Stories about misfits of any kind that come together to form the families they always missed has always been one of cinema's favorite concepts. Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, an award-winning script writer and actor comes with his own take of the concept, bringing together different types of misfits, from various aspects of the (US) society, and placing them in New York.
“Bound” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
Bella is a young woman who cannot stand watching her mentally ill uncle/stepfather torturing her mother. When she realizes he has hidden her college acceptance letter, essentially preventing her dreams of going to art school, she kicks him out of the house, supposedly for the last time. However, when her mother, Yeva, takes him back once more, Bella decides to take her pocket squirrel and head to NYC with no money, no friends, no roof, and too much pride to turn back.
“Bound” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
Bella is a young woman who cannot stand watching her mentally ill uncle/stepfather torturing her mother. When she realizes he has hidden her college acceptance letter, essentially preventing her dreams of going to art school, she kicks him out of the house, supposedly for the last time. However, when her mother, Yeva, takes him back once more, Bella decides to take her pocket squirrel and head to NYC with no money, no friends, no roof, and too much pride to turn back.
- 4/13/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Roundabout Theatre Company has announced the dates for its 2024-25 season, with David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face starring Daniel Dae Kim kicking off the company’s Broadway line-up with an October 1 opening night.
The previously announced Broadway productions also include English by Sanaz Toossi, opening January 23, 2025; and The Pirates of Penzance, reimagined with a New Orleans setting and starring Ramin Karimloo and David Hyde Pierce, opening April 24, 2025.
All the company’s Broadway productions will play at the Todd Haimes Theatre.
Roundabout’s Off Broadway offerings next season will include The Counter, by Meghan Kennedy and directed by David Cromer, opening October 9; and Bess Wohl’s Liberation, directed by Whitney White, opening February 20, 2025. Both Off Broadway shows will be staged at Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre.
The previously announced Broadway productions also include English by Sanaz Toossi, opening January 23, 2025; and The Pirates of Penzance, reimagined with a New Orleans setting and starring Ramin Karimloo and David Hyde Pierce, opening April 24, 2025.
All the company’s Broadway productions will play at the Todd Haimes Theatre.
Roundabout’s Off Broadway offerings next season will include The Counter, by Meghan Kennedy and directed by David Cromer, opening October 9; and Bess Wohl’s Liberation, directed by Whitney White, opening February 20, 2025. Both Off Broadway shows will be staged at Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre.
- 4/11/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Daniel Dae Kim will return to Broadway this fall in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of David Henry Hwang’s comedy Yellow Face, to be directed by Tony Award nominee Leigh Silverman (Violet).
The production marks the Broadway premiere of Hwang’s play, an Obie Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist that originated in 2007 at Los Angeles’ Mark Taper Forum and subsequently opened that year Off Broadway at the Joseph Papp Public Theater.
The production, announced today as part of the Roundabout’s 2024-2025 season, will begin performances this September at the Roundabout’s Todd Haimes Theatre. Kim made his Broadway debut as the King of Siam in Lincoln Center’s Tony-winning 2017 production of The King and I. The Lost actor next be seen as the villainous Fire Lord Ozai in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, premiering in February.
The production of Yellow Face is...
The production marks the Broadway premiere of Hwang’s play, an Obie Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist that originated in 2007 at Los Angeles’ Mark Taper Forum and subsequently opened that year Off Broadway at the Joseph Papp Public Theater.
The production, announced today as part of the Roundabout’s 2024-2025 season, will begin performances this September at the Roundabout’s Todd Haimes Theatre. Kim made his Broadway debut as the King of Siam in Lincoln Center’s Tony-winning 2017 production of The King and I. The Lost actor next be seen as the villainous Fire Lord Ozai in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, premiering in February.
The production of Yellow Face is...
- 1/9/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Daniel Dae Kim will star in the Broadway premiere of David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face next season.
The play, which is inspired by real events, follows a playwright protesting the casting of white actors playing Asian roles in Miss Saigon, and then mistakenly casting a white actor as an Asian lead in his own play. Yellow Face, directed by Leigh Silverman, is scheduled to start previews at what will be the newly renamed Todd Haimes Theatre (formerly the American Airlines Theatre but renamed after the death of the Roundabout Theatre Company’s artistic director) in September 2024.
Kim is known for his work on projects such as Lost, Hawaii Five-o, Stowaway and Raya and The Last Dragon. He made his Broadway debut in 2017 as King Siam in The King and I and recently performed in My Favorite Things: The Rodgers and Hammerstein Anniversary Concert in London’s West End. Kim...
The play, which is inspired by real events, follows a playwright protesting the casting of white actors playing Asian roles in Miss Saigon, and then mistakenly casting a white actor as an Asian lead in his own play. Yellow Face, directed by Leigh Silverman, is scheduled to start previews at what will be the newly renamed Todd Haimes Theatre (formerly the American Airlines Theatre but renamed after the death of the Roundabout Theatre Company’s artistic director) in September 2024.
Kim is known for his work on projects such as Lost, Hawaii Five-o, Stowaway and Raya and The Last Dragon. He made his Broadway debut in 2017 as King Siam in The King and I and recently performed in My Favorite Things: The Rodgers and Hammerstein Anniversary Concert in London’s West End. Kim...
- 1/9/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lea Michele, the star of Funny Girl, ends her stay today in the Broadway revival. She noted the milestone with an Instagram post that touted the show’s recoupment of its $16.5 million capitalization.
“For the past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing the iconic Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on the August Wilson Stage,” she wrote. “An opportunity my younger self could have only dreamed of. And did.”
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre, starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice. Although fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster, and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
“For the past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of playing the iconic Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on the August Wilson Stage,” she wrote. “An opportunity my younger self could have only dreamed of. And did.”
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre, starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice. Although fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster, and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
- 9/3/2023
- by Bruce Haring and Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Funny Girl has recouped its capitalization costs on Broadway, producers said Monday.
The musical, which originally opened at the August Wilson Theatre in April 2022, was capitalized for $16.5 million. The production, starring Lea Michele, is set to close on Broadway on Sept. 3. A North American tour, starring Katerina McCrimmon, will follow.
The production started with Beanie Feldstein in the leading role, but after she received mixed reviews, grosses and attendance began to fall. Feldstein was then replaced with Michele, who had already performed several of the songs on Glee and thus was a draw for audience members. However, Michele had to fight back against allegations of on-set bullying while on the television show as well as the controversy of taking over the role from Feldstein. She came into the production on Sept. 6, 2022, and was well-received in the role, and the box office began trending upward.
Since then, Funny Girl has set...
The musical, which originally opened at the August Wilson Theatre in April 2022, was capitalized for $16.5 million. The production, starring Lea Michele, is set to close on Broadway on Sept. 3. A North American tour, starring Katerina McCrimmon, will follow.
The production started with Beanie Feldstein in the leading role, but after she received mixed reviews, grosses and attendance began to fall. Feldstein was then replaced with Michele, who had already performed several of the songs on Glee and thus was a draw for audience members. However, Michele had to fight back against allegations of on-set bullying while on the television show as well as the controversy of taking over the role from Feldstein. She came into the production on Sept. 6, 2022, and was well-received in the role, and the box office began trending upward.
Since then, Funny Girl has set...
- 8/7/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Funny Girl, the Broadway revival with one of the strangest casting histories in recent theatrical memory, has recouped its $16.5 million capitalization, producers announced today.
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice, and although her fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
In fact, the show began setting box office records at the Wilson, including in January 2023, when the show set a weekly record with a gross of $2,062,739, a record at the venue for an eight-performance week.
Other house records were set for the week...
The musical opened in April 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre starring Beanie Feldstein in the title role of Fanny Brice, and although her fans initially showed great enthusiasm and ticket-buying, critics and Tony Award nominators found her performance lackluster and the production soon saw a drop-off in sales. Feldstein made an unusually public leaving of the show, and was immediately replaced by producers with Glee star Lea Michele, who had her own strong fan base and who wowed critics. Box office receipts surged.
In fact, the show began setting box office records at the Wilson, including in January 2023, when the show set a weekly record with a gross of $2,062,739, a record at the venue for an eight-performance week.
