The Tony award-winning play Our Town is getting another revival on Broadway!
Jim Parsons and Katie Holmes are set to the lead the cast of the upcoming adaptation, which will have a very limited engagement on the Great White Way, Deadline reports.
Also joining the cast is Zoey Deutch in her Broadway debut!
Keep reading to find out more…
“Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in my mind stands at the top of the Mount Rushmore of great American Theatre,” director Kenny Leon shared in a statement. “I feel blessed and fortunate to have gained the trust of The Wilder estate to present this classic to another generation of theatre lovers. It’s long been a burning desire to collaborate on a Broadway production of such magnitude that speaks so beautifully and intimately to all people about our shared time on the planet.”
Jim will star as the Stage Manager, Katie...
Jim Parsons and Katie Holmes are set to the lead the cast of the upcoming adaptation, which will have a very limited engagement on the Great White Way, Deadline reports.
Also joining the cast is Zoey Deutch in her Broadway debut!
Keep reading to find out more…
“Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in my mind stands at the top of the Mount Rushmore of great American Theatre,” director Kenny Leon shared in a statement. “I feel blessed and fortunate to have gained the trust of The Wilder estate to present this classic to another generation of theatre lovers. It’s long been a burning desire to collaborate on a Broadway production of such magnitude that speaks so beautifully and intimately to all people about our shared time on the planet.”
Jim will star as the Stage Manager, Katie...
- 4/3/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Jim Parsons, Zoey Deutch and Katie Holmes will star in the Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town this fall.
In the production, directed by Kenny Leon, Parsons will play the role of Stage Manager, Deutch will play Emily Webb and Holmes will play Mrs. Webb. They lead a cast of 28 actors, who also include Richard Thomas (The Waltons, To Kill a Mockingbird) as Mr. Webb, Ephraim Sykes (Ain’t Too Proud, Hairspray Live!) as George Gibbs and Billy Eugene Jones (Purlie Victorious) as Dr. Gibbs.
The play will begin previews at the Barrymore Theatre on Sept. 17, ahead of an Oct. 10 opening.
Known for his role as Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, Parsons also has extensive stage credits, including a role in Mother Play, which begins Broadway previews April 3. He has previously appeared on Broadway in productions including The Boys in the Band, An Act of God and The Normal Heart.
In the production, directed by Kenny Leon, Parsons will play the role of Stage Manager, Deutch will play Emily Webb and Holmes will play Mrs. Webb. They lead a cast of 28 actors, who also include Richard Thomas (The Waltons, To Kill a Mockingbird) as Mr. Webb, Ephraim Sykes (Ain’t Too Proud, Hairspray Live!) as George Gibbs and Billy Eugene Jones (Purlie Victorious) as Dr. Gibbs.
The play will begin previews at the Barrymore Theatre on Sept. 17, ahead of an Oct. 10 opening.
Known for his role as Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, Parsons also has extensive stage credits, including a role in Mother Play, which begins Broadway previews April 3. He has previously appeared on Broadway in productions including The Boys in the Band, An Act of God and The Normal Heart.
- 4/3/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Loretta Devine will step in for her old Dreamgirls co-star Jennifer Holliday in the upcoming New York City Center gala presentation of Pal Joey starring Ephraim Sykes.
Holliday had been previously announced for the role of nightclub owner Lucille Wallace but bowed out due to scheduling conflicts. The production runs Nov. 1-5 at City Center, starting with a benefit performance to be followed by a gala dinner at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
Both Devine and Holliday became Broadway stars for their performances in the original production of Dreamgirls in 1981, with Devine playing Lorrell Robinson and Holliday playing Effie Melody White.
The starry gala presentation of Pal Joey will be co-directed by Savion Glover and Tony Goldwyn, with Glover choreographing. The musical is being reconceived, with the character of Joey Evans portraying the character as a Black jazz singer who refuses to compromise on his craft...
Holliday had been previously announced for the role of nightclub owner Lucille Wallace but bowed out due to scheduling conflicts. The production runs Nov. 1-5 at City Center, starting with a benefit performance to be followed by a gala dinner at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
Both Devine and Holliday became Broadway stars for their performances in the original production of Dreamgirls in 1981, with Devine playing Lorrell Robinson and Holliday playing Effie Melody White.
The starry gala presentation of Pal Joey will be co-directed by Savion Glover and Tony Goldwyn, with Glover choreographing. The musical is being reconceived, with the character of Joey Evans portraying the character as a Black jazz singer who refuses to compromise on his craft...
- 7/13/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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
Broadway’s Room stars Adrienne Warren and Ephraim Sykes, along with choreographer Galen Hooks, are speaking out on the bizarre, last-minute “indefinite postponement” of the much anticipated spring production.
“We do not know what happened,” says Warren, the Tina star who was to play the lead role in the Room stage adaptation that was to begin previews next month. “We have no idea. As this continues to unfold, I just want to publicly say, it is not a reflection on the beautiful souls in this piece. It is not a reflection on our creatives.”
Related Story Broadway’s ‘Room’ Postponed Indefinitely After A Lead Producer Pulls Out At Last Minute Related Story 'Parade' Broadway Review: Ben Platt & Micaela Diamond Lead Exceptional March Through History Related Story 'Once Upon A One More Time': Tony Nominees Jennifer Simard & Adam Godley Join Broadway's Britney Spears Musical
Watch the video here.
Warren...
“We do not know what happened,” says Warren, the Tina star who was to play the lead role in the Room stage adaptation that was to begin previews next month. “We have no idea. As this continues to unfold, I just want to publicly say, it is not a reflection on the beautiful souls in this piece. It is not a reflection on our creatives.”
Related Story Broadway’s ‘Room’ Postponed Indefinitely After A Lead Producer Pulls Out At Last Minute Related Story 'Parade' Broadway Review: Ben Platt & Micaela Diamond Lead Exceptional March Through History Related Story 'Once Upon A One More Time': Tony Nominees Jennifer Simard & Adam Godley Join Broadway's Britney Spears Musical
Watch the video here.
Warren...
- 3/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The stage adaptation of “Room,” one of the most anticipated new plays of the spring Broadway season, is postponed indefinitely. The show was scheduled to begin performances on April 3, 2023 at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Rehearsals have ceased as the operation has shut down as of Thursday, March 16 2023.
The news must be particularly devastating for lead Adrienne Warren. The Tony-winner (“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”) was widely predicted to receive another nomination for her turn as Ma. The role won Brie Larson an Oscar for the movie adaptation. Warren sat in fourth place in the Lead Actress in a Play category in Gold Derby’s combined odds.
Unless the Tony Administration Committee rules that any of the spring contenders will compete in a category contrary to their billing, Warren’s absence means there are just six women contending for a nomination. That is the lowest number of contenders a race...
The news must be particularly devastating for lead Adrienne Warren. The Tony-winner (“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”) was widely predicted to receive another nomination for her turn as Ma. The role won Brie Larson an Oscar for the movie adaptation. Warren sat in fourth place in the Lead Actress in a Play category in Gold Derby’s combined odds.
Unless the Tony Administration Committee rules that any of the spring contenders will compete in a category contrary to their billing, Warren’s absence means there are just six women contending for a nomination. That is the lowest number of contenders a race...
- 3/16/2023
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The Broadway production of Room has been postponed indefinitely.
The production, which was in rehearsals with Adrienne Warren as the lead, will not go forward following a “shortfall in capitalization” and the withdrawal of a lead producer, the production said Thursday. The production, which was scheduled to begin performances April 3 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, was shuttered as of Thursday.
