News

Danielle Brooks, Daphne Rubin-Vega & More Tapped for Netflix's Social Distance

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: August 26 2020 @ 3:02 pm

Netflix has announced the cast for the corona-centric Social Distance. The eight-episode anthology series is being produced remotely and is set during the first few months of the COVID-19 crisis, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Social Distance will premiere on the streaming service this fall.

Orange Is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan is executive producing the series, which is written by OITNB's Hilary Weisman Graham, who also serves as the showrunner. Broadway and OITNB alum Danielle Brooks appears in an episode alongside her mother LaRita Brooks and her brother DJ Brooks. Many members of the cast show's perform alongside the real-life family members they are quarantined with in each episode.

The cast of Social Distance also includes two-time Tony nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega, acting couple Becky Ann Baker and Dylan Baker as well as Broadway alums Okieriete Onaodowan, Michael Mulheren, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Steven Weber, Rana Roy, Ali Ahn and Ava Demary.

Reopening Theatres Will Fail If They Can’t Get Insurance

Source: ArtsJournal.com | Posted: August 26 2020 @ 1:29 pm

According to producer Edward Snape, the current situation “will stop work happening in the first place”, because producers will not be able to proceed with planned projects uninsured. “Without it, we don’t restart”, he added. – The Stage

Watch Wicked Pals Alexandra Billings & Bret Shuford's Epic 'Anything You Can Do'

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: August 26 2020 @ 1:06 pm

It's good to see them, isn't it? Here's your feel-good click of the day: Bret Shuford and Alexandra Billings, who became pals during Billings' run as Madame Morrible in the Emerald City-set Broadway smash Wicked, teamed up on TikTok to perform a hilarious lip-sync rendition of one of musical theater's most iconic face-off anthems, "Anything You Can Do" from Annie Get Your Gun. Enjoy the shenanigans below!

@bretshuford

##duet with @therealalexandrabillings I can do it better! ##fyp ##duet ##mtboy ##anniegetyourgun ##lgbtq

original sound - vintagewhistle

Christy Altomare to Star in Joni: The Musical Developmental Reading

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: August 26 2020 @ 12:40 pm

Christy Altomare will be taking on the role of Grammy-winning folk artist Joni Mitchell in an upcoming developmental reading of Joni: The Musical. The new musical, written by Georgeta Rae, will focus on the life of Mitchell, from overcoming polio at the age of nine to creating her classic array of songs, including "Circle Game," "Both Sides Now" and "Big Yellow Taxi." Joni: The Musical will also feature music by Crosby, Stills & Nash, Cass Elliot and James Taylor.

"Joni Mitchell has always been an inspiration of mine," Altomare told Broadway.com. "I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this beautiful project."

Altomare won acclaim and legions of fans when she took on Anastasia's title role, which she played for the musical's full Broadway run from 2017-2019. Altomare's other stage credits include a Broadway turn in Mamma Mia!, a touring performance in Spring Awakening and an off-Broadway role in Carrie. She was named Broadway.com's 2017 Star of the Year. She was previously announced to take on the role of Susan, wife of legendary rocker Dion, in the new musical The Wanderer at Paper Mill Playhouse.

The developmental reading will be directed by Mitchell Walker …

Actors' Equity Approves Indoor Productions of Little Shop of Horrors, Fully Committed & More

Source: Broadway.com | Posted: August 26 2020 @ 11:18 am

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the Actors’ Equity Association has already approved the reopening of the Massachusetts-based Barrington Stage Company and Berkshire Theatre Group. The organization is also working with the Broadway company of Diana to ensure that the musical's Netflix taping follows proper health and safety guidelines. Now, The New York Times reports that AEA has given approval to three New England non-profits to run indoor performances.

With COVID-19 cases controlled or low in the region, AEA has approved shows for the Weathervane Theater in New Hampshire, Music Theater of Connecticut in Norwalk and Northern Stage in Vermont. The Weathervane plans on producing a comedy called Miracle on South Division Street, the Kander and Ebb musical revue The World Goes ’Round and a seven-actor version of Little Shop of Horrors with limited contact between the performers—meaning Audrey and Seymour will not be able to kiss. The 266-seat venue will only have 44 seats for sale. The theater company owns a 62-room inn that normally houses actors; over 20 staff members and performers have been quarantining there since June. Masks will be required for patrons as they move through the theater but optional when audience …