Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: May 4, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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AGELESS: THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

Photography Mark Brenner.

Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is one of a few classics which - if you aren't going to adapt it to perfection - then don't adapt it all all.

Fortunately, the Broadway mounting of this classic starring Sarh Snook, nailed it.

, Transferring from an award winning London staging, it can be enjoyed at The Music Box Theatre in New York City through June 29, 2025.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a 1945 American supernatural horror-drama film based on Oscar Wilde's 1890 novel of the same name. When a naïve young Dorian arrives in Victorian London, he is swept into a social whirlwind by the charismatic Lord Wotton, who introduces Dorian to the pleasures of the city. Henry's friend Basil Hallward paints a portrait of Dorian to capture the full power of his youthful beauty. Dorian makes a flippant pledge that he would give anything to stay as he is in the picture, even if it meant his soul.

The storytelling and innovative staging by directior/adaptor Kip Williams is a bold re-imagining, which elevates multi media affects into a co-starring position - sometimes even overwhelming. Incredible Sarah Snook's multi character performance is a high art production aided by Marg Howell's elaborate Victorian costumes.

Snook keeps each characters at a physical and emotional distance. There is no confusion or blending.

A courageous creation, with Snook even periodically off stage; other times seen only on video.

It has always been Dorian Gray's ego that dominates.

It is Wilde's Gothic and philosophical novel in which the picture symbolizes his soul as he becomes more corrupt. His sins begin to s appear on his portrait. It reflects the inner battle of Wilde's multifaceted self; "the man a viewed by the public; as known to himself. and as he wished to be. Dorian Gray persistently questions the relationship between art and life. It also explores the tensions between a person's inner self (or selves) and the social conventions which force them into particular roles and attitudes.

The psychological importance of this masterpiece are evident in New Zealand's government's study guide on the writing as well as classes, taught by Loughborough University.

Boston University's Arts & Sciences Writing Program has peeled away the layers and offered insight in their program "The Conflict Between Aestheticism and Morality in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray."

While there have been several movie versions, this London to Broadway production is a first - merging the historical epic with modern tech. It's a production where camera operators clew, Luka Kain, Natalie Rich, Benjamin Sheen, Dara Woo, all making their Broadway debuts, have understudies: Will Colacito and Benjamin Wheelwright.

It's a daunting task.

Dorian Gray is often read as an explicit proclamation of the worthiness of living life in accordance with aesthetic values. This is due in part to the flourishing Aesthetic Movement of Victorian England at the time of the novel’s publication, as well as Oscar Wilde’s association with the movement itself (Becker 660). The Aesthetic Movement, which coincided with the Industrial Revolution at the end of the nineteenth century, emphasized the artistic aspect of a man’s work in producing a variety of goods, from furniture to machines to literature (Becker 660). Oscar Wilde, however, proposed that the principles of the Aesthetic Movement extend beyond the production of mere commodities. In Joseph Pearce’s biography, "The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde", Pearce recalls Wilde’s own perspective on the popular movement. Speaking of aestheticism.

Wilde condemns men who act as metaphorical machines, programmed to behave in accordance with society’s ideas of propriety rather than allowing themselves to act freely and achieve the greatest amount of happiness. Wilde’s eloquent advocacy of an aesthetic lifestyle is paralleled in his depiction of Lord Henry in Dorian Gray. Lord Henry lectured to the impressionable Dorian, "We are punished for our refusals. Every impulse that we strive to strangle broods in the mind, and poisons us. . . . Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden itself" (Wilde 9). Wilde, through Lord Henry, laments the stifling nature of his contemporary Victorian society and how the supposed morality it boasts necessitates self-denial and rejection of life’s most beautiful aspects. Lord Henry warns that without an enthusiastic embrace of aestheticism, one will perpetually anguish with the desire of precisely what he must deny himself, all for the sake of propriety. This philosophy espoused by Wilde and Lord Henry often leads, not surprisingly, to the conclusion that Dorian Gray is a declaration of Wilde’s, promoting the adoption of purely aesthetic lives without qualification. This, has been viewed as shallow of an interpretation.

The character of Dorian Gray and the story of his profound degeneration provide a case study examining the viability of purely aesthetic lives. Dorian lives according to what Lord Henry professes without hesitation, and what Lord Henry inspires Dorian, through persuasive rhetoric, is an attitude indifferent to consequence and altogether amoral. As Wilde writes, Dorian’s newfound position is "never to accept any theory or system that would involve the sacrifice of any mode of passionate experience. Its aim, indeed was to be experience itself, and not the fruits of experience, sweet or bitter as they may be" (Wilde 125). Under Lord Henry’s mentorship, Dorian, once the epitome of wide-eyed youth, behaves with no regard for the ramifications of his actions, diligently pursuing instant gratification without thought of its implications, whether they be "sweet or bitter."

