The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia will be the recipient of the 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award, an annual honor recognizing a regional theatre company that has displayed “a continuous level of artistic achievement contributing to the growth of theatre nationally.”
The award is accompanied by a grant of $25,000.
“We are delighted to announce The Wilma Theater as the recipient of the 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award,” said Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing and Jason Laks, interim president of the Broadway League. “The Wilma has made outstanding contributions to the world of theatre over the course of 45 years, maintaining an unwavering dedication to contemporary theatre and a commitment to the arts that began with its visionary introduction of avant-garde theatre to Philadelphia in 1979.”
Established in 1973 as The Wilma Project, the Wilma challenged the Philadelphia cultural community to create theatrical productions of original material and to develop local artists.
The award is accompanied by a grant of $25,000.
“We are delighted to announce The Wilma Theater as the recipient of the 2024 Regional Theatre Tony Award,” said Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing and Jason Laks, interim president of the Broadway League. “The Wilma has made outstanding contributions to the world of theatre over the course of 45 years, maintaining an unwavering dedication to contemporary theatre and a commitment to the arts that began with its visionary introduction of avant-garde theatre to Philadelphia in 1979.”
Established in 1973 as The Wilma Project, the Wilma challenged the Philadelphia cultural community to create theatrical productions of original material and to develop local artists.
- 5/22/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Drama League Awards unveiled their slate of winners at an in-person ceremony on Friday, May 17. The event was hosted by Frank Dilella at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, where attendees toasted the best of Broadway and Off-Bradway.
The biggest winner of the day was Sarah Paulson, who claimed the coveted Distinguished Performance Award for her fiery role in “Appropriate.” That play, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, also took home the League’s trophy for Best Revival of a Play.
See 2024 Dorian Theater Awards nominations announced: LGBTQ journalists champion ‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ ‘Stereophonic,’ ‘Oh, Mary!‘
The Distinguished Performance Award is unique in that a performer may only win the award once in their career. After prevailing, they are never eligible again. The category is also a massive catch-all race that includes actors of all genders, roles of all sizes, and both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. This year, 54 thespians were included as nominees.
Winning...
The biggest winner of the day was Sarah Paulson, who claimed the coveted Distinguished Performance Award for her fiery role in “Appropriate.” That play, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, also took home the League’s trophy for Best Revival of a Play.
See 2024 Dorian Theater Awards nominations announced: LGBTQ journalists champion ‘Merrily We Roll Along,’ ‘Stereophonic,’ ‘Oh, Mary!‘
The Distinguished Performance Award is unique in that a performer may only win the award once in their career. After prevailing, they are never eligible again. The category is also a massive catch-all race that includes actors of all genders, roles of all sizes, and both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. This year, 54 thespians were included as nominees.
Winning...
- 5/17/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
2024 Lucille Lortel Awards winners: Kecia Lewis and Eli Gelb scoop up victories ahead of Tony Awards
Winners of the 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards, honoring outstanding achievements in Off-Broadway theater, were announced on Sunday, May 5, in a ceremony at NYU Skirball. The show was hosted by Rosalind Chao, Jen Colella, Michael Esper, 2024 Tony nominee Eden Espinosa (“Lempicka”), 2024 Tony nominee Nikki M. James (“Suffs”) and Bd Wong. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
It was a banner evening for Ars Nova. Not only did the theater company receive an honorary award for Best Body of Work, their show “(pray)” was also the top winner of the night. This co-production with National Black Theatre took home three trophies including Best Musical, Best Director for NicHi douglas and Best Ensemble.
Four other productions earned multiple awards, with “Buena Vista Social Club,” “The Comeuppance,” “Stereophonic,” and “Wet Brain” each claiming two prizes.
“Stereophonic” is a frontrunner for Best...
It was a banner evening for Ars Nova. Not only did the theater company receive an honorary award for Best Body of Work, their show “(pray)” was also the top winner of the night. This co-production with National Black Theatre took home three trophies including Best Musical, Best Director for NicHi douglas and Best Ensemble.
Four other productions earned multiple awards, with “Buena Vista Social Club,” “The Comeuppance,” “Stereophonic,” and “Wet Brain” each claiming two prizes.
“Stereophonic” is a frontrunner for Best...
- 5/6/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Broadway’s Stereophonic and Hell’s Kitchen took home Lucille Lortel Awards for their earlier Off Broadway productions.
Lortel Awards (for outstanding Off Broadway shows) were awarded to Eli Gelb for his featured performance in a play for Stereophonic, and Kecia Lewis won for her featured performance, musical, in Hell’s Kitchen. Sound designer Ryan Rumery won for Stereophonic. All three of those winners are nominated for 2024 Tony Awards for their their shows Broadway productions.
The 39th annual Lucille Lortel Awards were handed out last night. Topping the winners roster with three awards was (pray), the musical produced by Ars Nova and National Black Theatre and created by nicHi douglas, with music by S T A R R Busby and JJJJJerome Ellis. (pray) won the awards for Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Director (douglas), and Outstanding Ensemble.
The complete winners list for the awards, produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre,...
Lortel Awards (for outstanding Off Broadway shows) were awarded to Eli Gelb for his featured performance in a play for Stereophonic, and Kecia Lewis won for her featured performance, musical, in Hell’s Kitchen. Sound designer Ryan Rumery won for Stereophonic. All three of those winners are nominated for 2024 Tony Awards for their their shows Broadway productions.
The 39th annual Lucille Lortel Awards were handed out last night. Topping the winners roster with three awards was (pray), the musical produced by Ars Nova and National Black Theatre and created by nicHi douglas, with music by S T A R R Busby and JJJJJerome Ellis. (pray) won the awards for Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Director (douglas), and Outstanding Ensemble.
The complete winners list for the awards, produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
With the announcement of the Tony Awards nominations on April 30, we now know the shows and performers in contention for the 77th annual ceremony. The 60 members of the Tony nominating committee recognized 28 of the 36 eligible productions across 26 competitive categories.
See 2024 Tony Awards nominations snubs: ‘Patriots,’ Steve Carell, Chip Zien …
David Adjmi’s new play “Stereophonic” makes Tony Awards history with 13 nominations. This bests by one the previous record-holder “Slave Play” by Jeremy O. Harris, which earned 12 bids back in 2020. Its haul includes recognition for Best Play, Best Director (Daniel Aukin), five nominations for its performers and, rare for a dramatic work, Best Original Score for Will Butler and Best Orchestrations for Butler and Justin Craig.
“Hell’s Kitchen,” a loosely biographical work on the early life and featuring the music of Alicia Keys, leads all musicals and musical revivals with 13 nominations. In addition to a Best Musical nom, the show...
See 2024 Tony Awards nominations snubs: ‘Patriots,’ Steve Carell, Chip Zien …
David Adjmi’s new play “Stereophonic” makes Tony Awards history with 13 nominations. This bests by one the previous record-holder “Slave Play” by Jeremy O. Harris, which earned 12 bids back in 2020. Its haul includes recognition for Best Play, Best Director (Daniel Aukin), five nominations for its performers and, rare for a dramatic work, Best Original Score for Will Butler and Best Orchestrations for Butler and Justin Craig.
“Hell’s Kitchen,” a loosely biographical work on the early life and featuring the music of Alicia Keys, leads all musicals and musical revivals with 13 nominations. In addition to a Best Musical nom, the show...
- 4/30/2024
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
The Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen and new play Stereophonic, about a fictional band in the 1970s, led the Tony nominations with 13 nominations each.
The Outsiders, a musical based on the 1967 S.E. Hinton book, followed with 12 nominations and the revival of Cabaret, starring Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, followed with nine nods.
