2024 Lucille Lortel Awards winners: Kecia Lewis and Eli Gelb scoop up victories ahead of Tony Awards
Winners of the 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards, honoring outstanding achievements in Off-Broadway theater, were announced on Sunday, May 5, in a ceremony at NYU Skirball. The show was hosted by Rosalind Chao, Jen Colella, Michael Esper, 2024 Tony nominee Eden Espinosa (“Lempicka”), 2024 Tony nominee Nikki M. James (“Suffs”) and Bd Wong. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
It was a banner evening for Ars Nova. Not only did the theater company receive an honorary award for Best Body of Work, their show “(pray)” was also the top winner of the night. This co-production with National Black Theatre took home three trophies including Best Musical, Best Director for NicHi douglas and Best Ensemble.
Four other productions earned multiple awards, with “Buena Vista Social Club,” “The Comeuppance,” “Stereophonic,” and “Wet Brain” each claiming two prizes.
“Stereophonic” is a frontrunner for Best...
It was a banner evening for Ars Nova. Not only did the theater company receive an honorary award for Best Body of Work, their show “(pray)” was also the top winner of the night. This co-production with National Black Theatre took home three trophies including Best Musical, Best Director for NicHi douglas and Best Ensemble.
Four other productions earned multiple awards, with “Buena Vista Social Club,” “The Comeuppance,” “Stereophonic,” and “Wet Brain” each claiming two prizes.
“Stereophonic” is a frontrunner for Best...
- 5/6/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Alicia Keys was doing a meditation Tuesday morning to try to stay calm amid some nerves ahead of the Tony nominations announcement.
After finishing the meditation, Keys said she received a call, alerting her to the fact that Hell’s Kitchen, the semi-autobiographical musical for which she wrote the score and arranged the music, had been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including best musical. And that’s when she lost her cool.
“I kind of lost it, kind of freaked out, and I was super excited, particularly that all of the collaborators on this project are seeing so much love and so much greatness for their brilliance. I’m so excited for everybody and for Hell’s Kitchen. It’s just like, “Whoa!,” Keys said.
Keys has been working on this project for 13 years, with collaborators including book writer Kristoffer Diaz, director Michael Greif and choreographer Camille A Brown, and an Off-Broadway run in the fall.
After finishing the meditation, Keys said she received a call, alerting her to the fact that Hell’s Kitchen, the semi-autobiographical musical for which she wrote the score and arranged the music, had been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including best musical. And that’s when she lost her cool.
“I kind of lost it, kind of freaked out, and I was super excited, particularly that all of the collaborators on this project are seeing so much love and so much greatness for their brilliance. I’m so excited for everybody and for Hell’s Kitchen. It’s just like, “Whoa!,” Keys said.
Keys has been working on this project for 13 years, with collaborators including book writer Kristoffer Diaz, director Michael Greif and choreographer Camille A Brown, and an Off-Broadway run in the fall.
- 4/30/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A musical inspired by the life of Alicia Keys and a play that loosely draws on the story of Fleetwood Mac — Hell’s Kitchen and Stereophonic, respectively — cleaned up at the 2024 Tony Awards nominations. Both received 13 nominations, more than any other show this year.
Hell’s Kitchen was nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (for Kristoffer Diaz), Best Direction (Michael Greif), and Best Choreography (Camille A. Brown), while its stars Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, and Kecia Lewis all picked up acting nods. But despite its impressive haul,...
Hell’s Kitchen was nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (for Kristoffer Diaz), Best Direction (Michael Greif), and Best Choreography (Camille A. Brown), while its stars Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, and Kecia Lewis all picked up acting nods. But despite its impressive haul,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Broadway fans: the 2024 Tony Award nominations are finally here!
Each year, the Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre (aka the Tonys), celebrates the best on Broadway. The nominations were announced by two past Tony winners: Take Me Out‘s Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Hamilton‘s Renée Elise Goldsberry.
This year, the Tonys will be held on June 16, 2024 with host Ariana DeBose returning to host for a third time. Just Jared will be live updating throughout the entire event, so stick with us that night!
Head inside to see the full list of Tony Award nominations…
Scroll down for the full list of Tony Award nominees…
Best Musical
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise
The Outsiders
Suffs
Water for Elephants
Best Play
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Mary Jane
Mother Play
Prayer for the French Republic
Stereophonic
Best Revival of a Play
Appropriate
An Enemy of the People
Purlie Victorious: A...
Each year, the Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre (aka the Tonys), celebrates the best on Broadway. The nominations were announced by two past Tony winners: Take Me Out‘s Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Hamilton‘s Renée Elise Goldsberry.
This year, the Tonys will be held on June 16, 2024 with host Ariana DeBose returning to host for a third time. Just Jared will be live updating throughout the entire event, so stick with us that night!
Head inside to see the full list of Tony Award nominations…
Scroll down for the full list of Tony Award nominees…
Best Musical
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise
The Outsiders
Suffs
Water for Elephants
Best Play
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Mary Jane
Mother Play
Prayer for the French Republic
Stereophonic
Best Revival of a Play
Appropriate
An Enemy of the People
Purlie Victorious: A...
- 4/30/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The 2024 Tony Awards nominations were announced on Tuesday, May 2 by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renée Elise Goldsberry. The reveal of the roster of contenders was carried on the Tonys YouTube channel. While the nominations for the 77th annual Tony Awards were determined by a few dozen theater professionals, winners will be decided by upwards of 800 members of the Broadway community.
