Broadway’s Stereophonic and Hell’s Kitchen were named the season’s Outstanding Play and Outstanding Musical by The Drama League, with Sarah Paulson winning the Distinguished Performance Award for her work in the Outstanding Play Revival Appropriate.
Drama League Awards, considered the oldest theatrical honors in America, were also presented today to Merrily We Roll Along, named Outstanding Musical Revival, and directors Daniel Aukin (for Stereophonic) and Maria Friedman (for Merrily We Roll Along).
The 90th Annual Drama League Awards also included special honors to Kandi Burress (The Gratitude Award), Schele Williams (The Founders Award for Excellence in Directing), Jonathan Groff.
Both Broadway and Off Broadway productions are eligible for Drama League Awards chosen by industry professionals, producers, artists, audiences and critics who are Drama League members nationwide. The complete list of 2024 nominees can be...
Drama League Awards, considered the oldest theatrical honors in America, were also presented today to Merrily We Roll Along, named Outstanding Musical Revival, and directors Daniel Aukin (for Stereophonic) and Maria Friedman (for Merrily We Roll Along).
The 90th Annual Drama League Awards also included special honors to Kandi Burress (The Gratitude Award), Schele Williams (The Founders Award for Excellence in Directing), Jonathan Groff.
Both Broadway and Off Broadway productions are eligible for Drama League Awards chosen by industry professionals, producers, artists, audiences and critics who are Drama League members nationwide. The complete list of 2024 nominees can be...
- 5/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ingrid Michaelson is used to people crying when they talk to her about The Notebook. Earlier this year, she tells me on Zoom, her piano in the background, she did an interview about her work on the Broadway musical adaptation of the beloved 2004 film, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. The journalist she was talking to had lost both of his parents, and Michaelson had lost her parents as well — her mother in 2014, and her father three years later. “We both were staring at each other for like 30 seconds...
- 4/19/2024
- by Ej Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
The Wiz has returned in a Broadway revival starring Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, and others.
The cast includes Emmy-winner Brady in the show’s titular role and Grammy-winning Cox as Glinda the Good Witch.
They’ve been appearing on various morning programs and talk shows to promote their big event by discussing their roles, what this show represents, and more.
The co-stars recently appeared on CBS Mornings and talked to Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Vladimir Duthiers.
While some may have found the interview entertaining and insightful, several critics called Gayle out for her involvement in the segment.
In particular, one question Gayle asked drew criticism from a viewer, while another brought up something else that bothered them about the interview.
Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox talked The Wiz on CBS Mornings
The Wiz stars Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox promoted their musical during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle asking several questions.
The cast includes Emmy-winner Brady in the show’s titular role and Grammy-winning Cox as Glinda the Good Witch.
They’ve been appearing on various morning programs and talk shows to promote their big event by discussing their roles, what this show represents, and more.
The co-stars recently appeared on CBS Mornings and talked to Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Vladimir Duthiers.
While some may have found the interview entertaining and insightful, several critics called Gayle out for her involvement in the segment.
In particular, one question Gayle asked drew criticism from a viewer, while another brought up something else that bothered them about the interview.
Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox talked The Wiz on CBS Mornings
The Wiz stars Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox promoted their musical during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle asking several questions.
- 4/18/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
On Wednesday night, Broadway’s Marquis Theatre celebrated the official opening of the highly anticipated revival of The Wiz.
After a successful pre-Broadway tour that began last year, this new production breathes new life into the beloved musical. Under the direction of Schele Williams, known for her work on The Notebook and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, this revival promises an exciting and contemporary take on an enduring classic.
Taking on the iconic role of Dorothy is newcomer Nichelle Lewis, who brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Joining her is a star-studded cast that includes Wayne Brady as The Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
The ensemble comprises talented performers, including Allyson Kaye Daniel as Addaperle and Anthony Murphyas Lord High Underling.
After a successful pre-Broadway tour that began last year, this new production breathes new life into the beloved musical. Under the direction of Schele Williams, known for her work on The Notebook and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, this revival promises an exciting and contemporary take on an enduring classic.
Taking on the iconic role of Dorothy is newcomer Nichelle Lewis, who brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Joining her is a star-studded cast that includes Wayne Brady as The Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
The ensemble comprises talented performers, including Allyson Kaye Daniel as Addaperle and Anthony Murphyas Lord High Underling.
