A notable reunion of past stars from stage and screen versions of “The Lion King” is set to take place during a special 30th anniversary concert in Los Angeles. The concert will feature an impressive cast, including singer-composer Lebo M, renowned actors Jeremy Irons and Nathan Lane, and singer Jennifer Hudson, who is expected to kick off the event with an opening number while surrounded by the vividly crafted puppets that have become iconic in the production. This event will be available for streaming on Disney+.

In a theatrical exploration of historical figures, playwright Howard Brenton’s new work “Churchill in Moscow” dramatizes the secret meeting that took place during the summer of 1942 between British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin at the Kremlin. The production, noted for its “spikily poetic dialogue and laugh-aloud gags,” will be available for viewing from 11-14 March.

The Pina Bausch Foundation has garnered attention for its extensive archive, delighting dance enthusiasts with a wealth of content. Among the offerings are recordings of recognised works like “Palermo Palermo” and “Café Müller,” as well as the debut production “Fritz,” first performed in 1974 with Tanztheater Wuppertal, showcasing the pioneering contributions of Bausch to the dance theatre genre.

In the realm of modern adaptations, director Alexander Zeldin’s interpretation of “Antigone” resonated recently, featuring talents Emma D’Arcy and Alison Oliver as the titular sisters. The production, augmented by music from Yannis Philippakis of the band Foals, can be accessed through National Theatre at Home beginning 20 March, coinciding with London’s current trend of featuring plays by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles, both at the Old Vic and Duke of York’s theatres.

Emma Rice’s musical “Romantics Anonymous,” which touches on themes of love and confectionery, is garnering attention with a new cast recording. Originally staged at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2017, the production left an indelible mark as Rice’s final show before departing. A recording from a 2020 performance at Bristol Old Vic, featuring Marc Antolin and Carly Bawden, will add to the musical’s legacy, with orchestration by celebrated composer Simon Hale.

Sam White’s recent revival of Alice Childress’s play “Wedding Band” has emerged as a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the 1918 flu epidemic in South Carolina, focusing on the secret romance between a Black seamstress and a white baker. This powerful production, acclaimed for its staging at Stratford Festival in Canada in 2023, is now accessible to audiences via a subscription to Stratfest@Home.

The acclaimed duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, known for their hit musical “Six,” are releasing a recording of their latest work “Why Am I So Single?” This project, centred on the themes of friendship and dating mishaps, made a brief run at the Garrick Theatre but features a catchy soundtrack. The recording, which includes a special appearance by Broadway icon Patti LuPone on an extended version of “Men R Trash,” is set for release on 14 March.

Lastly, the Staatsballett Berlin has introduced “Bovary,” a choreographed piece by Christian Spuck that offers a unique interpretation of Gustave Flaubert’s classic novel. Starring Weronika Frodyma, the dance play invites audiences to witness the protagonist’s quest for hope amid adversity. “Bovary” will be available for viewing on Marquee TV, joining a diverse array of performances that highlight the current landscape of theatre and dance.

Source: Noah Wire Services