos.

To honour the life and work of playwright Tom Stoppard, who died at the age of 88, Mirvish Productions will dim the marquee lights of all four of its theatres in Toronto.

Marieann Meringolo is bringing her critically acclaimed Annual Holiday Show IN THE SPIRIT to Chelsea Table + Stage on Saturday, December 6th. Read a conversation with her about this enchanting sleigh ride through a musical Winter Wonderland.

54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club, will present Janine LaManna and Jeff Gorti in the award-winning Oedipus! A New Musical Comedy on Sunday, December 21 at 9:30 p.m.

New visiting shows for 2026 at Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre have been revealed! The lineup includes The Gruffalo, the much-loved magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and more.

New York Stage and Film's 40th Anniversary Gala, commemorating 40 years of developing new works and a reunion of acclaimed artists at SAF, will honor Board Member Douglas Harmon and more.

A new block of tickets for Buena Vista Social Club is now on sale for performances at Broadway’s Schoenfeld Theatre. Buena Vista Social Club won 5 Tony Awards.

In a kinder, gentler world, Ben Folds’ name would be mentioned in the same breath as piano greats Billy Joel and Elton John. Like the other two, Folds is a brilliant lyricist, a fantastic pianist, and an amazing storyteller.

Guitarist, composer, and prolific recording artist David Leisner will release Dedications on Azica Records - a collection centered almost entirely on works he has commissioned, celebrating the composers who have shaped his artistic life.

Disney has released new first-look photos from the world premiere of Disney's Hercules, the Broadway-style live musical from Disney Cruise Line. Check out photos here, featuring beloved characters like Hercules, Meg, Hades, Pegasus, and more!

Due to popular demand, David and Hannah Mirvish will present the return of four Broadway musicals to the Mirvish stages next spring!  These Toronto audience favourites include Chicago and more.

The Lion King is now celebrating its 28th year on Broadway. Following its history-making performance last night, actor L. Steven Taylor made a speech to celebrate. Watch the video!

Stone Roses bassist Mani will be heading to Parr Hall next year to share behind-the-scenes stories of his time with one of the most iconic bands of the past 35 years.

The name on everybody's lips is gonna be Kate... and Alex!  Broadway’s long-running hit Chicago is getting ready to welcome two new stars- two-time Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin and Tony Award winner Alex Newell. Watch in this video as both chat more about their new roles!