It’s been three whole years since Lin-Manuel Miranda completely dominated the week’s news – and now he’s back doing it again (almost) with the opening simultaneously of the “In The Heights” movie musical and of The Drama Book Shop, the century-old store he now co-owns, as well as the first trailer for his film directorial debut, the adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s “Tick…Tick…Boom”. (He certainly dominates the Week in Video below, which also includes the thrilling eight-minute opening montage from “In The Heights.” )
But this time he shares the spotlight a bit, because June IS busting out all over.
The Week in Theater Reviews
What If If Only. Caryl Churchill’s ghostly new play, via NAATCO
The Week in Theater News
Katori Hall’s The Hot Wing King wins Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Finalists: “Circle Jerk” (digital theater!) and “Stew”
“To Kill A Mockingbird” is returning October 5, with original cast members Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch and Celia Keenan-Bolger in her Tony-winning role as Scout, with a new proucer – Orin Wolf (from The Band’s Visit) – replacing Scott Rudin. (My review.) There are now 33 Broadway productions with specific dates for opening/reopening.
Bruce Springsteen will return to Broadway this summer at St. James Theatre June 26 to September 4. ran from October 2017 to December 2018 (with many extensions) and then streamed on Netflix. (My review.)
The American Theatre Wing Centennial Concert and Gala is streaming until June 19 for free on BroadwayHD In honor of what would traditionally have been “Tony Sunday,” featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell, Heather Headley, Santino Fontana (all Tony winners), as well as Norm Lewis, Beth Malone, Rebecca Luker, Laura Osnes (all Tony nominees).
Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth, an inaugural free outdoor concert in Times Square at noon on June 19, will feature cast members from “Girl from the North Country,” “The Lion King,” “Moulin Rouge,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Tina,” “Diana” and “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” as well as appearances by Lilias White and Ben Vereen.
The Civilians will present six new (amazing-sounding) theater pieces, June 16-30, free, but RSVP. eg profiles or Sally Hemmings and astronomer Hisako Koyama, a Minn. community that responded to George Floyd. Check out details in my June calendar of openings.
Less Than 1% Of Independent Venues Have Gotten “Save Our Stages” Pandemic Relief Funds (Gothamist)
Fewer than 100 venues of the more than 14,000 who applied have actually received any funds.
Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark officially opened ten years ago today. It generated more jokes, more outrage, more news and commentary, more headlines than any Broadway musical in at least half a century, and perhaps ever. Troubled by bad luck, grandiose choices, shocking injuries, internal bickering and a raft of lawsuits, the musical based on a beloved Marvel comic book character has broken all sorts of records, both good and bad.
Rest in Peace
Ned Beatty, 83, prolific movie actor acclaimed for his roles in such films as “Deliverance” and “Network.”. He was also a two-time Broadway veteran, in “The Great White Hope” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
Rezo Gabriadze, 84, playwright, screenwriter, theater director and, above all, master of the puppetry arts.
