The Rivalry

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. 

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 9, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.

The Spring 2026 season has officially begun, and with it, comes new plays for theatre lovers of all kinds. Whether you live for intense dramas or would rather escape with zany comedies, there's something for everyone both on and off-Broadway in February 2026.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has unveiled its 2026 season, Method & Madness, which features three brilliant comedies, an explosive American classic, the world's most famous sleuth, and a Shakespeare masterpiece.

As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.

Following a reading of the Sam Shepard play in January, Steve Buscemi and Aidan Quinn are moving forward with a film version of Ages of the Moon. Both will star, with Quinn also directing the feature.

Expats Theatre will present the live stage production of Testosterone, a satirical comedy by German playwright Rebekka Kricheldorf.  Testosterone is directed by Karin Rosnizeck and opens in March.

Central Works 2024 Season will conclude with the new play The Contest, written and directed by Gary Graves. The Contest depicts Michelangelo vs. Leonardo da Vinci in an exquisite rivalry and plays October 19–November 17 (previews Oct.17 & 18) at the historic Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue in Berkeley.

Nashville Repertory Theatre revealed the 2024-2025 Ingram New Works Playwrights and New Play Series, featuring innovative new plays and emerging playwrights. Discover the future of theatre in Nashville. Learn more!

Central Works Theater announced the cast for the new play THE CONTEST, running from October 19 to November 17. The production will feature a talented ensemble bringing this compelling story to life.

We spoke to Natalie Joy Johnson, most recently seen on Broadway in Lempicka about starring in Barrington Stage's Next to Normal, directed by  Artistic Director Alan Paul, in a co-production with Round House Theatre in Washington, DC. 

TOPDOG/UNDERDOG will be presented by Celebration Arts. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, directed by Melinda Wilson Ramey, runs from June 7-30, 2024, in Sacramento's premier Black theater.

BroadwayWorld is wishing a hearty-- in Oz-speak-- Congratulotions to the 'Munchkinland' touring cast of Wicked. The production is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary of making magic across North America.  

'Cooking with the Calamari Sisters' brings non-stop laughter to Phoenix as two larger-than-life Italian sisters entertain with show tunes, saucy humor, and cooking mishaps. Don't miss this live performance filled with song, dance, and sibling rivalry at Herberger Theater Center.

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) announces its 2024 Main Stage Season at the Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside. The season includes a West Coast Premiere, a Southern California Premiere, and a brand new play. Season Subscriptions available starting December 21. Single Tickets available starting January 18.

A Night at the Kabuki, the acclaimed Japanese stage production inspired by Romeo & Juliet set to the songs of Queen, is to be streamed globally on Friday 17th November. 

Full cast, design and production teams have been set for one of the greatest and most powerful musicals of our time, West Side Story, playing at The Muny July 15 - 21. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, May 1, 2023.

Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY has announced its upcoming and last production of the 2022-2023 season: “Topdog/Underdog” to Capital Repertory Theatre at 251 N. Pearl Street in Albany.

Due to popular demand, Synchronicity Theatre will extend the premiere of brand-new musical adaptation of the beloved children's book Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, for one week.  Now playing through February 26th.

Eddie Izzard will return to the New York stage this December for six weeks only playing 21 characters in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, a classic tale of convicts, mystery, friendship, rivalry, unrequited love, revenge, and redemption for six weeks only at The Greenwich House Theater.

The new National Tour of Les Miserables is now underway. Read the reviews for Les Miserables and learn more about the touring production here!

Boston is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month.

Coming to Sadler's Wells in September as part of its world tour, A Night At The Kabuki is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet to original recordings of songs by Queen. Late 12th century Japan, as the age of the Samurai dawns, the rivalry between the Minamoto and Taira clans intensifies, and their young heirs Romeo and Juliet fatefully fall in love.

From Thursday 10th March 2022, schools, universities, and educational institutions all over the world will be able to see the digital streaming of Walden - the fresh and ambitious debut play by Amy Berryman. Walden stars Gemma Arterton, Fehinti Balogun and Lydia Wilson and is directed by Ian Rickson.