Broadway Records will release the world premiere recording of MY MARCELLO. With music by Rosabella Gregory, lyrics by Dina Gregory and book by Corey Brunish, the recording features performances by two-time Tony Award winner Santino Fontana, two-time Tony Award nominated Laura Osnes, two-time Tony Award nominated Terrence Mann, Grammy winning and Tony Award nominated Elizabeth Stanley, Tony Award nominated Derek Klena, Drama Desk Award nominated Raymond Jaramillo McLeod and Drama Desk Award winner and Tony Award nominated Robert Cuccioli. The album will be available on Friday August 20 wherever digital music is sold and on BroadwayRecords.com

The complete cast for the highly anticipated new musical, MJ, was announced by producers Lia Vollack Productions and The Michael Jackson Estate. As previously announced, Myles Frost will be making his Broadway debut as Michael Jackson. MJ, inspired by the life and art of Michael Jackson, will begin performances on Broadway on December 6, 2021, with an opening night set for Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the newly refurbished Neil Simon Theatre (250 W 52nd Street).

Joining Mr. Frost in the cast are Quentin Earl Darrington as Joseph Jackson / Rob, Whitney Bashor as Rachel, Gabriel Ruiz as Alejandro, Antoine L. Smith as Berry Gordy / Nick, Joey Sorge as Dave, John Edwards as Jackie Jackson / Ensemble, Ayana George as Katherine Jackson, Apollo Levine as Quincy Jones / Tito Jackson, Tavon Olds-Sample as Michael, Lamont Walker II as Jermaine Jackson / Ensemble, Zelig Williams as Marlon Jackson / Ensemble, with Raymond BaynardKali May GrinderOyoyo JoiCarina-Kay LouchieyRenni Anthony Magee, Aaron James McKenzieAramie PaytonKamille UpshawRyan VanDenBoom, and Darius Wright rounding out the ensemble.  MJ features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize® winner Lynn Nottage and a score made up of some of the best-loved, top-selling songs in recording history. Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon will direct and choreograph. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

Heads Up – What Happened? The Michaels Abroad – Playwright and Director Richard Nelson is currently in rehearsal for his world premiere play at Hunter Theater Project, beginning performances on August 28th for a limited run until October 8. This is the final play in his Rhinebeck Panorama. Frederick Loewe Theater at Hunter College with Charlotte Bydwell, Haviland Morris, Maryann Plunkett, Jay O. Sanders, Matilda Sakamoto, Rita Wolf and Yvonne Woods. www.huntertheaterproject.org  Photo by Jason Ardizzone-West

The Art of Cabaret – The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) announces the sixth year of its MAC TO SCHOOL weekend event. The two-day cabaret event features panel discussions, interviews, workshops, and showcases, and will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 18 & 19 from 10:00 am to 6 pm each day over the MAC Zoom channel. 

MAC TO SCHOOL is open to MAC and non-MAC members.

·       Flat registration fee for MAC members: $50

·       Registration fee for Non-MAC members: $100, or join MAC for only $50 (Basic level) for a full-year membership to take advantage of the deeply discounted MAC member price of only $50 for the entire weekend. 

The $50 registration fee is good for admission to all events. Tuition is the same regardless of how many events you attend. Panel discussions, interviews, workshops, and showcases will feature cabaret performers, musical directors, directors, and booking managers from NYC and beyond, and will be moderated by a member of the MAC Board of Directors. Visit https://macnyc.com/mac-to-school-registration/ to register and view the schedule.