Broadway

Inaugural Broadway Live Cinema Festival at AMC With Feinstein’s/54 Below With Live Performances by Melissa Errico, Joe Iconis, Brenda Braxton, Bianca Marroquín, Robert Creighton & More,

Published

2 years ago

June 17, 2021

Broadway Live Cinema Festival, the new film and live performance event honoring Broadway and movie musicals, has announced the lineup of artists set to perform live at the inaugural festival this summer at AMC Empire 25 Theater in Times Square (234 W 42nd St, NYC).

In celebration of the highly-anticipated re-opening of Broadway theaters this fall, the four-week 2021 festival runs from July 15 – August 8, and will feature the award-winning classic films Chicago, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, Little Shop of Horrors as well as the critically-acclaimed new release In The Heights.

Each film will be presented as an immersive theatrical experience with live in-cinema performances by Broadway talent. Following the film, audiences will be treated to exclusive access to the 4,500 sq-ft outdoor afterparty at Feinstein’s/54 Below at the AMC Rooftop, where topline Broadway and Cabaret acts curated by Feinstein’s/54 Below perform exclusive sets celebrating the marquee films of the festival – all set against the majestic backdrop of the Times Square cityscape.

The July lineup for Feinstein’s/54 Below at the AMC Rooftop features: The Barrio Sings Broadway, featuring Broadway and National Tour cast members of In The Heights and friends, for a night of vocal fireworks on July 15; The Skivvies: Little Shop of Horrors Edition, with Lauren Molina (Rock of Ages), Nick Cearley (All Shook Up), special guest Tamika Lawrence (Caroline or Change) and more, on July 15; Zack Zadek & Friends Celebrate In The Heights on July 16; Sing Happy…And All That Jazz – Queer & Trans Artists Celebrate Kander & Ebb, directed by Max Friedman on July 16; Christine Pedi Celebrates Chicago on July 17; SiriusXM “On Broadway” host Julie James shares behind-the-scenes stories about the Broadway titles featured in the festival, on July 17; Drama Desk nominee Robert Creighton (Frozen, The Mystery of Edwin Drood), in “Robert Creighton: It’s Time To Dream” on July 22; Chicago star Bianca Marroquín on July 22; Danny Jonokuchi and The Revisionists Celebrate West Side Story on July 23; The Legacy of In the Heights: A Latinx Writers Concert Featuring The Work of Jaime Lozano and More on July 23; Tony Nominee Melissa Errico (Amour, My Fair Lady) in The Girl From Oz: Melissa Errico Swings the Yellow Brick Road, featuring the Matt Baker Quintet, on July 24; Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’s Destinee Rea in The Muse – An Evening Honoring Black Women on July 24; Tony nominee Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe’s Café, Chicago) in Act 2, Now What? on July 29; The Yellow Brick Legacy starring Caroline Bowman (Frozen, Kinky Boots), Austin Colby (Frozen, Jersey Boys), Anastacia McCleskey (Waitress, The Secret Life of Bees) and Daniel Quadrino (Wicked, Newsies), under the direction of Benjamin Rauhala, on July 29; and Wicked star Julia Murney on July 30.

In August, the Feinstein’s/54 Below at the AMC Rooftop lineup wraps up with Jonathan Larson Grant winner Rona Siddiqui & Friends on August 5; Tony nominee Joe Iconis and Family Salutes Ashman and Menken on August 5; Drama Desk nominee Amy Spanger Celebrates Chicago with Special Guest Lana Gordon on August 6; and Jennifer Leigh Warren, Little Shop of Horrors’ Original Crystal on August 7.

Tickets are now available for purchase from $29, at www.broadwaylivecinemafestival.com for the following 2021 festival feature films. Ticket buyers can choose the in-theater experience only, or a full package that includes post-show access to Feinstein’s/54 Below at the AMC Rooftop. Check the website for more details on specific screening dates and performance sets:

In The Heights (2021), the newly released New York Times’ Critic’s Pick, directed by Jon M. Chu
Chicago (2002), the Oscar-winning Best Picture, directed by Rob Marshall
Little Shop of Horrors (1986), the Oscar-nominated film directed by Frank Oz
West Side Story (1961), the Oscar-winning Best Picture directed by Robert Wise & Jerome Robbins
The Wizard of Oz (1939), the Oscar-winning film directed by Victor Fleming

The in-cinema performance offerings of the inaugural festival will be directed by Tony Award nominee Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages, Bare) with musical direction by Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (Choir Boy). Kicking off the in-cinema entertainment for In the Heights screenings is R.Evolución Latina, an organization founded by In The Heights original cast member Luis Salgado, with a mission of utilizing the arts to empower the Latino community to discover their full potential through educational and collaborative programming. Additional confirmed in-cinema performers include Matt Wolpe, L Morgan Lee, Keely Beirne, Danyel Fulton, and Kim Exum, with more to be announced soon. Each auditorium performance features unique choreography by some of Broadway’s most exciting talent, including Sunny Hitt (The Tempest), Luis Salgado (On Your Feet!, In The Heights), Raja Feather Kelly (A Strange Loop), Josh Rhodes (Bright Star, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella), and James Alonzo (Travis Scott, Cardi B).