“In the midst of our rehearsals we were informed by one of our lead producers that due to personal reasons, they did not intend to fulfill their obligations to the production. Since being notified, the rest of the producing team has exhausted all possible avenues to keep the show on track, but the narrow timeline and economic shortfall created by this series of events has proven to be insurmountable,” producer Hunter Arnold said in the press release. “We are incredibly disappointed not to be able to open this remarkable...
The production, which was in rehearsals with Adrienne Warren as the lead, will not go forward following a “shortfall in capitalization” and the withdrawal of a lead producer, the production said Thursday. The production, which was scheduled to begin performances April 3 at the James Earl Jones Theatre, was shuttered as of Thursday.
“In the midst of our rehearsals we were informed by one of our lead producers that due to personal reasons, they did not intend to fulfill their obligations to the production. Since being notified, the rest of the producing team has exhausted all possible avenues to keep the show on track, but the narrow timeline and economic shortfall created by this series of events has proven to be insurmountable,” producer Hunter Arnold said in the press release. “We are incredibly disappointed not to be able to open this remarkable...
- 3/16/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Room, the stage adaptation of the bestselling novel and 2015 film, will not come to Broadway this spring as planned: Producers announced today that the show has been postponed indefinitely “due to a shortfall in capitalization” following the withdrawal of a Lead Producer.
Described as a play with songs, Room was to have starred Tony winner Adrienne Warren and Tony nominee Ephraim Sykes, with previews beginning on April 3 at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
Related Story Final Stephen Sondheim Musical ‘Here We Are’ To Make Off Broadway World Premiere This Fall With Joe Mantello Directing Related Story 'Merrily We Roll Along' With Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff & Lindsay Mendez Sets Broadway Preview Date Related Story Broadway Newcomers Fill Seats: 'A Doll's House', 'Sweeney Todd', 'Parade', 'Life Of Pi' & 'Shucked' Report Strong Attendance
The production was in rehearsal and is shut down as of today,...
Described as a play with songs, Room was to have starred Tony winner Adrienne Warren and Tony nominee Ephraim Sykes, with previews beginning on April 3 at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
Related Story Final Stephen Sondheim Musical ‘Here We Are’ To Make Off Broadway World Premiere This Fall With Joe Mantello Directing Related Story 'Merrily We Roll Along' With Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff & Lindsay Mendez Sets Broadway Preview Date Related Story Broadway Newcomers Fill Seats: 'A Doll's House', 'Sweeney Todd', 'Parade', 'Life Of Pi' & 'Shucked' Report Strong Attendance
The production was in rehearsal and is shut down as of today,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Complete casting for the US premiere of Room on Broadway has been announced.
Joining the previously announced Adrienne Warren will be Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes as SuperJack; Tina Benko (The Rose Tattoo) as Interviewer/Police Officer; Michael Genet (The Prom) as Grandpa/Doctor, Triney Sandoval (Bernhardt/Hamlet) as Old Nick, and child actors Aiden Mekhi Sierra and Christopher Woodley alternating in the role of Little Jack. Three-time Tony Award nominee Kate Burton will portray Grandma.
Room is written and adapted for the stage by Emma Donoghue, based on her 2010 best-selling novel which she also adapted into the award-winning 2015 film. The production, featuring songs and music by Scottish songwriters Kathryn Joseph and Cora Bissett and directed by Bissett, begins previews at the James Earl Jones Theatre on April 3, with an opening night of Monday, April 17. The limited engagement will run through September 17. Sam Julyan,...
Joining the previously announced Adrienne Warren will be Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes as SuperJack; Tina Benko (The Rose Tattoo) as Interviewer/Police Officer; Michael Genet (The Prom) as Grandpa/Doctor, Triney Sandoval (Bernhardt/Hamlet) as Old Nick, and child actors Aiden Mekhi Sierra and Christopher Woodley alternating in the role of Little Jack. Three-time Tony Award nominee Kate Burton will portray Grandma.
Room is written and adapted for the stage by Emma Donoghue, based on her 2010 best-selling novel which she also adapted into the award-winning 2015 film. The production, featuring songs and music by Scottish songwriters Kathryn Joseph and Cora Bissett and directed by Bissett, begins previews at the James Earl Jones Theatre on April 3, with an opening night of Monday, April 17. The limited engagement will run through September 17. Sam Julyan,...
- 2/15/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Based on the internationally bestselling picture books from Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, the series features the voice talents of Yvette Nicole Brown, Harvey Guillen, Scott Adsit and Gideon Adlon
Plus, all-new episodes of “Helpsters” season three premiere Friday, January 6 featuring guest stars Andrea Martin, John Oliver, Danielle Brooks, Margaret Cho, Jackie Hoffman and more
Apple TV+ today announced the all-new stop motion series for kids and families, “Shape Island,” featuring the beloved familiar voices of Yvette Nicole Brown (“Disenchanted”), Harvey Guillen (“What We Do in the Shadows”), Scott Adsit (“30 Rock”) and Gideon Adlon (“Blockers”). Based on the internationally bestselling trilogy of Shapes picture books by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, “Shape Island” premieres globally Friday, January 20 on Apple TV+.
This clever, funny and inspiring new stop-motion animated series from Apple TV+ takes place on a charming island and invites viewers to join serious Square, intrepid Circle and tricky...
Plus, all-new episodes of “Helpsters” season three premiere Friday, January 6 featuring guest stars Andrea Martin, John Oliver, Danielle Brooks, Margaret Cho, Jackie Hoffman and more
Apple TV+ today announced the all-new stop motion series for kids and families, “Shape Island,” featuring the beloved familiar voices of Yvette Nicole Brown (“Disenchanted”), Harvey Guillen (“What We Do in the Shadows”), Scott Adsit (“30 Rock”) and Gideon Adlon (“Blockers”). Based on the internationally bestselling trilogy of Shapes picture books by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, “Shape Island” premieres globally Friday, January 20 on Apple TV+.
This clever, funny and inspiring new stop-motion animated series from Apple TV+ takes place on a charming island and invites viewers to join serious Square, intrepid Circle and tricky...
- 1/6/2023
- by Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
Click here to read the full article.
The annual Antonyo Awards, which celebrate Black theater artists on and off Broadway, is going in-person for its second edition.
Presented by Broadway Black, the show, honoring the work of Broadway and Off Broadway creatives, will host its 2022 ceremony at the Apollo Theater. The live event will take place Oct. 10 at the legendary Harlem venue, where all 29 nongendered competitive categories, along with five honorary categories, will be presented.
The brainchild of producer and actor Drew Shade, the awards were live-streamed on YouTube for their inaugural 2020 iteration, which took place on Juneteenth.
“The Antonyo Awards were born to remind ourselves of the joy that Black theater artists have created in a fractured country,” Shade, founder of Broadway Black, said. “For almost 10 years Broadway Black has championed Black voices in many different ways, and we are thrilled to move from the well-received initial streaming broadcast...
The annual Antonyo Awards, which celebrate Black theater artists on and off Broadway, is going in-person for its second edition.
Presented by Broadway Black, the show, honoring the work of Broadway and Off Broadway creatives, will host its 2022 ceremony at the Apollo Theater. The live event will take place Oct. 10 at the legendary Harlem venue, where all 29 nongendered competitive categories, along with five honorary categories, will be presented.
The brainchild of producer and actor Drew Shade, the awards were live-streamed on YouTube for their inaugural 2020 iteration, which took place on Juneteenth.
“The Antonyo Awards were born to remind ourselves of the joy that Black theater artists have created in a fractured country,” Shade, founder of Broadway Black, said. “For almost 10 years Broadway Black has championed Black voices in many different ways, and we are thrilled to move from the well-received initial streaming broadcast...
