No Day But Today! Anthony Rapp to play London shows

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has announced that Broadway star Anthony Rapp is coming to London!

Rapp will reportedly play shows at the St James Studio between 5th and 17th December 2016 (further details are to be confirmed). 

The actor previously performed his show Without You at London's Menier Chocolate Factory in 2012.

Mamie Parris to star as Grizabella in Cats on Broadway

Mamie Parris is taking over from Leona Lewis as Grizabella in the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats.

Lewis will play her final performance in the musical on 9th October. Parris originated the role of Patty in Lloyd Webber's new Broadway musical School of Rock.

She previously starred as Elphaba in the U.S. tour of Wicked and as Judy in the U.S. tour of 9 to 5. Her Broadway credits include On the Twentieth Century, Ragtime, 110 in the Shade and The Drowsy Chaperone. 

Ramin Karimloo to star in Anastasia on Broadway

Ramin Karimloo is returning to Broadway to star as Gleb in Anastasia. He previously played the role in the musical's 2015 workshop. 

Directed by  Darko Tresnjak, the new musical is set to open at the Broadhurst Theatre on 24th April 2017 following its world premiere in Connecticut. 

Anastasia reunites the creative team behind Ragtime. Book is by Terrence McNally with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The cast also includes Christy Altomare as Anya, Derek Klena as Dmitry, John Bolton as Vlad Popov and Caroline O’Connor as Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch.

Jennifer Holliday joins Cynthia Erivo in The Color Purple on Broadway!

Aaaand we are telling you... that Jennifer Holliday is back in town!

The Broadway diva, who originated the role of Effie White in Dreamgirls, is taking over as Shug Avery from Heather Headley in The Color Purple.

Holliday will play her first performance at New York's Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 4th October, after Headley leaves on 2nd October. Jennifer Hudson, who played Effie White in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls, originated the role of Shug in this production. Holliday previously played Sofia in The Color Purple's 2014 U.S. tour. She was last seen on Broadway in 2001 when she starred in Chicago. 

Miss Saigon confirms details for U.S. screening

Following the announcement that Miss Saigon will be screened in Australia on 14th October and in the UK on 15th October, it has been confirmed that the recording of the 25th anniversary will be screened in U.S. cinemas on 22nd September 2016.

After being screened around the world, Miss Saigon: The 25th Anniversary Performance is expected to become avaliable for purchase (details to be confirmed). The show will be screened in the U.S. ahead of being revived on Broadway. 

The majority of the footage was captured during the musical's 25th anniversary gala at the Prince Edward Theatre as well as from the show's final performance. The special 25th anniversary gala finale featuring original cast members will also be included.

Groundhog Day delays Broadway transfer

Earlier this week Groundhog Day celebrated its official opening at the Old Vic.

It had previously been announced that the musical would open on Broadway on 9th March 2017 (previews from 23rd January). However, following reports in the New York Times that producer Scott Rudin has departed the project, the musical's Broadway run has been pushed back. New dates and a theatre are yet to be announced. 

Tim Minchin's musical runs in London to 17th September 2016. With book by Danny Rubin and choreography by Peter Darling, Groundhog Day is directed by Matthew Warchus who previously collaborated with Minchin on Matilda.

Details confirmed for Broadway revival of Miss Saigon

Details have been confirmed for the upcoming Broadway revival of Miss Saigon. 

The musical will return to the Broadway Theatre, the same theatre where Miss Saigon made its New York premiere in 1991.

Eva Noblezada and Jon Jon Briones are set to reprise their performances as Kim and the Engineer from the recent West End revival.

Miss Saigon opens on Broadway on 23rd March 2017 (previews from 1st March) for a limited run to 14th January 2018. The show will then embark on a U.S. tour.

Further casting announced for Hairspray LIVE!

You can't stop the beat! Even more casting has been announced for NBC's Hairspray LIVE.

Disney stars Dove Cameron and Garrett Clayton will play Amber von Tussle and Link Larkin alongside Emmy winner Sean Hayes as Mr. Pinky.

Andrew Lloyd Webber celebrates having three shows on Broadway!

Last night (31st July) the Broadway revival of Cats opened on Broadway, meaning that legendary British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber now has three musicals on Broadway!

In addition to Cats, The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running musical on Broadway whilst Lloyd Webber's newest musical School of Rock is playing to packed houses ahead of its West End transfer.

To celebrate, Lloyd Webber posed for a special photo with Leona Lewis who plays Grizabella in Cats, Alex Brightman who plays Dewey Finn in School of Rock and James Barbour who plays the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. Check out the photo below (click to enlarge).

Mandy Gonzalez to star in Hamilton on Broadway; further casting announced for Chicago production

Mandy Gonzalez will star as Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway production of Hamilton.

Gonzalez will take over from Tony winner Renée Elise Goldsberry in October (date TBC).

Gonzalez originated the role of Nina in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical In The Heights and famously played Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. She can currently be seen on screen in Madam Secretary and Quantico.

The Broadway production of Hamilton recently welcomed Lexi Lawson as Eliza Hamilton and Michael Luwoye as alternate Hamilton whilst former alternate Hamilton Javier Muñoz took over the role full-time. Brandon Victor Dixon is joining the company as Aaron Burr in mid-August. 

Shoshana Bean returning to London for month-long residency

Shoshana Bean has revealed that she is returning to London for a month-long residency of solo shows at the Singers Lounge.

Bean will kick off a run of eight shows on 11th September, playing her final night on 3rd October. She performed at the Singers Lounge last year, following a residency at the London Hippodrome.

