Next month, when the 2024 Tony Awards for excellence in Broadway theater are handed out, hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis will be honored with a Special Tony for her work on the acclaimed play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Jocelyn Bioh’s seriocomic celebration of West African immigrant hair braiders in Harlem who create masterpieces atop the heads of the neighborhood woman.
Anyone who saw Mathis’ marvelous wig creations will understand immediately why she is one of three recipients this year of Special Tony Awards, non-competitive honors bestowed by Tony organizers for productions, artists and organizations who do not fall into any of the competitive categories.
But what many in the theater community don’t understand is why Mathis or any of her design colleagues in wig, hair and makeup can’t simply compete in a category devoted to their artistry and work. And some of those designers, along with...
Anyone who saw Mathis’ marvelous wig creations will understand immediately why she is one of three recipients this year of Special Tony Awards, non-competitive honors bestowed by Tony organizers for productions, artists and organizations who do not fall into any of the competitive categories.
But what many in the theater community don’t understand is why Mathis or any of her design colleagues in wig, hair and makeup can’t simply compete in a category devoted to their artistry and work. And some of those designers, along with...
- 5/20/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Sutton Foster, just off a run in Sweeney Todd, will star in a musical revival of Once Upon a Mattress on Broadway this summer.
The production, a new adaptation by Amy Sherman-Palladino that debuted in a two-week engagement co-starring Michael Urie at New York City Center’s Encores in January. Directed by Lear deBessonet, Mattress will begin previews at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre on July 31, with an opening night set for August 12.
Following the close of the Broadway run on November 30, Mattress will play a four-week engagement at Center Theatre Groups’ Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles beginning December 10.
Additional casting for the Broadway run was not announced.
Produced by Seaview and Creative Partners Productions, the Broadway revival will feature choreography by Lorin Latarro, scenic design by David Zinn, lighting design by Justin Townsend, costume design by Andrea Hood, hair and wig Design by J. Jared Janas and sound design by Kai Harada.
The production, a new adaptation by Amy Sherman-Palladino that debuted in a two-week engagement co-starring Michael Urie at New York City Center’s Encores in January. Directed by Lear deBessonet, Mattress will begin previews at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre on July 31, with an opening night set for August 12.
Following the close of the Broadway run on November 30, Mattress will play a four-week engagement at Center Theatre Groups’ Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles beginning December 10.
Additional casting for the Broadway run was not announced.
Produced by Seaview and Creative Partners Productions, the Broadway revival will feature choreography by Lorin Latarro, scenic design by David Zinn, lighting design by Justin Townsend, costume design by Andrea Hood, hair and wig Design by J. Jared Janas and sound design by Kai Harada.
- 5/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In 2022, Marianne Elliott won the Tony Award for directing a revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical “Company.” In her speech, she thanked the late composer for trusting her to put a “woman front and center” in her gender-bent production. Indeed, her victory was a major milestone for female directors. She became the first woman to win three times for directing. It was also the first time a woman took home a Tony for helming a Sondheim musical, and just the fifth instance of a woman winning for directing a tuner.
At the upcoming 2024 Tonys, Maria Friedman could accomplish those latter two feats, too. She is the visionary performer-turned-director who has achieved what would have been unfathomable to theatergoers back in 1981 — making the Sondheim and George Furth musical “Merrily We Roll Along” a hit on Broadway. But she definitely has a “good thing going” with her production of the notorious flop,...
At the upcoming 2024 Tonys, Maria Friedman could accomplish those latter two feats, too. She is the visionary performer-turned-director who has achieved what would have been unfathomable to theatergoers back in 1981 — making the Sondheim and George Furth musical “Merrily We Roll Along” a hit on Broadway. But she definitely has a “good thing going” with her production of the notorious flop,...
- 10/16/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Parade director Michael Arden addressed the rise of white supremacy and antisemitism within the U.S. while accepting his win for best direction of a musical at the 2023 Tony Awards on Sunday night.
Taking the stage at the United Palace in New York’s Washington Heights, Arden dedicated his lengthy speech to “the battalion of people who made Parade and who bring it to life so beautifully and terrifyingly every night.” He then pivoted to the larger conversation around the themes of the show, which tells the story of a Jewish man and factory worker in Georgia in the early 20th century who was falsely accused of murdering a teenage girl and later lynched by an antisemitic mob.
“Parade tells the story of a life that was cut short at the hands of the belief that one group of people is more or less valuable than another and that they...
Taking the stage at the United Palace in New York’s Washington Heights, Arden dedicated his lengthy speech to “the battalion of people who made Parade and who bring it to life so beautifully and terrifyingly every night.” He then pivoted to the larger conversation around the themes of the show, which tells the story of a Jewish man and factory worker in Georgia in the early 20th century who was falsely accused of murdering a teenage girl and later lynched by an antisemitic mob.
“Parade tells the story of a life that was cut short at the hands of the belief that one group of people is more or less valuable than another and that they...
- 6/12/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tony Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, May 2 by Lea Michele and Myles Frost. While the nominations for the 76th annual Tony Awards were determined by 40 theatre professionals, winners were decided by over 750 members of the Broadway community.
A whopping 38 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there were 17 original works and six revivals in the running for nominations. Over on the musical side, nine new tuners were in contention for bids as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 12 at United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights and will be hosted for the second year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. The earlier “Act One” ceremony will be hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin.
Musicals
Best Musical
& Juliet
X — Kimberly Akimbo
New York, New York
Shucked
Some Like It Hot...
A whopping 38 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there were 17 original works and six revivals in the running for nominations. Over on the musical side, nine new tuners were in contention for bids as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 12 at United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights and will be hosted for the second year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. The earlier “Act One” ceremony will be hosted by Julianne Hough and Skylar Astin.
Musicals
Best Musical
& Juliet
X — Kimberly Akimbo
New York, New York
Shucked
Some Like It Hot...
- 6/11/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Following a season that saw its Broadway transfers Into the Woods and Parade score a slew of Tony Award nominations, the New York City Center has announced what’s coming next for its celebrated Encores! series: Once Upon a Mattress, Jelly’s Last Jam and Titanic.
The 30th annual Encores! season of concert stagings will kick off in January with Sutton Foster playing Princess Winnifred the Woebegone in Once Upon a Mattress (January 24-28) – the role made famous in 1959 by then-up-and-comer Carol Burnett. Directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with a new concert adaptation by The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, the comical update of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea features such musical numbers as “Shy” and “In a Little While” with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer.
Next up is Jelly’s Last Jam,...
The 30th annual Encores! season of concert stagings will kick off in January with Sutton Foster playing Princess Winnifred the Woebegone in Once Upon a Mattress (January 24-28) – the role made famous in 1959 by then-up-and-comer Carol Burnett. Directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with a new concert adaptation by The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, the comical update of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea features such musical numbers as “Shy” and “In a Little While” with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer.
Next up is Jelly’s Last Jam,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
2023 Drama League Awards winners: Annaleigh Ashford (‘Sweeney Todd’) takes Distinguished Performance
Winners of the 2023 Drama League Awards were announced on Friday, May 19, 2023, at an in-person ceremony, hosted by Emmy-winning reporter Frank Dilella at The Ziegfeld Ballroom. The Drama League Awards honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions from the 2022-2023 theater season.
“Leopoldstadt” asserted itself as the dominant play of the season, picking up the Best Play prize. Tom Stoppard’s drama has been perched atop Gold Derby’s Tony Awards odds since we launched the prediction center. With Tony favorite “Kimberly Akimbo” out of the running for Best Musical (the Drama League already considered that tuner for its Off-Broadway run), “Some Like it Hot” cruised to a win in that category. It prevailed over four of its fellow Tony nominees: “& Juliet,” “New York, New York,” and “Shucked.”
