News

The Future Of Theatre

Source: ArtsJournal.com | Posted: September 21 2020 @ 7:45 am

There are many ideas. Many hopes. Stephanie Ybarra of Baltimore’s Center Stage: “We will rely less on the stuff of the stage and more on the physical bodies of the performers and the words they speak or sing and the movement of those bodies.” – NPR

Celebrate Actors Who Originated Fan-Favorite Roles on This Week's Elaine Paige on Sunday

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: September 20 2020 @ 10:00 am

Broadway might still be shut down, but Elaine Paige on Sunday isn't! Olivier-winning actress Elaine Paige is giving Broadway.com listeners a chance to hear her BBC Radio 2 show. This week's episode is all about performers who originated stage roles. For two hours, listeners can hear Tony winners Ben Platt, Jessie Mueller, Carol Channing and more sing out from their acclaimed shows. Be sure to catch the full episode by clicking the link below!

Senator Chuck Schumer Reaffirms Support for Save Our Stages Act to Provide $10B to Broadway Industry

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: September 18 2020 @ 3:54 pm

New York Senator Chuck Schumer partnered with the Broadway League on September 18 to renew the call for the Save Our Stages Act, a $10B bipartisan bill that would provide federal aid to the Broadway industry, which is shutdown for the remainder of 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Act would provide grants of up to $12 million to eligible live venue operators, producers, promoters, or talent representatives to help cover six months of operating expenses and offset the economic impact of COVID-19. The grants could be used for payroll costs, rent, mortgage, utilities, and personal protective equipment, among other needs.

“Today we are fighting hard to keep stages alive, stories told and shows going on,” Schumer said at the outdoor press conference in Times Square. "The Big Apple's live venues are the lifeblood of New York... our pulse and energy. Every one of them, from the large stages of Broadway to the small venues in Brooklyn could go under if they don't get help. Why? Very simple: these venues were the first to close under COVID and will be the last to open."

Disney Theatrical Group president and Broadway League Chairman of the Board Thomas Schumacher, Tony winner Laura …

Watch Now: Lin-Manuel Miranda & More Musicians in Upcoming Song Exploder

Source: BroadwayDirect.com | Posted: September 18 2020 @ 3:02 pm

Song Exploder, based on the hit podcast, spotlights some of the world's greatest musicians as they reveal how they brought one of their songs to life. Featured artists include Alicia Keys, Lin-Manuel Miranda, R.E.M. and Ty Dolla $ign. Song Exploder premieres globally on October 2.

The post Watch Now: Lin-Manuel Miranda & More Musicians in Upcoming Song Exploder appeared first on Broadway Direct.

The Life, The Tap Dance Kid & More Slated for City Center Season

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: September 18 2020 @ 1:24 pm

New York City Center has announced the musical productions in development as part of the Encores! series 2020-2021 season. The shows include The Life, adapted and directed by Tony and Emmy winner Billy Porter, The Tap Dance Kid, directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon, choreographed by Jared Grimes and adapted by Lydia Diamond, and an unannounced third musical. With theaters still shut down to the COVID-19 crisis, performance dates will be announced later.

Clint Ramos (Photo by Emilio Madrid for Broadway.com)

The new season will be Lear deBessonet’s first as Encores! Artistic Director. In addition, Clint Ramos will join the Encores! artistic team in the newly created leadership role of Encores! Producing Creative Director. He will partner with deBessonet, longtime Encores! Music Director Rob Berman and Jenny Gersten, who joins the team as Producer of Musical Theater for New York City Center. In this new role, Ramos will serve as a core leader in partnership with deBessonet, working to envision and plan for the future of Encores! Encores! will also welcome Camille A. Brown, Eisa Davis and Robert O'Hara as Creative Advisors. They will lend guidance on artistic work and advise in developing creative systems that uphold the commitment to …