Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: May 11, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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SUMMER MUSIC FUN

From a nude swim to serious lectures it's festival time.

In the United States and around the world there are numerous options.

In June 2025, several music festivals are planned across the globe, including Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee, Glastonburry in the UK, and Electric Forest an electronic and jam band festival in Rothbury, Michigan. Additional festivals include Dark Mofo in Tasmania, Sónar in Barcelona, and Gov Ball in New York. In Las Vegas, the 24th Annual Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival is scheduled for June 21st.

Dark Mofo stands out as a you must be kidding, but you aren't, event.

In Tasmania, Australia, the country's smallest and least populated state, lies its most eccentric festival. Dubbed "the festival Sydney wouldn't allow," Dark Mofo has commemorated the southern winter solstice since 2013, with 14 days of provocative revelry spanning music, art, cinema and performance. Dark Mofo is an annual mid-winter arts and culture festival staged by the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

Dark Mofo contains explicit content, nudity, adult themes, strong language, graphic imagery, taxidermy, references to violence.

Dark Mofo celebrates the darkness of the southern winter solstice. There is a large-scale food and drink market featuring local Tasmanian produce, held at Princes Wharf.

Night Mass is a large-scale dance party that is a Dark Mofo staple. Ogoh-Ogoh is an Indonesian tradition of large papier-mâché figures that are paraded through the city. And, of course, that Nude Solstice Swim: A traditional event where people swim naked in the waters of Sandy Bay on the winter solstice.

A wide array of performances and installations from local, national, and international artists. Held at multiple venues across Nipaluna (Hobart), this year's program taking place June 5th-15th and 21st, welcomes indie darlings Jessica Pratt and Portishead's Beth Gibbons, as well as electronic mavericks such as Shackleton and Everything Is Recorded–the project of XL Recordings founder Richard Russell. Once again, don't miss out on staple experiences including a nude swim.

Other less provocative festivals include: BottleRock Napa Valley: A music festival in Napa Valley, California.
Roskilde Festival: A music festival in Roskilde, Denmark.
Firenze Rocks: A rock music festival in Florence, Italy. Gnaoua World Music Festival: A music festival in Essaouira, Morocco.
Mystic Festival: A festival in Poland.
Rock am Ring Festival: A rock festival in Germany, not to be confused with Rock im Park Festival also a music festival in Germany.
Le Bon Air Festival takes place in France.
Inti Raymi (The Sun Festival): A cultural festival in Cusco, Peru.
Seoul World DJ Festival: An electronic music festival in Seoul, South Korea.

Gottwood, the treasured UK festival running since 2010, takes place June 12-16 at Carreglwyd Estate, a beautiful Georgian house on the island of Anglesey in Wales. It's the perfect spot for an intimate festival—there's a small lake for breezy live sets and lounging during the day, a stone barn for harder club sounds and lots of looming leafy woodland to dance underneath as the sun comes up. The programming this year is as strong as ever, running the dance music gamut (take Margaret Dygas, Silva Bumpa, Yu Su and Ryan Elliott as a small cross section) while welcoming crews like Hit & Run, Half Baked and Trommel.

Sónar in Barcelona, Spain is June 12th - 14th. If there was a grand championship of European music festivals, Sónar would be vying for the title. For over 30 years, the iconic event has drawn tens of thousands of ravers to Barcelona for a sweeping celebration of electronic sounds and culture. But it's more than just a massive party—"Sónar is a deep dive into the cutting edge, blending music with technology, innovation and education across its day and night programming. This year is no exception, making for lots of tricky choices: Blawan or Paquita Gordon? Sama' Abdulhadi or Honey Dijon? Arca or Four Tet? Pick wisely."

After more than a decade, Paris's Macki Music Festival June 14-15 is dropping the curtain for good in 2025. For the final dance, the two-day event will go down in Parc de la Bergère, pretty canal-side gardens in the east. The lineup brings together rising artists alongside some of the DJs responsible for Macki's most memorable moments over the years. Highlights include Beatrice M., Ciel, Ruby Savage, Chucheewa and GEG. On the Saturday, three collectives will host hour-long boat parties along the canal.

Partying beneath the midnight sun? Sign us up. In the northern Finnish mountain town of Rukatunturi, the sun doesn't set in June. The constant brightness makes time seemingly stretch out forever, and Solstice Festival June 19-21 is the perfect spot to experience this unique phenomenon. Located near the Arctic Circle, the site is an arctic fell with stunning views of pine trees and lakes. Each of its three stages offer a distinct vibe: the Peak hosts high-octane club music, the Valley is centered around more psychedelic styles and the Kelo tent is home to live shows.