Dorian’s relationship with the actress Sibyl Vane plainly illustrates this marked change in personality. Dorian pursues Sibyl from first sights, intent on acquiring her before he ever attempts to truly know her. Indeed, Dorian’s love for Sibyl is overtly superficial, as evidenced by Dorian’s own description of his infatuation with Sibyl: "I loved you because you were marvelous, because you had genius and intellect, because you realized the dreams of great poets and gave shape and substance to the shadows of art" (Wilde 101). Dorian is not attracted to Sibyl’s character of personality, but rather her acting talent and enthralling performances; this is what enchants the aesthetically inclined Dorian. When Sibyl leaves the stage, then, she no longer serves a purpose in Dorian’s aesthetic life, and thus, Dorian abandons her unceremoniously. Dorian does not regret informing Sybil that, "Without your art, you are nothing" (Wilde 101). The tragedy of Sybil’s later suicide, brought about by utter despair at her desertion, is lost on Dorian, who instead enjoys the dramatic intrigue of the occasion. For Dorian, whose uncontrolled aestheticism rejects the concept of morality, the immorality of his actions goes unrecognized. In fact, Dorian declares excitedly, "It seems to me to be simply like a wonderful ending to a wonderful play. It has all the terrible beauty of a Greek tragedy, a tragedy in which I took a great part, but by which I have not been wounded" (Wilde 114). Here, the adverse consequences of aestheticism surface in Dorian’s life. In his pursuit of his own pleasures, a distinctly narcissistic attitude emerges, and the incompatibility of morality and unconditional aestheticism becomes all the more apparent.

The emergence of narcissism in Dorian and its correlation with his newly adopted aesthetic philosophy is integral to Wilde’s novel as it emphasizes the frequent hostility between aestheticism and morality that Wilde cautions against. Dorian Gray exposes the immorality of self-absorption, as Dorian’s portrait becomes more disfigured with each one of Dorian’s selfish acts. This self-absorption, then, appears to be an inevitable consequence of aestheticism.

The Aesthetic Movement in fin-de-siècle England, as interpreted by Oscar Wilde, revolved around the ideal that the utility of one’s actions should be to create the maximal amount of beauty and pleasure in one’s life, and nothing more. Wilde’s Dorian Gray appears, at first glance, to promote this philosophy unequivocally. Indeed, a lifestyle based on this aestheticism is espoused in Wilde’s opening preface as well as throughout Lord Henry’s professorial lectures. Wilde realized and depicted in the life of Dorian Gray, a need for a more controlled and deliberate approach to aestheticism, without which morality will inevitably be elusive. The adoption of unrestrained aestheticism, as exhibited by Dorian, results in a lack of remorse, self-absorption, and intellectual regression. For the sake of preserving morality, a concept proven incompatible with pure aestheticism, more deliberation is necessary from the aesthete in deciding upon action. If, in the pursuit of one’s desires and of the beautiful aspects of life, the condition of others’ or of one’s own intellect is jeopardized, the enjoyment garnered must sometimes be sacrificed for the greater good. As Wilde makes clear, it is only through a more restrained philosophy that aestheticism and morality may eventually align.

Works Cited: Arnold, Matthew. “Culture and Anarchy.” The Picture of Dorian Gray. Ed. Andrew Elfenbein. NY: Pearson Longman, 2007. 276–279.
Becker-Leckrone, Megan. “Oscar Wilde (1854–1900): Aesthetic and Criticism.” The Continuum Encyclopedia of Modern Criticism and Theory 20 (2002): 658–665.
Craft, Christopher. “Come See About Me: Enchantment of the Double in The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Representations 91 (2005): 109–136.
Matsuoka, Mitsuharu. “Aestheticism and Social Anxiety in The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Journal of Aesthetic Education 29 (2003): 77–100.
Pearce, Joseph. The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde. NY: Ignatius Press, 2004.
Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. Ed. Andrew Elfenbein. NY: Pearson Longman, 2007.
Related to The Conflict Between Aestheticism and Morality in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.

To take on every character Snook shows the depth of her acting ability. Augmented by effective lighting and sound, this is an important production, showing how modern technology can work in tandem with words on paper.

A show not to be missed.

First produced on November 28, 2020 at Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney by Sydney Theatre Company. New Adaptation Written by Kip Williams; Based on the novel by Oscar Wilde; Composer: Clemence Williams/ Directed by Kip Williams; Associate Director: Ian Michael and Tait de Lorenzo; Resident Director: Raz Golden. Scenic Design by Marg Horwell; Costume Design by Marg Horwell; Lighting Design by Nick Schlieper; Sound Design by Clemence Williams; Video Design by David Bergman; Associate Scenic Design: Mary Hamrick; Associate Lighting Design: Karen Spahn; U.S. Sound Consultant Jason Crystal; Associate Video Design: Daniel Vatsky; Assistant Sound Design: Alex Brock and Jaechelle Johnson; Moving Light Programmer: Alyssa Eilbott.

Production Manager: Juniper Street Productions; Production Stage Manager: Lisa Iacucci; Stage Manager: Raynelle Wright Dramaturg & Creative Associate: Eryn Jean Norvill; Production Dramaturg: Paige Rattray; Advertising: AKA; Press Representative: The Press Room; Ticketing & Revenue Director: Brian DeVito; Production Consultant: Jaymii Knierum; Camera Captain: Benjamin Sheen; Additional Casting by Carnahan Casting, Jim Carnahan, CSA and Liz Fraser, CSA; U.S. Vocal Coach: Kate Wilson; U.K. Production Photography: Marc Brenner.

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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

PAUL McCARTNEY’S PHOTOGRAPHS

Photography by Paul McCartney.

In 1962, The Beatles released their first hit single, "Love Me Do." By 1964, the band had risen to international superstardom.

With only one camera, Paul McCartney’s Pentax, captured this pivotal moment in pop culture history from the inside out. the de YoungMuseum' current exhibition Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm captures three pivotal months in The Beatles’ extraordinary journey, December 1963 through February 1964, not through the familiar images that circulated in the press, but through the lens of one of their own.

