New York Broadway Tours

During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, many artists especially everyone in our Broadway community has been expanding on their own creativity skills and making their own art. One of them is Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (National Tour of In The Heights, "Kiki" from Nickelodeon's The Fresh Beat Band, "Cha Cha" in FOX's Grease Live, and was making her Broadway debut as one of "The Fates" in Hadestown). Check out Nacer paying tribute to her routes with a unbelievable rendition of th...e beautiful FLOWERS from Hadestown entirely in Spanish. Gracias Yvette!!! Eres tan talentoso!! Be sure to see Yvette in HADESTOWN at the Walter Kerr Theatre when Broadway returns in 2021. How amazing was that?!!

GOOD MORNING BROADWAY FANS! Despite such continued weird and uncertain times for the world right now, New York's MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET will still be happening in a whole new way this year in just 29 DAYS!!! We are talking about The 94th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. To still keep the tradition alive and honor our favorite performances from the Great Bright Way that has taken part in previous telecasts, we at New York Broadway Tours are once again presenting you our ...Continue reading

FIRST LOOK & LISTEN: One of the most talked about new musicals expecting to hit Broadway when Live Theater returns is the brand new original musical Lempicka. For a little snippet of what Theatergoers can expect, here is powerhouse favorite Eden Espinosa (Broadway's WICKED, Brooklyn, and Rent, along with the National Tour of Falsettos and the voice of "Cassandra" on Disney's Tangled: The Series) in the title role performing the powerful BURN IT UP during the musical's world ...premiere run at Williamstown Theatre Festival back in 2017. In case anyone may not know, LEMPICKA features original music by Matt Gould along with lyrics and book by Carson Kreitzer. The show is the true story of acclaimed Polish painter Tamara de Lempicka. It follows her journey as she fled Russia after the Revolution along with surviving Nazi-occupied Paris. During her time in Paris, she takes up painting as a way to survive. In addition, she meets and falls in love with a free-spirited prostitute. From that moment, Lempicka is torn between the happy life she cherishes with her husband and daughter along with the passion, ambition, and possibility awoken in her by her new muse. LEMPICKA developed through both readings and workshops from 2011 through 2017. It had its official world premiere at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Williamstown, MA in 2018. Under the direction of Tony winner Rachel Chavkin and choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly, the cast was led by.... Eden Espinosa in the titular role, Tony nominee Carmen Cusack as the prostitute "Rafaela", Andrew Samonsky as husband "Tadeusz Lempicki", Alexandra Templer as daughter "Kizette de Lempicka", Steven Rattazzi as "Marinetti", Nathaniel Stampley as "The Baron", Rachel Tucker as "The Baroness", and Natalie Joy Johnson as "Suzy Solidor". Before heading to Broadway, LEMPICKA was originally scheduled to have its Pre-Broadway out-of-town tryout in La Jolla, California at La Jolla Playhouse this past Spring 2020. However, it was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rumors are said the production will reschedule its run for either in 2021 or 2011. At this time, the creative team have been given the extra time to work on the show virtually. By the time Live Theater reopens, it will get a huge jump start. Who is excited?!!!

I SEE A BRAND NEW YOU heading for the big screen!!! It has officially been announced that official details of filming and casting auditions are underway for Netflix's previously announced film adaptation of Tony winner Jason Robert Brown's 13 The Musical. According to this casting notice, they looking for fresh new talent for the following roles.... Archie (originated on stage by Aaron Simon Gross) - a 13 year old crippled Middle School Student. He walks on crutches since he ...Continue reading

SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS NEWS!!! It has been revealed a few days ago that a new Cast Recording of the current Olivier Award winning revival of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Mary Poppins will be out starting next week beginning November 6th, 2020 both digitally and hand copies. Recorded live at London's Prince Edward Theatre before the COVID-19 pandemic caused Live Theater to shut down, it will feature spectacular and PRACTICALLY PERFECT pe...rformances by.... Olivier Award nominee Zizi Strallen in the title role, 2 time Olivier Award nominee Charlie Stemp as "Bert", Joseph Millson as "George Banks", Amy Griffiths as "Winifred Banks", Claire Moore as "Ms. Andrew", the legendary Petula Clark as "The Bird Woman", Claire Machin as "Mrs. Brill", Jack North as "Robertson Ay", and more. Get swept away with beautiful new live renditions of the beloved Sherman Brothers songs from the 1964 Disney film including SPOONFUL OF SUGAR, FEED THE BIRDS, STEP IN TIME, and the Oscar winning CHIM CHIM CHEREE. It also features additional material written for the stage production by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe including PRACTICALLY PERFECT, BEING MRS. BANKS, PLAYING THE GAME, BRIMSTONE AND TRACLE, and ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. This is only the 4th recording of the stage version of MARY POPPINS. Other recordings include the Original 2004 London Cast Recording (led by Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee), a 2006 Highlights Broadway Demo Recording (led by Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee), and a 2011 Live Recording of the Original Australian Cast (led by Verity Hunt-Ballard and Matt Lee). Who is excited?!!!

BREAKING NEWS: It's gonna take a while for Live Theater to reopen here in the Big Apple. Some of New York's smaller intimate OFF Broadway Theaters and comedy clubs are extremely angry and fed up with this long intermission with wanting to reopen and doing shows again. It has just been announced that 8 of these Theaters are filing a lawsuit against New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo demanding an official re-opening date to head back to work. Led by M...ichael Sgouros and Catherine Russell, the 8 Off Broadway houses that are joining forces to fight against Cuomo and de Blasio are..... The Theater Center (where Russell is Artistic Director, Producer, and leading lady of the world's longest running play Perfect Crime), The Players Theater (where Sgouros is Artistic director and the recent home of Monday Night Magic), The Actors Temple Theatre (home of the Off Broadway revival of Soul Doctor), SoHo Playhouse (home of Fleabag), The Gene Frankel Theater (home of Happy Birthday, Wanda June), The Triad (home of Celebrity Autobiography), Broadway Comedy Club, and New York Comedy Club. The suit argues that pandemic restrictions are being enforced selectively. These small theaters and clubs are hoping to open at 25 percent capacity, which is in line with the indoor dining restrictions that began on September 30th, 2020. In the early days of the pandemic, the Theater Center was one of the venues that was planning to stay open with ongoing performances, before itself was abruptly shut down along with all Off Broadway houses back on March 16th, 2020. The lawyer representing all 8 Theaters will be James Mermigis. Thoughts?!!

Good Morning Broadway fans. As we all know New York's legendary MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET will still be happening despite such continued ongoing weird and uncertain times with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are talking about The 94th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which will be done a little different this year vs. the traditional way we all know it. No crowd gatherings, not that many participants, Balloons on top of cars, and mainly done in Herald Square in front of that famo...Continue reading

THRILLIFYING NEWS: Tony Award winner Idina Menzel will be releasing a Special Target edition of her recent and 2nd holiday album CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF LOVE out this Friday from Decca Records. The album was released 1 year ago and returns just in time for the holiday season. In case anyone may not know, CHRISTMAS: A SEASON OF LOVE is the continuation of the WICKED, Rent, and Frozen superstar's acclaimed 2014 album HOLIDAY WISHES. Produced by Ron Fair, it features Menzel perf...orming an incredible set of holiday favorites done in the style of big band music (yup, the ultimate holiday party of all ages). Several songs include.... SLEIGH RIDE, IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR, WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS, AULD LANG SYDE, OCHO KANDELIKAS (a Chanukah tune), a beautiful new rendition of Rent's anthem SEASONS OF LOVE, and more. The album also features the beautiful, powerful, judgement free anthem, and uplifting ballad which is also very appropriate for Thanksgiving next month with gathering with all the family and friends (especially those who host Friendsgiving every year) that you're Thankful for......AT THIS TABLE. It also features several special guest duets from..... Tony and Emmy Award winner Billy Porter (who will be appearing onscreen opposite Menzel in Camila Cabello's upcoming Cinderella in 2021) on the Irving Berlin classic I GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM, Award winning singing sensation Ariana Grande on the original female empowerment holiday anthem A HAND FOR MRS. CLAUS, Menzel's Frozen co-star Tony nominee Josh Gad on the Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby classic WE WISH YOU THE MERRIEST, Stage and Screen favorite and Menzel's current husband (along with Rent film and See What I Wanna See co-star) Aaron Lohr on the beautiful I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, and an additional audio recording of Menzel and her son Walker Nathaniel-Diggs reciting the Chanukah prayer when you might the menorah. For the upcoming Target re-release, the album will feature 2 bonus tracks.... both newly recorded piano editions of.... I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS with Aaron Lohr and a duet version of the original song AT THIS TABLE with Jonas Myrin (who co-wrote the song with Menzel). Who is excited to still ring in the holiday season despite such a continued weird and uncertain time?!!!

