Today’s Highlights:

Relax … let go … let fly…

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    South of the Border by Jim Bernhard

Match these shows with the Latin American country in which they are set or to which they have reference.

Scroll down for the answers…

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  Clifford Odets’s Awake And Sing will begin previews Dec. 15 and open  Jan. 7, 2027 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, directed by Tyne Rafaeli.

   Danny Burstein, Micaela Diamond, Jessica Hecht, Will Pullen, Jeremy Shamos, and more TBA.

  This bold new production of Clifford Odets’ timeless masterpiece tells a story about aspiration, family and how to live with dignity in America. It’s the 1930s, and the Bronx is a furnace. New ideas clash with the old amidst the poverty and shattered promises of the Great Depression. And three generations of the Berger family, trapped inside their cramped tenement, struggle to hold different visions of an American dream and the Jewish experience. Directed by Tyne Rafaeli, this classic battle between hope and disillusionment returns to Broadway, speaking thrillingly to the crises of the present moment.

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   LA’s Pantages Theatre has announced its 2026-27 productions:

Casting & creative teams TBA.

    The Phantom of the Opera (now through Aug. 9)

    The Outsiders  (Sept.  30 – Oct 18)

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  The Snow Goose, by Jonathan Larson, Cott Gilmour & Claire McKenzie, will run Aug. 28 – Oct. 18 (opening Sept. 16) at CT’s Goodspeed, directed by Marshall Pailet.

  Eric Braise (Philip Rhayader), Ashly Maddox (Frith ), Sam Sherwood (The Bard), Charlie Webb (wilf), and Ally Bonino (Harper), with Alan Chandler; David Aron Damane,  Matthew Davies; Leah Hofmann,  Kiersten Kelly, Amy Hillner Larsen,; Sophia Anna O’Brien; Gabriel Marcus Omlor; Ayanna Nicole Thomas, Patrick Tombs, John Viggiano,  Sam Hoffman. and Jessica Money.

  The musical is set on the windswept coast of England just before the outbreak of World War II. It follows Philip Rhayader, a reclusive artist living in an abandoned lighthouse, and Frith, a resilient young woman, whose lives change when they rescue an injured snow goose.

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  Love, Loss, and What I Wore, by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron will  take place Sun. Aug. 23 at 2 PM at North Hollywood’s Sawyer’s Playhouse (11301 Camarillo St.), directed by Dana Schwartz.

   Julie Dove, Patrika Darbo, Amir Levi, Jill. Remez, and Roni Paige.

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  Begin again, b, Clark Embrey, Molly Beach Murphy, Pat Monahan and Train, will run Sept. 6 – Oct. 11 at San Diego’s Old Globe, directed by Lorin Latarro.

  Emma Busse (Gretta) and Patrick Heusinger (Dan), with Charlotte MacLeod, Kevin William Paul, Adreienne Walker, Nick Walker, and Casey Whyland.

  When Gretta, a gifted but heartbroken songwriter, crosses paths with Dan, a record producer on the brink of burnout, their chance encounter sparks an unexpected collaboration that transforms them both. Begin Again features an original score by Grammy Award-winning pop-rock band Train (“Drops of Jupiter,” “Hey, Soul Sister”), direction by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, Chess), and is inspired by the Academy Award–nominated film written and directed by John Carney (Once). Set against the exhilarating backdrop of New York City, Begin Again is a world premiere musical about rediscovering passion, purpose, and the courage to start over.

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   How High the Moon, by Barbara Nell Beery, continues through Aug. 16 at Theatre West, directed by Asaad Kelada.

  Jeanine Anderson, Kathie Barnes, Lane Compton, Matthew Gademske, John Posey, Anya Profumo, Caroline Quigley, and David Nathan Schwartz.

  On July 4, 1952, the lives of neighboring families in CA’s San Fernando Valley are forever changed.

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  The Visit, adapted by Maurice Valency, will run  Sept. 9 – Oct. 4 at the Pasadena Playhouse, directed byDarko Tresenjak.

  Jefferson Mays (Anton Schill), Kenjuan Bentley, Jennifer Chang, Danny Cron, Matthew Patrick Davis, Matthew Henerson, Mark Jacobson, Adrain Layourelle, Jake Levy, Ian Joseph Peget,  Will Pellegrini, Hilary Ward,  Lauren Worsham, Melinda Page Hamilton (Claire Zachanassin).

  When the richest woman in the world returns to her struggling hometown, she’s ready and willing to rescue it from ruin… on one condition. In this haunting, twisted, and truly grotesque comedy, an entire community is forced to confront an unthinkable question: how far are you willing to go for a billion dollars?

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  Hot Summer Nights, a collection of 5 World Premiere One-Act Musicals , continues through Aug.1 at North Hollywoods Write Act Repertory at the Brickhouse Theatre  (10950 Peach Grove St,)

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   Answers:

1-G. Buena Vista Social Club – Cuba

2-J. Kiss of the Spider Woman – Argentina

3-A. Saravá – Brazil

4-H. Royal Hunt of the Sun – Peru

5-D. The Night of the Iguana – Mexico

6-I. Panama Hattie – Panama

7-C. Death and the Maiden – Chile

8-F Basura – Paraguay

9-B. The Capeman – Puerto Rico

10-E. My Three Angels – French Guiana

This Weekend’s Highlights:

Friday, July 31

  Matt & Ben, by Mindy Kaling & Brenda Withers, directed by Max Downs, featuring Genevieve Lerner and Spring Ferrara, opens at North Hollywood’s Sherry Theatre (11052 Magnolia Blvd.)

  “The Odyssey” screening, featuring Matt Damon (Ocysseus), Anne Hathaway (Queen Penelope of Ithaca, Odysseus’s wife), Tom Holland (Telemachus, Odysseus’s son), Robert Pattinson (Antinous) Zendaya (Athena), Lupita Nyong’o (Helen of Troy/Clytenmestra), Samantha Morton (Circe), and John Leguizamo (Eumaeus), and more, at 2 PM at LA’s The Grove (189 The Grove Drive).

Saturday, August 1

  The Drilling Company‘s A Change of Position, by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by James Glossman, featuring Ephraim Birney, Elis Cahill, Todd Cerveris, and Sandy Clancy, opens at Long Branch’s New Jersey Rep.

  The Drilling Company‘s  Shakespeare in The Parking Lot‘s new As You Like It, directed by Hamilton Clancy, featuring Lia Bonfilio (Rosalind), Thammie Laine Guac (Celia), Andy Rowell (Touchstone), Patrick Hart (Orlando), Emanuel Elpenord (Oliver), Bob Arcaro (Adam), Chris Martel (Duke Senior / Duke Frederick), Carly Grissom (Denise/Audrey), Raphael del Rio (Charles), David Marantz (Jacques), Elowyn Castle (Corinne), Adama Joy Sall (Amiens), Lizabeth Allen (Phoebe) and Dan Teachout (Silvius) closes on Stanton Street (on the lower East Side –entrance on Rivington St. btw. Norfolk and Suffolk).

  The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, by Agatha Christie, adapted & directed by Mark Shanahan, featuring Shereen Ahmed (Flora Ackroyd)  Anthony Cochrane a(Hercule Poirot), Joe Delafield (Ralph Paton), Allen Gilmore (Inspector Raglan), Erin Noel Grennan  (Caroline Sheppard),  Richard Ruiz Henry (Major Hector Blunt),  Tom Hewitt  (Parker), John Rapson (Dr. James Sheppard), Nicole Shalhoub (Helen Russell), and Karen Ziemba (Gertrude Ackroyd), closes at CT’s Westport Country Playhouse.

  Hot Summer Musicals, a world premiere of one-acts, featuring Olive Banny, Maggie Borgen, Eric V Crumley, Jeron Devonte, Isa Fuller, Joshua Gill, Christina Giordano, Cate Harbin, Christine Hughes, Ann Li, Alyssa Lomosad, Naledi Miga, Linda Nile, Gilad Nilo, Teni Oduntan, Jack Sweeney, and Anthony Zermeno, closes at LA’s Write Act Repertory at the Brickhouse Theatre.

Sunday, August 2

  A Conversation with Brian Henson, at 2PM at LA’s Ricardo Montalban Theater.

  The New Group’s benefit reading of Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, directed by John Benjamin Hickey, featuring Edie Falco, at at 8 PM at the West Hampton Beach Performing Arts.