- 8/22/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The New Group's just celebrated opening night ofBlack No More, featuring Leanne Antonio, Rhaamell Burke-Missouri, Elijah A. Carter, Jennifer Damiano, Brandon Victor Dixon, Ryan Fitzgerald, Gaelen Gilliland, Polanco Jones Jr., Zachary Daniel Jones, Tamika Lawrence, Sarah Meahl, Howard McGillin, Mary Page Nance, Oneika Phillips, Nicholas Ranauro, Malaiyka Reid, Mars Rucker, Angela M. Sauers, Tracy Shayne, Theo Stockman, Ephraim Sykes, Tariq 'Black Thought' Trotter, Akron Watson, Nyla Watson, Edward Watts and Lillias White.
- 2/16/2022
- by Bruce Glikas
- BroadwayWorld.com
Ephraim Sykes, the Tony-nominated actor of Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud and Hamilton, will join Brandon Victor Dixon, Lillias White and Walter Bobbie in the world premiere Off Broadway musical Black No More in January.
Inspired by George S. Schuyler’s 1931 Afrofuturist novel set during the Harlem Renaissance, Black No More features music and lyrics by Tariq Trotter (also known as The Roots’ Black Thought), book by John Ridley (12 Years A Slave) and choreography by Bill T. Jones. Scott Elliott will direct.
The New Group production will play a strictly limited engagement at The Pershing Square Signature Center from Jan. 11-Feb. 27, 2022, with an opening night on Feb. 8.
Also in the cast are Trotter, Jennifer Damiano, Tamika Lawrence, Tracy Shayne and Theo Stockman. Additional casting will be announced at a later date. The production was originally announced and slated for fall 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid pandemic shutdown.
Inspired by George S. Schuyler’s 1931 Afrofuturist novel set during the Harlem Renaissance, Black No More features music and lyrics by Tariq Trotter (also known as The Roots’ Black Thought), book by John Ridley (12 Years A Slave) and choreography by Bill T. Jones. Scott Elliott will direct.
The New Group production will play a strictly limited engagement at The Pershing Square Signature Center from Jan. 11-Feb. 27, 2022, with an opening night on Feb. 8.
Also in the cast are Trotter, Jennifer Damiano, Tamika Lawrence, Tracy Shayne and Theo Stockman. Additional casting will be announced at a later date. The production was originally announced and slated for fall 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid pandemic shutdown.
- 11/3/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Producers of Mj, the upcoming Broadway musical about Michael Jackson that uses the late icon’s hits as its score, has cast the young actor – or actors – who will play the singer in his youthful Jackson Five era: Walter Russell III from Harlem, New York, and Christian Wilson from Norfolk, Virginia, will alternate in the role of “Little Michael.”
Also cast was Devin Trey Campbell from Bronx, New York, who will play the role of “Little Marlon” Jackson. Producers Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate announced the hires.
Mj, which features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score of Jackson’s songs, begins performances on Broadway on December 6, with an opening night set for Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the newly refurbished Neil Simon Theatre.
Rather than focusing on Jackson’s personal life or controversies, the musical depicts the Thriller star and his collaborators as...
Also cast was Devin Trey Campbell from Bronx, New York, who will play the role of “Little Marlon” Jackson. Producers Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate announced the hires.
Mj, which features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score of Jackson’s songs, begins performances on Broadway on December 6, with an opening night set for Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the newly refurbished Neil Simon Theatre.
Rather than focusing on Jackson’s personal life or controversies, the musical depicts the Thriller star and his collaborators as...
- 10/28/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with full cast: Producers of the upcoming Broadway musical Mj, which begins previews December 6 at Neil Simon Theatre ahead of opening night February 1, has unveiled the full cast joining Myles Frost as Michael Jackson.
The show originally had been set to begin previews in mid-2020 before the Broadway lockdown. It features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score made up of Jackson’s hits, depicting the singer and his collaborators as they rehearse for the 1992 Dangerous Tour.
Joining Frost in the cast are Quentin Earl Darrington as Joseph Jackson / Rob, Whitney Bashor as Rachel, Gabriel Ruiz as Alejandro, Antoine L. Smith as Berry Gordy / Nick, Joey Sorge as Dave, John Edwards as Jackie Jackson / Ensemble, Ayana George as Katherine Jackson, Apollo Levine as Quincy Jones / Tito Jackson, Tavon Olds-Sample as Michael, Lamont Walker II as Jermaine Jackson / Ensemble, and Zelig Williams as Marlon Jackson / Ensemble.
The show originally had been set to begin previews in mid-2020 before the Broadway lockdown. It features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score made up of Jackson’s hits, depicting the singer and his collaborators as they rehearse for the 1992 Dangerous Tour.
Joining Frost in the cast are Quentin Earl Darrington as Joseph Jackson / Rob, Whitney Bashor as Rachel, Gabriel Ruiz as Alejandro, Antoine L. Smith as Berry Gordy / Nick, Joey Sorge as Dave, John Edwards as Jackie Jackson / Ensemble, Ayana George as Katherine Jackson, Apollo Levine as Quincy Jones / Tito Jackson, Tavon Olds-Sample as Michael, Lamont Walker II as Jermaine Jackson / Ensemble, and Zelig Williams as Marlon Jackson / Ensemble.
- 8/10/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The long-in-the-works Michael Jackson musical, Mj: The Musical, has replaced its star, Ephraim Sykes. Sykes was forced to drop out of the production due to scheduling conflicts, and now Myles Frost will now portray Jackson when the show premieres later this year.
Mj was supposed to premiere last year, but was of course delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The show is now set to begin performances in December, but for Sykes — a Broadway vet who’d been in productions of Hamilton and the Temptations musical Ain’t Too Proud — the...
Mj was supposed to premiere last year, but was of course delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The show is now set to begin performances in December, but for Sykes — a Broadway vet who’d been in productions of Hamilton and the Temptations musical Ain’t Too Proud — the...
- 6/29/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Update (6/16): Freestyle Love Supreme, the improv-driven show created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Veneziale and Thomas Kail, announced that it will return to Broadway October 7th. The show will be staged at the Booth Theatre and its limited run will wrap January 2nd. A selection of special guests will join the core Freestyle Love Supreme company throughout the run, including Miranda, Christopher Jackson, David Diggs, Wayne Brady, James Monroe Iglehart, Ashley Pérez Flanagan, Bill Sherman and Utkarsh Ambudkar. Tickets will go on sale June 23rd at 10 a.m. Et.
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- 6/16/2021
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Mj, the new musical inspired by the life of Michael Jackson, will begin performances on Broadway December 6, with an opening night set for Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the Neil Simon Theatre, producers announced today.
As previously announced, Mj, which will star Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes, features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score made up of Jackson’s hits. Christopher Wheeldon will direct and choreograph.
Producers Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate made the announcement this morning.
The creative team will feature Scenic Design by Tony and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Tony and Emmy Award winner Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen, Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini, and Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles Lapointe.
The creative...
As previously announced, Mj, which will star Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes, features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score made up of Jackson’s hits. Christopher Wheeldon will direct and choreograph.
Producers Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate made the announcement this morning.
The creative team will feature Scenic Design by Tony and two-time Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, Lighting Design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Tony and Emmy Award winner Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen, Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini, and Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles Lapointe.
The creative...
- 5/11/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Russian Doll team is coming together for season two.
Ephraim Sykes, who starred as George Eacker in Broadway musical Hamilton, is joining the cast of Natasha Lyonne’s Netflix series.
Sykes, who is a Tony nominee for his role in Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations and will star as Michael Jackson in the upcoming Broadway musical, will guest star. As with other new cast members Annie Murphy, Sharlto Copley Carolyn Michelle Smith, the streamer is giving away no details or character descriptions.
