us non equity tour

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Following the closure of the Broadway Revival in December 2017, a new 6th US Tour began in January 2019.

The first national tour of the revival of Cats was licensed by The Really Useful Group and produced by The Shubert Organization , James L. Nederlander , The Really Useful Group and Cameron Mackintosh .

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all performances of the Equity production from the 13th of March 2020 onwards were postponed, then cancelled. The tour re-launched as a non-Equity production on the 21st of September 2021, with the production closing the 18th of June 2023. [1]

• 1.1 Press Announcement
• 1.2 Creative Team
• 2.1 Tour Dates
• 2.3 Gallery
• 3.1 Tour Dates
• 3.3 Gallery
• 4 Awards and Nominations
• 5 Trivia (for Equity Tour)
• 7 References

Production Specifics [ ]

This production was the first tour of the Broadway Revival of Cats . It followed the Revival's blend of new and classic material, with few differences. The most obvious differences were in a slightly reduced cast, and a less elaborate set. Electra and Carbucketty were absent, and young Grizabella appeared in the opening sequence. The production used the NAP 11A "inflatable" set, which required some practical differences to blocking: for example, the car boot did not open, so Jennyanydots was discovered lying on top of the car rather than inside it for the opening of The Old Gumbie Cat .

For the first 18 months the tour was performed under the Equity union standards, with a planned break in the summer of 2020. The tour was then planned to continue from October 2020 with a non-Equity company. The global COVID-19 pandemic caused the Equity union run of the show to close early on the 12th March 2020, and the opening of the non-Equity run was delayed until 21st September 2021. The tour booking for 2021 and 2022 seasons, with many booked performances rescheduled rather than cancelled, closing in June 2023.

Press Announcement [ ]

Cats , the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in more than 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—" Memory ." Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Cats tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Lloyd Webber ( The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard ), original scenic and costume design by John Napier ( Les Misérables ), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz ( Disney's Aladdin ), all-new sound design by Mick Potter , new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler ( Hamilton ) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne ( Phantom ) and direction by Trevor Nunn ( Les Misérables ) make this production a new Cats for a new generation!

Today [2] (October 29th 2018), in celebration of National Cat Day, producers announced casting for the North American tour of the first ever Broadway revival of Cats. The multi-year tour will launch at Providence Performing Arts Center on January 22, 2019 and play 24 cities in its first season.

Creative Team [ ]

• Production Management: Troika Entertainment
• Associate Director & Choreographer to Trevor Nunn and Gillian Lynne: Chrissie Cartwright
• Associate Choreographer to Andy Blankenbuehler : Kim Craven
• Production Musical Supervisor: Kristen Blodgette
• Associate Costume Designer to John Napier : Lisa Zinni and Abigail Hahn
• Associate Set Designer to John Napier: Kevin Depinet
• Associate Lighting Designer to Natasha Katz : Craig Stelzenmuller
• Associate Sound Designer to Mick Potter : Adam Fisher

Equity Tour: 2019-2020 [ ]

The equity tour started in Providence, Rhode Island on the 22nd of January 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was cut short, having the final performance on the 12th of March 2020 in Ottawa, Ontario.

Tour Dates [ ]

Most venues followed the pattern of evening shows Tuesday - Friday, and two shows on Saturday and Sunday. However in New Mexico, for example, the show performed a Tuesday evening and Wednesday matinee in Alto, NM, with Thursday - Sunday shows in Albuquerque. This indicated that the show wpuld be able to move venues overnight, install, and tech within 24 hours, despite most of the dates indicating at least one travel day between venues.

Note: This site uses the Day-Month-Year (DD/MM/YY) date format.

As with the 2016 Broadway revival, the "Ensemble" versions of characters such as Old Deuteronomy, Rum Tum Tugger, and Gus had been given names. "Ensemble Tugger" was now "Bill Bailey" - however this is no relation to Bill Bailey the existing character. Although Grizabella was not given an ensemble name, she does take part in the opening number in this production. [3] Electra , who made her first appearance in a US production in the Broadway revival, had been cut from this production, along with Carbuckety (although their costumes are displayed in the theatre lobby at certain stops). However, the twins Coricopat and Tantomile who were cut from the US Tour 5 Troika touring production, were present in this larger scale tour.

Of this cast, few had previous "Cats" credits in full scale productions (excluding regional productions). Swings Erin Chupinsky and Tricia Tanguy had performed in US Tour 5 . Madison Mitchell and Nathan Patrick Morgan had also performed in US Tour 5, in addition to the Broadway Revival , along with Francesca Granell , Maria Failla , and Joshua Burrage . PJ DiGaetano and Maurice Dawkins had performed on Oasis of the Seas as Mistoffelees. Zachary Berger had performed in an Australian production.

Gallery [ ]

Non-Equity Tour: 2021 Onwards [ ]

The non-equity tour started on the 21st of September 2021 in Rochester, New York. It is the second non-equity production since the 5th national tour . It was referred to the 40th anniversary national tour in certain promotions.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, performers no longer left the stage to interact with the audience. For example, during the Overture , “green-eyes” has been replaced by lighting that resemble tiny cat eyes that appear throughout the stage. There was an extended dance break during Rum Tum Tugger , and Old Deuteronomy ’s entrance is now from downstage left.

A few other changes were also made from the previous Equity tour. Rather than entering through a rope, Mistoffelees entered from upstage right, lightning a few lights as he comes towards the center before restoring them all. When Grizabella ascended to the Heaviside Layer, she walked on the platform to the left of the stage (audience view) instead of flying on a wire to the right.

In the spring of 2022, a continuation of the tour was announced for the 2022-2023 season, the final for the tour.

All photos and videos are from the first cast of the Non-Equity portion of the tour in 2021.

Awards and Nominations [ ]

Trivia (for equity tour) [ ].

• This tour celebrated their 400th performance on February 2nd, 2020.
• The Hair and Makeup Supervisor Jakey Hicks was awarded BEST MAKE-UP at the 7th annual Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards. [5]
• Celine Dion visited the company while it was in residency at Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, Canada.
• Rebel Wilson , who portrays Jennyanydots in the 2019 film version of Cats , attended and met with the cast while the company was in residency at the Pantages on March 10, 2019.
• The tour broke the box office record for the highest-gross of an eight-performance engagement at the Buell Theatre in Denver. [6]
• While at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, this tour had the highest grossing week ever in the 38-year worldwide history of Cats . [7]
• Playbills: February 2019 , April 2019 (Denver) , April 2019 (Austin) , June 2019 , July 2019 , August 2019 , September 2019 , November 2019 (Nashville) , November 2019 (Toronto) , January 2020
• Reviews: November 2021 (Dayton) .

