You don’t have to be a Broadway baby to scratch your onstage acting itch. In fact, all around the country—and outside of it—there are bustling theater communities producing works so vibrant they’d have Edward Albee rolling over in his grave. Want in on that action? You’d be wise to know the ins and outs of industry happenings, and this is a good place to start: From across the pond and back again, here is the week’s biggest regional theater news.
You can’t keep them from Oz.
Two of Broadway’s favorite “Wicked” witches will reprise their roles on the show’s national tour. Jackie Burns, who holds the record as Broadway’s longest-running Elphaba, will again portray the green-skinned girl, with Kara Lindsay returning to her track as Glinda the good. Both will begin performances on Oct. 31 in San Diego, and will continue on with the tour through stops in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. The duo joins the production just as the Broadway runs celebrates its 15th anniversary.
“Come From Away” comes home.
A homecoming of sorts: “Come From Away” has slated a benefit production in Newfoundland, the Canadian province where the musical is set. Producers have announced an eight-performance run in St. John’s from Jan. 23–27, 2019, with all proceeds going to various Canadian charities. Held at the Holy Heart Theatre, performances will feature the current cast of the Canadian production, occurring during a break as the show transfers from the Royal Alexandra Theatre to the Elgin Theatre in Toronto.
Broadway alum leap across the pond.
And speaking of “Come From Away,” casting has been announced for the hit musical’s upcoming U.K. run. Leading the ensemble will be “Wicked” alum Rachel Tucker, in the dual role of Annette and Captain Beverly Bass, along with Helen Hobson, Robert Hands, Jenna Boyd, and others. Performances will begin at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Ireland Dec. 6 and run through Jan. 30. A West End run is to follow, with performances beginning at the Phoenix Theatre in London Jan. 30, 2019.
Barbican sets can’t-miss season.
Barbican in London has announced a top-tier slate of programming for its 2019 season. The lineup includes the Cillian Murphy–starring “Grief Is the Thing With Feathers” (which will also play Off-Broadway next spring), as well as the Ivo van Hove–directed stage adaptation of “The Damned” (which also recently ran in New York). Rounding out the season will be Simon Stone’s “Medea” and the Moscow Pushkin Drama Theatre’s production of the comedy “The Knight of the Burning Pestle.”
A “Fiddler” for a new age.
The Menier Chocolate Factory in London has announced complete principal casting for its forthcoming reimagining of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Most notably joining previously announced Andy Nyman (Tevye) will be Judy Kuhn as Golde, stepping back into the role she played on Broadway in 2016. Rounding out the cast will be Harriet Bunton, Joshua Gannon, and Louise Gold, among others. Featuring a brand new staging by Trevor Nunn, the production will begin performances Nov. 23 before an official opening on Dec. 5. The run is scheduled through March 9, 2019.