The first season followed a young woman named Nadia, played by Natasha Lyonne, who repeatedly died during a New York party, reliving the same night in an ongoing time loop. Greta Lee, Yul Vazquez, Elizabeth Ashley and Charlie Barnett also starred.
The first season of Russian Doll was released in February 2019. The series, renewed by Netflix in June 2019, was created by Lyonne,...
Ephraim Sykes, who starred as George Eacker in Broadway musical Hamilton, is joining the cast of Natasha Lyonne’s Netflix series.
Sykes, who is a Tony nominee for his role in Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations and will star as Michael Jackson in the upcoming Broadway musical, will guest star. As with other new cast members Annie Murphy, Sharlto Copley Carolyn Michelle Smith, the streamer is giving away no details or character descriptions.
The first season followed a young woman named Nadia, played by Natasha Lyonne, who repeatedly died during a New York party, reliving the same night in an ongoing time loop. Greta Lee, Yul Vazquez, Elizabeth Ashley and Charlie Barnett also starred.
The first season of Russian Doll was released in February 2019. The series, renewed by Netflix in June 2019, was created by Lyonne,...
- 4/30/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Succession‘s Juliana Canfield, WandaVision‘s Kathryn Hahn, Messiah‘s Emily Kinney, Moulin Rouge!‘s Sahr Ngaujah, and Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert‘s Joel Perez have joined the line-up for tonight’s Act Out: Vote2020, a get-out-the-vote online event featuring short monologues and songs that team prominent playwrights with an all-star cast.
Among the offerings: The Letter by Lynn Nottage starring Sandra Oh, Mr. Morrow Comes to Tally by Tarell Alvin McCraney with Brian Tyree Henry; Two Girlfriends on Zoom by Jocelyn Bioh with Yvette Nicole Brown and Dis Is Your Fathah by Ngozi Anyanwu with Sahr Ngaujah.
See the full line-up below.
“Voting matters for every election but this November 3rd is even more important,” said two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Nottage, who presents the event with The Walking Dead actress and playwright Danai Gurira and The Inheritance director Stephen Daldry. “We believe that if the entire theatrical...
Among the offerings: The Letter by Lynn Nottage starring Sandra Oh, Mr. Morrow Comes to Tally by Tarell Alvin McCraney with Brian Tyree Henry; Two Girlfriends on Zoom by Jocelyn Bioh with Yvette Nicole Brown and Dis Is Your Fathah by Ngozi Anyanwu with Sahr Ngaujah.
See the full line-up below.
“Voting matters for every election but this November 3rd is even more important,” said two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Nottage, who presents the event with The Walking Dead actress and playwright Danai Gurira and The Inheritance director Stephen Daldry. “We believe that if the entire theatrical...
- 10/29/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Stars of Broadway will stage a fundraising concert for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, with plans to stream the event on Oct. 21.
The event, which starts at 8 Pm Et, is organized by the group Broadway for Biden and is called In Our America: A Concert for the Soul of the Nation, with donations going to the Biden Victory Fund.
The lineup of the concert includes Derrick Baskin, Laura Benanti, Victoria Clark, Glenn Close, Chuck Cooper, Darren Criss, André De Shields, Renée Elise Goldsberry, John Goodman, Jayne Houdyshell, Jennifer Hudson, James Monroe Iglehart, Latanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, Norman Lear, Norm Lewis, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Rita Moreno, Karen Olivo, Ashley Park, Steven Pasquale, Carrie Preston, Kelani Queypo, Chita Rivera, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Phillipa Soo, Ephraim Sykes, Bd Wong, the Broadway Dreams Foundation Choir, and the casts of Six and Kpop.
Liesl Tommy, director of the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic Respect...
The event, which starts at 8 Pm Et, is organized by the group Broadway for Biden and is called In Our America: A Concert for the Soul of the Nation, with donations going to the Biden Victory Fund.
The lineup of the concert includes Derrick Baskin, Laura Benanti, Victoria Clark, Glenn Close, Chuck Cooper, Darren Criss, André De Shields, Renée Elise Goldsberry, John Goodman, Jayne Houdyshell, Jennifer Hudson, James Monroe Iglehart, Latanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, Norman Lear, Norm Lewis, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Rita Moreno, Karen Olivo, Ashley Park, Steven Pasquale, Carrie Preston, Kelani Queypo, Chita Rivera, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Phillipa Soo, Ephraim Sykes, Bd Wong, the Broadway Dreams Foundation Choir, and the casts of Six and Kpop.
Liesl Tommy, director of the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic Respect...
- 10/6/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Audra McDonald, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and its star Adrienne Warren, Lachanze, Aziza Barnes’ play Blks and the Off Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf were among the big winners at tonight’s inaugural Antonyo Awards for black theater artists on Broadway and Off Broadway.
McDonald took the award for Best Actor in a Play on Broadway for her performance in the Broadway revival of Terrence McNally’s Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune directed by Arin Arbus. Warren, who plays Tina Turner in Tina, was named Best Actor in a Musical on Broadway.
Blks was named Best Play, and Tina took Best Musical.
Created by Broadway Black, a multimedia organization that includes a website and podcast, the Antonyos’ Juneteenth inaugural ceremony included such presenters and performers as McDonald, Tituss Burgess, Alex Newell, Jordan E. Cooper,...
McDonald took the award for Best Actor in a Play on Broadway for her performance in the Broadway revival of Terrence McNally’s Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune directed by Arin Arbus. Warren, who plays Tina Turner in Tina, was named Best Actor in a Musical on Broadway.
Blks was named Best Play, and Tina took Best Musical.
Created by Broadway Black, a multimedia organization that includes a website and podcast, the Antonyos’ Juneteenth inaugural ceremony included such presenters and performers as McDonald, Tituss Burgess, Alex Newell, Jordan E. Cooper,...
- 6/20/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The first annual Antonyo Awards honoring black Broadway and Off Broadway theater artists is set for streaming on June 19.
Created by Broadway Black, a multimedia organization that includes a website and podcast, the new awards ceremony will feature presenters and performers including Audra McDonald, Tituss Burgess, Alex Newell, Jordan E. Cooper, Teyonah Parris, Ephraim Sykes, Lachanze, Derrick Baskin, Nicolette Robinson, Jelani Alladin, Christiani Pitts, James Monroe Iglehart, Amber Iman, Kalen Allen, Nzinga Williams, Jackson Alexander, Cody Renard Richard, Ashton Muñiz, Shereen Pimentel, Kirsten Childs, Aisha Jackson, Antoine L. Smith, Griffin Matthews, Michael McElroy, Jocelyn Bioh and L Morgan Lee.
Online voting is open to the public through midnight Friday, June 12. Four special “Kinfolk Awards” – the Lorraine Hansberry Award, the Langston Hughes Award, Welcome Award and The Doors of the Theatre are Open Award – will be presented to members of...
Created by Broadway Black, a multimedia organization that includes a website and podcast, the new awards ceremony will feature presenters and performers including Audra McDonald, Tituss Burgess, Alex Newell, Jordan E. Cooper, Teyonah Parris, Ephraim Sykes, Lachanze, Derrick Baskin, Nicolette Robinson, Jelani Alladin, Christiani Pitts, James Monroe Iglehart, Amber Iman, Kalen Allen, Nzinga Williams, Jackson Alexander, Cody Renard Richard, Ashton Muñiz, Shereen Pimentel, Kirsten Childs, Aisha Jackson, Antoine L. Smith, Griffin Matthews, Michael McElroy, Jocelyn Bioh and L Morgan Lee.
Online voting is open to the public through midnight Friday, June 12. Four special “Kinfolk Awards” – the Lorraine Hansberry Award, the Langston Hughes Award, Welcome Award and The Doors of the Theatre are Open Award – will be presented to members of...
- 6/10/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mj, the Michael Jackson stage musical headed for Broadway, will begin previews next March, an eight-month postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic shutdown.
The new dates were announced today by producers Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate.
The world premiere of Mj, featuring Jackson’s music, will begin previews on Monday, March 8, 2021, at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 15. Prior to Broadway’s shutdown on March 12, Mj was set to begin performances this July.
Starring Ephraim Sykes (Ain’t Too Proud) as Michael Jackson, Mj will feature a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score comprised of Jackson’s hit songs. Christopher Wheeldon will direct and choreograph.
Anyone who purchased tickets to the previous dates will receive an automatic refund back to the credit card used for the original purchase. Anyone who doesn’t receive a refund by...
The new dates were announced today by producers Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate.
The world premiere of Mj, featuring Jackson’s music, will begin previews on Monday, March 8, 2021, at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre. Opening night is set for Thursday, April 15. Prior to Broadway’s shutdown on March 12, Mj was set to begin performances this July.
Starring Ephraim Sykes (Ain’t Too Proud) as Michael Jackson, Mj will feature a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and a score comprised of Jackson’s hit songs. Christopher Wheeldon will direct and choreograph.
Anyone who purchased tickets to the previous dates will receive an automatic refund back to the credit card used for the original purchase. Anyone who doesn’t receive a refund by...
- 5/13/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Feature had been set to open on October 15, 2021.
Disney is fast-tracking the filmed version Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton and will release the Broadway smash on Disney+ over Independence Day holiday weekend on July 3.
The feature had been set for October 15, 2021 after Disney reportedly paid a gargantuan $75m for the rights. It marks the latest title to be rushed to the platform and satisfy a growing subscriber base amid the coronavirus pandemic. Broadway theatres will not reopn until September 7 in the Us, and there is speculation they may remain closed until early next year.
Disney moved Pixar feature Onward to the...
Disney is fast-tracking the filmed version Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton and will release the Broadway smash on Disney+ over Independence Day holiday weekend on July 3.
The feature had been set for October 15, 2021 after Disney reportedly paid a gargantuan $75m for the rights. It marks the latest title to be rushed to the platform and satisfy a growing subscriber base amid the coronavirus pandemic. Broadway theatres will not reopn until September 7 in the Us, and there is speculation they may remain closed until early next year.
Disney moved Pixar feature Onward to the...
- 5/12/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
The Walt Disney Company, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeffrey Seller and Thomas Kail are pleased to announce that Disney+ will fast track the premiere of the filmed version of the original Broadway production of “Hamilton,” bringing the 11-time-Tony Award®-, Grammy Award®-, Olivier Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning stage musical to homes around the world on July 3, 2020.
Producers for “Hamilton,” the film of the original Broadway production, include Miranda, Seller, and Kail, who also directs.
The film is a leap forward in the art of “live capture” which transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way. Combining the best elements of live theater, film, and streaming, the result is a cinematic stage performance that is a wholly new way to experience “Hamilton.”
“No other artistic work in the last decade has had the cultural impact of ‘Hamilton’—an inspiring and captivating tale told and performed in a powerfully creative way.
Producers for “Hamilton,” the film of the original Broadway production, include Miranda, Seller, and Kail, who also directs.
The film is a leap forward in the art of “live capture” which transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way. Combining the best elements of live theater, film, and streaming, the result is a cinematic stage performance that is a wholly new way to experience “Hamilton.”
“No other artistic work in the last decade has had the cultural impact of ‘Hamilton’—an inspiring and captivating tale told and performed in a powerfully creative way.
- 5/12/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The filmed version of “Hamilton” will premiere July 3, 2020 on Disney+, creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and Disney boss Bob Iger said Tuesday on “Gma.”
That is way earlier than the initial plan called for: “Hamilton” was slated to hit theaters on Oct. 15, 2021, and then land on Disney+ sometime later.
The version subscribers will see was filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre over the course of three days in June 2016. That means Miranda and the original principal players will be seen in their starring roles.
Also Read: Jeffrey Katzenberg Blames Quibi's Lackluster Launch on Coronavirus
This Independence Day weekend, Disney+ viewers will get to watch Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler, Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson as George Washington, Jonathan Groff as King George, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, and Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds,...
That is way earlier than the initial plan called for: “Hamilton” was slated to hit theaters on Oct. 15, 2021, and then land on Disney+ sometime later.
The version subscribers will see was filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre over the course of three days in June 2016. That means Miranda and the original principal players will be seen in their starring roles.
Also Read: Jeffrey Katzenberg Blames Quibi's Lackluster Launch on Coronavirus
This Independence Day weekend, Disney+ viewers will get to watch Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler, Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson as George Washington, Jonathan Groff as King George, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, and Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds,...
- 5/12/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
One little girl got the virtual-surprise of a lifetime on Sunday night’s edition of John Krasinski’s new YouTube series “Some Good News.”
Krasinski brought nine-year-old Aubrey onto the show to cheer her up after her dream of seeing “Hamilton” live in her home state of Florida, was dashed due to coronavirus-related cancellations.
On a scale of one to 10, Aubrey ranked her love of “Hamilton” at “a million.”
Also Read: Dua Lipa's Virtual 'Late Late Show' Performance of 'Don't Start Now' Proves We're All Doing Zoom Wrong (Video)
Of course, the actor turned web show host promised to fly Aubrey and her mother to see Hamilton live on Broadway in New York when it opens up again.
That was just one of many surprises for the nine-year-old, who mentioned she had watched “Mary Poppins Returns” just a few days before.
“Something tells me you might be a bigger...
Krasinski brought nine-year-old Aubrey onto the show to cheer her up after her dream of seeing “Hamilton” live in her home state of Florida, was dashed due to coronavirus-related cancellations.
On a scale of one to 10, Aubrey ranked her love of “Hamilton” at “a million.”
Also Read: Dua Lipa's Virtual 'Late Late Show' Performance of 'Don't Start Now' Proves We're All Doing Zoom Wrong (Video)
Of course, the actor turned web show host promised to fly Aubrey and her mother to see Hamilton live on Broadway in New York when it opens up again.
That was just one of many surprises for the nine-year-old, who mentioned she had watched “Mary Poppins Returns” just a few days before.
“Something tells me you might be a bigger...
- 4/6/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
The producers of Broadway's Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations announced today that they will welcome Hamilton alum Nik Walker and Detroit native Matt Manuel to the musical as Otis Williams and David Ruffin, respectively, beginning Friday, February 28, 2020. Derrick Baskin and Ephraim Sykes, the Tony Award nominated original Temptations actors, will depart the production on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
- 2/19/2020
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Lin-Manuel Miranda on Monday announced a filmed, movie version of his award-winning musical “Hamilton” featuring the original Broadway cast will be released by Disney in October 2021.
“Hamilton,” which was filmed on stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre back in June 2016 when it won 11 Tony Awards, will hit theaters on Oct. 15, 2021.
Miranda is producing with Jeffrey Seller and Thomas Kail. Kail also directed the stage production as well as the film, which the studio described as a leap forward in the art of “live capture” aiming to give a cinematic experience of the stage show.
The filmed version of “Hamilton” features the Tony-winning cast that includes Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, along with Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Leslie Odom, Jr., Christopher Jackson, Jonathan Groff, Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Okieriete Onaodowan and Anthony Ramos. The cast also includes Carleigh Bettiol, Ariana DeBose, Hope Easterbrook, Sydney James Harcourt, Sasha Hutchings, Thayne Jasperson,...
“Hamilton,” which was filmed on stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre back in June 2016 when it won 11 Tony Awards, will hit theaters on Oct. 15, 2021.
