Citing dangerous overcrowding and inclement weather, the powers that be have decided to make some improvements to the potentially treacherous lottery event before reintroducing it in the spring.

“We love seeing so many fans show up to participate in the Ham4Ham lottery and show,” Hamilton producer, Jeffrey Seller, said in a statement. “But we need to figure out how to safely accommodate our fans without blocking traffic on West 46th Street.”

Shortly after it began its run at The Public Theater, Hamilton has offered the drawing to fans who can’t afford or even access the $150+ tickets to the currently sold out run. The stage phenomenon garners, at minimum, 500 entrants per drawing: excited fans who, line, crowd and essentially dominate the slim street accessing the Richard Rodgers Theater.

An innovation made popular in 1996 by the cult-classic Rent, lottery, student rush, general rush and “standing room only” has become the poor man’s guide to Broadway.

Hamilton is just one of many Broadway productions offering an affordable digital lottery for what has become quite an expensive medium.  Kinky Boots made the switch this summer and after 18 years on top of the Broadway ticket want list, The Lion King announced in November that they would be offering an online lottery.  Introduced just in time for the holiday season, the lottery would make tickets for the musical, which generally average around $130, accessible to theatergoers at a reasonable price.

UPDATE:  As of 11 AM on Jan. 5, Hamilton has broken the internet!  Since opening the digital lottery at 9:30 AM, BroadwayDirect, the website that hosts multiple Broadway show lotteries, has read a “Service Unavailable” message.  Twitter is all abuzz, including Lin Manuel Miranda who has assured Hamilfans, while he excels at many things, IT is not one of them.  Hopefully the site will be up soon…cause we’re trying to get tickets too!

The post Hamilton Lottery Goes Digital in the New Year appeared first on Broadway Black.

“Witchcraft,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street” – these are just a few of the hits that Frank Sinatra immortalized into the Great American Songbook. With his sultry voice, impeccable phrasing and everyman appeal, this son of the Hoboken working class came to epitomize American popular music.

With such great talent, it is only fitting that a tribute concert in his honor feature some of today’s very best performers. Super soulful singer and our collective homegirl, Grammy winner Fantasia will be adding her talent to the line-up which also includes Tony-winning Broadway performer, pop singer, film and television actor Billy Porter among others.

SNEAK PEEK: We're singing Sinatra and celebrating the Legacy…Dec 18th y'all..on PBS! #Sinatra100 #LFLC https://t.co/kIwy08ufuO

— Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) December 13, 2015

SINATRA: Voice for a Century airs Friday, 12/18 at 9pm on @PBS. Check your local listings. pic.twitter.com/CXc1QDNGD0

— Fantasia Taylor (@TasiasWord) December 12, 2015

Fantasia has sold over  three million records and won numerous awards since storming onto the music scene after winning American Idol in 2004. And like Sinatra, Fantasia has made her mark in more than just the music industry. Her Broadway debut was in The Color Purple and was followed with After Midnight.  Billy Porter has recently racked up awards for his portrayal of ‘Lola’ in the Broadway show Kinky Boots, a role that he originated. Check out Fantasia and Porter’s thoughts about Frank Sinatra in the video below.

Sinatra: Voice for a Century, part of the Live from Lincoln Center series, will air on PBS December 18. For more information on how you can see the show, check your local PBS listings.

UPDATE: Performances from the show are below!

The post Fantasia and Billy Porter Sing Sinatra at Lincoln Center appeared first on Broadway Black.

You don’t get into this business to be you,” he says. “I got into show business because I wanted to dress up as an old man on a park bench. I wanted to be an action hero. I wanted to be the drug dealer. I wanted to be a knight. I wanted to be Robin Hood. I wanted to be whatever else besides Wayne. So playing Lola is as far from Wayne as I could possibly be. A British drag queen who was an amateur boxer? Bingo.

Kinky Boots was deemed “The hottest musical on Broadway” by the New York Times.  According to the website,

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits his father’s shoe factory. Looking to save the family business, Charlie turns to a fabulously fashionable new friend — cabaret star Lola— who gives him an outrageous idea that could change both of their destinies.

