Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: August 4, 2024
By: Laura Deni
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WHAT IS A ROYAL TATTOO AND WHY SHOULD WE WANT TO SEE IT?

A military tattoo. A bunch of people in the military with tattoos? Sounds like something the late Queen Elizabeth would not have lent her seal of approval, although there are no laws against a royal getting inked. I suppose if Prince Phillip had gotten inked God Save The Queen across his bum, that would have gotten a laugh in the bedroom. While I have never seen any member of the royal family naked, I don't recall even the slightest hint that any of them - in this century - have been exposed to an ink filled needle. Princess Eugenie's small circle deep behind her ear doesn't even really count.

So why then is Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal - Anne to us commoners - attending a military tattoo on August 5th.

Because a military tattoo is a gigantic outdoor musical extravaganza.

Performances August 2-24 take place at The Esplanade, Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.

"Creativity is our lifeblood. We pride ourselves on presenting tradition with a modern twist. Celebrating British Military, Scottish heritage and international culture with world-class lighting projections and cutting-edge sound technology set against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. In 2024, we’re excited to present Journeys! A Show that will transport audiences on an international cultural journey, bringing together the voices and stories that connect our cast, audiences, and cultures of the Tattoo. The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade is the spectacular home of the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It should come as no surprise that Princess Anne is their Patron.

"With the Royal Navy at its helm, our Journeys Show will celebrate nautical themes whilst taking audiences on a musical journey around the globe. In addition to the renowned musicianship of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Bands, this year’s Show will feature performances from Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Canada and the United States of America."

Meet our Journeys cast:

The Majesticks Drum Corps from Switzerland. Photo: Royal Tattoo.

The Majesticks Drum Corps from Switzerland: Prepare to be wowed. From the home of superior craftsmanship comes an act whose precision isn’t just a concept, it’s a thrilling spectacle. Get ready for a display of percussive power to light up the night. The group, comprising of 30 drummers, will showcase their extraordinary skills, entertaining audiences with incredible timing, showmanship, and a touch of humor.

From the United States comes several performance groups.

The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes hail from Charleston's iconic military academy, The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes blend cadet camaraderie with the stirring sounds of military tradition. The group will transform the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade showcasing the journey of American music, featuring old school American favorites with high energy and contemporary twists. Highlighting the groups versatility, The Citadel Regimental Pipe Band will also join this year’s Massed Pipes and Drums.

United States Navy Ceremonial Guard who are visiting from Washington DC. Their primary mission is to represent the U.S Navy in Presidential, Military and public ceremonies.? This summer, the Guard will immerse our Journeys audiences with an authentic silent Naval drill and weapon handling performance, often performed for Presidential occasions. A dramatic routine, not to be missed!

United States Sea Service Band are a composition of the Quantico Marine Corp Band, United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa Band and The United States Coast Guard Band who have joined to become the United States Sea Service Band. Formed especially for ther Journeys Show, their performance, with its combination of smooth, enriching jazz and lively, energetic pop, will be a true representation of the symbolic harmony we embrace.

The Massed Pipes and Drums ever a Tattoo favorite are composed of military and civilian bands from around the world. Their dramatic entrance across Edinburgh Castle’s historic drawbridge is unparalleled. The participatants include:
Pipes and Drums of lst Battalion Scots Guards. Soldiers first and foremost, the Pipes and Drums also perform in numerous Royal, Military and Ceremonial duties throughout the year.

Drums and Pipes lst Battalion Irish Guards. Forged in the First World War, the Drums and Pipes 1st Battalion Irish Guards carry a legacy steeped in valor and tradition. In addition to their role as soldiers, serving in Military Operations around the world, these musicians perform on ceremonial duties such as Trooping the Colour and Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Pipes and Drums of the Royal Gurkha Rifles represent a storied tradition that spans over 200 years. Originating from the heart of the Himalayas, these musicians stand as a testament to the enduring bond between Nepal and the United Kingdom.

Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums. Founded in 1979. Straight from the heart of Canberra, this ensemble brings together the service of current and former Australian Federal Police officers, Defense Force members, and civilian volunteers.

