Nominations for the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards were announced on Tuesday, April 23. The stars of the hit Broadway revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe, read off the nominees live from the Museum of Broadway.
Off-Broadway productions ultimately out-paced Broadway with this critics group. The new David Yazbek musical “Dead Outlaw” led the pack with nine nominations. It was followed by “The Connector,” another Off-Broadway musical, and “Stereophonic,” a lauded Broadway play, with seven nominations each.
While there are no Tony nominators in the Outer Critics Circle membership, these nominations can provide some clues as to how theater aficionados are thinking about this season’s Tony race. Of the five productions cited for Best New Broadway Musical, only “Days of Wine and Roses” and “Suffs” made the cut in the all-important Best Score category. They were joined by two Off-Broadway entries, as well as...
Off-Broadway productions ultimately out-paced Broadway with this critics group. The new David Yazbek musical “Dead Outlaw” led the pack with nine nominations. It was followed by “The Connector,” another Off-Broadway musical, and “Stereophonic,” a lauded Broadway play, with seven nominations each.
While there are no Tony nominators in the Outer Critics Circle membership, these nominations can provide some clues as to how theater aficionados are thinking about this season’s Tony race. Of the five productions cited for Best New Broadway Musical, only “Days of Wine and Roses” and “Suffs” made the cut in the all-important Best Score category. They were joined by two Off-Broadway entries, as well as...
- 4/23/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The nominees for the 2024 Drama League Awards were announced April 22, 2024, by Vanessa Williams and past Drama League winner Bebe Neuwirth. Winners will be announced during the 90th Annual Drama League Awards ceremony at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on Friday, May 17.
These kudos honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and are famous for their catch-all acting category, the Distinguished Performance Award. An actor can only win it once in their career. After they have won, they can never be nominated again. This year, a whopping 54 performers are nominated.
See 2024 Tony Awards eligibility rulings (round 2): ‘Appropriate’ is officially a revival, ‘The Notebook’ actors split up
The expansive production categories mean that many Tony Awards hopefuls heard their name called this morning. Ten Broadway musicals were nominated in the Outstanding Production of a Musical race. Notable omissions include “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “The Great Gatsby” and critical darling “Days of Wine and Roses...
These kudos honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and are famous for their catch-all acting category, the Distinguished Performance Award. An actor can only win it once in their career. After they have won, they can never be nominated again. This year, a whopping 54 performers are nominated.
See 2024 Tony Awards eligibility rulings (round 2): ‘Appropriate’ is officially a revival, ‘The Notebook’ actors split up
The expansive production categories mean that many Tony Awards hopefuls heard their name called this morning. Ten Broadway musicals were nominated in the Outstanding Production of a Musical race. Notable omissions include “Back to the Future: The Musical,” “The Great Gatsby” and critical darling “Days of Wine and Roses...
- 4/22/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
“My dream had always been to originate something and it’s really fun to just kind of make it my own,” says Grant Gustin of starring in a Broadway musical. That aspiration is now a reality as he leads the stage adaptation of “Water for Elephants” at the Imperial Theatre. The actor has amassed legions of fans who know him as the titular superhero in “The Flash,” but this latest demanding role marks Gustin’s return to his stage roots. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
Gustin portrays Jacob Jankowski in “Water for Elephants,” who falls in with a traveling circus after hopping aboard their train. He is hired as the troupe’s veterinarian and soon begins to fall for the equestrian performer Marlena (Isabelle McCalla). The pair become closer as they train a brand new routine with an elephant, provoking a jealous rage from Marlena’s husband August (Paul Alexander Nolan...
Gustin portrays Jacob Jankowski in “Water for Elephants,” who falls in with a traveling circus after hopping aboard their train. He is hired as the troupe’s veterinarian and soon begins to fall for the equestrian performer Marlena (Isabelle McCalla). The pair become closer as they train a brand new routine with an elephant, provoking a jealous rage from Marlena’s husband August (Paul Alexander Nolan...
- 4/21/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The Tony Awards Administration Committee met for the third time during the 2023-2024 Broadway season on April 19, to discuss eligibility of 8 productions for the 77th Annual Tony Awards in 2024.
They discussed eight productions: “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Doubt,” “The Notebook,” “An Enemy of the People,” “Water for Elephants,” “The Who’s Tommy,” “The Outsiders” and “Lempicka.” The group also met during the winter to discuss late fall and winter openings, but those determinations were not made public until now. Those shows include: “I Need That,” “Harmony,” “Spamalot,” “How to Dance in Ohio,” “Appropriate” and “Prayer for the French Republic.”
The most notable ruling is that “Appropriate” will compete as a revival. The hit play from Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has never been seen on Broadway before this season, but previously enjoyed a successful Off-Broadway run with a different director and cast. Since it is the play’s Broadway debut, Jacobs-Jenkins will appear...
They discussed eight productions: “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Doubt,” “The Notebook,” “An Enemy of the People,” “Water for Elephants,” “The Who’s Tommy,” “The Outsiders” and “Lempicka.” The group also met during the winter to discuss late fall and winter openings, but those determinations were not made public until now. Those shows include: “I Need That,” “Harmony,” “Spamalot,” “How to Dance in Ohio,” “Appropriate” and “Prayer for the French Republic.”
The most notable ruling is that “Appropriate” will compete as a revival. The hit play from Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has never been seen on Broadway before this season, but previously enjoyed a successful Off-Broadway run with a different director and cast. Since it is the play’s Broadway debut, Jacobs-Jenkins will appear...
- 4/19/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The nominations for the 77th Tony Awards will be announced in less than three weeks, but the lay of the land is ever changing because seven more musicals and musical revivals will open between now and the eligibility cutoff. As these remaining shows have started preview performances, our savvy users have been updating their choices for the most likely nominees in 10 of the 15 musical categories. See below for a breakdown of how our official odds have changed in the top categories since our last predictions center update on March 21, according to the 1,200 readers currently making their picks. Scroll to the bottom of the article for a tally of nominations by show in 10 of the 15 musical categories.
Up
“Cabaret” — This immersive revival of the classic John Kander and Fred Ebb musical has been leading our odds for the most nominations of any musical revival of the year. It has now added...
Up
“Cabaret” — This immersive revival of the classic John Kander and Fred Ebb musical has been leading our odds for the most nominations of any musical revival of the year. It has now added...
- 4/15/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Reese Witherspoon is renowned for her versatile acting skills after kickstarting her career as a teenager, making her screen debut in The Man in the Moon (1991). From then on, she gained widespread recognition for several projects including Legally Blonde and Walk the Line.
Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde
Given that she has built an incredible fortune with her acting talent, she has recently expressed her opinion on the state of Hollywood, particularly regarding AI’s impact on the same.
Reese Witherspoon Got Candid About AI’s Impact on Hollywood
During the most recent season of The Morning Show at PaleyFest L.A. on Friday night, Reese Witherspoon got candid about the recent scenario in Hollywood. While specifically expressing her opinion on the use of AI in the filmmaking world, she took it as a positive change.
Suggested“It was delicious”: Bizarre Video of Reese Witherspoon Eating Fresh Snow Goes...
Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde
Given that she has built an incredible fortune with her acting talent, she has recently expressed her opinion on the state of Hollywood, particularly regarding AI’s impact on the same.
Reese Witherspoon Got Candid About AI’s Impact on Hollywood
During the most recent season of The Morning Show at PaleyFest L.A. on Friday night, Reese Witherspoon got candid about the recent scenario in Hollywood. While specifically expressing her opinion on the use of AI in the filmmaking world, she took it as a positive change.
Suggested“It was delicious”: Bizarre Video of Reese Witherspoon Eating Fresh Snow Goes...
- 4/14/2024
- by Priya Sharma
- FandomWire
“Juvenile Delinquents Turn Heroes,” proclaims a newspaper headline in S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel The Outsiders, which was famously adapted for the screen in 1983 by Francis Ford Coppola. And the juvenile delinquents on stage at the Bernard J. Jacobs Theatre are doing the same, rescuing a Broadway season overstuffed with undercooked musicals in an unexpectedly persuasive new adaptation of Hinton’s scrappy, moving story.
