Broadway box office held fairly steady as the industry settled into a post-Memorial Day summer, with most productions reporting some slippage from the holiday traffic highs.
In all, the 35 productions grossed $33,662,845 for the week ending June 2, down about 5% from the previous week (but up 8% over last year at this time). Total paid attendance was 280,253, down 2% from the previous week (but up 7% year over year). About 86% of all seats were filled.
The week’s sole newcomer was Ben Platt: Live At The Palace, the concert residency at the legendary, now renovated and reopened, venue. For his first six performances, Platt grossed $650,306, reflecting attendance at about 87% of available seats at the Palace (the percentage has been revised from an initial report).
Elsewhere on Broadway, a couple shows saw some box office slips as high-profile cast members were away. Merrily We Roll Along, with Daniel Radcliffe...
In all, the 35 productions grossed $33,662,845 for the week ending June 2, down about 5% from the previous week (but up 8% over last year at this time). Total paid attendance was 280,253, down 2% from the previous week (but up 7% year over year). About 86% of all seats were filled.
The week’s sole newcomer was Ben Platt: Live At The Palace, the concert residency at the legendary, now renovated and reopened, venue. For his first six performances, Platt grossed $650,306, reflecting attendance at about 87% of available seats at the Palace (the percentage has been revised from an initial report).
Elsewhere on Broadway, a couple shows saw some box office slips as high-profile cast members were away. Merrily We Roll Along, with Daniel Radcliffe...
- 6/4/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Late legend Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, famously known for his iconic music and dance moves, apparently had a hidden passion for acting. Not many would know, but the pop star showcased his acting abilities in projects like The Wiz and Ghosts. However, despite having a few onscreen appearances, Jackson had a penchant for a particular role.
Michael Jackson in the music video of Beat it
Fascinated by the popular children’s character Peter Pan, Micheal Jackson had a deep-rooted desire to play the character. Recalling Jackson’s passion for playing Peter Pan, theater director Trevor Nunn recalled how the man who owned his own Neverland approached him about playing the particular role in his theater project.
Michael Jackson Approached Trevor Nunn to Play Peter Pan
Alongside his world-renowned musical career, Michael Jackson was equally interested in pursuing an acting profession. Thus, appearing in a few feature films, the...
Michael Jackson in the music video of Beat it
Fascinated by the popular children’s character Peter Pan, Micheal Jackson had a deep-rooted desire to play the character. Recalling Jackson’s passion for playing Peter Pan, theater director Trevor Nunn recalled how the man who owned his own Neverland approached him about playing the particular role in his theater project.
Michael Jackson Approached Trevor Nunn to Play Peter Pan
Alongside his world-renowned musical career, Michael Jackson was equally interested in pursuing an acting profession. Thus, appearing in a few feature films, the...
- 6/1/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Ahead of the July 26 release of The Fabulous Four, the first feature co-produced through new multimedia production company Ivy Lion Productions, 3x Tony-nominated producer Lamar Richardson has offered a window into his development slate moving forward on the television front.
First on the slate is Freeman Ranch, a project created by Queen Sugar scribe Yves Beneche, who also penned the pilot. Set in the present day, the show chronicles the riveting saga of the Reeves family, who run the first Black-owned ranch in Texas, as they navigate family feuds, personal struggles, and fight to preserve their legacy against outside forces trying to strip it away.
The second project, TV drama pilot The Queen of Magic from Roxanne Beck Raye, is based on the true story of the most successful woman magician of the 20th century, Dell O’Dell.
Third up is Dead Hero, a black epic fantasy penned by Charles II...
First on the slate is Freeman Ranch, a project created by Queen Sugar scribe Yves Beneche, who also penned the pilot. Set in the present day, the show chronicles the riveting saga of the Reeves family, who run the first Black-owned ranch in Texas, as they navigate family feuds, personal struggles, and fight to preserve their legacy against outside forces trying to strip it away.
The second project, TV drama pilot The Queen of Magic from Roxanne Beck Raye, is based on the true story of the most successful woman magician of the 20th century, Dell O’Dell.
Third up is Dead Hero, a black epic fantasy penned by Charles II...
- 5/31/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In this brand-new episode of Sherri, airing on Fox on Friday May 31, the host brings her unique perspective to the latest headlines, infusing them with her signature humor. The episode features an interview with the talented Deborah Cox, who discusses her role in the Broadway musical “The Wiz.” Deborah Cox, a Grammy-nominated singer and […]
Sherri: Deborah Cox and Broadway Dreams...
Sherri: Deborah Cox and Broadway Dreams...
- 5/31/2024
- by Riley Avery
- MemorableTV
The updated iteration of Gerard Alessandrini’s long-running Forbidden Broadway revue is heading back to Off Broadway following a brief flirtation with the prospect of a Broadway move.
Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole A Song will begin previews August 23 at Theater555 on West 42nd Street. Opening night is set for Thursday, September 12.
Earlier this year, producers for the show announced that the satirical revue would make its decades-in-coming Broadway debut at the Hayes Theatre sometime this summer, but the planned staging was an early casualty of Broadway’s very crowded spring-summer season. Last month, the Broadway producers Ryan Bogner, Victoria Lang and Tracey McFarland said the Hayes staging wouldn’t happen due to the “enormously crowded” Broadway landscape.
Today, Forbidden Broadway creator Gerard Alessandrini said, “I am thrilled that this latest incarnation of the show that I had been preparing for more than a year, can now open Off Broadway,...
Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole A Song will begin previews August 23 at Theater555 on West 42nd Street. Opening night is set for Thursday, September 12.
Earlier this year, producers for the show announced that the satirical revue would make its decades-in-coming Broadway debut at the Hayes Theatre sometime this summer, but the planned staging was an early casualty of Broadway’s very crowded spring-summer season. Last month, the Broadway producers Ryan Bogner, Victoria Lang and Tracey McFarland said the Hayes staging wouldn’t happen due to the “enormously crowded” Broadway landscape.
Today, Forbidden Broadway creator Gerard Alessandrini said, “I am thrilled that this latest incarnation of the show that I had been preparing for more than a year, can now open Off Broadway,...
- 5/29/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway box office was down just a bit last week, about 3%, with the first week of the 2024-2025 season reporting a total gross of $35,295,405 for 34 productions. Total attendance was off just shy of 2% from the previous week, settling at 287,246.
The total attendance figure for the week ending May 26 indicates that a healthy 91% of available seats were filled.
In all, 21 of the 34 productions reported some slippage heading into the Memorial Day Weekend holiday. A couple productions played either fewer or comped shows: Mother Play canceled two performances due to illness in the company, with total receipts dropping $186,154 to $451,737. Cabaret had a fully comped Tuesday performance, with receipts off a commensurate $243,584 to $1,721,760.
Among the shows playing full schedules, the biggest slides in dollar amounts were reported by A Beautiful Noise; The Who’s Tommy, Illinoise; and The Great Gatsby. Gatsby remained at a 90%+ capacity/attendance figure, with 93% of seats filled.
The total attendance figure for the week ending May 26 indicates that a healthy 91% of available seats were filled.
In all, 21 of the 34 productions reported some slippage heading into the Memorial Day Weekend holiday. A couple productions played either fewer or comped shows: Mother Play canceled two performances due to illness in the company, with total receipts dropping $186,154 to $451,737. Cabaret had a fully comped Tuesday performance, with receipts off a commensurate $243,584 to $1,721,760.
Among the shows playing full schedules, the biggest slides in dollar amounts were reported by A Beautiful Noise; The Who’s Tommy, Illinoise; and The Great Gatsby. Gatsby remained at a 90%+ capacity/attendance figure, with 93% of seats filled.
