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Sarafina!

Closing: July 02, 1989

Sarafina! - 1988 Broadway History , Info & More

Set in 1976, in South Africa, black students are injured during a protest. Led by a fellow classmate, the students present a play about the symbolic Day of Liberation they all dream of—when their hero, Nelson Mandela is released from prison.


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SOUTH PACIFIC Benefit Reunion Will Honor Vivian Beaumont Allen, Mitzi E. Newhouse & Claire Tow
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 18, 2024


Lincoln Center Theater’s Gala performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC will honor the three extraordinary women for whom its three theaters are named: Vivian Beaumont Allen, Mitzi E. Newhouse, and Claire Tow.

Tonya Pinkins to Star in TURNING 15 ON THE ROAD TO FREEDOM at IBTF
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2024


Experience a powerful civil rights gospel musical with Tonya Pinkins and choirs from historically Black high schools at IBTF on 7/31. Enjoy a free performance and participate in an onsite voter drive.

SARAFINA! Playwright Mbongeni Ngema Dies at 68
by Stephi Wild - Jan 3, 2024


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that playwright Mbongeni Ngema has died at age 68, following a car accident. Ngema was best known for writing the musical Sarafina!, which premiered on Broadway in 1988, and was later adapted into a film starring Whoopi Goldberg in 1992.

Video: THE WHO'S TOMMY Sets Record as the Most Successful Production in Goodman Theatre History
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 14, 2023


Discover the incredible success of The Who's Tommy at Goodman Theatre, breaking records and thrilling audiences. Watch the exclusive video of the final bow featuring Pete Townshend. Don't miss out on this historic production.

Video: Go Inside Rehearsal for DISNEY'S BEAUTY & THE BEAST at The Muny
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 11, 2023


Check out a sneak peek video of the first day of rehearsal for Disney's Beauty & the Beast at The Muny, starring Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford, Claybourne Elder, Ann Harada, and more!

The Muny's DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Announces Full Cast, Design, and Production Teams
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 11, 2023


The Muny has announced its full cast, design and production teams for the Muny family favorite Disney's Beauty and the Beast, June 22 -30.

Adam Jacobs, Alison Luff, Bobby Conte & More Will Lead Reimagined THE WHO'S TOMMY at Chicago's Goodman Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - May 3, 2023


This summer, Chicago will be first to experience a reimagined production of The Who's Tommy when the original creators reunite at Goodman Theatre. Tony Award winners Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, nearly 30 years after their epic pop-culture musical theater sensation first bowed on Broadway, have reconvened to tell the story of Tommy Walker for 2023 audiences.

Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford, and More Will Lead BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at The Muny
by Stephi Wild - Apr 27, 2023


The Muny has announced that Ashley Blanchet, Ben Crawford, Claybourne Elder, Ann Harada, Kelvin Moon Loh, Eric Jordan Young, Holly Ann Butler, Tommy Bracco, Harrison White, Debby Lennon and Michael Hobin will star in the magical production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, June 22 - 30, 2023.

Which Shows Have Had the Most Broadway Debuts?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Dec 26, 2022


In the latest edition of Jennifer Ashley Tepper's Broadway Deep Dive, we find out which shows have had the most Broadway debuts. Find out what made the list!

Student Blog: Zodiac Signs of Tony-Nominated Musicals
by Student Blogger: Madison Moore - Mar 22, 2021


The criteria are that these shows have been nominated for Best Musical from the 3rd Tony Awards (the ceremony that started the Best Musical category) in 1949 to the nominations of what will now be the 74th Tony Awards in 2021. I will be determining their signs based upon their Broadway premiere date. With those rules in mind, here we go!

HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING Extends Again, Through November 17
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2019


Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director Tim Sanford, Managing Director Leslie Marcus), responding to critical acclaim and popular demand, announces a one-week extension of the already extended world premiere production of Heroes of the Fourth Turning. The play, written by Will Arbery (Plano, Evanston Salt Costs Climbing) and directed by Danya Taymor (a?oeDaddy,a?? Pass Over) will now run through November 17 (twice extended from the initial closing date of October 27) at the Mainstage Theater at Playwrights Horizons (416 W 42nd St).

Playwrights Horizons Extends HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING Two Weeks
by Julie Musbach - Oct 11, 2019


Playwrights Horizons, responding to critical acclaim and popular demand, announces a two-week extension of the world premiere production of Heroes of the Fourth Turning.

Live For Five Lottery Announced For Will Arbery's HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING, Directed By Danya Taymor
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 3, 2019


Playwrights Horizons (Artistic Director Tim Sanford, Managing Director Leslie Marcus) is, from now through Thursday, September 5, at noon, accepting entries for the Live for Five online lottery, giving out $5 tickets to the world premiere production of Heroes of the Fourth Turning, written by Will Arbery (Plano, Evanston Salt Costs Climbing) and directed by Danya Taymor (a?oeDaddy,a?? Pass Over). In Heroes of the Fourth Turning, four young conservatives have gathered at a backyard after-party in rural Wyoming.

Playwrights Horizons to Premiere HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING
by Julie Musbach - Aug 12, 2019


Playwrights Horizons continues its 2019/20 season of works from groundbreaking playwrights pushing their singular styles to new heights with Heroes of the Fourth Turning, written by Will Arbery

What is Coming and Leaving HULU in December
by Tori Hartshorn - Nov 20, 2017


What is Coming and Leaving HULU in December. Please note titles and dates are subject to change.