Sunset Campout takes place June 20-23 where you can party in a historic gold rush town. Belden in northern California is home to scenic hiking trails, the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and Sunset Campout, a lush weekender that adds to the region's intrinsic beauty. Since 2009, the gathering has drawn fans from near and far for its world-class DJ sets and colourful production. Daytime revellers can relax at the beach stage by the Feather River, while the afterhours crew wind down with late-night tea ceremonies at the Tea Temple Lounge. For no-frills dancing, you have two options: the old-school Saloon (described as a psychedelic wild west bar) and the flagship Sunset Stage.

Glastonbury in Somerset, United Kingdom lets loose June 25th - 29th.

A sprawling, 200,000-capacity event spanning music, comedy, theatre, cabaret and so much more, Glastonbury is one of the oldest and most renowned festivals on the planet. And with this comes outlandishly state-of-the-art stage design, featuring everything from 21-metre apocalyptic towers to giant fire-breathing spiders. For 2025, the ever-growing dance music programme includes the likes of PinkPantheress, SHERELLE and Anz to Roni Size, Verraco and, err, Gary Lineker, with plenty more acts still to come.

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

BARBARA BUSH STAMP was unveiled at the White House last week by first lady Melanie Trump.

Dedication will take place June 10 at Granny's Garden in Kennebunkport, ME.

The U.S. Postal Service revealed the artwork of a commemorative Forever stamp to celebrate the centennial year of former first lady Barbara Bush's birth.

Also in attendance were Dorothy "Doro" Bush Koch, daughter of Barbara Bush; Alice Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation; and Judy de Torok, vice president of Corporate Affairs at the Postal Service.

"Today we recognize Mrs. Bush not only as a beloved first lady, but as a remarkable American in her own right," said Doug Tulino, acting postmaster general of the Postal Service. "She charted a legacy for herself, and did it with conviction, determination, and compassion."

Bush Koch spoke on behalf of the Bush family about the stamp and her mother's lasting commitment to literacy.

"We are deeply honored that the United States Postal Service is paying tribute to our mother with a commemorative Forever stamp," said Bush Koch. "This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush's enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend."

Barbara Pierce Bush (1925-2018), wife of George H. W. Bush, the 41st president, was first lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993, and mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd president.

The Barbara Bush stamp is based on detail from the official 2005 White House portrait, which is part of the White House Collection and appears courtesy of The White House Historical Association. The stamp is being issued in panes of 20. Presale of the Barbara Bush Commemorative stamp began on Saturday, May 10.

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SWEET CHARITY

THE JANICE JAM: BROADWAY FOR BREAST CANCER which took place on Monday, May 5, at Sony Hall in the heart of Manhattan’s theater district, raised $115,000. The evening, founded by Broadway performer Matt DeAngelis in honor of his late mother Janice, for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

The night featured a powerhouse lineup of Broadway talent, including Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, Tony winner John Gallagher Jr., Krysta Rodriguez, Stark Sands, Maia Reficco, and many more. Plus extraordinary nightlife performers from PJ Adzima’s Stage Time which included burlesque, magician, and a sword swallower. DeAngelis and co-executive producer Bryan Campione curated the program to reflect Janice’s spirit—joyful, fierce, and filled with love for the arts.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the inaugural Fighting Flamingo Award to Krysta Rodriguez, a breast cancer survivor whose advocacy continues to inspire. Powerful performances were punctuated by moving speeches, including one from Stage IV thriver Tami Eagle Bowling, who was surprised by her fifteen-year-old daughter Ashley Bowling singing a duet with Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate Sarrah Strimel Bentley, reminding the audience of the urgency to fund metastatic breast cancer research.

"The Janice Jam isn’t just a concert—it’s a rallying cry," said DeAngelis during the show. "And tonight, thanks to the generosity in this room, we’re thrilled to announce we’ve raised $115,000 to fund life-saving research through BCRF."

CATHERINE'S ROSE is a new peachy-pink variety of rose in honor of Kate Middleton — with proceeds going to a very personal charity -The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity at the hospital where Kate Middleton underwent her own cancer treatments. In a video shared last month, the Princess of Wales showcased how connecting to nature helped during her health struggles.

"Spending time in nature has always been a source of comfort and strength," the royals' X post reads.

