Phylicia Rashad to direct Charles Randolph-Wright's "Blue" at the Apollo Theater; Shakespeare in the Park season will be “Richard II” and “As You Like It”; "The Notebook" to premiere in Chicago; reimagined “Aida" will premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse in 2021; "Hairspray" national tour launches in the fall; "The Karate Kid" musical in development; "Almost Famous" headed to Broadway? "The Phantom of the Opera" turns 32; RIP: Margo Lion, Joseph P. Patria Jr., and Peter Larkin
All tagged Shakespeare in the Park
FEATURE: Top 10 of 2019
By my count, I’ve attended 234 performances of theatre, dance, music, opera, and cabaret during 2019. Out of a field that large, it’s hard to pick just ten, but nevertheless, here are my top ten (ok, eleven) favorite shows I saw in 2019.
"The Band's Visit" to close April 7th; "Anastasia" to close March 31st; Public Theater announces summer line up in the Park; "Oklahoma!" joins the Gun Neutral Initiative; Fox cancels "Hair"; USPS issues Gregory Hines stamp; buzz builds for transfer of British musical “Six”; Laura Collins-Hughes defends physical, printed programs; photos of the Mark Hellinger Theatre
Rosemary Harris to replace Diana Rigg in "My Fair Lady"; Hugh Dancy and Megalyn Echikunwoke join "Apologia"; "School Girls” cast reuniting for encore run; MTC expands "30 Under 30” program to age 35; TKTS pilots price listing; “Mean Girls” to offer free fan performance; “Sweat” to tour the Midwest; “Be More Chill” sells out; “Moulin Rouge” aiming for summer 2019 Broadway bow; Tommy Tune hints at “Grand Hotel” revival; Ruthie Ann Miles returns to the stage; Charlotte Rae dead at 92
REVIEW: Shakespeare in the Park’s Festive and Musical “Twelfth Night”
The Public Theater presents a free, Public Works musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” in Central Park. Featuring songs by Shaina Taub and a cast in excess of 75 professional and amateur performers of all ages, races, sizes, and abilities, this “radically inclusive” production is magical, festive, and highly accessible. Infectiously energetic and buoyantly spirited, do not miss this jubilant new musical.
"Springsteen on Broadway" extends to June 2018; "M. Butterly" closing early; revivals of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", "Titanic", and "The Woman in White" eyeing Broadway; revelations of sexual assault rock the arts community; "Joe Papp Way" street co-naming honors Public Theater founder