When Hamilton opened on Broadway, there were fireworks – literal fireworks, courtesy of the musical’s producers, but also an over-the-top critical response, including by me.
The hoopla over Hamilton has made for an unusually lively August week in theater. Whether or not there is something as tangible as a Hamilton Effect, the New York International Fringe Festival, which opens August 14th, has an unusual number of serious shows this year, its 19th, focusing on historical figures, and such current issues as police violence, immigration, and transgender lives.
Fringe NYC: From Silly Titles to Serious Issues
The Week in New York Theater News
On The Town announced it will close September 6, after 28 previews and 368 regular performances. I love this old show
Ivo van Hove will be directing TWO Arthur Miller plays on Broadway: In addition to A View from the Bridge, also The Crucible with Ben Whishaw, and Sophie Okonedo, which will open April 7.
Joshua Henry, Brandon V. Dixon, Billy Porter and Brian Stokes Mitchell join Audra McDonald in Shuffle Along, full title — “Shuffle Along, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed.” George C. Wolfe will direct the show and write a new book, using material from the original book by F. E. Miller and Aubrey Lyles, the original jazz music and lyrics by the vaudevillians Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, and new choreography by Savion Glover.
Camryn Manheim, Patrick Page, and Russell Harvard (Tribes!) are joining Marlee Matlin, Krysta Rodriguez and Andy Mientus in the revival of Spring Awakening, which opens Sept 27.
Archie, a new musical based on Archie comics, is aiming for Broadway, directed by Adam McKay (Funny or Die)
Still more casting gold for #TheWizLive. 2 new witches: @UzoAduba (@OITNB) and @MsAmberPRiley (@GLEEonFOX) pic.twitter.com/3QaCdltshQ
— Jonathan Mandell (@NewYorkTheater) August 6, 2015
Exhibitions
The 75th Anniversary of the American Negro Theatre, an exhibition at the Schomburg Center
Head Shots, at the Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts
