While you were breaking all your New Year's resolutions, here's what was happening this week In the Wings.
Broadway legend Chita Rivera will return to Broadway this Spring in Kander and Ebb’s Final Musical, “The Visit.” Based on the satirical play by Friedrich Dürrenmatt as adapted by Maurice Valency, “The Visit” tells a story of greed, love and revenge. Direction comes from Tony-winner John Doyle (“Company”), with a book by four-time Tony-winner Terrence McNally. It will be third collaboration for Kander and Ebb, Rivera and McNally, who previously worked together for “The Rink” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” “The Visit” begins performances March 26 at the Lyceum Theatre, with an opening night set for April 23. [More info]
"Smash" stars Christian Borle and Brian d'Arcy James will headline new Broadway musical "Something Rotten!" The Broadway veterans will return to the Great White Way this spring, in the musical about the creation of the world's first musical. Borle will star as William Shakespeare, with James playing one half of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom. "Something Rotten!" begins previews at the St. James Theatre on March 23, with an official opening set for April 22. [More info]
“If/Then” will play its final Broadway performance March 22. The Idina Menzel-led musical, which follows two possible paths in the life of one woman, comes from the creative team behind “Next to Normal” -- Tom Kitt (music), Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics) and Michael Greif (direction). Upon closing, the musical will have played 29 previews and 401 performances. [More info]
“Disgraced” will also shutter on Broadway this March. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Ayad Akhtar will close March 1, after 27 previews and 149 regular performances. “Disgraced,” which opened to rave reviews, stars Amir Kapoor, Hari Dhillon, Gretchen Mol and Josh Radnor. [More info]
“The Last Ship” is closing as well — this month. The acclaimed musical, which features a score by former Police frontman Sting, will take its final Broadway bow Jan. 24. At that time, the show will have played 29 preview performances at the Neil Simon Theatre and 105 regular performances. Sting is currently starring in the production, and will remain in the show through closing. [More info]
Sienna Miller is the new Sally Bowles. The “American Sniper” star will join the cast of “Cabaret” opposite Alan Cumming for the show’s final six weeks. Miller’s run begins Feb. 17, taking over for current Bowles Emma Stone, whose final performance will be Feb. 15. The limited engagement of “Cabaret” will end on March 29. [More info]
Broadway
Will “Cats” Return to Broadway? Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber told The Guardian that “Cats” will return to the Great White Way, and that he “greatly hopes” former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger will star in the show. Scherzinger is currently appearing at Grizabella in a recent revival in London’s West End. No Broadway dates or theater have been confirmed yet. [More info]
