While you were watching the Super Bowl (or the Super Bowl commercials), here’s what was happening this week “In the Wings.”
George Takei will make his Broadway debut this fall in “Allegiance.” The new musical tells the story of an often-ignored time in American history, when tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans were forced into internment camps by President Roosevelt from 1942 to 1946. The “Star Trek” star has a connection to the material, having spent four years of his childhood in two camps. Music and lyrics come from Jay Kuo, with a book by Marc Acito. Lea Salonga (“Miss Saigon”) and Tell Leung (“Godspell”) are in negotiations to join the cast, after starring alongside Takei in a 2012 production of “Allegiance” at the Old Globe. “Allegiance” will begin performances Oct. 6, with an opening night set for Nov. 8. [More info]
“Falsettos” is returning to Broadway. The landmark musical, which features a score by William Finn (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”) and a book by Finn and James Lapine (“Into the Woods”), will return to the Great White Way next spring in a new revival directed by Lapine himself. “Falsettos” takes place in the early years of the AIDS crisis, and tells the story of a man who leaves his wife and son to be with another man, and the family they form together. [More info]
The first ever Broadway fan convention set for 2016. “BroadwayCon” will gather Broadway fans and stars together for a three-day convention of “panels, performances, workshops, keynotes, autograph and photo opportunities, concerts, meet-and-greets, Q&As and more” “BroadwayCon” will take place Jan. 22-24, 2016 at the New York Hilton Midtown. “Rent” star Anthony Rapp co-created the event, alongside Melissa Anelli and Stephanie Dornhelm. Tickets go on sale March 15. [More info]
Ben Rimalower’s “Patti Issues” will swing back to NYC. The critically acclaimed solo show, which explored Rimalower’s obsession with Patti LuPone, will return to The Duplex, Wednesdays through April 29. “Patti Issues” will be performed in repertory with Rimalower’s newest play, “Bad With Money” - which tackles the actor’s spending problems. Both show are directed by Aaron Mark. [More Info]
“Hee Haw” is getting the musical treatment. The classic TV series will come to the stage in “Moonshine: The Hee Haw Musical,” which will have its World Premiere this fall at the Dallas Theater Center. Loosely inspired by the show, “Moonshine” features a score by the 2015 “Best New Artist” Grammy nominee Brandy Clark. Direction comes from Gary Griffin (“Honeymoon in Vegas”), with a book by “13” scribe Robert Horn. [More info]
