Catching Up With Ruthie: My Broadway Debut May 2019 |
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On Wednesday, we greeted the 2019 Tony nominees at the annual press junket. And Tony posed with me! |
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Dear Family and Friends, Yes, you read that subject line correctly: I am making my Broadway debut! It is a walk-on role, but I am still VERY excited (and nervous—I haven't performed ON a stage in years!). My cameo comes May 16 in Broadway's The Prom, which just earned seven Tony nominations, including Best Musical. I'll play a character inspired by me (!) at the very start of the show. More details below if you'd like to come and cheer me on—and if you haven't seen the show, this is just one more excuse to see it. Hope to see you there! Tony nominations came out April 30 and I must say, overall I am a happy camper. This is a fantastic bunch of artists (as talent and as people), and I reunited with 62 of them during Tony Press Day, May 1. Be sure to follow Playbill.com for everything Tonys from now through June 10 (the day after the June 9 broadcast on CBS). More below. April was a wild month. We opened eight Broadway shows and worked the red carpet premiere of FX's Fosse/Verdon, where we spoke to EP Lin-Manuel Miranda, and stars Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams. The Drama Desk nominations also came out last week, and, as a new member of the organization, this year marks my first vote! There's so much more to say and recommend, I hope you'll scroll down and read on. But before you do: Last week marked Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. At a commemorative event at my synagogue, I was reminded of the importance of telling stories and listening to stories. Stories of all experiences. This month, my hope is that you are able to take time to tell a story of your own and listen to a story of someone else's. In stories lie our true power. Until next time, thank you for all the love. |
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"Ruthie's Going to Prom!" On May 16, I'll be making my onstage Broadway debut in The Prom. I'd love for you to join me. The show is a great mix of classic musical comedy and contemporary YA theatre. Synopsis: When Dee Dee Allen and Barry Glickman's show closes (due to terrible reviews citing them as narcissistic performers), they decide to rehab their images by becoming celebrity activists. They adopt the cause of a high-schooler who's been banned from her prom for wanting to take her girlfriend. Preview the music here. Buy discount tickets here. Try for $40 rush seats here. Watch our Prom Red carpet here. |
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Tony Time Playbill.com/Features is your destination for deep-dive interviews with nominees, exclusive set tours (i.e. our upcoming peek at Beetlejuice's haunted house and its Burton-esque lighting), choreography tutorials, costume close-ups and more. Not sure who's nominated? Read this list. Not sure what to think about who's nominated? Watch my video commentary. Not sure who was snubbed? Read my piece on overlooked shows and artists. For all Tony Awards-specific coverage, keep tabs on Playbill.com/TonyAwards. |
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The Broadway press corps celebrating the final opening of the season: Beetlejuice The Musical. The Musical. The Musical. |
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Recommendations: 1. I fell in love with Hadestown when I first saw it three years ago at New York Theatre Workshop. The Broadway version feels entirely new to me—and it's gorgeous. Listen to some of the songs on Spotify if you must, but this story made of intertwining myths boasts haunting melodies and a vision we haven't seen. My pick for a spring musical. 2. All My Sons stunned me. Annette Bening, Tracy Letts, and Benjamin Walker are a lethal combination—in the best way. Go in blind if you don't already know the story and get ready to be bowled over. My pick for a spring play. And it's a limited engagement! 3. Fosse/Verdon: If you haven't started watching, you can catch up here or read my recaps. (And beginning with Ep 2, I give you the history and the context of all the show biz references.) We're halfway through the limited series and mark my words, Michelle Williams gets the Emmy nod. From the creators of The Americans, Dear Evan Hansen, and Hamilton. Seriously. 4. Younger on TVLand, starring the Sutton Foster, returns June 12. And let me tell you, having seen the first two episodes of the sixth season, it's gonna be a doozy. Catch up now if you've never watched. They are 20-minute episodes! 5. Mark your calendars for May 10, 17, and 24 when PBS presents Live From Lincoln Center concerts starring Cynthia Erivo, Annaleigh Ashford, and Meghan Hilty, respectively. I spoke to each woman about her set list and you'll want to tune in. Or DVR. |
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My Philosophy I believe in art's power to create change. Art—particularly theatre—can help us reflect, determine, and, sometimes, change our beliefs. I hope that you all continue to engage with the storytelling and art around you—wherever you are and whatever level—and that you entertain different points of view. Advocate for your principles while always leaving room to hear others and evolve. Let's stay engaged, thoughtful, and active. |
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Get All of Ruthie's Latest Updates |
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As always, if you need show recommendations or if you have theatre questions, please get in touch! I LOVE to answer. Keep tabs on Playbill.com and RuthieFierberg.com, and thank you for your enduring support. |
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