DVD/BLU-RAYs Now Available:

King of Jazz
(The Criterion Collection - new Blu-ray)
Revue starring bandleader Paul Whiteman, with a spectacular array of sketches, performances by such acts as the Rhythm Boys (featuring a young Bing Crosby), and orchestral numbers overseen by Whiteman himself, all lavishly staged by John Murray Anderson and shot in early Technicolor. Long available only in incomplete form, King of Jazz appears here newly restored, offering a fascinating snapshot of the way mainstream American popular culture viewed itself at the dawn of the 1930s. 98 minutes. Blu-ray special edition features: new 4K digital restoration by Universal Pictures, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack; new audio commentary featuring jazz and film critic Gary Giddins, music and cultural critic Gene Seymour, and musician and bandleader Vince Giordano; new introduction by Giddins; new interview with musician and pianist Michael Feinstein; four new video essays by authors and archivists James Layton and David Pierce on the development and making of King of Jazz; deleted scenes and alternate opening-title sequence; All Americans, a 1929 short film featuring a version of the "Melting Pot" number that was restaged for the finale; I Know Everybody and Everybody's Racket, a 1933 short film featuring Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra; two Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons from 1930, featuring music and animation from King of Jazz.

BOOKs Now Available:

Failing Up: How to Rise Above, Do Better, and Never Stop Learning
(Feiwel & Friends - new Hardcover Book/Kindle Edition)
By Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton). "Written in the style of a commencement speech, Failing Up brings together what Leslie has learned in life so far, tapping into universal themes of starting something new, following your passions, discovering your own potential, and surrounding yourself with the right people." 192 pages.

When I Grow Up
(Scholastic Inc - Hardcover Book/Kindle Edition)
By Tim Minchin, illustrated by Steve Antony, inspired by Minchin's song from Matilda the musical. Ages 3-5 years. 32 pages.

Recordings RECENTLY MADE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER:

Alexis Michelle: Lovefool
(Broadway Records - new on CD at Amazon)
Drag and cabaret artist Alexis Michelle ("RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9") debut album. "Beautiful," "Follow Your Heart," "Lovefool," "(Have I Stayed) Too Long at the Fair," "Fool on the Hill," "Call Me," "You Can Always Count on Me," "Simple/Good Thing Going," "Rainbow Connection," "Ramblin' Man." Produced by Brandon James Gwinn and Alex Michaels. Also at BroadwayRecords.com.

Cole Porter in Paris: A TV Spectacular and Feathertop
(Kritzerland - new on CD)
Cole Porter TV special that aired January 17, 1973 with a cast that included Diahann Carroll, Perry Como, Louis Jourdan, Connie Stevens, with special performances by Charles Aznavour and Twiggy. Released as a promotional LP only. Also, Feathertop, based on the story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, aired on October 19, 1961, with a score by Mary Rodgers and Martin Charnin. Cast included Jane Powell, Hugh O'Brian, Cathleen Nesbitt, Hans Conried. Also, released only as a promotional LP. Available at Kritzerland.com.

My Fair Lady 2018 revival cast
(Broadway Records - new on CD/digital)
Lincoln Center cast recording of score by Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner's score. Album produced by David Lai and Ted Sperling. Cast includes Lauren Ambrose, Harry Hadden-Paton, Norbert Leo Butz, Diana Rigg as Mrs. Higgins, Allan Corduner, Jordan Donica, Linda Mugleston, and Manu Narayan. Also at BroadwayRecords.com.

Books RECENTLY MADE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER:

Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel
(Poppy - Hardcover Book/Kindle Edition/Audiobook on CD)
By Val Emmich, inspired by the musical written by Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul. 352 pages.

God and Hamilton: Spiritual Themes from the Life of Alexander Hamilton and the Broadway Musical He Inspired
(Deep River Books - Paperback Book)
By Kevin Cloud. Weaves together insights from the musical itself, the lives of Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, and the story of Scripture into a tapestry that challenges people of faith to reexamine their lives. 240 pages.

OTHER NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Added to June 15:

Mean Girls OBC
(Atlantic Records - new on CD)
Score by Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin. Cast includes Erika Henningsen, Taylor Louderman, Ashley Park, Kate Rockwell, Barrett Wilbert Weed, Grey Henson, Kerry Butler, Kyle Selig, Cheech Manohar, and Rick Younger. Digital format to be released May 18.

Compiled by Talkin' Broadway Staff.