With its 13 noms, Stereophonic set a record for the most Tony nominations for a play, surpassing previous record holder Slave Play’s 12 noms in 2020.
Stereophonic‘s surprisingly strong performance even included a best score nomination despite it being a play.
In the best musical category, Hell’s Kitchen and The Outsiders were nominated, alongside the dance-based show Illionise, with music from Sufjan Stevens’ album and a book by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury; Suffs, a musical about the women’s suffrage movement with a score and book by Shaina Taub; and Water for Elephants, based on the 2006 novel,...
The Outsiders, a musical based on the 1967 S.E. Hinton book, followed with 12 nominations and the revival of Cabaret, starring Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, followed with nine nods.
With its 13 noms, Stereophonic set a record for the most Tony nominations for a play, surpassing previous record holder Slave Play’s 12 noms in 2020.
Stereophonic‘s surprisingly strong performance even included a best score nomination despite it being a play.
In the best musical category, Hell’s Kitchen and The Outsiders were nominated, alongside the dance-based show Illionise, with music from Sufjan Stevens’ album and a book by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury; Suffs, a musical about the women’s suffrage movement with a score and book by Shaina Taub; and Water for Elephants, based on the 2006 novel,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Tis the Broadway season of reinvention. Shaina Taub smartly retooled half of Suffs’s score since its off-Broadway premiere in 2022, allowing her jam-packed historical musical to shed some weight and soar. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins revisited the text of his 2014 play Appropriate, his subtle, meaningful edits transforming the work into a monster hit on Broadway. But he had a decade to do so and the play was already great.
Not so great, in contrast, was The Great Gatsby’s inauspicious world premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, last October. Crafted initially as an international commission intended to be performed in translation for South Korean audiences, The Great Gatsby’s first soiree was kind of like the man himself, an impotent facsimile hiding behind pretty faces and loud voices. Even the gilded sets wobbled in New Jersey.
A hasty Broadway transfer was commercially understandable in a competitive landscape but artistically insane.
Not so great, in contrast, was The Great Gatsby’s inauspicious world premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, last October. Crafted initially as an international commission intended to be performed in translation for South Korean audiences, The Great Gatsby’s first soiree was kind of like the man himself, an impotent facsimile hiding behind pretty faces and loud voices. Even the gilded sets wobbled in New Jersey.
A hasty Broadway transfer was commercially understandable in a competitive landscape but artistically insane.
- 4/26/2024
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
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
Nominations for the 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards were announced today by Amber Iman and George Abud, two stars of Broadway’s “Lempicka.” The Lortels honor outstanding achievement in Off-Broadway theater. The 2024 ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 5 at NYU Skirball Center. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
It’s common for productions to begin their life Off-Broadway before transferring to the Main Stem, so many of this year’s Tony Awards hopefuls are among the list of Lortel nominations. Chief among these contenders is “Hell’s Kitchen,” the semi-autobiographical musical from Alicia Keys. That tuner garnered five Lortel nominations. These include Best Musical, Best Choreography for Camille A. Brown, a Lead Performer bid for Maleah Joi Moon, and Featured Performer bids for Shoshana Bean and Kecia Lewis. All performance categories at the Lortel Awards are gender neutral.
It’s common for productions to begin their life Off-Broadway before transferring to the Main Stem, so many of this year’s Tony Awards hopefuls are among the list of Lortel nominations. Chief among these contenders is “Hell’s Kitchen,” the semi-autobiographical musical from Alicia Keys. That tuner garnered five Lortel nominations. These include Best Musical, Best Choreography for Camille A. Brown, a Lead Performer bid for Maleah Joi Moon, and Featured Performer bids for Shoshana Bean and Kecia Lewis. All performance categories at the Lortel Awards are gender neutral.
- 4/4/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
‘Appropriate’ Broadway Review: Sarah Paulson Rattles The Rafters Of History In Powerhouse Production
Editor’s Note: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll and Michael Esper, re-opens on Broadway tonight in a commercial transfer to the Belasco Theatre. The play, starring Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll, Michael Esper, will run through June 23.
Appropriate originally opened at the nonprofit Second Stage’s Hayes Theater on December 18 and played its final performance on Sunday, March 3. The full cast returns tonight with the exception of Elle Fanning, who was unable to return due to previous commitments. The role of River will now be played by Ella Beatty.
The following review was posted on Deadline December 18.
Pay attention to those loud, annoying cicadas – they seem to have a story to tell.
At least they do in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins superb, marvelously performed Appropriate, the Second Stage production opening tonight at the Helen Hayes Theater with one of the best casts – headed by an astonishing Sarah Paulson – on Broadway.
Appropriate originally opened at the nonprofit Second Stage’s Hayes Theater on December 18 and played its final performance on Sunday, March 3. The full cast returns tonight with the exception of Elle Fanning, who was unable to return due to previous commitments. The role of River will now be played by Ella Beatty.
The following review was posted on Deadline December 18.
Pay attention to those loud, annoying cicadas – they seem to have a story to tell.
At least they do in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins superb, marvelously performed Appropriate, the Second Stage production opening tonight at the Helen Hayes Theater with one of the best casts – headed by an astonishing Sarah Paulson – on Broadway.
- 3/25/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Black Panther director Ryan Coogler is set to produce an upcoming jukebox movie musical revolving around the music of Prince.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the long-in-the-works project — the film was initially announced back in 2018 — has taken a step forward with Coogler on board, with his Proximity Media and Universal Pictures partnering on the film.
Bryan Edward Hill — who was written for comic books like Kilmonger and Ultimate Black Panther — has already penned a draft of the script. No other details regarding the film — title, director, or actors involved — have been revealed.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the long-in-the-works project — the film was initially announced back in 2018 — has taken a step forward with Coogler on board, with his Proximity Media and Universal Pictures partnering on the film.
Bryan Edward Hill — who was written for comic books like Kilmonger and Ultimate Black Panther — has already penned a draft of the script. No other details regarding the film — title, director, or actors involved — have been revealed.
- 3/23/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Ella Beatty, currently appearing in the FX series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, will make her Broadway debut in Appropriate when the hit Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play transfers to the Belasco Theatre next month.
Beatty will take over the role of “River” from Elle Fanning, whose engagement with the Second Stage non-profit production ends when the play closes its run at the Hayes Theater on March 3. The commercial transfer at the Belasco runs from March 25 through June 23.
Beatty, the daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, plays “Kerry O’Shea” in the Gus Van Sant-directed, Ryan Murphy-produced Feud. She’ll next be seen in the A24 film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You with Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky.
Directed by Lila Neugebauer, Appropriate stars Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll, Michael Esper, Natalie Gold, Graham Campbell, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Lincoln Cohen and Everett Sobers.
Appropriate is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group,...
Beatty will take over the role of “River” from Elle Fanning, whose engagement with the Second Stage non-profit production ends when the play closes its run at the Hayes Theater on March 3. The commercial transfer at the Belasco runs from March 25 through June 23.
Beatty, the daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, plays “Kerry O’Shea” in the Gus Van Sant-directed, Ryan Murphy-produced Feud. She’ll next be seen in the A24 film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You with Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky.
Directed by Lila Neugebauer, Appropriate stars Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll, Michael Esper, Natalie Gold, Graham Campbell, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Lincoln Cohen and Everett Sobers.
Appropriate is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ella Beatty will replace Elle Fanning in Appropriate when it transfers to the Belasco Theatre.
A Juilliard grad, Beatty is currently appearing in Ryan Murphy’s FX series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans as Kerry O’Shea. She will next appear in the A24 film, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You with Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky. She is the daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening.
