Encores! 2026 Update? — Page 4

I hope this means we get a new -- or reinstated -- orchestration for LA CAGE that can be licensed.

For those who don't know, the 2011 version (from Harvey's engagement as Albin) is now the ONLY licensed version of the show because it's the script that Harvey & Jerry preferred. But that means that the terrible 8-piece orchestration is now the only instrumentation licensed for the show, because some of the score has also evolved over the years.

Markie27 said: "Oh god I thought Brian is gay!!!! So sorry! Forget what I said. Now I’m at a loss. Wonder now who would be a great black gay actor of a certain age to play George. I know I know he doesn’t have to be gay. But I just wish they can cast all gay characters for gay roles. There are a lot of straight characters there as well so why not cast the gays for the gays."

Hear me out on this but...Colman Domingo???

I thought Wild Party was supposed to be Sheem Ali’s project, but it looks like it’s now being directed by Lili-Anne Brown. She’s done some great work in the Chicago theatre scene, she’s currently directing(for the third time) The Color Purple for The Goodman; I think this is her NYC debut!


I wonder if Goddess is transferring next season?

Sethwp2 said: "Jordan Catalano said: "This is a chat board. A discussion forum. When having a discussion with someone you don’t always stop to do research, that would negate most conversations from actually happening."

It is indeed. But alittle research (and by research, I just mean a simple Google search, is all), would negate a lot of the unnecessary questions... but would not prevent discussion and conversation. Maybe it could inspire better discussions ?"

This is like when things are announced on social media and instead of actually reading an article, people don't bother and ask what the article says in the comments. Our reading comprehension skills have gone way down. It's embarassing how lazy people can be

Call_me_jorge said: "I wonder if Goddess is transferring next season?"

It's possible, but I hope they can fix the book first...

Saheem Ali is on a hot streak and this just might not work with his schedule. He's probably got a slew of projects in development too.

I also assume he is the Heir Apparent to the Public AD role? (if Oskar actually retires in Summer 2028 as planned)

Updated On: 6/10/25 at 01:46 PM

jakethesnake said: "Markie27 said: "Oh god I thought Brian is gay!!!! So sorry! Forget what I said. Now I’m at a loss. Wonder now who would be a great black gay actor of a certain age to play George. I know I know he doesn’t have to be gay. But I just wish they can cast all gay characters for gay roles. There are a lot of straight characters there as well so why not cast the gays for the gays."

I never understand this logic. So only someone who is gay can play a gay role and only someone who is straight can play a straight role? I thought it was called acting."

And that’s why I mentioned that “he doesn’t have to be gay.” I’m all for acting regardless of gender and orientation but La Cage a Faux is a quintessential gay musical and I just wish that they honor that by presenting it with actual gay actors in gay roles. That is all. I’m not trying to open a can of worms about what it is being an “actor”. I love Paul Mescal and seeing him do gay roles is always a treat not because he is gorgeous but he is and always have been an ally and a great actor. But can we just make an exception for shows that are very specific in presenting LGBT like La Cage? I’m still sore with the Inheritance being a quintessential gay play but was lead by two straight actors. I just want our voices be heard from our own voices. It’s just my preference and my opinion. And I respect your reasoning as well for lending our voices to straight actors and allies.

I think everyone complaining about Billy Porter should re-watch this trailer from the Sam Pinkelton production at Pasadena Playhouse... there is no way in hell Porter could be worse.

scripps said: "Ali Louis Bourzguias Bat Boy, please please please.

I still have to frame my oversized Bat Boy poster given out on opening night in .... 2001."

ABSOLUTELY YES. My dream casting for this.

" I think everyone complaining about Billy Porter should re-watch this trailer from the Sam Pinkelton production at Pasadena Playhouse... there is no way in hell Porter could be worse"

Preach it, sister! I saw that thing.

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "Bat Boy has commercial producers attached if we want to start playing the "will it transfer" game now lol"



Yeah, I took one look at Alex Timbers and said "oh, this one's got legs"

...or I guess wings

HIGH SPIRITS!!!!

Donna Murphy as Madame Arcati? Or Audra? Jen Simard?

I've wanted Audra in a real comedy for years. She's always singing comedic songs in concert and then is only cast in deeply dramatic work.

The last time La Cage was revived on Broadway there were questions about how relevant it was but I think the times we're in reflect the times it was written in. Billy...sure whatever. I'm always holding out hope he'll surprise me one day but I doubt it.

For Arcati: Donna Murphy, Harriet Harris, Cole Escola, Bernadette all sound like good casting.

Regarding Bat Boy's commercial aspirations...

The show was wildly critical successful when it opened off Broadway in March 2001. It won the Lortel and the Outer Critics Circle Award that year. There was definitely a lot of chatter that it would transfer to Broadway. And then 9/11 happened and no one knew what to do with a satirical show with a bizarre premise. I watched audiences evaporate, not just because of the subject matter but because it was at the Union Square Theatre (RIP), so a bit too far downtown for comfort.

Add to that Urinetown opening on Broadway that September, taking up the dark comedy slot for the season. So the show ultimately closed in December with a bit of a whimper and some strong "what could have been" energy.

Three years later, the show opened on the West End and bombed. I (weirdly and coincidentally -- I promise I'm not a stalker) happened to live around the corner from the Shaftesbury Theatre during its run, and British audiences and critics just didn't know what to do with it. The humor didn't translate. The quirky little off Broadway show was swallowed up by a 1400 seat theatre. It closed in a few months, essentially killing any remaining Broadway aspirations.

In 2014, O'Keefe and team brought the show to Harvard as a way to keep working on in with clear aspirations of a return to NYC. (https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/theater-dance/2014/11/11/bat-boy-goes-harvard/wzazxBsvChRexhKdKgFitO/story.html). While nothing materialized then, it's clear that O'Keefe has a bit of unfinished business with the show.

Over the years, the show has built a really strong cult following. It's a favorite of colleges across the country. It's smart and funny and has an excellent score.

And here we are now. I am very cautiously optimistic about this. I love this show with all my heart. I think it can work in a commercial run. I do think a commercial off-Broadway run in the current Little Shop mold (or NWS I guess) is a better idea than trying to make it work on Broadway, but we'll see.

Whatever happens, I'm glad the show is getting a shot at new life and a return to the NYC stage. And I'm glad I'll get to see it again!