Brisbane Boys' College Pipes and Drums. Formed on the cusp of the Second World War, the Brisbane Boys’ College Pipes and Drums has grown from a humble fife and drum ensemble into an outstanding symbol of tradition and excellence. From the youngest pipers, just 12-years-old, to seasoned members, this group showcases the best of Queensland’s Brisbane Boys’ College on the world-stage.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipes and Drums reflect Canada's vastness and embody national pride and volunteerism. From Halifax’s Atlantic shores to Vancouver’s Pacific coast, they testify to an incredible journey of commitment. Wearing their iconic scarlet red tunic and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Tartan, the group are easily recognizable within the Massed Pipes and Drums cast.

Combined Pipes and Drums of the Royal Tank Regiment and Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry. Both groups have a rich history dating back centuries. The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry are born from storied legacies of the Ayrshire, Lothian, Fife, and Forfar Yeomanries, and particularly the Pipes and Drums of the Scottish Horse and Lovat Scouts. Whilst The Royal Tank Regiment can trace their origin back to the oldest tank regiment on earth!

Indian Teamwork Arts offers an all female performance. Photo: Royal Tattoo.

Indian Teamwork Arts return to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade after last performing at our Show in 2017, bringing their vibrant routine showcasing Bhangra, Bollywood and Rajasthan pipers.

Breaking from tradition, Teamwork Arts will present an all-female Bhangra performance.

With their up-tempo routine showcasing the evolution of Indian culture, this group will have our audiences dancing in their seats!

The Royal Edinburgh-Military Tattoo Performers including Highland Dancers, Pipes and Drums, and Fiddlers. They’ll showcase Scottish traditional music and dance throughout the Journeys Show.

The Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines. Celebrating their Navy lead, the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines will showcase precision display, musical excellence and their world-famous Corps of Drums. Led by their new Principal Director of Music, Lieutenant Colonel Huw Williams and Corps Drum Major, Warrant Officer First Class Chris Mace MVO, musicians and buglers from all five bands will transport audiences on a musical voyage with sea shanties, traditional Naval tunes and a couple of contemporary surprises!

For many, the Tattoo isn’t just a performance but a poignant homecoming, an act of reconnecting with their roots. These groups promise to celebrate the coming together of time-honored traditions and modern dynamism.

So why is it called a Tattoo?

"After hearing the call of the local regiments' fifes and drums, the Dutch Low Country innkeepers would call "oe den tap toe!" – "Turn off the taps!" The "tap too" evolved over time, and the word "tattoo" now refers to a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands."

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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.

ART AND ABOUT

THE PUBLIC THEATER COSTUME EXHIBIT

Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Jasmine Cephas Jones as Eliza Schuyler, Angelica Schuyler, and Peggy Schuyler in Hamilton, designed by Paul Tazewell, photographed by Joan Marcus. (2015)

in the Shiva Theater in New York City, premiered at the Block Party on July 28. On display through August 30, 2024.

This showcase features exquisite costumes spanning four decades of acclaimed Public Theater and Free Shakespeare in the Park productions.

Visitors can see pieces from iconic shows as Chorus Line with costumes designed by Theoni V. Aldredge, Hamilton costumes designed by Paul Tazewell.

There are Delacorte Theater productions of Twelfth Night costumes by Jane Greenwood; Richard III for Free Shakespeare in the Park, designed by Elis Y. Lam;, Mother Courage and Her Children, costumes designed by Marina Draghici; Queen in Cymbeline for Free Shakespeare in the Park, designed by David Zinn.

Exhibits from other productions are also on display. The exhibit also displays accessories such as capes and top hats.

Get a close look at costumes worn by legendary performers such as Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, Audra McDonald, Danai Gurira, Kevin Kline, Peter Dinklage, and more.

The exhibit is free of charge and does not require tickets. This exhibit was curated by former Director of Costumes Luke McDonough with deep thanks to Melinda Basaca, Vanessa Watters, and the entire Costume Department.

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SWEET CHARITY

LEGALLY BLONDE STARS SEEK FUREVER HOMES!

Tajin is looking to adopt exceptional humans who know how to spoil a stage star. Photo: Zilker.

Calling all animal lovers and musical theatre fans! This summer, Legally Blonde isn’t just bringing the laughs and girl power to the stage – it’s also bringing heartwarming adoptions! The Zilker has posed: "You may have seen some of the talented pups who play the parts of Bruiser and Rufus in Legally Blonde acting their heart out on the Hillside, but your journey with them doesn't have to end! This summer, we've partnered with Austin Animal Center, which provides shelter to thousands of animals annually as well as animal protection and pet resource services. Through their partnership, we've had success getting a cute chihuahua named Bruiser adopted.

