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!
A fetch new cast member.
As its one year anniversary on Broadway approaches, “Mean Girls” is preparing for a bit of cast turnover. The hit production announced this week that original cast member Ashley Park will play her final performance as Gretchen on March 10. Joining the company March 12 will be Krystina Alabado, whose previous Broadway outings include “American Psycho” and “American Idiot.” Performances are ongoing at the August Wilson Theatre.
“Hadestown” completes its company.
Full casting has been announced for the Broadway run of “Hadestown.” The chorus of Workers will be played by Alfra Hines, Timothy Hughes, John Krause, Kimberly Marable, and Ahmad Simmons. They join previously announced stars Eva Noblezada, Reeve Carney, Amber Gray, and Patrick Page in the new musical, beginning performances at the Walter Kerr Theatre March 22.
Laura Benanti will stay loverly.
Laura Benanti has extended her stay in Lincoln Center Theater’s production of “My Fair Lady.” The Tony Award winner, who replaced Lauren Ambrose in the musical, will now be in the show through July 7. Originally contracted through Feb. 17, Benanti leads a cast rounded out by Harry Hadden-Paton, Danny Burstein, and Rosemary Harris.
“Wicked” welcomes new citizens of Oz.
Also announcing new casting this week is Broadway blockbuster “Wicked.” Joining the company in the role of the Wizard himself will be Michael McCormick, beginning performances Feb. 18. Also coming on board will be Gizel Jiménez in the role of Nessarose, beginning performances March 12. The duo joins a cast which currently includes Jessica Vosk as Elphaba and Katie Rose Clarke as Glinda.
“Into the Wild” goes into development.
La Vie Productions along with Playwrights Horizons presented an industry reading this week of “Into the Wild,” a new musical based on the book by Jon Krakauer. Lila Neugebauer (who recently made her Broadway debut with this season’s “The Waverly Gallery”) directed the piece, which starred Amber Gray (“Hadestown”), Jennifer Laura Thompson and Michael Park (both of “Dear Evan Hansen”), John Ellison Conlee, and more. The folk-rock project features a book and lyrics by Janet Allard and music and lyrics by Niko Tsakalakos.
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