That outrageous idea is to make women’s shoes for men, which propels the business to success. Brady previously tried out for the role but lost out to Billy Porter. Porter recently left the production to join the cast of Shuffle Along. When the opportunity came back around, Brady jumped at the chance. Of the character, Brady says,

Lola is a very charming, lovely, feisty person who is really just this very deeply hurt, flawed individual,” Brady says. “I think I can bring a warmth to Lola that will be funny and bring all the comedy to it, and then when it’s time to turn on a dime, then that’ll help that.

In preparation for the role, Brady told CBS news,

I’m buying a pair of … heels … because I have enough time right now that I can actually walk around my house and dance around. I don’t want to show up for rehearsals in November and just learn to put on heels.

While he has only been in the role for a few days, his enthusiasm and appreciation for the role are sure to help make sure he shines.

What weekend! @WayneBrady blew the roof off of the Al Hirschfeld! Who is coming to see him strut this week? pic.twitter.com/RhaxLNniIe

— Kinky Boots the Musical (@KinkyBootsBway) November 23, 2015

Kinky Boots is currently running at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre and tickets can be purchased HERE. Let us know what you think of Brady as Lola in Kinky Boots!

The post Wayne Brady Puts On His Kinky Boots appeared first on Broadway Black.

“Leave that humdrum place of glum behind
Once you walk inside these doors, you’re mine
Now let me blow your mind.”

And for two years, audience members who’ve seen Tony Award winner Billy Porter excel as “Lola” have been captivated and had their minds blown by his performance. Unfortunately, Porter soon will put “Lola’s” stilettos on the shelf as he embarks upon his next Broadway venture in the upcoming musical revival Shuffle Along or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed.

Porter, who also won a Drama Desk Award for this role, has starred in Kinky Boots since the musical had its 2012 pre-Broadway premiere in Chicago. In addition to awards, he has received resounding critical acclaim for his performance. Thom Geier from “Entertainment Weekly” once wrote that Porter “portrays drag queen Lola with enough sequined swagger to make RuPaul look like a wallflower. Thanks to Porter’s star-making turn, Kinky Boots delivers some pumps-up kicks.”

His final performance as “Lola” will be November 20. We’ll miss Porter’s electrifying performances but we’re tremendously excited about his next role.

Thank you @PorterBacks. It's been a helluva journey!! pic.twitter.com/s4sSxMLBiU

— Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) November 1, 2015

For those who are wondering who can possibly fill “Lola’s” stilettos, don’t fret. Porter is handing over Lola’s heels to someone who’s equally capable of sashaying around the stage. Funny man and all-around performer Wayne Brady is set to take on the role beginning November 21. If you want to see him strut his stuff, tickets can be purchased here.

Wayne Brady as Lola in Kinky Boots.

Everybody say FABULOUS! @WayneBrady struts into Lola's sparkly red boots 11/21! https://t.co/DflgFobJDu pic.twitter.com/wXcT07E4eN

— Kinky Boots the Musical (@KinkyBootsBway) November 6, 2015

The post Billy Porter Hangs Up Lola’s Kinky Boots & Welcomes Wayne Brady appeared first on Broadway Black.

For some, it was the 90’s cult classic Songs For A New World, a series of songs connected by the theme: “making a decision.” More specifically, Tony Award winner Billy Porter‘s character in the production gave hope to many Black men, instilling confidence that a voice like theirs can be heard on Broadway. He is the reason some fell in love with this art. Before he was Lola in Kinky Boots, Billy Porter was Man 1. And now, 20 years later, his voice can be heard on the original demo for the opening number.

Porter, known for skillfully marrying the likes of soul and belt, was part of this special project from the beginning. Porter was unable to record the Songs for a New World cast album because of contractual obligations and was replaced by Ty Taylor. For the first time, Brown has released the original demo for the opening number from the show that features Billy Porter along with Andrea Burns and Brian d’Arcy James.

Deservedly so, Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist, Jason Robert Brown (The Bridges of Madison County) is celebrating 20 years of transforming many into lovers of this beautiful art we call musical theatre. 20 years ago, Songs for A New World opened off-Broadway. Brown released a note on his blog talking about Songs for a New World, the relationships he made from the show and how they’ve transformed over the 20 years.

Twenty years is a long time, and it feels like it, actually. I saw Andréa, Brooks, Billy and Jessica just four days ago at a reading of Prince of Broadway and we are all profoundly different than we were back then, and yet we are still connected, bound by this marvelous mad adventure we had. Songs for a New World was my first professional show. And it was glorious.

