Steve Fickinger, Former Disney Exec and Tony-Winning ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Producer, Dies at 62

EXCLUSIVE: Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Archie Gips’ production company Unrealistic Ideas is teaming with producer Van Echeverri for a documentary feature about the FBI’s takedown of USC football player turned drug kingpin Owen Hanson.

Thania Garcia Sony Music Publishing has renewed its worldwide publishing agreement with Tainy, extending the deal which began in 2005.In a press release, Tainy said, “I am grateful that my career has allowed me to reach new heights not only on the artistic and creative side, but also on the business side – and I appreciate having such great partners on the publishing end. Excited for the next chapter with the SMP family.”Most recently, Tainy produced nine songs on Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti,” including chart-toppers “Ojitos Lindos” and “Party.” He is currently working on Myke Towers’ upcoming record.“Tainy is one of the leading songwriters, artists, and producers in music today.

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Tim Gray Senior Vice PresidentPeter Brook, the British-born director who won Tonys and Emmys but is best known for his theater work ranging from Broadway’s “Marat/Sade” and “Irma La Douce” to experimental productions like “The Mahabarata,” has died. He was 97.Brook’s death was confirmed by his long-time publisher, and later the BBC, on Sunday.

A lucky ticket holder could be the second biggest UK EuroMillions winner ever if they are ale to match all five main numbers and the two Lucky Stars. The estimated jackpot in today's bumper draw is an unbelievable £170million.

EXCLUSIVE: Myles Frost, the moonwalking star of Broadway’s MJ The Musical who recently, at age 22, became the youngest-ever recipient of the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, has signed with UTA in all areas.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefWarner Bros. Discovery has partnered with energy company Shell for an adrenaline-filled show, “Dare to Ride,” that has begun airing on Discovery in Southeast Asia and India. “Dare to Ride” showcases some of Asia’s most accomplished riders as they attempt to conquer the region’s most iconic routes with just their bikes, their wits, and their technical knowhow.

The stars of Minions: The Rise of Gru are stepping out for the premiere of their new movie!

The man who once ruled New York City nightlife has told a media outlet that he plans to end the party in July.

Deadline reports.He then moved on to become the Vice President of Creative Development for Disney Theatrical Productions.There, he oversaw the Broadway production of Aida as well as the national tour of “High School Musical,” among others.He left Disney in 2013 and went on to begin his own production company, FickStern Productions.One of the first shows he produced was the Tony Award-winning revival of “Dear Evan Hansen.”At the time of his passing, he was working on animated and hybrid films for Warner Brothers Studios, according to reports.Fickinger also served as Executive Producer of the production of “Rock of Ages” at The Bourbon Room in Hollywood.He was also working on developing a handful of shows for Broadway as well as touring productions.A cause of death has not been released.

Wilson Chapman editorSteve Fickinger, the Broadway producer who won a Tony for “Dear Evan Hansen,” died suddenly on Friday in Laguna Beach, Calif., representatives confirmed to Variety. He was 62.Born in Winnetka, Ill., Fickinger began his career at Disney as a temp mail room worker, and worked his way up to become director of creative development for Walt Disney Feature Animation, where he oversaw the production of animated films including “Mulan,” “Tarzan” and “Lilo and Stitch.”He later transitioned to the Disney Theatrical Group, where he served as V.P.

Steve Fickinger, a Tony Award-winning producer of Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen and, as a longtime creative executive with Disney Theatrical Group helped spearhead the development of such stage shows as Newsies and Aladdin, died suddenly at his home in Laguna Beach, California, on June 17. He was 62.

The Tony Award-winning revival of Company will play its final Broadway performance at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Sunday, July 31, producers said in a surprise announcement today.

Gordon Cox Theater EditorAudiences already know Joaquina Kalukango as an actor onstage (“Slave Play”) and on screen (“One Night in Miami”) — and on the most recent Tony Awards telecast, when she capped off a roof-raising performance with a Tony win for her work in the musical “Paradise Square.” What fans might not know, though, is that she’s also at work on a few projects as a writer.Listen to this week’s “Stagecraft” podcast below:“I am trying to concentrate on narratives of our culture specifically, because I don’t see them,” Kalukango said on the latest episode of “Stagecraft,” Variety’s theater podcast. “I also am writing. I’m Angolan so there are specific stories I want to tell from my community as well.” For now, she’s declining to share too many details of what she’s writing.