Did You Know... Our Favorite Fun Facts About the 2017 Tony Nominees!
by Matt Tamanini - May 2, 2017


The 2017 Tony nominations were announced this morning. If you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for?! CLICK HERE to check out a full list of this year's nominees, and HERE for reactions from the lucky few!

Anjelica Huston, Mia Farrow, Carol Burnett, Alan Alda & More Will Rotate Through All-Star Broadway Revival of A.R. Gurney's LOVE LETTERS at the Nederlander
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 31, 2014


A.R. Gurney's enduring romance about first loves and second chances, LOVE LETTERS, will have its first Broadway revival, beginning performances Saturday, September 13, 2014, at 8pm, at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41 Street).

Danny Glover & Debbi Morgan to Host NFT 44th Anniversary Gala, 3/16
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 14, 2014


Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre's 44th anniversary will culminate with a special Gala at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center (199 Chambers Street) on Sunday evening March 16th. This special event saluting NFT, for over 40 years a seminal force in Black Theater, will be hosted by Danny Glover and Debbi Morgan. Honorary Chairmen are Harry Belafonte and Hon. Mayor David N. Dinkins. The celebration will kick off at 4pm, and feature performances from Daniel Beaty, Impact Repertory Theater (Academy Award Nominee, 'Raise It Up' from the film August Rush), Chuck Jackson, and Valerie Simpson.

Paper Mill Playhouse Welcomes Bea Daggett and Laura Green to Senior Management Team
by BWW News Desk - Dec 4, 2013


Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the appointment of Laura Green as the theater's new Production Manager and Bea Daggett, leading the historic theater's development team as Director of External and Strategic Affairs. "We are thrilled to add Bea Daggett and Laura Green to our stellar senior management team," stated Todd Schmidt, Paper Mill Playhouse's Managing Director. "Bea and Laura are experienced professionals that will enhance the work that Paper Mill Playhouse produces onstage and beyond. These appointments will allow the theater to continue to grow and thrive."

New 42nd Street Ends Run of ELEPHANT at The New Victory Theater 5/2
by BWW News Desk - May 2, 2010


The New Victory Theater will end its run of Elephant, a co-production between Dodgy Clutch of the UK and Johannesburg's The Market Theatre, creators of the Broadway hit musical Sarafina (1988 Tony® Award nomination for Best Musical) on May 2nd.

New 42nd Street Presents ELEPHANT at The New Victory Theater 4/23-5/2
by BWW News Desk - Apr 23, 2010


What better way to celebrate spring than with a colorful African fable bursting with exuberant song and infectious energy? From April 23 through May 2, The New Victory Theater will do just that with Elephant, a co-production between Dodgy Clutch of the UK and Johannesburg's The Market Theatre, creators of the Broadway hit musical Sarafina (1988 Tony® Award nomination for Best Musical).

New 42nd Street Presents ELEPHANT at The New Victory Theater 4/23-5/2
by BWW News Desk - Apr 23, 2010


What better way to celebrate spring than with a colorful African fable bursting with exuberant song and infectious energy? From April 23 through May 2, The New Victory Theater will do just that with Elephant, a co-production between Dodgy Clutch of the UK and Johannesburg's The Market Theatre, creators of the Broadway hit musical Sarafina (1988 Tony® Award nomination for Best Musical).

New 42nd Street Presents ELEPHANT at The New Victory Theater 4/23-5/2
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 8, 2010


What better way to celebrate spring than with a colorful African fable bursting with exuberant song and infectious energy? From April 23 through May 2, The New Victory Theater will do just that with Elephant, a co-production between Dodgy Clutch of the UK and Johannesburg's The Market Theatre, creators of the Broadway hit musical Sarafina (1988 Tony® Award nomination for Best Musical).

New 42nd Street Presents ELEPHANT at The New Victory Theater 4/23-5/2
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 23, 2010


What better way to celebrate spring than with a colorful African fable bursting with exuberant song and infectious energy? From April 23 through May 2, The New Victory Theater will do just that with Elephant, a co-production between Dodgy Clutch of the UK and Johannesburg's The Market Theatre, creators of the Broadway hit musical Sarafina (1988 Tony® Award nomination for Best Musical).

New Victory Theater Announces 09-10 Season Featuring Scottish Theater Festival, Tickets On Sale 8/12
by Charlie Piane - Aug 12, 2009


The New Victory Theater, New York's Theater for Kids and Families, Announces 2009-10 Season. Season Launches with Scottish Theater Festival. Followed by a Holiday Reunion for The Flaming Idiots, An Anglo-glam Opera, 'Under The Radar' Theater, and Much, Much More! September 18, 2009 through May 23, 2010.

Sarafina! History

Other Productions of Sarafina!

1987   Off-Broadway Original Off-Broadway Production
Off-Broadway
1988   Broadway Broadway Transfer
Broadway
1991   West End London Production
West End

Sarafina! - 1988 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
Sarafina! — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Hugh Masekela
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Mbongeni Ngema
1988 Tony Awards Best Choreography Ndaba Mhlongo
1988 Tony Awards Best Choreography Mbongeni Ngema
1988 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Mbongeni Ngema
1988 Tony Awards Best Musical Lincoln Center Theater
1988 Tony Awards Best Musical Gregory Mosher
1988 Tony Awards Best Musical Bernard Gersten
1988 Tony Awards Best Musical Lucille Lortel
1988 Tony Awards Best Musical The Shubert Organization
1988 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Mbongeni Ngema
1988 Tony Awards Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre Hugh Masakela
1988 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical Leleti Khumalo

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