We have a lot of new casting announcements for Broadway Collection shows, so look for these new leading actors and actresses on stage!

- Wicked the Musical has welcomed back Katie Rose Clarke to the role of Glinda. Ms. Clarke last played the role of Glinda on Broadway in 2010.
- Beginning performances on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, Lindsay Mendez will also join the cast of Wicked, assuming the role of Elphaba.
- Christina DeCicco has joined the cast of Broadway’s high-flying spectacular, Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark in the role of “Arachne.” Ms. DeCicco was last seen on Broadway starring as Eva Peron twice a week in the Broadway revival of Evita.
- Arthur Darvill and Joanna Christie will make their Broadway debuts starring in the 8-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical Once as ‘guy’ and ‘girl.’ Mr. Darvill (‘Guy’) is known to fans around the world of the long-running BBC-TV show “Doctor Who” in which he played Rory Williams. Ms. Christie (‘Girl’) appeared in the recent West End production of Peter Shaffer’s Equus opposite Daniel Radcliff.

We do have some sad news, unfortunately Hands on a Hardbody has shut its doors on Broadway. We wish the cast, crew and creative team the best of luck on their future endeavors.

After a wonderful year on Broadway, Nice Work If You Can Get It will also play its final performance on June 15, 2013 after 505 performances.

In better news, Motown the Musical’s Broadway debut is a hit with audiences! The show grossed more than a million dollars for the week ending April 21, 2013, joining the Million Dollar Club for the second time since the show opened for previews in March.

The awards season for New York theatre has officially begun and we would like to congratulate our shows that have been nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award! The nominees in The Broadway Collection include: Kinky Boots with 9; Chaplin, The Musical and Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella with 8; Matilda the Musical with 5; The Mystery of Edwin Drood with 4; Hands on a Hardbody with 3 and Annie with 1.

That is all for now! We hope to see you here in New York soon!

It is an exciting time of year! The nominations for the 67th annual Tony Awards have been announced, and our Broadway Collection member shows have received an outstanding 48 combined nominations! Catch the Tony Awards on Sunday, June 9th at 8/7 central time to see who wins!

Here are the nominations for our Broadway Collection shows:

Kinky Boots: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre, two nominations for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Best Sound Design of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations

Matilda: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Musical, Best Sound Design of a Musical, Best Orchestrations

The Mystery of Edwin Drood: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical

Motown the Musical: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Sound Design of a Musical, Best Orchestrations

Hands on a Hardbody: Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Annie: Best Revival of a Musical

Chaplin: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

It is FINALLY warming up here in New York City and everything is beginning to bloom! Check out this picture of some lovely tulips flourishing in the West Village:

Of course, we also have plenty of Broadway news to share with you too

Annie will be releasing the new Broadway Cast Recording for the show very soon! The album will be produced by legendary 12-time GRAMMY winner Thomas Z. Shepard along with the Shout! Broadway label.

Motown: The Musical went Platinum its first week on Broadway, marking the first time a new Broadway musical has joined the Million Dollar Club in its first week of previews without an out-of-town tryout. Congratulations Motown!

The Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Once, celebrated their first year on Broadway on March 20th.

We also have plenty new member shows opening and they are making headlines everywhere! See below for some highlights of our Broadway Collection members in the news:

CBS Sunday Morning host Anthony Mason sat down with Motown founder Berry Gordy to discuss his world premiere Broadway production of Motown: The Musical and the history of the legendary record label for a rare and exclusive profile. View the entire segment here: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57577147/berry-gordy-recreates-the-legend-of-motown

Motown was also featured on Entertainment Tonight, who showcased the young Michael Jackson’s in the musical: http://www.etonline.com/music/132402_Meet_the_Young_Michael_Jacksons_of_Motown_The_Musical/index.html

The cast of Cinderella was featured on the Late Show with David Letterman. Watch the medley they put together here (It’s awesome!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UQVHTdB5cqo

