Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
No Live Music in Musicals?
“Here Lies Love” stands to be the first true Broadway musical not to use any live musicians at all. If the special council votes in favor of the producers, it could radically change what a musical IS. And changing that definition would significantly impact how we define art and artists in this country.
Takeaways from the Tony Award nominations
“Yesterday, the Tony Awards nominations were announced. While there were many certainties of who would hear their name called, there were plenty of surprises and snubs. Here are some of my thoughts on the nominations.”
James Barbour's welcoming at Phantom closing is painful reminder of Broadway's legacy with sexual assault issues
“James Barbour admitted to sexually abusing a teenage girl on multiple occasions. Yet, there he was, being welcomed back with open arms by an industry that should have exiled him permanently.”
Has 'Shucked' become the favorite for the Tonys?
“If you told me last fall that a musical about corn could likely be the favorite heading into the Tony Awards, I would not have believed you. But after hearing the buzz about Shucked, the new musical that opened on Broadway on April 4th, that may be the reality as we get closer to the award ceremony.”
Disobedient Bodies: Kimberly Levaco & Me
“I won’t call the show inspiring, but maybe I can credit Kim with not only showing me a sliver of myself but potentially nudging me in a more adventuresome direction while also allowing pride in the joy I’ve been able to create.”
The Neo-Nazi protest outside was as appalling as it was stupid
“A hate group who decided to waste their lives hating others, descended upon Broadway to protest in front of the theatre where ‘Parade’ started previews last night. The small number of hateful bigots tried to spread their message of antisemitism and were quickly confronted by audience members waiting in line to get into the theatre.”
Major Broadway and Off-Broadway award ditches gender from acting categories
“In a first for major New York theatre awards, the Outer Critics Circle has removed gender from its acting categories. The move comes as the discussion surrounding the inclusion of non-binary and trans performers in these awards has gained steam as representation has improved.”
Colbert Does Not Need To Apologize for His Adam Jacobs Joke, But He Should Reflect
“Should he make a statement or apologize? Heck no. It’s comedy. His audience is broader than just theatre nerds. I don’t blame anyone for laughing at it, for Colbert is a gifted comedian. But should he reflect and promise, even just to himself and his staff, to make it right going forward? Heck yes.”
Stephen Colbert joke ignites anger in the theatre community
“A joke featured on Late Night with Stephen Colbert is causing outrage among the theatre community.”
'Kids Night on Broadway' Promotion Proves Broadway Doesn't Really Care About Kids Coming To Shows
“Broadway is running a free kids ticket promotion on a Tuesday night in March, when so many kids will have school the next day, homework to do, and likely scheduled activities they would have to skip to attend the show. To quote Mad Men, “Not Great Bob!”
The 3 Ways Broadway Survives the Next 50 Years
“The costs of producing and attending a Broadway production are not going to decrease in the coming years. So in order for the industry to thrive in the coming decades, creative thinking and bold plans are needed. Thankfully, I have three of them.”
Woman interrupts Wendell Pierce during 'Death of a Salesman', is removed from theatre
The December 27th performance of Broadway’s ‘Death of a Salesman’ was interrupted by a woman seated in the orchestra section of the theatre.