Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
With 'Here Lies Love' Closing, Do Broadway Producers Still Have Faith in Asian Stories?
“After seeing other shows that tell Asian stories with all-Asian casts close due to low ticket sales such as KPOP and Allegiance and now Here Lies Love, I’m starting to become fearful that producers are losing faith that investing in such projects.”
"We are people": Ugandan Students React to 'The Book of Mormon' Musical
“A group of Ugandan students has written a letter to the creators of the musical, ‘The Book of Mormon’, after researching the show for a class project. The letter details their hurt and confusion over being made punchlines and gross mischaracterizations of Uganda which they found ‘offensive and abusive.’”
Newly Uncovered Scientology Documents Confirm More Victims of James Barbour's Abuse
“In 2008, Broadway performer James Barbour confessed to sexually abusing a minor when she was 15- years-old. The news and the ensuing legal proceedings sent shockwaves through the Broadway community. But recently uncovered documents, made public by former members of the Church of Scientology, not only provide insight into how the church tried to protect Barbour but also reveal confessions of abuse of more victims - including one as young as 14-years-old.”
5 Things You Didn’t Know About The Museum of Broadway
“Since its opening in November, The Museum of Broadway has welcomed thousands of guests, hosted special events, and most importantly, immersed theatre lovers into the world of Broadway. Here are five things you may not know about The Museum of Broadway!”
'The Music Man' Revival's Misapplication of Modernization
“Half-hearted attempts to make something safe, simply dilute the meaning and intention of the texts. These pieces were products of their time, and there should be a certain amount of critical evaluation of them. Sanding off the rough edges in effect removes the means of critiquing the texts as written in their original contexts and as a modern theatregoer. Audiences definitely deserve better.”
A Mixtape of 25 Musical Theater Songs I Would Introduce To Our New Alien Friends
“Last week, I was driving to work, thinking about how I would interact with aliens if I ever met them. What’s the best way to explain yourself to complete and utter strangers? The answer is obvious, of course: MIXTAPES!”
MUSE & MAESTRA efforts deserve respect, not vilification
“A three-week intensive like this is a fantastic opportunity for someone to get access and mentorship that has been challenging to obtain for the communities that MUSE and MAESTRA are dedicated to helping. I don’t have a problem with this, and I’m sure many of you don’t either. But hell hath no fury like telling a cis-white male that a door isn’t open for him to burst through like the Kool Aid Man.”
'Spamalot' Headed Back to Broadway This Fall
Monty Python’s Spamalot, the 2005 Tony winner for Best Musical, will return to Broadway this fall. Performances will begin on October 31 at the St. James Theatre, in advance of a November 16 opening.
Jordan Roth Sells Majority Stake in Five Jujamcyn Theaters
“A few days ago the New York Times broke the news that Jujamcyn Theaters, led by Jordan Roth, sold a ninety-three percent stake in five Broadway theaters to International Entertainment Holdings Limited, the parent company of Ambassador Theatre Group. But the merger is raising long-time concerns about the gatekeeping of real estate and producing on Broadway.”
Broadway Strike Looming with Union Contract Talks Stalled
“News broke today that talks on a new contract between the Broadway League and Disney Theatrical Productions and IATSE have stalled and the union is holding a strike authorization vote which means a strike could begin as early as this Friday.”
Reasons why you should absolutely attend BroadwayCon
“If you’re on the fence about attending BroadwayCon, I encourage you to do so. The event annually renews my love of theatre and faith in the people who work in it. It might just do the same for you.”
Incident at 'Here Lies Love' should serve as wake up call for theatre security
“My concerns over the lack of security and safety of Broadway performers have been growing steadily for years. What can be done beyond the security measures that are already in place? I have some ideas.”