This show follows close on the heels of two other book-to-movie-to-musical adaptations, The Notebook and Water for Elephants. But The Outsiders far outstrips them both in the sophisticated storytelling of Adam Rapp and Justine Levine’s book, the adventurous staging of director Danya Taymor, and the dramatically specific and potent score from Levine and folk duo Jamestown Revival. Put another way, The Outsiders is, at last, a darn good musical.
Fourteen-year-old Tulsa native Ponyboy Curtis (Brody Grant) is a member of the Greasers, a gang of long-haired...
This show follows close on the heels of two other book-to-movie-to-musical adaptations, The Notebook and Water for Elephants. But The Outsiders far outstrips them both in the sophisticated storytelling of Adam Rapp and Justine Levine’s book, the adventurous staging of director Danya Taymor, and the dramatically specific and potent score from Levine and folk duo Jamestown Revival. Put another way, The Outsiders is, at last, a darn good musical.
Fourteen-year-old Tulsa native Ponyboy Curtis (Brody Grant) is a member of the Greasers, a gang of long-haired...
- 4/12/2024
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Broadway’s busy spring was reaching peak bloom last week as the season’s final batch of new shows – save for the upcoming Sufjan Stevens musical Illinoise – was in previews, boosting total box office receipts to an impressive $39,445,823.
The figure for the week ending April 7 marks a 6% increase over the previous week. Attendance was 305,211, a 12% bump over the previous week (and 9% higher than last season at this time). In all, 37 Broadway productions filled 94% of available seats.
A healthy number of the recent arrivals played to full houses, including An Enemy of the People, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Stereophonic, Uncle Vanya, The Great Gatsby, and The Outsiders. They joined the usual sell-outs Hadestown, Hamilton, Merrily We Roll Along, Moulin Rouge! and Wicked.
Among the spring arrivals:
The Outsiders, in previews at the Jacobs and opening Thursday, sold out its seven performances, grossing $732,073; Lempicka took in $357,757 for seven previews at the Longacre,...
The figure for the week ending April 7 marks a 6% increase over the previous week. Attendance was 305,211, a 12% bump over the previous week (and 9% higher than last season at this time). In all, 37 Broadway productions filled 94% of available seats.
A healthy number of the recent arrivals played to full houses, including An Enemy of the People, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Stereophonic, Uncle Vanya, The Great Gatsby, and The Outsiders. They joined the usual sell-outs Hadestown, Hamilton, Merrily We Roll Along, Moulin Rouge! and Wicked.
Among the spring arrivals:
The Outsiders, in previews at the Jacobs and opening Thursday, sold out its seven performances, grossing $732,073; Lempicka took in $357,757 for seven previews at the Longacre,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Tony Award nominations are set to take place April 30, and in the lead-up, the month is jam-packed with Broadway openings, with 14 taking place over the course of 11 days.
While the days before the Tony Awards eligibility cutoff, on April 25, are typically filled with openings, many industry insiders are optimistic that this year’s rush spells somewhat of a return to normalcy. But with the influx of shows and changing audience makeup, producers are also anxious about making sure their shows stand out to ticket-buyers and can make it to the Tony Awards ceremony on June 16 and beyond.
“It largely feels very exciting. For the first time in a while, it really feels like we are back to pre-pandemic levels of volume,” says Greg Nobile, producer of several shows on Broadway this season, including the new musicals Lempicka and Illinoise and the play revival of An Enemy of the People.
While the days before the Tony Awards eligibility cutoff, on April 25, are typically filled with openings, many industry insiders are optimistic that this year’s rush spells somewhat of a return to normalcy. But with the influx of shows and changing audience makeup, producers are also anxious about making sure their shows stand out to ticket-buyers and can make it to the Tony Awards ceremony on June 16 and beyond.
“It largely feels very exciting. For the first time in a while, it really feels like we are back to pre-pandemic levels of volume,” says Greg Nobile, producer of several shows on Broadway this season, including the new musicals Lempicka and Illinoise and the play revival of An Enemy of the People.
- 4/9/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Broadway box office soared last week, as five productions joined the roster, one returned and no fewer than 30 of the 32 shows saw attendance at 90% of capacity or more. Twenty productions were sell-outs.
A raft of recent arrivals were among the strong box office performers, with The Outsiders, The Wiz, Suffs, Hell’s Kitchen and The Great Gatsby filling all seats at their respective venues. The Who’s Tommy came within sight of the $1M mark.
In all, the 32 shows grossed a whopping $37,095,505 for the week leading up to the Easter holiday, a 30% increase over the previous week and an 8% jump over last year at this time. Total attendance for the week ending March 31 was 271,802, an 18% boost over the previous week. More than 96% of all seats were occupied. Average ticket price was $136.48.
Among the notable entries:
Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll, began its commercial transfer at the Belasco, grossing $777,541, with...
A raft of recent arrivals were among the strong box office performers, with The Outsiders, The Wiz, Suffs, Hell’s Kitchen and The Great Gatsby filling all seats at their respective venues. The Who’s Tommy came within sight of the $1M mark.
In all, the 32 shows grossed a whopping $37,095,505 for the week leading up to the Easter holiday, a 30% increase over the previous week and an 8% jump over last year at this time. Total attendance for the week ending March 31 was 271,802, an 18% boost over the previous week. More than 96% of all seats were occupied. Average ticket price was $136.48.
Among the notable entries:
Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll, began its commercial transfer at the Belasco, grossing $777,541, with...
- 4/2/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Water for Elephants, an extravagant circus-meets-musical, premiered at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. This production, a collaboration between Rick Elice, who wrote the book, and PigPen Theatre Co., which was responsible for the score, marks the impressive Broadway debut.
Adapted from Sara Gruen‘s novel, Water for Elephants follows the story of Jacob Jankowski (played by Gregg Edelman), a retired veterinarian drawn to the circus. As the crew dismantles the set, Jacob lingers, and quizzical workers discover that he found his purpose at the circus after he fled his final exams at Cornell.
Grant Gustin portrays the younger Jacob, who, amid the Great Depression, hops aboard a train with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. The Benzinis faced financial ruin in 1929, and their new owner, August Rachinger (Paul Alexander Nolan), is yet to redefine the circus’s identity. Initially, August contemplates whether or not to throw Jacob off the train,...
Adapted from Sara Gruen‘s novel, Water for Elephants follows the story of Jacob Jankowski (played by Gregg Edelman), a retired veterinarian drawn to the circus. As the crew dismantles the set, Jacob lingers, and quizzical workers discover that he found his purpose at the circus after he fled his final exams at Cornell.
Grant Gustin portrays the younger Jacob, who, amid the Great Depression, hops aboard a train with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. The Benzinis faced financial ruin in 1929, and their new owner, August Rachinger (Paul Alexander Nolan), is yet to redefine the circus’s identity. Initially, August contemplates whether or not to throw Jacob off the train,...
- 3/29/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Broadway’s first salvo of spring newcomers was more than holding its own last week, with recent arrivals drawing strong audiences.
Two shows had their opening nights during the week ending March 24, with An Enemy of the People, starring Jeremy Strong, Michael Imperioli and Victoria Pedretti, playing to standing room only crowds at Circle in the Square. Receipts were at a hefty $898,353, with attendance at 103% of seating capacity.
Also opening was Water For Elephants, the new musical starring Grant Gustin at the Imperial, with receipts down $23,144 from the previous week, due in no small part to press and opening night comps. The show grossed $875,269. Attendance for the three previews and five regular performances was 86% of capacity.
The Who’s Tommy was in previews at the Nederlander, filling 93% of seats at the venue (the Wednesday matinee was canceled due to an illness in the company) and grossing $822,391. Opening night is this Thursday,...
Two shows had their opening nights during the week ending March 24, with An Enemy of the People, starring Jeremy Strong, Michael Imperioli and Victoria Pedretti, playing to standing room only crowds at Circle in the Square. Receipts were at a hefty $898,353, with attendance at 103% of seating capacity.
Also opening was Water For Elephants, the new musical starring Grant Gustin at the Imperial, with receipts down $23,144 from the previous week, due in no small part to press and opening night comps. The show grossed $875,269. Attendance for the three previews and five regular performances was 86% of capacity.
The Who’s Tommy was in previews at the Nederlander, filling 93% of seats at the venue (the Wednesday matinee was canceled due to an illness in the company) and grossing $822,391. Opening night is this Thursday,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Grant Gustin is officially a Broadway star!
