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!
RSVP for “The Prom.”
One of the next Broadway season’s buzziest new musicals, “The Prom,” has announced its cast, in addition to its Broadway house and dates. The original tuner will begin performances at the Cort Theatre Oct. 21 and will star Tony nominees Brooks Ashmanskas and Christopher Sieber, Tony winner Beth Leavel, Michael Potts, Angie Schworer, and others. Featuring both direction and choreography by Tony winner Casey Nicholaw (represented this season with “Mean Girls”), the creative team is rounded out by book writers Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, Matthew Sklar (music), and Beguelin (lyrics).
“The Cher Show” sets a dazzling creative team.
“The Cher Show,” which will debut on Broadway this fall, has announced a creative team filled with luminaries across disciplines. Longtime Cher collaborator Bob Mackie will head up the musical’s (sure to be incredible) costume design, while Tony winner Christine Jones and Brett Banakis will handle set design, Tony winner Kevin Adams will design the lighting, and Nevin Steinberg will be the sound designer. More details of the bio-musical, especially in regards to casting, will be announced shortly.
Details for “Disco” firm up.
The Atlantic Theater Company has announced more details of its world premiere production of “This Ain’t No Disco,” a new musical from Stephen Trask (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”), Rick Elice (“Jersey Boys”), and Peter Yanowitz. The creative team will also include direction by Darko Tresnjak, who won a Tony Award for his work on “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” Performances will begin at the Atlantic’s Linda Gross Theater June 29, with performances slated through Aug. 12.
“Collective Rage” arrives in NYC.
MCC Theater has announced the New York premiere for “Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties,” a new comedy by Jen Silverman. MCC alum Mike Donahue will direct the production, which depicts five women—all named Betty—whose lives collide and ultimately lead to introspection. Previews will begin Aug. 16 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Casting and the full creative team are to-be-announced.
Two theater awards shows make high-profile announcements.
The Lucille Lortel Awards, honoring the year’s best in Off-Broadway theater, have lined up Tony Award winner Laura Benanti and Jason Jones as its hosts (the two costar on the TBS series “The Detour”). The ceremony is set for May 6 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Another impending awards show, the Drama League Awards, also announced this week that they will honor Tony winners Idina Menzel and Casey Nicholaw, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts for their contributions to the performing arts. The ceremony will be held May 18 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square.
“Cyprus Avenue” will leap across the pond.
Following its lauded run in London, David Ireland’s new play “Cyprus Avenue” will transfer to Public Theater. The show’s star, Tony and Academy Award nominee Stephen Rea, will also be reprising his role in New York when performances begin June 2. Vicky Featherstone directs the production, which will play a limited engagement through July 29.
Joy to the Great White Way.
Producer Ken Davenport (Deaf West’s “Spring Awakening,” “Once on This Island”) has acquired the rights to the life of Joy Mangano, the best-selling author and product inventor, and plans to develop a musical for Broadway. A full creative team, as well as a production timeline, will be announced.
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