The Best Man

Burning Coal Theatre Company's Second Stage Series will present three works by emerging artists — SHADOWS IN RED LIGHT, DANGER!, and DR. RIDE'S AMERICAN BEACH HOUSE — in repertory in Raleigh, NC.

Burning Coal Theatre Company will present WAIT TIL YOU SEE THIS! 2026, featuring three plays in repertory by emerging artists, including works by Roné Sargent, Lucius Robinson, and Liza Birkenmeier, at its Raleigh, NC venue.

What is a pro-shot and how is it different than an adapted film? Pro-shot is an abbreviation for professionally shot, denoting a stage play that was captured in its native habitat: a theatre. In general, a pro-shot seeks to film the exact experience that audience members would have at a live performance of the show, in contrast with a feature film which actually adapts the piece into a new form, including different locations, the removal of theatrical aesthetic, and changes to make the script work as a film as opposed to as a live theatrical show.

The Bent, the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ theatre company, is presenting its first musical, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, written by Terrence McNally (book), Stephen Flaherty (music), and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). The writers and composer have put together a moving book, lyrics, and score that create a deeply affecting and emotional story, with just enough hilarity to soften the upsetting moments. The brilliant acting, singing, directing, and design make this show a must-see.

The Muny announced the principal cast for MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, with Patti Murin, Colin Donnell, Katerina McCrimmon and others joining previously announced Beth Leavel in the production's return to Forest Park.

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. 

The original Off-Broadway cast recording of ROMEO & BERNADETTE: A MUSICAL TALE OF VERONA AND BROOKLYN, with book and lyrics by Mark Saltzman, is now available on digital platforms via JAY Records, with a physical CD release coming later.

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.

Original Theatre and Reading Rep Theatre will present THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OSCAR, a play by Micheál Mac Liammóir, directed by Michael Fentiman and starring Alastair Whatley, at Park Theatre from 22 July to 22 August.

This April, there are plenty of new titles for theater buffs to watch, including the film version of Merrily We Roll Along, the Michael Jackson biopic, Anne Hathaway's turn as a pop diva in Mother Mary, and more.

BEEHIVE: THE 60’s MUSICAL, playing at Desert Theatreworks (DTW) is a revue, meaning that it has no real story. However, director, choreographer, and musical director Lance Phillips presents the show as what I would call a “jukebox documentary”.

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1960 novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” about the fictional small town of Maycomb, Alabama, in the Depression-era South grappling with violence and racial inequality, along with issues of class, courage, and compassion, is a classic of modern American literature and one of the best-selling books of all time.

A grand plan is at work in the official trailer for Steven Soderbergh’s The Christophers, starring Tony Award-winning performer Ian McKellen. The film follows the stage legend as painter Julian Sklar, who enlists the help of an art restorer to help him complete several unfinished pieces. Watch the trailer now.

Broadway performer Sondra Lee died of natural causes in her New York City apartment at age 97. Throughout her nine-decade career, Lee won awards as a dancer, actor, teacher, author, stage director, playwright, theatre and film consultant and painter.

It’s… Hairspray! BroadwayWorld is taking a look back at what the cast of this beloved musical has been up to since the show first graced the Broadway stage!

One of the best parts of seeing a show in New York City is how there is often a relevant historic spot to visit, just steps away from the show you’re seeing. Here's just a few examples...

Seth Rudetsky as he united with Molloy University to present his Broadway friends on 11/25. The songs, the vocals and the performers all had this reviewer craving more by the end of the night.

Award-winning director Gustavo Barchilon, known for Barnum, Something Rotten!, Dreamgirls, Titaníque! and Funny Girl, unveils an ambitious 2026 season spanning revivals, premieres, and tributes. The reopening of Rio’s Teatro Ginástico will present Barchilon’s musical homage to Brazilian icon Bibi Ferreira. In São Paulo, Shrek – The Musical returns with Thiago Abravanel, while Barchilon leads the Brazilian premieres of The Seven Year Disappear and the Tony-nominated Mother Play. He also directs Into the Words, an intimate Sondheim project, and brings Laila Garin’s acclaimed solo show to São Paulo. Meanwhile, the hit comedy Curto-Circuito expands with a national tour and performances in Portugal and the U.S.

While the large majority of plays that make it to Broadway were written in English, a small fraction of plays were originally penned in a different language and translated. 

While different tryout theaters have different relationships to the development of new shows, it’s worth looking at both which commercial rental theaters and which non-profit theaters have had the most Best Musical Tony Award winners come from their stages.

The Folger Theatre’s production of “Julius X,” Letson’s heartfelt and moving treatment of the break between Malcolm and the Nation of Islam, a break which culminated in his assassination at the hands of his former brothers, is a cautionary tale for our time—and for any time. 

STAGES St. Louis production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is not only wonderfully nostalgic musically, but it is a richly entertaining evening of musical comedy. Director Jennifer Werner’s attention to detail creates an immensely enjoyable piece of period storytelling. The expressive and well-crafted performances of Brianna Kothari Barnes, Sean McGee, Kailey Boyle, and David Socolar skillfully tell the story of the two prolific songwriting teams whose music has stood the test of time.

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts announced that tickets will go on sale for two can't-miss performances: THE DREAMBOATS and ROGERS, RICHIE & ROBINSON: FEATURING THE UNDERCOVERS.

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that screen icon Robert Redford, with several Broadway credits to his name, has died at age 89. Read his obituary here.

This electric production will have you clapping, singing along, and dancing in your seats. Get your tickets now!