  One Foot in Front of the Other free reading, written & directed by Tom Alper, featuring William Martin Brennan, Carol Schlanger, Rena Strober and William Warren, at 2:30 at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Parking is available in a municipal structure across the street.

  Jiulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo, by Jennifer Nettles, directed by Mary Zimmerman, featuring Jennifer, Nettles i(Julia), Bre Jackson ( La Capitana), Andrew Kober (Pietro), Aubrey Matalon (Renata), Christopher M. Ramirez (Governatore), Didi Romero (Duchessa), Naomi Serrano (Vitoria), and Sam Simahk (Father Paolo), and Jamila Sabares-Klemm and Maya Sistruck, with Kim Onah, Kaleb Wells and Jessica Rus, closes at Off-Broadway’s Perelman Performing Arts Center.

  Dukes, written & performed by Jane Wickline & Liva Pierce, directed by Henry Hornbuckle & Mabel Lewis, closes at Off Broadway’s at SoHo Playhouse.

   Aint Too Proud, directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, featuring James T. Lane (Otis Williams), Nick Rashad Burroughs (David Ruffin), Jawan M. Jackson (Melvin Franklin), Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Eddie Kendricks), Daniel Yearwood (Paul Williams), with Joseph Anthony Byrd, Robert Crenshaw, E.J. Hamilton, Tyler Hardwick, NaTonia Monét, Aramie Payton, Steve Rosen, TJ Staten Jr., Nasia Thomas, Galen J. Williams, and Candice Marie Woods, closes at The St. Louis Muny.

  The 2026 Blank theatre Young Playwrights Festival concludes at LA’s Blank Theatre.

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   Off-Broadway’s MCC Theater has announced its 2026-27 – season:

Dates and asting TBA.

   Anon, by world premiere by Anne Washburn, directed by Anne Kauffman, begins Sept. 2026.    The play focuses on two neighboring Texas households reacting to a newly unfurled pride flag.

  The Heart Sellers, byLloyd Suh (Jan. 2027), directed by May Adrales.  With both of their doctor husbands working long hospital shifts, the lonely women bond over wine, a frozen turkey, and the shared joys and heartaches of starting life anew in America.

  What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, (June 2027) world premiere by Adrian Enscoe, Christopher Sears, Sydney Shepherd, and Regina Strayhor, directed by Anne Kauffman    Gilbert Grape, a grocery clerk in Endora, Iowa, who supports his Dysfunctional family, includint his disabled Brother Arnie and obese mother Bonnie, while finding rimance with a free-spirited traveler named Becky.

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   Oh, Mary!, by Cole Escola, will run Apr. 27 – May 9, 2027, at Houston’s Hobby Center, directed by Sam Pinkleton.

  J Harrison Ghee (Mary Todd Lincoln), with more TBA.

   A dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln through the lens of an idiot.

   BeNell Beery’s How High is the Moon continues through Aug. 16 at Theatre West, directed by Asaad Kelada.

  Jeanine Anderson (Violet), Kathie Barnes (Millie), Lane Compton(Harrison), Matthew Gademske (Russell), John Plsey (Carl), Anya Profumo (Allison), Matthew Gademske (Fussell), Caroline Quitley (Amy), and David Nathan Schwartz (Walter).

  A young housewife questions her marriage, and an estranged son returns home. How High the Moon is a play about sibling conflict and family secrets during the housing boom in the San Fernando Valley.

Today’s Highlights:

  Death Note: The Musical, by Frank Wildhorn, Jack Murphy, & Ivan Menchell, directed by Stephen Whitson, featuring Xander Pang and Colin Ryan, opens at London’s Barbican Theatre.

  The Cannibals of McGower County, world premiere by Drew Larimore, directed by Jen Winman, featuring Annalee Jefferies, Constance Shulman, Gus Birney, and Edward Hoke, opens at CT’s TheaterWorks Hartford.

  A Change of Position, by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by James Glossman, featuring Ephraim Birney, Elis Cahill, Todd Cerveris, and Sandy Clancy, previews at Long Branch’s New Jersey Rep.

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  Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre will present Spamalot Aug. 4 – 9, directed & choreographed by Josh Rhodes.

  Major Attaway (King Arthur), Amanda Robles (The Lady of the Lake), Nathaniel Mahone (Patsy), Steven Telsey (The Historian / Prince Herbert), Sean Bell (Sir Robin), Major Attaway (King Arthur), Amanda Robles (The Lady of the Lake), Nathaniel Mahone (Patsy), and Steven Telsey, (The Historian/Prince Herbert), with Delaney Benson, Jack Brewer, Claire Kennard, Lindsay Lee Alhady, L’Ogan J’Jones, Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier, Mark Tran Russ, Meridien Terrell, and Graham Keen.

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  LA’s Open-Door Playhouse, which offers short plays in podcast form, will present  Steven Doloff’s Buck, A Poem beginning Aug. 12, directed by Severina Mijan.

  Christine Uhebe as Carol, Rosemary Thomas as Noreen, Justice Davis as Matt, and Hessel Evelaar as Luca Diaz.

  Carol is a street poet, cranking out poems on her typewriter for a dollar per poem. She encounters several people who buy her wares, including one who offers her a path to elevate her craft.

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   Radio Galaxy, a new play by Michèle Aldin Kushner, will run Nov. 6-22 at The Wallis, directed by Kimberly Senior.

   Joey McIntyre, Leslie Margherita, Callan Farris, Meera Sinhan, and Bernard White.

  The play follows Tino, a 17-year-old science prodigy from a working -class New Jersey family who dreams of becoming and astronomer. When his biological astrophysicist father unexpectedly enters his life with a request to help save a half-sister needing a bone marrow transplant, Tino faces an impossible choice.

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   Classic Stage Company will present Clifford Odets’ Waiting for Lefty  Oct. 15 – Nov. 22 (opening Nov. 2) at the Lynn F. Angelson Theater, directed by Steven Pasquale.

   Tala Ashe, Raffi Barsoumian, Adam Chanler-Berat, Greg Hildreth, Doireann Mac Mahon, Zach McNally, Sahar Milani , Conrad Ricamora, Cameron Scoggins and Thom Sesma.

  One room. One choice. One movement. Exploited, exhausted, and pushed to the edge, the taxi drivers of Depression-era New York City gather to make a choice that will change their lives forever. But as they wait for their leader, the tension reaches a fever pitch. Marking the directing debut of acclaimed actor Steven Pasquale, this innovative production uses music and movement to breathe fresh life into Clifford Odets’ 1935 masterpiece, transforming the theater into a high-stakes union hall. Both then and now, speaking truth to power can come at a deadly cost. Don’t miss this visceral collision of classic social protest and contemporary sound. The clock is ticking – are you with us?

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   The Les Miserables all-star 40th A cast album, from both the London production and the Arena Spectacular World Tour, has been released on most platforms.

  Donnelly (Valjean), Jaden (Javert), Katie Hall (Fantine), Ako (Eponine), Adam Gillen  (Thénardier), Marina Prior (Madame Thénardier), Beatrice Penny-Touré (Cosette), Yarrow as Marius, and James D. Gish (Enjolras.

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   The Who’s Tommy will run Oct. 27 – Nov. 16 at the Pantages Theatre, directed by Des McAnuff.

   Collin Matthew Flanagan (Tommy Walder), Zach Fogel (Captain Walker), Mia Bergstrom (Ms. Walker), Payton Cassity (Uncle Ernie), and Kyle McFalls (Cousin Kevin).

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   Rocky Horror Show, directed by Sam Pincleton, has been extended again, now through Feb. 28, 2027 at Broadway’s Studio 54.

   Rachel Dratch (Narrator), Andrew Durand (Brad), Luke Evans (Frank-N-Furter), Amber Gray (Riff Raff), Harvey Guillén (Eddie/Dr. Scott), Stephanie Hsu (Janet), Josh Rivera (Rocky), Sherie Rene Scott (Magenta), and Valentina (Columbia) with Renée Albulario, Anania, Boy Radio, Tassy Kirbas, Caleb Quezon, Andres Quintero, Larkin Reilly, Paul Soileau, and John Yi.

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   The Center at West Park in East Hampton, NY will host a staged reading of the 1983 film The Big Chill on Mon. Aug. 31 at Guild Hall, directed by David Saint, followed by a talkback.

   Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, JoBeth Williams, Marisa Tomei, Matthew Broderick, Amy Brenneman, Spencer Garrett, Frederick Weller, Ilana Levine, and Jumaane D. Williams.