The 34-year-old The Flash and Glee actor celebrated the opening night of his new musical Water for Elephants on Thursday (March 21) at the Imperial Theatre in New York City.
Grant was joined on the red carpet by his co-stars Isabelle McCalla, Gregg Edelman, Paul Alexander Nolan, Joe De Paul, Sara Gettelfinger, Stan Brown, and Wade McCollum.
Grant is playing the role of Jacob Jankowski in the stage adaptation of the beloved novel by Sara Gruen. Robert Pattinson played the role in the film adaptation back in 2011.
Here’s the synopsis: After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes...
The 34-year-old The Flash and Glee actor celebrated the opening night of his new musical Water for Elephants on Thursday (March 21) at the Imperial Theatre in New York City.
Grant was joined on the red carpet by his co-stars Isabelle McCalla, Gregg Edelman, Paul Alexander Nolan, Joe De Paul, Sara Gettelfinger, Stan Brown, and Wade McCollum.
Grant is playing the role of Jacob Jankowski in the stage adaptation of the beloved novel by Sara Gruen. Robert Pattinson played the role in the film adaptation back in 2011.
Here’s the synopsis: After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes...
- 3/26/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
I thought I was safe to boldly pronounce my initial 2024 Tony Awards predictions, but then Sufjan Stevens appeared to stomp all over them. As David Buchanan and I convened to discuss where we thought the musical nominations were headed this season, news broke that Off-Broadway’s dreamy dance show “Illinoise” will transfer to the St. James Theatre just in time to compete at this year’s ceremony. The show, based on Stevens’ seminal album, has thrown our Tony predictions into disarray. Watch our full video slugfest above.
“Illinoise” marks the 15th new musical of the 2023-2024 season. That’s more new tuners than any Broadway season since 1975-1976. Theatergoers this year are indeed spoiled with a glut of new shows, but predicting the coveted Best Musical category has become a titanic task.
See 2024 Tony Awards nominations predictions: Big tallies for musicals ‘Lempicka,’ ‘The Notebook,’ ‘Cabaret’ …
David believes “Illinoise” will be...
“Illinoise” marks the 15th new musical of the 2023-2024 season. That’s more new tuners than any Broadway season since 1975-1976. Theatergoers this year are indeed spoiled with a glut of new shows, but predicting the coveted Best Musical category has become a titanic task.
See 2024 Tony Awards nominations predictions: Big tallies for musicals ‘Lempicka,’ ‘The Notebook,’ ‘Cabaret’ …
David believes “Illinoise” will be...
- 3/21/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Jennifer Hudson, who guest starred on NBC’s Smash, is now joining the producing team of its upcoming stage musical adaptation.
Hudson, a Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner, announced her participation today on her daytime talk show The Jennifer Hudson Show. (Watch the announcement below.)
Smash is expected to arrive on Broadway in spring 2025. Executive producers included Steven Spielberg, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, David Marshall Grant, and Joshua Safran.
Hudson’s participation reunites her with Smash composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and producers Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron, the team behind NBC’s 2016 Hairspray Live!, the musical special in which she played the role of Motormouth Maybelle.
The Broadway production will be directed by five-time Tony-winning director Susan Stroman, with a score by the Tony- and Grammy- winning duo Shaiman and Wittman, who were most recently on Broadway with Some Like It Hot.
Hudson, a Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner, announced her participation today on her daytime talk show The Jennifer Hudson Show. (Watch the announcement below.)
Smash is expected to arrive on Broadway in spring 2025. Executive producers included Steven Spielberg, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, David Marshall Grant, and Joshua Safran.
Hudson’s participation reunites her with Smash composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and producers Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron, the team behind NBC’s 2016 Hairspray Live!, the musical special in which she played the role of Motormouth Maybelle.
The Broadway production will be directed by five-time Tony-winning director Susan Stroman, with a score by the Tony- and Grammy- winning duo Shaiman and Wittman, who were most recently on Broadway with Some Like It Hot.
- 3/21/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway’s insanely busy spring doesn’t really kick into full gear until next month when 14 new shows have their official openings, but with March as a sort of sign of things to come – five shows have opened or will soon this month – box office was strong last week.
In all, the 25 productions grossed $28,059,463 during the week ending March 17, a bump of 14% over the previous week, with attendance of 219,954 at a solid 94% of capacity.
Recent arrivals on the list found a welcoming Broadway. Some of the notable entries:
The Notebook, which opened to decidedly mixed reviews, proved steadily popular with audiences. Opening night and press comps barely dented receipts: The show grossed $767,281, filling 98% of seats at the Schoenfeld. A new block of tickets just went on sale through November 24; An Enemy of the People,...
In all, the 25 productions grossed $28,059,463 during the week ending March 17, a bump of 14% over the previous week, with attendance of 219,954 at a solid 94% of capacity.
Recent arrivals on the list found a welcoming Broadway. Some of the notable entries:
The Notebook, which opened to decidedly mixed reviews, proved steadily popular with audiences. Opening night and press comps barely dented receipts: The show grossed $767,281, filling 98% of seats at the Schoenfeld. A new block of tickets just went on sale through November 24; An Enemy of the People,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway adaptations of beloved movies are nothing new — and in fact will be increasing like never before this season with “Water for Elephants,” “The Outsiders,” “The Great Gatsby,” and more musical adaptations opening just in the next month.
It’s such a thrill, then, that “The Notebook” musical, based on the Nicholas Sparks book of the same name — which of course was also turned into the beloved movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams — is such a romantic, weepy success, managing to honor the tale fans know while also sneaking in a savvier story, one that doesn’t look away from the horrors of dementia but retains the beautiful message of everlasting love.
The book, by Bekah Brunstetter, begins with a few smart updates: The earliest action between Younger Noah (John Cardoza) and Allie (Jordan Tyson) is moved from the WWII-era of the film to Vietnam-era, which Noah and friends get tangled up in,...
It’s such a thrill, then, that “The Notebook” musical, based on the Nicholas Sparks book of the same name — which of course was also turned into the beloved movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams — is such a romantic, weepy success, managing to honor the tale fans know while also sneaking in a savvier story, one that doesn’t look away from the horrors of dementia but retains the beautiful message of everlasting love.
The book, by Bekah Brunstetter, begins with a few smart updates: The earliest action between Younger Noah (John Cardoza) and Allie (Jordan Tyson) is moved from the WWII-era of the film to Vietnam-era, which Noah and friends get tangled up in,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Erin Strecker
- Indiewire
With the 96th Academy Awards in the history books, it’s time to become obsessed over the 77th Tony Awards. Nominations are April 30th with the awards set to air on CBS on June 16 from Lincoln Center. Among the contenders for Tony nominations are many musicals based on movies including “Back to the Future,’ “The Notebook,” “Water for Elephants” and “The Outsiders”: high profile revivals such as Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People” with Jeremy Strong; “Cabaret” with Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne and the Who’s “Tommy”; imports from London and transfers from off-Broadway.
Do you remember the Tony landscape 50 years ago? The 28th annual honors took place April 21, 1974, at the Shubert Theater and aired on ABC. And to say it was a star-studded affair is something of an understatement. Robert Preston, Peter Falk, Cicely Tyson, Florence Henderson hosted; presenters included Al Pacino –-let’s hope he had better...
Do you remember the Tony landscape 50 years ago? The 28th annual honors took place April 21, 1974, at the Shubert Theater and aired on ABC. And to say it was a star-studded affair is something of an understatement. Robert Preston, Peter Falk, Cicely Tyson, Florence Henderson hosted; presenters included Al Pacino –-let’s hope he had better...
- 3/14/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
In the two weeks since Gold Derby launched the 2024 Tony Awards nominations predictions center, over 600 users have made their preliminary picks for which shows, performers and creatives will land coveted nominations. This season, 20 musicals and musical revivals will compete for only a handful of slots in each category, making this one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. Scroll to the bottom of the article for a tally of nominations by show in 10 of the 15 musical categories based on our current combined odds.
In the top category of Best Musical, our savvy users predict three shows are out front: “Suffs,” with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, “The Notebook,” with score by Ingrid Michaelson and “Here Lies Love,” featuring a score by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Rounding out our current top five are “Days of Wine and Roses” by Tony-winning composer Adam Guettel and the incoming “Lempicka,” directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin.