Three dozen shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 10 original works and five revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, 15 new tuners were in contention as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 16 at Lincoln Center and will be hosted for the third year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.
The 2024 Tony Awards nominations list below includes all 26 competitive categories.
Musicals
Best Musical
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise...
Three dozen shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 10 original works and five revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, 15 new tuners were in contention as were six musical revivals. The cutoff date for eligibility was April 27.
The Tony Awards are set for June 16 at Lincoln Center and will be hosted for the third year in a row by Oscar winner Ariana DeBose.
The 2024 Tony Awards nominations list below includes all 26 competitive categories.
Musicals
Best Musical
Hell’s Kitchen
Illinoise...
- 4/30/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Alicia Keys, the Grammy-winning musician, has made her mark on Broadway with her new musical Hell’s Kitchen, drawing inspiration from her upbringing in New York City.
Located just steps from the iconic Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, theater enthusiasts can now secure their tickets to experience Hell’s Kitchen.
Set in a modest apartment within Hell’s Kitchen, the musical revolves around the life of 17-year-old Ali, who harbors ambitious dreams and grapples with a cautious mother determined to prevent Ali from repeating her own past mistakes. As Ali falls in love with a talented young drummer and befriends a piano teacher who lives in the same building, a powerful narrative explores the vast potential of Ali’s future.
This latest theatrical endeavor marks Keys’ second venture into Broadway after her involvement in the 2011 play Stick Fly, for which she was a composer. Renowned for her remarkable music career, which has garnered her 16 Grammy Awards,...
Located just steps from the iconic Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, theater enthusiasts can now secure their tickets to experience Hell’s Kitchen.
Set in a modest apartment within Hell’s Kitchen, the musical revolves around the life of 17-year-old Ali, who harbors ambitious dreams and grapples with a cautious mother determined to prevent Ali from repeating her own past mistakes. As Ali falls in love with a talented young drummer and befriends a piano teacher who lives in the same building, a powerful narrative explores the vast potential of Ali’s future.
This latest theatrical endeavor marks Keys’ second venture into Broadway after her involvement in the 2011 play Stick Fly, for which she was a composer. Renowned for her remarkable music career, which has garnered her 16 Grammy Awards,...
- 4/27/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Nominations for the 39th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards were announced today by Amber Iman and George Abud, two stars of Broadway’s “Lempicka.” The Lortels honor outstanding achievement in Off-Broadway theater. The 2024 ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 5 at NYU Skirball Center. The Lucille Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, with additional support provided by Tdf.
It’s common for productions to begin their life Off-Broadway before transferring to the Main Stem, so many of this year’s Tony Awards hopefuls are among the list of Lortel nominations. Chief among these contenders is “Hell’s Kitchen,” the semi-autobiographical musical from Alicia Keys. That tuner garnered five Lortel nominations. These include Best Musical, Best Choreography for Camille A. Brown, a Lead Performer bid for Maleah Joi Moon, and Featured Performer bids for Shoshana Bean and Kecia Lewis. All performance categories at the Lortel Awards are gender neutral.
It’s common for productions to begin their life Off-Broadway before transferring to the Main Stem, so many of this year’s Tony Awards hopefuls are among the list of Lortel nominations. Chief among these contenders is “Hell’s Kitchen,” the semi-autobiographical musical from Alicia Keys. That tuner garnered five Lortel nominations. These include Best Musical, Best Choreography for Camille A. Brown, a Lead Performer bid for Maleah Joi Moon, and Featured Performer bids for Shoshana Bean and Kecia Lewis. All performance categories at the Lortel Awards are gender neutral.
- 4/4/2024
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
The acclaimed Off Broadway cast of the Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen will make the move to Broadway when the show begins previews next month, producers announced today.
Starring in the Broadway staging will be Shoshana Bean (Mr. Saturday Night), Brandon Victor Dixon (Hamilton), Kecia Lewis (Ain’t Misbehavin’) and, in their Broadway debuts, Chris Lee and Maleah Joi Moon.
The casting was announced today by producer Akw Productions. Previews begin at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on Thursday, March 28, with an opening night set for Saturday, April 20.
Hell’s Kitchen features music and lyrics by Keys and book by Kristoffer Diaz. Michael Greif directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
The musical made its world premiere last fall in a sold-out engagement at The Public Theater. The official synopsis: “There’s a place where the rhythm of the city is music,...
Starring in the Broadway staging will be Shoshana Bean (Mr. Saturday Night), Brandon Victor Dixon (Hamilton), Kecia Lewis (Ain’t Misbehavin’) and, in their Broadway debuts, Chris Lee and Maleah Joi Moon.
The casting was announced today by producer Akw Productions. Previews begin at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on Thursday, March 28, with an opening night set for Saturday, April 20.
Hell’s Kitchen features music and lyrics by Keys and book by Kristoffer Diaz. Michael Greif directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
The musical made its world premiere last fall in a sold-out engagement at The Public Theater. The official synopsis: “There’s a place where the rhythm of the city is music,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Train commuters got the surprise of their life on Monday when they discovered Alicia Keys performing a surprise set at St. Pancras International Station in London. The Grammy winner sat down at the black Yamaha piano, donated by Sir Elton John in 2016, on Monday morning after performing at Capital’s Jingle Ball in London on Sunday night.
