Theatre News Roundup: 7/30

I'm going to try for a Chicago rush ticket tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• John Patrick Shanley's The Dreamer Examines His Pillow officially opens July 30 at the Flea Theater, following previews that began July 25. 

The Party’s Over (CLOSINGS)

• Mrs. Smith's Broadway Cat-Tacular!, the "all-singing, all-dancing demented cabaret on acid" by performance artist and writer David Hanbury, has announced it will end performances Off-Broadway earlier than anticipated. Following previews that began July 10, the final show will play its final performance Aug. 1 at the 47th Street Theatre. An official opening night was on July 20, with an original scheduled run through Sept. 20. 

I Wanna Be A Producer (IN DEVELOPMENT)

• Dear Evan Hansen, the new, original musical by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, officially opens July 30 in Washington, D.C. 
• Kansas City Choir Boy, the musical collaboration between Todd Almond (Iowa) and Courtney Love, which premiered at New York City's HERE earlier this year, will play a limited fall run at the American Repertory Theater's Oberon in October.

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• The Public Theater has announced that Danai Gurira's Eclipsed will join the 2015-16 season, with a cast lead by Lupita Nyong’o, winner of the Academy Award for her role in Steve McQueen's "12 Years A Slave." Obie winner Liesl Tommy will direct the New York premiere, set to begin performances Sept. 29, with an official opening night on Oct. 14. The limited engagement will run through Nov. 8.
• Casting announcements for the revival of Spring Awakening. Krysta Rodriguez and Andy Mientus will transfer with the production.
• Carly Hughes returns to the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago for 16 performances only, Aug. 22-Sept. 4, during Amra Faye Wright’s brief hiatus.

• Paul Pecorino has assumed the role of Sylvia St. Croix in Ruthless! after a medical emergency.
• Additional casting for Manhattan Theatre Club's upcoming world premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire's Ripcord, which will begin previews Off-Broadway Sept. 29 prior to an official opening Oct. 20 at New York City Center – Stage I (131 West 55th Street).

I Heard It Through the Grapevine (RUMORS)

• Glenn Close, who won a Tony Award for her performance as Norma Desmond in the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard, may return to the role on the other side of the Atlantic. Lloyd Webber told London's The Stage that his musical  may be mounted at the London Coliseum. He said, "Glenn wants to do it and I said to her that if she really wants to, we should get on with it."

Theatre News Roundup: 7/29

Hello bunnies,

I caught a matinee of Significant Other today. I'm debating whether or not to write a full review because full disclosure, I was late (I missed my stop and had to walk back) and I missed the first 10-15 minutes of the show. I just don't know if it would be fair to critique the show without having the whole picture. It did make me feel feels and I think Gideon Glick's performance was strong but I don't think it entirely works as a whole. The main character is difficult to sympathize with and a lot of the script and set choices took me out of the show. It's competent but not great. I definitely preferred Of Good Stock. There were some very good isolated scenes in terms of writing and acting but I didn't fully connect to it and I definitely didn't find it as funny as I think I was supposed to. There was also a bit of cell phone hell going on for whatever reason. How hard is it to turn off your phone, people?

Everyone’s a Critic (REVIEWS)

• Reviews for the LA production of Bent

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Additional casting has been announced for the Broadway revival of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night. Newly announced for the role of James Tyrone Jr. is Michael Shannon.
• Off-Broadway's Mint Theater Company has announced that Christian Campbell will lead the cast of its summer revival of Harold Chapin's The New Morality. Performances are set for Aug. 22-Oct. 11, with an opening night slated for Sept. 21.
• Casting has been announced for the Signature Theatre's upcoming production of the political-themed musical The Fix, which will be presented Aug. 11-Sept. 20 in the MAX Theatre.

I Heard It Through the Grapevine (RUMORS)

• Us Weekly magazine reported on its website, "Sources tell Us Weekly that Beyonce is also in talks to play Glinda the Good Witch" in NBC's version of The Wiz.  

