Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.
New Version of Idina & Kristin's Wicked
We imagine this release will be, well, popular! To celebrate the 13th Broadway anniversary of Stephen Schwartz’s Wicked’s on October 30, the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum original cast recording has received its first-ever wide release on vinyl as a double LP via Verve/UMe. Featuring the vocal talents of a certain Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the record has been on Billboard’s Top Cast Albums Chart for 557 weeks, including 333 weeks at number one. The blockbuster continues to defy gravity eight shows a week at the Main Stem’s Gershwin Theatre and currently stars Jennifer DiNoia and Carrie St. Louis.
LCT Eyes Colin Firth-Led My Fair Lady Revival
Wouldn't it be loverly if the My Fair Lady revival really is now closer to landing on Broadway? According to the New York Post, Lincoln Center Theater is now interested in staging the project, which as we previously reported currently has Colin Firth on board to star as Henry Higgins, with Bartlett Sher directing. Names in the mix to play Eliza Doolittle have so far included Oscar winner Anne Hathaway and Tony nominee Carey Mulligan. Kelli Barrett danced all night in Lerner and Loewe’s classic tuner at Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theater over the summer. Julia Andrews, the first Broadway Eliza, has directed an incarnation of the tuner that is currently running in Sydney, Australia.
Win Walk-On Dancing Role on Hairspray Live!
Good morning, Baltimore! Want to be on NBC’s Hairspray Live! alongside Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Derek Hough and so many more? A dance contest has been set for September 15 at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore and is open to residents of the WBAL-TV market. The winner will be flown to Los Angeles and be part of the Peacock Network’s live telecast on December 7. The project’s star, Maddie Baillio, who plays Tracy Turnblad, will join an array of producers and choreographers as judges. Contestants should watch the videos featuring Hough and be expected to perform as he explains the step-by-step dance moves. Click here for all the forms and details!
Alex Brightman to Emcee Broadway Salutes
School of Rock’s Alex Brightman will host the eighth annual Broadway Salutes event, which celebrates theater professionals who have worked 25, 35 and 50+ years on Broadway. Directed by Marc Bruni, special guest performers will include Leslie Kritzer and Rashidra Scott; the ceremony is scheduled for September 20 in Shubert Alley from 3:30 PM.
P.S. Just because it's Friday, check out the Broadway supernova and pocket diva's rendition of "Popular" below. You're welcome, have a thrillifying weekend!