The native New Yorker played her 2009 hit, “Empire State of Mind,” with the crowd erupting in cheers as she changed the lyrics from “now you’re in New York,” to “now you’re in London.
The native New Yorker played her 2009 hit, “Empire State of Mind,” with the crowd erupting in cheers as she changed the lyrics from “now you’re in New York,” to “now you’re in London.
- 12/12/2023
- by Carita Rizzo
- Rollingstone.com
Hell’s Kitchen, the musical based loosely on the life of Alicia Keys, is headed to Broadway this spring. The show, with a score written by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, made its world premiere at the Public Theater on Nov. 19. The show will transfer to the Shubert Theater on Broadway starting March 28, with an opening night on Apr. 20.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC.
- 12/5/2023
- by Carita Rizzo
- Rollingstone.com
Hell’s Kitchen, the new musical written by Alicia Keys, is heading to Broadway in Spring 2024!
The musical is currently playing an acclaimed, sold-out run at The Public Theater in downtown New York City and it will move to Broadway next year.
The show features music and lyrics by Alicia, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and direction by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
Keep reading to find out more…
Hell’s Kitchen will begin preview performances on March 28, 2024 ahead of an official opening night on April 20, 2024 at the Shubert Theatre. Broadway favorites Shoshana Bean and Brandon Victor Dixon are leading the cast of the off-Broadway run, though casting for the upcoming transfer has not yet been announced.
The musical is loosely based on Alicia’s own experiences growing up in 90s New York City and her relationship with her mom inspired the show’s central story: a moving,...
The musical is currently playing an acclaimed, sold-out run at The Public Theater in downtown New York City and it will move to Broadway next year.
The show features music and lyrics by Alicia, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and direction by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
Keep reading to find out more…
Hell’s Kitchen will begin preview performances on March 28, 2024 ahead of an official opening night on April 20, 2024 at the Shubert Theatre. Broadway favorites Shoshana Bean and Brandon Victor Dixon are leading the cast of the off-Broadway run, though casting for the upcoming transfer has not yet been announced.
The musical is loosely based on Alicia’s own experiences growing up in 90s New York City and her relationship with her mom inspired the show’s central story: a moving,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Hell’s Kitchen, the Alicia Keys musical currently play a sold-out run Off Broadway, will transfer to Broadway’s Shubert Theater this spring, producers announced today.
Directed by Michael Greif, Hell’s Kitchen will begin previews at the Shubert on Thursday, March 28, 2024 ahead of an opening night on Saturday, April 20. The musical features music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, and includes such Keys hits as “You Don’t Know My Name,” “Fallin’,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “No One” and “Empire State of Mind,” among others.
Casting will be announced shortly. The critically lauded Off Broadway cast features Maleah Joi Moon as the Keys-inspired character Ali, and Shoshana Bean as her mother Jersey.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC,” Keys said in a statement,...
Directed by Michael Greif, Hell’s Kitchen will begin previews at the Shubert on Thursday, March 28, 2024 ahead of an opening night on Saturday, April 20. The musical features music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, and includes such Keys hits as “You Don’t Know My Name,” “Fallin’,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “No One” and “Empire State of Mind,” among others.
Casting will be announced shortly. The critically lauded Off Broadway cast features Maleah Joi Moon as the Keys-inspired character Ali, and Shoshana Bean as her mother Jersey.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC,” Keys said in a statement,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In the second act of Hell’s Kitchen, Alicia Keys’s autobiographical passion project over a decade in the making, absent father Davis (Brandon Victor Dixon) sits down at a piano and asks his wary teenage daughter, Ali (Maleah Joi Moon), if she remembers the song he wrote for her that they always used to sing together. He starts to play, and the song is “If I Ain’t Got You,” the second single from Keys’s second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys.
Ali tentatively joins him, the electricity of Keys’s surging melody and yearning lyrics coursing across the stage and supercharging the father and daughter’s fractured relationship. As staged by Michael Greif, it’s a lovely picture, with Davis at the piano far back and Ali at the edge of the stage looking away from him and toward the audience. Sparks fly, briefly, but despite...
Ali tentatively joins him, the electricity of Keys’s surging melody and yearning lyrics coursing across the stage and supercharging the father and daughter’s fractured relationship. As staged by Michael Greif, it’s a lovely picture, with Davis at the piano far back and Ali at the edge of the stage looking away from him and toward the audience. Sparks fly, briefly, but despite...
- 11/20/2023
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
For many playwrights, film and television work has historically served as a supplement to their income from the theater world. But in recent years, writers say, studios have begun to poke holes in that safety net, leaving some stage scribes as frustrated and angry as their screenwriting colleagues.
“TV really seemed like a way to have more stability, to be able to just have a middle-class life doing the thing I love, get health insurance, support my family,” 72 miles to go … playwright Hilary Bettis said Wednesday outside Netflix’s Union Square offices in New York. “And now it feels like the rug is being pulled out from under us.”
Taco truck courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda at Playwrights Picket in NYC on Aug. 16.
Held as a themed Playwright Picket supported by the Writers Guild of America, the picket lines featured a free taco truck sent by Lin-Manuel Miranda and also saw members of the Dramatists Guild,...
“TV really seemed like a way to have more stability, to be able to just have a middle-class life doing the thing I love, get health insurance, support my family,” 72 miles to go … playwright Hilary Bettis said Wednesday outside Netflix’s Union Square offices in New York. “And now it feels like the rug is being pulled out from under us.”
