Sunday Scoop Week of 9/15/24 What's Happening This Week and More

A) Beginning Performances 

In New Jersey

1) Groundhog Day

In New York

2) The Counter

3) Fatherland

4) Honor

5) Monte Cristo

6) Safety Not Guaranteed

In Pennsylvania

7) The Gin Game

B) Extended Runs

8) Cellino v. Barnes

C) Tickets on Sale

9) Stranger Things: The First Shadow

D) What Else is Happening This Week and More

10) American Classical Orchestra Opens 40th Anniversary Season

Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall 9/18

11) BAA.BTC Regional Apprenticeship Program Applications Now Open

12) BodyStories Presents purple flame at Arts on Site

9/19 - 9/20

13) Broadway en Spanglish Album Concert 

at 54 Below 9/22

14) The Broadway Show With Tamsen Fadal Special Fall Preview Episode

Weekend of 9/21

15) Dungeons  & Dragons All-Stars Joining Cast of Twenty Side Tavern Limited Runs

16) Fathom Events Presents Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

9/21 & 9/25

17) Kinesis Project dance theatre Presents Bridge Matter/The Reach

9/22

18) Little Shop of Horrors to Unveil Times Square Installation With Special Event

9/19

19) NAMT Announces Creative Teams for 36th Annual Festival of New Musicals

20) Pan Asian Repertory Theatre Center Fall 2024 Reading Series: CALLIGRAPHY

9/19

21) Tabula Rasa Dance Premieres Animus Necandi & Ship of Fools

9/21 & 9/22

22) World Premiere Recording of Stephen Sondheim's Last Musical, Here We Are

Available Now on Vinyl and Streaming

A) Beginning Performances 

In New Jersey

1) Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day features a book by original co-screenwriter Danny Rubin, and music and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Tim Minchin (Matilda the Musical). It is February 2^nd in Punxutawney, Pennsylvania and a storm is coming. Phil Connors, a big-city weatherman, couldn’t be more frustrated to be reporting on the small-town Groundhog Day Ceremony – until he finds himself reliving the same day over and over again. Stuck in an endless loop of arrogance and cynicism amongst the cheery townsfolk, Phil must learn to take advantage of his 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th chances, break the cycle and transform his life. 

Kelsey Theatre (1200 Old Trenton Ave., West Windsor)

9/20 - 9/29

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.purplepass.com/events/296425-groundhog-day-sep-20th-2024

In New York

2) The Counter

Every morning at the local diner in a small town, a waitress refills a regular’s coffee. An unlikely friendship develops and keeps him coming back for more. But when he asks for a shocking favor, it brings to light both of their deepest secrets. The Counter is a funny, surprising, and moving meditation on the everyday connections that can change our lives.

Laura Pels Theatre, Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre

(111 W. 46th St.)

9/19 - 11/17

Opening Night 10/9

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit  roundabouttheatre.org

3) Fatherland

Fatherland is the true story of a young man who must summon the moral courage to speak the truth at the risk of upending his life and casting his family into turmoil," says Stephen Sachs. "Unlike characters in a scripted play, the people you meet in Fatherland are not made up. They are real. Every word spoken comes from court testimony, public statements, and case evidence. In this urgent election year, when the fate of our nation teeters before us, Fatherland reminds us of the human cost of cult worship and dangerous ideology. A warning cry for our country, at its core, Fatherland brings home the struggle of a father and son, each called to take action without losing his soul. What would you do?"

New York City Center Stage II (131 W. 55th St.)

9/18 - 11/23

Opening Night 9/26

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2024-2025/fatherland

Courtesy of Spin Cycle NYC

4) Honor

In HONOR, three corporate executives meet to review the results of an investigation into a case of harassment and intimidation by one of them. In the course of a raucous and rollicking meeting, a free-for-all ensues that tests the outer limits of propriety and procedure. Each brings their own concept of "honor" to the table for debate, only to be left wondering what constitutes honor in our present world.

