Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: October 6, 2024
By: Laura Deni
CLICK HERE FOR COMMENT SECTION

HURRICANE HELENE RECEIVES BAD REVIEWS FROM ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

Ashevllle Arts District before Helene. Photo: Explore Asheville.

No encore wanted.

While a few venues were spared, most of the performing arts centers in the path of Hurricane Helene are acknowledging that that wind bag stole the show.

In Asheville, North Carolina the French Broad River reached over 16 feet by 11 am on September 27, flooding most of the River Arts District.

The mile long River Arts District, composed of 23 buildings spanning the two square miles is affectionately known as RAD was "a creative hub along the French Broad River. Former warehouses and mills, many with colorful exterior murals, contain glassblowing, pottery, and other artisan studios, plus indie art galleries. The buzzing dining and nightlife scene encompasses hip cafes, BBQ restaurants, craft breweries, and cozy, chilled-out music venues like the long-running Grey Eagle."

Visitors to Asheville’s Buncombe County spent nearly $3 billion last year, accounting for 20% of the county’s annual economy.

Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD) is "a destination that grew out of necessity. Artists needed cheap rent and large spaces. An industrial zone east of the railroad tracks had a glut of aging and empty warehouses. The area was ripe for change, and over two decades blossomed into a convergence of art, creativity, commerce and entertainment fueled by the dynamism of its inhabitants — those same artists and visionaries."

Prior to Helene this was a membership community of 300+ artists in working studios and galleries along the French Broad River, just minutes from downtown Asheville, NC.

Trackside Studios had water reaching the ceilingof he first floor. Photo: Hannah Cole.

Trackside Studios reported that flood waters reached the ceiling of the first floor where about 40 of the 60 studio artists maintain their practice. Co-owners Julie Bell and Michael Campbell told Hyperallergic that they were out of state during the storm. Because they have reliable internet they are serving as a communications center.

The photographs of the Asheville damage is causing her to "evoke some visceral memories." The outlet quoted her as saying that Trackside Studios had recently completed a months-long renovation prior to the storm to restore the building’s historic appearance.

"It’s so dangerous to clean up after these types of disasters because the mud is full of debris, mold spores, sharp objects, and dead fish. It’s neither safe nor sanitary," she cautioned.

Bell and Campbell don’t know when they’ll be able to return to Asheville.

Artist, tax expert, and Hyperallergic contributor Hannah Cole reported that her studio along the Swannanoa River tributary had been entirely upheaved by floodwaters.

"The building is totaled," Cole is quoted in the publication. She declared that "20 years worth of artwork and supplies were effectively put in a blender for hours" in a mixture of water, mud, heavy furniture and tools, and other debris carried in by the river.

RAD promos enticed locals and tourists with: "Hop on the free trolley every second Saturday to explore the RAD! Visit galleries, watch live demonstrations, attend workshops, enjoy live music, wine tastings, delicious food, and more."

Basically decimated, artisans are trying to pick up the broken pieces.

Flooding along Depot Street in the River Arts District of Asheville in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene on Sept. 27, 2024. Colby Rabon / Carolina Public Press

Flat Rock Playhouse, State Theatre of North Carolina experienced utility outages and major infrastructural issues.

An instagram post states: Like much of the rest of Western North Carolina, Flat Rock Playhouse is currently experiencing utility outages and major infrastructural issues, and as a result the Playhouse, Box Office, administrative offices, and Playhouse Jr. classes will be closed until further notice.

"Unfortunately, this also means that all performances of The Mountaintop are cancelled. Our Box Office staff will be in contact with ticket holders as soon as we are able.

"As phone lines and internet service are down we are also unable to process additional ticket purchases at this time.

"We are extremely grateful to our community here in WNC and all of those who have reached out and expressed concern, and our heartfelt thanks goes out to all those helping to get the region back on its feet from first responders, to utility workers, to volunteers."

Florida also received smashing waves.

Jennifer Rominiecki president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota issued the following statement: "The Downtown Sarasota campus was affected by storm surge and, as you can imagine, has debris to be cleared. The docks and decking appear to be lifted up in some areas by the surge and will need attention. However, I am happy to report that all buildings appear to be okay. The Green Orchid restaurant opened for lunch, as well as the area of the gardens surrounding the Jean Goldstein Welcome Center and Morganroth Family Palm Promenade. The rest of the gardens will be roped off to the public until debris is cleared.

"At the Historic Spanish Point campus, the seawall at the point collapsed and will need attention. The small bridge broke up, and the Packing House dock will likely need attention. Some of the pathways were washed out and will need to be replaced with new shell gravel. However, I am happy to report that all buildings appear to be okay. The campus has no power, and will need to remain closed until the power is back on."