Taco truck courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda at Playwrights Picket in NYC on Aug. 16.
Held as a themed Playwright Picket supported by the Writers Guild of America, the picket lines featured a free taco truck sent by Lin-Manuel Miranda and also saw members of the Dramatists Guild,...
- 8/16/2023
- by Caitlin Huston and Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alicia Keys serves as the inspiration for a new musical, Hell’s Kitchen. On Thursday, Keys announced that a musical loosely based on her life and featuring her hits will open at New York’s Public Theater later this year on Nov. 19.
The show will tackle “societal issues facing young people about identity, belonging, and finding yourself,” along with navigating life and love. It’ll follow 17-year-old Ali in a “cramped apartment” off Times Square as she strives toward the New York dream. “When Ali falls for a talented young drummer,...
The show will tackle “societal issues facing young people about identity, belonging, and finding yourself,” along with navigating life and love. It’ll follow 17-year-old Ali in a “cramped apartment” off Times Square as she strives toward the New York dream. “When Ali falls for a talented young drummer,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
The new Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen will make its world premiere this fall as part of the 2023-24 season of New York’s Public Theater Off Broadway, the Public announced today.
With music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, Hell’s Kitchen will begin previews at the Public on October 24, with an opening night of November 19. The engagement will run through December 10.
The cast includes Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, among others. Michael Greif directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
The musical is described as a coming-of-age story set in a cramped apartment in the neighborhood of the title near Times Square, where 17-year-old Ali is desperate to get her piece of the New York dream. Ali’s mother is just as determined to protect her daughter from the same mistakes she made. When Ali...
With music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, Hell’s Kitchen will begin previews at the Public on October 24, with an opening night of November 19. The engagement will run through December 10.
The cast includes Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, among others. Michael Greif directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
The musical is described as a coming-of-age story set in a cramped apartment in the neighborhood of the title near Times Square, where 17-year-old Ali is desperate to get her piece of the New York dream. Ali’s mother is just as determined to protect her daughter from the same mistakes she made. When Ali...
- 6/1/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Twenty years after the fan-favorite Disney Renaissance film debuted in 1997, legendary composer Alan Menken revealed that he was working on a stage adaptation of "Hercules," the tale of a young man on his road to becoming a hero and finding out where he belongs in the world. Reunited with lyricist David Zippel, the Disney Legend created a number of all-new songs to compliment a book by Kristoffer Diaz and Robert Horn for the latest musical from the House of Mouse.
A few years later in 2019, the production made its world premiere at the Delacorte Theater in New York City's Central Park with a stellar cast that featured Jelani Alladin, who originated the role of Kristoff on stage in "Frozen," as Hercules, Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart of "Aladdin" on Broadway as Phil, star of NBC's "Smash" Krysta Rodriguez as Meg, and, instead of revisiting the character that he...
A few years later in 2019, the production made its world premiere at the Delacorte Theater in New York City's Central Park with a stellar cast that featured Jelani Alladin, who originated the role of Kristoff on stage in "Frozen," as Hercules, Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart of "Aladdin" on Broadway as Phil, star of NBC's "Smash" Krysta Rodriguez as Meg, and, instead of revisiting the character that he...
- 2/24/2023
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
A new musical featuring the music and lyrics by Alicia Keys, and apparently based on the R&b singer-songwriter’s young life, is in development at New York’s Off Broadway Public Theater.
The production, titled Hell’s Kitchen after the Manhattan neighborhood where Keys was raised, has some high-profile names attached. According to an Actors’ Equity audition call sheet posted this week, Michael Greif is attached to direct, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz (the Public’s 2019 stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules) and choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Though casting hasn’t been announced, most if not all of the lead roles have already been filled, including the roles of Ali, “a strong, stubborn girl with a rebellious streak” apparently based on Keys, Jersey, “Ali’s mother,...
The production, titled Hell’s Kitchen after the Manhattan neighborhood where Keys was raised, has some high-profile names attached. According to an Actors’ Equity audition call sheet posted this week, Michael Greif is attached to direct, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz (the Public’s 2019 stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules) and choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Though casting hasn’t been announced, most if not all of the lead roles have already been filled, including the roles of Ali, “a strong, stubborn girl with a rebellious streak” apparently based on Keys, Jersey, “Ali’s mother,...
- 2/7/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A new set of 24 “Viral Monologues” from The 24 Hour Plays will be available on Instagram tonight, with actors Daveed Diggs, Michael Shannon, Clark Gregg, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Dylan Baker, Danny Pudi and Josh Hamilton, among others, performing monologues written by playwrights including Jonathan Marc Sherman, Eric Bogosian and Stephen Adly Guirgis.
See the complete list of performers and writers below. The new round of monologues will begin at 6 pm/Et, with a new one posted every 15 minutes until midnight on Instagram and The 24 Hour Plays website (see links below).
More from Deadline'Central Park' Exec Producer Takes Heat for Voice Casting Choices - TCA'Snowpiercer' TV Series Finally Gets Its TNT Premiere Date - TCAMarcia Gay Harden, 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Clark Gregg & More Round Out The Cast Of Amy Poehler's 'Moxie'
The first round of monologues hit Instagram last week, with actors including Patrick Wilson, Rachel Dratch and Hugh Dancy,...
See the complete list of performers and writers below. The new round of monologues will begin at 6 pm/Et, with a new one posted every 15 minutes until midnight on Instagram and The 24 Hour Plays website (see links below).
