Category: Broadway/Musicals

David Byrne’s American Utopia Announces Final Broadway Extension Through April 3, 2022

David Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway has extended its run and conclude performances on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the St. Theatre (246 West 44^th Street).

Just days before its April 3 conclusion at the St. James Theatre on Broadway, David Byrne’s American Utopia will stage American Utopia Farewell!, a special benefit performance on March 30 with proceeds supporting Byrne’s non-profit, Arbutus.

Guests will receive premium seating for the show, entry to an exclusive post-performance conversation with Byrne and special guests and a gift bag. VIP-level ticket holders will receive signed copies of his new book, A History of The World (in Dingbats), published by Phaidon, and a vinyl LP of the David Byrne’s American Utopia original cast recording on Nonesuch Records. A significant portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Tickets can be purchased here.

David Byrne’s American Utopia

Following its 2019 smash hit at the Hudson Theatre and the 18-month pandemic shutdown, American Utopia returns to Broadway on Friday, September 17, 2021. However, the show was honored with a Special Tony Award in September of 2021.

David Byrne’s original production began as an album released in 2018. Later that year, the theatrical concert played more than 150 dates in 27 countries. Additionally, the album includes songs from Talking Heads and Byrne’s solo career.

Often described as a “dazzling, jubilant and rapturous” production, the show features astonishing staging by choreographer Annie-B Parson. Along with Alex Timbers serving as production consultant, is “a joy to behold and a breathtaking celebration of life.”

furthermore, If you want to rediscover the joy of live music, community and connection, seeing this show live at Broadway’s St. James Theatre is the place.

Bryne’s production made its world premiere opening the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently streaming on HBO Max. The film is called “a life-affirming, euphoria-producing, soul-energizing sing-along protest film that’s asking us to rise up against our own complacency” (IndieWire) and “an all-time-great concert film” (Vanity Fair). The A.V. Club said, “David Byrne and Spike Lee found the spectacle in the performers simply performing.”

Nonesuch Records released the original 2018 album and the cast album for American Utopia, with music and lyrics by David Byrne. Both albums are available digitally and on vinyl and CD: the cast album here, the original album here.

Tickets are on sale at www.americanutopiabroadway.com.

Prices start at $44 a seat, along with limited for each performance. Similarly, tickets are sold via digital lottery random drawing powered by Lucky Seat. Enter and find more information here.

All ticket holders must present proof of being fully vaccinated as well as a photo ID and are required to always wear a mask inside the theater. See further details and requirements regarding vaccinations, testing and safety protocols here.

David Byrne’s American Utopia on HBO

The performance will run:

Wednesdays at 8PM

Thursdays at 8PM

Fridays at 8PM

Saturdays at 5PM and 9PM

Sundays at 3PM

For the most current performance times, please check www.americanutopiabroadway.com/tickets.

February 16, 2022
The Sembrich In Bolton Landing Announces Summer Festival Events

This summer The Sembrich in Bolton Landing, NY, will be hosting a unique Reimagining the Classics, from the classics to the rhapsodies.

Artistic Director Richard Wargo spoke about how delighted he is to present the festival.

Reimagining the Classics will explore all manner of reinvention and present a variety of refreshing new takes on classical favorites. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to reimagine many aspects of life, including the way we present and experience music. This summer’s festival will incorporate the best of those bold reinventions, including the introduction of our new outdoor Promenade Series.

The festival will explore reinvention, from arrangements and transcriptions of classics to rhapsodies and variations of popular composers.
There are many highlights of the festival.

Reimagining The Classics: Breaking Operatic Traditions – Michael Capasso, New York City Opera General Director, shares his insights on favorite works by Verdi and Puccini, and explores many productions and performance practices from the past 150 years.

Promenade Series – New in 2022 – This is a new outdoor series, modeled after the famous proms of London, and features a lot of musical styles, like classical and jazz. Comedians will also be featured here as well.

The Sembrich Film Series – This year’s films focus on reinvention and adaptations of the popular musicals Dear Evan Hansen (2021), West Side Story (2021), and In the
Heights (2021). Several films, including Dracula (1931) will have live musical scores.

Masterwork Series – Performances for this series will be held in The Sembrich studio, with evening performances of monumental classical works.

These, and more, will be happening at The Sembrich this summer, and tickets can be found here.

February 15, 2022
Broadway Musicals Aladdin, Waitress, and The Prom coming to Proctors Theatre

From Broadway to Proctors Theatre, musicals Waitress and Aladdin are set to launch in February and October of 2022, respectively.

Aladdin

Based on the Academy Award winning film, Aladdin is a well known musical that first appeared on Broadway back in March 20, 2014. This North American tour will begin this upcoming October in Schenectady at Proctors Theatre, marking the first time Aladdin will be shown outside of New York City in almost two years.

Aladdin‘s crew will consist of 75 professionals with an additional 40 locals in each city visited during the tour. These cities include Austin, Kansas City, and San Antonio.

