The pull-out-all-the-stops production now on Broadway is pulling in $1 million a week despite lukewarm reviews. The version at ART in Cambridge, initially billed as "pre-Broadway," has direction by a Tony winner, book by a Pulitzer laureate, and score by a rockstar. Is there room for both? - The Washington Post (MSN)
"Sir Ian McKellen will not be returning to his starring role for the final three West End performances of Player Kings, after falling from the stage on 17 June. It is hoped the veteran actor will return to the cast when the play moves to Bristol on 3 July." - BBC
An unprecedented 14 new shows opened in April. A wide slate with something for everyone. Yet, still, suburban visitors to Broadway are down roughly 20%. What’s it all about and what can we, as supporters of a vibrant Broadway community who rely on suburbanites, do about it? - LoHud
Maria is a successful actor/singer/director in Britain, and Sonia is arguably London's leading producer. They've occasionally worked together before, but Merrily We Roll Along is their big passion project, which they did in England, Japan, and Boston before the New York production that just won four Tonys. - The New York Times
No aspect of the process of making a play has been left unturned. From the lighting (switching to LED bulbs) to reducing travel (rehearsals are longer but less frequent to cut down on journeys) “everything has come in for scrutiny,” says Marcel Klett, the managing director. - The Guardian
The show is the second to announce plans to close in the wake of this year’s Tony nominations, joining “Lempicka”. “The Heart of Rock and Roll” opened on April 22 to better-than-expected reviews, but picked up zero Tony nominations. - The New York Times
The union and the Broadway League (representing producers and theaters) have been negotiating on a new contract governing workshops and readings since January. Lead Equity negotiator Stephen Bogardus said that the main sticking point is an unsatisfactory wage package. - The Hollywood Reporter
One obvious point is that if you’re looking to develop a winner, an off-Broadway or regional theater is the way to go. For all their economic travails, nonprofits companies simply do it better. - Los Angeles Times
One of the biggest surprises of the night came near the end of the show, with The Outsiders winning four categories, including Best New Musical. - Playbill
“It used to be that Broadway didn’t use microphones. Actors simply projected. … But now actors and musicians have microphones, and speakers are everywhere. Keeping that sound crisp for the audience are the sound mixers.” - NPR
We all know nonprofit theatres are struggling, and many are even closing. But oh gods, are they important: “100 percent of the nominees for best new musical, and 100 percent of the nominees for best new play, were developed at nonprofit theatres.” - The New York Times
Well, if we don’t all know Merrily We Roll Along is going to sweep its categories, this Vulture article will tell us - and everything else too, about who’s campaigning, who’s a sentimental favorite, and oh, so much more. - Vulture (MSN)
