Theatre News: Michael McGrath, Harmony, NY Forever, Spain, The People Versus

Michael McGrath ,( peeking out from the curtain, lower left) in Tootsie by the fabulous Ken Fallin.

T2c is saddened by the passing away of Tony Award winning Michael McGrath. He was 65. McGrath was best known for his starring roles in over 14 Broadway shows including Plaza Suite, Tootsie, Spamalot (Tony nominated), Memphis, My Favorite Year, Swinging on a Star, Little Me and Nice Work if You Can Get It, which earned him a Tony award. He was a twice nominated for a Tony award, three-time Drama Desk Award nominee, Outer Critics Circle nominee and Theatre World Award winner. McGrath also the sidekick-announcer to Martin Short on “The Martin Short Show.” His roles on the big screen included “Changing Lanes,” and “The Interpreter.” He also was a voice in multiple animated features including “The Secret of Kells” and “Wolfwalkers.”

McGrath is survived by his wife of 30 years, actress Toni Di Buono and daughter, actress Katie Claire McGrath. He and Di Buono are reputed to have met on the set of the Boston production of “Forbidden Broadway.”

Ringing in the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah on Thursday, September 14th at 1:30 pm cast members, playwright and lyricist, Bruce Sussman and Rabbi Jill Hausman from The Actor’s Temple gave a blessing and a traditional nosh of apples, honey and rugelach. Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman’s musical Harmony with direction and choreography by Warren Carlyle will begin previews on Wednesday, October 18, ahead of a Monday, November 13 official opening night.8

For the second consecutive year, NY Forever, in partnership with City National Bank and the New York City Department of Transportation will present Broadway Forever, a series of free, star-studded, pop-up concerts and community service activations, empowering New Yorkers across the city to build a better city for all.

At both event dates, fans will have the opportunity to sign up for future community service opportunities in these neighborhoods, which will be coordinated by New York Cares and their partner organizations.

NY Forever is a non-profit organization working to recapture faith and pride in New York by organizing and motivating New Yorkers from every borough and generation to participate in the city’s civic rebirth. It aims to support the well-being of our city by encouraging and facilitating New Yorkers to participate in gestures big and small. NY Forever is calling all New Yorkers to take the pledge and commit to New York’s future.

Performing are Broadway Forever creators Erich Bergen and Richard Mumby, Amber Ardolino (Broadway: Back To The Future), Casey Cott (Broadway: Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Charity Angél Dawson (Broadway: Waitress), Olivia Holt (Broadway: Chicago), Cheyenne Jackson   (Broadway: Into The Woods), Christopher Jackson (Broadway: Hamilton), Alexis Michelle (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Jelani Remy (Broadway: Back To The Future), as well as current cast members from Moulin Rouge! The Musical(Jacqueline B. Arnold, Heather Makalani, David Merino and Kelsey Orem), and Some Like It Hot! (Kayla Pecchioni).

Andrew Burnap

Second Stage Theater (Carole Rothman, Artistic…