Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: August 10, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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LET BRIGADOON TRANSPORT YOU AWAY FROM A HOT SUMMER

Georgina Onuorah in Brigadoon. Photo by Mark Senior

Brigadoon - a personal favorite.

Gorgeous music, improbable romance, eventual happiness.

Brigadoon, Brigadoon,
There my heart forever lies’

Not seen in London for over 35 years, "Brigadoon" features soaring songs including ‘Almost Like Being in Love’, ‘Waitin’ for My Dearie’ and ‘The Heather on the Hill’. In a new adaptation by leading Scottish playwright Rona Munro, this revival of a theatrical classic is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie in his first production as Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

The musical, about the mysterious town on the Scottish Highlands that appears for just one day each century, follows crash-landed WWII fighter pilots Tommy and Jeff who discover sisters Fiona and Jean, who are preparing for a wedding.

'Brigadoon' is a mythical and magical village located in the Scottish Highlands. Two unsuspecting travelers from the United States stumble upon the town while hunting and are immediately swept up in the activities of the townsfolk whose home only appears for one day every one hundred years.

One of the many dances in this exuberant musical. Photo. Regent's Park

Brigadoon ladies kick up their heels. Photo: Regent's Park

Drew McOnie directs and choreographs the Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe musical, which features a new adaptation by acclaimed Scottish playwright Rona Munro.

In Munro's adaptation there is a period change, being advanced to World War II, in the first major UK revival since 1988. Another change from the original is that they are not game hunters but downed military pilots.

The cast is led by Danielle Fiamanya and Georgina Onuorah as Fiona MacLaren, Louis Gaunt as Tommy Albright, Jasmine Jules Andrews as Jean MacLaren, Edward Baruwa as Andrew MacLaren, Norman Bowman as Archie Beaton, Chrissy Brooke as Maggie Anderson, Cavan Clarke as Jeff Douglas, David Colvin as Piper, Gilli Jones as Charlie Dalrymple, Anne Lacey as Lundie, Nic Myers as Meg Brockie, and Danny Nattrass as Harry Beaton, plus ensemble members and swings Elizabeth Armstrong, Taylor Bradshaw, Tanisha-Mae Brown, Adam Davidson, Tim Hodges, Shoko Ito, Christian Knight, Robin Mackenzie, Owen McHugh, Jessie Odeleye, Eve Parsons, Bethany Tennick, Dale White, and Liam Wrate.

Brigadoon officially opened on Broadway March 13, 1947, at the Ziegfeld Theatre, where it would continue for 581 performances through July 31, 1948. Directed by Robert Lewis with choreography by Agnes de Mille, the original Broadway cast included David Brooks as Tommy Albright, Marion Bell as Fiona MacLaren, Pamela Britton as Meg Brockie, Lee Sullivan as Charlie Dalrymple, George Keane as Jeff Douglas, and Frances Charles as Jane Ashton. De Mille subsequently won the 1947 Tony Award for Best Choreography, her first.

The creative team for the Regent's Park production also includes musical director Laura Bangay, set designer Basia Binkowska, casting director Will Burton, costume designer Sami Fendall, associate wig, hair, and makeup designer and supervisor Carol Hancock, associate director Alessandra Davison, voice coach Hazel Holder, lighting designer Jessica Hung Han Yun, sound designer Nick Lidster for Autograph, intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon, associate choreographer Ebony Molina, dialect coach Morag Stark, and music supervisor and orchestrator Sarah Travis.

Brigadoon West End Cast Revival at Regent Part Open Air Theatre officially opens August 11, 2025 and is comin' through the mist through September 20, 2025.

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is an open-air theatre in Regent's Park in central London, established in 1932. Originally known for its Shakespearean productions, the theatre now features a wide variety of performances, including musicals, operas and plays simplified for children.

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In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

THE KING'S TOUR ARTISTS

Phillip Butah's elephant sanctuary. Photo The King's Tour

The works on display in the Palace’s Ballroom, chosen from a selection made by The King, will provide glimpses of life on a royal tour, capturing the tone, colours and atmosphere in ways that differ from a photographic record. a special exhibition on display this summer in the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. The King’s Tour Artists, featuring over 70 works of art from His Majesty’s own collection, many on public display for the first time.

In the spring of 1985, the then Prince of Wales invited, at his own expense, John Ward to join a royal visit to Italy as the official tour artist, with the brief to draw or paint whatever inspired him. For the past 40 years, official tour artists have been personally selected by The King to accompany him on royal overseas tours with the brief remaining largely unchanged throughout. Forty-three artists to have undertaken this role, who collectively have visited 95 countries during 70 tours, are represented in the exhibition.

In 2023, Phillip Butah was invited to join The King and Queen on a State Visit to Kenya, hosted by President William Ruto, having first met His Majesty in 1998 when he became the youngest-ever winner of the Prince of Wales’s Young Artists’ Award. As recounted in "The Art of Royal Travel: Journeys with The King", the most memorable engagement for Butah was a visit to an elephant sanctuary in Nairobi National Park. Having never painted anything like it before, he wanted to recreate the weather, the noises and the elephants behaving like children, playing with each other.

Warwick Fuller's Australian National Botanic Gardens. Photo The King's Tour

When Warwick Fuller joined the royal visit to Australia and Samoa in 2024, the most recent tour to be represented in the exhibition, it was his fourth tour as the official artist. Familiar with the relentless pace of royal tours, while in Canberra, Fuller went straight to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, where the events of the day were to conclude. On arrival, he was directed to the location of the waratahs, which had been spotted in full springtime bloom beside a mature eucalyptus. The waratah plant, native to eastern Australia and related to the ancient Protea group of plants, has long held significance in Indigenous Australian culture. Its ability to survive bush fires and regenerate links it to sentiments of strength and resilience.

The Royal Yacht, HMY Britannia, features in the work by Susannah Fiennes, produced during a visit by the then Prince of Wales to Hong Kong when representing Queen Elizabeth II for the handover to China in 1997. Fiennes made sketches of life on board, including a watercolour of two Royal Yachtsmen following the daily routine of lowering and raising the flag. The tour would be the last for the Royal Yacht, which was decommissioned later that year.

The works on display in the Palace’s Ballroom, chosen from a selection made by The King, will provide glimpses of life on a royal tour, capturing the tone, colors and atmosphere in ways that differ from a photographic record.

An accompanying publication, "The Art of Royal Travel: Journeys with The King", further explores and celebrates this special royal tradition.

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SWEET CHARITY

SUBARU TEAMS WITH ACTOR MAX GREENFIELD AND ADOPTACLASSROOM.ORG to provide teachers in high needs schools with classroom supply funding.

In fifth year of partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, the Subaru Loves Learning initiative will support a total of more than 950,000 students through 2025. Subaru of America and its retailers will once again provide funding to teachers across the country to purchase the school supplies and resources needed to help their students succeed.

To launch the 2025 program, beloved actor, author, education advocate, and father of two, Max Greenfield, has partnered with Subaru to adopt a classroom as part of the Subaru Loves Learning initiative. Greenfield visited a local elementary school in Los Angeles that has been supported by the Subaru Loves Learning initiative, where he helped spotlight the impact that funding can have on classrooms as back-to-school season quickly approaches.

The average teacher in the U.S. spends $895 of their own money each year on classroom materials. To help make a difference, Subaru of America and its retailers are providing funding through the Subaru Loves Learning initiative to teachers across the country to purchase essential classroom supplies through AdoptAClassroom.org, so students have what they need to start the year strong.

Subaru of America will kick off the 2025 Subaru Loves Learning initiative by adopting 91 classrooms in the Camden City School District, near the automaker’s headquarters in Camden, NJ. This hometown effort will include funding, as well as employee volunteers helping teachers set up their classrooms for the new school year.

92% of teachers in the U.S. have students whose families can’t afford school supplies. Through the Subaru Loves Learning initiative, Subaru of America and its retailers will provide funding to teachers across the country to purchase the school supplies and resources needed to help their students succeed, reaching more than 950,000 students through 2025.

BRODY STEVENS' FESTIVAL OF FRIENDSHIP This all star comedy line-up honors the late comedian Brody Stevens who ended his life through suicideand raises awareness and money for Comedy Gives Back’s mental health resources and programs supporting stand-up comedians.

Comedy Gives Back is the safety net for the comedy community. Simply put, CGB is doing for comedians what MusiCares does for musicians and the Entertainment Community Fund does for actors. CGB helps comedians get back to doing what they do best - making people laugh.

These events will celebrate the life and comedy of our dear friend, Brody Stevens, bring people together which we know Brody would have loved, and raise awareness about suicide prevention.

Every year on 8/18 the organization holds a benefit show to celebrate their friend Brody. The 818 Benefit show takes place August 18th at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.

SPREADING THE WORD

LEGEND NATHAN LANE attended bergenPAC's Performing Arts School summer production of DreamWorks' "Shrek the Musical". He congratulated all the student performers and praised Adam Lucas from Woodbridge, New Jersey, for his outstanding voice as Shrek. Lane also commended Angelina Brennen from Lyndhurst, New Jersey, who played Fiona, and Feriz Sulejmani from Wayne, New Jersey, who portrayed Lord Farquaad.

The dream came true event for performing arts students was when, after the performance, he engaged with the students, inspiring them with his encouragement for their passion and dedication.

Performing Arts School (PAS) presented "Shrek The Musical" a Tony Award-winning production which features a hilarious and heartwarming storyline, unforgettable characters, and an energetic score by Jeanine Tesori, known for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Caroline, or Change, along with a witty book by David Lindsay-Abaire.

The production showcased the remarkable talents of Northern New Jersey's most gifted performers, with students aged 8 to 25 demonstrating their commitment and creativity in this summer theater program. Since its inception in 2011, bergenPAC's summer musicals have provided professional-quality training to nearly 2,000 young performers, many of whom have gone on to attend top college programs and pursue successful careers.

Notably, Rachel Zegler—who starred in "Les Misérables" (2016) and" West Side Story" (2017) at the Bergen Performing Arts Center—went on to win a Golden Globe for her performance as Maria in Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" (2021). After starring in "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" and "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", she made her Broadway debut in "Romeo + Juliet" and on London’s West End in "Evita."

The bergenPAC Performing Arts School, based in Englewood, NJ offers instruction in music, dance, theater, and the visual arts to students from infancy through early adulthood. With 1,000 students enrolled on-site and outreach to 10,000 more annually through schools, assisted living facilities, and community organizations, the school remains committed to accessibility through its robust scholarship fund. Alumni have gone on to prestigious arts programs and careers on stage and screen.

THE ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA (RBO) one of Britain’s most prestigious arts institutions, has canceled its planned production of "Tosca" in Israel following a widespread staff backlash.

In a recent open letter, 182 members of staff said they "reject" holding current or future performances in Israel because of its war in Gaza.

The RBO had planned to stage the three-act opera, which dramatizes the "devastation of war," in collaboration with the Israeli Opera in Tel Aviv next year.

Alex Beard, RBO’s chief executive,confirmed to news outlets that that cancellation was out of “concerns about the safety of company members in the region, in light of the ongoing conflict.”

The RBO’s production of "Tosca" will premiere in London in September. The Israeli Opera website has since removed all reference to the planned production. THE TONIGHT SHOW has always been a springboard for new comedians. Jimmy Fallon's version is no exception. Last Wednesday Alabama born and bred standup Derrick Stroup was a unique delight. Funny material with none that reminds you of something you heard come out of another mouth.

He'll be special taping two shows October 4, 2025 at 5 and 8 p, at the Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama.

Alabama native, Waffle House enthusiast and stand-up comedian Derrick Stroup is not your average slow talking Southerner. Hr has been described as: "With the cadence of an angry auctioneer, he locks people in with his detailed stories and over the top energy."

HAMILTON celebrating its 10th anniversary on Broadway has announced a special theatrical release of the filmed version of the original production. The musical opened on Broadway on August 6, 2015, and is marked the occasion with two special performances on August 6, 2025. The filmed version will be released in theaters on September 5, 2025, allowing fans to experience the show on the big screen for the first time.

ALAN SMASON veteran New Orleans theatre critic has announced the creation of the Crescent City Theatre Awards, a 501c3 non-profit that will honor the New Orleans area's theater companies and individuals, replacing the now defunct Big Easy Awards.

The board will hold a gala in the fall where awards will be presented for excellence among 2024 shows.

DUCK DYNASTY FAMILY has partnered with Michigan's Hillsdale College on a new initiative, Unashamed Academy. The Robertsons will guide listeners of their "Unashamed" podcast through a discussion of Hillsdale’s online course, "The Genesis Story,"bringing their unique insights, wisdom, and humor. "Unashamed" takes place on Fridays, beginning August 29.

Hillsdale College is a classical liberal arts college in southern Michigan that operates independently of government funding.

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE Werg the World Tour takes place Sunday, August 17, 2025 at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ.

The nominees are in, and the competition is fierce. This year, RuPaul's Drag Race Werq the World is taking you behind the velvet ropes of the most exclusive awards show in herstory. Werq the World is hosted by Jimbo as Joan Rivers. Plus, performances by Daya Betty (season 14) as Lady Gaga, Jaida Essence Hall (season 12) as Beyoncé, Jorgeous (season 14) as Ariana Grande, Kim Chi (season 8) as Celine Dion, and Vanessa Vanjie (season 10) as Rihanna on the most important night of the year for the art of Drag.

ELIZABETH McGOVERN currently starring in AVE at New York City Center through September 14, 2025 then returns to television, stepping into the world of Anne Rice with AMC’s Talamasca: The Secret Order, a supernatural series set to premiere October 26. She will play Helen, a seasoned veteran of the secretive organization, and the leader of its New York Motherhouse.

The cast includes: Nicholas Denton as Guy Anatole. William Fichtner as Jasper. Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Olive. Céline Buckens as Doris and Jason Schwartzman as Burton.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

ROUNDABOUT'S TODD HAIMES THEATRE is set to experience a $24-million renovation.

This will mark the first major renovation of the Broadway theatre, named for Roundabout's late artistic director, in nearly 30 years.

To make that happen, the theatre will be closed this fall for the renovations and will reopen in spring 2026 with "Fallen Angel" starring Rose Byrne and Tony winner Kelli O'Hara.

Over 30 years ago, then-Artistic Director Haimes oversaw Roundabout, which produced new work Off-Broadway as a nonprofit, into a Broadway producer. As part of the 42nd Street Redevelopment Project, Roundabout was tapped to restore the dilapidated Selwyn Theatre. The $26-million renovation from 1997-2000 preserved the neo-classical style and added two additional floors atop the theatre to support Roundabout’s nonprofit mission-driven programs. The venue subsequently reopened as the American Airlines Theatre in 2000. Following Haimes’ unexpected passing in 2023, Roundabout renamed the theatre in his honor, and it remains the organization’s flagship home on Broadway.

The renovation will expand accessible seating and assisted listening technology, upgrade the digital marquee system, renovate all restrooms and dressing rooms, modernize the elevators, restore the theatre’s historic interior, and upgrade critical building systems. The theatre’s fifth floor will be revamped into a flex-use space to support artistic, education, and community engagement programs.

Roundabout's partners in government have allocated $13.9 million to support this project, including $10.9 million from the City of New York through the Department of Cultural Affairs, City Council, and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office; and $3 million from the State of New York through Empire State Development, the New York State Council on the Arts, and State Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly member Tony Simone.

Roundabout Interim Artistic Director Scott Ellis said in a statement, "I am so proud to honor Todd Haimes, Roundabout’s artistic director and CEO of 40 years and my dear friend. Todd’s vision transformed a dilapidated theatre into the Broadway gem that now bears his name. This revitalization will give artists and audiences a welcoming and fully accessible home on Broadway. We are deeply grateful to our partners in the city and state, who recognize the importance of theatre to New York City’s culture and identity, and who have championed Roundabout’s stewardship of the Haimes since the very beginning. With their renewed support, the Todd Haimes Theatre will continue its essential role as a hub for artistically excellent theatre for all New Yorkers in the heart of Times Square."

Founded in 1965, Roundabout Theatre Company presents a variety of plays and musicals on its five stages: Broadway’s Todd Haimes Theatre, Studio 54, and Stephen Sondheim Theatre; and Off-Broadway’s Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, which houses the Laura Pels Theatre and Black Box Theatre.

Roundabout’s 2025-2026 season includes Archduke by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Darko Tresnjak; Chinese Republicans by Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew; Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, with a book, music, and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, directed by Sam Pinkleton; Fallen Angels by Noël Coward, directed by Scott Ellis; and Oedipus, created and directed by Robert Icke, produced on Broadway by Sonia Friedman Productions, Sue Wagner, John Johnson, and Patrick Catullo in association with Roundabout Theatre Company.

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THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS has revealed the finalists for the 2025 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, spotlighting excellence across a broad range of formats, personalities, and market sizes.

Winners will be named on October 21, 2025 during a special Marconi Awards dinner at The Edison Ballroom in New York, the night before NAB Show New York kicks off. The event is sponsored by Xperi.

Named after radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards have honored outstanding radio broadcasters since 1989. This year’s finalists include a mix of industry icons and rising stars. In the "Legendary Station of the Year" category, nominees include WABC-AM and WCBS-FM in New York, WHLI-AM on Long Island, WLW-AM in Cincinnati, and WMMR-FM in Philadelphia.

On the individual side, finalists for "Legendary Radio Manager of the Year" include David Yadgaroff of Audacy Philadelphia, Nick Martin of Big River Broadcasting in Alabama, and Dr. Maria Boynton of Audacy Atlanta. Syndicated talent finalists include Katie Neal, Colin Cowherd, Ellen K, Steve Harmon, and Enrique Santos.

Major Market Personality of the Year nominees include "The Roula & Ryan Show" (KRBE-FM, Houston), "Preston & Steve" (WMMR-FM, Philadelphia), "The Greg Hill Show" (WEEI-FM, Boston), and "Karson & Kennedy" (WWBX-FM, Boston).



MASQUERADE The immersive Phantom of the Opera revival staged aat a special venue on 57th street in New York City, there are six Phamtoms, six Christines and three Raouls eac with specific parts.

Tony winner Diane Paulus is directing.

This is an immersive production in which the audience is part of the plot.

Once you have entered the Opera House, you will join in on the "ghost hunt," tracing the steps of the infamous Opera Ghost, who has been terrorizing the theatre's performers and management. As the story unfolds, you learn of the Opera Ghost's mentorship over Christine Daae—a young soprano who has become the object of his obsession.

Phantom fans have their personal role favorites. In this experience you almost need an instrauction book.

During the evening, the role of the Phantom is played by Jeff Kready, Telly Leung, Hugh Panaro, Kyle Scatliffe, Clay Singer, and Nik Walker, and the role of Christine is brought to life by Haile Ferrier, Eryn LeCroy, Francesca Mehrotra, Riley Noland, Kaley Ann Voorhees, and Anna Zavelson. The role of Raoul is played in different scenes by Paul Adam Schaefer, Nicholas Edwards, and Francisco Javier González, and the role of Madame Giry is performed at various points by Satomi Hofmann, Maree Johnson, Tia Karaplis, and Betsy Morgan. Buquet is performed by both Jacob Lacopo and Andrew Wojtal, and Carlotta is played by both Satomi Hofmann and Betsy Morgan.

André is played by Raymond J. Lee, Barker is played by Chris Ryan, Firmin is played by Jeremy Stolle, and Piangi is played by Phumzile Sojola. Maxfield Haynes, Kody Jauron, and Kevin Zambrano collectively play the role Boy in the Cage.

The Phantom alumni include LeCroy, who served an an alternate Christine beginning in 2019; Paul Adam Schaefer, who served as an understudy on Broadway until the production's closing; Cooper Grodin, who played the Phantom on the national tour; and Maree Johnson, who played Madame Giry on Broadway through its final performance in 2023.

The ensemble features Baby Byrne, Gabriella Enriquez, Nkrumah Gatling, Cooper Grodin, Maxfield Haynes, Bryan Hernandez-Luch, Kody Jauron, Nathan Keen, Joe Kerr, Claire Leyden, Georgia Mendes, Sami Merdinian, Charles Osborne, Jack Sullivan, and Kevin Zambrano.

The creatives are: Hunter Bird, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Kathy Fabian, James Fluhr, Jessie Flynn, Nicola Formichetti, Skylar Fox, Kate Lumpkin, J. J. Janas, Brett Jarvis, Marc Kimelman, Lee McCutcheon, Scott Pask, Emilio Sosa, Gypsy Snider, Ben Stanton, and William Waldrop.

Attendees of the production have been given instructions from "their host," which includes a dress code advising patrons dress "extravagantly" in black, white, or silver and to wear a masquerade mask (if you do not have one, one will be provided) and to avoid wearing high heels to facilitate safe walking in the building's recreation of the Paris catacombs.

The production team comprises Rosario Arcuri, Stephen Arnold, Sarah Battaglia, Sean Beach, Evan Bernardin, Will Blumberg, Antoine Boissereau, Carolyn Boyd, Simon Brouke, Kelbi Carrig, Ruth Carsch, Kerry Concannon, Brittany Coyne, Hailey Delaney, Eric Dente, Eli Diker, Elizabeth Emanuel, Randall Etheredge, Stephanie Leah Evans, Shoshana Fisher, Dawn-Elin Fraser, Megan Frazier, Misha Fristensky, Christina Grant, Chris Habana, Simon Hammerstein, Billie Harmon, Cesar Hawas, Isaac Hayward, Morgan Holbrook, Amelie Julicher, Andrew Katz, Viktoria-Isabella King, Jeffery Kurtz, McBee, Fiona McDougal, Brian Messina, Vittoria Orlando, Amanda Perry, Dotty Peterson, Cinder Petrichor, Diana Rebholz, Alicia Rodis, Sadie Schlesinger, Jake Scudder, Max Seelig, Giza Selimi, Ashley Setzler, James Sherwood, David Shocket, Naomi Symeou, Nakkia Smalls, Monet Thibou, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden, Madilyn Tramonte, Benjamin Weigel, Kat West, Nzinga Williams, Chelsea Wilson, David Andrew Wilson, Mike Wojchik, Alex Wolfe, Asher Young, and Alec Zbornak.

JUNIPER BLOOD written by Mike Bartlett.

Directed by James Macdonald.

"Dreams. You don’t compromise on those."

Lip and Ruth have left the city behind for a new life on a farm; trying to live differently, live better. But when Ruth’s stepdaughter and her provocative best friend arrive, this quiet rural project is thrown into chaos, as conflicting visions of the future come crashing into the present.

Mike Bartlett’s powerful new play Juniper Blood explores the true cost of pursuing our ideals in an imperfect world.

James Macdonald directs an outstanding cast including Terique Jarrett, Hattie Morahan, Nadia Parkes, Jonathan Slinger and Sam Troughton.

Performances at the Donmer Warehouse in London August 16 - October 4, 2025.

RAGTIME THE MUSICAL Book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

Based on the novel "Ragtime" by E.L. Doctorow.

Directed by Sara Phoenix.

Music Direction by Mark Frie.

Choreography by Jen Alden.

At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing … and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together — that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician — united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future. Together, they confront history's timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. With a Tony-winning score featuring musical theatre show-stoppers, Ragtime is filled with pageantry, emotion, and hope, bursting onto the stage like no other musical.

Starring Broadway star Michael Andreaus as Coalhouse Walker Jr.

Performances at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

FINAL OVATION

BRANDON BLACKSTOCK Kelly Clarkson's ex husband and television production and talent manager, died August 7, 2025. He was 48 and had been battling cancer for the last three years.