Other house records were set for the week...
- 8/7/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele will miss upcoming performances of Funny Girl because of an unspecified “scary health issue” affecting her 2-year-old son, Ever Leo Reich.
The news was announced Wednesday by the former Glee star on her Instagram account, and show producers confirmed there as well.
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote in the caption. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.”
Below the picture, she added, “I’m so sorry. Please send us some love and strength.”
The producers were more specific.
“Lea Michele will be out of both the matinee and evening performance today, Wednesday, March 22,” their statement said. “Julie Benko will be your fabulous Fanny!”
Michele and husband Zandy Reich are the child’s parents.
The Funny Girl box office has been linked to Michele.
When...
The news was announced Wednesday by the former Glee star on her Instagram account, and show producers confirmed there as well.
“I’m so sorry but unfortunately I will be out of @FunnyGirlBwy today,” she wrote in the caption. “We are at the hospital with our son dealing with a scary health issue that I need to be here for.”
Below the picture, she added, “I’m so sorry. Please send us some love and strength.”
The producers were more specific.
“Lea Michele will be out of both the matinee and evening performance today, Wednesday, March 22,” their statement said. “Julie Benko will be your fabulous Fanny!”
Michele and husband Zandy Reich are the child’s parents.
The Funny Girl box office has been linked to Michele.
When...
- 3/23/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
As Broadway moves toward its busy spring season, star power has returned to the Great White Way and boosted box offices in the process.
After making her Broadway debut in 2012, Jessica Chastain has returned to star as Nora Helmer in A Doll’s House. The classic Henrik Ibsen play, which was adapted by Amy Herzog and directed by Jamie Lloyd, began previews at the Hudson Theatre on Feb. 13 and has played to nearly full houses so far, minting a strong $811,261 in its first full week of performances.
The musical Parade, starring Ben Platt, began previews Feb. 21 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre and played to more than 100 percent capacity (including standing-room tickets), bringing in just above $587,000 in its first four preview performances. This came as the revival — which chronicles the true story of a Jewish factory worker who was wrongly accused of murdering a teenage girl and then lynched by a...
After making her Broadway debut in 2012, Jessica Chastain has returned to star as Nora Helmer in A Doll’s House. The classic Henrik Ibsen play, which was adapted by Amy Herzog and directed by Jamie Lloyd, began previews at the Hudson Theatre on Feb. 13 and has played to nearly full houses so far, minting a strong $811,261 in its first full week of performances.
The musical Parade, starring Ben Platt, began previews Feb. 21 at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre and played to more than 100 percent capacity (including standing-room tickets), bringing in just above $587,000 in its first four preview performances. This came as the revival — which chronicles the true story of a Jewish factory worker who was wrongly accused of murdering a teenage girl and then lynched by a...
- 3/8/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Funny Girl, Broadway’s riches-to-rags-to-riches smash hit, will close on Sunday, Sept. 3, with stars Lea Michele, Ramin Karimloo, Jared Grimes and Tovah Feldshuh extending their planned runs to see the show through to its final date.
The announcement was made today by Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani.
When Funny Girl plays its final performance at the aon Sept. 3, it will have played 599 performances and 30 previews.
The closing will mark the end of one of Broadway’s more tumultuous – and successful – productions of recent years. The first Broadway revival of the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill 1963 musical that made a star of Barbra Streisand (on both the stage and in the 1968 film adaptation) opened in April 2022 starring Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice and Jane Lynch as her mother. Though the revival initially proved popular with audiences and Feldstein fans, lukewarm (at best) reviews and a shut-out at the Tony Awards prompted...
The announcement was made today by Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani.
When Funny Girl plays its final performance at the aon Sept. 3, it will have played 599 performances and 30 previews.
The closing will mark the end of one of Broadway’s more tumultuous – and successful – productions of recent years. The first Broadway revival of the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill 1963 musical that made a star of Barbra Streisand (on both the stage and in the 1968 film adaptation) opened in April 2022 starring Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice and Jane Lynch as her mother. Though the revival initially proved popular with audiences and Feldstein fans, lukewarm (at best) reviews and a shut-out at the Tony Awards prompted...
- 3/2/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele will play Fanny Brice through the end of Funny Girl’s run on Broadway.
The Broadway production will play its final performance Sept. 3. In addition to Michele, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein, Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Jared Grimes, who plays Eddie Ryan, will remain with the production through the closing.
A North American tour of Funny Girl will launch in September in Providence, R.I., before heading to more than 30 cities across the country.
The Broadway revival, the first since the 1964 production starring Barbra Streisand, began previews at the August Wilson Theatre on March 26, 2022 and opened April 24. Beanie Feldstein played the lead role until July 31, and Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022. Standby Julie Benko filled in until Michele’s start date and continues to perform on Thursday evenings.
After Michele joined the production, and received rave reviews,...
The Broadway production will play its final performance Sept. 3. In addition to Michele, Ramin Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein, Tovah Feldshuh, who plays Fanny’s mother, Mrs. Brice, and Jared Grimes, who plays Eddie Ryan, will remain with the production through the closing.
A North American tour of Funny Girl will launch in September in Providence, R.I., before heading to more than 30 cities across the country.
The Broadway revival, the first since the 1964 production starring Barbra Streisand, began previews at the August Wilson Theatre on March 26, 2022 and opened April 24. Beanie Feldstein played the lead role until July 31, and Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice on Sept. 6, 2022. Standby Julie Benko filled in until Michele’s start date and continues to perform on Thursday evenings.
After Michele joined the production, and received rave reviews,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some recent Broadway arrivals added both star power and box office receipts to the weekly grosses reports, with both Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Parade selling out (the latter despite some loudmouthed neo-Nazi protesters), and A Doll’s House starring Jessica Chastain and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bad Cinderella coming close.
The musical revival Parade, starring Ben Platt as Leo Frank and Micaela Diamond as wife Lucille Frank, played four preview performances last week – only one of which, the first, drew the antisemitic protesters – and was at standing room only, grossing $587,006 with an average ticket price of $143.24. The Alfred Uhry-Jason Robert Brown musical, directed by Michael Arden, opens at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on March 16.
Jessica Chastain (Credit: Giampaolo Sgura)
Sweeney Todd, the revival of the acclaimed Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler musical starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford at the Lunt-Fontanne, sold out its first preview,...
The musical revival Parade, starring Ben Platt as Leo Frank and Micaela Diamond as wife Lucille Frank, played four preview performances last week – only one of which, the first, drew the antisemitic protesters – and was at standing room only, grossing $587,006 with an average ticket price of $143.24. The Alfred Uhry-Jason Robert Brown musical, directed by Michael Arden, opens at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on March 16.
Jessica Chastain (Credit: Giampaolo Sgura)
Sweeney Todd, the revival of the acclaimed Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler musical starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford at the Lunt-Fontanne, sold out its first preview,...
- 2/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadhurst Theatre curtain call for a jubilant Mark Jacoby (Neil Diamond now) and Will Swenson (Neil Diamond then) in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, book by Anthony McCarten, directed by Michael Mayer Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
When I spoke with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer in April of 2022 he had just launched his Broadway revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein (since replaced by Lea Michele) in the Barbra Streisand role as Fanny Brice and Ramin Karimloo taking on Nicky Arnstein, played by Omar Sharif in the film. Now he has A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical with Will Swenson starring as Diamond (then) and Mark Jacoby as Diamond (now). The book is by Anthony McCarten. McCarten also has on Broadway The Collaboration with Jeremy Pope...
When I spoke with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer in April of 2022 he had just launched his Broadway revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein (since replaced by Lea Michele) in the Barbra Streisand role as Fanny Brice and Ramin Karimloo taking on Nicky Arnstein, played by Omar Sharif in the film. Now he has A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical with Will Swenson starring as Diamond (then) and Mark Jacoby as Diamond (now). The book is by Anthony McCarten. McCarten also has on Broadway The Collaboration with Jeremy Pope...