Beatty joins a cast including Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll, Michael Esper, Natalie Gold, Graham Campbell, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Lincoln Cohen and Everett Sobers.
The play, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Lila Neugebauer, opened at the Hayes Theater on Dec. 18, 2023 and will run there through March 3. The production recently announced the transfer to the Belasco Theatre starting March 25 and an extension of the run through June 23.
Fanning is currently in the production, but will not continue when it transfers. She...
A Juilliard grad, Beatty is currently appearing in Ryan Murphy’s FX series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans as Kerry O’Shea. She will next appear in the A24 film, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You with Rose Byrne and A$AP Rocky. She is the daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Bening.
Beatty joins a cast including Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll, Michael Esper, Natalie Gold, Graham Campbell, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Lincoln Cohen and Everett Sobers.
The play, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Lila Neugebauer, opened at the Hayes Theater on Dec. 18, 2023 and will run there through March 3. The production recently announced the transfer to the Belasco Theatre starting March 25 and an extension of the run through June 23.
Fanning is currently in the production, but will not continue when it transfers. She...
- 2/21/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Appropriate, starring Sarah Paulson and Corey Stoll, is transferring to another Broadway theater to extend its run.
The Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play will move to the Belasco Theatre starting March 25, a few weeks after it plays its last performance at the Hayes Theater. The limited run will play the Belasco Theatre through June 23.
Elle Fanning, who is starring in the current run, will not be able to transfer with the production. Fanning previously told The Hollywood Reporter she was scheduled to start filming the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown immediately after the play’s run. Her replacement will be announced in the coming weeks.
Directed by Lila Neugebauer, the play follows several siblings returning to their late father’s home to settle his affairs, only to discover a disturbing artifact among his personal effects, which unleashes a flood of family tension and differing views. The cast also includes Michael Esper,...
The Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play will move to the Belasco Theatre starting March 25, a few weeks after it plays its last performance at the Hayes Theater. The limited run will play the Belasco Theatre through June 23.
Elle Fanning, who is starring in the current run, will not be able to transfer with the production. Fanning previously told The Hollywood Reporter she was scheduled to start filming the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown immediately after the play’s run. Her replacement will be announced in the coming weeks.
Directed by Lila Neugebauer, the play follows several siblings returning to their late father’s home to settle his affairs, only to discover a disturbing artifact among his personal effects, which unleashes a flood of family tension and differing views. The cast also includes Michael Esper,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Purple Rain, the stage musical adaptation of the classic Prince album and film, will make its pre-Broadway premiere next year in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis, producers announced today.
The musical will debut in spring 2025 at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s State Theatre in Minneapolis as part of its 2024-2025 season. Exact production dates and additional production details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The announcement was made today by producer Orin Wolf.
In a joint statement, L Londell McMillan, former Prince manager and attorney and Chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, Founder & CEO of Primary Wave Music, said, “Prince talked about adapting Purple Rain for the stage for years. It’s only fitting that we launch this world premiere musical version in the city where it all began, Prince’s hometown, Minneapolis. We’re very excited for the creative team to be inspired by the Minneapolis sound...
The musical will debut in spring 2025 at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s State Theatre in Minneapolis as part of its 2024-2025 season. Exact production dates and additional production details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The announcement was made today by producer Orin Wolf.
In a joint statement, L Londell McMillan, former Prince manager and attorney and Chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, Founder & CEO of Primary Wave Music, said, “Prince talked about adapting Purple Rain for the stage for years. It’s only fitting that we launch this world premiere musical version in the city where it all began, Prince’s hometown, Minneapolis. We’re very excited for the creative team to be inspired by the Minneapolis sound...
- 2/6/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Purple Rain is heading to Broadway for a stage adaptation.
The movie, which stars the pop superstar Prince, will be adapted to the theater by a book by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins while Lileana Blain-Cruz will direct the show. Other details about the show will be announced in the coming months.
Purple Rain starred Prince as the Kid, an up-and-coming musician based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who juggles a difficult family life, competing against a rival band and finding romance. The movie was a huge hit, grossing $100 million worldwide, and the soundtrack to the film has sold over 25 million copies. Purple Rain also won the Academy Award for Best Score, which went to Prince.
L. Londell McMillan, chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, commented on the news.
“It’s been almost 40 years since Prince’s legendary film, Purple Rain, took the world by storm...
The movie, which stars the pop superstar Prince, will be adapted to the theater by a book by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins while Lileana Blain-Cruz will direct the show. Other details about the show will be announced in the coming months.
Purple Rain starred Prince as the Kid, an up-and-coming musician based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who juggles a difficult family life, competing against a rival band and finding romance. The movie was a huge hit, grossing $100 million worldwide, and the soundtrack to the film has sold over 25 million copies. Purple Rain also won the Academy Award for Best Score, which went to Prince.
L. Londell McMillan, chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, commented on the news.
“It’s been almost 40 years since Prince’s legendary film, Purple Rain, took the world by storm...
- 1/10/2024
- by Zach Ament
- Uinterview
Prince’s classic film Purple Rain is heading to the stage. Based on Albert Magnoli and William Blinn’s screenplay for the 1984 film, the musical will be directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz, The New York Times reports.
Producer Orin Wolf, who is shepherding the theatrical adaptation of a separate music industry movie, Buena Vista Social Club, announced the news on Monday that he’s developing the stage adaptation. The resident director of Lincoln Center Theater, Blain-Crus was nominated for a 2022 revival of Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth, which...
Producer Orin Wolf, who is shepherding the theatrical adaptation of a separate music industry movie, Buena Vista Social Club, announced the news on Monday that he’s developing the stage adaptation. The resident director of Lincoln Center Theater, Blain-Crus was nominated for a 2022 revival of Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth, which...
- 1/8/2024
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Prince’s Purple Rain is being adapted for the stage.
The production is based on Albert Magnoli and William Blinn’s 1984 screenplay – which itself was tied into Prince’s studio album of the same name. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, known for their recent Broadway work on Appropriate, will write the book, with Lileana Blain-Cruz (Skin of Our Teeth) is taking on the role of director.
Starring Prince in his acting debut, the movie Purple Rain grossed close to $100 million worldwide and took home the Oscar for best original score.
Additional details about the play will be announced at a later date.
Late last year, Prince’s estate shared a super deluxe reissue of his 1991 album Diamonds and Pearls, complete with 47 previously unreleased tracks.
See where Purple Rain stacks up in our ranking of the 100 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Prince’s Purple Rain Getting Stage Adaptation
Abby Jones...
The production is based on Albert Magnoli and William Blinn’s 1984 screenplay – which itself was tied into Prince’s studio album of the same name. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, known for their recent Broadway work on Appropriate, will write the book, with Lileana Blain-Cruz (Skin of Our Teeth) is taking on the role of director.
Starring Prince in his acting debut, the movie Purple Rain grossed close to $100 million worldwide and took home the Oscar for best original score.
Additional details about the play will be announced at a later date.
Late last year, Prince’s estate shared a super deluxe reissue of his 1991 album Diamonds and Pearls, complete with 47 previously unreleased tracks.
See where Purple Rain stacks up in our ranking of the 100 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Prince’s Purple Rain Getting Stage Adaptation
Abby Jones...
- 1/8/2024
- by Abby Jones
- Consequence - Music
A stage adaptation of Prince’s film Purple Rain is under development, with a world premiere in the works.
The adaptation will feature a score by Prince, who died in 2016, a book by Pulitzer-Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whose play Appropriate is currently on Broadway, and direction by Lileana Blain-Cruz, who recently helmed Skin of Our Teeth on Broadway. The book is based on the original screenplay of Purple Rain, written by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn.