Tajin and Rusty are still taking applications for forever homes.

Meet Tajin, the talented pup who steals hearts as Rufus on select nights. Now, you have the chance to welcome this scene-stealer into your own home! Tajin isn’t your average stage performer. When he’s not charming audiences, he’s an affectionate and playful dog waiting for his forever family. Along with being adorable and incredibly handsome, Tajin is completely house-trained and non-destructive when left alone, making him an easy-going pup. He relishes being the center of attention and is quick to become your best friend.

Meet Rusty. This energetic 5-month-old hound mix puppy is brimming with playful enthusiasm. Rusty will be playing Rufus on Select Nights. Rusty’s a social butterfly who gets along with dogs and people, and he loves to have a good time. He's only five months old but learns things quickly, and anyone would be lucky to have him as their companion.

This is your chance to adopt a furry friend with a flair for the dramatic! Spots fill up fast, so contact Austin Animal Center today.

Legally Blonde is playing all through August 17 at Zilker Theatre which is operated by the City of Austin (Texas) Parks and Recreation Department. Catch the show and see our adoptable dogs shine on stage, then head to Austin Animal Center to bring them home!

MAIN STREET LANDING PERFORMING ARTS CENTER in Burlington, Vermont donates 10% of their profits to local and national non-profits that represent the Main Street Landing mission.

The Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center is a unique, elegant, and beautiful venue on the Burlington waterfront. "We have a space that will work for almost any kind of event, meeting, film showing, fundraiser, private party, play, talent show or performance. Our rental spaces include the Great Room, Atrium, Black Box Theater, Film House, Lake Lobby, and Board Room. We also offer prices that are reduced for non-profits and performances."

SPREADING THE WORD

GOODSPEED MUSICALS has begun a search for a new manager director to replace David B. Byrd, who will depart depart his role as Goodspeed’s first Managing Director at the end of September. In October Byrd will begin a new role as chief operating officer at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in East Tennessee, which is closer to his family.

In the interim, current Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton will assume all executive leadership duties.

The Board of Trustees and Artistic Director Hilton will lead a process for finding the new managing director.

SONALI BHARRACHARYYA has joined the Board of Trustees of the Gate Theatre in London.

"Sonali brings a wealth of experience and artistic guidance as an award-winning playwright and screenwriter (Sonia Friedman Production Award and Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award for Chasing Hares). Her play King Troll (The Fawn) was a finalist for the Women's Prize for Playwriting. We look forward to shaping the future of the Gate with her on board."

NEW BRUNSWICK HEART FESTIVAL hosted by New Jersey Radio Hall of Famer Bert Baron and Founder of TSO Productions, Sharon Gordon takes place Saturday, August 10, 2024.

This free family-friendly festival celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex County, featuring live music and dance performances; free dance classes for kids; food, craft, and art vendors; arts and crafts for kids; free face painting, Henna, caricatures, and balloon animals; and more. The festival will take place in downtown New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Before the New Brunswick Heart Festival begins, State Theatre presents a 1pm performance inside the theater of Bill Blagg: Family Magic. With over 60 minutes of non-stop magical fun, Family Magic is specifically designed to entertain and engage audiences of all ages. Bill Blagg’s unique blend of comedy, audience participation, and mind-bending magic will keep the audience on the edge of their seat eagerly anticipating what’s coming next. After the performance the audience can enjoy the free New Brunswick Heart Festival just outside the theater.

This year's New Brunswick Heart Festival lineup on the outdoor stage on Livingston Avenue includes celebrated tap dancer Omar Edwards; the New Brunswick Brass; dance performances by InSpira Performing Arts & Cultural Center, Grupo de Danza Folklórica La Sagrada Familia, and American Repertory Ballet Dance Power Scholars; Motown and funk hits performed by The Suyat Band; beats by DJ IZM; a speaker from George Street Playhouse’s presentation of What the Constitution Means to Me; a poetry reading by Thinkery & Verse; and an opening set by the winners of STNJ's Jersey Talent show, the band, Crowfield! Plus, a salsa dance class with Elvis Ruiz.

