All stories by Michael Gioia on BroadwayStars

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Why the World Needs Hairspray On Television Now More Than Ever by Michael Gioia

As a new administration takes shape, the cast of Hairspray prepares to change the minds of viewers across the United States.

SOURCE: Playbill at 04:36PM
Monday, December 5, 2016

Why Kristin Chenoweth Traded in Her Bubble for a Golf Cart by Michael Gioia

The original Glinda talks about her scene changes as Velma Von Tussle on the set of Hairspray Live! and why golf carts have become her new quick-change savior.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:00PM

NBC’s Robert Greenblatt On Hairspray Live!’s Rain Plan and Broadway-Bound Rumors by Michael Gioia

The producer and chairman of NBC Entertainment explains what will happen December 7 if it rains in Los Angeles.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:54AM
Sunday, December 4, 2016

Off-Broadway Cast of I Love You Because Reunites by Michael Gioia

The cast celebrates its 10th anniversary with a December 4 concert at Feinstein’s/54 Below.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM

Brandon Victor Dixon Speaks at The American Hangover Social Event by Michael Gioia

The newly formed Broadway Advocacy Coalition has its first meeting post-election.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM
Saturday, December 3, 2016

9 Pop Songs To Listen To If You Liked Hamilton Mixtape by Michael Gioia

If you love the Hamilton Mixtape, add these original songs by the same hip-hop and pop artists to your usual playlist.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM
Friday, December 2, 2016

Once Tony Nominee Elizabeth A. Davis Developing New Work by Michael Gioia

Her musical Indian Joe is based on the life of a Native American man who changed her life.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:49PM

Jonathan Larson’s Unheard Songs Will Be Given Voice in Concert by Michael Gioia

Musical theatre historian Jennifer Tepper will produce a concert of his work at Feinstein’s/54 Below.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:23PM

Original Belle, Susan Egan, Joins Latest Princess Party by Michael Gioia

The original, Tony-nominated star of Beauty and the Beast joins Laura Osnes and her Broadway princess gang.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:28PM

Sutton Foster Will Direct Shrek The Musical by Michael Gioia

The original, Tony-nominated Fiona will direct the musical at Ball State University with the theatre department’s chairperson.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:06PM

Watch Steamy Murder Ballad Duet, Featuring Ramin Karimloo and Kerry Ellis by Michael Gioia

Their full performance of “Mouth Tattoo” from the U.K. premiere has been released.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:02PM

Lin-Manuel Miranda Will Not Change Hamilton for the West End by Michael Gioia

The Tony- and Pulitzer-winning writer said that he won’t “touch” the material.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:14AM

Hairspray Live! Album Available Today by Michael Gioia

The soundtrack for the NBC television event has been released.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM
Thursday, December 1, 2016

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Discussions To Play Broadway’s Lyric by Michael Gioia

The Potter play is planned to open on Broadway in spring 2018.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:52PM

Annette Bening and David Rockwell Will Be Honored by New York Stage and Film by Michael Gioia

The two will be celebrated at New York Stage and Film’s annual winter gala.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:47PM

Lucas Hnath’s The Christians Begins Tonight at Steppenwolf by Michael Gioia

The production is directed by K. Todd Freeman.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:09PM

Inside the Room Where It Happened—Hamilton Mixtape’s Live Concert by Michael Gioia

Playbill joined the lucky theatregoers inside the Richard Rodgers Theatre December 1, when the Hamilton Mixtape came to life.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:11PM

Video: Inside the Room Where It Happened—Watch Hamilton Mixtape’s Live Concert by Michael Gioia

Playbill joined the lucky theatregoers inside the Richard Rodgers Theatre December 1, when the Hamilton Mixtape came to life.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:11PM

Watch The Tappy Christmas Special With Kara Lindsay, Lesli Margherita, and More by Michael Gioia

Christopher Rice hosts his favorite Broadway leading ladies for a holiday-themed tap-dancing extravaganza.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:53PM

Show Creator Unexpectedly Pulls Rights of Longest-Running Chicago Production by Michael Gioia

Greg Allen, the brain behind Neo-Futurists’ Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind, pulled the rights to the show—much to the surprise of the experimental theatre troupe.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:07PM

World Premiere of Part Magic Show/Part Play Opens in Chicago by Michael Gioia

The Magic Play, a magic show with a story behind it, has its world-premiere production at the Goodman.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM

How The Great Comet Transformed the Imperial Theatre Into an Immersive Russian Supper Club by Michael Gioia

Director Rachel Chavkin and set designer Mimi Lien explain the impressive musical theatre overhaul.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM
Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Stephen Schwartz Will Be Honored by TADA! Youth Theater by Michael Gioia

The Wicked composer is the 2017 TADA! honoree.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:28PM

A Guide to Holiday Concerts at Joe’s Pub, the Beechman, and More by Michael Gioia

Megan Hilty plays Joe’s Pub, the Sparkle benefit returns to NYC, and a Donald Trump-inspired Grab ‘Em by the Jingle Bells hits the Beechman.

SOURCE: Playbill at 04:06PM

A Guide to Holiday Concerts at Feinstein’s/54 Below by Michael Gioia

The Joe Iconis Christmas Extravaganza returns, Norm Lewis goes it solo, Annaleigh Ashford rings in the New Year, and more.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:27PM

Tick, Tick…BOOM!’s Nick Blaemire Releases New EP by Michael Gioia

His new collection of music is titled The Ampersand.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:40PM

Chicago Theatre Makers Discuss Moving Forward Post-Election by Michael Gioia

What comes next for Chicago theatre now that Donald Trump is President-Elect?

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:46AM
Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The 5 Best Moments From Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Drunk History Episode by Michael Gioia

Tonight on Comedy Central, the Hamilton creator did not throw away his shot—of whiskey.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:00PM

13 Hunks Announced for Christmas Eve’s Holiday Hunkfest by Michael Gioia

The annual event will be held this holiday season at Howl at the Moon.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:32PM

Watch Carol Burnett Show Co-Creator Share Behind-the-Scenes Memories by Michael Gioia

Kenny Solms, also a writer on Broadway’s Lorelei, tells all in his memoir Bits!—and a tease in the below video.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:20AM

Hamilton Actor Will Release New EP by Michael Gioia

Brandon Hudson, a former swing in Broadway’s Hamilton, will release Love, B.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:43AM

All that Chat

2024-2025 BROADWAY SEASON
Jun 05, 2024: Home - Todd Haimes Theatre
Jul 30, 2024: Job - Hayes Theater
Sep 12, 2024: The Roommate - Booth Theatre
Nov 14, 2024: Tammy Faye - Palace Theatre
Nov 17, 2024: Elf - Marquis Theatre
Dec 12, 2024: Cult of Love - Hayes Theater
Dec 19, 2024: Gypsy - Majestic Theatre
Mar 17, 2025: Purpose - Hayes Theater
Apr 10, 2025: Smash - Imperial Theatre