More from Deadline'Central Park' Exec Producer Takes Heat for Voice Casting Choices - TCA'Snowpiercer' TV Series Finally Gets Its TNT Premiere Date - TCAMarcia Gay Harden, 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Clark Gregg & More Round Out The Cast Of Amy Poehler's 'Moxie'
The first round of monologues hit Instagram last week, with actors including Patrick Wilson, Rachel Dratch and Hugh Dancy,...
- 3/24/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Hercules, the Public Works’ stage adaptation of Disney’s so-so 1997 animated musical, improves on its source not so much on the strength of its characters or the charms of its leading man – though it accomplishes both those feats – but through sheer energy. This Hercules, with songs both old and new by Disney hitmakers Alan Menken and David Zippel and an occasionally clever new book by playwright Kristoffer Diaz, makes for a fine end-of-summer evening in Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, even if it doesn’t add much of great significance to the Disney canon.
Less innovative and enticing than Shaina Taub’s Twelfth Night – last year’s Public Works contribution to Free Shakespeare in the Park’s summer season – Hercules still succeeds where it counts: In the enthusiasm generated both by its lead cast of professionals and the 200-plus ensemble of amateurs (ages 5 to 80+) recruited from partnering community organizations from all five New York City boroughs.
With five new Menken/Zippel songs added to the film’s short-sheeted line-up of semi-memorable musical numbers, this Hercules goes a way – a small way, but a way – in fleshing out the thin, mid-level-Disney narrative of the ’97 film. The musical padding, if not contributing anything of spectacular worth to the Disney oeuvre, nonetheless contains at least one affable tune appropriate for a late summer evening – a sultry jazz number called “A Cool Day in Hell,” sung by Bart and his two impish minions with the laid-back nonchalance of a “Fever”-ish Peggy Lee.
Plotwise, Diaz’s new book adheres closely to the movie’s narrative, minus a few film characters and subplots (no Pegasus sidekick for Hercules). Via a gospel-music infused prologue – actually, the entire production is gospel-infused, a nice modern twist on the Greek chorus – the audience learns that the divine Zeus and Hera have had a son, Hercules, a looming threat to Hades’ evil schemes and, so, a target. The lord of the underworld sends his two comic minions – Pain (Nelson Chimilio) and Panic (the scene-stealing Jeff Hiller) to kidnap and poison the babe. In classic fairy tale style, the would-be killers bungle the job, succeeding only in making Hercules mortal.
The foundling is raised by a loving, and entirely human, mom and dad, but the boy’s demi-god nature grows more troublesome with each and every packed-on muscle. A routine trip to the market square inevitably turns into wreckage and disaster as the clumsy teenager, unaware of his own strength, invariably knocks over a Grecian column or two, upends food carts, and generally wreaks unintentional havoc.
Understanding he doesn’t belong in this human world – this Hercules spotlights themes of self-discovery and find-your-place journeys – the extra-strength, if otherwise standard-issue teen beseeches the gods for help, and gets an answer. In the deft, Diy approach favored by Public Works, two large masks – one for Zeus, one for Hera – boom out the revelation that Hercules was born a god, but made mortal, and in order to return to his rightful place on Mount Olympus will have to prove his heroism
Under the training of James Monroe Iglehart’s Philoctetes – Phil for short – Hercules sets out to do some monster-slaying, a mission soon accomplished (the colorful Chinese dragon-style foes are provided by puppet creator James Ortiz).
But the Hydra-killing antics do little to impress the townsfolk, whose true needs are more along the lines of affordable housing and income equality. Diaz’s Hercules – vibrantly staged by director and Public Works founder Lear deBessonet – asks, In a world such as this, what makes a true hero?
We’ll find out, of course, as Hercules becomes one with his human community, saves his true love Megara (Krysta Rodriguez) from the grasp of Hades, makes a final choice between divinity and humanity, concluding there’s not really much difference.
Yes, it’s predictable and pat, with broad-strokes messaging that serves the children’s theater vibe and community-embracing goals of the production. Diaz’s book includes its fair share of the pop-culture wisecracks and fourth-wall-breaking quips that have been Disney de rigueur at least since Robin Williams conjured his style-setting Genie in 1992’s Aladdin.
Iglehart, a Tony winner for his performance as the Genie in Broadway’s Aladdin, does a clever, contemporary spin on a Burgess Meredith-style athletic trainer. Bart, as usual, is a stand-out, but even he gets a run for his money from the devilish imp played by Hiller. As the anti-damsel in distress Meg, Rodriguez (NBC’s Smash) brings a leather-jacketed rock & roll defiance to the party, hitting few other notes.
A sequin-bedecked quintet of Muses serves as Greek chorus, lending full-throated gospel power and, here and there, girl group harmonies to the show, soaring above the colorfully costumed 200-plus amateur cast. Endearing even when not quite up to the fast-paced demands of Chase Brock’s tireless choreography, the stage newcomers add an appealing all-in-this-together enthusiasm familiar to anyone who saw last season’s superior Twelfth Night.
As good as so many of the supporting players are, though, Hercules belongs to its hero, so well played by Alladin. Buoyant and athletic, the actor (he originated the role of Kristoff in Broadway’s Frozen), has an aw-shucks quality that suits the teenage Herc, and, being a black actor, Alladin’s brief on-the-street take-down by a couple Centurions can’t help but project a contemporary relevance to the otherwise comic proceedings. It’s brief and passing, but there if you look.
