The musical was originally produced off-Broadway by Lincoln Center Theatre in 1994 and is inspired by Arthur Schnitzler’s 1897 play La Ronde: Hello Again. The original production earned eight Drama Desk nominations including Best Musical.

McDonald joins an all-star ensemble that includes Martha Plimpton, T.R. Knight, Tyler Blackburn, and Rumer Willis. The story follows “10 lost souls who skip across 10 periods in New York City history, slipping in and out of one another’s arms and beds in a daisy-chained exploration of lust’s bittersweet embrace of love. Its central characters are the Whore, the Nurse, the College Boy, the Young Wife, the Husband, the Young Thing, the Writer, the Actress and the Senator.”

Ash Christian, Tom Gustafson, Cory Krueckeberg, and Hunter Arnold are producing the film. Krueckebert wrote the screenplay and Michael John LaChiusa provided the music and lyrics. The film has already begun production in New York.

McDonald is no stranger to the big screen as she recently appeared alongside Academy Award winner Meryl Streep in “Ricki and the Flash.” She’s also appeared in “Seven Servants,” “The Object of My Affection,” “Cradle Will Rock,” “It Runs in the Family,” “Rampart,” and “The Best Thief in the World.” McDonald will also provide the voice of “Garderobe” in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” slated for release in 2017.

The post LaChiusa’s Hello Again Starring Audra McDonald Begins Filming appeared first on Broadway Black.

Staged by renowned international theater director Leisl Tommy and written by Obie Award-winning playwright Danai Gurira, Eclipsed takes a raw look at the strength and compassion of the resilient women struggling to survive in war-torn Africa:

“Amid the chaos of the Liberian Civil War, the captive wives of a rebel officer band together to form a fragile community – until the balance of their lives is upset by the arrival of a new girl. Drawing on reserves of wit and compassion, Eclipsed reveals distinct women who must discover their own means of survival in this deeply felt portrait of women finding and testing their own strength in a hostile world of horrors not of their own making.”

Artistic Director Oskar Eustis praises, “Eclipsed is both heart-breaking and profoundly life-affirming. We are delighted to welcome the extraordinary Lupita Nyong’o to The Public in this vitally important play.”

The complete cast of Eclipsed features a stunning all-female, all-Black ensemble including Pascale Armand, Akosua Busia, Zainab Jah, and Saycon Sengbloh.

Clearly, New Yorkers are thrilled Nyong’o is bringing her star power to The Public stage and you can bet Broadway Black will be there to get all the details!

Free tickets to the first preview on Tuesday, September 29 will be available via TodayTix mobile lottery.  Public Theater Member tickets can be accessed now as well as member single tickets, starting at $80. Tickets can be accessed by calling (212) 967-7555, www.publictheater.org, or in person at the Taub Box Office at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street.

The post Eclipsed, Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Announces Second Extension appeared first on Broadway Black.

“Arkabutla,” a short film written and co-produced by Hall, follows “Chauncey,” a contemporary “cowboy,” who is reunited with his 10-year-old daughter (“an old soul with a fast mouth,” according to casting notes) and 7-year-old son (a “brat” with charm) after a long stretch away from home on the rodeo circuit.

To give his kids something of the elation he feels as a bull rider, he buys a jet ski for a family visit to DeSoto County’s Arkabutla Lake. When a white lake official sees Chauncey with the jet ski, he assumes the recreational watercraft is stolen, leading to a confrontation that causes anger and disillusionment — “the sense of hopelessness you take from a situation like that.”

The film was inspired by an incident that Hall witnessed as a teenager and marks her first attempt at filmmaking. The award-winning playwright plans to employ an entirely local cast and crew on the project with shooting scheduled for October 20-23 in Memphis-area locations.

She hopes to follow the short by directing a feature adaptation of her Memphis-set play Hurt Village, which debuted off-Broadway in 2011 and starred Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins.

Hall’s most recent production was The Mixed Blood Theatre‘s Pussy Valley, which closed a successful run on May 10th. The play centered around the lives of four women working in a Mississippi strip club, a world that Hall describes as “the intersection of hip hop and strip club cultures.”