"Gardens and green spaces provide not only beauty and joy, but also vital support for our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing."

Harkness Roses will be growing the special flower.

BIRGITTE, THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER on May 16, 2025 will host The Not Forgotten Association Annual Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The association is dedicated to entertainment, leisure and recreation for ex-service men and women as well as service personnel who are wounded, injured or sick.

The Not Forgotten Association is a charity Princess Anne serves as patron and fête will bring together 2,000 beneficiaries from across the U.K. and all military services.

To receive an invitation one must not have attended thus event in the past three yearsm be at least 18 years of age and only one guest per member. Applications must be received by May 19, 2025.

The orgganization states: "We are dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight. We support these men and women in their communities.

SPREADING THE WORD

THE 2024-2025 ROGER REES AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT PERFORMANCE will be held on Monday, May 19th at the Peter Norton Symphony Space, in New York City.

The Roger Rees Awards, produced by the Broadway Education Alliance, (BEA) and Disney Theatrical Group, features the Outstanding Performer Award that recognizes students who have performed a leading role in an officially licensed high school musical production. Two students selected by a panel of leading Broadway professionals will represent the Greater New York region at The Broadway League Foundation’s Jimmy Awards (The National High School Musical Theatre Awards) on June 23, 2025, at the Minskoff Theatre.

Other recognition categories at the Roger Rees Awards includes the Harmony Helper Choral Award sponsored by the Goren Family Foundation celebrating excellence in choral group performance; New Faces 2025 for solo performers in any arts discipline, presented in association with the Casting Society of America; and the Student Journalism Award sponsored by BroadwayWorld.

The New York City Center Education & Community Engagement Department will also confer a scenic and costume design award, as well as sponsor the student orchestra who will be featured at the event.

Previous Roger Rees Awards national honorees include the 2023 Best Actress-winner Lauren Marchand, 2021 Best Actor-finalist Mateo Lizcano, 2019 Best Actress-winner Ekele Ukegbu and scholarship winner Jeremy Fuentes, 2018 Best Actor-winner Andrew Barth Feldman, and 2015 Best Actress-winner Marla Louissaint.

In addition to recognizing the importance of theater arts education, the program celebrates the exceptional life and career-long artistic excellence of Broadway’s beloved actor/director, Roger Rees. Rees received the Olivier and Tony Awards for his performance in The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and Tony nominations for Indiscretions and as co-director of Peter and the Starcatcher. Throughout his life, he was a committed educator and generous mentor to young artists. Rick Elice, Rees’ partner of over 30 years, and author of Finding Roger, said, "Rog would have liked this chance to educate and inspire young actors, to offer a guiding hand as so many were offered to him when he too was a kid with a dream." Rees passed away in July 2015 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in November 2015.

HOLLYWOOD BOWL 2025 SUMMER SEASON will feature Grammy nominated superstar Adam Lambert as 'Judas", starring opposite Cynthia Erivo's 'Jesus' in a special production of "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Originally performed at the Hollywood Bowl in 1971, this production of "Jesus Christ Superstar", which features lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, will bring the much-loved, iconic musical back to its rock roots at one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world with a capacity of nearly 18,000.

CEREMONIES IN DARK OLD MEN starring Tony, Emmy and SAG Award nominee Norm Lewis has extended its limited run at Theatre at St. Clements in New York City through June 29, 2025.

THE NATIONAL THEATRE in London has announced its new 2025 to 2026 season, the first season of its new Artistic Director and Co-CEO Indhu Rubasingham.

The new season stars Hiran Abeysekera, Monica Barbaro, Nicola Coughlan, Ben Daniels, Éanna Hardwicke, Lesley Manville, James McArdle, Siobhán McSweeney, Paul Mescal, Clare Perkins, Marty Rea, Ukweli Roach, Aidan Turner, Letitia Wright.

Shows include Bacchae, Ballet Shoes, Cloud 9, Death of a Salesman, Hamlet, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Man and Boy, PRIDE, Samira, The Authenticator, The Jungle Book, The Playboy of the Western World, The Story, A Whistle in the Dark.

Directors include Dominic Cooke, Miranda Cromwell, Clint Dyer, Marianne Elliott, Rebecca Frecknall, Robert Hastie, Anthony Lau, Caitríona McLaughlin, Indhu Rubasingham, Katy Rudd, Matthew Warchus.