Brush Up Your Shakespeare (SHAKESPEARE)

• Washington D.C.'s Unexpected Stage Company is putting a surprising twist on Shakespeare's most well-known love story with its staging of Romeo and Juliet: Love Knows No Age, re-imagined in a nursing home. Performances began July 16 at the Randolph Road Theater in Wheaton and continue through Aug. 9.

Come to the Cabaret (CABARETS/CONCERTS/ETC)

• Willemijn Verkaik, the only actress to have played Elphaba in Wicked in multiple languages, including appearances on Broadway, the West End, in Germany and the Netherlands, is to appear at London's Ambassadors Theatre Aug. 25, then at New York's 54 Below Aug. 27-28.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/28

I Wanna Be A Producer (IN DEVELOPMENT)

• A developmental reading of The Wayward Bunny, a new play by Greg Kotis, will be presented 3 PM July 30 in Manhattan. The reading is part of the 2015 AGT Summer Reading Series produced by Aaron Grant. All readings in the series are open to the public, but advance reservations are required.

Everyone’s a Critic (REVIEWS)

• Reviews of The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Matthew Broderick will return to Broadway this fall in A.R. Gurney's comedy Sylvia, which will now begin previews Oct. 2 prior to an official opening Oct. 27 at the Cort Theatre.
• Tyler Lea has been named successor to Tony Award winner Alex Sharp in the lead role of Broadway's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which plays the Barrymore Theatre. Sharp will play his final performance Sept. 13 as will Taylor Trensch, who played the lead at certain performances; Lea will step into the role of Christopher Sept. 15. Other original cast members who will leave the cast Sept. 13: Ian Barford, Helen Carey, Jocelyn Bioh, and Francesca Faridany.
• Broadway couple Hunter Foster and Jennifer Cody will co-star in the Geva Theatre Center's upcoming production of Monty Python’s Spamalot, which will play the Rochester venue's Wilson Stage Sept. 9-Oct. 11. Foster will play the role of King Arthur, and Cody will play Arthur’s sidekick Patsy.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/26-7/27

Hello my loves,

Sorry for the delay. I saw an amazing show Sunday, Mrs. Smith's Broadway Cat-Tacular which you should definitely try to catch before it closes September 20. Thoughts to come as soon as I can think in coherent sentences again. The beginning of the week is a busy time for me. I spent the last few hours writing a recap and OK, yeah, last night I watched a Hedwig bootleg. It's my own fault I'm tired.

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• James Lecesne's solo play The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey officially opens its 12-week commercial run Off-Broadway July 27 at 7 PM following previews that began July 11.
• Following previews that began July 13, Fernanda Coppel's King Liz officially opens July 27 at Second Stage Theatre Off-Broadway, starring Karen Pittman.
• Happy 50ish!, a "mid-life crisis musical comedy" premiered Off-Broadway July 26.

TKTS (TICKETS/RUSH/ETC)

• Tickets go on sale July 27 for the Broadway transfer of Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge, which was named Best Revival at the 2015 London Olivier Awards.

I Wanna Be A Producer (IN DEVELOPMENT)

• Up Here, the new musical by the songwriters of Disney's blockbuster "Frozen," begins its world-premiere engagement July 28 at La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, CA.

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Bryce Pinkham, who was Tony-nominated for creating the role of Monty Navarro in the Broadway production of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, returns to the Tony-winning production July 28 at the Walter Kerr Theatre.
• The New York premiere of Lucas Hnath's The Christians will again feature a 20-person choir at Playwrights Horizons this fall. The Off-Broadway production has also announced its full cast, including a few Broadway vets. Performances are set to begin Aug. 28 and continue through Oct. 11. An official opening night is slated for Sept. 17.
• Kyle Jean-Baptiste made history July 23 when he went on as Jean Valjean at 21 years old. Playbill.com has confirmed that Jean-Baptiste is the youngest actor and first African American to have performed the role on Broadway, although there have been others who have played it in the national tour and other productions.
• Amy Spanger will play a limited engagement in the revival of Chicago next month. Spanger, who first played merry murderess Roxie Hart in 2002 and most recently in 2014, will again step into the part Aug. 4-16.
• Additional principal casting has been announced for the upcoming Broadway revival of The Color Purple, which will begin previews Nov. 10 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
• Michael McGrath has joined the cast of Bock & Harnick's She Loves Me, starring Laura Benanti and Josh Radnor.
  

