Week in Review 3.20.15

New York City Ballet 2015-2016 Season Announced
A performance calendar hasn't been released, but details about the Company's 2015-2016 season have been announced, and it's going to be a great one. Throughout the season, we'll see seven world premieres, including two from soloist Justin Peck (Everywhere We Go, Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes), the Company's resident choreographer, and one from Christopher Wheeldon (A Place for Us, After the Rain), the company's former resident choreographer. The season will also feature the return of Wheeldon's Estancia (which will be paired with the premiere of Peck's first full-length narrative ballet); a new work from corps de ballet member Troy Schumacher (Clearing Dawn), as well as new works from Robert Binet and Myles Thatcher; newly commissioned scores by Ellis Ludwig-Leone (of the band San Fermin) and Bryce Dessner (of the band The National); and the debut of new music director, Andrew Litton. A few week-long runs of narrative ballets, like Swan Lake and A Midsummer Night's Dream, are also on tap. Subscriptions go on sale April 28; single tickets will be available beginning August 3. The New York Times and the NYCB website have details.

An American in Paris Starts Previews
The musical inspired by the Gene Kelly movie has begun Broadway previews. I had the pleasure of attending the first preview, and let me tell you something, dear readers: You're in for a treat. With a Gershwin score, choreography (and direction) by the great Christopher Wheeldon and starring Robert Fairchild, An American in Paris is a joy to watch. Wheeldon, Fairchild, Leanne Cope and others were featured in a CBS Sunday Morning segment this weekend. Watch online, and then head to anamericaninparisbroadway.com to purchase tickets to the show.

Casting News
Television—Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Matt Bomer (White Collar, The Normal Heart) and Cheyenne Jackson (The Performers, Finian's Rainbow) have joined the cast of American Horror Story: Hotel (this is the edition that will feature Lady Gaga). Playbill has more.

Television—Matthew James Thomas, who originated the title role of Pippin in the recent revival, has joined the cast of The Devil You Know, an HBO show about the Salem Witch Trials. Weeds and Orange is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan is developing the series. Playbill has more.

Shakespeare in the Park—Additional casting has been announced for this year's Shakespeare in the Park productions. Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater (who are fantastic on stage together (see Seminar) and who are SITP veterans (Much Ado...)) will star in Cymbeline as Imogen and Posthumus Leonatus, respectively. Meanwhile, another SITP veteran, Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family) will join the previously announced Sam Waterston in The Tempest. Ferguson will play Trinculo. Cymbeline runs July 23-August 23; The Tempest runs May 27 through July 5. Broadway.com has more.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2015, which includes Green Day, Bill Withers, Ringo Starr, Lou Reed and Joan Jett + the Blackhearts, will be inducted on April 18. Dave Grohl, John Legend, Patti Smith, Beck, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, John Mayer, Jimmie Vaughn, Tom Morello, Joe Walsh and more will be on hand to induct the honorees or perform in tribute. An edited version of the ceremony will air on HBO on May 30. Spin magazine has more.

The Color Purple Broadway Revival Confirmed
After some confused speculation about The Color Purple returning to Broadway (reports first stated that Jennifer Hudson would star; it was later clarified that she would appear in a featured role), it has been confirmed that the show will be revived. Performances at the Jacobs Theatre will begin November 9, with opening night set for December 3. UK star Cynthia Erivo will take on the lead role of Celie, a role she played in a recent Menier Chocolate Factory production. The musical features a book by Marsha Norman (The Bridges of Madison County) and a score by Brenda Russell (music and lyrics), Allee Willis (music and lyrics) and Stephen Bray (lyrics), and is directed by John Doyle (Wings). Broadway.com has more.

Tony Awards Update
The Tony Award Administration Committee met again to determine eligibility for this season's shows. At this meeting, the committee considered Constellations and Honeymoon in Vegas. It was determined that Constellations stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson will be eligible in the Lead Actor/Actress categories. It was determined that Honeymoon star Tony Danza will be eligible in the Featured Actor category. All other eligibility determinations will be consistent with opening night credits. That is, performers billed above the title will be eligible in the Lead Actor/Actress categories, and performers billed below will be eligible in the Featured Actor/Actress categories. Theater Mania has more.

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