All articles tagged with #musical theater
Broadway's Schmigadoon! opens at the Nederlander Theatre (April 20, 2026) with a buoyant, affectionate homage to musical theater, led by Alex Brightman and Sara Chase; a TV-originated spoof that feels like a Broadway love letter, boasting vivid design and sharp humor, though its serialized TV roots can slow momentum.
A wildly campy Broadway spoof of Titanic framed as a Céline Dion jukebox musical, Titaníque sails from a basement origin to a full-scale stage with Marla Mindelle delivering diva-parody gold. Rich in meta humor, pop-culture riffs, and show-tune bravado, the second half shines as it leans into Dion’s catalog; some jokes miss the mark and the scale can feel overblown, but the production unabashedly celebrates big singing and campy joy.
The article criticizes Hollywood's portrayal of Broadway legends in musical biopics, highlighting how many films from the 1940s inaccurately depict the creation of American musicals, often resulting in poorly received and exaggerated portrayals, with recent commentary emphasizing the genre's overall poor quality.
The film 'Blue Moon' explores the life of lyricist Lorenz Hart through Ethan Hawke’s compelling performance, highlighting his genius, struggles with alcoholism, and complex personality, set against the backdrop of Broadway's golden era, offering a mix of humor, tragedy, and insight into the artist's turbulent life.
Broadway musicals are facing significant financial challenges, with none of the 18 new shows from last season turning a profit and several high-cost productions, including revivals, closing at a loss due to soaring costs and declining audiences.
Two songwriters from K-pop and musical theater, Mark Sonnenblick and EJAE, created the soundtrack for Netflix's animated musical 'KPop Demon Hunters,' which has become a surprise hit, peaking at Number Two on the Billboard 200 and making it the highest-debuting soundtrack of the year. Their collaboration, driven by a blend of genres and storytelling, has led to the film's unprecedented popularity and the success of its songs, especially 'Golden,' which is being considered for an Academy Award.
The Library of Congress has acquired over 5,000 items from Stephen Sondheim, including manuscripts, sketches, and ephemera from his renowned musicals, providing valuable resources for researchers and inspiring future songwriters.
Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA is working on a new musical with the help of artificial intelligence, viewing it as a valuable creative tool that extends his songwriting capabilities. The project reflects his ongoing interest in technological innovation and storytelling, while also emphasizing the importance of artist rights in the digital age.
Ariana Grande was supported by her family, including her parents Joan Grande and Edward Butera, at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Wicked,' where she stars as Glinda. The event was a significant moment for Ariana, who used her full name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the credits as a nod to her childhood. Her brother Frankie Grande shared an emotional story about learning of her casting, highlighting the family's deep connection to musical theater. The premiere was attended by numerous celebrities, celebrating Ariana's achievement.
Ariana Grande has announced a shift in her career focus, moving away from the intense pace of her pop music career to embrace her roots in musical theater, following her role as Glinda in the upcoming film adaptation of "Wicked." While she reassures fans that she will continue making music, Grande expresses a desire to explore more acting roles that allow her to utilize her singing talents, marking a return to her first love of musical theater.
Six-time Tony-winning actress Audra McDonald will star as Rose in a Broadway revival of "Gypsy," directed by George C. Wolfe, with previews starting on November 21 and opening on December 19 at the Majestic Theater. McDonald, who has long dreamed of playing this iconic role, describes Rose as a "deeply flawed and brilliantly alive character."
Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald will star as "Mama" Rose in a Broadway revival of the musical "Gypsy," directed by George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Camille A. Brown. Previews begin November 21 at the Majestic Theatre, with opening night on December 19.
"Sunset Boulevard" triumphs at the 2024 Olivier Awards with seven wins, including best actor and actress in a musical for Tom Francis and Nicole Scherzinger. Other notable winners include Mark Gatiss and Sarah Snook for best actor and actress, "Operation Mincemeat" for best new musical, and "Vanya" for best revival. The ceremony featured performances by host Hannah Waddingham and a special 60th-anniversary performance to close the event.
"The Outsiders" makes a strong entry into Broadway's singer-songwriter wave with a new musical form featuring a score and lyrics by Zach Chance, Jonathan Clay, and Justin Levine. The adaptation of S.E. Hinton's novel, set in 1967 Tulsa, captures the pangs and passions of being young and poor, with a focus on the Greasers gang. The musical's staging, performances, and choreography create an exhilarating movement world, while the characters' yearning for something more is portrayed with tenderness and depth.
The new off-Broadway musical "Teeth" is a biting satire of evangelicalism, blending biblical allusions and popular Christian rhetoric into a darkly comedic romp that challenges the rigidity of modesty and purity culture. The show delves into themes of sexual violence and misogyny, as it follows the transformation of protagonist Dawn from a church leader to a vengeful antiheroine. While the musical is raucous and campy, it leaves some questions unanswered about the complexity of its protagonist.