  The play centers on a group of college schoolmates reuniting 12 years after graduating when one of their friend circle ends their life.

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  The Broadway Revival of Noel Coward’s Fallen Angels, starring Rose Byrne and Kelli O’Hara, will be screened in movie theaters world-wide, beginning Oct. 22.

  here.

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   How High the Moon, by Barbara Nell Beery, continues through Aug.16 at Theatre West, directed by Asaad Kelada.

  Jeanine Anderson (Violet), Kathie Barnes (Millie), Lane Compton(Harrison), Matthew Gademske (Russell), John Plsey (Carl), Anya Profumo (Allison), Matthew Gademske (Fussell), Caroline Quitley (Amy), and David Nathan Schwartz (Walter).

   On July 4th, 1952, the lives of neighboring families in the San Fernando Valley are forever changed. A young housewife questions her marriage and an estranged son returns home. A play about sibling conflict and family secrets during the early 1950’s housing boom in the San Fernando Valley.

Today’s Highlights:

Relax. …  let go … let fly…

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  Broadway Grosses for the week ending July 26.

Click here for the complete analysis.

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   Merrily We Roll Along will run Aug. 25 – Nov. 1 at DC’s Signature Theatre, directed by Matthew Gardiner.

  Jason Gotay (Franklin Shepard), Melanie Field (Mary Flynn), and Jake Loewenthal  (Charly Kringas).

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   Ain’t Too Proud continues through Aug. 2 at the St. Louis Muny, directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge.

   James T. Lane (Otis Williams), Nick Rashad Burroughs (David Ruffin), Jawan M. Jackson (Melvin Franklin), Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Eddie Kendricks), Daniel Yearwood (Paul Williams), with Joseph Anthony Byrd, Robert Crenshaw, E.J. Hamilton, Tyler Hardwick, NaTonia Monét, Aramie Payton, Steve Rosen, TJ Staten Jr., Nasia Thomas, Galen J. Williams, and Candice Marie Woods.

  Video: Highlights from opening night.

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  David Zax’s Aftermath will begin previews Oct. 19 and open Oct. 24 at A.R.T./NY’s Mezzanine Theatre, directed by Colton Pometta.

  Danny Kornfeld, Steven Skybell,Jill Stern, and Awesta Zarife.

   Aftermath follows 28-year-old journalist Josh Goldman, who has returned home after being taken captive while chasing a breaking story. The play explores the complexities of global conflict, personal convictions, and family dynamics.

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 Little Shop of Horrors will run  Sept. 18 –  Oct. 11 (opening Sept.19) at CA’s  La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, directed by Michael Matthews.

Grace Stockdale (Audrey),Thomas Hobson (Seymour Krelborn), Jay Brian Winnick (Mr. Mushnik), Travis Joe Dixon (Orin Scrivello, DDS), Joslynn Cortes (Crystal),  Janaya Mahealani Jones (Ronnette),  Marisa Moenho (Chiffon), Wilkie Ferguson III (The Voice of Audrey II),  and “The Puppeteer” is Betsy Zajko, withNick Lunetta, Erich Schroeder, Matthew Taylor Smith, and Rianny Vasquez. 

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   Video  Go inside the sitzprobe for London’s Death Note: The Musical.

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  Hope Clarke, Tony-nominated stage and screen choreographer, died July 23 at the age of 85.

Perhaps best known for earning a Tony nomination choreographing the Jelly Roll Morton jukebox biomusical Jelly’s Last Jam in 1992, Hope Clarke was born in Washington, D.C. March 23, 1941. She would begin her career as a dancer, serving in the principal companies of both the Katherine Dunham Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and appearing on Broadway in such musicals as West Side Story, Purlie, Hallelujah Baby!, and Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope. On screen, she would play memorable roles in 1977’s A Piece of the Action and 1996’s Basquiat, along with making guest appearances on TV’s “Hill Street Blues”, “Sex and the City”, and The Jeffersons.

But it was as a director and choreographer where Ms. Clarke made her largest impact. Jelly’s Last Jam, her Broadway debut as a choreographer, was far and away the biggest hit of her career, earning her a Tony nomination, a Joseph Calloway Award, a Drama-Logue Award, and an NAACP Image Award. She would go on to choreograph The Tempest; Caroline, or Change; and A Free Man of Color on the Main Stem, and in 1995, Clarke became the first African American (and first Black woman) to direct and choreograph a major staging of Porgy and Bess, for Houston Grand Opera.

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  Jekyll & Hyde in Concert! will take place Sept. 5 at 7 PM at NYCs 54 Below, directed & hosted by Scott Siegel.

   Ben Jones, Luba Mason Christiane Noll, and more TBA.

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  Private industry readings of Rebecca Salzhauer’s Krav Maga in the Temple Basement Starting this Sunday, Bagels to Follow will be presented July 29 & 30 in New York City, directed by Rosie Glen-Lambert.

  Ari’el Stachel Julia Lester, Natalie , Amir Arison, Bob Ari, and Max Wolkowitz.

The play follows the members of Temple Beth Shalom, who decide to start a krav maga training group in the wake of an attack on their synagogue. But when self-defense itself gets dangerous, the group has to grapple with what it means to be safe—and how far they’ll go to ensure that they feel protected.

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  Broadway Under the Stars will take place Sat. Aug. 15 at Huntington NY’s Chapin Rainbow Stage, directed by Billy Recce.

  Caroline Bowman, Kuhoo Verma, Alex Joseph Grayson, and Jacob Solomon.

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   Merrily We Roll Along will run Aug. 25 – Nov. 1 at Virginia’s Signature Theatre, directed by& choreographed by Matthew Gardiner.

Jason Gotay  (Franklin Shepard), Melanie Field ( Mary Flynn), and Jake Loewenthal Charley Kringas), Kerstin Anderson (Beth Spencer), Maria Rizzo (Gussie Carneige), James Whalen (Joe Josephson), and Neal Gaensehals (Frank Jr.),  Joel Ashur (Jerome), Ben Beckley (Terry/Mr. Spencer), Lindsay Nicole Chambers (Scotty/Mrs. Spencer), Eric Easter (Ru), Jonah Ho’okano ( Tyler, Stephen Russell), Murray (Bunker), Beatrice Owens (Dory), Sarah Anne Sillers (KT), and Alondra Trinidad-Colon (Meg), with Austin Anderson, Kimberly Camacho, Sophia Early, Max von Kolnitz Henry Hampton Bedford.

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   The stage adaptation of the “Purple Rain” movie-musical, with a new book by Peter Duchan, will begin previews Mar. 12, 2027 and open Apr. 12 at the Majestic Theatre, directed by Saheem Ali, with choreography by Ebony Williams.

 TBA.

  An original story of an up-and-coming Minneapolis rock musician. The movie was a hit with audiences upon release, though it is the film’s soundtrack—which comprises nine songs written and performed by Prince—that has been the most enduring. His work on the songs and score earned Prince Grammy and Academy Awards, and the album has since been certified 13-times Platinum. Prince died in 2016.

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   Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s  A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Steven Maler, continues through Aug. 9 at the Boston Commons.

  Michael Broadhurst (Flute), Annika Burley (Helena), Meghan Carey (Hermia), Nick Cearley( Puck/Philostrate), Nora Eschenheimer (Hippolyta/Titania), De’Lon Grant (Theseus/Oberon), Jack Greenberg ( Demetrius), Jaime José Hernández (Lysander), Karen MacDonald (Quince), Paul Melendy (Bottom),  Brooks Reeves (Egeus/Starveling), Patrick Curran (Snout), Nicolas Bolton (Mustardseed), Evan Danyliw (Moth), Bella Grace Harris (Fairy), Alex Leondedis (Snug), Dani Grace Nissen (Peaseblossom), and Alexandra White (Cobweb).

Today’s Highlights:

Relax … let go … let fly

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   Ain’t Too Proud will run July 27 – Aug. 2 at the St. Louis Muny, directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge.

   James T. Lane (Otis Williams), Nick Rashad Burroughs (David Ruffin), Jawan M. Jackson (Melvin Franklin), Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Eddie Kendricks), Daniel Yearwood (Paul Williams), with Joseph Anthony Byrd, Robert Crenshaw, E.J. Hamilton, Tyler Hardwick, NaTonia Monét, Aramie Payton, Steve Rosen, TJ Staten Jr., Nasia Thomas, Galen J. Williams, and Candice Marie Woods.