BREAKING NEWS: The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to cause a huge destruction to so many businesses, companies, and especially our very own Live Theaters. It has just been announced that Westchester Broadway Theatre will sadly be shutting its doors and not returning after 46 years and 216 Mainstage productions. Westchester Broadway Theatre is located in Westchester, NY. It's a Regional and Dinner Theater combined where within those 46 years, they've put on so many incredibl...e productions of some your favorite classic Broadway shows. It was a stomping ground for many of your favorite Broadway performers including.... Tony nominee Carolee Carmello, Tony nominee Will Swenson, Tony winner John Lloyd Young, Tony winner Faith Prince, Tony winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman, Award winning brother and sister directing and choreography duo Kathleen Marshall and Rob Marshall. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been part of the incredible history of productions and the legacy at Westchester Broadway Theatre. Bravo. Thank You. You will be missed. RIP Thoughts?!!

2020 is going to be a little different for New York City's legendary MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET....better known as The 84th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The annual event that kicks off the start of the holiday season has been changed up a bit due to safety precautions with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As previously shared, Macy's will be doing the parade in the style just like what they did this past summer for their annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. No one w...ill be allowed to line the streets to watch the parade pass by as a spectator. There will be no Marching Bands and Character Balloon handlers. It will only be a limited 75% fewer participants and no one under the age of 18 will be allowed to take part. However, the key notable elements from the parade will all be staged all over 34th Street and Herald Square in front of that famous endpoint at Macy's store. The character Balloons will be attached to cars, you'll expect to see several floats, and of course that HOLLY JOLLY king of the holidays himself Santa Claus making an appearance at the end (even though he will not be doing any meet & greet photo ops at the actual Macy's store this year). Many bits of the parade will be pre-recorded. No word has been revealed for celebrity guests and if they will do any bit in tribute to the community of Broadway and Live Theater. However to keep our spirit alive with the Macy's Parade, we at New York Broadway Tours will still be doing our TOP 30 BROADWAY AT MACY'S COUNTDOWN beginning tomorrow. Every day from tomorrow till Thanksgiving Day, we will reveal our 2020 edition of our favorite Broadway show performances from both the previous NBC telecast (Live from Herald Square) and CBS telecast (usually Pre-Recorded on location or from their actual Broadway Theaters). This is a chance for us to show our love for Broadway and their unforgettable history taking part in such a beloved landmark event. We know in our hearts Broadway will be back ASAP and next year will be a full celebration gathering hopefully. The 2020 edition of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is set for Thanksgiving morning on November 26th, 2020 at 9am EST NBC. Thoughts? Who is excited?

Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Olivier Awards. Some of the key highlighted winners of some of the best productions in British Theater before the COVID-19 pandemic consist of..... Our very own Dear Evan Hansen winning 3 for BEST NEW MUSICAL, BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL (for Sam Tutty) and BEST ORIGINAL SCORE (for Pasek and Paul and Alex Lacamoire), Emilia winning all 3 of its Awards for BEST NEW COMEDY, BEST SOUND DESIGN, and BEST COSTUME DESIGN,... Fiddler on the Roof winning only 1 and the major Award of the evening for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, & Juliet winning 3 for BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL (for Miriam-Teak Lee) along with BEST FEATURED ACTOR & ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL (for David Badella and Cassidy Janson), Cyrano De Bergerac winning only 1 and the major Award of the evening for BEST REVIVAL, and more. See the full list of winners in the link below!!! Such a wonderful unique virtual edition to still honor and celebrate the best of everyone in the Theater community. We're so happy for all of our friends in the Theater world overseas in the UK. Hoping you're all continuing to stay healthy, safe, and getting yourselves slowly ready to return. Stay tuned for more information coming up for the Virtual edition of the Tony Awards. Thoughts? Who is excited?!!! #OlivierAwards #BritishTheatersBiggestNight #TheShowWillGoOn #LiveTheaterWillReturn

It's British Theater's biggest night!!! It's the long overdue virtual edition of the 2020 Olivier Awards this evening. Tune in and watch the livestream of the ceremony (livestreamed all over The London Palladium instead of its traditional social formal gathering at London's Royal Albert Hall). Congrats to all this year's winners!!! Break a leg to all of tonight's presenters and performers. ... Who is excited?!! #OlivierAwards

THRILLIFYING NEWS: Tony Award winning powerhouse Idina Menzel is already teasing a brand new project. The WICKED and Frozen favorite took to Twitter for a fan Q&A that she's been writing new songs and in the midst of working on something cool and little different. Stay tuned. Could it be a brand new solo album? A brand new Broadway project? Who is excited?!!!