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 C. Curtain up and light those lights!
Madam Metcalf.
In news containing an overwhelming number of powerful nouns, Laurie Metcalf has signed on to lead “Hillary & Clinton,” a new Broadway play by Tony nominee Lucas Hnath (playwright of “A Doll’s House, Pt. 2,” in which Metcalf also starred). Metcalf will portray the titular Hillary Clinton in 2008, as the former Secretary of State was attempting to salvage her first presidential campaign. Metcalf will be joined by John Lithgow depicting her husband and former President Bill Clinton. Beginning performances at a to-be-announced Broadway theater on March 16, 2019 the production will be helmed by two-time Tony winner Joe Mantello, who also directed Metcalf to her Tony win this past season for “Three Tall Women.” An official opening is set for April 18.
Broadway will brace for Tina.
In the midst of its hit run in London’s West End, “Tina the Tina Turner Musical” has announced that it will roll onto Broadway in the fall of 2019. No specific dates or a theater have been named at this time, nor has any casting, however, the U.K. production is currently led by Tony nominee Adrienne Warren, who is likely to reprise the role on this side of the pond. The biomusical, featuring Turner’s songs, has a book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins, and direction from Phyllida Lloyd.
Full cast set for “Choir Boy.”
Full casting as well as new Broadway dates have been announced for “Choir Boy,” the new play by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (“Moonlight”). Now beginning previews at the Friedman Theatre Dec. 11 and opening Jan. 10, 2019, the drama will star Austin Pendleton, Jeremy Pope, Chuck Cooper, Jonathan Burke, and others. Trip Cullman directs the play, reprising his duties from the 2013 Off-Broadway production.
A lab for “Lempicka.”
Following its acclaimed run this summer at Williamstown Theatre Festival, the new musical “Lempicka” will receive a full developmental lab this fall (and you can apply to be a part of it on Backstage!). Featuring direction by Tony nominee Rachel Chavkin (“Great Comet”), the lab will run Nov. 26–Dec. 21 in New York. Though no timeline has been made explicit, the production team is aiming for a Broadway run for the piece, which depicts the life of the controversial artist Tamara de Lempicka.
You’re a mean one, Gavin Lee.
From one iconic curmudgeon to another: Gavin Lee, fresh off his Tony-nominated role as Squidward in Broadway’s “SpongeBob SquarePants,” will star in the Madison Square Garden production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” this winter. Running at the Hulu Theater Dec. 13–30, the holiday favorite features a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, music by Mel Marvin (with additional music from Dr. Seuss), and direction based on the original staging by Jack O’Brien.
“Kinky Boots” will take its final strut.
Broadway will get a little less fabulous next spring when “Kinky Boots” takes its final bow. The Tony-winning best musical, which opened in 2012, will bring down the curtain for a final time on April 7, 2019. Featuring a score by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, the production will end its run as the 25th longest-running Broadway show ever, having played 2,507 non-preview performances.
The Temptations are officially Broadway-bound.
Though a Broadway run was announced, it’s now official: The Temptations’ musical “Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of the Temptations” has announced its crucial Main Stem dates. Previews will begin Feb. 28, 2019 at the Imperial Theatre ahead of an official opening on March 21. Currently in the midst of its out of town tryout in Los Angeles, the jukebox musical features a book by Dominique Morisseau, and direction by Tony winner Des McAnuff.
New company members clock into the diner.
“Waitress” has announced another round of casting. Joining the long-running musical on Oct. 9 will be Broadway favorite Alex Wyse stepping into the role of Ogie, and Lenne Klingaman in the role of Dawn. The duo replaces real-life husband and wife duo Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro in the tracks, playing their final performances Oct. 7.
Check out Backstage’s theater audition listings!