In the top category of Best Musical, our savvy users predict three shows are out front: “Suffs,” with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, “The Notebook,” with score by Ingrid Michaelson and “Here Lies Love,” featuring a score by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Rounding out our current top five are “Days of Wine and Roses” by Tony-winning composer Adam Guettel and the incoming “Lempicka,” directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin.
- 3/12/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Since their inception, the directing categories at the Tony Awards have mostly been a boys’ club. Not only are the vast majority of winners men, but so are most of the nominees. But the 2024 ceremony could upend these statistics as more women are helming Broadway shows than ever before. This could finally be the year where they make up the majority of directing nominees.
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
This season there are 13 women directors on Broadway. Four of them will contend for Best Director of a Play: Lila Neugebauer (“Appropriate” and “Uncle Vanya”), Anne Kauffman (“Mary Jane”), Tina Landau (“Mother Play”), and Whitney White (“Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”). Another nine women will vie for Best Director of a Musical: Sammi Canold (“How to Dance in Ohio”), Rachel Chavkin (“Lempicka”), Rebecca Frecknall (“Cabaret”), Maria Friedman (“Merrily We Roll Along“), Mari Madrid, Leigh Silverman (“Suffs”), Jessica Stone (“Water for Elephants”), Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders”), and...
- 3/11/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Grant Gustin is making his Broadway debut in the new musical Water for Elephants and the first photos have been released!
The 34-year-old actor, who is currently expecting his second child, is playing the role of Jacob Jankowski in the stage adaptation of the beloved novel by Sara Gruen. Robert Pattinson played the role in the film adaptation back in 2011.
Here’s the synopsis: After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Also starring in the musical are Isabelle McCalla, Gregg Edelman, and Paul Alexander Nolan.
Water for Elephants...
The 34-year-old actor, who is currently expecting his second child, is playing the role of Jacob Jankowski in the stage adaptation of the beloved novel by Sara Gruen. Robert Pattinson played the role in the film adaptation back in 2011.
Here’s the synopsis: After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Also starring in the musical are Isabelle McCalla, Gregg Edelman, and Paul Alexander Nolan.
Water for Elephants...
- 3/8/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
A limited series about the murder of JonBenét Ramsey is currently in development at MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, Variety has learned.
The official logline for the project states that it “details the mysterious death and the surrounding media frenzy in the murder of JonBenét Ramsey, a case that captivated an entire nation and left us with more questions than answers.”
Richard Lagravenese is attached to serve as executive producer and showrunner on the project. Harrison Query and Tommy Wallach sold the project to Mtves and 101 and are also executive producers.
Lagravenese has mostly worked in film during his career. He has worked on the screenplays for films such as “Unbroken,” “Water for Elephants,” “Freedom Writers,” and “The Horse Whisperer.” He also directed “Freedom Writers,” as well as films like “Ps I Love You” and “Beautiful Creatures,” with Lagravenese also having written the latter two as well.
He is repped by CAA,...
The official logline for the project states that it “details the mysterious death and the surrounding media frenzy in the murder of JonBenét Ramsey, a case that captivated an entire nation and left us with more questions than answers.”
Richard Lagravenese is attached to serve as executive producer and showrunner on the project. Harrison Query and Tommy Wallach sold the project to Mtves and 101 and are also executive producers.
Lagravenese has mostly worked in film during his career. He has worked on the screenplays for films such as “Unbroken,” “Water for Elephants,” “Freedom Writers,” and “The Horse Whisperer.” He also directed “Freedom Writers,” as well as films like “Ps I Love You” and “Beautiful Creatures,” with Lagravenese also having written the latter two as well.
He is repped by CAA,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
An Enemy of the People, director Sam Gold’s Broadway revival of the Ibsen classic starring Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli, is off to a great start, grossing more than $1M last week and playing to stand-room-only crowds.
In its first week of seven previews, Enemy grossed $1,005,141, filling 103.16% of seating capacity at Circle in the Square. Opening night is March 18.
In all, the 25 Broadway productions grossed $23,436,461 for the week ending March 3, a slip of about 10% from the previous week. Attendance was off only about 4%, tallying 198,730.
Also in previews, The Notebook musical grossed an impressive $783,763, filling 99% of seats at the Schoenfeld for seven performances. Opening night is March 14.
Water For Elephants, the circus-themed musical at the Imperial, played five previews (one performance was canceled), with a gross of $540,599 and attendance at 88% of capacity. Opening night is March 21.
Also in previews, Doubt with Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber, grossed $470,942, with attendance at...
In its first week of seven previews, Enemy grossed $1,005,141, filling 103.16% of seating capacity at Circle in the Square. Opening night is March 18.
In all, the 25 Broadway productions grossed $23,436,461 for the week ending March 3, a slip of about 10% from the previous week. Attendance was off only about 4%, tallying 198,730.
Also in previews, The Notebook musical grossed an impressive $783,763, filling 99% of seats at the Schoenfeld for seven performances. Opening night is March 14.
Water For Elephants, the circus-themed musical at the Imperial, played five previews (one performance was canceled), with a gross of $540,599 and attendance at 88% of capacity. Opening night is March 21.
Also in previews, Doubt with Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber, grossed $470,942, with attendance at...
- 3/5/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with new opening date: Producers of Gerard Alessandrini’s Forbidden Broadway on Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song have moved up the preview and opening dates by two weeks, with previews now beginning on July 15 ahead of an official opening on August 5 at the Hayes Theatre. The limited engagement runs through November 1.
Alessandrini’s longtime Off Broadway satirical revue Forbidden Broadway will make its long-in-coming Broadway debut with the full title of the new iteration called Forbidden Broadway on Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song
The cast and the rest of the creative team will be announced later. In addition to a five-person cast including the onstage pianist, weekly guest stars will appear throughout the engagement.
Alessandrini, who first staged the revue in 1982 at New York’s 130-seat Palsson’s Supper Club, said in a statement today, “I’d never have believed that Forbidden Broadway would end up on...
Alessandrini’s longtime Off Broadway satirical revue Forbidden Broadway will make its long-in-coming Broadway debut with the full title of the new iteration called Forbidden Broadway on Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song
The cast and the rest of the creative team will be announced later. In addition to a five-person cast including the onstage pianist, weekly guest stars will appear throughout the engagement.
Alessandrini, who first staged the revue in 1982 at New York’s 130-seat Palsson’s Supper Club, said in a statement today, “I’d never have believed that Forbidden Broadway would end up on...
- 2/29/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Grant Gustin is opening up about the possibility of playing Barry Allen/The Flash again!
The 34-year-old actor portrayed the DC Comics superhero for nine seasons on The CW.
He was recently asked if he would ever play the scarlet speedster again, and his answer may surprise you.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Yeah, if James Gunn asked me to play The Flash, I would do it again. I trust James Gunn,” he told a fan, via a video shared to TikTok.
If you missed it, find out if Grant ever wanted to audition for The Flash movie…
Grant is no stranger to the DC film universe Flash, albeit the old Dceu, as Ezra Miller made a cameo alongside Grant on a CW crossover event!
Back in 2020, there was talk of Grant possibly appearing in The Flash movie, but it didn’t pan out.
Grant is currently in NYC...
The 34-year-old actor portrayed the DC Comics superhero for nine seasons on The CW.
He was recently asked if he would ever play the scarlet speedster again, and his answer may surprise you.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Yeah, if James Gunn asked me to play The Flash, I would do it again. I trust James Gunn,” he told a fan, via a video shared to TikTok.
If you missed it, find out if Grant ever wanted to audition for The Flash movie…
Grant is no stranger to the DC film universe Flash, albeit the old Dceu, as Ezra Miller made a cameo alongside Grant on a CW crossover event!
Back in 2020, there was talk of Grant possibly appearing in The Flash movie, but it didn’t pan out.
Grant is currently in NYC...
- 2/28/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Broadway box office held its own following the Presidents Day holiday highs, slipping only about 3% in overall receipts and keeping steady with a total attendance for 24 shows at 205,020 (about 94% of capacity).
In all, the productions grossed $26,049,492 for the week ending February 25. Average ticket price of $127.06 was down from the holiday week’s average of $133.91.