Theatre News Roundup: 7/25

Hello everyone,

I had a great time this afternoon at Of Good Stock. I didn't know what to expect. I wouldn't say I went in with low expectations but I was open to being disappointed. I actually found it to be a very good play. Thoughts to come. There was a slight twinge of misogyny and little bits of the writing that felt artificial and took me out of the moment but other than those small complaints I found myself very much charmed and entertained. The entire cast was fantastic and I really liked the set design. Spare and sparse stagings are all well and good but sometimes it's nice to really feel immersed in the world of a show.

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• Off-Broadway's Attic Theater Company stages John Patrick Shanley's The Dreamer Examines His Pillow at the Flea Theater, beginning July 25. It is the first official revival of the play since its premiere in 1986. 

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• The Fix, an inside-Washington musical satire by John Dempsey and Dana Rowe, has announced casting for its return engagement at Arlington, Virginia's Signature Theatre where the show had its American premiere in 1998. 

Brush Up Your Shakespeare (SHAKESPEARE)

• Piper Perabo will star as Viola in outdoor staged readings of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, or What You Will. The two readings will take place on August 14 and 15 at Mashashimuet Park in Sag Harbor, New York. They are free and open to the public. In addition, a VIP benefit performance will take place on August 16 at a private, oceanfront estate.

A Musical (MUSICALS)

• Mary Bridget Davies is returning to Pasadena Playhouse through August 16  in the fantasy rock concert A Night With Janis Joplin.

Stop! Wait! What?! (EVERYTHING ELSE)

• On July 23, Broadway's Aladdin welcomed its one millionth guest to the New Amsterdam Theatre and lavished the lucky theatergoer with a bounty of granted wishes. 

Theatre News Roundup: 7/24

Happy Friday! Won a scavenger hunt tonight. 

I Wanna Be A Producer (IN DEVELOPMENT)

• A developmental reading of Scott C. Sickles' Moonlight & Love Songs will be presented 3 PM July 26 in Manhattan.

Everyone’s a Critic (REVIEWS)

• Reviews of Colin Quinn The New York Story

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Complete casting has been announced for the Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway revival of Noises Off, which will begin previews Dec. 17 prior to an official opening Jan. 14, 2016, at the American Airlines Theatre. Jeremy Herrin will direct the limited engagement, which continues through March 6. Joining Andrea Martin as Dotty Otley are Megan Hilty as Brooke Ashton, Rob McClure as Tim Allgood, Campbell Scott as Lloyd Dallas, Jeremy Shamos as Frederick Fellowes, Tracee Chimo as Poppy Norton-Taylor, Kate Jennings Grant as Belinda Blair, Daniel Davis as Selsdon Mowbray and David Furr as Garry Lejeune.
• David Burtka has officially departed the cast of It Shoulda Been You, the new musical comedy about a wedding gone awry that will end its Broadway run Aug. 9. The singing actor has been on medical leave for vocal issues for several weeks and had originally planned to return, according to a press representative for the musical. His replacement in the role is Aaron C. Finley, who will perform the part of Brian Howard through the final performance.
• Casting has been announced for the North Shore Music Theatre's upcoming production of the Broadway musical Saturday Night Fever, which will play the Massachusetts venue Aug. 11-23.
• Casting has been announced for the Sharon Playhouse's upcoming production of the Howard Ashman and Alan Menken musical Little Shop of Horrors, which will play the Sharon, CT, venue Aug. 13-30.
• Tony Yazbeck's name has been added to the lineup of Broadway stars listed to appear in the Japanese world premiere of Prince of Broadway, a new musical celebrating the Tony-winning Broadway career of producer-director Harold Prince.