Beatlemania is back in the Bay! Nearly 60 years after The Beatles’ final concert at Candlestick Park, the de Young museum presents a behind-the-scenes look at the meteoric rise of the world’s most iconic band through Paul McCartney’s own photographs. Taken at a time when countless cameras were pointed at The Beatles, McCartney’s photographs reveal an intimate perspective on the band as they made history.

Nearly 60 years after The Beatles performed their final concert at Candlestick Park, Beatlemania is back in the Bay. Featuring more than 250 personal photographs by Paul McCartney, along with video clips and archival materials, this exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at the meteoric rise of the world’s most celebrated band. The images capture the period from December 1963 through February 1964 and the band’s journey to superstardom, from local venues in Liverpool to The Ed Sullivan Show and worldwide acclaim.

Photographs of screaming crowds and paparazzi show the sheer magnitude of the group’s fame and the cultural change they represented.

More intimate images of the band on their days off highlight the humor and individuality of McCartney and bandmates John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rediscovered in the artist’s personal archive in 2020, these images offer new perspectives on the band, their fans, and the early 1960s, as seen through the eyes of Paul McCartney.

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm is organized by the National Portrait Gallery, London, in collaboration with Paul McCartney. It is curated by Paul McCartney with Sarah Brown for MPL Communications and Rosie Broadley for the National Portrait Gallery, London.

On display rheough July 6, 2025 at the de Young in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.

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SWEET CHARITY

THE JANICE JAM Broadway for Breast Cancer takes place Monday, May 5, 2025 at Sony Hall in New York City.

The third annual The Janice Jam is an evening with 100% of net proceeds funding metastatic breast cancer research grants through BCRF, the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide!

Hosted by the events founder, Matt DeAngelis, Broadway’s own Breast Cancer Survivors, TV/Broadway star Krysta Rodriguez, Sarrah Strimel Bentley and Kara Lindsay will join the event sharing stories and song. The first-ever Fighting Flamingo Award will be given that night to Krysta Rodriguez to commemorate her fight against the disease and work in helping to find a cure.

Additional participants will include Oscar Award-winner Ariana DeBose, Tony Award-winners John Gallagher Jr. and Lauren Patten, Tony Award-nominees Jenn Colella, Jeremy Jordan, and Stark Sands , as well as Broadway notables Caroline Bowman, Hunter Brown, Brent Comer, Kayla Davion, Matt DeAngelis, Lissa DeGuzman, Christine Dwyer, Adrian Blake Enscoe, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Rachel Potter, Maia Reficco, Marty Thomas, Nik Walker, Morgan Anita Wood, NBC’s " The Voice" star Omar Jose Cardona and Stage IV breast cancer thriver Tami Eagle Bowling. The evening has musical direction by Benjamin Rauhala, with band members including Yair Evnine, Rich Mercurio, Lee Nadel, and Meg Toohey.

The event is executive produced by DeAngelis, and Bryan Campione, with Kim Blair, Ember Productions (Maxwell Haddad and Amber Coates), Larkin Bogan, Tami Eagle Bowling, Katie Michelle Stahl, and PJ Adzima. Jen Ash acts as Production Stage Manager, with Alice M. Pollitt as Assistant Stage Manger.

Publicity is provided by Katie Rosin and Jillian Santella, the director of video/social is Rico LeBron, videographers are Joey Mervis, Brad Wagner, and photographers Sabrina Amoriello, Michael Hull, Alexa Rae, and Shawn Salley. Additonal production support is provided by Christine Ward, Maggie Oberrender, Dr. Jessica Means, Lauren Parker, Imani Denson-Pittman, Angel May Reed, Max Brazier, Annika Martens, Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine, and all the volunteers supporting this special event. Additional Playbill Media support from Joshua Stone, Len Rodino, Jennifer Marinelli, Dean Greer, David Gewirtzman, Robbie Rozelle, and the Playbill editorial team.

This annual event is the brainchild of Matt DeAngelis who lost his mother, Janice, in 2022 to metastatic breast cancer. To honor her and the countless people affected by this disease, he, alongside a group of friends and Broadway industry colleagues, is culling another evening of Celebration, Remembrance, and Awareness, that will have guests singing, dancing, and helping bring funding to this very special cause.

PAPER MILL'S ANNUAL GALA returns to the Hilton Short Hills inn Millburn, NJ on May 9, 2025.

Chaired by Dr. and Mrs. William A. Tansey, this year’s Gala will honor Barbara and Peter Bye with the Antoinette Scudder Patron of the Arts Award and William V. Engel with the Byrne/Kean Arts Advocate Award.

The online auction opened Friday, May 2.

GIBSON THE ICONIC GLOBAL INSTRUMENT BRAND, AND ITS PHILANTHROPIC DIVISION GIBSON GIVES joined forces with music brands and multiple humanitarian aid organizations to help raise immediate funds for relief and recovery efforts, as well as help musicians impacted by the fires across Los Angeles.

After a pledge of $250,000, Gibson is proud to announce it has exceeded far beyond the initial pledge donating over $320,000. in guitars, gear, and direct cash donations, as well as harnessing an additional $516,000. in wildfire relief and recovery efforts with its non-profit partners, for a total impact of over $836,000.

Gibson was also proud to join the FIREAID benefit concert—which raised over $100 million in funds for wildfire recovery efforts--the Grammy Awards, MusiCares, and more with gear donations for auction items for the global blockbuster events.

