Jennifer Hudson, who guest starred on NBC’s Smash, is now joining the producing team of its upcoming stage musical adaptation.
Hudson, a Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner, announced her participation today on her daytime talk show The Jennifer Hudson Show. (Watch the announcement below.)
Smash is expected to arrive on Broadway in spring 2025. Executive producers included Steven Spielberg, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, David Marshall Grant, and Joshua Safran.
Hudson’s participation reunites her with Smash composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and producers Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron, the team behind NBC’s 2016 Hairspray Live!, the musical special in which she played the role of Motormouth Maybelle.
The Broadway production will be directed by five-time Tony-winning director Susan Stroman, with a score by the Tony- and Grammy- winning duo Shaiman and Wittman, who were most recently on Broadway with Some Like It Hot.
Hudson, a Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner, announced her participation today on her daytime talk show The Jennifer Hudson Show. (Watch the announcement below.)
Smash is expected to arrive on Broadway in spring 2025. Executive producers included Steven Spielberg, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, David Marshall Grant, and Joshua Safran.
Hudson’s participation reunites her with Smash composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and producers Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron, the team behind NBC’s 2016 Hairspray Live!, the musical special in which she played the role of Motormouth Maybelle.
The Broadway production will be directed by five-time Tony-winning director Susan Stroman, with a score by the Tony- and Grammy- winning duo Shaiman and Wittman, who were most recently on Broadway with Some Like It Hot.
- 3/21/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors’ Equity will hand out leaflets outside a workshop of the Broadway-bound Smash musical this week, “warning of the possibility of a strike” in light of ongoing negotiations with the Broadway League regarding compensation for work on shows in development.
Equity President Kate Shindle is expected to be in attendance when the union leaflets the Smash developmental workshop Thursday morning and Friday afternoon outside the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The union’s Development Agreement with Broadway League producers covers the development of new works, usually prior to an intended Broadway engagement. Equity and the Broadway League have been in negotiations since January 22, 2024. The current agreement expired on Sunday, February 11.
Last week, the union, which represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theater, voted to authorize a strike against The Broadway League if ongoing negotiations fail. Equity is currently in the...
Equity President Kate Shindle is expected to be in attendance when the union leaflets the Smash developmental workshop Thursday morning and Friday afternoon outside the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The union’s Development Agreement with Broadway League producers covers the development of new works, usually prior to an intended Broadway engagement. Equity and the Broadway League have been in negotiations since January 22, 2024. The current agreement expired on Sunday, February 11.
Last week, the union, which represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theater, voted to authorize a strike against The Broadway League if ongoing negotiations fail. Equity is currently in the...
- 2/14/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
We’re getting closer and closer to the Smash musical coming to Broadway!
A musical version of the beloved NBC series has been in the works for years and it is expected to debut during the upcoming 2024-25 Broadway season, which is anytime between May 2024 and April 2025. Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty, and other cast members are sadly not attached and a plot has not been revealed yet.
Well, some lucky fans are going to see an early version of the show very soon.
A six-week workshop will begin this month in New York City and it will culminate in five fully staged and choreographed performances in front of “recruited audiences.”
Keep reading to find out more…
Producer Bob Greenblatt told Variety, “This workshop/rehearsal process will give the creative team a chance to get reactions from real theatergoers who will experience it for the first time in a theater setting.
A musical version of the beloved NBC series has been in the works for years and it is expected to debut during the upcoming 2024-25 Broadway season, which is anytime between May 2024 and April 2025. Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty, and other cast members are sadly not attached and a plot has not been revealed yet.
Well, some lucky fans are going to see an early version of the show very soon.
A six-week workshop will begin this month in New York City and it will culminate in five fully staged and choreographed performances in front of “recruited audiences.”
Keep reading to find out more…
Producer Bob Greenblatt told Variety, “This workshop/rehearsal process will give the creative team a chance to get reactions from real theatergoers who will experience it for the first time in a theater setting.
- 1/5/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Some Like It Hot, the Tony-winning musical based on the 1959 MGM and United Artists film of the same name, is closing on Broadway in December.
Producers announced the show’s plan to close in 13 weeks on Friday. The musical, which made history for nonbinary star J. Harrison Ghee’s best lead actor in a musical Tony win, will play through Dec. 30 at the Shubert Theatre.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring one of the greatest comedy films of all time to the stage with a completely fresh approach,” said producers Robert Wankel and Neil Meron. “We want to thank the creative team, cast and company of Some Like It Hot who have created an entertaining and moving show that has delighted audiences for the past year, bringing joyous laughter to the Shubert Theatre. We are thrilled to see this production’s journey continue beyond Broadway with the national...
Producers announced the show’s plan to close in 13 weeks on Friday. The musical, which made history for nonbinary star J. Harrison Ghee’s best lead actor in a musical Tony win, will play through Dec. 30 at the Shubert Theatre.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring one of the greatest comedy films of all time to the stage with a completely fresh approach,” said producers Robert Wankel and Neil Meron. “We want to thank the creative team, cast and company of Some Like It Hot who have created an entertaining and moving show that has delighted audiences for the past year, bringing joyous laughter to the Shubert Theatre. We are thrilled to see this production’s journey continue beyond Broadway with the national...
- 9/29/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some Like It Hot, the well-reviewed musical stage adaptation of the classic 1959 film comedy and winner of four 2023 Tony Awards, will play its final performance at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre on Saturday, December 30, producers have announced.
One of the more highly lauded productions of the 2022-23 season, the musical never quite caught on with audiences, at least not enough to place the show in the fully-fledged hit category. Box office figures for the week ending Sept. 24 indicate that only 61% of seats were filled at the Shubert, with a gross that week of $681,485. The figures suggest a fairly steady decline in audience interest from the show’s most recent high point of $1,143,488, which came in June following the musical’s decent showing at the Tony Awards, where J. Harrison Ghee took the coveted trophy for best lead actor in a musical.
The show also won Tonys for orchestrations, choreography and costume design.
One of the more highly lauded productions of the 2022-23 season, the musical never quite caught on with audiences, at least not enough to place the show in the fully-fledged hit category. Box office figures for the week ending Sept. 24 indicate that only 61% of seats were filled at the Shubert, with a gross that week of $681,485. The figures suggest a fairly steady decline in audience interest from the show’s most recent high point of $1,143,488, which came in June following the musical’s decent showing at the Tony Awards, where J. Harrison Ghee took the coveted trophy for best lead actor in a musical.
The show also won Tonys for orchestrations, choreography and costume design.
- 9/29/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Outfest on Thursday announced Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine and Transparent breakout Trace Lysette as the recipients of its 2023 Legacy Awards, which will be presented at NeueHouse in Hollywood on Sunday, October 22nd.
MacLaine will be bestowed with the James Schamus Ally Award, recognizing an ally’s efforts to foster LGBTQ+ moving images and to promote the communities’ stories to a broader audience. Lysette, meanwhile, is set for the Trailblazer Award, recognizing an artist who has contributed to the history of the community, shedding light on the core of the LGBTQ+ identity and experience.
The pair joins a list of Outfest Legacy Award recipients that includes Janelle Monáe, Billy Porter, Tom Hanks, Judith Light, Rita Moreno, Lee Daniels, Hilary Swank, Sean Hayes, Laverne Cox, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Bruce Cohen, Lisa Cholodenko, Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, Tanya Saracho, Victoria Alonso, and Rain Valdez, among others.
Said Outfest’s Executive Director Damien S.
MacLaine will be bestowed with the James Schamus Ally Award, recognizing an ally’s efforts to foster LGBTQ+ moving images and to promote the communities’ stories to a broader audience. Lysette, meanwhile, is set for the Trailblazer Award, recognizing an artist who has contributed to the history of the community, shedding light on the core of the LGBTQ+ identity and experience.
The pair joins a list of Outfest Legacy Award recipients that includes Janelle Monáe, Billy Porter, Tom Hanks, Judith Light, Rita Moreno, Lee Daniels, Hilary Swank, Sean Hayes, Laverne Cox, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Bruce Cohen, Lisa Cholodenko, Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, Tanya Saracho, Victoria Alonso, and Rain Valdez, among others.