Doug Wright, who wrote the Book for Hands on a Hardbody, was interviewed about the show for Vanity Fair, who stated “Hardbody is a gritty, realistic, and ultimately uplifting portrayal of American culture today” (they loved the show!): http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2013/03/doug-wright-hands-on-a-hardbody-broadway

Matilda has already become a hit here on Broadway! Below The New York Times interviews Tim Minchin, who wrote the music and lyrics for Matilda, in this superb new video where Tim talks about his appreciation of all things Roald Dahl: http://www.nytimes.com/video/2013/03/21/theater/100000002125855/matilda-comes-to-broadway.html

And the newest star to open on Broadway – Kinky Boots – officially debuted on April 4th. Here, read an interview with the shows leads and Cyndi Lauper herself: http://www.npr.org/2013/04/04/176136297/kinky-boots-walk-cyndi-lauper-to-broadway

It is very cold here in New York City, but spring is just around the corner and we can’t be more excited! We have a few great shows opening in the next few months:

- Hands on a Hardbody opens on March 21st
- Kinky Boots opens on April 4th
- Matilda opens on April 11th
- Motown opens on April 14th

In other news, Once won the Grammy Award for the Best Musical Theatre Album! This is a huge accolade and we couldn’t be happier for them. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the award-winning album here: The Making of Once: A New Musical

Tony-Award Winner Mathew Broderick has extended his run through June 15th in the Tony-Winning hit musical comedy Nice Work If You Can Get It. His co-star, four-time Tony Award nominee Kelli O’Hara will play her final performance on March 31st. Tony Award nominee Jessie Mueller will join the show in the role of “Billie Bendix” on April 2nd.

In very exciting news, Emmy Award-winning “Glee” star, Jane Lynch, will be joining the cast of Annie! Lynch will make her Broadway debut as Miss Hannigan from May 16th to July 14th.

For up to date news, please make sure you are following us on Facebook and on Twitter at @BwayCollection. We also have a Pinterest page!

The Broadway Collection would like to announce that Motown the Musical will open this spring on Broadway. Produced by Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Berry Gordy, the show is based on the life of legendary Motown founder Berry Gordy. Motown will open at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 14, 2013. Preview performances will begin March 11, 2013.

Motown is a gripping story about the protégés and stars of a uniquely talented musical family who, under Berry Gordy’s guidance, became “the Sound of Young America” and went on to become some of the greatest superstars of all time.

Berry Gordy’s legendary Motown Records made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments of all time. Motown communicated and brought together a racially divided country and segregated society, touching people of all ages and races around the world. No other music company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture. With more than 180 number one hit songs worldwide, Motown’s impact is still being felt today.

Motown founder Berry Gordy said “Broadway is the pinnacle of live theater and provides a challenging and exciting opportunity to tell my story and share the magic of Motown. I’ve discovered that Motown and Broadway have a lot in common—a family of wonderfully talented, passionate, hard-working young people, fiercely competitive but also full of love and appreciation for the work, for each other and for the people in the audience. I can’t wait to feel that same Motown spirit come alive on stage every night.”

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, Motown will feature a book by Berry Gordy and music and lyrics by Motown’s legendary catalogue, with dozens of hit songs made famous by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five and many more. Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon and Valisia LeKae have been cast in the leading roles of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross.

Motown is part of The Broadway Collection, a group of New York City’s most highly regarded musicals and shows, selected for their unparalleled popularity with international audiences. Tickets are available through the international Broadway Collection partners.

The Broadway Collection is pleased to announce the debut of the musical Kinky Boots. The production, which is inspired by a true story and film, is set to open for previews on March 5, 2013. Kinky Boots will open on April 4, 2013 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

The musical tells the story of Charlie Price who has suddenly inherited his father’s shoe factory that is on the verge of bankruptcy. Charlie discovers inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible and discover that when you change your mind about someone, they can change your world.

Kinky Boots is part of The Broadway Collection, a group of New York City’s most highly regarded musicals and shows, selected for their unparalleled popularity with international audiences. Tickets are available through the international Broadway Collection partners internationally.