- 1/1/2023
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Exclusive: Darren Criss, Lena Hall, Ramin Karimloo and Solea Pfeiffer will perform a one-night-only benefit concert of the 1986 Benny Andersson-Björn Ulvaeus-Tim Rice musical Chess next month at a Broadway theater to benefit The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund).
The concert, which will be held at the the Broadhurst Theatre on on Monday, December 12 at 7:30 pm Et, was announced by the Entertainment Community Fund today. The benefit will be presented in association with Tom Hulce and Ira Pittelman whose award-winning Broadway credits include Ain’t Too Proud, Green Day’s American Idiot and Spring Awakening.
Criss will perform the role of “Freddie Trumper”, Hall will be “Florence Vassey”, Karimloo will portray “Anatoly Sergievsky” and Pfeiffer will be “Svetlana Sergievsky”.
Ramin Karimloo and Solea Pfeiffer (Getty Images)
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
“We’re thrilled to help bring this new iteration...
The concert, which will be held at the the Broadhurst Theatre on on Monday, December 12 at 7:30 pm Et, was announced by the Entertainment Community Fund today. The benefit will be presented in association with Tom Hulce and Ira Pittelman whose award-winning Broadway credits include Ain’t Too Proud, Green Day’s American Idiot and Spring Awakening.
Criss will perform the role of “Freddie Trumper”, Hall will be “Florence Vassey”, Karimloo will portray “Anatoly Sergievsky” and Pfeiffer will be “Svetlana Sergievsky”.
Ramin Karimloo and Solea Pfeiffer (Getty Images)
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
“We’re thrilled to help bring this new iteration...
- 11/18/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A newly recorded cast album for Broadway’s Funny Girl starring Lea Michele as Fanny Brice will be released digitally tomorrow – Friday, Nov. 18 at 12:01 a.m. Et. The surprise announcement was made by Michele herself during last night’s curtain call at the Broadway hit.
“We’re all so so so proud to announce that we’re going to be releasing our original cast album,” Michele said excitedly from the stage following the Wednesday night performance. “As the biggest Funny Girl fan my whole life, I am so proud and it’s so so so great!”
See video of her announcement below.
The news of the unexpected album release was also shared on this morning’s Today show.
Produced by David Caddick and David Lai and featuring the score by Jule Styne (music) and Bob Merrill (lyrics), a physical CD of the new cast recording is set for release on Friday,...
“We’re all so so so proud to announce that we’re going to be releasing our original cast album,” Michele said excitedly from the stage following the Wednesday night performance. “As the biggest Funny Girl fan my whole life, I am so proud and it’s so so so great!”
See video of her announcement below.
The news of the unexpected album release was also shared on this morning’s Today show.
Produced by David Caddick and David Lai and featuring the score by Jule Styne (music) and Bob Merrill (lyrics), a physical CD of the new cast recording is set for release on Friday,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lea Michele belts Fanny Brice’s big opening number, “I’m the Greatest Star,” from the forthcoming original cast recording for the new Broadway revival of Funny Girl.
As Michele tells Rolling Stone, “I’m the Greatest Star” “sets the tone” for Funny Girl, capturing Fanny as she lays out her showbiz dreams after being told in not-exactly-subtle terms on “If a Girl Isn’t Pretty” that she doesn’t have the looks for it. “I’m the greatest star,” Michele bellows, “I am by far/But no one knows...
As Michele tells Rolling Stone, “I’m the Greatest Star” “sets the tone” for Funny Girl, capturing Fanny as she lays out her showbiz dreams after being told in not-exactly-subtle terms on “If a Girl Isn’t Pretty” that she doesn’t have the looks for it. “I’m the greatest star,” Michele bellows, “I am by far/But no one knows...
- 11/17/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: A five-part video and podcast series celebrating the life and career of Broadway composer Lucy Simon – one of the final projects the sister of Carly Simon worked on prior to her death last week – launches today on YouTube and the Broadway Podcast Network.
Celebrating Lucy Simon was announced and released today by Broadway Podcast Network Co-Founders Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales. The series will feature never-before-heard stories from The Secret Garden composer Simon herself, as well as from such collaborators as Judy Collins, Marshall Brickman, Marsha Norman, Victoria Clark, and others.
The series will also include new performances by Broadway stars Sierra Boggess, Funny Girl‘s Ramin Karimloo, The Secret Garden original stars Daisy Eagan and John Cameron Mitchell, and others. Eagan, Boggess and Karimloo performed in two New York concert versions of The Secret Garden in 2016. Songs to be performed on the new series will include the musical’s “Wick,...
Celebrating Lucy Simon was announced and released today by Broadway Podcast Network Co-Founders Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales. The series will feature never-before-heard stories from The Secret Garden composer Simon herself, as well as from such collaborators as Judy Collins, Marshall Brickman, Marsha Norman, Victoria Clark, and others.
The series will also include new performances by Broadway stars Sierra Boggess, Funny Girl‘s Ramin Karimloo, The Secret Garden original stars Daisy Eagan and John Cameron Mitchell, and others. Eagan, Boggess and Karimloo performed in two New York concert versions of The Secret Garden in 2016. Songs to be performed on the new series will include the musical’s “Wick,...
- 10/25/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Lucy Simon, the composer and sister of pop superstar Carly Simon who received a Tony nomination in 1991 for her work on the long-running Broadway musical The Secret Garden, has died. She was 82.
Simon died Thursday at her home in Piedmont, New York, after a long battle with breast cancer, a family spokesperson announced.
She and Carly began their careers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, as The Simon Sisters, and their folk act opened for the likes of The Tarriers in Greenwich Village nightclubs. Their recording of “Wynken, Blynken & Nod” reached No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.
Lucy Simon became the rare female composer to have a show on Broadway when The Secret Garden debuted in April 1991. Starring Rebecca Luker, Mandy Patinkin, Alison Fraser and Daisy Eagan and based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved children’s novel, the musical ran for 709 performances on Broadway, won...
Lucy Simon, the composer and sister of pop superstar Carly Simon who received a Tony nomination in 1991 for her work on the long-running Broadway musical The Secret Garden, has died. She was 82.
Simon died Thursday at her home in Piedmont, New York, after a long battle with breast cancer, a family spokesperson announced.
She and Carly began their careers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, as The Simon Sisters, and their folk act opened for the likes of The Tarriers in Greenwich Village nightclubs. Their recording of “Wynken, Blynken & Nod” reached No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.
Lucy Simon became the rare female composer to have a show on Broadway when The Secret Garden debuted in April 1991. Starring Rebecca Luker, Mandy Patinkin, Alison Fraser and Daisy Eagan and based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved children’s novel, the musical ran for 709 performances on Broadway, won...
- 10/21/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
It’s not often that a major Broadway musical lands its ideal lead six months after beginning performances and opening to mixed reviews. Then again, it’s an anomaly that a star with the credentials of Lea Michele would agree to step in as a replacement lead. But Michele’s tenacious determination to test her skills as Fanny Brice, a role she clearly considers the part of a lifetime, puts her in uncommon territory.
To get the headline news out of the way first, Michele gives a sensational performance in Funny Girl. While her predecessor in the Broadway revival, Beanie Feldstein, was a sweetly captivating presence who leaned hard on the comedy, her light, pleasant singing voice put her out of her depth with numbers that called for supple modulation and commanding power.
Perhaps even more crucially, the hunger that defines early 20th...
It’s not often that a major Broadway musical lands its ideal lead six months after beginning performances and opening to mixed reviews. Then again, it’s an anomaly that a star with the credentials of Lea Michele would agree to step in as a replacement lead. But Michele’s tenacious determination to test her skills as Fanny Brice, a role she clearly considers the part of a lifetime, puts her in uncommon territory.
To get the headline news out of the way first, Michele gives a sensational performance in Funny Girl. While her predecessor in the Broadway revival, Beanie Feldstein, was a sweetly captivating presence who leaned hard on the comedy, her light, pleasant singing voice put her out of her depth with numbers that called for supple modulation and commanding power.
Perhaps even more crucially, the hunger that defines early 20th...
- 10/3/2022
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Well, that’s that. After all the controversies and badly handled original castings and headlines and backstage bruisings and firings or resignations or whatever they were, Funny Girl is, as so many suspected all along, the musical that Lea Michele was born to lead. Broadway’s new Fanny Brice is, to put is simply and without exaggeration, a knock-out.
