All stories by Marc J. Franklin on BroadwayStars

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Sheldon, Matthew, and Margery Gray Harnick Celebrate Launch of New Book, Out June 21 by Marc J. Franklin

Jane Krakowski, David Rockwell, and more came out to celebrate the book’s release.

SOURCE: Playbill at 04:27PM

See Angela Lansbury in The Chalk Garden Benefit Reading by Marc J. Franklin

The one-night-only event, hosted at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, benefited The Acting Company.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:47PM
Tuesday, June 20, 2017

See Cast Members from Cats, School of Rock, and Phantom of the Opera Lead Free Sing-Along June 20 by Marc J. Franklin

The event at the Central Park Dairy celebrated the creation of an Andrew Lloyd Webber Sing for Hope Piano.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:35PM
Monday, June 19, 2017

Take a First Look Inside Rehearsals for Disney’s Broadway-Bound Frozen by Marc J. Franklin

The stage adaptation of the animated film, which will star Caissie Levy and Patti Murin, began rehearsals June 19 ahead of its August premiere in Denver.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:01PM

First Look at Hampstead Theatre's Production of Gloria by Marc J. Franklin

The U.K. premiere of Branden Jacob-Jenkins’ play, directed by Michael Longhurst, is set to open June 21.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:47PM

See Chita Rivera Honored by the Victory Dance Project June 15 by Marc J. Franklin

Tony nominee Karine Plantadit presented the Broadway legend with the Woman of Valour award.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:23AM
Friday, June 16, 2017

First Look at Napoli, Brooklyn at the Roundabout Theatre by Marc J. Franklin

The limited Off-Broadway engagement, directed by Gordon Edelstein, is set to open June 27 at the Laura Pels Theatre.

SOURCE: Playbill at 02:10PM
Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Betsy Wolfe Celebrates First Performance in Waitress June 13 by Marc J. Franklin

The show unveiled its new diner-themed front-of-house design in celebration of the musical’s new Jenna.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:54AM
Tuesday, June 13, 2017

See Kate Burton, Ramin Karimloo, and More Honored at the Broadway Beacon Awards June 12 by Marc J. Franklin

The stars were honored by Inside Broadway at the annual gala held at the The JW Marriot Essex House.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:46PM
Monday, June 12, 2017

Experience the Dear Evan Hansen and Come From Away After Parties by Marc J. Franklin

The award winning shows celebrated with their cast and creative teams following the 71st Annual Tony Awards.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:54PM

Inside the Official Tony Awards Gala at the Plaza Hotel by Marc J. Franklin

Playbill was on hand to capture the starry Broadway bash after the 71st annual ceremony.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:15AM
Friday, June 9, 2017

First Look at La Bohème with the San Francisco Opera by Marc J. Franklin

The production of Giacomo Puccini's opera continues the San Francisco Opera’s 2017 summer season.

SOURCE: Playbill at 04:52PM
Thursday, June 8, 2017

Take a Look at Don Giovanni with the San Francisco Opera by Marc J. Franklin

The production of Mozart’s opera, starring Ildebrando D'Arcangelo in the title role, opened June 4.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:36PM
Wednesday, June 7, 2017

See the Feinstein’s/54 Below Star-Studded 5th Anniversary Celebration by Marc J. Franklin

Alice Ripley, Laura Benanti, Liz Callaway, and more came out to honor the theatre-oriented nightclub.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:06PM
Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Roman Holiday, Starring Stephanie Styles and Drew Gehling, Opens in San Francisco June 6 by Marc J. Franklin

The world-premiere musical, featuring the songs of Cole Porter, is expected to arrive on Broadway this fall.

SOURCE: Playbill at 05:04PM

Wind in the Willows Set to Begin Performances in the West End June 19 by Marc J. Franklin

The musical adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s novel is penned by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and Oliver Award winners George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

SOURCE: Playbill at 01:07PM

Inside Opening Night of Annie in the West End by Marc J. Franklin

The production, directed by Nikolai Foster, is opened at the Piccadilly Theatre June 5.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:10PM
Monday, June 5, 2017

Cheers to the 2017 Tony Awards: Inside the Honors Cocktail Party by Marc J. Franklin

This year's Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York Hotel June 5 to celebrate ahead of the awards ceremony Sunday.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:16PM

Falsettos Broadway Revival Screened June 5 with Lincoln Center Theater by Marc J. Franklin

The Tony-nominated revival, starring Christian Borle, Stephanie J. Block, and Andrew Rannells, was screened at Cinépolis Cinemas.

SOURCE: Playbill at 04:21PM
Sunday, June 4, 2017

See Brendon Urie Take His Broadway Bow in Kinky Boots by Marc J. Franklin

The Panic! At The Disco frontman began performances as Charlie Price May 26.

SOURCE: Playbill at 06:56PM
Friday, June 2, 2017

Dear Evan Hansen, Great Comet, and More Perform at Stars in the Alley June 2 by Marc J. Franklin

The event, hosted by Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Tituss Burgess, celebrated the end of the 2016–2017 Broadway season with a free concert in Shubert Alley.

SOURCE: Playbill at 06:45PM

Wesley Taylor, Barrett Foa, and More Join the Skivvies in L.A. by Marc J. Franklin

The underwear-clad duo played Rockwell Table & Stage May 28 and 30.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:39AM
Thursday, June 1, 2017

First Look at Annie in the West End by Marc J. Franklin

The production, directed by Nikolai Foster, is set to open June 5.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:23PM
Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Relive Playbill’s First-Ever River Cruise, Broadway on the Rhône River by Marc J. Franklin

Liz Callaway, Paulo Szot, Rebecca Luker, James Barbour, and John McDaniel were on hand for the French excursion May 21–May 28.

SOURCE: Playbill at 04:52PM

See Who Came Out for the 2017 Chita Rivera Awards Nominees Reception by Marc J. Franklin

The awards ceremony, which celebrates dance and choreographic excellence, will be presented September 11.

SOURCE: Playbill at 11:55AM
Friday, May 26, 2017

Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, and More Sing Out at Concert for America May 24 by Marc J. Franklin

The event, held in UCLA's Royce Hall, is the 5th concert in the fundraising series to benefit five national organizations working to protect human rights.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:50AM
Thursday, May 25, 2017

Peek Inside Rehearsals of Kinky Boots with Brendon Urie by Marc J. Franklin

The Panic! At The Disco rock star begins performances as Charlie Price May 26.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:49AM
Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Norm Lewis, Carolee Carmello, and the New Cast of Sweeney Todd Meet the Press by Marc J. Franklin

The new stars joined the immersive Off-Broadway production at the Barrow Street Theatre April 11.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:59AM
Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Helen Mirren and Kelli O’Hara Hosted SAY’s 15th Anniversary Gala by Marc J. Franklin

The benefit featured performances by Krysta Rodriguez, Brandon Victor Dixon, and more.

SOURCE: Playbill at 12:30PM

Mandy Patinkin, Josh Groban, and More Honored Matthew C. Blank at MTC Gala by Marc J. Franklin

The annual event, which honored Showtime Chairman Blank, featured performances by Dear Evan Hansen; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812; and more.

SOURCE: Playbill at 10:50AM
Monday, May 22, 2017

Hamish Linklater’s The Whirligig, Starring Zosia Mamet and Norbert Leo Butz, Opens Off-Broadway by Marc J. Franklin

The world premiere, directed by The New Group’s Artistic Director Scott Elliott, opened at the Pershing Square Signature Center May 21.

SOURCE: Playbill at 03:43PM