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!
She tells her story.
There’s a new leading lady in Alexander’s life: Broadway’s “Hamilton” (you’ve heard of it?) has announced that Tony nominee Denée Benton will join the production in the role of Eliza, beginning performances Oct. 30. Also joining the company alongside her will also be Carvens Lissaint, in the role of George Washington. The duo replaces Lexi Lawson and Bryan Terrell Clark, respectively, who play their final performances Oct. 28.
Get him to the theater on time.
Wedding bells are chiming for Danny Burstein. The five-time Tony nominee will step into the Tony-winning production of Lincoln Center Theater’s “My Fair Lady,” joining the company in the role of Eliza’s father Alfred P. Doolittle. Burstein succeeds Norbert Leo Butz, who was Tony-nominated for his performance and who will take his final bow at the Vivian Beaumont Theater Jan. 6, 2019. Burstein will play a limited engagement Jan. 8–April 28. As was recently announced, Tony winner Laura Benanti will replace Lauren Ambrose in the role of Eliza beginning Oct. 23, playing a limited engagement through Feb. 17.
Signed on the dotted line.
Bertie Carvel will reprise his Olivier Award-winning performance as Rupert Murdoch in “Ink” when the James Graham play opens on Broadway this spring. Joining Carvel will be fellow Olivier Award winner Jonny Lee Miller, playing The Sun editor Larry Lamb. The play, which first ran in London, will be presented by Manhattan Theatre Club and begin performances April 2, 2019. An official opening at the Friedman Theatre is slated for April 24.
Relive the glory days of 2003.
In news that will make all your early aughts dream come alive again, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken will bring a limited engagement holiday show to Broadway this season. The second season “American Idol” winner and runner-up, respectively, will present “Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show” at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre beginning Dec. 7. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the National Inclusion Project.
“Anastasia” welcomes a new star.
Pop star Cody Simpson is heading to a new kind of stage. The recording artist will make his Broadway debut in “Anastasia” in the role of Dmitry, beginning performances Nov. 29. Simpson will succeed Zach Adkins in the track, playing his final performance Nov. 25. Simpson will star opposite leading lady Christy Altomare, who has been in the titular role since the musical began performances in 2017.
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