It’s Only A Day Away: Annie To Close On Broadway
The Tony-nominted revival of Annie will close on Broadway on January 5, according to a statement by the producers. The current revival of Annie opened in November and will have played 487 performances by the time in closes. The hit musical about a perky depression-era orphan, with a popular score by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan, currently stars Taylor Richardson and Sadie Sink alternating the title role, Antony Warlow as Daddy Warbucks and Faith Prince as Miss Hannigan.

Stuff As Dreams Are Made On: Large Scale Tempest Coming To Central Park
An inventive new production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest will open in Central Park on September 6. Conceived and directed by Lear deBessonet and featuring book, music and lyrics by Todd Almond, this production of The Tempest features a large, outdoor playing space and employs over 200 actors. The cast features some well-known Broadway performers like Norm Lewis and Laura Benant and a large ensemble of both professional and non-professional actors. In a statement about the production director deBessonet said: “Public Works is an opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy of New York City. In this first year we've joined with five organizations that embody some of the most innovative approaches to community building. Together we are shaping a vision of how theatre can transform a community and enrich the civic life of our city." Tickets are free, but are handed out in limited numbers the day of the show beginning at noon.

What’s The Buzz: New Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical Sets Opening and Cast
The world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ( Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats ) new musical Stephen Ward will
open on London’s West End in on December 19 following a three week preview period. Ward which will be directed by Richard Eyre, is the true story of a British doctor who made headlines as the center of a political scandal in the 1960s. Alexander Hanson will play the title role with Christine Keeler, Charlotte Blackledge, Anthony Calf, Daniel Flynn and Joanna Riding rounding out the cast. No world yet whether Ward will eventually get a Broadway transfer.

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