Come to the Cabaret (CABARETS/CONCERTS/ETC)

• Phylicia Rashad will join fellow original cast members André De Shields and Dee Dee Bridgewater for the upcoming free concert performance of music from The Wiz in New York's Central Park, to celebrate the show's 40th anniversary. Officially titled "The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance & Music," the Aug. 12 event will include performances of original songs and dances from the show. It will take place on the Central Park Summerstage. SummerStage takes place at Rumsey Playfield; enter Central Park on 69th and 5th Ave. Seating will begin at 7 PM. The outdoor performances take place rain or shine.
• Beth Malone, who earned a 2015 Tony Award nomination for starring as Alison Bechdel in the Tony-winning musical Fun Home, has added an additional concert on Aug. 31 at Joe's Pub after her first performance sold out within 24 hours.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/23

I saw Preludes again tonight. I'm glad that I did though it's debatable whether or not it improved on a second viewing. I was better able to appreciate it as a whole and I wasn't as blinded (or blind-sided) by the final therapy scene but of course you lose something when you know which emotional beats are coming. Thoughts coming soon-ish!

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• This summer's Shakespeare in the Park continues with the staging of Cymbeline, starring Patrick Page, Hamish Linklater, Lily Rabe and Raúl Esparza. Previews begin July 23 ahead of an official opening Aug. 10. 
• Comedian Colin Quinn, returns with his latest solo comedy, Colin Quinn The New York Story, officially opening July 23. 

I Wanna Be A Producer (IN DEVELOPMENT)

• The fifth annual Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival has announced its line-up for 2016, and included in the slate is the Broadway-aimed From Here to Eternity, penned by lyricist Tim Rice with Stuart Brayson and Bill Oakes. The Festival will also produce an engagement of the new musical Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
• Ryan Scott Oliver's We Foxes, a new Southern Gothic musical thriller about an orphan girl in search of salvation, will receive a closed reading at Playwrights Horizons July 24. Emily Rogers stars as Willa opposite a cast that includes Jill Abramovitz, Ben Crawford, Ben Fankhauser, Cory Jeacoma, Natalie Charle Ellis, Tori Huston-Elem, Will Erat, P.J. Griffin, Azudi Onyejekwe, Jen Perry, Jim Stanek and Katie Thompson.

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Benjamin Walker, who starred in the title role of Broadway's Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, will play serial killer Patrick Bateman in the Broadway debut of American Psycho.
• Roundabout Theatre Company has announced casting for the Roundabout Underground world‐premiere production of Lindsey Ferrentino's Ugly Lies the Bone, which will begin previews Sept. 10 prior to an official opening Oct. 13. The cast will feature Karron Graves (Kacie), Mamie Gummer (Jess), Caitlin O'Connell (Voice/Their Mom), Chris Stack (Stevie) and Haynes Thigpen (Kelvin). 
• Casting has been announced for the new dance musical Trip of Love, which is inspired by and set to the hit songs of the 1960s. Created, directed and choreographed by James Walski, the production will begin previews Sept. 26 prior to an official opening Oct. 18 at Stage 42, formerly The Little Shubert Theater (422 West 42nd Street).
• Additional casting has been announced for New York Stage and Film and Vassar College's Powerhouse Season. The 31st season, which will feature various readings, workshops and mainstage productions, began June 26 and continues through Aug. 2 at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/22

Hello lovelies,

I saw Deep Love: A Ghostly Rock Opera during once of its NYMF performances this afternoon. Thoughts to come. If you missed yesterday's TNR click here to read about the TodayTix app. I don't want to keep bombarding you with pleas but if you'd like to help me out, my offer code is OKEQS. It's $20 off for you and $20 credited to my account. Win-win!

