“School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play” at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh PA, USA by Wendy Arons

The title of Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play tells you a certain amount about what to expect from this funny and surprisingly moving play. Like the Tina Fey mo…

Behind the scenes of The Last Ship starring Sting by Broadwaysf

Exit Lines: "Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven" by Bob Cashill

Review

Battle over Britain’s historic bell foundry far from over

Campaigners for a full revival of East End site await ministerial decision

Call Answered: David Hernandez: "American Idol", "Broadway & Beyond" at The Green Room 42 by Adam Rothenberg

David Hernandez gained national attention with his powerful voice and affable personality as an American Idol Top 12 finalist. After 10 years of touring, David is returning to New York City …

For The Holiday Season Darryl Maximilian Robinson Recorded And Shared His Rendition of "The St. Crispin's Day Speech" From William Shakespeare's "Henr

Darryl Maximilian Robinson returned to his classical theatre training this holiday season to evoke "The St. Crispin's Day Speech" presented by The King in William Shakespeare's "Henry V" in …

BEST OF 2019 by Sandy MacDonald

This chamber musical was a showcase for the extraordinary vocal talents of Joshua Henry.

Music Review: ‘Cabaret at Germano’s Piattini’ in Little Italy by Jv Torres

Julie Klausner said, “Cabaret is a great format—all you have to do is sing and be funny sporadically.” And in the heart of Little Italy in Baltimore, a picturesque establishment with a…

Darryl Maximilian Robinson Evokes The Saint Crispin's Day Speech From William Shakespeare's Henry V In Two Different 2019 Videos Shot In Lincoln Heigh

Veteran and classically-trained Los Angeles and Chicago stage actor and play director Darryl Maximilian Robinson presents "The St. Crispin's Day Speech" as The King from William Shakespeare'…

Danger is no illusion for The Daredevil by Sharon Eberson / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“The Illusionists - Magic of the Holidays” brings grand-scale trickery and Jonathan Goodwin’s daring stunts to Heinz Hall Dec. 26-29.

Max Yu, Young Theater Graduate, Wins $45,000 Playwriting Prize by Nancy Coleman

Yu won the Relentless Award for “Nightwatch,” a story based on his family that he wrote as a student at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Playwrights Turn To TV Money To Live On by Artsjournal

With the proliferation of prestige TV, show developers have been seeking out playwrights for their ability to compose sophisticated dialogue, plot turns and character. Everyone from recent M…

Hollywood Is Digitally “De-Aging” Stars – What Will This Mean To The Business? by Artsjournal

As Hollywood continues to enjoy its ability to recast mega-stars as their younger selves, it has brought fears that younger and less experienced actors are being pushed out. At the same time…

Six with Six – Courtney Monsma is Katherine Howard by Gabi Bergman

BEHEADED. Six The Musical is taking the world by storm. Part pop concert and part musical, the show tells the stories of Henry VIII’s wives, and sides of the story that most are not famili…

The Inheritance by Victor Gluck, Editor-In-Chief

Samuel H. Levine, Kyle Soller and Andrew Burnap in a scene from Matthew Lopez’s “The Inheritance” at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (Photo credit: Marc Brenner) Victor Gluck, Editor-in-Ch…

Anatomy Of The Classic Art World Scandal by Artsjournal

Overreaction is crucial: the work must prompt commentators to proclaim the end of art, to evoke the cliché of the emperor’s new clothes. – The Art Newspaper

How Are MFA Programs Teaching Young Playwrights To Earn A Living? Writing For TV by Artsjournal1

“At the top schools, administrators are fielding recruiting calls from television producers and managers, adding TV classes, and competing with high-paying shows for writers they can hire …

Hollywood’s Looming Content Crisis – Big Franchises Squeezing Everything Else Out by Artsjournal

This year, a huge chunk of total sales went to a handful of titles. The top 10 films at the domestic box office have accounted for 38% of ticket sales so far this year, according to data fir…