Writers include Stephen Beresford, Anupama Chandrasekhar, Caryl Churchill, Josh Cohen, Christopher Hampton, Kendall Feaver, Arthur Miller, Tom Murphy, Carmen Nasr, Christopher Nightingale, Winsome Pinnock, Terence Rattigan, John Millington Synge, Nima Taleghani, Tracey Scott Wilson.

Formerly artistic director of the Kiln Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham replaces Rufus Norris, who announced in June last year that he planned to depart the National in 2025 after a 10 year tenure.

WICKED achieved a major milestone last week when it welcomed its 13 millionth visitor to the West End.

ROYAL CONCERT ON VE DAY ANNIVERSARY found the Royal family continuing VE Day celebrations by attending a celebratory concert at Horse Guards Parade concluding the U.K.'s VE Day (Victory in Europe) King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Princess Kate, 43, stood out in an all-white ensemble, mixing ageless glamour of a short hoop skirt with a modern edge in a structured blazer. She carried a black clutch and pulled her hair back into a half-up style, accessorized with a statement bow. For jewelry, Kate paired oversized stud earrings with a multi-strand pearl necklace.

The concert's 12,000 attendees, included six veterans and Londoners who had been evacuated from the city as children during the war. William and Kate spoke to some of the veterans in attendance, including a 107-year-old bomber pilot who took part in 62 missions, per the BBC.

The BBC explained that the VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember combined music, storytelling and tributes "in a moving salute to those who served and sacrificed during World War II." The star-studded lineup of performers includes Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman and Calum Scott, plus cameos by Joan Collins, Mary Berry and Brian Cox.

SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH the famed biologist and nature documentary film maker joined King Charles on May 6, 2025 to attend the premiere of Attenborough's latest, Ocean, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The monarch, 76, looked spiffy in a black bow tie and suit to trod the blue carpet, which replaced the traditional red carpet, in keeping with the ocean theme.

Other famous attendees at the premiere included Felicity Jones, Geri Halliwell-Horner, Cara Delevingne and more.

The film, which is set to debut in cinemas before airing on NatGeo and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, focuses on sharing "the story of how we can, and must, restore the glory of Earth’s vast, interconnected waters," according to a press release. King Charles is a longtime champion of sustainability, including protecting nature and the oceans. On February 19, 1970, he marked the "growing menace" of oil and plastic pollution in the sea during a speech at the "Countryside In 1970" conference."






ST. LOUIS' MUNY has been honored with the 2025 Regional Theatre Tony Award. The century-old outdoor theatre will receive a $25,000 grant as part of the honor.

The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that, based on the recommendation of the American Theatre Critics Association, The Muny will be the recipient of the 2025 Regional Theatre Tony Award. The honor — recognizing a regional theatre company that has displayed a continuous level of artistic achievement contributing to the growth of theatre nationally — is accompanied by a grant of $25,000, made possible by City National Bank.

"We are thrilled to honor The Muny with this year’s Regional Theatre Tony Award," said Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, president & CEO of The American Theatre Wing. "For over a century, The Muny has been a cultural cornerstone of St. Louis, producing first-class musicals in a setting unlike any other. With a deep commitment to accessibility, offering over 100,000 free tickets each season, and career development programs that nurture future theatre professionals, The Muny exemplifies the spirit of this award. We are proud to celebrate a beloved American institution dedicated to one of our nation’s most treasured art forms."

Now entering its 107th season in St. Louis, The Muny is a nonprofit committed to producing exceptional musical theatre that is accessible to all, while continuing its remarkable tradition in Forest Park. As the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, The Muny welcomes more than 300,000 patrons each summer for seven world-class productions under the stars.

"We have had the unique privilege of enriching millions of lives over the past 107 years — often providing a first taste of the magic of live theatre," said Muny President & CEO Kwofe Coleman. "It is gratifying to be recognized by our peers for the work we have done and will continue to do into the next century. We can’t wait to celebrate this tremendous honor with our subscribers, Muny Guarantors and patrons in a few short weeks."

The Muny — the Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis — is truly alone in its greatness. Each production is built from the ground up — cast, directed, choreographed, rehearsed, designed, built and orchestrated — right here in St. Louis, making The Muny an unparalleled musical theatre destination for audiences and artists alike.

"The beautiful honor really goes to the generations of artists, craftspeople and administrators who have worked tirelessly to create great musical theatre for the people of St. Louis," said Muny Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson. "It is deeply moving and powerful to have their work honored by The Broadway League, The American Theater Wing and The American Theatre Critics Association."