Michele has been in the role since early September, but, with some cast members out sick with Covid in recent weeks, and to give the newcomer some breathing room, critics have only in recent days been invited to the August Wilson to observe the changes. The wait was worth it.
From the moment she begins to sing the opening number “Who Are You Now?,” audiences relax in the assurance that this musical, for whatever its other merits – or lack thereof, and there is plenty of lack thereof – will be sung by...
Michele has been in the role since early September, but, with some cast members out sick with Covid in recent weeks, and to give the newcomer some breathing room, critics have only in recent days been invited to the August Wilson to observe the changes. The wait was worth it.
From the moment she begins to sing the opening number “Who Are You Now?,” audiences relax in the assurance that this musical, for whatever its other merits – or lack thereof, and there is plenty of lack thereof – will be sung by...
- 10/2/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Lea Michele dropped by The Tonight Show to promote the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.
The 36-year-old Glee alum sat down with host Jimmy Fallon on Friday to discuss her starring role as Fanny Brice in the critically acclaimed theater production and later delivered a mesmerizing performance of the Funny Girl number “People.”
“I’ve been wanting to come back to Broadway for so many years, I was gone for 15 years, Spring Awakening was the last show I did,” Michele said. “To be back and to be in the show that I’ve loved for so many years, but I’m such a fan of this production. Incredible cast. Incredible score.”
After months of hype, the curtain went up on Michele’s stint as the Funny Girl lead on Sept. 6. She took over from standby Julie Benko, who had performed the role since...
Lea Michele dropped by The Tonight Show to promote the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.
The 36-year-old Glee alum sat down with host Jimmy Fallon on Friday to discuss her starring role as Fanny Brice in the critically acclaimed theater production and later delivered a mesmerizing performance of the Funny Girl number “People.”
“I’ve been wanting to come back to Broadway for so many years, I was gone for 15 years, Spring Awakening was the last show I did,” Michele said. “To be back and to be in the show that I’ve loved for so many years, but I’m such a fan of this production. Incredible cast. Incredible score.”
After months of hype, the curtain went up on Michele’s stint as the Funny Girl lead on Sept. 6. She took over from standby Julie Benko, who had performed the role since...
- 10/1/2022
- by Mitchell Peters, Billboard.com
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update: Lea Michele confirmed today that she has tested positive for Covid-19 and will be out for a longer period than initially stated.
The former Glee star posted the news via her Instagram Story, citing “production protocols” that will see her sidelined from Broadway’s Funny Girl.
“Unfortunately, I have officially tested positive for Covid. In following production protocols, I cannot return to the theater for 10 days,” wrote Michele. “Thankfully staying home today and catching this early protected so many members of our company from being exposed. Funny Girl has been and still is tackling a tremendous wave of Covid with close to a dozen company members currently out.”
She added, “We are almost on the other side of this and our swings and understudies are doing such an incredible job to keep our show on its feet.”
Earlier: Lea Michele is canceling some of her Funny Girl performances, citing...
The former Glee star posted the news via her Instagram Story, citing “production protocols” that will see her sidelined from Broadway’s Funny Girl.
“Unfortunately, I have officially tested positive for Covid. In following production protocols, I cannot return to the theater for 10 days,” wrote Michele. “Thankfully staying home today and catching this early protected so many members of our company from being exposed. Funny Girl has been and still is tackling a tremendous wave of Covid with close to a dozen company members currently out.”
She added, “We are almost on the other side of this and our swings and understudies are doing such an incredible job to keep our show on its feet.”
Earlier: Lea Michele is canceling some of her Funny Girl performances, citing...
- 9/11/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
As you might have heard, Lea Michele made her Funny Girl debut last night, taking the stage at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre to six standing ovations, a bouquet of white roses and through plenty of curtain call tears.
Among those in attendance at the performance – which also marked the debut of Tovah Feldshuh as Mrs. Brice, the role Jane Lynch originated in this revival – were Drew Barrymore, Jonathan Groff, John Gallagher Jr., Ryan Murphy, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Zachary Quinto, Lee Pace and fashion designer Thom Browne.
Check out the first-performance and curtain call photos and a video below, which also feature co-stars Ramin Karimloo, Jared Grimes and the Funny Girl company.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Funny Girl on Broadway (@funnygirlbwy)...
Among those in attendance at the performance – which also marked the debut of Tovah Feldshuh as Mrs. Brice, the role Jane Lynch originated in this revival – were Drew Barrymore, Jonathan Groff, John Gallagher Jr., Ryan Murphy, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Zachary Quinto, Lee Pace and fashion designer Thom Browne.
Check out the first-performance and curtain call photos and a video below, which also feature co-stars Ramin Karimloo, Jared Grimes and the Funny Girl company.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Funny Girl on Broadway (@funnygirlbwy)...
- 9/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment has acquired the UK distribution rights for Pennywise: The Story of It, which explores the hit 1990 mini-series, based on Stephen King’s iconic novel.
Co-directed by John Campopiano and Christopher Griffiths, the behind-the-scenes movie features interviews with director Tommy Lee Wallace (Halloween III) and cast members Tim Curry (Rocky Horror), Seth Green (Family Guy), and Richard Thomas (The Waltons). The movie touches on themes spanning the cultural phenomenon of coulrophobia (the fear of clowns) to Curry’s portrayal of the notorious clown monster.
The deal was signed by Spencer Pollard, CEO of Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment and Unannounced Film Company’s Laurence Gornall. Digital release is set for October 3rd and DVD & Bd on October 24th.
The film’s trailer is above. Cinedigm has U.S. rights.
Pollard said: “We are very excited to be working on this brilliant story. The story of Pennywise when released in...
Co-directed by John Campopiano and Christopher Griffiths, the behind-the-scenes movie features interviews with director Tommy Lee Wallace (Halloween III) and cast members Tim Curry (Rocky Horror), Seth Green (Family Guy), and Richard Thomas (The Waltons). The movie touches on themes spanning the cultural phenomenon of coulrophobia (the fear of clowns) to Curry’s portrayal of the notorious clown monster.
The deal was signed by Spencer Pollard, CEO of Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment and Unannounced Film Company’s Laurence Gornall. Digital release is set for October 3rd and DVD & Bd on October 24th.
The film’s trailer is above. Cinedigm has U.S. rights.
Pollard said: “We are very excited to be working on this brilliant story. The story of Pennywise when released in...
- 9/6/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Nick Winston’s film adaptation of his own stage musical about a marriage breakdown fails to strike a memorable chord
The road from stage to screen can be a rocky path: a musical should not, for instance, unfold as a string of music videos but establish a coherent visual language. It’s this that is lacking in Nick Winston’s reworking of his own stage production of the same title.
Tomorrow Morning follows married couple Jack (Ramin Karimloo) and Catherine (Samantha Barks) through two distinct phases of their relationship; it juxtaposes the idealistic adoration felt before their wedding day with the animosity that comes a decade later when the pair quarrel over divorce settlements and property rights. This stark contrast is intended to reflect the ebb and flow of domestic partnerships as well as the individual evolution that occurs between young adulthood and middle age. Once an aspiring novelist,...
The road from stage to screen can be a rocky path: a musical should not, for instance, unfold as a string of music videos but establish a coherent visual language. It’s this that is lacking in Nick Winston’s reworking of his own stage production of the same title.
Tomorrow Morning follows married couple Jack (Ramin Karimloo) and Catherine (Samantha Barks) through two distinct phases of their relationship; it juxtaposes the idealistic adoration felt before their wedding day with the animosity that comes a decade later when the pair quarrel over divorce settlements and property rights. This stark contrast is intended to reflect the ebb and flow of domestic partnerships as well as the individual evolution that occurs between young adulthood and middle age. Once an aspiring novelist,...
- 8/30/2022
- by Phuong Le
- The Guardian - Film News
Update, with Lynch Playbill comments: Jane Lynch will depart Broadway’s Funny Girl even earlier than expected, producers announced Tuesday. The former Glee actor will end her run as “Mrs. Brice” on Sunday, August 14, several weeks earlier than the Sept. 4 date most recently announced.