Glenn Lowry On How He Thinks About The Latest Version Of MoMA by Artsjournal

“You can never be comprehensive in some absolute way. So, in a way, we’ve gone in the opposite direction and decided we’re not even going to attempt to do that. Instead, we are going t…

Wendy Whelan’s Top Ten Cultural Wants by Artsjournal

What are the essential pieces of culture you have to have? For Whelan, they include Stravinsky, MoMA, socks and Chanel No. 19. – The New York Times

Judgment Day *** 1/2 by Barry Gordin

Everything is Connected By: Samuel L. Leiter December 24, 2019: If you saw the recent movie, Marriage Story, you probably heard Adam Driver’s character, an Off-Broadway director, s…

“The Man Who Came To Dinner” Is Rip-Roaring Comedy For The Holidays by Cary Ginell

For sheer timeless comedy, there are few plays better than The Man Who Came To Dinner, Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s hilarious love letter to owlish American theater critic Alexander W…

ALAN BENNETT: DIARY by Robert Shuman

(from the London Review of Books, 12/19, where he reads the entries.) 1 January 2019, Yorkshire. The New Inn, the village pub, always lays on a quarter of an hour of fireworks at midnight, w…

Theatre Review: ‘Alice in Wonderland’ by the British Players by Kristin Franco

A DMV holiday tradition is sticking around a bit longer than usual this year, which is a treat for the end of the decade. The British Players’ annual panto is here, and this year it will t…

How Big Data Has (Is) Transforming The Music Industry by Artsjournal

Analysts claim it’s not only possible to see who’s blowing up now, but more importantly, who’s going to be blowing up next. Chartmetric says it can shortlist which of the 1.7 million a…

‘The Gift Of The Magi’: A History Of O. Henry’s Short Story (And Its Troubled Author) by Artsjournal1

“The mixture of sadness and sentimentality in ‘Gift of the Magi’ befits a man whose life was marked by repeated human tragedies. … The diseases of alcoholism and tuberculosis would h…

10 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 26-29

The Harlem Globetrotters come to town as well as comedian Steve Byrne and country rocker Chris Knight.

Banksy’s Depressing Holiday Mural Taken Off View By Welsh Government by Artsjournal1

“The Welsh first minister has defended his government’s handling of the festive Banksy work Season’s Greetings, which is to be locked behind closed doors in a former police station aft…

The Best Take Down Reviews Of Terrible Books This Year by Artsjournal

“Our friendly neighborhood book review aggregators put on our black hats and seek out the most deliciously virulent literary take-downs of the past twelve months. It’s a ritual blood-let…

Hollywood’s Seven Most Influential Flops Of The 2010s by Artsjournal1

“In 2010, Hollywood was drunk on the success of Avatar and decided 3D tech was the wave of the future. … Large ensemble Garry Marshall rom-coms like Valentine’s Day were still winners,…

The Remix Decade: Culture Invited Us To Reconsider What We (Think) We Know by Artsjournal

“In television, film, literature, and other media over the past ten years, artists have presented information as though it is gospel, then reframed it in ways that force us to reconsider o…

The Next Big Thing In Streaming? Human Curators by Artsjournal

While computer-generated suggestions aren’t going away, companies are increasingly looking for other means to help viewers discover shows and movies they might otherwise have missed in a w…

What to do in the Bay Area during the winter holiday ‘Dead Week’ by Randy McMullen

Bay Area clubs and theaters offer plenty of shows during the "dead week" between Christmas and New Year's.

Catching Up with the Barnum Museum by Trav S.D.

It had been ages since we have been to one of our favorite pop culture repositories, the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I’ve been coming to the Museum since the late ’90s, and…

Get the Tissues Ready for Dear Evan Hansen Star Jessica Phillips' Moving Rendition of 'So Big/So Small' by Broadway.com

Jessica Phillips, who is playing Heidi Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen at the Music Box Theatre, performs the tearjerker "So Big/So Small."