- 4/18/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Before Dorothy’s mother passed away, she had a favorite saying, as Aunt Em reminds her grieving niece in the opening scene of The Wiz: “The hard stuff is there to let you know just how good you got it.” And while that’s a curious mantra to undergird a production of a Broadway musical, there’s something to it in the latest revival.
The first musical by a Black composer to win Tony Awards for best musical and best score, this well-loved show turns 50 next year. If Schele Williams’s simplistic and sometimes bewildering staging doesn’t itself demonstrate how the show has held up across those decades, she wisely steers all attention toward the main event: the stunning vocal performances from her cast. And since the show’s underwhelming visuals feel like less of a distraction than an afterthought, it’s easy enough to put the “hard...
The first musical by a Black composer to win Tony Awards for best musical and best score, this well-loved show turns 50 next year. If Schele Williams’s simplistic and sometimes bewildering staging doesn’t itself demonstrate how the show has held up across those decades, she wisely steers all attention toward the main event: the stunning vocal performances from her cast. And since the show’s underwhelming visuals feel like less of a distraction than an afterthought, it’s easy enough to put the “hard...
- 4/18/2024
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
The talented Wayne Brady will appear in an iconic role this month as he suits up for his latest adventure in entertainment.
Brady, best known for hosting TV’s Let’s Make a Deal, and his improv comedy skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has also had plenty of unique roles on stage.
Now, he will appear in the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz as the title character.
He recently addressed what it’s like to take on that role as he admired a larger-than-life image of himself as the character.
“Does it really sink in when you see your face on the wall?” CBS Sunday Morning’s interviewer asked him.
“I think it sinks in. This never gets old,” he admitted, adding, “I mean, come on. It’s my big old head on Broadway.”
Brady talks about the ‘the energy to live up to’ the role of The Wiz...
Brady, best known for hosting TV’s Let’s Make a Deal, and his improv comedy skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has also had plenty of unique roles on stage.
Now, he will appear in the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz as the title character.
He recently addressed what it’s like to take on that role as he admired a larger-than-life image of himself as the character.
“Does it really sink in when you see your face on the wall?” CBS Sunday Morning’s interviewer asked him.
“I think it sinks in. This never gets old,” he admitted, adding, “I mean, come on. It’s my big old head on Broadway.”
Brady talks about the ‘the energy to live up to’ the role of The Wiz...
- 4/10/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
“The show is obviously a love story which I think people expect, but it’s also about loss and life and how you spend your days and your time and the people with whom you do that,” reflects Ryan Vasquez about the new musical “The Notebook,” which just opened on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on March 14. The actor stars as Middle Noah, a character he originated in the tryout of the show in Chicago in 2022. He calls that production “an experiment” because the show touched “such an open nerve” when it premiered right in the wake of the pandemic. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
“The Notebook” is adapted from the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, which also inspired a successful film 20 years ago. Vasquez shares that he actually “saw the movie in theaters way back in 2004,” explaining that he was a “huge fan of Rachel McAdams,...
“The Notebook” is adapted from the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name, which also inspired a successful film 20 years ago. Vasquez shares that he actually “saw the movie in theaters way back in 2004,” explaining that he was a “huge fan of Rachel McAdams,...
- 3/26/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The spring season on Broadway this year is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most tumultuous in recent memory as 11 new musicals and musical revivals are opening in the last two months of the 2023-2024 Tony Awards season. With so many shows starting previews, officially opening, and even closing, the race to the Tony nominations announcement on April 30 is heating up, which means our users are frequently changing their minds on what shows will have the most success. See below for a breakdown of how our official odds have changed in 10 of the 15 musical categories since our last predictions center update on March 12, according to the 800 users currently making their picks. Scroll to the bottom of the article for a tally of nominations by show in 10 of the 15 musical categories.
Up
“Hell’s Kitchen” – This semi-autobiographical musical featuring the songs of Alicia Keys had a sluggish start in our predictions center,...
Up
“Hell’s Kitchen” – This semi-autobiographical musical featuring the songs of Alicia Keys had a sluggish start in our predictions center,...
- 3/21/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The new Broadway musical The Notebook celebrated its opening night this week!
Singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, who wrote the music for the new show, joined the cast at the celebration on Thursday night (March 14) at the Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City.
Three sets of actors portray the roles of Allie and Noah, who were made famous by Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in the movie version.
Cast members Joy Woods (Middle Allie), Ryan Vazquez (Middle Noah), Maryann Plunkett (Older Allie), Dorian Harewood (Older Noah), Jordan Tyson (Younger Allie), and John Cardoza (Younger Noah) all walked the red carpet at the event. Director Schele Williams and original book author Nicholas Sparks also were in attendance!