The Drama League bolstered the Tony prospects of “A Doll’s House” by bestowing it with the Best Revival of a Play prize. But the...
“Leopoldstadt” asserted itself as the dominant play of the season, picking up the Best Play prize. Tom Stoppard’s drama has been perched atop Gold Derby’s Tony Awards odds since we launched the prediction center. With Tony favorite “Kimberly Akimbo” out of the running for Best Musical (the Drama League already considered that tuner for its Off-Broadway run), “Some Like it Hot” cruised to a win in that category. It prevailed over four of its fellow Tony nominees: “& Juliet,” “New York, New York,” and “Shucked.”
The Drama League bolstered the Tony prospects of “A Doll’s House” by bestowing it with the Best Revival of a Play prize. But the...
- 5/20/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Broadway’s Leopoldstadt and Some Like It Hot took two of the top honors at today’s 2023 Drama League Awards, the former named Best Production of a Play and the latter Best Production of a Musical.
Jamie Lloyd’s A Doll’s House starring Jessica Chastain was named Outstanding Revival of a Play, and Lear deBessonet’s Into the Woods took Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
In the performance category, Annaleigh Ashford won the Distinguished Performance Award for her work in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Anne Kauffman took home the Outstanding Direction of a Play award for The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window and deBessonet won Outstanding Direction of a Musical for Into the Woods. DeBessonet was also honored with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing.
First awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935, The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America. The awards...
Jamie Lloyd’s A Doll’s House starring Jessica Chastain was named Outstanding Revival of a Play, and Lear deBessonet’s Into the Woods took Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
In the performance category, Annaleigh Ashford won the Distinguished Performance Award for her work in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Anne Kauffman took home the Outstanding Direction of a Play award for The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window and deBessonet won Outstanding Direction of a Musical for Into the Woods. DeBessonet was also honored with the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing.
First awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935, The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America. The awards...
- 5/19/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
No matter where fate propels Oliver Twist—from the workhouse to the funeral home to the hideout of a master pickpocket—the orphan maintains a fierce sense of who he is, plus a willingness to stand up for himself and, yes, even ask for more in his pursuit of a loving home. And Benjamin Pajak, the actor who plays him, is on a similarly dogged quest: a nearly one-kid glorious mission to rescue the New York City Center’s lumpy revival of Lionel Bart’s 1960 musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic novel Oliver Twist.
If it felt like hyperbole to praise the 10-year-old playing Winthrop Paroo in the revival of The Music Man as the most electrifying performer on stage, there’s no need to pull punches now that he’s taken on a title role. Indeed, Pajak, now 12 years old, is a marvel in Oliver! For one, his...
If it felt like hyperbole to praise the 10-year-old playing Winthrop Paroo in the revival of The Music Man as the most electrifying performer on stage, there’s no need to pull punches now that he’s taken on a title role. Indeed, Pajak, now 12 years old, is a marvel in Oliver! For one, his...
- 5/6/2023
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
While Sara Bareilles has been a member of many communities, ranging from the music world to television, she says the professional theater community is the one she most wanted to join.
“We’re all a bunch of misfits; it’s like a mutual admiration society,” Bareilles said. “We’re all celebrating each other’s weirdness and trying to find ways to be courageous in a world that has a lot of shame and hatred for people who are different.”
Speaking after receiving a Tony Award nomination for her role as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods on Broadway, Bareilles reflected on the show’s journey, which began as a two-week Off-Broadway run at New York City Center Encores! in May 2022 and then transferred to Broadway for a run from June 2022 to January 2023. This revival of Into the Woods, directed by Lear DeBessonet, featured spare staging, with only tree...
“We’re all a bunch of misfits; it’s like a mutual admiration society,” Bareilles said. “We’re all celebrating each other’s weirdness and trying to find ways to be courageous in a world that has a lot of shame and hatred for people who are different.”
Speaking after receiving a Tony Award nomination for her role as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods on Broadway, Bareilles reflected on the show’s journey, which began as a two-week Off-Broadway run at New York City Center Encores! in May 2022 and then transferred to Broadway for a run from June 2022 to January 2023. This revival of Into the Woods, directed by Lear DeBessonet, featured spare staging, with only tree...
- 5/5/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some of the biggest names of Broadway (and Hollywood) won’t be receiving those phone calls of congratulations today as this morning’s Tony Awards nominations included more than a few surprising — or, in some cases, not surprising — omissions.
Aaron Sorkin, whose rewritten book for the classic musical Camelot was not beloved by critics, didn’t get any Tony approval today. His revisions were extensive enough to make him eligible in the Best Book of a Musical category, but he is not among the nominees.
As for lead actors and actresses, Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan, the bold-name stars of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, were overlooked, as was The Piano Lesson‘s John David Washington and Pictures From Home‘s Nathan Lane. Marcel Spears, the star of the acclaimed Fat Ham, was not nominated, nor was Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi). Jefferson Mays, so...
Aaron Sorkin, whose rewritten book for the classic musical Camelot was not beloved by critics, didn’t get any Tony approval today. His revisions were extensive enough to make him eligible in the Best Book of a Musical category, but he is not among the nominees.
As for lead actors and actresses, Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan, the bold-name stars of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, were overlooked, as was The Piano Lesson‘s John David Washington and Pictures From Home‘s Nathan Lane. Marcel Spears, the star of the acclaimed Fat Ham, was not nominated, nor was Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi). Jefferson Mays, so...
- 5/2/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
On Tuesday, performers Lea Michele and Myles Frost presented the nominees for the 76th annual Tony Awards live on “CBS This Morning” before finishing the list from the heart of Broadway at the Sofitel New York.
Recognizing the best in live theatre, the Tony Awards cap off a strong year for Broadway, which bounced back during the 2022-2023 season with a number of acclaimed and groundbreaking productions. In total, there were 38 eligible shows, including 17 original plays and nine new musicals as well as six play revivals and six musical revivals.
Earning the most of any production, Some Like It Hot came out on top, with a total of 13 nominations. The most nominated play, meanwhile, is Ain’t No Mo’, which garnered six. Additionally, Sweeney Todd and A Doll’s House were the two most recognized revivals of the year, collecting eight and six nominations, respectively.
When it comes to the acting prizes,...
Recognizing the best in live theatre, the Tony Awards cap off a strong year for Broadway, which bounced back during the 2022-2023 season with a number of acclaimed and groundbreaking productions. In total, there were 38 eligible shows, including 17 original plays and nine new musicals as well as six play revivals and six musical revivals.
Earning the most of any production, Some Like It Hot came out on top, with a total of 13 nominations. The most nominated play, meanwhile, is Ain’t No Mo’, which garnered six. Additionally, Sweeney Todd and A Doll’s House were the two most recognized revivals of the year, collecting eight and six nominations, respectively.
When it comes to the acting prizes,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
The 2023 Tony Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, May 2 by Lea Michele and Myles Frost. The reveal of the roster of contenders was carried on the Tonys YouTube channel. While the nominations for the 76th annual Tony Awards were determined by a few dozen theater professionals, winners will be decided by upwards of 800 members of the Broadway community.
A whopping 38 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 17 original works and six revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, nine new tuners were in contention as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 12 at United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights and will be hosted for the second year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.
The 2023 Tony Awards nominations list below includes all 26 competitive categories.
Musicals
Best Musical
& Juliet
Kimberly Akimbo
New York,...
A whopping 38 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 17 original works and six revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, nine new tuners were in contention as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 12 at United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights and will be hosted for the second year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.
The 2023 Tony Awards nominations list below includes all 26 competitive categories.
