Friday, May 9, 2025

New York Boosts Film Subsidy to $800 Million in Tussle With New Jersey by Gene Maddaus

After a monthlong delay, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has approved a state budget that expands the film subsidy to $800 million. The state is facing a downturn in production work, and competit…

SOURCE: Variety at 05:00PM

Met Gala 2025 Posts Blockbuster Livestream Numbers: 1.2 Billion Global Views by Matt Donnelly

Talk about superfine. This year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit — known colloquially as the Met Gala — saw explosive growth in viewership across platforms in 202…

SOURCE: Variety at 05:36AM
Thursday, May 8, 2025

‘Juliet & Romeo’ Review: The Classic Romance Is Reimagined as a Superfluous Pop Music Extravaganza by Courtney Howard

There’s probably never been a time as ripe with “Romeo and Juliet” rip-offs as our contemporary era. Though it’s been 29 years since Baz Luhrmann’s modern, alternative-pop-scored �…

SOURCE: Variety at 08:23PM

Concord Buys Broadway Licensing Global (EXCLUSIVE) by Brent Lang

Concord has acquired Broadway Licensing Global. As part of the deal, BLG’s family of imprints — Broadway Licensing, Dramatists Play Service, Playscripts and Stage Rights — will now bec…

SOURCE: Variety at 04:00PM
Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Kennedy Center Director Slams ‘Les Misérables’ Actors as ‘Vapid and Intolerant’ For Threatening Boycott of Trump Performance: ‘Will No Long by Jack Dunn

The Kennedy Center is fighting back against a group of actors who threaten to close the curtain on Donald Trump. On Wednesday, CNN reported that 10 out of the 12 actors in a “Les Misérabl…

SOURCE: Variety at 11:11PM

Jez Butterworth, Peter Straughan and Jack Thorne to Write Sam Mendes’ Four Beatles Films by Katcy Stephan

Sam Mendes’ four Beatles biopics have found writers. Tony Award winner Jez Butterworth (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Spectre”), Academy Award winner Peter Straughan (“Conclave,” “Tinke…

SOURCE: Variety at 04:43PM

Cynthia Erivo-Led ‘Prima Facie’ Film Adaptation Heading to Cannes Market, With Embankment Launching Sales by Alex Ritman

A film adaptation of “Prima Facie,” the smash-hit one-woman stage play starring Cynthia Erivo in the role that earned Jodie Comer both Tony and Olivier awards, will launch at the Cannes …

SOURCE: Variety at 04:43PM

Disney Gains Surprise 1.4 Million Disney+ Subscribers as Streaming Profit Surges, CEO Iger Says ‘We Remain Optimistic’ About Fiscal 2025 Outlook by Todd Spangler

Operating profit in Disney’s streaming business jumped for the first three months of 2025, as Disney+ unexpectedly added 1.4 million subscribers in the quarter. Despite gathering economic …

SOURCE: Variety at 04:43PM

‘Giant’ Review: John Lithgow Is Incendiary in an Arresting Debut Play About Roald Dahl and Antisemitism by Gordon Cox

The biggest, most trenchant laugh on the London stage is nightly cracking up the audience at the West End staging of “Giant” — and it’s a moment indicative of the blissful timing in …

SOURCE: Variety at 04:28PM
Tuesday, May 6, 2025

‘The Lion King,’ ‘Aladdin’ Lyricist Tim Rice Returns to Animated Films With ‘Land of Sometimes’ (EXCLUSIVE) by Naman Ramachandran

Legendary songwriter Tim Rice, whose credits include Disney classics “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” is making his return to animated features after a 25-year absence, joining the ani…

SOURCE: Variety at 08:18AM
Monday, May 5, 2025

Movie Industry Shocked and Confused After Trump Says He’ll Put 100% Tariffs on Films Produced Outside the U.S.: ‘This Is Nuts!’ by Elsa Keslassy

President Donald Trump’s plan to enforce 100% tariff on foreign-produced films was met with shock and disbelief across the European film industry. It was unclear how the levies, which w…

SOURCE: Variety at 01:12PM

Shares of Disney, Netflix and Other Studios Fall After Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on Movies ‘Produced in Foreign Lands’ by Todd Spangler

Shares of entertainment companies including Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global took a hit Monday as investors assessed Hollywood’s potential exposure to President…

SOURCE: Variety at 01:12PM

Adam Lambert to Play Judas in Hollywood Bowl Production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ by Chris Willman

“Jesus Christ Superstar” is getting starrier. The three-night production of the classic Broadway musical that is set for the Hollywood Bowl this summer is adding Adam Lambert to the cast…

SOURCE: Variety at 01:12PM
Saturday, May 3, 2025

Steve Carell Celebrates ‘The 40 Year-Old Virgin’ 20th Anniversary, Kerry Washington Premieres ‘Shadow Force,’ Reese Witherspoon Makes a Pit St by Marc Malkin

Natasha Lyonne kicked off May with the Season 2 launch of “Poker Face” in Los Angeles while Kerry Washington was in New York City for the premiere of “Shadow Force.” At the same time…

SOURCE: Variety at 01:39PM
Friday, May 2, 2025

‘Next To Normal,’ ‘Kiss Me Kate’ and Mandy Gonzalez in Concert Among ‘Broadway and Beyond’ 2025 Lineup by Lauren Coates

Broadway and Beyond, a collection of Broadway and arts programming from the WNET Group, has unveiled its 2025 lineup, including premieres from PBS’ “Great Performances” series and the …

