robert massimi
12 min readJan 16, 2021

Broadway News… No Bull With Raging Robert.

Celia Keenan-Bolger, Lauren Molina, Mary Testa, and Andrew Barth Feldman Set For The Reading Series’ RABBIT HOLE
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

The Reading Series, a new virtual benefit series, has announced the next production in their lineup with David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole.

DVR Alert: Tim Minchin Announces Performance on CBS THIS MORNING
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

Tony-nominated composer Tim Minchin will stop by CBS This Morning tomorrow.

VIDEO: It’s Game Night with Andrea Martin on Stars in the House- Live at 8pm!
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

Stars in the House continues tonight (8pm) for Game Night! Plus join in the fun for Andrea Martin’s birthday!

Philip J. Smith, Chairman Emeritus of The Shubert Organization, Has Passed Away at Age 89
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

The Shubert Organization has announced the passing of its beloved Chairman Emeritus, Philip J. Smith. Mr. Smith passed away peacefully on January 15, 2021, in New York City at the age of 89. The cause of death was complications from Covid-19, confirmed by his daughters, Linda Phillips and Jennifer Stein.

Haley Swindal’s TO NEW YORK, WITH LOVE to Stream for 30 More Days
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

By popular demand, Birdland’s all new concert event from Broadway perennial Haley Swindal, To New York, With Love, filmed as part of the “Radio Free Birdland” series and presented in association with BroadwayWorld, will be streamed for 30 more days until February 14, with all proceeds benefitting The Actors Fund.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emerald Fennell, and Emile Mosseri To Be Honored at the 4th Annual HCA Awards
by TV News Desk on January 15, 2021

The Hollywood Critics Association (HCA) has revealed three additional recipients who will receive honorary awards at the 4th Annual HCA Awards Ceremony. The event will stream virtually on Friday, March 5, 2021.

Poster Art Revealed for South Korean Production of BEETLEJUICE
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

The poster art for the South Korean production of Beetlejuice has been revealed! The first Korean production of Beetlejuice, performed in the Korean language, will come to Seoul, South Korea next year. The production is scheduled to open in June 2021, and perform a limited run through August at the Sejong Arts Center in Seoul.

Ali Stroker, Jack Antonoff, Dionne Warwick, Darlene Love and More to Take Part in BergenPAC’S OUR HOME, YOUR HOME
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

Bergen Performing Arts Center Annual Gala and premiere fundraising event is more critical this year than ever. It is nearly a year since their stage went dark due to the pandemic. This one special night of unique performances is a mission to Save Our Stage and to Save Our School!

MARY POPPINS RETURNS is Now Streaming on Disney Plus
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

When and where can you find Mary Poppins Returns streaming? We have your answer here!

Jessica Vosk Brings All New Show To THE SETH CONCERT SERIES January 24
by Team BWW on January 15, 2021

Jessica Vosk is the latest Broadway star to join The Seth Concert Series!

VIDEO: Skylar Astin & Kelly Clarkson Agree ‘A Moment Like This’ Is Difficult To Sing
by Stage Tube on January 15, 2021

Skylar Astin has covered quite a few Kelly Clarkson songs during his TV and film career! He sang ‘A Moment Like This’ on ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ and ‘Since U Been Gone’ on ‘Pitch Perfect’ and admits that Kelly’s songs are quite difficult to nail — and Kelly totally agrees. Tune in for more with Skylar Astin.

THEatre ACCELERATOR Launches New Reality Edition
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

THEatre ACCELERATOR has launched its New Reality Edition. This is an immersive musical theatre intensive development accelerator harnessing augmented and virtual reality technologies to advance the future of storytelling, in partnership with The Shubert Organization.

BWW Album Review: Alex Boniello’s Debut EP ‘Hi’ is the Brave Companion So Many of Us Are Seeking
by Courtney Savoia on January 15, 2021

Broadway favorite, Alex Boniello, most recently seen on stage in the Tony Award-winning Dear Evan Hansen, just released his debut EP, titled “Hi,” written during his last few months of the musical. With COVID-19 changing the state of our world and the theater community, this catalog is extremely relevant for the times that we are currently in as a collective. In addition to the EP, a music video for one of Boniello’s songs, ‘I’m So Tired,’ has been released. The video, directed by his former Dear Evan Hansen co-star Gabrielle Carrubba, can be viewed on YouTube.