Additional details about the timing and location of the world premiere will be announced at a later date. Orin Wolf (A Band’s Visit) is producing.
The film version of Purple Rain, which was released in 1984 by Warner Bros., starred Prince as The Kid, an emerging rock musician in Minneapolis who is working through a difficult home environment, competing against a rival band and forming a new romance. In addition to the title song,...
The adaptation will feature a score by Prince, who died in 2016, a book by Pulitzer-Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whose play Appropriate is currently on Broadway, and direction by Lileana Blain-Cruz, who recently helmed Skin of Our Teeth on Broadway. The book is based on the original screenplay of Purple Rain, written by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn.
Additional details about the timing and location of the world premiere will be announced at a later date. Orin Wolf (A Band’s Visit) is producing.
The film version of Purple Rain, which was released in 1984 by Warner Bros., starred Prince as The Kid, an emerging rock musician in Minneapolis who is working through a difficult home environment, competing against a rival band and forming a new romance. In addition to the title song,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Purple Rain, Prince’s smash 1984 music-packed film, is being developed for the stage by a Broadway producer, with a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and direction by Tony nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz.
Jacobs-Jenkins’ Appropriate is currently a hit on Broadway and an all-but-certain shoo-in for multiple Tony nominations this year. Blain-Cruz was Tony-nominated for her direction of the Lincoln Center Theater’s 2022 production of Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth.
The stage adaptation will feature music and lyrics from Prince’s Purple Rain movie and album.
The project was announced today by Broadway producer Orin Wolf. Additional production details and timing will be announced in the coming months.
Although Wolf’s announcement did not specifically mention Broadway, instead simply saying the project is being developed for the stage, Broadway almost certainly must be on minds given the high-profiles and previous credits of the individuals involved, not...
Jacobs-Jenkins’ Appropriate is currently a hit on Broadway and an all-but-certain shoo-in for multiple Tony nominations this year. Blain-Cruz was Tony-nominated for her direction of the Lincoln Center Theater’s 2022 production of Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth.
The stage adaptation will feature music and lyrics from Prince’s Purple Rain movie and album.
The project was announced today by Broadway producer Orin Wolf. Additional production details and timing will be announced in the coming months.
Although Wolf’s announcement did not specifically mention Broadway, instead simply saying the project is being developed for the stage, Broadway almost certainly must be on minds given the high-profiles and previous credits of the individuals involved, not...
- 1/8/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Perhaps no single theatrical image sums up Broadway’s 2023 more effectively than Jessica Chastain’s Nora leaving her dreary, unfulfilled doll house life to exit directly into the unlimited possibilities of an honest-to-god New York City street.
Unless maybe it’s that huge tree that sprouts up smack dab in the middle of an abandoned Southern plantation home after the Appropriate cast has left the stage, a gut-punch reminder that the sins of a nation’s past don’t just wither away because we don’t want to see them.
Or maybe it was Leslie Odom Jr. delivering that eulogy-coda in Purlie Victorious, blessing his “Africanic brothers” — and the audience — with the words “Now may the Constitution of the United States go with you; the Declaration of Independence stand by you; the Bill of Rights protect you; and the State Commission Against Discrimination keep the eyes of the law upon you,...
Unless maybe it’s that huge tree that sprouts up smack dab in the middle of an abandoned Southern plantation home after the Appropriate cast has left the stage, a gut-punch reminder that the sins of a nation’s past don’t just wither away because we don’t want to see them.
Or maybe it was Leslie Odom Jr. delivering that eulogy-coda in Purlie Victorious, blessing his “Africanic brothers” — and the audience — with the words “Now may the Constitution of the United States go with you; the Declaration of Independence stand by you; the Bill of Rights protect you; and the State Commission Against Discrimination keep the eyes of the law upon you,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Sometimes you look at the best shows across a year of New York theater and see clear trends, the patterns of storytelling or corners of the industry that seem to be thriving most artistically. In 2023, however, there was a happy diversity in the tapestry of the theater that resonated most deeply, from small-scale international entries at the Under the Radar Festival, to puntastic Broadway musical comedies, to potent new voices telling tender stories off-Broadway. Even in a year that often stretched New York theater to the breaking point financially, with several companies closing and nonprofits shortening their current seasons, theater artists were able to thrive and rediscover across the city’s stages.
If there’s a pattern to be found in the dozen selections below, it’s the two writers who show up twice. One is the late legend Stephen Sondheim, represented here by both the stunning revival of Merrily We Roll Along,...
If there’s a pattern to be found in the dozen selections below, it’s the two writers who show up twice. One is the late legend Stephen Sondheim, represented here by both the stunning revival of Merrily We Roll Along,...
- 12/22/2023
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Holiday shoppers were in a Broadway spirit last week, with total box office for the 26 shows up a couple percentage points from the previous week to $31,465,465, attendance holding steady at 225,585 and the average ticket price a strong $139.48.
Still, while shows such as Merrily We Roll Along, Sweeney Todd, The Lion King, Wicked, I Need That and newcomer Appropriate filled seats during the week ending Dec. 17, Broadway’s holiday season isn’t quite as joyous as last year, with total box office receipts down about 16% year over year. Attendance was off by 18% compared to last year at this time, in no small part due to fewer productions on the boards – 26 compared to 34 last December.
Though fewer in number than last year, Broadway shows individually were, overall, reporting decent figures. Seventeen of the 26 productions filled more than 90% of their seats, with Hamilton, Merrily We Roll Along, Moulin Rouge!, I Need That and...
Still, while shows such as Merrily We Roll Along, Sweeney Todd, The Lion King, Wicked, I Need That and newcomer Appropriate filled seats during the week ending Dec. 17, Broadway’s holiday season isn’t quite as joyous as last year, with total box office receipts down about 16% year over year. Attendance was off by 18% compared to last year at this time, in no small part due to fewer productions on the boards – 26 compared to 34 last December.
Though fewer in number than last year, Broadway shows individually were, overall, reporting decent figures. Seventeen of the 26 productions filled more than 90% of their seats, with Hamilton, Merrily We Roll Along, Moulin Rouge!, I Need That and...
- 12/19/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A strange thing happens to me at the end of each year. Tasked with compiling a list of cultural favorites, I find myself drawing a blank. It’s as if I haven’t spent the past 365 days watching films, binging various TV shows, listening to albums or attending theater productions to prepare for this very moment.
On the heel of a deadline, I usually fire off some texts to friends — some desperate, all pleading. Is there anything you’ve watched this year that deserves more attention, I ask. What’s the best song you’ve heard? The best movie you watched? The best series?
Other than outsourcing a bit of my job, the questions end up being a good exercise in perspective. They reorient my attitude toward the compilation process. I begin to recognize the importance of reflecting, even casually, on a year’s worth of culture. I get excited about what’s to come,...
On the heel of a deadline, I usually fire off some texts to friends — some desperate, all pleading. Is there anything you’ve watched this year that deserves more attention, I ask. What’s the best song you’ve heard? The best movie you watched? The best series?
Other than outsourcing a bit of my job, the questions end up being a good exercise in perspective. They reorient my attitude toward the compilation process. I begin to recognize the importance of reflecting, even casually, on a year’s worth of culture. I get excited about what’s to come,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are so many stars in attendance at the opening night of Appropriate on Broadway!
Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Fanning, and Rose Byrne are just some of the celebs who walked the carpet at the opening event on Monday (December 18) at the Hayes Theater in New York City.