There will also be a free Studio Exhibition, open from 12pm-6pm and located in the State Theatre's Studio space, this exciting exhibit celebrates the history of the arts in New Brunswick featuring old playbills, posters, videos, 1920s-1970s memorabilia, student artwork, set pieces, and costumes from Princeton Ballet School, the official school of American Repertory Ballet; State Theatre New Jersey; George Street Playhouse; Crossroads Theatre Company; and Plays-In-The-Park.

A few of the New Brunswick HEART Festival partners include: Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University; Hub City Jazz Festival; George Street Playhouse; Crossroads Theatre Company; American Repertory Ballet; The Arts Institute of Middlesex County; New Brunswick Community Arts Council; coLAB Arts; AMARDV - Artist Mentoring Against Racism, Drugs, and Violence program; New Brunswick Jazz Project;

APPLETV+s PACHINKO: SCREENING AND CONVERSATION WITH SOO HUGH, THERESA KANG, MINHA KIM, JIN HA, LEE MINHO, AND MICHAEL ELLENBERG at 92Y in New York CIty.

In Person at 92Y in New York City on Wednesday, August 14 and Online – Monday, August 26, 2024.

Apple TV+’s award-winning and globally acclaimed sweeping drama series, Pachinko, earned 11 international awards including a Peabody Award, an American Film Institute Award, a Critics Choice Award and a Gotham Independent Film Award, and makes its highly-anticipated return for season two on Friday, August 23. Based on The New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, Pachinko , told in three languages — Korean, Japanese, and English, is a deeply moving story of love and survival across four generations, told through the eyes of a remarkable matriarch, Sunja. In season two, the parallel stories pick up in Osaka in 1945, where Sunja is forced to make dangerous decisions for her family’s survival during World War II, and in Tokyo in 1989, which finds Solomon exploring new, humble beginnings. Go behind the scenes of this remarkable production with creator / writer / executive producer Soo Hugh, executive producers, Michael Ellenberg on behalf of Media Res and Theresa Kang, for Blue Marble Pictures, and actors Minha Kim, Jin Ha and Lee Minho. After the season two premiere episode screening, they will discuss the authenticity portrayed throughout the series, the rewards of adapting a beloved bestseller for the screen, what inspired the actors’ masterful interpretations of their characters, and the show’s legacy as "a show whose groundbreaking vision of Korean history will be remembered as a television landmark."

UTAH BANS BOOKS - FIRST STATE IN THE NATION TO DO SO

On Friday, August 2, 2024 the great state of Utah announced that a statewide book ban had taken effect. The first 13 books to receive this "great honor" of being banned from all Utah public schools include six penned by Sarah J. Maas, and one each from famed authors Margaret Atwood, and Judy Blume.

The new law requires that a book be removed from all public schools in the state if at least three school districts (or two school districts and five charter schools) determine it amounts to "objective sensitive material — pornographic or otherwise indecent content, as defined by Utah code."

Sarah J. Maas is an American fantasy author known for her fantasy series Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. As of 2024, she has sold over 38 million copies of her books and her work has been translated into 38 languages. Maas' next book will be an ACOTAR book. When Maas' publishers at Bloomsbury announced House of Flame and Shadow in 2023, it also revealed that the author signed a new four-book deal in addition to three others she already had under contract.

Margaret Eleanor Atwood is a Canadian novelist, poet, and literary critic. Since 1961, she has published 18 books of poetry, 18 novels, 11 books of nonfiction, nine collections of short fiction, eight children's books, two graphic novels, and a number of small press editions of both poetry and fiction. Her best-known work is the 1985 dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale. Atwood has won numerous awards and honors for her writing, including two Booker Prizes, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Governor General's Award, the Franz Kafka Prize, Princess of Asturias Awards, and the National Book Critics and PEN Center USA Lifetime Achievement Awards. A number of her works have been adapted for film and television.

Oryx and Crake is a 2003 novel who has been described by its author as "speculative fiction and adventure romance, rather than pure science fiction, because it does not deal with things we can't yet do or begin to do," yet goes beyond the amount of realism she associates with the novel form. It focuses on a lone character called Snowman, who finds himself in a bleak situation with only creatures called Crakers to keep him company. The reader learns of his past, as a boy called Jimmy, and of genetic experimentation and pharmaceutical engineering that occurred under the purview of Jimmy's peer, Glenn 'Crake'."