SOURCE: Variety at 08:10PM

Ruth Buzzi, ‘Laugh-In’ Comedian, Dies at 88 by Jordan Moreau

Ruth Buzzi, the effervescent Emmy-nominated comedian and voice actor who starred on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” died Thursday at her Texas home, her family announced on Facebook. …

SOURCE: Variety at 08:10PM

Jill Sobule, Singer-Songwriter of Groundbreaking 1995 Song ‘I Kissed a Girl,’ Killed in House Fire by Jem Aswad

Jill Sobule, the groundbreaking singer-songwriter and activist whose 1995 song “I Kissed a Girl” is widely considered the first openly gay-themed song to crack the Billboard Top 20, died…

SOURCE: Variety at 09:47AM

Live Nation Dips in Total Revenue for First Quarter of 2025 by Steven J. Horowitz

Live Nation is facing a slow start to the year with its Q1 2025 earnings report, with drops in total revenue and adjusted operating income compared to the same period last year. Overall reve…

SOURCE: Variety at 09:47AM

Cole Escola, Lisa Rinna, Paul Feig and More Revealed as ‘King of Drag’ Guest Judges in First Trailer (EXCLUSIVE) by Marc Malkin

Newly-minted Tony nominee Cole Escola, Lisa Rinna and “Another Simple Favor” director Paul Feig are among the guest judges for “King of Drag.” The bold-faced names were revealed in t…

SOURCE: Variety at 09:47AM
Thursday, May 1, 2025

Tony Nominations Snubs and Surprises: Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kieran Culkin, Idina Menzel Overlooked in Starry Season by Gordon Cox

It’s been a busy season on Broadway, crowded with big stars, boffo hits — and strong contenders for awards attention. This year’s Tony Awards nominations seemed particularly hard to pr…

SOURCE: Variety at 11:20AM

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal’s ‘Othello’ Shatters Broadway Box Office Records, Recoups Investment but Gets Snubbed by Tony Awards by Rebecca Rubin

“Othello,” starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, has recouped its entire investment after nine weeks on Broadway. Capitalized for up to $9 million, the show is now the highest-…

SOURCE: Variety at 10:51AM

Tony Nominations 2025: The Complete List (Updating Live) by Rebecca Rubin

Nominees for the 78th annual Tonys were announced on Thursday. Tony Award winners Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce were on hand to unveil the nominees, with “Death Becomes Her,” “Gypsy…

SOURCE: Variety at 08:30AM
Wednesday, April 30, 2025

2025 Tony Awards Predictions: Kieran Culkin Eyes Historic Triple Crown, Latinos Take Center Stage and Star Power Could Rule Broadway Honors by Clayton Davis

Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, G…

SOURCE: Variety at 02:21PM

‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Gets 4K Remaster and New Logo for 50th Anniversary (EXCLUSIVE) by Marc Malkin

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ wants fans to do the time warp again for its 50th anniversary. The musical cult classic’s half-century milestone will be celebrated with a new 4K Ultra …

SOURCE: Variety at 12:52PM

‘Billion Dollar Spy’ Adds Tony Goldwyn, Rufus Sewell and Justin Theroux as Cold War Thriller Starts Production by Katcy Stephan

Principal photography has begun on Walden Media and Weed Road Pictures’ new thriller “Billion Dollar Spy,” which is led by Oscar-winner Russell Crowe and “Industry’s” Harry Lawte…

SOURCE: Variety at 12:52PM

Rachel Zegler to Star Alongside Marisa Tomei in Comedy Drama ‘She Gets It From Me’ (EXCLUSIVE) by Alex Ritman

Newly crowned Disney princess Rachel Zegler has lined her first film after “Snow White” and is set to play the daughter of Marisa Tomei’s wild-living mother in comedy drama “She Gets…

SOURCE: Variety at 12:52PM

National Theatre’s Kate Varah Champions Global Vision as Co-Chief Executive Reveals Bold New Chapter: ‘Unleashing Human Potential, Sparking New Id by Naman Ramachandran

In a sweeping transformation of Britain’s most prestigious theatrical institution, Kate Varah, co-chief executive of the U.K.’s National Theatre, has unveiled ambitious plans for the org…

SOURCE: Variety at 12:52PM

‘Rolling Thunder’ Making U.S. Premiere at New World Stages (EXCLUSIVE) by Brent Lang

“Rolling Thunder” will make its U.S. premiere for a limited engagement this summer at off-Broadway’s New World Stages. Performances of the show, which is described as “part rock conc…

SOURCE: Variety at 10:00AM

David Hyde Pierce on Returning to Broadway in ‘Pirates! The Penzance Musical’ and Turning Down the ‘Frasier’ Reboot by Brent Lang

“I probably should try to eat a little more,” David Hyde Pierce tells the waiter who just tried to clear his plate of scrambled eggs. We’re having breakfast in a diner on the Upper Wes…

SOURCE: Variety at 09:22AM
Tuesday, April 29, 2025

How ‘Real Women Have Curves’ Took the Fast Track to Broadway by Gordon Cox

Grammy-winning musician Joy Huerta and musical theater songwriter Benjamin Velez didn’t know each other before they started working together on the score for “Real Women Have Curves.” …

SOURCE: Variety at 05:58PM

Priscilla Pointer, Amy Irving’s Mother and ‘Carrie’ and ‘Dallas’ Actress, Dies at 100 by Matthew Minton

Priscilla Pointer, who played the mother of her real-life daughter Amy Irving in “Carrie” and also appeared on “Dallas,” died Monday in Ridgefield, Conn. She was 100. Pointer’s dea…

SOURCE: Variety at 02:52PM

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