Katori Hall was the first African American playwright to win the Olivier Award, for The Mountaintop. Since her rise on the Broadway scene, her work has been produced at acclaimed theatres across the nation, bringing her signature style to the forefront of the theatre scene.

The post Katori Hall To Make Directorial Debut with “Arkabutla” appeared first on Broadway Black.

While Broadway will take on Shuffle Along, or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, next spring, the 55th Street Moorish Revival theater – famous as an inexpensive venue for classic revivals and recent Broadway musicals – will celebrate Black History Month through gospel sounds and modern dance. The production will run from Feb. 10-14. The cast has yet to be announced.

Cabin in the Sky, based on the story “Little Joe” and inspired by the Faust legend, follows gambler Little Joe Jackson, who pays the consequences of his debts only to gain a second chance (six months to be exact) to redeem his soul and become worthy to enter heaven. His life in the hands of The Lord’s Angel and The Devil’s Son, Little Joe becomes a better husband to his God-fearing wife Petunia until he wins the lottery, and then meets and runs off with the gold-digging Georgia Brown. Determined to win her husband back, Petunia finds him at a nightclub. A fight breaks out and what happens next is the stuff that dreams are made of.

The Broadway run of Lynn Root’s Cabin in the Sky – directed by Albert Lewis and staged and choreographed by George Balanchine – included 156 performances, opening Oct. 25, 1940, at Martin Beck Theatre. In April 1943, the all African-American musical made its way to the big screen thanks to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during a time when many movie theaters – especially those in southern states – refused to show films with prominent Black performers. The film starred Ethel Waters, Eddie ‘Rochester’ Anderson, Tony Award winner Lena Horne, Rex Ingram, & Louis Armstrong.

Encores! continues to keep Black musical theatre alive as its orchestra – under the direction of Rob Berman – will restore the original Broadway score of Vernon Duke and John La Touche. The music’s revival is made possible with support of the Joseph S. and Diane H. Steinberg Broadway Musical Restoration Fund.

Tickets will go on sale Oct. 5. and can be purchased online or through CityTix at 212-581-1212.

The final moments of the original Broadway production of Cabin in the Sky. George Karger/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

Listen to the original Broadway Cast recording on Spotify.

The post Cabin In The Sky Will Be Resurrected By New York City Center Encores appeared first on Broadway Black.

August Wilson‘s Seven Guitars will be performed at Two River Theater from September 12, 2015 to October 4, 2015. The play, part of Wilson’s famous Pittsburgh Cycle, chronicles the story of Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton following his release from jail and a subsequent offer to sign a recording deal due to one of his songs becoming a musical sensation. A classic and timeless production that explores themes emblematic of Wilson’s work such as African-American masculinity and a search for success even in the midst of a racist society, Seven Guitars is an incredible play that still holds relevance in today’s society.

A part of the New Jersey theatre world for twenty-one years, Two River Theater has entertained audiences of over 55,000. The theatre is also known for producing new work and new plays, committed to “cultivate a new generation of theatregoers.”

Seven Guitars will see the directorial debut of Two River veteran, Brandon J. Dirden. Dirden is no stranger to the stage as he is best known for portraying Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Tony Award-winning play, All the Way. Additionally, Dirden has starred in Clybourne Park and Prelude to a Kiss on Broadway and also done some amazing work Off-Broadway. August Wilson’s Piano Lesson at the Signature Theatre & Detroit 67 at The National Black Theatre are definitely at the top of that list for us. The production, in addition to Dirden’s directing, hosts a fabulous cast of Broadway talent. Taking the stage is Dirden’s wife Crystal Dickinson  (You Can’t Take It With You, Clybourne Parke) as Louise, as well as his brother, Jason Dirden (A Raisin In The Sun, Fences) as Canewell. Also Brittney Bellizeare as Ruby, Brian D. Coats as Hedley, , Charlie Hudson III (A Raisin In The Sun) as Red Carter, Kevin Mambo (Fela!) as Floyd Barton and Christina Acosta Robinson as Vera.

