News

What We Could Learn From A Theatre That Is Inclusive Of Everyone

Source: ArtsJournal.com | Posted: October 23 2020 @ 1:32 pm

“Inclusion is not a final destination – it is something that enables greater creativity and brings greater value. I think it allows us to have different conversations around what that value is and where you might find it.” – The Stage

Glenn Close Offers an Update on the Upcoming Sunset Boulevard Movie Musical

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: October 23 2020 @ 12:17 pm

Three-time Tony winner and seven-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close has revealed an update regarding the previously announced Sunset Boulevard film. Close, who garnered her third Tony Award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the stage show, is producing and starring in the movie musical, which was in preproduction prior to the COVID-19 crisis. "We’re just waiting for an absolute green light, and I hope it’ll happen in the new year because we’re ready," she told Vogue.

As previously reported, Tony winner Rob Ashford has signed on to direct, with a screenplay adaptation by Tom MacRae. "We have a fantastic script," Close said. "I used to think I needed to play Albert Nobbs before I died, but now I think I need to do this. I can’t really put Norma to rest until I’ve explored her on film, so I hope that that happens."

Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard (Photo by Richard Hubert Smith)

Featuring a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a book and lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Don Black, Sunset Boulevard tells the story of Norma Desmond, an aging silent film star who recruits young writer Joe Gillis to help relaunch her career in …

Bookfilter’s October 2020 Pick of the Month

Source: BroadwayDirect.com | Posted: October 23 2020 @ 10:52 am

BookFilter picks the best new theater book, exclusively for Broadway Direct readers. Broadway Baby By Russell Miller with Judith A. Proffer Illustrated by Yoko Matsuoka $24.95, Meteor 17 Books Okay, Broadway is shut down right now. That doesn’t stop us from dreaming about attending a Broadway show. And guess what? It doesn’t stop kids from…

The post Bookfilter’s October 2020 Pick of the Month appeared first on Broadway Direct.

Watch Dolly Parton, Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis & More Make Merry in Christmas on the Square

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: October 23 2020 @ 10:29 am

The merry trailer for Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square, which is slated to premiere on Netflix on November 22, has arrived. Directed by Debbie Allen, the musical holiday special stars two-time Tony winner Christine Baranski, Broadway alums Jenifer Lewis and Josh Segarra and more. Baranski plays the town "Scrooge" Regina Fuller, who intends to evict the entire town of Fullerville on Christmas Eve—that is until she's visited by a rhinestone-bedazzled angel, played by Parton, who guides her on a musical journey of redemption. Have a Dolly holiday, and watch the trailer below!

Ben Daniels to Star in The Normal Heart at London's National Theatre in 2021

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: October 23 2020 @ 10:16 am

For the first time since its European debut in 1986, London audiences can see Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart on stage. The Normal Heart will play at the National Theatre beginning in February 2021 as part of the Olivier in-the-round season. Dominic Cooke will direct.

Ben Daniels will lead the production as Ned Weeks. He will be joined by Danny Lee Wynter as Tommy Boatwright, Daniel Monks as Mickey Marcus and Stanley Townsend as Ben Weeks in Kramer’s semi-autobiographical play about the early days of the AIDS crisis in New York.

“As a student I was lucky enough to see the landmark Royal Court production of The Normal Heart starring Martin Sheen," Cooke said in a statement. "It had a profound effect on me at the time, and I’ve wanted to direct the play ever since. Larry Kramer was a firebrand and The Normal Heart is written with all of his characteristic ferocity, political insight and wit."

The previously announced Dick Whittington, starring Elaine Paige, is also part of the Olivier in-the-round season.

More information, including exact performance dates, to be announced.