The experience inside the theater also features Production Design by Anita La Scala & Rob Bissinger (Magic Mike Live, Big Apple Circus), Projection Design by Tony Award Nominee Lucy Mackinnon (Jagged Little Pill), Sound Design by Matt Kraus (Kristin Chenoweth: My Love Letter To Broadway, “The Tonight Show”), and Lighting Design by Drama Desk Award Winner Amith Chandrashaker (Boesman and Lena, The Lucky Ones). The Casting Director is Stewart/Whitley (Hadestown, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” on NBC). Broadway Live Cinema Festival is produced by renowned playwright, director and producer Daniel Wise, Zvi Septimus, and Tony Award winner Jeff Croiter, in association with AMC Theaters. Feinstein’s/54 Below serves as a Partner and Rooftop Lounge Programmer (curated by Jennifer Ashley Tepper). The Executive Producer is MEP, who also provides General Management.

Following this New York City launch, the Broadway Live Cinema Festival is set to expand, with recurring programming to run at multiple AMC Theaters across the nation.

Broadway Live Cinema Festival extends throughout the 4th floor of the AMC Empire 25 theater in Times Square (234 W 42nd St, NYC). Tickets ranging from $29-$129 are available for purchase at broadwaylivecinemafestival.com. Please note that, in accordance with state mandates and CDC guidelines, masks are not required for fully vaccinated guests. Those who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a mask throughout the building, which may be temporarily removed while enjoying food and drinks. Please be mindful of the health and protection of yourself and fellow guests during your visit; by entering the building without wearing a mask, you are representing that you are fully vaccinated. If needed, masks will be available to purchase for just $1.

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What to Watch: June 17

Suzanna Bowling

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Broadway

The New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon and You are There

Published

22 hours ago

June 1, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

On Tuesday the New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon was held at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, Broadway ballroom 6^th floor.

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony® Honor recipient and the nation’s premier playwright development laboratory, was honored with its 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award at their 71st Annual Spring Luncheon Tribute

Kenny Leon photo by Michael Hull

Tony Award winner, Kenny Leon, director of Parks’ recent revival of Topdog/Underdog lead the tributes.

photo by Michael Hull

In Attendance were:

Ben Platt (Parade) photo by Michael Hull

Annaleigh Ashford (Sweeney Todd) photo by Michael Hull

Brandon Uranowitz (Leopoldstadt) photo by Michael Hull

J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Kevin Cahoon (Shucked) photo by Michael Hull

Natasha Yvette Williams (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Wayne Cilento (Dancin’) photo by Michael Hull

Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet) and Linedy Genao (Bad Cinderella) photo by Michael Hull

Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo), Ben Platt (Parade) and Colton Ryan (New York, New York) photo by Michael Hull

Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo), Brian Stokes Mitchell, Suzan-Lori Parks, Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo) and Bonnie Milligan (Kimberly Akimbo) at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Also Artistic Director Emily Morse and Executive Director Joel Ruark,

Executive Director Joel Ruark photo by Michael Hull

Jeannie Tessori photo by Michael Hull

Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi), Betsy Aidem (Leopoldstadt), Steven Boyer (Kimberly Akimbo), Faye Castelow (Leopoldstadt), Rashad Chambers (Topdog/Underdog), Ben Davis (New York, New York), Eisa Davis (New York, New York), Micaela Diamond (Parade), Delia Ephron (Love Loss & What I Wore), Corey Hawkins (Topdog/Underdog), Jessica Hecht (Summer, 1976), Amy Herzog (A Doll’s House), Robert Horn (Shucked), Mark Jacoby (A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical), LaChanze (Here Lies Love, Kimberly Akimbo), event co-chair Caissie Levy (Leopoldstadt), Judith Light (Other Desert Cities), David Lindsay-Abaire (Kimberly Akimbo), Neil Meron (Some Like It Hot), Alli Mauzey (Kimberly Akimbo), Lauren Mitchell (A Bronx Tale), Arian Moayed (A Doll’s House), Casey Nicholaw (Some Like It Hot), Linda Powell (A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical), Daryl Roth (Kinky Boots), Sarah Ruhl (in The Next Room), Stark Sands (& Juliet), Miriam Silverman (The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window), Marcel Spears (Fat Ham), Katy Sullivan (Cost of Living), David Stone (Wicked), Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo), Paula Vogel (How I Learned To Drive), Sharon Washington (New York, New York), Scott WIttman (Some Like It Hot), Kara Young (Cost of Living), David Zayas (Cost of Living).

