Wicked Celebration, Mrs. Doubtfire Musical, Funny Girl in cinemas & Starlight’s Gala
On this week’s episode, Wicked has announces a 15th Anniversary Special, the Mrs. Doubtfire Musical finds its director, the West End’s production of Funny Girl heads to cinemas, and “Together We Shine” at Starlight’s 32nd Annual Gala.
Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Ariana Grande Share ‘Wicked’ Memories for NBC
Fellow Ozians--it’s official! The original stars of Wicked, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, will reunite to host and perform during NBC’s A Very Wicked Halloween: Celebrating 15 Years on Broadway on October 29. The special concert production will also feature pop star and Broadway alum Ariana Grande and the a cappella group Pentatonix, as well as the current Broadway cast of the musical. We’re told that this is only the beginning - stay tuned for more information and thrillifying surprises! And in the meantime, set your DVR to NBC when this event airs on October 29.
A Mrs Doubtfire Musical is Finally Under Way as Beloved Nineties Comedy Heads for Broadway
Mrs. Doubtfire is about to become a Broadway musical, and Tony Award-winning director Jerry Zaks is officially attached to direct the stage adaptation of the 1993 hit film. Mrs. Doubtfire tells the story of a struggling actor who disguises himself as a British nanny in an effort to spend time with his children after losing a custody battle with his ex-wife. Now, if the name Jerry Zaks sounds familiar, there’s a reason! Zaks recently directed two shows that will appear as part of the 2019 AdventHealth Broadway Series -- the 2017 Best Musical Revival of Hello, Dolly! and the new musical A Bronx Tale, and we can’t wait to share them with you under the stars next summer.
West End ‘Funny Girl’ To Screen Globally In Theaters One Night Only
The West End revival of Funny Girl starring Olivier Award-winning actress Sheridan Smith will be broadcast in cinemas worldwide on October 24. Originally premiering on Broadway in 1964 with Barbra Streisand in the lead role, the musical went on to become the award-winning film that won Streisand an Oscar for Best Actress. Funny Girl is loosely based on the life of actress Fanny Brice, her dreams of making it big and her rocky relationship with a handsome entrepreneur. This production was originally revived in 2015 to sold-out houses before moving to the West End and eventually to the Manchester Palace Theatre, where it was filmed to broadcast. For tickets, check your local cinemas.
Starlight Celebrates 32nd Annual Benefit Gala
“Together We Shine” as Starlight celebrated its 32nd Annual Benefit Gala Saturday, September 22 under the stars. Co-chairs The Deramus Family and Jean Don Wagner hosted the event, where long-time supporters Augie & Laura Huber were honored for their commitment to Starlight Theatre and the Kansas City community. The evening consisted of a cocktail hour in the Shirley Helzberg Garden of Stars, a program and delicious dinner on the Starlight stage, and performances by students from Starlight’s Education & Outreach programs as well as cast members from Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. All in all, the evening raised more than $600,000 that will benefit Starlight in not only entertaining, but in educating aspiring young performers. Thank you to all who made the evening possible - you truly are the shining stars!