VIDEO: On This Day, November 22- WHITE CHRISTMAS Returns to Broadway!
Today we celebrateIrving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS, which returned to Broadway on this day in 2009.
VIDEO: Adam Pascal Visits Backstage LIVE with Richard Ridge- Watch Now!
Tune in right here as he chats with the incomparable Adam Pascal. Adam will soon join Seth Rudetsky for two very special concerts on Sunday, November 228pm and Monday, November 233pm.
Virtual Production of Atlantic Theater Company’s She Persisted, The Musical Now Available for Streaming
Atlantic Theater Company’s kids series Atlantic for Kids has released a virtual production of She Persisted, The Musical. Adapted from the book by Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boigner, the musical enjoyed a run at Atlantic for Kids earlier this year. The virtual production of She Persisted is available to stream on demand via ShowTix4U through January 5, 2021.
She Persisted is directed and choreographed by MK Lawson. Filmed remotely, the virtual production features the complete Atlantic for Kids cast, including Auberth Bercy, Jianzi Colón-Soto, Amanda Corday, Amber Jaunai, Cynthia Nesbit, and Heather Sawyer.
With a book and lyrics by Adam Tobin and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, She Persisted centers on fourth-grader Naomi and her class field trip to a Women’s History Museum. Naomi travels through time to meet inspirational women from history who broke through barriers and persisted, including Harriet Tubman, Virginia Apgar, Ruby Bridges, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, and Sonia Sotomayor.
The virtual production features music supervision by Macy Schmidt, production design and illustrations by Edward T. Morris, costume design by Rose Bisogno, sound design and mixing by Cameron Hoffman, video editing by Janna Emig, and video and effects consultation by Liminal Entertainment Technologies. Louis Markowitz was production stage manager.
For more information, visit AtlanticTheater.org.
Checking In With… Tony Nominee Megan Hilty, Star of Noises Off, Smash, Wicked, 9 to 5, More
As the temporary shutdown of Broadway and theatres around the world continues, Playbill is reaching out to artists to see how they are physically and creatively responding to a changed world.
The series continues with Tony nominee Megan Hilty, who made her Broadway debut as Glinda in Wicked, a role she repeated on the national tour and in Los Angeles. She subsequently played Doralee, the Dolly Parton role, in the Broadway production of 9 to 5: The Musical (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League Award nominations), and received Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her work in the 2016 revival of Noises Off. Her numerous screen credits include Smash, Desperate Housewives, Eli Stone, The First Wives Club, The Good Fight, Patsy & Loretta, and Sweet Mountain Christmas.
Hilty can currently be heard as Holly Darlin’ in TrollsTopia, which is inspired by the DreamWorks Animation films and offers the next chapter in the hair-raising adventures of the trolls. Available to stream on Peacock and Hulu through November 19, the series also features Skylar Astin, Amanda Leighton, Kenan Thompson, and more.
Checking In With… Bright Colors and Bold Patterns and Happy Birthday Doug Creator-Star Drew Droege
Can you tell me a bit about your role in TrollsTopia?
For anyone who has seen the movie, Trolls World Tour, DreamWorks TrollsTopia picks up on those themes and runs with them! After realizing there are many other kinds of trolls from different music genres, Poppy invites the ambassadors from each tribe to come live with them. I play Holly Darlin’, the ambassador for the Country Western tribe. She is a southern spitfire! She is kind, has fabulous hair, cares deeply for her friends, and is always ready to party. The show is all about teamwork, friendship, celebrating our differences, and creating beautiful music together. I am so proud to be a part of this show and to share its themes (and awesome songs!) with kids and adults of all ages.
What is your typical day like now?
I get up with my kids around 5:30 AM and don’t stop until they go to sleep at 7:30 PM. Our days are all about them—helping Viola (six years old) keep up with her schoolwork and making sure Ronan (three years old) stays busy. I am fortunate enough to have several animated shows, like TrollsTopia, that I can work on from our make-shift studio at home. We schedule our days around those recording times, so the kids are far away while I’m working. By the time the kids go to bed at night, we are completely exhausted.