Musicals
Best Musical
& Juliet
Kimberly Akimbo
New York,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The Drama League today announced the nominations for the 2023 Drama League Awards. Honoring achievements on and Off-Broadway, the nominations were announced this morning by Roger Bart (“Back to the Future: The Musical”) and Justin Guarini (“Once Upon A One More Time”) at the New York Library for the Performing Arts. Winners will be revealed at the 89th Annual Drama League Awards ceremony at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on Friday, May 19, 2023.
“I don’t think I’ve experienced a theater season in New York ever like this one,” noted Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. “There’s been a range, a breadth, an expansion of possibility that has been truly astonishing to witness. Theater makers have inspired not only with their creativity, but also with their drive and determination to serve audiences with vision and talent. These nominees reflect the promise and greatness inherent in the work of theater folk, and I can’t help but be deeply proud.
“I don’t think I’ve experienced a theater season in New York ever like this one,” noted Artistic Director Gabriel Stelian-Shanks. “There’s been a range, a breadth, an expansion of possibility that has been truly astonishing to witness. Theater makers have inspired not only with their creativity, but also with their drive and determination to serve audiences with vision and talent. These nominees reflect the promise and greatness inherent in the work of theater folk, and I can’t help but be deeply proud.
- 4/25/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
“It was an extraordinary group of people,” says Brian d’Arcy James as he thinks of his “Into the Woods” co-stars. The actor notes that he was “the new kid on the block” given that the hit revival transferred to Broadway after a limited run at City Center, in which he did not partake. But the all-star cast who welcomed him into the fold. Magic-like chemistry with his fellow actors, combined with the extraordinary lyrics and dialogue of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, created a true fairytale experience for James. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
In the lead role of the Baker, James spent a majority of his scenes with Sara Bareilles as the Baker’s Wife. The pair journey through the titular woods on a quest to break a curse so that they can finally have a child. Their duet on the Sondheim classic “It Takes Two” was a comedic,...
In the lead role of the Baker, James spent a majority of his scenes with Sara Bareilles as the Baker’s Wife. The pair journey through the titular woods on a quest to break a curse so that they can finally have a child. Their duet on the Sondheim classic “It Takes Two” was a comedic,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: New York’s Drama League has named Tony winner Andre DeShields, the theater district Drama Book Shop and Encores! artistic director Lear deBessonet as this year’s Special Recognition Honorees.
The special honors will be presented at the Drama League Awards annual luncheon on Friday, May 19.
Nominations for the 89th Annual Drama League Awards, covering the 2022-23 Broadway and Off Broadway season, will be announced on Tuesday, April 25.
DeShields, a Tony winner for Hadestown most recently seen on Broadway in Death of a Salesman, will receive the Drama League’s Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award for “his “outstanding work on stage as part of the musical theater community.”
The Drama Book Shop, a long-running theater district book store, gathering spot and performance space that was saved from closure in 2020 when Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeffrey Seller, and James L. Nederlander took ownership, will be honored with the Contribution to the Theater Award,...
The special honors will be presented at the Drama League Awards annual luncheon on Friday, May 19.
Nominations for the 89th Annual Drama League Awards, covering the 2022-23 Broadway and Off Broadway season, will be announced on Tuesday, April 25.
DeShields, a Tony winner for Hadestown most recently seen on Broadway in Death of a Salesman, will receive the Drama League’s Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award for “his “outstanding work on stage as part of the musical theater community.”
The Drama Book Shop, a long-running theater district book store, gathering spot and performance space that was saved from closure in 2020 when Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeffrey Seller, and James L. Nederlander took ownership, will be honored with the Contribution to the Theater Award,...
- 2/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: TheFrontOffice Foundation, the charitable arm of director/producer Wendy C. Goldberg’s TheFrontOffice entertainment company, announced today that it will award a 25,000+ mid-career grant to a female identifying theater director, one of the largest financial awards given to an individual director.
The grant will be both merit- and need-based, and honor both the recipient as well as shine a spotlight on gender inequities in theater.
Applications will be accepted from October 1-31, with the award announcement expected by December.
The selection committee will be led by Wendy Goldberg, Patricia McGregor, Robert O’Hara, Lisa Peterson and Chay Yew, and leading funders for the grant include directors Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), Tamilla Woodard, Lear DeBessonet (Into The Woods), Wendy C. Goldberg and TheFrontOffice, Lila Neugebaur and individual donors Peggy J. Koenig and Jerry and Roz Meyer.
“This is not a pipeline issue,” said Chavkin in a statement. “This grant is simply about...
The grant will be both merit- and need-based, and honor both the recipient as well as shine a spotlight on gender inequities in theater.
Applications will be accepted from October 1-31, with the award announcement expected by December.
The selection committee will be led by Wendy Goldberg, Patricia McGregor, Robert O’Hara, Lisa Peterson and Chay Yew, and leading funders for the grant include directors Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), Tamilla Woodard, Lear DeBessonet (Into The Woods), Wendy C. Goldberg and TheFrontOffice, Lila Neugebaur and individual donors Peggy J. Koenig and Jerry and Roz Meyer.
“This is not a pipeline issue,” said Chavkin in a statement. “This grant is simply about...
- 9/26/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
New York City Center, home of, among other arts endeavors, the popular Encores! series of concert-style theatrical productions that recently gave Broadway one of its biggest current hits with Into The Woods, has named Michael S. Rosenberg as its new president and CEO.
Rosenberg, who arrives at Nycc from his position as managing director at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center, succeeds Arlene Shuler, who is stepping down after more than 19 years at the helm of what is considered Manhattan’s first performing arts center.
“New York City Center holds a singular position in the arts world,” said Rosenberg. “One of my earliest and most influential theatrical experiences was at City Center and I am honored to join this organization and help support artists who are consistently creating work that inspires so many people. Together with the staff and Board, I look forward to connecting this work to our growing community.
Rosenberg, who arrives at Nycc from his position as managing director at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center, succeeds Arlene Shuler, who is stepping down after more than 19 years at the helm of what is considered Manhattan’s first performing arts center.
“New York City Center holds a singular position in the arts world,” said Rosenberg. “One of my earliest and most influential theatrical experiences was at City Center and I am honored to join this organization and help support artists who are consistently creating work that inspires so many people. Together with the staff and Board, I look forward to connecting this work to our growing community.
- 9/8/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Broadway hit musical revival of Into The Woods will be extended one final time, through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, producers announced today.
The acclaimed New York City Center Encores! production of the James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim musical transferred to the St. James Theatre in June following its Off Broadway engagement at City Center. Last night, the show’s new cast began performances, including Montego Glover, Stephanie J. Block, Sebastian Arcelus Krysta Rodriguez, Katy Geraghty, Jim Stanek, and Andy Karl.
Casting announcements for the rest of the extended run will be made soon.
Performances at the St. James began on June 28, with the show initially set to run through August 21.
The extension was announced today by Jordan Roth, President of Jujamcyn Theaters. The revival is directed by Lear deBessonet, with music direction by Rob Berman with The Encores! Orchestra, and choreography by Lorin Latarro. This production is dedicated to the memory of Sondheim.
The acclaimed New York City Center Encores! production of the James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim musical transferred to the St. James Theatre in June following its Off Broadway engagement at City Center. Last night, the show’s new cast began performances, including Montego Glover, Stephanie J. Block, Sebastian Arcelus Krysta Rodriguez, Katy Geraghty, Jim Stanek, and Andy Karl.
Casting announcements for the rest of the extended run will be made soon.
Performances at the St. James began on June 28, with the show initially set to run through August 21.
The extension was announced today by Jordan Roth, President of Jujamcyn Theaters. The revival is directed by Lear deBessonet, with music direction by Rob Berman with The Encores! Orchestra, and choreography by Lorin Latarro. This production is dedicated to the memory of Sondheim.
