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Winner of six Tony Awards®, Disney's The Lion King reimagines the popular story using some of the theater's most extraordinary stagecraft.
Great seats available today
Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry has finally arrived on Broadway in a brand-new musical.
Save on tickets today
This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Read More Good Word. Show Less
Save on tickets today
An extraordinary theatrical event based on the beloved movie where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
Save Over 20%
The eighth story in the Harry Potter series comes to life on stage.
Save Over 15%
The story of the legendary Neil Diamond comes to life on stage featuring a catalogue of his hit songs.
Save Over 35%
This Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.
Tickets from $114.75
HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would Read More shape the course of a nation. Show Less
Great seats available today
Kim is a bright and funny Jersey teen with a rare aging disease, determined to find happiness in a world where not even time is on her side.
Final performance 4/28
This sensational tale of sin, corruption and all that jazz has everything that makes Broadway great!
Save up to 30% - Starring Ariana Madix through 4/7
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza.
Save Over 25%
The six wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century Read More girl power. Show Less
Save Over 20%
SPAMALOT, the musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, returns to Broadway for the first Read More time ever, following a record-breaking sold-out run at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Show Less
Save up to 30%
Sondheim's landmark musical tells the tale of a resourceful pie shop owner and a vengeful barber out for blood.
Final performance May 5th
Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. This haunting and hopeful theatrical experience grabs you and never lets go.
Tickets from $57.50
This hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it Read More all over Romeo? Show Less
Save 15%
When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally Read More changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself... back to the future. Show Less
Save Over 15%
This new musical comedy is inspired by the cart-topping anthems of Hey Lewis and the News.
Save Over 15%
Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart, in a deeply moving Read More portrait of the enduring power of love. Show Less
Save Over 25%
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to vivid life on Broadway in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical.
Save Over 25%
A story of the bonds that brothers share and the hopes we all hold on to, this gripping new musical reinvigorates the timeless tale of Read More ‘haves and have nots’, of protecting what’s yours and fighting for what could be. Show Less
Save Over 35%
An exhilarating, joyful, coming-of-age story filled with that New York Grit about chasing your dreams, honoring your roots, your identity Read More and your voice. Show Less
Buy now and save
The Amazing Journey arrives in a dazzling new production direct from a sold-out, record-breaking, award-winning Chicago premiere.
Save Over 25%
John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award®-winning Best Play, Doubt: A Parable, returns to Broadway for the first time in Read More nearly two decades, starring Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber. Show Less
Save Over 25%
Succession's Jeremy Strong returns to Broadway alongside The White Lotus' Michael Imperioli in a riveting new revival of Henrik Ibsen's Read More thunderous masterwork, AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. Show Less
Save on tickets today
Direct from the sold-out Off-Broadway run, David Adjmi’s STEREOPHONIC, featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, zooms in Read More on a music studio in the mid-1970s, where an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. Show Less
Save Over 15%
Cephus Miles has the whole world in his callused hands—until his sweetheart Pattie Mae goes off to college and marries another Read More man. Show Less
Buy now and save
Featuring one of Sondheim's most celebrated and personal scores, and moving backwards in time, MERRILY charts the turbulent relationship Read More between three lifelong friends and traces every milestone of their lives for nearly two decades as they navigate success, show business and unbreakable bonds. Show Less
Great seats available today
Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James star in Days of Wine and Roses, a searing new musical about a couple falling in love in 1950s New Read More York and struggling against themselves to build their family. Show Less
Save on tickets today
One of the world’s greatest artists deserves the world’s biggest stage: LEMPICKA comes to Broadway, following critically acclaimed, Read More sold-out runs at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the La Jolla Playhouse. Show Less
Save Over 25%
SUFFS boldly explores the victories and failures of a struggle for equality that’s far from over.
Save up to 25%
Transport yourself to the opulent world of the 1920s as one of the greatest American novels hits the greatest American stage.
Save Over 20%
Blue Man Group combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. "THE PERFECT Read More ENTERTAINMENT...So much fun it must be experienced to be believed."-Chicago Tribune Show Less
Save Over 20%
This award-winning comedy is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes.
Save Over 30%
Mind-blowing bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects, and momentary soapy masterpieces will make you smile, laugh, and feel like a Read More kid again. Show Less
Save up to 40%
One professional actor downs five shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform…in a Shakesperean play!
Save Over 45%
When the music of Céline Dion makes sweet Canadian love with the eleven-time Oscar®-winning film Titanic, you get Titanique, a musical Read More celebration that turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical and joyful slay-fest. Show Less
Save Over 35%
The world’s most ravenous plant has returned to its acclaimed, sold-out run at the Westside Theatre!
Save Over 15% - Now starring Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood
The year is 1965. One woman’s incredible journey begins to the soundtrack of a generation.
Save Over 40%
A lone storyteller dressed in kimono, kneeling on a cushion, using only a fan and a hand towel for props, entertains the audience with a Read More comic monologue followed by a traditional story. Show Less
Save Over 15%
February 15 - April 21, 2024: FIVE: The Parody Musical tells the story of the women linked to our disgraced 45th president.
Save 30%
Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry has finally arrived on Broadway in a brand-new musical.
Save on tickets today
An extraordinary theatrical event based on the beloved movie where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
Save Over 20%
This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Read More Good Word. Show Less
Save on tickets today
Winner of six Tony Awards®, Disney's The Lion King reimagines the popular story using some of the theater's most extraordinary stagecraft.
Great seats available today
This Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.
Tickets from $114.75
HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would Read More shape the course of a nation. Show Less
Great seats available today
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza.
Save Over 25%
Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. This haunting and hopeful theatrical experience grabs you and never lets go.
Tickets from $57.50
The world’s most ravenous plant has returned to its acclaimed, sold-out run at the Westside Theatre!
Save Over 15% - Now starring Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood
The year is 1965. One woman’s incredible journey begins to the soundtrack of a generation.
Save Over 40%
This sensational tale of sin, corruption and all that jazz has everything that makes Broadway great!
Save up to 30% - Starring Ariana Madix through 4/7
The six wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century Read More girl power. Show Less
Save Over 20%
SPAMALOT, the musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL, returns to Broadway for the first Read More time ever, following a record-breaking sold-out run at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Show Less
Save up to 30%
The story of the legendary Neil Diamond comes to life on stage featuring a catalogue of his hit songs.
Save Over 35%
This hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it Read More all over Romeo? Show Less
Save 15%
Kim is a bright and funny Jersey teen with a rare aging disease, determined to find happiness in a world where not even time is on her side.
Final performance 4/28
When the music of Céline Dion makes sweet Canadian love with the eleven-time Oscar®-winning film Titanic, you get Titanique, a musical Read More celebration that turns one of the greatest love stories of all time into a hysterical and joyful slay-fest. Show Less
Save Over 35%
When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally Read More changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself... back to the future. Show Less
Save Over 15%
This new musical comedy is inspired by the cart-topping anthems of Hey Lewis and the News.
Save Over 15%
Sondheim's landmark musical tells the tale of a resourceful pie shop owner and a vengeful barber out for blood.
Final performance May 5th
Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart, in a deeply moving Read More portrait of the enduring power of love. Show Less
Save Over 25%
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to vivid life on Broadway in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical.
Save Over 25%
A story of the bonds that brothers share and the hopes we all hold on to, this gripping new musical reinvigorates the timeless tale of Read More ‘haves and have nots’, of protecting what’s yours and fighting for what could be. Show Less
Save Over 35%
An exhilarating, joyful, coming-of-age story filled with that New York Grit about chasing your dreams, honoring your roots, your identity Read More and your voice. Show Less
Buy now and save
The Amazing Journey arrives in a dazzling new production direct from a sold-out, record-breaking, award-winning Chicago premiere.
Save Over 25%
Featuring one of Sondheim's most celebrated and personal scores, and moving backwards in time, MERRILY charts the turbulent relationship Read More between three lifelong friends and traces every milestone of their lives for nearly two decades as they navigate success, show business and unbreakable bonds. Show Less
Great seats available today
Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James star in Days of Wine and Roses, a searing new musical about a couple falling in love in 1950s New Read More York and struggling against themselves to build their family. Show Less
Save on tickets today
One of the world’s greatest artists deserves the world’s biggest stage: LEMPICKA comes to Broadway, following critically acclaimed, Read More sold-out runs at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the La Jolla Playhouse. Show Less
Save Over 25%
SUFFS boldly explores the victories and failures of a struggle for equality that’s far from over.
Save up to 25%
Transport yourself to the opulent world of the 1920s as one of the greatest American novels hits the greatest American stage.
Save Over 20%
February 15 - April 21, 2024: FIVE: The Parody Musical tells the story of the women linked to our disgraced 45th president.
Save 30%
The eighth story in the Harry Potter series comes to life on stage.
Save Over 15%
This award-winning comedy is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes.
Save Over 30%
One professional actor downs five shots of whiskey and then attempts to perform…in a Shakesperean play!
Save Over 45%
A lone storyteller dressed in kimono, kneeling on a cushion, using only a fan and a hand towel for props, entertains the audience with a Read More comic monologue followed by a traditional story. Show Less
Save Over 15%
John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award®-winning Best Play, Doubt: A Parable, returns to Broadway for the first time in Read More nearly two decades, starring Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber. Show Less
Save Over 25%
Succession's Jeremy Strong returns to Broadway alongside The White Lotus' Michael Imperioli in a riveting new revival of Henrik Ibsen's Read More thunderous masterwork, AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. Show Less
Save on tickets today
Direct from the sold-out Off-Broadway run, David Adjmi’s STEREOPHONIC, featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, zooms in Read More on a music studio in the mid-1970s, where an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. Show Less
Save Over 15%
Cephus Miles has the whole world in his callused hands—until his sweetheart Pattie Mae goes off to college and marries another Read More man. Show Less
Buy now and save
The Met begins the New Year with a vital new production of one of opera’s most enduringly powerful works.
Save on tickets today
A young Japanese geisha clings to the belief that her arrangement with a visiting American naval officer is a loving and permanent marriage Read More in one of Puccini's most timeless operas. Show Less
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Puccini’s final opera is an epic fairy tale set in a China of legend, loosely based on a play by 18th-century Italian dramatist Carlo Read More Gozzi. Show Less
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Perhaps the most enduringly successful of the many operatic settings of the world’s consummate love story, Roméo et Juliette is an Read More excellent example of French Romanticism, a tradition that values subtlety, sensuality, and graceful vocal delivery over showy effect. Show Less
Save on tickets today
Puccini’s bittersweet love story makes a rare Met appearance.
Save on tickets today
Blue Man Group combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. "THE PERFECT Read More ENTERTAINMENT...So much fun it must be experienced to be believed."-Chicago Tribune Show Less
Save Over 20%
The "Holiday Series" at The Cutting Room marks an exhilarating new chapter for The Off-Broadway Magic Show, infusing fresh energy and an Read More enhanced experience for both devoted fans and newcomers alike. Show Less
Save up to 40%
April 16-21, 2024: This revelatory new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s groundbreaking musical comedy tells the story Read More Bobbie as she discovers why being single, being married, and being alive in the 21st-century could drive a person crazy. Show Less
Save up to 25%
April 23 - 28, 2024: A remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Save over 25%
April 16-21, 2024: Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a Read More girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world. Show Less
Save up to 30%
April 24 - 28, 2024: From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with Read More unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. Show Less
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May 7-12, 2024: This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to Read More life in a new adaptation. Show Less
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May 7-12, 2024: The timeless story of ALADDIN, this thrilling new production is filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and Read More breathtaking spectacle. Show Less
Save over 25%
June 26 - 30, 2024: Written and directed by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson and featuring Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Read More Hale, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before. Show Less
Save up to 35%
August 28 - October 13, 2024: The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.
Exclusive presale offer: Tickets from $60
Spring Fever: Now Playing on Broadway this Season
Spring Fever: Now Playing on Broadway this Season
By Mark A. Robinson
There is something about the spring in NYC that is both invigorating and that provides a lightening of the spirit. A dose of theatre has the same result! So, while taking a jaunt to the Big Apple this spring, fan the flames of your spring fever by catching some of these new productions that are arriving just in time for your visit.
Water for Elephants
The thrill and excitement of the Big Top is the colorful setting for the new musical Water for Elephants. TV star Grant Gustin (Glee, The Flash) portrays Jacob Jankowski, a young man who is running from his past, and finds romance and adventure as he invents a new life for himself when he jumps aboard a circus train. Come get lost amongst the spectacle that only acrobats, clowns, and a menagerie of animals can provide!
Suffs
This bold new musical is one of its kind – with music, book, and lyrics by leading actress Shaina Taub, Suffs tells the story of the brilliant, flawed, inspiring women who fought for the right to vote in 1913 in the suffragist movement. The all-female cast explores the victories and failures of a struggle for equality that’s far from over.
The Who's TOMMY
The Pinball Wizard is an international sensation. Despite being deaf, mute, and blind, Tommy Walker takes to the arcade where he makes the machines whistle and buzz, gaining a following that elevates him to superstardom. The story of the tragedy behind his meteoric rise is at the center of The Who’s TOMMY, the revival of the beloved pop-rock musical coming to Broadway this spring.
Hell’s Kitchen
Adventure can be found in the most unlikely of places, even in one’s own neighborhood. In the new musical Hell’s Kitchen, with a score by recording star and multiple Grammy-winner Alicia Keys, a 17-year-old girl takes to the streets around her Manhattan neighborhood and finds adventure and friendship in this journey of self-discovery.
The Notebook
True love, that transcends the barriers of class and that endures the test of time, is our favorite way to experience romance. Fortunately, the musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel The Notebook delivers exactly that. For its Broadway berth this spring, the new musical takes us on a journey of two hearts: Allie, from an affluent family and Noah from the wrong side of the tracks.
The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton’s time-honored novel about two rival gangs in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s, is Broadway bound in musical form. The Outsiders follows Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade, members of “The Greasers” who must go into hiding after one of their street brawls results in death. Soon the young men have to face the consequences of their choices.
The Heart of Rock and Roll
An exciting new addition to the Broadway scene this spring is The Heart of Rock and Roll, a jukebox musical featuring the songs of Huey Lewis and the News. A romantic comedy boasting such hits as “Workin’ For A Livin’," "Stuck With You," and “If This Is It,” the show follows two thirty-somethings, both with a clear idea of their direction in life, who find their plans upended when they land in each other’s lives.
An Enemy of the People
This new adaptation of Ibsen’s classic masterwork is coming to Broadway for a limited engagement, starring Succession’s Jeremy Strong and The White Lotus’ Michael Imperioli. When a small-town doctor discovers a catastrophe that risks the lives of his close-knit community, he is shaken to his core when those in power – including his own brother – try to silence and destroy him.
Staff Pick: The Who's TOMMY
Staff Pick: The Who's TOMMY
By Mark A. Robinson
The bells and whistles are going off as the digit counters fall toward the opening of the eagerly anticipated revival of The Who’s TOMMY. Originally imagined as a concept album in 1969 and the fourth album by the popular British band The Who, TOMMY was made into a feature film in 1975. The true theatrical life of the piece started in 1992 at the La Jolla Playhouse under the direction of Des McAnuff, who ultimately ushered it to Broadway in 1993. The result was a stage production that celebrated the music and the film, but elevated the components to a full-on, unforgettable Broadway pop opera with rich storytelling and stimulating visual splendor. The reimagined revival, once again under the direction of McAnuff, comes to Broadway after a successful run at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre.
The story of TOMMY begins during World War II, where Captain Walker is lost in battle and presumed dead. Meanwhile, back in Britain, Mrs. Walker gives birth to a son and names him Tommy. Four years pass and Mrs. Walker has moved on, taking a new lover. Captain Walker, having been a prisoner of war, returns home and in a moment of jealousy, kills his wife’s paramour; the young Tommy witnessing the violent event. As a result, Tommy slips into a catatonic state where he is rendered deaf, mute, and blind. As his parents desperately search for a cure for their son’s trauma, the boy is regularly abused by friends and relatives. As he gets older, Tommy finds one outlet to connect with the world around him: playing pinball. He emerges as a champion player, rising in stardom to a cultish following. Dubbed “The Pinball Wizard”, Tommy becomes an international phenomenon. In the end, will his hypnotic spell of self-preservation be broken and will Tommy find forgiveness for those who have wronged him?
Pete Townsend, who had written much of the music for the TOMMY concept album including songs such as “Pinball Wizard”, “See Me, Feel Me”, “The Acid Queen”, and “Listening to You”, crafted a brand new musical number for the stage production. The electrically-charged “I Believe My Own Eyes” is a second act duet for Captain and Mrs. Walker as they come to terms with the fact that Tommy may never be cured. Townsend won a 1993 Tony Award for his work on The Who’s TOMMY.
The revival is set to star Ali Louis Bourzgui, making his Broadway debut in the title role. He is joined by Alison Luff (Waitress) as Mrs. Walker, Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) as Captain Walker, John Ambrosino (Broadway debut) as Uncle Ernie, Bobby Conte (Company) as Cousin Kevin, Christina Sajous (American Idiot) as the Acid Queen, and Haley Gustafson (debut) as Sally Simpson. Choreography for the production will be provided by Lorin Latarro (Into the Woods, Waitress).
The Who’s TOMMY promises an exciting return to Broadway; an event filled with great music, explosive choreography, and glorious spectacle. Get ready to partake in the thrill when this production begins previews on March 8th toward a March 28th opening.
The Voices of Women: Celebrating Women’s History Month on Broadway
The Voices of Women: Celebrating Women’s History Month on Broadway
By Mark A. Robinson
March is Women’s History Month and the theatre continues to be the perfect place to celebrate the voices of women. From authors and songwriters, to directors, producers, and even historical figures brought to life, the theatre is giving them their due. Though there are many women who have contributed to the American Theatre scene, let us single out some of the voices that are currently being heard on Broadway this spring!
Suffs
In 1913, suffragettes were fighting for a woman’s right to vote in America. The musical Suffs, which arrives on The Great White Way after a successful run Off-Broadway, tells the story of these incredible women who moved the needle on this issue through their persistence. Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai, strong women’s voices in their own right, are producers on this project which features music, book, and lyrics by Shaina Taub, who also stars in the production with an all-female cast and creative team.
Lempicka
Artist Tamara de Lempicka is the subject of a new musical arriving on Broadway this spring. Having escaped Poland during the Russian Revolution by fleeing to Paris, France, Lempicka took up painting, making her living as an artist. Soon, this courageous and unconventional woman established herself as the go-to master of the aristocracy, particularly sought after for her Art Deco portraits as she changed art and culture forever.
The Outsiders
Imagine being 16 years old and writing a book that becomes a bestseller and establishes itself as a perennial classic. That is what S. E. Hinton achieved when she penned the 1967 novel The Outsiders . Now that book (which was also turned into a hit film) about street gangs and their special brand of brotherhood, has made its way to the Broadway stage. Adding another exceptional woman to the team, Angelina Jolie has joined the producing team of this powerhouse production.
SIX
Henry VIII had six wives, but little attention has been given to the individual personalities and achievements of these remarkable women. Until now. SIX the musical rectifies the omissions of the history books by telling the stories of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, giving each a voice and a platform to share THEIR side of the story.
The Notebook
The musical adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks romance The Notebook is an eagerly anticipated production coming to Broadway this spring. Writing the score for the piece is singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, known for such hit albums as Slow the Rain, Girls and Boys, Be OK, and Human Again. The Notebook marks her first time writing for the stage, but she made her Broadway debut in 2017 playing Sonya in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.
Hell’s Kitchen
Singer/songwriter Alicia Keys boasts many accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards. Now, Keys is taking her myriad talents to Broadway with the new musical Hell’s Kitchen. The story of a teenage girl who is anxious to make her mark on the world as a musician, is an ideal fit for Keys’ character defining lyrics and emotionally-charged music.
March 2024: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
March 2024: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
March teases us with signs of spring, temperatures bouncing back and forth between frigid and fair. As we wait out the true arrival of the end of winter, we can always find respite and escape in the audience of a Broadway show. This March, there are some exciting opportunities to catch some of theatre’s best on the Great White Way. Here are the top Broadway shows to see this month!
Sweeney Todd
Tony-winning Broadway favorites Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit have assumed the roles of Mrs. Lovett and the title character, respectively, in the critically acclaimed revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. He plays a murderous barber, dead set on revenge, she the macabre baker who becomes his accomplice. Both a chilling musical thriller and ultimately a haunting tragedy, this epic revival is not to be missed.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The continuation of the magical wizarding world from the beloved book and films comes to the stage in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, complete with an array of astonishing theatrical magic. In this, the 8th story of the series, the titular wizard sends his son Albus to The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he soon finds himself with the power to change the past...and the future...forever.
MJ
The life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, comes thrillingly to life in MJ, a jukebox musical that utilizes the superstar’s parade of hits to tell his story. Of particular note is the exciting and athletic, Tony-winning choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. Jackson was known for his groundbreaking, distinctive dance moves, so of course MJ captures those iconic dances to breathtaking delight.
Wicked
An unlikely friendship blooms between a popular blonde and an emerald green outcast in the land of Oz. When the world declares one good and the other one wicked, can they find commonality despite their myriad differences? Make your way to the Gershwin Theatre to see why Wicked has been defying gravity for over 20 years!
Chicago
Crime pays! Well, at least that’s what the musical Chicago seems to suggest. Roxie Hart, an aspiring vaudevillian, catapults to stardom when she murders her lover, becoming the Windy City’s media darling with the help of her seedy lawyer. Razzle dazzle abounds in this jazzy revival of the Kander and Ebb classic. Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules) stars as Roxie Hart through April 7th, with Jinkx Monsoon (RuPaul’s Drag Race) returning as Matron Mama Morton from June 27th – July 12th.
The Who’s TOMMY
The Pinball Wizard is back with the musical rock opera The Who’s TOMMY, receiving a long-awaited revival on Broadway this spring. Upon witnessing an emotionally scarring incident, young Tommy Walker is struck deaf, mute, and blind. Trapped in an isolating world, he finds his outlet in playing pinball, rising to stardom with a cultish following. The Who’s TOMMY is an inspiring story about perseverance and forgiveness.
Staff Pick of the Month: The Cottage
Staff Pick of the Month: The Cottage
By Mark A. Robinson and Kelly Shoemaker
A little summer escape is always a great deal of fun. This summer, escape to the English countryside in 1923 in the new comedy The Cottage, written by playwright Sandy Rustin. Broadway’s latest offering is poised to bring riotous laughter with an effervescent new drawing-room farce sure to tickle your funny bone. The Cottage, under the deft direction of comedic genius Jason Alexander (TV’s Seinfeld and Tony Award winner for Jerome Robbins’ Broadway) opened July 24th at Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theater.
An idyllic bungalow in the countryside becomes the setting for an unexpected romp after Sylvia sends two telegrams – one to her husband Clarke, and one to her lover Beau’s wife Marjorie – exposing their illicit secret affair. A zany cast of characters arrives, seemingly out of the woodwork, to interrupt the lovers’ tryst and add to the complicated fabric of secrets and betrayals as the true meaning of fate, identity, and marriage are all called into question. How will Clarke and Marjorie react to the news? Does Beau have more secrets that he’s hiding, even from Sylvia? And who exactly is the mustached man who arrives with a gun, and what score does he have to settle with Beau? What happens next is a tangled web of twists, turns, and surprises that evolve into an evening of pure hilarity.
This incredibly funny new play features a spectacular cast, each with comedic pedigrees that are sure to heighten the level of laughter. Eric McCormack (Emmy Award winner for TV’s Will & Grace) joins Broadway favorites Laura Bell Bundy (Legally Blonde, Wicked, Hairspray), Lilli Cooper (Tootsie, POTUS, SpongeBob SquarePants), Nehal Joshi (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Flying Over Sunset), and Dana Steingold (Beetlejuice) in the on stage hilarity, along with Saturday Night Live cast member Alex Moffat, making his Broadway debut.
Playwright Sandy Rustin is no stranger to the comedy genre, having adapted Jonathan Lynn’s screenplay of the movie cult classic Clue for the stage. Her other plays include Struck, Elijah, Houston, and The Suffragette’s Murder. The Cottage marks Rustin’s Broadway debut, which critics are calling “a sensational side-splitting screwball comedy” (Entertainment Weekly), and “frothy, effervescent, and hilarious! You’ll laugh for two hours straight.” Don’t miss your chance to escape to The Cottage – get your tickets today!
Broadway Trivia: What's Playing Right Now
Broadway Trivia: What's Playing Right Now
By Mark A. Robinson
There is nothing trivial about the complexity of Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and musicals. That doesn’t, however, change the fact that we love the trivia about these productions. Here is your chance to stand in the spotlight! How many of these trivia questions about currently running Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and musicals can you answer?
QUESTIONS:
1. Off-Broadway’s Rock & Roll Man is a bio-musical about D.J. Alan Freed, one of the early proponents of Rock & Roll music. What American Idol finalist plays Freed in this new musical?
2. The Shark is Broken is a play by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon that reveals the behind-the-scenes insanity that ensued during the filming of the 1975 horror classic Jaws. Who was the director of that famous film?
3. This former Filipino leader is the subject of the immersive musical Here Lies Love that chronicles her rise and fall from power.
4. What popular country music variety and sketch comedy program was the basis for an earlier project that was revised and grown into Broadway’s musical comedy hit Shucked?
5. MJ, the music biography that tells the life story of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, features many songs by the superstar. Which Michael Jackson album was the artist’s best-selling of his career and the top-selling pop album of all time?
6. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues the story of the titular wizard in J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series. The play follows Harry’s son on an adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. What are the names of the four dormitory houses at Hogwarts?
7. Titanique, the Off-Broadway musical that spoofs the film Titanic, uses songs made famous by this pop star to make up its score. Adding to the fun, she is also a character in the musical’s story.
8. Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the comedic geniuses behind the musical The Book of Mormon. What irreverent television cartoon for adults, that has been running since 1997, did Parker and Stone also create?