The Gene Frankel Theater (24 Bond St.)

9/19 - 10/6

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.onthestage.tickets/show/knowledge-workings-theater

5) Monte Cristo

France, 1815. Hours before his wedding, the first mate of the ship Pharaon, Edmund Dantes, is falsely accused of conspiring to help Napoleon return to power. Unknown to his fiancé, Mercedes, Edmund is arrested and consigned to the dungeons of the Chateau d'If. When he finally escapes 18 years later, Edmund learns that Mercedes has long ago married one of the very men responsible for his imprisonment. Based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, Monte Cristo transforms the greatest revenge story of all time into a thrilling new musical for our time.

The Theater at St. Jean’s (entrance on 150 East 76th St.)

9/21 - 9/29

Opening Night 9/22

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.yorktheatre.org

Courtesy of Vivacity Media Group

6) Safety Not Guaranteed

This new musical reimagines Derek Connolly’s award-winning indie film of the same name, featuring new songs by Guster’s Ryan Miller. The story follows Darius, a low-level journalist who is assigned to report on a local classified ad offering the opportunity to go back in time, and the complicated relationship that ensues.

BAM Harvey Theater  (651 Fulton Ave., Brooklyn)

9/17 - 10/20

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bam.org/theater/2024/safety-not-guaranteed

In Pennsylvania

7) The Gin Game

The captivating story of grit, passion, and regret called life alongside a tension-filled card game. In the show, two new acquaintances sit down to a game of gin that soon spirals into an all-out war in life and cards. What follows is a raw examination of life through 90 minutes of humor and heartache.  

BRT’s black-box pop-up location at The Regency Room (190 Mifflin Street, Bristol

Through 9/29

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit brtstage.org/shows/gin-game

B) Run Extension

8) Cellino v. Barnes

Cellino V. Barnes is a darkly comedic rollercoaster that captures the wild partnership of notorious injury attorneys Ross Cellino and Steve Barnes, from their meteoric rise in the 1990s through their spectacular break-up in the 2010s.

Witness the hilariously absurd antics of two lawyers who prioritize outrageous personal squabbles over their billion-dollar empire, navigating a minefield of ethical dilemmas, personal demons, and outdated fax machines. As their budding friendship and business collide with unchecked ambition, they must decide whether to find common ground or torch it all. Inspired by their infamous real-life split, this riotous romp reveals the rivalry and redemption of two men who changed the face of their industry, one iconic billboard at a time.

Asylum NYC (123 E 24th St.)

Now closing 12/1

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CELLINO-V-BARNES.COM

C) Tickets on Sale

9) Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Ticket purchasers Through September can receive a 30-day Netflix Subscription

Mastercard Presale Now

Broadway General On Sale Begins Tuesday, September 17 at 11:00 AM ET

Before the world turned upside down. Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy…and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.

Marquis Theatre (210 W. 46th St.)

3/28 - 4/22

For more information, visit broadway.strangerthingsonstage.com

D) What Else is Happening This Week and More

Courtesy of Pascal Nadon Communications

10) AMERICAN CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA OPENS ITS 2024-25 SEASON AND CELEBRATES ITS 40th ANNIVERSARY AT LINCOLN CENTER’S ALICE TULLY HALL ON SEPTEMBER 18

10) All-Beethoven Program Presents Composer’s Symphony No. 7, and the Piano Concerto No. 4 with Hungarian Virtuoso Petra Somlai on Fortepiano

10) AMERICAN CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA OPENS ITS 2024-25 SEASON AND CELEBRATES ITS 40th ANNIVERSARY AT LINCOLN CENTER’S ALICE TULLY HALL ON SEPTEMBER 18

10) AMERICAN CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA OPENS ITS 2024-25 SEASON

AND CELEBRATES ITS 40th ANNIVERSARY

AT LINCOLN CENTER’S ALICE TULLY HALL ON SEPTEMBER 18

10) All-Beethoven Program Presents Composer’s Symphony No. 7, and the Piano Concerto No. 4 with Hungarian Virtuoso Petra Somlai on Fortepiano

