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!
“Millie” is getting the gang back together.
The Tony Award-winning production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” will celebrate its 15th anniversary in a major way: the original cast, including two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster, Tony winner Gavin Creel, Tony winner Harriet Harris, Marc Kudisch, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and others will reunite for a concert performance to benefit The Actors Fund. Taking place Feb. 12 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre, the production will be helmed by the original creative team including director Michael Mayer, choreographer Rob Ashford, and musical director Michael Rafter.
“Angels” announces full casting.
One of the season’s most anticipated productions, “Angels in America,” has lined up its entire cast. Joining previously announced stars Nathan Lane and Andrew Garfield (both reprising roles they played in the West End) will be Tony nominee Beth Malone (“Fun Home”), Patrick Andrews, Glynis Bell, Amy Blackman, Curt James, Rowan Ian Seamus Magee, Mark Nelson, Matty Oaks Lucy York, and others. The two-play production will bow at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre beginning Feb. 23.
The Go-Go’s musical is (probably) coming this summer.
“Head Over Heels,” the new musical featuring a score by the Go-Go’s and produced by Gwyneth Paltrow, will open this summer at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre, according to the New York Post. While official confirmation has not been given by Paltrow nor the jukebox musical’s other lead producer Jordan Roth, if true, the show will not be eligible for the current Broadway season’s awards consideration.
Mraz extends his stay at the diner.
Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz, currently playing the role of Dr. Pomatter in Broadway’s “Waitress,” has extended his stay in the sugar-sweet tuner. Mraz, who was originally slated to depart the production Feb. 11, will now remain in the role through Feb. 25, starring alongside the show’s composer Sara Bareilles, who steps back into the production beginning Jan. 16.
Get ready for Springer drama.
A slate of stage favorites have been lined up for the Off-Broadway premiere of “Jerry Springer — The Opera.” Joining previously announced stars Terrence Mann and Will Swenson will be Jennifer Allen, Jill Paice, Justin Keyes, Luke Grooms, Nichole Turner, Kim Steele, Bradley Greer, and others. Featuring a score by Richard Thomas and book by Thomas and Stewart Lee, the John Rando-directed production will begin performances at the Pershing Square Signature Center on Jan. 23.
A new play comes to Lincoln Center.
LCT3/Lincoln Center Theater has announced an Off-Broadway production of “Pass Over,” a new drama by Antoinette Nwandu described as “a provocative mashup of ‘Waiting for Godot’ and the Exodus saga.” Directed by Danya Taymor, the piece will run for six weeks beginning June 2 at the Claire Tow Theater. No casting has been lined up at this time.
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