From gender-blind casting to unlimited outlets of expression, theatre changes the lives of LGBTQ youth and generations to come.

Grab a sneak peek of the Australian company performing the Andrew Lloyd Webber hit.

Baritone David Pittsinger will return to the Tony-winning Broadway revival of South Pacific in February, Lincoln Center Theater has confirmed.

2009 was a memorable year…especially in the theatre. Actors, producers, industry leaders, Playbill staff and our readers respond to the question "What was your most memorable theatre moment of the year?"

The League of American Theatres and Producers have announced the first annual "National Broadway Theatre Awards" — informally nicknamed "The Star Awards" — which honor eligible Broadway touring shows. Unlike the Tonys (and, in fact, almost all other theatre awards), the NBTA winners are chosen by audience vote, rather than by critics and theatre insiders.

The League of American Theatres and Producers has announced that Sherie Rene Scott (“Amneris” in Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida) will co host the first National Broadway Theatre Awards (NBTA) along with Alan Cumming (Cabaret, Design for Living). The awards take place at the Supper Club in New York City on May 21.

The League of American Theatres and Producers confirms that it has named actor Alan Cumming (Cabaret, Design for Living) as host for the National Broadway Theatre Awards (NBTA). The awards will take place at the Supper Club in New York City on May 21.

High level meetings continue to take place between Actors’ Equity and the League of American Theatres and Producers over the “non-union” tours that may or may not remain eligible for the League’s new annual National Broadway Theatre Awards. While early meetings were conducted exclusively between Equity executive director Alan Eisenberg and League president Jed Bernstein, a select handful of Broadway Series producers have reportedly joined the discussions.

What is it that the Tony, Pulitzer, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics Circle, OBIE, Drama League and Lucille Lortel Awards don't do? For all their various rules and fiefdoms, none of these organizational awards recognize national touring shows.

BETTY BUCKLEY
Hope you set your VCRs this morning, Friday, December 5, to catch Betty Buckley on NBC's "Today Show," where she was scheduled for an interview and a song from Triumph of Love. Speaking of Triumph, unanimous praise continues for Buckley's portrayal of Hesione in the new musical comedy at the Royale Theatre. In Liz Smith's column last Sunday, the gossip columnist had this to say about Ms. B: "[F. Murray Abraham] and the mightily gifted Betty Buckley are the anti-emotion, put-upon brother and sister who learn that though love isn't fair, it's better than no love at all. Betty Buckley, deservedly, has become a beloved Broadway icon and is never to be missed. Her presence and vocal velocity and dexterity are always a singular sensation. If you are smart, you won't miss this dazzling 'Triumph of Love.'" And, in the December 5 issue of Entertainment Weekly, writer Jess Cagle has this to say about BB in his article about current Broadway fare: ". . .[Triumph of Love] triumphs only when Betty Buckley--right now the finest voice on Broadway--gets to sing."

PATTI LuPONE
Raves also continue to pour in for Patti LuPone's performance in the new David Mamet play The Old Neighborhood at the Booth Theatre. In the Village Voice Michael Feingold writes, ". . .Patti LuPone, in contrast, cunningly masks the anger in "Jolly," covering it alternately with baby plaintiveness and chin-out defiance, till it explodes to shatter them both." Also, a reminder that La LuPone will be out of the show from January 6-14 (matinee) due to prior commitments (including an appearance on NBC-TV's "Frasier"). She will return to The Old Neighborhood for the evening performance on January 14.