Certainly we are thrilled to have Disney return to create a new national tour, but I have to say, Aladdin has been asked for by the people of the Capital Region of New York ever since it first opened on Broadway eight years ago! We are ecstatic to have it here.
Proctors Collaborative CEO Philip Morris

The full itinerary will drop at a later date, along with casting and ticket information. However, it has been confirmed for the tour to play in 36 cities. To be updated about future information regarding the tour visit Aladdin The Musical.

Waitress

Waitress is a musical that was developed by an all female creative team. It will play at Proctors Theatre from February 25-27. In addition to using original music, others lyrics were made by Sara Bareilles who is a six time Grammy nominee, author Jessie Nelson, choreography by Lorin Latarro and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus.

Waitress the musical, which is inspired by an Adrienne Shelly film, is about a waitress and an expert pie maker. The main character, Jenna wishes for a better life out of her small hometown and distraught marriage. Fortunately for her, a baking contest nearby and the town’s new doctor may be able to grant her wish for happiness and a fresh start.

It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!
Chicago Tribune

Ticket information is available through the Box Office at Proctors in person or through their website Proctors.

The Prom, is a musical where everyone can feel celebrated and now the producers and co-presidents of the Prom Committee are bringing the show to Proctors Theatre, from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 6. This show features a book by Tony Award winner Bob Martin and Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin.

Not only has The Prom, won the 2019 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, but Ryan Murphy (Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody Award Winner), transformed The Prom into a film for the popular streaming platform, Netflix. This movie event stars Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman and a variety of other notable actors.

Smart and big-hearted. Genuine joy rolls off the stage in this musical full of witty delights, irrepressibly energetic tunes, winking lyrics and a cheeky book. I seldom stopped laughing. It’s a damn good time! Did I shed several tears in The Prom’s final scene? Maybe I did.”
New York Magazine

The musical has a different cast compared to the film by Ryan Murphy. In fact these stars are: Kaden Kearney (they/them) as “Emma, High School Student, Banned from the Prom,” Kalyn West as “Alyssa Greene, Head of Student Council with a Secret,” Courtney Balan as “Tony Award Winner Dee Dee Allen,” Patrick Wetzel as “Drama Desk Award Winner Barry Glickman,” Emily Borromeo as “Angie Dickinson, Broadway Chorine,” Bud Weber as “Trent Oliver, Esteemed Julliard Graduate/Cater Waiter,” Sinclair Mitchell as “Mr. Hawkins, High School Principal,” Ashanti J’Aria as “Mrs. Greene, President of the PTA” and Shavey Brown as “Sheldon Saperstein, Broadway’s Press Agent with a Plan.”

To learn more information about the musical or to buy tickets visit Proctors.org or the Box Office at Proctors Theatre.

February 15, 2022
MasterVoices to Celebrate 80th anniversary with Carnegie Hall performance of “Anyone Can Whistle”

MasterVoices, the acclaimed chorus based in New York City, will celebrate it’s 80^th anniversary with a performance of the Stephen Sondheim musical Anyone Can Whistle at Carnegie Hall on March 10.

MasterVoices is an interracial, interfaith chorus based in New York City.

The musical tells the story of a corrupt, small-town mayor in 1960s America. Vanessa Williams stars as the aforementioned mayor who fabricates a miracle to attract tourists. The cast also features Tony Award winner, Santino Fontana, as J. Bowden Hapgood, a stranger who comes to town during the mayor’s scam and may or may not help uncover it.

The show is directed by Ted Sperling the Artistic Director of MasterVoices. Prior to his role at MasterVoices Sperling directed the New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, and was Principal Conductor of the Westchester Orchestra.

View of American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim onstage during an event at the Fairchild Theater, East Lansing, Michigan, February 12, 1997. (Photo by Douglas Elbinger/Getty Images)

“Steve was a friend, a great colleague and a mentor,” Sperling said. “He was delighted we were revisiting Anyone Can Whistle, which has one of his favorite songs, ‘With So Little to Be Sure Of,’ and he had agreed to help us with the project. The month ahead will be a labor of love, and we know his spirit will be with us.”

The rarely performed musical’s notable songs include “There Won’t Be Trumpets,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” “Everybody Says Don’t” and “With So Little to be Sure Of”.

Sondheim, and his long-time creative partner, Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book, conceived the story as a treatise on the importance individuality in 1960s America. In particular, when faced with the inherent contradiction of attempting to remain sane in an increasingly insane society.

While a product of the 1960s the show has been lauded for its timelessness. Specifically for its portrayal of an unscrupulous leader and the consequences that occur should a community decide to follow one. The musical also satirizes religion and science, examining their ties to political power.

This is the first performance of Anyone Can Whistle in New York City since the Encore! series at City Center in 2010.

Tickets

Anyone Can Whistle will play at Carnegie Hall for one night only on March 10. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 212.247.7800, or in person at the box office. Guests must show proof of vaccination to attend the performance.

February 11, 2022
Anaïs Mitchell and Bonny Light Horseman Will Entertain Kingston This February

Tony and Grammy award-winning creator of the Broadway musical Hadestown, Anaïs Mitchell will head back on stage with folklore music group Bonny Light Horseman, on February 20th at Old Dutch Church in Kingston.