Jagged Little Pill by Liz Wollman

There's a lot going on in Jagged Little Pill, which has to be the wokest jukebox musical you're likely to see on Broadway lately. Built around the era-defining third album of the same name b…

Review: Peter Pan Reimagined, Birmingham Repertory Theatre by Lotty Holder

Review: Peter Pan Reimagined, Birmingham Repertory Theatre4.0starsPeter Pan Reimagined brings a children’s classic kicking and screaming into the 21st century and far away from its comfort…

BWW TV: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas at Broadway Sessions!

Happy Holidays from Broadway Sessions! Our Annual All-Star Holiday Show this past Thursday the 19th was such a joyous occasion. Belting, tapping, singalongs and laughing- oh my! Our All-Star…

From Come From Away to The Antipodes: Top 10 Shows of 2019 by Not Exactly Billington

Here’s our Top 10 list for 2019 with three musicals – Come From Away, Curve’s West Side Story and the touring production of Amelie dominating the top spots.

10 Sensational Broadway Debuts from 2019

These Broadway debuts broke the mold.

John Mulaney on Embracing the Theatrical and Building a Broadway-Size Sack Lunch Bunch

The actor-comedian discusses his new Netflix special about fear and death, starring a bunch of children and André De Shields.

Media Theatre Will Host Memorial Service for Ann Crumb, Star of Aspects of Love and Anna Karenina by Andrew Gans

Ms. Crumb received a Tony nomination for her performance in the title role of the musical Anna Karenina.

A Life-Changing Phone Call Leads To A Dream Role On Broadway by Jeryl Brunner

Arielle Jacobs shares her journey to play Princess Jasmine on Broadway

Watch Ethan Slater’s Acoustic Cover of ’Simple Sponge’ by Olivia Clement

The Tony nominee puts his own twist on the song that “means the world” to him.

From “Northside” to Monet, Denver’s biggest arts and culture moments of 2019 by John Wenzel, Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Know

From Meow Wolf to Mission Ballroom, Monet to #WhatisUtopia, these are the biggest Denver arts and culture moments of 2019.

VIDEO: See The Family Gorgeous' Video Tribute to SIX

The Family Gorgeous, one of the most well-known drag families in Manchester, and hosts of the UK's Drag SOS, posted a video tribute to the musical SIX!

Christmas Tradition: Playwright Leaves Out Milk and Cookies for Scott Rudin by Broadway Beat

by Zach Raffio. @zachraffio. ATLANTA - Local playwright Hillary Lewis spent her Christmas Eve preparing a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and an accompanying glass of cold milk…

VIDEO: See Ethan Slater's Cover of '(Just a) Simple Sponge'

Ethan Slater just made everyone's holidays a little brighter! The Tony nominee, best known for playing SpongeBob SquarePants in The SpongeBob Musical, took to Instagram to post his cover…

Vienna Philharmonic Makes (Some) Progress With Its Women Problem by Artsjournal1

The august, tradition-bound orchestra, founded 177 years ago when Vienna was the capital of a now-vanished empire, would not allow women even to audition until 1997, despite years of critici…

Insurers Are Very Reluctant To Cover Art Basel Hong Kong by Artsjournal1

“As dealers struggle to insure works of art bound for Hong Kong, where pro-democracy protestors continue to clash with police, Art Basel in Hong Kong organisers say they are working with a…

What The Ballet World Is Doing About Its Body Image And Eating Disorder Problems by Artsjournal1

“Over the years, around the world, there have been stories of ballet dancers having unhealthy diets, eating disorders and mental health issues. In more recent decades, the ballet world has…

How Russia’s Version Of Santa Claus Survived Soviet Communism by Artsjournal1

“Ded Moroz today is about what you would expect. He has a long white beard, wears a fur-lined hat, has an animal-towed sleigh, and delivers presents to well-behaved children when it is col…