- 9/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
As widely expected, the smash revival of Into The Woods will extend its limited engagement at Broadway’s St. James Theatre, producers announced today.
Initially scheduled to close on August 21, the production has been extended for an additional eight weeks, with tickets now on sale through October 16. Additional extensions are possible.
Jordan Roth, President of Jujamcyn Theaters, announced the extension today. The production began life this past spring as a New York City Center Encores! production. The James Lapine-Stephen Sondheim musical is directed by Lear deBessonet,
The production currently stars Sara Bareilles, Brian d’Arcy James , Gavin Creel, Julia Lester, Patina Miller, Phillipa Soo and Joshua Henry, among others, but casting for the extension was not announced.
The extension comes as news of the venue’s availability was made yesterday when Deadline exclusively reported that the upcoming The Piano Lesson would play the Ethel Barrymore Theatre rather than the previously...
Initially scheduled to close on August 21, the production has been extended for an additional eight weeks, with tickets now on sale through October 16. Additional extensions are possible.
Jordan Roth, President of Jujamcyn Theaters, announced the extension today. The production began life this past spring as a New York City Center Encores! production. The James Lapine-Stephen Sondheim musical is directed by Lear deBessonet,
The production currently stars Sara Bareilles, Brian d’Arcy James , Gavin Creel, Julia Lester, Patina Miller, Phillipa Soo and Joshua Henry, among others, but casting for the extension was not announced.
The extension comes as news of the venue’s availability was made yesterday when Deadline exclusively reported that the upcoming The Piano Lesson would play the Ethel Barrymore Theatre rather than the previously...
- 7/27/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Just shy of one month ago, a revival of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Company” took home five Tony Awards, including the top prize for Best Revival. Now a remounting of one of his most popular works, “Into the Woods,” has just kicked off the new 2022-2023 Broadway season. The production, which opened at the St. James Theatre on July 10 for an extremely limited run, originated as a starry two-week gala at New York City Center in May and earned such acclaim that it quickly announced this Broadway engagement with most of its cast in tact.
Brilliantly weaving together different fairytale characters, “Into the Woods” is a beautiful and moving fable (and cautionary tale) about parenting and community and of childhood wonder and the loss of innocence. The musical features a libretto by James Lapine, and Lear deBessonet helms this production. The enviable ensemble includes Tony nominees Sara Bareilles,...
Brilliantly weaving together different fairytale characters, “Into the Woods” is a beautiful and moving fable (and cautionary tale) about parenting and community and of childhood wonder and the loss of innocence. The musical features a libretto by James Lapine, and Lear deBessonet helms this production. The enviable ensemble includes Tony nominees Sara Bareilles,...
- 7/13/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Cheyenne Jackson will step into the roles of Cinderella’s Prince and Red Riding Hood’s Wolf for a weeklong stint in Broadway’s hit revival Into the Woods, taking over for Gavin Creel during a previously scheduled absence.
Jackson will play the roles from July 24-August 2 while Creel fulfills prior commitments. The latter will return to the production on August 6 following a residence at The O’Neill National Musical Theatre Conference performing the project he wrote, Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice.
“I’m honored and elated to have been asked to return to my Broadway roots and join this enchanted production of Into the Woods alongside these beautiful artists,” Jackson said. “As a father of two young children, this piece resonates even deeper for me now, and I cannot wait to return to the St James Theatre and go Into the Woods once more.”
Lee Daniels...
Jackson will play the roles from July 24-August 2 while Creel fulfills prior commitments. The latter will return to the production on August 6 following a residence at The O’Neill National Musical Theatre Conference performing the project he wrote, Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice.
“I’m honored and elated to have been asked to return to my Broadway roots and join this enchanted production of Into the Woods alongside these beautiful artists,” Jackson said. “As a father of two young children, this piece resonates even deeper for me now, and I cannot wait to return to the St James Theatre and go Into the Woods once more.”
Lee Daniels...
- 7/12/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Of all the canonical musicals left behind by Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods perhaps more than any other lends itself to elaborate design treatment, with its pile-up of fairy-tale characters both high- and low-born and its forest setting yielding equal parts enchantment and disillusionment. Recent New York productions have painstakingly conjured that storybook environment with scenic splendor or crafty props, while Rob Marshall’s starry 2014 film was a sumptuous blend of Brothers Grimm and Disney aesthetics. But the 1987 show about the uneasy awakening that follows “happily ever after” works just as well in a stripped-down presentation, putting the emphasis on the questioning revisionism of James Lapine’s libretto and Sondheim’s lyrics.
That’s the case with Lear deBessonet’s gorgeous production, which began as a semi-staged concert in the Encores! series this spring and now moves to Broadway for a limited 8-week run,...
Of all the canonical musicals left behind by Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods perhaps more than any other lends itself to elaborate design treatment, with its pile-up of fairy-tale characters both high- and low-born and its forest setting yielding equal parts enchantment and disillusionment. Recent New York productions have painstakingly conjured that storybook environment with scenic splendor or crafty props, while Rob Marshall’s starry 2014 film was a sumptuous blend of Brothers Grimm and Disney aesthetics. But the 1987 show about the uneasy awakening that follows “happily ever after” works just as well in a stripped-down presentation, putting the emphasis on the questioning revisionism of James Lapine’s libretto and Sondheim’s lyrics.
That’s the case with Lear deBessonet’s gorgeous production, which began as a semi-staged concert in the Encores! series this spring and now moves to Broadway for a limited 8-week run,...
- 7/11/2022
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Even in a second- or third-rate production, Into the Woods is delightful, big and lovable and accessible and loaded with some of Stephen Sondheim’s most gorgeous and endearing songs.
In a top-flight production, the 1986 musical is transcendent. And make no mistake: Whatever else this summer will be remembered for, we can say this: New Yorkers and visitors to this city currently have a chance to witness the transcendence of a musical theater masterpiece.
Originally staged at New York City Center Encores!, Lear deBessonet’s magnificent, starry Into The Woods all but demanded a Broadway transfer, with sold-out crowds packing City Center and those left out wanting in. Last week at a Broadway preview, the audience was so stoked for this show and this cast that a loud and prolonged cacophony of applause greeted the rise of the curtain. Clearly, this Into The Woods preceded itself.
To say it delivers...
In a top-flight production, the 1986 musical is transcendent. And make no mistake: Whatever else this summer will be remembered for, we can say this: New Yorkers and visitors to this city currently have a chance to witness the transcendence of a musical theater masterpiece.
Originally staged at New York City Center Encores!, Lear deBessonet’s magnificent, starry Into The Woods all but demanded a Broadway transfer, with sold-out crowds packing City Center and those left out wanting in. Last week at a Broadway preview, the audience was so stoked for this show and this cast that a loud and prolonged cacophony of applause greeted the rise of the curtain. Clearly, this Into The Woods preceded itself.
To say it delivers...
- 7/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
New York City Center’s Encores!, which recently announced that its acclaimed production of Into The Woods is planning a Broadway transfer, has set revivals of The Light in the Piazza, Dear World and Oliver! for its 2023 season.
Encores!, which presents a mix of classic and rarely performed Broadway musicals in enhanced concert form, will kick off the 2023 season on February 1 with The Light in the Piazza starring Ruthie Ann Miles (The King & I) and directed by Chay Yew. The musical, which premiered in 2005, features a book by Craig Lucas and music and lyrics by Adam Guettel based on the 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer, and follows an American mother and daughter living in the shadow of a tragic accident who find joy while on vacation in 1950s Florence.
Encores! describes the upcoming production, which will run through Feb. 5, as “a deeply personal exploration of the material, transmuting the musical’s...
