Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
Not Every New Broadway Musical Needs to Be Based on Movies. But at These Prices, What Else Is Filling the Seats?
Broadway doesn’t need every new musical to be based on a movie, TV show, or some other piece of pre-sold content. But when tickets cost this much, originality starts to look like a tougher sell.
Theatre Professor and State Rep. Amy Roeder Makes Case for More Artists in Politics
A theatre professor who is also a politician should not feel unusual, and yet it still does. Amy Roeder’s story is a great reminder that theatre training may prepare people for public service more than we give it credit for.
Spokane Civic Theatre Cancels Hunchback, Pledges More Inclusive Path Forward
Spokane Civic Theatre has cancelled The Hunchback of Notre Dame after controversy over the production’s casting.
Yes, It’s Weird When the Artistic Director Casts Themself as the Lead
Harbour Lights Theatre has announced its summer production of Dear Evan Hansen, starring the theatre’s artistic director as Evan. For some, this renews a familiar question: should the person running the theatre also be taking the lead in a show?
“Mission: Impossible-The Musical” to Open on Broadway Fall 2026, Performing Mostly Outside of Theatre
The production, starring Tom Cruise himself in a strictly limited four-week run, promises to redefine immersive theater by taking place largely outside the theater itself.
Cameron Mackintosh Might Be Bluffing About Leaving Broadway, But He Still Has a Point
Funny how stories about Broadway being too expensive always seem to surface when unions are negotiating. Still, that doesn’t mean the financial concerns aren’t real.
Anti-LGBTQ Posts by Executive Director Raise Serious Questions for Illinois Community Theater
An Illinois community theatre is facing serious questions after resurfaced anti-LGBTQ posts from its executive director, including comments targeting nonbinary people.
Broadway’s Rocky Horror Revival is Coming. Leave the Movie Callbacks at Home
A live Broadway revival is not the same thing as a midnight movie screening.
Michigan Theatre Faces Lawsuit as Members Seek Removal of Board Leaders
Over 50 members of the Michigan Theatre have filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of two board leaders, alleging abuse of power, dishonest conduct, and a breakdown of trust.
When the Curtain Falls on Your Life: Finding My Way Back to Theatre
A look at how grief can pull someone away from theatre and the arts, and what it means to slowly find your way back.
From Five People to a Full House: A High School Theatre Production Gets the Ending It Deserved
Only five people attended opening night of a high school’s play. Days later, hundreds showed up for the final performances. A look at the story, the turnaround, and why one painful night should not discourage these students from pursuing the performing arts.
Playwrights Horizons Settled the Lawsuit Over Race-Based Ticket Discounts
Playwrights Horizons has settled its lawsuit over a race-based ticket discount, and while I agree it would have been a very tough case for the theater to defend, I keep coming back to one question: why did this need to become a lawsuit at all?