The Phantom of the Opera - 1997 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 1

Before the hit movie-to-musical adaptations Legally Blonde and Heathers, Laurence O’Keefe wrote Bat Boy, a cult classic camp-horror musical about a boy who is half human and half bat.

I have always wanted to like opera. I grew up being classically trained in it, but my love was, has always been, and will always be musical theater. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate it for what it is. I was invited to come and see Opera Orlando’s season opener production of Madame Butterfly. I have not been to the opera since I was probably 17 or 18, but after all of the shows that I have seen over the past year, I saw this one in a different light and realized a few things in the process. 

PRIMARY STAGES revealed performers for their 2026 Fall Gala, honoring Ann Harada with the Einhorn Mentorship Award, and Cherry Lane Alternative with the Andrew Leynse Commitment to New Plays Award.

PLUTO TV will add free streaming premieres of MEAN GIRLS and SMILE, expand its anime lineup with ONE-PUNCH MAN and KENICHI: THE MIGHTIEST DISCIPLE, and present live sports and Double Feature Fridays.

Stages St. Louis has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of Guys & Dolls. Directed by James Monroe Iglehart, the classic musical will run July 24 through August 23 at The Ross Family Theatre.

Annika Low portrays Mary Poppins at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre June 26-August 8!

It's the end of an era on Broadway. As BroadwayWorld reported last month, the curtain has officially come down on Boneau/Bryan-Brown, the iconic Broadway press office founded by ATPAM-members Chris Boneau and Adrian Bryan-Brown, after more than three decades representing theatre on Broadway, Off-Broadway and around the world.

The 79th Annual Tony Awards are this Sunday, June 7, 2026. It's the biggest awards show of the Broadway season and it closes out a long awards season for Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and plays. Which Best Musical and Best Play nominees will take home the ultimate prize?

These performers may have received other awards and accolades, but a Tony Award is shockingly not on their résumé.

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Grammy and Emmy winner Will Roland, Tony winner Norm Lewis and more. 

Following a successful run in Rio de Janeiro, Diana – A Princesa do Povo arrives in São Paulo on May 15 at Teatro Liberdade. Directed by Tadeu Aguiar and produced by Estamos Aqui Produções, the large-scale musical stars Sara Sarres as Diana, Princess of Wales in a Brazilian non-replica staging that explores the emotional, public, and political dimensions of the beloved royal icon. The production traces Diana’s journey from shy aristocrat to global humanitarian figure, highlighting her compassion, vulnerability, and enduring legacy. The cast also features Claudio Lins as Prince Charles, Simone Centurione as Queen Elizabeth II, and Giselle de Prattes as Camilla Parker Bowles.

After helping launch TITANIQUE in its scrappy downtown beginnings, John Riddle has returned to Broadway as Cal, bringing swagger, sincerity, and sequined villainy to one of the musical’s most unexpectedly lovable characters.

Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 

Disney Theatrical Group announced the full company for the final extension of HERCULES at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with Bradley Gibson leading as the title character alongside newly announced cast members joining the production.

BroadwayWorld has just learned that Jamie Lloyd's revival of Evita, starring Rachel Zegler, will open on Broadway in 2027. The reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical will make its Broadway debut next spring.

This May, Regal is showcasing theatrical showpieces with its Musical Mayhem series, with screenings of musicals like Chicago, Funny Girl, Hairspray, and Mamma Mia!, among others. Take a look at the full lineup and schedule below.

From Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater suspending operations and Central Works announcing its closure after 36 years, to Duluth Playhouse navigating a leadership transition, regional companies across the U.S. are grappling with the pressures of rising costs and uncertain funding. Across the Atlantic, the UK theatre sector is meeting similar headwinds head-on, with the government distributing £127.8 million to 130 cultural organizations, Stagetext securing funds to expand captioning access nationwide, and SOLT and UK Theatre sounding the alarm over strains on the touring ecosystem.

In April, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Marilyn Maye, Claybourne Elder and many more. 

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 30, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.

Des Moines Performing Arts has revealed its 2026-27 Willis Broadway Series, bringing a lineup of Broadway’s biggest hits and new productions to the Des Moines Civic Center, including Hell's Kitchen, Just in Time and more.

Meet the full Titanique Broadway cast! Jim Parsons, Melissa Barrera, Deborah Cox & more bring this Céline Dion-powered musical comedy to the St. James Theatre.

Broadway in San Antonio has announced its 2026–27 season at the Majestic Theatre, featuring a mix of major touring hits, classic revivals, and several San Antonio premieres. Learn more about the season here!

Photos have been released from the celebration of Dame Gillian Lynne’s 100th birthday, marked with the unveiling of her portrait at Sardi’s. Lynn passed away in 2018 at the age of 92.

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. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most influential figures in musical theatre, will be honored by Goodspeed Musicals at their 2026 Gala & Auction. He will be honored with the Goodspeed Musicals Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre.