Good morning theater fans! This is Caryn Robbins with The Broadway Scoop for Thursday, February 20th.

Beginning February 28, HAMILTON alum Nik Walker and MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL touring cast member Matt Manuel will step into the roles of Otis Williams and David Ruffin, respectively in Broadway's AIN'T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS. The duo will replace Tony nominated actors Derrick Baskin and Ephraim Sykes, who depart the hit musical on February 26. As previously reported,  Sykes will take center stage in MJ,  the Michael Jackson bio-musical, set to begin preview performances at the Neil Simon Theatre on July 6. 

Performances kicked off yesterday for Encores! presentation of the musical classic MACK & MABEL, now running through February 23 at New York City Center.  Douglas Sills and Alexandra Socha take on the respective title roles in the production, which features a score by late composer Jerry Herman,  book by Michael Stewart and direction and choreography by Josh Rhodes.  

And a happy opening to the new revival of WEST SIDE STORY, officially opening tonight at the Broadway Theatre, following a preview period which began on December 10. Directed by Tony Award winner Ivo van Hove, the re-imagined revival features all-new choreography by the internationally acclaimed Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, and stars Shereen Pimentel as Maria and Isaac Cole Powell as Tony.  

And that's The Broadway Scoop for Thursday, February 20th.