“What truly sells the couple’s romance — and, by extension, the entire show — are the dazzling performances by every version of Noah and Allie,” wrote Entertainment Weekly.
Get tickets now to see The Notebook on Broadway!
Singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, who wrote the music for the new show, joined the cast at the celebration on Thursday night (March 14) at the Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City.
Three sets of actors portray the roles of Allie and Noah, who were made famous by Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in the movie version.
Cast members Joy Woods (Middle Allie), Ryan Vazquez (Middle Noah), Maryann Plunkett (Older Allie), Dorian Harewood (Older Noah), Jordan Tyson (Younger Allie), and John Cardoza (Younger Noah) all walked the red carpet at the event. Director Schele Williams and original book author Nicholas Sparks also were in attendance!
“What truly sells the couple’s romance — and, by extension, the entire show — are the dazzling performances by every version of Noah and Allie,” wrote Entertainment Weekly.
Get tickets now to see The Notebook on Broadway!
- 3/15/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
To say The Notebook had a devoted, built-in audience before it sang so much as a note on Broadway would be an understatement this romantic tear-jerker never attempts.
Based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 bestseller about a young – then older, then much older – couple who survives a lifetime of tribulations (until they don’t), the musical opening tonight at the Schoenfeld Theatre is the theatrical equivalent of muzak, comforting in its unapologetically manipulative way and unabashed in its disregard for anything approaching the grit of the real world.
The reference to muzak, by the way, isn’t meant to suggest that composer Ingrid Michaelson looks back quite that far for her musical inspirations. She has a lovely way with a melody, even if so many of the songs...
Based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 bestseller about a young – then older, then much older – couple who survives a lifetime of tribulations (until they don’t), the musical opening tonight at the Schoenfeld Theatre is the theatrical equivalent of muzak, comforting in its unapologetically manipulative way and unabashed in its disregard for anything approaching the grit of the real world.
The reference to muzak, by the way, isn’t meant to suggest that composer Ingrid Michaelson looks back quite that far for her musical inspirations. She has a lovely way with a melody, even if so many of the songs...
- 3/15/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway adaptations of beloved movies are nothing new — and in fact will be increasing like never before this season with “Water for Elephants,” “The Outsiders,” “The Great Gatsby,” and more musical adaptations opening just in the next month.
It’s such a thrill, then, that “The Notebook” musical, based on the Nicholas Sparks book of the same name — which of course was also turned into the beloved movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams — is such a romantic, weepy success, managing to honor the tale fans know while also sneaking in a savvier story, one that doesn’t look away from the horrors of dementia but retains the beautiful message of everlasting love.
The book, by Bekah Brunstetter, begins with a few smart updates: The earliest action between Younger Noah (John Cardoza) and Allie (Jordan Tyson) is moved from the WWII-era of the film to Vietnam-era, which Noah and friends get tangled up in,...
It’s such a thrill, then, that “The Notebook” musical, based on the Nicholas Sparks book of the same name — which of course was also turned into the beloved movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams — is such a romantic, weepy success, managing to honor the tale fans know while also sneaking in a savvier story, one that doesn’t look away from the horrors of dementia but retains the beautiful message of everlasting love.
The book, by Bekah Brunstetter, begins with a few smart updates: The earliest action between Younger Noah (John Cardoza) and Allie (Jordan Tyson) is moved from the WWII-era of the film to Vietnam-era, which Noah and friends get tangled up in,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Erin Strecker
- Indiewire
“Time, time, time, time, it never was mine, mine, mine, mine,” sings the elderly Noah Calhoun (Dorian Harewood) in the opening number of The Notebook, the new Broadway musical with a gossamer score by indie-pop singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. “But you know what is?/Love, hope, breath, and dreams/As cliché as that seems.”
Cliché is at the heart of The Notebook’s appeal, from Nicholas Sparks’s 1996 novel to the 2004 film starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling as destined lovers Allie and Noah. “You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I ever had,” Sparks banally wrote in the novel. “Every day we are together is the greatest day of my life.” Though Michaelson alludes, with seeming self-awareness, to the platitudes of the source material in that opening song, this production never quite transcends the clichés that it conflictingly both seeks to challenge and embrace.
That’s in large...