10) All-Beethoven Program Presents Composer’s Symphony No. 7, and the

Piano Concerto No. 4 with Hungarian Virtuoso Petra Somlai on Fortepiano

The American Classical Orchestra (ACO), New York City’s leading period instrument orchestra, marks its 40^th anniversary season with an opening performance led by Founder and Artistic Director Thomas Crawford on September 18, the first of three orchestral concerts at Alice Tully Hall. The all-Beethoven program showcases the composer’s Symphony No. 7, as well as the Piano Concerto No. 4—the only classical-era concerto to start with a piano solo—featuring award-winning Hungarian fortepianist Petra Somlai.      

Season Opening 40^th Anniversary Concert

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 7:30 pm at Alice Tully Hall              

American Classical Orchestra

Thomas Crawford, conductor

Petra Somlai, fortepiano

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92

The all-Beethoven season-opening program begins with the Piano Concerto No. 4, which offers a lyrical conversation between piano and orchestra that demonstrates Beethoven’s power of invention. The work premiered in 1808, with the composer at the keyboard in a four-hour program that included the premieres of his Fifth and Sixth Symphonies at Vienna’s Theater an der Wien. The work was neglected until nine years later, when it was revived by Felix Mendelssohn in 1836. This performance features the virtuosic Hungarian fortepianist Petra Somlai, professor at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and first prize-winner at the International Fortepiano Competition in Bruges, Belgium. The evening concludes with Symphony No. 7, which premiered with Beethoven conducting at the University of Vienna in 1813 as part of a charity concert for soldiers wounded in the Battle of Hanau. The work was so enthusiastically received that the audience demanded an encore of its second movement, the “Allegretto.” The movement’s enduring appeal is demonstrated by its frequent inclusion as a stand-alone work on many modern programs. Beethoven himself spoke of it fondly as “one of my best works.”

 

Tickets, priced at $75, $55, and $35, are available at aconyc.org or by calling ACO at (212) 362-2727, ext.4; at lincolncenter.org or the Alice Tully Hall box office; or by calling CenterCharge at 212.721.6500.

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11) BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR

BAA•BTC REGIONAL APPRENTICESHIP

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS / EARLY CAREER PROFESSIONALS

Applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual Broadway Across America (BAA) • BTC Regional Apprenticeship program through October 18th.  This nationwide, educational paid apprenticeship takes place over 14 weeks in the spring of 2025 and is offered to applicans with a demonstrated passion to increase the involvement of those that have been historically underrepresented in American Theater. The program showcases the inner workings of the commercial theater business and Broadway touring.

This intensive educational program begins with 13 weeks of in-depth learning in one of the following Broadway Across America offices: New York City, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Louisville, Minneapolis, Ottawa, Salt Lake City, and Seattle, where Apprentices will learn about topics like Presenting, Ticketing, Marketing Strategy, Operations, and more. To close out the semester, the Apprentices will travel to New York City for a week of networking, on-the-job learning, and to see Broadway shows.

Students pursuing degrees in fields like Arts Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations/Communications, Theater Studies, Finance/Accounting, Human Resources, Pre-Law, Arts Ticketing/Sales/Operations, and other fields of study that relate to commercial theater presenting are welcome in the program. A variety of perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and opinions are very much encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants can find the application form and more information at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/apprenticeship

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

12) BodyStories presents p u r p l e f l a m e

Arts on Site – Studio 3R

September 19-20, 2024

BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance proudly presents their newest full-length work,

p u r p l e f l a m e, on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7pm and Friday, September 20, 2024 at 6:30pm & 8:30pm at Arts On Site, 12 St. Marks Place, NYC. The Thursday performance will culminate with a reception and party which will allow audiences to socialize with the dancers and directors, meet new people, and enjoy light refreshments. Ticket Link:

https://www.artsonsite.org/events-1/bodystories-teresa-fellion-dance

p u r p l e f l a m e delves into the themes of self-identity and the ongoing cycle of creation, destruction, and reconstruction. This passionate endeavor aims to portray a non-linear narrative that journeys through physical struggle and happiness, ultimately reaching a moment of resolution.