Said Outfest’s Executive Director Damien S.
- 9/21/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Smash,” the TV series about the making of a fictional Broadway musical, takes an early step toward becoming a real-life Broadway musical on Sept. 22, with a pair of industry readings led by Tony nominees Robyn Hurder and Kerry Butler.
Hurder plays Ivy, an actress cast in the lead role of a new musical about Marilyn Monroe, and Butler appears as Karen, Ivy’s understudy. Their characters share the names of two pivotal roles in the TV show, which also focused on the development of a Marilyn Monroe musical called “Bombshell.”
While it retains the series’ most recognizable elements, the musical adaptation of “Smash” departs in other ways with a storyline and cast of characters that are inspired by the series but not direct translations. “It’s definitely a new script,” said director Susan Stroman of the musical’s book by Bob Martin (“The Prom”) and Rick Elice (“Jersey Boys”). “It...
Hurder plays Ivy, an actress cast in the lead role of a new musical about Marilyn Monroe, and Butler appears as Karen, Ivy’s understudy. Their characters share the names of two pivotal roles in the TV show, which also focused on the development of a Marilyn Monroe musical called “Bombshell.”
While it retains the series’ most recognizable elements, the musical adaptation of “Smash” departs in other ways with a storyline and cast of characters that are inspired by the series but not direct translations. “It’s definitely a new script,” said director Susan Stroman of the musical’s book by Bob Martin (“The Prom”) and Rick Elice (“Jersey Boys”). “It...
- 9/21/2023
- by Gordon Cox
- Variety Film + TV
While making Do Revenge for Netflix, Camila Mendes felt like she was working on a theatrical, not a made-for-tv movie.
Related: ‘Hocus Pocus 2’, ‘Prey’, ‘Fire Island’ & ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ Rally Straight-To-Streaming Movies At Emmy Noms
“There was more of a priority in the art of it, you know?” says Mendes (Riverdale) of the campy film that follows a pair of high schoolers who go after each other’s bullies. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and co-starring Stranger Things‘ Maya Hawke and Game of Thrones‘ Sophie Turner, the clever film penned by Robinson and Celeste Ballard had a “bigger budget than a lot of high school movies do.”
“There was more priority being placed in putting together these beautiful cinematic shots and making the costumes look really vibrant and character specific,” recalls Mendes. “I do think this movie is something that could have been in a theater, and...
Related: ‘Hocus Pocus 2’, ‘Prey’, ‘Fire Island’ & ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ Rally Straight-To-Streaming Movies At Emmy Noms
“There was more of a priority in the art of it, you know?” says Mendes (Riverdale) of the campy film that follows a pair of high schoolers who go after each other’s bullies. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and co-starring Stranger Things‘ Maya Hawke and Game of Thrones‘ Sophie Turner, the clever film penned by Robinson and Celeste Ballard had a “bigger budget than a lot of high school movies do.”
“There was more priority being placed in putting together these beautiful cinematic shots and making the costumes look really vibrant and character specific,” recalls Mendes. “I do think this movie is something that could have been in a theater, and...
- 6/15/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Neil Meron, a force behind bring live events to television including such musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie and The Sound of Music, has joined Andrew Lloyd Webber’s London-based Really Useful Group as a consultant, Lloyd Webber announced today.
An acclaimed film, television and theater producer, Meron will work closely with Rug’s Licensing and Production team to identify and develop new opportunities for Lloyd Webber’s IP across North America, including mining talent and building new relationships with film companies, networks, streamers, dance companies and new media.
Meron also is expected to work closely with Lloyd Webber’s new joint venture with acclaimed British theater producer Michael Harrison to support new opportunities to explore in North America.
Said Lloyd Webber, “Neil and I go back a very, very long way, so it feels quite fitting that he take on this advisory role at Rug at this point in my career,...
An acclaimed film, television and theater producer, Meron will work closely with Rug’s Licensing and Production team to identify and develop new opportunities for Lloyd Webber’s IP across North America, including mining talent and building new relationships with film companies, networks, streamers, dance companies and new media.
Meron also is expected to work closely with Lloyd Webber’s new joint venture with acclaimed British theater producer Michael Harrison to support new opportunities to explore in North America.
Said Lloyd Webber, “Neil and I go back a very, very long way, so it feels quite fitting that he take on this advisory role at Rug at this point in my career,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
After making her Broadway debut as one of the producers of the stage adaption of Some Like It Hot, Mariah Carey is officially a Tony Award nominee now that the show is up for Best Musical at the 2023 awards ceremony.
Carey joined as a producer for its opening last fall. “I first became familiar with this story through the timeless film starring Marilyn Monroe,” Carey said in a statement at the time via Entertainment Tonight. “She’s been an important touchstone throughout my life, so much so that I acquired...
Carey joined as a producer for its opening last fall. “I first became familiar with this story through the timeless film starring Marilyn Monroe,” Carey said in a statement at the time via Entertainment Tonight. “She’s been an important touchstone throughout my life, so much so that I acquired...
- 5/2/2023
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Refresh For Udpates: The nominations for the 76th Annual Tony Awards will be announced on CBS Mornings today by Funny Girl star Lea Michele and Mj‘s Tony Award winner Myles Frost. The complete list of nominations will be posted here at 9:10 a.m. Et./6 a.m. Pt.
The nominations announced so far:
Best Musical
& Juliet
Producers: Max Martin & Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd, Eva Price, Lukasz Gottwald, 42nd.club, Independent Presenters Network, Jack Lane, Library Company, Shellback, Shivhans Pictures, Sing Out, Louise!, Kim Szarzynski, Taylor/Riegler, Tenenbaum/Keyes, Barry Weiss, John Gore Organization
Kimberly Akimbo
Producers: David Stone, Atlantic Theater Company, James L. Nederlander, Lachanze, John Gore, Patrick Catullo, Aaron Glick
New York, New York
Producers: Sonia Friedman Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Wendy Federman & Heni Koenigsberg, Crossroads Live, Playing Field, Stephanie P. McClelland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Waiting in the Wings Productions, Colin Callender, Gilbert and DeeDee Garcia/Sue Vaccaro,...
The nominations announced so far:
Best Musical
& Juliet
Producers: Max Martin & Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd, Eva Price, Lukasz Gottwald, 42nd.club, Independent Presenters Network, Jack Lane, Library Company, Shellback, Shivhans Pictures, Sing Out, Louise!, Kim Szarzynski, Taylor/Riegler, Tenenbaum/Keyes, Barry Weiss, John Gore Organization
Kimberly Akimbo
Producers: David Stone, Atlantic Theater Company, James L. Nederlander, Lachanze, John Gore, Patrick Catullo, Aaron Glick
New York, New York
Producers: Sonia Friedman Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Wendy Federman & Heni Koenigsberg, Crossroads Live, Playing Field, Stephanie P. McClelland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Waiting in the Wings Productions, Colin Callender, Gilbert and DeeDee Garcia/Sue Vaccaro,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to this week’s “Just for Variety.”
Mark Consuelos doesn’t mind hand-me-downs from Ryan Seacrest. Consuelos tells me he’s inheriting Seacrest’s dressing room when “Live With Kelly and Ryan” becomes “Live With Kelly and Mark” on April 17. “I’m no dummy,” Consuelos says on this week’s episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “Ryan is very fancy — he’s got fancy stuff.”
At the same time it was announced in February that Seacrest was leaving “Live,” it was revealed that Consuelos will replace him as his wife Kelly Ripa’s co-host on the syndicated daytime talk show. “The first conversations started with like, ‘That is the worst idea ever,’”
Consuelos recalls. “Kelly and I were like, ‘Yeah, that’s insane. Why would we do that?’ Then I was like, ‘Well, I have filled in a lot over the past few years.’ She goes, ‘You have.