Appropriate, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, stars Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll, and Dakota‘s younger sister Elle Fanning. The play is billed as a “darkly comic American family drama” that takes place as the Lafayette family has returned to their late patriarch’s Arkansas home to deal with the remains of his estate. Long-hidden secrets and buried resentments can’t be contained, and the family is forced to face the ghosts of their past.
More stars in attendance at the event included Jim Parsons, Jane Krakowski, Amanda Peet, Zachary Quinto, Nicholas Braun, Rebecca Hall and Morgan Spector, and so many more.
Head inside to...
Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Fanning, and Rose Byrne are just some of the celebs who walked the carpet at the opening event on Monday (December 18) at the Hayes Theater in New York City.
Appropriate, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, stars Sarah Paulson, Corey Stoll, and Dakota‘s younger sister Elle Fanning. The play is billed as a “darkly comic American family drama” that takes place as the Lafayette family has returned to their late patriarch’s Arkansas home to deal with the remains of his estate. Long-hidden secrets and buried resentments can’t be contained, and the family is forced to face the ghosts of their past.
More stars in attendance at the event included Jim Parsons, Jane Krakowski, Amanda Peet, Zachary Quinto, Nicholas Braun, Rebecca Hall and Morgan Spector, and so many more.
Head inside to...
- 12/19/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Broadway box office and ticket prices fell back to earth last week following the previous week’s Thanksgiving holiday-inflated numbers, with the total gross for the 26 productions dropping 14% to a combined $29,568,897.
The average ticket price for the week ending Dec. 3 was $134.70, down $16.19, or 11%, from the holiday week’s average. Total attendance was off only 4%, to 219,511, indicating the decline in box office revenue can be attributed largely to the lower amount spent on tickets.
One new show, Appropriate starring Sarah Paulson, joined the roster and filled nearly every seat at the non-prof Second Stage’s Hayes Theatre. The play, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and co-starring Elle Fanning and Corey Stoll, among others, took in $483,124 for seven previews, with attendance at 98% of the venue’s capacity. Opening night is Dec. 18.
While all but eight of the productions reported post-Thanksgiving declines in box office receipts, attendance at a healthy number of the shows...
The average ticket price for the week ending Dec. 3 was $134.70, down $16.19, or 11%, from the holiday week’s average. Total attendance was off only 4%, to 219,511, indicating the decline in box office revenue can be attributed largely to the lower amount spent on tickets.
One new show, Appropriate starring Sarah Paulson, joined the roster and filled nearly every seat at the non-prof Second Stage’s Hayes Theatre. The play, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and co-starring Elle Fanning and Corey Stoll, among others, took in $483,124 for seven previews, with attendance at 98% of the venue’s capacity. Opening night is Dec. 18.
While all but eight of the productions reported post-Thanksgiving declines in box office receipts, attendance at a healthy number of the shows...
- 12/5/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Sarah Paulson is returning to Broadway after 13 years to star in the Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play Appropriate.
To portray her role in the Second Stage Theater production, Paulson said she is channeling Meredith Marks of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
During an appearance on The View, Paulson opened up about getting inspired by the Bravo reality star for her role as Antoinette “Toni” Lafayette.
“I work with a woman named Julia Crockett who helps me physically transform into some people. I’ve played a lot of real people and I need to approximate some physical communication to an audience — a visual image that reminds them of the person,” Paulson explained on the ABC talk show.
She continued, “So, I’ve been watching Chimp Empire on Netflix and I’ve been watching The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. There’s one character named — she’s not an actress, she...
To portray her role in the Second Stage Theater production, Paulson said she is channeling Meredith Marks of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
During an appearance on The View, Paulson opened up about getting inspired by the Bravo reality star for her role as Antoinette “Toni” Lafayette.
“I work with a woman named Julia Crockett who helps me physically transform into some people. I’ve played a lot of real people and I need to approximate some physical communication to an audience — a visual image that reminds them of the person,” Paulson explained on the ABC talk show.
She continued, “So, I’ve been watching Chimp Empire on Netflix and I’ve been watching The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. There’s one character named — she’s not an actress, she...
- 11/21/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
André Bishop will conclude his 33-year leadership tenure at Lincoln Center Theater in June 2025 at the conclusion of the non-profit theater company’s 40th anniversary 2024-25 season.
Bishop, whose celebrated tenure as Lct’s Artistic Director and more recently Producing Artistic Director included the premieres of such acclaimed new works as Tom Stoppard’s The Coast of Utopia and Arcadia, Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Wendy Wasserstein’s The Sisters Rosensweig, and The Light in the Piazza by Craig Lucas and Adam Guettel, to name a very few, announced his intended departure today.
“My years at Lincoln Center Theater have been happy ones,” he said in a statement, “and I will miss working with all my friends and colleagues. But the time has come, as it inevitably does, for the next generation to step in and step up. I look forward to that. Lct has...
Bishop, whose celebrated tenure as Lct’s Artistic Director and more recently Producing Artistic Director included the premieres of such acclaimed new works as Tom Stoppard’s The Coast of Utopia and Arcadia, Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Wendy Wasserstein’s The Sisters Rosensweig, and The Light in the Piazza by Craig Lucas and Adam Guettel, to name a very few, announced his intended departure today.
“My years at Lincoln Center Theater have been happy ones,” he said in a statement, “and I will miss working with all my friends and colleagues. But the time has come, as it inevitably does, for the next generation to step in and step up. I look forward to that. Lct has...
- 9/22/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
André Bishop will step down from his role as producing artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater next year, after having worked at the nonprofit theater company for 33 years.
Bishop will depart at the end of the theater’s 2024-2025 season and the board of Lincoln Center Theater will launch a search for his successor “in due course.” The move from Bishop, who has held the position of producing artistic director at the Lincoln Center theater since July 2013, after serving as artistic director since January 1992, marks the latest shake-up in Broadway’s nonprofit realm, which consists of four theater companies.
On Wednesday, Second Stage founder Carole Rothman announced she would leave the company after 45 years. Longtime Roundabout Theatre Company CEO and Artistic Director Todd Haimes died in April, and Manhattan Theatre Club Executive Producer Barry Grove announced his departure in January after 48 years with the organization.
Chris Jennings, who had previously...
Bishop will depart at the end of the theater’s 2024-2025 season and the board of Lincoln Center Theater will launch a search for his successor “in due course.” The move from Bishop, who has held the position of producing artistic director at the Lincoln Center theater since July 2013, after serving as artistic director since January 1992, marks the latest shake-up in Broadway’s nonprofit realm, which consists of four theater companies.
On Wednesday, Second Stage founder Carole Rothman announced she would leave the company after 45 years. Longtime Roundabout Theatre Company CEO and Artistic Director Todd Haimes died in April, and Manhattan Theatre Club Executive Producer Barry Grove announced his departure in January after 48 years with the organization.
Chris Jennings, who had previously...
- 9/22/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Second Stage Theater founder Carole Rothman is leaving the company after more than 45 years at its helm.
Rothman founded Second Stage in 1979, with the mission of developing and producing works by living American playwrights. The theater company operates the Tony Kiser Theater Off-Broadway and the Helen Hayes Theater on Broadway and has produced prominent shows such as the pre-Broadway production of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt; Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis and the Broadway revival of Richard Greenberg’s Take Me Out.
Rothman will depart the organization at the end of the 2023-2024 Broadway season, which will see the world premiere of Paula Vogel’s Mother Play, starring Celia Keenan-Bolger, Jessica Lange and Jim Parsons and Appropriate, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and starring Sarah Paulson.
“For 45 years, I have had the great honor of working...