The Ringling Museum stated that Ca’ d’Zan, the John and Mable Ringling mansion, is still closed as water flooded the basement damaging mechanicals which power the home.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall got lucky as only water seeped into its kitchen, dressing room hallways and the founder’s lounge, a situation which frequently happens during storms. Fortunately, the water level didn't reach the transformer or chillers which would have resulted in a serious issue.

Out Front Theatre Company in Atlanta, Georgia, which resides on the land of the Mvskoke (Muscogee /Creek) people, suffered severe damages from Tropical Storm Helene, including flooding.

According to the Instagram post, water flooded into the mainstage, backstage, costume shops , dressing rooms, hallway and lobby areas. Out Front was in the middle of rehearsals for its upcoming production of Hairspray, which was set to run October 24 – November 9.

"We are devastated by the impact of Hurricane Helene here at Out Front Theatre Company," Paul Conroy, founder and producing artistic director of Out Front, stated in a statement. "We are working as quickly as we can to clean up, and the immediate support from our community has been incredible to see. Our mission has always been to foster a space that uplifts LGBTQIA+ voices, and while this setback is challenging, we are resilient. We look forward to continuing rehearsals and welcoming our audience and community back into the theater soon."

There are a number of resources that artists and arts organizations can reach out to if they need assistance. Those resources can be found listed on the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs’ website.

Ruby Lopez Harper, executive director of the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+), which imparts safeguarding advice for natural disasters and offers emergency relief and preparedness grants to artists across the United States.

$3,000 emergency relief grants are available in response to Helene.

The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) has an Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) that provides economic assistance to independent live performance venues and promoters across the United States.

Both for-profit and nonprofit venues and promoters are eligible for the ERF.

The ERF helps with unforeseen disasters, including natural disasters, manmade disasters, acts of terrorism, and other emergencies that are beyond the recipient's control.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

It should come as no suprise that Dolly Parton was one of the first celebrities to step up and donate a subtantial sum - $1M.

Helene also showed no respect for a national treasure.

The Biltmore Estate

The famed Biltmore Estate the historic house museum and tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina, a major tourist stop accommodating 1.4 million visitors a year, suffered extensive damage and is still closed.

The main residence, is a Châteauesque-style mansion built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 and is the largest privately owned house in the United States, at 178,926 sq ft (16,622.8 m2) of floor space and 135,280 sq ft (12,568 m2) of living area. Still owned by George Vanderbilt's descendants, it remains one of the most prominent examples of Gilded Age mansions." The Gilded Age mansion reportedly cost $5 million (equivalent to about $183 million today) to construct.

Grounds of America’s largest home — Biltmore Estate — experienced 'significant flooding and damage' following Hurricane Helene according to a statement released addressing the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of concern for our region as communities face the aftermath of this storm," the estate said in its statement, highlighting the damage that has impacted the 8,000-acre (12½-square-mile) property.

While the Biltmore House itself, along with the conservatory, winery and hotels, "received minimal or no damage from the storm," other areas of the estate felt the storm's rage.

"The lodge gate has been damaged. In forested areas, which is a large portion of the estate, wind damage is extensive to grounds and some structures," the statement noted. "Crews are working to clear roads and assess the overall damage."

The estate’s entrance in Biltmore Village and "other low-lying areas," such as its farm, experienced "significant flooding and damage to buildings,"the statement said.

Unfortunately, the storm also impacted some of the estate’s animals. "We sadly lost a few of our animals during the storm, but the vast majority are safe and accounted for thanks to our dedicated agriculture and equestrian teams," the statement continued.

Built in the late 19th century by George Washington Vanderbilt II, the architectural marvel spans a jaw-dropping 175,000 square feet, boasting 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces.

With its massive role in the local economy, the closure of Biltmore is expected to have ripple effects across the region.

Economic data from a study produced for Biltmore in 2020 by Oxford Economics estimated Biltmore's total economic impact in Buncombe County to be $620 million.

"To Our Community: We are heartbroken for our friends, family, and neighbors across this region who have been devastated by this storm. To our first responders, utility workers, and community volunteers, we are eternally grateful for your endless care and courage. We will all work together to recover from this unprecedented disaster," the statement intoned.

E-Book

Soft back Book

Broadway To Vegas is supported through advertising and donations. Priority consideration is given to interview suggestions, news, press releases, etc from paid supporters. However, no paid supporters control, alter, edit, or in any way manipulate the content of this site. Your donation is appreciated. We accept PAYPAL.

Thank you for your interest.

E-Book

Soft back Book

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

NEAL GREIG BIG SWELL

Neal Greig Big Swell. Photo: Gormleys

an exhibition by acclaimed Irish painter Neal Greig RUA.

Gormleys presents this much-anticipated exhibition showcases a stunning collection of new paintings that capture the contrast and beauty of the Irish and French landscape.