PLAYWRIGHT BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS has won the 2025 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award for his play "Purpose."

The Steinberg/ATCA Award, which carries a $25,000 cash prize, recognizes an outstanding script that premiered in a professional production outside of New York City in 2024. Purpose debuted at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Ill.

After its regional debut last year, "Purpose" is currently running on Broadway at the Hayes Theater. The production received six 2025 Tony Award nominations, including Best Play.

Two 2025 Steinberg/ATCA citations were also presented to "The Janeiad" by Anna Ziegler, produced by Alley Theatre in Houston, Tex., and "Little Bear Ridge Road" by Samuel D. Hunter, also produced by Steppenwolf. Each citation carries a $7500 cash prize.

The 2025 awards were presented on Friday, May 2, in Costa Mesa, Calif., as part of the Pacific Playwrights Festival. ATCA thanks South Coast Repertory for generously hosting the presentation.

With an annual prize total of $40,000, Steinberg/ATCA is one of the largest national new play award programs. ATCA began honoring new plays produced at regional theaters outside New York City in 1977, and the awards have been funded by the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust since 2000. Plays receiving a production in New York City within the calendar year 2024 were not eligible for the Steinberg/ATCA award, recognizing the many other awards programs already in existence there.

At the ceremony, ATCA also presented the 2025 M. Elizabeth Osborn Award to Rob Ulin for his play Judgment Day, premiered by Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Chicago, Ill. Named for the late critic, new play advocate and ATCA member M. Elizabeth (“Betty”) Osborn (1941-1993), the award recognizes the work of an emerging playwright who has not yet received a major New York production or a major national award. The Osborn Award carries a $3000 prize.

Past honorees of ATCA’s new play award include August Wilson, Horton Foote, Lynn Nottage, Moises Kaufmann, Lee Blessing, Marsha Norman, Nilo Cruz, Regina Taylor, Qui Nguyen, Lauren Yee, Michael Cristofer, and Rebecca Gilman. The 2024 winner was The Heart Sellers by Lloyd Suh. The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust was created in 1986 by Harold Steinberg on behalf of himself and his late wife. Pursuing its primary mission to support the American theater, it has provided grants totaling millions of dollars for new productions of American plays and educational programs for those who may not ordinarily experience live theater.

OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE ANNOUNCES 2025 WINNERS

The Outer Critics Circle Awards are one of a handful of theatrical honors handed out in the spring, unofficially part of the road to the Tony Awards, this year set for June 8. Founded in the 1949-1950 Broadway season, the Outer Critics Circle honor recognizes the best in New York theatre—including both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions—from a voting membership comprising writers from out-of-town, national, and digital news outlets.

This year's winners will be announced May 12 and posted soon thereafter. They will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 22.

The nominees and winners are:

OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY PLAY
Cult of Love
The Hills of California
John Proctor Is the Villain WINNER
Purpose
Stranger Things: The First Shadow

OUTSTANING NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL
BOOP! The Musical
Death Becomes Her
Maybe Happy Ending WINNER
Operation Mincemeat
Real Women Have Curves

OUTSTANDING NEW OFF BROADWAY MUSICAL
The Big Gay Jamboree
DRAG: The Musical WINNER
We Live in Cairo

OUTSTANDING NEW OFF BROADAWY PLAY
The Antiquities
Grangeville
Here There Are Blueberries
Liberation WINNER
Table 17

JOHN GASSNER AWARD (new American play preferably by a new playwright)
Amy Berryman, Walden
George Clooney and Grant Heslov, Good Night, and Good Luck WINNER
Marin Ireland, Pre-Existing Condition
Lia Romeo, Still
Emil Weinstein, Becoming Eve

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL
Cats: "The Jellicle Ball" WINNER
Floyd Collins
Gypsy
Once Upon a Mattress
Sunset Boulevard

OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A PLAY
Beckett Briefs: From the Cradle to the Grave
Glengarry Glen Ross
Romeo + Juliet
Vanya WINNER
Yellow Face

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMER IN A BROADWAY PLAY
Kit Connor, Romeo + Juliet
Laura Donnelly, The Hills of California WINNER
Mia Farrow, The Roommate
Jon Michael Hill, Purpose
Louis McCartney, Stranger Things: The First Shadow

