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**What’s Up Broadway?**

Your weekly premier audio destination for everything buzzworthy happening on the Great White Way. From show openings, and what’s trending on “theatre Twitter,” to Broadway star interviews and up to date health and safety protocols, What’s Up Broadway? will be a one-stop-shop for all your Broadway news and chatter. Hosted by Ayanna Prescod (she/her) Martín Acuña (he/him) and Christian Lewis (they/them/theirs). Presented by the Broadway Podcast Network.

Latest Episodes:

#27 - Lots of TONY Awards Stuff! Mar 23, 2022

Your Broadway news and trending theater social mentions in a New York Minute!

Episode run-down:

Tons of Tony Awards eligibility notes.
Hadestown & Dear Evan Hansen Broadway casting update!
A musical based on the life of Steven Spielberg?
A Soldier's Play & MJ the Musical go on tour.

....and of-course lots happening over on theater socials!

Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna. Subscribe To BPN's newsletterHERE. Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter.

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#26 - A Broadway Minute! Mar 18, 2022

New Layout: Broadway news in a New York Minute!

NEWS:

“Kimberly Akimbo” will transfer to Broadway this fall. The new musical, with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, will start previews on Oct. 12, ahead of a Nov. 10 opening.

The new musical KPOP has its eye on a fall Broadway bow! It was previously announced that the show was set to come to Broadway within the year, but according to an Equity casting notice, the production is now expected for Fall 2022.

Hugh Jackman will receive the Drama League’s Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award, the organization announced Wednesday.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will donate $300,000 to humanitarian organizations working in Ukraine.

The Cort Theater will be renamed the James Earl Jones Theater.

Ariana DeBose won the Screen Actors Guild Award for - Outstanding performance Female Actor in Supporting Role; BAFTA - Best Supporting Actress; Critics Choice Award - Best Supporting Actress.

Pamela Anderson will make her Broadway debut in the long running musical on April 12 through June 5.

Daniel Radcliffe will star in “Merrily We Roll Along” at New York Theatre Workshop in late 2022.

Theater Twitter Talk:

T. Oliver as a Swing and Patti Lupone gets her flowers.

Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna. Subscribe To BPN's newsletterHERE. Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter.

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RED CARPET INTERVIEWS - The Music Man Feb 26, 2022

Opening night (Feb 10, 2022) interviews with the stars on the red carpet! We hear from Hugh Jackman, Sutton Foster, Jayne Howdyshell, and so many more!

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod and @CLewisReviews.

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#25 - Oh, Oh, Oh, Opening Nights! Feb 24, 2022

Broadway News:

Mrs. Doubtfire will reopen on Broadway April 14 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
The Tony Award-winning musical Jagged Little Pill is expected to make its London debut in November.
Pop superstar Ariana Grande attended the Broadway production of Wicked February 19, and shared praise for co-stars Brittney Johnson and Lindsay Heather Pearce on Instagram.
Shows set to open in April on Broadway: Plaza Suite - March 28; Paradise Square - April 3; Take Me Out - April 4; Beetlejuice - April 8; Birthday Candles - April 10; The Little Prince - April 11; American Buffalo - April 14; The Minutes - April 17; How I Learned to Drive - April 19; For colored girls - April 20; Hangmen - April 21; Funny Girl - April 24th; A Strange Loop - April 26; Mr. Saturday Night - April 27; Macbeth - April 28

Casting:

Lana Gordon has officially taken over the role of Persephone in the Broadway production of the Tony-winning musical Hadestown full-time. The previous lady of the underground, Amber Gray's will join the cast of Macbeth set to open in April.
Jessica Lee Goldyn, who has appeared on Broadway in A Chorus Line, Finding Neverland, Tuck Everlasting, and Hello, Dolly!, steps into the role of Nini in the Tony-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical February 22. Jessica succeeds original cast member Robyn Hurder, who scored a Tony nomination for her performance and played her final show February 20 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
Jordan Fisher played his final performance of Evan in Dear Evan Hansen on February 20th. Several actors are scheduled to succeed Fisher in the coming months including Zachary Noah Piser, Ben Levi Ross, And, Sam Primack.

Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna. Subscribe To BPN's newsletterHERE. Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter.

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#24 - Casting, Casting, Casting & Cast Albums Feb 17, 2022

Broadway News:

Brittney Johnson made history as the first Black Glinda on Broadway on Valentine's Day!
Broadway theaters will still require audience members to wear masks and show proof of vaccination for entry through April 30.
“American Utopia” has extended its Broadway run through April 3. This is the final extension of the show, which has been playing the St. James Theatre since Sept. 17, 2021. “American Utopia” was originally scheduled to run through March 6.
Cast albums by release date: Love in Hate Nation by Joe Iconis, Witness Uganda and Space Dogs (Feb 11); Flying Over Sunset (Feb 18); Back to the Future (London - March 11); Assassins (March 18)
West Side Story is arriving on Disney+ on March 2.
Newsies will celebrate 10 years with a reunion of the Broadway and tour cast at 54 Below on March 28th and 29th.
Broadway premiere of Skeleton Crew, written by Tony Award nominee Dominique Morisseau and directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, moves into its final week of performances.

Casting:

Elizabeth Teeter will take on the role of Lydia when Beetlejuice returns to Broadway this spring. Teeter, who recently led the Off-Broadway musical The Secret Life of Bees, will star alongside Alex Brightman as Beetlejuice. Returning original cast members include Kerry Butler, Adam Dannheisser, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Kelvin Moon Loh, Danny Rutigliano and Dana Steingold.
Amber Grey will play Banquo in Macbeth this spring. She joins previously announced Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga in the upcoming revival, directed by Sam Gold. Maria Dizzia will play Lady Macduff, opposite Grantham Coleman as Macduff.
SIX North American tour tour will feature Khaila Wilcoxon as Catherine of Aragon, Storm Lever as Anne Boleyn, Jasmine Forsberg as Jane Seymour, Olivia Donalson as Anna of Cleves, Didi Romero as Katherine Howard, and Gabriela Carrillo as Catherine Parr.
The upcoming Broadway musical Paradise Square has announced its complete 40-member cast, which includes Tony nominees Joaquina Kalukango and John Dossett, and Chilina Kennedy. Rehearsals are underway for the production that will begin previews March 15 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Following its 2019 world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Paradise Square will officially open on Broadway April 3.

Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna. Subscribe To BPN's newsletterHERE. Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter.

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#23 - Another Oscar Nomination Feb 11, 2022

Broadway News:

Ariana DeBose was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in West Side Story. DeBose's nomination follows Rita Moreno's historic 1961 Oscar win, playing the same role in the earlier film adaptation. Lin-Manuel Miranda received a Best Song nomination for his "Dos Oruguitas" from Encanto, a nod that could achieve EGOT status. Miranda's screen adaptation of Jonathan Larson's biomusical tick, tick...BOOM! was recognized, with Broadway alum Andrew Garfield getting a nomination for Best Actor for his performance as Larson.
Tony nominee Amber Gray will play her final performance as Persephone in Hadestown February 19. Casting for the role of Persephone will be announced shortly.
A musical adaptation of “Smash” is setting its sights on Broadway! The musical, based on the NBC television show, will feature a book by Bob Martin and Rick Elice and a score from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who wrote original songs for the television show. Steven Spielberg, Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron, all of whom worked on the television show, will produce the new musical. Production dates have not yet been announced.
The Public Theater recently announced the line-up for the 60th Anniversary Season of Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater. This summer, Free Shakespeare in the Park will begin with the drama Richard III, directed by Tony nominee Robert O'Hara and featuring Danai Gurira in the title role. The season will continue with the return of the free Public Works musical adaptation of As You Like It after it was originally scheduled for the 2020 season, but delayed due to the pandemic. Adapted by Public Theater Artist-in-Residence Shaina Taub and Director of Public Works Laurie Woolery, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub.