An interesting dimension to the exhibition is the bringing together of works completed at recent residencies in Ireland and France, the Aras Eanna Arts Centre in Inis Oirr and the John Richardson residency along the River Butonne in France.

Known for his evocative use of color and expressive brushstrokes, Greig continues to push the boundaries of landscape painting. His works are characterized by their spontaneity and fluidity, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the world around us. Greig's practice is deeply rooted in the tradition of en plein air painting, where he immerses himself in the landscape to capture its essence directly onto the canvas.

The exhibition will be opened by Irish writer Susan Mc Kay.

The exhibition runs from October 10 - 29 in Gormleys' Dublin gallery in Ireland.

WAR TOYS: UKRAINE runs through January 5, 2925 at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO.

The exhibit explores Children’s Perspectives on Conflict in War Toys. The exhibition is hosted in tandem with Featured Exhibition The Little War, which explores the lives of children swept up by WWI.

Since 2011, internationally recognized photographer Brian McCarty has been collaborating with specialized therapists and children who have been affected by conflict on a unique project titled War Toys, which is now active in and near Ukraine. The project invokes principles of expressive art therapy to safely gather and articulate children's accounts of warfare.

Children often share their experiences and emotions through indirect methods of communication, such as art and play. As a result, their personal accounts of war frequently go unseen and unheard by the international community. War Toys: Ukraine presents universally understood accounts of conflict while drawing attention to the individual children and communities who have been affected by armed conflict.

"Viewers of the exhibition War Toys: Ukraine will see 30 of the children’s drawings presented alongside McCarty’s staged photographs. In the process of sharing their artwork, children would often reveal the details that were most important or impactful to them, but some elements were buried, as if to protect them. The viewers’ eyes will move back and forth from McCarty’s works to the children’s drawings, recognizing the similarities and differences, but most importantly, reading between the lines. Exhibition visitors will also gain an understanding of the specialized support for children and caregivers and the psychosocial programs developed by the War Toys non-profit organization founded by McCarty in 2019 as a result of his project."

THE BROOKLYN ARTISTS EXHIBITION on display through January 26, 2025 at the Brooklyn Museum, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary.

"Prepare to be dazzled by the inaugural edition of The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition, illuminating the unparalleled breadth of talent in our borough. Uniting more than 200 artists, this major group show highlights the remarkable creativity and diversity of Brooklyn’s populace. The exhibition kicks off our 200th anniversary celebration and carries on the Brooklyn Museum’s tradition of amplifying voices from every corner of our community."

Spotlighting artists who have lived or maintained a studio in Brooklyn during the last five years (2019–24), The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition honors the borough’s dynamic present, storied past, and bright future. Selected by a committee led by esteemed artists Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Fred Tomaselli, participants represent a full range of disciplines, from drawing and painting to sculpture, video, installation, and beyond. Their creations tackle themes that resonate on both local and global levels—migration and memory, identity and history, uncertainty and turbulence, healing and joy. Together these works capture the vibrancy of both Brooklyn and its artists, who are bound by deep-rooted connections and a shared love of this singular place.

The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition is organized by Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Fred Tomaselli and coordinated by Sharon Matt Atkins, Deputy Director for Art; Lauren Bierly, Senior Exhibition Project Manager; and Jennie Tang, Special Exhibition Administrator.

BREATH(E):TOWARD CLIMATE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

PST ART: Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice on display at Hammer Museum, LA

part of Getty’s region-wide initiative PST ART: Art and Science Collide.

"The lungs of our planet—oceans, forests, and the atmosphere—are under threat, invaded by carbon emissions, plastics, and man-made pollutants. The act of breathing was rendered even more perilous by the COVID-19 pandemic and police brutality. "Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice" considers the connections between climate change, environmental justice, and social justice through the lens of contemporary art.

The indoor/outdoor exhibition brings together approximately 100 works focused on climate change by a group of intergenerational contemporary artists, scientists, and activists, addressing anthropogenic disasters such as deforestation, ocean acidification, coral reef bleaching, water pollution, extraction, and atmospheric politics. Six major new commissions, including a bee sculpture by Garnett Puett and a living garden created by Ron Finley, go beyond the art world to make tangible contributions to the protection of our climate.

Organized by guest co-curators Glenn Kaino and Mika Yoshitake, the exhibition considers environmental art practices that address the climate crisis and anthropogenic disasters and their inescapable intersection with issues of equity and social justice. Breath(e) features works by more than 20 artists, including works by: Brandon Ballengée, Mel Chin, Tiffany Chung, Ron Finley, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Ryoji Ikeda, ikkibawiKrrr, Michael Joo, Danil Krivoruchko, Xin Liu, Yoshitomo Nara, Otobong Nkanga, Roxy Paine, Garnett Puett, Rob Reynolds, Sandy Rodriguez, Sarah Rosalena, Bently Spang Mika Tajima, Clarissa Tossin, Lan Tuazon, Yangkura, Jin-me Yoon, and Zheng Mahler, commissioned specially for this exhibition.

