Neil Patrick Harris just announced he will return as the host of this year’s Tony Awards– check out this video for a look back at Harris’ performance of “Tonight” as part of his 2009 hosting duties.
Theater news for the week of May 9-13
Each week, we’re going to keep you up-to-speed with the latest Broadway news and stories. Check back every Friday to see what you missed this week and to catch a glimpse of what’s going on at PlayhouseSquare this weekend. Enjoy!
Happening on Broadway …
Broadway drama headed to the small screen
Broadway.com reported that NBC has officially picked up the pilot for Smash, a program centered on a group of people producing a musical about Marilyn Monroe. The show has been building a lot of buzz for its cast, which combines both stage and on-screen talent with the likes of Debra Messing, Megan Hilty, Christian Borle and Brian d’Arcy James. Behind the scenes, the show is also laced with Broadway talent, with Spring Awakening director Michael Mayer and Broadway’s Catch Me if You Can and Hairspray songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Patrick Healy of the New York Times describes the show’s launch as “good news for New York theater actors (and Playbill collectors worldwide).”
Neil Patrick Harris to reclaim hosting duties for 2011 Tony Awards
Neil Patrick Harris announced he will once again host the Tony Awards, this year on June 12 at the Beacon Theatre in New York. Harris, who also hosted the 2009 Tony Awards, is already getting his jokes ready, as evident from a press release quoted on okmagazine.com: “Since they’re closed for retooling, we’re using all the rigging equipment from Spider-Man. What could possibly go wrong?”
New York Drama Critics’ Circle picks year favorites
The New York Drama Critics’ Circle chose Good People as best play and Book of Mormon as best musical this year. Both productions are also nominated for Tony Awards, which was not the case for last year’s chosen shows. The Los Angeles Times’ Tom O’Neil said the loss for World War I drama War Horse for best play was a surprise, as many are anticipating its win for best play at the Tony Awards. Check out some images of the War Horse puppets in action here and here.
PlayhouseSquare in the News …
The Plain Dealer featured a Q and A this week with PlayhouseSquare’s Director of Theater Operations, John Hemsath. Follow the link to read about his variety of experiences at PlayhouseSquare.
This weekend at PlayhouseSquare
West Side Story
Girls Night: The Musical
The Dead End Eddy Chronicles Vol. 2
Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg
Cleveland Jazz Orchestra- Afro-Cuban Moods
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Tags: Theater News
