Industry Pro Newsletter: Kennedy Center Ruling, Broadway's Record Season & New York's $150M Tax Credit Boost
by Alex Freeman - Jun 1, 2026
On the legal and legislative front, a federal judge ordered the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center and temporarily blocked its planned closure, while New York State added $150 million to its theatrical production tax credit program. Broadway closed out its 2025–2026 season with a new all-time box office record of $1.91 billion, and the Broadway League and Actors' Equity announced a new audition initiative called LEAP.
Queen Latifah to Join THE VOICE as a Coach for Season 30
by Josh Sharpe - May 12, 2026
Queen Latifah, the musician and actress who appeared onscreen in the films of Chicago and Hairspray, will join season 30 of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning musical competition series “The Voice” as a coach this fall.
CAPA Reveals Summer Movie Series 2026 Lineup
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
CAPA announced the schedule for its 57th Summer Movie Series at the historic Ohio Theatre in Columbus, featuring 28 films over nine weeks, including 13 series premieres, anniversary screenings, and two free Ohio Goes to the Movies presentations.
Video: Martin Short Teases Broadway Return With Meryl Streep
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
Martin Short has his sights set on returning to Broadway, and he may be bringing Meryl Streep with him! In a new interview, Short teased that he and his Only Murders in the Building co-star Streep are working on a Broadway show together.
Review: SISTER ACT - National Tour, Germany
by André Böke - May 10, 2026
“Sister Act” owes its status as a global phenomenon to the iconic Whoopi Goldberg film, but Alan Menken’s stage version of the beloved Hollywood comedy has long since conquered stages all over the world. In its acclaimed West End incarnation, the musical has already been touring German-speaking venues for a third year, presented by production company Showslot, continuing to fill auditoriums all over the country. Both the linguistic adaptation and the technical realization for touring operations across Germany are flawless. The show is nothing short of a gospel of good fun – hallelujah!
James Brown Bio-Musical in Development
by A.A. Cristi - May 6, 2026
The life and career of Godfather of Soul, James Brown, is the subject of a new musical currently in development. The show will feature iconic James Brown hits including, “Please, Please, Please,” “Cold Sweat,” “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” “Get Up (I Feel Like Being) Sex Machine,” “The Payback,” “Living in America,” and more.
WHO IS EARTHA MAE? Will Come to Urbanite Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2026
Urbanite Theatre will present WHO IS EARTHA MAE?, a solo work created and performed by Jade Wheeler, at its Sarasota venue. Learn more about the upcoming show here!
GIFT HORSE: Celia Pacquola Adds Perth & Sydney Performances
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2026
Celia Pacquola, winner of Most Outstanding Show at the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, has added Perth and Sydney dates to her GIFT HORSE national tour, along with extra Melbourne performances.
Review: EURYDICE at DreamWrights
by Sandra Harberger - May 2, 2026
The 2006 musical, Hadestown, has renewed interest in the Greek mythology and the tragic love story between Orpheus and Eurydice. Ruhl’s play focuses on Eurydice’s perspective and her relationship with her father, who she meets in the underworld. Nana Yates portrayed Eurydice with honest emotions and strength through her grief. Christ Drinkut portrayed Eurydice’s father with warmth and compassion. Anshel Drayton portrayed Orpheus as determined and committed to his love.