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!
The snow glows white in London tonight.
“Frozen,” the Disney film sensation turned Broadway musical sensation, will cast its icy spell in London. Many details are to-be-announced, but Disney Theatrical has negotiated a 2020 West End run, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Exact dates as well as casting and a creative team are to come.
The play that goes Off-Broadway.
“The Play That Goes Wrong,” which has been running on Broadway since spring 2017, is not done with this town yet. Producers have announced that the slapstick comedy will actually transfer to Off-Broadway’s New World Stages, beginning performances Feb. 11, 2019. The laugher will close at Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre Jan. 6 after 745 regular performances—a hugely impressive feat for a straight play with no big-name star attached.
Jack McBrayer will never let you let him go.
Jack McBrayer, best-known for his eerily chipper portrayal of Kenneth on NBC’s “30 Rock,” will trade in his page jacket for something more musical. McBrayer has signed on to join Katharine McPhee in the West End premiere of Sara Bareilles’ musical “Waitress.” In his West End debut, McBrayer will play Ogie, beginning performances Feb. 8, 2019 at London’s Adelphi Theatre.
Taking Stoppard on the road.
Charlie Stemp and Jon Partridge have been announced to lead a new touring production of “Rough Crossing,” the 1990s comedy by Tom Stoppard. Kicking off performances at the Theatre Royal Windsor on Jan. 29, 2019, the play will then travel to Chichester, Manchester, Leeds, and more, before wrapping up on April 13 in Cambridge. Rachel Kavanaugh has signed on to helm as director, with the cast rounded out by Rob Ostlere and Simon Dutton.
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