VIDEO: Jane Levy Talks ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
by Stage Tube on January 15, 2021

Jane Levy discusses working on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist with no prior musical theater experience and shares her thoughts on Leslie Jones’ vlogs reacting to the show.

VIDEO: Cristin Milioti Shares Her Björk Impression on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Stage Tube on January 15, 2021

Cristin Milioti talks about her recent cover of Bon Iver’s ‘715 Creeks,’ working at Hershey Park when she was 18 and starring opposite Andy Samberg in the film Palm Springs.

Josh Groban Announces ‘Harmony Deluxe’ Out February 26th
by TV News Desk on January 15, 2021

Global superstar Josh Groban announces Harmony Deluxe, out February 26th, 2021 via Reprise Records. The brand new deluxe edition is an expansion of his ninth studio album, Harmony, which was released late 2020.

DVR Alert: Hollywood Bowl Concert Series Kicks Off Tonight With MUSICALS AND MOVIES, With Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, and Sutton Foster
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

As BroadwayWorld previously reported a new weekly concert series, IN CONCERT AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL, will air on PBS. The series kicks off today with the first concert, Musicals and Movies.

Michael Ball Releases ‘Leaning on a Rainbow’ From BLITHE SPIRIT Film
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

Last year, Michael Ball recorded ‘Leaning on a Rainbow’ for the soundtrack to the new film ‘Blithe Spirit’. The full track is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and more.

VIDEO: JW’s Inspirational Singers Take On Cynthia Erivo’s STAND UP 2.0
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

Watch JW’s Inspirational Singers of NYC, who has sung behind Sam Smith at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, The Macy’s Day Parade, The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting, The John Oliver Show, as well as, Joes Pub, Green Room 42 and the infamous Birdland Jazz Club, Take on Cynthia Erivo’s, ‘Stand Up’ from the Oscar Nominated Harriet Movie.

Leslie Odom, Jr., Matthew Broderick and More Set for Save Birdland Streaming Concert
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Former President Bill Clinton, Tony Award-winner Leslie Odom, Jr., Tony-nominee Jeff Daniels, Clive Davis, Elvis Costello, and more have signed on for a concert fundraiser to save iconic New York venue Birdland.

MATILDA Film Adds Emma Thompson As ‘Miss Trunchbull’ and Alisha Weir in the Title Role
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

The upcoming film adaptation of the acclaimed musical Matilda has found its title star!

Wake Up With BWW 1/15: Alex Brightman Talks LAW AND ORDER: SVU, MATILDA Musical Film Finds its Stars, and More!
by Stephi Wild on January 15, 2021

Today’s top stories: Alex Brightman discusses his recent episode of Law and Order: SVU, the upcoming musical Matilda film finds its stars in Alisha Weir and Emma Thompson, and more!

VIDEO: Lin-Manuel Miranda Celebrates Costume Industry Coalition Workers
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Lin-Manuel Miranda has added his voice to the many in the entertainment industry supporting the Costume Industry Coalition (CIC), a group of small businesses and artisans advocating for the survival of the custom costume industry in New York City.

Drew Gasparini to Launch New Podcast Featuring Alex Brightman, Colton Ryan, Kathryn Gallagher and More
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Drew Gasparini is launching a new podcast Now We’re Talking with Drew Gasparini. The podcast will release the first three episodes of the series on Friday, January 15th, with guests Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice), Kathryn Gallagher (Jagged Little Pill), and Colton Ryan (of the Apple TV+ series Little Voice).

Justin Guarini Joins WHY I’LL NEVER MAKE IT Podcast as the First Guest On Season Five
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

To kickstart Season Five of the Why I’ll Never Make It podcast, Justin Guarini (Wicked, In Transit) joins host Patrick Oliver Jones to talk about the musical journey that led up to American Idol, his rollercoaster years afterwards, and the Broadway home he has found since.

VIDEO: Joaquina Kalukango Visits Backstage LIVE with Richard Ridge- Watch Now!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge on January 15, 2021

Watch as he chats with 2020 Tony nominee (for Slave Play) Joaquina Kalukango, who stars in Regina King and Kemp Powers’ One Night in Miami. The film is available to stream on Prime Video starting today, January 15.

Songwriter Abigail Barlow is Turning Netflix Hit BRIDGERTON Into a TikTok Musical
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

‘Heartbreak Hotel’ singer and TikTok creator Abigail Barlow is going viral again with her new Bridgerton musical numbers!

