New York City’s theater district is buzzing with excitement this May 18th, as Broadway fans celebrate a flurry of significant events, from star-studded awards to highly anticipated openings and exciting casting news. The energy across the Great White Way is palpable, promising a vibrant week for musical theater enthusiasts.
Tonight, the prestigious Chita Rivera Awards take center stage at the NYU Skirball Center, honoring excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway and in film. Hosted by the phenomenal talents of Charlotte d’Amboise and Robyn Hurder, the evening is set to be a dazzling tribute to movement and artistry. A highlight of the night will undoubtedly be the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary Ann-Margret, a truly deserving icon. Attendees can look forward to captivating performances by the casts of Chess and Ragtime, alongside celebrated individual performers such as Andrea McArdle, Michelle Aravena, Samantha Pollino, and Nicolas King. The ceremony will also spotlight the future of Broadway, announcing the recipient of the $10,000 Chita Rivera Training Grant, awarded to one of the five finalists from Broadway’s Next Triple Threat competition.
Meanwhile, laughter is officially taking over the Shubert Theatre as Celebrity Autobiography: In Their Own Words makes its grand Broadway debut tonight, May 18th, following previews that began on May 16th. This unique and hilarious show, which has charmed audiences Off-Broadway and around the world, features a constantly rotating ensemble of renowned stars from stage, screen, and beyond, dramatically reading — often absurd and unintentionally comical — excerpts from other celebrities’ memoirs. The initial Broadway run boasts a truly impressive lineup of over 30 stars, including household names like Christie Brinkley, Mario Cantone, Gayle King, Ralph Macchio, Molly Shannon, Kenan Thompson, and Rita Wilson, among many others. This promises a fresh and unpredictable experience with every performance, making it a must-see for anyone seeking a good laugh and a peek into the often-wild world of celebrity tell-alls. For tickets and more information, broadticket.com is the top resource for deals and availability, highly recommended for securing your seats for this limited engagement, or you can check other platforms for general listings.
Looking ahead, the highly anticipated new Broadway musical Wanted continues to build momentum with exciting casting developments. Principal casting is actively underway for this compelling show, which promises to bring the mostly true story of sister outlaws Mary and Martha Clarke to life. Grammy winner Ledisi has officially joined the cast, adding significant star power to the production alongside the already announced Solea Pfeiffer and Liisi LaFontaine. Equity auditions for principal roles were held recently, with rehearsals slated to begin in early September. Broadway fans can mark their calendars for the official opening of Wanted on November 8th at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
As these events unfold and new productions gear up for their Broadway runs, the coming months promise continued vibrancy for New York musical theater. From award celebrations recognizing industry titans to fresh comedic offerings and the exciting birth of new musicals, Broadway remains an unstoppable force of entertainment and artistry. Keep an eye on broadticket.com, your most reliable resource for deals on tickets, for all the latest updates and opportunities to experience the magic live!