9. SIX is a Broadway musical-meets-pop music concert, that gives a voice to the half-dozen wives of Henry VIII. Can you name all six of these dynamic ladies?
10. Who doesn’t love Wicked, the long-running musical about the unlikely friendship between the two Witches of Oz? The musical spectacle features a character named Elphaba, better known to us as “The Wicked Witch of the West.” What was the inspiration for Elphaba’s name?
ANSWER KEY:
1. Rock & Roll Man stars Constantine Maroulis who was an American Idol finalist in the fourth season of the hit reality series. Maroulis received a Tony Award nomination for his appearance in the jukebox musical Rock of Ages. He also starred on Broadway in a revival of Jekyll and Hyde.
2. Steven Spielberg directed the film Jaws. The production was plagued with myriad complications, among them the ongoing technical issues with the mechanical shark that portrayed the title character. The Shark is Broken delves into the comical and frustrating setbacks that came while making this movie classic.
3. Imelda Marcos, played by Arielle Jacobs. Jacobs has appeared on Broadway in Aladdin, Wicked, and In the Heights. Here Lies Love features a score by Grammy winners David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim. The musical is set in the confines of a dance club and the audience gets to be part of the action.
4. Hee-Haw! was a country music variety and sketch program that ran on various television channels from 1969 to 1997. Robert Horn, book writer for Shucked, previously worked on a project with composers Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally in 2015 called Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical. The show’s 2020 run at the National Theater was cancelled by the pandemic, after which extensive rewrites left only two songs and the character name “Lulu” behind to forge a new path for the Shucked audiences know and love today.
5. Michael Jackson’s Thriller album was released in November of 1982. It soared to the top of the charts and went on to become the best-selling pop music album of all time. Among its hit songs, “Beat It”, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”, “Billie Jean”, “Human Nature” and “Thriller” are all performed in the Broadway musical MJ.
6. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin are the names of the four houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, they feature as well. Albus, Harry’s son, defies family tradition when he is sorted into Slytherin instead of Gryffindor.
7. The musical Titanique features songs made famous by pop star Celine Dion. Dion won both an Oscar and a handful of Grammy Awards for “My Heart Will Go On,” the love theme from the popular 1997 film Titanic. In the musical, the character of Celine Dion surprises patrons at a Titanic museum and serves as their guide through the telling of her version of the tale of the greatest maritime disaster.
8. South Park, which premiered on Comedy Central in 1997, was the brainchild of Parker and Stone. The duo collaborated on the 2011 musical The Book of Mormon, bringing their devilish wit and ribald storytelling to a tale about two Mormon missionaries sent to serve in a remote African village.
9. Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr were Henry VIII’s wives. In SIX, each one gets a chance to make their case for why they had the worst deal as his spouse.
10. The book Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire was the basis for the musical Wicked. Maguire, as an homage to Oz creator and author L. Frank Baum, added a vowel sound to each of Baum’s initials L.F.B. to create the moniker Elphaba. The beloved character lives on in the musical Wicked where she brings the house down every performance with the show stopping Act I finale “Defying Gravity.”
August 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
August 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
As summer begins to wrap up and the kiddos get ready to go back to school, there is still time for a theater outing or two. Broadway and Off-Broadway have a wide variety of offerings, many of which are perfect for the entire family. Here are some of our picks of the top Broadway shows to see this month!
Hadestown
Australian-American singer-songwriter Betty Who, making her Broadway debut as Persephone starting September 5th, is reason enough to make a journey back to Hadestown! And if you haven’t already seen the show, what are you waiting for? This trip to the Underworld where Hades reigns supreme may just be the most harrowing love story to ever play on Broadway. It certainly is one of the liveliest, propelled by Anais Mitchell’s intoxicating and pulsating score.
Aladdin
There is nothing more perfect for a family outing than an event curated by Disney. On Broadway, that can be found on the magic carpet ride of a musical called Aladdin. Full of terrific music, adventure, romance, and spectacle, this one is ideal for anyone and everyone. Rub that magic lamp and be sure to tell the genie that one of your wishes is to see Aladdin on Broadway. No genie? No problem! You can always get tickets the old-fashioned way.
Kimberly Akimbo
Meet Kimberly Levaco: she’s just your average high school girl with homework, crushes, a screwed up family and self doubts. Okay, so average doesn’t exactly describe her – Kimberly has a disorder where she ages physically at an exponential rate. If you think surviving the pressures of high school are difficult, try doing so while looking like an elderly woman. Kimberly’s life certainly is akimbo, but her heart and resolve make her one of Broadway’s most unforgettable heroines – so unforgettable that Kimberly Akimbo was awarded the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical!
Chicago
“Lucky Lindy never flew so high!” boasts the showtune standard “All That Jazz” in the musical Chicago. That may well be, but you’ll have to judge for yourself. When Roxie Hart commits murder in the Windy City of the 1920s, she parlays her predicament into publicity, launching a career in vaudeville. Chicago is the longest-running musical currently playing on Broadway, and there is a reason. It is a fizzy champagne cocktail of a musical with a whiskey chaser: a sparkling story of love, fame, and murder served up with a jazzy, edgy, Kander and Ebb score.
Back to the Future
New to Broadway this summer is the musical adaptation of the 1985 film comedy Back to the Future. A teenage boy named Marty McFly finds himself accidentally sent via time machine back to the 1950s. There he meets his parents as teenagers and complications ensue when his mom starts to fall in love with Marty instead of his father. Can Marty fix things, bring his parents together, and ensure that his very existence is not put in jeopardy? Back to the Future is an exhilarating theatrical jaunt that takes audiences on a trip through time!
Little Shop of Horrors
Off Broadway is always a delightful alternative to Broadway, particularly for those who crave a more intimate theatrical experience. One of Off Broadway’s current highlights is a revival of the perennial favorite Little Shop of Horrors. Audience charmer Jeremy Jordan (Newsies) is reprising his role as the nebbish plant enthusiast Seymour from July 25 through September 17. Head on down to Skid Row, revel in this campy classic, and remember – “don’t feed the plants!”
6 Broadway-Inspired Cocktails to Sip & Savor
6 Broadway-Inspired Cocktails to Sip & Savor
By Mark A. Robinson
Let us lift a glass and toast all the terrific shows playing on Broadway. Whether it’s a pre-show apéritif or a post-show nightcap, there are plenty of establishments that offer cocktails themed to some of Broadway’s biggest hits. From SIX to Wicked, from A Beautiful Noise to Back to the Future, you can partake in a libation tailored to that experience.
SIX
Stop by Bond 45 at 221 W 46th Street to get into the mood for SIX. They feature “The Queen’s Cup,” a purple potion that celebrates those empowered wives of Henry VIII. The drink is a blend of Butterfly Pea Blossom Gin, plum liquor, lavender & blueberry tea, blue flower extract and lemon. Adding to the mood, Bond 45 features a special dining area inspired by the musical featuring purple upholstery and a brass plaque to celebrate the production. “Six” of these beverages might be too much, but one or two shouldn’t result in you losing your head (Henry’s input pending).
BACK TO THE FUTURE
“It don’t take money, it don’t take fame,” all it takes is a jaunt to Dolly Varden (302 West 51st Street) to enjoy the two libations themed to one of Broadway’s newest musicals, Back to the Future. First up is the “88 Miles Per Hour,” served with a coconut rim and featuring Kahlua, vanilla, cold brew, and chocolate bitters. It’s guaranteed to get your pulse up to that 88 miles per hour required to head back to the 1950s. Also on the menu is a mocktail (without alcohol) called “For the Dreamers,” featuring chamomile, lemon and soda.
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical features a parade of hits by the musical’s titular singer-songwriter. At The Long Room (120 West 44th Street) the big hit at the restaurant is a drink named after A Beautiful Noise. Tequila, habanero-infused agave, fresh lime, and tajin rim come together for an unforgettable cocktail that may not be quite as sweet as “Sweet Caroline,” but it sure comes close. Regardless, it’s a perfect homage to Diamond and his music.
GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR
Speaking of The Long Room, there is another cocktail on the menu honoring a Broadway show. The “Good Night, Oscar” is a delightful blend of vodka, rose water, and lemon citrus, topped with sparkling rosé wine. Musician and celebrity personality Oscar Levant, who the play Good Night, Oscar is about, was himself a complicated blend of elegance, sarcasm, humor and storyteller. This drink is the perfect concoction to capture his complex personality and unrivaled pizazz.
WICKED
In the musical Wicked, a green elixir is responsible for the birth of a baby that would ultimately become one of the most powerful (and greenest) witches of Oz. Azalea (224 West 51st Street) has a green aperitif called a “Wickedtini” that may not lead to the same results, but the combination of vodka, lime juice, and melon liquor defies gravity with its fruity flavor and enticing, verdant hue. This is a potion that has the approval of the Wizard of Oz himself!
FUNNY GIRL
A trip to New York isn’t complete without a stop at Don’t Tell Mama (343 West 46th Street), one of the Theatre District’s most beloved piano bars and eateries. Don’t Tell Mama’s cocktail menu includes the “Funny Girl,” a blend of Absolut Mandarin, Peach & Cranberry Juice, with splashes of lemon & lime. Equal parts sweetness and sass, it’s the perfect beverage to get you ready for a performance of the celebrated revival of Funny Girl and the colorful comedienne at its core: the late, great Fanny Brice.
Broadway Spotlight: MJ
Broadway Spotlight: MJ
By Mark A. Robinson
The importance of choreography when telling a story in a Broadway musical is not always given its due, yet it deserves to be celebrated! Dance is the engine that propels a Broadway musical forward. Sure, we love the songs and the stars, and we love to get lost in the plot of a great story, but it is the kinetic energy of choreography that lifts a musical into the stratosphere and truly impresses us. MJ, the musical biography of pop star Michael Jackson, is one of those special shows where the dancing heightens the theatrical magic…and metaphorically (and maybe literally) makes it take flight!
Winner of the 2022 Tony Award for Best Choreography, Christopher Wheeldon appears to have the recipe down for defying gravity with the inventive dances he crafted for MJ. Of course, Michael Jackson had been noted for the fancy footwork he brought to the concert stage and to music videos of such song hits as “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller” and “Bad.” Capturing Jackson’s indelible style and applying it to the musical theater stage was never going to be an easy task. And yet, Wheeldon has masterfully evoked Jackson’s style while freshly reimagining it for the Broadway stage. The result: choreography that twists, turns, tilts, glides, and often appears to take flight. It is quite unlike anything we’ve seen before on the musical theater stage.
Audiences delight in watching how Wheeldon worked his magic on the previously mentioned Michael Jackson hits, as well as other showstoppers such as “Smooth Criminal,” “Human Nature,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Black or White” and “You Can’t Win.” Actor Elijah Rhea Johnson is currently portraying the title character in MJ, and he embodies Jackson, while expertly igniting Wheeldon’s choreography with his own remarkably nimble abilities. He is joined by a nonpareil ensemble of dancers who are equally adept at making the seemingly impossible movements possible.
MJ is not to be missed! The adrenaline that pours forth from the stage sends an energy that sparks and crackles throughout the audience. When you take a pop star that enjoyed a career brimming with hits, use those songs to tell his story, then send that tale soaring atop such breathtaking dance magic, a ticket-buyer is in for an experience they will not forget. MJ gives us all of that… and then some. Get your tickets today, with prices starting at just $83.
Stage Door Etiquette
Stage Door Etiquette
By Mark A. Robinson
One of the greatest thrills of the entertainment world is to see a Broadway show. The key reason for this thrill is that we get to witness some of the industry’s greatest talent, live and in person. This also means that there is a chance that you can catch these artists at the stage door after the show and maybe get their autographs. In the world of theatergoing, this is known as “stage-dooring.” It can be an exciting experience, one that makes your trip to a play or musical twice as memorable, but there is an etiquette that is essential to keep the experience fun and safe for all.
Don’t Make Assumptions:
Most performers are great with patrons at the stage door, but please remember that their interaction with you is a courtesy, not a requirement. Your ticket guarantees you a performance and that is all. There is nothing on it that suggests you will get a “meet-and-greet.” The performer has no obligation to stop for 15 or 20 minutes to sign autographs and pose for pictures. How fortunate are we, then, that so many DO provide this extra treat at the stage door!
Don’t Expect All Performers to Participate in the Stage-Dooring Experience:
Have you ever finished your workday and had to make a mad dash to pick up the kids, then stop at the grocery store, before going home and collapsing on the couch for a quiet night? Performers leaving the theatre may have somewhere to be, or maybe they are just exhausted from a day of rehearsals and performances. They may simply wave and walk by, in a hurry to get where they need to be. Performers are human, just like everyone else. If they cannot stop, it might be disappointing, but let them get where they need to go.
It’s Not All About You:
Typically, you are not the only person at the stage door waiting for a picture or an autograph. Don’t assume it’s only about you. At the stage door there can often be dozens (or hundreds) of adoring fans waiting their turn to grab someone from Back to the Future, Kimberly Akimbo, or Moulin Rouge! Do not monopolize the talent, and certainly do not push in front of others to get to that performer you are hoping to meet. It keeps things calmer, happier, and safer when we take into consideration the bigger picture.
Come Prepared:
Getting an autograph from a theater celeb or getting a quick photo with your favorite performer can be a wonderful memento of your theatre excursion. Keep in mind, however, that actors do not always come armed with autograph pens, so make sure you have one with you if you are seeking a signature. If you are going to ask for that “quick” photo, have your camera open and ready to go so that you aren’t cutting into the time others might have to get THEIR memento!
Be Respectful of the Artists:
As we’ve said before, the artists are under no obligation to stop and spend time with you. But many of them will, so reward their kindnesses with courtesy. Use words like “please” and “thank you.” Manners will get you far. Make it a positive experience for the performers so that they are enticed to make stage-dooring a regular part of their day!
Don’t Do It Unless You’ve Seen the Show:
Look, it can be tempting to stage-door at shows you haven’t purchased tickets for and/or watched, but it is definitely poor etiquette to do so. You might see people huddling around the stage door for A Beautiful Noise, The Book of Mormon, or Wicked, but YOU didn’t see the show. How unfair would it be to foist yourself upon the talent when there are already throngs of people waiting, AND they actually bought tickets and did see the show?
Show Gratitude:
It’s always best to show kindness and gratitude to anyone who does something special for you. When cast members of Here Lies Love sign those autographs, maybe take a moment to tell them how much you loved their performance. When a dancer in Some Like It Hot inspires you, TELL THEM THAT and explain why! Even better, you can send these special performers a “Thank You” note in care of the theatre and they will get it. Put your thoughts on paper and show just how grateful you are to the artist who goes above and beyond!
Staff Pick of the Month: Wicked
Staff Pick of the Month: Wicked
By Mark A. Robinson and Kelly Shoemaker
The mark of a good Broadway musical is a show that offers truly special moments that make the heart leap and the pulse race. There are even fewer musicals that offer these euphoric occurrences multiple times within each performance. And then there is Wicked, the long-running musical about to celebrate its 20th Anniversary this October, which provides these moments in regular intervals.
Wicked, inspired by the beloved characters of L. Frank Baum’s perennial classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, started out as a popular novel by author Gregory Maguire, who reimagined Baum’s story from the point of view of Elphaba, a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West. Instead of being painted as an all-purpose villain, the green-visaged woman becomes a crusading heroine of female empowerment, animal rights, and political justice. Add in an unlikely friendship for the ages with an extremely popular blonde who has surprising depth beneath her bubbly façade, composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin) and librettist Winnie Holzman have created one of theatre’s most beloved and long-running musicals.
From Elphaba’s dynamic first number “The Wizard and I,” where she imagines a bright future collaborating with Oz’s ruler to Glinda’s effervescent anthem “Popular,” where we are shown Glinda’s huge heart hidden behind her well-curated persona, this dynamic duo make us laugh and cheer as their unlikely friendship is solidified. When a charming but surprisingly courageous prince named Fiyero who is just “Dancing Through Life,” arrives on scene, our dynamic duo is put to the test, as they continue to navigate both the trials of youth as well as the corruption unfolding in Oz. One of the most iconic moments of Wicked is undoubtedly the Act I finale, where Elphaba, upon learning that the Wizard is a sham, finds herself using her magic to escape the Emerald City. Enchanting a broom so that it can fly, she mounts it and rides into the stratosphere while singing the unforgettable “Defying Gravity”. Looming high above the audience, the now fugitive Elphaba leaves her friends and past behind as she proclaims her personal emancipation from a corrupt world. And that’s all just in Act One!
Act Two of Wicked tugs further on our heartstrings as our trio navigate the tricky waters of staying true to themselves as they try to better the world around them in their own unique ways. Through the joys and perils of an unlikely romance, betrayals from both friend and foe, and a twist ending that always garners surprised gasps from the audience, one of the key moments of Act Two sees our heroines find their way back to one another for a fleeting moment as they reflect on each other’s importance in their own journeys with the poignant duet “For Good.” There is never a dry eye in the theatre when this beloved song comes around, and for good reason.
The very best Broadway shows leave us with deep feelings as well as something to think about long after we’ve left the theatre. Wicked’s incredible characters, deeply-felt songs, and messages of friendship and courage keep us revisiting the show year after year. Here’s to 20 more years (and beyond!)
Top Cirque Shows to See Now
Top Cirque Shows to See Now
By Mark A. Robinson
Cirque du Soleil delights audiences around the world with its incredible productions, featuring stunning special effects, music, acrobatics and storytelling for the whole family. With several touring shows around the country, the opportunities to enjoy Cirque are endless, so let us take a closer look at current shows now playing near you:
The first of these is KOOZA, an adventure seen through the eyes of The Innocent. The central character is a naïve, lovable clown in search of his purpose. While flying a kite, a mystery item is delivered into his hands, launching him on an adventure of self-discovery. Transferred to a colorful, curious, alternate reality, this journey is an eye-opening experience that guides him to his rightful place in the world.
Never content with just one jaw-dropping experience in their repertoire, Cirque du Soleil offers another entertainment delight with BAZZAR. Billed as “an eclectic lab of endless invention where a joyous troupe of acrobats, dancers, and musicians create an awe-inspiring display,” BAZZAR boasts a kaleidoscope of visuals paired with thrilling musical displays, all guaranteed to transport audiences to fascinating places. Under the watchful eye of their maestro, the company weighs the balance between order and disorder, reimagining scenes from everyday life into show-stopping moments of creative invention.
Yet again, Cirque du Soleil keeps the experiences coming with ECHO. Poetry, stagecraft, aerial acrobatics, and stage spectacle merge to tell a tale about evolution and our symbiotic relationships with the planet. Our female heroine known as “Future,” along with a cast of supporting players, explore “the delicate balance between people, animals, and the world we all share.” Through individual and collective discoveries, they realize that their choices and actions have long-lasting effects that shape the planet’s future. Their optimism, their creativity of invention, and their embrace of empathy become the magical ingredients toward making a happier, enduring Earth for all.
With CORTEO, Cirque du Soleil takes audiences on a jaunt with Mauro, a clown who has a carnival-inspired vision of his burial. Attended by a cluster of angels who lovingly usher him through life’s penultimate transition, we experience the clown’s strengths and vulnerabilities when faced with what comes “next.” Featuring music, poetry, expressionistic movement, fantasy, and surprising splashes of humor, CORTEO is a unique character study that becomes a relatable tale for all of us. After all, we all must face our mortality, sooner or later.
One of the latest entries in the Cirque du Soleil oeuvre is CRYSTAL, a cirque experience that “pushes boundaries of the circus arts by combining stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.” Seamlessly, performers navigate a world of movement that seems to defy gravity. On the ice and in the air (and in the area in-between), artistic athletes perform stunning demonstrations of synchronized skating, pulse-augmenting magical freestyle, and then they up the ante with sequences of heart-stopping, extreme skating. This one is for the thrill-seeker in us all!
The only thing that could possibly make Cirque du Soleil more magical that it already is would be to pair it with the wonderful world of Disney. DRAWN TO LIFE does just that! Presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, this collaboration yields an unforgettable entertainment experience, envisioning a three-dimensional, art-in-motion experience that celebrates the creations of Walt Disney and the legendary studio that continues to bear his name and legacy. The show follows a young woman who stumbles upon a sketchbook of incomplete drawings created by her animator father. Accompanied by a magical pencil and a funny band of creative muses, she sets out on a journey into the art her father left unfinished. This is the perfect show for any Cirque du Soleil lover, young and old, and the ideal outing for the families that can’t live without a regular dose of Disney magic.
Broadway Spotlight: The Book of Mormon
Broadway Spotlight: The Book of Mormon
By Mark A. Robinson
Why is it that audiences cannot get enough of the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon? That’s easy! It is a show that provides an endless parade of laughter, and who couldn’t use a night of hilarity? In a very complicated world, it is an antidote for the things that are ailing us. Irreverent and bold, it teaches us all not to take life too seriously. Throw in a tuneful score and a pack of unforgettable characters, and The Book of Mormon is a musical that is not to be missed!
Elder Price is hoping to be assigned his Mormon mission in the simple, sunny, souvenir-laden world of Orlando, Florida. Instead, he is sent to a remote village in Uganda to convert its villagers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Already disappointed with the assignment, he finds that his mission partner is the bumbling Elder Cunningham, the absolute opposite of Elder Price’s perfect, by-the-book persona. As our mismatched missionaries face the challenge of a lifetime, navigating appalling living conditions, disinterested locals, and even a corrupt warlord dominating the area, Elder Price finds himself losing faith after his perfectly planned approach yields zero results. Will Elder Cunningham’s penchant for bending the truth save the day and bring hope to a village in crisis?
The Book of Mormon features a book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (of TV’s South Park fame) and Robert Lopez (Broadway’s Avenue Q). The pedigree of its creators is steeped in comedic know-how and they deliver the heart and delightfully frank and sometimes a bit off-color humor that have made them all famous. The Book of Mormon is, after all, an award-winning show having picked up Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Direction (Parker and Casey Nicholaw), Best Orchestrations, as well as for a handful of acting and design accolades.
On top of the wildly funny book and incredible performances, the best reason to see The Book of Mormon is its catchy, witty score. The deliciously droll opening sequence “Hello” is a hysterical look at how Mormons are perceived by many as they go door-to-door witnessing their faith. "Hasa Diga Eebowai" is an infectious ditty that bemoans the harsh realities of life in the Ugandan village juxtaposed with the wide-eyed optimism of outsiders Elders Price and Cunningham. The show-stopping “Turn it Off” is a celebration of self-denial and the things we repress to be closer to God, while the anthemic “I Believe,” Elder Price’s powerful reflection of his faith, is a tuneful, tongue-in-cheek testament to blind belief in a cause, no matter how outlandish it seems from an outsider’s perspective.
Whether you’ve already enjoyed it multiple times or this will be your first time reveling in its charms, The Book of Mormon proves the saying that laughter is the best medicine. Get yourself a ticket, and prepare to give yourself over to gut-wrenching guffaws, riddled with cheeky impertinence. You’ll be glad that you did.
From Past to Present: ‘Purlie Victorious’ Revival Still Resonates
From Past to Present: ‘Purlie Victorious’ Revival Still Resonates
By Kelly Shoemaker
Dynamic traveling preacher Purlie Victorious Judson has just returned to his small Georgia hometown with a mission – if he can collect his long-lost cousin’s inheritance from plantation owner Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee, he will be able to buy back his church. When elements of the plan go awry, will a courageous act of defiance be what is needed to finally foil the tyrannical Cotchipee and land Purlie back in the pulpit where he belongs?
First produced in 1961, Purlie Victorious has ties to the past, while creating a new production for the future. Renowned African-American actor, playwright, and advocate for social change Ossie Davis both wrote and starred in the original production. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in racially segregated Georgia, Davis shaped Purlie’s experiences with the oppressive authority of whites in the South by mirroring his own.
After Leslie Odom, Jr. won the Tony Award in 2016 for Hamilton, he would frequently be asked what his future dream role was, and Purlie Victorious Judson would always pop into his mind. After first encountering the play in high school, Odom, Jr. continued to regard Ossie Davis’ work, both on stage/screen and off, as well as Davis’ wife, actress Ruby Dee, to be among the greatest of American artists and activists – Odom, Jr.’s daughter is even named after Ruby Dee! In addition to Odom, Jr.’s ties to the project, Davis and Dee’s legacies are enhanced by the participation of their son Guy, who created music for the 2023 revival.
Even the show’s producing team has ties to the original production – Tony Award nominee Alan Alda, who played Charlie Cotchipee in the original production in 1961, is honored to help bring Purlie to a new audience, along with producer Jeffrey Richards, whose mother was the original production’s Company Manager! Additional producers are a star-studded “who’s who,” with actors Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Phylicia Rashad and Kerry Washington also on board.
Helmed by acclaimed director Kenny Leon, Purlie Victorious is more than just a show – it’s a visit to the past that’s much needed to shape our collective future, as this entertaining and enduring play is shared with a new audience. The current challenges of our country are examined through a theatrical lens into the past, providing us the opportunity to reflect and learn while we laugh. Don’t miss your chance to share in this extraordinary revival, filled with life, joy, and hope – for a limited time only at the Music Box Theatre.
Staff Pick of the Month: A Beautiful Noise
Staff Pick of the Month: A Beautiful Noise
Who hasn’t turned on the radio, heard a Neil Diamond song playing, and didn’t instantly feel a surge of happy recognition stir up inside their soul? There is a reason why the music of Neil Diamond connects with us so easily. The lyrics are instantly relatable. The melodies are potently infectious. Above all, Diamond’s distinctly mellow voice puts us in a familiar place where we automatically feel good. It is for this reason (among many others) that A Beautiful Noise is our “Staff Pick of the Month”!
A Beautiful Noise is a musical that tells Diamond’s story, from humble beginnings through his meteoric rise to a pop music icon. Two actors play Diamond in the show: Tony nominee Will Swenson (Hair) portrays the singer throughout the early years of his career, with Mark Jacoby (Ragtime) playing Diamond “now”. Utilizing song-standard-after-song-standard plucked from Diamond’s songbook, A Beautiful Noise treats audiences to a parade of hits including “America”, “Forever in Blue Jeans”, “Hello, Again”, “Love on the Rocks”, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”, “Kentucky Woman”, and of course that Diamond ear worm “Sweet Caroline.” Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch) directs the show with his always clever approach.
