FIRST IN THE BRIEFING: The Outer Critics Circle has announced its plans for honoring the 2019-2020 season of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. In lieu of selecting traditional nominees with one winner from each category, the 70th Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards will celebrate up to five honorees in each of its twenty-six categories, in addition to four honorees for the annual John Gassner Award, commemorating works by new American playwrights. The eligibility cutoff for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows was March 6. Honorees will be announced to the public on May 11.

CASTING CALL: “‘KPOP’ moves casting search online ahead of planned Broadway run” by Broadway News’ Caitlin Huston – “The producers of “KPOP” have moved their casting search online as they prepare for a Broadway run next season. The musical … will host an online virtual call seeking performers. Producers Tim Forbes and Joey Parnes had previously announced a nationwide casting search for a work session in November 2019.” http://bway.ly/l8ymh1

NYC: “Gov. Cuomo convenes industry leaders for economy-restarting think tank” by Page Six’s Cindy Adams – “A pack answered our governor’s call to solicit opinions. Submit ideas on how to reopen NYC. Restart our economy. It was a whole collection of names and industries. … The Broadway group included Scott Rudin, Jimmy Nederlander.” http://bway.ly/yqay8f

AWARDS SEASON: “Michael Musto to Announce Nominations for 10th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards on April 28” by BroadwayWorld – http://bway.ly/e8wh1a

BENANTI: “Broadway Star Laura Benanti Recently Tossed A Social Media Lifeline To Musical Theater Students Hit By The Shutdown; On May 2, She’ll Give Them A National Stage: Guest Column” by Laura Benanti for Deadline – “My friend Kate Deiter-Maradei … and I have partnered with three companies: K4Connect, Prompt and Seniorly to take SunshineSongs submissions and turn them into 30 minute concert specials, which we will then provide to residents in senior living communities and children’s hospitals.” http://bway.ly/ibzsap

BROADWAY BABY: “Lea Michele Is Pregnant! Actress Expecting First Child with Husband Zandy Reich” by People’s Aili Nahas and Benjamin VanHoose – http://bway.ly/mq49k7