He is also the former step son of Reba McEntire who was married to Brandon's father, TV production Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015.

Brandon is survived by his four children; Savannah and Seth from his first marriage and two children River Rose and Remington Alexander from his marriage to Clarkson. He also is survived by a grandson, Lake, who was born to Savannah in 2022.

JANE MORGAN Broadway star and popular singer died Monday, August 4, 2025 in Naples, Florida. She was 101.

Morgan was born Florence Catherine Currier on May 3, 1924, in Newton, Massachusetts, at age 11 she acted at the Kennebunkport Playhouse in Maine. She graduated from Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Fl. and then studied opera at Juilliard in New York, where orchestra leader Art Mooney came up with her stage name.

Morgan’s career began with singing in nightclubs and small restaurants before she was recognized by French bandleader Bernard Hilda, who took her to Paris where she became a music sensation. After finding success in Europe, Morgan returned to the US and signed with Kapp Records. She released her first album, "The American Girl From Paris," in 1956.

The following year, Morgan released her signature song "Fascination" featuring the The Troubadors. The single peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard pop chart and was featured in the Audrey Hepburn movie "Love in the Afternoon."

Morgan’s other hit songs included "The Day the Rains Came," "With Open Arms," "To Love and Be Loved" and "Blue Hawaii."

On Broadway, Morgan appeared in "Mame," "Ziegfeld Follie," "The Jack Benny Show," "Can Can, Kiss Me Kate," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "The King and I," and more.

"Being on Broadway was one of the most exciting things in my life because I had always dreamed of it," Morgan said in an interview with "The Hollywood Reporter."

Morgan also had a presence on television. She performed at the Oscars twice and on “The Ed Sullivan Show” 50 times.

Notable political figures she sang for included French President Charles de Gaulle and US Presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush.

Morgan was married twice. Her second marriage was to her manager, Jerry Weintraub, who worked with huge stars including Elvis Presley and was responsible for producing hit films including "The Karate Kid" franchise and "Ocean’s Eleven."

After their 1965 marriage, Morgan and Weintraub adopted three daughters together. Morgan also became stepmother to Weintraub’s son Michael.

Morgan and Weintraub separated in the 1980s but never divorced. Weintraub died in 2015 at age 77.

KAT SIRICO 40, production manager for Jacob's Pillow who died August 1, 2025 after an accidnt involving moving platforms.

On August 1, Sirico was moving staging platforms on a dolly downhill, with the help of an intern. But Sirico tripped and was run over by the dolly, and the platforms fell off the dolly and landed on them, according to Berkshire County District Attorney's office. No charges will be filed by the DA because "the events leading to the employee's death were related to a work-place accident."

Sirico of Rochester, a lecturer of dance production and lighting design at the University of Rochester, was working as a production ...assistant.

The Berkshires in Massachusetts dance venue presents dance performances to the public every summer. This year's Summer Season, which began June 25, was scheduled to run until August 24. In a statement post to the company's website, the leadership wrote: "The Jacob’s Pillow Board of Trustees and institutional leadership has decided that Festival 2025 will not continue. We have come to this difficult decision following the tragic accident on our campus on August 1. Ticket buyers affected by the cancellations will receive refunds. For 93 years, Jacob’s Pillow has been a haven for dance and a community dedicated to its creation, presentation, education, and preservation. We look forward to welcoming audiences back to our campus."

In a previous statement sent to supporters, the company described Sirico as "a Pillow alum and an essential and hugely devoted leader on our team. Their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together."

This year was supposed to be a celebratory one for the long-running company—they had just reopened the newly rebuilt Doris Duke Theatre, which had been destroyed in a fire in 2020.

Sirico also served as Production Manager at the Fisher Center at Bard College. Sirico also collaborated with many dance companies, including Winifred Haun & Dancers and Khecari Dance, as a production manager, stage manager, and lighting designer. At Badger Meter Inc., Sirico managed a $100M project portfolio. Sirico was e a proud alumni of both Nazareth University and Yale School of Drama.

Next Column: August 17, 2025
Copyright: August 10, 2025 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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Laura Deni