Casting:

Color Purple movie musical casting including American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino has been cast as Celie. It’s a reprise of a role she held on Broadway in 2009. Tony nominee Danielle Brooks will take on the role of Sofia. She also starred in a different revival of The Color Purple onBroadway. Fantasia and Brooks will join the previously reported Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Corey Hawkins as Harpo, Oscar and Grammy winner H.E.R. as Squeak, Halle Bailey as Young Nettie, and stage and screen star Colman Domingo as Mister.
Full casting has been announced for the Broadway revival of Neil Simon's Plaza Suite starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Tony winner John Benjamin Hickey directs the production, which will now begin previews February 25 at the Hudson Theatre for a limited engagement through June 26. Opening night is set for March 28. Joining Parker and Broderick in Suite 719 of the Plaza Hotel will be Danny Bolero as The Waiter, Molly Ranson as Jean McCormick/Mimsey Hubley, and Eric Wiegand as The Bellhop/Borden Eisler. Tony winner Michael McGrath and Tony nominee Erin Dilly will standby for Broderick and Parker, respectively, with Laurie Veldheer and Cesar J. Rosado serving as understudies.
The upcoming Broadway revival of Funny Girl has unveiled the complete company as they begin their official first day of rehearsals. The production, starring Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice and Tony and Olivier nominee Rameen Karimloo as Nick Arnstein, begins March 26 at the August Wilson Theatre ahead of an April 24 opening night. Additional previously announced cast members include Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan, and Emmy winner Jane Lynch as Mrs. Rosie Brice. They will be joined by Peter Francis James as Florenz Ziegfeld, Ephie Aardema as Emma/Mrs. Nadler, Debra Cardona as Mrs. Meeker, Toni DiBuono as Mrs. Strakosh, Martin Moran as Tom Keeney, and Julie Benko as the standby for Fanny Brice.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna. Subscribe To BPN's newsletterHERE.

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#22 - Who's Bad? with special guest Kelli O'Hara Feb 03, 2022

Broadway News:

MJ The Musical is now open on Broadway and to celebrate their opening and Black History Month, the team and Playbill have collaborated to release four collectable Playbill covers, for the first time in Playbill's 138-year history. The Playbills will be distributed to ticket holders throughout the month of February at the Neil Simon Theatre. These collectable Playbills, each featuring a different illustration of an iconic Michael Jackson pose by world-renowned illustrator, Nate Giorgio, mark the musical's opening and celebrate Black History Month.
The original Broadway cast album of the Lincoln Center Theater production of Flying Over Sunset will now be released digitally February 18, 2022 and on CD April 1, 2022.
The Broadway premiere of the Olivier Award-winning production of Martin McDonagh’s new comedy Hangmen will open at Broadway’s Golden Theatre for a limited 10-week engagement. The play will begin performances on Friday, April 8, 2022, with an opening on Thursday, April 21, 2022, Directed by Matthew Dunster, Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen features “Game of Thrones’” Alfie Allen (Mooney) in his Broadway debut opposite David Threlfall (Harry) and is returning to Broadway for the first time in 25 years.
Two-time Tony winner, Chita Rivera is recapping her Broadway career for HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, which announced her memoir today. The book, publication release date set for early 2023 and title to be determined, will also be published simultaneously by Harper Español. Rivera will be writing with Emmy-winning TV commentator and arts journalist Patrick Pacheco.
According to a new casting notice, auditions are currently underway for a Broadway transfer of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella. The production is currently aiming to begin its New York run in Fall 2022 at a yet-to-be-named theatre.
Broadway's longest running show made history on the anniversary of its opening in New York City. Last Wednesday night marked 34 years since "The Phantom of the Opera" first opened back in 1988. And for the first time, a Black actor, Emilie Kouatchou took over the female leading role of Christine.

Special Interview with the fabulous Kelli O'Hara, currently starring in The Gilded Age.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna. Subscribe To BPN's newsletterHERE.

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#21 - Big Theater Kid Energy! Jan 26, 2022

We all have theater kid energy!

Broadway News:

Starting this season, Tony Awards voters must complete unconscious bias training in order to vote in any categories. The news, sent to voters last Friday, requires members to take a free, online training session led by inclusion strategist Vernā Myers. The course is meant to teach viewers how to identify unconscious or implicit bias in their own decision-making processes and how to correct it, according to the course description.
Producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones-Harvey announced that a new musical stage adaptation of Black Orpheus, featuring a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz, original music by Grammy Award winner and Brazilian icon Sergio Mendes, and direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, is being readied for its world premiere production on Broadway during the 2022-2023 season. A developmental workshop and an out-of-town regional theatre run are being planned for 2022 before heading to Broadway in 2023.
James Snyder, who has been playing the role of Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child since a new, shorter version of the production reopened on Broadway on November 12, 2021, has had his contract terminated. The termination follows a complaint from fellow cast member Diane Davis, who has since also left the production by her own accord, regarding his conduct.
The Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange's for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf, directed and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown will begin performances on Friday, April 1, 2022 at the Booth Theatre. The fully reimagined production will open on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

Casting:

Dennis Stowe steps into the role of Jafar in the Broadway production of Aladdin beginning this week at the New Amsterdam Theatre. He succeeds fellow original cast member Jonathan Freeman, who created the role on Broadway after voicing the part in the 1992 animated film. Freeman played his final performance on January 23.
NaTasha Yvette Williams will succeed Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Tina Turner's mother, in Broadway's Tina: The Tina Turner Musical beginning February 4. Lewis is scheduled to play her final performance on January 30. Williams was last seen on Broadway in Chicken and Biscuits and has been a long-time Matron "Mama" Morton in Chicago. She starred as Becky during the original run of Waitress, and also appeared on Broadway in A Night With Janis Joplin, Porgy and Bess, and The Color Purple.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna. Subscribe To BPN's newsletterHERE.

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#20 - Let Theater Artists Host SNL! Jan 19, 2022

The best SNL. Ever.

Broadway News:

The Broadway cast of A STRANGE LOOP will feature Jaquel Spivey, in his Broadway debut, as Usher. He joins original cast members Antwayn Hopper (Thought 6), L Morgan Lee (Thought 1), John-Michael Lyles (Thought 3), James Jackson, Jr. (Thought 2), John-Andrew Morrison (Thought 4), and Jason Veasey (Thought 5). A Strange Loop follows Usher: a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer. The Pulitzer prize winning play is written by Michael R. Jackson. Previews will begin at Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, and opening night is set for Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
To Kill A Mockingbird ended its run this past Sunday at the Shubert Theatre and plans to move to the Belasco Theatre this June. The move follows the news that Girl from the North Country will close at the Belasco Theatre on Jan. 23, with plans for spring return at another theater. To Kill a Mockingbird begins performances at the Belasco on June 1, with Greg Kinnear returning as Atticus Finch.
The Off-Broadway hit The Wrong Man from Ross Golan has become the world’s first non-fungible token (NFT) musical. The digital collectibles available to buy will be a mix of music, graphics, and film, including the full animated musical, vinyl, posters featuring artwork from the musical, and a previously unreleased track from Golan. In addition, a new production of the musical is in the works for a 2023 premiere.
The Kite Runner, a new play with music based on Khaled Hosseini's internationally best-selling novel, will play a limited run at Broadway's Hayes Theater this summer. The production comes to New York from two seasons in London's West End where it was called "a cultural phenomenon" by The Sunday Express and "an enthralling tale beautifully told" by The Daily Telegraph. Performances will begin on July 6; opening night is July 21 and it will run through October 30.
Jack Viertel has retired as senior vice president of Jujamcyn Theaters after 34 years with the company.
Lyricist Tim Rice said on his podcast, Get Onto My Cloud that a Broadway revival of Chess, his 1986 musical written with composers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, is on its way and a team is in place.