Performing were:

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Daniel Fulton, Orville Mendoza, Suzan-Lori-Parks, Lauren Molina and Leland Fowler photo by Michael Hull

Brandon and Jason Dirden photo by Michael Hull

New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks and New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony Kushner photo by Michael Hull

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Stay tuned for our interviews.

Broadway

The New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon and You Are There

Published

23 hours ago

May 31, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

On Tuesday the New Dramatists’ 71st Annual Benefit Luncheon was held at the New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway, Broadway ballroom 6^th floor.

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony® Honor recipient and the nation’s premier playwright development laboratory, was honored with its 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award at their 71st Annual Spring Luncheon Tribute

Kenny Leon photo by Michael Hull

Tony Award winner, Kenny Leon, director of Parks’ recent revival of Topdog/Underdog lead the tributes.

photo by Michael Hull

In Attendance were:

Ben Platt (Parade) photo by Michael Hull

Annaleigh Ashford (Sweeney Todd) photo by Michael Hull

Brandon Uranowitz (Leopoldstadt) photo by Michael Hull

J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Kevin Cahoon (Shucked) photo by Michael Hull

Natasha Yvette Williams (Some Like It Hot) photo by Michael Hull

Wayne Cilento (Dancin’) photo by Michael Hull

Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet) and Linedy Genao (Bad Cinderella) photo by Michael Hull

Justin Cooley (Kimberly Akimbo), Ben Platt (Parade) and Colton Ryan (New York, New York) photo by Michael Hull

Also Artistic Director Emily Morse and Executive Director Joel Ruark,

Executive Director Joel Ruark photo by Michael Hull

Jeannie Tessori photo by Michael Hull

Performing were:

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Daniel Fulton, Orville Mendoza, Suzan-Lori-Parks, Lauren Molina and Leland Fowler photo by Michael Hull

Brandon and Jason Dirden photo by Michael Hull

New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks and New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks New Dramatists resident playwrights at The New Dramatists Spring Luncheon. photo by Michael Hull

Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Tony Kushner photo by Michael Hull

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Suzan-Lori-Parks photo by Michael Hull

Stay tuned for our interviews.

Broadway

And The Winners of The 2023 Drama Desk Awards Are ………

Published

1 day ago

May 31, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

The 2023 67th Drama Desk Awards, honoring artistic excellence on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway, will take place on June 6 at Sardi’s Restaurant. Today the winners were announced.

Outstanding Play: “Leopoldstadt,” by Tom Stoppard

Outstanding Musical: “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Revival of a Play: “The Piano Lesson”

Outstanding Revival of a Musical: “Parade”

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play: Jessica Chastain, “A Doll’s House” and Sean Hayes, “Good Night, Oscar”

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical: Annaleigh Ashford, “Sweeney Todd”
and J. Harrison Ghee, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play: Miriam Silverman, “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window,” Brooklyn Academy of Music and Brandon Uranowitz, “Leopoldstadt”

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical: Kevin Del Aguila, “Some Like it Hot” and Alex Newell, “Shucked”

Outstanding Direction of a Play: Max Webster, “Life of Pi”

Outstanding Direction of a Musical: Thomas Kail, “Sweeney Todd”

Outstanding Choreography: Casey Nicholaw, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Music: Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, “Shucked”

Outstanding Lyrics: Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Book of a Musical: Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Orchestrations: Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Music in a Play: Suzan-Lori Parks, “Plays for the Plague Year,” The Public Theater

Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play: Tim Hatley, “Life of Pi”

Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical: Beowulf Boritt, “New York, New York”

Outstanding Costume Design of a Play: Emilio Sosa, “Ain’t No Mo’”

Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical: Gregg Barnes, “Some Like it Hot”

Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play: Natasha Chivers and Willie Williams (video), “Prima Facie”

Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical: Natasha Katz, “Sweeney Todd”

Outstanding Projection and Video Design: Andrzej Goulding, “Life of Pi”

Outstanding Sound Design of a Play: Ben & Max Ringham, “A Doll’s House”

Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical: Scott Lehrer and Alex Neumann, “Into the Woods”

Outstanding Wig and Hair: Mia M. Neal, “Ain’t No Mo’”

Outstanding Solo Performance: Jodie Comer, “Prima Facie”

Unique Theatrical Experience: “Peter Pan Goes Wrong”

Outstanding Fight Choreography: B.H. Barry, “Camelot”

Outstanding Adaptation: “A Doll’s House,” by Amy Herzog

Outstanding Puppetry: Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, “Life of Pi”

Shows with multiple wins

Some Like It Hot: 8

Life of Pi: 4

A Doll’s House: 3

Sweeney Todd: 3

Ain’t No Mo’: 2

Leopoldstadt: 2

Prima Facie: 2

Shucked: 2

Special Awards

Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award

Stephen McKinley Henderson has been bringing in-depth, gripping portrayals of memorable characters to the stage for over four decades. With his return to Broadway this season as Pops in “Between Riverside and Crazy,” which the Drama Desk previously nominated in 2015, this year’s Harold Prince Lifetime Achievement Award marks Henderson’s role in this powerful production as a celebration of his brilliant career.