- 5/29/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Wayne Brady recently reflected on his coming out as pansexual, indicating the reaction he’s received is what he’d “hoped for.”
The host of Let’s Make a Deal came out as pansexual last year and said he’s “happy” he did so due to the “level of freedom” he can enjoy.
In recognition of his advocacy and support of the LGBTQ+ community, Brady received the Pathfinder Award at Live Out Loud’s 23rd annual Young Trailblazers Gala in New York City this week.
Ahead of the big event, Brady spoke about what it’s been like for him after coming out last year.
“It’s been a year. Folks expect your life to change in some radical way, and it doesn’t,” he told People, adding, “It just changes that you get a level of freedom that you’re happy with.”
“No one’s going to throw me a parade.
The host of Let’s Make a Deal came out as pansexual last year and said he’s “happy” he did so due to the “level of freedom” he can enjoy.
In recognition of his advocacy and support of the LGBTQ+ community, Brady received the Pathfinder Award at Live Out Loud’s 23rd annual Young Trailblazers Gala in New York City this week.
Ahead of the big event, Brady spoke about what it’s been like for him after coming out last year.
“It’s been a year. Folks expect your life to change in some radical way, and it doesn’t,” he told People, adding, “It just changes that you get a level of freedom that you’re happy with.”
“No one’s going to throw me a parade.
- 5/24/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Attendance for Broadway’s just-ended 2023-2024 season held roughly steady with last year even as it remains nearly 17% below pre-pandemic levels, according to box office figures released today by the Broadway League.
The year-end stats indicate that the 71 Broadway productions on the boards from May 22, 2023, to May 19, 2024, grossed a combined $1.54 billion – $1,539,278,706, to be exact- with total attendance at about 12.3 million.
The dollar figure represents a very small slip in box office tallies from last season – about 2% from the $1,577,586,897 in 2022-2023. Total attendance was up less than a percentage point from last season.
This year’s total attendance indicates that about 90% of all available seats were filled, compared to last year’s 88%. Average ticket price for the season just ended was $125.27, about 2% lower that last season’s $128.43.
While roughly even with post-pandemic figures, the numbers continue to indicate that Broadway has yet to make a full recovery from the 18-month Covid shutdown.
The year-end stats indicate that the 71 Broadway productions on the boards from May 22, 2023, to May 19, 2024, grossed a combined $1.54 billion – $1,539,278,706, to be exact- with total attendance at about 12.3 million.
The dollar figure represents a very small slip in box office tallies from last season – about 2% from the $1,577,586,897 in 2022-2023. Total attendance was up less than a percentage point from last season.
This year’s total attendance indicates that about 90% of all available seats were filled, compared to last year’s 88%. Average ticket price for the season just ended was $125.27, about 2% lower that last season’s $128.43.
While roughly even with post-pandemic figures, the numbers continue to indicate that Broadway has yet to make a full recovery from the 18-month Covid shutdown.
- 5/22/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Drama League Awards unveiled their slate of winners at an in-person ceremony on Friday, May 17. The event was hosted by Frank Dilella at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, where attendees toasted the best of Broadway and Off-Bradway.
The biggest winner of the day was Sarah Paulson, who claimed the coveted Distinguished Performance Award for her fiery role in “Appropriate.” That play, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, also took home the League’s trophy for Best Revival of a Play.
See 2024 Dorian Theater Awards nominations announced: LGBTQ journalists champion ‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ ‘Stereophonic,’ ‘Oh, Mary!‘
The Distinguished Performance Award is unique in that a performer may only win the award once in their career. After prevailing, they are never eligible again. The category is also a massive catch-all race that includes actors of all genders, roles of all sizes, and both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. This year, 54 thespians were included as nominees.
Winning...
The biggest winner of the day was Sarah Paulson, who claimed the coveted Distinguished Performance Award for her fiery role in “Appropriate.” That play, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, also took home the League’s trophy for Best Revival of a Play.
See 2024 Dorian Theater Awards nominations announced: LGBTQ journalists champion ‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ ‘Stereophonic,’ ‘Oh, Mary!‘
The Distinguished Performance Award is unique in that a performer may only win the award once in their career. After prevailing, they are never eligible again. The category is also a massive catch-all race that includes actors of all genders, roles of all sizes, and both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. This year, 54 thespians were included as nominees.
Winning...
- 5/17/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Michael Jackson wasn’t just one of the music industry’s most successful artists. He was also interested in pursuing an acting career as well. He was especially intrigued by playing the character Peter Pan, so much so that he begged for the role at one point.
Michael Jackson cried when asking to play Peter Pan michael jackson hits
Jackson had an unfulfilled dream of being an actor. But his acting ability wasn’t completely untested. He featured in projects like The Wiz and Ghosts to help showcase his skills in front of the camera. But there was one character he always had his eye on, and that was the mythical hero who never grew up Peter Pan.
Theater director Sir Trevor Nunn reflected on Jackson approaching him for the role. Since Nunn had a lot of experience with stage-directing, Jackson went to Nunn for advice for a stage tour...
Michael Jackson cried when asking to play Peter Pan michael jackson hits
Jackson had an unfulfilled dream of being an actor. But his acting ability wasn’t completely untested. He featured in projects like The Wiz and Ghosts to help showcase his skills in front of the camera. But there was one character he always had his eye on, and that was the mythical hero who never grew up Peter Pan.
Theater director Sir Trevor Nunn reflected on Jackson approaching him for the role. Since Nunn had a lot of experience with stage-directing, Jackson went to Nunn for advice for a stage tour...
- 5/15/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Broadway’s spring roster seemed to settle into a Tony season box office ranking, with the strongest of the newcomers maintaining their draws and the weakest continuing downward slides.
In that first category were repeat sell-outs An Enemy of the People, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and Hell’s Kitchen, with both The Outsiders and Stereophonic inching onto that turf. The Outsiders was up $129,650 from the previous week to a big $1,023,827, and Stereophonic jumped $92,392 to $683,911. All five shows were well represented among Tony nominees.
A second batch of newcomers, though not hitting sell-out status, nonetheless were very strong performers during the week ending May 12. Appropriate was up more than $43,000 to $702,686, filling 91% of its seats; Mary Jane and Mother Play both held steady, with attendance around 97% of capacity; Suffs, The Great Gatsby and The Wiz each posted box office jumps of more than $100,000, settling into the impressive 91% to 95% of capacity terrain.
In that first category were repeat sell-outs An Enemy of the People, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and Hell’s Kitchen, with both The Outsiders and Stereophonic inching onto that turf. The Outsiders was up $129,650 from the previous week to a big $1,023,827, and Stereophonic jumped $92,392 to $683,911. All five shows were well represented among Tony nominees.
A second batch of newcomers, though not hitting sell-out status, nonetheless were very strong performers during the week ending May 12. Appropriate was up more than $43,000 to $702,686, filling 91% of its seats; Mary Jane and Mother Play both held steady, with attendance around 97% of capacity; Suffs, The Great Gatsby and The Wiz each posted box office jumps of more than $100,000, settling into the impressive 91% to 95% of capacity terrain.
- 5/14/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
While Wayne Brady is most popularly known for starring in Whose Line Is It Anyway?, he is taking on a new TV challenge. Recently he let fans know about two big premiere dates on the horizon.
Wayne Brady Is Making Big Strides
Lately, Wayne Brady has been making his statement about his personal life and career. While he is best known for his role in the hit show Whose Line Is It Anyway? he has many other areas of fame. In like fashion, he has a long list of accomplishments during his 51 years of living. Notably, he was on Dancing With The Stars, The Masked Singer, and How I Met Your Mother. Since 2009, he has hosted the CBS renewal of Let’s Make a Deal. Furthermore, he was nominated for multiple Daytime Emmys. Notably, receiving nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host which he won in 2018.