What also makes A Beautiful Noise an enticing choice for audiences is that the production offers four (count ‘em, FOUR!) matinee performances to choose from. If you are not one for staying up past eight o’clock to see a Broadway show, or you are simply in the Big Apple for a day trip, A Beautiful Noise caters to you. Currently, the schedule includes 2 pm matinees on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and a 3 pm matinee on Sunday. This is the perfect way to see a hit show, grab dinner, and get home at an early hour.
Then there is the opportunity to sing along with the cast at curtain call. Swenson and company reprise that Diamond gem “Sweet Caroline”, inviting the audience to raise their voices in unison. There is something thrilling to be experienced when an entire room full of people let their hair down and partake in the pure joy of sharing a song together. The sing along symbolizes what Diamond’s music does: it brings us together.
Whether it’s a convenience of time, an attraction to American song standards, or a love for joyous jukebox musicals, A Beautiful Noise provides an ideal outing for you. Get together a party of your friends, or treat the entire family to a lively night of entertainment, by making your way to the Broadhurst Theatre for a celebration of the career and legacy of Neil Diamond. There is a reason why audiences are walking out of A Beautiful Noise with giant grins lighting up their faces and music igniting their hearts! Get your tickets now to share in the joy, and don’t miss your chance to see Will Swenson lead the cast before his final performance October 29th! With tickets starting at just $60 – good times never seemed so good!
Broadway Spooktacular: The Plays & Musicals That Are Perfect for Celebrating Halloween
Broadway Spooktacular: The Plays & Musicals That Are Perfect for Celebrating Halloween
October is Halloween month and Broadway offers a surprising array of plays and musicals suited for the holiday. Whether you enjoy compelling mysteries, spooky plot twists, colorful spectacle with wild and crazy costumes, or kooky comedy bordering on the insane, the Great White Way is a Halloween spooktacular with something for everyone!
The Witches of Oz are the least frightening part of this musical, but witches do iconically go with Halloween, so Wicked is the first entry on our list of musicals to see for Halloween. Not to worry! There is plenty to be fearful of in Wicked. The corrupt Wizard, his pack of abused flying monkeys, the horrific mistreatment of the musical’s catalyst Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) all come together to create a story perfect for the whole family.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brims with witches, warlocks, magic, and mystery. These are all the perfect ingredients for a Halloween theatre outing. We all know the Harry Potter stories and the adventures of the title character at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but what happens there when Harry Potter’s son attends and gets into his own magical mischief? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child promises an intriguing evening of theatre full of heart-stopping twists and turns.
Not all things frightening come in the form of ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night. Sometimes, scary can be funny, and the prospect of being a Mormon missionary in a remote African village ruled by a merciless warlord, can inspire both terror and laughter. One of the highlights of the second act of this long-running Broadway favorite is the song “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream,” which is an outrageously funny production number that will chill you to your core, even as you are shaking with laughter.
If you are into the macabre, there is no better musical for you than Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The story of a barber seeking revenge, first on the judge who wrongly incarcerated him, then turning his vengeance on society as a whole, is as close to a horror musical as Broadway gets. For Halloween thrills and chills, Sweeney Todd delivers, taking audiences on a hair-raising ride of a serial killer whose grisly tale is ultimately a heartbreaking tragedy. The musical is also considered by many to be Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece.
A trip to the Underworld and the lair of the diabolical Hades is about as terrifying a prospect as we can imagine, bringing us face-to-face with the embodiment of death. The musical Hadestown does just that, reimagining the Greek myth of “Orpheus and Eurydice” as a terrifying journey of love and rescue. Can Orpheus bring his love Eurydice back from Hadestown, even as the machinations of its ruler thwart him at every turn?
A uniquely bizarre evening of entertainment, it is hard to explain what makes Blue Man Group an offering that has been delighting Off-Broadway audiences for decades. Yet it has! The show suits Halloween just fine, filled as it is with many mind-boggling tricks and the occasional treats worked into the show: fun with such sweets as marshmallows, Captain Crunch, and a Twinkie meal shared with a member of the audience. Even their colorful blue body paint donned by the performers speaks to the art of Halloween transformation.
The Off-Broadway revival of the perennial classic Little Shop of Horrors invites audiences into a science fiction terror tale where a bloodthirsty plant finds its hunger is never sated. The awkward but kindly Seymour is the proud cultivator of the plant, but ultimately realizes the mistake he has made by indulging the vile vegetation. Will it take over the world? Are any of us safe? You’ll have to see Little Shop of Horrors to find out humanity’s fate!
Staff Pick of the Month: Here Lies Love
Staff Pick of the Month: Here Lies Love
What seems like an unlikely premise for a Broadway musical has become one of the most exciting offerings of this season! Here Lies Love tells the compelling story of Filipino First Lady Imelda Marcos –from her early years, through her rise to prominence alongside her husband President Ferdinand Marcos, to the family’s eventual fall from grace and Imelda’s departure from her homeland. It might sound like your typical biographical musical, but Here Lies Love is anything but! The story is told inside a dance club called Club Millennium, where a disc jockey spins the tunes and the story unfolds on the dance floor.
True to its setting, Here Lies Love features a disco-pop score by David Byrne (of Talking Heads and Broadway’s American Utopia) and Fat Boy Slim (the albums Better Living Through Chemistry, Palookaville). Based on the duo’s concept album of the same name, Here Lies Love comes to life under the inventive direction of Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Beetlejuice) who always finds startling ways to stage Broadway musicals in an unconventional way. For Here Lies Love, Timbers has created an immersive experience for audiences that invites them into the action.
The musicalis currently playing at the Broadway Theatre, which has been recently renovated to create the Club Millennium experience. What this means for patrons is an added level to the immersive experience of Here Lies Love, placing them inside the action and bringing them up close and personal with the story. In fact, ticket buyers can purchase floor tickets that allow them to be part of the club encounter, tempting them (and encouraging them) to dance with the cast. Few Broadway shows offer such a thrill! Of course, for those who prefer to witness and not participate, they can secure regular audience seating and still enjoy the spectacular show.
Here Lies Love made its New York City debut in 2013, playing an extended run at Off-Broadway’s Public Theatre. It garnered acclaim from critics and audiences alike, winning five Lucille Lortel awards, two Drama Desk Awards, an Obie Award, and an Outer Critics Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical. The accolades piled up, making it a certainty that Here Lies Love would ultimately arrive on Broadway.
The current Broadway cast of Here Lies Love includes Arielle Jacobs (Aladdin) as Imelda, Jose Lana (Wonderland, The King and I) as Marcos, and Conrad Ricamora (The King and I, TV’s How to Get Away with Murder) as Ninoy Aquino. Annie-B Parson provides the show’s electrically-charged choreography.
Here Lies Love is a Broadway musical that will prove an unforgettable outing for any theatergoer. Unconventional productions redefine how theatre storytelling can happen, pushing and stretching the boundaries of the art form in new and exciting ways. Here Lies Love is one of these cutting-edge theatre experience. Go be a part of history. You won’t want to miss it!
Fall Shows on Broadway: So Much to Experience
Fall Shows on Broadway: So Much to Experience
Fate and fortune have come together to give us some exciting new additions to the Broadway lineup this fall. From inspired revivals of favorite musicals and plays, to some exciting new entries to add to your theatergoing list, the Great White Way is turning up the sparkle just in time for the holiday crowds.
Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along has its first Broadway revival since the show debuted in 1981. This unconventional piece tells the story backwards as it follows three friends over several years, revealing how the tight trio become estranged. With each scene, the clock dials back a few years, ultimately unraveling the complications of life, concluding with our heroes as young, idealistic, and hopeful. The cast features Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Tony winner Lindsay Mendez.
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table have come galloping back to Broadway with a revival of the Tony-winning musical Spamalot. Based on the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the altruistic Arthur is on a quest, in search of the ancient vessel. Along the way, he and his comrades face adventure after adventure, including encounters with the mysterious Lady of the Lake. The cast of Spamalot features Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart, SNL’s Taran Killam, and Broadway favorites Ethan Slater, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Michael Urie, and Christopher Fitzgerald.
Tony winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton) stars in this critically acclaimed revival of playwright Ossie Davis’s Purlie Victorious. Officially titled Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch, the play tells the story of an aspiring preacher who returns to his rural Georgia community and makes his rightful claim as their spiritual leader. Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun, Fences) directs.
The long-gestating musical Harmony, from pop singer/songwriter Barry Manilow and Bruce Susmann, finds its way to Broadway this fall after a celebrated Off-Broadway berth last season. The Comedian Harmonists were a real-life singing group from Berlin who elevated to superstardom in the 1920s and 30s. Harmony takes audiences on their journey, from subway buskers through their rise to fame. Then, suddenly, they were never heard from again. Harmony shows us exactly what happened.
Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells proved to be a hilarious comedy combination when they co-starred in the original Broadway production of The Book of Mormon. Now the duo have reunited to star in the Broadway premiere of Gutenberg! The Musical! They play Bud and Doug, a pair of best friends who love musicals and decide to create one. Their subject: Johannes Gutenberg, the guy who invented the printing press in 1448. Hilarity ensues as this pair navigate the ups and downs of the creative process.
Television, stage, and film star Danny DeVito (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Taxi, Throw Momma From the Train) comes to Broadway with Theresa Rebeck’s new comedy I Need That. DeVito plays Sam, a shut-in who has accumulated a lot of “stuff”. The government gets involved and requires that Sam clean up his property or face being evicted. Can Sam emotionally come to terms with parting with his treasures?
Representation is a big part of the theatrical experience and the new musical How to Dance in Ohio once again stretches Broadway with its inclusivity. Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, the show tells the story of seven autistic young adults who prepare for a spring formal at a group counseling center in Columbus, Ohio. With music by Jacob Yandura and book and lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik, How to Dance in Ohio features seven autistic actors in the cast, poised to make their Broadway debuts.
A Broadway Schedule to be Thankful For: Shows With Added Friday Matinees This Weekend
A Broadway Schedule to be Thankful For: Shows With Added Friday Matinees This Weekend
On Thanksgiving, not only do we have the opportunity to have the day off to celebrate with our family and friends – so does Broadway! But don’t fret, most shows double the fun by adding a matinee performance to their schedule the day after Thanksgiving so that the casts of our favorite Broadway shows can share their incredible stories. Here's a guide to which Broadway shows have an additional matinee performance on Friday, November 24th.
Give the Gift of Broadway: The Perfect Gift for Every Type of Theatre-Goer
Give the Gift of Broadway: The Perfect Gift for Every Type of Theatre-Goer
As the holidays approach, we are all in search for that memorable, one-of-a-kind gift that will hold special meaning for our loved ones. A trip to a Broadway show can most certainly fit that bill. But, how do you pick the perfect show to match the individual? Fortunately, we are on hand to help you connect the right ticket to the right personality.
The Santa Claus - Aladdin
There are those who approach Christmas like Santa Claus himself, determined to make every wish come true. Much akin to the Genie in the musical Aladdin, their purpose is anchored in the giving of the season. For these selfless, kind-hearted, wish granters, the perfect gift is to take them to see Aladdin where they may see a piece of themselves onstage. The Genie grants only three wishes, so it may help our magnanimous loved one to learn how to set limits on their generosity. What is perfect about Aladdin is that it is the perfect family show, so this adventure can be given and shared by all!
The Christmas Cynic: Chicago
Where the holidays are concerned, there is the occasional Grinch who brings cynicism to the festivities. Despite their anti-Christmas stance, it is in the spirit of the season that we treat even the most negative amongst us to a Broadway outing. What show is perfect for the Christmas cynic? Why, Chicago, of course! An edgy musical about murder and celebrity in the 1920s, this jazzy, long-running hit will be the antidote to a lack of Yuletide cheer. It’s also a terrific show full of catchy Kander and Ebb music and Bob Fosse-inspired dance!
The Nostalgist: Back to the Future
Some people like to reminisce about the past, always recalling the holidays of yesteryear, reveling in how perfect they seemingly were in comparison to now. For those who like to take a walk down memory lane, why not buy them a ticket to Back to the Future? Whether it is the 1950s or the 1980s, this new musical is a chance to take a jaunt back to easier, more innocent times. Marty McFly doesn’t have it easier, racing against time to save his parents’ relationship, ensuring his very existence, however, your loved one will enjoy this blast from the past!
The Holiday Baker: Sweeney Todd
We all know someone who makes holiday baking into an obsessive quest for both quality and quantity. Cakes, cookies, and pies galore are their yearly specialties, and we stand in awe of their culinary achievements. On Broadway, that cook of notoriety is Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Now, we are not going to share any of her recipes here, but we know that any true holiday baker who thinks outside of the box will relish an opportunity to visit her kitchen. With just enough sugar and spice, even revenge can be sweetly served!
Not Into Musicals: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
As hard as it is for us to believe that there is such a theatergoing type, there are those out there that simply do not enjoy musicals. Fortunately, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child features all the splendor and spectacle of a Broadway musical, minus the songs and dances. Continuing the popular book series by J.K. Rowling about a wonderful world of witches and wizards, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes audiences on a new generation of adventures at Hogwarts, with plenty of magic to be found therein.
The Holiday Pot-Stirrer - Hamilton
Every family has at least one: an aunt, uncle, or grandparent who likes to spark debates at the dinner table. This person delights in reaction and controversy. Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, was often a divisive figure amongst his contemporaries, igniting all kinds of arguments on politics wherever he went. The musical Hamilton tells his story, and a ticket to this Tony-winning hit is guaranteed to inspire your argument-starting relative.
The Mistletoe Dreamer - Moulin Rouge!
Who is the hopeless romantic in your life? Who still thinks kisses under the mistletoe are a part of holiday magic? There is at least one person we encounter regularly who believes that romance will come for everyone. That kind of optimism deserves to be rewarded with the gift of Moulin Rouge!, a musical about two star-crossed lovers who rail against all odds to be in each other’s arms. Even if the ending is not as happy as they might like, the jukebox score that carries us to the conclusion will keep their penchant for romance alive through the curtain call.
The Last-Minute Holiday Shopper - Some Like It Hot
Procrastination can be a real challenge, especially where holiday shopping is concerned. We wait until the last minute, sometimes missing out on something wonderful. The delightful musical Some Like It Hot will conclude its critically-lauded Broadway run on December 30th. Do not procrastinate and miss the opportunity to catch this tuneful, hilarious, and heartfelt musical comedy about two male musicians disguised as women to hide from an organized crime boss who wants them dead!
Staff Pick: Chicago
Staff Pick: Chicago
The “old razzle dazzle” is alive and well on Broadway where the hit musical Chicago continues its epic run. The original production opened in 1976 and enjoyed a healthy run of 936 performances. The current production, which opened on Broadway in 1996, has proven to be a much bigger success. It is now the second-longest running show in Broadway history, second only to The Phantom of the Opera. This revival of Chicago won 6 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Choreography (Ann Reinking). Time has done nothing to wash away the crackle and pizazz of this production, and Chicago continues to be an exciting night of musical theatre comedy.
Chicago has a score by the indelible duo of John Kander and Fred Ebb, those tunesmiths behind such musicals as Cabaret, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Zorba, The Scottsboro Boys, and Curtains. Featuring a parade of showtune classics including “All That Jazz”, “The Cell Block Tango”, “Nowadays”, “Mr. Cellophane”, “Roxie” and “The Hot Honey Rag”, the score is an immersive experience into the era of the jazz age.
Set in the titular city during the 1920s, Roxie Hart dreams of being a vaudeville star. When she murders her lover, she finds the stardom she craves as the newspapers latch onto her case. Thanks to a wheeling and dealing lawyer named Billy Flynn who paints Roxie as a victim of society, she becomes a media darling. While in prison, Roxie encounters a fellow murderess in the form of stage star Velma Kelly. The two pair up to become vaudeville’s favorite “Killer Diller” act. Chicago takes audiences into a seedy world where crime equals celebrity, and success can be achieved for the right price.
Where Chicago particularly sparkles is in the way that it moves. Reinking crafted sinewy, sexy dances inspired by her mentor (and choreographer of the original Broadway production) Bob Fosse. The dancers in this musical are central to the show’s allure, slinking around the stage with deft precision: controlled and calculated one moment, then popping with electric verve the next. The opening number “All That Jazz” is a particular highlight, setting the tone of a smoky speakeasy overflowing with booze and Jazz.
Currently, the show stars Tony-winner and frequent Roxie Hart, Charlotte d’Amboise (A Chorus Line, Pippin), joined by Tony nominee Max Von Essen (An American in Paris) as Billy Flynn. Kimberly Marable portrays Velma Kelly, with Lili Thomas as the self-serving Matron Mamma Morton, and James T. Lane as Roxie’s ever-suffering husband Amos. Direction is by Tony-winner Walter Bobbie.
If you are looking for an unforgettable night of laughter and song, a show that conjures all the feelings of a song and dance extravaganza, punctuated by edgy, witty wordplay, Chicago is the perfect musical to fit that bill. If you’ve seen it before, go again and witness just how wonderful it still is over 25 years later. It is, without a doubt, the Broadway gift that keeps on giving.
Celebrities on Broadway
Celebrities on Broadway
Christmas lights are not the only thing igniting the Big Apple this December. Star power and the lights of Broadway have merged to illuminate the Great White Way with festive holiday cheer. There is big name talent in store for audiences this season with the arrival of a parade of celebs starring in plays and musicals.
Moulin Rouge
It is a two-for-one, TV celebrity special at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Riverdale star Casey Cott has joined the Broadway production of the spectacular Moulin Rouge! and will be playing the Bohemian writer Christian through February 4th. If you line your timing up right, you can also catch Titus Burgess (The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) as nightclub impresario Harold Zidler through December 17th.
Hadestown
Jordan Fisher, star of many on screen ventures including To All the Boys: PS I Still Love You, Liv & Maddie, and the live TV productions of Grease and Rent, is now playing Orpheus, the undaunted romantic in the musical Hadestown. Fisher, who is known for his lovely pop-style singing voice, has become a recurring face on Broadway, having appeared in Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and most recently as Anthony in Sweeney Todd.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
Nick Fradiani wowed TV audiences when he became an American Idol champion. Now, audiences can witness first-hand Fradiani’s mellifluous voice as he portrays Neil Diamond in the jukebox hit A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. The show is a compelling biography of Diamond, peppered with the singer-songwriter’s unforgettable hits like “Sweet Caroline” and “America”.
Spamalot
The Holy Grail of laughter can be found at the St. James Theatre where a revival of the musical Spamalot has just taken residence. Michael Urie (TV’s Ugly Betty) plays Sir Robin and Saturday Night Live and Single Parents comedic genius Taran Killam throws down the gauntlet as Lancelot. Killam’s tenure with the production wraps on January 7th when he will be replaced with Broadway’s Beetlejuice star Alex Brightman.
Sweeney Todd
Tony Award winner Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge!) take over the roles of Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd starting February 9th. Time is running out to catch Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford who originated these roles in this critically lauded revival of the Stephen Sondheim masterpiece. They play their final performances in this macabre musical tragedy on January 14th.
I Need That
You have until December 30th to see film and television star Danny DeVito in I Need That. DeVito, who was a favorite of the TV series Taxi and who starred in such film comedies as Ruthless People, Throw Mamma From the Train, and Twins, plays Sam, a reclusive hoarder who is facing eviction due to his out of control collection of his treasures.
Merrily We Roll Along
Sweeney Todd is not the only Sondheim revival on Broadway boasting star power. Merrily We Roll Along offers a trio of celebrities, including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter films, Broadway’s How to Succeed…) as Charley Kringas, joined by Jonathan Groff (TV’s Glee, Broadway’s Hamilton) and Tony winner Lindsay Mendez (Carousel) as Franklin Shepard and Mary Flynn, respectively. The story, told backwards, unwinds the complications of three estranged friends, showing us how the once tight trio ultimately grew apart.
Top Shows to See This Month: December
Top Shows to See This Month: December
December promises any theatergoer a multitude of theater opportunities in any year. The holiday season is a beacon for Broadway, enticing theatergoers with choices galore to get one’s theatre fix while doing their shopping and seeing the sights. This December, we have an especially diverse choice of recommendations in the musical theater department, from exciting new musicals to cleverly reimagined classics.
Spamalot
There are several laughs a minute to be had at the St. James Theatre where the revival of Spamalot has ascended to the throne. Based on the film favorite Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and constructed by some of Monty Python’s alumnae, is it any surprise that Spamalot has audiences in stitches? The legendary King Arthur and the knights of his Round Table are in search of the holiest of holy relics, but who knew such a quest could be so funny? Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart leads a cast of Broadway and TV comedy veterans in this not-to-be-missed musical.
Gutenberg! The Musical
Stage favorites Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad, who partnered as the lead characters in the original cast of The Book of Mormon, have regrouped and brought the two-man musical comedy Gutenberg! The Musical to the Great White Way. Dubbed “Broadway’s most adorable duo”, the two tells the story of Bud and Doug, two friends who decide to put on a show, writing a musical about the unlikely subject of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. The musical is a hilarious voyage through the ups and downs of the creative process.
Back to the Future
The 1985 hit film Back to the Future is an iconic flick about the complications of time travel and the ripple of effects that can result from messing with history. Now, Back to the Future has found a new life as a sensational Broadway musical. Audiences can take a jaunt back to the 1980s where teenager Marty McFly is propelled even further back in time to the 1950s. There he must bring his mother and father together to ensure his very existence. Casey Likes and Tony winner Roger Bart star!
Chicago
The 1920s conjure images of speakeasies, bathtub gin, flappers, and of course, jazz! The Broadway musical Chicago wraps all of these into one package. Roxie Hart would give anything to be a Vaudeville star, and she’s willing to kill for it. Her criminal activity makes her a celebrity, and with the help of a flim-flam artist in the guise of her shady lawyer, Roxie becomes a print media darling. To what lengths is she willing to go to in order to make her dreams come true? Find out with this Kander and Ebb (Cabaret) musical classic. Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix joins the cast as Roxie January 29-March 24!
Harmony
Songwriter Barry Manilow has made a decades-long career writing some of the most beloved songs of the American Songbook. Now, Manilow has turned his talents to writing for the Broadway stage with the new hit musical Harmony. Harmony tells the story of a German singing group, poised to become an international sensation, only to find themselves relegated to obscurity when events in 1920-30s Germany take the Comedian Harmonists into uncharted territory.
& Juliet
Have you ever been dissatisfied with the tragic ending of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? The creators of Broadway’s & Juliet found a way around that, imagining a new ending for the piece wherein the titular heroine survives the story and goes on with her life without her darling Romeo. & Juliet is a jukebox musical that creates a more optimistic journey for this young woman, allowing her to realize her potential through the song.
Spotlight: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Spotlight: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Are you brave like a Gryffindor? Do you exude the kindness and helpfulness of a Hufflepuff? Are you knowledgeable like a Ravenclaw? Perhaps you are crafty and ambitious like a Slytherin? Whichever Hogwarts house the Sorting Hat places you in, there is something to appeal to you in the continuation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories on Broadway.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a magical journey for audiences into the wizarding world of Harry Potter, continuing where the novels left off. Albus Potter, the offspring of Harry and his wife Ginny, is on his way to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, destined for his own set adventures inside its hallowed walls. Instead of being sorted into the house of Gryffindor, which is a family legacy, Albus instead finds himself in Slytherin house, where he becomes quick friends with Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Harry Potter’s schooldays nemesis Draco Malfoy.
The two boys begin adventuring about the grounds of the school, and soon concoct a scheme to rewrite history and save those who were killed by the notorious dark wizard Voldemort (or He Who Must Not Be Named). With the aid of a time-turner, they enact their noble plan, only to learn that messing with time creates a ripple effect of changes that are not necessarily for the good. Albus’s famous father, along with his two best friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, must get involved to set things right. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a harrowing tale full of magic and mystery poised to delight any audience, but particularly those who fell in love with Rowling’s world of beloved wizards and complicated villains.
After a critically lauded reception in London in 2017, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child came to Broadway in 2018 and quickly established itself as a celebrated mainstay at the Lyric Theatre. It won the Tony Award for Best Play, as well as accolades for Best Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Sound Design. Audiences continue to be delighted and awed by the production’s scintillating story and the parade of special effects.
When we ran out of Harry Potter novels to read at the conclusion of Rowling’s book series, we wished and we hoped for more. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brought that wish to fruition. A trip to the theatre to see this show feels like a reunion with old friends. If you are craving another Harry Potter adventure (and really, who doesn’t?) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child delivers on all the magic, plot twists, beloved characters, and high stakes adventure that you’ve come to expect from a sojourn to Hogwarts.
January 2024: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
January 2024: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
The holiday season has come to an end and now we have a few more months of winter to slog through before we reach the relief of spring. Not to worry. Broadway has plenty of offerings this January to make that wait a pleasant and diverting one. Here are the top Broadway shows to catch on the Great White Way this January. There is plenty of magic to be had and a plethora of memories to be made!
Hadestown
A trip to Hadestown is always a guaranteed thrilling night out and now there is another reason to join Orpheus and Eurydice on this excursion to the Underworld. Stage and screen favorite Jordan Fisher (To All The Boys: PS I Still Love You, Teen Beach Movie) has taken over the role of the determined romantic Orpheus. He will soon be joined by music star Ani DiFranco who is set to step in as Persephone (a role she played on the original Hadestown concept album) starting February 9th. You’ve never experienced Greek mythology quite like this explosive night of theatre.
The Notebook
Nothing tugs on the heartstrings like a love affair for the ages, and there are none quite like The Notebook. Based on the popular Nicholas Sparks novel and the subsequent hit film of the same name, The Notebook tells the decades-long love story between the millworker Noah and the privileged Allie. Despite their differences, is theirs an enduring love that can survive every possible test thrown their way? The Notebook features a score by indie-pop star Ingrid Michaelson.