Here at Broadway Black, we are thrilled to see a classic production with a new perspective and are sure that this will be a hit. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased here.

Watch an interview with Brandon J. Dirden down below where he talks about what inspired him to direct, among other things!

The ever so lovely Crystal Dickson did a really great interview with Theater Mania and it seems that the couple have other Wilson pieces they would like to conquer together.

Are there any roles on your August Wilson bucket list?
Brandon and I talk about this all the time. We would love to do Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and play Seth and Bertha. I would adore playing a married couple to Brandon onstage.

Read the entire interview HERE. It’s a treat!

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Stay in bed, open up your laptop and just go online. Yes, you read that correctly, go online. The Tony-Award winning production of Kinky Boots will institute a new digital ticket lottery policy beginning this Monday, July 13, replacing the current in-person lottery, which will cease operations on July 11.

Entries will be accepted online beginning at the curtain time of the previous performance and close three and a half hours before curtain of the desired performance. There’s a limit of one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Lottery tickets are priced at $37 each and are subject to seating availability.

Inspired by the 2005 British film of the same title, Kinky Boots features a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Tony Award winner Billy Porter stars as Lola, a sassy drag performer who helps rejuvenate a failing shoe factory by designing boots for his fellow drag queens.

In other lottery news, another highly-anticipated Broadway show just announced it’s newest venture, $10 lottery tickets for Hamilton (!).  What makes this even better, is that the tickets are for the entire front row of seats (!!). The show creator Lin-Manuel Miranda announced the news on Twitter. Like traditional lottery rules, the winner’s names will be drawn two hours before show time. Entrants must present photo ID, and the winners must pay with cash at the box office.

From bastard orphan to Washington’s right hand man, rebel to war hero, loving husband caught in the country’s first sex scandal to Treasury head who made an untrusting world believe in the American economy, Hamilton is an exploration of a political mastermind. It begins Broadway previews July 13, with opening night set for August 6.

The post Kinky Boots Ticket Lottery Goes Digital + Hamilton Announces A New $10 Lottery appeared first on Broadway Black.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess (The Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys, Good Vibrations, Guys and Dolls) is most recently known for his portrayal of Titus Andromedon in the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” But he’s not letting any moss grow under his theatrical feet.  Burgess recently revealed, “I’m writing a musical…that I will likely star in. I [have a working title that I can’t tell you]. I can tell you that it’s based on a movie Whitney Houston did, and it’s not ‘The Bodyguard.'”

By process of elimination, it’s probably not “Cinderella,” since it was just onBroadway in 2013, and it’s obviously not “The Bodyguard.” This leaves “The Preacher’s Wife,” “Waiting to Exhale,” and “Sparkle” as possible choices.

In “The Preacher’s Wife,” a cleric begins to doubt himself and is visited by an angel. The heavenly emissary is supposed to help the good reverend over his midlife crisis, but he is distracted by the cleric’s lovely young wife (Houston). A 1996 remake with gospel music of the “The Bishop’s Wife,” with a soundtrack featuring Houston’s soaring vocals aided with the Georgia Mass Choir,”The Preacher’s Wife,” could be a natural transition to adapt this story to the stage.

“Sparkle” is a timeless story of the bonds of family, the trials of success and the power of music. Sparkle, a young woman whose big dreams seem almost impossible is warned against the pitfalls of the music industry by her protective mother (Houston), yet encouraged by the handsome and ambitious Stix. Sparkle forms a trio with her sisters. Together, they perform the soul-stirring songs that Sparkle pens. But as their fame grows, so does the risk of jealousy, self-doubt and insidious temptation. “Sparkle’s” Dreamgirls-like story and wonderful music would work well on the stage.

The most interesting and perhaps challenging idea would be “Waiting to Exhale.” Navigating through careers, family and romance, four friends bond over the shortcomings in their love lives — namely, the scarcity of good men. Both as the “other woman,” Savannah (Houston) and Robin carry on relationships with married men, each believing their lovers will leave their wives for them. On the flip side, Bernadine ends up alone when her husband divorces her for his mistress. Meanwhile, Gloria finds love with a new neighbor. “Waiting to Exhale” is a compelling story and, although music would have to be written, the story and characters are strong enough to be a draw for audiences.