Breath(e) was conceived during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic and America’s racial reckoning in 2020, and as such explores pressing issues related to the ethics of climate justice, while proposing pragmatic and philosophical approaches to spur discussion and resolution. The exhibition strives to challenge and deconstruct polarized political attitudes surrounding climate justice in America and offers new perspectives around land and indigenous rights of nature.

Garnett Puett’s sculpture contains live honeybees. Visitors should be aware of the bees’ presence and be cautious when viewing the sculpture. While the bees are fully contained in the sculpture’s housing, their presence may attract additional bees in the outdoor space around the museum and in the museum’s courtyard.

The exhibition is presented in partnership with Conservation International. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Currently at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles through January 5, 2025.

E-Book

Soft back Book

SPREADING THE WORD

AH, GO EAT A WORM which is precisely what 10 contestants did yesterday, October 6, 2024 while participating in the second annual Adventureland Resort's Phantom Fall Fest worm eating contest in Des Moines, Iowa.

Last year the event was hosted by Andrew Fuller, winner of season one of Netflex's Is It Cake? Stephen Hracheta of Marshaltown, Iowa finish off all six of his worms first. His prize package was valued at over $1,000, along with a custom worm cake made by Fuller.

Can you stomach the challenge?

These wiggle down your throat events are gaining in popularity.

Kennywood, an Amusement Park in Miffin, Pennsylvania - just southeast of Pittsburgh - is staging their second annual - just close your eyes and eat it - event bragging: "We've upped the stakes . . . 15 entrants will be randomly selected to compete to eat a whole order of Patch fries topped with cheese and 15 mealworms on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Each participant will receive two tickets for Phantom Fall Fest and a commemorative shirt. Winner receive season passes.

PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE'S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN COSTUME YARD SALE takes place Saturday, October 12th, from 9 AM to 6 PM in Memphis, Tennessee.

Snag one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes straight from their past productions and bring your costume dreams to life, all for just $1 to $5!

N'KENGE & HER ALL-STAR QUARTET perform October 12 at the Jazz Club at the Aman Hotel in New York City. The Grammy, Emmy, and Tony award-nominated N'Kenge is also "reprising my role of Jazz in the upcoming workshop for the Broadway bound musical Dangerous Noir Musical! The workshop will take place at Open Jar Studios on October 17th & 18th. That workshop development t included: John C. Introcaso - Book, Music, & Additl. Lyrics Michael Colby - Lyrics. Denis Jones - Director/Choreogrpaher. Phil Reno - Music Director. The busy lady with the five octave range is also "thrilled to announce that I will be the headliner for Grandeur of the Seas, known as part of the world's most luxurious fleet, from October 23-31.

NEW YORK BUTOH INSTITUTE FESTIVAL 2024 takes place October 10-20, 2024.

Butoh is a form of Japanese dance theatre that encompasses a diverse range of activities, techniques and motivations for dance, performance, or movement. The Festival will feature performances by: Natalia Cuellar (Chile), Eugenia Vargas (Mexico), Akihito Ichihara and Elf (Japan) and Vangeline.

New York Butoh Institute Festival 2024 presented by Angeline Theater and the New York Butoh Institute. Performances take place at Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn NY.

DANIEL DAY-LEWIS a three time Oscar winner has returned to acting for the first time in nearly a decade to star in Anemone, a film being directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis.

Father Daniel stars in the lead role, marking the first time he has appeared in a movie since Phantom Thread in 2017, which resulted in the actor receiving an Oscar nomination.

Anemone was co-written by the father-son team and marks Ronan's directing debut. The flick will be produced by Focus Features, who are partnering with Brad Pitt’s Plan B on the project.

THE TENNESSEE THEATRE located in Knoxville, the State Theatre of Tennessee has tours.

Uncover the history, performances, and renovation of the Official State Theatre of Tennessee as you explore the Grand Lobby, Auditorium, Balcony, Stage, Projection Booth, and more during this unique experience. The next snoop around takes place on October 12, followed by a special holiday tour on November 23.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE'S 50th season opener garnered 5.3M viewers.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY

THE FIRST MAJOR LONDON REVIVAL OF Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of The Producers doesn't begin previews until November 26, 2024 at the Menier. All previews are sold out with over 10,000 advance tickets purchased!

Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber helms Lorin Latarro is the Broadway choreographer.. Starring Andy Nyman, Marc Antolin, Harry Morrison and Joanna Woodward, this glittering new production officially opens on December 9, 2024 and runs until March 1, 2025.