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  NYC’s 92Y’s Cabaret Conversations (both live & livestreamed) will take place this Fall:

 Lindsay Mendez (Sept. 8).   Click here for details.

  Karen Mason: A Cabaret Workshop October 2-3).  Click here for details.

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   The North American premiere of Jethro Compton & Darren Clark’s The The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttton, based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, will run  Oct. 8 – Nov. 15 (opening Oct. 21) at the Public Theatre, directed by Jethro Compton, with choreography by Chi-San Howard.

   Andrew Durand (Benjamin Button / Reberthi.), Kelsee Kimmel (Elowen Keene / Sterenow), Britney Coleman (Gwyns), Matt Wolpe (Tir), Andrew Durand (Benjamin Button/Reverthi), and Kelsee Kimmel  with Trevor Lindley Craft Craft, Brandon J. Ellis, & Andrew Furand (Elowen Keene / Sterenow). 

  F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic story of an old man who is not at the end of his life, but at the beginning. Set in a Cornish fishing village on the coast of Great Britain.

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  Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theatre will present Tom Kitt: My Life on Mon. Aug. 10 at 8 PM.

  Jessica Vosk and Tom Kitt.

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   Ragtime has broken the all-time box office record at Broadway’s Lincoln Center for a second time, taking in $1.625M gross for the weekend ending July 26.

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    The Outsiders, by Adam Rapp, Justin Levine, and Jamestown Revival Revival, will run Sept. 30 – Oct. 18 at LA’s Pantages Theatre, directed by directed by Danya Taymor.

   Noah Pacht (Ponyboy Curtis), Johnny Cake (Caleb Mathrua), Dan Berry (Darrel Curtic), SeQuoiia (Dallas Winston), Emma Pittman (Cherry Valance), Sutton James Kaylor (Sodapop Curtis), Daryl Tofa (Two-Bit Matthews), and Victor Carrillo Tracey (Paul).

  The play follows 14-year-old Ponyboy  Curtis in 1067 Oklahoma, who navigates class conflict, family loyalty, and survival between two rival groups: the working-class Greasers and the wealthy Socs.

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   John Monsky’s “We Chose To Go to the Mooon” will premiere Tues. Nov. 10 on PBS.Org and the PBS app.  Directed by Michael Mayer, the event was filmed at Carnegie Hall in April.

Skylar Astin, Claybourne Elder, Elizabeth Gillies, Taylor Louderman, and oy Woods.

  The multimedia presentation, which combines, theatre, concert, and documentary, tells the story of the space race of the 1950s and ’60s, culminating in John F. Kennedy’s challenge in 1961 to land a man on the moon.

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   Little Shop of Horrors will run Sept. 3-13 at CA’s Altadena Music Theatre, directed by Sarah Azcarate.

   TBA.

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  CA’s Rubicon Theatre’s world premiere of Sharon Scott Willams’ Crazy Mama will run Sept. 16 – Oct. 18 (opening Sept. 22) at NYC’s 59E. 59 Theaters, directed by Anson Williams.

   Linda Purl and Will Huse.

  A deeply personal, poignant, and at times, surprisingly funny story based on Sharon’s experience growing up in a small Southern railroad town in the 50’s as she, her father, and brother grapple with her mother’s sudden mental illness. The play follows her decades-long desire to reconnect with the mother she lost and to find “the cure.”

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Jackson Browne in concert will run Nov. 19 – 20 at LA’s Pantages Theatre.

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  Forty Year of of Being Alive in LA will take place Sept. 12 at at 2 PM at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.  here.

  Morgan Fairchild, Bruce Vilanch, and HIV therapeutic specialist Joseph Leahy.

  An excerpt of “Mama, I’m. Big Girl Now” featuring  Marissa Jaret Winkour, Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy.

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   The stage adaptation of the Prince movie-musical Purple Rain  will arrive on Broadway in 2027 at the Majestic Theatre. Previews will begin Mar. 12, 2027, with opening night set for Apr. 12.

Casting TBA.

Also newly revealed is a fairly major creative team shake-up at the musical, which had its world premiere at Minnesota’s State Theatre last year. Saheem Ali  will take the reins as director,  succeeding Lileana Blain-Cruz; and Peter Duchan has replaced Branden Jacobs-Jenkins as book writer.

The production  will also include choreographer  Ebony Williams, music supervision by Ebony Williams and orchestrations by Jason Michael Webb.

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  Broadway’s Ragtime has broken the all-time box office record at the Lincoln Center Theater for a second time, grossing $1.625M for the week ending July 26.

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  The world premiere of Scott Gilmour & Claire McKenzie’s The Snow Goose will run Aug. 28 – Oct. 18 at CT’s Good Speed Musicals, directed by Marshall Pailet.

 Eric Graise (Philip Rhayader), Ashlyn Maddox (Frith), Ally Bonino (Harper), Sam Sherwood (The Bard), Charlie Webb (Wilf), David Aron Damane (Garrick), Gabriel Marcus Omlor (Farley), Ayanna Nicole Thomas (Clara), Amy Nillner Larsen (Mrs. Frumsey), and Ayanna Nicole Thomas (Clara), with Alan Chandler, Matthew Davies, Leah Hofmann, Kiersten Kelly, Sophia Anna O’Brien, Patrick Tombs, John Viggiano, Sam Hoffman and Jessica Money, Alan Chandler, Matthew Davies, Leah Hofmann (Lead Puppeteer), Kiersten Kelly, Sophia Anna O’Brien, Patrick Tombs, John Viggiano, Sam Hoffman, and Jessica Mone.

  On the windswept coast of England an unlikely bond forms between Philip, a reclusive artist shunned by society, and Frith, a resilient young woman, when they rescue a wounded snow goose. With World War II looming, their friendship allows her to imagine a life beyond her village, and him to confront his own humanity as he sets sail on a daring journey to save soldiers trapped at Dunkirk.

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   Click here for the schedule of  upcoming and Announced Broadway Shows.

Today’s Highlights:

  Broad Strokes, by Cat Cohen & David Dabbon, directed by Alex Timbers, featuring Catherine Cohen, opens at Off-Broadway’s Lucille Lortel Theatre.

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    Magical Creatures by Jim Bernhard

Match these characters with the type of magical creatures they are:

Scroll down for the answers…

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   The recent performance of the Fire Island Dance Festival raised at record-breaking $826,018.

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  NYC’s 92Y has announced its 2027 Musicals:

Casting TBA.

  Sometimes Love (Mar. 6-14), by Michael Mott & Suárez-Peña, directed by peter Flynn. Casting and additional information TBA.    The extraordinary true story of Aryana Rose, whose deeply personal presentation at The Moth captivated millions after it went viral in 2017. Aryana, single, in her forties, and the proud mother of a grown daughter, leaves behind the belief that she’ll find romantic love and moves overseas to begin a new chapter centered on herself and art. Fate leads her to Gianluca, a magnetic, free-spirited artist many years her junior who awakens her heart in ways she never imagined possible. Their unlikely omance blossoms into a passionate love story that defies convention. As they navigate desire, intimacy, family, loss, and the inevitable evolution of every relationship, they discover that the truest love isn’t about finding a perfect ending; it’s about embracing every beautiful, fleeting moment along the way.

  Nikola Tesla: The Forgotten Genius (Mar. 20-28), by Robert Lindsey-Nassif &
​ Cavan Hallman, directed by John Znidarsic.    the true and astonishing story of Nikola Tesla, the mystic, genius, and inventor who battled Thomas Edison to bring electricity to the world.

  All the Way Home (Apr. 3-11), by Frank Galati, Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Arrends, directed & choreographed by Josh Rhodes.    Based on James Agge’s A Death in the Family and its Pulitzer Prize-winning stage adaptation All the Way Home. The universal story of family, faith and love, as an author recalls the singular event that changed his life as a boy.

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   Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie will run Oct. 8-25 at  DC’s Dupont Underground (0pening Oct. 11), directed byGeorgette Verdin.

  David M. Lutken, with Raquel Chavez, Margaret Dudasik, and Hubby Jenkins.

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  Laura Benanti in Concert will run Oct. 1-4 at LA’s The Wallis, directed by  Annie Tippe.

   With her powerhouse Broadway voice and razor-sharp wit, Benanti delivers a no-holds-barred evening of stories and original songs that take aim at motherhood, people-pleasing, ambition, and the absurdities of getting older.

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  Nick Payne’s The Unbelievers will begin previews Oct. 13, with opening and closing dates TBA, at New York City Center Stage 1, directed by Knud Adams.