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMER IN A BROADWAY PLAY
Kieran Culkin, Glengarry Glen Ross
LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Purpose
Francis Jue, Yellow Face WINNER
Mare Winningham, Cult of Love
Kara Young, Purpose

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMER IN A BROADWAY MUSICAL
Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending
Jeremy Jordan, Floyd Collins
Audra McDonald, Gypsy
Jasmine Amy Rogers, BOOP! The Musical WINNER
Nicole Scherzinger, Sunset Boulevard
Jennifer Simard, Death Becomes Her

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMER IN A BROADWAY MUSICAL
Danny Burstein, Gypsy
Jak Malone, Operation Mincemeat WINNER
Michele Pawk, Just in Time
Christopher Sieber, Death Becomes Her
Michael Urie, Once Upon a Mattress

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMER IN AN OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL
Nick Adams, DRAG: The Musical WINNER
Marla Mindelle, The Big Gay Jamboree
Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Safety Not Guaranteed
Alaska Thunderfuck, DRAG: The Musical
Taylor Trensch, Safety Not Guaranteed

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMR IN AN OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL l
Ali Louis Bourzgui, We Live in Cairo
Paris Nix, The Big Gay Jamboree
Eddie Korbich, DRAG: The Musical
J. Elaine Marcos, DRAG: The Musical
André De Shields, Cats: "The Jellicle Ball" WINNER
Henry Stram, Three Houses

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMER IN AN OFF BROADWAY PLAY
Caroline Aaron, Conversations with Mother
F. Murray Abraham, Beckett Briefs: From the Cradle to the Grave
Jayne Atkinson, Still
Adam Driver, Hold On to Me Darling WINNER
Anthony Edwards, The Counter
Paul Sparks, Grangeville

OUTSTANDING FEATURED PERFORMER IN AN OFF BROADWAY PLAY
Betsy Aidem, Liberation
Sean Bell, The Beacon
Michael Rishawn, Table 17 WINNER
Richard Schiff, Becoming Eve
Frank Wood, Hold On to Me Darling

OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
David Greenspan, I'm Assuming You Know David Greenspan
Khawla Ibraheem, A Knock on the Roof
Sam Kissajukian, 300 Paintings
Andrew Scott, Vanya
Sarah Snook, The Picture of Dorian Gray WINNER

OUTSTANDING BOOK OF A MUSICAL
Will Aronson and Hue Park, Maybe Happy Ending WINNER
David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts, Operation Mincemeat
Daniel Lazour and Patrick Lazour, We Live in Cairo
Bob Martin, Boop! The Musical
Marco Pennette, Death Becomes Her

OUTSTANDING SCORE
Will Aronson and Hue Park, Maybe Happy Ending WINNER
David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts, Operation Mincemeat
David Foster and Susan Birkenhead, BOOP! The Musical
Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez, Real Women Have Curves
Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, Death Becomes Her

OUTSTANDING ORCHESTRATIONS
Will Aronson, Maybe Happy Ending
Doug Besterman, Death Becomes Her
Joseph Joubert and Daryl Waters, Pirates! The Penzance Musical
Daniel Lazour and Michael Starobin, We Live in Cairo
Andrew Resnick and Michael Thurber, Just in Time WINNER

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending WINNER
Christopher Gattelli, Death Becomes Her
Robert Hastie, Operation Mincemeat
Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, Cats: "The Jellicle Ball"
Jerry Mitchell, BOOP! The Musical

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A PLAY<
Trip Cullman, Cult of Love
Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Sam Mendes, The Hills of California
Phylicia Rashad, Purpose
Danya Taymor, John Proctor Is the Villain WINNER

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY
Jenny Arnold, Operation Mincemeat
Warren Carlyle, Pirates! The Penzance Musical
Christopher Gattelli, Death Becomes Her
Shannon Lewis, Just in Time
Jerry Mitchell, BOOP! the Musical WINNER

OUTSTANDING SCENIC DESIGN
Miriam Buether, Jamie Harrison, and Chris Fisher, Stranger Things: The First Shadow WINNER
Rachel Hauck, Swept Away
Rob Howell, The Hills of California
Dane Laffrey, Maybe Happy Ending
Derek McLane, Death Becomes Her

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN
Gregg Barnes, BOOP! The Musical WINNER
Wilberth Gonzalez and Paloma Young, Real Women Have Curves
Rob Howell, The Hills of California
Qween Jean, Cats: "The Jellicle Ball"
Paul Tazewell, Death Becomes Her