Wayne Brady and Witney Carson from...
Wayne Brady Is Making Big Strides
Lately, Wayne Brady has been making his statement about his personal life and career. While he is best known for his role in the hit show Whose Line Is It Anyway? he has many other areas of fame. In like fashion, he has a long list of accomplishments during his 51 years of living. Notably, he was on Dancing With The Stars, The Masked Singer, and How I Met Your Mother. Since 2009, he has hosted the CBS renewal of Let’s Make a Deal. Furthermore, he was nominated for multiple Daytime Emmys. Notably, receiving nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host which he won in 2018.
Wayne Brady and Witney Carson from...
- 5/9/2024
- by Bonnie Kaiser-Gambill
- TV Shows Ace
The great Broadway Crunch of Spring 2024, when 18 new productions opened between mid-March and late April – 19 if you count the commercial transfer of Appropriate – seems to be showing early signs of the inevitable shake-out, with one show (Lempicka) closing soon and a few others already playing to houses with attendance at 80% of capacity or less.
For the week ending May 5 – the first full week after the April 30 Tony nominations announcement – while overall box office was down about 7% for all shows and attendance off about 6% from the previous week, a good number of the newcomers were filling more than 90% of their seats. Some much more.
Selling out were An Enemy of the People, which grossed $1,048,286; Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, grossing $1,920,289 and not far off from the August Wilson Theatre’s house record set by the recent Funny Girl; and Hell’s Kitchen, $1,270,519.
A very slight tier below were the newcomers...
For the week ending May 5 – the first full week after the April 30 Tony nominations announcement – while overall box office was down about 7% for all shows and attendance off about 6% from the previous week, a good number of the newcomers were filling more than 90% of their seats. Some much more.
Selling out were An Enemy of the People, which grossed $1,048,286; Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, grossing $1,920,289 and not far off from the August Wilson Theatre’s house record set by the recent Funny Girl; and Hell’s Kitchen, $1,270,519.
A very slight tier below were the newcomers...
- 5/7/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Though she’s best known for her work in late night TV, Amber Ruffin has taken Broadway by storm over the last couple years, and is set to stage a long gestating musical of her own this summer.
The Late Night With Seth Meyers mainstay and former Amber Ruffin Show host most recently wrote the revised book for the revival of The Wiz, which opened last month on Broadway. She also co-wrote last year’s Broadway run of Some Like It Hot, earning a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical.
Now Ruffin is directing and writing a new musical that will be presented in upstate New York this summer. The show will be workshopped as part of New York Stage and Film’s summer season at Marist College, and is set to be presented on July 21st at the Nelly Goletti Theatre.
Continue reading Amber Ruffin Bringing New Musical to L.
The Late Night With Seth Meyers mainstay and former Amber Ruffin Show host most recently wrote the revised book for the revival of The Wiz, which opened last month on Broadway. She also co-wrote last year’s Broadway run of Some Like It Hot, earning a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical.
Now Ruffin is directing and writing a new musical that will be presented in upstate New York this summer. The show will be workshopped as part of New York Stage and Film’s summer season at Marist College, and is set to be presented on July 21st at the Nelly Goletti Theatre.
Continue reading Amber Ruffin Bringing New Musical to L.
- 5/7/2024
- by Nick Riccardo
- LateNighter
One of the major themes of Kendrick Lamar’s new Drake diss “euphoria” is the accusation that his rap foe is a “scam artist” and “a master manipulator and habitual liar too.” As it turns out, the seemingly jumbled audio in the intro lays the groundwork by sampling dialogue from the 1978 film The Wiz.
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
- 5/1/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
One of the major themes of Kendrick Lamar’s new Drake diss “euphoria” is the accusation that his rap foe is a “scam artist” and “a master manipulator and habitual liar too.” As it turns out, the seemingly jumbled audio in the intro lays the groundwork by sampling dialogue from the 1978 film The Wiz.
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
- 5/1/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
With its list of May 2024 releases, Amazon Prime Video is giving us the kindest gift of all: cougar Anne Hathaway.
May 2 sees the premiere of The Idea of You, a romantic-comedy that features Hathaway as a 40-year-old mom finding romance with a 24-year-old boy band singer (Nicholas Galitzine). Having saved the medium of film forever, Prime Video is celebrating with some big time library titles this month as well. American Fiction and BlacKkKlansman arrive on May 14 and will be followed by Creed and Pearl: An X-traordinary Origin Story on May 16.
For its TV offerings, Prime is leading off with Outer Range season 2 on May 16. This James Brolin sci-fi Western will continue the mysteries of the strange happenings on Thanos’ ranch. Reality TV fans will be able to enjoy the Daniel Tosh-hosted competition series The Goat on May 9.
Here’s everything coming to Prime Video and Freevee in April – Amazon...
May 2 sees the premiere of The Idea of You, a romantic-comedy that features Hathaway as a 40-year-old mom finding romance with a 24-year-old boy band singer (Nicholas Galitzine). Having saved the medium of film forever, Prime Video is celebrating with some big time library titles this month as well. American Fiction and BlacKkKlansman arrive on May 14 and will be followed by Creed and Pearl: An X-traordinary Origin Story on May 16.
For its TV offerings, Prime is leading off with Outer Range season 2 on May 16. This James Brolin sci-fi Western will continue the mysteries of the strange happenings on Thanos’ ranch. Reality TV fans will be able to enjoy the Daniel Tosh-hosted competition series The Goat on May 9.
Here’s everything coming to Prime Video and Freevee in April – Amazon...
- 5/1/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The 2024 Tony Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, April 30. Out of all the nominees spread across 26 categories, 23 fascinating facts, stats, trivia and achievements stand out as particularly noteworthy.
1. The following shows only received one Tony nomination: “The Great Gatsby,” “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “Patriots” “Uncle Vanya” and “The Who’s Tommy.”
2. The following Broadway productions from this past season were completely snubbed: “The Cottage,” “Harmony,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “How to Dance in Ohio,” “I Need That,” “Once Upon a One More Time,” “The Shark is Broken” and “The Wiz.”
3. The following individuals nominated last year are recognized again this year: Kai Harada, Tim Hatley, Amy Herzog, Brian d’Arcy James, Natasha Katz, Bradley King, Tom Kitt, Gareth Owen, Emilio Sosa, Jessica Stone, and Kara Young.
SEETony Awards snubs: ‘Patriots,’ Steve Carell, Chip Zien …
4. Some noteworthy names who happen to be nominated for producing at least one...
1. The following shows only received one Tony nomination: “The Great Gatsby,” “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “Patriots” “Uncle Vanya” and “The Who’s Tommy.”
2. The following Broadway productions from this past season were completely snubbed: “The Cottage,” “Harmony,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “How to Dance in Ohio,” “I Need That,” “Once Upon a One More Time,” “The Shark is Broken” and “The Wiz.”
3. The following individuals nominated last year are recognized again this year: Kai Harada, Tim Hatley, Amy Herzog, Brian d’Arcy James, Natasha Katz, Bradley King, Tom Kitt, Gareth Owen, Emilio Sosa, Jessica Stone, and Kara Young.
SEETony Awards snubs: ‘Patriots,’ Steve Carell, Chip Zien …
4. Some noteworthy names who happen to be nominated for producing at least one...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Growing up in Omaha, Amber Ruffin didn’t have many role models who looked like her. “I had not seen Black female performances that weren’t a stereotype and honestly, it was a while until it became regular.” Luckily, there were two movies on regular rotation in her home: “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “The Wiz.”