References [ ]

• ↑ CATS 2019/20 National Tour Announces Early Closing; 2020/21 Tour To Begin Fall 2020 As Previously Planned , broadwayworld.com, April 29, 2020.
• ↑ Broadwayworld.com , 29th October 2018
• ↑ www.blog-waltonartscenter.org
• ↑ Broadway Season at Paramount Theater
• ↑ National Tour of CATS Plays Record-Breaking Engagement In Denver
• ↑ CATS Has Highest-Grossing Week In Show's 38-year History
• 1 Frank Thompson
• 2 Rum Tum Tugger
• 3 Mistoffelees

What does "equity tour" and "non-equity tour" mean?

Broadwaydetroit.

Swing Joined: 1/25/06

#0 What does "equity tour" and "non-equity tour" mean?

I was doing some research about some shows coming to my area and was wondering if you guys could help me. What do these terms mean?.... thanks.

Yankeefan007

Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04

#1 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

non-equity: with cast members who aren't union workers (the union is Equity) Equity: with cast members who are union workers.

muscle23ftl Profile

Broadway Legend Joined: 12/19/04

#2 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

alright...that explanation was poor. Usually Equity tours are shows with bigger budgets than the Non-Equity tours.

Broadway Legend Joined: 1/21/06

#3 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

non-equity: actors get sh*t on by the producers. equity: the audience gets sh*t on by the union.

LizzieCurry Profile

Broadway Legend Joined: 3/7/05

#4 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

La la la... http://www.actorsequity.org/TheatreNews/tour_list_0402.html

Broadway Legend Joined: 12/15/05

#5 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

The thought that actors get s*** on by the producers of Non Eq tours irks me. I've worked on them in the past, and on Equity tours. And while there are some producers that might pay low, and really produce miserable tours to work on...that its the norm, is a misconception. Do they pay as much as Equity tours? No. Do you fly to every city? No, but you do to some. Generally Non Eq tours do pay decent wages for up and comers though, and are an excellent work experience for the resume. Companies like Troika, and Networks have provided many positive experiences for myself, and many of my friends. Now...as for the others (Big League, Dodger) that produce non eq tours, I've no experience with them but they've not been favourable in what I've heard. While the perks of Equity (insurance, pension, etc) are not there...Equity is something actors (not all though) aspire to. Non Eq tours can be great. The difference is that these actors haven't joined the union. And reguarding bigger sets on Equity tours...also, not always true.

TheEnchantedHunter

Broadway Legend Joined: 6/27/05

#6 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

I've seen abysmal productions by Equity tours and fabulous productions with non-Equity tours. It all depends on the quality of talent involved. And that is a roll of the die. Captain Nemo 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

HOUFlip04 Profile

Broadway Star Joined: 3/27/04

#7 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

I agree. The first time I saw A Chorus Line, I saw with a bus and truck non-equity company at the opera house in Galveston, TX and I LOVED the show. A few months later, I went to NYC and bought a ticket for A Chorus Line on Broadway and was very disappointed. The non equity tour had more heart than on Broadway and that's what made the show for me.

ThePinballWizard

Leading Actor Joined: 1/25/06

#8 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

You know this whole thing has always been a problem for me. Here's my honest opinion and some people may not agree with me but here I go. For a Union that I should and want to strive to be in, I've never felt so segregated in my life. Here's the shining example: Went for a callback for a Broadway show at the Actors Equity in Downtown Manhattan and I was non-equity. I understand that there is an equity lounge. You earn that and it's part of the union. BUT little did I know that you had to be part of the union to use the SAME RESTROOM. I was waiting, and it had already been a couple of hours and I wanted to use the restroom. Since I had never been there before I went up to the front desk to ask them where the restroom was. They told me it was across the street in the Hotel where Millie was playing. I asked if I could use the restroom in the building and was told that it was reserved strictly for Union Members only. NOW for a Union that wants me to be part of them and something that I should strive for...THAT I didn't understand. So I had to make the decision to either hold it and not miss the audition or to go and use the restroom and risk them calling us in and me not being there. Why should I have to choose over something that we all just "naturally" need to do. It wasn't like I was going to lay a giant stinkbomb or something. In any case... I have taken part of in a non-equity National Tour and it was my first. AND it was with Big League Theatricals. Let me just say this...we didn't fly around all the time BUT we did and we stayed in really nice hotels and sometimes 4 star hotels most of the time. It was such a great experience and I was very grateful for the job. I just wanted to perform and this was a great way to do it. One story I remember was when the AEA Representative came out and tried to help us fight for better benefits including housing.... ....this was amusing considering he/she was talking to us in the lobby of our hotel....which happened to be the 4 Star Hilton Hotel. I don't ever remember a Hilton to be poor accommodations...let alone cockroach infested... To sum it all up. I am pro union. I understand what the union does for members and I understand why they're around. They're here to help us. But some processes they do I don't quite understand or get...sometimes I think they just want to do it just to raise a stink...but I'll never know... Equity or non-equity...what happened to just performing? Whether or not it's non-equity doesn't matter..just know these actors make a choice to be there...and hopefully it's for the love of performing because I know that's what it is for me....everything is a stepping stone for learning and to get from the next point a to point b...we all want to reach our dreams right? alright now i'm stepping off my soapbox...feel free to criticize if you'd like...

children&art Profile

Broadway Legend Joined: 3/31/05

#9 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

so, um for instance.... i saw the touring company of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" in Dallas and i'm assuming it was an Equity tour - it played the Dallas Summer Musicals at Fair Park (Matt Cavenaugh was in it). but i am going to see "Millie" in Richardson on Friday as what I thought was a non-equity tour through Theatre League Inc. does this mean that the non-eq show is gonna be amateurish in set and costume and performance compared to the national tour which was almost identical to the Broadway version>?????

#10 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

Broadway Legend Joined: 8/2/03

#11 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

"Whether or not it's non-equity doesn't matter..just know these actors make a choice to be there..." Just as a paying ticket holder, being charged Equity priced tickets, makes a choice to be there...or NOT. That does matter.

Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69

#12 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

oooooooooo...this is SUCH a sticky thread!! here goes.. first of all mr pinball..i am sorry that you couldn't use the bathroom! thats a little extreme..BUT when you've paid thousands of dollars to join the union and have use of that lounge..including its facilities...you will be glad that people have to show a card to get in..have you SEEN the people in NYC??!!! i didn't pay thousands of dollars to have homeless people sitting in the equity lounge..and while i KNOW that you're not homeless (or maybe you are and thats fine) trust me..you'll be glad when not just anyone is allowed in. when you have starred in a broadway show and you're sitting there waiting for your audition appointment, for what you desperately hope will be your next job, you will be glad that little tom who just got off the bus from wherever can't just come in and sit down and start chatting with you because he really doesn't know any better...anyway..i don't mean to sound like a snob..but yes, i feel i have earned and i PAY for the use of that lounge....end of that story. next...as far as equity and non-equity goes..i have a huge issue with non eq tours...i honestly feel that non union actors have every right to work..by all means. however..i do not feel that a tour should be misrepresented as anything other than what it is. it concerns me when someone write that they are going to see a show and they don't even know that its non equity!!! it needs to be advertised as such..in LARGE PRINT! people are paying top dollar and they are assuming that it is an equity tour. i also have a problem when there is an existing EQUITY tour out and they CLOSE it to make it non-equity...it puts union workers out of a job and the producers charge the same money and pay everyone less. it shouldn't be allowed. equity has made better rules regarding this and like i said..i think all actors should be allowed to work regardless of union affiliation. the tour thing is just a sticky subject because producers get away with a lot. no one really wins in the end. yeah..maybe the non union actor IS working and making a paycheck..but NOT what they probably SHOULD be making and not getting benefits and not really working TOWARDS anything. i strongly feel that when an actor completes a certain number of weeks on a non eq tour, they should be granted their equity card if they so desire to have it. i could go on and on..and on...i should stop now. i hope i haven't offended anyone and if i have...don't BLAST me here.. lets have a mature exchange of ideas..

#13 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

I understand your point Andrew and if I paid a thousand dollars to be there I would agree right along with you. Being the way NYC is that's just the way it is, I'm just saying what happened to me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but in the end it's all about money...after all money makes the world go around and everyone and anyone will do anything to get their hands on alot of it. Same story that's been going on for hundreds of years...everything else in between is all just politics and opinions. Card no card...benefits no benefits...talent no talent...I wish that everything could be fair but the world doesn't work that way. I agree with your comments in regards to producers misleading people. They should just let the audience decide and as far as the actor goes, they should be offered their card if they wanted it. But for producers it's a business, always has been and always will. They're there to make money right along with the investors. But you're right it's a sticky situation...there are alot of kinks that need to be worked out...but for me...I just want to keep performing aside from all of this...and just hope it gets better with time...

Leading Actor Joined: 12/31/69

#14 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

and i hope that one day you get to use the bathroom in the equity lounge! hahahah!!! ya know..the fixtures are made of gold and they serve "i can't believe its not butter" in there!

#15 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

OH lord...a few things I have to reply to... "i also have a problem when there is an existing EQUITY tour out and they CLOSE it to make it non-equity...it puts union workers out of a job" Well, why? I understand that Equity artists are out of a job. But many first, and second national tours last for a long, long time. At least a year. Not every show can run forever. One of the reasons a tour closes is to downsize to play shorter runs. Er go, a first national will be the set most like the Broadway counterpart. It will run in the biggest cities, hopefully with an Equity cast (I do believe that shows "direct from Broadway" on first/second natls should be Equity), and for a longer run (2-3 weeks or longer) because the set costs so much to move. When that closes (or in some cases before) a second national with a smaller set is sent out to play one weekers in smaller markets that the first national couldn't afford to hit. Next step down is the third national, which lately has been non-eq. And WHY shouldn't it be? They close the previous tours not to put Equity artists out of work, but because the shows need to be able to go into smaller markets for some 1-2 nighters along their route, and thats just not possible under the Equity contracts. And, yes, by hiring Non Eq actors, the overall budget goes down with it. It is not as vendictive. It is a business. NOW some Producers send shows out immidiately non-equity, which I don't agree with. But if a show has had a full Equity tour or two first, what is the problem exactly with it going non eq to be able to play smaller markets? And... "Just as a paying ticket holder, being charged Equity priced tickets, makes a choice to be there...or NOT. That does matter." Does it? Does it also matter that PRODUCERS don't make the ticket prices? The PRESENTERS, i.e. theatres, do. And you would be interested in knowing that while I was in Boston with a show a few years ago I took a look at their board of upcoming shows. The upcoming Equity tours were all priced between 80-90.00 a ticket top price. THE MUSIC MAN Non Eq tour was also listed, at 65.00 top price. The forthcoming RENT tour as well has an avg price on the road of 65.00 US (even 45 in some markets), while Equity tours are getting more. Your comment is misguided. There are presenters who will try to charge more, but it's not as bad as Equity would have you believe.

#16 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

i guess my problem with trying to distinguish, as an audience member not an actor, is that i paid almost the same for both - so if a non-equity tour is lower quality then why am i paying equity prices to see it???

BwayTheatre11 Profile

Broadway Legend Joined: 6/25/03

#17 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

The current Millie tour has the same costumes, but different sets, lighting, choreography, etc.

#18 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

whoa! different choreography???? NO! they didnt change the opening did they or the typewriting tap dance...UGH!

best12bars Profile

Broadway Legend Joined: 6/29/05

#19 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

"i guess my problem with trying to distinguish, as an audience member not an actor, is that i paid almost the same for both - so if a non-equity tour is lower quality then why am i paying equity prices to see it???" ...Check the producers' pockets for your answer.

#20 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

Actually check with the presenters, who, as stated, set the prices. Not producers.

showinoff Profile

Featured Actor Joined: 9/23/04

#21 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

This is an ongoing argument, and I do not know that there is a right answer.. depending on what side of the tracks you are standing on. Mr. Pinball, as far as your bathroom situation. Been there done that, and I totally feel you. But rest assuared, once you are in your audition, they will allow you to pee. I have been on both equity and non equity tours. This does not make me an expert on the situation, but I do have an opinion. I will say that the non-eq tours that I have been on, I was treated like a GOD. The producers did everything in their power to make sure that we were taken care of. Within reason. Offering us comps so family and friends could see us cheaper, ect...We always stayed in nice hotels, and did not always fly. We never drove more than 5 hrs. All and all we were taken care of. On the flip side, my equity tour was a lil different. Now, I did not expect to be treated like gold, I was in for a rude awakening. There were no comps, per diems were cheaper, hotels were not as nice, and the theatres were not up to par with the theatres on the non eq tours. It was my understanding that the theatres just did not care about us. Not that they have to, but it is always a great working enviroment when you know someone cares. We were however paid more, and health insurance and other things were included. The actors also led much to the imagination. They were bitter and had obviously forgotten why they were there. I have done other EQ shows that have been wonderful experiences. The union I have to say works for its members, the producers however do not. To some, you are the gift that makes thier show a success, to others, you can be replaced by someone who will work for less and harder. It is a toss up. As far as the Millie tour goes, you will not be unsatisfied. It is a wonderful production and the actors are fantastic. They have been treated well, and work hard for it.

Stand-by Joined: 9/12/03

#22 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

Basically, as you can see from our expert and oh-so-knowledgeable members here who have worked for some of the best community theaters in the Tri State area, Non Union tours mean that the whole thing is absolute crap. They have wisely told you to avoid these fire traps because it is a known fact that once a person enters a theater for a Non Equity show, they will automatically be subjected to torture and horrific scenes that have never been witnessed on stage before. As you can gather, one should only frequent Equity tours because once a performer joins Equity, they receive the talent chip implant. The chip allows these performers to be the absolute best in singing, dancing, acting. Equity productions can only hire the absolute best person for each an every role. These performers are the best because..well..um..because they're EQUITY! That's all you need to know. It's like when you buy that "New and Imporved" Folgers Coffee, you know it's the best cause it says "New and improved". You will never, ever see a bad Equity show. That's a given. If, for some reason, you don't like the Equity show, it is obviously your fault and not due to the overtalented performners. So, what have learned? Never ever go see non Equity shows because they are poison. Only see Equity shows cause, as our friends here have stated, they are the only ones you will ever find quality and talent.

Stand-by Joined: 12/31/69

#23 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

zoom, i disagree with everything you wrote and i, personally, NEVER said that non-equity performers don't have talent and only equity actors do and, BTW, i am LONG gone from my community theater days, darlin and DO have EXPERIENCE enough to post my thoughts. my thoughts and opinion do not have to match someone else's...thats why we all have our own thoghts, opinions and ideas and are individuals. i get that your post was sarcastic ...but i didn't see that anyone said that non equity actors are crap...and if someone did, don't lump me in there with them. i was once a non equity actor and i had LOADS of talent...its what got me to the Broadway stage. not to say that PLENTY of Broadway actors are terrible cause some ARE, for sure!! we've all seen 'em! ANYWAY...i do NOT believe that non-equity = non-talented!!!!! make no mistake. my ONLY problem is ..is what producers can get away with...and that is MY opinion! i am entitled to it. there is not enough work for actors as it is..so equity, non equity..there is room for all if the job is meant to be yours....i wish everyone success no matter what their union affiliation is. period.

#24 re: What does 'equity tour' and 'non-equity tour' mean?

Ahh...honey. Did anyone single out your comments? A little selfish to think that your post was so fascinating that I couldn't wait to respond. But you know what they say about the person who cries then loudest....

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Equity and Non-Equity Tours Explained

In the world of US theatre, productions are often categorised into two main types: equity and non-equity productions and tours.

This classification is crucial for performers, creators, and the audience alike, as it impacts everything from the rights of actors to the quality and reach of the productions.

Let’s delve into what distinguishes equity shows from non-equity ones and the implications of these differences.

What Are Equity Shows?

Whether its a play, concert or musical, Equity shows are produced under the rules and guidelines of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union that represents actors and stage managers in the United States.

Equity, established in 1913, aims to ensure fair treatment, wages, and working conditions for its members.

Shows that are produced under an Equity contract must adhere to strict guidelines regarding rehearsal times, performances, salaries, and benefits for the actors and stage managers involved.

One of the key benefits for performers working in equity shows is the provision of health insurance, pension, and other benefits, which are often not available to performers in non-equity productions.

Equity shows also tend to have higher production values and budgets, attracting well-known and more experienced talent both on and off the stage.

What Are Non-Equity tours?

Non-equity shows, on the other hand, are not bound by the rules and regulations of the Actors’ Equity Association. These productions do not provide the same level of benefits or protections to their performers as equity shows do.

Non-equity actors are often early in their careers, seeking experience and exposure.

While these shows can offer valuable opportunities for emerging talent, they also come with risks, such as lower pay, longer hours, and less job security.

Choosing Between Equity and Non-Equity

For actors and stage managers, the decision to join the Actors’ Equity Association and pursue work in equity shows is significant.

It can open doors to higher-profile jobs and better working conditions – but may also limit the number of available opportunities, especially in regions with fewer equity theatres.

Audience members, too, may notice differences between equity and non-equity tours. Equity shows will often feature seasoned professionals and have higher production budgets – but also higher ticket prices to compensate.

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Updates on Current and Upcoming National Tours

by Webmaster | May 25, 2020 | New Musical News Feed

NOTE: MOST TOURS ARE SUSPENDED THROUGH JUNE. PLAYBILL WILL UPDATE THESE LISTINGS WHEN NEW INFORMATION IS MADE AVAILABLE. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST TOUR SUSPENSIONS AND CANCELLATIONS.

*A note about Equity versus non-Equity tours: Many touring productions are marketed as “direct from Broadway”—but performers and stage managers on Broadway work under Actors’ Equity contracts, which provide fair pay, benefits, and job protections. An Equity tour means actors and stage managers are fairly compensated with rights and protections that allow them to give you their all, every performance.

1776 - National Tour (beginning September 8, 2020) Musical about the vivid personalities behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Tony-winning show humanizes the likes of Ben Franklin, John Hancock, Richard Henry Lee and the “obnoxious and disliked” — and passionate — man identified as the true Founding Father, John Adams. Score includes “Sit Down, John,” “Yours,” “He Plays the Violin” and “Mama, Look Sharp.” [Equity]

AIDA - National Tour (beginning February 4, 2021) This Elton John-Tim Rice pop opera, inspired by Verdi’s classic opera, tells the story of enslaved Nubian princess Aida, who falls for captain of the guard Radames, who is betrothed to the Egyptian princess who is Aida’s mistress. [Equity]

AIN’T TOO PROUD- National Tour (beginning July 18, 2020) Follow The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—how they met, how they rose, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. [Equity]

ALADDIN- National Tour All remaining performances of Aladdin have been canceled.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS - National Tour All remaining performances of An American In Paris have been canceled.

ANASTASIA - National Tour (through May 23, 2021) Performances of Anastasia through late July have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume July 21, 2020 in Hershey, PA From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime , this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. [Equity]

THE BAND’S VISIT - National Tour (through March 28, 2021) Performances of The Band’s Visit through August have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume September 8, 2020 in San Diego, CA The critically acclaimed musical, The Band’s Visit , celebrates the deeply human ways music, longing and laughter can connect us all. After a mix-up at the border, an Egyptian Police Band is sent to a remote village in the middle of the Israeli desert. With no bus until morning and no hotel in sight, these unlikely travelers are taken in by the locals. Under the spell of the desert sky, their lives become intertwined in the most unexpected ways. [Equity]

BANDSTAND - National Tour All remaining performances of Bandstand have been canceled.