Gibson Gives took action in a massive and unprecedented guitars and gear donation effort--independently and in partnership with many other music brands--to make the largest possible impact. Partners included Guitar Center--the world’s largest retailer of musical instruments and The Guitar Center Music Foundation, as well as the NAMM Foundation L.A. Wildfires Relief Fund and the support of many prominent manufacturers from the MI industry including AKG, AlphaTheta/Pioneer, Audio-Technica, Eastman, ESP Guitars, Hoshino (Ibanez Guitars/TAMA Drums), JBL Professional, C. F. Martin & Co., Pearl Drums, Remo Inc., Roland, DW, Saga, Schecter Guitar Research, Shure, Sony Music, Taylor Guitars, Universal Audio, Vater Percussion, Yamaha, and Avedis Zildjian Co.

Gibson Gives provided over 150 Gibson and Epiphone guitars and directly assisted over 350 people through partnered efforts.

SPREADING THE WORD

STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS: LEA SALONGA IN CONVERSATION WITH FRANK DILELLA AT 92NY on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Tony Award winner Lea Salonga – beloved for her work on Broadway in Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Here Lies Love, and more – joins thr 92 Y with the 11-time Emmy Award-winning host of NY1’s On Stage, Frank DiLella, to talk about her role in the new Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

Salonga is fresh off a triumphant run in the London production of the show – Cameron Mackintosh’s musical revue and love letter to Sondheim – where she starred with Bernadette Peters, with whom she now shares the spotlight again. Hear Salonga talk with DiLella about the show’s evolution from star-studded gala to wildly successful West End production to Broadway, her love of Sondheim, working alongside Peters, and much more. It’s the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at this "great big Broadway show" and valentine to a musical theater god.

DISNEY'S THE LION KING live on stage in London's West End has been extended, booking to to March 2026.

Thousands of new tickets have been released for The Lion King, live on stage in London's West End.

PRINCE HARRY will be in Las Vegas to launch a youth leadership initiative paying tribute to his late mother’s legacy, taking part in a panel discussion at ServiceNow’s Knowledge 2025 conference.

The conference will take place between The Venetian and Wynn Las Vegas resorts, May 6-8. That’s also the sixth birthday of Harry’s son, Prince Archie, and the second anniversary his father’s coronation.

Prince Harry will discuss the Pledge to Invest initiative being launched by the Diana Award. Established in 1999 to honor the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, the UK-based charity recognizes and empowers young people who make a positive impact in their communities.

Harry will take part in a conversation on May 6 with two young people, who are holders of The Legacy Award in memory of his late mother - Sikander “Sonny” Khan, from Michigan in the US, and Christina Williams, from Jamaica, as well as Paul Fipps, of Service Now, at the Knowledge 2025 event.

Harry will launch the Pledge To Invest drive, which aims to put a spotlight on the future of youth leadership and how forward-thinking businesses can support it.

Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Award which was set up in tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, said: “Companies that invest in youth leadership today are cultivating the workforce, innovators and consumers of tomorrow.

"The Diana Award is proud to launch Pledge To Invest?- an opportunity for forward-thinking businesses to make a strategic, measurable and high-impact investment in the future of youth leadership.

"For over 25 years, The Diana Award has invested in young people, empowering them to tackle the pressing issues of our time."

Mr Fipps said he is "proud to partner with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and The Diana Award to provide a platform that encourages other business leaders to invest in young people".

THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF RODGERS & HART'S "MANHATTAN" the 1925 classic that helped define the sound of New York City long before Big Apple anthems like “New York, New York” and "Empire State of Mind."

The evening is also a celebration of 35th Anniversary of The Rodgers & Hart Revue at Rainbow & Stars. An Intimate Musical Salon at 54 Above Sunday, May 19, 2025.
Widely considered the song that launched both Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart into the American musical theater canon, "Manhattan" became the opening note of what we now call The Great American Songbook.

To honor this milestone, Scott Perrin will host a private musical salon on Monday, May 19 in his legendary West 54th Street residence — affectionately dubbed "54 Above" — where twin grand pianos and over seven decades of Broadway and cabaret history come to life.

Over the years, Scott and his parents (orchestra leader Forrest Perrin and comedy writer Lesley Davison) have used this living room to welcome everyone from Barbra Streisand, Elaine Stritch, and Michael Feinstein to Harry Rigby, Julie Wilson, and The Flying Karamazov Brothers. The space itself is a living museum of showbiz lore, featuring: Stan Freeman’s concert grand, on which he played for Judy Garland and Marlene Dietrich.

Artifacts from The Drake Hotel, Julius Monk’s nightclubs, The Ziegfeld Theater, and costumes worn by Julie Wilson and Claudette Colbert.

This room also served as the birthplace of Perrin’s 1991 "Rodgers & Hart Revue," lauded by The New York Times as "the best revue of its type in years," and was a launching pad for the Tony-nominated "A Grand Night for Singing", which originated at Rainbow & Stars before moving to Broadway. The evening celebrates the 35th anniversary of the revue.

The May 19 salon will feature acclaimed pianists Tedd Firth and Ted Rosenthal, and pay tribute to both the song and the legacy of the composers who gave Manhattan — and Broadway — its signature sound.

This is an invitation-only event with extremely limited capacity.

THE ROYALS HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES On May 10th The Duchess of Gloucester will visit Gloucestershire Academy of Music. That same day Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh Patron, Hallé Concerts Society, will attend a Concert at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.

On May 15 The Duchess of Gloucester will hold a Concert and Reception for the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra Trust at Buckingham Palace. The Orchestra prides itself on creating unique musical experiences, bringing new and engaging interpretations to well-loved works in the classical repertoire.