The first started Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg, in whose hyphenate shoes Ruffin would follow, becoming an actor, host, writer and comedian. And the latter was the big-screen adaptation of the revolutionary 1974 Broadway musical, a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast and bumping tunes that blended rock, gospel and soul. Says Ruffin of the films, “They were just so specific and weird that it was like an invitation to be yourself. So I had to squeeze all of the belonging out of those two movies and they lasted me well beyond childhood.”
One...
The first started Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg, in whose hyphenate shoes Ruffin would follow, becoming an actor, host, writer and comedian. And the latter was the big-screen adaptation of the revolutionary 1974 Broadway musical, a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast and bumping tunes that blended rock, gospel and soul. Says Ruffin of the films, “They were just so specific and weird that it was like an invitation to be yourself. So I had to squeeze all of the belonging out of those two movies and they lasted me well beyond childhood.”
One...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Stereophonic became the most nominated play in Tony Awards history Tuesday, scoring a surprisingly strong 13 nominations for the 2024 Tony Awards, including acting nods for almost the entire cast. Several other shows also saw most of their leading roles nominated, including Days of Wine and Roses, which closed early but still saw nominations for its leads Kelli O’Hara and Brian D’Arcy James, as well as Merrily We Roll Along, which saw nominations for its three leads, Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez.
Stereophonic also landed a best score nomination, a bit unusual since the production is a play, but it features original songs written by ex-Arcade Fire member Will Butler for the fictional band at the center of the story. While the songs in the play have been praised, the nomination is a bit atypical given that most of the songs featured in the musical are delivered in snippets,...
Stereophonic also landed a best score nomination, a bit unusual since the production is a play, but it features original songs written by ex-Arcade Fire member Will Butler for the fictional band at the center of the story. While the songs in the play have been praised, the nomination is a bit atypical given that most of the songs featured in the musical are delivered in snippets,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Caitlin Huston and Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With 36 productions eligible for this year’s Tony Awards, there were plenty of names missing when nominations were announced by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renée Elise Goldsberry on Tuesday morning. Among the most surprising 2024 Tony nominations snubs was “Patriots.” Peter Morgan‘s history play about Russia earned three Olivier Award nominations last year, including Best New Play, Actor (Tom Hollander) and Featured Actor (Will Keen). In New York, it only scored one for Michael Stuhlbarg, who took over the role played by Hollander in the UK; Keen, who reprises his role as Vladimir Putin, did not score a nomination in a category stuffed with “Stereophonic” performers.
The revival of “The Who’s Tommy” also significantly underperformed. Gold Derby users predicted it would land three nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Actor for Ali Louis Bourzgui and Best Choreographer for Lorin Latarro, but it only earned one bid in the top revival category.
The revival of “The Who’s Tommy” also significantly underperformed. Gold Derby users predicted it would land three nominations for Best Musical Revival, Best Actor for Ali Louis Bourzgui and Best Choreographer for Lorin Latarro, but it only earned one bid in the top revival category.
- 4/30/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen and new play Stereophonic, about a fictional band in the 1970s, led the Tony nominations with 13 nominations each.
The Outsiders, a musical based on the 1967 S.E. Hinton book, followed with 12 nominations and the revival of Cabaret, starring Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, followed with nine nods.
With its 13 noms, Stereophonic set a record for the most Tony nominations for a play, surpassing previous record holder Slave Play’s 12 noms in 2020.
Stereophonic‘s surprisingly strong performance even included a best score nomination despite it being a play.
In the best musical category, Hell’s Kitchen and The Outsiders were nominated, alongside the dance-based show Illionise, with music from Sufjan Stevens’ album and a book by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury; Suffs, a musical about the women’s suffrage movement with a score and book by Shaina Taub; and Water for Elephants, based on the 2006 novel,...
The Outsiders, a musical based on the 1967 S.E. Hinton book, followed with 12 nominations and the revival of Cabaret, starring Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, followed with nine nods.
With its 13 noms, Stereophonic set a record for the most Tony nominations for a play, surpassing previous record holder Slave Play’s 12 noms in 2020.
Stereophonic‘s surprisingly strong performance even included a best score nomination despite it being a play.
In the best musical category, Hell’s Kitchen and The Outsiders were nominated, alongside the dance-based show Illionise, with music from Sufjan Stevens’ album and a book by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury; Suffs, a musical about the women’s suffrage movement with a score and book by Shaina Taub; and Water for Elephants, based on the 2006 novel,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A new musical, a musical revival and a new play with music will dominate the 2024 Tony Awards nominations, according to our official odds in 17 of the 26 categories. The latest revival of the classic John Kander and Fred Ebb musical “Cabaret,” fresh off a smash run on the West End, and the new musical “Hell’s Kitchen” that is loosely based on the life of Alicia Keys and her music will both net at least seven nominations. New works “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Here Lies Love” and “Suffs” and the starry revival of Stephen Sondheim‘s notorious flop “Merrily We Roll Along” will also earn substantial nominations tallies.
Playwright David Adjmi‘s “Stereophonic” will lead this year’s crop of plays and play revivals with at least five nominations. Right behind are five other works – two new shows and three revivals – that will all tie at least four nominations apiece,...
Playwright David Adjmi‘s “Stereophonic” will lead this year’s crop of plays and play revivals with at least five nominations. Right behind are five other works – two new shows and three revivals – that will all tie at least four nominations apiece,...
- 4/28/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The 2023-2024 Broadway season that kicked off last June with the opening of “Grey House” featured 36 productions of new and revived musicals and plays. This staggeringly crowded year – especially this spring with its 19 openings in March and April alone – means that the nominations for the 77th Tony Awards will likely be as unpredictable as ever, so review our official racetrack odds in the top 17 of 26 categories. The nominations will be announced on the morning of April 30 by Tony winners Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Take Me Out”) and Renée Elise Goldsberry (“Hamilton”).
These official odds for the 77th Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts, Editors, Top 24 Users, All-Star Top 24 and all our Users, who make up the largest and often savviest bloc of predictors.
Below, see our 2024 Tony Awards predictions in 17 of the 26 categories. Make or edit your predictions before the nominations are unveiled on April 30.
Musicals
Best Musical...
These official odds for the 77th Tonys are derived from the predictions of our Experts, Editors, Top 24 Users, All-Star Top 24 and all our Users, who make up the largest and often savviest bloc of predictors.
Below, see our 2024 Tony Awards predictions in 17 of the 26 categories. Make or edit your predictions before the nominations are unveiled on April 30.
Musicals
Best Musical...
- 4/28/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Wayne Brady said he isn’t fazed by how people view him after he came out as pansexual.
The Wiz star and Let’s Make a Deal host opened up about his sexuality last August.
After revealing he was pansexual, Brady referred to himself as “Bisexual — with an open mind!”
He’s since commented more about his situation, including talking about the “inappropriate” messages he received since coming out.
More recently, he appeared on The Sherri Shepherd Show to discuss various topics.
At one point, the actor and comedian commented on how he feels about people viewing him differently now. Based on his answer, he’s stopped caring what people think, which seems like the healthiest approach.
Brady addresses people’s changed perspectives about him
During her conversation with Brady, Sherri brought up his big announcement when he came out as pansexual.
“As you’ve come into your own and into your truth,...
The Wiz star and Let’s Make a Deal host opened up about his sexuality last August.
After revealing he was pansexual, Brady referred to himself as “Bisexual — with an open mind!”
He’s since commented more about his situation, including talking about the “inappropriate” messages he received since coming out.
More recently, he appeared on The Sherri Shepherd Show to discuss various topics.
At one point, the actor and comedian commented on how he feels about people viewing him differently now. Based on his answer, he’s stopped caring what people think, which seems like the healthiest approach.
