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May 7, 2025 
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Dear Theater Fans,
The National Endowment for the Arts, an important source of support for theaters across the country, has been withdrawing grant offers amid President Trump’s proposal to eliminate the agency. Michael Paulson has been covering these changes, and on Monday he broke the news that a number of artistic field directors at the N.E.A., including the director of theater and musical theater, are leaving the agency.
Michael also spoke to the “Hamilton” producer Jeffrey Seller, whose memoir, “Theater Kid,” is out this week. In the book he reflects on his Broadway career, including working with Jonathan Larson and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Also this week: Jesse Green reviewed “The United States vs Ulysses,” a play by Colin Murphy now at the Irish Arts Center; Rachel Sherman gave us a look at Saheem Ali’s production of “Goddess,” a musical about the goddess of music finding refuge and love at an Afro-jazz club in Mombasa, Kenya; and Salamishah Tillet introduced us to Lencia Kebede, who is the first Black actress to play Elphaba full time on Broadway. Also, congratulations to Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whose latest play, “Purpose,” won the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Michael talked to him as he was preparing for his first Met Gala. “It’s the most surreal day ever,” Jacobs-Jenkins said.
A little musical joy: “Gypsy” and “Sunset Boulevard” are among the shows vying for the Tony for best musical revival, and for best leading actress in a musical, Audra McDonald (“Gypsy”) and Nicole Scherzinger (“Sunset”) are among the nominees. Before the winners are revealed next month, watch these two delightful Tiny Desk concerts from “Gypsy” and “Sunset Boulevard.”
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
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