Casting:

Shoshana Bean will join the Broadway cast of Mr. Saturday Night, producers announced last week. The production will start previews on March 29, 2022, ahead of an April 27 opening.
Broadway's Tony-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical welcomes Eric Anderson as Harold Zidler beginning this week! Danny Burstein, who earned Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards as well as the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, played his final performance last week.
Nick Rashad Burroughs will take over the role of Ike in the Broadway company of Tina. Burroughs is currently in the musical’s ensemble and will play the role starting this week. Daniel J. Watts, who originated the role, played his final performance last week. Burroughs has previously appeared on Broadway in “Kinky Boots” and “King Kong.”
John Earl Jelks will join the Broadway cast of “Birthday Candles,” starring alongside Debra Messing. John replaces Andre Braugher, who had been set to make his Broadway debut with the show in 2020.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna. Subscribe To BPN's newsletterHERE.

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#19 - New Year, New Season Jan 12, 2022

Don't forget to catch Ariana DeBose hosting SNL on Sat, Jan 15th 2022!

Broadway News

The Broadway League has updated its vaccination and mask policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations continue to rise due to the Omicron variant. The biggest change is that children ages 5-11 will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, beginning January 29. The current vaccination and mask policy for adults and children over the age of 12 will remain in effect through April 30, extended from February 28. This policy states theatregoers are required to show proof that they have had their second dose at least 14 days prior to the show. Audiences must also wear a mask for the duration of the performance.
New York City Center will now require audiences to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination plus a booster shot. A negative test result for audience members, including children, will not be accepted as an alternative. Audience members who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 booster will still be able to attend performances, provided they show proof that they are two weeks past a one-dose vaccine or both doses of a two-dose vaccine. Once eligible for the booster, audience members will have a two-week grace period in which to obtain the booster for entry.
The Public will also now require proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination and booster, effective January 21.
Winners for the 2022 Golden Globes were announced on January 9. Among them were West Side Story for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, along with the film’s stars Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose for Best Performance By an Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Also taking home honors were tick, tick…BOOM! star Andrew Garfield for Best Performance By An Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Pose leading lady Michaela Jaé Rodriguez for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama.

Casting

Two-time Tony nominee Charlotte d'Amboise returned to the cast of Chicago this past Monday. She is now celebrating 25 years with the company, and once again steps into the role of Roxie Hart. Bianca Marroquín, who has been with the production on and off for 20 years, has extended her current run as Velma Kelly through March 13.
Ain't Too Proud and Motown star Nik Walker will return to Broadway's Hamilton, reprising his performance as Aaron Burr from March 1.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

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#18 - A Bit Of A Year, featuring Robin de Jesús! Dec 07, 2021

It's the end of a season. The final episode of What's Up Broadway? features a surprise interview with Robin de Jesús, who stars as Michael in tick, tick...BOOM steaming now on Netflix!All three co-host Ayanna Prescod, Christian Lewis, and Martín Acuña wrap up theater memories of 2021 and what we look forward to in 2022.

See you in January 2022!

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

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#17 - Happy Trails, Stephen Sondheim Nov 30, 2021

A Broadway titan is gone but not forgotten.

Broadway News

Second Stage Theater is partnering with Assemble Stream to offer simulcasts of its current Broadway production of Lynn Nottage’s play, CLYDE’S, for the final two weeks of its run. Those dates are January 4 – 16, 2022.
Girl from the North Country was the only Broadway musical nominated for a 2022 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Chicken & Biscuits, Is This A Room and Dana H. close on Broadway.
American composer, Stephen Sondheim has died at the age of 91 on November 26, 2021.

Casting

Ciara Renée has stepped into the role of Jenna in the return Broadway engagement of Waitress, succeeding Jennifer Nettles. Joshua Henry will take over the role of Dr. Pomatter in Waitress on Broadway, and current cast member Tyrone Davis, Jr. will take over the role of Ogie this week.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

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#16 - 'Revival Red' is on The Music Man Marquee Nov 25, 2021

Broadway News

The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS, which airs from 9 AM until noon, will feature live performances from the casts of Broadway's Chicago and Waitress.
Kinky Boots Tony Award winner Billy Porter has landed a spot on Insider's 100 People Transforming Business, which "profiles 100 business leaders across 10 distinct sectors who are innovating, sparking trends, and tackling global challenges." The Broadway veteran has also made a splash on television, winning an Emmy Award for his work on Pose and becoming the first gay Black man to be nominated and win in any lead acting category at the Primetime Emmys. Porter also won a Grammy Award for his lead vocals on the Kinky Boots cast recording, making him just an Academy Award shy of achieving EGOT status.
Caroline or Change is getting a cast recording this December.

Casting

HBO's new limited series The Gilded Age debuts January 24, 2022, on the network and its streaming service, HBO Max and it’s star studded. The 1880s-set drama from Julian Fellowes co-stars two-time Tony winners Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon. A slew of additional theatre folk populate the series, including several Tony-winning recurring guest stars: Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Kelli O'Hara, Donna Murphy, Debra Monk, Michael Cerveris, Katie Finneran, Bill Irwin, and Celia Keenan-Bolger—as well as Tony nominees Kristine Nielsen, Patrick Page, Douglas Sills, John Douglas Thompson, Carrie Coon, and Denée Benton. The nine-part limited series follows Marian Brook, the daughter of a Southern general who, upon being orphaned, moves to New York City to live with her aunts.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company's production of Michael R. Jackson's A Strange Loop begins performances November 22.The D.C. production, produced in association with Playwrights Horizons (where the musical premiered) and Page 73, features original cast members Antwayn Hopper as Thought 6, L Morgan Lee as Thought 1, John-Michael Lyles as Thought 3, James Jackson, Jr. as Thought 2, John-Andrew Morrison as Thought 4, and Jason Veasey as Thought 5. Jaquel Spivey joins the cast as Usher, the part created Off-Broadway by Larry Owens.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

Tickets for Is This A Room and Dana H. playing in rep at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway are on sale NOW! Purchase HERE!

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#15 - I Wanna be in the BOOM Where it Happens Nov 16, 2021

Andrew Garfield is dynamite! Get it? Because Tick... Tick... BOOM? Awe, never mind.

Broadway News:

Producers announced on Thursday that Chicken & Biscuits will play its final performance on Nov. 28. The news comes after the new play announced an extended cancellation of performances through Nov. 18 due to COVID-19 cases in the company. The production will now resume performances on Nov. 19.
An HBO documentary following the making of tonight's sold-out, one-night-only, reunion concert of Spring Awakening benefitting The Actors Fund, is now in production. Produced by RadicalMedia, the documentary will follow the original stars as they come together for the first time in 15 years. The documentary will debut on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max next year, bringing the story of this one-night-only musical performance to fans and audiences across the globe.
Billy Crystal will return to Broadway this spring in a musical adaptation of “Mr. Saturday Night.” Crystal will play comedian Buddy Young Jr., the role he originated in the 1992 Columbia Pictures film. The Broadway cast will include Randy Graff, David Paymer and Chasten Harmon. The musical will play the Nederlander Theatre starting March 1, 2022, ahead of a March 31 opening night. “Mr. Saturday Night” features a score by Jason Robert Brown and lyrics by Amanda Green. Crystal wrote the book to the musical, alongside Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, all of whom were screenwriters for the film.
Lucy Moss who is the co-writer and director of the international hit musical Six, will direct the musical adaptation of Legally Blonde for the summer 2002 season at London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. The musical, featuring a score by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and a book by Heather Hach, will open the venue's 90th anniversary season, running May 13 to July 2.