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN
Kevin Adams, Swept Away
Natasha Chivers, The Hills of California
Jon Clark, Stranger Things: The First Shadow WINNER
Ben Stanton, Maybe Happy Ending
Justin Townsend, Death Becomes Her

OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN
Paul Arditti, Stranger Things: The First Shadow WINNER
Adam Fisher, Sunset Boulevard
Peter Hylenski, Death Becomes Her
Peter Hylenski, Maybe Happy Ending
John Shivers, Swept Away

OUTSTANDING VIDEO/PROJECTIONS
59, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom, Sunset Boulevard
David Bergman, The Picture of Dorian Gray WINNER
Hana S. Kim, Redwood
Finn Ross, BOOP! The Musical

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MRS. WARREN'S PROFESSION by George Bernard Shaw.

Directed by Dominic Cooke.

The cast features five time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton alongside her daughteras Mrs Kitty Warren, Bessie Carter as Vivie Warren, in their first on stage vollaboration. With Kevin Doyle as Reverend Samuel Gardner, Robert Glenister as Sir George Crofts, Reuben Joseph as Frank Gardner and Sid Sagar as Mr. Praed.

What's the story of Mrs Warren’s Profession?
"I am my mother’s daughter. I am like you. But my work is not your work, and my way is not your way."

Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Estranged from her wealthy mother, she delights in a glass of whisky, a good detective story, and is determined to carve herself a sparkling legal career in an age ruled by men.

Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune and paid for her daughter’s expensive education – but at what cost?

Once banned for its bold critique of societal hypocrisy, "Mrs Warren’s Profession" is a gripping exploration of power, poverty, and personal freedom. Staunton stars as the formidable Mrs. Kitty Warren, whose controversial past collides with the values of her fiercely independent daughter, Vivie, played by Carter. Together, they bring Shaw’s biting humor and fiery debates to the stage, making this timeless drama as provocative and relevant as ever.

The creatives are: design by Chloe Lamford, lighting design by Jon Clark, sound design by Christopher Shutt and casting by Amy Ball.

"Mrs Warren’s Profession" runs to August 16, 2025 at the Garrick Theatre in London.

BUS STOP by William Inge’s Bus Stop.

Directed by Jack Cummings III.

On a snowy night in Kansas, a diner can be an oasis, a prison, a place to hide, or a place to discover yourself. When a bus is forced to take shelter from stormy weather outside, a mismatched group of dreamers and cowboys, waitresses and outcasts find unexpected warmth in one another. In William Inge’s 1955 classic, this great playwright of the Midwest gives voice to memorable characters who’ll linger like the perfect cup of diner coffee. This production of "Bus Stop" will be the first to feature an all-Asian American cast taking on this quintessential play of the Midwest.

The cast will include Delphi Borich as "Elma," Rajesh Bose as "Dr. Lyman," Cindy Cheung as "Grace," Obie and Drama Desk award winner Midori Francis as "Cherie,"David Lee Huynh as "Will," Michael Hsu Rosen as "Bo," David Shih as "Carl," and Moses Villarama as "Virgil."

The creatives are: Scenic Design by Peiyi Wong, Costume Design by Mariko Ohigashi, and Lighting Design by R. Lee Kennedy. Kevin Zhu is the Production Stage Manager. Casting is by tbd casting co.

A co-production by Classic Stage Company, the National Asian American Theatre Company (NAATCO), and Transport Group. Bus Stop began performances on May 8 with opening night set for May 18 for a limited run through Sunday June 8, 2025 at CSC’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater New York, NY.

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL by Dr. Seuss.

Co directed by Executive Artistic Director: Aubrie Therrien and Co-director: Meggan Dodd.

Music Director is Blake Brauer.

EPIC Players Theatre, New York's Premiere Neurodiverse Theater Company, presentsfrom May 8-18, 2025 at ART/NY The Mezzanine Theatre, New York, NY In this fun and fabulous musical comedy, Seussical brings Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters to life with wit, wonder, and a surprising amount of heart.

Narrated by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, the story follows Horton, an earnest elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing the Whos—a tiny community whose voices are all too easy to ignore. Among them is Jojo, a child whose imagination is deemed too disruptive and is sent off to boarding school for thinking too many "thinks."

