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!
Wait for them, they’re coming.
After some speculation as to whether the run would actualize, “Hadestown” will officially land on Broadway this spring. The underworld-set musical, currently in performances in London, begins previews March 22, 2019 at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Featuring a score by Anaïs Mitchell, the piece is directed by Rachel Chavkin, who returns to Broadway following “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.” Casting for New York has not yet been announced, however, the U.K. production is currently led by Tony nominee Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney. An official opening is slated for April 17.
It’s Broadway’s least wonderful time of the year.
While the holidays are considered one of the most fruitful periods for Broadway from a ticket-buying standpoint, the months that follow are the most brutal—which is why many shows tend to close up shop at the very end or start of the year. This year is no exception, with three Broadway shows announcing imminent closings. Two productions from last season will shutter: “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” will play its final performance Dec. 30; “Once on This Island,” which won best musical revival at last year’s Tony Awards, closes Jan. 6. Additionally, this season’s new Go-Go’s musical “Head Over Heels” brings down the final curtain Jan. 6.
“Burn This” is Broadway-ready.
“Burn This” has announced full casting as well as a Broadway house and dates for its upcoming run this spring. Joining previously-announced stars Keri Russell and Adam Driver in the Lanford Wilson drama will be Tony nominees David Furr and Brandon Uranowitz. Beginning performances March 15, 2019, the Michael Mayer-directed production will open officially April 16 at the Hudson Theatre.
“Gary” finds his complete cast.
Also announcing complete casting this week is “Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus,” the new comedy by Taylor Mac. Joining previously-announced stars Nathan Lane and Andrea Martin will be Broadway veteran and Tony nominee Kristine Nielsen. Previews begin at the Booth Theatre March 5, 2019, under the direction of George C. Wolfe.
A fight for the ages in song and dance.
“When We Were Kings,” the 1996 Academy Award-winning documentary about the historic match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, will take center stage again—literally. Producer David Sonenberg has announced a musical adaptation of the film, featuring a book by Shelley Marcus, and songs plucked from the R&B catalogue. A workshop production will be held in spring 2019, with a full-scale production planned for the following year. More details are to come.
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