Mark Consuelos doesn’t mind hand-me-downs from Ryan Seacrest. Consuelos tells me he’s inheriting Seacrest’s dressing room when “Live With Kelly and Ryan” becomes “Live With Kelly and Mark” on April 17. “I’m no dummy,” Consuelos says on this week’s episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “Ryan is very fancy — he’s got fancy stuff.”
At the same time it was announced in February that Seacrest was leaving “Live,” it was revealed that Consuelos will replace him as his wife Kelly Ripa’s co-host on the syndicated daytime talk show. “The first conversations started with like, ‘That is the worst idea ever,’”
Consuelos recalls. “Kelly and I were like, ‘Yeah, that’s insane. Why would we do that?’ Then I was like, ‘Well, I have filled in a lot over the past few years.’ She goes, ‘You have.
- 4/12/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The long-in-the-works stage adaptation of NBC’s cult favorite musical drama series “Smash” is finally heading to Broadway.
Producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, and Steven Spielberg announced Wednesday that “Smash” will bow on the Great White Way in the 2024-25 season, per TVLine.
The producers have assembled a talented team to mount the production. Five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman (“The Producers”) will direct. Bob Martin (“The Prom”) and Rick Elice (“Jersey Boys”) are writing the book. Composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray”), who wrote over two dozen songs for the TV show’s in-universe musicals “Bombshell” and “Hit List,” will return for the stage adaptation. Choreographer Joshua Bergasse, who won an Emmy for his choreography on the TV show, will also return for the stage version.
According to the producers, the plot will once again follow the “harrowing and hilarious” ordeal of mounting “Bombshell,” but will “depart liberally” from the series.
Producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, and Steven Spielberg announced Wednesday that “Smash” will bow on the Great White Way in the 2024-25 season, per TVLine.
The producers have assembled a talented team to mount the production. Five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman (“The Producers”) will direct. Bob Martin (“The Prom”) and Rick Elice (“Jersey Boys”) are writing the book. Composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray”), who wrote over two dozen songs for the TV show’s in-universe musicals “Bombshell” and “Hit List,” will return for the stage adaptation. Choreographer Joshua Bergasse, who won an Emmy for his choreography on the TV show, will also return for the stage version.
According to the producers, the plot will once again follow the “harrowing and hilarious” ordeal of mounting “Bombshell,” but will “depart liberally” from the series.
- 3/22/2023
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
The glass slippers still fit Brandy. The singer’s long-awaited return as Cinderella in a new Disney television movie has been given an official first look, courtesy of footage from the set of “Descendants: Rise of Red.” Brandy is reprising the role of Cinderella 26 years after becoming the princess opposite Whitney Houston’s Fairy Godmother in the 1997 television movie “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”
The set footage also confirmed that “Descendants: Rise of Red” will feature the return of Paolo Montalban, who played Brandy’s Prince Charming in the 1997 movie, which was groundbreaking for its multicultural casting. Charming is now king, and Cinderella is queen.
Variety confirmed last November that Brandy boarded the “Descendants” movie as Cinderella. At the time, the movie musical had the working title of “The Pocketwatch.” The film centers on the relationship between Red (Kylie Cantrall), the rebellious teenage daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe...
The set footage also confirmed that “Descendants: Rise of Red” will feature the return of Paolo Montalban, who played Brandy’s Prince Charming in the 1997 movie, which was groundbreaking for its multicultural casting. Charming is now king, and Cinderella is queen.
Variety confirmed last November that Brandy boarded the “Descendants” movie as Cinderella. At the time, the movie musical had the working title of “The Pocketwatch.” The film centers on the relationship between Red (Kylie Cantrall), the rebellious teenage daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe...
- 3/22/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
It's been over a decade since NBC's "Smash" dug into all the behind-the-scenes grit it took to make its fictional Broadway musical "Bombshell" come to life. So it comes as no surprise that the cult-favorite series is making a comeback, not as a television revival, but as its own Broadway show!
Most details about the forthcoming stage production are still unknown, including who will star in the cast, but Steven Spielberg, Robert Greenblatt, and Neil Meron - all of whom produced the original "Smash" series - are on board as lead producers. "'Smash' is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage," Spielberg said in a statement, per a March 22 Variety report. "We now have an incredible creative team, and I'm looking forward to completing the 'Smash' journey,...
Most details about the forthcoming stage production are still unknown, including who will star in the cast, but Steven Spielberg, Robert Greenblatt, and Neil Meron - all of whom produced the original "Smash" series - are on board as lead producers. "'Smash' is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage," Spielberg said in a statement, per a March 22 Variety report. "We now have an incredible creative team, and I'm looking forward to completing the 'Smash' journey,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Finally, one of television’s most notorious series will achieve its final form, arguably fulfilling its destiny from the beginning: Smash is coming to Broadway in the 2024-2025 season.
The 2012-2013 NBC musical drama, which starred Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty as dueling actresses competing for the role of Marilyn Monroe in a high-profile stage production, was an object of fascination for viewers, thanks to its sometimes mesmerizing, sometimes bewildering blend of high-octane soap opera and Broadway-ready musical numbers, written by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Unfortunately, there weren’t enough of those fascinated viewers to sustain such an incredibly expensive show (and behind-the-scenes drama involving original creator Theresa Rebeck being removed from showrunning duties didn’t help matters), leading to its cancelation after Season 2. Since its original airing, though, the question of adapting said Broadway-ready musical numbers as an actual stage show has arisen, with the show-within-the-show,...
The 2012-2013 NBC musical drama, which starred Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty as dueling actresses competing for the role of Marilyn Monroe in a high-profile stage production, was an object of fascination for viewers, thanks to its sometimes mesmerizing, sometimes bewildering blend of high-octane soap opera and Broadway-ready musical numbers, written by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Unfortunately, there weren’t enough of those fascinated viewers to sustain such an incredibly expensive show (and behind-the-scenes drama involving original creator Theresa Rebeck being removed from showrunning duties didn’t help matters), leading to its cancelation after Season 2. Since its original airing, though, the question of adapting said Broadway-ready musical numbers as an actual stage show has arisen, with the show-within-the-show,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Consequence - Music
Smash is coming to the stage after years of anticipation. A musical adaptation of the NBC series, which ran for only two seasons, will open on Broadway for the 2024-2025 season, according to producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, and Steven Spielberg.
Tony-award winning director Susan Stroman, who is currently helming New York, New York, will direct. Shaiman and Wittman, the composers of Hairspray and Some Like It Hot, are writing the score, which will include new material. The duo previously composed songs for the series, notably Emmy-nominated number “Let Me Be Your Star.
Tony-award winning director Susan Stroman, who is currently helming New York, New York, will direct. Shaiman and Wittman, the composers of Hairspray and Some Like It Hot, are writing the score, which will include new material. The duo previously composed songs for the series, notably Emmy-nominated number “Let Me Be Your Star.
- 3/22/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Smash, NBC’s musical drama about a fictional Broadway musical, is being given the long-awaited stage treatment.
Running for two seasons from 2012 to 2013, Smash followed the team working to stage an original show about the life of Marilyn Monroe, and the ensuing rivalry between the show’s star Ivy (Megan Hilty) and ensemble member Karen (Katharine McPhee).
The show gained a cult following, with fans asking for the series to be turned into a stage show ever since.
Now, it has been announced that a Smash musical is on its way from series producers Steven Spielberg, Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, with the production expected to open between 2024 and 2025.
Rather than simply transposing ‘Bombshell’, the Monroe musical from Smash, to the stage, the Broadway production will be a metatheatrical interpretation of the process of staging the fictional show. However, the real stage version will “depart liberally from the series”, according to producers.
Running for two seasons from 2012 to 2013, Smash followed the team working to stage an original show about the life of Marilyn Monroe, and the ensuing rivalry between the show’s star Ivy (Megan Hilty) and ensemble member Karen (Katharine McPhee).
The show gained a cult following, with fans asking for the series to be turned into a stage show ever since.