Telling Quotes From Great Arts Figures Who Passed In 2019 by Artsjournal1

“At their best, the artists who died this year could make us see the world in new ways — even as they made us laugh and cry. Here is a tribute to some of them, in their own words.” –…

What’s Behind Historians’ Arguments Over The New York Times 1619 Project by Artsjournal1

“Underlying each of the disagreements in the letter is not just a matter of historical fact but a conflict about whether Americans, from the Founders to the present day, are committed to t…

The Forgotten History Of Nationalism, Oppression, And Murder Behind A Now-Classic Christmas Carol by Artsjournal1

How a traditional New Year’s melody that dated back to the pre-Christian era (when the new year was celebrated in March), and which was introduced by a Ukrainian choir touring the U.S. whi…

Tap-dancing New York Nutcracker swings, but doesn’t sizzle

Michelle Dorrance’s dancers shine at the Joyce Theater, but you yearn for them to make more of Duke Ellington’s jazzed-up Tchaikovsky

CD Review: Moulin Rouge!: The Musical by JK

From the minute Moulin Rouge!: The Musical started when we saw the pre-Broadway run in Boston last year, I knew I needed a cast recording. Of course, that desired was tempered by concerns …

Look Back at Ricky Martin on Broadway in Evita by Playbill Staff

The music superstar, who celebrates his birthday December 24, starred as Che, opposite Elena Roger as Eva and Michael Cerveris as Juan Peron.

‘Sheer entertainment for adults & children alike’: BILLIONAIRE BOY – London & Touring ★★★★ by Fairy Powered Productions

An amusing and touching production of Billionaire Boy has a really important lesson at its heart brought to life by an absolutely brilliant cast.

Reflection on Black Nativity, and the power of faith and forgiveness in today’s world by Jeffrey E. Banks

As a Person of Faith, I have become more disenchanted with how Christmas is celebrated as I’ve gotten older. The commercialization of the holiday promotes materialism over caring about one…

Surprise hit show of 2019 by Keith Loria

This year, as we’ve already reported, 26 productions were so popular at the box office they earned extensions and 5 productions were co-produced and played or will play in each company’…

Idina Menzel Opens Up About Working With Adam Sandler, Holiday Traditions, and More by Olivia Clement

The Tony winner stopped by The Ellen Show to chat with guest host Ellie Kemper.

Critics Round Up Their Favorite Plays and Musicals of 2019 by Dan Meyer

See what critics thought were the best shows of this past year on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and around the world.

Diva Talk: 8 Grizabellas, Including Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige, Share Their “Memory”s by Andrew Gans

The leading ladies of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats—on stage—reflect on playing the pivotal role and singing the musical’s best-known tune.

Broadway’s West Side Story postpones opening night after star’s knee injury by Jessica Derschowitz

The new Broadway revival of West Side Story is pushing its opening night back by two weeks after leading man Isaac Powell suffered an onstage knee injury. Producer Scott Rudin told Deadline …

Liz Callaway Reflects on The Swan Princess on 25th Anniversary of Animated Film by Andrew Gans

Tony nominee Callaway provided the singing voice for Princess Odette.

Concert Review: BSO Holiday Spectacular at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall by Timoth David Copney

I have heard about the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular Concerts for years, so when I was asked to review this year’s, I was beyond excited.  So often we build up expe…

Pursuit of Perfection: A Review of Dance Nation at Steppenwolf Theatre Company by Erin Shea Brady

A provocative and powerful new play by Clare Barron, told with equal parts joy and seriousness.

20 Must-Read Quotes of 2019 From Broadway Artists by Ruthie Fierberg

Words of wisdom from Judith Light, Ali Stroker, Tarell Alvin McCraney, and more.

See Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare Celebrate the Holidays With the New York Pops at A Frank and Ella Christmas by Nathan Skethway

The concert featured arrangements of classic holiday tunes made popular by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

Be More Chill’s George Salazar Will Host 30th Annual L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Awards by Andrew Gans

The ceremony will be held in January in downtown Los Angeles.

Sing Street - another screen to stage musical by John Carney, famous for ONCE by Oscar E. Moore

But being connected to ONCE is not enough. This production is a good first draft. It’s just not there – yet. Can it be salvaged?

VIDEO: LaChanze & Celia Rose Gooding Talk Making History on Broadway on TODAY

Tony winner LaChanze, who is currently starring in a?oeA Christmas Carol,a?? and her daughter Celia Rose Gooding, who is making her Broadway debut in a?oeJagged Little Pill,a?? stopped by T…

Best and Worst Theater of The Decade, and of 2019. See a show, live longer. #Stageworthy News of the Week by Jonathan Mandell

  Check out: Favorite stage performances in 2019. Top 10 Lists of Top 10 Theater in 2019. Best Broadway Cast Recording of 2019. Top 10 Theater of the Decade. Worst Theater of the Decade.  …

‘Definitely brightens up the festive period’: SNOW WHITE – Chickenshed Theatre ★★★★ by Elaine Chapman

This wonderfully inclusive Snow White has been adapted and brought up to date, resulting in a clever and interesting social commentary on the power of people’s vanity.

SING STREET – Beyond the sea Off-Broadway at NYTW by Oscar E Moore

Were they just lazy or simply in a rush to adapt John Carney’s 2016 motion picture “Sing Street” into a stage musical that has just floated into the New York Theatre Workshop on East 4…

Peter Pan review at Gatehouse Theatre, Stafford – ‘high-energy pantomime’ by Neil Bonner

After several successful years of rock’n’roll pantomimes at the Gatehouse, new production company Prime Pantomimes rings the changes with a return to

The Screen Career of Raggedy Ann and Andy by Trav S.D.

There is something charmed about the fact that Johnny Gruelle (John Barton Gruelle, 1880-1938) was born of a Christmas Eve (in spite of his having a name that makes him sound like a spiritua…

Cinderella review at Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock – ‘imaginative storytelling and gentle humour’ by Neil Bonner

There are no real weaknesses to the Prince of Wales Theatre’s Cinderella, all the leading players demonstrate fine singing voices and acting.

Kanye West Brings His Opera MARY to Lincoln Center

Kanye West presented his new opera, Mary, at Lincoln Center this past weekend. The opera previously debuted in Miami last weekend, as BroadwayWorld previously reported.

Today on Broadway: Tuesday, December 24, 2019 by Matt Tamanini

“West Side Story” Postpones Broadway Opening, Taylor Mac’s Bringing a Ball Pit to The Flea, More! “Today on Broadway” is a daily, Monday through Friday, podcast hitting the top the…

Lita Doolan: Where to look for rehearsal space off the beaten track by Lita Doolan

As the busy season of producing winter shows limits the number of rehearsal rooms available, Lita Doolan looks at six alternative venues

‘The whole cast is impressive’: A LITTLE PRINCESS – Drayton Arms Theatre ★★★★ by Amy Toledano

A Little Princess has not only been been adapted for the stage with intelligence, love, and respect but it has also been gently nudged into the 21st century too.

Eclipse settles case out of court over ‘exploitative’ freelance contract by Olivia Rook

Eclipse Theatre has settled a case out of court with a former contractor who accused the organisation of being “exploitative” of freelances.