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL - National Tour Performances of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical have been canceled or postponed through the end of 2020. Performances resume January 22, 2021 in Houston, TX. Beautiful tells the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. [Equity]

BLUE MAN GROUP: SPEECHLESS TOUR - National Tour (through April 4, 2021) Performances of Blue Man Group through the end of May have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume June 11, 2020 in Jackson, MS Over 35 million people on our blue planet have experienced the surprising and exciting show that is Blue Man Group . And now, the Blue Men return with a new show - Blue Man Group: Speechless Tour . The world-renowned bald and blue trio embarks on a new journey of discovery, the result of over 27 years spent observing humanity. Speechless will feature new and original compositions, acts, and instruments alongside iconic Blue Man Group moments based in joy, art, music, comedy, social commentary, and hilarious absurdity. Join the fun as the Blue Men search for the elusive present moment while creating moments of large-scale participation and universal connection with the audience (that’s you!) that unites us beyond words in our always-on world. [Non-Equity]

THE BOOK OF MORMON- National Tour All remaining performances have been canceled.

A BRONX TALE - National Tour All remaining performances have been canceled.

BUDDY… THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY- National Tour (through November 9, 2020) The spring leg of the Buddy… The Buddy Holly Story tour has been canceled or postponed. Several tour stops have been rescheduled. Performances resume October 31, 2020 in Parkersburg, WV Musical biography of early rock ‘n roller Buddy Holly, charting his rise to fame and his tragic early death. The story is used as a framework for performances of his songs, including “Peggy Sue” and “That’ll Be the Day” plus “Chantilly Lace,” and “La Bamba.” [Non-Equity]

CATS - National Tour (through June 20, 2021) Performances of Cats through June have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume July 14, 2020 in Dayton, OH Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Cats tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, original scenic and costume design by John Napier, all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz , all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne and direction by Trevor Nunn make this production a new Cats for a new generation! [Equity]

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY - National Tour (through May 9, 2021) Performances of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory through October have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume November 17, 2020 in Salt Lake City, UT Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory…to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to sweeten with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before—get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper! [Non-Equity]

THE CHER SHOW- National Tour (beginning December 1, 2020) The Cher Show is based on the life of Cherilyn Sarkisian La Piere Bono Allman or as her friends call her, Cher! The kid on a tricycle, vowing to be famous. The teenage phenom who crashes by twenty. The glam TV star who quits at the top. The would-be actress with an Oscar. The rock goddess with a hundred million records sold. The legend who’s done it all, still scared to walk on stage. The wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. The woman, looking for love. The ultimate survivor, chasing her dream. They’re all here, dressed to kill, singing their asses off, telling it like it is. And they’re all the star of The Cher Show .

CHICAGO - National Tour (through October 14, 2020) Performances of Chicago through September have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume October 8, 2020 in Salt Lake City, UT There’s never been a better time to experience Chicago , Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, thousands of standing ovations and now the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history. [Non-Equity]

THE COLOR PURPLE - National Tour All remaining p erformances of The Color Purple have been canceled.

COME FROM AWAY - National Tour (through August 15, 2021) Performances of Come From Away through June been postponed or canceled. Performances resume July 7, 2020 in Ft. Worth, TX Come From Away takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed, and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. [Equity]

DEAR EVAN HANSEN - National Tour (through October 24, 2021) Performances of Dear Evan Hansen through late October have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume November 10, 2020 in San Jose, CA A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. [Equity]

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE - National Tour (through February 14, 2021) Performances of Escape To Margaritaville through May have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume June 16, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA A change in attitude, is headed to your latitude. Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all - and stay to find something they never expected. Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming musical with the most unforgettable songs from one of music’s greatest storytellers - Jimmy Buffet. [Non-Equity]

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF - National Tour (through February 6, 2021) Performances of Fiddler On The Roof through November have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume December 8, 2020 in Columbus, OH Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific , The King and I and the 2017 Tony Award-winning Best Play Oslo , bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. [Non-Equity]

FINDING NEVERLAND - National Tour All remaining performances of Finding Neverland have been canceled.

FROZEN - National Tour (through September 19, 2021) Performances of Frozen through October have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume November 18, 2020 in Chicago, IL Frozen is melting hearts on Broadway in an all-new production created for the stage by an award-winning team. It features the songs you know and love from the original film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers. An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy. [Equity]

HADESTOWN- National Tour (beginning October 13, 2020) Hadestown follows two intertwining love stories—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone—as it invites audiences on an epic journey to the underworld and back. [Equity]

HAIRSPRAY - National Tour (beginning November 10, 2020) A new North American tour of the hit musical Hairspray, led by original director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Set in Baltimore in 1962, Hairspray is the story of plain-jane Tracy Turnblad, who is going to do whatever it takes to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams - and even bigger hair - turn the whole town around? Hairspray the Musical is based on John Waters’ 1988 film classic. [Equity]

HAMILTON - National Tour (through February 6, 2022) Performances of Hamilton in San Francisco, Jacksonville and Atlanta have been canceled. Performances through September 7 have been canceled in Los Angeles. Performances resume September 10, 2020 in Las Vegas, NV Winner of 11 Tony Awards and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Hamilton is one of Broadway’s biggest hits. From the mind of 2015 MacArthur Genius grant recipient Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ron Chernow’s landmark bestselling biography comes a new musical about the scrappy young immigrant who forever changed America, Alexander Hamilton. Tony Award-winner Thomas Kail directs this musical about taking your shot, speaking your mind, and turning the world upside down. [Equity]

HELLO, DOLLY! - National Tour All remaining performances of Hello, Dolly! have been canceled.

THE ILLUSIONISTS: LIVE FROM BROADWAY - National Tour All remaining performances of The Illusionists have been canceled.

JACQUELINE NOVAK: GET ON YOUR KNEES – National Tour (beginning September 8, 2020) Performances of Get On Your Knees through August have been canceled or postponed. Performances begin September 8, 2020 in San Francisco, CA Comedian Jacqueline Novak’s Get On Your Knees is the most high-brow show about blow jobs you’ll ever see. Novak spins her material on the femininity of the penis and the stoicism of the vulva into an unexpectedly philosophical show that’s part feminist outcry, part coming-of-age tale of triumph.