Now, it has been announced that a Smash musical is on its way from series producers Steven Spielberg, Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron, with the production expected to open between 2024 and 2025.
Rather than simply transposing ‘Bombshell’, the Monroe musical from Smash, to the stage, the Broadway production will be a metatheatrical interpretation of the process of staging the fictional show. However, the real stage version will “depart liberally from the series”, according to producers.
- 3/22/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Smash is ready to take on its biggest stage yet.
Announced by lead producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg Wednesday, the adaptation of the NBC musical drama is (finally!) set to hit Broadway for the 2024-25 season.
More from TVLineThe Voice Recap: The End of the Blinds Delivers One Singer an Inexplicable DissChicago P.D.'s Jesse Lee Soffer on Whether Halstead Ghosted Upton: 'He Had a Conversation' Before LeavingQuantum Leap Recap: The Headquarters Mole Is Finally Revealed -- And It's Not Who You Think
The production will be helmed by five-time Tony-winning director Susan Stroman, with a score...
Announced by lead producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg Wednesday, the adaptation of the NBC musical drama is (finally!) set to hit Broadway for the 2024-25 season.
More from TVLineThe Voice Recap: The End of the Blinds Delivers One Singer an Inexplicable DissChicago P.D.'s Jesse Lee Soffer on Whether Halstead Ghosted Upton: 'He Had a Conversation' Before LeavingQuantum Leap Recap: The Headquarters Mole Is Finally Revealed -- And It's Not Who You Think
The production will be helmed by five-time Tony-winning director Susan Stroman, with a score...
- 3/22/2023
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
It’s time for “Smash” to be your star. Ten years after the cult-favorite musical drama wrapped its two seasons on NBC, a “Smash” musical is headed to Broadway for the 2024–2025 season.
Director Susan Stroman is attached to helm the production with lead producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg.
Bringing back much of the series’ original creatives, Marc Shaiman is handling the music; lyrics will be by Shaiman and Scott Wittman; the musical’s book will be written by Rick Elice and Bob Martin; and the show will feature choreography by Joshua Bergasse.
“Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage,” Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement. “We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the...
Director Susan Stroman is attached to helm the production with lead producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg.
Bringing back much of the series’ original creatives, Marc Shaiman is handling the music; lyrics will be by Shaiman and Scott Wittman; the musical’s book will be written by Rick Elice and Bob Martin; and the show will feature choreography by Joshua Bergasse.
“Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage,” Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement. “We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the...
- 3/22/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Smash is finally heading to Broadway.
In an announcement long awaited by fans of the 2012 NBC series, a stage musical adaptation is planned to arrive on Broadway during the 2024-25 season, with a lead producing team of Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg. A top flight creative team is attached, including director Susan Stroman, composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, and the TV series’ choreographer Joshua Bergasse.
Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement, “Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage. We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the Smash journey which began with my producing partners over ten years ago.”
In addition to new music, the stage version...
In an announcement long awaited by fans of the 2012 NBC series, a stage musical adaptation is planned to arrive on Broadway during the 2024-25 season, with a lead producing team of Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg. A top flight creative team is attached, including director Susan Stroman, composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, and the TV series’ choreographer Joshua Bergasse.
Spielberg, whose original idea led to the NBC series, said in a statement, “Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it was always my hope that a musical inspired by the show would eventually come to the stage. We now have an incredible creative team, and I’m looking forward to completing the Smash journey which began with my producing partners over ten years ago.”
In addition to new music, the stage version...
- 3/22/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Smash is getting one step closer to Broadway.
A musical adaptation of the NBC television series, also entitled Smash, is now slated to open on Broadway in the 2024-2025 season, producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg said Wednesday. The production has tapped Susan Stroman, the Tony Award-winning director of The Producers, who is currently working on the new musical, New York, New York, as its director.
Shaiman and Wittman, the composers of Hairspray and the currently running Broadway musical, Some Like It Hot, are writing the score, which includes new material, as well as many songs the duo wrote for the television show, including the Emmy-nominated “Let Me Be Your Star.”
The television show, which ran on NBC from 2012-2013, starred Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee and Christian Borle and followed their ups and downs as they mounted musicals for Broadway, including Bombshell, a fictional...
A musical adaptation of the NBC television series, also entitled Smash, is now slated to open on Broadway in the 2024-2025 season, producers Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Steven Spielberg said Wednesday. The production has tapped Susan Stroman, the Tony Award-winning director of The Producers, who is currently working on the new musical, New York, New York, as its director.
Shaiman and Wittman, the composers of Hairspray and the currently running Broadway musical, Some Like It Hot, are writing the score, which includes new material, as well as many songs the duo wrote for the television show, including the Emmy-nominated “Let Me Be Your Star.”
The television show, which ran on NBC from 2012-2013, starred Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee and Christian Borle and followed their ups and downs as they mounted musicals for Broadway, including Bombshell, a fictional...
- 3/22/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Danette Herman was one of the key staff members of the Academy Awards ceremonies from the 1970s into the 2010s, beginning as a production assistant and rising through the ranks to become the show’s executive in charge of talent and coordinating producer. One of the few women to serve in key positions at the Oscars, she was with the show during the years of its highest ratings and largest cultural impact.
As the Academy prepares for the 95th Oscars ceremony, Herman asked TheWrap if she could share some memories of past shows, from an encounter with Katharine Hepburn in 1974 to a pair of anniversary shows in which she assembled historic groups of past winners. —Steve Pond
Congratulations to the Academy on 95 years of the Academy Awards. Almost 40 of those years are my history, also.
It began in April 1968 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. The 40th Academy Awards were hosted by Bob Hope,...
As the Academy prepares for the 95th Oscars ceremony, Herman asked TheWrap if she could share some memories of past shows, from an encounter with Katharine Hepburn in 1974 to a pair of anniversary shows in which she assembled historic groups of past winners. —Steve Pond
Congratulations to the Academy on 95 years of the Academy Awards. Almost 40 of those years are my history, also.
It began in April 1968 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. The 40th Academy Awards were hosted by Bob Hope,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Danette Herman
- The Wrap
Well, the mostly predictable Oscar nominations arrived Tuesday morning with no disasters or truly egregious missteps. Even the snubs were fairly routine: no female directors, though women won the directing award in the past two years; James Cameron and Joseph Kosinski, both with Best Picture nominees, were left out too.
Such normalcy is too bad. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.
Related Story Take Two On Oscar Nominations: Hammond And McCarthy On What Academy Got Right – And Wrong Related Story 'Till' Director Chinonye Chukwu Calls Out "Unabashed Misogyny Towards Black Women" After Oscar Snub Related Story 'Rrr' Composer-Songwriter M.M. Keeravani On His Historic Oscars Song Nomination For 'Naatu Naatu': "This Song Was My Infant Son. Now He's Driving Cars, He's Dancing, And He Has A Girlfriend"
It’s a weird but undeniable fact of Hollywood life that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...
Such normalcy is too bad. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.
Related Story Take Two On Oscar Nominations: Hammond And McCarthy On What Academy Got Right – And Wrong Related Story 'Till' Director Chinonye Chukwu Calls Out "Unabashed Misogyny Towards Black Women" After Oscar Snub Related Story 'Rrr' Composer-Songwriter M.M. Keeravani On His Historic Oscars Song Nomination For 'Naatu Naatu': "This Song Was My Infant Son. Now He's Driving Cars, He's Dancing, And He Has A Girlfriend"
It’s a weird but undeniable fact of Hollywood life that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...
- 1/26/2023
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
On a rainy Sunday afternoon, “Some Like It Hot” opened on Broadway and furnished the Shubert Theater with its most glittering audience in recent memory.
Patti LuPone, Bette Midler, Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker, Martin Short, Andrea Mitchell, Debra Messing, Uma Thurman, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Amy Sedaris and many more all filed through Shubert Alley to attend the exciting new stage adaptation of the classic 1959 film comedy.