What book/TV show/podcast/film should everyone take the time to consume during this period?
I’ve read (and re-read) Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers, and it’s one of those books I wish every human would read. It’s basically about how we have lost the ability to communicate with each other. We unfairly prejudge and misinterpret people we don’t know based on our own baggage, which can unnecessarily escalate situations, often leading to terrible outcomes. It seems particularly poignant during these polarizing times we find ourselves living in today. I’ve also been listening to The Happiness Lab. It’s a podcast all about the science of happiness, and it has helped me snap back into focus when I find myself getting really down.
During this time of reflection and re-education regarding BIPOC artists and artistry, particularly in the theatre, what do you want people (those in power, fellow actors, audiences) to be aware of? What do you want them to consider further?
I hope for real, equitable, systemic change in the Broadway community. I think we should all be listening to people in organizations like The Broadway Advocacy Coalition and taking their lead.
What advice would you give to someone who may be struggling with the isolation?
I don’t know that I have any good advice… especially because I find it extremely difficult myself even though I am constantly surrounded by my family. I will say that what helps me is when I make the effort to reach out to the friends and family I haven’t seen in a long time. It lifts my spirits and makes me feel like my pre-COVID-lockdown self.
How, if at all, are you keeping your creative juices flowing? Has that been helpful to you?
I have been deeply fortunate to have my voiceover career. I started working really hard to break into that part of the industry about 12 years ago, and not only is it deeply fulfilling, creatively, but it is really the majority of my work and income now that all live performances have come to a complete standstill. Every time I start a recording session, I thank my lucky stars—they are a complete joy and a godsend.
Are you working on any theatrical projects during this time?
Just my daughter’s holiday program at her school. I was delighted when they asked me to lead a couple of songs in the virtual sing-along. We are all pretty excited about it.
What organization would you recommend people learn more about or donate to during this time of change?
The Broadway Advocacy Coalition was extremely generous and courageous to film a virtual #BroadwayforBLM forum. It is an enlightening, inspiring, and necessary call to action for real, equitable, systemic change in the Broadway community. You can find the recordings of these forums on YouTube.
Checking In With… Girl From the North Country Star Kimber Elayne Sprawl
Celebrate Megan Hilty With a Look Back at Her Career Highlights
André De Shields, Karen Olivo, Heather Headley, More Set for Home for the Holidays, Benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
A host of Broadway favorites will be part of Home for the Holidays, which will stream December 15 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The free stream will begin at 8 PM ET at BroadwayCares.org/homefortheholidays and will be available through December 19. The stream will also be available through streaming partner Playbill.com.
Ain’t Too Proud—The Life of Times of The Temptations star Jelani Remy, who conceived the show, will serve as host. Currently set to be part of the evening are Alan Cumming, André De Shields, Carolee Carmello, Lena Hall, Heather Headley, Ramin Karimloo, Karen Olivo, Remy, Conrad Ricomora, Jennifer Sanchez, and the Tony-honored Broadway Inspirational Voices.
Eric Ulloa directs with musical direction by Jaime Lozano.
The artists will perform songs based on traditions from their homes and from where their respective shows are set.
Donations will be accepted at BroadwayCares.org. Every dollar donated will help those across the country affected by HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other critical illnesses receive healthy meals, lifesaving medication, emergency financial assistance, housing, counseling and more. The donations also support and champion organizations focused on social justice and anti-racism.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations.
Broadway On Demand Presents VIRTUALLY SPEAKING With Annette Bening and Pam MacKinnon & More This Week
Broadway On Demand will present several special projects this week, including the Manhattan Theatre Club Ted Snowdon Reading Series presentation of An Audio Guide for Unsung Snails and Heroes November 17, the 2020 NAMT Festival of New Musicals November 19 and 20, and the premiere of the new series Virtually Speaking.
