Theatre News Roundup: 8/9

I saw Whorl Inside a Loop this afternoon. I don't want to give you all of my thoughts now but at this point you know how unreliable I am about providing reviews in a timely manner (this is why I didn't want to start formal reviews again) so I'll just encourage you to see the show. I thought it was well written and structurally sound. The actors are recycled to portray the different characters but it's never confusing and I think they do a good job of giving each character idiosyncrasies without fully disappearing into each role (beyond the roles of the main prisoners), which is fine as the show is fairly presentational. The play was funny and thought provoking and emotional without being manipulative. I wasn't pushed to cry but I was still able to sympathize and empathize with the characters. Even though Sherie Rene Scott's character is vital to the structure of the play I found her to be the weakest element. Her performance was fine but I don't think the character had a very satisfying arc. Still, it's a play that's well worth seeing and I'm glad I can finally recommend something that's still playing and not about to close in a week.

I swear that reviews are coming but probably not until I finish this recapping assignment. It just takes so much time and saps so much of my energy.

Another Op’nin, Another Show (OPENINGS)

• Betty Buckley and Rachel York head the cast of the Bay Street Theater's production of the musical Grey Gardens, which officially opens Aug. 8 at 8 PM following previews that began Aug. 4 in Sag Harbor. Performances are scheduled through Aug. 30 at the eastern Long Island venue. 
• Up Here, the new musical by the songwriters of Disney's blockbuster "Frozen," officially opens its world-premiere engagement Aug. 9 at La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, CA, following previews that began July 28.

The Party’s Over (CLOSINGS)

• It Shoulda Been You ends its Broadway run Aug. 9, after 31 previews and 135 regular performances. 

TKTS (TICKETS/RUSH/ETC)

• Off-Broadway's 39 Steps will celebrate Alfred Hitchcock's 116th birthday on Thursday, August 13 by inviting the audience to join special post-show festivities, including a custom-designed cake by Cake Alchemy. The show will also launch a daily in-person lottery, offering a limited number of orchestra tickets to patrons at the box office at 100 East 17th Street. Ticket-buyers can enter the lottery beginning one hour before the performance, and names will be drawn 30 minutes prior to curtain. Winners may purchase up to two $10 tickets with cash only to that day's performance. Seat locations will be at the theater's discretion, and lottery may not be offered at all performances.

I Hope I Get It (CASTING)

• Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter, Brandon Victor Dixon and Joshua Henry will join Audra McDonald in the upcoming production of Shuffle Along, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed. Scott Rudin is producing the show, which will start previews at the Music Box Theatre March 14, 2016, and open April 21.
• Further casting has been announced for the upcoming Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, to be directed by Ivo van Hove. The company will also feature Jim Norton as Giles Corey, Tavi Gevinson as Mary Warren, Jason Butler Harner as Reverend Parris, and Bill Camp as Reverend John Hale.