Starring Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee, Natasha Yvette Williams and Adrianna Hicks in Marilyn Monroe’s fabled role, “Some Like It Hot” comes to Broadway as an entirely new musical, not a revival. In a time where intricate, justice-laden plays have the upper hand — and the musical genre struggles to find its footing between the social-theatrical project and camp — “Some Like It Hot” opened on Sunday with an answer for success: The new adaptation reinterprets MGM’s original concept...
Patti LuPone, Bette Midler, Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker, Martin Short, Andrea Mitchell, Debra Messing, Uma Thurman, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Amy Sedaris and many more all filed through Shubert Alley to attend the exciting new stage adaptation of the classic 1959 film comedy.
Starring Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee, Natasha Yvette Williams and Adrianna Hicks in Marilyn Monroe’s fabled role, “Some Like It Hot” comes to Broadway as an entirely new musical, not a revival. In a time where intricate, justice-laden plays have the upper hand — and the musical genre struggles to find its footing between the social-theatrical project and camp — “Some Like It Hot” opened on Sunday with an answer for success: The new adaptation reinterprets MGM’s original concept...
- 12/14/2022
- by Michael Appler
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Avail Management is adding to its ranks.
Avail founder Jessica Kelley has tapped manager Tasha Brown to join the comedy-focused boutique firm where she’ll work alongside Rachel Gallagher, who joined in 2020. Brown’s representation resume includes stints at Nicole Garcia Management and APA, the latter of which she joined to make the switch from development and producing to work as a comedy/literary agent.
Prior to APA, Brown had worked at BBC Worldwide, as head of comedy development at Chernin Entertainment, as head of development at Chelsea Handler’s Borderline Amazing Prods., and as senior vp of television at Craig Zadan and Neil Meron’s Storyline Entertainment.
In other Avail Management news, the trio of Kelley, Brown and Gallagher will officially join forces with Silverlake’s The Lyric Hyperion to work alongside new operator Sean Casey and help spearhead the venue’s programming.
Avail Management is adding to its ranks.
Avail founder Jessica Kelley has tapped manager Tasha Brown to join the comedy-focused boutique firm where she’ll work alongside Rachel Gallagher, who joined in 2020. Brown’s representation resume includes stints at Nicole Garcia Management and APA, the latter of which she joined to make the switch from development and producing to work as a comedy/literary agent.
Prior to APA, Brown had worked at BBC Worldwide, as head of comedy development at Chernin Entertainment, as head of development at Chelsea Handler’s Borderline Amazing Prods., and as senior vp of television at Craig Zadan and Neil Meron’s Storyline Entertainment.
In other Avail Management news, the trio of Kelley, Brown and Gallagher will officially join forces with Silverlake’s The Lyric Hyperion to work alongside new operator Sean Casey and help spearhead the venue’s programming.
- 12/1/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Mariah Carey will join the producing team of Some Like it Hot, the new Broadway musical announced Monday.
This is the first Broadway credit for Carey, who joins the production as a co-producer. Carey said she was drawn to the musical, an adaptation of the 1959 film starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, because of her love for the actress.
“I first became familiar with this story through the timeless film starring Marilyn Monroe. She’s been an important touchstone throughout my life, so much so that I acquired her treasured baby grand white piano at an auction,” Carey said. “When Neil Meron shared this new take on the beloved film, I knew I had to be a part of it. To see how this show continues to expand on the film’s legacy — pushing boundaries, promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity — I’m...
Mariah Carey will join the producing team of Some Like it Hot, the new Broadway musical announced Monday.
This is the first Broadway credit for Carey, who joins the production as a co-producer. Carey said she was drawn to the musical, an adaptation of the 1959 film starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, because of her love for the actress.
“I first became familiar with this story through the timeless film starring Marilyn Monroe. She’s been an important touchstone throughout my life, so much so that I acquired her treasured baby grand white piano at an auction,” Carey said. “When Neil Meron shared this new take on the beloved film, I knew I had to be a part of it. To see how this show continues to expand on the film’s legacy — pushing boundaries, promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity — I’m...
- 11/28/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mariah Carey has signed on as a co-producer of the new musical comedy Some Like It Hot, becoming the latest in a trend of celebrities lending their clout and popularity to support Broadway productions during previews.
“When Neil Meron shared this new take on the beloved film,” said Carey in a statement, “I knew I had to be a part of it. To see how this show continues to expand on the film’s legacy – pushing boundaries, promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity – I’m proud to help bring Some Like It Hot for today’s world to new audiences.”
Currently in previews at the Shubert Theatre, Some Like It Hot officially opens on Sunday, December 11.
Earlier this month, NBA champ Dwyane Wade, actor Gabrielle Union and Drag Race star RuPaul joined the producing team of Ain’t No Mo’, a Lee Daniels production of Jordan E. Cooper’s comedy in previews...
“When Neil Meron shared this new take on the beloved film,” said Carey in a statement, “I knew I had to be a part of it. To see how this show continues to expand on the film’s legacy – pushing boundaries, promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity – I’m proud to help bring Some Like It Hot for today’s world to new audiences.”
Currently in previews at the Shubert Theatre, Some Like It Hot officially opens on Sunday, December 11.
Earlier this month, NBA champ Dwyane Wade, actor Gabrielle Union and Drag Race star RuPaul joined the producing team of Ain’t No Mo’, a Lee Daniels production of Jordan E. Cooper’s comedy in previews...
- 11/28/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Save the breast for last! A limited series biopic about singer, actress and former Miss America Vanessa Williams is in the works, detailing the controversy surrounding her short reign as the face of the famed pageant.
In 1984, Vanessa Williams was crowned Miss America, becoming the first Black woman to do so. In July 1984, just two months before a new Miss America would be crowned, Williams added another first to her reign: becoming the first (and so far only) winner to resign, following Penthouse’s publishing of nude photos. The title was then given to the runner-up, Suzette Charles, who will most certainly never have a movie made about her life. Interestingly, Vanessa Williams later served as judge of the Miss America competition, where she received a public apology from the organization.
Vanessa Williams has been supportive and cooperative of the project, which is set to be produced by Sony Pictures Television.
In 1984, Vanessa Williams was crowned Miss America, becoming the first Black woman to do so. In July 1984, just two months before a new Miss America would be crowned, Williams added another first to her reign: becoming the first (and so far only) winner to resign, following Penthouse’s publishing of nude photos. The title was then given to the runner-up, Suzette Charles, who will most certainly never have a movie made about her life. Interestingly, Vanessa Williams later served as judge of the Miss America competition, where she received a public apology from the organization.
Vanessa Williams has been supportive and cooperative of the project, which is set to be produced by Sony Pictures Television.
- 9/29/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Vanessa Williams’ personal story about the scandal that forced her to resign her Miss America crown in 1984 is in the works for the small screen. Sony Pictures Television has optioned rights to her story to develop as a limited series, with veteran Neil Meron executive producing.
Williams made history in 1983 by becoming the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America. Weeks before completing her reign, she was forced to resign her title under pressure from the organization when controversy ensued after nude photos of her taken prior to her Miss America win were published without her consent in Penthouse Magazine.
Faced with adversity at the start of her career, Williams was able to overcome the scandal and become an award-winning actor and singer in one of entertainment industry’s most remarkable comeback stories.
Zadan/Meron Productions’ Meron and Mark Nicholson will executive produce with Stephen Roseberry and Jon Carrasco...
Williams made history in 1983 by becoming the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America. Weeks before completing her reign, she was forced to resign her title under pressure from the organization when controversy ensued after nude photos of her taken prior to her Miss America win were published without her consent in Penthouse Magazine.
Faced with adversity at the start of her career, Williams was able to overcome the scandal and become an award-winning actor and singer in one of entertainment industry’s most remarkable comeback stories.
Zadan/Meron Productions’ Meron and Mark Nicholson will executive produce with Stephen Roseberry and Jon Carrasco...
- 9/28/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
What do “Some Like It Hot,” “High Noon,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Dog Day Afternoon” and “Almost Famous” have in common? These popular and beloved films are making their long and winding road to the stage.