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13) Broadway en Spanglish Album Release Concert to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at 54 Below in NYC

Broadway en Spanglish, the highly anticipated musical project by Florencia Cuenca and Jaime Lozano, is set to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an electrifying album release concert at the renowned 54 Below in New York City. The concert will take place on Sunday, September 22 at 7pm, offering an unforgettable evening of iconic contemporary tunes.

The Broadway en Spanglish concert will feature a stellar lineup of songs from popular musicals such as Hamilton, Waitress, Disney's Frozen, and more. Audiences can expect exciting new arrangements by the talented Jaime Lozano, bringing a fresh and vibrant Mexican flavor to these beloved Broadway hits.

As the album release approaches, fans can look forward to experiencing the magic of Broadway en Spanglish from the comfort of their homes. The highly anticipated album, produced by Concord Theatricals Recordings, will be available to the public on Friday, September 27. With a total of ten songs, including THE WIZARD AND I, SEASONS OF LOVE, and NEW YORK, NEW YORK, this album promises to captivate listeners with its unique interpretation of musical theater favorites.

Florencia Cuenca & Jaime Lozano’s 

Broadway en Spanglish

September 22nd at 7 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm) 

 

Tickets start at $51 and can be purchased by visiting 

https://54below.org/events/jaime-lozano-florencia-cuencas-broadway-en-spanglish/

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14) “THE BROADWAY SHOW WITH 

TAMSEN FADAL”

ANNOUNCES SPECIAL FALL 2024 PREVIEW EPISODE

FEATURING 13 HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 

BROADWAY SHOWS OF THE SEASON

PRODUCTIONS THAT WILL BE FEATURED INCLUDE

 “DEATH BECOMES HER,” “GYPSY,” “OUR TOWN,” 

“ROMEO + JULIET,” “SUNSET BOULEVARD,” AND “SWEPT AWAY”

Today, The John Gore Organization announced that the Emmy award-winning television series “The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal,” which will be syndicated for the 5^th year, will air their Fall 2024 Preview episode the weekend of September 21. The special episode will feature stars and creatives of the most anticipated shows of the current Broadway season.

 

Hosted and executive-produced by 13-time Emmy-Award winner Tamsen Fadal, the Fall Preview episode will feature James Monroe Iglehart (A Wonderful World); Christopher Sieber (Death Becomes Her); Audra McDonald (Gypsy) and the unveiling of the newly renovated Majestic Theatre; Jez Butterworth (The Hills of California); Delia Ephron (Left on Tenth); Helen J. Shen (Maybe Happy Ending); Robert Downey Jr. (McNeal); Zoey Deutch, Katie Holmes, Jim Parsons, and Ephraim Sykes (Our Town); Gabby Beans (Romeo + Juliet); Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard); Wayne Duvall, Adrian Blake Enscoe, John Gallagher Jr., and Stark Sands (Swept Away); director Rupert Goold (Tammy Faye); and Daniel Dae Kim and Ryan Eggold (Yellow Face).

 

“The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal” is the only nationally syndicated Broadway entertainment television program airing in 142 markets and in the last year, its reach has grown from 12 million to 14 million viewers. The two-time Emmy Award winning series gives viewers unprecedented access to A-list celebrities, Broadway’s biggest stars, upcoming shows, tours, performances, clips and behind-the-scenes stories, both on and off the stage.

 

Additionally, the series includes a companion podcast, “The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal: Uncut,” available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart and more. The podcast expands on robust content filmed during the broadcast interviews and features extended interviews from each week’s television episode.

For more information, visit www.thebroadwayshow.com.

