Theater Update: Pete Townshend on ‘Tommy’ revival

Nicole Scherzinger in 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'Cabaret' and 'Appropriate'

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story March 27, 2024 Dear Theater Fans, The British director Rebecca Frecknall is known for her refreshing takes on classic works like "A Streetcar Named Desire." Now she is making her Broadway debut with her London production of "Cabaret," which received seven Olivier Awards in 2022 and starred Eddie Redmayne (who is reprising his turn as the Emcee). Frecknall spoke with Douglas Greenwood about her career and finally realizing her childhood dream of staging the Kander and Ebb classic. Decades after "The Who's Tommy" rocked Broadway, the show is back for an encore. In a wide-ranging conversation with Rob Tannenbaum, Pete Townshend spoke about the revival, why he hasn't released new music and childhood trauma. "That idea that 'Tommy' is a memoir in which I work out my childhood stuff — it probably is and I should admit that," Townshend said. Jessica Stone's "stunning" production of "Water for Elephants," Jesse Green wrote in his review (a Critic's Pick), "leads with movement, eye candy and awe." The production, set among the performers of a traveling circus, has "many wonders awaiting audiences," including Rosie the elephant. ● "Appropriate" on Broadway: The show, which concluded its run at the Helen Hayes Theater on March 3, has just reopened at the Belasco Theater, where it is scheduled to run through June 23 with one casting change (Ella Beatty has replaced Elle Fanning in the role of River). Read Jesse Green's review here. ● Return engagement: Liza Birkenmeier's abstract play "Grief Hotel," presented by Clubbed Thumb last summer and reviewed by Brittani Samuel, is now onstage (with the original cast) at the Public Theater in partnership with New Georges. Though the dark comedy can at times be hard to pin down, which is part of its charm, it has a lot to say about how we process grief. ● Streaming reminder: The final four performances of Jordan Seavey's "The Seven Year Disappear" will be streamed March 29-31. (Read about the poem that the show's star, Cynthia Nixon, wants read at her funeral.) Learn more about the livestream here. Please reach out to me at theaterfeedback@nytimes.com with suggestions for stories or to offer your thoughts on what you've read. I'll make note of them in an upcoming newsletter. And urge your friends to subscribe to this newsletter by clicking here. Have a wonderful week, Nicole Herrington Theater Editor Amir Hamja/The New York Times How to Restage 'Cabaret'? Don't Treat It Like a Classic. The British director Rebecca Frecknall's immersive revival of the Kander and Ebb musical was a hit in London. This spring, she's bringing it to Broadway. By Douglas Greenwood Erik Tanner for The New York Times With 'Tommy' Revival, Pete Townshend Is Talking to a New Generation He's also still working through his childhood trauma. Considering his musical's legacy, he sees a story about how "we prevail ultimately, by turning toward the light." By Rob Tannenbaum Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. NEWS AND FEATURES Sara Messinger for The New York Times Death by Genitalia? How an Intimacy Director Made Those 'Teeth' Work. Creating the sex scenes for the horror musical required close attention to detail, extra communication and some strategically placed silicone. By Rachel Sherman Marc Brenner Nicole Scherzinger to Star in 'Sunset Boulevard' on Broadway in the Fall The revival, birthed in London, is a radically reimagined version of the 1993 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on a 1950 Billy Wilder film. By Michael Paulson From left: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher to Star in Broadway Play The duo will lead the cast of "Left on Tenth," a stage adaptation of Delia Ephron's best-selling memoir. By Michael Paulson Sara Krulwich/The New York Times Essay A British Scandal Intrigued J.T. Rogers, Then He Went Down the Rabbit Hole The playwright thought News International's phone-hacking scandal could make for a sweeping thriller. Twelve years later, here it is. By J.T. Rogers Kena Betancur/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images My Ten Cynthia Nixon Knows What Poem She Wants Read at Her Funeral "I love 'I heard a Fly buzz — when I died,'" said the actress, currently performing Off Broadway in "The Seven Year Disappear." "That one gets me every time." By Kathryn Shattuck Emilio Madrid Arts and Letters Why 'Uncle Vanya' Is the Play for Our Anxious Era Despite debuting 125 years ago, Anton Chekhov's drama of claustrophobia, resentment and despair feels perfectly suited to present day America. By Jon Robin Baitz Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT GUIDE TO BROADWAY Golden Cosmos Broadway Shows to See This Winter and Spring A guide to the shows onstage now and scheduled to arrive soon, including "Cabaret," "Hell's Kitchen" and "The Outsiders." By Laura Collins-Hughes FROM THE CRITICS Sara Krulwich/The New York Times Critic's Pick 'Water for Elephants' Review: Beauty Under the Big Top The circus-themed love story, already a novel and a movie, becomes a gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical. By Jesse Green Jan Versweyveld 'Opening Night' Review: A Stylish Movie Becomes a Sludgy Travesty Ivo van Hove's stage adaptation of the 1977 John Cassavetes film, with music by Rufus Wainwright, turns a taut character study into a corny melodrama. By Houman Barekat Joan Marcus 'Like They Do in the Movies' Review: Laurence Fishburne Widens His Lens In his solo show, the screen and stage star shines a light into his formative dark corners and on the people who made an impression. By Naveen Kumar Steven Pisano Review: In 'American Rot,' the Painful Legacy of the Dred Scott Case Kate Taney Billingsley's play starts with a fictional apology, but then segregated choirs and a racist waitress create tonal dissonance. By Rhoda Feng Johan Persson Critic's Notebook On London Stages, Uplifting Tales of Black Masculinity "For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy" and "Red Pitch" offer generous portrayals of male bonding. By Houman Barekat Continue reading the main story ADVERTISMENT Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Theater Update from The New York Times. To stop receiving Theater Update, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018