All stories by Chris Wiegand on BroadwayStars

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

‘Look at the bloody tip!’: Jason Manford blasts messy theatre audiences by Chris Wiegand

The comedian posted a video of the ‘shocking’ amount of litter left behind after his performance in a panto, saying, ‘You wouldn’t treat your own home like that, would you?’ “It�…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:02AM
Thursday, November 30, 2023

The best theatre to stream this month: The Old Man and the Pool, Bedbound and more by Chris Wiegand

Watch Mike Birbiglia’s hit comedy about mortality, Colm and Brenda Meaney in Enda Walsh’s two-hander or choose from a flock of Swan Lakes Here’s Mike Birbiglia’s pitch for his Broad…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:06PM
Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Cinderella review – festive fairytale adds a sprinkling of socialism by Chris Wiegand

Derby theatreOur heroine is a straight-talker who is not bothered about the ball but still finds romance in Annie Siddons’ lively version In her fresh version of the bridal fairytale, Anni…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 09:18AM
Sunday, November 26, 2023

Cinderella review – pop-powered Hammersmith panto looks sharp by Chris Wiegand

Lyric Hammersmith, LondonVikki Stone’s playful fairytale is staged with fabulous costumes and high-energy songs but falls short of delirious comedy In 2021, Camila Cabello was a screen Cin…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 05:24AM
Friday, November 24, 2023

The Lightbulb Princess review – sparkling electrickery for kids by Chris Wiegand

Half Moon theatre, LondonSarah Punshon’s Christmas story for over-fours is about the importance of making – and saving – electricity Here’s a lively show that recognises how, in many…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 10:48AM
Thursday, November 23, 2023

The Snow Queen review – flurry of fun needs more sense of adventure by Chris Wiegand

Polka theatre, LondonWorking best as an origin story, this new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale is poignant but lacks danger Why is Hans Christian Andersen’s Snow Queen …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 01:24PM
Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Hamilton review – revolutionary musical hits the road with a blazing new cast by Chris Wiegand

Palace theatre, ManchesterThe new tour of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster is delivered by an outstanding ensemble As this UK and Ireland tour is launched, it’s tempting to say that Hami…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:02AM
Monday, November 20, 2023

Dancefloor disaster: Ayelen Parolin masters the choreography of comedy by Chris Wiegand

The show must go on for the trio of hapless performers in Parolin’s new production Zonder, which finds the funny side in failure Contemporary dance and comedy don’t exactly go hand in ha…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 09:48AM
Friday, November 10, 2023

Hot Orange review – hoop dreams and true love in bittersweet teen drama by Chris Wiegand

Half Moon theatre, LondonAmal Khalidi and Tatenda Naomi Matsvai’s touring play for over-13s evokes two friends’ passions and pressures ‘Hot orange” is the name given to a basketball …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 11:54AM

Sheridan Smith to star in Rufus Wainwright musical Opening Night by Chris Wiegand

Ivo van Hove will direct the West End production based on John Cassavetes’ 1977 film about theatre Sheridan Smith is to star in a musical by Rufus Wainwright based on John Cassavetes’ 19…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:36AM
Thursday, November 9, 2023

The Box of Delights review – the RSC makes merry with Masefield’s fantasy by Chris Wiegand

Royal Shakespeare theatre, Stratford-upon-AvonThis is a well-crafted, brilliantly acted version of John Masefield’s novel about an orphan who travels through time Going small and swift are…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:32AM

Regent’s Park Open Air theatre appoints Drew McOnie as artistic director by Chris Wiegand

McOnie – who choreographed Jesus Christ Superstar, On the Town and Carousel – takes over from Tim Sheader Regent’s Park Open Air theatre in London has appointed Drew McOnie as its new …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:32AM
Friday, November 3, 2023

Lizzie review – ferocious rock opera revisits 1892 double murder case by Chris Wiegand

Southwark Playhouse Elephant, LondonStrong voices, polished direction and pop choreography boost this uneven account of Lizzie Borden, accused of killing her father and stepmother Reclaiming…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:06AM
Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The best theatre to stream this month: Cloud Gate, Best of Enemies and more by Chris Wiegand

The Taiwanese group’s compelling dance and William F Buckley Jr and Gore Vidal’s heated debates are among November’s offerings – plus an interactive theatrical quest Cloud Gate Dance…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 01:33AM
Sunday, October 29, 2023

To Wong Foo the Musical review – fabulous fantasia keeps it frothy by Chris Wiegand

Hope Mill theatre, ManchesterAdapted from the 1995 film, this musical about three drag queens stuck in a US small town is low on tension but has plenty of heart – and wigs Manchester’s m…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 10:13AM