Encores!, which presents a mix of classic and rarely performed Broadway musicals in enhanced concert form, will kick off the 2023 season on February 1 with The Light in the Piazza starring Ruthie Ann Miles (The King & I) and directed by Chay Yew. The musical, which premiered in 2005, features a book by Craig Lucas and music and lyrics by Adam Guettel based on the 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer, and follows an American mother and daughter living in the shadow of a tragic accident who find joy while on vacation in 1950s Florence.
Encores! describes the upcoming production, which will run through Feb. 5, as “a deeply personal exploration of the material, transmuting the musical’s...
- 6/14/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Acclaimed ‘Into The Woods’ Encores! Production Will Move To Broadway In June, With Some Cast Changes
One of the spring’s hottest Off Broadway tickets will make the move to Broadway this summer: The acclaimed, sold-out Encores! production of the James Lapine-Stephen Sondheim classic Into The Wood will transfer to Broadway’s St. James Theatre on June 28 for a strictly limited eight-week engagement.
Making the move from New York City Center to the St. James will be Sara Bareilles (as the Baker’s Wife) and Gavin Creel (as the Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince). Not along for the ride: Neil Patrick Harris and Heather Headley.
Taking over the role of the Baker from Harris will be Brian D’Arcy James, while Patina Miller will play the Witch, taking over for Headley. Phillipa Soo will play Cinderella (Denée Benton at City Center) and Joshua Henry will take over for Jordan Donica as Rapunzel’s Prince.
Also making the move to Broadway will be City Center cast members Ta’Nika Gibson as Lucinda,...
Making the move from New York City Center to the St. James will be Sara Bareilles (as the Baker’s Wife) and Gavin Creel (as the Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince). Not along for the ride: Neil Patrick Harris and Heather Headley.
Taking over the role of the Baker from Harris will be Brian D’Arcy James, while Patina Miller will play the Witch, taking over for Headley. Phillipa Soo will play Cinderella (Denée Benton at City Center) and Joshua Henry will take over for Jordan Donica as Rapunzel’s Prince.
Also making the move to Broadway will be City Center cast members Ta’Nika Gibson as Lucinda,...
- 5/26/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The New York City Center Encores production of Into the Woods, which opened May 4, is set to run through May 15. Directed by Encores Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with music direction by Encores Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Lorin Latarro, the special two week run of Into the Woods is dedicated to the memory of the legendary Stephen Sondheim.
- 5/11/2022
- by Nicole Rosky
- BroadwayWorld.com
Performances officially began last night for New York City Center Encores production of Into the Woods. Directed by Encores Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with music direction by Encores Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Lorin Latarro, the special two week run of Into the Woods through May 15 is dedicated to the memory of the legendary Stephen Sondheim. BroadwayWorld was on hand at the opening night gala performance, and you can check out photos from the star-studded arrivals below...
- 5/5/2022
- by Bruce Glikas
- BroadwayWorld.com
Performances officially began last night for New York City Center Encores production of Into the Woods. Directed by Encores Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with music direction by Encores Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Lorin Latarro, the special two week run of Into the Woods through May 15 is dedicated to the memory of the legendary Stephen Sondheim. BroadwayWorld was on hand at the opening night gala performance, and you can check out photos of the company below...
- 5/5/2022
- by Bruce Glikas
- BroadwayWorld.com
Neil Patrick Harris has been cast in the upcoming New York City Encores! production of Into the Woods, replacing the previously announced Christian Borle, who is no longer available, New York City Center announced today.
Harris will take the role of the Baker for the Off Broadway two-week engagement dedicated to the memory of composer Stephen Sondheim.
The Encores! series presents concert-style revivals of both classic and rarely produced musicals. Into the Woods, which runs May 4 – 15, will be directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with music direction by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Lorin Latarro.
Harris joins a cast that includes Sara Bareilles, Denée Benton, Gavin Creel, Jordan Donica, Annie Golden, Albert Guerzon, Ann Harada, Heather Headley, Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Brooke Ishibashi, Kennedy Kanagawa, David Patrick Kelly, Julia Lester, Lauren Mitchell, Shereen Pimentel, Cole Thompson, and David Turner.
Harris is no stranger to the New York stage.
Harris will take the role of the Baker for the Off Broadway two-week engagement dedicated to the memory of composer Stephen Sondheim.
The Encores! series presents concert-style revivals of both classic and rarely produced musicals. Into the Woods, which runs May 4 – 15, will be directed by Encores! Artistic Director Lear deBessonet with music direction by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Lorin Latarro.
Harris joins a cast that includes Sara Bareilles, Denée Benton, Gavin Creel, Jordan Donica, Annie Golden, Albert Guerzon, Ann Harada, Heather Headley, Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Brooke Ishibashi, Kennedy Kanagawa, David Patrick Kelly, Julia Lester, Lauren Mitchell, Shereen Pimentel, Cole Thompson, and David Turner.
Harris is no stranger to the New York stage.
- 4/13/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive Jane Krakowski has stepped down from the role of Lily St. Regis in NBC’s upcoming Annie Live! after being diagnosed with a breakthrough case of Covid, the network said Friday. Smash star Megan Hilty will step into the role.
“I am beyond thrilled to join this all-star cast, crew and creative team,” said Hilty in a statement. “My family and I have been super fans of Annie for as long as I can remember, and we always look forward to the epic televised musicals produced by Bob Greenblatt & Neil Meron, so to be a part of this particular production is an honor and a dream come true. I wish Jane the speediest of recoveries and hope to do her proud.”
According to NBC, Krakowski is “experiencing a breakthrough Covid case while working on a separate project in Ireland despite being double vaccinated, a regular testing process and abiding by protocols.
“I am beyond thrilled to join this all-star cast, crew and creative team,” said Hilty in a statement. “My family and I have been super fans of Annie for as long as I can remember, and we always look forward to the epic televised musicals produced by Bob Greenblatt & Neil Meron, so to be a part of this particular production is an honor and a dream come true. I wish Jane the speediest of recoveries and hope to do her proud.”
According to NBC, Krakowski is “experiencing a breakthrough Covid case while working on a separate project in Ireland despite being double vaccinated, a regular testing process and abiding by protocols.
- 11/12/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC revealed a first look at Celina Smith as Annie in “Annie Live!,” which airs on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
The image sees Smith wearing the titular orphan’s famous white-collared red dress, “holding hands” with the dog who will play Sandy in the production. Smith, who is 12 years old, was cast after NBC’s nationwide search for a “future star” to take the iconic role. She’s most recently been seen as Rebecca in “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan” on Nickelodeon and has also played Young Nala in the touring company of “The Lion King.”
“Annie Live!” also stars Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace Farrell, Tituss Burgess as Rooster Hannigan and Jane Krakowski as Lily St. Regis. Executive producers include Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky, with Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski directing. Choreography will be led by Sergio Trujillo.
The image sees Smith wearing the titular orphan’s famous white-collared red dress, “holding hands” with the dog who will play Sandy in the production. Smith, who is 12 years old, was cast after NBC’s nationwide search for a “future star” to take the iconic role. She’s most recently been seen as Rebecca in “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan” on Nickelodeon and has also played Young Nala in the touring company of “The Lion King.”
“Annie Live!” also stars Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace Farrell, Tituss Burgess as Rooster Hannigan and Jane Krakowski as Lily St. Regis. Executive producers include Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky, with Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski directing. Choreography will be led by Sergio Trujillo.
- 10/22/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Jane Krakowski is joining NBC’s Annie Live! in the role of the duplicitous Lily St. Regis, a part that will pair the actress with her Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt co-star Tituss Burgess.