While most shows – 17 of the 24 – reported box office decreases from the holiday week, the addition of newcomer Water For Elephants contributed $344,493 to the overall tally; the circus-themed musical performed two previews at the Imperial, filling 94% of seats at the venue. Opening night is March 21.
Another recent arrival, The Notebook musical, adapted from the bestseller and hit movie, continued pulling in big audiences in previews at the Schoenfeld, with 99.7% of seats filled and a gross of $880,360. Opening night is March 14.
Doubt, the other previewing show (starring Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber) took in $555,197 for seven performances at...
In all, the productions grossed $26,049,492 for the week ending February 25. Average ticket price of $127.06 was down from the holiday week’s average of $133.91.
While most shows – 17 of the 24 – reported box office decreases from the holiday week, the addition of newcomer Water For Elephants contributed $344,493 to the overall tally; the circus-themed musical performed two previews at the Imperial, filling 94% of seats at the venue. Opening night is March 21.
Another recent arrival, The Notebook musical, adapted from the bestseller and hit movie, continued pulling in big audiences in previews at the Schoenfeld, with 99.7% of seats filled and a gross of $880,360. Opening night is March 14.
Doubt, the other previewing show (starring Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber) took in $555,197 for seven performances at...
- 2/27/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Grant Gustin is game to speedsuit up again as The Flash — under the right circumstances.
Gustin of course ended his nine-season, 184-episode “run, Barry, run!” as TV’s scarlet speedster last May, and now is in previews for the Broadway musical Water for Elephants (in which he stars opposite Shucked‘s Isabelle McCalla).
More from TVLineJames Gunn Cheers Superman & Lois' Return to Production on Final Season10 Years Ago, the Arrowverse Truly Began With Grant Gustin's Debut as Barry AllenGrant Gustin, Ryan Reynolds Nod at Their DC Hero Pasts in TV Spot
But if the creative overlord for the “new” Dcu...
Gustin of course ended his nine-season, 184-episode “run, Barry, run!” as TV’s scarlet speedster last May, and now is in previews for the Broadway musical Water for Elephants (in which he stars opposite Shucked‘s Isabelle McCalla).
More from TVLineJames Gunn Cheers Superman & Lois' Return to Production on Final Season10 Years Ago, the Arrowverse Truly Began With Grant Gustin's Debut as Barry AllenGrant Gustin, Ryan Reynolds Nod at Their DC Hero Pasts in TV Spot
But if the creative overlord for the “new” Dcu...
- 2/27/2024
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Joey King and Logan Lerman are part of a family torn apart amid WWII in Hulu limited series “We Were the Lucky Ones.”
The limited drama series is based on Georgia Hunter’s New York Times bestselling book of the same name. The Hulu show is inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II.
Per the official logline, “We Were the Lucky Ones” demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive. The series is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds.
The series co-stars Hadas Yaron, Henry-Lloyd Hughes, Amit Rahav, Sam Woolf, Michael Aloni, Moran Rosenblatt, Eva Feiler, Lior Ashkenazi, and Robin Weigert, and was unveiled as part of the Hulu Spring 2024 slate.
“We Were the Lucky Ones” is executive produced and written by Erica Lipez,...
The limited drama series is based on Georgia Hunter’s New York Times bestselling book of the same name. The Hulu show is inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II.
Per the official logline, “We Were the Lucky Ones” demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive. The series is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds.
The series co-stars Hadas Yaron, Henry-Lloyd Hughes, Amit Rahav, Sam Woolf, Michael Aloni, Moran Rosenblatt, Eva Feiler, Lior Ashkenazi, and Robin Weigert, and was unveiled as part of the Hulu Spring 2024 slate.
“We Were the Lucky Ones” is executive produced and written by Erica Lipez,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Earlier this week, we heard that Francis Lawrence, whose previous credits include Constantine, I Am Legend, Water for Elephants, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Parts 1 and 2, Red Sparrow, Slumberland, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is the latest director to be attached to helm an adaptation of The Long Walk, a Stephen King novel that was published under the Richard Bachman pen name back in 1979. Now The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that The Long Walk is set up at Lionsgate, with Lawrence in “final talks” to direct. So this will be a continuation of the working relationship Lionsgate and Lawrence have had on the Hunger Game films.
Joe Drake of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group provided the following statement: “When you have enjoyed the strong creative collaboration and success that we have had working with Francis, you want to repeat that experience as much as possible.
Joe Drake of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group provided the following statement: “When you have enjoyed the strong creative collaboration and success that we have had working with Francis, you want to repeat that experience as much as possible.
- 11/30/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
An adaptation of The Long Walk, a Stephen King novel that was published under the Richard Bachman pen name back in 1979, has been trudging through development hell for decades. At one point, the rights were in the hands of Frank Darabont, who made the King adaptations The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Mist. Then the rights passed over to New Line Cinema, where Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark director André Øvredal was hired to direct the film from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt, whose credits include the two most recent Scream movies. While doing the press rounds for his film The Last Voyage of the Demeter earlier this year, Øvredal revealed that he was no longer involved with The Long Walk, and said not making that movie is one of the big regrets of his life. Now we know who has replaced him at the helm: Francis Lawrence.
- 11/28/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Robert Pattinson is opening up about what goes through his head once a project of his has wrapped.
During a recent conversation with his The Batman co-star Barry Keoghan for Wonderland magazine, the Twilight star asked him if he still feels connected to his films once they’re done.
Pattinson said, “I used to really struggle to watch myself. Now, once it’s finished, I feel quite disconnected. I mean, not disconnected in a bad way, but it’s kind of like if….”
The Saltburn actor noted that he feels “just drained” and that once a movie is “done, I’m done.” Keoghan explained, “I try to give what I gave on the first day, on the last day. I always try to keep that in mind and that’s what, playing the lead for the first time, I was like, I’m gonna give the exact same energy I...
During a recent conversation with his The Batman co-star Barry Keoghan for Wonderland magazine, the Twilight star asked him if he still feels connected to his films once they’re done.
Pattinson said, “I used to really struggle to watch myself. Now, once it’s finished, I feel quite disconnected. I mean, not disconnected in a bad way, but it’s kind of like if….”
The Saltburn actor noted that he feels “just drained” and that once a movie is “done, I’m done.” Keoghan explained, “I try to give what I gave on the first day, on the last day. I always try to keep that in mind and that’s what, playing the lead for the first time, I was like, I’m gonna give the exact same energy I...
- 11/24/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robert Pattinson has revealed the worst sofa he’s ever owned and it may surprise some.
In an interview with Architectural Digest, to talk about the first sofa he recently designed alongside designer Nicole Gordon, the Twilight star shared that he slept on an inflatable boat at one point in his life.
“There was a time when the only piece of furniture I had for about six months was an inflatable boat that would double as my couch, bed and dining table,” Pattinson said. “I loved it very much, but it caused a lot of back problems.”
But his newly created sofa is definitely an upgrade from his once-inflatable piece of furniture. The actor said he initially started doodling potential designs when he had some free time once filming wrapped on 2022’s The Batman.
“I started sketching pieces of furniture I thought would make people interact in a playful and informal way,...
In an interview with Architectural Digest, to talk about the first sofa he recently designed alongside designer Nicole Gordon, the Twilight star shared that he slept on an inflatable boat at one point in his life.
“There was a time when the only piece of furniture I had for about six months was an inflatable boat that would double as my couch, bed and dining table,” Pattinson said. “I loved it very much, but it caused a lot of back problems.”
But his newly created sofa is definitely an upgrade from his once-inflatable piece of furniture. The actor said he initially started doodling potential designs when he had some free time once filming wrapped on 2022’s The Batman.
“I started sketching pieces of furniture I thought would make people interact in a playful and informal way,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gustin is all set to play a role for a novel! Grant Gustin is being all set to be casted for the novel “Water for Elephants” according to various sources.
The novel is written by “Sara Gruen”, who recited the whole story of the novel as Jacob Jankowski, a veteran student who joined the circus in the very hard times, during Great Depression, therefore Gustin will be playing the role of that boy Jacob, who wad actually forced to be the circus’s veteran after the real veterinarian dies suddenly one day leaving everyone in surprise.
