STAGE TUBE: Thomas Kail, Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo Talk MAGIC/BIRD
by Nicole Rosky - December 13, 2011
Producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo (Lombardi) will next present MAGIC/BIRD on Broadway, reuniting with Tony-nominated director Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights) and Lombardi playwright and Oscar winner and Emmy Nominee Eric Simonson. The new play chronicles the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin ‘Magic' Johnson. According to an audition notice out today, the production will go into rehearsal on January 23, 2012 and begin previews on February 27. An opening date and theater have yet to be announced. Check out interviews with Kail, Ponturo, and Kirmser below!
Tug Coker Set to Lead Broadway's MAGIC/BIRD
by Nicole Rosky - December 8, 2011
Producers of MAGIC BIRD, Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, announced today the title role of Hall of Fame Basketball Player and Celtics Legend Larry Bird will be played by Tug Coker. Tug Coker will be making his Broadway debut with the role of Larry Bird.
Thomas Kail-Helmed MAGIC/BIRD to Begin Previews on Broadway Feb. 27
by Jessica Lewis - October 28, 2011
Producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo (Lombardi) will next present MAGIC/BIRD on Broadway, reuniting with Tony-nominated director Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights) and Lombardi playwright and Oscar winner and Emmy Nominee Eric Simonson. The new play chronicles the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin ‘Magic' Johnson. According to an audition notice out today, the production will go into rehearsal on January 23, 2012 and begin previews on February 27. An opening date and theater have yet to be announced.
Twitter Watch: Magic Johnson- 'So excited for Magic/Bird!'
by BWW - September 22, 2011
On Twitter Watch, Magic Johnson wrote 'So excited for the Magic/Bird Broadway play! Have some really amazing people involved and it's going to be great.
Producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo (Lombardi) announced today members of their creative team. Tony nominee Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights) will reunite with Lombardi playwright and Oscar winner and Emmy Nominee Eric Simonson on MAGIC/BIRD, a new play chronicling the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin ‘Magic' Johnson.
The creative team is David Korins (Set), Howell Binkley (Lighting), Paul Tazewell (Costumes) and Nevin Steinberg (Sound) and Wendell K. Harrington (Projections), who will weave historic NBA film footage throughout the play.
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Thomas Kail to Direct MAGIC/BIRD; Creative Team Announced
by Robert Diamond - September 20, 2011
Producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo (Lombardi) announced today members of their creative team. Tony nominee Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In The Heights) will reunite with Lombardi playwright and Oscar winner and Emmy Nominee Eric Simonson on MAGIC/BIRD, a new play chronicling the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin ‘Magic' Johnson.
MAGIC/BIRD Launches Website
by Kelsey Denette - June 2, 2011
The website for the upcoming Broadway play, MAGIC/BIRD, produced by Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo (Lombardi), is now online. A new play by Oscar winner and Lombardi playwright Eric Simonson, MAGIC/BIRD chronicles the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin ‘Magic' Johnson.
First the NFL, Now the NBA Is Headed to Broadway with MAGIC/BIRD in 2012
by Robert Diamond - February 17, 2011
While the NBA All-Star Weekend unfolds in Los Angeles, it was announced today that Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, the Producers of Lombardi (currently running on Broadway at Circle in the Square Theatre) are embarking on their next Broadway collaboration, MAGIC/BIRD.