Since Disney asked Julie Taymor to find a way to bring Simba to Broadway, virtually every studio has been going through its archives to see what might transfer from screen to stage. (The opposite had been the traditional course of events.) Disney’s catalog of animated hits, alongside franchise spinoffs like “Wicked” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” attract a built-in family crowd. But the scorecard on many recent adaptations has been mixed: “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Tootsie,” “Pretty Woman” and even Billy Crystal’s “Mr. Saturday Night” — which closes Sept. 4 after a five-month run — are a few that came and went.
This fall will see musicals based on Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous,” with music by Tom Kitt,...
Since Disney asked Julie Taymor to find a way to bring Simba to Broadway, virtually every studio has been going through its archives to see what might transfer from screen to stage. (The opposite had been the traditional course of events.) Disney’s catalog of animated hits, alongside franchise spinoffs like “Wicked” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” attract a built-in family crowd. But the scorecard on many recent adaptations has been mixed: “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Tootsie,” “Pretty Woman” and even Billy Crystal’s “Mr. Saturday Night” — which closes Sept. 4 after a five-month run — are a few that came and went.
This fall will see musicals based on Cameron Crowe’s “Almost Famous,” with music by Tom Kitt,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Michele Willens
- The Wrap
ABC News Studios will air “Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20” on Tuesday, August 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m. Et), on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. The 25th anniversary celebration of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” will feature members of its all-star cast — Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox. Following the news special, The Wonderful World of Disney will air, for the first time on broadcast television in more than two decades, a presentation of the original film (9:00-11:00 p.m. Et), which is available to stream on Disney+.
The classic Disney live-action film marked a groundbreaking moment in television history, introducing America’s first Black Cinderella (Brandy) and Fairy Godmother (Emmy winner Whitney Houston). The ABC News Studios reunion special explores how the revolutionary made-for-television musical expanded society’s view of the term “princess” and includes interviews with original cast members,...
The classic Disney live-action film marked a groundbreaking moment in television history, introducing America’s first Black Cinderella (Brandy) and Fairy Godmother (Emmy winner Whitney Houston). The ABC News Studios reunion special explores how the revolutionary made-for-television musical expanded society’s view of the term “princess” and includes interviews with original cast members,...
- 8/22/2022
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today not only sent out its latest edition of their digital newsletter, A. Frame, to its entire 10,000-plus membership, they also alerted press and made it available to them as well just an hour later. The reason for all this? An “Exclusive” interview with new CEO Bill Kramer who last month replaced previous CEO Dawn Hudson.
Ramping up the public face of AMPAS efforts to be more transparent not just in the media, but also to their members, is a priority and this A. Frame interview certainly marks the emergency of a new era for the organization which will also include upcoming press opportunities directly with Kramer, but also an announced Academy membership meeting at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in September, the first of multi meetings of this type to be held over the course of a year. And...
Ramping up the public face of AMPAS efforts to be more transparent not just in the media, but also to their members, is a priority and this A. Frame interview certainly marks the emergency of a new era for the organization which will also include upcoming press opportunities directly with Kramer, but also an announced Academy membership meeting at the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in September, the first of multi meetings of this type to be held over the course of a year. And...
- 8/17/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The new Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer said in an interview Tuesday that he has big ideas for the Oscars, one of which is having a producer who can handle the show across “multiple years.”
“I think bringing on producers for multiple years is advisable and we are working on that, as well,” Kramer told the Academy’s A.Frame digital magazine on Tuesday. “The 95th gives us a great opportunity to knit together the incredible legacy of the Oscars, the diverse and powerful work we do across the Academy, and our vision for the future.”
This would be a shift for the Academy. For years, the Academy has typically cycled through various guest producers of the Oscars show, including the likes of Will Packer (with Shayla Cowan) earlier this year and Steven Soderbergh (with Jesse Collins and Stacey Sher) the year before that during...
“I think bringing on producers for multiple years is advisable and we are working on that, as well,” Kramer told the Academy’s A.Frame digital magazine on Tuesday. “The 95th gives us a great opportunity to knit together the incredible legacy of the Oscars, the diverse and powerful work we do across the Academy, and our vision for the future.”
This would be a shift for the Academy. For years, the Academy has typically cycled through various guest producers of the Oscars show, including the likes of Will Packer (with Shayla Cowan) earlier this year and Steven Soderbergh (with Jesse Collins and Stacey Sher) the year before that during...
- 8/16/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
A 25th anniversary celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella will air with a news special cast reunion and presentation of the original film as part of Disney Princess Week.
The package, Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20, airs on ABC-tv on Tuesday, Aug. 23 stating at 8 Pm Et/Pt and will stream the next day on Hulu.
The reunion will feature Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, and Veanne Cox. Following the news special, The Wonderful World of Disney will aira presentation of the original film from 9-11 Pm Et/Pt. (9:00-11:00 p.m). It will also be available to stream on Disney+.
The Disney live-action film marked a groundbreaking moment in television history, introducing America’s first Black Cinderella (Brandy) and Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston). The ABC News Studios reunion special explores how the made-for-television musical expanded society’s view of the term “princess,...
The package, Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20, airs on ABC-tv on Tuesday, Aug. 23 stating at 8 Pm Et/Pt and will stream the next day on Hulu.
The reunion will feature Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, and Veanne Cox. Following the news special, The Wonderful World of Disney will aira presentation of the original film from 9-11 Pm Et/Pt. (9:00-11:00 p.m). It will also be available to stream on Disney+.
The Disney live-action film marked a groundbreaking moment in television history, introducing America’s first Black Cinderella (Brandy) and Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston). The ABC News Studios reunion special explores how the made-for-television musical expanded society’s view of the term “princess,...
- 8/12/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Grab your glass slippers — “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” is coming back to TV.
In celebration of the beloved fairytale musical’s 25th anniversary, ABC will air a special edition of the news program “20/20” that will reunite the cast of the television film, set to air on Aug. 23. The film’s entire surviving cast — including Brandy as the titular princess, Paolo Montalban as the prince, Jason Alexander as his valet Lionel, Whoopi Goldberg as the queen, Victor Garber as the king, Bernadette Peters as the wicked stepmother and Veanne Cox as one of the stepsisters — will return for the special, which will be followed by the first broadcast airing of the original film in two decades.
The third televised version of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s 1957 musical — which initially starred Julie Andrews in the title role — “Cinderella” first premiered on ABC in November 1997. The film received mixed reviews at the time,...
In celebration of the beloved fairytale musical’s 25th anniversary, ABC will air a special edition of the news program “20/20” that will reunite the cast of the television film, set to air on Aug. 23. The film’s entire surviving cast — including Brandy as the titular princess, Paolo Montalban as the prince, Jason Alexander as his valet Lionel, Whoopi Goldberg as the queen, Victor Garber as the king, Bernadette Peters as the wicked stepmother and Veanne Cox as one of the stepsisters — will return for the special, which will be followed by the first broadcast airing of the original film in two decades.
The third televised version of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s 1957 musical — which initially starred Julie Andrews in the title role — “Cinderella” first premiered on ABC in November 1997. The film received mixed reviews at the time,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
We've got some bombshell news—literally. Smash, the musical drama that ran on NBC for two seasons from 2012 to 2013 and chronicled the making of the fictional Marilyn Monroe musical Bombshell, might be heading to Broadway, according to the show's original executive producer and its composer. On May 22, producer Neil Meron, who also produced the 2002 film adaptation of Chicago and the 2007 film adaptation of Hairspray, shared a series of photos and videos from a live reading of a stage version of Smash. Meron captioned the post: "#Smash is alive and kicking! Last week @bobgreenblattpics myself and an unnamed producing partner, who has many incredible movie credits on his resume,...
- 5/23/2022
- E! Online
The stage musical adaptation of NBC’s Smash is “alive and kicking,” says producer Neil Meron, and he and composer Marc Shaiman have the photos to prove it.