The Little Mermaid review at Jubilee Central, Hull – ‘as much a party as a panto’ by Will Ramsey

Master of ceremonies Marc Graham arrives on stage astride an inflatable shark at the start of Middle Child’s irreverent Christmas show. Bantering

Peter Pan review at Birmingham Rep – ‘inventive technical spectacle’ by Naomi Obeng

J M Barrie’s classic story is set in a contemporary, working-class Birmingham home. When Peter Pan turns up in Wendy’s high-rise flat,

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs review at Hippodrome, Birmingham – ‘full-on pantomime extravaganza’ by Paul Vale

The Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime may no longer be Qdos Entertainments’ most lavish production of the season but it remains a vibrant, energetic

Her Name is Lucy Barton. Their Job Is Ushering Her to the Stage. by Sarah Lyall

Elizabeth Strout created the character. Rona Munro put her at the center of a play. And Laura Linney has brought her to life in a solo Broadway show.

Wake Up With BWW 12/24: WEST SIDE STORY Pushes Back Opening Night, and More!

Today's top stories: West Side Story pushes back its opening night date, and more!

‘Don’t miss the chance to see this charming show’: CURTAINS – West End by Maryam Philpott

In a strong year for new London productions, Curtains finishes 2019 on a high with a true song and dance show that glories in its love of the stage and the process of putting on a production.

Stalker by Artsjournal1

Do all uncooked foods talk back? Snap crackle crunch; that’s how cerealized infants learn words for eating. Yet the sound of celery is curbed by wilt. And then comes heat, and silence. –…

It’s That Time of Year … by Artsjournal1

… when it seems that everybody is looking back over their shoulder more with nostalgia than disgust. I am not immune. Scrolling through some old emails, I came across this one called “fr…

Executive Director – Prescott Park Arts Festival by Artsjournal

The Executive Director will be a dynamic and experienced professional with overall strategic, financial, and operational responsibility for the Festival’s programs, staff, and execution …

Concert review: Stellar singing from the St. Louis Chamber Chorus in 'Christmas Down Under' by Sarah Bryan Miller St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Australian composers ruled on Sunday afternoon

Muddling through somehow by Terry Teachout

Two years ago, Mrs. T and I made plans to spend Christmas on Florida’s Sanibel Island, our beloved home away from home, for the first time ever—but then her doctors told her in no uncert…

Lookback: Louis Armstrong reads “The Night Before Christmas” by Terry Teachout

Louis Armstrong recites Clement Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas.” This was Armstrong’s last commercial recording. He made it at his home in Queens on February 26, 1971, five mont…

Almanac: Arthur C. Clarke on faith and space travel by Terry Teachout

“Others, one suspects, are afraid that the crossing of space, and above all contact with intelligent but nonhuman races, may destroy the foundations of their religious faith. They may be r…

Christmas number one taste test: Mariah Carey or sausage rolls?

The American singer has finally claimed the festive crown in the US, but the UK is stuck with novelty baked goods

Broadway Shockers 2019: To Kill a Mockingbird Producers Go After Community Theaters

Small theaters are caught in the crossfire of a rights war.

Celebrate Christmas With This Broadway Holiday Playlist

Your favorite stars, from Idina to Josh, provide the soundtrack to your Christmas morning.

The Comedy Knights Ask: Do You Need a License to Laugh in Malta?

In a country once ruled by humorless crusaders, modern-day knights defend the realm with laughter.

The 5 Best Special Theatrical Events of 2019

Dave Chappelle, Regina Spektor, and more prove that theater can't be put in a box.

Final Bow: Waitress's Unsung Hero Stephanie Torns Shares a Recipe for Broadway Endurance

Torns looks back on her nearly four-year run in Sara Bareilles's debut musical.

Exit Lines: Broadway Has Issues by Bob Cashill

Reviews of Jagged Little Pill and The Inheritance.

A Conversation that Needs to be Had: darklight by Lindsay Price

Sadness. Hopelessness. Irritability. Anger. Hostility. Angst. Doubt. darklight by Lindsay Price examines the important and relevant issues of depression and anxiety in teens. Characters figh…

André De Shields, Annaleigh Ashford, Jake Gyllenhaal, More Appear in John Mulaney’s The Sack Lunch Bunch Netflix Special by Ryan McPhee

The variety special is now available to stream.