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 beautiful morning, indeed.
The acclaimed St. Ann’s Warehouse production of “Oklahoma!,” which reimagines the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic as a darker chamber piece, is heading to Broadway. After speculation, producers have confirmed the revival will play the Circle in the Square Theatre, following news that “Once on This Island” will close. Under the direction of Daniel Fish, performances will begin March 19, 2019, with an official opening slated for April 7. The limited engagement will now be one of two revivals this current Broadway season, along with Roundabout’s “Kiss Me, Kate.”
Sara Bareilles comes home again.
Who says you can’t go home again? Sara Bareilles, who wrote the score for Broadway’s “Waitress,” will once again step into the leading lady’s apron—albeit for a very limited engagement. The Tony and Grammy nominee will return to the diner beginning Jan. 7, 2019 (through Feb. 3). Better still, Bareilles will be joined by Tony winner Gavin Creel, playing the role of Dr. Pomatter for the same length of Bareilles’ run.
Casting complete for Off-Broadway’s “The Mother.”
Atlantic Theater Company has announced some A-list casting for its upcoming U.S. premiere of “The Mother.” Joining previously-announced Isabelle Huppert will be Chris Noth, Justice Smith, and Odessa Young. Beginning performances at Off-Broadway’s Linda Gross Theater on March 11, 2019, the drama will be directed by Trip Cullman. Florian Zeller penned the piece, with the English translation by Christopher Hampton.
Stay mad as hell a bit longer.
“Network,” the Bryan Cranston-starring hit based on the film of the same name, will hang around Broadway a while longer. Following its opening (to unanimously positive reviews) producers announced that the limited engagement will now play through April 28, 2019. Running at the Belasco Theatre, the drama also stars Tatiana Maslany and Tony Goldwyn.
A Carney family member returns to “The Ferryman.”
Settling into its acclaimed New York run, “The Ferryman” has announced a bit of new-old cast turnover. Catherine McCormack, who starred in the play in its London incarnation, will join the Broadway ensemble beginning Dec. 18. Replacing Genevieve O’Reilly in the role of Mary Carney, McCormack was one of only a few cast members not to have transferred across the pond with the production originally and has previously been nominated for an Olivier Award.
Yes, this casting is real.
Tiki Barber is joining the cast of Broadway’s “Kinky Boots.” Yes, that Tiki Barber, former NFL running back. The Giants legend will step into the role of Don in the Tony-winning tuner, beginning performances Jan. 21, 2019. The musical has already announced that it will close this summer.
It’s the end of an era.
“Avenue Q,” which won the best musical Tony Award in 2005 before transferring to Off-Broadway, will finally close on April 28, 2019. Having run at New World Stages since 2009, the puppet-populated tuner will have played more than 6,000 performances between the two incarnations at the time of its closing.
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