According to producers, Lynch had a long-scheduled vacation set to begin on Monday, August 15 and was set to return to the show on Tuesday, August 23, before departing for the Creative Arts Emmys on Thursday, September 1. “Rather than return for one week of performances, the producers have agreed to adjust her final performance to Sunday, August 14,” according to a statement.
Lynch is an Emmy nominee in the Best Comedy Guest Actress category for her work on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Lynch’s “Mrs. Brice” standby, Liz McCartney, is scheduled to play the role from Tuesday,...
According to producers, Lynch had a long-scheduled vacation set to begin on Monday, August 15 and was set to return to the show on Tuesday, August 23, before departing for the Creative Arts Emmys on Thursday, September 1. “Rather than return for one week of performances, the producers have agreed to adjust her final performance to Sunday, August 14,” according to a statement.
Lynch is an Emmy nominee in the Best Comedy Guest Actress category for her work on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Lynch’s “Mrs. Brice” standby, Liz McCartney, is scheduled to play the role from Tuesday,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with Michele comment & Glee video As expected, or at least widely rumored, Lea Michele is Broadway’s new Funny Girl, taking over the coveted role of Fanny Brice from the departing Beanie Feldstein. Tovah Feldshuh will take the role of Mrs. Brice after Jane Lynch leaves the production.
Michele, best known as a star of TV’s Glee and Broadway’s Spring Awakening, and Feldshuh will join Funny Girl at the August Wilson Theatre beginning Tuesday, September 6. Ramin Karimloo will continue as Nick Arnstein, as will Tony nominee Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan. Producers confirmed the casting today.
“A dream come true is an understatement,” Michele wrote on Instagram. “I’m so incredibly honored to join this amazing cast and production and return to the stage playing Fanny Brice on Broadway. See you September 6th.” (Watch Michele’s performance on Glee of Funny Girl’s “People” below.
Michele, best known as a star of TV’s Glee and Broadway’s Spring Awakening, and Feldshuh will join Funny Girl at the August Wilson Theatre beginning Tuesday, September 6. Ramin Karimloo will continue as Nick Arnstein, as will Tony nominee Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan. Producers confirmed the casting today.
“A dream come true is an understatement,” Michele wrote on Instagram. “I’m so incredibly honored to join this amazing cast and production and return to the stage playing Fanny Brice on Broadway. See you September 6th.” (Watch Michele’s performance on Glee of Funny Girl’s “People” below.
- 7/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s official: Lea Michele‘s Funny Girl dream has at long last been realized.
The Glee grad, who famously played Fanny Brice in Fox’s show within a show, will lead the Broadway revival this fall, the production announced Monday.
More from TVLineSpring Awakening Cast Reunites for Tony Awards Performance: Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff and More -- WatchGlee Returning to Streaming Via Hulu and Disney+ -- Find Out WhenSpring Awakening Reunion Concert to Be Chronicled in HBO Documentary
She succeeds current star Beanie Feldstein, who was initially set to depart the show on Sunday, Sept. 25. But over the weekend,...
The Glee grad, who famously played Fanny Brice in Fox’s show within a show, will lead the Broadway revival this fall, the production announced Monday.
More from TVLineSpring Awakening Cast Reunites for Tony Awards Performance: Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff and More -- WatchGlee Returning to Streaming Via Hulu and Disney+ -- Find Out WhenSpring Awakening Reunion Concert to Be Chronicled in HBO Documentary
She succeeds current star Beanie Feldstein, who was initially set to depart the show on Sunday, Sept. 25. But over the weekend,...
- 7/11/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Click here to read the full article.
Lea Michele has been tapped to replace Beanie Feldstein in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, producers said Monday.
Michele will take over the title role of Fanny Brice from Feldstein, who departs the show July 31.
Meanwhile, Tovah Feldshuh has been cast as Jane Lynch’s replacement. Lynch will continue to play Mrs. Brice, Fanny’s mom, through Sept. 4.
Fanny Brice standby Julie Benko will perform the title role from Aug. 2-Sept. 4 and on Thursdays starting Sept. 8; Jared Grimes and Ramin Karimloo will continue in their roles as Eddie Ryan and Nick Arnstein, respectively.
The news comes a day after Feldstein announced in an Instagram post that she would be departing the show July 31, earlier than anticipated. Last month, producers said she and Lynch would be departing their roles Sept. 25 instead of at year’s end, which had originally been expected.
In her post,...
Lea Michele has been tapped to replace Beanie Feldstein in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, producers said Monday.
Michele will take over the title role of Fanny Brice from Feldstein, who departs the show July 31.
Meanwhile, Tovah Feldshuh has been cast as Jane Lynch’s replacement. Lynch will continue to play Mrs. Brice, Fanny’s mom, through Sept. 4.
Fanny Brice standby Julie Benko will perform the title role from Aug. 2-Sept. 4 and on Thursdays starting Sept. 8; Jared Grimes and Ramin Karimloo will continue in their roles as Eddie Ryan and Nick Arnstein, respectively.
The news comes a day after Feldstein announced in an Instagram post that she would be departing the show July 31, earlier than anticipated. Last month, producers said she and Lynch would be departing their roles Sept. 25 instead of at year’s end, which had originally been expected.
In her post,...
- 7/11/2022
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Beanie Feldstein is leaving the Broadway revival of Funny Girl earlier than expected.
The actress announced Sunday in an Instagram post that she will be departing the show July 31. Last month, producers said she and fellow star Jane Lynch would be departing their roles Sept. 25 instead of at year’s end, as originally expected.
In her post, Feldstein said the decision came after producers “decided to take the show in a different direction,” but did not elaborate further.
“Playing Fanny Brice on Broadway has been a lifelong dream of mine, and doing so for the last few months has been a great joy and true honor,” she wrote. “Once the production decided to take the show in a different direction, I made the extremely difficult decision to step away sooner than anticipated.”
She went on to praise her fellow cast and crew and...
Beanie Feldstein is leaving the Broadway revival of Funny Girl earlier than expected.
The actress announced Sunday in an Instagram post that she will be departing the show July 31. Last month, producers said she and fellow star Jane Lynch would be departing their roles Sept. 25 instead of at year’s end, as originally expected.
In her post, Feldstein said the decision came after producers “decided to take the show in a different direction,” but did not elaborate further.
“Playing Fanny Brice on Broadway has been a lifelong dream of mine, and doing so for the last few months has been a great joy and true honor,” she wrote. “Once the production decided to take the show in a different direction, I made the extremely difficult decision to step away sooner than anticipated.”
She went on to praise her fellow cast and crew and...
- 7/11/2022
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Producers for Broadway’s current Funny Girl revival announced Wednesday that stars Beanie Feldstein and Jane Lynch will soon be exiting.
In a statement posted to social media, the show’s team shared that the two performers are set to leave the production Sept. 25. This follows Feldstein having announced June 6 that she would be missing dates after testing positive for Covid-19.
“Beanie returns tomorrow!” the show’s official Twitter account posted Wednesday. “14 weeks left to see Beanie Feldstein & Jane Lynch now through September 25th. Stay tuned for additional casting news to join Ramin Karimloo & Jared Grimes and the company of Funny Girl.”
The show, which opened April 24, was nominated for a single Tony Award at the recent 2022 ceremony, for featured actor Grimes. It stars Feldstein as actress Fanny Brice; Lynch as Fanny’s mom, Mrs. Rosie Brice; Grimes as Eddie Ryan; and Karimloo as Nick Arnstein.
Producers for Broadway’s current Funny Girl revival announced Wednesday that stars Beanie Feldstein and Jane Lynch will soon be exiting.
In a statement posted to social media, the show’s team shared that the two performers are set to leave the production Sept. 25. This follows Feldstein having announced June 6 that she would be missing dates after testing positive for Covid-19.
“Beanie returns tomorrow!” the show’s official Twitter account posted Wednesday. “14 weeks left to see Beanie Feldstein & Jane Lynch now through September 25th. Stay tuned for additional casting news to join Ramin Karimloo & Jared Grimes and the company of Funny Girl.”
