Last month, I led the principal cast of Broadway's The Cher Show for a panel at BroadwayCon 2019. 

(From L: Matthew Hydzik, Micaela Diamond, Teal Wicks, Stephanie J Block, Michael Berresse, Jarrod Spector, Michael Campayno)

Dear Family and Friends,

     I cannot believe it is already February; I hope each of you has had a great start to 2019. I hit the ground running with the fourth annual BroadwayCon, leading seven panels at this year's convention. From show panels with the stars of The Cher Show, Pretty Woman The Musical, and My Fair Lady to my Broadway Choreographers panel, my Writers of Stage and Screen talk, and more, I felt reinvigorated and I learned so much.

    My moderating and hosting duties continue this month with a night of Broadway Trivia at Brookfield Place and my first 92Y Talk, a personal milestone. I'll lead writer-composer-lyricists David Hein and Irene Sankoff and cast members of their Come From Away, as the show celebrates two years on Broadway. Details below for both.

    Interviewing and writing for Playbill keeps me busy, as always. For those of you who love behind-the-scenes videos, deep-dive interviews, Q&As, and general in-depth access, be sure to check Playbill.com/features for fresh content daily. That includes last week's video series "Behind the Disney Music." We asked Oscar– and Tony-winning composer Alan Menken and five of his leading ladies—the The Little Mermaid's Ariel, Beauty and the Beast's Belle, Pocahontas' titular character, Hercules’ Calliope the Muse, and Tangled's Mother Gothel—about creating their characters, secrets behind the score, what it was like in the recording booth, and more. A must for all Disney fans.

    Valentine's Day is coming up; sending love to all. If you still don't have plans (or need an idea for some romantic theatre for a future date night), here are my suggestions.

   There are still personal projects brewing, exciting interviews planned, and causes I'm working for. You all keep me hustling and pursuing my passion. Thank you to all.

After my most recent interview with Hugh Jackman. I can't wait to see his concert tour!

Recommendations: 

1. Say Something Bunny. This theatrical experience was on my personal Favorite Theatre of 2018. They've posted their final extension through July 2019. Do not miss this.

2. Yiddish Fiddler on the Roof. The National Yiddish Theatre of Folksbiene's production has transferred to Off-Broadway. If you missed it at the Jewish Museum downtown, it's now playing at Stage 42. As a person who grew up doing multiple productions of the show but never enjoyed the story or understood why it is so highly regarded, now I understand. Steven Skybell is the best Tevye you'll see. The production is visceral. Read more Here's why you need to see Yiddish-language production. (Yes, there are supertitles.)

3. The Ferryman on Broadway. The original cast departs February 18, but go no matter what. Astounding.

4. One Day at a Time. If you're not watching this Netflix reboot of the Norman Lear sitcom—rebooteed by  Norman Lear—you must start. This iteration features a Cuban-American family and Rita Moreno plays the matriarch. She is the definition of a legend. This show proves why.

On a Personal Note

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. 

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.