Aladdin
The holiday gift-giving may be over and done with for the season, but that doesn’t stop an all-powerful genie from granting some wishes well into the New Year. Aladdin, based on the 1992 Disney animated classic, is full of wish-granting and dreams come true. A poor street rat must rise above his circumstances to prove that he is more than just a “Diamond in the Rough”. It’s always handy to have a genie in one’s corner and Aladdin has that. With a little self-confidence and a whole lot of magic, things are looking up for our hero! Aladdin is the perfect Broadway outing for the whole family.
Kimberly Akimbo
Surviving high school’s ups and downs is a challenge on a good day, but Kimberly must overcome additional obstacles. First: the plucky teenager must navigate her family’s criminal enterprises and keep their secrets along the way. More daunting than that, Kimberly suffers from a rare affliction that causes her body to age at an exponential rate, forcing her to simultaneously balance puberty with old age. And yet, her story is told with heart, humor, and determination in the 2023 Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo.
Days of Wine and Roses
The 1962 film The Days of Wine and Roses was one of the first movies to honestly address the tragedies of alcoholism. Now, composer Adam Guettel (The Light in the Piazza, Floyd Collins) and Craig Lucas (An American in Paris) have adapted this classic for the musical stage. Broadway favorites Kelli O’Hara and Brian D’Arcy James play the central married couple, deeply in love, but fighting their demons the only way they know how: through drink.
Hamilton
A welcome favorite of the Broadway-going crowd and a musical that deserves repeated viewings in order to absorb its clever lyrics and miraculous staging, Hamilton is definitely a show you’ll want to return to this winter. Alexander Hamilton was a controversial figure amongst the Founding Fathers, revered by some and despised by many. Composer-lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda has concocted a musical sensation that challenges us to look at a legend and see him as a human being. What would America be without Alexander Hamilton?
Broadway Spotlight: The Play That Goes Wrong
Broadway Spotlight: The Play That Goes Wrong
By Mark A. Robinson
Are you in need of a good laugh? How much do we all need to let loose with riotous, hearty laughter from deep within? The act of laughing can be cathartic, healing, and can boost one’s mood long after the final chortle escapes one’s windpipe. If you’re in a post-holiday funk and need to shake off the late winter blues, we have the dose of laughter you need in the form of one hilarious theatrical offering: The Play That Goes Wrong.
At New World Stages, New York’s premiere Off-Broadway Theatre venue, one can experience The Play That Goes Wrong. The show, written by playwrights Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields of the Mischief Theatre company in London, delights audiences for eight shows a week with its blend of witty one-liners, mind-blowing situational comedy, and some of the best physical comedy-a-la-farce to ever play the Big Apple.
So what exactly is The Play That Goes Wrong about? There is much to be said for a fitting title, and this one spells it out perfectly. A theatrical troupe called the Cornley Drama Society is putting together their latest production, a murder mystery titled The Murder at Haversham Manor. The earnest band of players are doing their level best to create a quality piece of theatre, but luck is not exactly on their side. If it can go wrong, it does: props are falling and breaking, the scenery is about as sturdy as a rowboat in a hurricane, and the cast ranges from forgetful to unconscious. The actors in this play-within-a-play must navigate a minefield of complications as the show races to its conclusion. Can they hold things together long enough for them to reach the relief of curtain call?
The Play That Goes Wrong firstplayed the Lyceum Theatre in 2017, and after the initial run’s conclusion in 2019, moved Off-Broadway, where itcontinues to be a favorite show for theatergoers looking for a breezy night of lighthearted entertainment packed with unlimited laughs today. It is good escapist fun and is the perfect salve for the winter doldrums. Whether it is your first time visiting The Play That Goes Wrong, or you need another fix of theatrical joy, make your way to New World Stages for a boost of adrenaline that only gut-wrenching laughter can provide.
Staff Pick of the Month: SIX
Staff Pick of the Month: SIX
By Mark A. Robinson
King Henry VIII is well known for many things – a powerful stint on the throne, establishing the Church of England, and of course – the terrible treatment of his six wives. But don’t lose your head over this maniacal monarch and his penchant for matrimonial discord – our Staff Pick of the Month is not about old Hank, but instead about the half-dozen women who found themselves tethered to this tyrant through the ties of marriage.
The musical SIX finds us witnessing a concert of sorts, led by Henry’s wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. SIX, however, is no collection of dreary madrigals or melancholy ballads strummed on a lute. Don’t let the subject matter conjure images of a stuffy night of Shakespeare – these ladies explode the stage with an anachronistic pop-rock music concert that will blow your mind, proving you cannot judge a book by its cover.
So what exactly is SIX about? Its creators, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, envisioned a musical that gave voice to the women who were married to Henry VIII, allowing them to share their side of the story with a touch more insight and accuracy. Each lady takes the spotlight and makes their case for why their time with Henry was the most miserable of all, withthe winner of this competition named the lead singer in their band. But SIX is not a session for moaning and complaining. Through the songs and their dynamic personalities, these ladies champion self-respect, confidence, and determination, empowering themselves and everyone in the audience.
SIX found its beginnings at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017 where it soon became an audience favorite. That success was followed by a pre-West End tour around Great Britain which ultimately led to a berth at London’s Arts Theatre in 2019. A pre-Broadway tour was also put into motion in 2019 and just as it was preparing to make its premiere on the Great White Way, Covid-19 reared its ugly head, forcing the London production to shut its doors, and the Broadway opening had to be put on hold (the closures began on what would have been SIX’s opening night). The show proved as resilient as the women in its story, with the Broadway production finally opening in September of 2021 and becoming both a critical and box office hit. In New York, it won Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Costume Design, and it secured nominations in six other categories including Best Musical.
SIX is an unconventional musical with a uniquely-inspired concept that is likely to appeal to just about anyone. It also has a running time of 80minutes, making it a perfect theatre outing for those who want to enjoy a groundbreaking piece of invigorating entertainment and still be home at a decent hour. But regardless of your sleeping schedule, SIX is a must-see: an action-packed night of unforgettable theatre with a powerful message that is not to be missed.
6 Best Love Stories on Broadway
6 Best Love Stories on Broadway
By Mark A. Robinson
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, amour is in the air. A romantic dinner at one of New York’s myriad eateries, a stroll in Central Park, and of course a trip to the theatre all add up to a celebration worthy of Cupid’s arrow. You will want to choose a theatrical outing that is in keeping with the themes of the day. We have put together a list of “Broadway’s Best Love Stories” to help set the mood for a perfect Valentine’s Day.
Moulin Rouge! – Satine and Christian
“Star-crossed romantics” is the only way to explain Satine and Christian in the Broadway musical Moulin Rouge! She’s a sexy cabaret star engaged to a wealthy patron; he’s a struggling Bohemian writer. When the two meet in the titular nightclub, sparks fly and soon they are hopelessly on a journey to a romance for the ages. Can they overcome the obstacles that are keeping them apart, or is the universe working against them? Moulin Rouge! is a story of a love that comes at a great cost.
The Notebook – Allie and Noah
For a love story to really tug at your heartstrings, you need look no further than The Notebook to get your fill of enduring romance. Allie and Noah come from opposite sides of the track: she from a life of privilege and he from a blue collar background. Initially, it looks like their differences are too wide for them to build anything long-term, but then, as we sometimes see, opposites attract. The Notebook is one of Broadway’s newest musicals and it’s arrival promises a love story that will warm even the coldest hearts.
Titanique – Rose and Jack
The film Titanic introduced the world to the short romance between Rose and Jack who fall in love while sailing aboard the legendary ship on a voyage that ends in cataclysmic tragedy. The Off-Broadway musical Titanique is a spoof of the beloved film, complete with a jukebox score of Celine Dion hits including the Oscar-winning torch song “My Heart Will Go On”. Though there is much humor in Titanique, we still get caught up in this love affair that transcends class: Rose a first-class passenger and Jack, a poor traveler making the trip in steerage.
Aladdin – Jasmine and Aladdin
Sure, magic carpet rides through star speckled skies and wish-granting genies come together to create some romantic possibilities, but it is the characters at the center of Aladdin where the true love really ignites. Aladdin and Jasmine, he a street rat with low self-esteem, she an independently-minded princess who defies conventionality, look past their differences and see the value in one another. Aladdin is a fairytale romance perfect for the whole family.
Back to the Future – Lorraine and George
The catalyst for the musical Back to the Future is misfit teenager Marty McFly. The musical’s love story, however, is built entirely around his parents Lorraine and George. When Marty takes a jaunt back in time, he finds himself with the difficult task of getting his parents together in a race against time to ensure his own existence. Despite complications galore, Marty pairs up his popular mom with his nerdy dad and the two fall in love at a school dance. It’s that magical high school sweetheart story we all love, but with a sci-fi twist!
Hadestown – Euridice and Orpheus/Persephone and Hades
There are all kinds of love affairs: from the altruistically romantic to the dysfunctionally co-dependent, both of which can be found in Hadestown. Eurydice and Orpheus are clearly meant for each other, passionately enamored enough that Orpheus is willing to journey to Hell and back to reclaim his beloved Eurydice, saving her from the clutches of Hades. This ruler of the Underworld is lonely six months out of the year when he can’t have his Persephone with him, and she must begrudgingly return to him and make the best of things, with the help of drugs and drink. Hadestown is a musical about romance of epic (and mythic) proportions.
8 Celebrities to See on Broadway Right Now
8 Celebrities to See on Broadway Right Now
By Mark A. Robinson
New York Theatre has always been a feather in the cap of any performer who wants to prove their mettle, so it should be no surprise that each season we find an influx of artists from film, television, and the music industry who make their way to the Great White Way. Broadway has its own celebrities as well, many of whom return to the stage, time and again, to embrace another fascinating challenge. In the coming months, Broadway theatergoers can see a parade of shining stars from all walks of entertainment on the Great White Way.
Chicago – Ariana Madix
Reality star Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules, Dancing with the Stars) makes her Broadway dreams reality when she steps into the role of Roxie Hart in the long-running revival of the Kander and Ebb musical Chicago. As Roxie, Madix will have an opportunity to strut her stuff as the role comes with a great deal of complex choreography inspired by Bob Fosse’s original and Ann Reinking’s Tony-winning reinterpretation. Madix is making her Broadway debut in this razzle-dazzle of a show.
Water for Elephants – Grant Gustin
Whether you first encountered him on the TV show Glee, or fell in love with him as Barry Allen and his superhero alter ego on The Flash, Grant Gustin will assuredly delight you in his Broadway debut. The actor arrives in Water for Elephants, a new musical coming to Broadway this spring. Gustin plays Jacob Jankowski, a young man who finds adventure with a traveling circus.
Moulin Rouge! – Boy George
Pop music star Boy George of the band Culture Club arrives on Broadway this winter to play Harold Zidler, the impresario behind the nightclub in the musical Moulin Rouge! Boy George is no stranger to Broadway, having written the score for and starred in the cult musical favorite Taboo. Of course, the colorful performer is best known for his pop hits “Karma Chameleon”, “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?”, “Church of the Poison Mind”, “It’s a Miracle” and “The Crying Game”.
Little Shop of Horrors – Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood
Grant Gustin is not the only Glee alumnus joining the New York theatre scene this year. Darren Criss, who played the musically-inclined Blaine Anderson on the show, will play Seymour in the hit Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Joining Criss as Seymour’s beloved Audrey in the production is Evan Rachel Wood. Wood played Dolores Abernathy on the sci-fi western series Westworld.
Spamalot – Jonathan Bennett
If you have watched the Hallmark Network at all in the last few years, you know Jonathan Bennett as one of their go-to stars for their romantic comedy films. If you have watched the Food Network, you’ll recognize him as the host of Cake Wars and its various holiday incarnations. Of course, most people know him best for his film role as the much sought after teenage heartthrob Aaron Samuels in the hit Mean Girls. Bennett makes his Broadway debut this winter taking over the role of Sir Robin in the hit revival of Spamalot.
Sweeney Todd – Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster
It’s a two-for-one Tony-winning celebrity opportunity at the critically acclaimed revival of Sweeney Todd. Sutton Foster, a two-time winner for Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes has taken up the rolling pin of the macabre pie maker Mrs. Lovett in the Sondheim classic. She is joined by Tony winner Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge!) as the murderous barber Sweeney Todd. Both are beloved stage veterans known for their powerhouse voices and versatility. The duo take on two of musical theatre’s most-challenging roles in this musical that is equal parts comedy, tragedy, and a grisly horror story.
Hadestown – Ani DiFranco and Lola Tung
Singer-songwriter sensation Ani DiFranco and star of The Summer I Turned Pretty Lola Tung are about to make a trip to Hell (as well as their Broadway debuts) as Persephone and Eurydice in the Greek myth-inspired musical Hadestown. DiFranco has a history with the musical, having invited the show’s composer-lyricist Anais Mitchell to record the original Hadestown concept album on her label. For that recording, DiFranco originated the role of Persephone. Tung makes a Broadway dream come true as she brings her youthful energy to the part of Eurydice through March 17th.
Doubt – Amy Ryan and Liev Schreiber
Another chance to catch two members of Broadway royalty comes with a revival of John Patrick Shanley’s compelling Doubt. Tony Award nominee Amy Ryan (most recently known for Only Murders in the Building), plays Sister Aloysius, a hardened Catholic school nun determined to rid herself of a priest that she suspects of inappropriate behavior with a student. The target of her suspicions is Father Flynn, played by Liev Schrieber who garnered a trophy for his work in the 2005 revival of Glengarry Glen Ross. With this powerhouse talent facing off on the same stage, audiences will be treated to a nonpareil evening of theatrical electricity.
Broadway Spotlight: Water for Elephants
Broadway Spotlight: Water for Elephants
By Mark A. Robinson
The spectacle, color, and pizazz of the Big Top is wending its way to Broadway this winter. The new musical Water for Elephants, based on Sarah Gruen’s beloved (and best-selling) novel of the same name, promises a heartfelt theatrical experience amply peppered with all the excitement that the circus has to offer. Think Cirque du Soleil meets Barnum & Bailey meets Broadway – the incredible combination of singers, dancers, exciting sets and beautiful costumes that you've come to expect on the Great White Way will combine with acrobats, jugglers, clowns, the flying trapeze, and all that comes with the circus experience in an engaging new spectacle at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.
The story of Water for Elephants is told through the eyes of Jacob Jankowski as he looks back at his years with a traveling circus. He recounts how, as a young man, life took an interesting set of twists and turns. Faced with unbearable loss, the young Jacob abandons his everyday life and hops a train to escape – which just so happens to be a circus train. There he finds a new home and a new life amidst the colorful denizens of his adopted circus family. The result: an unforgettable parade of experiences that reinvigorates him, allowing him to put the heartache of his former life behind him. Water for Elephants is an inspiring story about how being forced to reinvent one’s self can sometimes be the best thing that can happen to us.
In the lead role of Jacob Jankowski is television star Grant Gustin. Gustin first came to our attention on the TV show Glee where he played the charming but conniving Sebastian Smythe, captain of the Warblers of Dalton Academy. Ultimately, Gustin became the star of his own TV show, portraying Barry Allen and his superhero alter ego in The Flash. Known for his amazing singing voice and his undeniable good looks, Gustin is making his Broadway debut in Water for Elephants.
Water for Elephants features a score by the Pigpen Theatre Company, and a book by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher). The production is helmed by director Jessica Stone who ushered Kimberly Akimbo to Broadway success last season. The cast also includes Isabelle McCalla (Shucked), Gregg Edelman (City of Angels), Paul Alexander Nolan (Parade), Stan Brown, and Sara Gettelfinger (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels).
One of the most promising new musicals of this season, Water for Elephants appears to be a certain candidate for success. From an inspiring, compelling story based on a beloved novel, the lure of an internationally acclaimed star, and the promise of the theatrical spectacle that comes with the circus, there is something magical in store for everyone. Listen to the ringmaster as he beckons you to secure your seat at the Imperial Theatre.
Shows You Can See for Under $75 (Including Fees)!
Shows You Can See for Under $75 (Including Fees)!
By Mark A. Robinson
Are you a fan of live theater and in search of a night out that doesn’t break the bank? The excitement and artistry of a Broadway show can be yours at some great prices, with offerings across the board that are guaranteed to delight. Here are some Broadway offerings available at a low price guaranteed to give you the thrill of that theatrical fix you seek!
Aladdin
The magic, mystery, and romance of an Arabian Nights-style fairytale can be found in splendid spectacle at Broadway’s Aladdin. This magic carpet ride of a story based on the beloved movie tells the tale of a diamond in the rough, who takes a journey of a lifetime with the aid of a wish-granting genie and learns a little something about himself along the way.
Water for Elephants
Freshly arriving on Broadway this month is the eagerly anticipated Water for Elephants, adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name. Young Jacob Jankowski reinvents himself when he joins a traveling circus. His new life is full of adventure, romance, and the colorful spectacle that only a circus can provide. TV star Grant Gustin stars.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
The song stylings of pop musician and cultural icon Neil Diamond come thrillingly to life in the jukebox musical A Beautiful Noise. In a show that takes audiences on a trip through Diamond’s career and personal life, A Beautiful Noise is peppered with such hits as “America”, “Love on the Rocks” and the sing-along sensation “Sweet Caroline”.
Spamalot
Go on a quest with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in their hilarious search for a famous religious relic. Spamalot is the musical stage adaptation of the cult film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Broadway’s guarantee for laugh-a-minute entertainment. The show features a parade of some of Broadway’s finest comedic talent.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Loaded with popular music hits of the last century, Moulin Rouge! is a Broadway extravaganza of epic proportions. Star-crossed lovers, the Bohemian writer Christian and the dance hall chanteuse Satine, find romance in the titular Parisian nightclub. Can they find a happily ever after despite the forces in play that are keeping them apart?
Hell’s Kitchen
Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys’ new musical Hell’s Kitchenis making its way to Broadway this spring, with previews beginning March 28th. The musical tells the story of a 17-year-old girl named Ali who dreams of a world outside of her Manhattan neighborhood and decides to go on a journey to find herself. Shoshana Bean makes her long-awaited return to Broadway in this promising new musical.
Lempicka
Tamara de Lempicka was an aristocrat who escaped the Russian Revolution and fled to the city of Paris. There she became an artist, finding a muse in the young prostitute Rafaela. Newly inspired, Tamara becomes the toast of the Parisian art world. Lempicka is a new musical that tells her compelling story.
Hadestown
Anais Mitchell’s musical that draws its inspiration from the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone continues to be one of Broadway’s most original and electrifying experiences. Steeped in romance and adventure, Hadestown tells the story of the young Orpheus who descends to the Underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice from the clutches of the dastardly Hades.
6 Off Broadway Shows & Experiences You Must See
6 Off Broadway Shows & Experiences You Must See
By Mark A. Robinson
With all the theater offerings on Broadway, there are just as many unforgettable experiences to be found Off Broadway. Off Broadway shows feature unforgettable entertainment guaranteed to delight audiences with just as much bang for your buck as seeing a Broadway show. Here are six Off Broadway shows & experiences you must see!
Blue Man Group
This theatrical event-meets-performance art troupe has been delighting audiences with their quirky commentary on life for over three decades. The production at NYC’s Astor Place Theatre has been running since 1991, with many audience members returning, time after time, to revel in the transportive machinations of three mute characters, painted in all blue, who use art, music, science and light in a completely unique theatrical context. You have to see it to fully comprehend it, but you’ll find yourself going back with friends and family to share the experience time and time again!
The Play That Goes Wrong
Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can't play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), this wacky comedy of errors is a non-stop laugh fest. A hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, The Play That Goes Wrong began its journey in London, then came to Broadway, and after popular demand, moved Off Broadway where it has been delighting audiences ever since. One thing is clear: the time is always right to see The Play That Goes Wrong.
Gazillion Bubble Show
The most incredibubble show in the world is Off Broadway and waiting for bubble fans of all ages. Gazillion Bubble Show is a thrilling evening of art and entertainment. Fan Yang, who bills himself as “The Master of Bubbles” is joined by his family in creating “unbubbleivable” bubble magic augmented by spectacular laser lighting effects. It feels like a combination of performance art, circus tricks, a magic show, and stand-up comedy. Fun for the whole family!
Drunk Shakespeare
It’s a premise for theatre hilarity that is quite unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Five professional actors show up for a meeting of The Drunk Shakespeare Society. One of the group ingests five shots of whiskey, then takes on a major role in a Shakespearean play. The remaining four actors must try to keep the play on track as our inebriated thespian becomes more and more unwieldy. This is a great show for repeat visits as every performance has an unforgettable and unique result that you won’t want to miss.
Titanique
This musical parody of the 1997 Leonardo DiCaprio/Kate Winslet blockbuster film Titanic could have easily hit an iceberg and sunk. Instead, it’s become one of Off-Broadway’s most imaginative comedy offerings. What would happen if pop star Celine Dion took the reins of telling the Titanic story? We’d get a candid look at the star-crossed romance between the working class Jack and the upper crust Rose. This jukebox musical features hit after hit of terrific songs by Ms. Dion, not to mention a night full of laughter-inducing humor.
Dog Man: The Musical
Dog Man: The Musical is a favorite kids’ book series by Dav Pilkey (also creator of the beloved Captain Underpants series) come to life on stage. With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime...and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? Recommended for grades 1-5, this hilarious production is an excellent intro to Broadway for the young theatre lover in your life.
5 Musical Comedies that Bring the Laughs
5 Musical Comedies that Bring the Laughs
Titanique
Though the sinking of the Titanic was a tragedy, the spectacularly spoofy musical Titanique is more hysterical than historical. When Celine Dion hijacks a Titanic Museum tour and plays fast and loose with the plot of the blockbuster movie Titanic, the story and characters we know and love are mixed with Dion’s iconic song catalog to hilarious effect. Marla Mindelle is both the creator of this madcap romp as well as the leading lady playing Celine Dion, and her zany comedy and improv skills mixed with powerhouse vocals (supported in kind by the rest of the amazing cast!) are not to be missed. This one-of-a-kind musical voyage is bursting with nostalgia, heart...and will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter. Don’t miss your chance to board the Ship of Dreams for a performance that will “never let go” of your funny bone.
& Juliet
When the greatest love story ever told has its script totally flipped, the end is just the beginning. What would happen if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? & Juliet is a modern tale of self-discovery and love, told from the heroine’s point of view. Add in pop anthems as iconic as the source material (hits like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Larger Than Life,” and more – all by the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any artist this century) and a hilarious and clever book by the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek, and you have the recipe for a sure-fire hit. A charming comedy with a hip, modern flair, & Juliet will have you dancing in your seat and rooting for a new kind of happy ending, laughing all the way.
7 Tips for Taking Kids to the Theater
7 Tips for Taking Kids to the Theater
Help kids understand what the show will be about.
There is no need to give young audiences an explanation of the musical’s entire plot, but giving them a basic understanding of what the show is about will certainly help them better enjoy the experience. This pre-show discussion will offer them an opportunity to ask questions and, as they watch, more easily follow the story and fill in any details.
Help young theatergoers process the experience.
Just as that pre-show discussion can add to a child’s comprehension and appreciation of a show, a post-performance discussion can be just as important. Theater is an experience that can be treasured and processed long after the curtain comes down. Encourage young audience members to talk about what they liked, ask questions they might have, and also share with them your feelings about the show. This is also an opportunity to begin setting them up for their next theater outing.
New & Noteworthy: 6 Shows Now Open on Broadway
New & Noteworthy: 6 Shows Now Open on Broadway
By Mark A. Robinson
They say that April showers bring May flowers. That may be true, but more importantly, April has an exciting parade of new plays and musicals arriving on Broadway. Be sure to check out these six new and noteworthy shows newly opened in April!
Shucked
Corn is usually a summer crop, but it is all the rage on Broadway this spring with the arrival of Shucked. A new musical about a young woman who goes on a journey to save her rural town when its cash crop (corn) mysteriously starts dying, Shucked is equal parts goofy comedy, lovable characters and country-flavored, down-home fun. It is a guaranteed night of heart and humor that already has audiences raving!
Fat Ham
What do you do when the ghost of your father appears and insists that you avenge his murder? This happens to Juicy, a queer Southern college kid grappling with some serious questions of identity. Juicy would love to help his father out, but he is a sensitive young man with a kind heart. How in the world can he even the score while also working to find his own liberation and happiness? Join Juicy at his uproarious family cookout to see why Fat Ham is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play ready to take Broadway by storm.
Camelot
There are many beautiful perennials to look forward to each spring: daffodils, crocuses, irises (to name a few) but this year we have Camelot, a beloved musical with a score that has been a perennial favorite since it debuted in 1960. This Lerner and Loewe classic tells the epic tale of the love triangle between the mythological King Arthur, his Queen Guenevere, and that handsome Knight of the Round Table, Sir Lancelot. Lincoln Center Theatre gives us a modern revival production with a book reimagined by playwright Aaron Sorkin (To Kill a Mockingbird) and direction by Bartlett Sher.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
The 2012 standout The Play That Goes Wrong was a huge comedy hit, imagining a staged murder mystery that has everything go disastrously awry when it is performed by a small theatre company. Now, the team behind that favorite is back with Peter Pan Goes Wrong. The (fictitious) Cornley Drama Society is once again dauntlessly wending their way through theatrical mishaps as they stage the classic J.M. Barrie story of Peter Pan, to hilarious effect. Special guest star Neil Patrick Harris joins the cast through May 7th only!
Good Night, Oscar
Oscar Levant was one of America’s favorite personalities. A character actor, concert pianist, and talk show mainstay, Levant could be counted on for his frank opinions and witty one-liners. Good Night, Oscar tells the story of Levant’s 1958 appearance on The Jack Paar Show, where he memorably (and rather infamously) took audiences to places where television had yet to tread. Sean Hayes (Emmy winner for TV’s Will & Grace) stars as the title character.
New York, New York
The famous lyrics “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere!” have become an anthem for those flocking to the metropolis that is New York City, with dreams in tow. In this new musical, a young musician and an up-and-coming singer find themselves trying to make a go of it in show business in 1946 NYC. Featuring a score by the legendary Kander and Ebb, with some new lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), New York, New York is a valentine to the city that never sleeps, and all those who inhabit it as they strive to spin their dreams into reality.
