Today’s Highlights:
The Public Theater‘s Merry Wives, adapted y by Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Saheem Ali, featuring Abena (Ann Page), Shola Adewusi (Mama Quickly), Gbenga Akinnagbe (Mister Nduka Ford), Pascale Armand (Madam Ekua Page), MaYaa Boateng (Fenton/Simple), and Phillip James Brannon (Pastor Evans), Joshua Echebiri (Slender/Pitsol), Jacob Ming-Trent (Falstaff), Julian Rozell Jr. (Shallow), Kyle Scatliffe (Mister Kwame Page), David Ryan Smith (Doctor Caius), and Susan Kelechi Watson (Madam Nkechi Ford), with Brandon E. Burton, and Branden Lindsay, begins previews at Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre.
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GRACE NOTES Quiz: Asking the Musical Question by Jim Bernhard
| 1. “Would I make the same mistakes if he walked into my life today?” | A. Max and Elsa |
| 2. “Who’s been sleeping in my bed? Just me, just moi.” | B. Rosabella |
| 3. “Why do the wrong people travel?” | C. Gretchen Wieners |
| 4. “Aren’t you glad, I mean, glad I came? / I mean, came to share your name?” | D. Mimi Paragon |
| 5. “What did I have that I don’t have?” | E. Littlechap |
| 6. “Who will buy this wonderful morning? / Who will tie it up with a ribbon, and put it in a box for me?” | F. Maggie Harris |
| 7. “Why can’t I fall in love till I don’t give a damn?” | G. Mame Dennis |
| 8. “How can love survive?” | H. Oliver |
| 9. “Who’s that woman?” | I. Daisy Gamble |
| 10. “What wrong with me?” | J. Stella Deems |
Scroll down for the answers…
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13 Going on 30, by Josh Goldsmith, Cathy Yuspa, Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, directed by Andy Fickman. 
Based on the 2004 hit movie about a gawky teenage girl who uses “wishing dust” to transform herself into a glamorous adult.
17 Again, by Marco Pennette, Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, directed by Adam Shankman. Based on the 2009 Zac Efron fantasy film about a man who gets to relive his youth.
Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death, by Melvin Van Peebles, directed by Kenny Leon. A revival of the 1971 musical, exploring the life of Black Americans in underserved city neighborhoods.
Archie, written & directed by Adam McKay (more creative team announcements TBA). A new musical based on the popular teen comic books.
Beaches, by David Austin, Iris Rainer & Thom Thomas, directed by Eric Schaeffer. Based on the film. A 2015 Chicago production starred Whitney Bashor and Shoshana Bean.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, by Carol Hall, Peter Masterson & Larry L. King, directed by choregraphed by Rob Ashford.
A Beautiful Noise, by Anthony McCarten (Pre-Broadway production opens June 21, 2022 at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre), directed by Michael Mayer, with choreography by Steven Hoggett. About the life of Neil Diamond
The Bodyguard, by Alexander Dinelaris & Lawrence Kasdan, based on the film, starring Deborah Cox.
Bombshell, by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, with choreography by Joshua Bergasse, based on the NBC hit series.
Born for This, by Charles Randolph-Wright, BeBe Winans, Lis D’Amour & BeBe Winans, directed by Ron Gillyard. A story of family, love and forgiveness told through the incredible true story of BeBe Winans, inspired by anyone who is looking to t find purpose in life.
Broadway Vacation, A Musical, by David Rossmer & Steve Rosen. Based on the Warner Bors. movie franchise.
Bull Durham, by Susan Werner & Ron Shelton. Based on the film.
Camp David, by Lawrence Wright, directed by Molly Smith. A drama about President Jimmy Carter’s Novel Prize-winning efforts to bring the leaders of Israel and Egypt to sign a peace agreement after years of war. The play had its premiere at Arena Stage in 2014, and its pre-Broadway engagement at The Old Glove in 2016.
Chasing Rainbows, by Marc Acito. The play traces the life of Judy Garland. In additional to various productions, the last ran at Paper Mill Playhouse in 2019 (featuring Ruby Rakos, Max von Essen, and Lesli Margherita).
Damn Yankees, directed by Kathleen Marshall.
The Devil Wears Prada, by Elton John, Shaina Taub & Paul Rudnick, directed by Anna De. Shapiro. Based on the film, the pre-Broadway engagement will begin performances July 19, 2 022 at Chicago’s Nederlander Theatre.