The Broadway diva most recently played Fanny Brice in Funny Girl at North Shore Music Theatre before taking her solo show to Australia. She also recently played Cee Cee in Beaches The Musical at Chicago's Drury Lane Theatre

Jenn Gambatese taking over from Sierra Boggess in School Of Rock

Jenn Gambatese is taking over from Sierra Boggess as Principal Rosalie Mullins in the Broadway production of School Of Rock.

Gambatese joins Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical at the Winter Garden Theatre on 9th August. Boggess plays her final performance on 8th August ahead of reprising her performance as Christine Daae in the French production of The Phantom of the Opera.

Gambatese originated the roles of Jane in Tarzan and Natalie in All Shook Up (both on Broadway) and played Glinda in the U.S. tour of Wicked. Her additional Broadway credits include Hairspray, Is He Dead?, A Year with Frog and Toad and Footloose.

Stephen Ashfield joining Broadway production of The Book of Mormon

Stephen Ashfield has announced that he is taking over as Elder McKinley in the Broadway production of The Book of Mormon.

Ashfield will play his first performance at New York's Eugene O'Neill Theatre on 23rd August 2016. He takes over from Grey Henson who departs the show on 21st August.

Ashfield has been playing Elder McKinley in the West End since 2013 and won an Olivier Award for his performance. He will play his final show at London's Prince Of Wales Theatre on 6th August 2016.

Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz to star in Waitress on Broadway

Former Glee star Jenna Ushkowitz is taking over as Dawn in Waitress on Broadway.

Ushkowitz replaces Kimiko Glenn on 29th July. Glenn is taking a leave of absence from the show, her return date has not been confirmed. 

Running at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, Waitress stars Jessie Mueller with the cast also including Keala Settle, Nick Cordero, Drew Gehling, Dakin Matthews, Eric Anderson, Christopher Fitzgerald, Thay Floyd, Molly Hager, Aisha Jackson, Ragan Pharris and Ryan Vasquez.

Fiddler on the Roof announces Broadway closure

The Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof will close later this year.

The musical will play its final performance at the Broadway Theatre on 31st December. Having opened in December 2015, the revival will have played 34 previews and 464 regular performances.

Directed by Bartlett Sher, the cast currently includes Danny Burstein, Jessica Hecht, Jenny Rose Baker, Michael C. Bernardi, Adam Dannheisser, Hayley Feinstein, Mitch Greenberg, Adam Grupper, Adam Kantor, Karl Kenzler, Alix Korey, Jesse Kovarsky, Samantha Massell, Melanie Moore, George Psomas, Ben Rappaport, Nick Rehberger, Jeffrey Schecter, Alexandra Silber, Jessica Vosk, Lori Wilner, Aaron Young and Jennifer Zetlan.

Annaleigh Ashford to star as Dot in Sunday in the Park with George alongside Jake Gyllenhaal

Annaleigh Ashford will star as Dot in New York City Center's production of Sunday in the Park with George.

Ashford joins Jake Gyllenhaal as the title role in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical. The show is being staged for three benefit performances between 24th and 26th October 2016.

Ashford's Broadway credits include: Sylvia, You Can't Take It With You, Kinky Boots, Wicked, Hair, and Legally Blonde. She is a series regular on Showtime's Masters of Sex and recently filmed Fox's remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Kinky Boots announces new Broadway cast

Aaron C. Finley and Shannon O’Boyle are joining the Broadway production of Kinky Boots this summer at New York's Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

On 8th August Finley will take over as Charlie Price from Andy Kelso whilst O’Boyle is taking over as Nicola from Cortney Wolfson on 25th July. 

Haven Burton is returning to the musical on 15th August, taking over from Jeanna de Waal. They join Alan Mingo Jr. as Lola, Daniel Stewart Sherman as Don and Marcus Neville as George.

Brandon Victor Dixon, Lexi Lawson & Michael Luwoye to star in Hamilton

Brandon Victor Dixon will take over as Aaron Burr in Hamilton on Broadway in mid-August (date TBC).

Joining the Broadway cast on 11th July are Lexi Lawson as Eliza Hamilton and Michael Luwoye as alternate Hamilton. As previously announced, Javier Muñoz takes over as the title role on 11th July. 

Shuffle Along starring Audra McDonald & Billy Porter to close on Broadway

According to the New York Times, Shuffle Along will close on 24th July - the date Audra McDonald is scheduled to be leaving the show.

The musical opened at the Music Box Theatre in April 2016. The cast also includes Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter, Brandon Victor Dixon and Joshua Henry.

Big Interview: Ramin Karimloo

Ramin Karimloo is preparing to headline the London Palladium with his band on Saturday 16th July 2016.

Having played two sold out concerts at Islington’s Union Chapel and the Assembly Hall earlier this year, Ramin will perform his Broadgrass material including songs from Broadway, Bluegrass and beyond. 

Wicked legend Louise Dearman will join Ramin for a "duet or two." The band includes Sergio Ortega, Hadley Fraser and Alan Markley with backing vocals from Katie Birtill. 

After understudying Joe Gillis in the 2002 UK tour of Sunset Boulevard, the Iranian-Canadian performer went on to make his West End debut the same year as understudy Marius and Enjolras in Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre. He then starred as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre before returning to the West End production of Les Miserables as full-time Enjolras.

Ramin played Chris in the 2005 UK tour of Miss Saigon. He returned to the West End in 2007, this time taking on the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. He later originated the role of The Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre. He starred in the 25th Anniversary concerts for Les Miserables (O2 Arena) and The Phantom of the Opera (Royal Albert Hall), playing Enjolras and The Phantom respectively. 

Ramin first played Jean Valjean - arguably the most challenging male role in musical theatre - in the West End production of Les Miserables. He went on to reprise his performance in Toronto and then on Broadway where he received a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.