Theater Update: The singular sensations of ‘Chicago’ and ‘A Chorus Line’

Delacorte Theater's $85 million glow up; Nashville debut for 'Dolly'

View in browser|nytimes.com July 23, 2025 Dear Theater Fans, The Delacorte Theater in Central Park may have undergone an 18-month, $85-million overhaul, but it remains charmingly wild. (Despite efforts to keep them out, the park's resident raccoons are still scurrying about.) In today's Great Read, Michael Kimmelman writes that the Public Theater's renovation of the Delacorte "deftly fixes much of what ailed the city's beloved home of free Shakespeare in Central Park." It officially reopens next month with a starry production of "Twelfth Night." In Nashville, fans of Dolly Parton traveled from across the country to attend the first preview performance of the beloved singer's biomusical, "Dolly," Emily Cochrane reports. And back in New York, Michael Paulson wrote about the closing of "Gypsy" on Broadway and the indie film studio A24's plans for the Cherry Lane Theater in the West Village of Manhattan. Two classic shows are celebrating their 50th anniversary this summer: "Chicago" and "A Chorus Line." Both musicals, Jesse Green wrote, are "exemplars of style-meets-content storytelling in a period of confusing change in musical theater." (The groovy animations accompanying his piece were created by Doug Reside from photographs in the archives of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.) And to celebrate the anniversaries, the Broadway star Robyn Hurder demonstrated moves from the two shows in spectacular videos, by Vincent Tullo, that are paired with Brian Seibert's reflections on what made Bob Fosse and Michael Bennett's choreography so highly influential. Feeling a little nostalgic? Need a little jazzy pick-me-up? Here's that original "Chicago" dynamic duo: Chita and Gwen. Please reach out to me at theaterfeedback@nytimes.com with suggestions for stories or to offer your thoughts about our coverage. And urge your friends to subscribe to this newsletter. Have a wonderful week, Nicole Herrington Theater Editor Martha Swope/New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Critic's Notebook 'A Chorus Line' and 'Chicago' at 50: Who Won? The slinky jailbirds and Broadway hopefuls in these two classic shows have been fighting it out since 1975. By Jesse Green Vincent Tullo for The New York Times The Moves That Made 'Chicago' and 'A Chorus Line' Singular Sensations To celebrate the shows' golden anniversaries, the Broadway star Robyn Hurder demonstrates what makes their choreography so special. By Brian Seibert and Vincent Tullo Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. DELACORTE THEATER REOPENING John Orris/The New York Times critic's notebook Free Shakespeare's Central Park Home Gets an $85 Million Glow Up The rickety, beloved Delacorte Theater, built in 1962, leaked and was popular with raccoons. Now it's a modern facility and still charmingly wild. By Michael Kimmelman The Interview Sandra Oh Knows What's Great About Middle Age The actress discusses discrimination in Hollywood, what she's learned about herself in her 50s and her iconic role on "Grey's Anatomy." 41 MIN LISTEN NEWS AND FEATURES William DeShazer for The New York Times In Nashville, a Homecoming for Dolly Parton and Her Musical Parton's life and career have always been rooted in Tennessee. For her fans, it was only fitting to see the debut of her biographical musical here, too. By Emily Cochrane Sara Krulwich/The New York Times Broadway's 'Gypsy' Revival, Starring Audra McDonald, Will Close The show is the sixth musical to announce a closing date since last month's Tony Awards, reflecting financial challenges facing producers. By Michael Paulson Sara Krulwich/The New York Times Why Did the Indie Film Studio A24 Buy an Off Broadway Theater? The Hollywood upstart has upgraded the Cherry Lane Theater for plays and more. Coming this fall: films chosen by Sofia Coppola, food from Frenchette and the voice of Barbra Streisand. By Michael Paulson Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Lifetime Taye Diggs Can't Resist a Good Rom-Com "There is the element of love, which can be so serious and so complicated, but when you add the dynamic of humor, it makes it so much more real and exciting and fun to watch." By Elisabeth Vincentelli THEATER REVIEWS Sara Krulwich/The New York Times 'Ta-Da!' Review: Josh Sharp Tries a Thing Sam Pinkleton directs the comedian's well-camouflaged coming-out story. By Laura Collins-Hughes Sara Krulwich/The New York Times 'Joy' Review: A Rags-to-QVC-Riches Story Betsy Wolfe shines as the inventor of the Miracle Mop in a largely dull Off Broadway show. By Elisabeth Vincentelli Sara Krulwich/The New York Times Critic's Pick 'The Weir' Review: A Few Pints to Help the Ghost Stories Go Down Easy Conor McPherson's eerie 1997 drama, set in a rural Ireland of near-empty pubs and howling winds, returns to Irish Rep in top form. By Juan A. Ramírez THEATER GUIDES Jeenah Moon for The New York Times Broadway Shows to See This Summer: 'Maybe Happy Ending' and More A guide to every show on Broadway, including Tony-winning musicals, new dramas, quirky hits and veterans like "Hamilton." By Laura Collins-Hughes Don Perdue Theater to Stream: Morgan Freeman in 'Gospel at Colonus' and More Can't catch the live revival of this retelling of "Oedipus at Colonus"? Stream a version with Freeman and Robert Earl Jones, or four more stage-related shows. By Elisabeth Vincentelli Marc Brenner What to See in London Theaters This Summer A handpicked guide for visitors (and residents), including classic drama, musicals, new plays and shows for children. By Matt Wolf Joan Marcus 11 Off Broadway Plays to See in July Here's what's onstage in New York: a new musical about Joy Mangano of Miracle Mop fame, and two plays from the "Oh, Mary!" director Sam Pinkleton. By Elisabeth Vincentelli Craig Stewart Dozens of Festival Plays Worth Traveling to This Summer Across the country, you'll find Shakespeare in amphitheaters, exciting new works on intimate stages and many regional repertories in bucolic settings. By Laura Collins-Hughes and Elisabeth Vincentelli OBITUARIES Kenneth Colley, 87, 'Star Wars' Actor With a Commanding Presence, Dies A fixture onscreen and onstage, he became a fan favorite as Darth Vader's ally, Admiral Piett, in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." By Miguel Salazar Martin Izquierdo, 83, Dies; Costume Designer Who Specialized in Wings His work was seen in "Angels in America" and Victoria's Secret runway shows. He also made outlandish ensembles for Heidi Klum and Marc Jacobs. By Sam Roberts John Conklin, Who Created Fantastical Opera Sets, Dies at 88 Realizing a childhood dream, he created scenery that was highly conceptual yet playful for the Glimmerglass Festival, New York City Opera and other companies. By Alex Williams If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Theater Update from The New York Times. To stop receiving Theater Update, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018