Frank Sinatra. Twyla Tharp. Two legendary names in their respective fields of artistry. The first is heralded as one of the music industry’s greatest singers. The other, a leader amongst modern choreographers, wowing audiences with her work across many genres.

One major aspect of this production that helps give it a "classic" sound is the lavish 28-piece orchestra. More recently, many Broadway shows have been orchestrated to be played by a smaller number of musicians. "It's thrilling to have a full-sized orchestra," Follies' musical director boasted.

Broadway means big business for the city of New York, as this past season brought in nearly $10 billion for the local economy, grossing upwards of a billion dollars for the theatrical community. When you look outside of Times Square, around the country, Broadway means even bigger business for local communities.

When the creators of Broadway's War Horse set out to craft the show, nearly everyone involved believed that the idea of a play featuring a non-speaking role would be an extreme challenge. With three puppeteers on stage each night controlling the main horses, bringing lifelike details to the beasts required a lot of preparation. Discover how the creative team turned War Horse into the best play of the season.

Actors Denny Paschall and Haven Burton, who are both starring in the touring production of Shrek the Musical as Peter and Fiona, decided to write their own love story last month when the two got married in a small ceremony in Los Angeles. For audiences, the last chance to see Denny and Haven together in the magical world of Shrek is at the Pantages Theatre, where the musical will be playing through July 31st. Read more about their real life happy ending.

Summer is underway, and that means it’s time for Shakespeare. What’s a warm June or July without a production of a Shakespearian classic in the park or outdoor theatre? Now, it’s time to add a new series to your summer must-see list, as London’s famed Globe Theatre is bringing four classic plays to movie theaters across the country, filmed live and presented in HD. Find out just what is in store all summer long, beginning with The Merry Wives of Windsor Monday, June 27th at 6:30 p.m.

Brooke Shields is about to get a little ghoulish as readies to take over as the matriarch of Broadway’s Addams Family this summer. Get ready for an all-new Morticia Addams when Shields joins the new musical at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre beginning June 28th. Read Broadway Direct’s exclusive interview with the Hollywood star and find out what she has been doing to prepare for her latest Broadway adventure.

Whether you will be watching the 2011 Tony Awards from the comfort of your couch, or in Times Square, where the Times Square Alliance is hosting a live simulcast of the ceremony for fans, make sure to keep Broadway Direct …

During a recent performance of Broadway’s new musical Catch Me If You Can, audiences were treated to a special guest appearance, although it’s likely that nobody watching the show had any idea who was stepping into a role for a one-night stint. As a handful of ensemble cast members situated themselves on hospital gurneys for a scene involving the show’s main character, Frank Abagnale, Jr. passing himself off as a doctor, one of the production’s musical creators slid under a sheet and ended up on the stage, lying on a gurney.

Broadway's hit new musical, The Book of Mormon, is ready to take its Tony Award nominated humor on the road, making its national tour debut at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in Colorado. The Book of Mormon is the first Broadway musical from the minds of 'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with music by Avenue Q creator Robert Lopez. Comedy mastermind Casey Nicholaw directs this new musical, brining his sensibility from such hits as Monty Python's Spamalot and The Drowsy Chaperone.