Staff Pick of the Month: Kimberly Akimbo
Staff Pick of the Month: Kimberly Akimbo
By Mark A. Robinson
Are you looking for a show that is currently making audiences grin from ear-to-ear while simultaneously tugging at each one of their heartstrings? Perhaps you’d like something instantly relatable to anyone who feels like they don’t fit in, that takes you on a journey that reveals the potential for courage in us all? Well, look no further than this season’s best-reviewed musical comedy, Kimberly Akimbo, hailed by the New York Times as “a dose of pure joy!”
Now that you know Kimberly Akimbo is an absolute must-see, you might want to know a little more about what makes this musical so distinctly special. The title character is your typical teenager: struggling with family drama, navigating the pitfalls of high school, just wanting to fit in, make friends, and get her homework done. But Kimberly has an additional challenge, one that most people do not have to face – Kimberly has a disorder where her body ages prematurely. She looks like an elderly woman, which makes her stand out amongst her peers, while still struggling with all the problems and anxieties that most adolescents must endure. Her story is simultaneously unique and universal. You cannot help but see a piece of yourself in Kimberly.
The character of Kimberly is gloriously brought to life in a thoughtful, often wry, portrayal by Tony Award winner Victoria Clark (The Light in the Piazza). Clark manages to expertly capture the physicality of a teenager trapped in an aging body, moving as an elderly woman while channeling the youthful spirit of her actual age. There has never been a character on the musical stage quite like Kimberly and it truly is an awe-inspiring treat to witness Clark navigate the complexities of her uncommon challenges. Bonnie Milligan (known in theater circles as “Belting Bonnie”) portrays Kimberly’s boisterous and often problematic aunt. Milligan, who dazzled audiences a few seasons back in Head Over Heels, is both a comedic force to be reckoned with and boasts an unparalleled voice that shakes the theatre with its intensity.
Of course, it certainly helps when the performers have great material to work with. Renowned playwright David Lindsay-Abaire first imagined the character of Kimberly for his 2000 Off-Broadway, non-musical play also titled Kimberly Akimbo. In 2008, he collaborated with celebrated composer Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change, Fun Home) to create a score for the stage musical adaptation of the animated film Shrek. Their successful partnership ultimately found them joining together to adapt the play Kimberly Akimbo into a musical, with Lindsay-Abaire writing the book and lyrics to Tesori’s music. The result is a score packed with infectious melody and evocative lyrics beautifully tethered to the unforgettable characters.
Kimberly Akimbo has received some of the best reviews of the year and is poised to be celebrated as Broadway enters into awards season. Be sure to catch this one-of-a-kind musical and experience first-hand why the critics and audiences are cheering. It will surely touch you in unexpected ways.
Top 2023 Tony Nominees to See Right Now
Top 2023 Tony Nominees to See Right Now
By Mark A. Robinson
It’s that time of year again where the Broadway community celebrates the best and brightest of the season with that shining accolade called “The Tony Award”. This season is brimming with critical hits, audience darlings, and a string of unmissable star performances. Let’s take a look at some of this year’s most-celebrated productions that have received nominations!
Sweeney Todd
It shouldn’t be a surprise to see Sweeney Todd on this list. Many people regard it as one of the greatest musicals of all time. This latest revival, starring Josh Groban as the titular character and Annaleigh Ashford as his devious accomplice, has been heralded as a “triumph.” Under the direction of Thomas Kail (Hamilton), the story of a wrongly imprisoned barber who returns to the haunts of his misfortunes sets out to exact revenge on the corrupt judge who sentenced him. A highlight of the show is the majestic score by Stephen Sondheim.
Some Like it Hot
Delightful musical comedy is alive and well with Some Like It Hot Inspired by the classic film comedy of the same name, the new musical is in good hands with a score by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (the Tony-winning tunesmiths behind the smash musical Hairspray). Two-time Tony Award winner Christian Borle and J. Harrison Ghee play two musicians who disguise themselves as women to hide from a Chicago crime boss who wants them dead. The comedy of errors that ensues makes for an unforgettable night of laugh-inducing mishaps.
Parade
Michael Arden’s glorious revival of the Jason Robert Brown/Alfred Uhry musical Parade has been celebrated by critics and audiences alike as a musical we very much need on Broadway right now. Leo Frank (played by Tony winner Ben Platt) is wrongly accused and convicted of the murder of a 13-year-old girl named Mary Phagan. Though the evidence points in other directions, antisemitism propels locals to seek vigilante justice against Frank. Parade is a harrowing true story of how a quiet man and his determined wife seek to clear his name.
Shucked
This season’s surprise (and much deserved) critical darling is the new musical comedy hit Shucked. With a country-inspired score by the Grammy-winning songwriting duo of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally and a book by Tony winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), Shucked takes us on the journey of a young woman named Maizy who is on a quest to save her small rural community when their cash crop (corn) begins to fail. Comedy and romance propel her incredible story in one of this season’s must-see musical comedies.
& Juliet
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet ended in needless tragedy, with the central characters killing themselves for love. But did it have to end that way? The jukebox musical & Juliet imagines what might have happened if Juliet had chosen to live and takes us on a journey into her much more hopeful future after flipping the script. & Juliet stars Lorna Courtney, Stark Sands, and Betsy Wolfe in a high-octane show brimming with a playlist of famous pop anthems penned by the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist of this century.
Life of Pi
An evening of spectacular theater artistry, including breathtaking puppetry and awe-inspiring special effects, Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage adaption of Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi has audiences gobsmacked. Pi is the victim of a terrible shipwreck and finds himself sharing a lifeboat with a menagerie of animals including a Bengal tiger, an orangutan, a zebra, and a hyena. A truly remarkable story of hope, faith and perseverance, Life of Pi appeals to every generation.
Good Night, Oscar
Oscar Levant was, at one time, one of our nation’s most beloved musicians and a favorite talk show guest who was particularly known for the surprise twists and turns he brought to his television interviews. In Good Night, Oscar we witness Levant’s live-wire unpredictability when he makes an infamous appearance on The Jack Paar Show. Emmy winner Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) stars as the titular personality in a tour-de-force performance that cannot be missed!
A Doll’s House
Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) makes her triumphant return to Broadway as Nora in an all-new revival of Henrik Ibsen’s time-honored classic A Doll’s House. Nora is tired of the status quo of her life as a housewife and mother in 19th century Norway and begins to seek out a life outside the confines of her position.
Fat Ham
James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize-winning comedic play Fat Ham makes its Broadway premiere this season. Taking a hilarious spin on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet by setting the action at a family barbecue, the playwright introduces us to Juicy (Marcel Spears), a queer college kid living in the South. Suddenly, the ghost of his father shows up and wants Juicy to avenge his murder. A sensitive kid filled with self doubt, Juicy really isn’t into the idea of revenge.
May 2023: Top Shows to See this Month
May 2023: Top Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
It’s hits galore on the menu this May, with many big name, long-running shows on our list of must-sees. For those of you who haven’t seen these top shows yet, perhaps it’s time to find out why everyone keeps going back. If you have seen them, now’s the perfect time for a revisit. Whether you’re a Broadway newcomer or a seasoned theatergoer, you’re in for a real treat this May.
Wicked
The story of the two witches of Oz has been inspiring audiences with its messages of empowerment and friendship since it first opened on Broadway in 2003. Galinda is a popular, pretty and ambitious sorceress in training. Elphaba has green skin, an unpopular way of looking at the world and magical powers that outshine all her contemporaries. When one becomes a beloved leader while the other becomes the reviled Wicked Witch of the West, can their friendship withstand such opposing positions? Wicked features a much-loved score by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin and Godspell).
Chicago
It has been running for decades, inviting audiences into the boozy, jazzy world of Chi Town in the 1920s. Chicago follows Roxie Hart, an ambitious housewife who dreams of being a star in vaudeville. She wants it so bad, in fact, that she commits murder when her plans go awry. Never one to be daunted, Roxie spins her infamy into the publicity she needs to reach her dreams. With a score by Kander and Ebb, Chicago crackles and pops with electricity. Disney Channel and Cruel Summer star Olivia Holt stars as Roxie Hart through June 4th!
Hamilton
This is not your typical history lesson. In fact, nothing about the Broadway musical smash Hamilton could be labeled cliched or old hat. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda had the brilliant notion of retelling the story of one of America’s most controversial founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, through a contemporary lens, with rap, hip-hop and pop music, featuring inclusive casting choices. Witness how the titular character explodes onto the political scene and works his way toward the top, irritating some key figures and inspiring others along the way.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Star-crossed romances are always an audience favorite. We love to root for a couple in love, especially when the universe appears to be conspiring against them. On Broadway, you can have your dose of the ill-fated love affair with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Bohemian writer Christian and exotic Satine (played by actress and pop singer Joanna “JoJo” Levesque through July 16th) fall hopelessly in love, but her engagement to a powerful duke makes it impossible for them to be together. A jukebox extravaganza chock full of decades of radio hits and show-stopping choreography, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is everything a theatergoer could wish for!
Hadestown
“Way down, Hadestown, way down under the ground” may sound like a sinister location, but it is one of the “hottest” locales on Broadway these days. The Greek myth of “Orpheus and Eurydice” plays out in a dystopian society where the two lovers must literally go to hell and back to be together, while King Hades and his beloved Persephone attempt to revive their own love story. Hadestown features a book and score by Tony winner Anais Mitchell.
SIX
Six leading ladies with six fascinating stories come together to take the sixth and final spot on our list of shows to see this month. The musical we are referring to is, of course, SIX. The wives of King Henry VIII are finally given the spotlight to set the record straight on their “her” stories after leading difficult lives under the thumb of their royal husband. Equal parts theatrical experience and pop concert, SIX soars with an infectious, Tony-winning score by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss.
48 Hours in NYC: The Ultimate Broadway-Themed Itinerary
48 Hours in NYC: The Ultimate Broadway-Themed Itinerary
By Mark A. Robinson
Everyone loves committing to a theme, whether it be an art installation, a favorite movie or TV genre, or best of all - a themed party or event. If you find yourself in the Big Apple for the weekend with 48 hours to pack in some theater-going, why not make it a themed weekend? To make it easier to “commit to the bit,” we have curated some possible Broadway themes that will make your Broadway-filled weekend an exciting adventure.
You and the Zoo: The Lion King, Life of Pi and Wicked
The Lion King and Life of Pi make a great two-show-day pairing. Both shows have animals central to the plot, both shows have riveting twists, and both shows boast jaw-dropping puppetry that can make you forget that you are not witnessing living, breathing members of the animal kingdom running wild on stage. You can see The Lion King on Saturdays at 2 pm, followed by Life of Pi at 8:00 pm. In between, take a quick jaunt over to the Central Park Zoo and see some real-life animals. On Sunday, your animal kingdom sojourn can continue with Wicked (2:00 or 8:00 pm) where flying monkeys, talking goats, cowardly lions and other crazy creatures come together to support the origin story of the two Witches of Oz.
Royal Engagement: Once Upon a One More Time, SIX and Camelot
We all have our fascination with royalty, and why not? We love castles, crowns, elegance and power. You’ll begin with a two-show Saturday that is indeed a royal engagement. Catch a 2:00 pm matinee of Once Upon a One More Time, where your favorite storybook heroines create a brand-new kind of fairytale, all to the music of Britney Spears, the Princess of Pop. Then top off your day with an 8:00 pm showing of SIX, where the half-dozen wives of Henry VIII have their say. On Sunday, take in the Royal Tea at the Russian Tea Room before you return to the royal court, this time with Camelot at Lincoln Center Theatre (3:00 pm) and witness firsthand the rise and fall of an idealistic, mythical kingdom.
Get A Life! Bio Musical Must-Sees: MJ, A Beautiful Noise and Funny Girl
If you’re interested in learning about some of the 20th century’s great entertainers, spend your weekend taking in musical biographies. Start out with a 2:00 pm Saturday matinee of MJ and find out how Michael Jackson became the “King of Pop.” At night, Neil Diamond’s epic career will entertain with a catalogue of his song standards in A Beautiful Noise (8:00 pm). For a more traditional Broadway score, spend Sunday at Funny Girl,(times vary by date) and get a dose of heart and humor as you navigate the life of stage and screen comedienne Fanny Brice.
The Good, The Bad, and The In-Between: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Chicago and Hadestown
For those of you who like some variety in your theatergoing weekend, why not try out our itinerary for "The Good, The Bad and The In-Between." Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Saturdays at 1:00 pm) makes for a “good” Saturday matinee choice, with its story of young wizards trying to right the wrongs of evil doings in the wizarding world. The “bad” is, of course, Chicago (Saturdays at 8:00 pm), a show populated with murderesses, corrupt law officials, slick lawyers and aspiring actresses who will stop at nothing to make it to the top. Finally, the “in-between” is Hadestown (Sundays- matinee times vary) a musical where characters in love must go to hell and back to be together.
The Perfect Broadway Show for Every Type of Dad
The Perfect Broadway Show for Every Type of Dad
By Mark A. Robinson
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate the dads in our lives. Everyone knows that fathers are notoriously difficult to buy for and even the most fashion-conscious dad doesn’t want another necktie to add to his collection. Fortunately, Broadway offers worthwhile alternatives with many opportunities to create a memorable Father’s Day outing. Here is a list of the perfect Broadway show for every type of dad!
The New Dad – The Lion King
What Broadway musical is perfect for that new dad, the one who is just learning the ins and outs of parenthood? Disney’s The Lion King is the ideal show for this scenario. From proud Mufasa’s first public presentation of the lion cub Simba to his firm but loving conversations with his offspring, this parent is killing it at the “new dad” thing. Even after sacrificing his life while saving his little boy in a wildebeest stampede, his presence remains, offering the young feline advice on growing up.
The Down Home Dad – Shucked
Hilarious one-liners and a score overflowing with country music-inspired ear worms all add up to make Shucked the terrific choice for those dads who live for down home fun. They’ll feel right at home watching this delightful comedy about a small town with suffering corn crops and the spunky young woman who goes on an adventure to look for the solution.
The History Buff Dad – Leopoldstadt
If dad is a history buff, you get bonus points for taking him to something that is equally compelling and historically significant. Tom Stoppard’s play Leopoldstadt has all these ingredients. The story follows a Jewish family in Austria over a 50-year span, concluding in the harrowing days of World War II. Your father will marvel at the play’s myriad characters expertly brought to life in a play by one of the world’s most-prolific and enduring playwrights.
The Dad with the Crazy Sense of Humor – The Book of Mormon
Everyone knows that one dad with a wild sense of humor. He makes goofy jokes while mom rolls her eyes, and he is always trying to make his kids laugh. This dad deserves a night out at The Book of Mormon. Written by the creators of the wildly funny South Park, Dad will enjoy a musical that will tickle his funny bone with comedy that is expertly done.
The Tired Dad – SIX
Some dads are just exhausted, working all day, mowing the lawn, then tucking their kids in at night before taking out the garbage. For these dads, they need a night out that’s sure to energize and inspire. SIX is guaranteed to give them that jolt of energy, with its half-dozen powerhouse ladies belting about what it was like to be married to a challenging husband (Henry VIII). At a running time of approximately 80 minutes, dad can get his Broadway fix but also be home and in bed by the ten o’clock news.
The Protective Dad – Sweeney Todd
Some of us grew up with that overprotective dad; the one who would kill for us if necessary. That’s what the title character does in the Stephen Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. In order to protect his daughter Johanna from the lecherous advances of Judge Turpin, Todd (played by Grammy Award winner Josh Groban) concocts a plot for murder that takes a heart stopping journey filled with twists and turns.
Top 2023 Tony Winners to See Now
Top 2023 Tony Winners to See Now
By Mark A. Robinson
This year’s 76th Annual Tony Awards celebrated an amazing year for theater in the Big Apple. Now, theatergoers must make the decision of which productions to see following Broadway’s biggest night. We’ve done the heavy lifting – here is your guide to the top Tony-winning shows you should catch while you can with great prices on tickets!
2023 Tony Award winners Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire's (book and lyrics) musical Kimberly Akimbo (2023’s Tony Award winner for Best Musical) has audiences delighting in the story of the title character who is a high school student with an affliction that causes her body to age at an exponential rate. 2023 Tony Award winner Victoria Clark embodies this unconventional heroine who takes us on an emotional, yet comedic journey of adolescence. Joining Clark is the always hilarious Bonnie Milligan (also a 2023 Tony Award winner) as her criminal Aunt Debra and Justin Cooley as Kimberly’s friend Seth. Jessica Stone directs this intimate, unique musical.
Some Like it Hot
Turning the MGM classic film comedy Some Like It Hot into a musical may have seemed like a challenging prospect, but Matthew Lopez/Amber Ruffin (book) and Marc Shaiman/Scott Wittman (score) have made this an inspired and seamless adaptation. Under the deft direction of Casey Nicholaw (2023 Tony Award winner for his breathtaking choreography), two musicians (Christian Borle and 2023 Tony Award winner J. Harrison Ghee) don disguises as women when they are sought after by a gangster who wants them dead, leading to a journey that turns out to be as life-changing as it is life-chasing.
Prolific playwright Tom Stoppard (The Real Thing, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead) once again awes audiences with his complex, epic storytelling with Leopoldstadt. Under the direction of 2023 Tony Award winner Patrick Marber, and featuring unforgettable performances by 2023 Tony Award winner Brandon Uranowitz and a cast of 38, Leopoldstadt tells the story of an Austrian-Jewish family over a half-century, culminating after the end of World War II. Winner of 2023’s Tony Award for Best Play!
Yann Martel’s best-selling novel Life of Pi has been adapted for the theatrical stage by playwright Lolita Chakrabarti. An imaginative production employing puppetry and other arresting special effects, the story of a teenage boy named Pi who is trapped in a lifeboat with four wild animals is one of Broadway’s most visually stunning productions of the season.
Tony-winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen) makes his triumphant Broadway return in this critically acclaimed revival of the Jason Robert Brown (score) and Alfred Uhry (book) musical based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Georgia Jew wrongly accused of the murder of a young girl. Micaela Diamond plays his determined wife Lucille. Under the direction of 2023 Tony Award winner Michael Arden, Parade takes audiences into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. Winner of 2023’s Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical!
The Best Bang for Your Buck: 8 Broadway Shows with Orchestra Seats Under $99
The Best Bang for Your Buck: 8 Broadway Shows with Orchestra Seats Under $99
By Mark A. Robinson
If you love theatre (like most of us do), you cannot get enough of traveling to the Big Apple for a regular dose. With so many great options to see, it can really add up when looking for great seats to multiple shows. Never fear – to aid in your search for the most bang for your buck, we have compiled a list of 8 Broadway shows that all have Orchestra seating under $99 – including fees!
The great American songbook of beloved artist Neil Diamond is employed to vividly bring to life the musician’s life story in A Beautiful Noise. From his humble beginnings to his rise to international superstar, this feel-good musical celebrates Diamond, who has become an icon of music with such hit songs as “Sweet Caroline” and “America.”
Set in the English countryside in 1923, this tale of sex, betrayal and love unfolds when Sylvia decides to expose her affair to both her husband and her lover’s wife. This ridiculous (and potentially murderous) romantic comedy stars Will & Grace’s Eric McCormack, Saturday Night Live’s Alex Moffat, and a bevy of Broadway’s best in what is sure to be a side-splitting romp!
Fresh to New York from its triumph in London, the musical Back to the Future is poised to be the most-anticipated new hit of the 2023-2024 Broadway season. With the help of his scientist mentor, misfit high school student Marty McFly goes back in time to the 1950s where he encounters his parents in their youth. Complications ensue and Marty has to race against time to ensure his parents fall in love.
Star-crossed lovers go against the odds to be together – but can they overcome the hurdles put in front of them? Give yourself over to Moulin Rouge! The Musical, a hypnotic, lush, breathtaking kaleidoscope of the splendors of musical theater. The score is composed of dozens of hit standards from across the decade, so you’ll go in knowing (and singing) many of them. For a night of romance, a trip to the Moulin Rouge cannot be beat.
Get chilled to the bone with Broadway’s recent arrival, Grey House. Spooky, unpredictable, and boasting a star performance by two-time Tony Award winner Laurie Metcalf, Grey House will get your pulse elevated as you witness the story of a young couple who find themselves trapped in a rural cabin during a snowstorm. As their story progresses, a mystery unravels, revealing hosts that are not exactly who they seem.
This modern-day spin on the Greek myth of “Orpheus and Eurydice” continues to delight audiences. A musical love story that pushes forward against all odds, Hadestown takes you on a trip “way down under the ground” to the dark recesses of the underworld where King Hades rules all. Jazz, pop, and blues-infused showtunes mark the distinct style of Tony-winning composer/lyricist Anais Mitchell.
The magical possibilities of the theatre become abundantly apparent in the stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel Life of Pi. A teenage boy is trapped in a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean, and his comrades for the voyage are a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Featuring some of the most breathtaking puppetry to ever grace the Great White Way, Life of Pi is an evening of wonder for anyone who attends.
Six talented young men whose heavenly harmonies and musical comedy antics catapulted them from the subway tunnels of Berlin to international superstardom are the subject of this unbelievable true story, with a score by legendary singer/songwriter Barry Manilow and Drama Desk winner Bruce Sussman. This rags-to-riches story comes to dazzling life in this brand new musical sure to captivate audiences.
Staff Pick of the Month: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Staff Pick of the Month: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
It’s a tall order for one production to feature tragic romance, thrilling choreography, heart-stopping spectacle, unforgettable performances and terrific music. Fortunately, you’ll only have to go as far as the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in the heart of Broadway to find this combination delivered with sheer exhilaration at Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The winner of the 2021 Tony Award for Best Musical (and a litany of other accolades), Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the theatrical gem you’ll want to experience this summer.
Moulin Rouge was adapted for the Broadway stage from the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film of the same name. The spirit, story, and several of the songs from that audience favorite have made the transition to the Broadway stage along with some additional material that elevates the drama and the fun. Under the direction of the acclaimed Alex Timbers (who won a Tony Award for his inspired take on the staging), and with Sonya Tayeh’s incredible choreography, Moulin Rouge is a uniquely reimagined departure from the film while still being true to its source’s heart. Derek McLane’s scenery is like stepping inside a velvet-lined jewelry box, complemented by the kaleidoscopic lighting design of Justin Townsend. Catherine Zuber’s costumes are just as unforgettable, defining each character exquisitely. All together, it’s a visual splendor not to be missed.
Another thrilling element about Moulin Rouge is the parade of extraordinary songs that compose the musical’s score. Audiences will find themselves delighted by how cleverly the pop hits they know and love are interpolated into Moulin Rouge’s plot. From mega-hits like “Bad Romance,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “Single Ladies,” to the beloved classics pulled from the movie score like “Lady Marmalade,” “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” and “Come What May,” it’s a celebration of popular music coursing with heart and heat that perfectly scores the action, sung by an extraordinary cast of performers. Pop star Joanna “JoJo” Levesque stars as Satine through July 30th, and don’t miss Corey Cott (Riverdale) in his Broadway debut as Christian beginning August 1st.
When we go to the theatre, we are looking for a transformative experience. The creative minds behind Moulin Rouge! have understood that and have given audiences a musical that supplies them with what they want. Step inside that crimson windmill and see what all the excitement is about – you’ll be treated to an unforgettable theatrical experience guaranteed to appeal to everyone.
Let Freedom Sing! Celebrating America on Broadway
Let Freedom Sing! Celebrating America on Broadway
By Mark A. Robinson
Although the Fourth of July has come and gone, we continue to celebrate America and all the things that make it a special place to pursue our dreams. What few people take time to consider is that the Broadway musical is a uniquely American art form, created out of theater traditions brought to this country and combined in the great melting pot that is America. Now is the perfect time to embrace America’s finest theatrical art on the Great White Way, celebrating with shows that embody just what it means to live in a country where we are free to have big dreams and endeavor to make them come true.
Hamilton
What better way to celebrate the founding of our country than to take that journey firsthand with one of its founding fathers? Patriotism and politics are all a part of the American dream. So are having big aspirations and bringing them to fruition. Alexander Hamilton, the titular and controversial centerpiece of the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical Hamilton, makes for a fascinating catalyst and the ideal character to usher us through the idealism, success, setbacks, and the compromises required when starting a country like the United States of America.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
Much is said about the American Songbook and the artists who have contributed to its legacy. One of its most celebrated and consistent contributors has been the legendary pop star Neil Diamond. A Beautiful Noise takes audiences on the journey of Diamond’s career, from his humble beginnings to his escalation as a music superstar. A jukebox musical brimming with favorites, A Beautiful Noise features a parade of Diamond hits that are “America” captured through music. Songs such as “Sweet Caroline,” “Love on the Rocks,” “Hello, Again,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and, perfectly tethered to our theme, “America” are among the tunes that captured our hearts and have remained synonymous with the USA.
Shucked
Our next show takes us to the rural Midwest, where comedy abounds in the musical Shucked. The hardworking citizens of Cobb County, where corn farming is a way of life, are in a predicament – their crops are failing. These blue-collar Americans count on the corn crops to make their ends meet and their agricultural conundrum could easily lead to their ruin. Enter: Maizy, a spunky young woman who goes on a journey to find a cure for their woes. In the wild unknowns of the big city she thinks she’s found hope, but is it in the hands of a self-serving con-man? With a hilarious book by Tony winner Robert Horn (Tootsie) and a toe-tapping score by Grammy-winning country songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, Shucked is a slice of good old-fashioned Americana and down-home charm.
New York, New York
“Start spreading the news” that the must-see musical event of the Broadway season is the stage adaptation of the Kander and Ebb film musical New York, New York. The only thing that could be more American than apple pie is the “Big Apple” itself, and New York, New York is a glorious valentine to the city that never sleeps. The musical is set in post-World War II Manhattan, and follows a group of dreamers, with hopes as big and diverse as the city itself. If any musical captures the spirit, range, and possibilities of the American dream, it is New York, New York.
