The 2018-19 Tony Season has certainly been off to a so-so start. We’ve seen more misses than hits with some of the more award-darling type shows yet to open. However, I do think we’ve seen some strong Tony contenders from the shows that have opened thus far. Here’s a rundown of how we think some of these categories might go.

I would like you to meet Tanya Haglund. Tanya recently made her Broadway debut in the ensemble Head Over Heels at The Hudson Theatre which closes January 6th and will be continue living her Broadway when she performs in the ensemble of The Broadway Revival of Cole Porter’s Kiss Me Kate which will begin previews on February 14th at Studio 54. It was a pleasure to interview this fantastic dancer in between rehearsing one show and performing in another.

The owner of a private performing arts studio in the Whiting section has been charged with endangering the welfare of children, after police said he gave the youths alcohol and took photos and videos of them in various states of undress.

Michael W. Grande, 43, of Manchester, runs the Westminster School for Performing Arts, where he also is a teacher. Additionally, he is the artistic and education director for the Westminster Theatre Company. Both the studio and theatre company are in Whiting, said Capt. Todd Malland, a police spokesman.

“On several occasions, Mr. Grande provided alcoholic beverages to the victims, who were between the ages of 16 and 20, and also took photos and videos of them in various stages of undress,” Malland said in the prepared statement.

I would like you to meet Kayla Davion. Kayla is currently performing in the Ensemble and understudies the role of Ann Darrow of King Kong on Broadway at The Broadway Theatre. Ms. Davion has also performed on Broadway in the Ensemble of Waitress at The Brooks Atkinson Theatre. It was such an honor and privilege to have the chance to interview this very talented performer. 

"I would like you to meet the talented Becca Lee. She is currently performing in the ensemble of “The Prom” on Broadway at The Longacre Theatre. This season has been fantastic when it comes to love and acceptance, and this musical comedy I feel fits that message well when it comes to accepting one another, owning up to who you are and caring for others who aren’t like you. I was delighted to have the chance to interview her.

This past summer, news broke that Music Theatre International Inc.(MTI) filed a lawsuit against Theaterpalooza Community Theater Productions, Inc and its owner, Teresa Walker.

The issue centered on Theatrepalooza’s 16 unauthorized productions of MTI titles over the past three years. Even despite warnings and cease and desist communication, Walker and her group continued to perform the material without paying for the rights.

While Theatrepalooza is fighting one legal issue, more could be on the horizon.

This weekend, one of the most highly anticipated films of the year opens in theaters.

A North Georgia Theater Company Owner, JC Smith, who faces several statutory rape charges is out on bond.

Chattanooga Police charged Joshua Conrad Smith with five counts of aggravated statutory rape.

Court documents say Smith was having sexual contact with two different minors from February to June 20-17.

CPD says these two girls were a part of Smith’s theater company, Closed Door Entertainment.

I would like you to meet Roman Banks. Roman is currently the understudy for Evan, Jared and Connor in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway at The Music Box Theatre. On December 12th Roman made history by becoming the first Evan Hansen of color. I can only imagine how amazing that feeling must have been for Roman. If you were present or not Roman is a great example of knowing that if you work hard and stay ready anything is possible. I was honored to have the chance to interview this talented young man. 

The Broadway premiere of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD occurred last night at the Shubert Theatre.

The hit Yiddish-language production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF announces complete casting in advance of its 2019 Off-Broadway run.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's groundbreaking first musical will return to Broadway next year.

Norm Lewis and Jessie Mueller headline a new concert presentation of Golden Age classic THE MUSIC MAN.

A performing arts education and audition coaching company is under fire today over claims that it has not paid its guest faculty members for summer workshops and masterclasses even though they had agreements over email regarding compensation.

Casting is now complete for the return engagement of the National Theatre production of FOLLIES.

On Dec. 4, 2018, a documentary about George Takei’s 2015 musical Allegiance played in theatres through Fathom Events, followed by a showing of the filmed musical on Dec. 11. Leading up to the release of the documentary and the encore of the filmed show, Takei spoke with OnStage Blog about the path Allegiance has taken.

“We hadn’t the faintest idea when we embarked on this journey ten years ago what the road would be like,” said Takei. “But at every point along its path, from development, to the World Premiere in San Diego, to the Broadway run, and now to the post-Broadway productions and movie, it has been a joy, and so profoundly humbling and fulfilling.”