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Vivacity Media Group

15) Felicia Day, Aabria Iyengar & Erika Ishii
Bring Their Dungeon Mastery to 
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern
as Guest Cast Members in Three Special Limited Engagements

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern, the immersive and interactive theater experience that brings the world’s most popular tabletop roleplaying game to life like never before, has rolled a Nat 20 and is thrilled to announce that Felicia Day (The Guild, Supernatural, Mystery Science Theater 3000), Aabria Iyengar (Dimension 20, Critical Role, The Adventure Zone) and Erika Ishii (Dimension 20, Apex Legends, Critical Role) will be joining the award-winning production as guest players this fall and winter. Felicia joins the tavern from September 19 through the 24, followed shortly after with Aabria from September 26 to October 7, while Erika will join the party from December 5 through the 17.
 
The Twenty-Sided Tavern is an immersive theatrical experience that combines the magic of tabletop role-playing games with the excitement of live performance. Audience members are not just spectators but active participants, guiding the story and determining the fate of the characters. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of role-playing games, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern promises an unforgettable journey.

Felicia Day, an award-winning actress, writer, and geek icon, has appeared in numerous television shows and films and is best known for her work in the digital space where she created and starred in the seminal, award-winning and pioneering web series The Guild, as well as co-starring in Joss Whedon’s Emmy-winning musical Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. “I've loved D&D and theater my whole life,” shared Day. “I can't wait to combine the two and participate in this amazing production.”
 
Aabria Iyengar, known for her masterful storytelling in popular TTRPG Actual Play streams such as Critical Role, Dimension 20 and Worlds Beyond Number, brings her inclusive and unparalleled style to DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern. "The joy of tabletop games like D&D comes from the surprise and delight of improvisation," said Iyengar. "The Twenty-Sided Tavern is a leap forward in how collaborative storytelling can drive wonderful and unique experiences, and I can't wait to share the fun with this audience!”
 
Erika Ishii, celebrated for their charismatic presence and versatile performances in series like their podcast with Iyengar, Brennan Lee Mulligan, and Lou Wilson, Worlds Beyond Number, as well as Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and various Dropout TV originals, is equally excited to command their role.  “I’ve had the immense fortune to be part of actual play shows that allowed me to collaborate on telling the stories I wanted to see in the world,”  Ishii commented. “I am so excited that being part of The Twenty-Sided Tavern allows our audience to be a part of that narrative!”
 
The addition of these three immensely talented guest players is a testament to DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern’s commitment to providing diverse and engaging experiences for its audiences. Each performance is a standalone, audience-driven adventure, where attendees influence the story's direction through real-time choices and interactions.

Don’t miss your chance to experience DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern with Felicia Day, Aabria Iyengar and Erika Ishii! Tickets are available now for Felicia’s performances (Sept 19 - 24), Aabria’s performances (Sept 26 - Oct 7) and Erika’s performances (Dec 5 - 17). Tickets to DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern in New York City are currently on sale through April 29, 2025. Visit thetwentysidedtavern.com, telecharge.com, or call 800-447-7400 for tickets. Adventurers curious to learn more can join the community via Discord. In addition, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern will make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Opera House beginning December 15, 2024.

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16) Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story 

Comes to Theaters This September 21 & 25

SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY tells of Reeve’s astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, including his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down, but catalyzed his activism for disability rights.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit

www.fathomevents.com/events/super-man-the-christopher-reeve-story

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

17) Kinesis Project dance theatre

presents

rescheduled performance of

Bridge Matter/The Reach

Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 5pm

Community Participation Event: Installation of Care

Sunday September 22, 2024 at 3pm

Fort Washington Park, The Little Red Lighthouse

Presented by Summer on the Hudson, Kinesis Project dance theatre, the New York City based large-scale, outdoor dance company, announces their rescheduled community event and performance of Bridge Matter/The Reach on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 5pm at Fort Washington Park, The Little Red Lighthouse, NYC. For more information, visit

https://www.kinesisproject.com/events/2024/9/22-bridge-matterthe-reach-an-evening-of-performance-and-river-views

On Sunday, September 22, Bridge Matter/The Reach will take place at 5:00pm along the expanse of the water's edge, one block south of the historic Little Red Lighthouse. In costumes inspired by the sunset, dancers intertwine, guide and surprise as music surrounds the audience; conjuring a performance built on echos, care and how we (and the earth) bridge divides. 