Ensemble Award

The cast of Soho Rep’s “Public Obscenities” – Tashnuva Anan, Abrar Haque, Golam Sarwar Harun, Gargi Mukherjee, NaFis, Jakeem Dante Powell, and Debashis Roy Chowdhury – embodied the transnational world of Shayok Misha Chowdhury’s bilingual play with memorable authenticity, remarkable specificity, and extraordinary warmth.

Sam Norkin Off-Broadway Award

From his standout performance in american (tele)visions, to writing and performing the autobiographical “Dark Disabled Stories,” Ryan J. Haddad’s work this season has expanded on and interrogated what the idea of “accessibility” really means. Whether riding a shopping cart like a throne, or relating his experiences on a “gay, pink bus,” Haddad shared with audiences an unabashed queer fabulosity that was both unforgettable and deeply human.

Broadway

Ken Fallin’s Broadway: Remembering Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd

Published

2 days ago

May 31, 2023

Ken Fallin

On Sunday look for a brand new charcuterie of Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford in Sweeney Todd.. I loved the new production, and it’s two leads.

I saw the original with Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou, which was also a favorite. I think it’s Sondheim’s greatest work.

Here is my drawing of Angela as Mrs. Lovett, to salute the original.

Broadway

League of Professional Theatre Women’s 10th Annual Women Stage The World March

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

The League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW) will hold its 10th Annual “Women Stage the World March” — a Suffragette-inspired project to educate the public about the role of women in the theatre industry — on Saturday, June 17. The march will begin at noon, at Shubert Alley and weave through Times Square and the Broadway Theatre District, wrapping up at about 2 p.m.

“The event is FREE and LPTW invites all theatre women and allies to join us as we increase awareness, lift our voices, and advocate for more opportunities for women in theatre,” said Ludovica Villar-Hauser, Co-President of LPTW.

“The Women Stage the World March is designed to educate the public about the role women play in creating theatre and the barriers they face as men continue to outnumber women by 4 to 1 in key roles such as playwright, director and designers. Women buy 67% of the tickets and represent 65% of the audience, yet 80% of the storytelling on stage is shaped by men’s voices,” said Katrin Hilbe, Co-President of LPTW.

Handouts during the March will prompt ticket-buyers to ask three questions as they make buying decisions: (1) Who wrote, directed and designed this play? (2) What is this theatre’s track record in giving opportunities to women? (3) How can you spread the word and promote women’s voices?

“All participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite historical theatre woman, or dress all in white. March participants will gather at Shubert Alley starting at 11:30 AM, in preparation for the start of the march at noon. Women Stage the World sashes and signs will be provided, as supplies last,” noted Penelope Deen, LPTW member and organizer of the event. Those interested in participating in the event please R.S.V.P. at: https://www.theatrewomen.org/women-stage-the-world or contact Penelope Deen at: Womenstagetheworld@Theatrewomen.org

LPTW Co-President Ludovica Villar-Hauser added: “The League of Professional Theatre Women stands alongside the Writers Guild of America (WGA) as they demand fair wages and take action to ensure more protections for artists. We encourage LPTW members to find a time to join the WGA on the picket lines this month as the strike continues. Women writers are the future of the film and television industry, just as they lead the way in theatre. LPTW supports the women on the frontlines of this movement as they call for long overdue change. We are stronger together.”

For the past 10 years LPTW members, affiliated union members, theatre artists and their allies have hit the streets in a March reminiscent of the Suffragette parades of the early 20th Century, with some marchers dressed in traditional suffrage garb and colors. Like the Suffragettes before them, participants in the Women Stage the World March empower women and men to become aware, take action and influence others.

The League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW) is a membership organization championing women in theatre and advocating for increased equity and access for all theatre women. Our programs and initiatives create community, cultivate leadership, and increase opportunities and recognition for women working in theatre. The organization provides support, networking and collaboration mechanisms for members, and offers professional development and educational opportunities for all theatre women and the general public. LPTW celebrates the historic contributions and contemporary achievements of women in theatre, both nationally and around the globe, and advocates for parity in employment, compensation and recognition for women theatre practitioners through industry-wide initiatives and public policy proposals. LPTW is celebrating its 40^th Anniversary in 2023.