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!
Carney family turnover.
“The Ferryman,” one of the big hits to open in the fall, has announced that it will be getting a new cast. Beginning Feb. 19, the ensemble will be led by Broadway heavyweight Brian d’Arcy James, along with Jack DiFalco, Ann McDonough, Emily Bergl, and Ethan Dubin, among others. Also beginning in April, “Orange Is the New Black” star Blair Brown will additionally be joining the 35-person company. The Jez Butterworth drama opened in New York with most of its original cast from London intact; the new cast will feature predominantly American actors.
Loverly just a bit longer.
Harry Hadden-Paton, who was Tony-nominated for his role as Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady” last season, has set a departure date. Hadden-Paton will take his final bow in the musical July 6, more than a year after performances began. No word yet on the actor’s permanent replacement, however, the Lincoln Center Theater production did announce that Michael Halling will step into the track on Wednesday evenings, beginning Feb. 6. The company is currently led by Laura Benanti (having replaced original star Lauren Ambrose) and Danny Burstein, who only just joined the cast following the departure of Norbert Leo Butz.
The genie’s out of the bottle.
Just ahead of celebrating its fifth anniversary on Broadway, Disney’s “Aladdin” will welcome three new principal cast members. Joining the company on Feb. 19 will be Ainsley Melham in the title role, and Mike Longo as Kassim. Also, on Feb. 15, Michael James Scott will assume the role of the Genie (which won original star James Monroe Iglehart a Tony). Both Melham and Scott originated their respective roles in the musical’s Australian production, with Scott making his North American stage debut with his Broadway bow.
Call her madam.
Carmen Cusack, who was Tony-nominated for “Bright Star,” will head back to the New York stage for a brief stint. Cusack has signed on to lead the New York City Center Encores! production of “Call Me Madam,” the musical by Irving Berlin. Continuing the institution’s 75th anniversary season, the run will also star Ben Davis, Carol Kane, Brad Oscar, Lauren Worsham, and others. Performances will run Feb. 6–10, under the direction of Casey Hushion.
Goodbye, Bonnie.
Casting has been announced for “Bonnie’s Last Flight,” a new comedy by Eliza Bent. Beginning performances at New York Theatre Workshop Feb. 8, the production will be led by Tony nominee Barbara Walsh, and will additionally star Ceci Fernandez, Federico Rodriguez, Sam Breslin, and others. Directed by Annie Tippe, the run is slated through March 2.
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