Kalen Allen GLSEN Award, Smash Eyes Broadway and Playbill Q&A Series
2020-06-05
CATEGORY:
Starlight
TAGS:
Broadway Beat
Kalen Allen
Playbill
Smash
On this week’s episode, a Starlight alum receives a top honor, the hit TV show Smash eyes Broadway, and Playbill unveils a new Q&A series with some of Broadway’s biggest stars.
GLSEN honors Kalen Allen with the Visionary Award
In May, Starlight Vincent Legacy Scholar turned social media phenomenon Kalen Allen received the prestigious Visionary Award from GLSEN, a leading education organization working to create safe & LGBTQ-inclusive K through 12 Schools. In recent years, Kalen has earned a recurring role on the Ellen show, walked in New York Fashion Week, and will make his film debut this year. Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown presented the Visionary Award virtually to Kalen, praising him for using his platform to spread messages of love and self acceptance. We agree, and couldn’t think of a more deserving person for this award. Congrats, Kalen.
Smash Eyes Broadway (Again): A Musical Adaptation of the NBC Series Is in the Works
A new musical based on the adored NBC Series “Smash” is eyeing Broadway. That’s right, the drama that followed a theatre group as they created a new Broadway musical is following the plot of their own musical television show. Steven Spielberg, who also produced the original series, has signed on as lead producer for the stage version, making it his first lead producing credit for a Broadway musical. Also signed on to the project are Broadway veterans Bob Martin and Rick Elice. Although we don’t know when this project will reach NYC, we’ll keep you updated as we hear more.
The Growing Studio and Playbill to Launch Online, Interactive Broadway Q&A Series
In partnership with online performing arts school The Growing Studio, Playbill will release The Broadway Q&A Series, consisting of two hour-long interviews per week with a variety of Broadway greats. Guests include names like Jerry Zaks, who recently directed A Bronx Tale and the Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, Andy Blankenbuehler, who is best known for his choreography of Hamilton, and Bartlett Sher, director of To Kill a Mockingbird and the Broadway revival of My Fair Lady. Check out Playbill’s website and YouTube channel to see all of these creative conversations.