Also this novel “Water for Elephants” was previously adapted by a film back in 2011 in which popularly known for “Twilight” movies series “Robert Pattinson” was casted as Jacob.
However the film failed to get any success therefore Gustin is praying and hoping that this time with more features the movie would work out and audiences enjoy it.
The novel is written by “Sara Gruen”, who recited the whole story of the novel as Jacob Jankowski, a veteran student who joined the circus in the very hard times, during Great Depression, therefore Gustin will be playing the role of that boy Jacob, who wad actually forced to be the circus’s veteran after the real veterinarian dies suddenly one day leaving everyone in surprise.
Also this novel “Water for Elephants” was previously adapted by a film back in 2011 in which popularly known for “Twilight” movies series “Robert Pattinson” was casted as Jacob.
However the film failed to get any success therefore Gustin is praying and hoping that this time with more features the movie would work out and audiences enjoy it.
- 11/9/2023
- by Swati Kumari
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
Grant Gustin is heading to Broadway!
The 33-year-old actor, known for his starring role in The Flash and his appearance as Sebastian Smythe on Glee, landed the lead role in the new Broadway production of Water for Elephants, which was originally announced all the way back in 2015.
He’s set to portray Jacob in the project, and several other cast members have been revealed.
Read more about Grant Gustin’s Broadway debut…
Grant will share the stage with Isabelle McCalla, who will bring Marlena to life. If you forgot, Water for Elephants is based on the novel of the same name from Sara Gruen.
Speaking to EW, the actor made it clear that he was thrilled to head to the stage.
“This was my original dream as a kid,” he gushed. “I started tap dancing first as an 8-year-old and then theater at 10, and this is where I always wanted to be.
The 33-year-old actor, known for his starring role in The Flash and his appearance as Sebastian Smythe on Glee, landed the lead role in the new Broadway production of Water for Elephants, which was originally announced all the way back in 2015.
He’s set to portray Jacob in the project, and several other cast members have been revealed.
Read more about Grant Gustin’s Broadway debut…
Grant will share the stage with Isabelle McCalla, who will bring Marlena to life. If you forgot, Water for Elephants is based on the novel of the same name from Sara Gruen.
Speaking to EW, the actor made it clear that he was thrilled to head to the stage.
“This was my original dream as a kid,” he gushed. “I started tap dancing first as an 8-year-old and then theater at 10, and this is where I always wanted to be.
- 11/3/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Grant Gustin, longtime star of the CW’s The Flash, will make his Broadway debut in the new musical Water for Elephants, producers announced today.
Gustin, who also appeared in the TV series Glee, will portray main character Jacob Jankowski in a cast that also includes Isabelle McCalla, Gregg Edelman (City of Angels), Paul Alexander Nolan (Slave Play), Stan Brown (Homicide: Life on the Street), Joe De Paul (Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion), Sara Gettelfinger (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Wade McCollum (Wicked).
Watch Gustin and McCalla perform the song “Wild” from Water for Elephants in the newly released video above.
The musical, based on the Sara Gruen 2006 novel that was made into a 2011 film that starred Robert Pattinson in the Jacob role, begins previews on Saturday, February 24, at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. Opening night is Thursday, March 21.
Water For Elephants features a book by Rick Elice and a score by PigPen Theatre Company (The Tale of Despereaux). Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo) directs.
Alliance Theatre production of ‘Water for Elephants’
The casting was announced today by producers Peter Schneider, Jennifer Costello, Grove Entertainment, Frank Marshall, Isaac Robert Hurwitz, and Seth A. Goldstein. Additional casting to be announced soon.
The synopsis: “After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life – and love – beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.”
Gustin’s stage credits include a touring production of West Side Story. He joined the cast of Glee in the musical series’ third season, portraying Sebastian Smythe, the lead of Dalton Academy’s singing group the Warblers. Film credits include Krystal and Affluenza. He’s played The Flash‘s Barry Allen since the series debut in 2014 and continued through its final episode in May of this year. He also made several crossover appearances on Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl.
McCalla is currently starring as Maizy in Shucked on Broadway, and she originated the role of Alyssa Greene in The Prom and played Princess Jasmine in Aladdin both on Broadway and the North American Tour. She originated the role of Marlena in the world premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre this past summer.
Gustin, who also appeared in the TV series Glee, will portray main character Jacob Jankowski in a cast that also includes Isabelle McCalla, Gregg Edelman (City of Angels), Paul Alexander Nolan (Slave Play), Stan Brown (Homicide: Life on the Street), Joe De Paul (Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion), Sara Gettelfinger (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Wade McCollum (Wicked).
Watch Gustin and McCalla perform the song “Wild” from Water for Elephants in the newly released video above.
The musical, based on the Sara Gruen 2006 novel that was made into a 2011 film that starred Robert Pattinson in the Jacob role, begins previews on Saturday, February 24, at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre. Opening night is Thursday, March 21.
Water For Elephants features a book by Rick Elice and a score by PigPen Theatre Company (The Tale of Despereaux). Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo) directs.
Alliance Theatre production of ‘Water for Elephants’
The casting was announced today by producers Peter Schneider, Jennifer Costello, Grove Entertainment, Frank Marshall, Isaac Robert Hurwitz, and Seth A. Goldstein. Additional casting to be announced soon.
The synopsis: “After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life – and love – beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.”
Gustin’s stage credits include a touring production of West Side Story. He joined the cast of Glee in the musical series’ third season, portraying Sebastian Smythe, the lead of Dalton Academy’s singing group the Warblers. Film credits include Krystal and Affluenza. He’s played The Flash‘s Barry Allen since the series debut in 2014 and continued through its final episode in May of this year. He also made several crossover appearances on Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl.
McCalla is currently starring as Maizy in Shucked on Broadway, and she originated the role of Alyssa Greene in The Prom and played Princess Jasmine in Aladdin both on Broadway and the North American Tour. She originated the role of Marlena in the world premiere of Water for Elephants at the Alliance Theatre this past summer.
- 11/3/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A musical adaptation of Water for Elephants is slated to come to Broadway this spring.
The musical, based on the novel by Sara Gruen, is scheduled to play the Imperial Theatre starting Feb. 24, with an opening night set for March 21. Rick Elice, who wrote the book to Jersey Boys as well as Peter and the Starcatcher, penned the book for the musical, which features a score by the band PigPen Theatre Co.
Jessica Stone, who was nominated for the 2023 Tony Award for best direction of a musical for her work on Kimberly Akimbo, directs the musical.
The story follows an old man reminiscing on his younger adventures, when he jumped onto a moving train and then became part of a traveling circus, where he worked as a veterinarian and fell in love with the married star performer. The novel was also adapted into a film in 2011, starring Robert Patinson and Reese Witherspoon.
The musical, based on the novel by Sara Gruen, is scheduled to play the Imperial Theatre starting Feb. 24, with an opening night set for March 21. Rick Elice, who wrote the book to Jersey Boys as well as Peter and the Starcatcher, penned the book for the musical, which features a score by the band PigPen Theatre Co.
Jessica Stone, who was nominated for the 2023 Tony Award for best direction of a musical for her work on Kimberly Akimbo, directs the musical.
The story follows an old man reminiscing on his younger adventures, when he jumped onto a moving train and then became part of a traveling circus, where he worked as a veterinarian and fell in love with the married star performer. The novel was also adapted into a film in 2011, starring Robert Patinson and Reese Witherspoon.
- 9/12/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The I Am Legend episode of Wtf Happened to This Adaptation? was Written and Narrated by Andrew Hatfield, Edited by Mike Conway, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian. Here is the text of Hatfield’s script:
I was able to cover my favorite movie of all time in the first episode with The Thing and now we are going to look at an adaptation, or 3, of my favorite story of all time. While you may not know the work of Richard Matheson by name, I guarantee you know the work and the artist from somewhere. He is one of the most successful writers both on screen and off of the 20th century and many of his works have been adapted multiple times over. Today’s movie, while having 2 adaptations already in the books, was in development hell for what felt like forever, but...
I was able to cover my favorite movie of all time in the first episode with The Thing and now we are going to look at an adaptation, or 3, of my favorite story of all time. While you may not know the work of Richard Matheson by name, I guarantee you know the work and the artist from somewhere. He is one of the most successful writers both on screen and off of the 20th century and many of his works have been adapted multiple times over. Today’s movie, while having 2 adaptations already in the books, was in development hell for what felt like forever, but...