Brady addresses people’s changed perspectives about him
During her conversation with Brady, Sherri brought up his big announcement when he came out as pansexual.
“As you’ve come into your own and into your truth,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
The Tony Awards Administration Committee met for the fourth and final time during the 2023-2024 Broadway season on April 26, to discuss eligibility of 12 productions for the 77th Annual Tony Awards in 2024.
The productions discussed were: “The Wiz,” “Suffs,” “Stereophonic,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Cabaret,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “Patriots,” “Mary Jane,” “Uncle Vanya,” “Illinoise,” “Mother Play,” and “The Great Gatsby.”
The most impactful decision of this announcement is the determination that both Steve Carell and William Jackson Harper will be eligible for Lead Actor in a Play for the Lincoln Center Theatre revival of “Uncle Vanya.” Most prognosticators assumed that Harper would contend in the Featured Actor race. This category switch means that Lead Actor in a Play will have a guaranteed five nominees. Conversely, Anika Noni Rose was not bumped up to the Lead Actress in a Play category, so that race will contain just four guaranteed nominees...
The productions discussed were: “The Wiz,” “Suffs,” “Stereophonic,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Cabaret,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “Patriots,” “Mary Jane,” “Uncle Vanya,” “Illinoise,” “Mother Play,” and “The Great Gatsby.”
The most impactful decision of this announcement is the determination that both Steve Carell and William Jackson Harper will be eligible for Lead Actor in a Play for the Lincoln Center Theatre revival of “Uncle Vanya.” Most prognosticators assumed that Harper would contend in the Featured Actor race. This category switch means that Lead Actor in a Play will have a guaranteed five nominees. Conversely, Anika Noni Rose was not bumped up to the Lead Actress in a Play category, so that race will contain just four guaranteed nominees...
- 4/26/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
April on Broadway, to mangle a phrase from a showtune classic, is bustin’ out all over with no fewer than 14 new plays and musicals set to open before the April 25 Tony Award eligibility cutoff date. So crowded are the final weeks of the 2023-24 theater season that three days each will see the openings of two shows, a Broadway rarity.
Check this page to see Deadline’s takes. Whether you use this page as a guide or as an invitation to argue, drop by often for the latest on Broadway’s offerings. And there’ll be plenty of offerings indeed — here’s the schedule of April openings: The Outsiders (April 11), Lempicka (April 14), The Wiz (April 17), Suffs (April 18), Stereophonic (April 19), Hell’s Kitchen (April 20), Cabaret (April 21), Patriots (April 22), The Heart of Rock and Roll (April 22), Mary Jane (April 23), Illinoise (April 24), Uncle Vanya (April 24), Mother Play (April 25), The Great Gatsby (April 25).
Below...
Check this page to see Deadline’s takes. Whether you use this page as a guide or as an invitation to argue, drop by often for the latest on Broadway’s offerings. And there’ll be plenty of offerings indeed — here’s the schedule of April openings: The Outsiders (April 11), Lempicka (April 14), The Wiz (April 17), Suffs (April 18), Stereophonic (April 19), Hell’s Kitchen (April 20), Cabaret (April 21), Patriots (April 22), The Heart of Rock and Roll (April 22), Mary Jane (April 23), Illinoise (April 24), Uncle Vanya (April 24), Mother Play (April 25), The Great Gatsby (April 25).
Below...
- 4/26/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The nominees for the 2024 Drama League Awards were announced April 22, 2024, by Vanessa Williams and past Drama League winner Bebe Neuwirth. Winners will be announced during the 90th Annual Drama League Awards ceremony at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on Friday, May 17.
These kudos honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and are famous for their catch-all acting category, the Distinguished Performance Award. An actor can only win it once in their career. After they have won, they can never be nominated again. This year, a whopping 54 performers are nominated.
See 2024 Tony Awards eligibility rulings (round 2): ‘Appropriate’ is officially a revival, ‘The Notebook’ actors split up
The expansive production categories mean that many Tony Awards hopefuls heard their name called this morning. Ten Broadway musicals were nominated in the Outstanding Production of a Musical race. Notable omissions include “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “The Great Gatsby” and critical darling “Days of Wine and Roses...
These kudos honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and are famous for their catch-all acting category, the Distinguished Performance Award. An actor can only win it once in their career. After they have won, they can never be nominated again. This year, a whopping 54 performers are nominated.
See 2024 Tony Awards eligibility rulings (round 2): ‘Appropriate’ is officially a revival, ‘The Notebook’ actors split up
The expansive production categories mean that many Tony Awards hopefuls heard their name called this morning. Ten Broadway musicals were nominated in the Outstanding Production of a Musical race. Notable omissions include “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “The Great Gatsby” and critical darling “Days of Wine and Roses...
- 4/22/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Nichelle Lewis Makes Broadway Debut in 'The Wiz,' Gets Support from Big Stars at Opening Night Show!
The Broadway revival of The Wiz is officially open!
Nichelle Lewis is playing the lead role of Dorothy in the beloved musical and she looked gorgeous in green while attending the opening night party on Wednesday (April 17) in New York City.
The Broadway newcomer was joined at the celebration by co-stars Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Melody A. Betts, Kyle Ramar Freeman, Phillip Johnson Richardson, and Avery Wilson at the opening night celebration. The opening comes two months after the show played in Los Angeles for the final stop of the North American tour.
Some of the celebs who were in attendance at the opening included Hillary Clinton, Anna Wintour, engaged couple Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, Lachanze, Ben Vereen, Peppermint, Sherri Shepherd, Tamron Hall, Common, Leslie Uggams, and writer Amber Ruffin.
Get your tickets now to see The Wiz on Broadway.
Nichelle Lewis is playing the lead role of Dorothy in the beloved musical and she looked gorgeous in green while attending the opening night party on Wednesday (April 17) in New York City.
The Broadway newcomer was joined at the celebration by co-stars Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Melody A. Betts, Kyle Ramar Freeman, Phillip Johnson Richardson, and Avery Wilson at the opening night celebration. The opening comes two months after the show played in Los Angeles for the final stop of the North American tour.
Some of the celebs who were in attendance at the opening included Hillary Clinton, Anna Wintour, engaged couple Ben Platt and Noah Galvin, Lachanze, Ben Vereen, Peppermint, Sherri Shepherd, Tamron Hall, Common, Leslie Uggams, and writer Amber Ruffin.
Get your tickets now to see The Wiz on Broadway.
- 4/19/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The Wiz has returned in a Broadway revival starring Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, and others.
The cast includes Emmy-winner Brady in the show’s titular role and Grammy-winning Cox as Glinda the Good Witch.
They’ve been appearing on various morning programs and talk shows to promote their big event by discussing their roles, what this show represents, and more.
The co-stars recently appeared on CBS Mornings and talked to Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Vladimir Duthiers.
While some may have found the interview entertaining and insightful, several critics called Gayle out for her involvement in the segment.
In particular, one question Gayle asked drew criticism from a viewer, while another brought up something else that bothered them about the interview.
Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox talked The Wiz on CBS Mornings
The Wiz stars Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox promoted their musical during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle asking several questions.
The cast includes Emmy-winner Brady in the show’s titular role and Grammy-winning Cox as Glinda the Good Witch.
They’ve been appearing on various morning programs and talk shows to promote their big event by discussing their roles, what this show represents, and more.
The co-stars recently appeared on CBS Mornings and talked to Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Vladimir Duthiers.
While some may have found the interview entertaining and insightful, several critics called Gayle out for her involvement in the segment.
In particular, one question Gayle asked drew criticism from a viewer, while another brought up something else that bothered them about the interview.
Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox talked The Wiz on CBS Mornings
The Wiz stars Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox promoted their musical during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle asking several questions.
