Encores! 2026 Update?- Page 4

[toetapper2]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:08pm

Billy Porter is responsible for possibly one of the worst Encores! productions ever. He directed, rewrote and was responsible for reorchestrating Cy Coleman's "The Life" a few seasons back. How brave and out of the box Encores is to cast Billy Porter as a drag queen in an oft revived musical. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:09pm

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.

[Kad]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:11pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "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."

Jenny Gersten in the press release refers to, "the glorious original orchestrations for La  Cage Aux Folles"

[malcs98]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:13pm

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???

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:14pm

At this point I'm just glad if there's one show I want to see each season. Happy for High Spirits. Not interested in letting Billy Porter ruin another Encores show for me.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:14pm

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?

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:18pm

Kad said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "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."

Jenny Gersten in the press release refers to, "the glorious original orchestrations for La Cage Aux Folles""

YAY! I missed that. Thank you.

[witchoftheeast2]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:24pm

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 

[jakethesnake]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:37pm

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.  

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 1:46pm

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

[Markie27]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 2:20pm

malcs98 said: 

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

Oh my goddess yes!  

[Markie27]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 2:32pm

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.  

[kurtal]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 2:33pm

I have never been more excited than this Bat Boy announcement.  

I was a total groupie for the show back in its original off-Broadway run that was cut short in Fall 2001.  

TAKE ALL OF MY MONEY

[inception]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 5:39pm

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.

 

[spicemonkey]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 5:53pm

inception said: "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.

I don’t get the idea of comparing with something worse. Why not ask for something / someone better than good

"

 

Updated On: 6/10/25 at 05:53 PM

[Mickey3309]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 5:59pm

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. 

 

[nmartin]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 7:57pm

" Jenny Gersten in the press release refers to, "the glorious original orchestrations for La  Cage Aux Folles"

After seeing that abomination in Pasadena, I am thrilled to hear this!!

[nmartin]

Posted: 6/10/25 at 8:00pm

" 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]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 8:56am

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

[someoneinatree2]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 10:16am

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

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 10:27am

Two of the funniest things I’ve ever seen live were the original productions of “Bat Boy” and “Urinetown” and seeing how Encores sucked every ounce of joy from “Urinetown” a few months ago, I’m just praying they don’t do that again. 

[Ke3]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 10:38am

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.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 10:45am

Oh, PLEEEEEEEEEASE Donna!!!!!

[Bwaygurl2]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 10:45am

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

[TylerJia]

Posted: 6/11/25 at 10:55am

Sethwp2 said: "TylerJia said: "Exciting all round, except for Billy Porter being cast in La Cage. Nails on chalkboard.

Also, they mention about it being the first all-black La Cage, but aren't the MUNY doing the same thing this Summer with Norm Lewis?"

No one ever said The MUNY's La Cage was an all-black cast. And their cast list has been announced.

(Does anyone in this chat room know how to do a little research BEFORE posting stupid comments on here?)"

I know you're posting this simply because it makes you feel high and mighty for a split second in your adult life, but here's the reasoning for my question (posted more as a discussion point)

The Encores press release states "the Encores! production features an all-Black cast for the first time led by Emmy, Grammy, and three-time Tony Award-winning artist Billy Porter as the fabulous Albin, bringing a new dimension to the show’s core themes of identity and belonging."

Whilst the MUNY production is not all-black, nearly the entire principal cast (including Georges and Albin) are, meaning that the "bringing a new dimension to the show's core themes" will have been applied in a new major production months prior.

So I think the point is worth discussing and plenty of thought had gone in to it prior to posting. As others have said, this is a discussion website and I have made a valid point. I could easily just reply calling you a miserable ****, but you deserve more of an explanation.