The show, which opened April 24, was nominated for a single Tony Award at the recent 2022 ceremony, for featured actor Grimes. It stars Feldstein as actress Fanny Brice; Lynch as Fanny’s mom, Mrs. Rosie Brice; Grimes as Eddie Ryan; and Karimloo as Nick Arnstein.
- 6/15/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Update, with Beanie Feldstein statement: Funny Girl stars Beanie Feldstein and Jane Lynch will depart the productionl on September 25, producers announced today.
In a tweet, the show addressed the return of Feldstein following a week off after testing positive from Covid, then announces the September departure.
“Beanie returns tomorrow!,” the tweet says. “14 weeks left to see Beanie Feldstein & Jane Lynch now through September 25th. Stay tuned for additional casting news to join Ramin Karimloo & Jared Grimes and the company of Funny Girl.”
Feldstein subsequently posted a message on Instagram, writing, in part, “September 25th will be my last show as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. I’ll never be able to find the words that could even begin to explain what the experience has been to me….I gave and will continue to give this show all of me. I am immensely proud to be a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls.
In a tweet, the show addressed the return of Feldstein following a week off after testing positive from Covid, then announces the September departure.
“Beanie returns tomorrow!,” the tweet says. “14 weeks left to see Beanie Feldstein & Jane Lynch now through September 25th. Stay tuned for additional casting news to join Ramin Karimloo & Jared Grimes and the company of Funny Girl.”
Feldstein subsequently posted a message on Instagram, writing, in part, “September 25th will be my last show as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. I’ll never be able to find the words that could even begin to explain what the experience has been to me….I gave and will continue to give this show all of me. I am immensely proud to be a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls.
- 6/15/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ziegfeld Girls (Leslie Flesner and Afra Hines) warn Fanny Brice (Beanie Feldstein) about Nicky Arnstein (Ramin Karimloo) Photo: Matthew Murphy, 2022
Not only is Ramin Karimloo co-starring with Beanie Feldstein, Jared Grimes (Tony nominated for his Eddie Ryan), and Jane Lynch in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, directed by Michael Mayer, with revisions by Harvey Fierstein, he has two movies coming out. Starring opposite Samantha Barks in Nick Winston’s Tomorrow Morning, screenplay by Laurence Mark Wythe and in Isaac Hirotsu Woofter’s Bound.
Ramin Karimloo with Anne-Katrin Titze: “When Michael offered me Nicky Arnstein in 2019, I had just finished singing with Barbra Streisand in London in Hyde Park.”
Ramin told me that Marlon Brando’s performance with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, Antonio Banderas in Arne Glimcher’s The Mambo Kings, and Kathy Bates in anything mean a great deal to him.
Not only is Ramin Karimloo co-starring with Beanie Feldstein, Jared Grimes (Tony nominated for his Eddie Ryan), and Jane Lynch in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, directed by Michael Mayer, with revisions by Harvey Fierstein, he has two movies coming out. Starring opposite Samantha Barks in Nick Winston’s Tomorrow Morning, screenplay by Laurence Mark Wythe and in Isaac Hirotsu Woofter’s Bound.
Ramin Karimloo with Anne-Katrin Titze: “When Michael offered me Nicky Arnstein in 2019, I had just finished singing with Barbra Streisand in London in Hyde Park.”
Ramin told me that Marlon Brando’s performance with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, Antonio Banderas in Arne Glimcher’s The Mambo Kings, and Kathy Bates in anything mean a great deal to him.
- 5/12/2022
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Some of the biggest names in film, television and the Broadway stage won’t be making the coveted pilgrimage to Radio City Music Hall this June when the 75th annual Tony Awards are handed out, as such high-profile performers as Daniel Craig, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Katrina Lenk, Beanie Feldstein, Jane Lynch and Patrick J. Adams were not among the nominations announced Monday morning.
And at least as surprising as the snubs was the strong showing of Paradise Square, a musical that received fairly mixed reviews and has been struggling at the box office since opening April 3. The musical, a comeback for producer Garth H. Drabinsky, scored 10 nominations (tying with Mj and second only to A Strange Loop). Among Paradise Square‘s are Best Musical, Joaquina Kalukango’s nom for Best Lead Actress/Musical, and A.J. Shively’s nom for Featured Actor/Musical.
Among the biggest surprises and take-aways...
And at least as surprising as the snubs was the strong showing of Paradise Square, a musical that received fairly mixed reviews and has been struggling at the box office since opening April 3. The musical, a comeback for producer Garth H. Drabinsky, scored 10 nominations (tying with Mj and second only to A Strange Loop). Among Paradise Square‘s are Best Musical, Joaquina Kalukango’s nom for Best Lead Actress/Musical, and A.J. Shively’s nom for Featured Actor/Musical.
Among the biggest surprises and take-aways...
- 5/9/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
With 34 productions eligible for this year’s Tony Awards, there were plenty of names missing when nominations were announced on Monday morning. Among the most surprising 2022 Tony Awards nominations snubs was Katrina Lenk, who plays Bobbie in Marianne Elliott’s reimagining of the late Stephen Sondheim’s “Company.” The production merited nine nominations, including Best Musical Revival, Best Director, Best Featured Actor (Matt Doyle), and Best Featured Actress. Lenk previously won a Tony Award for her performance in Best Musical-winner “The Band’s Visit.”
See the complete list of 2022 Tony Awards nominees
Original musical “Flying Over Sunset” also underperformed. Even though the shuttered production scored four nominations, including Best Actress (Carmen Cusack) and Best Score, it missed out on the top category of Best Musical and Best Book for librettist James Lapine.
The star-studded revival of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” also missed out on a number of key nominations. Director Sam Gold...
See the complete list of 2022 Tony Awards nominees
Original musical “Flying Over Sunset” also underperformed. Even though the shuttered production scored four nominations, including Best Actress (Carmen Cusack) and Best Score, it missed out on the top category of Best Musical and Best Book for librettist James Lapine.
The star-studded revival of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” also missed out on a number of key nominations. Director Sam Gold...
- 5/9/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
“I’m out there free and just willing to surrender to the music,” reveals Jared Grimes. The performer is currently making a splash as Eddie Ryan in the first-ever Broadway revival of “Funny Girl.” It’s a role that allows the skilled tap dancer to showcase his mesmerizing footwork. Whether he is tapping solo or sharing the stage with legendary stars, it’s an experience which Grimes has long been prepared for. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
See Ramin Karimloo interview: ‘Funny Girl’
When asked why he gravitated towards tap when he was young, Grimes jokingly responds: “it was loud!” He initially tried playing the drums as his musical outlet since that is what the “cool kids” at church were doing. But when he failed to connect to a drum kit, his mother got him a pair of tap shoes. “There’s a freedom that those shoes allow you,...
See Ramin Karimloo interview: ‘Funny Girl’
When asked why he gravitated towards tap when he was young, Grimes jokingly responds: “it was loud!” He initially tried playing the drums as his musical outlet since that is what the “cool kids” at church were doing. But when he failed to connect to a drum kit, his mother got him a pair of tap shoes. “There’s a freedom that those shoes allow you,...
- 5/4/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Broadway box office was down 15 last week, with even some of the biggest hit shows reporting slips for the week ending May 1. In all, the 36 shows grossed 29,072,410.
Likely reflecting a slimming down of spring break and Easter tourist business, attendance was off by 10 last week from the previous week, coming in at 241,500. That number suggests that only 75 of available seats were filled, a significantly lower figure than the 85+ numbers reported earlier this spring.
Also impacting receipts was the large number of opening nights, with press comps and other freebies eating into the figures at The Skin of Our Teeth, A Strange Loop, Potus, Mr. Saturday Night and Macbeth. The Tony Award eligibility cut-off date is May 4.
The average ticket price for the roster was down as well, to 120 from the previous week’s 128.
Some productions, of course, took steeper drops than others: Beetlejuice was down by more than 492,698 from the previous week,...