BURLESQUE a pop-powered new musical will have performances at the Savoy Theatre in London beginning this July. Helmed by Todrick Hall, the soundtrack is from Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren & more.

SANDY DUNCAN a beloved star of Broadway, television and film, will be the focus of an exclusive Drama Desk interview/audience Q&A program that will feature video clips of some of her greatest performances. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 13 in the Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Café and will be moderated by long-time Drama Desk member Michael Portantiere.

Sandy Duncan made some of her earliest NYC appearances in several shows at New York City Center in the 1960s, going on to debut on Broadway in The Canterbury Tales (1969). She won a Drama Desk Award and received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the 1970 Broadway revival of The Boy Friend. Her other Broadway shows include "My One and Only", "Chicago," and "Peter Pan."

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

OTHELLO the Broadway revival starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Kenny Leon has officially recouped its investment.

The production has been playing to sold-out audiences since its first preview at the Barrymore Theatre on Monday, February 24. Last month, it broke the weekly record for top-grossing play in Broadway history with a $2,824,493 take. That record was broken later in the month by "Good Night, And Good Luck" when it grossed $3,305,240 at the Winter Garden.

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CHITA RIVERA AWARDS NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED The awards will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at NYU Skirball and produced by Joe Lanteri, Founder and Executive Director of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, Inc. in conjunction with Patricia Watt.

In keeping with the mission of the Chita Rivera Awards, nominators considered shows and films that opened during the 2024-2025 theater season. This year, the Chita Rivera Awards will be honoring Ben Vereen with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The mission of the Chita Rivera Awards is to celebrate dance and choreographic excellence, preserve notable dance history, recognize past, present, and future talents, while promoting high standards in dance education and investing in the next generation.

All proceeds of the Chita Rivera Awards benefit the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation (NYCDAF), which is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) committed to broadening performing arts awareness while advocating education and high standards of excellence in dance. This year, all funding and proceeds will support the creation of a new Chita Rivera Training Scholarship, a program of NYCDAF.

2025 CHITA RIVERA AWARD NOMINATIONS:

BROADWAY

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY IN A BROADWAY SHOW
Joshua Bergasse, Smash
Warren Carlyle, Pirates! The Penzance Musical
Patricia Delgado / Justin Peck, Buena Vista Social Club
Christopher Gattelli, Death Becomes Her
Shannon Lewis, Just In Time
Jerry Mitchell, Boop! The Musical
Rickey Tripp / DeWitt Fleming, Jr., A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical

OUTSTANDING DANCER IN A BROADWAY SHOW
Angélica Beliard, Buena Vista Social Club
Kevin Csolak, Gypsy
Carlos Falú, Buena Vista Social Club
DeWitt Fleming, Jr., A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical
Jonathan Groff, Just In Time
Robyn Hurder, Smash
Héctor Juan Maisonet, Buena Vista Social Club
Ilda Mason, Buena Vista Social Club
Marielys Molina, Buena Vista Social Club
Jasmine Amy Rogers, Boop! The Musical

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE IN A BROADWAY SHOW
A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical
Boop! The Musical
Buena Vista Social Club
Death Becomes Her
Just In Time
Pirates! The Penzance Musical
Smash

FILM & DOCUMENTARY

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY IN A FEATURE FILM
A Nice Indian Boy, Choreographers: Zina D. Mello, Breanna English, Christian Lagasse
Emilia Perez, Choreographer: Damien Jalet
Sh’ma: A Story of Survival, Choreographer: Suki John
Snow White, Choreographer: Mandy Moore
Wicked, Part 1, Choreographer: Christopher Scott

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A DANCE DOCUMENTARY
A Resilient Man, Director: Stephane Carrel
Better Man, Director: Michael Gracey
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, Director: Bruce David Klein
Two Roads, Director: Susan Wittenberg
Who Cares About Pal Frenak, Director: Gloria Halasz

Nominators considered outstanding choreography, featured dancers, and ensembles in shows on Broadway as well as outstanding choreography in film, that opened in the 2024-2025 season. Nominations for the productions under consideration this season will be determined by the designated nominating committee. There are separate nominating committees for Broadway and Film. There is also an awarding committee for Broadway, which determines the final nominations that are received from the Broadway nominations committee.

All proceeds of the Chita Rivera Awards benefit the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation (NYCDAF), which is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) committed to broadening performing arts awareness while advocating education and high standards of excellence in dance. This year, all funding and proceeds will support the creation of a new Chita Rivera Training Scholarship, a program of NYCDAF.

2024-2025 Chita Rivera Award Nominating Committes: Awarding Committee - - Chair: Sylviane Gold, Gary Chryst, Robert LaFosse, Donna McKechnie, Wendy Perron, Stephanie Pope, and Lee Roy Reams. Broadway Nominating Committee - - Melinda Atwood, Caitlin Carter, Gary Chryst, Don Correia, Sandy Duncan, Peter Filichia, Dr. Louis Galli, Sylviane Gold, Jonathan Herzog, Robert La Fosse, Joe Lanteri, Donna McKechnie, Michael Milton, Mary Beth O'Connor, Wendy Perron, Stephanie Pope, Lee Roy Reams, Desmond Richardson, Andy Sandberg, and Randy Skinner Film Nominating Committee - - Chair: Jonathan C. Herzog, Steven Caras, Wilhelmina Frankfurt, Mary Beth O’Connor, and Andy Sandberg.