JERSEY BOYS - National Tour (through March 21, 2021) Performances of Jersey Boys through October have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume November 10, 2020 in Dallas, TX They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award-winning true-life musical phenomenon Jersey Boys . From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s just too good to be true. [Equity]

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - National Tour (through September 26, 2021) Performances of Jesus Christ Superstar through late July have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume July 21, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA Almost 10 years after the last major tour, a new mesmerizing production of this iconic musical phenomenon comes to North America. Helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. [Equity]

THE KING’S SPEECH- National Tour All remaining performances of The King’s Speech have been canceled.

THE LAST SHIP - National Tour All remaining performances of The Last Ship have been canceled.

LES MISÉ RABLES - National Tour (through August 1, 2021) Performances of Les Miserables through August have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume September 15, 2020 in Nashville, TN Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables . With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. Featuring the thrilling score and beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. [Equity]

THE LION KING - National Tour (through September 5, 2021) Performances of The Lion King through October have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume November 11, 2020 in Tulsa, OK More than 70 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular—one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and based on the beloved 1994 Disney film, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. [Equity]

MEAN GIRLS - National Tour (through August 29, 2021) Performances of Mean Girls through July have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume August 11, 2020 in Spokane, WA Tina Fey’s fetch movie is, like, now on tour. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Mean Girls features a book by nine-time Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, based on her screenplay for the film, music by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond; and lyrics by two-time Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin. Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs. [Equity]

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET- National Tour (through November 21, 2020) Performances of Million Dollar Quartet through September have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume October 23, 2020 in Wabash, IN Around Christmas time in 1956, Carl Perkins was in a post-“Blue Suede Shoes” funk. He booked a recording session on Dec. 4th with producer Sam Phillips. Along with Jerry Lee Lewis, Perkins and his band recorded a number of songs including one of Perkins’ best-known records, “Matchbox.”. Details from the rest of that day are still questioned, but this is what is known: Perkins and Lewis were later joined by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and the foursome held an impromptu jam session. A newspaper wrote, “This quartet could sell a million.” Shortly after they were known as “The Million Dollar Quartet.” [Non-Equity]

MISS SAIGON - National Tour All remaining performances of Miss Saigon have been canceled.

MOULIN ROUGE - National Tour (beginning December 17, 2020) Set in Montmartre Quarter of Paris, France at the turn of the century, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and mademoiselles, Moulin Rouge! The Musical tells the fictional story of an ambitious, lovesick writer, Christian, and a dazzling, entrancing chanteuse, Satine. Their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge with its many characters including the host of the Moulin Rouge, Harold Zidler, the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec, the greatest tango dancer - and gigolo - in all of Paris, Santiago, the tempting Nini, and The Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including love. [Equity]

MY FAIR LADY - National Tour (through July 18, 2021) Performances of My Fair Lady through July have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume August 5, 2020 in San Francisco, CA From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you The King & I and South Pacific , comes a new production of Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady . Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed? [Equity]

THE OFFICE!: A MUSICAL PARODY - National Tour (through May 5, 2021) Performances of The Office! through May have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume June 6, 2020 in Lethbridge AB The Office! A Musical Parody , currently selling out the Jerry Orbach Theatre in New York City, lovingly pokes fun at the hit TV show “The Office.” Don’t miss this hilarious unauthorized musical parody featuring your favorite coworkers from Dunder Mifflin. Featuring songs such as “Welcome to Scranton (The Electric City),” “That’s What She Said,” “The Dundies,” “Marry Me Beesly,” and more. [Non-Equity]

OKLAHOMA!- National Tour (beginning September 27, 2020) A confident cowboy competes with a surly, mysterious farmhand for the honor of taking a lovely young farm woman to a dance in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1943 musical adaptation of Green Grow the Lilacs .

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND - National Tour All remaining performances of Once On This Island have been canceled.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG - National Tour All remaining performances of The Play That Goes Wrong have been canceled.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL- National Tour (beginning October 20, 2020) Based on the hit film, Pretty Women is a modern Cinderella story. A businessman hires an escort to spend the weekend with him, but before long, the two learn that their connection goes beyond a simple transaction.

THE PROM- National Tour (beginning January 23, 2021) We’ve got trouble, folks, right here in Indiana and when Broadway’s brassiest hear a student is unceremoniously sidelined from a small-town Indiana prom—and the press is involved—they are ready to kick-ball-change the world.

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES- National Tour (through May 16, 2021) Performances of Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles through the end of 2020 have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume February 17, 2021 in Greensboro, NC In celebration of the anniversary of Abbey Road, Rain will bring the greatest hits of this epic recording to life, in addition to all your early Beatles favorites. This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event. Experience the worlds’ most iconic band and come celebrate the best of Abbey Road with Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles . [Non-Equity]

RENT - National Tour (re-opens March 16, 2021) Performances of Rent through the end of 2020 have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume March 16, 2021 in Fort Meyers, FL In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway—and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s Rent continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. [Non-Equity]

SPAMILTON - National Tour (through July 12, 2020) Performances of Spamilton through late June have been postponed. Performances resume June 25, 2020 in San Francisco, CA Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway and performed by a versatile cast of seven, Spamilton is a side-splitting new musical parody. After tearing it up in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London, Spamilton: An American Parody will stage a singing, dancing, comedy revolution in cities across the country. [Non-Equity]

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL - National Tour All remaining performances of The SpongeBob Musical have been canceled.

STOMP - National Tour (re-opens January 13, 2021) Performances of STOMP through 2020 have been postponed or canceled. Performances resum January 13, 2021 in Casper, WY Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at Stomp , the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm. [Non-Equity]

SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL - National Tour (through July 11, 2021) Performances of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical through May have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume June 2, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA Told through the dramatic lens of her final concert, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical presents the complexities and conflicts the famed songwriter and singer faced in her meteoric rise and descent. The show features a score with more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You, Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff.”[Equity]

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD - National Tour (beginning October 6, 2020) Performances of To Kill A Mockingbird through September have been canceled or postponed. Performances begin October 6, 2020 in Tampa, FL Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin has adapted Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork for the stage with spectacular, universally praised results.With its unflinching and wholly relevant insight into race relations and our criminal justice system, not to mention what might be the most indelible cast of characters ever to populate a work of fiction, To Kill a Mockingbird is every bit as enthralling to audiences today as it was when Haper Lee’s novel was published in 1960. Directed by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher. [Equity]

TOOTSIE – National Tour (beginning October 13, 2020) Michael Dorsey is a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until an audacious, desperate stunt lands him the role of a lifetime. [Non-Equity]

WAITRESS - National Tour (through July 11, 2021) Performances of Waitress through early June have been postponed or canceled. Performances resume June 12, 2020 in Amarillo, TX Based upon the 2007 movie, Waitress features a new score by five-time Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, a book by Jessie Nelson, direction by Diane Paulus and choreography by Lorin Latarro—making it the first Broadway musical in history with an all-female creative team. This uplifting new musical celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie. [Non-Equity]

