Will Porter News

The complete lineup has been announced for this year's New Yorker Festival, which will take place October 11-13. Some familiar faces in the Broadway world will be in attendance, including Rachel Chavkin, Billy Porter, John Cameron Mitchell, and Jackie Sibblies Drury.

The Young Players are proud to present the epic, grand, and uplifting Les Miserables School Edition!

Harry Connick, Jr., the celebrated singer, musician and actor will premiere on Broadway in his strictly limited, brand-new show HARRY CONNICK, JR.a?"A Celebration of Cole Porter, honoring one of America's most respected songwriters with performances beginning December 2019 at the Nederlander Theatre, with additional ticket information to be announced soon. This all-new production is conceived and directed by Harry Connick, Jr. with scenic design by Beowulf Boritt and Alexis Distler, projection design by Beowulf Boritt and Caite Hevner Kemp and lighting design by Ken Billington.

For the candy lover in all of us, the Arkansas Repertory Theater, will present Willy Wonka Jr., their first all-kids cast on the main stage June 21-30.

Some of the biggest stars from stage, television, film and music will present at THE 73rd ANNUAL TONY AWARDS®, live from the historic Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Sunday, June 9 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. Set to appear are Darren Criss, Tina Fey, Sutton Foster, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Regina King, Laura Linney, Audra McDonald, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Andrew Rannells and Michael Shannon.

A local cast of 39 young actors will present Willy Wonka Jr. on the MainStage at Arkansas Repertory Theatre this summer. The production, which runs June 21-30, is based on the classic tale by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

BROADWAY SESSIONS is described as an evening of musical performances, games and open mic featuring a new Broadway cast twice monthly.

The Argenta Community Theater cast of Newsies may not be the King's of New York, but they are most definitely the King's of North Little Rock. Argenta never fails putting on a fantastic show. Led by Director Vincent Insalaco, and produced by Judy Tenenbaum, the casting was superb, the set was envious, and the choreography was top notch--and looked like so much fun!

Billy Porter delivered the LGBTQ State of the Union in a video on Twitter.

For the first time in Arkansas and coming to the Royal Theatre September 15-30, 2018 is the Young Players production of Disney's Newsies the Musical - the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon. The show is based on the historical newsboy strike of 1899 that shook the ivory towers of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldmen and book by Harvey Fierstein, Newsies leaps onto the stage with soul stirring music, amazing heart, and stunning choreography. Newsies is under the direction of Daphne Shoppach with Jo Murry as musical director and Jenny Johnston as choreographer.

For the first time in Arkansas and coming to the Royal Theatre September 15-30, 2018 is the Young Players production of Disney's Newsies the Musical - the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon. The show is based on the historical newsboy strike of 1899 that shook the ivory towers of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldmen and book by Harvey Fierstein, Newsies leaps onto the stage with soul stirring music, amazing heart, and stunning choreography. Newsies is under the direction of Daphne Shoppach with Jo Murry as musical director and Jenny Johnston as choreographer.

Nestled at 405 Main Street in North Little Rock, the Argenta Community Theater deserves its spot amongst the other 'artsy' venues and clubs taking residence in the Argenta district. Though it isn't a very big setting (not as small as a black box theater, but definitely not auditorium size), they impress this writer with their creative use of space. And the talent? It's surprising that these people are not professional actors, though I do take the liberty to prophesize that some of them very well may be in the near future. The Argenta family never disappoints.

Broadway is currently celebrating the 50th year of Hello Dolly and the Folksbiene is mounting Fiddler On The Roof (in Yiddish) for its same Golden Anniversary. TheBerkshire Theatre Group has an exciting production of HAIR also celebrating its Broadway Opening in 1968 on it's Unicorn Stage. BroadwayWorld was there for the opening night curtain call. Check out the photos below!

Broadway is currently celebrating the 50th year of Hello Dolly and the Folksbiene is mounting Fiddler On The Roof (in Yiddish) for its same Golden Anniversary. The Berkshire Theatre Group has an exciting production of HAIR also celebrating its Broadway Opening in 1968 on it's Unicorn Stage. BroadwayWorld was there for the opening night curtain call. Check out the photos below!

Tony Bennett, who turns 92 this year, is in talks to be releasing two duets albums, one featuring Cole Porter songs and one with songs from the Gershwins.

The Jeff Mattingly Foundation along with First Security Bank Present Oliver! The Musical on stage at The Royal Theatre, 111 S. Market, Benton, AR. Show dates are November 30-December 10, 2017.

The nationally regarded Fulton Theatre presents the holiday classic A Christmas Story, The Musical, now through December 31. Join Ralphie and friends as they bring the heartwarming nostalgia of this Christmas film to life on stage. WE TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!

The Jeff Mattingly Foundation along with First Security Bank Present Oliver! The Musical on stage at The Royal Theatre, 111 S. Market, Benton, AR. Show dates are November 30-December 10, 2017.

NikoFrank Productions presents an original comedic short Never Have I Ever written by Maggie Politi and produced & created alongside co-founder Spiro Marcos. The creative duo has fully produced 6 sketches & short films featuring TV & Broadway actors.

Bells Are Ringing has a book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and music by Jule Styne. It starred Judy Holliday was directed by Jerome Robbins and choreographed by Robbins and Bob Fosse. It opened in 1956 and ran for nearly three years. The 1960 movie starred Judy Holliday and Dean Martin.