Kinky Boots is directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (2004’s La Cage aux Folles, Legally Blonde, Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can). The book is written by Tony-Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles) and the music and lyrics are by Grammy Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper. The production will star Stark Sands (Journey’s End; American Idiot) and Billy Porter (Angels in America; Smokey Joe’s Café).

Featuring a sensational new score, knockout dancing and a spectacularly uplifting story, Kinky Boots is the must-see new musical that proves that sometimes, the best way to fit in is to stand out. This hysterical, relevant and thoughtful musical will resonate with audiences and leave them wanting more!

The Broadway Collection has announced the opening date for Matilda the Musical. The show will begin previews on March 4, 2013 and open on Thursday, April 11th at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. Matilda is the magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers derived from the classic novel published in 1988 by Roald Dahl.

The recipient of a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards, the most prestigious awards in British theatre, Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who decides that despite having a rough start to life, her story is going to be an astonishing one. With the help of her teacher, her friends and a little bit of imagination, Matilda proves that even if you’re little, you can do big things.

Matilda is part of The Broadway Collection, a group of New York City’s most highly regarded musicals and shows, selected for their unparalleled popularity with international audiences. Tickets are available internationally through the Broadway Collection partners.

Based on the beloved story by Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox), Matilda is directed by Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage), with a book by playwright Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin. Matilda originally premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon, playing to sold-out audiences from November 2010 to January 2011. Capturing the imagination of young and old alike, the show was moved to London’s West End, where it continues to play to sold-out houses.

The production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.

Matilda is an exhilarating production that will touch the hearts of all audiences. This captivating new musical revels in the chaos of childhood and the power of imagination through the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny.

The Broadway Collection is pleased to announce the addition of The Metropolitan Opera and two new Broadway shows to their portfolio. Joining an already-existing group of new and classic Broadway musicals, each Broadway Collection member is selected for its unparalleled popularity with international audiences. The shows in The Broadway Collection are among the best that New York has to offer and sure to be hits for visitors to New York City.

In addition to the 20 existing shows in The Broadway Collection, the following have joined for the 2013-2014 year:

Now in its 129th season, The Metropolitan Opera is a vibrant home for the most creative and talented artists from around the world. Known as a venue for the world’s greatest voices, the Met has been under the musical direction of James Levine since 1976. Maestro Levine is credited with having created one of opera’s finest orchestras and choruses. The classic operas and modern masterpieces that are seasonally produced at the Met will inspire audiences from around the world. To view what is playing at The Metropolitan Opera this season, please visit: www.broadwaycollection.com

In addition to the classic repertoire of the Met, the three exciting new musicals have joined The Broadway Collection this season. Inspired by true events and based on the acclaimed 1997 documentary of the same name, Hands on a Hardbody tells the story of ten Texans who are down on their luck, but a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, they’ll compete in an endurance and sleep deprivation contest in order to win a brand new Nissan Hardbody truck. The last person to remain standing with his or her hand on the truck wins – who will drive away with the American Dream? Hands on a Hardbody will open for previews on February 23, 2013 and officially open on Broadway March 21, 2013 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

Slated to grace the Broadway stage in August 2013, Flashdance shares the inspiring story of Alex Owens, a working-class girl from Pittsburgh with a dream of becoming a professional dancer. Alex works as a steel mill welder by day, and a bar dancer at night while aspiring to be accepted at a prestigious ballet academy. When she catches the eye of her boss, Nick Hurley, their romance shows her the meaning of love and drives her ambition to pursue her dream.

The new additions to The Broadway Collection will join 20 existing shows, including: Annie, Blue Man Group, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Matilda, Motown, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Newsies, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Once, The Phantom of the Opera, Spider-Man Turn off the Dark, Stomp and Wicked.

The Broadway Collection is pleased to announce the opening of the new American musical Hands on a Hardbody. Inspired by true events and based on the acclaimed 1997 documentary of the same name, Hands on a Hardbody will officially open on Broadway March 21, 2013 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Previews will begin on February 23, 2013.

Hands on a Hardbody tells the story of ten Texans who are down on their luck, but a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, they’ll compete in an endurance and sleep deprivation contest in order to win a brand new Nissan Hardbody truck. The last person to remain standing with his or her hand on the truck wins – who will drive away with the American Dream?