The casting, announced today by NBC, is the latest addition to the holiday season musical special airing Dec. 2: Krakowski, known to TV audiences for performances in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and 30 Rock, among others, and Broadway theatergoers for She Loves Me, Grand Hotel, Company and Once Upon a Mattress, joins a line-up that includes Burgess, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr.’s Daddy Warbucks, Nicole Scherzinger’s Grace and the recently announced Celina Smith as Annie.
Krakowski is currently starring on TV in Dickinson and Schmigadoon, and hosts Name That Tune.
As the larger-than-life Lily St. Regis, Krakowski teams up with Burgess’ conniving Rooster Hannigan as a greedy duo that schemes to abduct Annie...
The casting, announced today by NBC, is the latest addition to the holiday season musical special airing Dec. 2: Krakowski, known to TV audiences for performances in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and 30 Rock, among others, and Broadway theatergoers for She Loves Me, Grand Hotel, Company and Once Upon a Mattress, joins a line-up that includes Burgess, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr.’s Daddy Warbucks, Nicole Scherzinger’s Grace and the recently announced Celina Smith as Annie.
Krakowski is currently starring on TV in Dickinson and Schmigadoon, and hosts Name That Tune.
As the larger-than-life Lily St. Regis, Krakowski teams up with Burgess’ conniving Rooster Hannigan as a greedy duo that schemes to abduct Annie...
- 9/1/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC’s “Annie Live!” has booked Jane Krakowski as Lily St. Regis.
Krakowski reunites with her “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” co-star Tituss Burgess in this live holiday musical, as she will play the sassy and sticky-fingered partner of his swindler, Rooster Hannigan. The character duo will plot to get rich — and duet on “Easy Street.”
The Tony Award-winning Krakowski may be best known for television roles including on the aforementioned “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” as well as “30 Rock” and “Ally McBeal.” She currently stars on Apple TV Plus’ “Dickinson” and “Schmigadoon!” Previous guest performance credits include “At Home With Amy Sedaris,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Drunk History,” “Modern Family,” “Sesame Street” and “Younger.” She has also lent her voice to animated comedies including “American Dad” and “The Simpsons.” Her last live television musical was Fox’s 2017 “A Christmas Story Live,” in which she played Miss Shields.
On stage, Krakowski has appeared in...
Krakowski reunites with her “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” co-star Tituss Burgess in this live holiday musical, as she will play the sassy and sticky-fingered partner of his swindler, Rooster Hannigan. The character duo will plot to get rich — and duet on “Easy Street.”
The Tony Award-winning Krakowski may be best known for television roles including on the aforementioned “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” as well as “30 Rock” and “Ally McBeal.” She currently stars on Apple TV Plus’ “Dickinson” and “Schmigadoon!” Previous guest performance credits include “At Home With Amy Sedaris,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Drunk History,” “Modern Family,” “Sesame Street” and “Younger.” She has also lent her voice to animated comedies including “American Dad” and “The Simpsons.” Her last live television musical was Fox’s 2017 “A Christmas Story Live,” in which she played Miss Shields.
On stage, Krakowski has appeared in...
- 9/1/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Twelve-year-old Celina Smith, a cast member of Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan on Nickelodeon, has landed the title role of NBC’s Annie Live!, the upcoming holiday production of the classic Broadway musical.
Smith, who started her career as Young Nala in the national touring company of The Lion King, joins NBC production’s previously cast Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace and Tituss Burgess as Rooster.
Annie Live! airs Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of the talented young ladies who have played Annie before me and I can’t wait to start this journey,” Smith said in a statement.
Smith, of Atlanta, was cast in the role following a nationwide search for a new Annie, according to NBC. The character, long considered one of the great musical theater roles for young actresses,...
Smith, who started her career as Young Nala in the national touring company of The Lion King, joins NBC production’s previously cast Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace and Tituss Burgess as Rooster.
Annie Live! airs Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of the talented young ladies who have played Annie before me and I can’t wait to start this journey,” Smith said in a statement.
Smith, of Atlanta, was cast in the role following a nationwide search for a new Annie, according to NBC. The character, long considered one of the great musical theater roles for young actresses,...
- 8/24/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Tituss Burgess is stacking the aces and loading the dice to get to Easy Street as Rooster in NBC’s production of “Annie Live!”
In “Annie Live!,” Burgess will portray the sleazy Rooster, younger brother of main villain Miss Hannigan (played by Taraji P. Henson), in this live holiday production of the classic musical. Rooster escapes from jail and plots with his gold-digging girlfriend Lily to ruin everyone’s plans and get rich — while still making time to sing the famed Broadway number “Easy Street.”
Burgess is the most recent addition to the star-studded cast of the musical. Previously announced cast members include Taraji P. Henson as the classic villain (and Rooster’s big sister) Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick, Jr. as benevolent businessman Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger as Warbucks’ kid-loving secretary Grace. Casting for the titular orphan has yet to be announced, though NBC held virtual open auditions for the role,...
In “Annie Live!,” Burgess will portray the sleazy Rooster, younger brother of main villain Miss Hannigan (played by Taraji P. Henson), in this live holiday production of the classic musical. Rooster escapes from jail and plots with his gold-digging girlfriend Lily to ruin everyone’s plans and get rich — while still making time to sing the famed Broadway number “Easy Street.”
Burgess is the most recent addition to the star-studded cast of the musical. Previously announced cast members include Taraji P. Henson as the classic villain (and Rooster’s big sister) Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick, Jr. as benevolent businessman Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger as Warbucks’ kid-loving secretary Grace. Casting for the titular orphan has yet to be announced, though NBC held virtual open auditions for the role,...
- 8/11/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Tituss Burgess has joined the cast of NBC’s “Annie Live!”
The “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” alum will play the villainous Miss Hannigan’s brother Rooster. “Empire” star Taraji P. Henson will play Miss Hannigan. Per NBC, “Together they will hatch a plan to deceive Harry Connick Jr.’s Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger’s Grace to make a fortune off of little orphan Annie.”
The lead role of Annie has not yet been cast.
“I’ve always wanted to be a villain,” Burgess said in a statement.
The broadcast network’s live production of the beloved Tony-winning musical, which is inspired by the classic comic strip that first appeared in 1924, will air Thursday, Dec. 2.
The event will be NBC’s first live musical broadcast since 2019’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” starring Brandon Victor Dixon, John Legend, and Sara Bareilles. The network’s past productions include “The Sound of Music,...
The “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” alum will play the villainous Miss Hannigan’s brother Rooster. “Empire” star Taraji P. Henson will play Miss Hannigan. Per NBC, “Together they will hatch a plan to deceive Harry Connick Jr.’s Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger’s Grace to make a fortune off of little orphan Annie.”
The lead role of Annie has not yet been cast.
“I’ve always wanted to be a villain,” Burgess said in a statement.
The broadcast network’s live production of the beloved Tony-winning musical, which is inspired by the classic comic strip that first appeared in 1924, will air Thursday, Dec. 2.
The event will be NBC’s first live musical broadcast since 2019’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” starring Brandon Victor Dixon, John Legend, and Sara Bareilles. The network’s past productions include “The Sound of Music,...
- 8/11/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt alum Tituss Burgess has joined the cast of NBC’s Annie Live! musical event.
Set to aire Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m., Annie Live! will see Burgess take on Rooster Hannigan, of the the antagonists in the musical and brother of Miss Hannigan, who will be played by Taraji P. Henson. He will act opposite Nicole Scherzinger and Harry Connick Jr., who play Grace Farrell and Daddy Warbucks respectively. The titular role has yet to be announced.
Actors who have previously portrayed Rooster include Tim Curry and Alan Cumming.
“I’ve always wanted to be a villain,” said the six-time Emmy-nominated actor.