Rothman founded Second Stage in 1979, with the mission of developing and producing works by living American playwrights. The theater company operates the Tony Kiser Theater Off-Broadway and the Helen Hayes Theater on Broadway and has produced prominent shows such as the pre-Broadway production of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt; Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis and the Broadway revival of Richard Greenberg’s Take Me Out.
Rothman will depart the organization at the end of the 2023-2024 Broadway season, which will see the world premiere of Paula Vogel’s Mother Play, starring Celia Keenan-Bolger, Jessica Lange and Jim Parsons and Appropriate, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and starring Sarah Paulson.
“For 45 years, I have had the great honor of working...
- 9/20/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Carole Rothman, co-founder of the renowned New York theater company Second Stage responsible for such acclaimed productions as Dear Evan Hansen, Next To Normal, This Is Our Youth and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is leaving the company she started in 1979.
“For 45 years, I have had the great honor of working with countless incredible artists and playwrights, many at the beginning of their careers, who are now among the brightest stars in the industry,” said Rothman in a statement. “The shows we have brought to life have been award-winners, conversation-starters, and groundbreakers. I’m forever grateful to all the people who have helped make Second Stage the creative springboard it is today. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Rothman’s announcement did not state a specific reason for her departure or her immediate plans.
Since its founding by Rothman and Robyn Goodman (who left...
“For 45 years, I have had the great honor of working with countless incredible artists and playwrights, many at the beginning of their careers, who are now among the brightest stars in the industry,” said Rothman in a statement. “The shows we have brought to life have been award-winners, conversation-starters, and groundbreakers. I’m forever grateful to all the people who have helped make Second Stage the creative springboard it is today. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Rothman’s announcement did not state a specific reason for her departure or her immediate plans.
Since its founding by Rothman and Robyn Goodman (who left...
- 9/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
New plays by Pulitzer Prize-winning Paula Vogel and Obie-winning Branden Jacobs-Jenkins will be among the Broadway offering of the Second Stage Theater 2023-24 season, the company announced today.
In addition to the two Broadway productions, the Second Stage season also will include an Off Broadway world premiere staging of Jen Silverman’s Spain.
Additional Second Stage productions will be announced in the coming months.
The company’s 45th Anniversary season will kick off in November with Spain, directed by Tyne Rafaeli, at one of Second Stage’s Off Broadway venues, the Tony Kiser Theater. Set in 1936, Spain follows two filmmakers who, according to the synopsis, “have landed their next big project: a sweeping Spanish Civil War film with the potential to change American hearts and minds. It just happens to be bankrolled by the Kgb. This seductive and funny new play about the art of propaganda and the dangerous ongoing...
In addition to the two Broadway productions, the Second Stage season also will include an Off Broadway world premiere staging of Jen Silverman’s Spain.
Additional Second Stage productions will be announced in the coming months.
The company’s 45th Anniversary season will kick off in November with Spain, directed by Tyne Rafaeli, at one of Second Stage’s Off Broadway venues, the Tony Kiser Theater. Set in 1936, Spain follows two filmmakers who, according to the synopsis, “have landed their next big project: a sweeping Spanish Civil War film with the potential to change American hearts and minds. It just happens to be bankrolled by the Kgb. This seductive and funny new play about the art of propaganda and the dangerous ongoing...
- 6/15/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
There won't be a second season of the Kindred TV show, at least on Hulu. The sci-fi drama series was produced by FX and was released as an exclusive on the streaming service. All eight episodes dropped on December 13th.
Created by showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the Kindred TV series is based on the 1979 novel of the same name by Octavia Butler. The show stars Mallori Johnson, Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten, Gayle Rankin, Austin Smith, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, and David Alexander Kaplan. Read More…...
Created by showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the Kindred TV series is based on the 1979 novel of the same name by Octavia Butler. The show stars Mallori Johnson, Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten, Gayle Rankin, Austin Smith, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, and David Alexander Kaplan. Read More…...
- 1/31/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
After decades of Octavia E. Butler's work being under-adapted, FX debuted the first TV adaptation of "Kindred," based on the author's esteemed 1979 novel, on Dec. 13, 2022. However, the series will not be moving forward with another season.
On Jan. 30, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively announced that FX has canceled "Kindred" after just one season. According to the outlet, showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins plans to shop the FX drama around to other networks, as he previously expressed to Popsugar a vision of having multiple seasons.
Jacobs-Jenkins's historical science fiction series, now streaming on Hulu, follows the story of Dana (Mallori Johnson), a young aspiring writer who moves to Los Angeles and suddenly finds herself mysteriously traveling back in time to a 19th-century plantation in antebellum Maryland where her late mother somehow exists.
"[W]e want to make sure we get through the story, because if anyone who knows the book, it's kind of only just now getting good,...
On Jan. 30, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively announced that FX has canceled "Kindred" after just one season. According to the outlet, showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins plans to shop the FX drama around to other networks, as he previously expressed to Popsugar a vision of having multiple seasons.
Jacobs-Jenkins's historical science fiction series, now streaming on Hulu, follows the story of Dana (Mallori Johnson), a young aspiring writer who moves to Los Angeles and suddenly finds herself mysteriously traveling back in time to a 19th-century plantation in antebellum Maryland where her late mother somehow exists.
"[W]e want to make sure we get through the story, because if anyone who knows the book, it's kind of only just now getting good,...
- 1/31/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
FX is not proceeding with a second season of Kindred, its drama series based on Octavia E. Butler’s novel, which ran exclusively on Hulu. The news comes a month and a half after the eight-episode first season was released as a binge drop Dec. 13. Launching to largely positive reviews, Kindred has not been able to create buzz the way fellow new 2022 FX scripted series The Bear has done.
It is very rare for FX to cancel a series after one season; the network is known for carefully curating its slate and taking time to develop projects, sometimes redoing a pilot, and most of its shows stick around for awhile.
From showrunner and executive producer Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Kindred centers on “Dana James” (Mallori Johnson), a young Black woman and aspiring writer who has uprooted her life of familial obligation and relocated to Los Angeles, ready to claim a future that,...
It is very rare for FX to cancel a series after one season; the network is known for carefully curating its slate and taking time to develop projects, sometimes redoing a pilot, and most of its shows stick around for awhile.
From showrunner and executive producer Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Kindred centers on “Dana James” (Mallori Johnson), a young Black woman and aspiring writer who has uprooted her life of familial obligation and relocated to Los Angeles, ready to claim a future that,...
- 1/31/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Kindred will not move forward at FX.
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the Disney-backed basic-cable network has canceled the drama based on Octavia E. Butler’s 1979 novel about a young Black woman who is pulled back and forth in time. Showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Watchmen) is expected to shop the drama from FX Productions as he envisioned a multiple-season run for the series.
Reps for FX declined to comment.
Kindred debuted Dec. 13, launching all eight episodes of the drama that starred Mallori Johnson as an L.A. woman who is pulled back in time to the 19th century South. Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten and Gayle Rankin also starred in the drama.
In an interview with THR podcast TV’s Top 5, Jacobs-Jenkins opened up about the “profound impact” Butler’s work had on him and the path to Kindred that started back in 2010. To hear the first-time showrunner tell it, “Obama helped” the show sell,...
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the Disney-backed basic-cable network has canceled the drama based on Octavia E. Butler’s 1979 novel about a young Black woman who is pulled back and forth in time. Showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Watchmen) is expected to shop the drama from FX Productions as he envisioned a multiple-season run for the series.
Reps for FX declined to comment.
Kindred debuted Dec. 13, launching all eight episodes of the drama that starred Mallori Johnson as an L.A. woman who is pulled back in time to the 19th century South. Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten and Gayle Rankin also starred in the drama.
