All stories by Jeff Lunden on BroadwayStars

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Where Are They Now? We Check In With Broadway Workers, Now Off Broadway by Jeff Lunden

Each year ahead of the Tony Awards, we profile essential theater professionals who aren't centerstage. This year, with theaters closed due to COVID-19, we check back in to see how they are c…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 07:54PM

Metropolitan Opera Backstage Workers: 'Without People, The Opera Is Nothing' by Jeff Lunden

A union representing 800 backstage workers began a publicity campaign today urging donors and government entities to withdraw support for the company because of a labor dispute.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 01:36AM
Friday, February 19, 2021

13,150,080 Minutes: It's Been 25 Years Since The First Performance Of 'Rent' by Jeff Lunden

On Jan. 25, 1996, a new rock musical by a little-known writer, Jonathan Larson, gave its first performance. But that show almost didn't happen: Larson died of an aortic aneurysm early that m…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 04:36PM
Sunday, February 14, 2021

Now Playing On TikTok: 'Bridgerton' The Musical by Jeff Lunden

Not long after the Netflix Regency romance premiered on Christmas, two young songwriters asked on TikTok: "Ok but what if Bridgerton was a musical?" Millions of people wanted to know the ans…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 05:33AM
Friday, February 5, 2021

Christopher Plummer, Star Of Stage, Screen, 'Sound Of Music,' Dies At 91 by Jeff Lunden

The Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actor began acting in films in the 1950s. He said he felt like he was "starting over" in acting every decade — "you never stop learning how to act,…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 08:33PM
Monday, January 25, 2021

13,140,000 Minutes: It's Been 25 Years Since The First Performance Of 'Rent' by Jeff Lunden

On Jan. 25, 1996, a new rock musical by a little-known writer, Jonathan Larson, gave its first performance. But that show almost didn't happen: Larson died of an aortic aneurysm early that m…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 10:24AM
Saturday, January 23, 2021

Veteran Broadcaster Larry King Dies At 87 by Jeff Lunden

With his trademark suspenders and Brooklyn-accented baritone, King spoke with world leaders, celebrities, authors, scientists, athletes — everyone.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 03:48PM
Saturday, December 26, 2020

Broadway Star Rebecca Luker Dies At 59 by Jeff Lunden

Broadway star Rebecca Luker has died of complications from ALS. She and her husband also had COVID-19 earlier this year.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 01:54PM
Friday, December 4, 2020

No 'Nutcracker'? Or 'Messiah'? How Theaters Are Facing A COVID Christmas by Jeff Lunden

In normal times, audiences would be flocking to theaters for Christmas productions right now. But 2020 is anything but normal — especially when it comes to holiday traditions.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 06:03AM
Sunday, November 15, 2020

Illusionist Scott Silven Can Turn A Video Call Into A Magical 'Journey' by Jeff Lunden

The Journey is an ingenious use of a virtual performance space. Silven invites 30 audience members to travel to his childhood home in Scotland where they interact in amazing feats of magic.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 10:54AM
Sunday, October 25, 2020

'Russian Troll Farm:' Imagine 'The Office,' But With Election Interference by Jeff Lunden

A new play — directed and performed via Zoom — imagines workplace life at Russia's Internet Research Agency, a real life troll-farm indicted for its interference in the 2016 election.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 08:54PM
Saturday, October 24, 2020

Central Park Is Alive With The Sound Of Music, Thanks To A Site-Specific App by Jeff Lunden

Created by Pulitzer-winning composer Ellen Reid, Soundwalk lets visitors score their socially distanced walks around the park with an ever-changing, GPS-sensitive soundtrack.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 07:50AM
Friday, October 23, 2020

'Russian Troll Farm:' Imagine 'The Office,' But With Election Interference by Jeff Lunden

A new play — directed and performed via Zoom — imagines workplace life at Russia's Internet Research Agency, a real life troll-farm indicted for its interference in the 2016 election.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 04:16PM
Monday, October 12, 2020

Ballet Hispánico Celebrates 50 Years As Ambassadors Of Latinx Dance by Jeff Lunden

The dance company features work of Latinx choreographers, as well as a robust educational outreach program. It was just awarded a $4 million grant from the Ford Foundation.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 09:54PM

Ballet Hispánico Celebrates 50 Years As Ambassadors Of Latinx Dance by Jeff Lunden

The dance company features work of Latinx choreographers, as well as a robust educational outreach program. It was just awarded a $4 million grant from the Ford Foundation.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 04:03PM
Sunday, September 20, 2020

What Will The Future Of Theater Look Like? 'Our Artists Are Going To Lead Us' by Jeff Lunden

It's hard to predict exactly how theater will come back after the pandemic, but here are a couple guesses: Fewer crowds, more collective imagination, and a focus on racial and environmental …

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 07:36PM

What Will The Future Of Theater Look Like? 'Our Artists Are Going To Lead Us' by Jeff Lunden