They are joined by Charis Alexandra, Michael Franks, Matt Gillett, Leah Harris, Hana Ichijo, Esme Kennedy, Josh Kiernan, Alex Lodge, Kelsie-Rae Marshall and Chloe Saunders.

ANNUAL REVENUE FROM ESPORTS BETTING is set to reach $2.5 Billion in 2024, according to the numbers presented by NoKyc.com.

The market is expected to grow by another 12% to $2.8 billion in 2025. Over the course of the next four years, from 2025 to 2029, the esports betting market size is expected to grow to $3.5 billion.

As things stand, the United States represent the biggest market for the esports betting industry, followed by countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, and Japan.

E-Book

Soft back Book

JOHN MANGUM has been appointed the fifth General Director, President & CEO of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He will start before winter.

"A distinguished visionary with significant artistic and executive leadership roles at some of the country’s foremost performing arts organizations — including the Houston Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its esteemed Hollywood Bowl — and a noted collaborator with many leading artists and conductors, Mangum is a multifaceted, modern executive with deep expertise in developing innovative approaches to support, contextualize, and expand the relevance of classical music and the performing arts; creating and implementing significant community and educational programming; and inspiring philanthropy."

Since 2018, Mangum has served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Symphony, a tenure marked by record growth and transformation. Mangum increased the orchestra’s endowment by 50 percent and secured major capital gifts for a $60 million campaign to support the renovation of Jones Hall.

Mangum, 49, holds a doctorate in history with a field of musicology, and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in history, from the University of California, Los Angeles. His academic work looks at the spread of Italian opera in 18th-century German-speaking Central Europe.

Mangum succeeds Anthony Freud, who is retiring after 13 years as General Director, President & CEO at Lyric.

ZOE RYAN director of the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at the University of Pennsylvania, has been named the next leader of the Hammer Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles. Ryan succeeds Ann Philibin, who announced in 2023 her retirement after 25 years at the helm of the Los Angeles institution.

According to the announcement, Philbin will depart in November 2024 and Ryan will assume leadership on January 1, 2025.

ATLANTA'S ALLIANCE THEATRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' Kendrick Smith has been chosen as the new Chair of its Board of Directors for a term of two years. Following a 40-year career as a trial lawyer, Smith retired as a Business Litigation partner at Jones Day at the end of 2020. An Atlanta native, Smith has served on the Alliance Theatre Board of Directors for eight years and has served on the Executive and Board Engagement Committees.

In his new role as Board Chair, Smith will lead the theatre through a transformational period, overseeing the opening of the Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families in 2026 and the completion of the Alliance's Imagine Endowment campaign, which has raised $7.2 million of its $10 million goal in support of access and programming on the new stage. During his tenure, Smith will also support the continued growth of the Alliance's nationally recognized new work and education programs under the artistic leadership of Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses.



OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder.

Directed by Kenny Leon.

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town returns to Broadway for the first time in over 20 years, starring Jim Parsons as "Stage Manager."

"Our Town explores the relationship between two young Grover's Corners neighbors, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, whose childhood friendship blossoms into romance, and then culminates in marriage.

"In light of the fact that humans are powerless to stem the advance of time, Wilder ponders whether human beings truly appreciate the precious nature of a transient life. Act I, which the Stage Manager entitles "Daily Life," testifies to the artfulness and value of routine daily activity."

Our Town features a cast of 28 strong actors. In addition to Parsons, the cast includes: Zoey Deutch as "Emily Webb", Katie Holmes as "Mrs. Webb", Billy Eugene Jones as "Dr. Gibbs", Ephraim Sykes as "George Gibbs", Richard Thomas as "Mr. Webb”" Michelle Wilson as "Mrs. Gibbs", Julie Halston as "Mrs. Soames", Donald Webber, Jr. as "Simon Stimson", as well as Ephie Aardema Sarnak, Heather Ayers, Willa Bost, Bobby Daye, Safiya Kaijya Harris, Doron JéPaul, Shyla Lefner, Anthony Michael Lopez, John McGinty, Bryonha Marie, Kevyn Morrow, Hagan Oliveras, Noah Pyzik, Sky Smith, Bill Timoney, Ricardo Vázquez, Matthew Elijah Webb, Greg Wood and Nimene Sierra Wureh.

The design team includes scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design Dede Ayite, lighting design by Allen Lee Hughes, sound design by Justin Ellington, hair, wig & makeup design by J. Jared Janas, casting by Jim Carnahan, with Kate Wilson as the dialect coach.

Will officially open Thursday, October 10, 2025 at the Barrymore Theatre in New York City.