Marin Ireland, Segun Akande, David Anzuelo and More Announced for AFRICAN CARIBBEAN MIXFEST
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Atlantic Theater Company has announced casting for African Caribbean MixFest, a series of free readings co-produced by playwright Guadalís Del Carmen and playwright, director and Artistic Director of the Young Vic Kwame Kwei-Armah, that will run virtually Tuesday, January 19th through Friday, January 29th.

Virtual Theatre Today: Friday, January 15- with Adam Pascal, Marin Ireland​ and More!
by BWW News Desk on January 15, 2021

Today (January 15) in live streaming: Adam Pascal in concert, Blue Ridge ​by Abby Rosebrock, and more!

UPDATE: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Intends to Reopen a Theater Space This Summer
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

What is the future of the space situated beneath Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church? BroadwayWorld has just received an official statement from the church’s leadership, Rev Dr. Arden C. Strasser.

Danielle Brooks, John Turturro, Kate Hamill and More Announced for CSC’s CLASSIC CONVERSATIONS Series
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Classic Stage Company has announced the Spring 2021 season of the free, online version of their discussion series Classic Conversations, premiering Thursdays at 6pm on YouTube and Facebook, and available to view afterwards on these platforms and Instagram IGTV.

Patrick Dempsey Joins ENCHANTED Sequel DISENCHANTED
by TV News Desk on January 14, 2021

In an interview on this morning’s edition of ‘Good Morning America,’ actor Patrick Dempsey confirmed he will return to star in the sequel to 2007 musical comedy ‘Enchanted.’

Todrick Hall Joins This Week’s Episode of BLACK HAIR IN THE BIG LEAGUES
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Black Hair in the Big Leagues, in association with the Broadway Podcast Network, a Broadway podcast which features black voices and experiences, welcomed Broadway Veteran and YouTube sensation Todrick Hall on this week’s episode.

Story Pirates SLEEP SQUAD Starring Lilli Cooper Goes National; Ticket Sales Extended
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

By popular demand, The Story Pirates and Tony Award-winning producer Eva Price (Jagged Little Pill, Peter and The Starcatcher) have announced today that SLEEP SQUAD is now available through nine presenting partners, both regional theaters and performing arts centers, across the country. Ticket sales have been extended through February 21, 2021.

Norm Lewis, Solea Pfeiffer, Conrad Ricamora, Emily Skinner and More Announced for SIMPLY SONDHEIM
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Signature Theatre has announced the full cast and streaming dates for Simply Sondheim, the first production in the Signature Features 2021 Season. Starring 12 singers and an orchestra of 16, Simply Sondheim includes over 30 songs from the composer’s canon, and was filmed over the course of three days.

Renée Elise Goldsberry, Susan Lucci, Cameron Mathison and More to Take Part in ABC DAYTIME: BACK ON BROADWAY
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Your favorite stars from the celebrated ABC Daytime dramas “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital” will reunite Thursday, February 11, 2021, for ABC Daytime: Back on Broadway, a one-night-only streaming concert, produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Leslie Odom Jr. Will Appear on LIVE WITH KELLY AND RYAN
by TV News Desk on January 14, 2021

‘One Night in Miami’ star Leslie Odom Jr. will appear on the Tuesday, January 19th episode of ‘Live with Kelly and Ryan!’

JAGGED LITTLE PILL, SLAVE PLAY, MOULIN ROUGE! & More Nominated for 2021 Artios Awards
by TV News Desk on January 14, 2021

This year’s Artios Awards have honored Broadway plays and musicals like ‘Jagged Little Pill,’ ‘Moulin Rouge!’, ‘The Inheritance,’ ‘Slave Play,’ ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’ with nominations.

9 Kelli O’Hara Videos We Can’t Get Enough Of!
by Team BWW on January 14, 2021

Kelli O’Hara is stopping by the Seth Rudetsky Concert Series this weekend! We’re looking back at past performances (and her Tony acceptance speech) before her show on Sunday!

Kelli O’Hara, Matthew Morrison and Victoria Clark to Take Part in LCT’s LOOKING BACK AT THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
by BWW News Desk on January 14, 2021

Kelli O’Hara, “Light In The Piazza”, Lin Manuel-Miranda, “Hamilton”, Seth Rudetsky, “Chicago”, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Tony Awards, New York City, Amazon, Google, Apple.

robert massimi

Drama critic for Nimbus Magazine, Metropolitan Magazine and New York Lifestyles Magazine. Producer, editor and writer.