Closed for Renovations (CANCELLATIONS)

• Lypsinka! The Boxed Set, which was scheduled to begin previews Off-Broadway July 22, has canceled its entire engagement owing to injuries suffered in a fall by star John Epperson.

I Wanna Be A Producer (IN DEVELOPMENT)

• A new musical titled The British Invasion Musical based on the life and work of Peter Noone — Herman of Herman and the Hermits — is currently being workshopped in Manhattan. Songs from the 1960s will comprise the score. Christian Borle  is starring in the workshop, playing the role that is loosely based on Noone.
• Triangle, a new musical about star-crossed lovers, makes its world premiere in California. 
• A musical adaptation of the 1982 Arnon Milchan film "The King of Comedy" is setting its sights on Broadway. The musical is being created by Stephen Trask and Chris D'Arienzo (book writer of Rock of Ages).

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Wicked is holding an open call for the Elphaba understudy on Broadway July 27 at Telsey + Company.
• Lauren Worsham will star opposite John Kelly in the New York premiere of Dog Days this coming January. It's based on the short story of the same title by Judy Budnitz. Dog Days has book and lyrics by Royce Vavrek. David T. Little's score incorporates elements of opera, musical theatre and rock-infused concert music. The production will give three performances, Jan. 9-11, 2016, at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets will be available to the general public starting Sept. 7.

Come to the Cabaret (CABARETS/CONCERTS/ETC)

• Anthony Rapp will debut his newest concert act, titled Unplugged, September 1 at 54 Below.

It’s Only a Play (PLAYS)

• The final performance of the Lincoln Center Festival production of Cheek by Jowl's Ubu Roi will be live-streamed for audiences around the world. The July 26 performance, which begins at 2 PM (ET) at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater, will be live-streamed online via the Telegraph, Cheek by Jowl and Lincoln Center websites, according to a Lincoln Center spokesperson.
• Erasmus Fenn's Drop Dead Perfect returns Off-Broadway starring Everett Quinton, long-time member of the Ridiculous Theatrical Company. Drop Dead Perfect follows the outrageous downward spiral of wealthy and eccentric mistress Idris Seabright, played by Quinton. A visit from a mysterious stranger resembling her long-lost love prompts her to become unhinged; comic mayhem ensues.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/21

Hello my loves,

So I've never asked before but if you'd like to help support this site and my theatre habit, I hope you'll consider doing something for me. If you haven't heard of TodayTix, it's an app you can download for your phone. It's a broker like ticketmaster that you can use to buy tickets for various Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Often tickets are sold at a discount but with a small fee from TodayTix. If you haven't used the app yet to buy tickets then you are still eligible to use an offer code the first time you buy tickets with the app. Everyone has their own offer code. Mine is OKEQS. If you type in my code the first time you make a purchase you will $20 off the price of your tickets (fees included) and I will get $20 credited to my account for the referral. TodayTix offers tickets to many different shows as well as daily lotteries for critically acclaimed shows like On the Town and Fun Home. Thank you for taking the time to read this, darlings. I don't want to put any pressure on you to download the app or use my offer code but if you're going to use TodayTix I would really appreciate it if you could help me out.

OK, on with the TNR!

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• The world premiere of Annie Baker's John begins performances at the Signature Theatre Off-Broadway July 22.
• Taye Diggs is the next superstar to take on transgender rocker Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, beginning performances July 22 at Broadway's Belasco. 
• Lypsinka, John Epperson's drag persona, returns Off-Broadway July 22, playing a limited engagement of the acclaimed show Lypsinka! The Boxed Set at the Connelly Theater in downtown Manhattan.

TKTS (TICKETS/RUSH/ETC)

• Signature Theatre has announced that the world premiere of Annie Baker's John, which begins previews July 22 will extend another week. The news joins the recent announcement that the remounting of The Flick will extend Off-Broadway into next year.