The book was first published by McClelland and Stewart. It was shortlisted for the 2003 Man Booker Prize for Fiction, as well as for the 2004 Orange Prize for Fiction. In 2023, the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden premiered an opera based on the novel, composed by Søren Nils Eichberg, conducted by Albert Horne and directed by Daniela Kerck.

Beloved children/teen author Judy Blum's banned book Forever is up for a Netflix series adaptation. The series stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. and hails from creator Mara Brock Akil. The official logline states the series is "an epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018."

The infamous banned 13 books are:
“Blankets” by Craig Thompson.
“A Court of Frost and Starlight” by Sarah J. Maas.
“A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas.
“A Court of Silver Flames” by Sarah J. Maas.
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas.
“A Court of Wings and Ruin” by Sarah J. Maas.
“Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas.
“Fallout” by Ellen Hopkins.
“Forever” by Judy Blume.
“Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur.
“Oryx & Crake” by Margaret Atwood.
“Tilt” by Ellen Hopkins.
“What Girls Are Made Of” by Elana K. Arnold.

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THE GRAPES OF WRATH

The Grapes of Wrath masthead photo.

based on the novel by John Steinbeck. Adapted by Frank Galati.

Directed by Carrie Cracknell.

The great American novel reimagined.

Forced to travel West in search of a promised land, the Joad family embark on an epic journey across America in the hope of finding work and a new life in California.

Their story is one of false hopes, wrong turns and broken dreams, but also a hymn to human kindness and a tribute to the endurance of the human spirit. Starring Tony Award-winner Cherry Jones is joined by Harry Treadaway in this moving and deeply atmospheric story of a struggle against a hostile climate to find a place to call home.

The large cast includes: Zoë Aldrich, Afolabi Alli, Rhys Bailey, Rachel Barnes, Brandon Bassir, Lin Blakley, Tom Bulpett, Morgan Burgess, Ryan Ellsworth, Amelia Gabriel, Christopher Godwin, Valentine Hanson, Greg Hicks, Harley Johnston, Natey Jones, William Lawlor, Mirren Mack, Maimuna Memon, Matthew Romain, Anish Roy, Michael Shaeffer, Robyn Sinclair, Tucker St Ivany, Emma Tracey and Cath Whitefield.

The creatives are: Set Designe by Alex Eales - Costume Design by Evie Gurney - Composer Stuart Earl - Original Songs by Maimuna Memon - Lighting Designer Guy Hoare - Sound Designer Donato Wharton - Movement Director Ira Mandela Siobhan - Music Director Osnat Schmool - Fight Director Kate Waters - Intimacy Coordinator Katharine Hardman for EK Intimacy - Casting Directors Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham - Dramatherapist Patricia Ojehonmon - Dialect Coach Hazel Holder - Voice Coach Shereen Ibrahim - Associate Sound Designer Joe Dines - Staff Director Georgia Green.

Performances until September 14, 2024 at the Lyttelton Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London.

SOMEONE SPECTACULAR a world premiere by Doménica Feraud.

Directed by Tatiana Pandiani.

Once a week, six recently bereaved strangers gather for group therapy. It’s a stable routine — until one day, their grief counselor is inexplicably MIA. The group’s typical session quickly goes off the rails, offering an open-ended meditation on loss, with revelations that are at once beautiful, funny, and heartbreaking. Doménica Feraud’s newest play examines the complicated emotions that accompany grief, while exploring universal and personal truths that are sure to stay with you for a lifetime.

The cast features Gamze Ceylan as Evelyn, Alison Cimmet as Nelle, Delia Cunningham as Jude, Marcus Gladney Jr. as Julian, Ana Cruz Kayne as Lily, and Damian Young as Thom.

Understudies are Nicholas Delany, Doménica Feraud and Rebecca Hirota.

Scenic design is by two-time Tony Award nominee dots, costume design is by Siena Zoë Allen, lighting design is by Drama Desk nominee Oona Curley, and sound design is by Tony Award nominee Mikaal Sulaiman. Production Stage Manager is Yetti Steinman. Assistant Stage Manager is Madison Lane. Production Manager is Libby J'Vera. Casting is by Conrad Woolfe, CSA and Leigh Ann Smith, CSA. General Management is by Cheryl Dennis Productions.

Performances at The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, New York City.