Both Meron and Shaiman posted photos – and, in Shaiman’s case, some Broadway-belting-style audio clips – of an all-star reading of the work in progress, with Meron writing, “Last week, Robert Greenblatt, myself and an unnamed producing partner, who has many incredible movie credits on his resume, proudly assembled this creative team that is breathing new life into our TV series—amazing book by writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, the iconic score and then some by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and musical director extraordinaire Stephen Oremus.”
See the photos below.
Shaiman wasn’t quite as shy about that big movie production – no secret it’s Steven Spielberg – and provided a few more hints about the project.
Among the performers at the...
Both Meron and Shaiman posted photos – and, in Shaiman’s case, some Broadway-belting-style audio clips – of an all-star reading of the work in progress, with Meron writing, “Last week, Robert Greenblatt, myself and an unnamed producing partner, who has many incredible movie credits on his resume, proudly assembled this creative team that is breathing new life into our TV series—amazing book by writers Rick Elice and Bob Martin, the iconic score and then some by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and musical director extraordinaire Stephen Oremus.”
See the photos below.
Shaiman wasn’t quite as shy about that big movie production – no secret it’s Steven Spielberg – and provided a few more hints about the project.
Among the performers at the...
- 5/23/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
As studios meet in Las Vegas to present footage of their upcoming slates to exhibitors, Netflix is showcasing their own slate of future feature films as it has unveiled its upcoming summer slate of original movies. Some of the films receiving new release dates include the Vampire thriller Day Shift starring Jamie Foxx, which is set to bow on August 12, the Kevin Hart-Mark Wahlberg comedy Me Time, bowing on Aug. 26 and the Dakota Johnson drama Persuasion, bowing July 15. The streamer also confirmed dates of some highly-anticipated films that had previously been announced like the Adam Sandler sports pic Hustle, which bows on June 8, the Chris Hemsworth-Miles Teller Thriller Spiderhead, which bows on June 17 and most recently the The Russo Brothers next film The Gray Man, starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, which will premiere on July 22.
You can find the remaining schedule for the entire summer...
You can find the remaining schedule for the entire summer...
- 4/27/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
A musical comedy based on the classic film “Some Like It Hot” will premiere on Broadway in the fall of 2022.
The show, which was originally scheduled to open in Chicago last year before transferring to the Great White Way, will begin performances on Nov. 1. “Some Like It Hot” officially opens Dec. 11 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre.
The company will be led by Christian Borle as Joe/Josephine, J. Harrison Ghee as Jerry/Daphne, Adrianna Hicks as Sugar, Kevin Del Aguila as Osgood, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Sweet Sue, Adam Heller as Mulligan and Mark Lotito as Spats. The full cast will be announced at a later date.
Matthew López, a recent Tony winner for “The Inheritance,” and comedian Amber Ruffin wrote the book of the musical, which features music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman (“Hairspray”). Casey Nicholaw, best known for “The Book of Mormon” and “Spamalot,...
The show, which was originally scheduled to open in Chicago last year before transferring to the Great White Way, will begin performances on Nov. 1. “Some Like It Hot” officially opens Dec. 11 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre.
The company will be led by Christian Borle as Joe/Josephine, J. Harrison Ghee as Jerry/Daphne, Adrianna Hicks as Sugar, Kevin Del Aguila as Osgood, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Sweet Sue, Adam Heller as Mulligan and Mark Lotito as Spats. The full cast will be announced at a later date.
Matthew López, a recent Tony winner for “The Inheritance,” and comedian Amber Ruffin wrote the book of the musical, which features music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman (“Hairspray”). Casey Nicholaw, best known for “The Book of Mormon” and “Spamalot,...
- 4/20/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Some Like It Hot, the stage musical adaptation of the classic 1959 Billy Wilder film comedy, will make it to Broadway next fall, following a couple pandemic-bedeviled years that saw the cancelation of a once-planned 2021 pre-New York engagement in Chicago.
With a cast fronted by Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee and Adrianna Hicks, who have been with the project through the workshop phase, Some Like It Hot will begin Broadway previews at the Shubert Theatre on Nov. 1, 2022, with an opening night set for Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, just in time for Broadway’s holiday sweet spot.
The dates and cast finalizations were announced today by producers The Shubert Organization and Neil Meron. The new musical will feature a book by playwright Matthew López (the Tony-winning The Inheritance) and Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show). Music is by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray), with direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw...
With a cast fronted by Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee and Adrianna Hicks, who have been with the project through the workshop phase, Some Like It Hot will begin Broadway previews at the Shubert Theatre on Nov. 1, 2022, with an opening night set for Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, just in time for Broadway’s holiday sweet spot.
The dates and cast finalizations were announced today by producers The Shubert Organization and Neil Meron. The new musical will feature a book by playwright Matthew López (the Tony-winning The Inheritance) and Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show). Music is by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray), with direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw...
- 4/20/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In another 48 hours, we’ll know if it worked—the Oscar show’s Audience Replacement Therapy.
Almost inevitably, total viewers for Sunday night’s Academy Awards telecast on ABC will rise from last year’s pathetic 10.4 million. The bar is very low, and other recent awards shows—the Emmys, SAG, Critics Choice—have all caught a bounce. For the Oscars to miss the general uptick would be disastrous indeed.
But the more interesting issues will involve the identity of that presumably expanded audience. Because, in the run-up to Sunday night’s show, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apparently has been working not so much to get its lost viewers back, as to replace them.
Oscar producer Will Packer, talking with IndieWire, has pointed toward the Super Bowl, describing an event strategy calculated to entice viewers with songs, laughs and entertainment value, no matter who is playing in the game.
Almost inevitably, total viewers for Sunday night’s Academy Awards telecast on ABC will rise from last year’s pathetic 10.4 million. The bar is very low, and other recent awards shows—the Emmys, SAG, Critics Choice—have all caught a bounce. For the Oscars to miss the general uptick would be disastrous indeed.
But the more interesting issues will involve the identity of that presumably expanded audience. Because, in the run-up to Sunday night’s show, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apparently has been working not so much to get its lost viewers back, as to replace them.
Oscar producer Will Packer, talking with IndieWire, has pointed toward the Super Bowl, describing an event strategy calculated to entice viewers with songs, laughs and entertainment value, no matter who is playing in the game.
- 3/26/2022
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Are the Oscars the same as the Academy Awards? The answer is yes. But there’s more to that question than initially meets the eye and the reason for those interchangeable names dates back decades.
Are the Oscars the same as the Academy Awards?
Yes, but the Academy Awards weren’t always known as the Oscars. In fact, for the first 10 years of the ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences simply referred to the statues as the Academy Award of Merit. But by 1939, the group had adopted the already widely used term “Oscar” or “Oscars” to discuss the award. According to the Academy Awards website, the nickname for the Academy Award of Merit came courtesy of Academy librarian (and later the eventual executive director of the Academy) Margaret Herrick, who had said the Academy Award of Merit bore a striking resemblance to her Uncle Oscar.
But the first...
Are the Oscars the same as the Academy Awards?
Yes, but the Academy Awards weren’t always known as the Oscars. In fact, for the first 10 years of the ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences simply referred to the statues as the Academy Award of Merit. But by 1939, the group had adopted the already widely used term “Oscar” or “Oscars” to discuss the award. According to the Academy Awards website, the nickname for the Academy Award of Merit came courtesy of Academy librarian (and later the eventual executive director of the Academy) Margaret Herrick, who had said the Academy Award of Merit bore a striking resemblance to her Uncle Oscar.
But the first...
- 3/11/2022
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
“Broadway, Here I Come!” said the musical adaptation of the late NBC show “Smash,” which Variety can exclusively reveal is planning a workshop for the summer, according to producer Robert Greenblatt.
The musical was first confirmed to be in the works in May of 2020, with Tony winner Bob Martin (“The Prom”) and Tony-nominated Rick Elice (“Peter and the Starcatcher”) writing the book. Greenblatt is aiming for a Broadway opening in 2024, with the show being titled either “Smash, A New Musical” or “Smash: The Musical.”
