Performing Arts

With theaters across the country closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Playbill has had to pivot quickly. "We find ourselves incredibly fortunate to be associated with this ridiculously fantastic art form that we miss oh, so much," says Playbill Vice Presi

Arts

With Theaters Still Closed, 136-Year-Old 'Playbill' Does A Quick Online Pivot

11:41am September 15, 2020

by Jeff Lunden

The magazine given out at theaters isn't just a program, it's a cherished souvenir. The publication has doubled down on its digital offerings, and to almost everyone's surprise, it's doing quite well.

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Whatever Happened To ... The Heavy Metal Mongolian Band Called The Hu?

7:00am September 05, 2020

by Katya Cengel

They're cooking up new music — including a song for a 'Star Wars' video game — and videos on how to prepare traditional foods. Care for a fried meat pie?

The cast of the Beijing People's Art Theatre production of A Raisin in the Sun rehearse onstage this past August.

First Chinese-Language Production Of 'A Raisin In The Sun' Is Staged In Beijing

8:01pm September 03, 2020

by Emily Feng

Lorraine Hansberry's play is about a Black family's struggle against racism in 1950s Chicago. At the Beijing People's Art Theatre, director Ying Da is working to bring that story to Chinese audiences.

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V Unbeatable, the dance troup from Mumbia that won the top prize on America's Got Talent: The Champions this year, are pictured with (left to right) Alesha Dixon, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Terry Crews and Simon Cowell.

Whatever Happened To ... V Unbeatable, Mumbai Dancers Who Won 'America's Got Talent'

8:43am September 03, 2020

by Sushmita Pathak

In February, the group of young, acrobatic dancers took the top prize. But the pandemic has put their dreams on hold — and had a disastrous impact on family life.

Louisville Ballet dancer Sanjay Saverimuttu takes a socially distanced class at the ballet on Aug. 20, 2020.

Arts

Louisville Ballet Dancers Return To Work For A Season Like None Other

6:31am September 01, 2020

by Stephanie Wolf

For the audience, Louisville Ballet's 2020-2021 season will be entirely virtual. But the dancers have already started rehearsing in person — with masks, and lots of new safety protocols.

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'Black Panther' Star Chadwick Boseman Dies Of Cancer At Age 43

11:37pm August 28, 2020

by Malaka Gharib

A statement on posted to the actor's Twitter on Friday said Boseman had battled colon cancer for the last four years.

Stream The 2020 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert From SFJAZZ

3:12pm August 20, 2020

by Nate Chinen

Performances and speeches honor this year's NEA Jazz Masters award recipients, including Dorthaan Kirk, Roscoe Mitchell, Reggie Workman and Bobby McFerrin. Watch on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. ET.

Slam poet and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Emi Mahmoud performs at the Sziget Festival in Hungary in 2019.

A World Champion Slam Poet Pivots To Medicine

7:00am August 15, 2020

by Sonia Narang

Sudanese American Emi Mahmoud achieved massive success as a spoken word artist. Now she's switching things up and pursuing a career in science.

Phelelani Ndakrokra completes an aerial act at a Zip Zap circus show in Cape Town, South Africa.

PHOTOS: South Africa's Zip Zap Circus Brings A Big Heart To The Big Top

8:43am August 08, 2020

The circus was founded to lift kids out of poverty and change racial attitudes. It's become a world-famous institution — performing for Barack Obama, for example — while holding true to its dream.

(L-R): Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, Belinda Carlisle, Kathy Valentine and Jane Wiedlin perform in 1981.

Showtime's 'The Go-Go's' Documentary Breaks The Seal

6:04am July 31, 2020

by Glen Weldon

A new documentary chronicling the formation, rise and break-up of the iconic group hits all the familiar Behind the Music beats, but does so with a bracing, clear-eyed candor.