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS (ASCAP) celebrates El Premio ASCAP 2025, its top ASCAP Latin songwriters for the most performed Latin music songs of the past year.

20-year-old Xavi, whose pioneering blend of corridos tumbados and romantic lyrical themes has topped the Billboard Hot Latin Songs charts with songs like "La Diabla" and "La Víctima," earns his first ASCAP Latin Songwriter of the Year Award. With this honor, Xavi becomes the youngest recipient of the Latin Songwriter of the Year Award in ASCAP's Latin Awards history.

Urban music star Feid scores the ASCAP Songwriter/Artist of the Year Award accolade for a second consecutive year. His top songs include "Perro Negro," "Bubalu" and "Luna."

"QLONA," co-written by ASCAP songwriter Dani Raw and published by Kobalt Music Publishing, wins ASCAP Latin Song of the Year. The song, performed by Karol G and Peso Pluma, topped the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for five weeks.

Universal Music Publishing Music Group receives Publisher of the Year for the third consecutive year. Their hit songs include: "(Entre Paréntesis)," "Adivino," "Alch Si," "Baccarat," "Brickell," "Corazón de Piedra," "El Jefe," "Gata Only," "Igual Que Un Ángel," "La Falda," "La Nena," "Puntería," "Si No Es Contigo," "Si Sabe Ferxxo" and "Sorry 4 That Much."

Other notable wins include Daddy Yankee, who breaks his own record by capturing his 52nd ASCAP Latin Music Award for "Bonita." Cris MJ ("Gata Only," "Si No Es Contigo"), Emilia ("Perdonarte ¿Para Qué?"), Maisak ("De Lunes a Lunes") Gangsta ("Ohnana") and Orlando "Jova" Cepeda ("La Falda," "Adivino," more) are among the list of first-time ASCAP Latin Music Award winners. Other winners include Carin León, Eladio Carrión, Jhay Cortez, Joss Favela, Keityn, Lenier, Maria Becerra, Marc Anthony, Cris MJ, Myke Towers, Lyanno, Spread Lof, Rios, GALE, YannC, Chalko and Andy Clay.

FUTURE OF THE THEATRE CONFERENCE 2025 took place April 30 at Soho Place in London where the most pressing issues facing theatre today and creative ideas for the future were discussed.

Co-programmed by The Stage’s deputy editor Matt Hemley, and cultural policy & research consultant Amanda Parker, this agenda-setting conference provided the space to have vital conversations, reflect, challenge and share ideas for a stronger theatre sector. debated Commercial producing, the nations, accessibility within the performing arts and more were discussed.

"Curve leader Chris Stafford and PR guru Mark Borkowski were among the panellists who appeared, along with Indhu Rubasingham and Dame Rosemary Squire and Jenny Afia.

The "Future of the Theatre Awards" winners for 2025 are Imelda Staunton, who won Best Performer in a Musical for "Hello, Dolly!", and Imelda Staunton, who won Best Performer in a Musical for "Hello, Dolly!". Additionally, several other winners include Melanie La Barrie for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical, David Tennant for Best Performer in a Play, and Freema Agyeman for Best Supporting Performer in a Play.

Catherine Russell, General Manager of The Theater Center and the lead actress in Off Broadway's Perfect Crime, was named one of six finalists at this year's Future of Theatre conference, Her selection honors her groundbreaking integration of AI-powered, real-time translations into live theatre—an achievement that has made theater performances accessible in more than 60 languages, a first in New York City history.

In collaboration with the translation technology platform Wordly, The Theater Center has enabled non-English-speaking audiences and tourists to fully experience live performances, including Perfect Crime, in their native language. The initiative represents a major step toward accessibility and inclusivity in the performing arts and is already reshaping how diverse audiences engage with theater.

Russell’s is one of six forward thinking ideas chosen for live presentation to an audience of international theater leaders. The other finalists’ proposals include:
Neil Smith, a playwright and experience host, who suggests a new funding model for theatre.
Katie Gilchrist, founder of The Daffodils, who is calling for a pause on producing plays written by white men.
Rob Myles, an actor/director proposing a “radical redistribution” of the National Theatre’s resources.
Alex Duarte-Davies, founder of Get Into Theatre, advocating for youth theater access through pupil premium expansion.
Sharon Bains, head of digital at Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, urging venues to create online digital hubs for touring companies.

THE 2025 TONY HONORS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE THEATRE

Outstanding contributors to the Broadway industry have been announced.

They include:
Great Performances on PBS; Goodspeed's Executive Director Michael Price; the Musicians who make up the Band of Buena Vista Social Club honoring - Marco Paguia (Music Director, Conductor/Piano); David Oquendo (Associate Music Director, Guitar); Renesito Avich (Tres); Gustavo Schartz (Bass); Javier Días, Román Diaz, Mauricio Herrera (Percussion); Jesus Ricardo (Trumpet); Eddie Venegas (Trombone); Hery Paz (Woodwinds); Leonardo Reyna (Piano);
The Illusions & Technical Effects of Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Jamie Harrison, Chris Fisher, Gary Beestone & Edward Pierce).
For more than 50 years on PBS, Great Performances has provided an unparalleled showcase of the best in all genres of the performing arts, serving as America’s most prestigious and enduring broadcaster of cultural programming. Showcasing a diverse range of artists from around the world, the series has earned 67 Emmy Awards and six Peabody Awards. The Great Performances website and YouTube channel host exclusive videos, interviews, and more.??

