The Museum of Broadway presents ALL THAT JAZZ: The Legacy of CHICAGO the Musical. This unique exhibition celebrates the 26-year history of Broadway’s longest-running American musical, showcasing iconic production photography, ad campaigns, stunning costumes, and an amazing photoactivation. Opening on June 30, 2023, at The Museum of Broadway (145 W 45th St). Admission is included with standard tickets. CHICAGO continues its record-breaking run at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St).
The Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC) presents A Night of Artivism at MCC Theater’s Robert W. Wilson Theater Space on Monday, June 26, at 6:30 pm. The event showcases the work of the BAC Artivism Fellowship’s third annual cohort, featuring one-act plays by Camille Thomas and UGBA. The play supports the Solutions Not Suspensions Bill, promoting classroom restorative justice practices. The evening includes staged readings of What We Deserve, directed by Raecine Singletary, & MULTI: A Play to Encourage Revolt, directed by Zhailon Levingston. Admission is Pay What You Can, with a suggested donation of $10.
The John Gore Organization has announced the upcoming episode of The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal. It will take viewers inside the exclusive after-party of the Tony Awards at the Carlyle Hotel. Host Tamsen Fadal will recap the 2023 Tony Awards and interview winners including Victoria Clark, Bonnie Milligan, J. Harrison Ghee, Alex Newell, and Brandon Uranowitz.
The episode will also explore the Carlyle Hotel’s connection with Broadway. The show is the only nationally syndicated program dedicated to showcasing Broadway. The episode will premiere this weekend; local listings are on their website. The John Gore Organization, a leader in Broadway theater, presents shows across North America and is committed to supporting theater access and education programs.
“Here Lies Love,” the groundbreaking musical by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, is set to premiere at the Broadway Theatre tomorrow. The production offers rush tickets for $35 at the box office and a digital lottery for a chance to purchase tickets at $39. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, the musical immerses the audience in the story of Imelda Marcos at the dance club-inspired venue. The all-Filipino cast includes renowned performers such as Arielle Jacobs and Jose Llana, with Lea Salonga joining for a special guest engagement. Tickets are available at Telecharge.com or the box office.
At the Apollo
The Apollo and Ta-Nehisi Coates, Apollo’s Master Artist in Residence, are launching The Intersection: The Apollo’s Festival of Arts & Ideas. The three-day event will occur from Friday, October 6, to Sunday, October 8, 2023. Ta-Nehisi Coates will curate a festival to unite Black artists, creators, and cultural influencers to explore the diverse range of Black creativity shaping our world. Keynotes, Panels, Music Performances, and Between the Talks will be featured components of the festival. For more information, visit, apollotheater.org
In development …
Private invitation-only readings of Last Of The Red Hot Mamas – The Sophie Tucker Story will occur in New York City on Thursday, June 22. Two presentations are scheduled at 1 pm and 6 pm at Open Jar Studios (1601 Broadway).
The cast, led by Tony Award nominee Jeannette Bayardelle and newcomer Maeghin Mueller, features a talented ensemble including Phillip Attmore, Alyse Alan Louis, Nic Rouleau, Mykal Kilgore, Josh Lamon, Mark Price, Katie Thompson, and Julie Kavanagh. The reading also showcases the talents of Izaiah Harris, Graham Keen, Erin Moore, and Christine Sienicki & Last, Of The Red Hot Mamas – The Sophie Tucker Story delves into the captivating journey of Sophie Tucker, a trailblazing figure of the 20th century. The musical chronicles her rise to fame, starting as a twenty-year-old with her best friend, Molly, a former Harlem headliner.
Shea Sullivan directed and choreographed the musical, which features original Sophie Tucker songs and is based on a book by Susan Ecker, Harrison David Rivers, and Lloyd Ecker. Music supervision and arrangements are by Sam Davis, with Greg Jarrett serving as the music director. Alfredo Macias is the stage manager, and Evan Bernardin is the general manager.
On tour …
Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain announced the entire cast of the MJ First National Tour today. Roman Banks will play the role of “MJ” with Jamaal Fields-Green as the alternate. Others include Brandon Lee Harris, Josiah Benson, Ethan Joseph, Devin Bowles, Mary Kate Moore, J. Daughtry, Josh A. Dawson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter, Matt Loehr, Da’Von Moody, and Anastasia Talley.
The ensemble includes JoJo Carmichael, Croix DiIenno, Kellie Drobnick, Kyle Dupree, Zuri Noelle Ford, Jahir L. Hipps, Bryson Jacobi Jackson, Rajané Katurah, Jordan Markus, Matteo Marretta, Janayé McAlpine, Jay McKenzie, Kendrick Mitchell, Chelsea Mitchell-Bonsu, Zion Pradier, Ayla Stackhouse, Brion Watson, Charles P. Way, and Malcolm Miles Young. “MJ” First National Tour will launch at Broadway In Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre from August 1 – September 2, 2023. The musical, created by Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and playwright Lynn Nottage offer a rare glimpse into Michael Jackson’s creative genius and collaborative spirit. For more information and worldwide updates, visit www.mjthemusical.com.
Rock & Roll Man, starring Constantine Maroulis and Joe Pantoliano, announces Telecharge lottery + rush tickets. The musical celebrates DJ Alan Freed’s life and opens on June 21, 2023, at New World Stages. Rock & Roll Man’s digital lottery opens one day before the performance, with winners drawn at 10 am and 3 pm. Winners can purchase up to 2 tickets at $25 each. The rush begins at 11 am on the performance day, with more tickets potentially available. Rush ends 30 minutes before curtain and one person can buy up to 2 tickets at $35 each from rush.telecharge.com.
The cast includes Constantine Maroulis, Joe Pantoliano, Bob Ari, Rodrick Covington, Valisia LeKae, Joe Barbara, Jamonté, Andy Christopher, Natalie Kaye Clater, Lawrence Dandridge, AJ Davis, Autumn Guzzardi, Anna Hertel, Matthew S. Morgan, Chase Peacock, Dominque Scott, Bronwyn Tarboton, and Eric B. Turner.
Rock & Roll Man, the winner of the 2019 Broadway World Berkshires Awards for Best Musical, showcases Alan Freed’s boundary-smashing impact on rock. The musical features iconic songs and original pieces by Gary Kupper. For more information, visit www.RockAndRollManTheMusical.com.
Producers Ken Davenport, Sandi Moran, and Garry Kief announce Sierra Boggess reprising her role as “Mary” in Broadway’s Harmony, the musical by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman. The show will play at the Barrymore Theatre (243 W 47th St.), with previews starting on October 18 and an official Opening Night on November 13. Sierra Boggess, known for her role as “Ariel,” in The Little Mermaid and as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera, returns to Broadway after her role as Mary in the acclaimed 2022 off-Broadway production.
Based on an incredible true story, Harmony tells the tale of the successful entertainers, The Comedian Harmonists. From singing in Berlin's subway tunnels to selling millions of records and performing in sold-out theaters worldwide, their heavenly harmonies and comedic talents propelled them to international superstardom. Harmony is loosely based on The Comedian Harmonist Archive, curated by Dr. Peter Czada.
Harmony received critical acclaim, including a New York Times Critic’s Pick, and garnered Outstanding Musical and Best Book of a Musical nominations. It also received multiple Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Award nominations.