Horton’s journey is not just about protecting the Whos, but about standing up for those who think differently and dare to see the world from another point of view. Seussical celebrates the values of friendship, loyalty, and inclusion, reminding us that every voice matters, no matter how small. At a time when embracing difference and fostering understanding feels more vital than ever, this musical offers a colorful, moving, and timely message for all ages. Plus, don’t miss a special matinee performance of our EPIC Jr. Players in Seussical Jr. on May 17th—a joyful showcase of our youngest artists bringing these timeless tales to life. EPIC is proud to champion neurodiverse voices and break down barriers in the arts—and Seussical is no exception. Come experience the heart, hope, and imagination that only EPIC can deliver.

Cast: Horton the Elephant: Gianluca Cirafici - Cat in The Hat: Shoshanna Gleich - JoJo: Christine Newberry - Gertrude McFuzz: Natalie Kaiser - Mayzie Labird: Kayla Robinson - Sour Kangaroo: Emily DeMaio - Baby Kangaroo: Anjel Bell - Mr. Mayor: Matt Tierney - Mrs. Mayor: Sandy Gladstone Karpe - Bird Girls: Alice Frannsen, Rachel Paine, Elisa Weiss - Wickersham Brothers: Miles Butler, Ethan Homan, Nick Moscato, Sven W.

The Whos: Bre Baron, Sami Binder, Miles Butler, Tess Carvelli, Shafer Gootkind. Yertle The Turtle: Prince Hurst - Dr. Dake: Ethan Jones - Renee: Genesis Solivan

The creatives are: Executive Artistic Director: Aubrie Therrien. Co-director: Meggan Dodd. Music Director: Blake Brauer. Assistant Director: Cassidy Kaye. Program Coordinator & Assistant Director: Alexander Michael Reeves. Assistant Music Director: Eric Fegan. Associate Artistic Director & Choreographer: Travis Burbee. Social Media Coordinator & Assistant Choreographer: Laisha Gonzalez. Stage Manager: Olivia Martin. Assistant Stage Manager: Carol Hoverman. Stage Manager Intern: Max Tunney. Scenic Designer: Christian Flemming. Sound Designer: Sean Ramos. Costume Designer: Izzy Kitch. Props Designer: Dana Weintraub. Light Designer: Cameron Filepas. Director of Program Operations & Front of House: Talia Eapen. Access Coordinator: Jamie Rose Hays. Mental Health Counselor: Taupa Fogo-Toussaint. PR: Michelle Tabnick. Marketing: Tim Hart.

EPIC Players Theatre, New York's Premiere Neurodiverse Theater Company, presentsfrom May 8-18, 2025 at ART/NY The Mezzanine Theatre, New York, NY.

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FINAL OVATION

JAMES FOLEY a filmmaker who directed "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "Fifty Shades of Gray, died earlier in the week of brain cancer. His death in Los Angeles was announced on May 6, 2025. He was 71.

In 1984, Foley made his directorial debut with Reckless, which starred Aidan Quinn and Daryl Hannah. In 1990, he wrote and directed "After Dark, My Sweet," an adaptation of the Jim Thompson novel of the same name. He directed Glengarry Glen Ross in 1992. The Corruptor, his action film starring Chow Yun-Fat and Mark Wahlberg, was released in 1999.

His 2003 film, Confidence, starred Edward Burns. He directed Perfect Stranger, a thriller film starring Halle Berry, in 2007. He has also directed for television, including 12 episodes of the Netflix series House of Cards. He often collaborates with cinematographer Juan Ruiz Anchía, having made 5 films with him, as well as Madonna's "Live to Tell" music video.

LOIS BOARDMAN a life-long lover of the arts, died in her sleep at her home on April 21st, 2025 at the age of 93.

Lois began studying ceramics under Ralph Bacerra at Chouinard (now Otis College of Art and Design) where she discovered her artistic side and forged relationships with a cadre of creative women who would sustain her throughout her lifetime. She became an integral part of the nascent California Design movement, and would serve as Director of Exhibitions for the pioneering exhibition program. Lois was among the founders of the Pasadena Art Alliance, along with Eudorah Moore. In 1980, she was invited to become part of the National Crafts Planning Project sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. It was there she began a life-long friendship with Helen Drutt English, and catalyzed a love of contemporary jewelry. Her interest in the subject culminated in an exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2016. "Beyond Bling: Jewelry from the Lois Boardman Collection," included objects collected over 50 years, and has since become part of the museum's permanent collection.

Lois is survived by her two children, Andy and Peter, her son-in-law, Bob Covington, daughter-in-law, Nobuko Fujita, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Next Column: May 18, 2025
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Laura Deni