Hands on a Hardbody is part of The Broadway Collection, a group of new and classic Broadway musicals selected for their unparalleled popularity with international audiences. Tickets are available through the international Broadway Collection partners.

The world-premiere of Hands on a Hardbody debuted in spring 2012 at California’s famous La Jolla Playhouse and is based on a book by Pulitzer Prize-winner Doug Wright. The Broadway production will feature the full cast from the original engagement and an award-winning design team. Hands on a Hardbody is produced by Broadway Across America, Barbara Whitman, Latitude Link, Dede Harris, Sharon Karmazin, and Howard and Janet Kagan. Lyrics are by Amanda Green (Bring It On: The Musical), music is by Trey Anastasio (Phish) and Amanda Green, direction is by Neil Pepe (Broadway’s Speed-The-Plow), and musical staging is by Sergio Trujillo (Memphis, Jersey Boys).

This humorous production will have the audience rolling in their seats. Hands on a Hardbody mixes rock, blue-grass, country, rhythm and blues music to celebrate the identity of the characters. Viewers will want to clap along and tap their feet as they leave this all-American musical.

Happy New Year! The Broadway Collection has had a great start to 2013, and is welcoming four new members: The Metropolitan Opera, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Hands on a Hardbody and Flashdance. Here is some additional information about each:

- The Metropolitan Opera: The Metropolitan Opera, now in its 129th season, is a vibrant home for the most creative and talented artists, including singers, conductors, composers, orchestra musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world. Known as the venue for the world’s greatest voices, the Met has been under the musical direction of James Levine since 1976. Maestro Levine is credited with having created one of opera’s finest orchestras and choruses.

- Pump Boys and Dinettes: Somewhere in America’s heartland, between Frog Level and Smyrna, North Carolina, stands a rest stop, for those who need a good rest. The four hard-working fellas at the gas station, Jim, Jackson, Eddie and L.M., have been known to do some auto repairs, but only when aided by ample quantities of time, great tunes and a few beers while they’re at it. Just a few feet away, there’s also a roadside eatery, the Double Cupp Diner, where the Cupp sisters, Prudie and Rhetta, celebrate their famous home cooking and gift for song with the same zeal they bring to their kinship with the boys. Pump Boys and Dinettes will open for previews on March 19, 2013 and officially open April 8, 2013 at the Circle in the Square Theatre.

- Hands on a Hardbody: For ten hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, they’ll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand new truck in order to win it. In the hilarious, hard-fought contest that is Hands on a Hardbody only one winner can drive away with the American Dream. Previews start Fabruary 23 and the show officially opens March 21 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

- Flashdance: Flashdance tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a working-class girl from Pittsburgh with a dream of becoming a professional dancer. She works by day as a steel mill welder, and a bar dancer at night while aspiring to be accepted at a prestigious ballet academy. When Alex catches the eye of her boss Nick Hurley, their romance shows her the meaning of love and drives her ambition to pursue her dream. Flashdance will open in August 2013.

Sadly, Mary Poppins will be closing its doors on March 3, 2013. Book your tickets now before this great Disney classic is gone!

The producers of the Tony-winning hit musical comedy Nice Work If You Can Get It have announced that Tony Award nominee Brad Oscar will perform the role of ‘Cookie McGee’ during Michael McGrath’s two month leave of absence. This reunites Mr. Oscar with Matthew Broderick for the first time since they starred together in the original cast of The Producers.

Although Chaplin the Musical has said farewell to Broadway, the production will open its doors once again next year in Brazil. The show will be produced in São Paulo, Brazil at the Teatro Procópio Ferreira in April 2014 by Chaim XYZ Produções.

We have also had a lot of records broken over the holidays! The Book of Mormon broke the Eugene O’neill house record for the 44th time, Once broke the house record at Broadway’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, and Annie broke the house record at the Palace theatre for the second time! Wicked has broken an remarkable record – It has been the number one show on Broadway for nine consecutive years! Now that’s an achievement!