“They’ve delivered a draft that I’m very excited about, and we’re now in the process of putting together our first workshop, which is, you know, the earliest step in a musical where you just get a cast together, read the script and perform the score just for the producers,” Greenblatt told Variety. “That will most likely happen at some point this summer. So it’s the first step,...
The musical was first confirmed to be in the works in May of 2020, with Tony winner Bob Martin (“The Prom”) and Tony-nominated Rick Elice (“Peter and the Starcatcher”) writing the book. Greenblatt is aiming for a Broadway opening in 2024, with the show being titled either “Smash, A New Musical” or “Smash: The Musical.”
“They’ve delivered a draft that I’m very excited about, and we’re now in the process of putting together our first workshop, which is, you know, the earliest step in a musical where you just get a cast together, read the script and perform the score just for the producers,” Greenblatt told Variety. “That will most likely happen at some point this summer. So it’s the first step,...
- 2/3/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
NBC’s holiday-season live-musical franchise is so proudly square that it’s surprising it took this long for them to get to “Annie.”
The recent tradition, launched by the producers Neil Meron and the late Craig Zadan, of ceding a night of network primetime to a scrappy, let’s-put-on-a-show broadcast seems to have found its perfect match in “Annie.” The family-oriented musical has never had the remotest claim on coolness. And, coming as it did in a flickering moment in which a production of this sort felt possible but still novel, “Annie Live!,” starring Celina Smith as its optimistic orphan, made its goofy eagerness to be liked, and its occasional raggedness, into assets.
The show’s staging allowed songcraft and showmanship to be the stars; numbers played out against minimalist backdrops, and the live audience was largely heard in eruptive applause but seen only in shadow. The scant amount of...
The recent tradition, launched by the producers Neil Meron and the late Craig Zadan, of ceding a night of network primetime to a scrappy, let’s-put-on-a-show broadcast seems to have found its perfect match in “Annie.” The family-oriented musical has never had the remotest claim on coolness. And, coming as it did in a flickering moment in which a production of this sort felt possible but still novel, “Annie Live!,” starring Celina Smith as its optimistic orphan, made its goofy eagerness to be liked, and its occasional raggedness, into assets.
The show’s staging allowed songcraft and showmanship to be the stars; numbers played out against minimalist backdrops, and the live audience was largely heard in eruptive applause but seen only in shadow. The scant amount of...
- 12/3/2021
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
For audience members checking in at the final dress rehearsal of NBC’s “Annie Live!” on Dec. 1, there was an additional stop along the usual security gauntlet. Between the airport-style metal detectors and the Yondr phone sequestration, everyone was required to show ID and proof of vaccination and was given a color-coordinated mask to wear throughout the show.
Producing a live musical for television is always a massively intricate endeavor, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic added yet another layer of complexity. Every time the army of black-clad crew members swarmed the stage during the rehearsal’s commercial breaks, their masks were a constant reminder of the safety procedures to which the entire cast and crew had adhered for the many weeks that the live event has been in production.
“We’re observing all these protocols and being very, very careful,” said Robert Greenblatt, the former NBC exec who is producing “Annie Live!” “In rehearsals,...
Producing a live musical for television is always a massively intricate endeavor, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic added yet another layer of complexity. Every time the army of black-clad crew members swarmed the stage during the rehearsal’s commercial breaks, their masks were a constant reminder of the safety procedures to which the entire cast and crew had adhered for the many weeks that the live event has been in production.
“We’re observing all these protocols and being very, very careful,” said Robert Greenblatt, the former NBC exec who is producing “Annie Live!” “In rehearsals,...
- 12/2/2021
- by Gordon Cox
- Variety Film + TV
The (live) show must go on, even if it means making a key change. Such is the case for the role of the larger-than-life Lily St. Regis in NBC’s upcoming Annie Live!, premiering on Thursday, December 2. Megan Hilty is replacing Jane Krakowski, Deadline reports. Krakowski is “experiencing a breakthrough Covid case while working on a separate project in Ireland despite being double vaccinated, a regular testing process and abiding by protocols,” according to NBC. “I am beyond thrilled to join this all-star cast, crew and creative team,” Hilty in a statement to Deadline. “My family and I have been super fans of Annie for as long as I can remember, and we always look forward to the epic televised musicals produced by Bob Greenblatt & Neil Meron, so to be a part of this particular production is an honor and a dream come true. I wish Jane the speediest of...
- 11/12/2021
- TV Insider
There’s a new (and unexpected!) arrival on Easy Street: Smash alum Megan Hilty will take over the role of Lily St. Regis in NBC’s forthcoming Annie Live! production.
According to our sister site Deadline, Jane Krakowski — who was originally cast as Lily — has stepped away from the musical after testing positive for a breakthrough case of Covid-19 while working on another project in Ireland. TVLine has reached out to NBC for comment.
More from TVLineAnnie Live!: First Look at NBC's Musical ProductionNBC Midseason Schedule: This Is Us Farewell Run, Blacklist Makes Way for L&o RevivalSNL Video: Pete Davidson,...
According to our sister site Deadline, Jane Krakowski — who was originally cast as Lily — has stepped away from the musical after testing positive for a breakthrough case of Covid-19 while working on another project in Ireland. TVLine has reached out to NBC for comment.
More from TVLineAnnie Live!: First Look at NBC's Musical ProductionNBC Midseason Schedule: This Is Us Farewell Run, Blacklist Makes Way for L&o RevivalSNL Video: Pete Davidson,...
- 11/12/2021
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Exclusive Jane Krakowski has stepped down from the role of Lily St. Regis in NBC’s upcoming Annie Live! after being diagnosed with a breakthrough case of Covid, the network said Friday. Smash star Megan Hilty will step into the role.
“I am beyond thrilled to join this all-star cast, crew and creative team,” said Hilty in a statement. “My family and I have been super fans of Annie for as long as I can remember, and we always look forward to the epic televised musicals produced by Bob Greenblatt & Neil Meron, so to be a part of this particular production is an honor and a dream come true. I wish Jane the speediest of recoveries and hope to do her proud.”
According to NBC, Krakowski is “experiencing a breakthrough Covid case while working on a separate project in Ireland despite being double vaccinated, a regular testing process and abiding by protocols.
“I am beyond thrilled to join this all-star cast, crew and creative team,” said Hilty in a statement. “My family and I have been super fans of Annie for as long as I can remember, and we always look forward to the epic televised musicals produced by Bob Greenblatt & Neil Meron, so to be a part of this particular production is an honor and a dream come true. I wish Jane the speediest of recoveries and hope to do her proud.”
According to NBC, Krakowski is “experiencing a breakthrough Covid case while working on a separate project in Ireland despite being double vaccinated, a regular testing process and abiding by protocols.
- 11/12/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC revealed a first look at Celina Smith as Annie in “Annie Live!,” which airs on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.
The image sees Smith wearing the titular orphan’s famous white-collared red dress, “holding hands” with the dog who will play Sandy in the production. Smith, who is 12 years old, was cast after NBC’s nationwide search for a “future star” to take the iconic role. She’s most recently been seen as Rebecca in “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan” on Nickelodeon and has also played Young Nala in the touring company of “The Lion King.”
“Annie Live!” also stars Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace Farrell, Tituss Burgess as Rooster Hannigan and Jane Krakowski as Lily St. Regis. Executive producers include Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky, with Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski directing. Choreography will be led by Sergio Trujillo.
The image sees Smith wearing the titular orphan’s famous white-collared red dress, “holding hands” with the dog who will play Sandy in the production. Smith, who is 12 years old, was cast after NBC’s nationwide search for a “future star” to take the iconic role. She’s most recently been seen as Rebecca in “Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan” on Nickelodeon and has also played Young Nala in the touring company of “The Lion King.”
“Annie Live!” also stars Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace Farrell, Tituss Burgess as Rooster Hannigan and Jane Krakowski as Lily St. Regis. Executive producers include Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky, with Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski directing. Choreography will be led by Sergio Trujillo.
- 10/22/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
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