Andy Karl is the new man for 'Pretty Woman'

THE SHOW "Pretty Woman"

THE DEAL Three-time Tony nominee Andy Karl — who made headlines last year when he injured his knee during a preview performance of “Groundhog Day” but returned for opening night — will play Edward in the Broadway musical adaptation of the 1990 hit movie, which begins previews on July 20. Karl replaces Steve Kazee, who is departing the production for family reasons (his home in Kentucky burned down earlier this month). “I always figured I’d be playing the part of ‘audience member’ for ‘Pretty Woman,’” Karl said in a statement. His wife, Orfeh, was already part of the cast.

WHAT Broadway season grosses

THE DEAL Broadway shows collectively grossed a record-breaking $1.65 billion during the 2017-2018 season, representing a 14.4 percent increase over last season's take, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Although attendance levels are unchanged, grosses continue to increase because of rising ticket prices (as seen in the increased acceptance of premium seating by audience members), which hits like “Hamilton,” “Springsteen on Broadway” and “Hello, Dolly!” can command.

THE SHOW "Sweeney Todd"

THE DEAL The intimate Off-Broadway revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical at the Barrow Street Theatre (which is built around the novelty of a working pie shop environment) will close at the end of August following numerous extensions and cast changes. “Sweeney Todd” will also mark the final show to be produced by the Barrow Street Theatre at Greenwich House in the West Village. The experimental music and theater company Ars Nova will take over the space next season.

WHAT Brooklyn Academy of Music Next Wave Festival

THE DEAL BAM announced the lineup of its 2018 festival this week, which will include 27 engagements spanning the genres of music, opera, theater, dance and film. Highlights include the Greek tragedy “The Bacchae” directed by the noted acting teacher and theorist Anne Bogart; a Russian-language production of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” presented by Cheek by Jowl (which is known for its spare, highly physical work) and Moscow’s Pushkin Drama Theatre; Philip Glass’ 1979 Sanskrit opera “Satyagraha,” and Mark Morris’ freewheeling “Nutcracker” update “The Hard Nut.”