Diner, by Sheryl Crow & Barry Levinson, directed by Kathleen Marshall. Based on the film. The musical has played at VA’s Signature Theatre (2015) and the Delaware Theatre Company (2015).
Dreamgirls, by Tom Eyen & Henry Krieger, directed by Casey Nicholas. A transfer of the London production.
The Flamingo Kid, by Robert L. Freedman & Scott Frankel, directed by Darko Tresnjak. A musical adaptation of the 1984 film. The world premiere ran in 2019 at Hartford Stage, starring Jimm Brewer, Adam Heller, Liz Larsen, Marc Kudisch, Lesli Margherita, Samantha Massell, Lindsey Brett Carother, Ben Fankhause, and Alex Wyse.
The Great Gatsby, by Florence Welch, Thomas Bartlett & Martyna Majok, directed by Rebecca Frecknall. A musical adaption of the novel.
Gypsy, directed by Jonathan Kent, starring Imelda Staunton. A Broadway transfer of the 2015 London production.
Half Time (formerly Gotta Dance), by Mathew Sklar, Marvin Hamlisch, Nell Benjamin, Chad Beguelin, Bob Martin & Ester Dean, directed by Jerry Mitchell. in 2007, a group of expert dancers was tasked with getting professional basketballs first ever senior citizen dance team performance-ready. The venue? Center court. The genre? Hip-hop. The musical premiered in 2015 at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre, then played at Paper Mill Playhouse in 2018.
The Honeymooners, by Stephen A. Weiner, Peter Mills, Dusty Kay & Bill Nuss, directed by John Rando. Based on the hit TV show. The musical had its world premiere in 2017 at Paper Mill Playhouse, starring Michael McGrath, Laura Bell Bunday, Michael Mastro, and Leslie Kritzer.
Josephine, by Ellen Weston, Mark Hampton, Stephen Dorff & John Bettis, directed & choreographed by Joey McKneely, starring Deborah Cox. Based on the life of Jazz Age singer Josephine Baker. A tryout ran in in 2016 at Asolo Rep.
KPOP, by Jason Lim, Helen Park & Max Vernon, directed by Teddy Bergman. A musical concert set inside the world of a KPOP record label. The musical ran in 2017 at Off-Broadway’s Ars Nova and at the Woodshed Collective in 2017.
Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, by Jane Chambers, directed by Cynthia Nixon. Based on the film. When a straight woman wanders unknowingly into their midst, she sends Bluefish Cove into a tailspin.
The Late Great Me: An Evening with Alan Jay Lerner, directed by Susan Stroman. A new musical based on the lyricist. Workshops were held in Fall 2016 and Mar. 2017.
Like Water for Chocolate, by Lisa Loomer, Laura Esquivel, La Santa Cecilia & Quiara Alegria, directed by Michael Mayer. Based on the film.
Magic Mike, directed by Trip Cullman. A 2015 workshop featured Derek Klena and Taylor Louderman. A Dec. 2019 Boston premiere was canceled. Based on the film.
Marie, Dancing Still: A New Musical, by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, directed & choreographed by Susan Stroman. A 2019 production at Seattle’s 5th Aveneue Theatre featured Tiler Peck, Terrence Mann, Karen Ziemba, Louise Pitre, Dee Hoty, and Jenny Powers. A young ballerina who posed for Edgar Degas became, inadvertently, the most famous dancer in the world.
The Nanny, by Fran Drescher, Peter Marc Jacobson, Rachel Bloom & Adam Schlesinger, directed by Marc Bruni. A Dec. 2019 Boston premiere was canceled. Based on the popular 1990’s sitcom.
Once Upon a One More Time, directed by Kritin Hangii, with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid. The world premiere is scheduled in Nov. 2021 at DC’s Shakespeare Theatre Company. The Brittney Spears jukebox musical whic tells the fictional story about faily tale princesses who want to change the narrative.
Piece of My Heart: The Bert Berns Story, by Daniel Goldfarb & Bert Berns, with music direction by Steven Van Zandt. The musical showcases the songbook of 1960s hitmaker Bert Berns.
The Preacher’s Wife, by Daniel Beaty & Titus Burgess, directed by Michael Arden. Based on the 1996 film.