Will the newish Hercules, complete with the film’s demi-known songs “Go The Distance,” “Zero To Hero,” “One Last Hope” and “A Star Is Born,” travel beyond this Central Park staging? No plans have been announced, or even hinted, and it’s difficult to imagine this sprawling, charmingly unpolished endeavor in a Broadway theater. Hercules has never been a Disney classic – likable enough, but minor. The new production doesn’t powerlift the tale beyond those limits.
Hercules’ limited engagement at the Delacorte Theater in New York’s Central Park ends Sept. 8.
Less innovative and enticing than Shaina Taub’s Twelfth Night – last year’s Public Works contribution to Free Shakespeare in the Park’s summer season – Hercules still succeeds where it counts: In the enthusiasm generated both by its lead cast of professionals and the 200-plus ensemble of amateurs (ages 5 to 80+) recruited from partnering community organizations from all five New York City boroughs.
With five new Menken/Zippel songs added to the film’s short-sheeted line-up of semi-memorable musical numbers, this Hercules goes a way – a small way, but a way – in fleshing out the thin, mid-level-Disney narrative of the ’97 film. The musical padding, if not contributing anything of spectacular worth to the Disney oeuvre, nonetheless contains at least one affable tune appropriate for a late summer evening – a sultry jazz number called “A Cool Day in Hell,” sung by Bart and his two impish minions with the laid-back nonchalance of a “Fever”-ish Peggy Lee.
Plotwise, Diaz’s new book adheres closely to the movie’s narrative, minus a few film characters and subplots (no Pegasus sidekick for Hercules). Via a gospel-music infused prologue – actually, the entire production is gospel-infused, a nice modern twist on the Greek chorus – the audience learns that the divine Zeus and Hera have had a son, Hercules, a looming threat to Hades’ evil schemes and, so, a target. The lord of the underworld sends his two comic minions – Pain (Nelson Chimilio) and Panic (the scene-stealing Jeff Hiller) to kidnap and poison the babe. In classic fairy tale style, the would-be killers bungle the job, succeeding only in making Hercules mortal.
The foundling is raised by a loving, and entirely human, mom and dad, but the boy’s demi-god nature grows more troublesome with each and every packed-on muscle. A routine trip to the market square inevitably turns into wreckage and disaster as the clumsy teenager, unaware of his own strength, invariably knocks over a Grecian column or two, upends food carts, and generally wreaks unintentional havoc.
Understanding he doesn’t belong in this human world – this Hercules spotlights themes of self-discovery and find-your-place journeys – the extra-strength, if otherwise standard-issue teen beseeches the gods for help, and gets an answer. In the deft, Diy approach favored by Public Works, two large masks – one for Zeus, one for Hera – boom out the revelation that Hercules was born a god, but made mortal, and in order to return to his rightful place on Mount Olympus will have to prove his heroism
Under the training of James Monroe Iglehart’s Philoctetes – Phil for short – Hercules sets out to do some monster-slaying, a mission soon accomplished (the colorful Chinese dragon-style foes are provided by puppet creator James Ortiz).
But the Hydra-killing antics do little to impress the townsfolk, whose true needs are more along the lines of affordable housing and income equality. Diaz’s Hercules – vibrantly staged by director and Public Works founder Lear deBessonet – asks, In a world such as this, what makes a true hero?
We’ll find out, of course, as Hercules becomes one with his human community, saves his true love Megara (Krysta Rodriguez) from the grasp of Hades, makes a final choice between divinity and humanity, concluding there’s not really much difference.
Yes, it’s predictable and pat, with broad-strokes messaging that serves the children’s theater vibe and community-embracing goals of the production. Diaz’s book includes its fair share of the pop-culture wisecracks and fourth-wall-breaking quips that have been Disney de rigueur at least since Robin Williams conjured his style-setting Genie in 1992’s Aladdin.
Iglehart, a Tony winner for his performance as the Genie in Broadway’s Aladdin, does a clever, contemporary spin on a Burgess Meredith-style athletic trainer. Bart, as usual, is a stand-out, but even he gets a run for his money from the devilish imp played by Hiller. As the anti-damsel in distress Meg, Rodriguez (NBC’s Smash) brings a leather-jacketed rock & roll defiance to the party, hitting few other notes.
A sequin-bedecked quintet of Muses serves as Greek chorus, lending full-throated gospel power and, here and there, girl group harmonies to the show, soaring above the colorfully costumed 200-plus amateur cast. Endearing even when not quite up to the fast-paced demands of Chase Brock’s tireless choreography, the stage newcomers add an appealing all-in-this-together enthusiasm familiar to anyone who saw last season’s superior Twelfth Night.
As good as so many of the supporting players are, though, Hercules belongs to its hero, so well played by Alladin. Buoyant and athletic, the actor (he originated the role of Kristoff in Broadway’s Frozen), has an aw-shucks quality that suits the teenage Herc, and, being a black actor, Alladin’s brief on-the-street take-down by a couple Centurions can’t help but project a contemporary relevance to the otherwise comic proceedings. It’s brief and passing, but there if you look.