Miranda is producing with Jeffrey Seller and Thomas Kail. Kail also directed the stage production as well as the film, which the studio described as a leap forward in the art of “live capture” aiming to give a cinematic experience of the stage show.
The filmed version of “Hamilton” features the Tony-winning cast that includes Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, along with Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Leslie Odom, Jr., Christopher Jackson, Jonathan Groff, Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Okieriete Onaodowan and Anthony Ramos. The cast also includes Carleigh Bettiol, Ariana DeBose, Hope Easterbrook, Sydney James Harcourt, Sasha Hutchings, Thayne Jasperson,...
- 2/3/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Don't stop 'til you get enough As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Mj the Musical is set to begin Broadway previews this July with Ephraim Sykes playing the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. To get ready to see the iconic star's story and artistry come to the Great White Way, we're getting to know the show's cast members including Sykes, Quentin Earl Darrington, Whitney Bashor, and more. Check it all out...
- 1/7/2020
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Broadway’s upcoming Michael Jackson musical Mj has announced additional casting, with Grammy nominee Quentin Earl Darrington, Hamilton‘s Raymond Baynard and The Bridges of Madison County‘s Whitney Bashor among those who’ll join the previously announced Ephraim Sykes in the bio-musical opening this summer.
The casting was announced today by Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate. Preview performances begin Monday, July 6, at the Neil Simon Theatre, with opening night set for Thursday, August 13.
In addition to Darrington (Grammy-nominated for Once On This Island), Bashor and Baynard, Mj‘s newly announced cast includes Gabriel Ruiz, Antoine L. Smith, Joey Sorge, Darius Barnes, Coral Dolphin, John Edwards, Ayana George, Kali May Grinder, Apollo Levine, Ryan VanDenBoom, Lamont Walker II, Naomi C. Walley and Zelig Williams.
Roles for the actors have not yet been disclosed.
Sykes, currently starring as David Ruffin in Broadway’s Temptations musical Ain’t Too Proud,...
The casting was announced today by Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate. Preview performances begin Monday, July 6, at the Neil Simon Theatre, with opening night set for Thursday, August 13.
In addition to Darrington (Grammy-nominated for Once On This Island), Bashor and Baynard, Mj‘s newly announced cast includes Gabriel Ruiz, Antoine L. Smith, Joey Sorge, Darius Barnes, Coral Dolphin, John Edwards, Ayana George, Kali May Grinder, Apollo Levine, Ryan VanDenBoom, Lamont Walker II, Naomi C. Walley and Zelig Williams.
Roles for the actors have not yet been disclosed.
Sykes, currently starring as David Ruffin in Broadway’s Temptations musical Ain’t Too Proud,...
- 1/7/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mj the musical has announced a multi-city search for actors of all ages, including young performers to play Michael Jackson at age 10. These auditions come on the heels of the recently announced star casting of Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes as Michael Jackson. Actors are being sought for Broadway stage roles as well as to understudy, and must possess the singing and dancing chops for the role of Michael Jackson at various stages of his life in the upcoming Broadway production.
- 1/6/2020
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
This fall, singer, actor and dancer Ephraim Sykes juggled two of the most demanding jobs on Broadway. By night, he played the troubled, tortured David Ruffin in Ain’t Too Proud, the hit Broadway show about the life and music of the Temptations. But during the day, Sykes began preparing for what should be an even more demanding and controversial job: the lead role as Michael Jackson in a musical based on his life.
The Jackson estate first announced Mj: The Musical, Scheduled to open August 13th, 2020, in 2018 with a...
The Jackson estate first announced Mj: The Musical, Scheduled to open August 13th, 2020, in 2018 with a...
- 12/20/2019
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
A few weeks ago, New Yorkers were treated to an unusual sight: The cast of Ain’t Too Proud, the Broadway musical about the life of the Temptations, riding the subway with a camera crew. The idea was pure promotion — to maintain buzz for the Tony-winning show, which is now up for a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Ephraim Sykes, who plays the volatile and tragic David Ruffin, admits he had a few trepidations about the idea. “At first, none of us were like, ‘Yeah, let’s go sing on the subway!
- 12/20/2019
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
The Michael Jackson Estate has reached an undisclosed settlement with Disney, putting to bed a 2018 copyright infringement lawsuit over “The Last Days of Michael Jackson” TV special.
Both sides filed a notice in U.S. District Court Wednesday to dismiss the complaint in favor of a settlement.
In the suit, which was brought against Disney in May of 2018, the estate called the special “a mediocre look back at Michael Jackson’s life and entertainment career,” and accused Disney of swiping the estate’s intellectual property.
Also Read: Authorized Michael Jackson Biopic in the Works With Writer John Logan, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Producer
Among the allegedly infringed-on property were substantial portions of Jackson hits, including “Billy Jean,” Beat It” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” as well as extensive parts of Jackson music videos including “Thriller” and “Black or White.”
Disney claimed that the material fell under “fair...
Both sides filed a notice in U.S. District Court Wednesday to dismiss the complaint in favor of a settlement.
In the suit, which was brought against Disney in May of 2018, the estate called the special “a mediocre look back at Michael Jackson’s life and entertainment career,” and accused Disney of swiping the estate’s intellectual property.
Also Read: Authorized Michael Jackson Biopic in the Works With Writer John Logan, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Producer
Among the allegedly infringed-on property were substantial portions of Jackson hits, including “Billy Jean,” Beat It” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” as well as extensive parts of Jackson music videos including “Thriller” and “Black or White.”
Disney claimed that the material fell under “fair...
- 12/19/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
This year’s Grammy nominees for Best Musical Theater Album are “Ain’t Too Proud,” “Hadestown,” “Moulin Rouge!,” “The Music of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — In Four Contemporary Suites” and “Oklahoma!” Six of the last 10 winners in this category matched up with the Tony Award for Best Musical. So does this bode well for the 2019 Tonys champ, “Hadestown”?
In the musical, songwriter Orpheus and his muse Eurydice fall in love during the warmth of summertime. But as winter approaches, reality sets in: these young dreamers can’t survive on songs alone. Tempted by the promise of plenty, Eurydice is lured to the depths of industrial Hadestown. On a quest to save her, Orpheus journeys to the underworld where their trust is put to a final test.
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The nominated principal soloists on the recording are Reeve Carney, André De Shields,...
In the musical, songwriter Orpheus and his muse Eurydice fall in love during the warmth of summertime. But as winter approaches, reality sets in: these young dreamers can’t survive on songs alone. Tempted by the promise of plenty, Eurydice is lured to the depths of industrial Hadestown. On a quest to save her, Orpheus journeys to the underworld where their trust is put to a final test.
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
The nominated principal soloists on the recording are Reeve Carney, André De Shields,...
- 12/8/2019
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Tony Sokol Nov 22, 2019
Queen sold out stadiums, but Michael Jackson was the King of Pop for a Pepsi generation.
Michael Jackson's legacy as a music legend is complicated by the rumors and stories surrounding his life. His father managed the Jackson Five with a firm hand. He was thrust into stardom at an extremely young age and moonwalked into the stratosphere of performers. Now Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King will navigate the complexities of the King of Pop in an upcoming biographical feature film, according to Variety.
The screenplay will be written by John Logan, who wrote Gladiator, Hugo, the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. He was nominated for an Academy Award for writing The Aviator, Martin Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic, which was produced by King. King and Scorsese's 2006 collaboration, The Departed won the Best Picture Oscar at the 79th Academy Awards. His Freddie Mercury biopic for 20th Century Fox,...
Queen sold out stadiums, but Michael Jackson was the King of Pop for a Pepsi generation.