In an interview with THR podcast TV’s Top 5, Jacobs-Jenkins opened up about the “profound impact” Butler’s work had on him and the path to Kindred that started back in 2010. To hear the first-time showrunner tell it, “Obama helped” the show sell,...
- 1/31/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nominations for the 54th NAACP Image Awards were announced on Thursday, and first-time contender Abbott Elementary is the most nominated series of the year.
The recently renewed sitcom amassed nine nominations (including Outstanding Comedy Series), followed in the comedy race by black-ish (with seven nominations). Dramas P-Valley and Queen Sugar collected six total nominations.
More from TVLineAbbott Elementary Scores Early Renewal for Season 3 at ABCGolden Globes: Abbott Elementary Wins Best Comedy Series; Victory Marks Big Comeback for BroadcastGolden Globes 2023: Quinta Brunson Wins Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary
Among limited series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters...
The recently renewed sitcom amassed nine nominations (including Outstanding Comedy Series), followed in the comedy race by black-ish (with seven nominations). Dramas P-Valley and Queen Sugar collected six total nominations.
More from TVLineAbbott Elementary Scores Early Renewal for Season 3 at ABCGolden Globes: Abbott Elementary Wins Best Comedy Series; Victory Marks Big Comeback for BroadcastGolden Globes 2023: Quinta Brunson Wins Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary
Among limited series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters...
- 1/12/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Time-travel stories are, inevitably, almost always about the present. They’re sort of a crucible for our values and ideas about the world, when transposed suddenly to the distant past or future. But FX’s “Kindred,” based on the 1979 Octavia Butler novel, owes its identity as much to the problems and possibilities of TV in the 21st century as it does to one of the landmark speculative fiction stories of the 20th century. Showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins saw something happening as he watched shows like “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad” inaugurate the age of the antihero in the late ’00s. He saw an emphasis shift in the structure and storytelling priorities of certain TV shows, one that might perfectly fit the way Butler’s novel plays with the movement of time and how it affects the characters.
“[I saw “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad”] engaging a viewership, not playing the game of like,...
“[I saw “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad”] engaging a viewership, not playing the game of like,...
- 1/5/2023
- by Sarah Shachat
- Indiewire
Disgruntled angels are coming to Hulu. The streamer has ordered Standing By, a satirical look into the lives of a group of eternally bound, irritated guardian angels and the lessons they’ll eventually learn from not only the dysfunctional humans they’re in charge of protecting but also one another.
The animated series is from 20th TV Animation and creators Dan Levy and Ally Pankiw. Danielle Uhlarik will serve as showrunner and executive producer. “Standing By is about the hilarity, embarrassment and melodrama of everyday life as observed by a team of judgmental, gossip-starved guardian angels,” said Levy and Pankiw in a joint statement. “We are very excited to bring this world to life with the help of Hulu, 20th Television Animation, and Bento Box Entertainment. Not to mention an insanely brilliant cast of actors.”
Related Story Reese Witherspoon Headlines ‘All Stars’ Comedy Series, Nabbed By Amazon With 2-Season Order...
The animated series is from 20th TV Animation and creators Dan Levy and Ally Pankiw. Danielle Uhlarik will serve as showrunner and executive producer. “Standing By is about the hilarity, embarrassment and melodrama of everyday life as observed by a team of judgmental, gossip-starved guardian angels,” said Levy and Pankiw in a joint statement. “We are very excited to bring this world to life with the help of Hulu, 20th Television Animation, and Bento Box Entertainment. Not to mention an insanely brilliant cast of actors.”
Related Story Reese Witherspoon Headlines ‘All Stars’ Comedy Series, Nabbed By Amazon With 2-Season Order...
- 12/15/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s been nearly five decades since the publication of Octavia E. Butler’s critically acclaimed Black sci-fi novel Kindred. In an interview with Publisher’s Weekly, Butler explained that she wanted to write a thought-provoking novel “that would make others feel the history: the pain and fear that Black people have had to live through in order to endure.” The themes of racial injustice, systematic oppression and trauma are, unfortunately, still an evergreen topic, but one that has always seemed primed for its own film or television series. We can see from the recent award-winning releases of HBO’s Lovecraft Country and Watchmen (2019) or writer-director Jordan Peele’s trilogy of films Get Out, Us and Nope that there’s an audience for adapting works that challenge, contextualize or expand the notions behind the complicated history of slavery and Black trauma in America.
It’s surprising that since its publication in...
It’s surprising that since its publication in...
- 12/15/2022
- by Destiny Jackson
- Deadline Film + TV
For playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who identifies himself as a “super fan” who aims to amplify the things he loves on the big screen, the decision to adapt Octavia Butler’s “Kindred” was “instantaneous” after a 2010 reread of the beloved sci-fi novel sparked a vision of a TV adaptation.
“Kindred” follows Dana (Mallori Johnson), an aspiring TV writer who moves to Los Angeles and sparks a relationship with a waiter named Kevin (Micah Stock) after a family reunion with her aunt and uncle goes south. Amid her personal turmoil, Dana begins to question her sanity when she is violently pulled back in time to a 19th-century plantation.
When Dana unintentionally transports Kevin along with her to a time when an interracial couple like themselves would never be socially acceptable, their budding romance grows complex as Kevin assumes the role of slave holder, and Dana of an enslaved laborer owned by Kevin,...
“Kindred” follows Dana (Mallori Johnson), an aspiring TV writer who moves to Los Angeles and sparks a relationship with a waiter named Kevin (Micah Stock) after a family reunion with her aunt and uncle goes south. Amid her personal turmoil, Dana begins to question her sanity when she is violently pulled back in time to a 19th-century plantation.
When Dana unintentionally transports Kevin along with her to a time when an interracial couple like themselves would never be socially acceptable, their budding romance grows complex as Kevin assumes the role of slave holder, and Dana of an enslaved laborer owned by Kevin,...
- 12/14/2022
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
FX‘s adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s celebrated novel Kindred has finally arrived on Hulu. But before you dive into all eight episodes, TV Insider caught up with the cast at New York Comic Con. The creative team and stars Sheria Irving, Sophina Brown, Mallori Johnson, Austin Smith, Micah Stock, Gayle Rankin, David Alexander Kaplan, and Branden Jacobs Jenkins stopped by TV Guide Magazine and TV Insider’s studio to talk all things Kindred. The series centers around Dana (Mallori Johnson), a young Black woman and aspiring writer who has uprooted her life of familial obligation and relocated to Los Angeles to claim a future that finally feels like her own. (Credit: Tina Rowden/FX) The catch? Before Dana can get settled into her new home, she finds herself pulled back and forth in time to a nineteenth-century plantation with which she and her family are surprisingly and intimately linked.
- 12/13/2022
- TV Insider
FX’s “Kindred,” streaming on Hulu, is the long-awaited adaptation of what is arguably sci-fi trailblazer Octavia E. Butler’s most well-known novel. Released in 1979, “Kindred” is a literary mash-up that is part slave narrative, fantasy and historical fiction. What many regard as Butler’s magnum opus transports a modern Black woman back in time to a plantation where she experiences life as an enslaved woman. To bring this work to life, which has been in the Hollywood pipeline since at least the 1990s, FX tasked Obie Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, noted for his plays “Appropriate” and “An Octoroon” as well as Pulitzer Prize finalists “Gloria” and “Everybody.” Jacobs-Jenkins also served as a producer on HBO’s critically acclaimed, multiple Emmy Award-winning limited series “Watchmen,” which propelled the horrific Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 into popular conversations.