  Lauren Ambrose, Tom Riley, and more TBA.

  Faith means believing in something. Especially when it feels impossible. As the mystery of their teenage son’s disappearance remains unsolved, a family struggles to move forward, relearning how to live through ordinary days in their altered world.

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  Noises Off, directed by Gordon Greenberg, will run Aug. 20 – Nov. 6 at MA’s Barrington Stage Company.

 Erin Davie (Belinda Blair), Abby Leigh Huffstetler (Poppy Norton-Taylor), Nehal Joshi (Garry Lejeune, )Lesli Margherita (Dottie Otley), Orville Mendoza (Selsden Mowbray), James Joseph O’Neil (Frederick Fellowes,) Geoff Packard (Lloyd Dallas), Jennifer Sánchez (Brooke Ashton), and Evan Alexander Smith ((Tim Allgood).

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   LA’s IAMA Theatre Company has announced its 2026-27 season: at the Atwater Village Theatre.  Creative teams and casting TBA.

   Bobby robotowitz (Oct. 15 – Nov. 3), by Matt Schatz, directed by Casey Stangl.

   Iama Holiday Cabaret (Dec. dates TBA)

   What We Leave Behind (Feb. 5 – Mar. 8, 2027), by Gloria Calderón Kellett, directed by Margaux Susi.

   Closing Costs (world premiere dates TBA), by Grace McLeod, directed by Hannah Wolf.

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  An Evening of Alton Brown will take place Wed. Nov. 18 at CA’s Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks.

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   Group Rep‘s Applause continues through Aug. 30 at North Hollywood’s Lonny Chapman Theatre (10900 Burbank Blvd.), directed by Bruce Kimmel.

  Leslie Stevens (Margo Channing), Savannah Mortenson (Eve Harrington),with
Tom Allen, Mia Catalano, Lee Grober, Doug Haverty, Zak Herman, Allison Jakubowski, Damon Kirsch, Angie Lin, Hisato Masuyama, Connie Mellors,Darrell Mondaine, Ken Patton, Lloyd Pedersen, Judy Rosenfeld, Mike Sabatino, Avan Seals,Jennifer Skiffington and Melissa Strauss.

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  The recent Fire Island Dance Festival raised a record $826,o18 for Dancers Responding to Aids.

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   Commonwealth Shakespeare Theatre‘s FREE production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream continues through Aug. 9 at the Boston Common, directed by Steven Maler.

   Michael Broadhurst (Flute), Annika Burley (Helena), Meghan Carey (Hermia), Nick Cearley (Puck/Philostrate), Nora Eschenheimer (Hippolyta/Titania), De’Lon Grant (Theseus/Oberon), Jack Greenberg (Demetrius), Jaime José Hernández (Lysander), Karen MacDonald (Quince), Paul Melendy (Bottom), Brooks Reeves (Egeus/Starveling), Patrick Curran (Snout), Nicolas Bolton (Mustardseed), Evan Danyliw (Moth), Bella Grace Harris (Fairy), Alex Leondedis (Snug), Dani Grace Nissen (Peaseblossom), and Alexandra White (Cobweb).

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   Come From Away will run Oct. 4 – Nov. 1 at A Noise Within, directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott.

  TBA.

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  Dear Evan Hansen will run Aug. 4-29 at Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theatre, directed by Scott Schwartz.

  Kenny Lee (Evan Hansen), Maya Days (Heidi Hansen), Olivia Foght (Zoe Murphy), Erik Houck (Connor Murphy), Heather Ayers (Cynthia Murphy), Gil Brady (Larry Murphy), and Josh Hoyt (Jared Kleinman), with Mackenzie Germain, Payton Thomas, Joseph Tore, Laura Elizabeth Flanagan, Mackenzie Germain, Payton Thomas, and Joseph Tortello.

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  Answers:   Magical Creatures by Jim Bernhard

1-H. Madame Morrible – Sorceress (Wicked)

2-E. Merlyn – Sorcerer (Camelot)

3-G. Elvira – Ghost (Blithe Spirit)

4-A. Shrek – Ogre (Shrek: the Musical)

5-B. Gillian Holroyd – Witch (Bell, Book, and Candle)

6-F. Titania – Fairy (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

7-I. Og – Leprechaun (Finian’s Rainbow)

8-C. Buddy  – Elf (Elf the Musical)

9-J. Harry Potter  – Wizard (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)

10-D. Ariel – Sprite  (in The Tempest)

This weekend’s Highlights:

Friday, July 24

  How High the Moon, by Barbara Nell Beery, directed by Asaad Kelada, featuring Jeanine Anderson (Violet), Kathie Barnes (Millie), Lane Compton(Harrison), Matthew Gademske (Russell), John Plsey (Carl), Anya Profumo (Allison), Matthew Gademske (Fussell), Caroline Quitley (Amy), and David Nathan Schwartz (Walter), opens at LA’s Theatre West.

  Hadestown, screening of the West End production, directed by Brett Sullivan, featuring Reeve Carney (Orpheus), André De Shields’( Hermes), Amber Gray  (Persephone), Eva Noblezada (Eurydice), and Patrick Page(Hades), released theatrically in North America.

Saturday, July 25

  Shakespeare in the Park’s Winter’s Tale, directed by Daniel Sullivan, featuring Teagle F. Bougere (Camillo), Chuck Cooper (Old Shepherd), Matthew Eby  (Mamillius/Time), Raúl Esparza (Leontes), Isabela Ferrer (Perdita), Katie Griffith (Mopsa), Alex Hernandez (Cleomenes), Michael Khalid Karadsheh (Young Shepherd), Daniel Kyri (Florizel), Aubie Merrylees (Archidamus), Jennifer Mogbock (Emilia), Gilbert Owuor (Polixenes), Lily Rabe (Hermione),  Matthew Russell (Dion), Steven Skybell and  (Antigonus/Autolycus), with Heschel Bay Peter Douskalis, Denise Kolodja, Violeta Picayo, Bianca Rogoff,  Michael Thanh Tran, and Jackson Whitman, opens at Central Park’s Delacorte theatre.

  Archduke, by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Lyndsey Turner, featuring Chris Walley, Abraham Popoola, Stanley Morgan, Janice Connolly and Marc Wootton, closes at London’s Royal Court Theatre.

  Jazz in July: Echoes of Miles – Cool Jazz for hot Nights concert, featuring Terence Blanchard, Ron Carter, Ravi Coltrane, Nicole Glover, John Patitucci, Kate Kortum, Aaron Diehl , and more, closes at NYC’s 92Y.

Sunday, July 26

  Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, by August Wilson, directed by Debbie Allen, featuring Taraji P. Henson (Bertha Holly ), Cedric The entertainer (Seth Holly ), Joshua Boone (Herald Loomis), Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Bynum Walker ), and more, closes at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre.

  Ensemble Shakespeare Company‘s Julius Caesar, directed by Dylan Diehl, featuring Mark Dacascos, Pedro Garza, Dylan Diehl, Rob Hatzenbeller, Susannah Hoffman, Dennis Kear, Gerrard Lobo, Paul Marchegiani, Diego Millan, Celeste Moratti, Ella Olesen, Katie Pelensky, Matisse Ratron-Neal, Erin Roth, and Joe Staton, closes at Off-Broadway’s Flea Theater.

  Pippin, directed by Matthew Gardiner, featuring Cedrick Neal (Leading Player), with Brayden Banbino (Pippin), Eric Hissom (Charles), Maria Rizzo (Fastrada), Naomi Jacobson (Berthe), Awa Sal Secka (Catherine), Ryan Sellers (Lewis), and Ellison Bihm (Theo), with Ben Bogen, Calvin L’mont Cooper, Candice Hatakeyama, Georgia Monroe, Alanna Sibrián, Jacob Taylor Starks, Emily Steinhardt, Hank von Kolnitz, Dylan Arredondo, Alonso Nicolas Waller, Liz Weber, Veronica Quezada, and Ian Rubi, closes at DC’s Signature Theatre.

  What Became of Us, by Shayan Lotfi, directed by Ethan Heard, featuring Alma Cuervo (Q), Michael DeLorenzo (ZZ), Jo Yang (Q), and Stan Kang (Z), closes at DC’s Signature Theatre.

