Two By Two - 2004 - US Tour Articles Page 6

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?

For the last couple of years or so, theatre nerds everywhere have been besotted with the film version of the hit musical Wicked. After the debut of the first installment, anticipation only grew for Part Two, which dropped this past November. But amid all the brouhaha and ballyhoo over the cinematic offerings, the origins of the musical itself were pushed to the background.

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.

This diverting if uneven revival of the 2004-5 Broadway hit is an amusing distraction from the tense politics playing out at the venue.

This season, three plays are receiving Broadway debuts which already made significant noise off-Broadway in their original productions, years ago. Becky Shaw, Bug, and Marjorie Prime will all be opening on Broadway in early 2026 in brand new productions. The first and last are spending time on Broadway at the Hayes under the auspices of Second Stage while Bug is being presented by Manhattan Theatre Club at their home, the Friedman. 

The Chandler Cultural Foundation has received a Legacy Gift of over $845,000 from the estate of Mariann and Craig Shields, devoted patrons, volunteers, and community supporters of the Chandler Center for the Arts.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s holiday season engagement is underway at New York City Center, marking a new chapter for the company under Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, who was appointed in November 2024. The five-week engagement runs from December 3, 2025, through January 4, 2026, and the December 11 program showcased a dynamic range of work, including two world premieres that highlighted both innovation and legacy.

The Paris revival remains polished and efficient, but once again raises a familiar question: has Chicago become more concert than theatre?

Theatro Technis and London Play Productions will present the world premiere of The Ophiolite by Philip de Voni, which is set to be performed at Theatro Technis.

The hilarious and irreverent comedy has become a vital part of every Christmas season in Los Angeles since 1995, and dedicated fans have been returning over the years to laugh at all the riotous antics. 

Josh Blue will perform at Comedy Works Downtown in Larimer Square. After his groundbreaking win on Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue has risen through the ranks to become a well-established headliner at venues throughout the world.

Tony and Obie Award-winning actor, writer, and director John Cameron Mitchell will return to Broadway in the hit play Oh, Mary! for a limited 12-week engagement this winter. Learn more here!

Country music icon Randy Travis has extended his “More Life Tour” into spring 2026, featuring his original touring band and special guest vocalist James Dupré.

Actor, director, producer and playwright Anthony Wilkinson will return to Sound Waves Theater at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in 2026 with a three-part residency.

Following 25 years of producing multidisciplinary arts programming, uplifting historically excluded stories, and fostering connections through the art of story, Mirror Stage has announced it will be sunsetting operations and active programming.

You certainly won’t find the location of Almost, Maine on any map. That’s because the inhabitants of this upper Maine settlement never bothered to properly incorporate their area into a town. That’s a clue for what lies ahead in Almost, Maine, which opened this weekend at Wichita Community Theatre. The clever uplifting play is a collection of brief vignettes, loosely linked and confined to this remote area. As imagined by playwright John Cariani, Almost, Maine is often as mysterious as its title. Twenty-one actors play various townsfolk who come and go in nine scenes.

59E59 Theaters announced its collaboration with three iconic bookstores as part of an initiative to build relationships with local businesses. This partnership comes in connection with their upcoming production of The Bookstore.

After a sell out West End performance in 2024 Rob Brydon is taking his celebrated Christmas show around the country. He will bring songs, stories, and laughter to Bradford Live next week.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will present its Winter/Spring 2026 Weekend Concert Series, a fifteen-concert season curated by Abrams Curator of Music George Steel.

Gulfshore Playhouse will launch of the Next Wave Festival, a dynamic new play festival showcasing cutting-edge theatrical voices from across the country. Taking place January 31 - February 1, 2026.

New plays will ring in the new year at The Goodman when the popular annual New Stages Festival returns. This year’s line-up features the newest works by some of the country’s hottest playwrights.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater‘s 2025-26 season–which raises the curtain on AILEY's next era under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, the renowned dancer and educator.

Internationally-acclaimed Ballet Hispánico has announced the lineup for their December Diálogos, their signature conversation series led by Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro.

TexArts delivers a sparkling White Christmas that feels like stepping straight into a vintage snow globe. Ray De Jones charms, Maclain Dassati channels Danny Kaye with his own flair, and the ensemble dazzles with polished taps and lush harmonies. Lavish period costumes, timeless Irving Berlin tunes, and pure holiday joy. A cozy, nostalgic treat for the season.

Amid achieving critical acclaim as Glinda in the two-part film of Wicked, Ariana Grande is eager to return to the stage. During a conversation with Nicole Kidman, the superstar shared that she would be open to appearing on Broadway again in the future.