JOB written by Max Wolf Friedlich.

Directed by Michael Herwitz.

Starring original cast members Peter Friedman and Sydney Lemmon.

The understudies are Jeff Still (Loyd) and Arianna Gayle Stucki (Jane).

Jane (Lemmon), an employee at a big tech company (you know the one), has been placed on leave after becoming the subject of a viral video. She arrives in the office of a crisis therapist – Loyd (Friedman) – determined to be reinstated to the job that gives her life meaning. JOB zooms in on two careerists of different generations, genders, and political paradigms to examine what it means to be a citizen of the internet and our obligation to help the people who need it most.

The creative team features scenic design by Scott Penner, costume design by Michelle J. Li, lighting design by Mextly Couzin, sound design by Cody Spencer, and original music by Devonté Hynes. Rachel A. Zucker will serve as Production Stage Manager while ShowTown Theatricals/Samuel Dallas will serve as the General Manager. Hannah Getts serves as dramaturg.

JOB originally premiered Off-Broadway at SoHo Playhouse in fall of 2023 where it became a sold-out smash and subsequently transferred to the Connelly Theatre for a second standing-room-only run. JOB officially opened at the Hayes Theatre in New York City on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

CELLINO V. BARNES written by Mike B. Breen & David Rafailedes.

Directed by Wesley Taylor & Alex Wyse.

Cellino V. Barnes is a darkly comedic rollercoaster that captures the wild partnership of notorious injury attorneys Ross Cellino and Steve Barnes, from their meteoric rise in the 1990s through their spectacular break-up in the 2010s.

Witness the hilariously absurd antics of two lawyers who prioritize outrageous personal squabbles over their billion-dollar empire, navigating a minefield of ethical dilemmas, personal demons, and outdated fax machines. As their budding friendship and business collide with unchecked ambition, they must decide whether to find common ground or torch it all. Inspired by their infamous real-life split, this riotous romp reveals the rivalry and redemption of two men who changed the face of their industry, one iconic billboard at a time.

Buckle up for a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud journey that posits the age-old question: can a bromance survive ambition, and can it happen in seventy-five minutes?

Featuring Eric William Morris as Ross Cellino and Noah Weisberg as Steve Barnes.

The creatives are:scenic and props design by Riw Rakkulchon, costume design by Ricky Lurie, sound design by UptownWorks, and lighting design by Aiden Bezark. Derrick Weishaar serves as Creative Consultant. LDK Productions is the General Manager and Paul Bakey is the Company Manager. Digital marketing and advertising are by Super Awesome Friends, group sales and promotions are by BroadwayPlus, and casting is by Geoff Josselson, CSA. Sarah Schetter is the Production Manager, and Amy Castro is the Stage Manager. Nathan Sheffield, Esq., is responsible for making sure no one involved in Cellino V. Barnes gets sued.

Performances at Asylum NYC for a run through October 13, 2024.

IN THE HEIGHTS Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Book by Quiara Alegri´a Hudes. Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Directed by Luke Joslin.

From America’s musical mastermind, Lin-Manuel Miranda comes the quadruple Tony Award winning, salsa-fuelled musical about a vibrant community in Washington Heights.

Starring Ryan Gonzalez as Usnavi, Olivia Vásquez as Vanessa and latin music extraordinaire Richard Valdez as the loveable Piragua Guy.

With Olivia Dacal as Nina - Barry Conrad as Benny - Steve Costi as Sonny - Lena Cruz as Abuela Claudia - Janet Dacal as Daniela - Tamara Foglia Castañeda as Carla - nAlexander Palacio as Kevin Rosario - Angela Rosero as Camilla Rosario - Jervis Livelo as Graffiti Pete.

It’s lights up on Washington Heights, a close-knit neighborhood in Manhattan, where the heat is stifling and the A-train is the only way out.

Trapped running a debt-ridden bodega, Usnavi longs for a simpler life in the Dominican Republic. Alongside him, a community as vibrant as the city itself yearns for change. A winning lottery ticket is sold, but to whom? Is it the family who long to send their daughter to an ivy league school; or the woman desperately trying to find a home?

Feel the pulse of the neighborhood with Lin-Manuel Miranda's debut musical, as he seamlessly weaves storytelling with contemporary beats, hip hop, salsa, and Latin rhythms. A colorful, vibrant, joyful musical that will sweep you up in its celebration of community and cultural pride.