- 4/18/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
On Wednesday night, Broadway’s Marquis Theatre celebrated the official opening of the highly anticipated revival of The Wiz.
After a successful pre-Broadway tour that began last year, this new production breathes new life into the beloved musical. Under the direction of Schele Williams, known for her work on The Notebook and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, this revival promises an exciting and contemporary take on an enduring classic.
Taking on the iconic role of Dorothy is newcomer Nichelle Lewis, who brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Joining her is a star-studded cast that includes Wayne Brady as The Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
The ensemble comprises talented performers, including Allyson Kaye Daniel as Addaperle and Anthony Murphyas Lord High Underling.
After a successful pre-Broadway tour that began last year, this new production breathes new life into the beloved musical. Under the direction of Schele Williams, known for her work on The Notebook and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, this revival promises an exciting and contemporary take on an enduring classic.
Taking on the iconic role of Dorothy is newcomer Nichelle Lewis, who brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Joining her is a star-studded cast that includes Wayne Brady as The Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
The ensemble comprises talented performers, including Allyson Kaye Daniel as Addaperle and Anthony Murphyas Lord High Underling.
- 4/18/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Before Dorothy’s mother passed away, she had a favorite saying, as Aunt Em reminds her grieving niece in the opening scene of The Wiz: “The hard stuff is there to let you know just how good you got it.” And while that’s a curious mantra to undergird a production of a Broadway musical, there’s something to it in the latest revival.
The first musical by a Black composer to win Tony Awards for best musical and best score, this well-loved show turns 50 next year. If Schele Williams’s simplistic and sometimes bewildering staging doesn’t itself demonstrate how the show has held up across those decades, she wisely steers all attention toward the main event: the stunning vocal performances from her cast. And since the show’s underwhelming visuals feel like less of a distraction than an afterthought, it’s easy enough to put the “hard...
The first musical by a Black composer to win Tony Awards for best musical and best score, this well-loved show turns 50 next year. If Schele Williams’s simplistic and sometimes bewildering staging doesn’t itself demonstrate how the show has held up across those decades, she wisely steers all attention toward the main event: the stunning vocal performances from her cast. And since the show’s underwhelming visuals feel like less of a distraction than an afterthought, it’s easy enough to put the “hard...
- 4/18/2024
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Broadway’s spring newcomers continued pulling in the city’s tastemakers, tourists and the merely curious last week, with overall box office down about 10% from the previous week but most new shows filling at least 90% of their seats.
Topping the newcomers was Cabaret with Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee (full title of the revival: Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club), fill all seats at the August Wilson Theatre and grossing $1,731,227 for seven previews. Opening night is April 21.
Second highest earner of the previewing or just-opened shows was The Wiz, grossing $1,288,057 for seven performances at the Marquis, with attendance at 93% of capacity. Opening night is April 17.
Two productions had their opening weeks: The Outsiders, selling out the Jacobs and grossing $787,966; and Lempicka, which opened Sunday night following days of heavily comped press previews, with attendance at 94% of capacity at the Longacre and grosses a modest $344,080.
Some other notable showings among the new productions:
Suffs,...
Topping the newcomers was Cabaret with Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee (full title of the revival: Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club), fill all seats at the August Wilson Theatre and grossing $1,731,227 for seven previews. Opening night is April 21.
Second highest earner of the previewing or just-opened shows was The Wiz, grossing $1,288,057 for seven performances at the Marquis, with attendance at 93% of capacity. Opening night is April 17.
Two productions had their opening weeks: The Outsiders, selling out the Jacobs and grossing $787,966; and Lempicka, which opened Sunday night following days of heavily comped press previews, with attendance at 94% of capacity at the Longacre and grosses a modest $344,080.
Some other notable showings among the new productions:
Suffs,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Fifty years ago, “Good Times” became the first sitcom to depict a two-parent Black American family. Now, Netflix is debuting a present-day animated reboot chronicling the Evanses two generations after the original. Set in Chicago’s Cabrini Green projects in the same apartment from the 1970s dramedy, the series follows Reggie (J.B. Smoove), his wife Beverly (Yvette Nicole Brown) and their children, Junior (Jay Pharoah), Grey (Marsai Martin) and Dalvin (Slink Johnson). Black people aren’t a monolith, and respectability politics certainly aren’t the answer to racism, sexism, bigotry and homophobia. Yet it’s puzzling that this mind-numbing series is how creator Ranada Shepard is paying homage to such a classic show while trying to speak to 21st-century Black people. It’s also very clear why Netflix decided against sending out screeners for review.
In the season opener, “Meet the Evans of New,” we learn about the new occupants of apartment 17C.
In the season opener, “Meet the Evans of New,” we learn about the new occupants of apartment 17C.
- 4/12/2024
- by Aramide Tinubu
- Variety Film + TV
The talented Wayne Brady will appear in an iconic role this month as he suits up for his latest adventure in entertainment.
Brady, best known for hosting TV’s Let’s Make a Deal, and his improv comedy skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has also had plenty of unique roles on stage.
Now, he will appear in the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz as the title character.
He recently addressed what it’s like to take on that role as he admired a larger-than-life image of himself as the character.
“Does it really sink in when you see your face on the wall?” CBS Sunday Morning’s interviewer asked him.
“I think it sinks in. This never gets old,” he admitted, adding, “I mean, come on. It’s my big old head on Broadway.”
Brady talks about the ‘the energy to live up to’ the role of The Wiz...
Brady, best known for hosting TV’s Let’s Make a Deal, and his improv comedy skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has also had plenty of unique roles on stage.
Now, he will appear in the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz as the title character.
He recently addressed what it’s like to take on that role as he admired a larger-than-life image of himself as the character.
“Does it really sink in when you see your face on the wall?” CBS Sunday Morning’s interviewer asked him.
“I think it sinks in. This never gets old,” he admitted, adding, “I mean, come on. It’s my big old head on Broadway.”
Brady talks about the ‘the energy to live up to’ the role of The Wiz...
- 4/10/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
A Let’s Make a Deal contestant got a bit handsy while contemplating an offer for another prize.
During a recent segment on the show, Wayne Brady was on stage wearing a mustache as he presented a game for prizes.
The pair of contestants had to write down either “TV” or “Camp” on white cards to see if their answers matched to win a prize.
When Brady asked them to reveal their cards, the buzzer sounded as they each had a different answer.
“Oh no. Oh, my goodness. Well, that was not a match,” Brady said before asking each of them to explain why they answered the way they did.
“Because I like TVs,” the woman said after the guy said he wrote camping because he was “going camping tomorrow” and has a lot of TVs.
Brady told a contestant he touched the prize ‘without consent’
Despite their answers not matching up,...
During a recent segment on the show, Wayne Brady was on stage wearing a mustache as he presented a game for prizes.
The pair of contestants had to write down either “TV” or “Camp” on white cards to see if their answers matched to win a prize.
When Brady asked them to reveal their cards, the buzzer sounded as they each had a different answer.
“Oh no. Oh, my goodness. Well, that was not a match,” Brady said before asking each of them to explain why they answered the way they did.
“Because I like TVs,” the woman said after the guy said he wrote camping because he was “going camping tomorrow” and has a lot of TVs.
Brady told a contestant he touched the prize ‘without consent’
Despite their answers not matching up,...
- 4/6/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Broadway box office soared last week, as five productions joined the roster, one returned and no fewer than 30 of the 32 shows saw attendance at 90% of capacity or more. Twenty productions were sell-outs.
A raft of recent arrivals were among the strong box office performers, with The Outsiders, The Wiz, Suffs, Hell’s Kitchen and The Great Gatsby filling all seats at their respective venues. The Who’s Tommy came within sight of the $1M mark.