“I’ve posted (for the first time) the original demo recording of the opening sequence of the show – all twelve minutes of it! – featuring four amazing singers who did so much to shape the sound of the show. Andréa Burns and I had known each other since summer camp in the 80s, and Billy Porter sang during my shifts in the piano bar at Don’t Tell Mama when he would finish his performances in Miss Saigon” – Jason Robert Brown

Here’s a bonus recording. 3 years ago Jason Robert Brown released a demo of Billy Porter Singing “The Steam Train”

“Billy is one of the greatest singers in the world; I say that with no hyperbole intended. From the first time I heard him (when he came into Don’t Tell Mama’s on a night I was working the piano bar), I knew that he was a rare and magnificent creature, a phenomenal musical imagination couple with an extraordinary instrument. And he is a formidable actor as well, intensely emotional and committed and funny and just generally wonderful. What’s he is not, however, is a basketball player from the projects. The staging originally included some rudimentary dribbling and shooting – that was cut very quickly. When we handed Billy the basketball in rehearsal, he held it like it was a wet schnauzer.

But, for all of its ludicrousness, I can’t help loving it. Here’s my fake “street” song about a sport I never watch sung by someone who looked as much like Michael Jordan as I look like Chris Hemsworth. And all of that notwithstanding, I still think it’s awesome.”

Listen to The Steam Train below. Read the entire backstory here 

The post Songs For A New World Demo with Billy Porter Released appeared first on Broadway Black.

Wayne Brady is no stranger to the stage. He is probably best known for his role on the improv comedy series “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” but he appeared in the hit musical Chicago as Billy Flynn back in 2004. He later played Collins in a Neil Patrick Harris directed production of RENT at the Hollywood Bowl in 2010. He also starred in a production of Kiss Me Kate at the Pasadena Playhouse last year. So he’s pretty well equipped for the challenge that is “Lola,” it seems.

“I’m thrilled to join the Kinky Boots family and unleash my inner Lola,” says Brady. “It’s the role of a lifetime! Billy and his prodigious talent have left some pretty big red boots for me to fill. Starring in a Broadway show of this caliber has been my dream since I started performing at age 16. I’m ready to jump in with both feet!”

“Wayne Brady is a wonderful triple threat. I first had the pleasure of working with Wayne on a Disney film and have been a fan ever since,” adds Kinky Boots director Jerry Mitchell. “Like Lola, he has the sass, the voice and the heart and we cannot wait to see him strut his stuff when he joins the Kinky Boots family!”

Kinky Boots is a British film turned Broadway smash hit about Charlie Price who is the owner of a failing shoe factory. However, he soon finds that Lola, a sassy drag queen, has the answer to save his factory. It’s a wonderful musical, truly enjoyed by the whole family.  This is a great role for Brady. Like he said, he’s got some big boots to fill. The musical score was created by Cyndi Lauper and the book by Harvey Fierstein.

This photo is credited to Joan Marcus and was first seen on Vanity Fair. Accompanying the photo was a article that discussed several things, including Wayne Brady’s drag name. Her name is Cinnamon de Bergerac and she will be appearing in L.A. really really soon, he says. Brady wants to try out the alter ego before heading to Broadway. In the interview he also says:

“I’ll really be going in, and making something of it. After we did our photo shoot, I saw some of the proof pictures. And I’ve gotta say, while I won’t be winning any beauty contests, I definitely think that I’m a very attractive Lola—and you don’t see any of Wayne Brady there, you definitely see Lola.”

Read the entire article HERE

The post First Look: Wayne Brady as Lola In Kinky Boots appeared first on Broadway Black.

Likely due to popular demand, the Broadway stars are collaborating to bring their sanctified sound to the popular basement hangout. After their brief, yet highly re-tweeted appearance at Highline Ballroom’s Broadway Does Bruno Mars this summer, it’s a wonder the two didn’t collaborate sooner.  If you’ve seen the video, just know — all of that is simply a precursor of what’s to come!

Set at the newly renamed Feinstein’s/54 Below, the concert will outline their journey growing up in a southern church to finally singing on the Great White Way.  The pair is sure to excite with their array of vocal stylings including soul, gospel, jazz and, of course, showtunes. The show will also feature a special guest, Alex Newell of Glee fame.