Romeo & Juliet review – slow jams, Asda bags and trackie tops in a Manchester love story by Chris Wiegand

Royal Exchange theatre, ManchesterNicholai La Barrie’s production edits out some of Shakespeare’s characters, but amps up the modern-day relevance of this play about a divided community …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:07AM
Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Owners review – Caryl Churchill’s 1970s housing comedy is still bleakly relevant by Chris Wiegand

Jermyn Street theatre, LondonOften outrageously funny, Churchill’s play grimly reveals the costs and risks involved in private renting This revival of Caryl Churchill’s pungent 1972 come…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:07PM
Thursday, October 5, 2023

Laura Waldren wins Papatango new writing prize for Some Demon by Chris Wiegand

The playwright and actor’s debut drama about life on an eating disorder unit will have its world premiere at the Arcola theatre in London next summer The Papatango new writing prize has be…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 12:55PM

‘Deeply shocked’ National Theatre Wales may close in six months after funding cut by Chris Wiegand

The Arts Council of Wales has withdrawn its long-term financial support of the English-language theatre company National Theatre Wales (NTW) has warned that it will be forced to close in six…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:25AM
Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Mean Girls musical to be staged in London on film’s 20th anniversary by Chris Wiegand

The Broadway hit, written by Tina Fey and now on its second North American tour, will open at the Savoy in June For Mean Girls fans, this is so fetch: the film’s musical adaptation, which …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:19AM

Woody Harrelson returns to London stage in ‘riotous’ Ulster American by Chris Wiegand

The Hollywood star will appear alongside Andy Serkis and Louisa Harland in David Ireland’s black comedy Woody Harrelson is to return to the London stage in a new production of David Irelan…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:13AM
Sunday, October 1, 2023

The best theatre to stream this month: That Face, Macbeth and Dance Umbrella by Chris Wiegand

Our roundup of stage shows to watch at home includes a revival of Polly Stenham’s debut play, London’s international dance festival and Patrick Stewart suffering toil and trouble The fir…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 06:55AM
Thursday, September 28, 2023

Michael Gambon, star of Harry Potter and The Singing Detective, dies aged 82 by Chris Wiegand

The Olivier award-winning actor, whose major film roles included Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, has died • ‘An actor who let his heart and soul crack open’: David Jays on…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 09:04AM
Wednesday, September 27, 2023

The Yellow Wallpaper review – Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s story given hi-tech staging by Chris Wiegand

Coronet theatre, LondonAurélia Thierrée narrates the tale of a confined ‘hysterical’ woman while Fukiko Takase dances on a screen behind her The putrid wallpaper in Charlotte Perkins G…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:07AM
Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Steve Coogan to star in Armando Iannucci’s Dr Strangelove play by Chris Wiegand

Coogan will follow in Peter Sellers’ footsteps to play multiple roles in stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 satirical war film Steve Coogan is to star in Armando Iannucci’s sta…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 07:03AM
Wednesday, August 30, 2023

New version of The Nutcracker explores ‘tough nut’ masculinity by Chris Wiegand

Choreographer Drew McOnie’s version of the festive sweet-treat ballet will have a male hero and aims to ‘represent those who felt it wasn’t for them’ It is a sweet treat of a ballet …

SOURCE: The Guardian at 02:13PM
Friday, August 25, 2023

Pilot review – party games and profound thoughts in a knotty fringe show by Chris Wiegand

Summerhall, EdinburghLekan Lawal’s one-man multimedia performance mashes storytelling, comedy and dance into a richly stimulating hour This knotty and stimulating multimedia show created a…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 10:55AM

Heart review – revelatory romance told in the flush of love by Chris Wiegand

Roundabout @ Summerhall, EdinburghIn sync with beatboxer Grace Savage, Jade Anouka performs a fleet-footed and clear-sighted debut play Actor Jade Anouka’s debut play, Heart, has been kept…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 08:43AM

Brave Space review – no false moves in this wondrous up-close circus by Chris Wiegand

Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows, EdinburghThe US company Aloft invite audiences to assist them in an intimate and astonishing acrobatic show You have heard how it takes a village to…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 01:13AM
Thursday, August 24, 2023

Fool’s Paradise review – roll up for the clown wedding by Chris Wiegand

Summerhall, EdinburghBritt Plummer is waiting to get married to fellow clown Otto in this playful and wistful comedy Clowns at the Edinburgh fringe are proving that banana gags are far from…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 01:19PM
Wednesday, August 23, 2023

The 7 Fingers: Duel Reality review – rowdy circus riff on Romeo and Juliet by Chris Wiegand

Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows, EdinburghThe enthralling Canadian company offer up a fast-paced but often jarring show that treats Shakespeare like the Super Bowl Here is a twist o…

SOURCE: The Guardian at 10:25AM

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