Week in Review 3.7.14

Little Dancer to Debut at the Kennedy Center
Good news: dates have been announced for the debut of Little Dancer, the musical that is loosely based on the life and work of artist Edgar Degas. You might recall that NYCB principal dancer Tiler Peck is slated to play the title role, with four-time Tony Award winner Boyd Gaines and Rebecca Luker also along for the ride. Little Dancer is written by Lynn Ahrens (book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (music), and is directed and choreographed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (Big Fish, Double Feature). No doubt aiming for Broadway, Little Dancer will play at the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater October 25-November 30. Visit Playbill for more information about the Kennedy Center's season, and head to the Kennedy Center website to learn more about Little Dancer and ticketing options. 

Coming to the Boards
  • It is now confirmed that On the Town, the Leonard Bernstein-Betty Comden + Adolph Green musical, will return to Broadway. Performances will begin in October 2014 at the Lyric (nee Foxwoods) Theatre. On the Town was inspired by the Jerome Robbins ballet Fancy Free, which has long been one of my favorites. Broadway.com has more.

  • A revival of Fiddler on the Roof is on the horizon for fall 2015. The production will be directed by Bartlett Sher (The Bridges of Madison County) and is rumored to star Danny Burstein (Follies, The Snow Geese) as Tevye. Broadway.com has more.

  • Roundabout has announced that a revival of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods will be part of its 2014-2015 season, playing off-Broadway at its Laura Pels Theatre. Previews are set to begin December 19, and opening night is scheduled for January 15, 2015. (The timing of the revival should coincide with the release of the film adaptation that stars Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Anna Kendrick.) Casting has not been announced for this production, though it will be directed by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld, and is being presented in partnership with the McCarter Theatre Center and the Fiasco Theater.

  • It's all about Hamilton, baby! The long-gestating hip-hop bio-musical about Alexander Hamilton, written by and starring Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, will have its world premiere at the Public Theater next winter. Part of the Public's 2014-2015 season, Hamilton is scheduled to run January 20, 2015, through February 22. It will be directed by Miranda's (In the Heights, Bring It On) frequent collaborator, Thomas Kail. Broadway.com and the Public Blog have more. (Miranda took to Twitter to clarify a couple of things: the show is called Hamilton; a concept album of the material is still slated for release, and it will be called The Hamilton Mixtape.) And watch below as Miranda performs an excerpt of Hamilton for the First Family.


New York City Ballet Teams with JR and Lil Buck
After a successful Art Series collaboration with the artist JR, NYCB has invited JR to make his choreographic debut as part of its spring season opening week. Beginning April 29, 21st Century Choreographers week will feature Christopher Wheeldon's This Bitter Earth and DGV; Justin Peck's Year of the Rabbit; and Mauro Bigonzetti's Vespro, among other. In addition to those repertory pieces, JR is creating an original ballet, with music by Woodkid, for the occasion. "Jooking" sensation Lil Buck will appear in the ballet. It's sure to be a great opening week! Visit nycballet.com to learn more about the programs and to purchase tickets. And watch below as Lil Buck and NYCB principal dancer Tiler Peck dance together at the Vail International Dance Festival.



Dates and Casting Announced for Here Lies Love
The Public Theater has announced principal casting and dates for the encore, open-ended engagement of Here Lies Love, the immersive David Byrne musical, directed by the inimitable Alex Timbers (Peter and the Starcatcher). The show, set in a disco club, focuses on Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines. Reprising her role as Marcos will be Ruthie Ann Miles. Jose Llana (as Ferdinand Marcos) and Conrad Ricamora (as Ninoy Aquino) will also return. Previews at the LuEsther Hall will begin April 14 with opening night scheduled for May 1. Broadway.com has more.

The Bridges of Madison County
The talented cast of The Bridges of Madison County, including stars Kelli O'Hara and Steven Pasquale, spent Monday in the recording studio, where they created the original Broadway cast recording, forever preserving Jason Robert Brown's best score in years. Broadwayworld.com has photos of the session, and on Facebook, record producer Kurt Deutsch shared video of the recording. (Watch how Brown can't help himself from conducting behind the actual conductor, music director Tom Murray.) In addition, Brown (The Last Five Years) recently spoke to Entertainment Weekly about bringing this story to musical life. Head to sh-k-boom.com to sign up for pre-sale information about the OBCR, and then head to the musical's website for more information about the show, to listen to four songs and to purchase tickets.

Oscar Wrap Up
The 86th Academy Awards have come and gone. While you might have Oscars fatigue, I'm pleased to bring you a round up of post-Oscar fun.


Dig This
  • As If/Then begins previews, writer Brian Yorkey shares with Broadway.com the 11 lessons he learned while bringing the original musical from DC to NYC. (Plus, a lottery policy has been announced for the show.)

  • Broadway favorite Krysta Rodriguez (First Date) has been cast in the How I Met Your Dad pilot, which is, of course a take off on How I Met Your Mother. The Hollywood Reporter has more.

  • While NYCB may have said farewell to a couple of terrific female dancers this season (Jenifer Ringer and Janie Taylor), Dance magazine argues (and I agree!) that the Company is still rich with incredible talents.

  • More Beautiful: Go behind the scenes of Today with Jessie Mueller in episode seven of her backstage vlog, "Natural Woman." (And check out this awesome artwork for the OBCR!)

  • Norbert Leo Butz (Big Fish) has been cast in an untitled Netflix series from the Damages creative team. Deadline has more.

  • Bruce Springsteen's High Hopes, a documentary about the making of The Boss's recent album, will air on HBO on April 4. Rolling Stone has more.

  • Classic Stage Company announced its 2014-2015 season, and it includes productions of Allegro and Hamlet, and will feature performances from Peter Sarsgaard and Chris Noth. Broadway.com has more.

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