Bonny Light Horseman is a trio group consisting of singer and songwriter, Anaïs Mitchell; Eric D. Johnson who is best known for his project Fruit Bats and stints with The Shins, and Josh Kaufman an instrumentalist and producer known for his work with Hiss Golden Messenger, Bob Weir, The National. This trio centers their focus on blending traditional folklore music with more contemporary melodies. Their two time Grammy nominated album Bonny Light Horseman, is suitable for a vast audience.

When the three met and decided to sketch musical ideas together, they formed an instant artistic bond. While they experimented for the upcoming 2018 Eaux Claires festival at the time, the trio seized the opportunity to form a band.

“The conversation about starting the group and figuring out the type of music we’d play happened very quickly. It’s like a love story: a really big fire, and the shared ideas of what we wanted the music to feel like. We wanted openness and for it to feel emotional and personal.”
Josh Kaufman

During their live performance later this month, the trio will perform songs from Bonny Light Horseman. Subsequently, Mitchell will take to the stage to share her new 10 track solo album named after herself, in addition to some more fan favorites. This album represents her resilience to music after producing her previous solo album almost a decade ago, to focus on other music related commitments on Broadway and within her band. NPR, supports Mitchell as “one of the greatest songwriters of her generation.”

Anaïs Mitchell is a personal album from real life events, in which she exposes a variety of emotions of hers, not daring to hold back using metaphors, but is rather blunt about her feelings. Ultimately, this album is intimate, real and relatable.

For Anaïs Mitchell’s & Bonny Light Horseman’s upcoming performance, general admission seats are $34 and for Gold Circle seats, within the first 5 rows, tickets are $48. To buy tickets for February’s show visit ticketmaster.

February 7, 2022
“Rent” 25th Anniversary Tour is Coming to Proctors Theatre

The world renowned and award winning musical RENT is coming to Schenectady for it’s 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour, as the musical will be at Proctors Theatre for back to back nights on February 11th and 12th.

RENT, the musical created by Jonathan Larson, follows the lives of a young group of artists pursuing their dreams in Lower Manhattan. Debuting on February 13th, 1996 at the New York Theatre Workshop, RENT then went to Broadway in April of that same year, winning a Pulitzer Prize award as well as a Tony award.

The musical was adapted into a movie in the year 2005. RENT also became one of the longest running musicals on Broadway, showcasing the production for 12 years.

After its run on Broadway, RENT began to tour all over the United States and the rest of the world performing in six continents and 27 countries. For international tours, RENT was translated into different languages.

RENT has toured around the world for 24 years and this year will be fans last opportunity to see it.

To purchase tickets to see RENT for it’s 25th and final tour, go to Proctors.org. You may also purchase tickets in person at the box office or by dialing 518-346-6204, Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m

February 1, 2022
Broadway Announces Requirement of Full COVID-19 Vaccination for Kids 5 and Older

Broadway announced new regulations requiring full COVID-19 vaccination for kids 5 and older on January 10, in the wake of the surging omicron strain sweeping across the country.

A poster on Times Square advertises West Side Story at the Broadway Theater on February 7, 2020 in New York City. – Westside Story is returning to Broadway for the first time in more than a decade, directed by Belgian Ivo Van Hove. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) (Photo by JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)

The new regulations will begin on January 29, 2022 and will involve all 41 theaters of the Broadway League requiring full vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11 for all performances. To be fully vaccinated, the guest attending a performance must be at least 14 days after their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or at least 14 days after their single dose of a one-dose vaccine. The owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theaters who are part of the Broadway League also have extended their mask and vaccine requirements through at least April 30, 2022.

Children under five years of age, who can not be vaccinated yet, must have a negative PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of the performance start time or a negative rapid antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time to be allowed entry to the event. Also, the “Buy With Confidence” program has also been extended, allowing for flexible exchanges and refunds due to COVID-19 incidences.

Being vaccinated means on the date of the performance a guest is at least 14 days after their second dose of a two dose COVID-19 vaccine OR at least 14 days after their single dose of an approved single dose COVID-19 vaccine. Any guest whose last vaccine dose (excluding boosters) was fewer than 14 days before the date of performance must, in addition to meeting these requirements, also present proof of (a) a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of the performance time, or (b) a negative COVID-19 antigen test within 6 hours of performance time. Proof of vaccination must come directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination. Guests may display proof on a smartphone or present a physical copy. New York State residents, or anyone who received a COVID-19 vaccine in New York State, may present proof through the use of the Excelsior Pass (for more details, visit epass.ny.gov) or any other digital app.

Currently the regulations through January 28, 2022 stand as guests 12 and older will need to be Vaccinated (as defined below) with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine AND present a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. (Guests 12-18 may use a government-issued ID or school ID – no photo required.) Children ages 5-11 may enter the theatre only when (1) accompanied by an adult who complies with the theatre’s vaccination entry requirements, and (2) has proof of at least one dose of an FDA or WHO approved vaccine. For international guests two doses of any “mix and match” combination of an FDA or WHO approved COVID-19 vaccine are acceptable.

For more information on the new COVID-19 vaccination requirements for kids at Broadway shows visit their website.

January 14, 2022