"We are honored to receive this award," said Great Performances Executive Producer David Horn. "After more than 52 years of providing accessible, high-quality performing arts programming, we are sincerely grateful to be recognized for our contribution to the many artists and artistic works we have showcased over these many years."

New 42 is honored for that iconic rehearsal studio facility with sprung floors, high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. They offer rehearsal studios the size of NYC's biggest Broadway stages and administrative offices for theater, dance, music and more "to support artists and cultivate new ideas in the arts."

Michael Price, of Goodspeed. Helming for 47 years he is the longest serving Executive Director of an American Theatre. From 1968 to 2014, he produced more than 235 musicals, including 75 world premiers and transferred 19 to Broadway and earning 13 Tony awards.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is also being honored.

Located at Lincoln Center, the New York Library for the Performing Arts houses a rich archive of dance, theatre, music, and recorded sound, including the Theatre on Tape and Film Archive. The center is one of the NYPL's research centers, and among the world's largest collections focused on the performing arts, holding upwards of eight million items. The library is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

The Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award will be presented to Celia Keenan-Bolger for her dedication to advocacy work through the arts. The award is presented annually to a member of the theater community who has made a substantial contribution of time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations. Previous recipients include Billy Porter, Jerry Mitchell, Julie Halston, Judith Light, Nick Scandalios, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Stephen Schwartz, Larry Kramer, Rosie O’Donnell, Bernadette Peters, Eve Ensler and David Hyde Pierce.

Harvey Fierstein will receive the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.

Fierstein has won four Tony Awards — two for "Torch Song Trilogy" (best play and best actor in a play) and one each for "La Cage Aux Folles" (best book of a musical) and "Hairspray" (best actor in a musical). He also wrote the Tony-winning hit" Kinky Boots." Other Broadway credits include " Newsies", "Legs Diamond" and the revival of "Funny Girl." He revised the book for the latter show, which had a hit run on Broadway following its London production.

Some of the luminaries previously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award include Carol Channing, Graciela Daniele, Joel Gray, Jane Greenwood, Sheldon Harnick, Julie Harris, Rosemary Harris, Jerry Herman, James Earl Jones, John Kander, Angela Lansbury, Marshall W. Mason, Terrence McNally, Jack O’Brien, Harold Prince, Chita Rivera, Marian Seldes, Stephen Sondheim, Tommy Tune, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Harold Wheeler and George C. Wolfe.

Fierstein, 72, received a Primetime Emmy nod in 1992 for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for a guest spot on"Cheers".

The 2024-2025 Tony Award Nominating Committee consists of: Bob Balaban, Danielle Barlow, Rick Boynton, Brian Harlan Brooks, Dr. Jamie Cacciola-Price, Kevin Cahoon, Adam Chanler-Berat, Victoria Clark, Jordan E. Cooper, Dan Foster, Donald P. Gagnon, Ph.D., Deeksha Gaur, Linda Goodrich, Miranda Haymon, James Ijames, Michael R. Jackson, Christine Toy Johnson, Rosalie Joseph, Rod Kaats, Michael Korie, Kathy Landau, Andrea Lauer, Zhailon Levingston, Jose Llana, Peter Marks, Jess McLeod, Lisa McNulty, Ira Mont, Jacqueline Diane Moscou, Helen Park, Jessica Paz, Georgina Pazcoguin, Ralph B. Peña, Karen Perry, Nancy Piccione, Jill Rafson, Bill Rauch, T. Oliver Reid, Liam Robinson, Carole Rothman, Susan Sampliner, Dick Scanlan, Florie Seery, Rachel Sheinkin, Devario Simmons, Walt Spangler, Mark Stanley, Susan Soon He Stanton, Sam Strasfeld, Jason Tam, Reginald Van Lee, Alexandria Wailes, Ben Wexler, and David C. Woolard.

“Our Tony Honors recognize the fact that there are a multitude of people and organizations working behind the scenes who contribute to great theatre, making the journey from page to stage, beyond our traditional categories," said Jason Laks, President of the Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theatre Wing. "We are thrilled to celebrate these behind the scenes heroes on Broadway’s biggest night."

The Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre were established in 1990 and are awarded annually to institutions, individuals and/or organizations that have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in theatre, but are not eligible in any of the established Tony Award categories.??



GOLDEN by Andrew Lee Creech.

Directed by Tyrone Phillips.

Morris Golden, fighting to save his laundromat after The Great Recession of 2008, finds an unexpected source of hope in a broken change machine with mysterious powers. From the mind of celebrated Seattle writer Andrew Lee Creech, and first seen at ACT’s inaugural New Works Northwest festival, comes a riveting world premiere that peels back the layers of lives and relationships to reveal the profound impact of choice and the enduring power of human connection. Golden is part of Creech’s nine-play cycle, The Legacy Plays Project, which examines pivotal moments in the lives of Black Americans throughout U.S. history.

What does it take to make change happen?

Featuring Zora Harris (Mesgana Alemshowa), Rheeda Golden (Tracy Michelle Hughes), Morris Golden (Ty Willis) Quikk (Kaughlin Caver), Earl (Arlando Smith), Jazmine Harris (Elena Flory-Barnes).

Now playing for a limited run through May 11 at ACT Contemporary Theatre.

DEALER'S CHOICE by Patrick Marber.

Directed by Matthew Dunster.

Patrick Marber's 1995 debut play about an all-male Saturday night poker club in a restaurant basement is revived starring Brendan Coyle as Ash, restaurant employee Alfie Allen as a poker-loving ladies' man, Hammed Animashaun as Mugsy, Theo Barklem-Biggs as Sweeney, Slot machine addict Kasper Hilton-Hille as Carl and Daniel Lapaine as restaurant manager Stephen.