The creatives are: Choreographer Amy Campbell - Music Director Victoria Falconer - Associate Director Clary Riven - Associate Choreographer/Ensemble Tash Marconi - Set Designer Mason Browne - Lighting Designer Jasmine Rizk - Costume Designer Keerthi Subramanyam - Sound Designer Dylan Robinson - Casting Director Rhys Velasquez - Cultural Consultant Will Centurion - Rehearsal Stage Manager Jessie Byrne - Line Producer Madeleine Gandhi - Production Stage Manager Alex Duffy - Stage Manager Lilian Lee - Consulting Producer Kaleigh Wilkie-Smith Giles - Assistant Stage Manager Maddison Craven and Mackenzie O'Byrne.

Presented by Australia's Sydney Opera House in association with Joshua Robson Productions. Performances through August 25, 2024.

The Sydney Opera House "honours our First Nations by fostering a shared sense of belonging for all Australians, and we acknowledge the Gadigal, traditional custodians of Tubowgule, the land on which the Opera House stands."

MAMMA MIA Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus. Book by Catherine Johnson.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd.

It's time to break out the platform shoes and feather boas - Mamma Mia is BACK! With 25 years since this sunshine-filled show redefined the concept of the jukebox musical for the new century. It's a bittersweet yet hilarious story of single mother Donna, struggling to cope with her young daughter's impending marriage on a picturesque Greek island. Throw into the mix three lovers from her past, any of whom could be the father of her daughter. Sparks are sure to fly! Originally the brainchild of British producer Judy Cramer and playwright Catherine Johnson, the two were inspired to use the band ABBA's hits in a theatrical setting after meeting with two of the band's founding members, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. The show finally premiered in London's West End in 1999 and has spawned numerous international productions as well as inspiring the global smash hit movie starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried.

This blockbuster musical contains all of the band's most famous hits, including 'Super Trouper', 'Lay All Your Love On Me', 'Dancing Queen', 'Waterloo', plus less well-known but equally touching songs such as 'Slipping Through My Fingers' and 'Our Last Summer'. On the sunny Greek island of Kalokairi, Sophie is feverishly planning her forthcoming wedding to the handsome and idealistic Sky, but is saddened that her mother Donna has never told her the identity of her father. After poring secretly over Donna's diary, she identifies three potential candidates; adventurer Bill, stockbroker Sam and ex-rocker Harry and secretly invites them to the island, hoping to find out once and for all, who will walk her up the aisle as her father. Needless to say, when all three men arrive at the same time, Donna is thrown into an emotional quandary, as old feelings long forgotten all stir up to the surface. With the help of her two best friends and ex-bandmates of their glam rock outfit Donna and the Dynamos, Donna takes a trip down memory lane. At the same time, Sophie and Sky are facing doubts of their own, with Sophie feeling obligated to help her mother refurbish their ramshackle hotel, but Sky yearning for adventure away from the island. A hedonistic joint bachelor party for both youngsters winds up with surprising confessions and confrontations that threaten the wedding. Donna must face her ex-lovers and deal with the tumult of emotions running havoc through her. As the day of the wedding dawns, will Sophie ever discover who her father is? And will Donna finally lay the past to rest and follow her heart?

Featuring: Christine Sherrill as Donna Sheridan - Alisa Melendez as Sophie Sheridan - Carly Sakolove as Rosie - Jalynn Steele as Tanya - Victor Wallace as Sam Carmichael - Rob Marnell as Harry Bright - Jim Newman as Bill Austin - Grant Reynolds as Sky.

With Louis Griffin, Patrick Park, L'Oréal Roach, Haley Wright, Gabe Amato, Adia Olanethia Bell, Xavi Soto Burgos, Emily Croft, Madison Deadman, Jordan De Leon, Nico DiPrimio, Patrick Dunn, Stephanie Genito, Tassy Kirbas, Danny Lopez-Alicea, Makoa, Faith Northcutt, Jasmine Overbaugh, Gray Phillips, Blake Price, Dorian Quinn, and Amy Weaver.

The creatives are: Choreography by Anthony Van Laast, Lighting by Howard Harrison. Sound by Andrew Bruce and Martin Koch.

Performances August 13 - September 1, 2024 at Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, DC.

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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.

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Laura Deni