Theater News

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Clay Aiken, Tyra Banks, Jonathan Groff, Norm Lewis, Lynn Redgrave, Anthony Rapp, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stew, Aaron Tveit, and Lillias White are among the stars making the scene this week.

New York City

On Monday night, the nominees for the 23rd Annual Lucille Lortel Awards gathered at the American Airlines Theatre for a celebration. Here are Annie Dorsen, Stew, and Heidi Rodewald, the creators of Outstanding Musical nominee Passing Strange.

Two of our finest actresses, recognized for their work this season, are Zoe Kazan (100 Saints You Should Know) and Lynn Redgrave (Grace).

Liberty City‘s Jessica Blank (left) and April Yvette Thompson met up with Andre De Shields, who was recognized for his performance in Black Nativity.

Veanne Cox, nominated twice for her performances in Paradise Park and Spain, got a congratulatory hug from choreographer Peter Pucci, a nominee for his work on Queens Boulevard.

Jayne Houdyshell — currently starring in Lincoln Center’s production of The New Century — received an Outstanding Lead Actress nomination for her work in The Receptionist.

Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s Seussical earned an Outstanding Revival nomination for its production at Theatreworks USA.

Aaron Tveit — who will be seen next month in Playwrights Horizons’ musical Saved — is an Outstanding Featured Actor nominee for his role in the musical Next to Normal.

On Monday night, Second Stage Theatre held its first Pro/Am benefit at the Hammerstein Ballroom, which featured some of Broadway’s biggest stars recreating great musical moments. Here are Alice Ripley, Anthony Rapp, and Daphne Rubin-Vega doing the Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Show.

Laura Osnes, on her night off from Grease, joined a hunky friend for a decidedly different take on “I Can’t Say No,” from Oklahoma!

Tony Award winner Lillias White performed “My Body” from The Life.

Billy Porter proved he was a “Big Spender” in a number from Sweet Charity.

Original Avenue Q star Stephanie D’Abruzzo was on hand to help sing “The Internet Is For Porn” from the Tony-winning musical.

Birdland was hot-hot-hot on Monday as it played host to The Leading Men III benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Norm Lewis, currently on Broadway as King Triton in The Little Mermaid, thrilled the crowd with “Before the Parade Passes By” from Hello, Dolly!

Spring Awakening leading man Jonathan Groff sang “Try Me” from She Loves Me.

Finally, Spamalot star Clay Aiken will make a special appearance on the 500th episode of old friend Tyra Banks’ talk show, which is set to air on April 30.