Burroughs moved to New York a little over a year ago to make his Broadway debut in Kinky Boots as Angel/Lola understudy.  He’s performed regionally in shows such as Shrek, Hairspray, and Jesus Christ Superstar which earned him a Broadway World Award for Best Local Actor in a Musical.  Wallace is currently tapping herself through the Renaissance in the Tony-nominated comedy Something Rotten.  Previously, she could be seen in Broadway’s Aladdin and as part of The Book of Mormon’s first national tour.

Read our exclusive interview with the duo below:

BroadwayBlack (BB): What does it mean to be Baptized By Broadway?

Nick: It’s means to sit back and relax and let Marisha and I give you our version of broadway, the version that’s rooted in soul and gospel singing that no one can give you like 2 southern preachers kids can, that sound mixed with our love and passion for broadway gives you.., Baptized By Broadway

Marisha: We wanted to tell our story about the journey from our small southern towns knowing nothing about musicals. To making it to Broadway and thriving. And It is because of our faith , passion, and humor that we are here.

BB: Why did you two team up? What is your relationship dynamic?

Marisha: I feel like I  bring the structure and soul and Nick brings you the spontaneity and passion. Together we balance each other. We both push each other to go higher and take chances.

Nick: We’ve always known each other from mutual friends in NYC but it wasn’t until Corey Mach from “Broadway Sings” asked us to do a duet together in Broadway Sings Bruno Mars that the real bond began, we suddenly realized we’re and electric pair together and after a standing ovation from our duet of Run Away Baby at The Cutting Room for Broadway Sings Bruno Mars the rest was history!

BB: How did Alex Newell get involved with your 54 Below debut and what can we expect from the featured guest?

Nick:Alex and I became good friends from hanging out every Wednesday night at Queen of the Night for Live Band Karaoke, Belting in each other’s faces and being complete idiots together! When Marisha and I decided to do a concert together we just had to get him to sing with us. You can expect for Alex to give you some fierce Whitney Houston that night.

BB: What have you discovered to be the most useful tool in your career?

Marisha: Being true to your self in every way, and using what makes you different as your strength.

BB: Will Aunt Viv be ready to serve?

Nick: Oh absolutely, get ready to dance!

By @nickrburroughs: Oh you thought Halloween was over? Aunt Viv from Fresh Prince of Bel-air is ready to SERVE! pic.twitter.com/OzXGF7Ga5E

— Broadway Black (@BroadwayBlack) November 2, 2015

BB: What was your first experience singing a solo in church?

Nick: Well for me it started very early for me being a preachers kid, I was 6 when I song my first big solo in church and I sang holy is the lamb by Oleta Adams and I knew from that day on I had a passion for performing.

Marisha: I forgot all the words to a Shirley cesar song and cried. I was five years old. I never forgot the words again.

Are you ready to be Baptized By Broadway? Use our discount code for tickets to see @marishawallace & @nickrburroughs over at @54below! Read our exclusive interview with the duo only at BroadwayBlack.com!

A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Nov 13, 2015 at 12:09pm PST

Named for “Great American Songbook” creator Michael Feinstein, Feinstein’s/ 54 Below has become one of the premiere destinations for Broadway performers and fans alike.  While it is famous for its informal cabarets led by esteemed theater vets, it’s also become a wonderful venue for young performers to sharpen their skills and build their network.

The post Marisha Wallace & Nick Rashad Burroughs To Make 54 Below Debut appeared first on Broadway Black.

It was a moment many had been hoping for and believed was long overdue. Although that was the climax of Williams’ appearance at the pageant, another highlight of the evening, and less talked about by mainstream media, was her stirring rendition of Amy Grant’s “Oh How the Years Go By” with the Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV).

The BIV joined Williams center stage for the opening performance of the pageant. Their performance of the moving ballad caused the audience to erupt into thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

What a great night!! Performing with friend and @bivoices supporter @vwofficial #missamerica #nbc http://t.co/MEefaUnVN8

— Broadway Insp Voices (@BIVoices) September 14, 2015

Broadway Inspirational Voices is a multi-ethnic, multi-denominational choir ensemble made up of actors and musicians from Broadway and off‐Broadway shows such as Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Cinderella, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Motown, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked. The BIV’s mission is “strengthening and unifying the New York community through the transcendent power of music. “

The choir was founded in 1994 by Tony nominee, actor, singer, and director Michael McElroy and became the place where he could express his unique arrangements of known and unknown songs in and out of the American gospel and theatre songbooks. In 2005, McElroy received a Grammy nomination for his work on the choir’s holiday CD, “Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas.”