Michael Jackson's legacy as a music legend is complicated by the rumors and stories surrounding his life. His father managed the Jackson Five with a firm hand. He was thrust into stardom at an extremely young age and moonwalked into the stratosphere of performers. Now Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King will navigate the complexities of the King of Pop in an upcoming biographical feature film, according to Variety.
The screenplay will be written by John Logan, who wrote Gladiator, Hugo, the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. He was nominated for an Academy Award for writing The Aviator, Martin Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic, which was produced by King. King and Scorsese's 2006 collaboration, The Departed won the Best Picture Oscar at the 79th Academy Awards. His Freddie Mercury biopic for 20th Century Fox,...
- 11/22/2019
- Den of Geek
The producer of Bohemian Rhapsody has reached a deal with Michael Jackson’s estate to make an authorized biopic about the late King of Pop.
Deadline first reported that producer Graham King’s Gk Films — which produced the Queen biopic and also has a Bee Gees film in the works — secured the rights to Jackson’s life story as well as the use of his music. A representative for Gk Films confirmed the acquisition to Rolling Stone. A rep for the Jackson estate declined to comment.
According to Deadline, Oscar-nominated...
Deadline first reported that producer Graham King’s Gk Films — which produced the Queen biopic and also has a Bee Gees film in the works — secured the rights to Jackson’s life story as well as the use of his music. A representative for Gk Films confirmed the acquisition to Rolling Stone. A rep for the Jackson estate declined to comment.
According to Deadline, Oscar-nominated...
- 11/22/2019
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Meet your new king of pop! Ephraim Sykes will play the late Michael Jackson in the forthcoming Broadway production Mj the Musical. Ephraim is no stranger to the bright lights of Broadway, as he is currently appearing in Ain't Too Proud—The Life and Times of The Temptations, for which he received a Grammy and a Tony nomination. "I've been dying to share this news for months now," Ephraim captioned a picture of him with a painting of Michael on his Instagram. "My Actual wildest dream is coming true. All I can say is thank you Lord. Thank you to my family and friends that prayed and continue (please continue)to pray for me...that lift me up and told me I deserve to be here...
- 11/21/2019
- E! Online
Broadway has found its Michael Jackson: Tony-nominated Ain’t Too Proud star Ephraim Sykes will take the title role in the upcoming Mj The Musical, producers announced today.
The musical, loaded with classic hits by the later King of Pop, will begin preview performances on Monday, July 6, 2020, at the Neil Simon Theatre, with an opening night set for Thursday, August 13.
The casting announcement was made by producers Lia Vollack and The Michael Jackson Estate. Producers have released a sneak peek teaser video – watch it below.
Sykes is currently on Broadway in another Motown-inspired musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, playing the group’s David Ruffin. He was nominated for a 2020 Grammy Award yesterday for the show’s cast album, along with the rest of the original cast.
“Ephraim Sykes is a bonafide triple threat,” said Wheeldon in a statement, “and dynamic rising star on Broadway.
The musical, loaded with classic hits by the later King of Pop, will begin preview performances on Monday, July 6, 2020, at the Neil Simon Theatre, with an opening night set for Thursday, August 13.
The casting announcement was made by producers Lia Vollack and The Michael Jackson Estate. Producers have released a sneak peek teaser video – watch it below.
Sykes is currently on Broadway in another Motown-inspired musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, playing the group’s David Ruffin. He was nominated for a 2020 Grammy Award yesterday for the show’s cast album, along with the rest of the original cast.
“Ephraim Sykes is a bonafide triple threat,” said Wheeldon in a statement, “and dynamic rising star on Broadway.
- 11/21/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Grammys took a fairly expansive sweep with this morning’s nominations for Best Musical Theater Album, The Motown sound, Rodgers & Hammerstein, the folk-rock music of Anaïs Mitchell, the reworked radio hits of Moulin Rouge! and Imogen Heap’s Harry Potter musical suites were all represented.
But four of the five nominations did not include composers, since the music was not original to the cast albums. In the case of several, the musical numbers consist largely of oldies, some reworked for contemporary settings. Anaïs Mitchell’s previous concept album for Hadestown was already Grammy-nominated upon its release in 2010.
The nominees:
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life And Times Of The Temptations is a rousing recreation of the Motown sound, focusing largely, but not exclusively, on the title group’s hits. Nominated were original cast members Saint Aubyn, Derrick Baskin, James Harkness, Jawan M. Jackson, Jeremy Pope and Ephraim Sykes and...
But four of the five nominations did not include composers, since the music was not original to the cast albums. In the case of several, the musical numbers consist largely of oldies, some reworked for contemporary settings. Anaïs Mitchell’s previous concept album for Hadestown was already Grammy-nominated upon its release in 2010.
The nominees:
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life And Times Of The Temptations is a rousing recreation of the Motown sound, focusing largely, but not exclusively, on the title group’s hits. Nominated were original cast members Saint Aubyn, Derrick Baskin, James Harkness, Jawan M. Jackson, Jeremy Pope and Ephraim Sykes and...
- 11/20/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Would you rather
...eat shrimp with Salma Hayek?
...get down with Niecy Nash in a catsuit?
...attend the Royal Ascot with Kim Cattrall?
...do the conga with Keiynan Lonsdale?
...bike and stroll through Italy with Goldie & Kate?
...dance to TLC with Sharon Stone?
...get a haircut with La Pfeiffer?
...attend a Pride event with Charlize Theron?
...enjoy a Queen classic with Liev Schreiber?
...wear kilts with Broadway stars Ephraim Sykes and Jeremy Pope?
... or sing Moulin Rouge! songs with Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman, the sparkling diamond?
Pictures are after the jump to help you decide.
...eat shrimp with Salma Hayek?
...get down with Niecy Nash in a catsuit?
...attend the Royal Ascot with Kim Cattrall?
...do the conga with Keiynan Lonsdale?
...bike and stroll through Italy with Goldie & Kate?
...dance to TLC with Sharon Stone?
...get a haircut with La Pfeiffer?
...attend a Pride event with Charlize Theron?
...enjoy a Queen classic with Liev Schreiber?
...wear kilts with Broadway stars Ephraim Sykes and Jeremy Pope?
... or sing Moulin Rouge! songs with Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman, the sparkling diamond?
Pictures are after the jump to help you decide.
- 6/20/2019
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
We’ve unearthed the running order of the 2019 Tony Awards hosted by James Corden on CBS on Sunday, June 9. Over the course of upwards of three-and-half-hours, winners will be announced in 26 competitive categories. Below is the presentation order for the 73rd annual Tonys.
The eight design Tonys will be handed out in the half hour before the show goes live at 8 p.m. Et as will the award for Best Orchestrations. Those winners will be showcased throughout the telecast, with inserts of their acceptance speeches.
As usual, the first award on the broadcast will be one of the featured acting races (this year it is on the musical side of the aisle) while the show closes with a big one, Best Musical. In between, the winners of the other 15 Tonys races will be revealed as detailed in the presentation order below.
See 2019 Tonys online: How to watch 73rd Tony Awards...
The eight design Tonys will be handed out in the half hour before the show goes live at 8 p.m. Et as will the award for Best Orchestrations. Those winners will be showcased throughout the telecast, with inserts of their acceptance speeches.
As usual, the first award on the broadcast will be one of the featured acting races (this year it is on the musical side of the aisle) while the show closes with a big one, Best Musical. In between, the winners of the other 15 Tonys races will be revealed as detailed in the presentation order below.
See 2019 Tonys online: How to watch 73rd Tony Awards...
- 6/9/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The 73rd annual Tony Awards took place on Sunday, June 10 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. James Corden hosted the ceremony that aired on CBS. He won an Emmy for his efforts as an emcee of the 2016 Tonys.