  Cagney the Musical, by Robert Creigton, Christopher McCovern & Peter Colley, directed by Will Pomerantz, featuring Robert Creihtoon (James Cagney) and Melissa Manchester (Ma Cagney), with James Borstelmann, Corinne C. Broadbent, Audrey Cardwell, Robert Creighton, Matt Guernier, Emma Kantor, Melissa Manchester, Daniel Plimpton, Bruce Sabath, and Michael Starr, closes at Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theatre.

  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, directed by Larry Raben, featuring Daebrreon Poiema (Narrator), Brian Justing Crum (Joseph), Thomas Hobson (Pharoah/Jacob), Harrison White (Potiphar), Jeffrey Laughrun (Reuben), Adam Lendermon (Simeon), Perry Marks (Levi), Neil Starkenberg (Dan), Jean Charles (Napthtali), Zane Camacho (Gad), Teronn S. Shrikian (Asher), Brody Tarrant Zebulun (Zeulun), Jerdan Cruz (Benjamin), and Ali Vesey (Mrs. Potiphar), with Johnisa Breault, Alexandra Skylar Kunin, and Sabrina Ryan, closes at Long Beach’s Musical Theatre West.

  Into the Woods, directed by directed by Michael Michael Lluberes, featuring Natascia Diaz Diaz (Witch), Cy Paolantonio (Little Red Riding Hood), Jane Brockman (Jack’s Mother/ Tree; Giant), Asunta Fleming (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Joneal Joplin (Narrator), Joshua Morgan (Baker), Hayden Stanes (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf) , Andrea Prestinario (Baker’s Wife) Bersai Reyes (Steward), Paris Porche Richardson (Cinderella), Amal Ramadan (Lucinda / Grandmother), Jerry Pinkard (Rapunzel’s Prince), Rayna Key (Florinda) Michael Fabisch (Jack), and Devin McCall (Rapunzel), closes at Arrow Rock’s Lyceum Theatre.

  Proof, by David Auburn, directed by Stuart Rogers, featuring Ed Begley Jr., Hayden Begley (Catherine), Kate Woods (Claire), and Kelly Sry (Hal), closes at North Hollywood’s El Portal Theatre.

  If/Then, by Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey, directed by Brayden Hade, featuring Jon Armijo, Ryan Axberg, Keenan Carver, Renee Cohen, Quin Domalaon, Danielle Johnson, Shaheen Kapambwe, Joelle Lewis, Natalie Luna, Nadia Salina Salvia, Stephanie Saunders, Jewell Valentin, Michael Vandie, and Judd Yort, with Amy Melendrez and Jason Rivera, closes at LA’s Chromolume Theatre at the Zephyr.

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  The world premiere of Jenna Clark Embrey & Molly Beach Murphy’s Begin Again will run Sept. 6 – Oct. 11 (opening Sept. 17) at San Diego’s’ Old Globe, directed by Lorin Latarro.

   Emma Busse (Gretta), Patrick Heusinger (Dan), Charlotte MacLeod (Violet), Kevin William Paul (Max), Adrienne Walker (Miriam), Nik Walker (Saul), and Casey Whyland (Stevie), with Matt Cusack, Logan Farine, John Krause , Kate Louissaint, Ana Marcu, Kelly McIntyre, Eric Shawn, and Erica Swindell. Eileen Doan, Karina Gallagher, Jack Gerhard, and Caleb Hartsfield.

  When Gretta, a gifted but heartbroken songwriter, crosses paths with Dan, a record producer on the brink of burnout, their chance encounter sparks an unexpected collaboration that transforms them both. Begin Again features an original score by Grammy Award-winning pop-rock band Train (“Drops of Jupiter,” “Hey, Soul Sister”), direction by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, Chess), and is inspired by the Academy Award–nominated film written and directed by John Carney (Once). Set against the exhilarating backdrop of New York City, Begin Again is a world premiere musical about rediscovering passion, purpose, and the courage to start over.

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  La Opera will prsent Candide Sept. 21 – Dec. 13 at theDorothy Chandler Pavilion, conducted by Lina González-Granados and directed by Francesca Zambello.

  Duke Kim (Candide), Meghan Picerno (Cunegonde), Patti LuPone (Old Lady), Mario Manzo ( (Maximilian / Father), Kristen Choi (Paquette), Katie Trigg (Baroness / Vanderdendur), Vinícius Costa (James / Martin), Samuel Wallace (Cacambo), and Bernard Holcomb (Barron/Don Issachar/Govenor), with Erin Alford, Erin Alford, Andrea Beason, Julia Harnett, Amber Liekhus, Peter Murphy, and David Prottas.

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   Anne Russell, an actress and philanthropist, has died at the age of 103.

She died peacefully Tuesday, evening at the age of 103 and 4 months old at The Actors Fund Home, Englewood, NJ

Russell had the rare distinction of one of the first actresses to have played both of Jerry Herman’s musical comedy queens, Dolly and Mame, on the stage.

Click here for the complete history of her career.

Today’s Highlights:

  An American Daughter, by Wendy Wasserstein, directed by Sarna Lapine, featuring Montego Glover and Robert Sean Leonard, with Jean Lichty, Dakin Matthews,  Mary Beth Peil, Ryan Spahn, Will DeVary, Chris Ghaffari, and Carmen Zilles, begins previews at Off-Broadway’s Signature Center.

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on

   A Few Good Men (previews begin Oct. 8 & opens Oct. 29) at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, by Aaron Sorkin, directed by Michael Arden.    Bradley Whitford, and Tom Blyth.   The play shows the cost of following your conscience in a system built on secrecy and obedience—and asks us to choose the truth anyway. Gripping, high-stakes, and ultimately hopeful, it reminds us that a country’s ideals are only as strong as our willingness to stand behind them.

  Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Jamie Loyd, begins previews Oct. 31, and opens Nov. 19 at the Winter Garden Theatre.  Tom Hiddleston andHayley Atwell, with Mara Huf (Hero), Mika Onyx Johnson (Borachio), Gerald Kyd (Don Pedro),Forbes Masson (Leonato), Phillip Olagoke (Friar Francis), Mason Alexander Park (Margaret), James Phoon (Claudio, and Tim Steed (Don John).

  Inter Alia, by Suzie Miller, directed by Justin Martin. (previews Nov. 10 & opens Dec, 1), at the Music Box Theatre.   Jamie Glover (Michael Wheatley) and Cormac McAlinden (Harry Wheatley.

  Galileo, by Danny Strong, Zoe Sarnak & Michael Weiner,directed by Michael Mayer, featuring, previews Nov. 10 and opens Dec. 6 at the Schubert Theatre.     Raúl Esparza, Joy Woods, and Jeremy Kushnier.

  Dolly: A True Original Musical, by Dolly Parton, & Maria S. Schlatter, directed by Bartlett Sher begin previews Dec. 7 and opens Jan. 19, 2027 at the St. James Theatre.  Casting TBA

  Evita, directed by Jamie Lloyd, begins previews Feb. 27, 2027 and opens Mar. 25 at the Winter Garden Theatre.  Casting TBA.

  The Sound of Music, directed by Lear deBessonet, with choreogphy by Christopher Gatelli. begin previews Mar. 23 and opens Apr. 15 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Casting TBA.

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Departing   Oskar Eustis, after serving as Artistic Director at NYC’s Public Theatre  since 2005, plans to step down when his current contract expires on July 31, 2028

His departure will conclude The Public’s 60th anniversary season at Astor Place.

Read more here.

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   LA’s Musical Theatre Guild has announced its 2026-27 season at at Santa Monica’a Broad Stage.  Casting and additional information for all concerts TBA.

   Here’s to Us!—The Musical Theatre Guild Celebrates 30 Years, written by Michael Kostroff, will take place  Sun. Oct. 11 at 7 PM, directed by Kim Huber, with music direction by Brad Ellis.

    Side Show, in Concert (Feb.7  at 7 PM).

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  A staged reading of One Foot in Front of the Other, written & directed by Tom Alper, will take place Sun. Aug. 2 at 2:30 PM at the Santa Monica Playhouse (link not available). Parking is available in a municipal structure across the street. RSVP not required.

  William Martin Brennan, Carol Schlanger, Rena Strober and William Warren.

  A recently divorced son moves back in with his fiercely independent mother, an aging psychotherapist whose subtle memory lapses begin to upend the roles they’ve played their entire lives. As love turns into control, and protection begins to look like possession, mother and son must learn that they can’t save each other—but they may still be able to choose each other.

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   Virginia Stage Company will present Come From Away, by Irene Sankoff & David Hein, Sept. 2 – 20,  directed by Tom Quaintance.

