My Ten Must-See Events at BroadwayCon 2018
It's hard to believe we're just a week away from BroadwayCon 2018 but it's right around the corner. Thousands of theatre fans will be gathering at New York City's Javits Center for three days of panels, games, and performances.
While there are plenty of events and guests to see, there are some that I am looking forward to the most. Here they are in no particular order broken down by which day they are.
Friday
"Thank You, Five! The Stage Management Panel"
Description: Lights up! Sound: GO! Go behind the scenes with Broadway's behind the scenes stars: the Stage Managers. Discover what goes into the role of guiding a show through rehearsals to opening night!
Panelists Include: Matthew Aaron Stern - Wicked, Bonnie Panson - Anastasia, Kenneth McGee - Once On This Island, Beverly Jenkins - A Bronx Tale and Mahlon Kruse - Chicago
"The Secrets Of Broadway's St. James Theatre with Jordan Roth and Jennifer Ashley Tepper"
Description: The St. James Theatre is one of the most legendary and coveted houses on Broadway. Having undergone a historic renovation in advance of this season's Frozen, the St. James, owned by Jujamcyn Theaters, is now about to enter a new and exciting chapter. Join Jujamcyn President Jordan Roth and author of "The Untold Stories of Broadway Jennifer Ashley Tepper" as they go deep into the world of the St. James, sharing secrets of its past and plans for its future.
"Actors and Activism with Anthony Rapp and Ilana Levine"
Ilana Levine and Anthony Rapp starred together as Lucy Van Pelt and Charlie Brown in the Broadway hit You're A Good Man Charlie Brown. Now these two friends invite you to join them in a conversation about activism in the Broadway community. Joined by some of Broadway's biggest stars, Ilana and Anthony want to hear your ideas on how to make a world that reflects the values found in the Broadway community: acceptance, empathy, and kindness.
Panelists Include: Arian Moayed, Emily Skeggs, and Britton Smith
"¡Atención! In the Heights Reunites 10 Years Later"
Description: Take a trip back to the Heights for this exclusive 10-year reunion featuring cast and creatives from the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights! Hear behind-the-scenes stories and learn about the impact this musical has had on Broadway and beyond.
Panelists Include: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Luis A. Miranda, Jr., Karen Olivo, Mandy Gonzalez, Javier Munoz, Krysta Rodriguez, Janet Decal, Priscilla Lopez, Seth Stewart, and Olga Merediz.
Saturday
"Fan Tan Fantastic: Asian American Representation"
Description: We'll be taking a look at the strides and setbacks of being Asian and On Broadway from the Asians OF Broadway - Ali Ewoldt, Raymond J. Lee, Shoba Narayan, and Telly Leung have all agreed to some and spill the Jasmine Tea and we cannot wait. Hosted by Erin Quill, author of the "Fairy Princess Diaries." Let's get loud!
"Cosplay Fashion Show"
Description: Strut your stuff and compete for the title of "Best Costume."
"Show Spotlight: The Band's Visit"
Description: From becoming an off-Broadway hit to earning Broadway raves, the cast and creative team of The Band's Visit are talking about developing the show, their musical training, and the experience of telling this true story every night.
"Show Spotlight: SpongeBob SquarePants"
Description: Reimagining the beloved Nickelodeon series, SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway was recently hailed by The New York Times as “brilliant" and “effervescent candy-for-the-spirit" by New York Magazine. SpongeBob SquarePants, now playing at the Palace Theatre, explodes with energy and features an original pop and rock-infused score by a legendary roster of Grammy® Award-winning songwriters. Led and conceived by visionary director Tina Landau and a Tony Award®-winning design team, the production brings the spirit of SpongeBob to life with humanity, heart, and pure theatricality.
Sunday
"Journey to the Island: A Celebration of Ahrens and Flaherty"
Description: Tony Award winners Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens have crafted two of Broadway's current hit musicals – Anastasia and Once on This Island. In this panel, Lynn Ahrens, Anastasia's Christy Altomare, and Once on This Island's Hailey Kilgore discuss the strong female characters that anchor both musicals and how this theme is echoed on stage and off. The panel will feature a special shout out from Stephen Flaherty, and performances by Christy Altomare and Alex Newell.
"The Interval presents Leigh Silverman, Phillipa Soo, and Betsy Wolfe in Conversation"
Description: Leigh Silverman interviews Phillipa Too and Betsy Wolfe about all things theatre and feminism.
BONUS
I had to add these because I'm hosting them!
"Theatre on a Budget"
Description: Producing theatre is expensive. It doesn't matter whether it's for Broadway, community theatre or high school shows, precise budgeting is always important. This discussion group will address the challenges of producing theatre with minimal funds and explore ways to stretch dollars to get these shows off the ground.
Panelists Include: Kimberly Eaton - Producer of Fun Home and the VP of Communications for the League of Professional Theatre Women.
"To BFA or Not to BFA"
Descripton: Join theatre professionals from all backgrounds as they discuss their paths from high school graduation to today. Hear their thoughts on which degree programs worked for them, why they chose their schools, and what they'd do differently if they could do it all again.
Panelists Include: Kristy Cates - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Morgan Paige-Fluss - Seussical, Kimberly Eaton - Producer of Fun Home.
These are just some of the highlights of this year’s BroadwayCon, so make your plans now to stop by and see what’s happening with all things Broadway. Tickets for this year’s BroadwayCon are currently on sale for either specific days or consider a weekend pass which will provide entry for the entire weekend. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.