Cliché is at the heart of The Notebook’s appeal, from Nicholas Sparks’s 1996 novel to the 2004 film starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling as destined lovers Allie and Noah. “You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I ever had,” Sparks banally wrote in the novel. “Every day we are together is the greatest day of my life.” Though Michaelson alludes, with seeming self-awareness, to the platitudes of the source material in that opening song, this production never quite transcends the clichés that it conflictingly both seeks to challenge and embrace.
That’s in large...
- 3/15/2024
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Since their inception, the directing categories at the Tony Awards have mostly been a boys’ club. Not only are the vast majority of winners men, but so are most of the nominees. But the 2024 ceremony could upend these statistics as more women are helming Broadway shows than ever before. This could finally be the year where they make up the majority of directing nominees.
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
- 3/11/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced that multiple EmmyAward-winning and Grammy Award-nominated actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter, author, and television personality Wayne Brady will host the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.Since 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annualLGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally.
“It is with immense pride that I was asked to host this year’s GLAAD Media Awards ceremony, celebrating a community that has welcomed me with open arms,” said Brady. “The stories created by and for LGBTQ people bring us closer to a world of unity, inclusivity and acceptance and I’m honored to help recognize...
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.Since 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annualLGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally.
“It is with immense pride that I was asked to host this year’s GLAAD Media Awards ceremony, celebrating a community that has welcomed me with open arms,” said Brady. “The stories created by and for LGBTQ people bring us closer to a world of unity, inclusivity and acceptance and I’m honored to help recognize...
- 2/7/2024
- Look to the Stars
The new revival of The Wiz will begin Broadway previews on March 29, 2024, at the Marquis Theatre, with an opening night set for Wednesday, April 17.
The musical will feature Wayne Brady in the title role. The Broadway dates and venue were announced today by producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker.
The limited engagement on Broadway follows a pre-Broadway national tour that launched in Baltimore yesterday with a sold-out show (and five standing ovations). Baltimore was the site of the musical’s original world premiere nearly 50 years ago.
Related: Emmy-Winning Super Bowl Halftime Music Director Adam Blackstone Joins Broadway-Bound ‘The Wiz’ Creative Team
In addition to Brady as the Wiz, the Broadway cast will feature Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda and Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman,...
The musical will feature Wayne Brady in the title role. The Broadway dates and venue were announced today by producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker.
The limited engagement on Broadway follows a pre-Broadway national tour that launched in Baltimore yesterday with a sold-out show (and five standing ovations). Baltimore was the site of the musical’s original world premiere nearly 50 years ago.
Related: Emmy-Winning Super Bowl Halftime Music Director Adam Blackstone Joins Broadway-Bound ‘The Wiz’ Creative Team
In addition to Brady as the Wiz, the Broadway cast will feature Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda and Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman,...
- 9/25/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Adam Blackstone, who won a 2022 Emmy Award for his music direction of the memorable hip-hop Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem and others, has joined the creative team of the Broadway-bound musical revival of The Wiz.
Blackstone has signed on as Dance Music Arranger, a position that reunites him with frequent collaborator JaQuel Knight, the show’s choreographer. (Blackstone joins the production with his associate Terence Vaughn.)
In a statement, Blackstone said the new collaboration with Knight will allow the two to “explore our own interpretation for a revival of this masterpiece.”
The announcement was made by producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker. The Wiz will launch a national tour on September 23 in Baltimore before heading to Broadway, with Wayne Brady in the title role, for a limited engagement later in spring 2024.
“Joining The...
Blackstone has signed on as Dance Music Arranger, a position that reunites him with frequent collaborator JaQuel Knight, the show’s choreographer. (Blackstone joins the production with his associate Terence Vaughn.)
In a statement, Blackstone said the new collaboration with Knight will allow the two to “explore our own interpretation for a revival of this masterpiece.”
The announcement was made by producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker. The Wiz will launch a national tour on September 23 in Baltimore before heading to Broadway, with Wayne Brady in the title role, for a limited engagement later in spring 2024.
“Joining The...
- 9/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Actor-rapper Common and hip-hop artist Mc Lyte have signed on as co-producers in the all-new, Broadway-bound production of The Wiz, producers announced today.
The musical revival, which launches a national tour in Baltimore on September 23, will play a limited Broadway engagement this spring. Dates have not yet been announced.
“I am so blessed to be part of this production of The Wiz,” said Common, who appeared on Broadway last season in the acclaimed play Between Riverside and Crazy. “Theatre has always affected me in a way that reaches my soul and spirit, in some measure because I didn’t realize as a kid that I could dream big enough to be part of it.”