No time frame has been set for the musical to be finished, but it is sure to be a hot ticket once it comes to fruition. Broadway Black will have the news on which Whitney Houston movie will become a theatrical musical as soon as it breaks!

The post A Whitney Houston Movie Turned Musical By Tituss Burgess On The Horizon? appeared first on Broadway Black.

Taking a break from filming McDonald and co-star Josh Gad,who plays “Le Fou”  in the film, had time to share a quick selfie captioned, “When Broadway meets Beaut-tay. #audramcdonald and I making doe eyes. #beautyandthebeast“.

When Broadway meets Beaut-tay. #audramcdonald and I making doe eyes. #beautyandthebeast

A photo posted by Josh Gad (@joshgad) on Jun 19, 2015 at 4:06pm PDT

Six-Time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald stars in the film as “Garderobe”, the French term for wardrobe. In the Disney fairy tale, the Prince is placed under a curse which turns his servants into various household objects. One of which is Garderobe who, along with Mrs. Potts, a kettle, assists Belle and performs the classic “Be Our Guest” number.

In addition to McDonald, Gad, and Watson, the new live action Beauty & The Beast stars some of Hollywood and Broadways best including; Dan Stevens as “The Beast”, Luke Evans as “Gaston”, Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as “Plumette”, Emma Thompson as “Mrs.Potts”, Stanley Tucci as “Cadenza”, Kevin Cline as “Maurice”, and Sir Ian McKellen as “Cogsworth”.

Beauty & The Beast is set to be released on March 17, 2017.

The post Audra McDonald Gears Up For Live-Action Beauty & The Beast appeared first on Broadway Black.

Ellington was born in the District of Columbia and went to New York in the 1920s. He is said to have composed over one thousand pieces of music and lead his band from its inception in 1923 until his death.  A career that spanned more than fifty years. The Duke was known for recording and performing music that not only highlighted the unity within his orchestra but individual musicians of particular talent.

Those of us who are theatre enthusiasts are no stranger to the talent of Jennifer Holliday.  She had her Broadway debut in 1971 and later performed in Dreamgirls where she received her Tony and also a Grammy for her recorded performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”  Holliday is also the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in 2000.

The spectacle of the affair does not stop at the full onstage orchestra, but extends to tap dancers, elaborate costumes, and incredible jazz vocalists. Set in the famous Cotton Club in Harlem. Holliday will perform Ellington hits such as:  “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)“, Sentimental Mood“, “Sophisticated Lady“, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore“, and “Old Man Blues”. The cast also features : Brandon O’neal, J.P. Qualters, Afra Hines, Brian Whitted, Kenny Williams, and Chanel Haynes-Schwartz.

This show will be opening in Austin on July 15, 2015 and running until August 23, 2015 at the Zach Theatre in the Topfer Theatre on the Karen Kuykendall stage. For more information or to purchase tickete click here.

Watch the original cast give the essence of Sophisticated Ladies below

The post Jennifer Holliday In Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies appeared first on Broadway Black.

The past year of film and television has seen the small beginnings of real diversity in the stories being told and who is telling them. From the actors who are seen, to the writers and directors behind the camera, America is finally starting to see itself. Happily, that is now extending to the stage. The tour of Motown:The Musical has been across the nation and is projected to have been seen by over 1 million people by this summer. Furthermore, producers and theaters are commissioning work by, and seeking to cast artists of color at a higher rate than ever. These facts in no way suggest that this change is anywhere near complete for there is still work to be done, but it is good to know that the box office is reflecting progress.

Motown: The Musical is based on the true story of how Motown founder Berry Gordy became a music mogul. It features over 40 Motown hits by artists such as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jacskon, Smokie Robinson, Rick James, Marvin Gaye, and many more. The First National Tour is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright and choreographed by Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams. For tour dates, tickets, and more information, visit www.motownthemusical.com

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