Here's a quick roundup of stories and videos you may have missed today.
The Color Purple's Epic Swan Song
Four shows played their final performances on Broadway on January 8, but only one signed off with an unapologetic riff-off. Following their last bows, the cast of The Color Purple launched into a fiery rendition of Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise,” treating their audience (which included Hillary, Bill and Chelsea Clinton, Anna Wintour, Leslie Odom Jr. and Jonathan Groff) to a moment of revelry. Check out the clip, beginning with some touching words from Patrice Covington (who played Squeak in the Tony-winning revival) below, and look out for Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Holliday’s wild parade of hallelujahs around 10:50.
Emma Watson Sings in New Beauty Spot
At the 2017 Golden Globes, “musical theater nerds everywhere” had cause to celebrate as La La Land earned a record-breaking seven awards. But even the commercial breaks were a treat for Broadway enthusiasts, with Disney releasing a new TV spot for the upcoming live-action Beauty and the Beast. The ad features Emma Watson singing Belle’s title song and—fine, we’ll say it—serving some Sound of Music realness on a lush field. Take a look ...