News

Restarting Broadway Is Going To Be A Challenge

Source: ArtsJournal.com | Posted: September 9 2020 @ 5:01 pm

The task has proved far more daunting than anyone could have imagined, amounting to a struggle of wrenchingly complex proportions with no reliable end in sight. And at this point, though, Broadway — the ultimate land of make-believe — is holding on to a hope that early 2021 is still feasible. – Washington Post

Betsy Wolfe & Clifton Duncan to Star in New Digital Musical “Estella Scrooge”

Source: BroadwayDirect.com | Posted: September 9 2020 @ 3:06 pm

Today, a new digital musical, Estella Scrooge, has been announced. Produced by Michael Jackowitz of Witzend Productions, David Bryant, and Michael Aldenare, this new John Caird, Paul Gordon Christmas musical takes to the stage this week, one actor at a time. “Estella Scrooge is a young Wall Street tycoon with a penchant for foreclosing. A hotelier…

The post Betsy Wolfe & Clifton Duncan to Star in New Digital Musical “Estella Scrooge” appeared first on Broadway Direct.

Odds & Ends: Josh Gad to Return as Frozen's Olaf & More

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: September 9 2020 @ 2:38 pm

Here's a quick roundup of stories you might have missed recently.

Once Upon a Snowman Short Coming This Fall
Frozen is the gift that keeps on giving. Tony nominee Josh Gad will reprise his voice role as lovable snowman Olaf in Once Upon a Snowman, an animated short heading to Disney+ this fall. The film will follow Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the snowy mountains outside of Arendelle. “Josh Gad gives one of the great animated voice performances as Olaf through the Frozen films,” said Once Upon a Snowman co-director Dan Abraham in a statement. “To have the opportunity to work with him in the recording booth was such a privilege and career highlight.” The short will be available beginning on October 23.

Ayad Akhtar Named Next PEN America President
Ayad Akhtar, whose play Disgraced earned him the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a 2015 Tony Award nomination, will serve as the next president of PEN America, the nonprofit literary and human rights organization. He will succeed novelist Jennifer Egan. The New York Times reports that Akhtar, who has been on the organization's board for five years, will officially …

Broadway.com #LiveatFive: Home Edition with Thomas Mizer and Curtis Moore

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: September 9 2020 @ 1:49 pm

Songwriting duo Thomas Mizer and Curtis Moore stop by to chat about their Emmy-nominated song in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and more! 

Betsy Wolfe & More Tapped for Christmas Musical Estella Scrooge

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: September 9 2020 @ 1:41 pm

Christmas has come early with this news. A new musical by John Caird and Paul Gordon entitled Estella Scrooge will be produced and digitally captured live, using green screen technology and virtual sets that will bring this modern retelling of A Christmas Carol to audiences in time for the holidays. The cast will begin taping their portions this week. A release date for the full musical will be announced later.

Estella Scrooge will star Betsy Wolfe in the title role with Clifton Duncan as Philip Nickleby, Patrick Page as Mr. Merdle, Carolee Carmello as Marla Havisham and Danny Burstein as Ebenezer Scrooge. The company will also include Megan McGinnis as Betty Cratchit, Lauren Patten as Dawkins, Adam Halpin as Bob Cratchit, Sarah Litzinger as Sissy Jupe, Tom Nelis as Dedlock, EM Grosland as Smike, Phoenix Best as Charity & Mercy, David Bryant as Mr. Podsnap, Gabrielle Reid as Mrs. Pumblechook, Samuel Lee Roberts as Mr. Flopson, Michael Francis McBride as Mr. Dombey, Michele Lee as Mrs. Noggs, Kristen Faith Oei as Ms. Skiffins, William Youmans as Magwitch & Bagstock, Kevyn Morrow as Jasper Jaggers and Willow McCarthy as Tiny Tammy.

Estella Scrooge (Wolfe) is a young Wall Street tycoon with a …