The Grammy winning rapper and composer who also shared an Oscar with John Legend for the song “Glory” from the 2014 film Selma, added, “This is a true dream come true as one of my favorite...
The musical revival, which launches a national tour in Baltimore on September 23, will play a limited Broadway engagement this spring. Dates have not yet been announced.
“I am so blessed to be part of this production of The Wiz,” said Common, who appeared on Broadway last season in the acclaimed play Between Riverside and Crazy. “Theatre has always affected me in a way that reaches my soul and spirit, in some measure because I didn’t realize as a kid that I could dream big enough to be part of it.”
The Grammy winning rapper and composer who also shared an Oscar with John Legend for the song “Glory” from the 2014 film Selma, added, “This is a true dream come true as one of my favorite...
- 9/12/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A newcomer will be easing on down the road next year.
Nichelle Lewis has been cast in the lead role of Dorothy in the Broadway revival of The Wiz, which is slated to hit the boards in the spring. Discovered via a TikTok video and beating out more than 2,000 other hopefuls, she also will play the iconic role in the show’s national tour.
Singer-songwriter Lewis is a Virginia native who has performed in the national tour of Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Bare: A Pop Opera and most recently the new musical Labelless. She took first place in the young adult popular vote at the 2021 Music International Grand Prix. See clips of her performances below.
It also was announced Monday that Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker will be producers of the revival, which features some new material from Amber Ruffin. Set to bow in the spring, it has Wayne Brady...
Nichelle Lewis has been cast in the lead role of Dorothy in the Broadway revival of The Wiz, which is slated to hit the boards in the spring. Discovered via a TikTok video and beating out more than 2,000 other hopefuls, she also will play the iconic role in the show’s national tour.
Singer-songwriter Lewis is a Virginia native who has performed in the national tour of Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Bare: A Pop Opera and most recently the new musical Labelless. She took first place in the young adult popular vote at the 2021 Music International Grand Prix. See clips of her performances below.
It also was announced Monday that Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker will be producers of the revival, which features some new material from Amber Ruffin. Set to bow in the spring, it has Wayne Brady...
- 8/14/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Nichelle Lewis will portray Dorothy in the upcoming Broadway revival of The Wiz.
The Virginian actress, who was discovered on TikTok and chosen following more than 2,000 submissions for the role, was also announced by producers on Monday as the lead in the upcoming National Tour. Kicking off in Baltimore at the Hippodrome Theatre and running from Sept. 23-30, the tour will continue to previously announced cities across the U.S. before its limited run in New York.
Wayne Brady was previously announced for the role of the Wiz on Broadway, following appearances in San Francisco Golden Gate Theatre and Los Angeles (Feb. 13 – March 3), with Alan Mingo Jr. portraying the role in additional tour cities additional including Cleveland, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Des Moines, Tempe and San Diego.
The musical also stars Deborah Cox as Glinda; Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene; Kyle Ramar Freeman as...
The Virginian actress, who was discovered on TikTok and chosen following more than 2,000 submissions for the role, was also announced by producers on Monday as the lead in the upcoming National Tour. Kicking off in Baltimore at the Hippodrome Theatre and running from Sept. 23-30, the tour will continue to previously announced cities across the U.S. before its limited run in New York.
Wayne Brady was previously announced for the role of the Wiz on Broadway, following appearances in San Francisco Golden Gate Theatre and Los Angeles (Feb. 13 – March 3), with Alan Mingo Jr. portraying the role in additional tour cities additional including Cleveland, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Des Moines, Tempe and San Diego.
The musical also stars Deborah Cox as Glinda; Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene; Kyle Ramar Freeman as...
- 8/14/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update, with revised preview date: A new stage musical adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel The Notebook will arrive on Broadway this spring, with music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by playwright and This Is Us writer/producer Bekah Brunstetter, producers Kevin McCollum and Kurt Deutsch announced today.
Previews will begin at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Saturday, February 10, 2024, ahead of a Thursday, March 14 opening night.
The production will be directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, with choreography by Katie Spelman (Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge! The Musical).
Casting will be announced at a later date.
The novel, which chronicles the lifelong romance of couple Allie and Noah, was published in 1996 and has since sold millions of copies. A hit 2004 film adaptation, directed by Nick Cassavetes and written by Jeremy Leven and Jan Sardi,...
Previews will begin at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Saturday, February 10, 2024, ahead of a Thursday, March 14 opening night.