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Complete casting has been announced for the Broadway debut of Dames at Sea— the Off-Broadway musical revival — which will set sail Sept. 24 prior to an official opening Oct. 22 at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre. The cast will feature John Bolton as The Captain/Hennesey, Mara Davi as Joan, Danny Gardner as Lucky, Eloise Kropp as Ruby (the role created by Bernadette Peters), Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita as Mona Kent and Cary Tedder as Dick.
• Marlee Matlin has joined the cast of the Broadway revival of Spring Awakening. 

Come to the Cabaret (CABARETS/CONCERTS/ETC)

• Beth Malone, who earned a 2015 Tony Award nomination for starring as Alison Bechdel in the Tony-winning musical Fun Home, will perform her solo show So Far Aug. 31 at Joe's Pub.
• A cast of Broadway performers will play 54 Below on Aug. 6 in another #tbtLIVE Throwback Thursday: The Concert.

A Musical (MUSICALS)

• Tuck Everlasting, the new musical, will open on Broadway April 17, 2016, at the Broadhurst Theatre.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/20

I had a lot of fun tonight at the Broadway Sings Bruno Mars concert. I'm thinking about Broadway Sings Sara Bareilles if I can get a discounted ticket. The performers were all great but I didn't love all of the arrangements and it was only a little over an hour so I don't think I'd ever pay as much as I would for a ticket to an actual show. 

Apropos of nothing, does anyone have any recommendations for the upcoming NY Fringe Festival? Any friends who have projects you're excited about? Obviously, I've mainly got my eye on the musicals. I like the sound of Far From Canterbury (even though it's not one of my favorite actual stories in The Canterbury Tales) and Plath (because The Bell Jar got too real at times). Beware the Chupacabra, Under: A New Musical, and The Portable Dorothy Parker (not a musical) also peaked my interest. But I'm not in a place where blindly spending $18 on unknown shows is a great use of discretionary funds so I would appreciate some recommendations from someone who knows something about the creatives or the material. Thanks!

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• Following previews that began July 10, the "all-singing, all-dancing demented cabaret on acid," Mrs. Smith's Broadway Cat-Tacular! by performance artist and writer David Hanbury, officially opens July 20 Off-Broadway at the 47th Street Theatre. 

I Heard It Through the Grapevine (RUMORS)

• Matilda The Musical composer/lyricist Tim Minchin says he is working on a film adaptation of the long-running show. In a July 19 interview, Minchin confirmed that there is a movie version of Matilda in the works and that he will write additional music for it.
• In a recent interview Stephen Schwartz said The Hunchback of Notre Dame would soon be licensed for regional productions, which likely means a Broadway staging will not be happening in the immediate future.

Come to the Cabaret (CABARETS/CONCERTS/ETC)

• Whistle Down the Wind—the Louisiana-set rock musical penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman—will make its New York City debut in December at 54 Below. Whistle Down The Wind: In Concert will be presented at the intimate nightclub Dec. 13 at 7 PM and 9:30 PM. 
• Cabaret favorite Andrea Marcovicci, who was a mainstay at the now-closed Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room for more than two decades, will make her debut at Manhattan's 54 Below this fall.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/17-7/18

I know I've been neglecting you, my loves. If you've been waiting for your theatre news for this long then God bless you, though I'll love you even if you don't get your news filtered through me. I was at an amazing bird and the bee concert on Friday. If you know me, I've probably already told you this but you need to check out their music. On Saturday I finally got to see The Wild Party on stage. I had some issues with the changes (thoughts coming soon-ish?) but it was still an amazing night.

The Party’s Over (CLOSINGS)

• Darren Criss concludes his run as Hedwig in the Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch July 19. 
• Roundabout Theatre Company's critically acclaimed revival of On the Twentieth Century, starring Kristin Chenoweth, plays its final performance July 19 at the American Airlines Theatre. 