Room Service, by Allen Boretz & John Murray, directed by Michael Pressman. A revival of the 1937 screwball comedy about a penniless Broadway producer who will do anything to stay in his hotel room so he can a career-saving hit off the ground.
The Scenario, by Dean Charnas, with music & lyrics by multiple artists. A new musical set to three decades of hip-hop.
The Secret Garden, by Lucy Simon & Marsha Norman, directed by Warren Carlyle. A revival of the 1991 musical.
Sideways, by Rex Pickett & Anthony Adams. A new musical based on Pickett’s novel that was adapted into a film and play.
A Sign of the Times, by Bruce Vilanch & Richard Robin, directed by Gabriel Barre, with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter. The story of Cindy, a young woman who moves to New York City from the Midwest in 1965 with dreams of making a difference in the world, set against the backdrop of women’s liberation, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War, with a generation of songs by Petula Clark.
Some Like It Hot, by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Matthew Lopez & Amber Ruffin, directed by Casey Nicholaw. A musical adaptation of the film.
Soul Train, by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Kamila Forbes, with choreography by Camille Brown. The story of producer Don Cornelius, who created the long-running TV show “Soul Train.”
Top Hat, by Irving Berlin & Chad Beguelin, directed by Christopher Gattelli. Based on the film.
Trevor: The Musical, by Julianne Wick Davis & Dan Collins, directed by Marc Bruni, with choreography by Josh Prince. Based on the 1994 short film about a gay 13-year-old who is obsessed with Diana Ross.
Untitled Giulia Tofana Musical, by Jennifer Nettles and more TBA. The country star has her eye on bringing another merry murderess to the stage: 17th-century professional poisoner Giulia Tofana.
Untitled Pat Benatar Musical, by Gary Lenon, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo. The musical traces the personal and professional lives of Pat Benatar and guitarist Giraldo.
The Visitor, by Brian Yorkey & Tom Kitt. Based on the 2007 film about a widower who befriends a Syrian immigrant in post 9/11 New York City.
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Video: Teaser for “Cinderella,” starring Camila Cabello (Cinderella), Idina Menzel (Evil Stepmother), Billy Porter (Fairy Godmother), Pierce Brosnan (King), Nicholas Balitzine (Prince Robert), Minne Drive (Queen Beatrice), Tallulah Greive (Princess Gwen), Luke Latchman (Griff), Beverley Baillio & Charlotte Spencer (Stepsisters), and John Mulaney, James Corden & Romesh Ranganathan (Mice-turned-Footmen). The film premieres Sept. 3 on Amazon.
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Bedlam will present the world premiere of Sarah Rose Kearns’ Persuasion at the Connelly Theater, with previews beginning Sept. 11 and an opening set for Sept. 21, directed by Eric Tucker.
Casting TBA.
Set in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars, the play follows a shy English spinster who seeks to win back the love of the man she jilted eight years before.
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Actors Equity Association has issued new guidelines for productions that employ its members. The updated safety protocols includes measures for “fully vaccinated” companies, in which all AEA members and those who interact with then are 14 days past their final dose of an FDA or WHO-authorized vaccine, as well as workplaces where this is more than one unvaccinated adult (or unvaccinated minors).
The updated safety protocols include measures for “fully vaccinated” companies, in which all Equity members and those who interact with them are 14 days past their final dose of an FDA or WHO-authorized vaccine, as well as workplaces where there is more than one unvaccinated adult (or unvaccinated minors).
These protocols are a follow-up to AEA’s previously-released guidelines, which were in effect through June 30. Many of the items that appeared there remain in effect, including ventilation standards and the implementation of a COVID-19 safety manager. In addition, fully vaccinated productions must have at least one. Unvaccinated productions are required to have one per every 20 people in the company, and anyone interacting with AEA members.
Companies that require employees to be fully vaccinated must give four hours’ compensation to employees not yet vaccinated to receive their shot(s), as well as provide sick pay to those experiencing side effects.
Testing requirements have been eased for fully vaccinated companies in recognition of the vaccines’ efficacy rates (though protocols, including fully compensated self-isolation, are in place should a member test positive). For productions with unvaccinated members, individuals must be tested three times before in-person work begins and at least once a week after the first day of in-person work.