The production will be directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, with choreography by Katie Spelman (Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge! The Musical).
Casting will be announced at a later date.
The novel, which chronicles the lifelong romance of couple Allie and Noah, was published in 1996 and has since sold millions of copies. A hit 2004 film adaptation, directed by Nick Cassavetes and written by Jeremy Leven and Jan Sardi,...
- 8/3/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Wayne Brady will lead the Broadway revival of The Wiz, producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland and Ambassador Theatre Group said Wednesday.
The Who’s Line Is It Anyway star has previously appeared on Broadway as Billy Flynn in Chicago, as Lola in Kinky Boots and as Aaron Burr in the Chicago run of Hamilton. He will take on the role of the Wiz in spring 2024, during the production’s planned Broadway run, following stops at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco and at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
Before coming to Broadway, the production will launch a tour this fall in Baltimore and travel to cities including DC, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Chicago and San Diego. During those tour stops, Alan Mingo Jr., who has also appeared as Lola in Kinky Boots on Broadway, as well as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, will play the role of the Wiz.
The Who’s Line Is It Anyway star has previously appeared on Broadway as Billy Flynn in Chicago, as Lola in Kinky Boots and as Aaron Burr in the Chicago run of Hamilton. He will take on the role of the Wiz in spring 2024, during the production’s planned Broadway run, following stops at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco and at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
Before coming to Broadway, the production will launch a tour this fall in Baltimore and travel to cities including DC, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Chicago and San Diego. During those tour stops, Alan Mingo Jr., who has also appeared as Lola in Kinky Boots on Broadway, as well as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, will play the role of the Wiz.
- 6/7/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Broadway-bound revival of The Wiz, which will launch a national tour in Baltimore this fall, has cast Kyle Ramar Freeman (A Strange Loop) as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson (Apple+’s Sharper) as the Tinman, and former The Voice contestant Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
Richardson and Wilson will be making their Broadway debuts. Casting for the character of Dorothy has yet to be announced.
The revival, featuring some new material by Amber Ruffin, is produced by Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker, who issued the joint statement today announcing the castings. The revival is set to arrive on Broadway next spring.
Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a score by Charlie Smalls (and others), the revival will be directed by Schele Williams and choreographed by JaQuel Knight. The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Richardson and Wilson will be making their Broadway debuts. Casting for the character of Dorothy has yet to be announced.
The revival, featuring some new material by Amber Ruffin, is produced by Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker, who issued the joint statement today announcing the castings. The revival is set to arrive on Broadway next spring.
Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a score by Charlie Smalls (and others), the revival will be directed by Schele Williams and choreographed by JaQuel Knight. The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.
- 6/1/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” stars Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker have joined the producing team for “The Wiz” musical, producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland and Ambassador Theatre Group announced on Thursday.
In a joint statement, Burruss and Tucker said, “We are thrilled to be part of ‘The Wiz.’ The songs, choreography, costumes, everything about ‘The Wiz’ is epic!” They continued, saying, “We have always said we want to help open the doors of theatre to all people. Theatre has the power to influence and inspire people to create change through art, and that is what we all need now. Art can heal and art can change you. It has changed us. So, come on and ease on down the road with us!”
Also Read:
Tony Awards Predictions 2023: Who Will Win – and Who Should
Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by...
In a joint statement, Burruss and Tucker said, “We are thrilled to be part of ‘The Wiz.’ The songs, choreography, costumes, everything about ‘The Wiz’ is epic!” They continued, saying, “We have always said we want to help open the doors of theatre to all people. Theatre has the power to influence and inspire people to create change through art, and that is what we all need now. Art can heal and art can change you. It has changed us. So, come on and ease on down the road with us!”
Also Read:
Tony Awards Predictions 2023: Who Will Win – and Who Should
Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by...
- 5/25/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss and husband/entrepreneur Todd Tucker have joined the producing for the Broadway-bound revival of The Wiz, Deadline has learned.
In a statement, Burruss and Tucker said, “We are thrilled to be part of The Wiz. The songs, choreography, costumes, everything about The Wiz is epic.
“We have always said we want to help open the doors of theatre to all people,” they continued. “Theatre has the power to influence and inspire people to create change through art, and that is what we all need now. Art can heal and art can change you. It has changed us. So, come on and ease on down the road with us.”
The Wiz will be the latest Broadway production credit for Burruss and Tucker, following the recent Tony-nominated revival of The Piano Lesson and last season’s Thoughts of a Colored Man. Burruss also has...
