Gina Gershon to play Melania Trump, plus more theater news

THE SHOW “The 1st Annual Trump Family Special"

THE DEAL Gina Gershon will play Melania Trump in this Off-Broadway parody musical. The show, which will be done in the style of an old-school variety show, will play the Triad Theater on Thursday nights beginning Sept. 13. Gershon will be joined by actors playing Ivanka, Ivana, Eric, Donald Jr., Marla Maples and Mike Pence. The actress last appeared on Broadway opposite John Stamos in short-lived Broadway revival of “Bye Bye Birdie” in 2009.

THE SHOW “Redemption of a Dogg,”

THE DEAL Snoop Dogg will make his stage debut with this musical built around his hit songs. According to the news release, the show will observe “a character built around the persona of Snoop Dogg — a multifaceted character who is a gangsta rapper, family man and man of God.” It will play a national tour beginning in October, including stops in Newark, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. “Please believe you've never seen urban theater like this,” the hip-hop artist said in a statement.

WHAT New York International Fringe Festival

THE DEAL The festival, which took the past two summers off to regroup and rethink its future, is set to return in October for its 21st season. It will take the form of a monthlong fall festival consisting of FringeNYC (84 productions around the West Village) and FringeBYOV (“Bring Your Own Venue,” which will take place at outer borough venues). Shows that have premiered at the Fringe over the years include “Urinetown,” “Silence! The Musical,” “Debbie Does Dallas” and “Dog Sees God.”

THE SHOW "Beetlejuice"

THE DEAL Alex Brightman, who earned a Tony nomination for "School of Rock," will play the title role in the musical based on Tim Burton's popular 1988 ghostly comedy. Michael Keaton played the role in the movie, which also starred Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis. Sophia Anne Caruso has also been cast as Lydia, a role originated by a teenage Winona Ryder in the movie. The Broadway-bound "Beetlejuice" begins previews at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14 and opens there on Nov. 4.