Casting:

Devin Kawaoka and Jonathan Chad Higginbotham will join the cast of Jeremy O. Harris’ “Slave Play.” Kawaoka will join the company as Dustin and Higginbotham will play Philip. Both actors will make their Broadway debuts with the production. They join returning cast members Ato Blankson-Wood, Chalia La Tour, Irene Sofia Lucio, Annie McNamara and Paul Alexander Nolan. As previously announced, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy will take over the role of Kaneisha. “Slave Play” is scheduled to begin performances at the August Wilson Theatre on Nov. 23, ahead of an opening night on Dec. 2. The limited return engagement will play through Jan. 23. The play originally ran at Broadway’s Golden Theatre from September 2019 to January 2020.
Joshua Boone will join the previously announced Broadway cast of Dominique Morisseau’s “Skeleton Crew,” Manhattan Theatre Club announced Monday. Boone, who previously appeared in “Network” on Broadway, joins Phylicia Rashad, Chanté Adams, Brandon J. Dirden and Adesola Osakalumi to complete the full cast. The Broadway premiere is directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson. “Skeleton Crew” will begin performances at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Dec. 21, ahead of a Jan. 12, 2022 opening.
Two-time Grammy nominee and Theater World Award winner Conrad Ricamora will star as Seymour in the three-time Best Musical Revival Award-winning production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS beginning January 11, 2022. Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, American Son) will play his final performance on January 9, 2022 at the Westside Theatre.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

Tickets for Is This A Room and Dana H. playing in rep at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway are on sale NOW! Purchase HERE!

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Nollywood Dreams - Live interview with playwright Jocelyn Bioh Nov 12, 2021

Join Ayanna Prescod of What’s Up Broadway? live in conversation with playwright Jocelyn Bioh.

Prescod chats with Bioh about her latest play, Nollywood Dreams, bringing African comedy to New York City, and how she is constantly changing and elevating traditional theater. This conversation took place on Thursday, November 4, 2021 and is brought to you by Broadway Podcast Network and MCC Theater.

Photos by Daniel J Vasquez. More info via http://bpn.fm/wub and https://mcctheater.org/.

Watch the video of this event here: https://youtu.be/sE2edX5as6Y

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#14 - So Much Waitress News Nov 09, 2021

I mean, who doesn't love Cynthia Erivo and Arianna Grande!?

Broadway News:

Patrick Page returns to Hadestown on November 9, 2021.
The newly imagined Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will return to the Lyric on Friday, November 12th. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child originally cast a spell over the world as an epic two-part event. Now, the show has been boldly restaged as one singular performance by the award-winning creative team for its return to North America. With just one ticket in hand, audiences will enjoy all the adventure the continuation of Harry's story entails in one magical afternoon or evening.
Due to popular demand, both Dana H. and Is This A Room running in rep at the Lyecum are extending their previously announced early closing date. They will both run through the Thanksgiving holiday. Is This A Room will now play through November 27, and Dana H. will now run through November 28.
Kristin Chenoweth is heading to Lincoln Center. The Tony and Emmy Award winner will headline a one-night-only concert at the Metropolitan Opera December 13.
NYC will welcome back spectators to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The November 26 televised special will see performances from the Broadway casts of Six, Moulin Rouge!, and Wicked, plus NBC's upcoming Annie Live!. The parade will be broadcast 9 AM–noon EST on NBC. Additional performers include Kristin Chenoweth and Darren Criss, both of whom have new holiday albums out this year, along with Jordan Fisher, The Rockettes, Ballet Hispánico, and the cast of Girls5Eva.

Casting:

Ciara Renée is headed to Waitress on Broadway! She will take over the role of Jenna on Thursday, November 25, 2021. Jennifer Nettles, as previously announced, will play her final performance on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Waitressis back on Broadway for a limited engagement now through January 9, 2022 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Also two-time Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry will take over the role of Dr. Pomatter and current cast member Tyrone Davis, Jr. will take over the role of Ogie on Monday, November 29.
The New Group announced that Ephraim Sykes will join the cast of the world premiere production of Black No More. This new musical, inspired by George S. Schuyler's 1931 novel of the same name, features Book by John Ridley, Music and Lyrics by Tariq Trotter, Choreography by Bill T. Jones, Music Supervision, Orchestrations and Vocal Arrangements by Daryl Waters and Direction by Scott Elliott. A strictly limited engagement will play January 11 through February 27, 2022 at The Pershing Square Signature Center with Opening Night on Tuesday, February 8.
Oscar nominee and two-time Emmy winner Greg Kinnear will make his Broadway debut as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin’s stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird beginning January 5, 2022, at the Shubert Theatre. Kinnear will succeed Tony nominee and Emmy winner Jeff Daniels, who will play his final performance January 2.
The complete cast is set for Wild: A Musical Becoming. Idina Menzel will headline the world premiere production at the American Repertory Theater’s Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Performances begin December 5, with the run scheduled through January 2, 2022. Menzel, Jabvier Munoz and YDE from Nickelodeon’s The Haunted Hathaways and School of Rock will star as a mother-daughter pair in the musical, penned by V (formerly Eve Ensler) and musicians Justin Tranter and Caroline Pahnell. The environmentalism-themed story follows the family as they grapple over the future of their family farm.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

Tickets for Is This A Room and Dana H. playing in rep at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway are on sale NOW! Purchase HERE!

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#13 - Audra No. 7 Nov 02, 2021

You're never too old to make your Broadway debut!

Broadway News:

Emilie Kouatchou made her debut as the first Black Christine Daaé on Broadway in The Phantom of The Opera. She will play Christine this week on Wednesday, November 3rd, Thursday, November 4th, and Saturday November 6th’s matinee. Next week she’ll lead on Monday November 8th, Thursday the 11th’s matinee and Saturday the 13th’s matinee. The following week she’ll play on Monday November 15th, Thursday the 18th and Saturday the 20th’s matinee. And during the last week of November she’ll play on Monday the 22nd, Thursday the 25th and Saturday the 27th to round out the month.
Audra McDonald is coming back to Broadway in Adrienne Kennedy’s Ohio State Murders. This will make Kennedy’s Broadway playwriting debut at the age of 90. Ohio State Murders will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, who last directed A Soldier’s Play before the Broadway shutdown.
We received a first look at Celina Smith as Annie in the upcoming Annie Live on NBC. Joined by Sandy the dog, the picture features Smith in Annie's iconic red dress. The photo also included Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks and Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan. The live musical will air on NBC on December 2nd. Right in time for the holidays.
The iconic Broadway snow globes have arrived back to Times Square. The “show globes” portray scenes inspired by Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations, Dear Evan Hansen, The Lion King, and Wicked. They will be on display through December 26 in the Broadway Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Universal Studio’s adaptation of Wicked was set to begin shooting in March in Atlanta. But the production’s start has now been pushed to June, and it will relocate to the U.K. Reports are saying the delay will allow the filmmakers to get production efficiencies in-line, as Wicked will be the first production to shoot on stages at Universal’s recently built Sky Studios in Elstree. Jon M. Chu is set to direct.
Times Square is getting an exciting new performance space. The new indoor/outdoor stage is part of TSX Broadway, a 46-story tower currently under construction in Duffy Square at 1568 Broadway, between 46th and 47th Streets and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2023.