In a statement, Burruss and Tucker said, “We are thrilled to be part of The Wiz. The songs, choreography, costumes, everything about The Wiz is epic.
“We have always said we want to help open the doors of theatre to all people,” they continued. “Theatre has the power to influence and inspire people to create change through art, and that is what we all need now. Art can heal and art can change you. It has changed us. So, come on and ease on down the road with us.”
The Wiz will be the latest Broadway production credit for Burruss and Tucker, following the recent Tony-nominated revival of The Piano Lesson and last season’s Thoughts of a Colored Man. Burruss also has...
- 5/25/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley announced today that their live and in person Stars in the House at The Town Hall will be rescheduled to Monday, October 25th at 8:00 Pm, consistent with Theatre Authority guidelines.
Broadway’s brightest stars will come together at the live concert benefitting The Actors Fund. The line-up will include appearances by Andy Karl, Anika Larsen, Bebe Neuwirth, Brenda Braxton, Charlotte d’Amboise, Christine Pedi, Chita Rivera, Dana Delany, Kelli O’Hara, Laura Benanti, Linda Benanti, Liz Callaway, Marc Shaiman, Orfeh, Schele Williams and many others. CBS Medical Correspondent Dr. Jon Lapook will also take the stage to give the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic. The evening will be directed by Lisa Mordente.
Ticket buyers who have purchased tickets to the original September 12th show will have the option to attend the new date, or will receive a refund. Ticket buyers will receive an email from TicketMaster with further details.
Broadway’s brightest stars will come together at the live concert benefitting The Actors Fund. The line-up will include appearances by Andy Karl, Anika Larsen, Bebe Neuwirth, Brenda Braxton, Charlotte d’Amboise, Christine Pedi, Chita Rivera, Dana Delany, Kelli O’Hara, Laura Benanti, Linda Benanti, Liz Callaway, Marc Shaiman, Orfeh, Schele Williams and many others. CBS Medical Correspondent Dr. Jon Lapook will also take the stage to give the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic. The evening will be directed by Lisa Mordente.
Ticket buyers who have purchased tickets to the original September 12th show will have the option to attend the new date, or will receive a refund. Ticket buyers will receive an email from TicketMaster with further details.
- 8/17/2021
- Look to the Stars
Welcome to this week’s “Just for Variety.”
Evan Ross appears in Lee Daniels’ “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” as a federal agent. He knows the subject well — his mom, Diana Ross, earned an Oscar nom for her portrayal of Holiday in 1972’s “Lady Sings the Blues.” Now, Evan says his mother approves of the latest telling of the Holiday story. “She loved it,” he tells me from his and wife Ashlee Simpson’s home in Los Angeles. “She loves Lee, and she thought it was cinematically amazing. She thought the performances were amazing.”
Ross, 32, says “Lady Sings the Blues” is the reason he went into acting. “It’s so important for the story to be told again, plus it brings more attention to ‘Lady Sings the Blues,’” he says. “People can watch that movie again, too. It made me first want to learn about Billie Holiday. I think...
Evan Ross appears in Lee Daniels’ “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” as a federal agent. He knows the subject well — his mom, Diana Ross, earned an Oscar nom for her portrayal of Holiday in 1972’s “Lady Sings the Blues.” Now, Evan says his mother approves of the latest telling of the Holiday story. “She loved it,” he tells me from his and wife Ashlee Simpson’s home in Los Angeles. “She loves Lee, and she thought it was cinematically amazing. She thought the performances were amazing.”
Ross, 32, says “Lady Sings the Blues” is the reason he went into acting. “It’s so important for the story to be told again, plus it brings more attention to ‘Lady Sings the Blues,’” he says. “People can watch that movie again, too. It made me first want to learn about Billie Holiday. I think...
- 2/24/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: David Henry Hwang, the Tony Award-winning M. Butterfly playwright currently writing the script for a live-action musical film adaptation of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, has signed with CAA.
Hwang, the first and to-date only Asian American playwright to win the Tony Award for Best Play, is a three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist. His most recent show, Soft Power, written with composer Jeanine Tesori and directed by Leigh Silverman, premiered at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles and opened in New York at the Public Theater. A finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, Soft Power won six Ovation Awards for the Los Angeles production. The cast album was recently nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
His other play credits include the Obie Award winning Golden Child, Chinglish and, his third Pulitzer finalist, Yellow Face. Hwang wrote a new book for for the 2002 revival...
