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!
Don’t rain on her parade.
Rumors over a “Funny Girl” Broadway revival have gone from a rumble to a roar, thanks to Rosie O’Donnell who, if she’s to be believed, has signed on to play Fanny Brice’s mother in a brand new staging of the classic. O’Donnell additionally said that Tony winner Michael Mayer will direct the production, as he recently did in the West End. If the news does turn out to be true, it would be the musical’s first-ever Broadway revival, appearing on the Main Stem for the first time since 1964. O’Donnell has not confirmed whether a star is in place, though Lady Gaga’s name has been thrown around.
She’s on the case.
A reading for a new “Nancy Drew” musical was held in New York City, with legendary Judy McLane in the role of the titular girl detective. Titled “Nancy Drew the Musical,” the tuner received an invitation-only presentation on Oct. 22, in which Betsy Wolfe also starred as Nancy Drew’s daughter. Directed by Lorin Latarro, the brand new story comes from writers Jeremy Desmon and Jeff Thomson. Aims for a full-scale production are in place.
A new play set for LCT.
Lincoln Center Theater has announced a production of “Marys Seacole,” a brand new play by Jackie Sibblies Drury. Lileana Blain-Cruz will helm as director, returning to Lincoln Center following her acclaimed work on “Pipeline.” Starring a cast of six, performances will begin Feb. 9, 2019 and run through March 24 at the Claire Tow Theater Off-Broadway.
Utopic Broadway news.
In the midst of his current (and highly successful) tour “American Utopia,” Talking Heads frontman David Byrne may be bringing the show to a more permanent position. The musician has confirmed that he has received interest from both Broadway and the West End in London to turn the concert into a theatrical production, and he is currently exploring the possibility. Details are, hopefully, to come.
Casting complete for “Superhero.”
Casting is now complete for Second Stage Theater’s upcoming “Superhero,” the new musical from Tony winner Tom Kitt. Joining previously-announced Tony nominees Kate Baldwin and Bryce Pinkham will be Julia Abueva, Jake Levy, Salena Qureshi, Thom Sesma, Nathaniel Stampley, and Kyle McArthur. Directed by Jason Moore (also helming this season’s “The Cher Show” on Broadway), the piece features a book by John Logan, and will begin Off-Broadway performances at the Tony Kiser Theater Jan. 31, 2019.
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