Reviewing the Drama: Broadway, Off-Broadway, Ballet, Movies, and TV Reviews

Hamilton Casting News Two-time Tony nominee Joshua Henry ( The Scottsboro Boys , Shuffle Along... ) will originate the role of Aaron Burr in the Chicago company of Hamilton . He'll be joined by Jonathan Kirkland , who'll take on the role of George Washington. The Chicago company began rehearsals this week, and their first performance is scheduled for September 27. Meanwhile, on Broadway, Mandy Gonzales ( In the Heights ) will take over as Angelica this October. A date for her first performance, as well as the date for departing Tony winner Renee Elise Goldsberry's final performance, will be announced later. Broadway.com has more. Casting News Tony winner Kelli O'Hara ( The King and I ) will appear in a recurring role on the fourth season of Masters of Sex . Season four premieres Sunday, September 11. TV Line has more. Casting change at The Cherry Orchard : the memorable Kyle Beltran ( Fortress of Solitude , Head of Passes ) will take on the role of T...

As we close out 2015, please enjoy this Year in Review. An American in Paris —This gorgeous, lush production was everything I wanted it to be. Leading up to its Broadway bow, I kept saying, "It's Gershwin. It's Christopher Wheeldon. It's Robbie Fairchild." I was so excited, and I couldn't wait to see it (to wit: I was at the first preview). And it was fantastic. The Gershwin score , which includes well-known tunes, like the titular theme and "I've Got Rhythm," as well as lesser-known ditties, like "Liza," is enhanced by Christopher Austin , Don Sebesky , and Bill Elliot 's Tony-winning orchestrations. The peerless Christopher Wheeldon 's Tony-winning choreography thrilled, beautifully welcoming ballet back to Broadway. And Robert Fairchild 's Tony-nominated performance established him as a true triple-threat. He dazzles as he shows Broadway audiences his signature Robbie Fairchild flair. But beyond what I was alrea...

Casting News Mahershala Ali ( House of Cards ) and Joshua Jackson ( The Affair , The Mighty Ducks ) will lead the cast of Smart People , the Lydia R. Diamond play that will bow off-Broadway in the winter. Previews for the Second Stage production, directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon ( A Raisin in the Sun , Holler If Ya Hear Me ) begin January 26, 2016, with opening night of the limited engagement set for February 11. Broadway.com has more. Christopher Fitzgerald  ( Wicked , Finian's Rainbow ) and Keala Settla  ( Hands on a Hardbody , Les Miserables ) have joined the cast of the Broadway-bound Waitress . They join the previously announce Jessie Mueller. Previews begin March 25, 2016, with opening night set for April 24. Visit Playbill for the full cast list. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade The annual Thanksgiving morning tradition will feature a slew of sure-to-be-great performances. Among those scheduled to perform are the casts of Fiddler on the Roof ; School of ...

James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson Return to Broadway The veteran actors will star in a revival of D.L. Coburn 's The Gin Game . As Playbill notes , this is the first time Tony winners James ( The Best Man , You Can't Take It With You ) and Tyson ( The Trip to Bountiful ) will be on Broadway together since 1966, when they played in A Hand is on the Gate . Previews will begin September 21, with opening night set for October 13. Directed by Leonard Foglia , The Gin Game is slated for the intimate Golden Theatre. Tony Awards Update The Tony Awards Administration Committee met for a final time to determine eligibility of the season's last several shows . Unless ruled otherwise, actors/actresses whose names appear above the title are considered eligible for Lead Actor/Actress awards; performers whose names appear below the title are considered eligible in the Featured Actor/Actress categories. Tony Award nominations will be announced on Tuesday, April 28 (visit tonyawa...