Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 8, 2026 and it’s time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours:
Good morning, theatre fans! Start your day with the latest buzz from the world of Broadway and beyond. Yesterday brought big casting news, with Whitney Leavitt—of DWTS and Hulu’s “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”—officially stepping into the Broadway spotlight in Chicago. We also got the inside scoop on the highly anticipated Wicked movie from casting legend Bernard Telsey. On the creative front, The Fantasticks will soon return to Broadway—this time as a contemporary gay love story under Tony winner Christopher Gattelli’s direction. Don’t miss must-see videos, hot photo highlights from 54 Below’s trans celebration, legal shake-ups on the industry front, fresh review roundups, tour launches, and exciting nominations for the GLAAD Media Awards and SAG’s Actor Awards. Whether you’re playing our daily word game, shopping for Broadway Week ticket deals, or catching up on all things stage, we’ve got your morning covered!
But first…
Thursday, January 8
Bug opens on Broadway
Hartford Stage Sues Producer Joey Parnes Over Alleged Unpaid Funds for KISS MY AZTEC!
by Joshua Wright
Hartford Stage has filed a lawsuit against producer Joey Parnes and related entities, alleging breach of contract and unpaid enhancement funds tied to KISS MY AZTEC!, according to a federal court filing.. (more…)
ILP Adds James Meader and Jennifer Bassuk to Literary Division
by Chloe Rabinowitz
International Literary Properties has revealed two new appointments to its senior leadership team. James Meader has been named President, Publishing of ILP Literary and Jennifer Bassuk will serve as President, Partnerships for ILP Literary.. (more…)
The Farm Theater Awards Nandita Shenoy With 2026-27 College Collaboration Project Commission
by Chloe Rabinowitz
The Farm Theater has awarded playwright Nandita Shenoy with the 2026-27 College Collaboration Project Commission. Shenoy will collaborate with students at Centre College in Danville, KY and the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.. (more…)
Review Roundup: WOMAN IN MIND Opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre
by Aliya Al-Hassan
Directed by Michael Longhurst and starring Sheridan Smith as Susan and Romesh Ranganathan as Dr Bill, the show is now open at the Duke of York’s Theatre. What did the critics think?. (more…)
| Around the Broadway World |
THE GREAT GATSBY National Tour Reveals Full Cast
by Stephi Wild
Full casting has been announced for the North American Tour of THE GREAT GATSBY, a new musical. The tour will begin performances in Baltimore, MD at The Hippodrome Theatre on January 31, 2026. Learn more here!. (more…)
Milo Manheim and Teagan Croft Set to Lead Disney’s Live-Action TANGLED
by Josh Sharpe
Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim are set to lead Disney’s live-action remake of Tangled as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman and 2024’s Better Man will direct the movie.. (more…)
Hartford Stage Sues Producer Joey Parnes Over Alleged Unpaid Funds for KISS MY AZTEC!
by Joshua Wright
Hartford Stage has filed a lawsuit against producer Joey Parnes and related entities, alleging breach of contract and unpaid enhancement funds tied to KISS MY AZTEC!, according to a federal court filing.. (more…)
| Roundtable Theatre Troupe Reveals Creative Team and Cast For NEXT TO NORMAL by Stephi Wild The Roundtable Theatre Troupe has announced the creative team and cast for its upcoming production of Next to Normal, directed by Anna M. Hogan. Learn more here!. (more…) |
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Elicia Palmer Is Developing New Concert Series Set Within A World Trade Center Venue
NYC Broadway Week to Offer 2-for-1 Tickets to 26 Broadway Shows Ariana Grande, Jessie Buckley, & More Receive Nominations for SAG’s Actor Awards Review: WOMAN IN MIND, Starring Sheridan Smith LIBERATION, OEDIPUS, REDWOOD and More Nominated for 2026 GLAAD Media Awards Zama Magudulela Will Join THE LION KING Tour as Rafiki 78th TONY AWARDS, WICKED: FOR GOOD, & More Receive Nominations at 30th ADG Awards Edred Utomi to Take Over as ‘Alexander Hamilton’ in HAMILTON on Broadway
Nicole Scherzinger Joins Cast of LOVE LIFE Concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane This February
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Cynthia Erivo
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