How Broadway Plus Is Forging New Connections Between Broadway Fans and Artists During a Pandemic
Everything about Broadway Plus defies the odds of what should be the reality for an arts industry ravaged by a pandemic. Since March, over 10,000 fans have virtually interacted face-to-face with stage favorites. Artists, out of work since the theatre shut down, are getting paid again. Even in-person experiences are back, such as a Hamilton dance workshop led by Giuseppe Bausilio (with everyone wearing masks, of course).
“Sharing our love for theatre through personalized, bespoke experiences for fans has always been our number one goal,” says Broadway Plus Founder and President Nathaniel Hill. “By expanding our offerings online and enhancing the digital experience, we’re able to support our artists and continue to make Broadway accessible for people all around the world.”
The platform has over 300 artists on its roster, including two-time Tony nominee Alex Brightman (School of Rock, Beetlejuice) and Frozen star Patti Murin. Both of them offer meet-and-greets and vocal coachings, as well as more individualized programming.
“Normally, we only have contact with theatre lovers face to face at a stage door for just a few seconds, but this affords everyone time and space to breathe and truly have a conversation,” says Murin. “Sometimes we talk about the theatre, but so often we end up talking about other things, and really opening up. It’s incredibly special for both sides.”
On top of the genuine fan interactions, Broadway Plus “allows performers to make some money while working on the thing they love—and that’s the big thing,” says Brightman. “Actors love to work. It’s been a true embarrassment of joy to be able to teach day after day and week after week and meet so many aspiring superstars. Also, on a personal note, it has made it very easy for me to take a good chunk of what I make and donate it to other causes.”
Since 2016, producers of shows like Chicago, Wicked, and Kinky Boots have turned to Broadway Plus to create, promote, and deliver VIP experiences.
In the COVID-era, organizers got creative. Some highlights from the past year include a Tony winners panel with Beth Leavel and Alice Ripley; a Hamilton concert hosted by Christopher Jackson featuring Miguel Cervantes, Nikki Renée Daniels, and Krystal Joy Brown; a character voices workshop with Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Spongebob SquarePants); a Disney sing-a-long with Stephen Carlile (The Lion King); a virtual hangout with three actresses who have all played Regina George in Mean Girls: Taylor Louderman, Reneé Rapp, and Mariah Rose Faith; a Jagged Little Pill cast reunion Q&A; and 45-minute pre-recorded virtual concerts (including group numbers!) with Broadway alums like Julius Thomas III, Shuler Hensley, Kaley Ann Vorhees, and Jenn Colella.
Most artists all offer meet-and-greets, audition coaching, and video shout-outs, with many offering their own custom experiences. There’s also a space for tailor-made experiences for individuals or large groups for corporations and nonprofits, like fully produced videos featuring Les Misérables cast members and virtual concerts with Murin or Tony winner Alice Ripley.
For schools, Broadway Plus can put together masterclasses or industry panels to fit any skill and grade level. They recently helped coordinate multiple classes, each with 100+ students in attendance, for a school system in New Jersey—all different grades.
Broadway Plus just launched a new subscription model, PlusPass. Ensuring Broadway remains more accessible than ever in this virtual landscape, members will have unlimited access to weekly events with major Broadway stars at $19 per month. Upcoming events include a Mean Girls Q&A with Kate Rockwell, Jonalyn Saxer, and Morgan Bryant; an Elphaba concert with Jackie Burns, Talia Suskauer, Lindsay Pearce, and Teal Wicks; and a Hamilton dance class and Q&A with Thayne Jasperson and Andrew Chappelle.
Check out their full roster of artists and experiences at BroadwayPlus.com. If you have an idea for a custom experience not offered on their website, you can email Concierge@BroadwayPlus.com.
VIDEO: On This Day, November 15- John Leguizamo’s LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS Opens On Broadway
On this day in 2017, John Leguizamo returned to the Broadway stage with his latest one-man show, Latin History for Morons