  Marika Aubrey (Capt. Beverley Bass/Annette/), Liz Brydge ((Beulah Davis/others), Melissa Cartwright ((Diane Gray/Others), JohnCauthen ((Nick/Doug/Others), (Hannah O’Rourke/Others),  Alexandra Fleshman   (Janice Mosher/Others), Wallis Herst  (Bonnie Harris/Others), and Travis Murad Leland ((Kevin J/Ali/ Others).

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  The  world premiere of Mike Kenny’s Winter’s Bench will run Sept. 5 – Oct. 25 at the 24th Street Theatre (1117 West 24th St.), directed by Debbie Devine.

  Anne Gee Byrd and Shih-wei Wu.

  Set in a park where only one ancient tree remains, the play follows Gladys, an elderly woman who has spent a lifetime believing the tree spoke to her when she was a child, and who waits, even now, to hear its voice again. Blending storytelling, live music and imagination, this is both a memory play and a meditation on nature, aging and hope. At a time when forests are disappearing and loneliness is on the rise, Winter’s Bench invites audiences to consider what we lose when we stop listening—to nature, to one another and to the stories that shape us.

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  Lost in Del Valle, written & performed by Ned Van Zandt will return Sept. 14 – Oct. 14 to the Soho Playhouse, directed by Amir Arison.

 The play is the tale of the drug-induced chaos of the Chelsea Hotel in the 1970’s – rubbing shoulders (and more) with Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungeon, the wild parties in the LA music scene with his friend Chaka Khan, and the fluorescent glare of a Texas correctional facility. a genre-bending piece of dark comedy that cannot be missed as Van Zandt takes you through his spiralling descent: sex, fame, addiction, and ultimately, redemption.

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   LA Opera‘s Candide, conducted by Lina González-Granados, will run Nov. 21 –  Dec. 13 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

  Duke Kim (Candide), Meghan Picerno (Cunegonde), Patti LuPone (Old Lady), Mario Manzo ( (Maximilian / Father), Kristen Choi (Paquette), Katie Trigg (Baroness / Vanderdendur), Vinícius Costa (James / Martin), Samuel Wallace (Cacambo), and Bernard Holcomb (Barron/Don Issachar/Govenor), with Erin Alford,  Erin Alford, Andrea Beason, Julia Harnett, Amber Liekhus, Peter Murphy, and David Prottas.

Today’s Highlights:

  Commonwealth Shakespeare Productions’  FREE presentation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Steven Maler, featuring Michael Broadhurst (Flute), Annika Burley (Helena), Meghan Carey (Hermia), Nick Cearley (Puck/Philostrate),  Nora Eschenheimer (Hippolyta/Titania), De’Lon Grant (Theseus/Oberon), Jack Greenberg ( Demetrius), Jaime José Hernández (Lysander), Karen MacDonald (Quince), Paul Melendy (Bottom),  Brooks Reeves (Egeus/Starveling), Patrick Curran (Snout), Nicolas Bolton (Mustardseed), Evan Danyliw (Moth), Bella Grace Harris (Fairy), Alex Leondedis (Snug), Dani Grace Nissen (Peaseblossom), and Alexandra White (Cobweb), opens at the Boston Commons.

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  Broadway Grosses for the week ending July 19.

Click here for the complete analysis.

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   Noises Off, by Michael Frayn, will run Aug. 20 – Sept. 6 at MA’s Barrington Stage Company, directed by Gordon Greenberg.

  Erin Davie (Belinda Blair), Abby Leigh Huffstetler ( Poppy Norton-Taylor), Nehal Joshi (Garry Lejeune), Leslie Margherita (Dottie Otley), Orville Mendoza (Selsden Mowgray), James Josephe O’Neil (Frederick Fellowes), Geoff Packard (Lloyd Dallas), Jennifer Sánzhez (Brook Ashton), and Evan Alexander Smith (Tim Allgood).

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  School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, by Jocelyn Bioh,  swill run Sept. 8 – Nov. 1 (opening Sept. 28) at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, directed by  Whitney White.

  Jasmine Amy Rogers (Ericka), Denée Benton (Paulina), Patina Miller (Eloise Amponsah), Erin Morton (Nana), Nia Otchere-Sarfo (Gifty), Jordan Rice (Mercy), Heather Alicia Simms (Headmistress Francis), and Lucia Aremu (Ama).

  Becoming Miss Ghana 1986 would mean fame, fortune, and prosperity. At least, that’s what Paulina—the queen bee of Aburi Girls Boarding School—believes. When the pageant recruiter comes to school, Paulina and her crew pull out all the stops. But to their surprise, a new transfer student from America kicks the competition into a higher, far more personal gear.

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    Zach Braff’s All New People will run Aug. 15-23 at Santa Monica’s  Broad Stage, directed by Paul Glaser.

  TBA.

  A dark comedy play about a heartbroken man who makes a retreat to a desolate New Jersey beach house in winter to end his life, only to have his plans interrupted by a series of eccentric strangers including a British real estate agent, a fireman, and a high-priced escort, who force him to confront his loneliness and find unexpected connection.

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   A Walk on the Moon, by Pamela Gray & Ann Marie Milazzo, directed by Sheryl Kaller, continues through Aug. 22 at Off-Broadway’s Laura Pels Theatre.

  Talia Suskauer (Pearl Kantrowitz), Max Chernin (Marty Kantrowitz), Sam Gravitte (Walker), and Andréa Burns (Lillian).

  Pearl married and became pregnant in her teens. Yearning for a life and identity beyond being just a devoted wife and mother, she is caught in a profound personal and emotional upheaval.

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   Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat continues through July 26 at Long Beach’s Musical Theatre West, directed by Larry Raben.

  Daebrreon Poiema (Narrator), Brian Justing Crum (Joseph), Thomas Hobson (Pharoah/Jacob), Harrison White (Potiphar), Jeffrey Laughrun (Reuben), Adam Lendermon (Simeon), Perry Marks (Levi), Neil Starkenberg (Dan), Jean Charles (Napthtali), Zane Camacho (Gad), Teronn S. Shrikian (Asher), Brody Tarrant Zebulun (Zeulun), Jerdan Cruz (Benjamin), and Ali Vesey (Mrs. Potiphar), with Johnisa Breault, Alexandra Skylar Kunin, and Sabrina Ryan.

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  Shakespeare in the Park’s Winter’s Tale, directed by Daniel Sullivan, will run July 25 – Aug. 1 at at Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre.

  Teagle F. Bougere (Camillo), Chuck Cooper (Old Shepherd), Matthew Eby ( (Mamillius/Time), Raúl Esparza (Leontes), Isabela Ferrer (Perdita), Katie Griffith (Mopsa), Alex Hernandez (Cleomenes), Michael Khalid Karadsheh (Young Shepherd), Daniel Kyri (Florizel), Aubie Merrylees (Archidamus), Jennifer Mogbock (Emilia), Gilbert Owuor (Polixenes), Lily Rabe (Hermione),  Matthew Russell (Dion), Steven Skybell and  (Antigonus/Autolycus), with Heschel Bay Peter Douskalis, Denise Kolodja, Violeta Picayo, Bianca Rogoff,  Michael Thanh Tran, and Jackson Whitman.

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  Dear Evan Hanson will run Aug. 4-29 at Sag Harbors’ Bay Street Theatre, directed by Scott Schwartz.

  Kenny Lee (Evan Hansen), Maya Days (Heidi Hansen), Olivia Foght (Zoe Murphy), Erik Houck (Connor Murphy), Heather Ayers (Cynthia Murphy), Gil Brady (Larry Murphy), and Josh Hoyt (Jared Kleinman), with Mackenzie Germain, Payton Thomas, Joseph Tore, Laura Elizabeth Flanagan, Mackenzie Germain, Payton Thomas, and Joseph Tortello.

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  Acceptance,  by Martin Fogarty will begin Aug. 5, at LA’s Open Door Playhouse, directed by Mimi Kmet.

 Noelle Evangelisti (Julie), David Mingrino (David), and Ernest McDaniel (Robert).

  While lying in his hospital bed, David reaches out to his estranged daughter Julie and her husband Robert and requests a visit to clear the air and apologize for all the cruel things he said and did in the past. Can she accept him as her father?

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   Grease will run aut. 6-16 at CA’s Mountain View Mausoleum (2300 Marengo Ave., in Altadena), directed by Oliver Azcarate. Click here for info & tix.