In the afternoon, from 3pm-5pm, Kinesis Project is hosting and co-creating an Installation of Care, a simple participatory art installation for anyone who would like to register. Kinesis Project invites NYers to take part in the first ever, large-scale, community installation of care along the water's edge beginning at 3pm. Everyone is welcome, no dance experience is needed. Registration for a time slot and a color scheme is available here: https://bit.ly/InstallationofCare-signup. The installation is in collaboration with Harlem based Movement of the People/Joya Powell and Marcela Xavier, of Inwood’s own Bread and Yoga.

The dance performance of Bridge Matter/The Reach will grow out of the community installation around 5pm as dancers appear in colorful jackets with exquisite design.

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Courtesy of Vivacity Media Group

18) LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS TO UNVEIL HISTORIC "AUDREY II" TIMES SQUARE AT SPECIAL EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 19 THE EVENT CELEBRATES THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SMASH-HIT REVIVAL WITH “AUDREY II” UNVEILING, A POP-UP CAST PERFORMANCE, APPEARANCES FROM ALL-STAR ALUMNI, AND NEXT CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

The three-time Best Musical Revival Award-winning production of Little Shop of Horrors – currently in its fifth succulent year at the Westside Theatre in NYC – is thrilled to leave its stamp in the concrete jungle of Midtown with a historic “Audrey II” Times Square Installation.  The 8’ X 7’ statue, weighing in at 500 pounds, was designed by the show’s ad agency SpotCo, based on designs by Nicholas Mahon & original puppet design by Martin P. Robinson, with original puppet build by Monkey Boys Productions, and installation fabricated by Ideko. The installation will be unveiled in a special event on Thursday, September 19 at 12:00PM ET in Times Square (north end of Broadway Plaza btwn 46^th & 47^th Streets) and will feature: appearances by all-star alumni, current cast, and creative team; a special cast performance; and the announcement of the production’s next Audrey and Seymour.  The installation will then be on display in Times Square for the next 4 weeks, through October 17, to be enjoyed by folks from “Cleveland! And Des Moines! And Peoria! And New York!” and More!
 
The musical’s current stars, Screen Actors Guild Award winner Sarah Hyland (“Modern Family”) and beloved stage and film star Andrew Barth Feldman (Dear Evan Hansen, No Hard Feelings), will play their final performances as Audrey and Seymour on Sunday, September 29. Additionally, Khadija Sankoh — stand-out performer in the company for over two years, who has played the roles of Crystal and Chiffon — will play her final performance on September 15.

 

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Courtesy of NAMT 

19) NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE

Announces Creative Teams for the

36^th ANNUAL

FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS

in NEW YORK CITY

 

New World Stages

October 24-25, 2024

National Alliance for Musical Theatre (Betsy King Militello, Executive Director) is proud to announce the directors & music directors for the 36^th Annual FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS, which is slated to take place on Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25, 2024, at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues).

Now in its 36^th year, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS is an industry-only professional development event offering the chance to discover eight new musicals presented in 45-minute concert presentations over two days to hundreds of producers, presenters artistic & executive directors, investors, donors, developers and creative administrators in Regional Theatre, Broadway, Music, Film & TV from all around the globe. As a non-profit organization, NAMT funds the Festival entirely through donations, sponsorships and contributions which underwrite all production costs.