DR. STRANGLOVE by Stanley Jubrick. Co-adapted By Emmy awrd winner Armando Iannucci and Olivier award winner Sean Foley

Directed by Sean Foley.

Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece tells the tale of a rogue US General who triggers a nuclear crisis.

Seven time BAFTA award winner Steve Coogan, will play multiple roles in the production: Dr Strangelove, President Merkin Muffley, Group Captain Lionel Mandrake and Major TJ Kong.

Giles Terera plays General Turgidson. John Hopkins is cast as General Ripper. Penny Ashmore is Vera Lynn. Ben Delry plays General Staines. Richard Dempsey is Fran. Faceman is played by Mark Hadfield. Tony Jayawardena is Russian Ambassador Bakov. Dharmesh Patel plays Lincoln. Alex Stoll plays Sergeant, Ben Turner is cast as Colonel Bat Guano. Oliver Alvin Wilson is Jefferson.

The swing is Mabli Gwynne. Emsemble members are: Tom Kelsey, Daniel Norford and Adam Sina.

The creatives are: Set & Costume designer Hildegard Bechtler. Lighting designer Jessica Hung Han Yun. Sound designer and composer Ben and Max Ringham. Projecton designer Akhila Krishnan, Casting director Amy Ball CDG. Illusion by Chris Fisher. Movement director Lizzi Gee. Associate director Dewi Johnson. Associate costume designer Laura Hunt. Associate lighting designer Lucy Adams, Associate set designer Al Turner. Sound system designer Sam Clarkson for Sound Quiet Time. Wig superviaor Kate Elizabeth. Fight coordinator Bret Yount. Props supervisors for Marcus Hall Props are Chris MArcus and Johnathan Hall. Company manager Michael Conlon. Stage manager Sadie Jennings. Deputy stage manager Catherine Gibbs. Assistant stage managers Rebecca Medlock and Jess Hardcastle. Graphic design Louise Richardson. Press by Story House PR.

October 8, 2024 - January 25th January 2025 at Noël Coward Theatre in London.

DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Directed by Melia Bensussen.

Starring Nathan Darrow.

This taut psychological thriller promises to have you on edge of your seat as this famous story is brought to life in new and surprising ways. Become immersed in Victorian London and the mayhem that abounds when the well-respected Dr. Jekyll is pitted against his villainous alter-ego, the mysterious Mr. Hyde.

The creatives are: Choreography - Shura Baryshnikov: Scenic Design - Sara Brown: Costume Design - An-Lin Dauber: Lighting Design - Evan C. Anderson: Original Music and Sound Design - Jane Shaw: Wig Design - Jodi Stone: Fight Choreography - Omar Robinson: Voice and Dialect Coach - Jennifer Scapetis-Tycer: Casting - Alaine Alldaffer: Production Stage Manager - Nicole Wiegert: Assistant Stage Manager - Julius Cruz.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is on stage October 10 – November 3 at Hartford Stage in Hartford, CT.

HONEYLAND written by Clarry Evans and Denny Lawrence.

Directed by Denny Lawrence.

Choreography by Michelle Lemon.

Musical direction by Clare Cooper.

?Set against the backdrop of the revolutionary 1960s Boston, Honeyland, a coming-of-age musical, follows a group of college graduates navigating the era's defining moments—the civil rights movement, feminism, and the anti-Vietnam protests.

Experience the journey of young activists as they grow, love, and fight for change in a time of immense social upheaval. "Honeyland brings to life the passion and turmoil of a generation shaping its future."

The production stars Anika Buchanan as Helen, Abby Goldberg as Fran, Jacob Higdon as Tom, and Ben James Tyrrell as Mike. Kelsey Marshall understudies the roles of Helen and Fran, and Noah Marcus understudies the roles of Mike and Tom.

The production features costume design by Molly Goldberg. The production is stage managed by Jackie Mates. Casting by Jamibeth Margolis and Meredith Hoddeson, general management by 22Q Entertainment LLC, publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.

October 13th - November 2nd, 2024 at The Triad Theater in New York City.

MRS. LOMAN IS LEAVING by Katie Forgette.

Directed by Julie Beckman.

Playwright Katie Forgette has always had questions about "Death of a Salesman" - and now, she explores those questions and more in her world-premiere comedy, "Mrs. Loman is Leaving."

The production premiered was first featured at ACT’s inaugural New Works Northwest Festival. "This delightful backstage comedy unfolds on the opening night of the Teacup Theatre’s production of Death of a Salesman where two actors, returning after years away, find themselves grappling with more than just their roles. The stage becomes a platform for dramatic antics and witty repartee as the characters confront uncomfortable truths about identity, representation, and the stories theatres choose to tell — blurring the lines between reality and mania in this hilarious yet thought-provoking exploration of the human experience."