   Ruby Lewis, Bryce Ryness, Eric Stanton Betts, Cheyenne Wells, Monica Azcarate, Lauren Barette, Kir Beaux, Eugene Boyd, James Byous, Tara Carbone, Rio Colino,Romy Evans, Jake Ewan, Jalen Friday, Kasey Hentz, Brennan Hilger, Harmony Jones, Nancy Landis, Justin Anthony Long, Chelsea Maker, Robert Manion, and Scarlett Sheppard.

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   The cast recording of  Jeffrey Scharf & Jimmy Calire’s Reunions is now available here.

  Bryan Fenkart, Joanna Glushak, Chilina Kennedy, Courtney Reed, Daniel Torres , and Chip Zien, with Janet Aldrich, Keith Lee Grant, and Pearl Rhein.

   A musical adaptation of two famous one-act plays with a common theme: What happens when you rediscover the life you almost lived? The musical is divided into two acts with each act a different story.

Today’s Highlights:

Relax … let go … let fly…

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  Reviews for The Whoopi Monologues at Lincoln Center:

Click here for all the reviews.

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  Broadway Grosses for the week ending July 12.

Click the link above for the complete report.

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  The national tour of Julia Mattison & Noel Carey’s Death Becomes Her has announced complete casting.  Click the here for the complete tour schedule.

  Jackie Burns (Madeline Ashton), Kristen Beth Williams (Helep Sharp), Ken Marino (Ernest Menville), Nasia Thoms (Viola Horn), Lhouse A, Williams Jr. (Chagall), and Michael Buchanan (Stefan), with Gail Bennett Calvin Cooper, Nick Cortazzo, Tiki Hopson, Karma Jenkins, Tyler Jimenez, Caroline Kane, Bryn Purvis, Jordan Vasquez,, Candace Janin Washington, Alicia Albright, Savannah Cooper, McKinley Knuckle, and Ian Liberto.

  The musical follows 2 lifelong, bitter rivals: fading, narcissistic actress Madeline Ashton and insecure writer Helen Sharp.

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  A benefit reading of Bruce’s Vilanch’s Captain Show Biz will take place Thurs. Aug. 20 at 8 PM at LA’s Harmony Gold Preview House, directed by TBA.

   Bruce Vilanch and more TBA.

  This fictionalized account of the year it all began — his chaotic, hilarious first ceremony in 1989. He quietly tested the material in front of a sold-out crowd in Wilton Manors, Florida this January, and came away saying that its true home would be a Los Angeles audience, the one crowd guaranteed to catch every inside-Hollywood joke.

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  A Conversation with Brian Henson (Emmy-winning producer, director, and puppeteer), will take place will take place Sun. Aug. 2 at 2 PM at LA’s Ricardo Montalban Theater.

  Brian Henson, son of Jim Henson and Chairman of The Jim Henson Company, gives an inside view of the history, and future, of the unique Henson techniques and styles of puppetry that revolutionized the artform for television and film. Deeply personal and featuring plenty of behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes, this 90-minute presentation includes a look back at the landmark projects from the Company’s throughout the years, including Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Farscape and many more. Henson will also give a live demonstration of the Henson styles of puppetry that revolutionized the artform for television and feature films, and welcome questions from the audience.

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   LA Opera will present Carmen – Saints, Sinners and España Oculta will run Oct. 17 – Nov. 7 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, directed by Thaddeus Strassberger.

  Rihab Chaieb (Carmen), Don José (Joshua Guerrero), Kathleen O’Mara (Micaëla), and Liam James Karai (Escamillo).

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  RIP   Jameson Currier, theatrical Press Agent, award-wining Author, Independent Publisher devoted to gay literature and later an Artist, died on July 13 of a sudden heart attack at his home in in Chatham Center, New York.

His career began in 1981 as a member of ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers. He worked for many years as a theatrical/entertainment publicist, representing Broadway, off-Broadway, and national touring productions:  Torch Song Trilogy, Crimes of the Heart, ‘Night, Mother, Grease, Vanities, Love Letters, Rags, Precious Sons, and Pump Boys and Dinettes. After the publication of his first book of short stories (aka Jameson Currier), he continued to freelance, on such shows as Love Letters, Sunset Boulevard, Jekyll & Hyde, Time & Again, The Lion King, and Steel Pier.

After his theatrical employment and the continuation of his true love writing, in 1993 he began working as a temporary employee in the legal department of The New York Times Company, eventually becoming a full-time employee in 1999 and a Senior Corporate Paralegal of the Company, retiring in 2020.

A prolific writer, Jameson Currier was the author of the novel about the AIDS epidemic, Where The Rainbow Ends, nominated for a Lambda Literary Award for Best Gay Fiction and he was awarded a fiction grant from The Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation. He was also the author of seven additional novels, The Wolf at the Door; The Third Buddha; What Comes Around; The Forever Marathon; A Gathering Storm and Based on a True Story; and We Are Made of Stars, about the early decade of the AIDS epidemi; five collections of short fiction, Dancing on the Moon: Short Stories about AIDS; Desire, Lust, Passion, Sex; Still Dancing: New and Selected Stories; The Haunted Heart and Other Tales; and Why Didn’t Someone Warn You About Prince Charming?; three illustrated tales, Paul’s Cat, The Candlelight Ghost, and The Man That Got Away; and a memoir of intimate writings, which was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award in the category of Gay Memoir/Biography.

He also wrote the documentary film, Living Proof: HIV and the Pursuit of Happiness (1993/1994), which depicted HIV-positive individuals who were part of a project for the photographer Carolyn Jones, and in 2018 narrated, animated, and directed a film version of his short story, Mr. Darcy’s Pride. In 2005, supervised a French translation of Dancing on the Moon which was published as Les Fantômes, and in 2021 his novel, The Third Buddha, was translated into French by Étienne Gomez and published as Le Troisième Bouddha by Perspective cavalière and awarded the Prix du Roman Gay.

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   Phantom of the Opera continues through Aug. 9 at the Pantages Theatre, directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn.

   Isaih Bailey (The Phantom), Jordan Lee Gilbert (Christine Daaé), Daniel Lopez (Raoul), Midori Marsh (Carlotta Giudicelli), William Thomas Evans  (Monsieur André), Carrington Vilmont (Monsieur Firmin), Lisa Vroman (Madame Giry), Isiah Bailey (The Phantom), Jordan Lee Gilbert( Christine Daaé), Daniel Lopez (Raoul), Midori Marsh (Carlotta Giudicelli), William Thoma Evans ( Monsieur André), Carrington Vilmont  (Monsieur Firmin), and Lisa Froman (Madam Giry). 

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   Video:   Have you ever wondered what goes into writing a musical? We took a trip to the Drama Book Shop in New York City to break it all down for you.

And if you haven’t watched it already, don’t miss your final chance to stream the Emmy-winning documentary “Tiler Peck: Suspending Time”. You have until the end of July to catch it for free  on the link above.

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   Catch Me If You Can, by Terrence McNally & Marc Shaiman, will run Sept. 17 – Oct. 18 (opening Sept. 19 )at Burbank’s Colony Theatre, directed by Michael Donovan, with choreography by Natalie Iscovich, and music direcction by Brent Crayon.

  Blake Jenner, Joe Abraham, Kevin Bailey, Leslie Stevens, Gabbie Adner, Brad Griffith and Whitney Kathleen Vigil, with The ensemble includes (in alphabetical order) Leonel Ayala, Matthew Mason Baker, Johnisa Breault, Luc Clopton, Sophie Liu David, Spencer Del Carmen, Jesse Graham, Anne Hart, Caleb Kocsis, Samantha Lawrence-Mata, Almand Martin Jr., and Lucy Schene.

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  Musical Theatre West‘s  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat continues through July 26 at CA’s Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, directed by Larry Raben.

   Daebrreon Poiema (Narrator), Brian Justing Crum (Joseph), Thomas Hobson (Pharoah/Jacob), Harrison White (Potiphar), Jeffrey Laughrun (Reuben), Adam Lendermon (Simeon), Perry Marks (Levi), Neil Starkenberg (Dan), Jean Charles (Napthtali), Zane Camacho (Gad), Teronn S. Shrikian (Asher), Brody Tarrant Zebulun (Zeulun), Jerdan Cruz (Benjamin), and Ali Vesey (Mrs. Potiphar), with Johnisa Breault, Alexandra Skylar Kunin, and Sabrina Ryan.