Likely reflecting a slimming down of spring break and Easter tourist business, attendance was off by 10 last week from the previous week, coming in at 241,500. That number suggests that only 75 of available seats were filled, a significantly lower figure than the 85+ numbers reported earlier this spring.
Also impacting receipts was the large number of opening nights, with press comps and other freebies eating into the figures at The Skin of Our Teeth, A Strange Loop, Potus, Mr. Saturday Night and Macbeth. The Tony Award eligibility cut-off date is May 4.
The average ticket price for the roster was down as well, to 120 from the previous week’s 128.
Some productions, of course, took steeper drops than others: Beetlejuice was down by more than 492,698 from the previous week,...
- 5/3/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ramin Karimloo, the male lead of Broadway’s Funny Girl, will be out of the show temporarily after testing positive for Covid just four days after the musical revival’s opening night.
Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein to Beanie Feldstein’s Fanny Brice, posted the news on his Instagram page today. Next to a photo of the Manhattan skyline taken from a balcony window, Karimloo wrote, “Hey Folks. My view for the next ten days or thereabouts. So… I’ve tested positive for the Rona. I’m feeling fine other than completely bummed to not be able to perform. Per the Broadway protocol, I have to be out of the show for 10 days. See you at Arnstein’s soon. Until then, it’s not a bad view ;)”
Funny Girl opened Sunday, April 24, and has been performing to packed houses at the August Wilson Theatre. In addition to Karimloo and Feldstein,...
Karimloo, who plays Nick Arnstein to Beanie Feldstein’s Fanny Brice, posted the news on his Instagram page today. Next to a photo of the Manhattan skyline taken from a balcony window, Karimloo wrote, “Hey Folks. My view for the next ten days or thereabouts. So… I’ve tested positive for the Rona. I’m feeling fine other than completely bummed to not be able to perform. Per the Broadway protocol, I have to be out of the show for 10 days. See you at Arnstein’s soon. Until then, it’s not a bad view ;)”
Funny Girl opened Sunday, April 24, and has been performing to packed houses at the August Wilson Theatre. In addition to Karimloo and Feldstein,...
- 4/28/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Francis James (Florenz Ziegfeld), Jane Lynch (Mrs. Rosie Brice), Jared Grimes (Eddie Ryan), Beanie Feldstein (Fanny Brice), Ephie Aardema (Emma), Debra Cardona (Mrs. Meeker), Martin Moran (Tom Keeney), Toni Dibuono (Mrs. Strakosh) and the cast of Funny Girl Photo: Matthew Murphy, 2022
When I spoke with Tony winner Michael Mayer in December on his Netflix holiday season hit, Single All The Way, we discussed that he was going to be directing the very first Broadway revival of Funny Girl with Beanie Feldstein in the Barbra Streisand role as Fanny Brice and Ramin Karimloo taking on Nicky Arnstein, played by Omar Sharif in the film.
Michael Mayer with Anne-Katrin Titze (in Batsheva) on Funny Girl: “It’s really the Fanny Brice story, not the Barbra Streisand story.”
The musical features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, and the book by Isobel Lennart with revisions by Harvey Fierstein and costumes by Susan Hilferty.
When I spoke with Tony winner Michael Mayer in December on his Netflix holiday season hit, Single All The Way, we discussed that he was going to be directing the very first Broadway revival of Funny Girl with Beanie Feldstein in the Barbra Streisand role as Fanny Brice and Ramin Karimloo taking on Nicky Arnstein, played by Omar Sharif in the film.
Michael Mayer with Anne-Katrin Titze (in Batsheva) on Funny Girl: “It’s really the Fanny Brice story, not the Barbra Streisand story.”
The musical features music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, and the book by Isobel Lennart with revisions by Harvey Fierstein and costumes by Susan Hilferty.
- 4/27/2022
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
For all those people who have been dying to hear the music that makes you dance once again on a Broadway stage, “Funny Girl” has finally returned after a 58-year absence. Beanie Feldstein steps into the role of performer Fanny Brice, which made Barbra Streisand a sensation decades ago. Ramin Karimloo is her gambling love interest Nicky Arnstein, and Jane Lynch her mother. Boasting a classic score by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, this production features Harvey Fierstein’s revisions to Isobel Lennart’s original book, and Michael Mayer‘s direction. “Funny Girl” opened at the August Wilson Theatre on April 24.
With such high expectations for the long-awaited return of this musical theatre favorite, it would have been hard for any production to hit the mark, and most critics think this “Funny Girl” missed. In one of the positive notices, Mark Kennedy (Associated Press) calls Feldstein’s interpretation of Brice “earthy,...
With such high expectations for the long-awaited return of this musical theatre favorite, it would have been hard for any production to hit the mark, and most critics think this “Funny Girl” missed. In one of the positive notices, Mark Kennedy (Associated Press) calls Feldstein’s interpretation of Brice “earthy,...
- 4/27/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Smartly sidestepping the obvious comparison from the start – the line-reading of “Hello gorgeous” sounds more conversational, less sing-songy than the one etched in our brains for all these decades – Broadway’s new Funny Girl revival doesn’t so much make a grand play for replacement as a peaceful offering for coexistence: The show that made Barbra Streisand a musical theater icon likely won’t do the same for its latest star, but neither is it cause for grumbling how-dare-shes.
Opening tonight at the August Wilson Theatre, Beanie Feldstein is, it turns out, a perfectly fine choice for this Funny Girl, which is not to say she’s perfect, but rather that she’s on equal footing with a just-above-average musical that has always been dominated by several excellent songs and a legendary breakout performance that lifted the show – and its plodding 1968 movie adaptation – well beyond the sum of its parts.
Opening tonight at the August Wilson Theatre, Beanie Feldstein is, it turns out, a perfectly fine choice for this Funny Girl, which is not to say she’s perfect, but rather that she’s on equal footing with a just-above-average musical that has always been dominated by several excellent songs and a legendary breakout performance that lifted the show – and its plodding 1968 movie adaptation – well beyond the sum of its parts.
- 4/25/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Funny Girl opens tonight, Sunday, April 24 at the August Wilson Theatre 245 West 52nd Street. Produced by Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani, Funny Girl stars Screen Actors Guild Award nominee Beanie Feldstein as Fanny Brice, Tony and Olivier Award nominee Ramin Karimloo as Nick Arnstein, Jeff Award winner Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan and five-time Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch as Mrs. Rose Brice.
- 4/25/2022
- by Review Roundups
- BroadwayWorld.com
“It’s a massive transformation,” explains “Funny Girl” star Ramin Karimloo of his character journey as Nicky Arnstein. The Broadway musical theatre veteran lends his signature vocal pyrotechnics to the role in this first-ever Broadway revival of the Jule Styne and Bob Merrill musical, but it’s the dramatic places he charts as an actor which make his version of Arnstein thrilling to witness. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
When theater lovers get excited about “Funny Girl” it’s probably because of the gripping story and legendary songs for its central character Fanny Brice (played by Beanie Feldstein in this revival). But Karimloo is relishing the fact that he gets to put “more meat on the bones” of Nicky Arnstein’s story thanks to some smart revisions of the book, courtesy of Harvey Fierstein. “You always want to play the transition,” states the actor, “results are boring.” The performer...
When theater lovers get excited about “Funny Girl” it’s probably because of the gripping story and legendary songs for its central character Fanny Brice (played by Beanie Feldstein in this revival). But Karimloo is relishing the fact that he gets to put “more meat on the bones” of Nicky Arnstein’s story thanks to some smart revisions of the book, courtesy of Harvey Fierstein. “You always want to play the transition,” states the actor, “results are boring.” The performer...
- 4/20/2022
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Margaret Styne, the widow of Broadway composer Jule Styne who oversaw an estate and legacy that includes the much anticipated upcoming revival of Funny Girl, has died.
A longtime presence in the Broadway community, her death was announced by Jule Styne, Inc. in a Facebook post Feb. 15 that was more widely shared in a tweet today by Funny Girl producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani and director Michael Mayer. Their revival of the classic musical, starring Beanie Feldstein, Jane Lynch, Ramin Karimloo and Jared Grimes, begins previews March 26 at the August Wilson Theatre, with opening night set for April 24.