Broadway Spotlight: SIX
Broadway Spotlight: SIX
By Mark A. Robinson
Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr – what do these six ladies all have in common? Each was married to King Henry VIII, a powerful leader and marital nightmare. Known for the radical changes he made to England (including the English Reformation which separated the Church of England from the authority of the Catholic Church), Henry was also known for his radical changes in marital status, leaving behind the legacy of six wives who were “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived” in turn.
The musical SIX ventures to tell the stories of Henry’s half-dozen wives, giving them each an opportunity to share their individual tales and points of view that were often left out of the history books. But SIX is no stuffy historical drama. The show’s creators (Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss) have breathed a modern sensibility into these ladies’ accounts, setting their narratives in the form of a pop music concert. The result: an evening of entertainment that is equal parts Broadway musical, social commentary and a modern music concert experience exploding with verve and vivacity.
The basic plot: these historical ladies come together as a girl group (with plenty of girl power to spare), debating over who should be the lead singer. How do they decide? After each telling their tales of woe, the wife who had the hardest life with the miserable monarch will become the leading lady. But SIX is not just an evening of wives complaining about their experiences with ol’ Henry – in fact, it is just the opposite. The musical empowers each lady to reclaim her own story, unfettered by the spin they are usually given in history books, as a mere accessory to a powerful man. In SIX, we see real human beings, nuanced personalities reclaiming their voice and making their very real accomplishments and experiences both palpable and deeply personal.
After a successful run in London’s West End and a hit pre-Broadway tour, SIX was scheduled to open on Broadway in the spring of 2020. Covid put that opening on hold, and SIX ultimately opened in October of 2021, making it the first new musical to open on Broadway after the pandemic closed down New York City theatre. A musical as tenacious as the queens that inhabit its story, SIX overcame its timely setbacks to become one of the season's hit shows, winning the Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design of a Musical. It has since evolved into an audience favorite, with many theater goers returning, time and again, to be reinvigorated by SIX’s music and message.
So don’t wait – now is the perfect time to get yourself tickets to see SIX – divorced...beheaded...LIVE and in person. You can judge for yourself, and you’ll soon realize why this “histo-remix” has such enthusiasm from audiences around the world – and why it's truly “one of a kind, no category!”
Broadway Goes Back to School
Broadway Goes Back to School
By Mark A. Robinson
As the time comes for students to head back to school, why not prep them for the new school year by giving them a leg up with a trip to see some Broadway musicals? Each show on our list can lay the foundations for learning in those school subjects we hold near and dear.
Math: SIX
SIX: The Musical has a lot to do with numbers (as its title suggests). The musical is about the six wives of Henry VIII (another number), who put up with a lot from their matrimonial monarch. Henry was all about division, separating himself from his wives by methods that created a schoolyard rhyme: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived! This all adds up to an intriguing lesson in statistical math: the odds of surviving Hank as a husband were quite slim.
English: Hadestown
Somewhere in a high school English class, your teen is bound to encounter a unit on Greek mythology. Character favorites such as Hades, Persephone, Orpheus, and Eurydice are featured in some of the more exciting myths that lead to the dark regions of the Underworld. The musical Hadestown brings the aforementioned characters together into one of Broadway’s most unconventional offerings: a harrowing, dystopian twist on these classic myths. I feel the beginnings of an essay coming on…
Science: Back to the Future
Who isn’t fascinated with the prospect of time travel? Scientists have spent centuries trying to unravel the mysteries of its possibilities. However, one (albeit fictional) scientist beat them all to the punch: Dr. Emmett Brown of Broadway’s latest musical, the sci-fi inspired Back to the Future (based on the 1985 film of the same name). Manipulating the laws of physics, the doc takes teenager Marty McFly on a jaunt back to the 1950s and the future is suddenly rearranged. Back to the Future is guaranteed to inspire your young student with how scientific knowledge can change the direction of life as we know it!
History:Hamilton
American history teachers spend a lot of time delving into the stories behind the movers and shakers who established the United States of America. Among the more controversial forefathers was Alexander Hamilton, a patriot, a soldier, and one of the minds behind the shaping of our government (particularly, the American Treasury). Hamilton the musical tells his story with a contemporary slant and style, giving the viewer a well-rounded understanding of the man, faults and all. This sounds like a great way to get some research done for a history report and enjoy one of Broadway’s hottest offerings at the same time.
French: Moulin Rouge
The title Moulin Rouge! translates into English as “the Red Mill.” With that knowledge, you are already on your way to pass your first French quiz of the school year. Ah, mais oui, the learning doesn’t stop there! The musical Moulin Rouge! teaches us all kinds of things about French culture, from courtesans and the Bohemian lifestyle to the Can-Can to post-impressionist artist Toulouse-Latrec. Moulin Rouge! is a tragic, bohemian love story with that certain “Je ne sais quoi” destined to spark an interest in foreign language and culture.
Culinary Arts: Sweeney Todd
In the old days, cooking was part of a class we called Home Economics, but in many schools, that course has gone by the wayside. Nowadays, careers in the culinary arts are popular, so schools have turned toward offering instruction in this field. Who better to teach the recipes behind mincing-meat and baking pies than good old Mrs. Lovett of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street? Sure, she was known for baking “The Worst Pies in London”, but with some dubious (some say “inventive”) alterations to her recipes, she became a baking sensation.
Drama: & Juliet
We wouldn’t want to leave those colorful and quirky drama teachers off this list! Everyone knows they make magic, usually with a budget of nothing. How many productions of Romeo and Juliet are waiting to happen this year under their guidance? No other show on Broadway quite captures the possibilities of Theatre than & Juliet, a musical that reimagines that beloved Shakespearean tragedy with a more inspirational outcome. The thespians all applaud!
Physical Education: MJ
Last, but not least, we have to find some time in the school day to run off some excess energy, elevate the heart rate, and tone some muscle. Physical education seems like the ideal place for this happen. The Broadway musical that is the perfect demonstration of fitness is MJ. Sure, the chief reason to see this show is that it is about the life and music of Michael Jackson. However, it is also a show that brims with athletic dance moves that feature jaw-dropping feats of balance and physical endurance. You’ll want to hit the showers after the curtain call on this show!
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend on Broadway
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend on Broadway
By Mark A. Robinson
That time has come: the de facto end of summer festivities. Even though summer officially concludes on September 23, Labor Day weekend has always signaled the end of summer fun as the kids head back to school and we return to our more structured lives. With that last hurrah this weekend, why not try to get another Broadway show in? There are no Broadway performances ON Labor Day, but multiple shows have added an additional Sunday night performance to their schedule for the big weekend.
Here are the shows with an extra performance that you can grab tickets for this Labor Day weekend! Please note: this schedule reflects Labor Day weekend performances only. Be sure to check performance times for other dates.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Additional 7pm performance on Sunday evening, also shows on Saturday at 1pm and 7pm, and on Sunday at 1pm.
A magical outing for the entire family, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes audiences on a jaunt into the world of J.K. Rowling’s favorite wizarding world. Picking up where the novels leave off, this spectacular play filled with glorious stagecraft and illusion follows Harry Potter’s son Albus on his adventures at Hogwarts Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Additional 7:30pm performance on Sunday evening, also shows on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.
What does it take to become a music icon and a national treasure? The prolific music of Neil Diamond is such an exhilarating part of the American songbook, but it has become so commonplace that is easy to take for granted. The jukebox musical A Beautiful Noise tells Diamond’s compelling life story, from his humble beginnings to becoming one of pop music’s most celebrated artists.
Additional 7:30pm performance on Sunday evening, with shows on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.
Love, sex, betrayal and a little bit of madness come together in the hilarious comedy The Cottage which arrived on Broadway this summer. Under the direction of Jason Alexander, and featuring a top-notch cast of comedic geniuses, the play by Sandy Rustin imagines a situation rife with humorous possibilities. What happens when a woman who, in the middle of a secret affair, brings together the spouses to reveal the indiscretion?
Additional 7:30pm performance on Sunday evening, with shows on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 1:30pm.
A jukebox musical featuring dozens of famous pop songs, based on a beloved, Oscar-winning film, and designed with a nonpareil opulence, Moulin Rouge! is definitely an event that is likely to enthrall anyone who sees it. The tragic love story at its heart makes for the perfect framework to hang almost a century’s worth of great music, gorgeously choreographed to our delight. Riverdale’s Casey Cott starts as Christian through December 3rd.
Additional 7:30pm performance on Sunday evening, with shows on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.
August and September is corn harvesting season, so this is the perfect time to see a Broadway musical called Shucked. Shucked is a side-splitting comedy about a rural town whose corn crop is failing. They dispatch one of their own into the world to try to find a solution for their agricultural woes. Soon, the young Maizy is on an adventure of a lifetime and what she learns along the way changes her world.
Additional 7:30pm performance on Sunday evening, with shows on Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.
One of Broadway’s newest musicals will appeal to anyone who loves 80s movies, sci-fi, fun, romance, and nostalgia. Back to the Future is the tale of Marty McFly, a misfit teenager living in the 1980s, who travels in a time machine back to the 1950s where he finds his very existence hinges upon his ability to make a match between the teenage versions of his mother and father. Filled to the brim with some of Broadway’s most jaw-dropping spectacle, Back to the Future is a thrill ride of a show!
September 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
September 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
September is here! Falling back into our routines after a summer of vacationing and sunbathing casts a grey cloud over our spirits while foreshadowing the crisp, cooler weather that comes with the new season. This doesn’t mean we cannot find a little time for escapist fun, and the theater is the perfect place to keep our hearts and minds alive with excitement. Say hello to September with these top Broadway offerings.
The Lion King
A trip to the African Savannah comes complete with an infectious score, high adventure, astonishing special effects, and beloved characters in the Disney stage adaptation of the animated classic The Lion King. The young lion cub Simba, heir apparent to the throne of the Pride Lands, must learn to be a courageous ruler when his unscrupulous uncle tries to usurp the title of “Lion King.” This family-targeted production brims with color, spectacle, and some of the most awe-inspiring puppetry ever utilized in musical theatre. You will never forget this trip to the Minskoff Theatre where an entire menagerie comes to life before your very eyes!
Sweeney Todd
What starts out as a bone chilling musical of gothic horror proportions evolves into an evening of devastating tragedy with Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The title character, a barber who is wrongly imprisoned by a corrupt judge, returns from his incarceration to exact revenge on the unscrupulous magistrate who rendered the sentence. With the help of a scheming pie maker, Sweeney turns murder into an art form in this Stephen Sondheim masterpiece about social injustice. Starring Tony and Grammy-nominated multi-platinum recording artist Josh Groban as the title character, this show is not to be missed.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The world of Harry Potter, The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the parade of beloved characters that inhabit J.K. Rowling’s series of novels continue their magical life in the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Picking up where Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows concludes, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child follows Albus Severus Potter (Harry’s offspring) on his adventures at Hogwarts. He and his classmate Scorpius Malfoy soon find themselves embroiled in a complicated mess when they try to alter history with the aid of a time turner.
Some Like It Hot
Things aren’t always what they seem, and the new musical Some Like It Hot insists that that is just fine. When two male musicians witness a terrible crime, they become afraid for their own lives. They disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band to remain incognito. In the process, they begin to realize that being a woman isn’t exactly easy, especially where romance is concerned, and the easiest path to love is to be your true self. Some Like It Hot is a farcical musical comedy with a delightful, jazz-inspired score by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (the composer-lyricist team that brought us Hairspray).
The Shark is Broken
The making of the 1975 film classic Jaws did not happen without a litany of challenges. Filmmaker Stephen Spielberg was plagued by setbacks, particularly in the form of a mechanical representation of the titular monster that refused to work correctly. In the comedic play The Shark is Broken by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, we witness the film’s stars Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Schneider as they must endure the arduous task of making the film while trying to keep their egos in check. The Shark is Broken is a hilarious exploration of the ins and outs of Hollywood magic (and how that magic comes at a price).
Top Shows to See this Month: October
Top Shows to See this Month: October
What to see? What to see? Picking a show to attend in the Big Apple can be a daunting challenge when one considers the many exciting productions to choose from. October is proving to be just as challenging, with an array of new shows taking their place alongside seasoned classics for your theatergoing pleasure. We are here to help you out with a list of top shows to see this month!
October features an exciting return of a Stephen Sondheim musical that hasn’t graced the Great White Way since 1981! Merrily We Roll Along, the story of three best friends whose lives unravel as they drift apart, is told in reverse, affording audiences an opportunity to dissect what exactly went wrong. The cast for Merrily We Roll Along is a theatergoer’s dream, featuring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter films, Equus), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, Glee) and Lindsay Mendez (Tony Award winner for Carousel).
It’s hard not to get through the month of October without thinking of the musical Wicked. Historically, witches (good and bad) have always been tethered to Halloween, but it doesn’t stop there. The Broadway musical Wicked opened in October of 2003. This year it is still going strong and celebrating its 20th Anniversary! National Day Calendar has even named October 30th “National Wicked Day”. Now we have a whole new reason to celebrate this terrific musical that whisks us away to the Land of Oz where we learn the origin stories of two of its most famous witches.
&Broadway Spotlight: Spamalot
Broadway Spotlight: Spamalot
As the saying goes: “Always look on the bright side of life.” Fortunately, we don’t have to look very far for that ray of sunshine, because the 2005 musical Spamalot, which took Broadway by storm and inspired waves of riotous laughter, is making its triumphant return to the Great White Way! On October 31st, previews begin at the St. James Theatre with a November 16th opening night.
Spamalot is adapted from the 1975 film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. With a book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot was the 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. It went on to achieve a four-year run. This new production comes to New York via Washington DC where it brought down the house at the Kennedy Center this past May. Under the direction of Josh Rhodes, critics and audiences raved for this new incarnation of Spamalot and it was soon announced that it would make the journey to Broadway.
Much of the DC cast will come to New York with the production, including James Monroe Iglehart (Tony Award winner for Aladdin) as King Arthur, Leslie Kritzer (Something Rotten!) as the mysterious Lady of the Lake, and Michael Urie (Chicken and Biscuits, TV’s Ugly Betty) as Sir Robin. New cast members include Saturday Night Live alumnus Taran Killam as Sir Lancelot (through January 7th, to be followed by original DC cast member Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice: The Musical) in the role, starting January 9th), as well as Ethan Slater (SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical and the upcoming Wicked movie) as The Historian/Prince Herbert, and Christopher Fitzergald (Wicked, Waitress) as Patsy.
Spamalot tells the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as they go on a quest to find the Holy Grail. But this is no serious, period piece. If it can be funny, Spamalot insists it be hilarious. The anachronistic tale is told with a joyous score that features such laugh-inducing numbers as “The Song That Goes Like This”, “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway”, “He Is Not Dead Yet” and that Monty Python favorite “Always Look On the Bright Side of Life”. The one-liners and iconic comedy moments are relentless!
The return of Spamalot promises to be an infusion of musical comedy joy for the 2023-2024 Broadway season. If endless laughter, infectious melody, escapist fantasy, and Broadway magic are what you are in search of, then Spamalot will be your Holy Grail of theatergoing experiences. Don’t wait for the Lady of the Lake to appear with tickets – get yours now!
Get Your Groove On: Shows that Feature High-Energy Dance Sequences
Get Your Groove On: Shows that Feature High-Energy Dance Sequences
For some, it’s the songs that make a Broadway musical fly. For others, it’s the performers that make a show sparkle. Others may get caught up in the spectacle, illusion, and stage magic. One thing we all cannot help to be amazed by when seeing a Broadway musical is the choreography. That jolt of sublime adrenaline one feels when witnessing an expertly choreographed and executed high energy dance scene is nonpareil. Fortunately, many shows currently running on Broadway offer just such dance moments!
The original Broadway production of Chicago was directed and choreographed by the late, great Bob Fosse, so it should be no surprise to find dance overflowing at every turn in the long-running revival. Ann Reinking, a longtime dancer amongst Fosse’s favorites, won a Tony for choreographing this revival production, which opened in 1996. From the pulsating precision of the opening number “All That Jazz”, through the startling athleticism and verve in the “Hot Honey Rag”, dance is the driving force in this Kander and Ebb musical about murder and celebrity in the 1920s Windy City.
Dance hardly begins to explain what choreographer Christopher Wheeldon had achieved in the Broadway musical MJ. “Flight” would be a better word. As the story of pop star Michael Jackson’s life unfolds onstage, Wheeldon keeps the action practically airborne, with startling choreography that seems to defy gravity. In such songs as “Beat It”, “Smooth Criminal” and “Billie Jean”, Wheeldon’s Tony Award-winning work keeps audiences gasping with amazement.
Some Like It Hot boasts some of the most joyous choreography currently on Broadway. And why wouldn’t it? Tony Award-winning choreographer Casey Nicholaw has become the “go to” guru of dance where musical comedy is concerned. Watch the stage burst with crackling energy as the dancers take on the musical’s relentlessly exuberant title song! The musical, about two male musicians pretending to be women in order to escape being murdered by a gangster, lends itself perfectly to old-fashioned musical comedy fun. The dancing offers that extra shot of adrenaline to send it over the top! Some Like it Hot’s final performance will be December 30th, so don’t miss your chance to see it before it’s gone!
With a musical that boasts one pop song after another (numbering well into the 40s), is it any wonder that Moulin Rouge! is a musical with more than its share of dance? Choreographer Sonya Tayeh won a Tony for her work staging inventive dances for such numbers as “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, “Lady Marmalade”, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”, “Firework”, and “Roxanne”. As a love story plays out at the famous nightclub in Bohemian Paris, there is much to dance about, with the can-can, tango, and myriad other styles employed.
Jennifer Weber’s choreography for the jukebox musical & Juliet is definitely dynamic, sending this musical that imagines a new end for Shakespeare’s favorite heroine into the stratosphere. Act II’s “Problem/Can’t Feel My Face” has audiences marveling at how Weber deepens our understanding of Juliet’s romantic dilemmas as we witness her express her conflicted emotions through dance.
Okay, The Book of Mormon probably isn’t the first show you might think of when it comes to dance. There is more than enough humor and melody to keep us entertained. But it would be an oversight not to celebrate the humor-infused choreography of Casey Nicholaw. Of particular note is a hilarious dance highlight of the show: “Turn it Off”. An upbeat ditty that is a celebration of self-denial and emotional repression, the song is delivered with an energetic tap dance, ironically juxtaposed against the number’s frustratingly puritanical themes.
Shows to See This November
Shows to See This November
The holidays are fast approaching and so is that traditional trip to the Big Apple to view the decorations, get some shopping in, and to see a show. The Broadway and Off-Broadway lineup is especially exciting this year. We’ve put together a list of some terrific choices that are sure to put some sparkle into your holiday sojourn to Manhattan this November.
A Beautiful Noise
Over the last five-plus decades, Neil Diamond has delivered some of the most beloved songs in the American songbook. These ear worms, including the infectious “Sweet Caroline”, are the reason behind A Beautiful Noise, a musical biography of Diamond’s prolific career. Taking over the role of Diamond is 2015 American Idol winner Nick Fradiani, who joins the cast on October 31st. Get ready for an evening of unforgettable music and undeniable energy. You know you are going to want to sing along!
SIX
One, two, three, four, five, SIX (count them) divas onstage, all for your musical theatre pleasure! This half-dozen ladies are the embodiment of strength and empowerment as they share their stories about what it was like being married to their problematic spouse Henry VIII. SIX is presented as a pop music concert-meets-Broadway musical, with storytelling at its center. Tony Award-winner for Best Score, SIX explodes with melodies sung with verve and vigor.
The Book of Mormon
The Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon hasbeen trading in humor since it arrived on Broadway in 2011. That is over a decade of side-splitting laughs. Of course, when the minds behind the show include Trey Parker and Matt Stone (of TV’s animated sensation South Park) of course the musical features both humor and heart. Throw in the irreverent wit of Robert Lopez (Avenue Q) and you are surely guaranteed an evening of theatre that exercises your funny bone. The Book of Mormon follows two Mormon missionaries who travel to a remote African village to share and spread their faith, only to be met with myriad obstacles.
MJ
“Beat It”, “Thriller”, “Billie Jean”, “Bad”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Man in the Mirror”, “Black or White” are all hit songs straight from the song catalogue of pop star Michael Jackson. These infectious numbers make us want to get up and dance. In the musical MJ, which brings to life the biography of Jackson, the cast brings that dancing urge to fruition. An evening of nonpareil movement and electric choreography, MJ is guaranteed to get your toes a-tapping and your pulse a-throbbing!
Titanique
We have a “sinking” feeling that you are going to love the Off-Broadway jukebox musical Titanique. The mega hit, Oscar-winning film Titanic is spoofed with deliciously-deranged hilarity and a score composed of Celine Dion’s songs, including the iconic “My Heart Will Go On”. Adding to the irreverent ridiculousness, Dion herself shows up as a character, interpolating her take on the most famous of all maritime disasters! You’ll want to set sail with Titanique for an unforgettable night of laughter and great music!
Blue Man Group
When one describes what Blue Man Group is, it is hard to put into words what an unconventional and unforgettable experience it is. That is part of the undying allure that keeps audiences coming back, again and again, to revel in the magic. It’s like nothing else you’ve seen before! Equal parts theatre, performance art, sensory stimulator, musical concert, and a visual feast, Blue Man Group invites audiences into a world of startling and entertaining perspectives on the environment, science, and our place in humanity.
Screen to Stage: Movies to Musicals on Broadway
Screen to Stage: Movies to Musicals on Broadway
We love to go to the movies. We revel in watching our favorite flicks, over and over, committing the dialogue to memory and inviting the characters into our hearts. Our love of films has translated into a trend for adapting them into Broadway musicals. And why not? It’s logical to use these tried and true stories as the jumping-off point for creating musical theatre. Currently, there are several musical offerings on the Great White Way that are adapted from beloved films.
Monty Python has indeed provided many iconic moments in the annals of comedy, and the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail is perhaps the pinnacle of the group’s legacy. That film became a Tony-winning Best Musical in 2005 called Spamalot. Now Spamalot is back, once again bringing audiences to tears of laughter with the loony adventure of King Arthur, his Knights of the Round Table, and their wacky quest to find the Holy Grail.
The 2004 film drama The Notebook is a romance for the ages. A heart-wrenching story about the ups and downs of Allie and Noah, a young couple living in the 1940s, who fight against all odds to be together. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Now this ultimate love story is headed to Broadway with a musical score by Ingrid Michaelson (who made her Broadway debut in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 a few seasons back). Previews for The Notebook begin on February 10, 2024, toward a March 14th opening.
Time is running out to catch this critically acclaimed musical comedy based on the Billy Wilder film of the same name. Some Like It Hot is considered one of Hollywood’s funniest films, led by Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and the indelible Marilyn Monroe. The musical currently on Broadway has added wonderful songs and jaw-dropping choreography to the premise of two male musicians on the lam, disguising themselves as women to avoid retribution from a crime land gangster. Some Like It Hot is a rollicking night of farcical laughter and breezy musical comedy.
The hypnotic world created by director Baz Luhrmann for the 2001 film musical Moulin Rouge! dazzled audiences with its opulence, stylized production values, and its interpolation of song standard after song standard. Bringing these aspects of such an iconic film to the Broadway stage was a tall order, but the powers that be found a way to make Moulin Rouge! shine on Broadway without losing anything that made the film so splendid. Of course, the story of a struggling writer and a Parisian chanteuse caught in a star-crossed love affair is a perfect fit for a Broadway musical romance.
You don’t need a time machine to go back to 1985 to hear the story of Marty McFly, the misfit teenager who leaps back to the 1950s to save his very existence. The musical Back to the Future has instead brought both the 50s and 80s to us, the classic film finding a new life as a Broadway musical hit. Casey Likes stars as Marty, who, with the help of a mad scientist (played by Tony winner Roger Bart), races against time to make sure history happens like it is supposed to. Back to the Future on Broadway is particularly celebrated for its cutting edge, spectacular special effects!
Who didn’t fall in love with the 1992 Disney film Aladdin, complete with an Academy Award-winning score and the hilarious voice work of Robin Williams as the Genie? That animated classic was perfectly transformed into a live-action Broadway musical that is the ideal outing for the whole family! Join the title character as he takes a magic carpet ride into adventure: proving his mettle, thwarting a dastardly villain, and winning the heart of a princess. Aladdin features such beloved songs as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me”.
Last Chance: Catch Them While You Can
Last Chance: Catch Them While You Can
Several terrific shows will be playing their final performances in the coming weeks. Both Broadway and Off-Broadway are readying to say a fond farewell to plays, musicals, and special events alike. Do not sit idly by and miss your chance to see these crowd favorites while you still can.
Some Like it Hot – Final Performance 12/30
One of Broadway’s most sparkling comedies is Some Like It Hot, which takes audiences on a trip back to the Roaring 20s for a night of hilarity and heart! What happens when two musicians accidentally have a run-in with organized crime? They must go undercover, of course! What better way to dodge the gangsters on their tail than by pretending to be women in an all-female band? Featuring a score by the team that brought us Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can, Some Like It Hot is a joyous romp guaranteed to etch a smile on the face of any theatergoer!
Shucked – Final Performance 1/14
Down home fun and corny jokes are being served up at the Nederlander Theatre where Shucked resides. The denizens of Cob County are mystified as to why their corn crop (their primary source of income) has failed this season. The dauntless Maizy commences on a journey to get to the bottom of their troubles. Soon, she finds herself in the big city, experiencing a world outside of her rural upbringing. On her fantastic voyage she might just find romance and a solution to saving her town. Don’t miss Tony Award winner Alex Newell and the incredible cast of Shucked in this hilarious “farm-to-fable"!
I Need That – Final Performance 12/30
Danny DeVito has been delighting audiences for decades with his masterful comedic turns on television and in film. DeVito, who is no stranger to the Broadway stage, is now starring in I Need That. Theresa Rebeck’s new play tells the story of a hoarder who must come to terms with his own demons as he must part with his amassed treasures or face eviction. Equal parts comedy and drama, I Need That features DeVito in a career-defining performance that is not to be missed.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors – Final Performance 1/7
Horror doesn’t have to be all dark and gloomy, and Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is proof positive that there is much laughter to be mined in even the most terrifying places. Using Bram Stoker’s classic novel as a mere jumping-off point, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors follows a real estate agent who must find a home for a mysterious new client: Count Dracula! Billed as “a 90-minute, gender-bending, quick-changing, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic”, this play is perfect for the theatergoer who loves a “bloody” good laugh with their horror.