Hwang, the first and to-date only Asian American playwright to win the Tony Award for Best Play, is a three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist. His most recent show, Soft Power, written with composer Jeanine Tesori and directed by Leigh Silverman, premiered at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles and opened in New York at the Public Theater. A finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, Soft Power won six Ovation Awards for the Los Angeles production. The cast album was recently nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
His other play credits include the Obie Award winning Golden Child, Chinglish and, his third Pulitzer finalist, Yellow Face. Hwang wrote a new book for for the 2002 revival...
- 1/7/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Producers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, alongside Broadway superstar Audra McDonald, director Schele Williams, and Broadway Inspirational Voices’ Joseph Joubert and Michael McElroy, announced today that they have released a very special recording and music video of the beloved song “Georgia On My Mind” to mark the first day of voting for the January 5th Georgia Senate runoff elections.
The song, which premiered during Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight organization’s “Rock The Runoff” Virtual Concert, will help to raise funds and awareness for Fair Fight’s work to ensure that every eligible Georgian has the resources and information they need to vote in the January 5th runoff election.
The single is released by Broadway Records, and is available wherever digital music is sold and on BroadwayRecords.com. The video, which was directed by Schele Williams, is available for viewing via Fair Fight’s YouTube Page.
The song was recorded by...
The song, which premiered during Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight organization’s “Rock The Runoff” Virtual Concert, will help to raise funds and awareness for Fair Fight’s work to ensure that every eligible Georgian has the resources and information they need to vote in the January 5th runoff election.
The single is released by Broadway Records, and is available wherever digital music is sold and on BroadwayRecords.com. The video, which was directed by Schele Williams, is available for viewing via Fair Fight’s YouTube Page.
The song was recorded by...
- 12/21/2020
- Look to the Stars
An all-star group of Broadway actors and performers have lent their voices to a recording of “Georgia on My Mind,” in support of Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight organization and their work leading up to the Georgia Senate runoff election.
Created by producers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, along with Broadway actress Audra McDonald, director Schele Williams, and Broadway Inspirational Voices’ Joseph Joubert and Michael McElroy, the rendition features the voices of McDonald, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Phillipa Soo, Jenna Ushkowitz, Vanessa Williams, Ben Platt, Rosie Perez,...
Created by producers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, along with Broadway actress Audra McDonald, director Schele Williams, and Broadway Inspirational Voices’ Joseph Joubert and Michael McElroy, the rendition features the voices of McDonald, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Phillipa Soo, Jenna Ushkowitz, Vanessa Williams, Ben Platt, Rosie Perez,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Broadway League renewed the call for dedicated federal funding for Broadway and other New York live venues today, reiterating the push for the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages campaign.
“Today we are fighting hard to keep stages alive, stories told and shows going on,” Schumer said at an outdoor press conference in New York’s theater district near the Tkts Booth. The senator joked that he would demand “a Lion King’s share of federal relief” for Broadway.
Citing the $15 billion contributed by Broadway to New York’s economy last year, the 100,000 jobs, and the millions of tourists, Schumer called live performance “our pulse, our energy.” He said theater was particularly vulnerable to Covid since live venues were “the first to close under Covid and the last to open.”
Last month, Schumer endorsed the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages bill co-authored by Senators Amy Klobuchar,...
“Today we are fighting hard to keep stages alive, stories told and shows going on,” Schumer said at an outdoor press conference in New York’s theater district near the Tkts Booth. The senator joked that he would demand “a Lion King’s share of federal relief” for Broadway.
Citing the $15 billion contributed by Broadway to New York’s economy last year, the 100,000 jobs, and the millions of tourists, Schumer called live performance “our pulse, our energy.” He said theater was particularly vulnerable to Covid since live venues were “the first to close under Covid and the last to open.”
Last month, Schumer endorsed the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages bill co-authored by Senators Amy Klobuchar,...
- 9/18/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, rumors have been circulating around a revival of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, which might result in a national tour or even a stop on Broadway. Now according to an Equity casting notice, the show, helmed by former Broadway cast member Schele Williams and with choreography by Tony nominee Camille A. Brown, will get a developmental lab in March 2020.
- 11/27/2019
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, rumors have been circulating around a revival of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, which might result in a national tour or even a stop on Broadway. Now according to an Equity casting notice, the show, helmed by former Broadway cast member Schele Williams and with choreography by Tony nominee Camille A. Brown, will get a developmental lab in March 2020.
- 11/22/2019
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.