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME - National Tour (through September 27, 2020) Performances of What The Constitution Means To Me through June have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume July 14, 2020 in Nashvillle, TN This boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of American women. Fifteen-year-old Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. Now, the Obie Award winner recalls her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women in her own family and the founding document that dictated their rights and citizenship. [Equity]

WICKED - National Tour (through September 5, 2021) Performances of Wicked through late September have been canceled or postponed. Performances resume September 30, 2020 in Durham, NC Winner of three 2004 Tony Awards, Wicked is a Broadway phenomenon that looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. With a thrilling score that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good,” Wicked transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story and opulent physical production. [Equity]

Author: Webmaster

Stage and Cinema

Arts and Entertainment Reviews

Theater Review: HAIRSPRAY (North American Tour)

by Stephen Best on February 3, 2022

in Theater-Chicago , Tours

YOU REALLY CAN’T STOP THE BEAT

There was some major foot stomping, shoulder shimmying and hip swaying happening downtown last night, despite a major snowstorm that dumped half a foot of snow on Chicagoland. The national non-Equity tour of Hairspray the musical has hit the CIBC Theater. This show is so hot, it will melt all this wintery mess and your heart at the same time. Hairspray originally debuted on Broadway in 2002 and went on to win eight Tony Awards in 2003 including Best Musical, Best performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Marissa Jaret Winokur, Best Performance by Leading Actor in a Musical for Harvey Fierstein, Best Costume Design and Best Book of a Musical. After a two-year hibernation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this tour is the perfect musical coming at just the right time.

For those who may have missed this on the Great White Way, this is the closest you are going to get to recapture that magic. It was thrilling again to see Jerry Mitchell’s electrifying original choreography onstage, although the tour choreography is credited to and recreated by Michele Lynch. The show may not be broadcast in CinemaScope but William Ivey Long’s costumes utilize all the alluring “technicolor” of the rainbow. David Rockwell’s scenic design will please and Paul Huntley and Richard Mawbey’s gravity defying wig design more than lives up to the moniker of the show. The only downside, the short two-week stop and a pre-Valentine’s Day departure, but the tour must roll on.

For anyone who may have missed the original 1988 John Walters film, the Broadway musical inspired by the film, the film version of the Broadway musical, and Hairspray Live! on NBC — the story here centers around plucky 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad (Niki Metcalf, in great voice here) and her quest to both be a dancer on a local American Bandstand-type show and, more importantly, to eradicate racism in 1962 Baltimore.

Her overprotective mother, laundry worker Edna Turnblad (Andrew Levitt, better known as RuPaul’s Drag Race ‘s Nina West), is worried they won’t put girls over a certain size on television. Due to her towering “hair-don’t” Tracy ends up in detention where a chance meeting with Seaweed J. Stubbs (Brandon G. Stalling) would change her life. A little forgivable cultural appropriation of choreography later and Tracy impresses both host Corny Collins (a winning Billy Dawson) and teen heartthrob Link Larkin (Will Savarese) while becoming — overnight — the most popular dancer on The Corny Collins Show . The fly in the ointment, the selfish mother/daughter duo, Velma (Addison Garner) and Amber Von Tussle (Gwen Stefani look alike Kaelee Albritton) who may be “Just a Girl” but she launches a one-woman campaign to undermine all things Tracy. The bullying played here is straight for laughs.

The deeper plotline, facing racism head on. Tracy sets out to make certain The Corny Collins Show , and Baltimore as a whole, becomes integrated. “I want every day to be Negro Day” she proclaims to a mix of cheers and gasps. Set in the 60s, her message of tolerance and acceptance is as equally important today. Motormouth Maybelle (Gabriyel Thomas) may share hosting duties with Corny once a month, but nothing is more dynamite than when The Supremes-inspired girl group, The Dynamites (Shante Clarke, Renee Reid, Nichelle Lewis) take center stage during “Welcome to the 60s”, a musical ode to progress. And lest I forget, Penny Pingleton (Emery Henderson), Tracy’s dorky best friend who enters into an interracial relationship with Maybelle’s son, Seaweed.

The book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan may have a few too many fat jokes that may not have aged well since the original staging, but the smart, toe-tapping, witty, music and lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman more than make up for any narrative shortcomings. Let’s be honest, it is wonderfully refreshing to see the chubby girl win the guy for a change. When this “heavyweight champion takes the prize” I dare anyone to say Hairspray isn’t just the dynamite needed to blow away any winter blues.

By the end of the opening number, “Good Morning Baltimore” this winning, baby-faced cast of mostly newcomers hits all the right steps, proving this Hairspray still holds solid. Highly recommended, you will shake away all your Covid inspired doldrums with this electrifying show. The only thing contagious here is the fun. Book your tickets today while they still last. This dynamic production rings all the right bells!

photos by Jeremy Daniel

Hairspray national tour reviewed at CIBC Theatre, 18 West Monroe St ( Broadway in Chicago ) ends in Chicago on February 13, 2022 tour continues: for tickets, dates and cities, visit  Hairspray Tour

for more shows, visit  Theatre in Chicago

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Anna in the tropics by nilo cruz - merely players presents.

( Doraville, GA Audition )

5/22/2024 - 5/23/2024

Bilingual Actors (Spanish/English)

WORLD PREMIER OF HANG ON - The Antrim Playhouse

( Tappan , NY Audition )

6/2/2024 - 6/5/2024

Monday May 13, 2024

Anything goes - manatee performing arts center.

( Bradenton, FL Audition )

THE ANDROIDS NEW SOUL - Dana Cain Entertainment/The Bug Theater

( Denver, CO Audition )

Singer/Actor/Dancers

PLAYWRIGHTS @ WORK ONE ACT FESTIVAL - Birmingham Village Players

( Birmingham, MI Audition )

6/2/2024 - 6/3/2024

PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC - Theatre J

( Washington DC, DC Audition )

Young Pierre (actor)

Saturday May 11, 2024

Alice by heart - sussex county community college.

( Newton, NJ Audition )

5/20/2024 - 5/24/2024

Actors, singers

Friday May 10, 2024

Greater tuna - theatre coppell.

( Coppell, TX Audition )

6/24/2024 - 6/25/2024

MEMPHIS - Birmingham Village Players

6/1/2024 - 6/10/2024

Thursday May 9, 2024

Stranger grandfather, stranger granddaughter - theatrelab, 357 w 35th st.