TKTS (TICKETS/RUSH/ETC)

• A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder has announced that it will implement a new digital lottery, allowing potential audience members to purchase $42 day-of tickets through online entry. A limited number of tickets per performance will be available starting July 21. To enter the lottery, audience members can visit Lottery.AGentlemansGuide. The existing rush ticket policy for Gentleman’s Guide will also remain in place, offering $42 tickets on the day of each performance for patrons aged 35 and under, available in-person at the box office only.
• Tickets go on sale today for the 19th Annual New York International Fringe Festival, which will offer dozens of plays, musicals, dance companies and solo shows across downtown Manhattan August 14-30.
• The second batch of tickets go on sale July 18 at 1 PM ET for the first-ever BroadwayCon.

Everyone’s a Critic (REVIEWS)

• The not terribly kind reviews of Amazing Grace are out

Theatre News Roundup: 7/15-7/16

Hi guys,

Sorry for the delay. Yesterday was a little weird for me. I think the heat at the concert and the heat yesterday just got to me. There was a lot of angry cleaning going on. Are you guys watching UnReal? You totally should be.

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• The new Broadway musical Amazing Grace, which played a sold-out world premiere in Chicago, officially opens July 16 at the Nederlander Theatre. 

Everyone’s a Critic (REVIEWS)

• Reviews for Encores' The Wild Party

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• The Public Theater has announced casting for its musical adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey, conceived and directed by Lear deBessonet, with music, lyrics and book by Todd Almond (Iowa, Stage Kiss), which will run for four nights only in September (Sept 4-7). The cast will include Brandon Victor Dixon as Odysseus, Karen Olivo as Penelope, Taran Killam as the Cyclops; and Lucas Caleb Rooney is Antinous. The show will also feature cameo group performances by The Bobby Lewis Ensemble; The D.R.E.A.M. Ring; Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana II; The Marching Cobras; The New York Youth Symphony; and TADA! Youth Theater. Free tickets to The Odyssey will be distributed, two per person, at noon on the day of the show at the Delacorte Theater and via the Virtual Ticketing lottery at PublicTheater.
• Rumer Willis, will make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the current revival of Chicago. She will begin her eight-week engagement on Aug. 18, and continue through Oct. 11 at the Ambassador Theatre.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/13-7/14

Sorry, my loves! Broadway Rising Stars concert at Town Hall Monday. Some fantastic talent and quite a bit of over-singing but of course I had fun when the theme was Disney songs. Tonight (last night?) I saw Christina Perri and Colbie Caillat at Pier 97. I missed the opener. They were both fantastic and I felt all the feels. Yes, I did tear up more than once. Stop judging me.

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• Hamilton begins Broadway performances July 13 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (former home of Miranda's In the Heights).
• Ruthless! The Musical, originally staged in New York 22 years ago, returns Off-Broadway, officially opening July 13 following previews that began June 25 at St. Luke’s Theatre.
• The Public Theater presents The National Asian American Theatre Company's production of Awake and Sing!, which officially opens July 13. 
•  The Encores! Off-Center staging of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party, which stars Tony Award winner Sutton Foster as Queenie, begins performances tonight at New York City Center.

TKTS (TICKETS/RUSH/ETC)

• Tickets are now on sale to the general public for the Broadway revival of D.L. Coburn's The Gin Game, starring Tony Award winners James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson. The production begins previews Sept. 18 at the Golden Theatre, which staged the original 1977 production.
• Tickets for Misery will go on sale exclusively for American Express Card Members beginning July 15. Audience Rewards Members will have access to tickets before the general public through July 26.
• The Off-Broadway return of Patrick Barlow's comedy 39 Steps has released a new block of tickets for October and November. The news joins the announcement that all seats to Wednesday matinees will be available for $39 throughout the summer.