Annie Live! will be executive produced by Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky, with Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski sharing the directing duties. The live event is being produced by Chloe Productions.
Burgess has earned five Emmy noms for his work as Titus Andromedon in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Set to aire Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m., Annie Live! will see Burgess take on Rooster Hannigan, of the the antagonists in the musical and brother of Miss Hannigan, who will be played by Taraji P. Henson. He will act opposite Nicole Scherzinger and Harry Connick Jr., who play Grace Farrell and Daddy Warbucks respectively. The titular role has yet to be announced.
Actors who have previously portrayed Rooster include Tim Curry and Alan Cumming.
“I’ve always wanted to be a villain,” said the six-time Emmy-nominated actor.
Annie Live! will be executive produced by Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky, with Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski sharing the directing duties. The live event is being produced by Chloe Productions.
Burgess has earned five Emmy noms for his work as Titus Andromedon in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
- 8/11/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Annie Live continues to come into focus for NBC.
The production, scheduled to air Dec. 2, has tapped Tituss Burgess to play the role of Rooster, the underhanded brother of the ruthless Miss Hannigan.
The six-time Emmy-nominated Kimmy Schmidt alum joins a cast that includes Empire alum Taraji P. Henson as Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger as Grace. The role of Annie has yet to be announced.
Annie Live brings former NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt back to the network as an exec producer alongside Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky. Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski share directing ...
The production, scheduled to air Dec. 2, has tapped Tituss Burgess to play the role of Rooster, the underhanded brother of the ruthless Miss Hannigan.
The six-time Emmy-nominated Kimmy Schmidt alum joins a cast that includes Empire alum Taraji P. Henson as Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger as Grace. The role of Annie has yet to be announced.
Annie Live brings former NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt back to the network as an exec producer alongside Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky. Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski share directing ...
- 8/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Annie Live continues to come into focus for NBC.
The production, scheduled to air Dec. 2, has tapped Tituss Burgess to play the role of Rooster, the underhanded brother of the ruthless Miss Hannigan.
The six-time Emmy-nominated Kimmy Schmidt alum joins a cast that includes Empire alum Taraji P. Henson as Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger as Grace. The role of Annie has yet to be announced.
Annie Live brings former NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt back to the network as an exec producer alongside Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky. Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski share directing ...
The production, scheduled to air Dec. 2, has tapped Tituss Burgess to play the role of Rooster, the underhanded brother of the ruthless Miss Hannigan.
The six-time Emmy-nominated Kimmy Schmidt alum joins a cast that includes Empire alum Taraji P. Henson as Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks and Nicole Scherzinger as Grace. The role of Annie has yet to be announced.
Annie Live brings former NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt back to the network as an exec producer alongside Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky. Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski share directing ...
- 8/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nicole Scherzinger has joined the cast of NBC’s upcoming Annie Live! musical event, the network announced. She’ll play the role of Grace Farrell, assistant of Daddy Warbucks and champion of the little red-haired orphan.
“Musical theater has always made my heart soar, so I’m over the moon to join this amazing cast for such a great classic,” Scherzinger said.
Casting for the title character has not been announced, but the musical – set for Thursday, Dec. 2 – will feature Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan and Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks.
The character of Grace traditionally participates in such musical numbers as “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here,” “N.Y.C.,” “You Make Me Happy,” “You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long,” “Annie,” and “New Deal for Christmas.”
Scherzinger is a panelist on Fox’s The Masked Singer, and until that show was probably best...
“Musical theater has always made my heart soar, so I’m over the moon to join this amazing cast for such a great classic,” Scherzinger said.
Casting for the title character has not been announced, but the musical – set for Thursday, Dec. 2 – will feature Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan and Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks.
The character of Grace traditionally participates in such musical numbers as “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here,” “N.Y.C.,” “You Make Me Happy,” “You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long,” “Annie,” and “New Deal for Christmas.”
Scherzinger is a panelist on Fox’s The Masked Singer, and until that show was probably best...
- 8/5/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“The Masked Singer” judge Nicole Scherzinger has joined the cast of the upcoming “Annie Live!” musical, NBC announced Thursday.
Scherzinger will play Grace, “Daddy Warbucks’ chief of staff who welcomes Annie with open arms and a loving heart.”
She will star opposite Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks and Taraji P. Henson as the devious Miss Hannigan. A nationwide search is currently underway to find the actress who will play Annie herself.
The broadcast network’s live production of the beloved Tony-winning musical, which is inspired by the classic comic strip that first appeared in 1924, will air Thursday, Dec. 2.
“I’m so excited to be playing the role of Grace Farrell for NBC’s ‘Annie Live!’ Musical theater has always made my heart soar, so I’m over the moon to join this amazing cast for such a great classic,” Scherzinger said.
“Annie Live!” will be executive produced by Robert Greenblatt,...
Scherzinger will play Grace, “Daddy Warbucks’ chief of staff who welcomes Annie with open arms and a loving heart.”
She will star opposite Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks and Taraji P. Henson as the devious Miss Hannigan. A nationwide search is currently underway to find the actress who will play Annie herself.
The broadcast network’s live production of the beloved Tony-winning musical, which is inspired by the classic comic strip that first appeared in 1924, will air Thursday, Dec. 2.
“I’m so excited to be playing the role of Grace Farrell for NBC’s ‘Annie Live!’ Musical theater has always made my heart soar, so I’m over the moon to join this amazing cast for such a great classic,” Scherzinger said.
“Annie Live!” will be executive produced by Robert Greenblatt,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Netflix and CD Projekt Red have unveiled the schedule for WitcherCon, the first-ever virtual event dedicated to The Witcher universe.
Hosted by Julia Hardy, the event will consist of two live streams that will both contain exclusive short-form content and production insights. Available on both Twitch and YouTube, the events will stream on July 9 at 1 p.m. Et and July 10 at 9 p.m. Et.
The full schedule is as follows:
The Witcher Season 2: Deck of Destiny
Panel Guests: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Mimî M Khayisa, Paul Bullion
The cast and showrunner of Netflix’s “The Witcher” will draw cards from a deck of fan questions that will determine the path of the panel and the immediate fate of the guests. The session promises surprise reveals and backstage insights about filming the second season.
CD Projekt Red’s Memories from the Path: Stories Behind The Witcher Games...
Hosted by Julia Hardy, the event will consist of two live streams that will both contain exclusive short-form content and production insights. Available on both Twitch and YouTube, the events will stream on July 9 at 1 p.m. Et and July 10 at 9 p.m. Et.
The full schedule is as follows:
The Witcher Season 2: Deck of Destiny
Panel Guests: Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Mimî M Khayisa, Paul Bullion
The cast and showrunner of Netflix’s “The Witcher” will draw cards from a deck of fan questions that will determine the path of the panel and the immediate fate of the guests. The session promises surprise reveals and backstage insights about filming the second season.
CD Projekt Red’s Memories from the Path: Stories Behind The Witcher Games...
- 6/28/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Harry Connick Jr has been cast to play Daddy Warbucks in Annie Live!, NBC’s upcoming special inspired by the iconic Tony-winning Broadway musical. He joins as cast that already includes Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan.
A nationwide casting search is underway to play Annie, the orphan who opens the heart of billionaire Sir Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, played in past movie adaptations by Albert Finney and Jamie Foxx and by Reid Shelton in the original 1977 Broadway musical which won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play Daddy Warbucks in ‘Annie Live!’ and working alongside Taraji P. Henson is a dream come true,” Connick said Monday. “I love this show, and its musical message of love and hope couldn’t come at a better time.”
The live production of the musical will air Thursday, December 2 on NBC.
Annie Live! will be executive produced by Robert Greenblatt,...