Casting:

Adrienne Warren took her final bow as Tina Turner on Halloween. She originated the role in London in 2018. She is now moving on after a deserved TONY Award and much praise. Nkeki Obi-Melekwe will now fill the role of Tina full time.
Alex Hairston, Libby Lloyd, Anthony Murphy, Kristen Faith Oei and Michael Williams will join the cast of Diana for its return to Broadway next month. As previously announced, Jeanna de Waal will star as Diana, alongside Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles, Erin Davie as Camilla Parker Bowles and Judy Kaye as Queen Elizabeth. “Diana” is scheduled to resume preview performances at the Longacre Theatre on Nov. 2 ahead of an opening night on Nov. 17.
Spring Awakening, will reunite for a special, one-night-only benefit concert. The concert will star original cast members Skylar Astin, Gerard Canonico, Lilli Cooper, Jennifer Damiano, Christine Eastbrook, John Gallagher, Jr., Gideon Glick, Jonathan Groff, Robert Hager, Brian Johnson, Lea Michele, Lauren Pritchard, Krysta Rodriguez, Stephen Spinella, Phoebe Strole, Jonny B. Wright, and Remy Zaken. Directed by the original director, Michael Mayer, the concert will take place on Monday, November 15 at 7 pm ET at The Imperial Theatre. The theater is the current home of Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

Tickets for Is This A Room and Dana H. playing in rep at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway are on sale NOW! Purchase HERE!

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#12 - Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again Oct 26, 2021

We need to rally as a community. If two of the best reviewed shows since the pandemic are closing early, Broadway isn't back yet.

Broadway News:

Lackawanna Blues extends again! The Broadway premiere production starring Ruben Santiago-Hudson has extended for the final time. The Manhattan Theatre Club staging will now play through November 12. The solo show was forced to cancel several performances and twice delay opening night due to a back injury sustained by Santiago-Hudson, who wrote, directed, and stars in the production.
The Broadway League Announced that the Jimmy Awards will return in-person to the Minksoff Theater in 2022. The Jimmys recognize the best in high school musical theatre performers nationwide and will be back on June 27, 2022 at 7:30 PM ET.
Tony, Emmy, and Grammy nominee Vanessa Williams will headline a concert presentation of Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents’ Anyone Can Whistle. The performance, set for March 10, 2022, at Carnegie Hall, is part of MasterVoices' newly announced 2021–2022 season.
On November 3rd, The Committee of Theatre Owners will honor the late, Tony-winning playwright and librettist Terrence McNally by dimming the lights of all Broadway theaters for one minute at 6:30pm. November 3rd would have been his 83rd birthday.
Amazon Studios released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming film Being the Ricardos, a look inside a week in production of the iconic sitcom I Love Lucy. The film stars Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem and Desi Arnez.
Patricia Dayleg has been hired to serve as the director of equity, diversity, and inclusion for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Funny Girl on Broadway. She officially began October 18, following 10 years in government and community-based nonprofits. In the newly created role, Dayleg is responsible for the development and execution of the vision of a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Casting:

Casting is complete for the San Francisco engagement of Jack Thorne's adaptation of A Christmas Carol which recently won five TONY Awards. Performances at Broadway San Fran’s Golden Gate Theatre are scheduled for November 26–December 26. Joining the previously announced Obie winner Francois Battiste as Ebenezer Scrooge will be Tony nominee Nancy Opel as Ghost of Christmas Past and Amber Iman as Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig.
Tony winner Lillias White has joined the cast of the New Group's world premiere production of Black No More. Lillias is currently playing Matron Mama Morton in the Broadway revival of Chicago. The new musical is inspired by George S. Schuyler’s 1931 Afrofuturist novel of the same name and set during the Harlem Renaissance. The musical will be presented from January 11–February 27, 2022, at The Pershing Square Signature Center. Opening night is scheduled for February 8.
Ari’el Stachel has departed the company of The Visitor, a new musical currently in previews at The Public Theater. A statement from the Off-Broadway company calls the development a “mutual decision.” A spokesperson for The Public confirmed that performances are currently expected to continue as scheduled. Ahmad Makshoud will assume the role of Tarek.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

Tickets for Is This A Room and Dana H. playing in rep at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway are on sale NOW! Purchase HERE!

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#11 - Schitt is coming to Broadway Oct 19, 2021

Dana H. has opened! Red carpet interviews and more inside this episode!

Broadway News:

Manhattan Theatre Club announced a one-week extension of “Lackawanna Blues,” following the cancellation of several performances. The play starring Ruben Santiago-Hudson was put on pause for a few days after Hudson sustained a back injury. So happy that this show is extending for a bit. I still have yet to see it. “Lackawanna Blues” will now play the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre through Nov. 7.
Davon Williams was named Executive Director of Broadway Black. Broadway Black was founded in 2012 by Drew Shade and is a one-of-a-kind multi-media platform dedicated to highlighting the achievements and successes of Black theatre artists on and off the Broadway stage. Davon is an international performer, a delegate for the Actors' Equity Association, and a TED Talk alum and I know personally how thrilled Drew is that Davon is part of his team.
Creative Goods Merchandise has launched a new buying program allowing theatergoers to purchase merchandise from their seats. Patrons can purchase items by scanning a QR code, which will appear on signs around the theater, and place the order on their mobile devices. The merchandise will then be available to pick up in the theater after the show. The program is now available at “Waitress” “Hamilton” and “Tina”. “Company,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Jagged Little Pill,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “MJ The Musical” will have the program available as the shows reopen.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Traditional in-theatre red bucket fundraiser has been put on hold until 2022 in an effort to help shows return back safely back to their eight shows a week schedule. You can still donate on the Broadway Cares website.
The Book of Mormon will celebrate their return by holding a free fan performance on Thursday, November 4th. Those who wish to enter for the chance to attend are instructed to share who their metaphorical mission companion is.

Casting:

“Schitt’s Creek” star Noah Reid will join the cast of “The Minutes” when the play returns to Broadway this spring. He replaces Armie Hammer, who withdrew from the production, citing a focus on his health and family, last spring. The departure came as Hammer faced allegations of sexual assault.
Erich Bergen will rejoin the cast of Waitress as Dr. Pomatter for select performances during its return Broadway engagement at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. He previously performed the role for stints in the summers of 2018 and 2019 during Waitress's initial Broadway run. Also joining the cast of Waitress on October 19 are Nik Dodani, taking over the role of Ogie, Ben Thompson, taking over as Earl, and Jennifer Nettles, stepping into the lead role of Jenna.
The Play That Goes Wrong has announced its casting for its return to New World Stage off-Broadway on October 15. The company will feature Jesse Aaronson as Max, Ryan Vincent Anderson as Trevor, Brent Bateman as Robert, Bartley Booz as Dennis, Matt Harrington as Chris, Ashley N. Hildreth as Annie, Chris Lanceley as Jonathan, and Maggie Weston as Sandra. The cast also includes Damien Brett, Laura D’Andre, Ellie MacPherson and Sid Solomon.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod, @CLewisReviews, and @TheMartinAcuna.

Tickets for Is This A Room and Dana H. playing in rep at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway are on sale NOW! Purchase HERE!

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RED CARPET INTERVIEWS - Chicken & Biscuits, and SIX Oct 13, 2021

This episode feature interviews from SIX and Chicken & Biscuits Opening Nights.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod and @CLewisReviews.

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#10 - Divorced, Beheaded, Fried Oct 13, 2021

October is the month for show openings, it seems!

Broadway News:

The Broadway revival of David Mamet's American Buffalo, starring Emmy and Tony winner Laurence Fishburne, Oscar and Golden Globe winner Sam Rockwell, and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss, will begin previews at Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre the week of March 22, 2022. The limited 16-week engagement was in rehearsal when Broadway was shuttered due to COVID-19.
Pass Over also closed on Broadway on Sunday, October 10.
Chicken & Biscuits held their opening night on Sunday, October 10.
We received a first look at the new Funny Girl revival starring Beanie Feldstein.
Tina the Tina Turner Musical reopened on Friday, October 8. Adrienne Warren is playing Tina for a few more weeks before she takes her final bow on October 31.
Lackawanna Blues cancelled opening night and performances on October 8th through October 10th, due to Rueben Santiago Hudson’s back injury.
Tina Satter’s Is This A Room held its opening night on Monday, October 11.. The play stars Emily Davis as former Air Force intelligence specialist Reality Winner during her FBI investigation. Reviews have not come out yet at the time of this recording so we will read the reviews on our next episode.