I Wanna Be A Producer (IN DEVELOPMENT)

• The Muny production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story plays the St. Louis venue July 13-19.
• Tom Wolfe's "The Bonfire of the Vanities" is being adapted for the first time into a stage opera. New York's El Museo del Barrio will host the premiere this October, the New York Times reported.
• Inspired by the sometimes contentious relationship between Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia, composer Derrick Wang's new comedic opera Scalia/Ginsburg had its premiere at the Castleton Festival in Virginia July 11, with performances continuing through July 19.
• A February 2016 start of previews has been scheduled for American Psycho, the stage musical adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel, with music by Duncan Sheik. The precise date and theatre have not been announced

Everyone’s a Critic (REVIEWS)

• Reviews of Penn & Teller on Broadway

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Jane Krakowski will return to Broadway for RTC's 50th anniversary season to star in the Main Stem revival of She Loves Me, starring Laura Benanti and Josh Radnor. Gavin Creel, Andrew Kober, Jim Walton, and others also announced. Performances will begin Feb. 5, 2016, prior to an official opening March 3, 2016, at Studio 54. The limited engagement will play through May 22, 2016.
• Jose Llana takes the throne of Siam as The King in Lincoln Center Theater's Tony-winning Broadway revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic The King and I starting tonight.
•  Marlo Thomas will return to Joe DiPietro's Clever Little Lies for its Off-Broadway staging this fall. An official opening night is slated for Oct. 14 with performances scheduled to continue through Jan. 3, 2016.
• San Diego's Old Globe theatre has announced casting for the Summer Shakespeare Festival production of The Comedy of Errors.
• An open call will be held in Los Angeles July 20 for the leading role of Dorothy in NBC's upcoming live presentation of The Wiz, according to Deadline Hollywood. A New York open call was held June 6.

Theatre News Roundup: 7/12

Making myself finally listen to the whole Lippa The Wild Party album in preparation for the Encores staging this week.

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• Penn & Teller on Broadway officially opens July 12 and continues through Aug. 16 at the Marquis Theatre.
• The Transport Group production of Three Days to See, a play based on the words of American author Helen Keller, begins previews July 12 at Theatre 79.

Brush Up Your Shakespeare (SHAKESPEARE)

• San Diego: The Old Globe Theatre's presentation of Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate has extended its run through August 9. 

Theatre News Roundup: 7/10-7/11

Sorry for the wait, my dears! I was out at the Metropolitan Museum last night checking out their China: Through the Looking Glass exhibit. They really went all out. I think it's my favorite exhibit at the Met since Alexander McQueen. I have to go back.

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• James Lecesne's solo play The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, which recently played a critically acclaimed limited engagement at Dixon Place in New York, begins a 12-week commercial run Off-Broadway July 11.

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Paul Alexander Nolan will star opposite Megan McGinnis in the new musical Daddy Long Legs, which will begin previews Sept. 10 Off-Broadway at the Davenport Theatre. Opening night is scheduled for Sept. 28; the limited engagement will continue through Jan. 10, 2016.
• Valerie Harper will play Millicent in The Ogunquit Playhouse's production of Nice Work If You Can Get It in the Maine venue July 22-Aug. 15.

Come to the Cabaret (CABARETS/CONCERTS/ETC)

• Performance artist and writer David Hanbury brings his cabaret, Mrs. Smith's Broadway Cat-Tacular! Off-Broadway, beginning previews July 10 at the 47th Street Theatre. Directed by Andrew Rasmussen, the show officially opens July 20. 
• Following a sold-out engagement last fall, #SOBLESSED Live! will return to 54 Below July 27 for a concert event benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
• The York Theatre Company will honor Angela Lansbury with the 2015 Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre Nov. 16 at Guastavino’s (409 East 59th Street).

One Song Glory (ALBUMS)

• The original Broadway cast recording of The Visit, the final musical by the Tony-winning team of Kander and Ebb, arrives in stores July 10.
• The all-Canadian cast of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz: The Musical was in the recording studio July 10, capturing the Alan Menken and David Spencer score for a forthcoming cast album.