News Round-Up (Aug 11)

This Week On the Calendar
Ride the Cyclone
Two different productions of the cult favorite musical about 6 teens in a chamber choir whose lives are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster.

Fifty Key stage Musicals
The Routledge Key Guide book in concert!

Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
Catch 9 G&S productions streaming from the 29th International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival.

Factotum
Stream a new opera for free from the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The Midnight Gang
A special one for the kids from London’s inclusive theatre company Chickenshed.

Come to the Cabaret
Catch Broadway performers such as Ann Hampton Callaway, Stephanie Torns, Caroline Illiff, and Jonathan Hoover performing their signature cabarets.

​And more! 

Streaming Calendar

A Strange Loop Filmed in London
Although not yet confirmed by the production, it was announced on Twitter/X this week that the West End transfer of Michael R. Jackson’s “big, Black and queer-ass American Broadway show” has been filmed in London.

Hamilton
The mega-hit musical Hamilton has announced two partnerships this week that extend the musicals reach into the virtual world and onto the pickleball court.

Hamilton Simulator
The musical has paired with gaming company Super League and Small World Games to release a new immersive digital experience which allows players to step in to the world of the musical, and American history. The game commences on a ship arriving at the Old New York Docks, and users can unlock collectible versions of Hamilton characters that become companions on their journey, rapping, singing, and going head-to-head with adversaries as they go deeper into the narrative world brought to life on Broadway. The Hamilton Simulator is available for free on Roblox.

Hamilton Pickleball Paddles
Pickleball — a hybrid of tennis, ping-pong and badminton — has been around since the 1960s and has been named the fastest growing sport by The Sports & Fitness Industry Association three years running, can now be played with USA Pickleball Association-approved paddles! To celebrate National Pickleball Day on August 8, Hamilton announced a partnership with the female-led Nettie, a company specializing in pickleball gear, and released a Hamilton emblazoned paddle featuring the quote “I’m not throwing away my shot.” Paddles are available for $99.99 from Hamilton and Nettie.

NOW FREE: A Spotlight On
Launched earlier in 2023, the British platform features interviews, shorts, documentaries, performances, and masterclasses. Most content is now freely available, with additional content available via a premium subscription. More info and access via A Spotlight On.

Back to the Future on Good Morning America

To celebrate the opening of the West End musical on Broadway, the cast of Back to the Future performed “The Power of Love” and “Back in Time” on Good Morning America.

TOP OF THE UNIVERSE: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - “Subspace Rhapsody” 
According to Screen Rant, the soundtrack for Star Trek’s first musical episode topped the iTunes streaming charts after its release, charting at #1 in the Top 100 Soundtracks and #3 Top 100 Albums. The soundtrack features music and lyrics by Letters To Cleo's Kay Hanley and Tom Polce (the latter of whom also wrote for Crazy Ex Girlfriend). “Subspace Rhapsody” is available to stream via Apple.

​Stage Access & ReachTV
The streaming platform Stage Access has partnered with travel entertainment provider ReachTV to broadcast opera, ballet, and concerts in airports and hotel rooms across the United States.