 

FESTIVAL DIRECTORS

Directors for this year’s Festival include May Adrales (Off-Broadway/Regional: Vietgone), Catie Davis (Broadway/Tour: Beetlejuice), Ryan Dobrin (Broadway: Merrily We Roll Along), Miranda Haymon (Resident Director, Roundabout Theater Company), Ellie Heyman (MCC: Space Dogs), Arpita Mukherjee (Broadway: The Kite Runner) and Sarah Rasmussen (Artistic Director, McCarter Theatre Center).

 

FESTIVAL MUSIC DIRECTORS

Music Directors for this year’s Festival include Simone Allen (Off-Broadway/Regional: Octet), Steven Cuevas (Broadway: The Notebook, Days of Wine and Roses), Rick Edinger (Off-Broadway: The Visitor), Andrea Grody (Broadway: Suffs, The Band’s Visit), Remy Kurs (Broadway: Lempicka), Nehemiah Luckett (Broadway: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Scottsboro Boys), Anessa Marie Scolpini (Broadway: Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club) and Jacob Yates (Broadway/Tour: Hadestown).

 

FESTIVAL EMERGING ARTISTS

The Festival will also welcome participants to the Festival Emerging Artist Programs: the Festival Line Producer Residency and the Festival Creative Assistantship. The Creative Assistantship provides artists from underrepresented groups the opportunity to join the musical theatre development process through each step of building a staged reading presentation and focuses on three categories: Directing, Script and Music. The 2024 cohort includes Xander Browne, Kathryn Carter, DV Cortez, Mikayla Coxe, Obed De la Cruz, JuJu Jaworski, Christian Jimenez and Julia Sonya Koyfman. Mayah Lourdes Burke and Amiah McGinty will join the Festival producing team as Line Producers.

 

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS, which was created to celebrate the new musicals that were being produced and presented around the country, has introduced musical theatre producers to 300 musicals and 575 writers from around the world. More than 85% have gone on to subsequent readings, workshops, productions and tours; been licensed; and/or recorded on cast albums as a direct result of the Festival. Past Festival shows include Come From Away, Lempicka, The Drowsy Chaperone, Lizard Boy, Teeth, Gun & Powder, King of Pangea, Benny & Joon, Darling Grenadine, Ordinary Days, It Shoulda Been You and Thoroughly Modern Millie, among many others.

 

Registration for industry members is now open at www.namt.org/festival. All industry members must select a professional affiliation (i.e. NAMT, the Broadway League, TCG, many more) to register. Industry members may upgrade their Festival passes for priority admission and access to supplemental events, including the Festival Closing Night Party, through a donation to NAMT. Free General Standby passes are available to industry members only and may provide seating at Festival presentations on a first-come, first-served basis as available after all other passholders have entered.

 

This year, a committee of 23 theatre professionals selected eight new musicals out of 583 submissions—marking a record-breaking submission season for the second year in a row. The musicals chosen for the 36^th Annual Festival of New Musicals are:

 

The Brass Teapot (Book by Tim Macy & Ramaa Mosley, Music & Lyrics by Chaz Cardigan, Co-conceived by Erik Kaiko), Dear Ex (Book, Music & Lyrics by Be Steadwell), Helsinki (Music & Lyrics by Barrett Riggins, Book & Lyrics by Graham Techler), In Clay (Book & Lyrics by Rebecca Simmonds, Music & Lyrics by Jack Miles), Lewis Loves Clark (Book and Lyrics by Mike Ross, Music by Dylan MarcAurele), LIGHTHOUSE (Book, Lyrics & Story by abs wilson, Music & Story by Veronica Mansour), Medusa (Book, Music & Lyrics by Parisa Shahmir), Proud Marys (Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Paz, Music & Lyrics by Anthony Fedorov).

 

For more information, visit namt.org/2024/07/fest24-announcement

Casting for each musical and further programming details will be announced soon. 