- 6/23/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Four “Hunger Games” movies are coming to Fox’s free streaming service Tubi beginning May 1. The games begin with one girl and one boy from each district trained in the art of survival and ultimately, battling to the death. Unless your character is played by Jennifer Lawrence, in which case, all bets are off.
Watch the trailer for “The Hunger Games”:
Also coming is the Tubi original comedy “Pastacolypse” on May 21. When a global ban on gluten destroys the life of billionaire celebrity chef Alfredo Manicotti, he leads a pasta uprising that threatens humanity. It’s up to his spoiled heiress daughter to save the world.
The true-crime story of Joseph DeAngelo arrives May 10. A devoted family man and police officer, DeAngelo was also the Golden State Killer. For 40 years, he raped and murdered women in California. “Evil Among Us: The Golden State Killer” reveals how a genetic match...
Watch the trailer for “The Hunger Games”:
Also coming is the Tubi original comedy “Pastacolypse” on May 21. When a global ban on gluten destroys the life of billionaire celebrity chef Alfredo Manicotti, he leads a pasta uprising that threatens humanity. It’s up to his spoiled heiress daughter to save the world.
The true-crime story of Joseph DeAngelo arrives May 10. A devoted family man and police officer, DeAngelo was also the Golden State Killer. For 40 years, he raped and murdered women in California. “Evil Among Us: The Golden State Killer” reveals how a genetic match...
- 4/29/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
Smash is finally heading to Broadway.
In an announcement long awaited by fans of the 2012 NBC series, a stage musical adaptation is planned to arrive on Broadway during the 2024-25 season, with a lead producing team of Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg. A top flight creative team is attached, including director Susan Stroman, composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, and the TV series’ choreographer Joshua Bergasse.
Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement, “Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage. We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the Smash journey which began with my producing partners over ten years ago.”
In addition to new music, the stage version...
In an announcement long awaited by fans of the 2012 NBC series, a stage musical adaptation is planned to arrive on Broadway during the 2024-25 season, with a lead producing team of Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg. A top flight creative team is attached, including director Susan Stroman, composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, and the TV series’ choreographer Joshua Bergasse.
Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement, “Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage. We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the Smash journey which began with my producing partners over ten years ago.”
In addition to new music, the stage version...
- 3/22/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
So many of us have trouble imagining our favorite celebrities in any other role other than the ones they are today. We often forget that many of them started out in humbling positions, doing everything from waiting tables to pumping gas. Reese Witherspoon has been in the spotlight for decades, with one hit film after another. However, life for her wasn’t always so glamorous. After her first starring role, Witherspoon parked cars for celebrities, including Denzel Washington.
Reese Witherspoon’s rise to fame Reece Witherspoon appears on the “Today” show in 2023 I Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
It was in the ’90s that Witherspoon became a household name. She can portray any type of character, from ditzy sorority girl Elle Woods in Legally Blonde to her more serious role as Cheryl Strayed in Wild. The Oscar-winning actress took acting classes to prepare for her time in front of the camera,...
Reese Witherspoon’s rise to fame Reece Witherspoon appears on the “Today” show in 2023 I Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
It was in the ’90s that Witherspoon became a household name. She can portray any type of character, from ditzy sorority girl Elle Woods in Legally Blonde to her more serious role as Cheryl Strayed in Wild. The Oscar-winning actress took acting classes to prepare for her time in front of the camera,...
- 3/5/2023
- by Produced by Digital Editors
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Amidst all the hullabaloo about Showtime merging with Paramount+ and the continuing revival of older shows that nobody asked to be revived, you would be forgiven for missing that the Epix streaming platform formally rebranded as MGM+ on January 15, 2023. Cue the Gif of Korath the Pursuer (Djimon Honsou) in "Guardians of the Galaxy" saying, "Who?"
Epix, for those not familiar, launched in the late 2000s and housed shows such as the Forest Whitaker-led crime drama "Godfather of Harlem" and the Stephen King adaptation "Chapelwaite" prior to its rebranding being announced in the wake of Amazon's 8.5 billion acquisition of MGM's vast collection of films and TV shows. Epix was also the original home of the since-canceled DC comic book TV series "Pennyworth," which moved to HBO Max for its third season under the gloriously cumbersome new title, "Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman's Butler." Now that it's officially been rebranded,...
Epix, for those not familiar, launched in the late 2000s and housed shows such as the Forest Whitaker-led crime drama "Godfather of Harlem" and the Stephen King adaptation "Chapelwaite" prior to its rebranding being announced in the wake of Amazon's 8.5 billion acquisition of MGM's vast collection of films and TV shows. Epix was also the original home of the since-canceled DC comic book TV series "Pennyworth," which moved to HBO Max for its third season under the gloriously cumbersome new title, "Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman's Butler." Now that it's officially been rebranded,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Hey, "The Tonight Show With Host Jimmy Fallon" fans. Tonight, February 7, 2023, NBC is going to serve up a brand new episode of The Tonight Show with host Jimmy Fallon, and we've got a brief preview of who will be on tonight. You guys are going to see an actor, a comedian and a musical performance. Let's get into it. The first description lets us know that 66 year old Austrian/German actor Christoph Waltz. Christoph has been involved in productions like: "No Time To Die" movie, Horrible Bosses 2 movie, Django Unchained movie, The Three Musketeers, Water For Elephants movie, The Green Hornet movie, Inglourious Basterds movie, Gun-Shy and many more. Christopher's most recent productions include: Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Dead for a Dollar. Some future gigs he has coming up are: "The Portable Door" and "The Consultant." We might see Christoph discuss some of those projects with Jimmy tonight.
- 2/7/2023
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Reese Witherspoon is sharing some memorable interactions with Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington from when she first started in the entertainment industry.
While on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday, the Your Place or Mine star detailed that one of her first auditions was with De Niro and Martin Scorsese for the 1991 film Cape Fear. “I got so scared when I walked in the room. I didn’t know who Robert De Niro was, so I was standing outside and I was talking the receptionist and she was like, ‘You know, he’s the most important actor of our time.'” Witherspoon recalled. “I was 14. … I never seen Good Fellas, like I’ve never seen The Godfather, so it totally got on my nerves.”
The Legally Blonde actress said when she went into the audition room, she couldn’t say one of her words and that De Niro had to say it for her.
While on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday, the Your Place or Mine star detailed that one of her first auditions was with De Niro and Martin Scorsese for the 1991 film Cape Fear. “I got so scared when I walked in the room. I didn’t know who Robert De Niro was, so I was standing outside and I was talking the receptionist and she was like, ‘You know, he’s the most important actor of our time.'” Witherspoon recalled. “I was 14. … I never seen Good Fellas, like I’ve never seen The Godfather, so it totally got on my nerves.”
The Legally Blonde actress said when she went into the audition room, she couldn’t say one of her words and that De Niro had to say it for her.
- 2/3/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It feels just like last month we were complimenting Hulu on its true crime offerings. Well, with its list of new releases for February 2023, Hulu is staying in the true crime lane. Suppose that’ll happen when you push back the release date of a series or two.
February sees the arrival of three notable true crime series on Hulu. Taiwan Crime Stories premieres on Feb. 1 and presents four true tales from Taiwan’s criminal “dark underbelly.” That will be followed by ABC News Studios’ Killing County on Feb. 3. That three-episode series ponders the question “what happens when police kill?” The most interesting true crime offering premieres on Feb. 9. That’s when Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence College shares its four-episode saga of Larry Ray and the young college students he victimized.
As far as non true crime offerings go, the third and final season of Hulu...
February sees the arrival of three notable true crime series on Hulu. Taiwan Crime Stories premieres on Feb. 1 and presents four true tales from Taiwan’s criminal “dark underbelly.” That will be followed by ABC News Studios’ Killing County on Feb. 3. That three-episode series ponders the question “what happens when police kill?” The most interesting true crime offering premieres on Feb. 9. That’s when Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence College shares its four-episode saga of Larry Ray and the young college students he victimized.
As far as non true crime offerings go, the third and final season of Hulu...
- 2/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Disney Branded Television has promoted four executives in its original movies division.