While the nominees for these top theater kudos were determined by 48 theater professionals, the winners were voted on by 831 members of the Broadway community. Below, is the full and complete list of 2019 Tonys winners in each of the 26 competitive categories.
Heading into the evening, two new musicals – “Hadestown” and “Ain’t Too Proud” — lead the Tony Awards nominations with 14 and 12 bids respectively including Best Musical. Among new plays, the British import “The Ferryman” and Aaron Sorkin‘s adaptation of Harper Lee‘s classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” earned nine nominations each but the latter was snubbed for the top prize. Unlike last year, revivals of plays don’t dominate...
While the nominees for these top theater kudos were determined by 48 theater professionals, the winners were voted on by 831 members of the Broadway community. Below, is the full and complete list of 2019 Tonys winners in each of the 26 competitive categories.
Heading into the evening, two new musicals – “Hadestown” and “Ain’t Too Proud” — lead the Tony Awards nominations with 14 and 12 bids respectively including Best Musical. Among new plays, the British import “The Ferryman” and Aaron Sorkin‘s adaptation of Harper Lee‘s classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” earned nine nominations each but the latter was snubbed for the top prize. Unlike last year, revivals of plays don’t dominate...
- 6/9/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The 2019 Tony Awards take place on Sunday, June 9 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. The three-hour ceremony hosted by James Corden will air on CBS. Those in the Eastern and Central time zones can see it live while those in the Mountain and Pacific time zones have a three-hour tape delay.
Thirty-four shows were eligible for the 73rd annual Tony Awards. A whopping two dozen of these reaped at least one bid across the 26 Tonys categories when the complete list of nominations was announced on April 30 by two-time Tony winner Bebe Neuwirth and three-time nominee Brandon Victor Dixon. While the nominations were determined by 48 theater professionals, the winners were decided by 831 members of the Broadway community.
The full list of 2019 Tony Awards nominations is below.
See 2019 Tonys online: How to watch 73rd Tony Awards live stream without a TV
Musicals
Best Musical
“Ain’t Too Proud”
“Beetlejuice”
“Hadestown...
Thirty-four shows were eligible for the 73rd annual Tony Awards. A whopping two dozen of these reaped at least one bid across the 26 Tonys categories when the complete list of nominations was announced on April 30 by two-time Tony winner Bebe Neuwirth and three-time nominee Brandon Victor Dixon. While the nominations were determined by 48 theater professionals, the winners were decided by 831 members of the Broadway community.
The full list of 2019 Tony Awards nominations is below.
See 2019 Tonys online: How to watch 73rd Tony Awards live stream without a TV
Musicals
Best Musical
“Ain’t Too Proud”
“Beetlejuice”
“Hadestown...
- 6/9/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Looking for a handy cheat sheet before entering your predictions for the 2019 Tony Awards? Winners will be announced on June 9 during a live ceremony on CBS hosted by James Corden. Take a look at our racetrack odds below for all of the categories. The predicted winners are indicated in gold.
These official odds for the Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts who write about theater year-round, our in-house team of Editors, the Top 24 Users who got the top scores predicting last year’s winners, the All-Star Top 24 who got the highest scores when you combine predictions from the last two years, and all Users who make up the largest (and often savviest) bloc of predictors.
We’re predicting all 26 categories. Below, find out who we’re betting on as of this writing. And there’s still time to make or edit your own predictions before the winners are revealed on Sunday evening.
These official odds for the Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts who write about theater year-round, our in-house team of Editors, the Top 24 Users who got the top scores predicting last year’s winners, the All-Star Top 24 who got the highest scores when you combine predictions from the last two years, and all Users who make up the largest (and often savviest) bloc of predictors.
We’re predicting all 26 categories. Below, find out who we’re betting on as of this writing. And there’s still time to make or edit your own predictions before the winners are revealed on Sunday evening.
- 6/7/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The 2019 Tony Awards are almost upon us. Before you watch the CBS ceremony hosted by James Corden on June 9, make sure to check out these 11 conversations with Tony nominees. Follow the links below to watch all of our exclusive interviews with these nominated performers.
See Tony Awards predictions slugfest: 3 Experts track hottest races [Video & Audio Podcast]
Derrick Baskin (“Ain’t Too Proud”): Baskin portrays Otis Williams, the founder of The Temptations, in “Ain’t Too Proud.” It’s a role so large that he never leaves the stage. His previous Broadway credits include “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Memphis.” This is Baskin’s first Tony nomination. (Click here to watch the full interview)
Stephanie J. Block (“The Cher Show”): Block transforms herself like never before to emobdy the pop icon Cher. This marks Block’s third Tony nomination, after previously competing for “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Falsettos.
See Tony Awards predictions slugfest: 3 Experts track hottest races [Video & Audio Podcast]
Derrick Baskin (“Ain’t Too Proud”): Baskin portrays Otis Williams, the founder of The Temptations, in “Ain’t Too Proud.” It’s a role so large that he never leaves the stage. His previous Broadway credits include “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Memphis.” This is Baskin’s first Tony nomination. (Click here to watch the full interview)
Stephanie J. Block (“The Cher Show”): Block transforms herself like never before to emobdy the pop icon Cher. This marks Block’s third Tony nomination, after previously competing for “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Falsettos.
- 6/4/2019
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, one of this Broadway season’s unqualified hits, will launch a national tour next year of more than 50 cities and 100 touring weeks, producers Ira Pittelman and Tom Hulce announced today.
The coast-to-coast tour of Ain’t Too Proud will kick off at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, in July 2020, and will include a “homecoming” stop in Detroit, and a return to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Pittelman and Hulce said, “We have been so blown away by the reception for Ain’t Too Proud – not only on Broadway, but also from our pre-Broadway engagements – that we can’t wait to bring the show back to audiences across America. Feedback from cities we have already been to has been extraordinary.”
One of those pre-Broadway runs was at the Kennedy Center,...
The coast-to-coast tour of Ain’t Too Proud will kick off at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, in July 2020, and will include a “homecoming” stop in Detroit, and a return to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Pittelman and Hulce said, “We have been so blown away by the reception for Ain’t Too Proud – not only on Broadway, but also from our pre-Broadway engagements – that we can’t wait to bring the show back to audiences across America. Feedback from cities we have already been to has been extraordinary.”
One of those pre-Broadway runs was at the Kennedy Center,...
- 5/31/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“Everyone has an idea of what they think these icons are,” reveals Sergio Trujillo. The choreographer earned his second Tony nomination for “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.” The legendary status of The Temptations put pressure on Trujillo to “outdo myself.” Watch the exclusive video interview above.
Two challenges presented themselves in choreographing this biographical musical: how to surmount the pressure of expectation and how to make the movements of an infamous group fresh. So Trujillo asked himself: “If I was the choreographer of The Temptations, what would I do today?” This is after all a dramatic adaptation, and dance has evolved since the 1950’s. Trujillo knew that simply lifting the real-life dance moves of the singing group “would not have crossed over” to the stage.
See: Ephraim Sykes interview (‘Ain’t Too Proud’)
The choreographer knew it is in a way unfair to simply recreate moves,...
Two challenges presented themselves in choreographing this biographical musical: how to surmount the pressure of expectation and how to make the movements of an infamous group fresh. So Trujillo asked himself: “If I was the choreographer of The Temptations, what would I do today?” This is after all a dramatic adaptation, and dance has evolved since the 1950’s. Trujillo knew that simply lifting the real-life dance moves of the singing group “would not have crossed over” to the stage.
See: Ephraim Sykes interview (‘Ain’t Too Proud’)
The choreographer knew it is in a way unfair to simply recreate moves,...
- 5/23/2019
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
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