In all, the 32 shows grossed a whopping $37,095,505 for the week leading up to the Easter holiday, a 30% increase over the previous week and an 8% jump over last year at this time. Total attendance for the week ending March 31 was 271,802, an 18% boost over the previous week. More than 96% of all seats were occupied. Average ticket price was $136.48.
Among the notable entries:
Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll, began its commercial transfer at the Belasco, grossing $777,541, with...
A raft of recent arrivals were among the strong box office performers, with The Outsiders, The Wiz, Suffs, Hell’s Kitchen and The Great Gatsby filling all seats at their respective venues. The Who’s Tommy came within sight of the $1M mark.
In all, the 32 shows grossed a whopping $37,095,505 for the week leading up to the Easter holiday, a 30% increase over the previous week and an 8% jump over last year at this time. Total attendance for the week ending March 31 was 271,802, an 18% boost over the previous week. More than 96% of all seats were occupied. Average ticket price was $136.48.
Among the notable entries:
Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll, began its commercial transfer at the Belasco, grossing $777,541, with...
- 4/2/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Wayne Brady is known for his improv skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and for enticing contestants with better offers on Let’s Make a Deal.
He also shows his talents in a touring production of the classic musical, The Wiz.
The 51-year-old recently revealed several other wild jobs he had before television and is now featured as the host of an intriguing group experiment.
While contestants can receive cash prizes for those deals, Pay Progress Forward relies on a group’s generosity to determine whether they win.
A new YouTube video begins with the notion that many Americans live “paycheck to paycheck.”
However, the financial technology company Chime believes its experiment will show that struggling individuals want to help others in addition to themselves.
Wayne Brady hosts Chime’s group experiment
“You can either double your money, or you can pay it forward. Which would you like to do?...
He also shows his talents in a touring production of the classic musical, The Wiz.
The 51-year-old recently revealed several other wild jobs he had before television and is now featured as the host of an intriguing group experiment.
While contestants can receive cash prizes for those deals, Pay Progress Forward relies on a group’s generosity to determine whether they win.
A new YouTube video begins with the notion that many Americans live “paycheck to paycheck.”
However, the financial technology company Chime believes its experiment will show that struggling individuals want to help others in addition to themselves.
Wayne Brady hosts Chime’s group experiment
“You can either double your money, or you can pay it forward. Which would you like to do?...
- 3/26/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Before making it big on television, Wayne Brady worked his way up with several unique jobs.
Interestingly, those jobs involved characters he played, which helped prepare him for future gigs like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and other roles.
During his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Brady was asked about those early jobs, including one involving some iconic heroes.
“A lot of theater, but I was a Black Power Ranger- not the Black Power Ranger, that’s a gentleman named Walter,” he shared.
Brady indicated he was a “knockoff Power Ranger” working at kids’ parties, but it didn’t go well.
“I did this party. I tried to do flips. I can’t flip. I tried to kick. I can’t kick,” he said, revealing he knew it was probably time to quit that job.
Brady revealed he quit another job during Whose Line Is It Anyway?...
Interestingly, those jobs involved characters he played, which helped prepare him for future gigs like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and other roles.
During his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Brady was asked about those early jobs, including one involving some iconic heroes.
“A lot of theater, but I was a Black Power Ranger- not the Black Power Ranger, that’s a gentleman named Walter,” he shared.
Brady indicated he was a “knockoff Power Ranger” working at kids’ parties, but it didn’t go well.
“I did this party. I tried to do flips. I can’t flip. I tried to kick. I can’t kick,” he said, revealing he knew it was probably time to quit that job.
Brady revealed he quit another job during Whose Line Is It Anyway?...
- 3/23/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
It’s often said it goes down in the DMs, and Wayne Brady has said it’s “shocking” what sorts of messages he’s received since coming out as pansexual.
Last year, The Let’s Make a Deal host revealed he was pansexual, which means he is attracted to all people regardless of gender or identity.
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, indicates that the term is one of several that is under a “bi+ umbrella.”
During the interview where he came out as pansexual, Brady clarified that after doing research, he considered himself “bisexual — with an open mind.”
“In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn’t say if I was bisexual, because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything,...
Last year, The Let’s Make a Deal host revealed he was pansexual, which means he is attracted to all people regardless of gender or identity.
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, indicates that the term is one of several that is under a “bi+ umbrella.”
During the interview where he came out as pansexual, Brady clarified that after doing research, he considered himself “bisexual — with an open mind.”
“In doing my research, both with myself and just with the world, I couldn’t say if I was bisexual, because I had to really see what that was, especially because I really have not gotten a chance to act on anything,...
- 3/16/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
In the two weeks since Gold Derby launched the 2024 Tony Awards nominations predictions center, over 600 users have made their preliminary picks for which shows, performers and creatives will land coveted nominations. This season, 20 musicals and musical revivals will compete for only a handful of slots in each category, making this one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. Scroll to the bottom of the article for a tally of nominations by show in 10 of the 15 musical categories based on our current combined odds.
In the top category of Best Musical, our savvy users predict three shows are out front: “Suffs,” with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, “The Notebook,” with score by Ingrid Michaelson and “Here Lies Love,” featuring a score by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Rounding out our current top five are “Days of Wine and Roses” by Tony-winning composer Adam Guettel and the incoming “Lempicka,” directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin.
In the top category of Best Musical, our savvy users predict three shows are out front: “Suffs,” with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, “The Notebook,” with score by Ingrid Michaelson and “Here Lies Love,” featuring a score by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Rounding out our current top five are “Days of Wine and Roses” by Tony-winning composer Adam Guettel and the incoming “Lempicka,” directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin.
- 3/12/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Since their inception, the directing categories at the Tony Awards have mostly been a boys’ club. Not only are the vast majority of winners men, but so are most of the nominees. But the 2024 ceremony could upend these statistics as more women are helming Broadway shows than ever before. This could finally be the year where they make up the majority of directing nominees.
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
- 3/11/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal are slated to star in Othello on Broadway in spring 2025.
The production, which will see Washington in the title role and Gyllenhaal as Iago, will be directed by Kenny Leon, who directed this season’s Purlie Victorious and previously directed Washington in A Raisin in the Sun and Fences, opposite Viola Davis.
In addition to those stage credits and a lengthy film career, Washington has previously starred on Broadway in Julius Cesar, Checkmates and most recently, the 2018 revival of Iceman Cometh, in a large cast which also included Austin Butler. His upcoming film credits include Gladiator 2.
Gyllenhaal has starred in three Broadway shows, including Sunday in the Park with George and most recently in the 2019 production of A Life, a one-person monologue, which was paired with Tom Sturridge in Sea Wall. His next movie, the action thriller Road House, is due to premiere at...
The production, which will see Washington in the title role and Gyllenhaal as Iago, will be directed by Kenny Leon, who directed this season’s Purlie Victorious and previously directed Washington in A Raisin in the Sun and Fences, opposite Viola Davis.
In addition to those stage credits and a lengthy film career, Washington has previously starred on Broadway in Julius Cesar, Checkmates and most recently, the 2018 revival of Iceman Cometh, in a large cast which also included Austin Butler. His upcoming film credits include Gladiator 2.
Gyllenhaal has starred in three Broadway shows, including Sunday in the Park with George and most recently in the 2019 production of A Life, a one-person monologue, which was paired with Tom Sturridge in Sea Wall. His next movie, the action thriller Road House, is due to premiere at...
- 3/6/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the early 1990s, Michael Jackson had plans to buy Marvel to play its most famous superhero, Spider-Man, in a film adaptation. He discussed his plans with none other than the creator of the superhero, Stan Lee, who was a friend of Jackson. However, his plans never materialized. According to one rumor, Jackson may have played a role in Sony acquiring the rights to the character from Marvel.