A nationwide casting search is underway to play Annie, the orphan who opens the heart of billionaire Sir Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, played in past movie adaptations by Albert Finney and Jamie Foxx and by Reid Shelton in the original 1977 Broadway musical which won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play Daddy Warbucks in ‘Annie Live!’ and working alongside Taraji P. Henson is a dream come true,” Connick said Monday. “I love this show, and its musical message of love and hope couldn’t come at a better time.”
The live production of the musical will air Thursday, December 2 on NBC.
Annie Live! will be executive produced by Robert Greenblatt,...
- 6/28/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC’s “Annie Live!” has cast Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, the larger-than-life billionaire who opens his heart and home to little orphan Annie, the broadcast network revealed Monday.
Connick will star opposite Taraji P. Henson as the devious Miss Hannigan. Per NBC, “The deliciously diametric characters vie for Annie’s affection and will lead a cast guaranteed to shine like the top of the Chrysler Building!” A nationwide search is currently underway to find the actress who will play Annie herself.
The broadcast network’s live production of the beloved Tony-winning musical, which is inspired by the classic comic strip that first appeared in 1924, will air Thursday, Dec. 2.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play Daddy Warbucks in ‘Annie Live!’ and working alongside Taraji P. Henson is a dream come true,” Connick said. “I love this show, and its musical message of love and hope couldn...
Connick will star opposite Taraji P. Henson as the devious Miss Hannigan. Per NBC, “The deliciously diametric characters vie for Annie’s affection and will lead a cast guaranteed to shine like the top of the Chrysler Building!” A nationwide search is currently underway to find the actress who will play Annie herself.
The broadcast network’s live production of the beloved Tony-winning musical, which is inspired by the classic comic strip that first appeared in 1924, will air Thursday, Dec. 2.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play Daddy Warbucks in ‘Annie Live!’ and working alongside Taraji P. Henson is a dream come true,” Connick said. “I love this show, and its musical message of love and hope couldn...
- 6/28/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Taraji P. Henson has an exciting new role.
The former Empire star and Academy Award nominee will star as Miss Hannigan in NBC's Annie Live!, premiering Thursday, December 2.
“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan to life in the classic 1982 movie, is someone I have studied and idolized as far back as I can remember,” Henson said in a statement.
“So when the opportunity came to me to join NBC and this incredible group of producers, I jumped! Carol, I hope to do you proud!”
“When we decided to bring back NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was critically acclaimed and universally beloved — and while that’s definitely the case with Annie, it absolutely applies to Taraji as well,” added said Susan Rovner, Chairman of Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
“Watching her take on this iconic role will be a thrill that has...
The former Empire star and Academy Award nominee will star as Miss Hannigan in NBC's Annie Live!, premiering Thursday, December 2.
“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan to life in the classic 1982 movie, is someone I have studied and idolized as far back as I can remember,” Henson said in a statement.
“So when the opportunity came to me to join NBC and this incredible group of producers, I jumped! Carol, I hope to do you proud!”
“When we decided to bring back NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was critically acclaimed and universally beloved — and while that’s definitely the case with Annie, it absolutely applies to Taraji as well,” added said Susan Rovner, Chairman of Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
“Watching her take on this iconic role will be a thrill that has...
- 6/8/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The woman formerly known as Cookie Lyon is headed for Easy Street. Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson will star as Miss Hannigan in NBC’s Annie Live!, premiering Thursday, Dec. 2.
“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan to life in the classic 1982 movie, is someone I have studied and idolized as far back as I can remember,” Henson said in a statement. “So when the opportunity came to me to join NBC and this incredible group of producers, I jumped! Carol, I hope to do you proud!”
More from TVLineNew Amsterdam Video: Ryan Eggold and Freema Agyeman Tease Finale's 'Sharpwin' Moment,...
“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan to life in the classic 1982 movie, is someone I have studied and idolized as far back as I can remember,” Henson said in a statement. “So when the opportunity came to me to join NBC and this incredible group of producers, I jumped! Carol, I hope to do you proud!”
More from TVLineNew Amsterdam Video: Ryan Eggold and Freema Agyeman Tease Finale's 'Sharpwin' Moment,...
- 6/8/2021
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Some women are dripping in diamonds, some women are dripping with pearls — and Taraji P. Henson will be dripping with little girls during NBC’s holiday production of “Annie Live!”
The Academy Award-nominated actress will play the orphanage’s cruel manager, Miss Hannigan, who hates all children but especially Annie. Henson will lead the musical opposite a soon-to-be-discovered star, as the network kicks off its nationwide casting search for the titular redheaded optimist.
“When we decided to bring back NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was critically acclaimed and universally beloved – and while that’s definitely the case with ‘Annie,’ it absolutely applies to Taraji as well,” Susan Rovner, chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a statement. “Watching her take on this iconic role will be a thrill that has all the makings of must-watch television.”
“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan...
The Academy Award-nominated actress will play the orphanage’s cruel manager, Miss Hannigan, who hates all children but especially Annie. Henson will lead the musical opposite a soon-to-be-discovered star, as the network kicks off its nationwide casting search for the titular redheaded optimist.
“When we decided to bring back NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was critically acclaimed and universally beloved – and while that’s definitely the case with ‘Annie,’ it absolutely applies to Taraji as well,” Susan Rovner, chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a statement. “Watching her take on this iconic role will be a thrill that has all the makings of must-watch television.”
“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan...
- 6/8/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson will portray Miss Hannigan in NBC’s holiday production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Annie Live!” NBC announced on Tuesday. Henson will play the “queen of mean” opposite what NBC calls “a soon-to-be-discovered” young performer to portray Annie.
NBC said in a statement that the search is on for a “young future star of any ethnicity to bring optimism, spunk, honesty and wisdom” to the role.
“Annie Live!” is slated to air on Dec. 2 on NBC.
“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan to life in the classic 1982 movie, is someone I’ve idolized as far back as I can remember,” Henson said in a statement. “So when the opportunity came to me to join NBC and this incredible group of producers, I jumped! Carol, I hope to do you proud.”
“When we decided to bring NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was...
NBC said in a statement that the search is on for a “young future star of any ethnicity to bring optimism, spunk, honesty and wisdom” to the role.
“Annie Live!” is slated to air on Dec. 2 on NBC.
“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan to life in the classic 1982 movie, is someone I’ve idolized as far back as I can remember,” Henson said in a statement. “So when the opportunity came to me to join NBC and this incredible group of producers, I jumped! Carol, I hope to do you proud.”
“When we decided to bring NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was...
- 6/8/2021
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
NBC will broadcast the holiday musical event Annie Live!, with Robert Greenblatt as executive producer along with Neil Meron, who has served as executive producer on such NBC’s live musicals The Sound of Music Live! and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.
Annie Live! will be directed by Lear deBessonet, Artistic Director for New York’s revival series Encores and creator of the Public Works program at the Public Theatre, which produces community-engaged productions with as many as 200 performers.
Sergio Trujillo will choreograph the production, Paul Tazewell will design the costumes and Jason Sherwood the scenery. Tazewell is a veteran of two NBC live musicals, The Wiz Live! and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. He recently designed costumes for film Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. Sherwood was production designer for Rent: Live and the 2020 Oscars.
Greenblatt brought live musicals back...
Annie Live! will be directed by Lear deBessonet, Artistic Director for New York’s revival series Encores and creator of the Public Works program at the Public Theatre, which produces community-engaged productions with as many as 200 performers.
Sergio Trujillo will choreograph the production, Paul Tazewell will design the costumes and Jason Sherwood the scenery. Tazewell is a veteran of two NBC live musicals, The Wiz Live! and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. He recently designed costumes for film Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. Sherwood was production designer for Rent: Live and the 2020 Oscars.
Greenblatt brought live musicals back...
- 5/12/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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