If Love Were All 1998

Get the latest scoop on the upcoming performances at 54 Below. From Broadway veterans to rising stars, experience the magic of live entertainment this coming month.

“People know me as this light, fun person. They have a hard time seeing me play a character like that because it’s so different from (who I am).” Deon Releford-Lee

Join the 2024 Queerly Festival at UNDER St. Marks this summer. Learn more about the programming and see how to purchase tickets.

30 years ago, on April 18, 1994, Disney's Beauty and the Beast opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre. The musical would go on to run for 46 previews and 5462 regular performances, making it the 10th longest-runing Broadway show of all time. 

Should you avoid seeing the show? For God’s sake, no. You will miss what is surely going to be one of the most talked about pieces of work in Houston’s theatrical history. Go see it, and make your own call whether you love or hate it. But don’t let them brainwash you into thinking this is only about love because it is also about repulsion, and that is okay. It is very much as if David Cronenberg and David Lynch made a movie, and Jim Henson designed the sex scenes.

Ragtime, based on the 1975 novel by E. L. Doctorow, premiered in Toronto in 1996 before opening on Broadway in 1998. The musical, by Terrance McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens, tells the story of the United States in the early 20th century, focusing on the experiences and tensions that existed (and still exist) between different groups of people. It is a beautiful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking show, and audiences can experience it on stage at Dutch Apple through May 12th. Tricia Corcoran, who portrays Emma Goldman, spoke with BroadwayWorld about this production of Ragtime.

A new batch of shows to be staged at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been revealed. Learn more about the full lineup here!

Hadestown is a show that has taken the West End by storm. Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Melanie La Barrie, who plays Hermes. We discussed how La Barrie first got into theatre and decided to move to London, how she changed the role of Hermes by removing references to the character’s gender and why Hadestown such a special show.

From the moment the lights dim to the opening chords of the Prologue, the audience knew they were in for a treat. A haunting and stirring rendition of The Old Red Hills of Home, led by young actor Elijah Zurek as the Young Soldier, will have you in a chokehold from the very start.

When it comes to concerts, Audra McDonald says she’s learned to choose a song list that really appeals to her. And she’s done just that for her current tour, which will bring her to Symphony Hall for her eighth appearance with the Celebrity Series of Boston, this time with an orchestra of local musicians, on February 27.

The Garden Theatre has revealed the 2024-2025 Broadway on Plant Theatre Season, running from July 2024 - June 2025. See which shows are being presented, and learn how to purchase tickets.

East West Players has unveiled its the 2024 Season. See full programming and lear how to purchase tickets!

BroadwayWorld chats with virtuoso actor/pianist/filmmaker Hershey Felder about his return to TheatreWorks Silicon Valley in his popular 'George Gershwin Alone' & 'Great American Songbook Sing-Along' shows February 7th thru 12th.

The Staller Center invites you to be in 'the room where it happens' with Leslie Odom, Jr., on March 9 for An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. Renowned across stage, screen, and song, Odom, Jr. is best known for his roles as Aaron Burr in Hamilton and Purlie in Purlie Victorious.

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet will have its North American Premiere at the Ahmanson January 31, 2024 (with previews starting January 28th). Matthew directs and choreographs his cast of 27 New Adventures dancers. Matthew managed to answer a few of my queries on the phone amidst the background of police sirens blaring.

For over 15 years FRIGID New York has been presenting an annual festival of fringe theatre in New York City. This Spring their biggest festival of the year will be rebranded as the New York City Fringe Festival.

 Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company announced the extension of its third production of the 2023/24 season, the world premiere of Ladysitting.

At one point, someone seated in front of me kvelled, “We don’t deserve this” over and over again. I couldn’t agree more.

DON’T SAVE IT ALL FOR CHRISTMAS isn’t on the horizon, dear Bobby readers, it’s here already and poised to be put on your playlist for your holiday party

What did our critic think of PIPPIN at BW Musical Theatre Program? In the Fall of 1971, while chaperoning a group of college students to New York, I saw PIPPIN, the Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics), Roger Hirson (book), Bob Fosse (director/choreographer) musical.  I had an instant love affair with the show!

Don't miss the world premiere performance of Aaron Zigman's new oratorio, Emigré, featuring the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and members of the New York Philharmonic. Learn more about this powerful musical collaboration and the inspiring story it tells.

State Theatre New Jersey presents Pam Tillis & Phil Vassar: Holidays and Hits on Thursday, November 30 at 8pm. The country singer-songwriters will perform holiday hits and their hit songs. Tickets range from $29-$99.  

Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced the location, cast, and creative team for the highly-anticipated spring production of Macbeth. Directed by STC Artistic Director Simon Godwin, Macbeth stars Tony and BAFTA Award-winner Ralph Fiennes and Olivier Award-winner Indira Varma as the leading lord and lady. Learn more about the location, cast, and creative team here!

This time, the reader question was: With Purlie Victorious returning to Broadway, what are other plays that were revived on Broadway after their musical adaptations premiered?

When you think of radio in Arkansas, there are very few that would come to mind worthy enough to make the Mount Rushmore of Radio in Central Arkansas-- Bob Robbins, Tommy Smith, Craig O’Neill, Broadway Joe Booker and Corey Deitz would be the five making up that monument of honor.