Casting:

The national touring production of Tony-winning revival of Oklahoma! will begin performances at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 9 before heading out on a 25-city tour across the country. Leading the company is Sasha Hutchings as Laurey Williams, Sean Grandillo as Curly McLain, Chris Bannow as Jud Fry, Barbara Walsh as Aunt Eller, and Sis taking on the role of Ado Annie Carne.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod and @CLewisReviews.

Tickets for Is This A Room and Dana H. playing in rep at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway are on sale NOW! Purchase HERE!

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#9 - Broadway En Español Oct 05, 2021

Broadway Flea-sized bits if information for you this time...

Broadway News:

Lin Manuel shared the opening track to his next musical film adaptation, Tick Tick Boom, called 30/90. The song is sung by Andrew Garfield, Joshua Henry, Vanessa Hudgens, Robin De Jesus, Alexndra Shipp and MJ Rodriguez.
Aladdin has suspended performances until October 12 due to COVID-19 breakthrough cases detected in the cast. They released a statement that said “We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience this causes ticket holders, but we trust that audiences agree that safety must be at the forefront of our return to Broadway….” We wish the cast and crew of Aladdin health and wellness on this journey.
Thoughts of a Colored Man, the new Broadway play by Keenan Scott II has pushed up their opening day, and now will officially open on Wednesday, October 13th. This production also teamed up with merch., the first Black-owned Broadway merchandise company, to create and sell unique merchandise for Thoughts of a Colored Man. merch. was founded in July 2021 by Brandon Gloster and Brooklyn McLain.
Pal Joey, the Rodgers and Hart-John O'Hara classic musical, has been revised in a brand-new production that will be heading to Broadway in the 2022-2023 season. There will be a new book by Richard LaGravenese, and iconic co-directors Tony Goldwyn and Savion Glover who will also do the choreography.
Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas have joined the roster of producers for the Broadway production of Chicken & Biscuits.
The Tony-winning revival of Chicago, which reopened its doors September 14, has joined forces with the Broadway League to present a ¡Viva Broadway!night—celebrating Hispanic and Latino theatre makers and audiences—October 18atthe Ambassador Theatre. Portions of that evening's performance of the long-running production, which is celebrating 25 years on Broadway, will be performed in Spanish. The company is currently led by a trio of Latin leads: Ana Villafañeas Roxie Hart, Bianca Marroquín as Velma Kelly, and Tony winner Paulo Szot as Billy Flynn.
The owners & operators of all 41 Broadway theatres in New York City have extended the vaccination and mask requirements for audiences through the end of the year.

Casting News:

The cast of Skeleton Crew will feature Chanté Adams, Brandon J. Dirden, Adesola Osakalumi and joining previously announced Tony Award winner and five-time Emmy Award nominee Phylicia Rashad. Skeleton Crew is written by Tony Award nominee Dominique Morisseau and directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Skeleton Crew will begin performances Tuesday, December 21, 2021 and open Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
A new production of Macbeth is headed to Broadway next year, starring Daniel Craig in the title role, alongside Ruth Negga, who will make her Broadway debut as Lady Macbeth.
Girl From The North Country has announced the full cast for the production's return to Broadway on October 13th. Colin Bates will be joining the cast in the role of Gene Laine.
Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the full cast starring alongside LaChanze in the Broadway production of “Trouble in Mind.” Michael Zegen will star as Al Manners, Chuck Cooper will star as Sheldon Forrester and Danielle Campbell will star as Judy Sears.
Casting has been announced for the upcoming National Tour of The Prom. Kaden Kearney will star as Emma, Kalyn West as Alyssa Greene, Courtney Balan as Dee Dee Allen, Patrick Wetzel as Barry Glickman, Emily Borromeo as Angie Dickinson, Bud Weber as Trent Oliver, Sinclair Mitchell as Mr. Hawkins, Ashanti J’Aria as Mrs. Greene, and Shavey Brownas Sheldon Saperstein.

Follow @BwayPodNetwork on Twitter. Find co-hosts on Twitter at @AyannaPrescod and @CLewisReviews.

Tickets for Is This A Room and Dana H. playing in rep at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway are on sale NOW! Purchase HERE!

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#8 - You Can Can Can Win 10 TONYS! Sep 28, 2021

Moulin Rouge sweeps the 2020 Tony Awards.

Broadway News:

In partnership with the YMCA of Greater New York, Thoughts of a Colored Man hosted a Youth and Community event at the Castle Hill YMCA in the Bronx and the North Brooklyn YMCA where there was a Mobile Barbershop ready to treat community members to free haircuts. Community members were also treated to a BBQ food truck, merchandise from the play, and free tickets to see Thoughts of a Colored Man on Broadway.
Jeremy O. Harris' Slave Play will return to Broadway, beginning preview performances at the August Wilson Theatre on November 23. The return engagement will officially open on December 2 and performances are currently scheduled through January 23, 2022. It originally played Broadway's John Golden Theatre in the 2019–2020 season, closing two months before the COVID-19 shutdown. The August Wilson is currently home to Pass Over, making Slave Play the second play written by a Black playwright to be produced there.
Due to a back injury sustained by Ruben Santiago Hudson, performances of his solo show Lackawanna Blues pushed back opening night to October 7th.
The Charles Fuller Pulitzer Prize-winning play A Soldier’s Play is being adapted into a limited TV series. TONY Award winner David Alan Grier will star in and executive produce the project, which is currently titled A Soldier’s Story, which was the title of the 1984 film adaptation.
Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of André Bishop) has announced that it will produce Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH this spring at the Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 West 65 Street). The production, which will coincide with the 125th anniversary of Mr. Wilder’s birth, and which will mark the Beaumont and Broadway debuts of LCT Resident Director Lileana Blain-Cruz, will begin previews Thursday, March 31 and open on Monday, April 25.

Casting News:

Casting is set for the return of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. James Synder will continue playing Harry Potter alongside Diane Davis as Ginny Potter, Jenny Jules as Hermione Granger, and Nadia Brown as Rose Granger-Weasley. Joining them are David Aba-liss as Ron Weasley, James Romney as Albus Potter, Aaron Bartz as Draco Malfoy, and Brady Dalton Richards as Scorpius Malfoy. As previously announced the play has been condensed into one part.
Jennifer Nettles will return to Broadway in the return engagement of Waitress. The Grammy winner will take on the role of Jenna, succeeding Sara Bareilles beginning October 19 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. As previously announced, fellow Grammy winner who also composed the musical, will take her final bow October 17.
The Broadway revival of Caroline, or Change has confirmed the remainder of its cast, including Caissie Levy as Rose Stopnick Gellman, John Carini as Stuart Gellman, and Samantha Williams as Emmie Thibodeaux, who were all originally announced as a part of the production. The musical, starring Olivier winner Sharon D. Clarke, begins previews October 8 at Studio 54 ahead of an October 27 opening night.

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#7 - Back to 'Square One' Sep 21, 2021

And the award for leaking the creation of a show before you're supposed to goes to... Nathan Lane!

Broadway News:

Recap of Curtain Up!, a three day outdoor theater festival that took place in the heart of Times Square.
TDF's TKTS ticket booth, located in Times Square at Broadway and 47th Street, reopened last Tuesday. TKTS sells same-day discount tickets to matinee and evening performances as well as next-day tickets to matinee performances to Broadway and Off-Broadway productions for up to 50 percent off.
Stephen Sondheim is working on a new musical with a playwright David Ives called "Square One.” Reports have stated that Broadway legends Nathan Lane and Bernadette Peters were involved in the reading, though it is unclear if the pair will be involved in the full production.
Hadestown, Six, Hamilton, and American Utopia have announced Broadway lotteries.
BroadwayCon, the premiere fan convention for all things Broadway, is turning the lights back on to energize and reignite musical theatre fans worldwide. BroadwayCon 2022 will be held at The Manhattan Center & The New Yorker Hotel on Friday, February 18th through Sunday, February 20th. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday.