Make Me Gorgeous– Final Performance 12/31
Who was Kenneth Marlowe? Most of us don’t know of this trailblazer of mid-Century America. Openly gay and brimming with personality, Marlowe was a hairstylist to the stars. But it didn’t stop there: he was a madam for a gay prostitution ring, a Christian missionary, a female impersonator, a newspaper columnist, and a private in the US military. Make Me Gorgeous is a new play that reveals the many layers of this multifaceted man.
Emergence: Things Are Not As They Seem – Final Performance 1/7
An evening of entertainment quite unlike anything we’ve seen before, Emergence: Things Are Not As They Seem is a night of spoken word, music, and psychedelia delivered by artist Patrick Olson. Exploring the human experience in this way, Olson delves into what it is like to be alive in this world in an experience that strives to engage all the senses.
Staff Pick: The Lion King
Staff Pick: The Lion King
Imagine a Broadway show where you can take a safari to the African Savanna, encounter a menagerie of animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and of course the occasional meerkat and warthog. Now, imagine doing this from the comfort of a climate controlled seat at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre. Well, everybody look left! Everybody look right! The Lion King is in the spotlight as our staff pick for January.
Picking a Broadway musical for the whole family to see can be a tricky endeavor, finding a title that can appeal to a diverse group of personalities with their uniquely individual tastes. Not to worry! Whether you are a fan of high adventure, political intrigue, tear-jerking romance, dazzling spectacle, or musical theatre at its finest, The Lion King certainly has something for everyone, making it the ideal outing for any family taking a sojourn to Broadway this winter.
You’d have to have lived under a rock for the last few decades if you’ve never encountered the Disney animated film The Lion King. The 1994 feature broke records at the box office and became an iconic part of our entertainment world, particularly thanks to the beloved songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. “The Circle of Life”, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”, “Be Prepared” and “Hakuna Matata” practically leapt off of the screen and demanded to become a three-dimensional Broadway musical experience. But how does one reimagine an animated classic, where animals feature as the story’s characters, into a believable Broadway musical where humans take on the roles?
Enter: director and designer Julie Taymor. Taymor is more than a theatre director, but rather a force of theatrical know-how. Incorporating her understanding of world theatre, from staging techniques, to breathtaking puppetry, ornamental masks, and nonpareil special effects, all gathered from the globe over, Taymor digs deep into her theatrical bag of tricks to make The Lion King an unforgettable piece of theatre that never erases our memories of the film, but instead augments the experience with startlingly new moments of magic.
The Lion King is not merely just an animated film plunked down on the stage. It is a whole different theatrical experience altogether. That is part of the intrigue of this long-running show. Sit in awe as you witness how such things as a wildebeest stampede, or an aerial ballet in an African jungle are executed onstage. It is one imaginative moment after another, underscored by the songs you know and love from the movie as well as a parade of additional songs that employ tribal rhythms and African instrumentation, creating an ambiance suited for telling such a grand and glorious tale.
We challenge you to name one other Broadway musical like The Lion King. If you’ve seen it, go back and be reminded that there is no other show quite like it. If you haven’t seen The Lion King on Broadway, prepare yourself to be thrilled by this innovative and heartwarming production. Then you, too, will know that no other theatrical outing can compare.
New Shows on the Block: 5 Can’t-Miss Shows Available to Buy Now
New Shows on the Block: 5 Can’t-Miss Shows Available to Buy Now
By Mark A. Robinson
A high point in these post-holiday months in Manhattan is the promise of an influx of new theatre productions on the Great White Way. This spring, Broadway tempts us with compelling revivals and exciting new productions guaranteed to get us eager to head to the theatre. Here are a handful of the new shows on the Broadway block that are available for purchase now.
The Who’s TOMMY
The bells, whistles, and lights of a pinball machine signal “tilt” and “score” as the rock opera The Who’s TOMMY takes its place back on Broadway. The revival comes to us with an all-new production, telling the incredible journey of a deaf, mute, and blind boy who overcomes his challenges to emerge as the awe-inspiring “Pinball Wizard.” The Who’s TOMMY features a Tony Award-winning score by rock legend Pete Townsend, songs that include “I’m Free,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “Listening to You” and “Acid Queen.”
Water for Elephants
An exciting addition to this season’s new musical category is the eagerly anticipated Water for Elephants, adapted from the best-selling Sara Gruen novel of the same name. When life throws him a barrage of curveballs, a young man is enticed to join the world of the traveling circus, wherein he finds himself on a whole new track for romance and adventure. Water for Elephants stars television favorite Grant Gustin (The Flash) and Isabelle McCalla (Broadway’s Shucked).
Doubt: A Parable
One of Broadway’s most jaw-dropping plays of the last few decades was John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt: A Parable. Set in a Catholic school in the 1960s, Sister Aloysius struggles to have her voice heard in the male-dominated world of the Catholic Church. When she suspects an inappropriate relationship between a male student and a teaching priest, can she find the outcomes she seeks when all she has so go on is her own personal suspicions? Doubt: A Parable is brimming with compelling drama and surprising twists and turns in this new production starring Tony winners Tyne Daly and Lieb Schreiber.
Home
Poised to arrive on Broadway in May, Home is a startling revival of Samm-Art Williams’ 1979 play originally staged by theNegro Ensemble Company. Now it is coming to Broadway theatergoers as part of the inaugural season of Roundabout Theatre’s Refocus Project. Directed by Kenny Leon (A Soldier’s Play), Home follows a black farmer who opposes the Vietnam war and who has spent time in jail as a draft dodger. When he re-enters the free world after the war, he must face the consequences of his choices as he tries to move forward.
February 2024: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
February 2024: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
There are lots of reasons to smile this February with an array of wonderful plays and musicals lighting up the Great White Way. Theatrical smiles can come in many forms. There is the wide-eyed astonishment of seeing a breathtaking spectacle unfold before your very eyes. There are the grins inspired by endearing characters who find happiness through life’s journey. Then there are the ear-to-ear smiles brought on by gut-wrenching laughter. This February, we have plenty of shows to recommend that fit one or more of these categories.
How to Dance in Ohio
How exciting is it that a musical like How to Dance in Ohio has arrived on Broadway this season? The new musical is an inspired piece, based on a true story about seven young adults with autism who, as part of their group counseling sessions, prepare for a spring formal. Their hopes and fears are navigated with humor and heart. What makes this production particularly and poignantly unique is that these young adults are portrayed by performers on the autism spectrum.
The Lion King
Grand spectacle of epic proportions, startlingly-effective puppetry that feels so realistic that you forget you aren’t really amidst a menagerie of animals on the African Savanna, a time-honored score of show-stopping hits that get your pulse racing, all come together to make The Lion King a decades-long hit that has been inducing smiles for generations. The story of a lion cub preparing to take his place in the Circle of Life is a heartwarming story for the whole family.
Hamilton
There is a reason why Hamilton has been such an enormous hit on Broadway for almost a decade: the clever staging combined with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning score add up to delight audiences with this fresh take on America’s origins, particularly the story behind the imperfect founding father Alexander Hamilton. What also makes Hamilton so wonderful is the complexity of the storytelling that invites repeated viewings to continue to take in each brilliantly constructed nuance. If you haven’t seen it, get ye there. If you have, go back and catch what you missed the first time around!
The Book of Mormon
Laughs come at the audience in avalanches of humor at Broadway’s The Book of Mormon. Mormon missionaries, sent to a remote African village, must overcome language barriers, local warlords, and tribal customs to promote and spread their religion. Their persistence against (exponentially-amusing) odds results in plenty of opportunities for laughter. Add to the recipe the irreverent writing styles of Trey Parker and Matt Stone (of TV’s South Park) and you know you are in for your share of hilarity.
The Play That Goes Wrong
Everything going wrong is not particularly hilarious when it happens to us. When it happens to someone else, well… that can be a different matter. When a theatre troupe stages a murder mystery, they do their very best to overcome a litany of complications that threaten to upend their production. The show must go on, however, and even as the set is literally falling down around them, these thespian heroes press on, hoping to make it until curtain call. The Play That Goes Wrong is one of the funniest plays to grace the New York stage in decades.
Water for Elephants
Nostalgia, romance, integrity, and fortitude are all good reasons for us to smile. One of Broadway’s newest musicals, Water for Elephants, is the perfect impetus for this brand of gentle grinning. Water for Elephants follows a young man who, when his life is falling apart, joins the circus and goes on a journey of a lifetime. An inspiring musical about the choices we make and the risks we face, Water for Elephants is sure to have you leaving the theatre smiling about life’s possibilities.
Winter on Broadway: Shows that Transport Us to Warmer Places
Winter on Broadway: Shows that Transport Us to Warmer Places
By Mark A. Robinson
In the dead of winter, the cold can begin to get on our nerves. Sleet, snow, and wind are fine for the holidays, creating a magical atmosphere. By February, however, we’ve had enough and we daydream of escapist opportunities to visit someplace warmer. Fortunately, there are Broadway shows that offer a possibility to head to someplace a tad warmer, or at least give us the illusion we have been transported to destinations void of frigid temperatures.
The Lion King
How about heading to the African savanna for a mind-blowing safari under the sun? You’ll see lions, zebras, elephants, hyenas, hippopotami, toucans, meerkats, and the occasional gaseous warthog, all onstage in Disney’s The Lion King. The stage musical adaptation of the 1994 Disney animated classic is quite unlike any other theatrical experience you are bound to have. World theater customs all come together to tell the tale of a little lion cub, who must overcome obstacles and persevere to claim his place in the Circle of Life.
The Book of Mormon
The Lion King is not the only show that invites audiences on a trip to Africa. The hot temperatures of the continent’s jungles are the destination for two young missionaries in the musical comedy The Book of Mormon. Witnessing their faith in a remote village, the two young men must navigate crime lords, rigid local customs, and of course the oppressive heat in an effort to spread the word of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You’ll also feel the temperature rising as your blood starts pumping with each riotous laugh to be found in The Book of Mormon.
Aladdin
The deserts of the Middle East, with a blazing sun and their piles of sand, are a far cry from winter on the Great White Way. A visit to Agrabah will not only take you to a sunnier setting, it will warm your heart with its story. The whole family will enjoy this theatrical vacation to see Aladdin, packed as it is with great music, magnificent special effects, and a story about a scrappy street rat whose dreams come true with the help of one wacky, all-powerful Genie.
Hadestown
A sojourn to Hell may be a road trip that leads to points hotter than we had hoped for, but there is no denying that Hades’ Underworld definitely offers a destination where we are unlikely to find snow. This Tony-winning hit follows the story of Orpheus, the hopelessly in love young man who is not afraid to navigate the fires of Hadestown to retrieve his beloved Eurydice. Brimstone abounds as he sweats his way through this journey of the heart. If the heat from the Underwold doesn’t warm your theatergoing blood, the passion and romance of Hadestown is guaranteed to make you feel warm all over.
Brunch & Broadway: Pair Your Weekend Matinee with a Delicious Meal
Brunch & Broadway: Pair Your Weekend Matinee with a Delicious Meal
By Mark A. Robinson and Kelly Shoemaker
There is something about the idea of enjoying a leisurely brunch followed by taking in a Sunday matinee that is an iconic part of the Manhattan experience. But where do you go to get a great brunch in the Theater District? Not only are we here to guide you to some of the best brunch eateries adjacent to the Broadway theaters, but we have paired these restaurants with the perfect show to follow your dining experience.
Moulin Rouge! and Marseilles(630 9th Avenue at 44th Street)
It wasn’t a stretch of the imagination to take a restaurant named after the oldest city in France and pair it with a musical that also has a French moniker. So, it is without pause that we pair Marseilles with Moulin Rouge! Before a show that brims with spectacle and tragic romance, enjoy an elegant brunch that boasts such options as a Croque Madame, Salade Nicoise, and of course...Pain Perdu (French toast)! It all sounds (and tastes) very French, the perfect prelude to a musical set in the glittering lights of Paris.
Shucked and Virgil’s Real BBQ (152 W 44th Street)
Whether you’re hankering for some Crispy Hush Puppies, the Fried Catfish Po Boy or some amazing Mac & Cheese, stop by Virgil’s Real BBQ for a hearty and delicious meal on your way to see Shucked on Broadway. Don’t forget to grab a slab of cornbread before you’re on your way to see Broadway’s corn-fed comedy at the Nederlander Theatre. This farm-to-fable new American musical will be sure to satisfy your appetite for great theater after you’ve satisfied your appetite for amazing down-home cooking.
Hadestown and Dutch Fred’s (307 W 47th Street)
Whether you’re hungry for a Broadway Burger, Huevos Rancheros or Tres Leches French Toast, pre-show favorite Dutch Fred’s is the place to be. Pair their specialty cocktail “Hell is a Mild Climate” (with ghost pepper tequila, Campari, lime, grapefruit and agave) with a trip to the nearby Walter Kerr Theatre as you visit the Underworld at Hadestown. This weaving of two mythic tales featuring Orpheus, Euridice, Hades and Persephone will take you on a spellbinding journey down the “Road to Hell” and back that you’ll never forget!
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bad Cinderella and Ellen’s Stardust Diner (1650 Broadway at 51st Street)
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is famous for its singing wait staff, who spin around the room to give you a taste of their talents as you enjoy the taste of your Lenox Avenue Style Chicken and Waffles, Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes, Holy Moly French Toast or Breakfast Burger. Don’t worry – the wait staff at Ellen’s is treated well, unlike the heroine of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bad Cinderella, who is at a different type of beck and call, waiting on her terrible Stepmother and Stepsisters in this new telling of the classic tale now at the Imperial Theatre. Don’t miss this “big, colorful, fairy tale rewrite” (New York Times) where the damsel who IS the distress has to find her way to happily ever after in a world where it’s good to be BAD.
A Beautiful Noise and Friedman’s at The Edison (228 W. 47th Street)
In the Neil Diamond jukebox musical A Beautiful Noise, the singer-songwriter sings about “America.” As his story unfolds, we soon realize there is nothing quite as American as Diamond and his iconic songbook. It is fitting then that we pair A Beautiful Noise with Friedman’s, an eatery that features a brunch menu loaded with menu favorites as eclectic as America itself. From the B.E.L.T. (Thick-cut bacon, over-easy egg, lettuce, tomato, herb aioli, on toasted challah bread) to French Toast (with berry compote), to Pastrami Hash (withsunny-side eggs, whole wheat toast), Friedman’s menu is like the Neil Diamond classic “Sweet Caroline”...good times (and good brunch and Broadway pairings) never seemed so good!
Camelot and Bar Boulud (1900 Broadway at 64th Street)
The Lerner & Loewe musical Camelot is a royal event, boasting a sweeping score that tells of the love triangle between King Arthur, Guenevere and Sir Lancelot. Such a musical commands a stately, elegant, pre-show brunch. All hail Bar Boulud, the perfect dining locale for such refined fine dining, from renowned chef and restauranteur Daniel Boulud. Smoked Tartine, Tarte Flambée or a delicious Omelette with Gruyere paired with a Pineau Spritz or Mimosa all add up to a menu that is fit for a king! After your royal feast, it’s off to Lincoln Center to join the court of Camelot.
Staff Pick of the Month: 'Shucked'
Staff Pick of the Month: 'Shucked'
By Mark A. Robinson
Every once in a while, there’s a musical that comes to Broadway that’s a complete original – a fresh concept that isn’t adapted from a book, from a previous play or a hit movie. This Broadway season, Shucked has come to the Nederlander Theatre to bring home-grown heart and much-needed laughter with its original farm-to-fable tale.
The brand-spanking-new musical features a hilarious book by Tony winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), known for creating sparkling one-liners and nuanced characters that are easily relatable. The score for Shucked is by one of Nashville’s most successful songwriting teams, Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark. McAnally and Clark are responsible for such hits as Miranda Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart” and The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two.” In fact, the duo has written and produced tunes for the likes of Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Keith Urban. Combined, they have three Grammy Awards and a total of 18 nominations. Shucked marks their first foray into musical theater, with tunes that will transport you with equal parts heart and hoedown.
So what exactly is Shucked about? A determined young woman named Maizy is from a small, rural town where corn is the livelihood. When the crops start dying, she goes in search of answers. Her quest takes her to the big city of Tampa where she meets an unlikely “corn doctor” in the form of a podiatrist who might not be exactly what he appears to be. With his help, can Maizy find a way to save her town and the crop that is central to its survival?
Shucked is in the expert hands of director Jack O’Brien, a musical comedy master. He’s ushered hits to the Broadway stage, including the 1994 revival of Damn Yankees, as well as more modern favorites The Full Monty and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. He is probably best-known for mining every ounce of heart and humor from the musical Hairspray. With that impressive resume, he is the ideal playmaker to helm Shucked, which crackles from start to finish with spirit, warmth, and side-splitting comedy.
The cast of Shucked is an equally exciting crew. In the role of Maizy is Caroline Innerbichler, making her Broadway debut. She is joined by John Behlmann (Tootsie), Andrew Durand (Head Over Heels), Kevin Cahoon (The Lion King) and Tony nominees Alex Newell (Once on This Island) and Grey Henson (Mean Girls). The musical also features Ashley D. Kelley, Jimmy Brewer, Audrey Cardwell, Dwayne Clark, Rheaume Crenshaw, Jaygee Macapugay, Scott Stangland, Yasmeen Sulieman and Quinn VanAntwerp.
We can all use a night of escapist musical comedy brimming with hilarity, melody, and joy. With a pedigreed creative team in place, a spectacular cast poised to bring those colorful characters to life, and the possibilities that come with an entirely original musical, Shucked is a must-see for the season and the perfect choice as our “Staff Pick of the Month” this April.
Broadway on a Budget: 10 Shows Under $50 You Can Book Now
Broadway on a Budget: 10 Shows Under $50 You Can Book Now
Broadway Spotlight: Hamilton
Broadway Spotlight: Hamilton
By Mark A. Robinson
“There’s nothing like summer in the city” is a sentiment celebrated in the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. It looks like summer is indeed an ideal time to get great tickets to this one-of-kind theatrical experience. If you haven’t seen Hamilton, it’s time you bought tickets and found out exactly what everyone has been cheering about. And if you’ve seen it already, we invite you to go back and relive the exhilaration all over again!
Lin-Manuel Miranda has concocted this Broadway phenomenon about one of our nation’s forefathers, Alexander Hamilton, telling the tale of this polarizing figure with a contemporary slant. Utilizing a combination of pop, rap and traditional showtunes, he imagines an America where the minorities, who are often left out of the equation when telling its story, are given a voice by playing the central figures in our nation’s formation. Under the clever direction of Thomas Kail, Hamilton is a firecracker of musical theater that explodes like Fourth of July fireworks!
Alexander Hamilton is a young upstart, unconventional in comparison to his colonial contemporaries. He is a protégée of George Washington with ideas of his own, ultimately climbing the ladder and shaping the United States Treasury. Patriot Aaron Burr is skeptical of Hamilton and soon the two are political rivals. Hamilton’s ascension is plagued with scandal, giving Burr further reason to oppose his foe. Their tempestuous relationship spirals toward an ultimately tragic climax, ensuring the legacy of one and destroying the legacy of the other. Hamilton teams with palpable conflict, romance and high drama, all told through invigorating music and viscerally felt lyrics.
Seldom does a musical come along that is considered required viewing. Due to the game-changing way it stretches the boundaries of the musical theater experience, Hamilton is that kind of landmark musical. It is not only about history, but it is making history – and audiences, critics, and Tony voters alike all agree. The show was nominated for 16 Tony Awards, taking home 11, among them awards for Best Direction, Best Book of a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Original Score and Best Musical.
Summer in NYC is the perfect time to catch a performance of this game-changing musical, particularly on weeknights when ticket availability is wider. “Do not throw away your shot” - now is your chance to grab great seats to see one of the most iconic musicals to come along in years. “History is happening in Manhattan” at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, and a trip to see Hamilton is the perfect way to celebrate summer in “the greatest city in the world!”
Talkin’ Tony Awards: The Importance of Broadway’s Biggest Night
Talkin’ Tony Awards: The Importance of Broadway’s Biggest Night
By Mark A. Robinson
It’s almost time for Broadway’s most eagerly anticipated night of the year! The Tony Awards brings the theater community together, celebrating the best of the best in a season packed with spectacular new plays and musicals, riveting revivals of classics, and of course those unforgettable turns from a passel of nonpareil performers. It is truly a magical night that often translates into important outcomes for its winners.
The Tony Awards first arrived on the theatrical scene in 1947. The honor was established by the American Theatre Wing and named for one of its founding members Antoinette “Tony” Perry who had died a year earlier. Perry had been an actress, producer and theater director and she served as secretary of the ATW.
On April 6, 1947, the first ceremony was held at Manhattan’s illustrious Waldorf Astoria hotel. Initially the trophy with the spinning medallion that we know today was not what the honorees took home. A scroll, cigarette lighter, gold compacts for the women and gold money clips for the men were originally handed out. At that first ceremony, big winners of the evening included such shows as Finian’s Rainbow, Brigadoon, All My Sons, Cyrano de Bergerac, Joan of Lorraine, Happy Birthday and Years Ago.
In 1949 the Tony medallion became the standard trophy of the evening and a variation on its design has remained to this day. Though the award always carries with it great prestige, it wasn’t until the first annual Tony Awards telecast in 1967 that the honor began to translate into box office success. When the world got to see Broadway celebrated on television, with scenes from the nominated plays and musicals broadcast for all to see, the Tony Awards began to serve as Broadway’s biggest commercial, often translating to a major boost in ticket sales. Many shows have gone on to become beloved classics because the Tony Awards telecast gave them the exposure they richly deserved.
Of even greater consequence, less measurable in ticket sales, but far more impactful overall, the Tony Awards and its annual telecast threw a spotlight on professional theater for the world to see. They brought the wonders of the Great White Way into the homes of millions (just as the Oscars do for film, the Grammys do for music, and the Emmys do for television). Because of the nature of live theater, the art form can seldom reach the wide audiences that these mass media entertainments do. The Tony Awards is that yearly golden opportunity to remind the world of the magic of live theater and inspire the performers, writers, designers and directors of tomorrow while celebrating the successes of the performers and creators of today. The future of theater artistry is inspired by this prestigious accolade and dreams are planted by the annual telecast of its ceremony.
This year’s Tony Awards, marking 76 years of excellence on Broadway, will take place on June 11, 2023 at a new location – the historic United Palace in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. You can catch the awards (hosted by Tony Award winner Ariana DeBose) at 8:00pm ET/5:00pm PT on the CBS Television Network, as well as streaming live and on demand on Paramount+. In the lead up to awards night, you can discover great savings on tickets to this year’s nominees here.
“There’s Nothing Like Summer in the City:" A Hamilton-Inspired Itinerary
“There’s Nothing Like Summer in the City:” A Hamilton-Inspired Itinerary
By Kelly Shoemaker
There’s a reason the musical Hamilton claims that New York City is “the greatest city in the world” – it’s a treasure trove of history everywhere you look! Whether you’re a history buff or just a curious visitor to NYC, there are many exciting sights to see. “History is happening in Manhattan” and for all those “Hamil-fans” out there, following this itinerary of locations you can visit in Manhattan related to the hit musical Hamilton is a sure-fire way to bring that history to life right before your eyes.
Fraunces Tavern (54 Pearl Street)
“Raise a glass to freedom” at the location where the Sons of Liberty once drank to the future of this great nation. Originally opened in 1762, Fraunces Tavern is still serving patrons today in its restaurant and bar. Grab a drink or a bite to eat and then visit the Fraunces Tavern Museum for a peek into the past. Both private and public tours are available on select days.
Trinity Church (89 Broadway)
Trinity Church is a vital landmark for Hamilton fans. Not only were the Hamiltons regular attendees of the church, but King’s College (now known as Columbia University) held its first classes in the former Trinity Schoolhouse, which was at the time located in the corner of Trinity Churchyard. Most importantly, the Trinity Churchyard is the final resting place of Hamilton and several of his family and friends. Alexander and Eliza are buried in the South churchyard, while Angelica Schuyler Church is buried in the North, and fellow Son of Liberty Hercules Mulligan is reportedly buried beneath the existing church building. Alexander and Eliza’s eldest son Philip’s gravesite is confirmed to be on the grounds, but the exact location is still unknown – he was buried in an unmarked grave due to the undesirable nature of his death by duel. Both the church and churchyard are open daily for those who would like to pay their respects to the “10 dollar founding father” in person.
Federal Hall (26 Wall Street)
The first Capitol building of the United States was built on this spot in 1703, and was the location where George Washington was sworn in as the nation’s first President. The Capitol Building was also the location where Hamilton argued cases as a lawyer, as well as attended sessions of Congress. It was here where he debated Jefferson, reimagined in the musical’s “Cabinet Battle #1.” While the original Capitol building is no more, the current Federal Hall contains a gallery dedicated to Washington that features artifacts from his inauguration. He is also commemorated with a statue on the front steps of the building.
Thomas Jefferson’s New York residence (57 Maiden Lane)
While former President Thomas Jefferson famously hailed from Monticello (his picturesque home in Charlottesville, VA), his home base in Manhattan while he was Secretary of State was 57 Maiden Lane. It was in this house that Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison negotiated the Compromise of 1790, leading to a famous quid pro quo – the national government would assume the state’s debts in exchange for the moving of the national capitol from New York City to the District of Columbia. While the original “room where it happened” no longer exists (the original house no longer stands), a commemorative plaque marks the original location, preserving its history.
