This Week's Picks! Sing Broadway at Birdland, Hit Pitch Perfect 2 & Say Farewell (Sorta) to Elaine Paige

Hey you, recovering from the three-mimosa, fixed menu bacchanalia that is Mother’s Day. Who knew Mom could party like an energy drink-scarfing club kid? Well, you can’t rest quite yet. Why? There’s too much stuff to do! We’ve got Earl Carpenter’s return to Les Miz, Elaine Paige on the big screen, and the premiere of Pitch Perfect 2. Get ready for this week’s picks!


Say Goodbye (Kinda) to Elaine Paige
In movie theaters May 12
The summer movie season is here, so the theaters will be inundated with superheroes, explosions, and some combination of the two for the next three months. Thankfully, there are options for the Broadway-inclined. For example: I’m Still Here, a big-screen version of Elaine Paige’s farewell concert playing today only. Don’t worry, gang: The First Lady of British Musical Theater is retiring from touring, not the stage. You don’t have to wear black. Click for tickets!


Wake Up with Anna & the King
May 12, check local listings
Usually, we’d be psyched to see Kelli O’Hara on Live with Kelly and Michael, because the lady knows how to deliver a juicy backstage anecdote. (The dressing room couch ain’t just for sleeping, guys!) But today, the star of The King and I brings along the cast, which means a musical performance from the Tony-nominated revival! Yay! Or maybe everyone will make a gigantic Denver omelet. Morning TV is weird that way.


Say Bonjour to the New Javert
Begins May 12 at the Imperial Theatre
Is there nothing better than an old favorite returning to their signature show? Well, maybe fresh-baked bread or a wicker basket full of puppies. Since neither is available, let’s go with the first option. We got a good one. The Broadway revival of Les Miz welcomes back Earl Carpenter—who replaces a Williamstown-bound Will Swenson—as Javert. Carpenter has played that role on and off since 1996. You’re in good, menacing hands. Click for tickets!


Make Your Friday Pitch-y
In movie theatres May 15
Three years after charming us—and branding “The Sign” on our brains—the Bellas return for Pitch Perfect 2. Good news abounds. The awesome scene-stealers from the hip musical comedy—headlined by Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson—return. Ditto writer Kay Cannon. And Elizabeth Banks, who is incapable of being unfunny, acts and directs. The bad news: we have to wait until Friday. Stupid rotation of the earth.


Come to the Cabaret for a Cause
May 17 at Birdland
This is your semiannual reminder that no one raises money for a good cause like Broadway stars. Hunky dudes taking it off! Stars dispensing sugary treats! Really, no one else come close. This time around, Lena Hall, Judy Kaye, Cady Huffman and other Broadway stars join cabaret performer Jamie deRoy for an evening of entertainment to support The Actors Fund's new program, The Jamie deRoy & Friends Cabaret Initiative, which assists people working in the cabaret industry. Click for tickets!