Which is all to say, this adaptation of “Kindred” has some serious bona fides bringing it to life.
Which is all to say, this adaptation of “Kindred” has some serious bona fides bringing it to life.
- 12/13/2022
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- The Wrap
FX's "Kindred" is the literary TV event of the year and the cast and crew are honored to bring such an iconic story to the small screen. The series adaptation based on Octavia E. Butler's celebrated 1979 novel of the same name, which arrived on Hulu on Dec. 13, is billed as a "genre-bending exploration" of slavery, racism, sexism, and family history at the crux of a young Black woman's unexpected time travel expedition set in 2016.
"Every decision we made, we tried to make in the grain of the book or some version of the book we were given access to."
Centered on Dana (played by Mallori Johnson), "Kindred" follows the aspiring writer-turned-Los Angeles transplant and her budding interracial romance with new friend Kevin (Micah Stock) as she's violently pulled back in time to a 19th-century plantation that she finds she has secret family ties to. All the while, she...
"Every decision we made, we tried to make in the grain of the book or some version of the book we were given access to."
Centered on Dana (played by Mallori Johnson), "Kindred" follows the aspiring writer-turned-Los Angeles transplant and her budding interracial romance with new friend Kevin (Micah Stock) as she's violently pulled back in time to a 19th-century plantation that she finds she has secret family ties to. All the while, she...
- 12/13/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
In the new FX drama Kindred, a young Black woman named Dana finds herself time-traveling back and forth between Los Angeles in 2016 to a slave plantation in early 19th century Maryland. On some of these trips, Dana (Mallori Johnson) takes along Kevin (Micah Stock), a white man she has only just started dating, out of an understandable fear of being in that time and place on her own. For the most part, both are horrified to be there. But there is a peaceful moment during one of their longer visits...
- 12/13/2022
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
With FX’s Kindred, which premieres all eight episodes this Tuesday on Hulu, Octavia E. Butler’s groundbreaking sci-fi novel finally makes its way to the screen.
The story follows Dana (played by WeCrashed’s Mallori Johnson), an aspiring writer who uproots her life and relocates to Los Angeles for a fresh start. But before the young Black woman can settle into her new home, she finds herself being inexplicably yanked back and forth through time, landing at a 19th-century plantation that is intimately connected to her family.
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The story follows Dana (played by WeCrashed’s Mallori Johnson), an aspiring writer who uproots her life and relocates to Los Angeles for a fresh start. But before the young Black woman can settle into her new home, she finds herself being inexplicably yanked back and forth through time, landing at a 19th-century plantation that is intimately connected to her family.
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- 12/13/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Click here to read the full article.
Welcome to the 195th episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast.
Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests, and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).
This week, we’re joined by playwright-turned-showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins to discuss his FX on Hulu series Kindred and feature the return of the Mailbag segment. Here’s how the episode plays out:
1. Headlines
The Dark Tower, Taylor Kitch, Jake Gyllenhaal, Monarch, Surface, HBO Max, AMC and The Daily Show lead the week’s top headlines.
2. Golden Globes are back
Jerrod Carmichael has signed on to host the 80th annual awards show, which makes its return following a...
Welcome to the 195th episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast.
Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests, and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).
This week, we’re joined by playwright-turned-showrunner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins to discuss his FX on Hulu series Kindred and feature the return of the Mailbag segment. Here’s how the episode plays out:
1. Headlines
The Dark Tower, Taylor Kitch, Jake Gyllenhaal, Monarch, Surface, HBO Max, AMC and The Daily Show lead the week’s top headlines.
2. Golden Globes are back
Jerrod Carmichael has signed on to host the 80th annual awards show, which makes its return following a...
- 12/9/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
As the recent kerfuffle involving a producer of Apple TV+’s Emancipation bringing an 1863 photograph of a horrifyingly abused slave to a red-carpet premiere reminded us, trauma is not a thing to be treated glibly, regardless of intent.
Using unfathomable horrors from the real world as a grounded backdrop for occasionally fantastical genre pieces is a well-established minefield. Remember a few years ago when a pair of alternate histories based on the Civil War were announced and then disappeared, one amid immediate criticism (HBO’s Confederate) and the other amid general curiosity (Amazon’s Black America, from Aaron McGruder)? Yet we’ve still seen the Holocaust play a key role in series built around time travel (Russian Doll), vampires (The Strain), serial killers (The Patient) and action-driven revenge (Hunters), while more viewers likely learned about the Tulsa Massacre through superhero (Watchmen) and horror...
As the recent kerfuffle involving a producer of Apple TV+’s Emancipation bringing an 1863 photograph of a horrifyingly abused slave to a red-carpet premiere reminded us, trauma is not a thing to be treated glibly, regardless of intent.
Using unfathomable horrors from the real world as a grounded backdrop for occasionally fantastical genre pieces is a well-established minefield. Remember a few years ago when a pair of alternate histories based on the Civil War were announced and then disappeared, one amid immediate criticism (HBO’s Confederate) and the other amid general curiosity (Amazon’s Black America, from Aaron McGruder)? Yet we’ve still seen the Holocaust play a key role in series built around time travel (Russian Doll), vampires (The Strain), serial killers (The Patient) and action-driven revenge (Hunters), while more viewers likely learned about the Tulsa Massacre through superhero (Watchmen) and horror...
- 12/8/2022
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The story that drives "Kindred" is deceptively simple: Dana James (Mallori Johnson) is a modern-day Black woman who is violently yanked back in time to a pre-Civil War plantation. It doesn't take a genius to map out what comes next. Modern-day sensibilities will clash with antebellum-era subjugation, and though audiences will cringe away from the brutality, unwavering resilience will carry our protagonist through. Haven't we seen this narrative in all the agonizing iterations that came before?
But anyone with a passing knowledge of trailblazing sci-fi author Octavia Butler knows better than to assume simplicity. Her genre-bending novel made waves for its complexity, telling a story in which misery porn is not a requirement to communicate the horrors of slavery and Dana's fragility is every bit as true as her strength. Writer Branden Jacobs-Jenkins assures that his eight-episode television adaptation, which was produced by FX and will stream on Hulu, follows suit.
But anyone with a passing knowledge of trailblazing sci-fi author Octavia Butler knows better than to assume simplicity. Her genre-bending novel made waves for its complexity, telling a story in which misery porn is not a requirement to communicate the horrors of slavery and Dana's fragility is every bit as true as her strength. Writer Branden Jacobs-Jenkins assures that his eight-episode television adaptation, which was produced by FX and will stream on Hulu, follows suit.
- 12/8/2022
- by Shania Russell
- Slash Film
Although Causeway opens in an unassuming manner, from the get-go it tells us there’s much more than meets the eye. Initially, we see the back of Lynsey’s (Jennifer Lawrence) head as she waits for someone to pick her up. When her ride arrives, we learn something new about her, as we see an officer push her in a wheelchair. Soon she’s taken to a facility where people just want to help her feel better. Eventually, we learn, that Lynsey suffered a severe brain injury that forced her to come home from a tour in Afghanistan. The problem is, home no longer feels like that for her.
As Lynsey adjusts to this world she barely recognizes, in hopes she will soon be redeployed, she meets James (Brian Tyree Henry), a kind mechanic who recognizes a fellow spirit in need when she arrives in his workshop with a broken truck.
As Lynsey adjusts to this world she barely recognizes, in hopes she will soon be redeployed, she meets James (Brian Tyree Henry), a kind mechanic who recognizes a fellow spirit in need when she arrives in his workshop with a broken truck.
- 11/18/2022
- by Jose Solís
- The Film Stage
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