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Paradise Square (musical)

Paradise Square is a stage musical, with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Masi Asare and Nathan Tysen, and a book by Christina Anderson, Larry Kirwan and Craig Lucas. Set in New York City during the Civil War and the New York City draft riots, the musical follows conflict between Irish Americans and Black Americans. The production is directed by Moisés Kaufman and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, with intimacy direction by Gaby Labotka.[1] The musical opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on April 3, 2022.

The show received mixed reviews from critics, and earned 10 nominations at the 75th Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with Joaquina Kalukango winning Best Actress.[2]

Background

The musical is based on Hard Times, conceived by Kirwan, which was originally presented Off Off Broadway in 2012 at Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre, under the direction of Kira Simring.

Production history

Berkeley (2018)

The musical premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, California on December 27, 2018, for a limited run which was extended to March 3, 2019.[3]

Chicago (2021)

It had a pre-Broadway run at the Nederlander Theatre in Chicago from November 2 to December 5, 2021.[4] The production opened to mostly positive reviews.[5]

Broadway (2022)

The musical began previews at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City on March 15, 2022, prior to an official opening on April 3, 2022.[6] It received mixed reviews and was subsequently closed briefly due to widespread COVID-19 issues amongst the cast and crew.

On July 11, 2022, it was announced the musical would play its final Broadway performance on July 17, due to low ticket sales.[7] After several cast members and stage managers spoke out against the working conditions and unpaid benefits, Actors' Equity announced plans to put producer Garth Drabinsky on the "Do Not Work" list, effectively banning him from producing any future Broadway shows.[8]

An Original Broadway Cast Recording was expected to be released in September 2022, with a national tour currently in development for the 2023-24 season, and international productions also in the works. However, due to financial and legal dealings with Drabinsky, the album is currently on hold with no date determined for the album release at this time. [9]

Musical numbers

Berkeley (2018)[10]

Chicago (2021)[11]

Broadway (2022)[12]

Cast and characters

Awards and nominations

References

  1. ^ "Check Out New Photos of the Broadway-Bound Paradise Square in Chicago". Playbill.com. November 9, 2021.
  2. ^ Paulson, Michael (May 9, 2022). "Highlights of the 2022 Tony Nominations: 'A Strange Loop' Has a Strong Showing". The New York Times.
  3. ^ "Berkeley Rep Extends PARADISE SQUARE Again!". Broadwayworld.com.
  4. ^ "Paradise Square". Broadwayinchicago.com.
  5. ^ "Review Roundup: Pre-Broadway Run of PARADISE SQUARE Opens in Chicago". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  6. ^ "Odds & Ends: New Musical Paradise Square Shifts Broadway Dates".
  7. ^ Paulson, Michael (July 11, 2022). "'Paradise Square' Will Close on Broadway After Winning One Tony". The New York Times.
  8. ^ Huston, Caitlin (July 14, 2022). "Actors' Equity to Add Producer Garth Drabinsky to "Do Not Work" List After 'Paradise Square' Cast Speaks Out (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  9. ^ https://playbill.com/article/paradise-squares-broadway-cast-album-sees-digital-release-kind-of [bare URL]
  10. ^ "Paradise Square Songs at Berkeley". issuu.com. Berkeley Rep. December 27, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  11. ^ "Paradise Square Songs in Chicago" (PDF). broadwayinchicago.com. Broadway in Chicago. November 1, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  12. ^ "Paradise Square Songs on Broadway". playbill.com. Playbill Vault. April 3, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  13. ^ "Paradise Square Cast at Berkeley". issuu.com. Berkeley Rep. December 27, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  14. ^ "Paradise Square Cast in Chicago" (PDF). broadwayinchicago.com. Broadway in Chicago. November 1, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  15. ^ "Paradise Square Cast on Broadway". playbill.com. Playbill Vault. April 3, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  16. ^ "66th Drama Desk Awards". Drama Desk Awards. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  17. ^ "71st Outer Critics Circle Awards". Outer Critics Circle Awards. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  18. ^ "2022 Tony Award Nominations". Tony Awards. May 9, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  19. ^ Lewis, Hilary (June 12, 2022). "Tony Awards: Winners List (Updating Live)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 13, 2022.

External links