Absent from the “fully vaccinated” protocols are mask requirements for audience members, though whether theatregoers will be asked to wear face coverings is dependent on local government’s recommendations. (In New York, for example, vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks or practice social distancing in most settings, though some businesses may elect to implement their own health precautions.)
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Off-Broadway’s LAByrinth Theater Company will re-air its #SAVETHELAB All-Star Virtual Fundraiser on Thurs. July 8 at 8 PM ET.
Joy Behar, Bobby Cannavale, Max Casella, Anna Chlumsky, Alan Cumming, Giancarlo Esposito, Colin Firth, Luis Guzmán, Jon Hamm, Julianna Margulies, Daphne Ruvin-Vega, Sophie Turner, and more.
The event covers the history of the theatre company, and offers an inside look at some of the stars’ favorite anecdotes, from auditions to onstage mishaps, backstage drama, and everything that goes into creating new work.
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“Summoning Sylvia,” written & directed by Alex Wyse & Wesley Taylor, is expected to be released soon (date TBA).
Michael Urie, Veanne Cox, Frankie Grande, Noah Ricketts, and Troy Iwata, with Travis Coles, Nicholas Logan, Sean Grandillo, and Camden Garcia.
The film follows Larry and his three best friend kidnap the bachelor – along with his future brother-in-law – for a weekend getaway at a haunted house. When the group performs a séance to summon the ghost of a woman who murdered her song long ago, a night of chaos begins.
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Come From Away will resume performances at the Phoenix Theatre beginning July 22.
Jenna Boyd, James Doherty, Mary Doherty, Mark Dugdale, Alice Fearn, Kate Graham, Alasdair Harvey, Jonthatn Andrew Hume, Harry Morrison, Gemma Knight Jones, and Sam Oladeinde, with Chiara Baronti, Ricardo Castro, Stuart Hickey, Sorelle Marsh, Alexander McMorran, Micha Richardson, Jennifer Tierney, and Matthew Whennell-Clark.
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The Broadway Buskers outdoor concert series returns to the Broadway Plaza, all on Fridays at 6 PM ET.
July 9: Gerard Canonico and Bandits on the Run (with Adrian Blake Enscoe, Regina Strayhorn, and Sydney Torin Shephert.
July 16: Burgandy Williams and F Michael Haynie
July 23: Josh Breckenridge and Aaron LaVigne
July 30: Austen Bohmer/Plain Austen and Ryan Scott Oliver
Aug. 6: Sky-Pony (Kyle Jarrow & Lauren Worsham), and Starbird & the Phoenix (Courtney Bassett & Andrew Swakhamer)
Aug. 13: Dru Serkes, Christian Thompson & Jaime Cepero
Aug. 20: Masi Asare and Joel Waggoner
Aug. 27: Damon Daunno and Rona Siddiqui
Sept. 3: Jen Sánchez and baby chemist
Sept. 10: Jasmine Forsberg, Matt Doyle, and Will Van Dyke
Sept. 17: Ethan Slater and J. Robert Spencer
Sept. 24: Christy Altomare and Jerusha Cavazos
Oct. 1: Jack Zadek, Alice Lee, and Nora Schell
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Video: Cecily Strong and Cinco Paul explain the Golden Age nostalgia of “Schmigadoon.”
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GRACE NOTES Quiz answers: Asking the Musical Question
1-G. “Would I make the same mistakes if he walked into my life today?” – Mame Dennis in Mame
2-F. “Who’s been sleeping in my bed? Just me, just moi.” – Maggie Harris in Goldilocks
3-D. “Why do the wrong people travel?” – Mimi Paragon in Sail Away!
4-B. “Aren’t you glad, I mean, glad I came? I mean, came to share your name?” – Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella
5-I. “What did I have that I don’t have?” – Daisy Gamble in On A Clear Day You Can See Forever
6-H. “Who will buy this wonderful morning? / Who will tie it up with a ribbon, and put it in a box for me?” – Oliver in Oliver!
7-E. “Why can’t I fall in love till I don’t give a damn?” – Littlechap in Stop the World, I Want to Get off
8-A. “How can love survive?” – Max and Elsa in The Sound of Music
9-J. “Who’s that woman?” – Stella Deems in Follies
10-C. “What wrong with me?” – Gretchen Wieners in Mean Girls