( New York, NY Audition )

5/9/2024 - 5/11/2024

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH - The Garage Theatre

( Long Beach, CA Audition )

Actor, Musicians

Wednesday May 8, 2024

Static: noise of a new musical - raue center for the arts.

( Crystal Lake, IL Audition )

5/28/2024 - 5/29/2024

actors, singers

Tuesday May 7, 2024

General auditions - sketch comedy troupe - killing my lobster.

( San Francisco, CA Audition )

5/19/2024 - 5/21/2024

Actors, Comedians, Performers

Monday May 6, 2024

La cage aux folles - chattanooga theatre centre.

( Chattanooga , GA Audition )

5/14/2024 - 5/15/2024

Actors, Singers, Dancers

JEN XPONENTIAL - JL Productions

( Boston, MA Audition )

5/15/2024 - 5/20/2024

Singing Actors

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL - CM Performing Arts Center

( Oakdale, NY Audition )

9/23/2024 - 9/24/2024

Singers, Actors, Dancers

JEKYLL & HYDE - Davis Musical Theatre Company

( Davis, CA Audition )

6/23/2024 - 6/24/2024

Bilingual Actors (Enlish and Spanish)

Friday May 3, 2024

Jekyll and hyde - cm performing arts center.

7/15/2024 - 7/17/2024

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - CM Performing Arts Center

8/9/2024 - 8/13/2024

Thursday May 2, 2024

Twelfth night - upstart arts.

( York, PA Audition )

5/29/2024 - 5/30/2024

Tuesday April 30, 2024

Non-union production: annie - milton theatre.

( Milton, DE Audition )

4/30/2024 - 5/13/2024

Non-Equity Actors

Sunday April 28, 2024

The great american trailer park musical - onstage atlanta.

( Atlanta , Audition )

Actors, Singers

MAC BETH (MACBETH) - Drama Works Theatre Company

( Old Saybrook, CT Audition )

5/17/2024 - 5/19/2024

THE THIN WHITE LINE - Hudson Guild Theater

( New York City , NY Audition )

5/11/2024 - 7/8/2024

Thursday April 25, 2024

Pompano players 24/25 off-broadway season - pompano beach cultural center.

( Online, Online Audition )

4/18/2024 - 4/26/2024

Wednesday April 24, 2024

Come on, get tappy - outrage onstage / secondstory repertory.

( Seattle, WA Audition )

5/17/2024 - 5/25/2024

Tuesday April 23, 2024

Escape to margaritaville - milburn stone theatre at cecil college.

( North East, MD Audition )

4/29/2024 - 5/2/2024

Monday April 22, 2024

Wrong turn at lungfish - rover dramawerks.

( Plano, TX Audition )

THE PROM - Ridgefield Theater Barn

( Ridgefield, CT Audition )

5/13/2024 - 5/14/2024

Actors who sing & dance

Sunday April 21, 2024

Maytag virgin - centerstage north theater.

( Atlanta, GA Audition )

INTO THE WOODS - Licking County Players

( Newark, OH Audition )

THE SOUND OF MUSIC - Millersport Community Theatre

( Millersport, OH Audition )

4/27/2024 - 4/28/2024

WEST SIDE STORY - CM Performing Arts Center

5/13/2024 - 5/12/2024

Thursday April 18, 2024

Disney's the little mermaid - davis musical theatre company.

4/28/2024 - 4/29/2024

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER JR - Davis Musical Theatre Company

5/20/2024 - 5/21/2024

BACK FROM THE DEAD - The Shop Theatre

( Vancouver, BC Audition )

5/11/2024 - 5/19/2024

Tuesday April 16, 2024

Legally blonde the musical - middletown arts center.

( Middletown, NJ Audition )

Actors, Singers, dancers

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN - A Common Thread Theatre Company

( Framingham, MA Audition )

5/7/2024 - 5/10/2024

Monday April 15, 2024

13th annual festival of shorts - edmonds driftwood players.

( Edmonds, WA Audition )

5/10/2024 - 5/16/2024

ENTER HAMLET, AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL - Arc Stages

( Pleasantville, NY Audition )

5/2/2024 - 5/4/2024

Actor Singers

ENTRE PAGINAS - Teatro Dallas

( Dallas, TX Audition )

VALERIA RADIOACTIVA - Cranford, NJ/CDC Theatre

( Cranford, NJ Audition )

4/19/2024 - 4/21/2024

DEATH BY DESIGN - Adobe Theater

( Albuquerque, NM Audition )

5/18/2024 - 5/19/2024

Friday April 12, 2024

Betty's summer vacation - theatreworks new milford.

( New Milford, CT Audition )

Wednesday April 10, 2024

The prom - mcgrath family performing arts center / highland park players.

( Highland Park, IL Audition )

4/10/2024 - 5/13/2024

FOOLS - A COMEDY BY NEIL SIMON - Westchester Playhouse

( Los Angeles, CA Audition )

5/11/2024 - 5/13/2024

WEST SIDE STORY - Summer Place Theatre

( Naperville, IL Audition )

Sunday April 7, 2024

Into the woods - bellissimo theatre.

5/5/2024 - 5/6/2024

Saturday April 6, 2024

A twisted bargain - compulsion dance & theatre.

( San Diego, CA Audition )

4/15/2024 - 4/20/2024

The role of Michael Franklin

Friday April 5, 2024

42nd street - news journal center.

( Ormond Beach, FL Audition )

5/1/2024 - 5/21/2024

Thursday April 4, 2024

Miss holmes returns - waterville opera house.

( Waterville, ME Audition )

6/16/2024 - 6/17/2024

Tuesday April 2, 2024

One man, two guvnors - tacoma little theatre.

( Tacoma, WA Audition )

THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP - Lionheart Theatre Company

Monday april 1, 2024, legally blonde roles: sundeep padamadan/nikos argitakos and carlos - milton theatre.

7/6/2024 - 8/4/2024

Non-equity actors for roles in LEGALLY BLONDE

Tuesday March 26, 2024

Disaster - the new depot players.

( Conyers, GA Audition )

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - Bellissimo Theatre @ FoCAL Center

( Cumming, GA Audition )

Saturday March 23, 2024

Seussical the musical - light opera of new jersey.

( Basking Ridge, NJ Audition )

Actors/Singers/Dancers

SEUSSICAL - Rosen PAC

4/27/2024 - 4/29/2024

Thursday March 21, 2024

Assassins - town & country players.

4/20/2024 - 4/21/2024

Monday March 18, 2024

The prom - ovation theatre.

( Encinitas, CA Audition )

Thursday March 14, 2024

Remember: the story of abe price - gulfshore playhouse.

( Naples, FL Audition )

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