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20) Pan Asian Repertory Theatre Celebrates 48th Milestone Season with Fall 2024 Reading Series: CALLIGRAPHY

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre is proud to celebrate its 48th Milestone Season with the announcement of its Fall 2024 Reading Series, featuring the poignant play CALLIGRAPHY. This year marks a significant milestone for the company, which has long been a cornerstone of Asian American artistry and storytelling. Under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director Tisa Chang, Pan Asian Repertory Theatre continues to enrich the cultural landscape by showcasing diverse narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.

The Fall 2024 Reading Series CALLIGRAPHY will take place on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The event will be at the Alliance of Resident Theatres-New York, specifically in the Bruce Mitchell Room located at 520 8th Avenue. This reading promises to engage attendees with its rich storytelling and deep emotional resonance, inviting them to explore the complexities of familial relationships across cultures and generations.

CALLIGRAPHY, written by acclaimed playwright Velina Hasu Houston and directed by Kalina Ko, delves into the lives of two cousins and their mothers as they navigate the challenges posed by the past and the passage of time. The cast features notable talents including Amara James Aja, June Angela, Mieko Gavia, Jully Lee, and Shigeko Sara Suga, all of whom are members of the Actors' Equity Association. The narrative unfolds in two cities: in Los Angeles, HIROMI grapples with her mother’s dementia, while in Tokyo, SAYURI faces the physical decline of her own mother, highlighting the intersection of personal and cultural struggles.

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre’s 48th season promises to be a compelling reflection of the diverse narratives that shape the Asian American experience. Through the Fall 2024 Reading Series, the company aims to continue its tradition of presenting thought-provoking works that resonate with audiences. More information about Pan Asian Repertory Theatre and the upcoming reading series can be found on their official website: https://www.panasianrep.org

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Courtesy of Michelle Tabnick PR

21) Tabula Rasa Dance Theater Premieres Two New Works:

Animus Necandi and Ship of Fools

As part of the CUNY Dance Initiative

In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

September 20-21, 2024

With the support of a CUNY Dance Initiative residency, Tabula Rasa Dance Theater will premiere two compelling dance works at the intersection of art and social justice: Animus Necandi and Ship of Fools. Performances are Friday–Saturday, September 20-21 at 7:30pm at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 524 W. 59th Street, New York, NY 10019. Tickets are $45-$85 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/TabulaRasa_Sept2024. Tabula Rasa has a strong commitment to inclusion and access, and offers reduced ticket prices for students ($25) and immigrants and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families ($0.63, which is the average hourly wage paid to incarcerated individuals in New York State.)

Animus Necandi explores the pain of families who have lost relatives condemned to the death penalty. It also questions the morality of capital punishment, which remains legal in 27 U.S. states and more than 55 countries around the world.

Ship of Fools is a dance-theater parable that critiques the rise of authoritarian leaders world-wide. The piece examines the human cost of despotism and upholds the values of knowledge, wisdom, and justice.

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Courtesy of DKC/O&M

22) THE WORLD PREMIERE ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING OF

STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S FINAL MUSICAL

“HERE WE ARE”

IS NOW AVAILABLE ON VINYL

AND STREAMING IN DOLBY ATMOS SPATIAL AUDIO

 

“WAITER’S SONG” MUSIC VIDEO OUT NOW

Concord Theatricals Recordings released the original cast recording of Here We Are, David Ives and Stephen Sondheim’s critically acclaimed new musical, on 2-LP, 180g opaque baby blue vinyl.

 

The album is also now available in Dolby Atmos immersive spatial audio format on streaming services, which can be enjoyed on compatible headphones, home theater, and car systems. The remix allows listeners to experience the show as if they were sitting on stage.

 

Purchase the vinyl, stream and download the album HERE.

 

In celebration of the vinyl release, the all-star original cast will sign copies of the album at the Museum of Broadway, just off Times Square (145 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036). The event will take place on Wednesday, October 9 from 5:30–6:30pm. RSVP HERE.

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And that's the Scoop. Tune in tomorrow for More Theater Monday.