Casting:

Moulin Rouge West End: Liisi LaFontaine, who played Deena in the recent West End revival of Dreamgirls, will star as Satine opposite newcomer Jamie Bogyo as Christian. The principal cast will also include two Olivier nominees: Clive Carter as Harold Zidler and Jason Pennycooke as Toulouse-Lautrec.
Dear Evan Hansen recently announced casting. Jordan Fisher, who was playing the title role in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway when the Covid pandemic shutdown hit in March 2020, will return to the role when the musical reopens at the Music Box Theatre on December 11. Stephen Christopher Anthony will play Evan in the musical’s touring production, which is set to launch on Dec. 7 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Sam Tutty will return to fill the lead role in London which will reopen on October 26.
As previously announced, Mrs. Doubtfire will open on Broadway this fall with Tony Award nominee Rob McClure in the title role at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Joining him are Jenn Gambatese as Miranda Hillard, Peter Bartlett as Mr. Jolly, Charity Angél Dawson as Wanda Sellner, Mark Evans as Stuart Dunmire, J. Harrison Ghee as Andre Mayem, Analise Scarpaci as Lydia Hillard, Jake Ryan Flynn as Christopher Hillard, Avery Sell as Natalie Hillard and Brad Oscar as Frank Hillard. Previews will resume on October 21, 2021in advance of the official opening night on December 5, 2021.

Links about Dana H.:

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#6 - The Whole Being Dead Thing Sep 14, 2021

Say my name 3 times. It must be spoken, unbroken.

Curtain Up!, a three day outdoor festival taking place in the heart of Times Square. Curtain Up! will takeover Broadway stretching between 45th and 48th Streets. 22 unique events will take place on stages in Duffy Square and between 45th & 46th Streets. BPN will kick off the festival everyday that weekend with Wake Up, Broadway!. What's Up Broadway? host Ayanna Prescod and co-host Christian Lewis will be setting the tone before introducing your favorite theater talents to the stage.

Here is our schedule:

Friday, September 17, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. join the Be More Chill celebration of Joe Iconis’ birthday, with the master creator himself and the fans who made the show what it is today. Hosted by How to Be More Chill’s Ilana Levine and Sam Maher with special guest appearances and answers to fan submitted questions.
Saturday, September 18, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Freestyle Love Supreme cast members: Kaila Mullady, Anthony Veneziale, Tarik Davis, and James Monroe Iglehart join Jan Friedlander Svendsen, Chief Creative Officer of the Charity Network and host of Broadway Gives Back to discuss the hit Broadway show returning to the Booth Theater in October.
Sunday, September 19, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., Off Book: The Black Theatre Podcast!, a safe haven for Black theatre artists to talk about the real tea, will welcome esteemed guests from the Broadway community for a live podcast recording with hosts Drew Shade, Kim Exum and Ngozi Anyanwu.

Broadway News:

BEETLEJUICE is returning to Broadway in April 2022. The show will play at the Marquis Theatre in the spring.
Audra McDonald and Leslie Odom Jr., will host the 74th Annual Tony Awards on September 26. Audra, the Six-time Tony winner will lead the awards portion of the evening, streaming on Paramount at 7 PM ET, while Hamilton Tony winner Leslie is set to emcee the live concert event Broadway’s Back!, airing at 9 PM on CBS, Paramount, and the CBS app.
The theater community gathered for the Trans March on Broadway and Christian discusses the movement.
Everyone’s Talking about Jamie musical adaptation will release on Amazon on Friday, September 17.

Casting:

Is This A Room and Dana H. running in rep at the Lyceum have announced their full cast. Becca Blackwell, Will Cobbs, and Pete Simpson join Emily Davis in Is This A Room. The play recounts the story of the FBI investigation of former Air Force intelligence specialist Reality Winner. Deirdre O'Connell will reprise her role in Dana H., playing Hnath’s mother as she recounts a terrifying kidnapping experience. Previews for Is This A Room begin September 24 and previews for Dana H. begin on October 1st.
Nkeki Obi-Melekwe will succeed Adrienne Warren in the title role of Broadway's Tina—The Tina Turner Musical on November 2.
The Book of Mormon will star Kevin Clay as Elder Price, Cody Jamison Strand as Elder Cunningham, Kim Exum as Nabulungi, Olivier Award winner Stephen Ashfield as Elder McKinley and Sterling Jarvis as Mafala Hatimbi.

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#5 - I'm Not Throwin' Away My Proshot Sep 07, 2021

Just like [re]born Broadway, I'm young, scrappy and hungry...

Broadway News:

Playbill, in partnership with The Broadway League and the Times Square Alliance have announced Curtain Up!, a three day outdoor festival taking place in the heart of Times Square. Curtain Up! will takeover Broadway stretching between 45th and 48th Streets. 22 unique events will take place on stages in Duffy Square and between 45th & 46th Streets.

BPN will kick off the festival everyday that weekend with Wake Up, Broadway!. What's Up Broadway? host Ayanna Prescod and co-host Christian Lewis will be setting the tone before introducing your favorite theater talents to the stage.

Here is our schedule:

Friday, September 17, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. join the Be More Chill celebration of Joe Iconis’ birthday, with the master creator himself and the fans who made the show what it is today. Hosted by How to Be More Chill’s Ilana Levine and Sam Maher with special guest appearances and answers to fan submitted questions.
Saturday, September 18, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Freestyle Love Supreme cast members: Kaila Mullady, Anthony Veneziale, Tarik Davis, and James Monroe Iglehart join Jan Friedlander Svendsen, Chief Creative Officer of the Charity Network and host of Broadway Gives Back to discuss the hit Broadway show returning to the Booth Theater in October.
Sunday, September 19, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m., Off Book: The Black Theatre Podcast!, a safe haven for Black theatre artists to talk about the real tea, will welcome esteemed guests from the Broadway community for a live podcast recording with hosts Drew Shade, Kim Exum and Ngozi Anyanwu.

Every weekend this month a new movie musical will be released.

September 3rd Cinderella on Amazon
September 10 Come From Away on Apple TV+
September 17 Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on Amazon
September 24 Dear Evan Hansen will release in theaters.
And as a bonus on October 1st, Netflix will release Diana: The Musical.

Casting:

MJ: The Musical is going on a nationwide search for their young Michael Jackson. Whomever is cast as Young Michael will also be featured on iHeartRadio Broadway. Myles Frost will make his Broadway debut as adult Michael Jackson when the show begins previews on December 2nd.
Ain’t Too Proud announced their casting. Leading the cast as The Temptations will be Nik Walker as Otis Williams, James Harkness as Paul Williams, Jawan M. Jackson as Melvin Franklin, Matt Manuel as David Ruffin, and Jelani Remy as Eddie Kendricks. All five were starring in the production prior to the COVID-19 shutdown.
Jane Krakowski also joined the cast of NBC’s Annie Live.
Sasson Gabay and Janet Dacal will lead The Band's Visit's North American Tour to round out the cast of Joe Joseph as Haled, Clay Singer as Itzik, Yoni Avi Battat as Camal, and Coby Getzug as Papi.
Tootsie national tour will be headed by Drew Becker as Michael Dorsey, Ashley Alexandra as Julie Nichols, Payton Reilly as Sandy Lester, Lukas James Miller as Max Von Horn, Jared David Michael Grant as Jeff Slater, and Kathy Halenda as Rita Marshall.

