THIS WEEK IN PICTURES: August 1-7

Pictured: Lin-Manuel Miranda with the cast and creative team of Hamilton. Photo Credit: Walter McBride

It's the biggest sensation to hit Broadway in recent years! HAMILTON opened on Broadway on August 6th and it was one of the biggest celebrations of the year! HAMILTON is the acclaimed new musical about the scrappy young immigrant Alexander Hamilton, the $10 Founding Father who forever changed America with his revolutionary ideas and actions. During his life cut too short, he served as George Washington's chief aide, was the first Treasury Secretary, a loving husband and father, despised by his fellow Founding Fathers and shot to death by Aaron Burr in their legendary duel.? For more photos from the cast and crews opening night bow click here.

Pictured: Jessie Mueller, Keala Settle, and Jeanna de Waal. Photo Credit: Evgenia Eliseeva

The first photos of Tony Award Winner Jessie Mueller, Keala Settle and Jeanna de Waal in WAITRESS have been released and lets just say we REALLY want a slice of pie! WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a baking contest in a nearby county offers her a chance at escape, Jenna must weigh her commitments against a rare shot at freedom and recognition. Her customers, co-workers, and the town's handsome new doctor all offer her conflicting recipes for happiness - but Jenna must ultimately decide for herself. Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song") and directed by Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland), this poignant and uplifting new musical celebrates talent hiding in the most unlikely places. For more information on WAITRESS click here.

Pictured: Scott J. Campbell and Chilina Kennedy. Photo Credit Aylin Gucalp

The full cast of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, the smash hit musical about the early life and career of the legendary and groundbreaking singer/songwriter, just performed in City Parks Foundation's SummerStage festival in Central Park. The free event was comprised of all of the classic hits from the Broadway production, performed concert-style in Central Park. Chilina Kennedy, Scott J. Campbell, Jarrod Spector and Jessica Keenan Wynn rocked Central Park this week and for more photos click here.

Pictured: Dove Cameron and Kristin Chenoweth. Photo Credit: Disney Channel/Jack Rowand/Bob D'Amico

Disney's "Descendants," a modern-day, coming-of-age adventure about the teenage sons and daughters of Disney's MOST INFAMOUS villains, premiered on Disney Channel this week and Broadway veteran and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth delivered a magical performance as always. For more photos of Kristin Chenoweth and the entire cast of DESCENDANTS click here.

Pictured: Laura Osnes. Photo Credit: Kevin Alvey

The Broadway at Birdland concert series was proud to present Laura Osnes in concert on Monday, August 3. Osnes made her Birdland solo concert debut with an intimate show accompanied by pianist/musical director Fred Lassen in "An Evening With Laura Osnes." For more photos from Laura Osnes in her show at Birdland visit here.

Pictured: Tony Yazbeck. Photo Credit: Walter McBride

ON THE TOWN star Tony Yazbeck got his very own caricature in the famous Sardi's restaurant. Yazbeck earned 2015 Tony Award, Drama League Award and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations as well as the 2015 Astaire Award, for his portrayal of 'Gabey' in the hit Broadway revival of On The Town. His other Broadway credits include Chicago (Billy Flynn), Irving Berlin's White Christmas (Phil Davis), Gypsywith Patti LuPone (Tulsa, Outer Critics Circle nom.), A Chorus Line (Al), Oklahoma!, Never Gonna Dance, and Gypsy with Tyne Daly. For more photos click here.

Pictured: Billy Porter and Cast of Kinky Boots. Photo Credit: Matt Polk

Pittsburgh's own Billy Porter, who is stepping out of his Tony Award-winning role on Broadway - for one week only - to play Lola before his hometown audience. Billy returns to Pittsburgh CLO after getting his start as a CLO Mini Star, before graduating from CAPA, Carnegie Mellon University and appearing in Pittsburgh CLO productions, most recently Dreamgirls in 2004. For more photos of Billy Porter joing the touring company of Kinky Boots click here.

Pictured: Rob McClure

Returning to the Muny stage for 10 magical performances, Disney's Beauty and The Beast tells the story of a cursed prince transformed into a hideous beast and the adventurous young woman named Belle whose love could break the curse. Based on the 1991 film, the show has entertained millions worldwide since its Broadway premiere in 1994. For more behind the scenes photos of The Muny's production of Beauty and The Beast click here.

Pictured: Alice Ripley, Josh Grisetti, Cheryl Freeman, Evan Ruggiero and Donna McKechnie attend at the 54 Below Press Preview at 54 Below. Photo Credit: Walter McBride

54 Below welcomed performers from some of their upcoming shows, including Cheryl Freeman(August 10); Tony winner Donna McKechnie (August 6 & 9); Tony winner Alice Ripley (August 12 & September 23); one-legged song-and-dance man Evan Ruggiero (August 14); and Josh Grisetti (September 23-24). For more photos from the meet the press event click here.

Pictured: Betsy Wolfe and Matt Bittner. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

La Jolla Playhouse opens its world premiere of UP HERE, a new musical comedy featuring book, music and lyrics by the husband-and-wife composing team of Robert Lopez (The Book of Mormon, Avenue Q) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (In Transit), recipients of the 2014 Academy Award for Best Original Song for their hit song, "Let It Go," from the Disney animated film Frozen. The cast is led by Broadway's Betsy Wolfe (Broadway's Bullets over Broadway, The Mystery of Edwin Drood) and newcomer Matt Bittner (Public Theater's Much Ado About Nothing). For more photos click here.