The cast features Janelle Jordan as Penny - Alexandra Tavares as Joanne Rogers - R. Hamilton Wright as George Ratcliffe - Shaunyce Omar as Brenda/Sheila - MJ Sieber played by Sam Lucas and Nathaniel Tenenbaum.

The creatives are: Deb Trout – Costume Designer. Robertson Witmer – Sound Designer. Casey Price – Assistant Lighting Designer. Gabrielle Norris – Assistant Stage Manager. Andrea Bryn Bush – Scenic Designer. Lily McLeod – Lighting Designer. Crystal Dawn Munkers – Choreography. JR Welden – Stage Manager.

October 12 - 27, 2024 at ACT Contemporary Theatre in Seattle, WA.

THE MATCHBOX MAGIC FLUTE by theatrical powerhouse Mary Zimmerman penning "mesmerizing English-language adaptation of Mozart’s iconic Magic Flute.

"But this isn’t your classic Mozart; The Matchbox Magic Flute features an intimate production with just 10 singers and five musicians, transforming the opera into something entirely fresh and magical. The Matchbox Magic Flute will transport you to realms of pure imagination and wonder."

Join Tamino on a daring quest to rescue the captive princess Pamina. Encounter dragons, birdmen, and trials by fire in this enchanting microcosm of wonder where magic and music intertwine.

The West Coast premiere of The Matchbox Magic Flute, running from October 18 to December 8 at Berkeley Rep in Berkeley, CA.

E-Book

Soft back Book

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

GAVIN CREEL the award winning musical theatre star died September 30, 2024 after being diagnosed this past July with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma at his home in Manhattan. He was 48.

The Tony Award-winning star of Broadway musicals such as "Hello, Dolly!" and "Hair," was able to keep working until December 2023, when he performed his final role in the experimental musical "Walk On Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice" at MCC Theater, in a production for which Creel was commissioned to write and perform the book, music, and lyrics by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002 as Jimmy in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," winning a Tony nomination.

Other Broadway credits include "La Cage Aux Folles," "The Book of Mormon," "She Loves Me," "Waitress," and most recently "Into the Woods." The actor was also world famous. He made his West End debut in Mary Poppins. In 2006 he starred as Elder Price in "Book of Mormon" earning a Laurence Olivier Award and as Claude in "Hair" — the "Manchester, England, England" role he also played on Broadway for which he received a Tony nomination. And the actor appeared in Stephen Sondheim’s "Bounce" (later "Road Show") at Chicago’s Goodman Theater in 2003.

Creel won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2017, for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in "Hello, Dolly!" starring Bette Midler. He took a temporary leave from the show in March 2018 to recover from back surgery.

He made his screen acting debut in the 2003 film Eloise at the Plaza and its follow-up Eloise at Christmastime as Bill.

He returned to Broadway in 2004 in the revival La Cage aux Folles. He played Jean-Michel throughout the production.

Creel played the suave salesman Steven Kodaly, opposite Jane Krakowski, in the 2016 Broadway revival of She Loves Me. The show was a critical success and the production became the first Broadway show ever to be live-streamed. Since then, the recording has been part of the PBS series Great Performances.

Creel was one of the founders, with Rory O'Malley and Jenny Kanelos, of Broadway Impact, an LGBT activist group that mobilized the New York theatre community in the pursuit of marriage equality. He was an alumnus of Findlay First Edition Show Choir.

PETE ROSE legendary baseball played died September 20, 2024 in his home in Las Vegas. He was 83.

Rose’s cause of death "was Hypertensive and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease with a significant condition of Diabetes Mellitus," the Clark County Coroner’s Office said. "The manner of death was natural."

Also known by his nickname "Charlie Hustle", over his 24-year career, Rose was named an All-Star 17 times, and was the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1973.

On April 29, 1978, in perhaps the greatest performance of his career, Rose hit 3 home runs off of three different pitchers and went 5-for-6 against the New York Mets in a 14–7 rout at Shea Stadium. Six days later, on May 5, Rose became the thirteenth player in MLB history to garner his 3,000th career hit when he singled off Montreal Expos pitcher Steve Rogers in front of 37,823 fans at home field Riverfront Stadium.

During and after his playing career, he served as the manager of the Cincinnati Reds from 1984 to 1989.

In August 1989 (his last year as a manager and three years after retiring as a player), Rose was penalized with permanent ineligibility from baseball amidst accusations that he gambled on baseball games while he played for and managed the Reds; the charges of wrongdoing included claims that he bet on his own team. In 1991, the Baseball Hall of Fame formally voted to ban those on the "permanently ineligible" list from induction, after previously excluding such players by informal agreement among voters. After years of public denial, Rose admitted in 2004 that he bet on baseball and on the Reds. The issue of his possible reinstatement and election to the Hall of Fame remains contentious throughout baseball.