Be sure to download the BPN iOS app via bpn.fm/app.

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#4 - The Wicked Concert...is an Audition? Aug 31, 2021

It's all Wicked and Phantom from here...

Notable News:

Micki Grant, a Broadway trailblazer who was the first woman to write and star in a musical with the 1972 Black musical revue, Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope has died at the age of 92.
Broadway League launches This Is Broadway campaign a historic initiative to welcome theater lovers back to Times Square following the industry's 18-month shut down. The campaign features a short film narrated by Oprah Winfrey, and a new contest called Win all of Broadway where one lucky person will receive four tickets to every show on Broadway.
The pro-shot trailer for COME FROM AWAY is here and film will arrive on Apple TV+ on September 10 and a first look at the new off-Broadway musical stage adaptation of Winnie The Pooh headed to Theatre Row on October 21.
A New Deal for Broadway from the founders of Black Theatre United includes industry-wide standards and reforms around equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging, with a focus on Black individuals in theatre.
Dear Evan Hansen released the first two tracks from the forthcoming movie musical, Waving Through A Window and You Will Be Found.

Casting:

Corey Hawkins, who recently played Benny in the In The Heights film has joined The Color Purple Musical film adaptation. Oscar and Grammy winning singer, songwriter, H.E.R has also joined the cast. HER will play Squeak, but no word on who Corey will play.
Annie LIVE has found their Annie! Celina Smith, a 12-year-old Atlanta native, who played Young Nala in a touring production of The Lion King will lead the NBC live musical on Thursday, December 8th. She’ll be joining a star-studded cast including Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace and Tituss Burgess as Rooster.
Tony Award Winner Paulo Szotreturnsas “Billy Flynn”to Chicago.

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#3 - This Could Be Huge... Aug 24, 2021

Notable News:

Pass Over had their official opening night on Sunday and the reviews are in!
Broadway World's Christian Lewis said, “If we can follow the lead of this production, Broadway can pass over into something different, something better, something more equitable and diverse, something more political.”
NY Daily News's Chris Jones said, “Pass Over” is a Biblically moralistic work that calls out white America, declares that Black lives matter, and demands structural change, especially regarding the police."
Time Out's Adam Feldman gave the play 4 stars and said, "Pass Over is a risky enterprise—a serious non-musical show, opening in the summer amid a public-health crisis—and although Pass Over deals with questions of escape, it is far from escapist entertainment."
The Broadway League recently announced that they will not publicly share grosses for the 2021-22 season.
Moulin Rouge cast members will headline the 2021 US Open opening night ceremony.
The Actors Fund revealed that performer Debbie Allen, philanthropist Niko Elmaleh, producer Stacey Mindich, and “Stars in The House” creators Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley will receive The Actors Fund’s Medal of Honor at their 2021 Gala.

Casting:

Edmund Donovan heads to Broadway this fall in Lynn Nottage’s latest play Clyde’s. He completes a cast that also includes the previously announced Uzo Aduba, Ron Cephas Jones, Reza Salazar, and Kara Young.
Leading the cast, casting office Stewart/Whitley revealed on a now-deleted Instagram post, will be Ana Villafañe (On Your Feet!) as Roxie Hart, Bianca Marroquín (a longtime Roxie in the revival) as Velma Kelly, and Tony winner Lillias White (The Life, How to Succeed…) as Matron Mama Morton.

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#2 - You're The One That I Want... To Get Vaccinated Aug 17, 2021

Theater Twitter was on fire this week....

Notable News:

The Museum of Broadway has announced the museum will open in Summer 2022. The first museum dedicated to telling the history of Broadway will open at 145 West 45th Street, next door to the Lyceum Theatre.
The TONY Awards will be held at the Winter Garden Theatre.
PASS OVER will open three weeks earlier on Sunday, Aug 22, 2021.
Camille A. Brown will direct and choreograph an upcoming Broadway production of for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf. Brown will be the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer on Broadway in more than 65 years.

Casting:

Come From Away will return to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on September 21. The Broadway cast will feature De’Lon Grant, Joel Hatch, Caesar Samayoa, James Seol, Q. Smith, Pearl Sun, Olivier nominee Rachel Tucker, and more.
Quentin Earl Darrington, Whitney Bashor, and more will join the previously announced Myles Frost (who is replacing Ephriam Sykes) in MJ on Broadway when it opens this fall at .
Tituss Burgess also joins the ANNIE Live cast as Rooster. The production is set for Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8pm EST on NBC.
Heather Headley, Sara Bareilles, Christian Borle, and Ashley Park will star in NY City Center Encores! Into The Woods.
Disney’s Aladdin the Musical will return on September 28 at the New Amsterdam Theatre and for the first time ever, the leads will both be played by MENASA actors. Michael Maliakel in the title role and Shoba Narayan as Jasmine.
The Lion King Musical will return on September 14 at the Minskoff Theatre and star Brandon A. McCall, who starred as Simba in the North American tour.
Camille A. Brown will direct and choreography and upcoming Broadway production of for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf. Brown will be the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer on Broadway in more than 65 years.

Red Carpet Interviews from The Show Must Go On movie premiere:

Tamika Lawrence
Cody Renard Richard
Salisha Thomas
Jay Armstrong Johnson
Sammi Cannold
Ali Ewoldt
Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney

Thanks to @MaxCrumm for this episode's title.

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#1 - Broadway is Back! Aug 12, 2021

Yes, first and foremost Broadway is back!

Notable News:

The play Chicken and Biscuits, starring Michael Urie, Norm Lewis, and Cleo King, is making history by having the youngest Black director in Broadway history and 18 artists of color will be making their Broadway debuts with that show.
2019 TONY Award are set for September 26.
The Notebook Musical and K-Pop will have pre-Broadway runs.

Currently scheduled openings:

Pass Over - August Wilson Theatre on Wednesday, Aug 4th
Lackawanna Blues - Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Sept 14th.
Chicken and Biscuits - Circle in the Square on September 23rd.
Thoughts of a Colored Man - John Golden Theatre on Oct 1st
Is This A Room and Dana H. to play in repertory at the Lyceum Theatre (Is This A Room to begin previews on September 24th, and Dana H. to begin previews October 1s)
Trouble in Mind - American Airlines Theatre on Oct 29
Clyde’s - Helen Hayes Theatre on Nov 3
Skeleton Crew to follow Lackawanna Blues at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on December 21st

Casting:

Adrienne Warren is coming back to Tina: The Tina Turner Musical for a limited engagement
Moulin Rouge has announced their new Satine. Replacing Karen Olivo is Natalie Mendoza
Waitress also announced casting: Drew Gehling, Eric Anderson, Charity Angel Dawson, Christopher Fitzgerald, Caitlin Houlahan, Dakin Matthews and Joe Tippett will join Sara Bareilles when the show opens for a return engagement at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on September 2nd

Concerts:

PBS will present Wicked in Concert: A Musical Celebration of the Iconic Broadway Score on Sunday, August 29 at 9:00 p.m. EST. The evening will be co-hosted by Wicked’s original Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. Performances by Ariana DeBose, Cynthia Erivo, Rita Moreno, Isaac Powell, Amber Riley, Jennifer Nettle, Alex Newell, Ali Stroker, and more.

More info via bpn.fm/whatsupbroadway.

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Podcast Trailer Aug 03, 2021

Your weekly premiere audio destination for everything buzzworthy happening on the Great White Way. From show openings, and what’s trending on “theatre Twitter,” to Broadway star interviews and up to date health and safety protocols, What’s Up Broadway? will be a one-stop-shop for all your Broadway news and chatter. Hosted by Ayanna Prescod (she/her) Martín Acuña (he/him) and Christian Lewis (they/them/theirs). Presented by the Broadway Podcast Network.

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