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!
Laura Benanti will dance all night.
In at-long-last casting news, Tony Award winner Laura Benanti will step into the leading role of Eliza Doolittle in the Lincoln Center Theater production of “My Fair Lady.” Benanti, who has long been vocal about wanting to portray the iconic ingenue, replaces current star Lauren Ambrose (who received a Tony nod for the part) and will play a limited run Oct. 23–Feb. 17, 2019. Ambrose plays her final performance Oct. 21.
“Beetlejuice” completes its company.
On the heels of its initial casting last week, the Broadway-bound stage adaptation of “Beetlejuice” has completed its company. Joining previously-announced Alex Brightman in the title role as well as Sophia Anne Caruso will be Kerry Butler (departing “Mean Girls”), Rob McClure, Leslie Kritzer, and Jill Abramovitz, among others. The musical, directed by Alex Timbers, will have its world premiere in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14–Nov. 18, before heading to Broadway at a to-be-announced date.
More actors sign on for “True West.”
Also completing casting this week, Broadway’s incoming production of Sam Shephard’s “True West” announced that stars Ethan Hawke and Paul Dano will be joined by Marylouise Burke and Gay Wilmes. The Roundabout Theatre Company revival, directed by James Macdonald, begins performances at the American Airlines Theatre Dec. 27, before opening officially Jan. 24, 2019.
Audible slates Patti Smith and more.
Audible has announced its upcoming productions at the Minetta Lane Theatre, beginning with a three-night run by legendary songstress Patti Smith in “Patti Smith: Words and Music at the Minetta Lane,” Sept. 22–24. Also on the slate will be “Sakina’s Restaurant,” a four-week run beginning Oct. 5 that will star Obie Award winner Aasif Mandvi.
The Illusionists are Broadway-bound (again).
The Illusionists will return to Broadway this winter with “The Magic of the Holidays.” Beginning performances Nov. 23 at the Marquis Theatre, the five-person magician group will play a limited engagement of the brand new show through Dec. 30. This will also mark the group’s fourth New York stage show.
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