The BIV is next scheduled to perform at Pope Francis’ Mass at Madison Square Garden on September 25. Other performers scheduled to appear include Harry Connick Jr., Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Hudson, Kelli O’Hara, Martin Sheen, James (D Train) Williams, and Norm Lewis.

The post Vanessa Williams Performs at Miss America Pageant with Broadway Inspirational Voices appeared first on Broadway Black.

Wayne Brady is no stranger to the stage he is probably best known for his role on the improv comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway? but he appeared in the hit musical Chicago as Billy Flynn back in 2004. He later played Collins in a Neil Patrick Harris directed production of RENT at the Hollywood Bowl in 2010. He also starred in a production of Kiss Me Kate at the Pasadena Playhouse last year. So, he’s pretty well equipped for the challenge that is “Lola” it seems.

“I’m thrilled to join the Kinky Boots family and unleash my inner Lola,” says Brady. “It’s the role of a lifetime! Billy and his prodigious talent have left some pretty big red boots for me to fill. Starring in a Broadway show of this caliber has been my dream since I started performing at age 16. I’m ready to jump in with both feet!”

“Wayne Brady is a wonderful triple threat. I first had the pleasure of working with Wayne on a Disney film and have been a fan ever since,” adds Kinky Boots director Jerry Mitchell said. “Like Lola, he has the sass, the voice and the heart and we cannot wait to see him strut his stuff when he joins the Kinky Boots family!”

Kinky Boots is a British film turned Broadway smash hit about Charlie Price who is the owner of a failing shoe factor. However, he soon finds that Lola, a sassy drag queen, has the answers to save his factory. It’s a wonderful musical, truly enjoyed by the whole family.  This is a great role for Brady like he said, he’s got some big boots to fill. The musical score was created by Cyndi Lauper and the book by Harvey Fierstein.

Now, lets take a look back at what Wayne Brady brings to the theatre table. Listen to his rendition of “I’ll Cover You” From RENT.

The post Wayne Brady Will Be The New Lola In Kinky Boots appeared first on Broadway Black.

“We are so happy to take The Balancing Act viewers behind the scenes of the most popular Broadway shows, meeting some of the actors, directors and choreographers who bring it all to life,” said Jeanne Kelly, supervising producer for The Balancing Act. “These productions are hitting the road as their national tours get underway and heading to a stage near you. Everyone can now experience the excitement, music and magic that is Broadway, right in their local community.”

Appearing in 27 different cities in the United States and Canada, Broadway Across America’s 2015-2016 series includes: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Kinky Boots, If/Then, The Wizard of Oz, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music and Cabaret.

During Season 2 of the series, Milt visits Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella cast to talk with leading actress Paige Faure. She then interviews Grammy and Tony-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper about music and lyrics for Kinky Boots, and talks inspiration with the creative team of If/Then, which will feature Tony-winner Idina Menzel.

The Wizard of Oz and Rodgers + Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music both get revamped. Milt explores the costumes of Oz as well as what is involved in recreating a production for a whole new national audience. The series closes with a look at Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of Cabaret.

“The Balancing Act,” which aims to enrich the lives of the busy on-the-go modern woman, is a perfect avenue to reach the attendees of Broadway touring shows which are made up of 71 percent women. Moreover, the productions mainly feature women characters and feminine expression – from Cinderella to Dorothy and from nun-to-be Maria (The Sound of Music) to the near-40 Liz/Beth (If/Then) and from drag queen Lola (Kinky Boots) to Kit Kat Klub emcee Sally Bowles (Cabaret).

The Balancing Act airs weekday mornings at 7:30am (ET/PT) on Lifetime. Broadway Balances America will premiere at 7am (ET/PT) on the following air dates (encore dates in parentheses):

• Aug 25: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Sep 1)
• Sep 22: Kinky Boots (Sep 29)
• Oct 20: If/Then (Oct 27)
• Nov 17: The Wizard of Oz (Nov 24)
• Dec 1: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music (Dec 8)
• Jan 26: Cabaret (Feb 2)

Watch last season’s behind the scenes tour of Motown: The Musical

The post Broadway Balances America Returns To Lifetime appeared first on Broadway Black.