Playing until June 7, 2025 at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, is a new play written by Kate Trefry.

Directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin.

Are monsters born... or made?

In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past. Initially, things go well — he finds friendship and joins the school play. But when a wave of shocking crimes strikes the town, Henry is forced to confront a terrifying truth: is there something inside him that connects him to the horrors unfolding around him?

"As this thrilling mystery races forward, shadows of the past are unleashed, relationships are tested, and the town of Hawkins faces the ultimate question: can the power of friendship outshine the darkness within? "With a cast of 34, this gripping stand-alone adventure will pull you deep into the world of Stranger Things. Experience the heart-pounding excitement of Stranger Thing: The First Shadow where suspense and spectacle lurk at every turn."

Performances at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.

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FINAL OVATION

PRISCILLA POINTER stage, television and film actress and mother to actress Amy Irving and director David Irving, died on April 28, 2025 at an assisted care facility in Ridgefield, Connecticut. She was 100.

The New York-bred actress got her start in the theater, where she performed in touring productions of "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Country Wife" and "The Condemned of Altona." Throughout the '70s, Pointer appeared on several TV series including "McCloud," "The Rockford Files," "Kojak," "Police Woman" and "Phyllis." In 1976, the actress made the leap to the silver screen with roles in "The Great Texas Dynamite Chase," "Carrie" and "Nickelodeon." "Carrie," a supernatural horror about an ostracized teen with telekinetic powers, saw Pointer co-star with daughter Amy Irving. Amy played Sue Snell, a classmate of Carrie's who is scarred by the girl's deadly rampage, while Pointer portrayed Snell's mother. In the '80s, Pointer became a household name on the Emmy-winning soap opera "Dallas." Pointer played Rebecca Barnes Wentworth, mother of Ken Kercheval's Cliff Barnes, from 1981-1983.

Pointer also joined creative forces with her son David Irving. David directed Pointer in the 1987 musical fantasy "Rumpelstiltskin," which starred Amy Irving alongside Billy Barty and Clive Revill.>br?>br? In her personal life, Pointer married fellow actor Jules Irving in 1947 after the two met in Europe during an army production of "Brother Rat" following World War II. The couple later formed the Actor's Workshop, a theater company in San Francisco. Pointer and Jules, who remained married until Jules' 1979 death, shared three children: Katie, David and Amy Irving.

Pointer continued acting throughout the '90s, appearing in series such as "The Flash," "ER" and "Touched by An Angel." Her final role was a 2008 voiceover performance in the Jeff Daniels-starring TV movie "Sweet Nothing in My Ear."

DONALD POLLOCK a beloved University of La Verne professor and longtime Claremont resident, passed away from cancer on March 25, 2025. He was 71.

He earned his degrees in anthropology and social work before turning to filmmaking, earning an MFA from USC. His passion for storytelling and travel took him around the world. During his 28-year career, helped students use film to tell meaningful stories, led the university's broadcast program, and mentored many students to successful careers - including more than a dozen Emmy winners. Pollock was named professor emeritus upon his retirement.

He founded Adelita Productions; creating over 300 films and earning accolades from the American Film Institute, the Broadcast Education Association, six Telly Awards, and a Cable Ace Award. He also managed the La Verne public access TV station.

Pollock traveled extensively, visited over 30 countries, led student trips abroad to the Amazon, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Hawaii. He completed research sabbaticals in England, Australia, Fiji, and Malta. Deeply involved in his community, he was an active member of Temple Beth Israel in Pomona, where he co-led the Brotherhood and helped broadcast services.

In retirement, he became a Master Gardener in Hawaii and established a micro tropical fruit tree farm with over 20 varieties on his property in Hilo. He also published a photography book on Big Island churches.

RUTH BUZZI whose TV credits include "Laugh-in," "Sesame Street" and "Saved by the Bell," died peacefully on her Texas ranch on May 1, 2025. She was 88.

She had been in hospice care for several years due to Alzheimer's Disease.

"She scowled her way to pop culture fame on the comedy-variety show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” playing a matron who wields her purse like a cudgel."

At age 18, she enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, where she graduated with honors in June 1957.

Before graduation from college, Buzzi was already a working union actress performing in musical and comedy revues. Her first job in show business was at 19, traveling with singer Rudy Vallée in a live musical and comedy act during her summer break from college; it allowed her to graduate with an Actors' Equity Association union card. She moved to New York City after graduation and was hired immediately for a lead role in an off-Broadway musical revue, the first of 19 in which she performed around the East Coast. She worked alongside other young performers just beginning their careers at the time, including Barbra Streisand, Joan Rivers, Dom DeLuise, and Carol Burnett. She performed in New York musical variety shows, and she made numerous television commercials, some of which won national awards including the Clio Award.

Buzzi lived with her husband, actor Kent Perkins, on a 600-acre (240 ha) cattle and horse ranch near Stephenville, Texas. They were avid automobile collectors. Their collection focused on post-war English vehicles, including Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Jaguar, although it also includes several American convertibles and muscle cars. Some of their cars have been donated or lent to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles including a red, fuel-injected 1957 Chevrolet convertible that was exhibited from 1993 to 2011 as part of the display honoring the cars of Steve McQueen. Buzzi's 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud drophead coupe convertible was on display for the "Century of Elegance" exhibit.

Next Column: May 11, 2025
Copyright: May 4, 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