While you were trying to figure out how many times you can see “The Bridges of Madison County” before it closes, here’s what was happening this week In the Wings.
A Broadway production of “Fun Home” could be a reality as early as next season. Producers of the acclaimed Jeanine Tesori-Lisa Kron musical, based on the graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel, told The New York Times they wanted to move the show this season, but decided against it due to the high number of new Broadway musicals that were already scheduled to premiere. “Fun Home” was recently given top honors from the Lucille Lortel Awards and New York Drama Critic’s Circle. [More info]
Dates are set for Hugh Jackman's Broadway return. The rumors are true! Jackman has lined up his next Broadway gig -- Jez Butterworth’s chiller “The River.” The play, directed by Ian Rickson (“Jerusalem”) opens Nov. 16 at the Circle in the Square Theatre, with previews beginning Oct. 31. The show will play a strictly limited 13-week engagement, through Jan. 25, 2015. British actress Laura Donnelly and Cush Jumbo will also star. [More info]
Dates are also confirmed for the revival "On the Town." The previously announced revival will begins previews Sept. 20 at the Lyric Theatre (formerly the Foxwoods), prior to an official opening on Oct. 16. [More info]
The Broadway League’s annual “Stars in the Alley” event set for May 21. Norm Lewis (“The Phantom of the Opera”) will host the free concert, which will feature musical performances from over 20 Broadway shows, old and new. Expected to be in attendance are all of the 2014 Best Musical and Best Revival Tony-nominees: “After Midnight,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” “Aladdin,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Les Misérables” and “Violet.” The event runs from 11am to 12:30pm in Shubert Alley (between Broadway and 8th Avenue and 44th and 45th Street). [More info]
PBS will broadcast the Broadway production of last season's “The Nance.” If you didn't get a chance to see the Douglas Carter Beane play, which starred Tony winner Nathan Lane, before it ended its Broadway run in Aug. 2013, well then you are in luck! PBS filmed the show for three extra performances after closing, and will air it as part of their Live from Lincoln Center series. No air-date has been announced yet. [More info]
Speaking of second chances, you probably didn't get a chance to fly to Australia and catch their 2013 production of Alfred Uhry’s “Driving Miss Daisy?” Well luck has shined on you once again! A filmed version of the production, which starred Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones, will arrive in cinemas via Broadway Near You in more than 500 movie theaters in the U.S. and Canada from June 4-10. Boyd Gaines also stars in the play. Watch the trailer below!
