All stories by Michael Paulson on BroadwayStars

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

In a Pandemic First, 3 American Theaters Will Do Indoor Shows by Michael Paulson

The venues, all small nonprofits in New England, will be permitted by Actors' Equity to put on work with union actors.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 06:06PM[SHARE]
Monday, August 24, 2020

Unemployment Is Rampant. So This Theater Is Giving Freelancers Money. by Michael Paulson

Several hundred workers are receiving $1,000 relief payments from the Public Theater.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 08:18AM[SHARE]
Friday, August 21, 2020

Tony Awards Ceremony Will Go Ahead, Online by Michael Paulson

Decision comes after months of uncertainty following a Broadway shutdown that kept many shows from opening.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 11:54AM[SHARE]
Wednesday, August 19, 2020

At Theaters, Push for Racial Equity Leads to Resignations and Restructuring by Michael Paulson

"It takes a lot of work and humility, and it requires that white people step aside," says one of several artistic leaders who have done just that.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 01:32PM[SHARE]
Thursday, August 13, 2020

Massachusetts Forces Two Theaters to Reduce Seating Capacity by Michael Paulson

Only 50 audience members apiece will be allowed to attend tent performances of "Godspell" and "Harry Clarke" in the Berkshires.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 03:48PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, August 12, 2020

These Shows Are Made for Walking by Michael Paulson

The pandemic has darkened theaters around the country. So this summer, some are staging scenes in parks and fields for small groups of masked patrons.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 03:42PM[SHARE]
Friday, August 7, 2020

Ad Agency Sues Scott Rudin, Saying Producer Owes $6.3 Million by Michael Paulson

At issue: payment for media buying and marketing strategy for the Broadway revivals of "West Side Story" and "The Music Man."

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 04:36PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, August 5, 2020

'Godspell' in 2020: Masks, Partitions and a Contactless Crucifixion by Michael Paulson

The first professional musical staged in the United States since theater shut down is also a de facto public health experiment.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 10:54AM[SHARE]
Thursday, July 30, 2020

The First Equity-Authorized Indoor Theater Is Moving Outdoors by Michael Paulson

A Barrington Stage Company production won the blessing of the actors' union, but was unable to get permission from Massachusetts state officials.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 04:18PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Black Plays Are Knocking on Broadway's Door. Will It Open? by Michael Paulson

Calls for diversity grow louder, and there are shows in the pipeline. But many are being shepherded by newcomers, not the powerful industry regulars.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 12:12PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Obies Honor 'A Strange Loop' and 'Heroes of the Fourth Turning' by Michael Paulson

The annual awards show for Off and Off Off Broadway theater was prerecorded and streamed after the coronavirus led to cancellation of a live ceremony.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 11:06PM[SHARE]
Friday, July 10, 2020

Theater Artists of Color Enumerate Demands for Change by Michael Paulson

A 29-page document released this week amounts to a call for wholesale restructuring of the system, onstage and backstage, on Broadway and beyond.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 04:24PM[SHARE]
Monday, July 6, 2020

Actors' Equity Signs Off on Live Theater in the Berkshires by Michael Paulson

Theaters in the Berkshires are planning live shows, "Godspell" and "Harry Clarke," with limited audiences and virus-related protocols in place. One will be indoors, and one outdoors.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 04:06PM[SHARE]

Broadway Actor Nick Cordero Dead at 41 of Coronavirus by Michael Paulson

The Broadway actor's battle with the coronavirus was followed closely by many as his wife chronicled his experience on social media.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 11:18AM[SHARE]
Sunday, July 5, 2020

Nick Cordero, Tony Nominated Broadway Actor, Dies at 41 from Battle with Coronavirus by Michael Paulson

The Broadway actor's battle with the coronavirus was followed closely by many as his wife chronicled his experience on social media.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 11:36PM[SHARE]

Nick Cordero, Nominated for Tony as Tap-Dancing Tough Guy, Dies at 41 by Michael Paulson

The Broadway actor's battle with the coronavirus was followed closely by many as his wife chronicled his experience on social media.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 10:54PM[SHARE]
Saturday, July 4, 2020

Beyond Broadway, the Show Does Go On by Michael Paulson

Watching through windshields. Audiences of two. An elbow bump instead of a kiss. Theaters across the country find novel ways to play in a pandemic.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 05:24AM[SHARE]
Friday, July 3, 2020

Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'Hamilton' and Disney +: A Timeline by Michael Paulson

Disney+ is streaming a live-capture film of "Hamilton." It's just the latest chapter in a deepening relationship between the company and the musical's creator.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 10:32AM[SHARE]
Wednesday, July 1, 2020

This Theater Plans Dividers to Keep Patrons Socially Distanced by Michael Paulson

The Wilma, seeking to reopen in Philadelphia, says it will erect a new seating structure in which every party is in its own separate box.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 09:12AM[SHARE]
Monday, June 29, 2020

Broadway Will Remain Closed Through the Rest of the Year by Michael Paulson

The industry has not yet set a reopening date, but said it would now refund tickets through Jan. 3.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 11:24AM[SHARE]
Sunday, June 28, 2020

Broadway League Pledges Change in Wake of Uproar Over Racism by Michael Paulson

The organization will commission a comprehensive survey to get a handle on diversity onstage, backstage and in production offices.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 02:18PM[SHARE]
Saturday, June 27, 2020

Five Years and 100-Plus Stories: What It's Like Covering 'Hamilton' by Michael Paulson

From the very beginning, it was clear the musical was going to be a big news story. I've been reporting on it, from the East Village to San Juan, ever since.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 05:32AM[SHARE]
Thursday, June 25, 2020

'Hamilton' Is Coming to the Small Screen. This Is How It Got There. by Michael Paulson

The film, a live capture of the hit Broadway show, will stream on Disney Plus beginning July 3. That wasn't always the plan.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 05:18AM[SHARE]
Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Founder of Virginia's Signature Theater Steps Down by Michael Paulson

In the wake of a sexual harassment allegation, Eric Schaeffer retired after 30 years from a theater that has earned acclaim for presenting musicals.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 03:36PM[SHARE]
Thursday, June 18, 2020

Seeking Shakespeare in the Park This Summer? Turn on Your Radio. by Michael Paulson

The Public Theater, prevented by public health concerns from performing in Central Park, has joined forces with WNYC to turn "Richard II" into a four-part radio play.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 02:32PM[SHARE]
Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Starry New Coalition Vows to Fight Racism in Theater by Michael Paulson

Among its founders: Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, Billy Porter and Wendell Pierce. Among its plans: mentorship programs for young black artists.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 10:32AM[SHARE]

Theaters for Young Audiences Say They Need to Be More Diverse by Michael Paulson

A new sector-wide study finds programming and creative teams are far more white than the audiences.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 09:48AM[SHARE]
Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Four Black Artists on How Racism Corrodes the Theater World by Laura Collins-Hughes, Michael Paulson and Salamishah Tillet

A playwright, a director, an artistic director and an actor share their experiences " and prescriptions for change.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 02:24PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Theater Artists Decry Racism in Their Industry by Michael Paulson

More than 300 sign a letter saying theater is a "house of cards built on white fragility and supremacy."

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 06:24AM[SHARE]
Thursday, June 4, 2020

No Tony Awards Show? Make Your Own With These Great Moments. by Ben Brantley, Jesse Green, Michael Paulson, Alexis Soloski, Elisabeth Vincentelli, Laura Collins-Hughes, Scott Heller and Eric Grode

Miranda's rap. Rylance's poems. Jackman's pelvis. And a brassy reunion for Bea Arthur and Angela Lansbury. Now set your clock for "Turkey Lurkey Time."

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 02:18PM[SHARE]
Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Union Insists Actors Shouldn't Work Till Epidemic 'Under Control' by Michael Paulson

Actors' Equity Association, which represents 51,000 theater performers and stage managers, lays out guidelines aimed to keep its members safe.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 06:24PM[SHARE]

All that Chat

2025-2026 BROADWAY SEASON
Jun 12, 2025: Call Me Izzy - Studio 54
Sep 16, 2025: Art - Music Box Theatre
Oct 08, 2025: Beetlejuice - Palace Theatre
Nov 13, 2025: Oedipus - Studio 54
Nov 16, 2025: Chess - Imperial Theatre
Mar 23, 2026: Giant - Music Box Theatre
Apr 06, 2026: Becky Shaw - Hayes Theater
Apr 16, 2026: Proof - Booth Theatre
Apr 26, 2026: Drama Desk Cut-Off