Amee Dolleman and Charles Pugliese have been elevated to the roles of vice president of original movies, while Mahita Penke and Jennifer Dubin have been upped to executive director of original movies.
“Amee, Charles, Mahita and Jen have exceptional taste and fantastic relationships with top creative talent,” executive vice president of live-action and alternative series Charlie Andrews and senior vice president of original movies Lauren Kisilevsky said in a joint statement Tuesday. “They are each passionately dedicated to uplifting and expanding the Disney legacy by developing movies that delight and inspire audiences all over the world. The team continues to deliver tent pole and event movies with humor, heart and adventure to kids, families and young adults everywhere for whom Disney magic knows no bounds.”
Penke reports to Dolleman and Pugliese, while Dolleman, Pugliese and Dubin report to Kisilevsky.
Amee Dolleman and Charles Pugliese have been elevated to the roles of vice president of original movies, while Mahita Penke and Jennifer Dubin have been upped to executive director of original movies.
“Amee, Charles, Mahita and Jen have exceptional taste and fantastic relationships with top creative talent,” executive vice president of live-action and alternative series Charlie Andrews and senior vice president of original movies Lauren Kisilevsky said in a joint statement Tuesday. “They are each passionately dedicated to uplifting and expanding the Disney legacy by developing movies that delight and inspire audiences all over the world. The team continues to deliver tent pole and event movies with humor, heart and adventure to kids, families and young adults everywhere for whom Disney magic knows no bounds.”
Penke reports to Dolleman and Pugliese, while Dolleman, Pugliese and Dubin report to Kisilevsky.
- 9/6/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Back in 2008, it was announced that Gore Verbinski would be directing a film adaptation of the video game BioShock, with John Logan writing the screenplay. Later, Verbinski decided to hand the helm over to Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, but stayed involved as a producer. The movie never made it into production. After years in development hell, BioShock was scrapped by Universal. Now Netflix is working with Vertigo Entertainment and 2K on their own BioShock adaptation, and Deadline is reporting that the film is going to be directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Michael Green! Coincidentally, Michael Green and John Logan were both writers on Alien: Covenant.
Lawrence’s previous directing credits include Constantine, I Am Legend, Water for Elephants, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (parts 1 and 2), and Red Sparrow.
Set across multiple dystopian and visionary landscapes gone wrong, the BioShock video game series blends sci-fi...
Lawrence’s previous directing credits include Constantine, I Am Legend, Water for Elephants, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (parts 1 and 2), and Red Sparrow.
Set across multiple dystopian and visionary landscapes gone wrong, the BioShock video game series blends sci-fi...
- 8/25/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
John Aylward, the actor best known for his recurring roles in popular NBC dramas “ER” and “The West Wing,” died Monday in Seattle from natural causes, his agent Mitchell K. Stubbs confirmed to Variety. He was 75.
Born and raised in Seattle, Aylward graduated from the University of Washington’s school of drama in 1970. He got his start as a theater actor, founding Seattle’s Empty Space Theatre in 1973. He served as a regular in Seattle Repertory Theatre for 15 years.
After getting his start in television with small roles on television films — including “The Secret Life of John Chapman,” “Stamp of a Killer,” “Third Degree Burn,” “Child in the Night” and “With a Vengeance” — Aylward began working more frequently on television in the ’90s, starting with a recurring role on “Northern Exposure.” Other television shows he had notable recurring and guest spots on over the course of his career included “Grace Under Fire,...
Born and raised in Seattle, Aylward graduated from the University of Washington’s school of drama in 1970. He got his start as a theater actor, founding Seattle’s Empty Space Theatre in 1973. He served as a regular in Seattle Repertory Theatre for 15 years.
After getting his start in television with small roles on television films — including “The Secret Life of John Chapman,” “Stamp of a Killer,” “Third Degree Burn,” “Child in the Night” and “With a Vengeance” — Aylward began working more frequently on television in the ’90s, starting with a recurring role on “Northern Exposure.” Other television shows he had notable recurring and guest spots on over the course of his career included “Grace Under Fire,...
- 5/19/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
John Aylward, an actor best known for his portrayals of Dr. Donald Anspaugh on ER and former DNC chairman Barry Goodwin on The West Wing, died this week at his home in Seattle. He was 75.
Aylward’s death overnight Monday was confirmed by his wife Mary Fields to his longtime agent, Mitchell K. Stubbs. He had been in declining health, according to Fields.
“I was shocked. He was a wonderful actor and a phenomenal human being,” Stubbs told Deadline. “He was a dream client, a friend and a dream person.”
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Born and raised in Seattle, Aylward appeared in dozens of television series over the course of his more than four-decade career, but he is perhaps best remembered for his role as Dr. Donald Anspaugh in ER. Aylward joined the NBC series in the third season in the heavily recurring role and appeared in more than 70 episodes over 12 years.
Aylward’s death overnight Monday was confirmed by his wife Mary Fields to his longtime agent, Mitchell K. Stubbs. He had been in declining health, according to Fields.
“I was shocked. He was a wonderful actor and a phenomenal human being,” Stubbs told Deadline. “He was a dream client, a friend and a dream person.”
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery
Born and raised in Seattle, Aylward appeared in dozens of television series over the course of his more than four-decade career, but he is perhaps best remembered for his role as Dr. Donald Anspaugh in ER. Aylward joined the NBC series in the third season in the heavily recurring role and appeared in more than 70 episodes over 12 years.
- 5/19/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: We hear that Amazon in a competitive situation has taken the Jennifer Lopez-produced Skydance TV series Backwards in Heels off the table.
The show will be written and directed by Oscar nominee Richard Lagravenese and follows the aspirational and timeless story about the glamourous women living at the Barbizon Hotel in post-wwii New York City.
Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and Benny Medina will produce under their Nuyorican Productions. Julie Goldstein is also producing.
David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bill Bost are producing for Skydance TV.
The Barbizon Hotel, located at 140 East 63rd St. on the Manhattan’s Upper East Side, was for several decades a female-only residential hotel for young women who came to NYC for professional opportunities. Built in 1927, the 23-story hotel was a blend of Italian Renaissance and late Gothic revival and Islamic decorative elements. No men were allowed above the ground floor, and strict dress and conduct rules were enforced.
The show will be written and directed by Oscar nominee Richard Lagravenese and follows the aspirational and timeless story about the glamourous women living at the Barbizon Hotel in post-wwii New York City.
Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, and Benny Medina will produce under their Nuyorican Productions. Julie Goldstein is also producing.
David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bill Bost are producing for Skydance TV.
The Barbizon Hotel, located at 140 East 63rd St. on the Manhattan’s Upper East Side, was for several decades a female-only residential hotel for young women who came to NYC for professional opportunities. Built in 1927, the 23-story hotel was a blend of Italian Renaissance and late Gothic revival and Islamic decorative elements. No men were allowed above the ground floor, and strict dress and conduct rules were enforced.
- 3/28/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Before The Batman, Robert Pattinson was sparkly vampire Edward Cullen. And before that he was Hufflepuff’s star seeker Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter. But in between his heartthrob era and none-more-moody Batman times, Pattinson did some really interesting stuff.
The actor has traversed genres and styles, flipping from studio films to indies, and some of his most fascinating work has often gone under the radar. If you want more of Pattinson after watching The Batman, here’s a list of some of the actor’s finest turns, from supporting roles and stand out turns in ensemble pieces to heavy hitting leading roles. Give the man an Oscar!
Cosmopolis (2012)
The same year that the final part of the Twilight saga arrived in cinemas, Pattinson’s first collaboration with director David Cronenberg was in competition at Cannes. Based on the novel by Don DeLillo, the movie follows a young billionaire (Pattinson...
The actor has traversed genres and styles, flipping from studio films to indies, and some of his most fascinating work has often gone under the radar. If you want more of Pattinson after watching The Batman, here’s a list of some of the actor’s finest turns, from supporting roles and stand out turns in ensemble pieces to heavy hitting leading roles. Give the man an Oscar!
Cosmopolis (2012)
The same year that the final part of the Twilight saga arrived in cinemas, Pattinson’s first collaboration with director David Cronenberg was in competition at Cannes. Based on the novel by Don DeLillo, the movie follows a young billionaire (Pattinson...
- 3/9/2022
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.