SPARK HOT LIST: Who’s Making Sparks This Week — April 15, 2026

From Montauk to Broadway, the East End’s biggest names — and rising stars — are making waves in fashion, theater and beyond.

Hannah Berner’s Montauk Moment

There’s hot — and then there’s Hannah Berner.

The comedian, podcast host and former Summer House star is officially making sparks — and a splash — with her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut, shot in Montauk by Ben Watts.

It’s not her first East End moment. Just seven months ago, Berner lit up the stage at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. Now she’s turning heads — and dropping jaws.

Hannah Berner was photographed by Ben Watts in Montauk, N.Y. Swimsuit by Tropic of C. Shirt by TK. | Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

The swimsuit issue drops in May, with Berner modeling several designer looks. She’s already teasing behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram (@hannahberner).

Theater Scene Heats Up

Lots of sparks in the theater this month from Hamptonites.

Producer Riki Kane Larimer, of Water Mill and NYC, is behind American Dance Machine’s Gotta Dance, now drawing buzz and packed houses Off Broadway on W42nd St. Opening night delivered a standing-room-only crowd, and a lively after-party at West Bank Cafe.

Riki Kane Larimer, producer of ‘Gotta Dance’ in NYC, with Neil Rosen. Photo by Angela LaGreca

The show is a 90-minute explosion of energy and talent, featuring iconic choreography from beloved productions like West Side Story, A Chorus Line and Singin’ in the Rain. Each number is recreated exactly as it appeared on Broadway.

Cast members from ‘Gotta Dance’ recently performed on Good Day New York on FOX 5 with host Rosanna Scotto, showing Scotto “how to do the shimmy.”

Cast members from “Gotta Dance’ with Rosanna Scotto, hjost of ‘Good Day NY’ on FOX 5. Photo courtesy of ‘Gotta Dance’.

Gotta Dance! is a nostalgic, wildly entertaining show that leaves audiences of all ages smiling. The intimate, 499-seat theater is filling fast. Catch it soon — the limited run is set for mid-June.

Cagney Returns + A Star Joins the Cast

As if that wasn’t enough, Larimer’s acclaimed Cagney is heading to Bay Street Theater this July as part of the 2026 Summer Mainstage season.

Melissa Manchester joins the cast of ‘Cagney’ at Bay Street Theater this summer in July, 2026, Sag Harbor. Photo courtesy of Bay Street Theater

Even more buzz: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester joins the cast as “Ma.” It’s a major addition to a show already building serious anticipation.

Broadway Buzz: Big Productions, Big Names: The Lost Boys

Hamptons-connected producers Bonnie Comley and Stewart Lane are behind one of Broadway’s most ambitious new productions: The Lost Boys, now in previews at the newly renovated Palace Theatre.

Bonnie Comley, Stewart Lane, Angela LaGreca at preview of 'The Lost Boys', the Palace Theater, April, 2026.
'The Lost Boys' on Broadway ont the Palace Theater, NYC.

Opening April 26, the high-budget spectacle features a strong cast, soaring aerial stunts — including a 65-foot fly rig — and bold staging. Inspired by the 1987 cult classic, the show is already drawing a new generation of theatergoers.

Next Gen on Broadway

Another debut worth noting: Joaquin Consuelos.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos with their son Joaquin Consuelos at his Broadway debut in ‘Death of. Salesman’, NYC. Photo by Bruce Gilkas

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ 23-year-old son made his Broadway debut April 9 as “Young Biff” in Death of a Salesman, starring Nathan Lane and directed by Joe Mantello.

A proud parent moment — and perhaps the start of a new stage (or screen?) career.

Pink Takes the Tonys

Global superstar Pink is set to host the 79th Annual Tony Awards.

Yes, really — and she’s just as surprised as everyone else.

Pink is hosting the 2026 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall. FB @pink

While she’s never performed on Broadway, her music has appeared in productions like Moulin Rouge! (“Raise Your Glass”) and & Juliet (“F**kin’ Perfect”). A lifelong theater fan, Pink called it “an honor of a lifetime” to celebrate Broadway’s hardest-working talent.

The Tony Awards will air live on CBS on Sunday, June 7, from Radio City Music Hall. Expect energy, edge and plenty of personality.

Got a Spark?

Have a spark makers or news item for “Who’s Making Sparks”? Send it to: info@sparkhamptons.com

Life is short. Make sparks.

Angela LaGreca

Editor, Co-Founder/Publisher

Angela LaGreca, Editor-in-chief and co-Founder/Publisher of Spark Hamptons, is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, writer and comedian/host. Her TV credits include NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “The View,” and, most recently, the primetime cable news program “Cuomo” on NewsNation. On the East End, she was the Creative Director at LTV, VP Features/Events/Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers, and has performed at Guild Hall, Bay Street Theater and the WHBPAC. Her publishing career began at Modern Photography, where she was managing editor. LaGreca lives in Manhattan and East Hampton and can be reached at angelatvmedia@gmail.com and angela@sparkhamptons.com .