Performing Arts

Though the musical Mean Girls is nominated for a dozen Tony Awards, no Tonys are given to Broadway choruses. Kamille Upshaw is pictured in the bright green jacket, right of center.

Arts

A Campaign For 'Often The Hardest-Working People On Stage' — The Chorus

7:54am June 10, 2018

by Jeff Lunden

Broadway chorus members won't be recognized in their own categories as part of tonight's Tony Awards. But they might be in the future, thanks to an effort from the Actors Equity union.

Melody Herzfeld helped save 65 students when gunfire broke out at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Parkland Drama Teacher Who Helped Save 65 To Receive Tony Award For Education

10:48am June 09, 2018

by Jason Breslow

Melody Herzfeld sheltered dozens of students during the February shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School. On Sunday, she'll receive a Tony Award for excellence in education.

Queue Listen Now

Arts

Parkland Drama Teacher To Receive Education Award At Tonys

7:09am June 08, 2018

Rachel Martin talks to Melody Herzfeld, a survivor of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. A week later she guided her students in a performance during a CNN town hall.

Queue Listen Now

Although he is not financially responsible, illusionist David Copperfield still paid a steep price: His lawyers were unable to prevent the disclosure of secrets about the illusion in question, known as "Lucky #13."

David Copperfield Found Negligent But Won't Pay For Injury During Magic Act

5:59pm May 30, 2018

by Scott Neuman

A British tourist sued the famed illusionist, saying he suffered a serious brain injury after falling while acting as a volunteer for an onstage trick in 2013.

Luz Nicolás stars in Exquisita Agonía by Nilo Cruz, which premieres in May at Repertorio Español.

Arts

Repertorio Español Celebrates 50 Years With A World Premiere

7:12pm May 29, 2018

by Jeff Lunden

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz has written a play specifically for the anniversary of the Spanish language theater.

Queue Listen Now

Books
Arts

How Rodgers And Hammerstein Revolutionized Broadway

1:39pm May 28, 2018

by Terry Gross

Todd Purdum's new book is about the creative partnership and strained personal relationship behind such hit shows as Carousel, South Pacific and The Sound of Music. Originally broadcast April 9, 2018.

Queue Listen Now

Nadia Albina as Gentlewoman, Anne-Marie Duff as Lady Macbeth and Michael Balogun as Doctor in Macbeth at the National Theatre in London.

From Prison To The London Stage: A 'MacBeth' Actor's Second Act

1:27pm May 13, 2018

Michael Balogun spent his early years in and out of jail — until he decided to become an actor. Balogun credits that decision as to why he's alive today.

Queue Listen Now

Rita Moreno attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4 in Hollywood, Calif.

Arts

Rita Moreno To 'My Gente': Be Proud Of Who You Are, And Don't Give Up

7:54am May 13, 2018

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

Moreno is being honored by the Ellis Honor Society for her work with immigrant communities. She talks to NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro about her career, her advocacy, and progress in the Latino community.

Bill Cosby departs after a pretrial hearing in his sexual assault case at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa., Aug. 22, 2017. He was found guilty last month on three counts.

Kennedy Center Joins Institutions Stripping Bill Cosby Of Awards

6:35pm May 07, 2018

by Vanessa Romo

As the comedian awaits sentencing for a conviction for aggravated indecent assault, the prestigious arts institution rescinded its Honors award and Mark Twain humor prize.

Arts

Condola Rashad Talks Joan Of Arc On Broadway

8:07am May 05, 2018

Condola Rashad stars in St. Joan on Broadway and tells NPR's Scott Simon that Joan of Arc will always be fascinating as a woman who did what she believed and led thousands of soldiers to victory.