Michael Jackson may have influenced Sony’s acquisition of Spider-Man
This rumor suggests that Sony was supposed to give the role of Uncle Ben in the Tobey Maguire-led film to the Smooth Criminal artist. However, Sony couldn’t cast him in the role and instead gave him a cameo role of Agent M in Men in Black II.
Michael Jackson May Have Kicked Off The Events That Led To MCU v. Ssmu Over Spider-Man
Michael Jackson rumoredly wanted to play Uncle Ben...
Michael Jackson may have influenced Sony’s acquisition of Spider-Man
This rumor suggests that Sony was supposed to give the role of Uncle Ben in the Tobey Maguire-led film to the Smooth Criminal artist. However, Sony couldn’t cast him in the role and instead gave him a cameo role of Agent M in Men in Black II.
Michael Jackson May Have Kicked Off The Events That Led To MCU v. Ssmu Over Spider-Man
Michael Jackson rumoredly wanted to play Uncle Ben...
- 3/2/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Broadway will honor the late actor, dancer and singer Hinton Battle with the traditional dimming of marquee lights on March 12.
The lights will dim at Broadway’s Shubert, Marquis, St. James, New Amsterdam, Samuel J. Friedman, Circle in the Square, Hayes, Vivian Beaumont and Todd Haimes theaters for the traditional one minute at exactly 6:45 p.m./Et.
“The passing of Hinton Battle has had a profound impact within the Broadway community as we mourn the loss of a true theatrical legend,” said Jason Laks, Interim President of The Broadway League, adding that Battle’s family had been consulted about the tribute venues. “Hinton Battle will be remembered for his incredible array of roles on Broadway. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.”
Battle died January 30,at the age of 67. A trained ballet dancer who studied at the renowned Jones-Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
The lights will dim at Broadway’s Shubert, Marquis, St. James, New Amsterdam, Samuel J. Friedman, Circle in the Square, Hayes, Vivian Beaumont and Todd Haimes theaters for the traditional one minute at exactly 6:45 p.m./Et.
“The passing of Hinton Battle has had a profound impact within the Broadway community as we mourn the loss of a true theatrical legend,” said Jason Laks, Interim President of The Broadway League, adding that Battle’s family had been consulted about the tribute venues. “Hinton Battle will be remembered for his incredible array of roles on Broadway. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.”
Battle died January 30,at the age of 67. A trained ballet dancer who studied at the renowned Jones-Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
- 3/1/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Lucille Lortel Awards hold a special place in the New York theater community as the only awards body in the city to exclusively honor Off-Broadway. This year’s ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at NYU Skirball.
SEE2024 Broadway musicals: Spring season preview includes ‘Cabaret,’ ‘The Wiz’ and the songs of Alicia Keys
The Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and the Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf (the non-profit formerly known as Theatre Development Fund). The ceremony will, as always, be open to the public, with tickets available for purchase beginning April 4.
The ceremony will recognize productions which opened in the 2023-2024 Off-Broadway season, which runs April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Nominations for the Lortel Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 4, with a special nominees breakfast soon after on April 17.
In addition to these key dates, the Lortel Awards also revealed the...
SEE2024 Broadway musicals: Spring season preview includes ‘Cabaret,’ ‘The Wiz’ and the songs of Alicia Keys
The Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and the Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf (the non-profit formerly known as Theatre Development Fund). The ceremony will, as always, be open to the public, with tickets available for purchase beginning April 4.
The ceremony will recognize productions which opened in the 2023-2024 Off-Broadway season, which runs April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Nominations for the Lortel Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 4, with a special nominees breakfast soon after on April 17.
In addition to these key dates, the Lortel Awards also revealed the...
- 2/26/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced that multiple EmmyAward-winning and Grammy Award-nominated actor, producer, singer, dancer, songwriter, author, and television personality Wayne Brady will host the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.Since 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annualLGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally.
“It is with immense pride that I was asked to host this year’s GLAAD Media Awards ceremony, celebrating a community that has welcomed me with open arms,” said Brady. “The stories created by and for LGBTQ people bring us closer to a world of unity, inclusivity and acceptance and I’m honored to help recognize...
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues.Since 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annualLGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally.
“It is with immense pride that I was asked to host this year’s GLAAD Media Awards ceremony, celebrating a community that has welcomed me with open arms,” said Brady. “The stories created by and for LGBTQ people bring us closer to a world of unity, inclusivity and acceptance and I’m honored to help recognize...
- 2/7/2024
- Look to the Stars
Wayne Brady has a new gig with GLAAD.
The Emmy Award-winning multihyphenate has been tapped to host the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on March 14. News of Brady teaming up with the media advocacy organization comes after he came out as pansexual to People in August 2023, telling the magazine his definition of “pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual or nonbinary. Being able to be attracted across the board.”
On the heels of the revelation about his sexuality, Brady joined GLAAD’s Spirit Day concert held at the Belasco in Los Angeles on Oct. 18. Ten days later, he also showed support for another LGBTQ organization, Glsen, by turning up at a fundraising event at NeueHouse Hollywood. He nodded to the warm welcome in his GLAAD statement. He also supports Broadway Backwards and the Gay...
The Emmy Award-winning multihyphenate has been tapped to host the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on March 14. News of Brady teaming up with the media advocacy organization comes after he came out as pansexual to People in August 2023, telling the magazine his definition of “pan means being able to be attracted to anyone who identifies as gay, straight, bi, transsexual or nonbinary. Being able to be attracted across the board.”
On the heels of the revelation about his sexuality, Brady joined GLAAD’s Spirit Day concert held at the Belasco in Los Angeles on Oct. 18. Ten days later, he also showed support for another LGBTQ organization, Glsen, by turning up at a fundraising event at NeueHouse Hollywood. He nodded to the warm welcome in his GLAAD statement. He also supports Broadway Backwards and the Gay...
- 2/6/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
From singing backup at Elvis Presley’s 1968 comeback TV special to writing Michael Jackson’s “She’s Out of My Life” to arranging the vocals on Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man, longtime Quincy Jones collaborator Tom Bahler has had an improbably jam-packed music career. But as he sees it, the peak of it all came in January of 1985, when Jones called upon him to arrange the array of superstar vocals on “We Are the World.”
With a new documentary on the song, The Greatest Night in Pop, out now on Netflix,...
With a new documentary on the song, The Greatest Night in Pop, out now on Netflix,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Brian Hiatt
- Rollingstone.com
Hinton Battle, the Tony-winning performer who originated the role of The Scarecrow in Broadway’s The Wiz, has died. He was 67.
The actor died Tuesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. In a statement, a rep told The Hollywood Reporter that his family has no plans to disclose his cause of death.
Battle made his Broadway debut in the original production of Broadway’s The Wiz and then won three Tonys — all in the category of featured actor in a musical — for his work in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1984) and Miss Saigon (1991). An NAACP Image Award winner, the actor, director, producer and choreographer was also a SAG and Critics Choice nominee, honored for his work as part of the ensemble of 2007’s movie musical Dreamgirls.
Born in 1956, Battle studied at the prestigious Jones Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
The actor died Tuesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. In a statement, a rep told The Hollywood Reporter that his family has no plans to disclose his cause of death.
Battle made his Broadway debut in the original production of Broadway’s The Wiz and then won three Tonys — all in the category of featured actor in a musical — for his work in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1984) and Miss Saigon (1991). An NAACP Image Award winner, the actor, director, producer and choreographer was also a SAG and Critics Choice nominee, honored for his work as part of the ensemble of 2007’s movie musical Dreamgirls.
Born in 1956, Battle studied at the prestigious Jones Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
- 1/31/2024
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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