On April 20, 1990, Rose entered a plea of guilty to two charges of filing false income tax returns not showing income he received from selling autographs and memorabilia and from horse-racing winnings. On July 19, he was sentenced to five months in the minimum security prison camp at the United States Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois, and fined $50,000. Rose was released on January 7, 1991, after having paid $366,041 in back taxes and interest and was required to perform 1,000 hours of community service.

In his autobiography My Prison Without Bars, published by Rodale, Inc. on January 8, 2004, Rose admitted publicly to betting on baseball games and other sports while playing for and managing the Reds. He also admitted to betting on Reds games, but said he never bet against the team.

Rose married Karolyn Englehardt on January 25, 1964. The couple had two children, daughter Fawn and son Pete Rose Jr. The marriage ended in divorce in 1980. In 1978, a paternity suit was filed naming Rose as the father of Morgan Erin Rubio. In a 1996 settlement of the lawsuit, Rose acknowledged that Rubio was his daughter.

Rose married his second wife, Carol J. Woliung, in 1984. They had two children, son Tyler and daughter Cara, who was born two days before Rose's banishment from MLB. Rose filed for divorce from Carol in March 2011.

JOHN AMOS The Emmy nominated Good Times actor risked his career to protest demeaning portrayals of Black characters, died August 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. His death was not announced until October 1, 2024. He was 84.

Amos appeared in scores of TV shows, including as Gordy the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the adult Kunta Kinte on Roots, the landmark ABC miniseries.

He also enjoyed a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on The West Wing, and the role of Washington, DC Mayor Ethan Baker in the series The District. In 2010, Amos also appeared as recurring character Ed on Two and a Half Men, and in 2016 as another recurring character, also (coincidentally) named Ed, on the Netflix sitcom The Ranch. He has guest-starred in a number of other television shows, and had an extensive movie career.

Amos wrote and produced Halley's Comet, a critically acclaimed one-man play that he has performed around the world. Amos performed in August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean on Broadway and later at the McCarther Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey.

He enjoyed an extensive movie career in his five-decade career.

Amos played college football at Colorado State University. He also had a brief professional football career, which included spending a portion of the 1967 offseason for the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. He graduated from Colorado State University, qualifying as a social worker with a degree in sociology. Amos played on the school's football team. After college, he was a Golden Gloves boxing champion.

In 2009, he released "We Were Hippies," an album of original country songs by Gene and Eric Cash.

In addition to his Emmy nomination for Roots, Amos was nominated for a CableACE award, an NAACP Image Award, and a DVD Exclusive Award. Amos won three TV Land Awards, taking home trophies for his roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Good Times and the TV miniseries Roots.

In 2020, Amos was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Amos was a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard and Honorary Master Chief of the United States Coast Guard.

Amos was married twice. His first marriage, from 1965 to 1975, was to artist and equestrian Noel Mickelson, with whom he had two children: Shannon Amos, a writer/producer and founder of Afterglow Multimedia, LLC, and Grammy-nominated director K.C. Amos. His second marriage, in 1978-79, was to actress Lillian Lehman.

KEN PAGE Broadway actor died in his sleep on September 30, 2024 at his home in St. Louis, MO. He was 70.

Page began his career in the chorus of the Muny outdoor theater in St. Louis. After making his Broadway debut in The Wiz, he played Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the all-black revival of Guys and Dolls winning a Theatre World Award. He was then featured in the original cast of the Fats Waller musical revue, Ain't Misbehavin' earning a Drama Desk Award, in a role he reprised in the 1982 television broadcast. He also returned to the show in its 1988 Broadway revival.

In 1982, Page played Old Deuteronomy in Cats, returning to the part in the 1998 video release. He also played God twice, in Randy Newman's Faust at La Jolla Playhouse and Goodman Theatre and in Stephen Schwartz's Children of Eden on the West End. He frequently acted in shows at The Muny, with appearances including Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, The Wizard of Oz, Les Misérables, My One and Only, and Little Shop of Horrors.

Besides The Nightmare Before Christmas, Page's major film credits included All Dogs Go to Heaven and Torch Song Trilogy, as well as Dreamgirls.

He had numerous television credits.

In later years, Page developed and performed his cabaret-singer show, Page by Page, and directed various regional and touring productions. He was the voice of the notorious talking plant Audrey II in the Muny's production of Little Shop of Horrors. He also reprised the role of Old Deuteronomy in the Lubbock Moonlight Musicals production of Cats in Lubbock, Texas.

Page’s final Broadway credit was in the 1999 musical It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre.

Next Column: October 13, 2024
Copyright: October 6, 2024 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.
Link to Main Page

---

Laura Deni