It's hard to predict exactly how theater will come back after the pandemic, but here are a couple guesses: Fewer crowds, more collective imagination, and a focus on racial and environmental …

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 05:22PM
Thursday, September 17, 2020

With Theaters Still Closed, 136-Year-Old 'Playbill' Does A Quick Online Pivot by Jeff Lunden

The magazine given out at theaters isn't just a program, it's a cherished souvenir. The publication has doubled down on its digital offerings, and to almost everyone's surprise, it's doing q…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 06:06AM
Tuesday, September 15, 2020

With Theaters Still Closed, 136-Year-Old 'Playbill' Does A Quick Online Pivot by Jeff Lunden

The magazine given out at theaters isn't just a program, it's a cherished souvenir. The publication has doubled down on its digital offerings, and to almost everyone's surprise, it's doing q…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 05:05AM
Sunday, July 19, 2020

Legendary Violinist Isaac Stern's Legacy Lives On After 100 Years by Jeff Lunden

Tuesday, July 21, marks the centennial of the birth of violinist Isaac Stern. He was not only an acclaimed musician, but a devoted teacher who was a mentor to generations of musicians.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 07:58AM

Legendary Violinist Isaac Stern's Legacy Lives On After 100 Years by Jeff Lunden

July 21 marks the centennial of the birth of violinist Isaac Stern. He was not only an acclaimed musician and advocate for the arts, but a devoted teacher who was a mentor to generations of …

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 07:58AM
Saturday, July 18, 2020

Singing In The Dark Times: Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir Takes On New Meaning by Jeff Lunden

Even before the age of social-distancing, composer and conductor Eric Whitacre had been leading an online chorus for a decade. Choir members say the connection they foster is more important …

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 05:06PM
Tuesday, July 14, 2020

On Site Opera Offers Live Performances Over The Phone For Just 1 Person At A Time by Jeff Lunden

On Site Opera, a company that stages performances in unlikely places, has changed its format during the pandemic. Now it organizes live performances for an audience of just one — over the …

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 08:12PM

On Site Opera Offers Live Performances Over The Phone For Just 1 Person At A Time by Jeff Lunden

On Site Opera, a company that stages performances in unlikely places, has changed its format during the pandemic. Now it organizes live performances for an audience of just one — over the …

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 03:59PM
Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Actors' Equity Approves 2 Live Theater Performances In Western Massachusetts by Jeff Lunden

Actors' Equity is allowing theaters in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts to put on performances this summer. The theaters plan two live shows with limited audiences and safety protocols…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 05:32PM

Actors' Equity Approves 2 Live Theater Performances In Western Massachusetts by Jeff Lunden

Actors' Equity is allowing theaters in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts to put on performances this summer. The theaters plan two live shows with limited audiences and safety protocols…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 03:57PM
Monday, July 6, 2020

'Never Known A Kinder Person': Actor Nick Cordero Dies Of COVID-19 At 41 by Jeff Lunden

The Broadway actor was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in Bullets Over Broadway. Cordero had been working on a production of Rock of Ages when he developed symptoms of pneumon…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 11:18PM

'Never Known A Kinder Person': Actor Nick Cordero Dies Of COVID-19 At 41 by Jeff Lunden

The Broadway actor was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in Bullets Over Broadway. Cordero had been working on a production of Rock of Ages when he developed symptoms of pneumon…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 11:20AM
Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Broadway To Remain Closed For The Rest Of The Year by Jeff Lunden

The Broadway League, which represents theater producers and owners, has announced that none of Broadway's 41 theaters will reopen before the end of 2020.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 03:03AM
Monday, June 29, 2020

Broadway To Remain Closed For The Rest Of The Year by Jeff Lunden

The Broadway League, which represents theater producers and owners, has announced that none of Broadway's 41 theaters will reopen before the end of 2020.

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 02:30PM
Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Theaters Return To An Old Art Form — The Radio Drama — With A Twist by Jeff Lunden

Theaters closed due to the coronavirus pandemic are struggling to get work to the public. Some are doing plays for podcast, others are turning what would have been stage works into audio dra…

SOURCE: National Public Radio at 01:42AM

All that Chat

2023-2024 BROADWAY SEASON
May 30, 2023: Grey House - Lyceum Theatre
Jun 26, 2023: Just For Us - Hudson Theatre
Jul 24, 2023: The Cottage - Hayes Theater
Nov 16, 2023: Spamalot - St. James Theatre
Dec 18, 2023: Appropriate - Hayes Theater
Mar 07, 2024: Doubt - Todd Haimes Theatre
Apr 14, 2024: Lempicka - Longacre Theatre
Apr 17, 2024: The Wiz - Marquis Theatre
Apr 18, 2024: Suffs - Music Box Theatre
Apr 25, 2024: Mother Play - Hayes Theater
Jun 10, 2024: The Drama Desk Awards