Additional details regarding Styne’s death were not made public in keeping with her wishes.
“Over the years, Margaret Styne has always been a passionate advocate, supporter, and colleague to all of us working on Funny Girl,” said the producers and director in a joint statement posted on social media.
A longtime presence in the Broadway community, her death was announced by Jule Styne, Inc. in a Facebook post Feb. 15 that was more widely shared in a tweet today by Funny Girl producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani and director Michael Mayer. Their revival of the classic musical, starring Beanie Feldstein, Jane Lynch, Ramin Karimloo and Jared Grimes, begins previews March 26 at the August Wilson Theatre, with opening night set for April 24.
Additional details regarding Styne’s death were not made public in keeping with her wishes.
“Over the years, Margaret Styne has always been a passionate advocate, supporter, and colleague to all of us working on Funny Girl,” said the producers and director in a joint statement posted on social media.
- 2/18/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Covid has caused a lot of uncertainty around Broadway. Several shows have had to suspend performances, go on hiatus, or close permanently. And the American Theatre Wing hasn’t announced key dates for this year’s Tony Awards yet. Though with that being said, we are now about halfway through the Broadway season, and there are six productions of musicals set to open this spring. Could we see any of them contend at the next Tonys? Below is a look at the plot of each musical as well as the awards history of their authors, casts, and directors, plus the opening and (where applicable) closing dates.
See‘Mj The Musical’ reviews: Myles Frost ‘mesmerizing’ as Michael Jackson, but musical is ‘surface-skimming’
“Mj the Musical”
This jukebox musical follows the life and career of singer Michael Jackson. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, the show offers a rare...
See‘Mj The Musical’ reviews: Myles Frost ‘mesmerizing’ as Michael Jackson, but musical is ‘surface-skimming’
“Mj the Musical”
This jukebox musical follows the life and career of singer Michael Jackson. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, the show offers a rare...
- 2/11/2022
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Broadway’s upcoming revival of Funny Girl, starring Beanie Feldstein, Jane Lynch, Ramin Karimloo and Jared Grimes has completed casting, with Peter Francis James, Ephie Aardema, Debra Cardon and Toni Dibuono among those joining the cast.
The complete casting was announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani. The complete creative team also was announced, including Susan Hilferty as costume designer, Kevin Adams as lighting designer and Brian Ronan as sound designer.
Rehearsals for the musical are expected to begin today, with previews set to start Saturday, March 26, at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, with an official opening on Sunday, April 24.
The Jule Styne/Bob Merrill/Isobel Lennart musical, directed by Michael Mayer will star the previously announced Feldstein as Fanny Brice, Karimloo as Nick Arnstein, Lynch as Mrs. Rosie Brice and Grimes as Eddie Ryan.
The newly announced cast includes Peter Francis James (Hillary and Clinton) as Florenz Ziegfeld,...
The complete casting was announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani. The complete creative team also was announced, including Susan Hilferty as costume designer, Kevin Adams as lighting designer and Brian Ronan as sound designer.
Rehearsals for the musical are expected to begin today, with previews set to start Saturday, March 26, at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, with an official opening on Sunday, April 24.
The Jule Styne/Bob Merrill/Isobel Lennart musical, directed by Michael Mayer will star the previously announced Feldstein as Fanny Brice, Karimloo as Nick Arnstein, Lynch as Mrs. Rosie Brice and Grimes as Eddie Ryan.
The newly announced cast includes Peter Francis James (Hillary and Clinton) as Florenz Ziegfeld,...
- 2/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani announcedthe complete cast and creativeteam for the highly anticipated new Broadway production of Funny Girl. Previously announced Beanie Feldstein, Tonyand Olivier Award nominee Ramin Karimloo, Jeff Award winner Jared Grimes, and five-time Emmy Award winner JaneLynch will be joined by Peter Francis James as Florenz Ziegfeld, Ephie Aardema as EmmaMrs. Nadler, Debra Cardona asMrs. Meeker, Toni Dibuono as Mrs. Strakosh, Martin Moran as Tom Keeney, Julie Benko as Fanny Brice Standby.
- 2/7/2022
- by Marissa Tomeo
- BroadwayWorld.com
Jane Lynch, Ramin Karimloo and Jared Grimes will join the previously announced Beanie Feldstein in the upcoming Broadway revival of Funny Girl, the Michael Mayer-directed production set to begin previews at the August Wilson Theatre this spring.
“I grew up to the Broadway cast album of Funny Girl,” said the five-time Emmy-winning Lynch, who will play the role of Mrs. Rosie Brice, mother to Feldstein’s Fannie Brice. “My mother and I knew every breath of that record and would sing it together at the top of our lungs. I am thrilled beyond words to be playing Fanny’s mother on Broadway. And somewhere in Heaven my Mom is asking, ‘Who taught her everything she knows?’”
Lynch, best known for her role in Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and as host of The Weakest Link.
Karimloo will play Nick Arnstein, and Grimes has been cast as Eddie Ryan.
“I’m very excited to be joining Funny Girl’s return to Broadway. I’ve been waiting 2 years to sink my teeth into Nicky Arnstein and get into the room with Michael Mayer, the creative team and cast, led by the exceptional Beanie Feldstein,” Karimloo said in a statement. Said Grimes, “It will be a dream to share the stage every night with this cast and creative team whom I’ve loved from afar for such a long time…”
The castings were announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani.
The production will mark the first Broadway revival of of the 1964 Jule Styne-Bob Merrill musical. Harvey Fierstein is revising the original book by Isobel Lennart, with choreography by Ellenore Scott, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, and scenic design by David Zinn.
Funny Girl begins performances Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the August Wilson, with an official opening on Sunday, April 24, 2022.
Additional casting and the complete creative team will be announced shortly.
Based on the life of vaudeville star Fanny Brice, the musical comedy features such now-standard songs as “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” The original production starred Barbra Streisand in the title role.
“I grew up to the Broadway cast album of Funny Girl,” said the five-time Emmy-winning Lynch, who will play the role of Mrs. Rosie Brice, mother to Feldstein’s Fannie Brice. “My mother and I knew every breath of that record and would sing it together at the top of our lungs. I am thrilled beyond words to be playing Fanny’s mother on Broadway. And somewhere in Heaven my Mom is asking, ‘Who taught her everything she knows?’”
Lynch, best known for her role in Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and as host of The Weakest Link.
Karimloo will play Nick Arnstein, and Grimes has been cast as Eddie Ryan.
“I’m very excited to be joining Funny Girl’s return to Broadway. I’ve been waiting 2 years to sink my teeth into Nicky Arnstein and get into the room with Michael Mayer, the creative team and cast, led by the exceptional Beanie Feldstein,” Karimloo said in a statement. Said Grimes, “It will be a dream to share the stage every night with this cast and creative team whom I’ve loved from afar for such a long time…”
The castings were announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Scott Landis and David Babani.
The production will mark the first Broadway revival of of the 1964 Jule Styne-Bob Merrill musical. Harvey Fierstein is revising the original book by Isobel Lennart, with choreography by Ellenore Scott, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, and scenic design by David Zinn.
Funny Girl begins performances Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the August Wilson, with an official opening on Sunday, April 24, 2022.
Additional casting and the complete creative team will be announced shortly.
Based on the life of vaudeville star Fanny Brice, the musical comedy features such now-standard songs as “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” The original production starred Barbra Streisand in the title role.
- 10/6/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ramin Karimloo has joined the latest episode ofThe Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales From Iran to Italy to Canada and finally to London, he forged a path uniquely his own, knowing the only failure is not trying. 'When someone puts a seed in my head, I'll dive in not knowing how deep it is, but I'll just go for it and just see what happens.'...
- 4/15/2021
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
As BroadwayWorld reported last week,West End and Broadway stars, Samantha Barks and Ramin Karimloo are set to star in the film adaptation of Laurence Mark Wythe's musical Tomorrow Morning. Tomorrow Morning has received previous productions in both London and Chicago and in 2009, won Chicago's Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Musical, in addition to a 2011 off-Broadway production at York Theatre. Check out highlights from productions around the world.
- 3/30/2021
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
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