Will the newish Hercules, complete with the film’s demi-known songs “Go The Distance,” “Zero To Hero,” “One Last Hope” and “A Star Is Born,” travel beyond this Central Park staging? No plans have been announced, or even hinted, and it’s difficult to imagine this sprawling, charmingly unpolished endeavor in a Broadway theater. Hercules has never been a Disney classic – likable enough, but minor. The new production doesn’t powerlift the tale beyond those limits.
Hercules’ limited engagement at the Delacorte Theater in New York’s Central Park ends Sept. 8.
- 9/3/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s 1997 animated film “Hercules” was a box office underperformer, and the film landed only a single Oscar nomination, for Alan Menken and David Zippel’s upbeat anthem “Go the Distance”.
But now, Disney Theatrical Group has unearthed the fan favorite for the stage — and the first production, playing for a brief run at the Public Theater’s outdoor Delacorte Theatre in Central Park, works better than bigger-budgeted recent efforts like “Frozen.”
For one thing, director Lear deBessonet’s homespun production runs about as long as the original film — just over 90 minutes — despite the addition of five mostly catchy new songs.
Also Read: 'Bat Out of Hell' Theater Review: How to Turn a Musical Into Meat Loaf
But the show also captures the bouncy energy and fleet storytelling of the original, which adapted the Greek myth of half-God, half-human Hercules for the Disney storybook set. Kristoffer Diaz’s new script...
But now, Disney Theatrical Group has unearthed the fan favorite for the stage — and the first production, playing for a brief run at the Public Theater’s outdoor Delacorte Theatre in Central Park, works better than bigger-budgeted recent efforts like “Frozen.”
For one thing, director Lear deBessonet’s homespun production runs about as long as the original film — just over 90 minutes — despite the addition of five mostly catchy new songs.
Also Read: 'Bat Out of Hell' Theater Review: How to Turn a Musical Into Meat Loaf
But the show also captures the bouncy energy and fleet storytelling of the original, which adapted the Greek myth of half-God, half-human Hercules for the Disney storybook set. Kristoffer Diaz’s new script...
- 9/2/2019
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Jelani Alladin, a star of the Broadway musical Frozen, will take on the title role in this summer’s new stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules, with Roger Bart (Broadway’s The Producers) cast as the villainous Hades.
Casting was announced today by The Public Theater for the previously announced adaptation of Disney’s 1997 animated film. The musical, to be presented as part of the Public’s Shakespeare in the Park season, will feature six songs from the Oscar-nominated Alan Menken/David Zippel film score in addition to new songs by the songwriting team.
Hercules will include a new book by Kristoffer Diaz (Glow), choreography by Be More Chill choreographer Chase Brock, and direction by Lear deBessonet. The musical will run for seven nights – Aug. 31-Sept. 8 – at Delacorte Theater, concluding this summer’s free Shakespeare in the Park season.
Also in the cast announced today: Jeff Hiller (Panic), James Monroe Iglehart...
Casting was announced today by The Public Theater for the previously announced adaptation of Disney’s 1997 animated film. The musical, to be presented as part of the Public’s Shakespeare in the Park season, will feature six songs from the Oscar-nominated Alan Menken/David Zippel film score in addition to new songs by the songwriting team.
Hercules will include a new book by Kristoffer Diaz (Glow), choreography by Be More Chill choreographer Chase Brock, and direction by Lear deBessonet. The musical will run for seven nights – Aug. 31-Sept. 8 – at Delacorte Theater, concluding this summer’s free Shakespeare in the Park season.
Also in the cast announced today: Jeff Hiller (Panic), James Monroe Iglehart...
- 6/20/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The 24 Hour Musicals will return better than ever this year.
The 24 Hour Musicals feature four new musicals written and performed in the span of just 24 hours. The marathon process begins at 9 Pm the night before the performance. Writers, composers, directors, choreographers, actors, music directors, musicians and production staff — many of whom have never worked with or met each other before — gather for an orientation where they share costume pieces and props, their special skills and reveal something that they have always wanted to do on stage. At 11 Pm, composers and writers get to work crafting 15-20 minute musicals overnight and at 9 Am the next morning, actors receive their roles and directors, choreographers and musicians arrive to begin rehearsal. Less than 12 hours later, they’ll perform in front of a live audience!
Proceeds from The 24 Hour Musicals benefit The 24 Hour Plays’ programs, including The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals (a professional intensive for...
The 24 Hour Musicals feature four new musicals written and performed in the span of just 24 hours. The marathon process begins at 9 Pm the night before the performance. Writers, composers, directors, choreographers, actors, music directors, musicians and production staff — many of whom have never worked with or met each other before — gather for an orientation where they share costume pieces and props, their special skills and reveal something that they have always wanted to do on stage. At 11 Pm, composers and writers get to work crafting 15-20 minute musicals overnight and at 9 Am the next morning, actors receive their roles and directors, choreographers and musicians arrive to begin rehearsal. Less than 12 hours later, they’ll perform in front of a live audience!
Proceeds from The 24 Hour Musicals benefit The 24 Hour Plays’ programs, including The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals (a professional intensive for...
- 6/18/2019
- Look to the Stars
A new adaptation of Hercules based on Disney’s 1997 animated film and featuring additional music by Alan Menken and David Zippel, a new book by Glow writer Kristoffer Diaz and choreography by Be More Chill choreographer Chase Brock will conclude this summer’s season of the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare In The Park, the Public announced today.
Hercules will close out the season at the Delacorte theater in Central Park following productions of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by American Son director Kenny Leon, and Coriolanus, directed by Daniel Sullivan.
