All stories by Michael Gioia on BroadwayStars

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Waitresses Sing Waitress! Watch the Stardust Diner Music Video Here by Michael Gioia

The real-life waitresses of Broadway’s popular singing diner take on “She Used to Be Mine” from the musical playing a few blocks away from them.

SOURCE: Playbill at 09:44AM

Violet on a Moving Bus, Which Began at a College, Will Resurface at A.R.T. by Michael Gioia

The site-specific production of the musical, directed by Sammi Cannold—who is at the helm of Ragtime on Ellis Island—will get a professional staging in the Boston area.

SOURCE: Playbill at 01:34AM

Hamilton Actor Releases New Catchy Music Video for the Summer by Michael Gioia

Keep your head “Up” for the rest of the summer with the new music video from Hamilton’s Brandon Hudson.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM

How Will a 22-Year-Old Director Stage Ragtime on Ellis Island? by Michael Gioia

Sammi Cannold seems to already be an expert at site-specific theatre, even if she just graduated. For her next adventure, she stages a star-studded Ragtime on Ellis Island.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM
Wednesday, August 3, 2016

NBC Picks Up High-Stakes Drama by Side Man Tony Winner by Michael Gioia

The tentatively titled Salvation is written by Tony Award winner Warren Leight.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:16PM

Playwright Jez Butterworth Writing Series About Roman Invasion of Great Britain by Michael Gioia

The original drama series is titled Britannia and will be shot in Prague and Wales.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:55AM
Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Broadway Stars Will Hit the Streets to Sleep Out for Homeless Youth by Michael Gioia

The annual Broadway Sleep Out will be held this month, and theatrical artists are preparing to hit the streets.

SOURCE: Playbill at 04:59PM

Musical About Chick Flicks Will Premiere in Chicago by Michael Gioia

The four-person, 90-minute Chick Flick the Musical will have an open-ended run beginning this fall.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:03PM

Chicago Theatres Will Dim Lights for James M. Nederlander, Sr. by Michael Gioia

Lights will be dimmed for one minute prior to show time August 3.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:40PM

Why Black Lives Matter, Especially to Broadway by Michael Gioia

Broadway is using its voice to be heard. Through art and activism, actors of color are standing up to say that Black Lives Matter.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:09PM

Exclusive Photo Diary! A Week in the Life of Broadway’s Waitress with a new Dawn by Michael Gioia

Glee star Jenna Ushkowitz is the newest Waitress at the Broadway diner. She takes us through her week in pictures as she gets put into the show.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM
Monday, August 1, 2016

LaChiusa’s Wild Party Will Return to New York City by Michael Gioia

Casting has been announced for the musical, which begins performances next month in Manhattan.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:32PM

Wicked’s Katie Rose Clarke to Join Will Van Dyke for Intimate Concert by Michael Gioia

The former Glinda will join the songwriter next month at the Duplex.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:03PM

Watch Highlights from Outdoor Miss Saigon, With Real Helicopter by Michael Gioia

The Serenbe Playhouse production has released video highlights of the production, running through August 14 in Georgia.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:45AM

Black Lives Matter Concert Event, With Broadway Stars, Held Tonight by Michael Gioia

More than a dozen Broadway stars are rallying in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. A special concert event is held at Columbia University.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:16AM
Sunday, July 31, 2016

How Hamilton’s Beer, Rise Up Rye, Was Created by Michael Gioia

David Guzman, a swing in the Broadway musical Hamilton, was part of the creation of the Alexander Hamilton-inspired drink of choice.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM
Friday, July 29, 2016

Chicago’s American Theater Company Will Reimagine Picnic by Michael Gioia

The company’s 32nd season will include three pieces; one planned production has been pushed back to its 33rd season.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:36PM

Live Dating Game Show and Methtacular! to Take Shape at Chicago’s Steppenwolf by Michael Gioia

One of the first live dating game shows is part of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s LookOut programming.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:28PM

Gilmore Girls Reboot, Starring Broadway Folk, Releases Trailer and Sets Date by Michael Gioia

There will be a musical within the reboot of the series.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:43AM

Darren Criss Talks What to Expect at His Outdoor Music Festival This Year by Michael Gioia

Last year’s Elsie Fest was the first festival the Glee star put together, so he’s made some changes for round two. The singer reveals his plans for this Labor Day’s event.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:00AM
Thursday, July 28, 2016

Playbill Pre-Sale for Broadway’s Outdoor Music Fest Begins Now by Michael Gioia

Elsie Fest, the Coachella for Broadway music, is scheduled for September 5 on Coney Island.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:49PM

The Skivvies’ Lauren Molina Leads Wonderful Town Chicago Cast by Michael Gioia

Casting has been announced for the production helmed by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:27PM

NASCAR Musical Helldrivers of Daytona Gets World Premiere by Michael Gioia

The production is being billed as a “pre-Broadway tryout.”

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:56PM

Last Chance: What’s Closing This Week and Beyond by Michael Gioia

An updated list of when you’ll get a last chance to check out what’s on and Off-Broadway.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:39PM

Watch Broadway’s Best Sing Off-Key Just Like Florence Foster Jenkins! by Michael Gioia

At a special Broadway screening of Florence Foster Jenkins, we got our favorite stars to sing off-key like Meryl Streep must do for the film.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:16AM

Who Will Play Yitzhak When Lena Hall Is Hedwig on Tour? by Michael Gioia

Although he thought about it, Darren Criss will not be playing Yitzhak when his co-star takes on Hedwig.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:12AM
Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Newsies Will Be Filmed With Jeremy Jordan and Kara Lindsay by Michael Gioia

Members of the original cast of the Disney musical Newsies will reunite for the show to be filmed in Los Angeles.

SOURCE: Playbill at 04:59PM

Fiddler Star Will Join His Fiancée Onstage in Concert by Michael Gioia

Ben Rappaport and his soon-to-be wife will head to Feinstein’s/54 Below next month.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:53PM

Wicked Stars Will Sing Music of Drew Overcash at Joe’s Pub by Michael Gioia

The songwriter will return to the intimate venue with a slew of special guests next month.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:37PM

Baz Luhrmann’s Musical Netflix Series Most Expensive in History by Michael Gioia

Music and dance elements—plus a troubled production—spiked the budget on Netflix’s The Get Down, the new Baz Luhrmann-helmed musical TV series.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:04PM

Anastasia’s Leading Lovers on How the Story Has Been “Enhanced” for the Stage by Michael Gioia

Christy Altomare and Derek Klena, who originated the respective roles of Anya and Dmitry in Hartford’s production of Anastasia, talk about what audiences can expect when the show hits Broa…

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:09PM