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!
Can’t keep her away.
Though she is currently starring in a brand new Broadway show, “Hillary and Clinton,” two-time Tony winner Laurie Metcalf has already lined up her next Main Stem gig—and it’s a doozy. Metcalf will lead a brand new revival of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” under the direction of her frequent collaborator Joe Mantello. The production will also star Eddie Izzard, Russell Tovey, and Patsy Ferran, and will open at a to-be-announced theater April 9, 2020. The revival will be Metcalf’s fifth consecutive Broadway role in as many seasons, and will be her fourth consecutive instance starring in a Scott Rudin–produced show.
READ: How Laurie Metcalf Brought Hillary Clinton to Life on Broadway
Playwrights Horizons stacks its slate.
Off-Broadway institution Playwrights Horizons has packed its 2019–20 season with works by some of the most exhilarating new and established artists. Among the notable productions will be Lucas Hnath’s “The Thin Place,” wunderkind Jeremy O. Harris’ “Tell Me if I’m Hurting You,” and “Unknown Soldier,” the final work composed by the late Michael Friedman.
Rattlestick Commemorates Stonewall.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, stage and screen stalwart Michael Urie, along with producer Doug Nevin, will bring Pride Plays to Rattlestick Playwrights Theater. The summer festival of readings will include various works featuring themes of queerness, including plays by Paula Vogel, Terrence McNally, and more. The event will run June 20–24.
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