The Hercules staging will be the latest of the Public’s Public Works initiative productions that invite community groups throughout the city to participate in the development of theater works. Last summer the initiative produced the very popular Twelfth Night with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub.
“Our Public Works community promises to connect this brilliantly conceived story back...
Hercules will close out the season at the Delacorte theater in Central Park following productions of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by American Son director Kenny Leon, and Coriolanus, directed by Daniel Sullivan.
The Hercules staging will be the latest of the Public’s Public Works initiative productions that invite community groups throughout the city to participate in the development of theater works. Last summer the initiative produced the very popular Twelfth Night with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub.
“Our Public Works community promises to connect this brilliantly conceived story back...
- 2/6/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Hercules is about to go from zero to hero of your 2019.BroadwayWorld has just learned that the Public Theater will present a stage adaptation of the Disney classic this summer at the Delacorte Theatre. The musical, which features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, will be directed by Lear deBessonet and choreographed by Chase Brock.
- 2/6/2019
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Fox has announced the cast for its upcoming “Rent” live musical.
Recording artist Tinashe has been cast as Mimi Marquez, a dancer who struggles with addiction and catches the eye of musician and recovering addict Roger. Roger will be played by Brennin Hunt (“Nashville”).
Singer/songwriter Jordan Fisher (“Hamilton” and the 2017 winner of “Dancing with the Stars”) will play Mark, Roger’s filmmaker roommate and best friend, who serves as the show’s narrator.
Vanessa Hudgens (“Grease: Live”) will play Maureen Johnson, a performance artist and Mark’s ex-girlfriend who is on-again-off-again dating Joanne. Kiersey Clemons (“Hearts Beat Loud”) is set to play Joanne Jefferson, an Ivy League-educated laywer.
Emmy nominee and Tony Award winner Brandon Victor Dixon (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”) will play Tom Collins, a computer scientist who returns to New York after being expelled from MIT. There he meets and falls in love with Angel Dumont Schunard,...
Recording artist Tinashe has been cast as Mimi Marquez, a dancer who struggles with addiction and catches the eye of musician and recovering addict Roger. Roger will be played by Brennin Hunt (“Nashville”).
Singer/songwriter Jordan Fisher (“Hamilton” and the 2017 winner of “Dancing with the Stars”) will play Mark, Roger’s filmmaker roommate and best friend, who serves as the show’s narrator.
Vanessa Hudgens (“Grease: Live”) will play Maureen Johnson, a performance artist and Mark’s ex-girlfriend who is on-again-off-again dating Joanne. Kiersey Clemons (“Hearts Beat Loud”) is set to play Joanne Jefferson, an Ivy League-educated laywer.
Emmy nominee and Tony Award winner Brandon Victor Dixon (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”) will play Tom Collins, a computer scientist who returns to New York after being expelled from MIT. There he meets and falls in love with Angel Dumont Schunard,...
- 10/29/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Winners of the 2018 Writers Guild of America Awards were revealed on Feb. 11 in ceremonies held simultaneously in Los Angeles and New York. As only screenplays written under the guild’s guidelines or those of several international partners are eligible for consideration, these kudos, which are celebrating their 70th anniversary, have not been the most reliable barometer of the Oscars.
Indeed, one of this year’s leading contenders for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars — Martin McDonagh for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” — was ruled out of the running by the guild. However, that WGA race does include four of the other Academy Awards nominees — “The Big Sick,” “Get Out,” “Lady Bird” and “The Shape of Water.” It is rounded out by “I, Tonya.” Jordan Peele won for “Get Out” edging out Greta Gerwig, who had been predicted to win for “Lady Bird.”
All five of the Oscar contenders for Best...
Indeed, one of this year’s leading contenders for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars — Martin McDonagh for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” — was ruled out of the running by the guild. However, that WGA race does include four of the other Academy Awards nominees — “The Big Sick,” “Get Out,” “Lady Bird” and “The Shape of Water.” It is rounded out by “I, Tonya.” Jordan Peele won for “Get Out” edging out Greta Gerwig, who had been predicted to win for “Lady Bird.”
All five of the Oscar contenders for Best...
- 2/12/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The 2018 Writers Guild of America Awards take place on Feb. 11 with simultaneous ceremonies held in both New York and Los Angeles. Only scripts written under the guild’s guidelines or those of several international partners are allowed to vie for these awards. As such, these kudos are not the most reliable barometer of the Oscars.
In the past nine years only 59 of the WGA nominees have numbered among the 90 screenplays that reaped Academy Awards bids. Indeed, 2014’s Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay, “Birdman,” was deemed ineligible. Likewise for one of this year’s leading contenders for that award: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”
On the television side, the leading nominees are “Better Call Saul,” which competes for best drama series writing as well as for two individual episodes and “The Americans,” which is up for both overall drama series writing and an individual episode. Over in comedy, reigning Emmy...
In the past nine years only 59 of the WGA nominees have numbered among the 90 screenplays that reaped Academy Awards bids. Indeed, 2014’s Oscar winner for Best Original Screenplay, “Birdman,” was deemed ineligible. Likewise for one of this year’s leading contenders for that award: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”
On the television side, the leading nominees are “Better Call Saul,” which competes for best drama series writing as well as for two individual episodes and “The Americans,” which is up for both overall drama series writing and an individual episode. Over in comedy, reigning Emmy...
- 2/10/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
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