On Broadway and beyond, a curtain can rise as quickly as it can fall; a star can be swapped as easily as Bernie Telsey can say, “That’s enough.” Theater is the beating heart of New York show business and, if you want to make it here, it’s crucial you’re up to date on incoming projects, latest castings, and other industry news. Don’t worry, Broadway baby, Backstage has your back. Every week, we’re rounding up the can’t-miss stories no thespian should live without, so you can focus on important matters like hitting your high F. Curtain up and light those lights!
“Beetlejuice” is Broadway-bound.
After years of speculation, “Beetlejuice” is in fact en route to Broadway. The musical comedy, based on the popular film of the same name, will have it world premiere in Washington, D.C. this coming October, with Broadway dates to follow. Featuring a score by Eddie Perfect and book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, the tuner will be directed by two-time Tony-nominated director Alex Timbers. Casting and additional members of the creative team are to-be-announced.
“The Cher Show” finds its star.
One of the next theater season’s most pressing questions was answered this week when Stephanie J. Block confirmed she will play the titular diva in Broadway’s incoming “The Cher Show.” Block, a two-time Tony nominee last seen on Broadway in the 2016 “Falsettos” revival, will portray the pop diva at the height of her career and will be joined by two other (to-be-announced) actors who will depict her life in earlier phases. With a book from Rick Elice and direction by Jason Moore, the bio-musical will have its world premiere in Chicago this June, with a fall premiere at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre slated to follow.
“Vacation” will venture to Broadway.
“Vacation,” the hit film franchise, will head to the Great White Way for a musical rendition rendered “Broadway Vacation.” Producers Ken Davenport and Kurt Deutsch have optioned the rights to the reimagined musical, which will actually follow the Griswold family in their own quest through Times Square to Broadway. A creative team and production timeline will be announced at a later date.
The band is finally complete.
At last, the entire cast has been comprised for Broadway’s incoming “Gettin’ the Band Back Together.” Stage favorite Kelli Barrett will return to Broadway alongside Many Narayan, Becca Kötte, and Noa Solorio. They join a previously-announced cast led by Mitchell Jarvis, Jay Klaitz, Paul Whitty, and others. The John Rando-directed musical will begin previews at the Belasco Theatre July 19, with an official opening set for Aug. 13.
New York stage welcomes back a legend.
Roundabout announced this week that Tony and Emmy Award winner Stockard Channing will return to the New York stage in the Off-Broadway premiere of “Apologia.” Channing reprises her role in the biting play following an acclaimed 2017 run in London’s West End. Written by Alexi Kaye Campbell, the production will be helmed by Daniel Aukin and will begin previews at the Laura Pels Theatre Sept. 27.
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