Morris-Jumel Mansion (65 Jumel Terrace)
Not only does the Morris-Jumel Mansion hold Hamiton significance, but it’s historic in another right – it’s Manhattan’s oldest surviving residence. Built by a British military officer prior to the American Revolution, the mansion was used as a temporary headquarters by George Washington during wartime. After the war, the mansion was purchased by a rich French migrant named Stephen Jumel. After Jumel’s death, his wealthy widow Eliza became the second wife of Aaron Burr (post-duel with Hamilton), who reportedly squandered her fortune, leading to their separation a few short months later (fun fact: Alexander Hamilton, Jr. was Eliza Jumel’s divorce lawyer!) The Morris-Jumel Mansion became a museum in 1904, and can be visited Thursdays through Sundays. One famous visitor who spent considerable time in the museum is Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who composed “Wait for It” and “The Room Where it Happened” in the recreation of Aaron Burr’s bedroom!
The Hamilton Grange (414 W 141st Street)
“It’s quiet uptown” in Hamilton Heights, the section of Manhattan where the Hamilton Grange resides. The Hamilton family’s home was originally built on 32 acres of countryside at this location in 1802, just two years before Hamilton’s death, and was named “The Grange” after Hamilton’s grandfather’s holdings in Scotland. The Grange remained in Hamilton’s family for 30 years after his death, after which it was relocated several times – first a few blocks south to Convent Avenue in 1889, then again in 2006 to its current location in St. Nicholas Park, within the boundaries of Hamilton’s original estate. Tours of the historically furnished floor of The Grange are available on weekends.
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 W 46th Street)
Your Hamilton sightseeing itinerary won’t be complete without a stop to see the landmark musical at its home at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Hamilton has been running at the Rodgers since 2015, welcoming repeat guests as well as new theatregoers to the Tony-winning phenomenon. As Burr muses in the show, “there’s nothing like summer in the city,” and that’s true – summer is the perfect time to make your way to the Rodgers to take in a performance of Hamilton. There’s great availability all summer long, especially on weekdays, and with prices starting at just $93, it’s guaranteed to leave you “Satisfied.”
Broadway Spotlight: Some Like It Hot
Broadway Spotlight: Some Like It Hot
By Mark A. Robinson
What first comes to mind when you think of a Broadway musical comedy? Maybe you think of an infectious score that gets your toes tapping while planting delectable ear worms? Maybe it conjures images of inventive choreography where the performers dance with unbridled enthusiasm? Perhaps you think of a night of transportive entertainment that takes you away from life’s problems, putting smile upon smile on your face? Then again, maybe you are imagining a show packed with nonstop laughs and wacky situations? Whatever ingredients add up to a night of musical comedy magic for you, there is currently a show running on Broadway that will give you all of them and then some: Some Like It Hot, currently playing at the Shubert Theatre.
The authors of Some Like It Hot are the dynamic book-writing team of Amber Ruffin and Matthew Lopez. They have taken the premise of the 1959 film of the same name and reimagined it with a contemporary slant. While remaining faithful to the momentum and the side-splitting antics of the cinema classic, they have infused this stage adaptation with more laughs and more heart, and composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) filled it to the brim with one of this season’s most vibrant scores. The title song alone has become the song of the season!
For those who are familiar with the film version, never fear – Some Like It Hot on the Broadway stage stands on its own merit. If you’re not familiar with the film, get ready for a madcap adventure. Rewind to 1920s Chicago where two musicians witness a crime perpetrated by the notorious gangster Spats Colombo. Frightened for their lives, they go into hiding as women, joining an all-female band on its way to a San Diego hotel for a gig. Navigating life as women proves difficult for the two men, particularly when potential romantic complications combine with journeys of self-discovery. As if things aren’t crazy enough, Spats and his gang catch on to their game. Can our two heroes pull off their ruse, remain alive, and maybe find love (and themselves) along the way?
Critics have delighted in this production, noting the clever staging and joyous choreography by Tony winning director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw, the exhilarating score by Shaiman and Wittman, and the heartfelt and hilarious book, lovingly updated by Ruffin and Lopez. To add to the critical acclaim, Some Like it Hot is the most-nominated show of this year’s Tony Awards season, with a total of 13 Tony nominations! Along with a nomination for Best Musical, lead actors Christian Borle and J. Harrison Ghee were honored among Broadway’s best performances this year. So what are you waiting for – get your tickets, get yourself to the Shubert Theatre, and let Some Like It Hot etch a permanent smile on your face.
Staff Pick of the Month: Life of Pi
Staff Pick of the Month: Life of Pi
By Mark A. Robinson
We often talk about “the magic of the theater” and glory in the possibilities of what can be achieved on the stage through time-honored theater conventions married to groundbreaking innovations. Currently, there is a show running on Broadway that is an example of just how glorious that magic can be. That production is the recently-arrived play Life of Pi. Now, you might query, “Just what makes this production awe-inspiringly unmissable?” We are glad you asked.
Above all, Life of Pi boasts spectacular puppetry, designed by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell. These are not your simple sock puppets covered in yarn hair and googly-eyes. The story of Life of Pi requires that four animals be brought to life with expressiveness and authenticity. Barnes and Finn have crafted a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger that all burst to life under the manipulation and deft interpretation of expert puppeteers. You will often find yourself doing a double take, wondering if these creations are in fact real. More impressively, these puppets also appear to be conveying emotion and character. They are as close to living as you can get and still be called a “puppet.”
Life of Pi draws from a compelling, magical story based on the Yann Martell novel of the same name. Imaginatively adapted for the stage by playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, the tale follows a teenage boy named Pi who is trapped in a lifeboat when the cargo ship he is on capsizes in the Pacific Ocean. Joining him in the tiny vessel are the four wild animals seeking refuge from the turbulent waters. Soon, an unlikely story begins to unfold as Pi interacts with these beasts. But is everything what it seems? You will have to see Life of Pi to get to the bottom of this fascinating mystery.
Under the direction of Max Webster, Life of Pi is an expressionistic piece of theater that seamlessly tells a story that one would think defies theatrical staging. This is the magic of theater: defying all odds and overcoming all hurdles to make even the most impossible things possible. The production is now nominated for 5 Tony Awards including Best Scenic Design: Tim Hatley & Andrzej Goulding, Best Costume Design: Tim Hatley, Nick Barnes & Finn Caldwell, Best Lighting Design: Tim Lutkin, Best Sound Design: Carolyn Downing, and Best Director (Webster). This is all a testament to the magic and spectacle that make Life of Pi a must-see show on Broadway and our “Staff Pick” for June!
A Look Back at Tony Winners of the Past
A Look Back at Tony Winners of the Past
By Mark A. Robinson
With Broadway’s biggest night upon us and the Tony Awards about to be distributed, it is exciting to celebrate the best of the Great White Way. Many Broadway musicals have been around for years (even decades) and now is the perfect time to take a closer look at some shows currently running on Broadway that are still sharing their Tony Award-winning magic!
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Best Musical, 2020
Packed to the hilt with iconic songs spanning 80 years, adapted for the stage from an Oscar-winning film, and boasting a tragic love story to end all love stories, Moulin Rouge took home the 2020 Tony Award for Best Musical. Christian and Satine are star-crossed lovers kept apart by her engagement to a jealous and vengeful Duke. The jukebox musical also received Tony Awards for its seamless direction by Alex Timbers and its sparkling choreography by Sonya Tayeh.
Hadestown – Best Musical, 2019
The 2019 winner for Best Musical was Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, also taking home trophies for Best Score (Anaïs Mitchell) and Best Direction (Rachel Chavkin). In a dystopian, not-too-distant future, we see the myth of “Orpheus and Eurydice” unfold before us with a score that expertly combines jazz, blues, and pop music to tell a romance that literally takes its lovers to hell and back.
Hamilton – Best Musical, 2016
“You’ll be back” taunts King George in the Tony-winning musical of 2016 – Hamilton. Let’s face it, he’s right. You can never get too much of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s reimagining of American history. The season’s juggernaut walked away with 11 Tony Awards in total, including Best Original Score, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Leading Actor in a Musical, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. Top that!
The Book of Mormon – Best Musical, 2011
Not only is The Book of Mormon one of the funniest musicals to grace the Great White Way, but it is also a multi-winner of the coveted Tony Award. The show, about two Mormon missionaries spreading their religion around the remote recesses of Africa, is an irreverent night of hilarity that just happened to win Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Featured Actress, Best Score, Best Book, Best Direction, Best Scenic Design and Best Orchestrations.
The Lion King – Best Musical, 1998
When a musical runs for 25 years and continues to draw huge audiences, it must be doing something right. The Lion King, adapted from the Disney animated film, brims with wondrous special effects, breathtaking puppetry, infectious songs, and beloved characters. Guided to the stage by the ingenious Julie Taymor, the coming of age story of a young lion cub leapt off the screen and into our hearts as a fully-realized Broadway musical that’s a perfect night out for everyone.
Chicago – Best Revival of a Musical, 1997
Currently Broadway’s longest-running musical still on the boards, the 1997 revival of the Kander and Ebb musical Chicago is still as sassy and potent as ever. Besides winning a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, Chicago garnered trophies for its two leads: Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, she as that ruthless vaudevillian-turned-murderess Velma Kelly and he as the unscrupulous lawyer Billy Flynn. It was the second Tony for both – Neuwirth won for a 1986 revival of Sweet Charity and Naughton for the 1989 musical City of Angels.
MJ – Myles Frost, Best Actor in a Musical, 2022
Who could take on the role of Michael Jackson and give a performance so believable that audiences were sure they were in the presence of that iconic “King of Pop”? Myles Frost dazzled us with his embodiment of the musician-dancer who ignited the music scene with such hits as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller” and dozens of others. Of course, Frost brought home the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance.
Wicked – Idina Menzel, Best Actress in a Musical, 2004
Idina Menzel first burst upon our radar in 1996 with her Tony-nominated performance as the rebellious Maureen in the musical Rent. It was, however, as Elphaba in the musical sensation Wicked in 2003 that this actress (with a thunderous voice and piercing eyes) brought home a Tony Award. Playing the misunderstood Elphaba, whose empowered, progressive views painted her as wicked, Menzel gave an indelible turn that demanded we all “defy gravity.”
Broadway Spotlight: Grey House
Broadway Spotlight: Grey House
By Mark A. Robinson
How often do you go to the theater and have an experience that is bone-chillingly terrifying? Most plays are either comedies or drama, but seldom do they step into the world of psychological thrillers. Enter: Grey House, a new show that is poised to make your blood curdle with its twists, turns and its recipe for terror.
A couple driving through the remote mountains has a car accident. Seeking refuge from the elements, they make their way to an isolated cabin where they are eagerly greeted by its residents. Initially a welcoming lot, their hosts soon reveal themselves to be peculiar. When a raging blizzard ensues, it turns the couple’s brief stay into an extended sojourn into uncertainty where nothing is exactly what it seems. This is when Grey House launches into full-on terror unparalleled in the annals of theatrical horror.
Grey House is a new play by Levi Holloway, co-founder and co-artistic director of Neverbird Project, the Chicago-based Deaf and hearing youth theatre company. This is the author’s first play to make its way to Broadway. The production is directed by Joe Mantello, best known for helming such Broadway successes as Assassins, Wicked and The Humans.
Another reason making Grey House a must-see is the Broadway return of audience favorite Laurie Metcalf. Metcalf is known by television audiences for playing Jackie Harris (a role for which she won 3 Emmy Awards) on the long-running series Roseanne and its sequel The Conners. On Broadway, Metcalf has received two Tony Awards: one for Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for her work in Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women, and one for Best Actress in a Play for Lucas Hnath’s A Doll’s House - Part 2. Joining Metcalf in Grey House are Emmy Award winner Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Emmy nominee Paul Sparks (House of Cards), Sophia Anne Caruso (Beetlejuice) and Millicent Simmonds (A Quiet Place).
If you seek out compelling theatre outings and revel in mysteries that keep you guessing, Grey House is definitely for you. After all, who doesn’t like a story that gives an adrenaline rush from mounting suspense and pure, unadulterated terror?
6 Best Tony-Winning Actors & Actresses of 2023
6 Best Tony-Winning Actors & Actresses of 2023
By Mark A. Robinson
Now that the Tony Awards have come and gone, it is time to get cracking at seeing some of the terrific performers who took home trophies for their amazing work. Who is on that must-see list? We’ve made it easy for you by compiling a list of the 6 Best Tony-Winning Actors & Actresses of 2023 you will want to see.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical:
For decades, Victoria Clark has been awing audiences with the versatility and heart she brings to every role she plays. As the title character in the musical Kimberly Akimbo, she plays a teenager who is afflicted with a disease that makes her body age well-beyond her adolescent years. Clark brought home the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, her second accolade in this category, having won in 2005 playing Margaret Johnson in The Light in the Piazza. Other Broadway outings include Sister Act, Cinderella, The Snow Geese and Gigi.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical:
Alex Newell has been a critics’ darling this season, as well as an audience favorite as “Lulu” in the new musical Shucked. With a signature song that truly brings the house down at every performance, it should come as no surprise that Newell took home the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for their portrayal of the spunky and sassy whiskey distiller. A Tony nominee a few years back for the revival of Once on This Island, the ever-versatile Newell continues to dazzle audiences with each new performance, while also breaking new ground as the first non-binary performer to win a Tony Award.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical:
J. Harrison Ghee received rave reviews for their role as Jerry/Daphne in Some Like It Hot, playing a musician who goes through a journey of self-discovery while posing as a woman to hide out from a gangster who wants him dead. Ghee has appeared on Broadway before, as Lola in Kinky Boots and Andre Mayhem in Mrs. Doubtfire. Ghee’s heartwarming performance is also history in the making – it is the second Tony award won by a non-binary performer.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play:
Actor Sean Hayes is giving a show-stopping, tour de force performance as Oscar Levant in the play Good Night, Oscar. Hayes embodies Levant, the musician, actor and talk show mainstay whose unpredictable nature and acerbic wit could liven up any occasion. Hayes, who most audiences will remember for his Emmy-winning turn as Jack McFarland on the TV sitcom Will & Grace, has appeared on Broadway before in An Act of God and Promises, Promises.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical:
Known affectionately as “Belting Bonnie” for her thunderous, powerhouse voice, actress Bonnie Milligan is bringing down the house with her comedic performance as the criminally scheming Aunt Debra in Kimberly Akimbo. Milligan made her Broadway debut in 2018 as Pamela in the Go-Go’s jukebox musical Head Over Heels. For Kimberly Akimbo she takes home her first Tony Award, scoring in the Best Featured Actress in a Musical category.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play:
Brandon Uranowitz has been nominated for four Tony Awards for his work in An American in Paris, Falsettos, Burn This, and now Leopoldstadt. Fourth time seems to be the charm for Uranowitz, who was recognized for his excellent work in Leopoldstadt with the Tony for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play. Uranowitz plays Ludwig, an analytical and politically astute Jewish man in Vienna Austria during the rise of Nazi control.
July 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
July 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
Here we are in the dead of summer: the sun is blazing, the air conditioners are cranking, and we are all looking for a chance to relax in the cool and be entertained. Fortunately, Broadway is always full of a variety of entertainment options and these terrific shows are all ensconced inside air-conditioned theaters. Here are some of the hottest Broadway shows to see this month as you try to beat the heat.
Wicked
With all the excitement building for the Wicked films that are in the works, it is high time to relive the thrill of the Broadway production that started it all. We all know the story of The Wizard of Oz, but Wicked gives us the story of what happened before Dorothy came skipping down the The Yellow Brick Road through a different angle. Glinda – a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, and Elphaba – a misunderstood outcast born with emerald-green skin, became the best of friends until life forced them into very different directions, deeming one The Good Witch and the other The Wicked Witch of the West. A musical brimming with powerful music (by composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz), Wicked is a testament to the power of friendship and a celebration of female empowerment.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
Even as we simply say the name “Neil Diamond,” we cannot help but break into a rousing chorus of “Sweet Caroline.” Diamond’s songs have become an integral part of the American songbook. A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is a biographical musical that tells the story of the titular artist by incorporating his parade of hits into a jukebox musical that reveals his trials and tribulations on his rise to pop stardom. You’ll come to the theater knowing the songs, but you’ll leave with a thrilling understanding of how those songs evolved and worked their way into America’s hearts.
Grey House
Are you looking for a theatergoing experience that goes against the norm? Are you a fan of having your senses heightened with a little terror? This summer, there is a play running on Broadway that is guaranteed to make your hair stand on end. Grey House, a new play by Levi Holloway, tells the story of a couple who are forced to wait out a blizzard in a remote house when their car crashes. Their hosts are eager to help (perhaps over eager), but as hours slip into days, the couple begins to question who their hosts actually are and what is happening around them. Two-time Tony Award winner Laurie Metcalf stars, along with Emmy Award winner Tatiana Maslany.
The Cottage
Star of stage and television Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) directs an ensemble cast that includes Eric McCormack (Will & Grace), Alex Moffat (Saturday Night Live), and Broadway favorites Laura Bell Bundy and Lilli Cooper in Sandy Rustin’s new comedy The Cottage. Set in the English countryside in 1923, The Cottage is billed as “a tale of sex, betrayal and desire.” Will murder happen when a woman decides to reveal the affair she’s been having to both her husband and to her lover’s wife? As the secrets and betrayals unravel, so do the laughs. Whatever the outcome, there are plenty of entertaining twists and turns along the way.
& Juliet
Who didn’t read William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in high school and mourn the tragic ending of its teenage lovers? Who didn’t come away from that experience without thinking, “This could have ended so much happier?” The new musical & Juliet reimagines that outcome, taking its central heroine on a journey where her future is hopeful and full of possibility. & Juliet is a jukebox musical with heart, humor, and a parade of favorite hit pop songs that serve as the basis for a tale that is both empowering and inspiring.
Here Lies Love
An eagerly anticipated musical of the summer of ‘23 is the Broadway berth of Here Lies Love. Academy, Grammy and Tony Award winner David Byrne and Grammy winner Fatboy Slim have concocted a musical, cleverly unfolding in a dance club, that spotlights Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’s rise to power (and her ultimate fall). What makes this musical such a unique audience experience is that ticket buyers have two choices: they can sit in traditional theater seats in the Mezzanine and watch as the show unfolds, or they can immerse themselves in the experience by standing on the club’s dance floor, following the action as it moves throughout the theatre.
Celebrities Behind the Scenes on Broadway
Celebrities Behind the Scenes on Broadway
By Mark A. Robinson
We often celebrate the celebrities that appear in Broadway plays and musicals. And why not? There is much to get excited about when a bonafide star treads the boards. But what about the celebs that are involved behind the scenes: writing, directing and producing live theater? Currently, Broadway offers many productions where the stars are shining in roles that are less well known. Here are some of the exciting names bringing art to audiences in the Big Apple.
Mariah Carey – Producer, Some Like it Hot
You would have to live under a rock for the past three decades if you haven’t heard the name of pop music sensation Mariah Carey. The artist who gave us such hits as “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Vision of Love,” “Love Takes Time,” “Emotions” and a parade of others, is trying on a new hat: Broadway producer! Carey is an investor in the hit musical Some Like It Hot, a sparkling comedy based on the film of the same name.
H.E.R. – Producer, Here Lies Love
Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, known better by the acronym “H.E.R. (Having Everything Revealed),” is the five-time Grammy-winning R&B artist known for such hits as “Hard Place,” “I Can’t Breathe,” “Better Than I Imagined” and “Fight For You.” “Fight For You” was written for the film Judas and the Black Messiah, leading to an Academy Award for the artist. Now H.E.R. is trying her hand at producing a Broadway musical as part of the team behind the pop-disco experience Here Lies Love, which tells the story of Filipina first lady Imelda Marcos’ rise and fall from power.
Bob Gaudio – Producer, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
For years, the Broadway stage lit up with the jukebox musical biography Jersey Boys, the story of the band Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Among the quartet of indelible voices that made up the pop group that gave us such hits as “December, 1963,” “Sherry” and “Rag Doll” was Bob Gaudio. Having had his own story ushered to the Broadway stage, Gaudio is now a part of the producing team that has brought another musician’s story to the Great White Way: A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, which tells the story of great American songwriter and performer Neil Diamond through his catalogue of songs.
Jason Alexander – Director, The Cottage
Comedic actor Jason Alexander became a household name in 1989 for his role on the television sitcom Seinfeld, playing the risible, kvetching sidekick George Costanza. Alexander received seven Emmy nominations for his work, but the accolade he took home in 1989 wasn’t an Emmy – it was a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. Now he returns to the Great White Way, this time as director, applying his genius for comedic timing to the new Sandy Rustin play The Cottage. This hilarious new farce is a tale of sex, betrayal and love set in the English countryside in 1923.
Barry Manilow – Composer, Harmony
It is not hard to get excited about the forthcoming Broadway berth of new musical Harmony, with a score composed by Barry Manilow. Manilow is, of course, the composer-musician behind such pop standards as “Copacabana,” “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Daybreak”. Harmony has been Manilow’s passion project for many years. After a successful Off-Broadway run, the new musical is coming to Broadway this fall. Set in the 1920s and 30s, Harmony tells the true story of an ensemble of six young men called The Comedian Harmonists, who took the world by storm with their blend of sophisticated close harmonies and uproarious stage antics.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone – Writers/Composers, The Book of Mormon
It’s hard to believe that the groundbreaking cartoon South Park had its television premiere 26 seasons ago in 1997. Its creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone imagined a colorful (and often twisted) world of quirky, unforgettable characters. Parker and Stone ultimately turned their talents toward writing a Broadway musical, coming up with the 2011 hit The Book of Mormon, an irreverent story about two Mormon missionaries in a remote African village. Here we are, over a decade later, still laughing at what Parker, Stone and The Book of Mormon have to offer.
Max Martin – Composer/Producer, & Juliet
Swedish record producer and songwriter Max Martin is the musical voice behind such pop standards as Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time,” the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way” and Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl.” The list of number one songs goes on and on. Many of his hits now appear in the jukebox musical & Juliet, the new musical that came to Broadway this last season via London. Martin is also a producer of this exhilarating musical that flips the script and imagines a different ending for Juliet than what is commonly known from the Shakespearean tragedy.
David Byrne and Fatboy Slim – Composers, Here Lies Love
It’s a two-for-one celebrity experience at the musical Here Lies Love. The groundbreaking new musical about Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos is set in a dance club, and has been described as “an ecstatic and dynamic party” by Time Out New York. Behind this immersive theatrical experience is the composing team of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. Byrne is the singer-songwriter and founding member of the new wave band Talking Heads, as well as a Tony, Oscar, and Grammy Award winner. Fatboy Slim is a Grammy-winning performer who rose to fame as a D.J., record producer, and for his work with the indie music band, the Housemartins.
Broadway & Something Extra: Pair Your Show with a Sweet Treat
Broadway & Something Extra: Pair Your Show with a Sweet Treat
By Mark A. Robinson and Kelly Shoemaker
Seeing a Broadway show can sure build an appetite and fortunately the Theatre District is the home of great eateries where one can get an unforgettable treat. Whether it’s a pre-show snack to tide you over or a post-show dessert to cap off a terrific evening, there is definitely an option amongst the theatres that will be that something extra in your outing to make for the perfect day!
Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Schmackary’s
362 West 45th Street
If you have yet to partake in the baked deliciousness of Schmackary’s cookies, you need to rectify this immediately! Their wares are a tantalizing treat for any theatergoer. With options that include the vegan Hummingbird (Oats, banana, pineapple, pecans, and Southern cream cheese frosting), Funfetti, Chocolate Diablo (sweet, hot and spicy), Maple Bacon, and more – the ever-revolving menu of choices reminds one of ever-revolving windmill at Moulin Rouge! The Musical (playing up the street at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre – 302 W 45th Street). Take in an evening of wonder with the Bohemians at the Moulin Rouge, where truth, beauty, freedom, and love prevail, then end your night with a sweet treat.
The Shark is Broken and Amorino Gelato and Café
721 8th Avenue
Who doesn’t enjoy a delicious dish of authentic gelato? The Amorino Gelato and Cafe more than provides a menu of tasty options in this category of creamy culinary coolness. Some of the flavors available: Organic Spicy Pink Grapefruit, Organic Blood Orange, Biscotto Amoretto, Mango, and Salted Butter Caramel. Just around the corner from The John Golden Theatre (252 W 45th Street), home of Broadway’s new play The Shark is Broken, take in a moving and brilliantly hilarious behind-the-scenes drama celebrating the history behind the classic movie Jaws, then head to Amorino to take a shark-sized bite of their incredible gelato!
Aladdin and Carlo’s Bakery
625 8th Avenue
One word: Cannoli! This can’t-be-missed treat is a must-have, and Carlo’s Bakery is a terrific stop for the hungry theatergoer. The cannoli come in Classic, Chocolate Dipped, and Birthday Cake varieties, not to mention other pastries such as Lobster Tails, eclairs and cookies. Carlo’s Bakery is the home of TV’s Cake Boss’s delectable indulgences. Conveniently located on the corner of 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, it’s an easy trip for a pre-show treat before exploring “A Whole New World” and the Cave of Wonders with Aladdin, Jasmine, and the Genie at Aladdin, at the New Amsterdam Theatre (214 W 42nd Street).
Kimberly Akimbo and Junior’s
1515 Broadway (45th Street between Broadway & 8th Ave)
You can’t visit New York City and not have one of its most famous desserts – classic New York cheesecake! Junior’s in Times Square is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth with a piece of the Big Apple’s best – from traditional flavors like plain or strawberry to a more adventurous bite like peanut butter chocolate banana or orange creamsicle, your taste buds will be delighted. And with a location right in the heart of the Theatre District, you’re steps away from the Booth Theatre (222 W 45th Street), where you can join Kimberly Lovaco as she navigates family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush…even possible felony charges at the delightful and award-winning Kimberly Akimbo.
Some Like it Hot and Ben & Jerry’s
200 W 44th Street
Arguably ice cream’s most recognizable brand, Ben & Jerry’s locally owned scoop shops serve scoops of their famous flavors along with sundaes, shakes, sorbet...even snackable cookie dough! Try a scoop of classic Cherry Garcia, a Vermontster sundae, or a limited-time flavor like Oatmeal Dream Pie at the Times Square scoop shop, then after enjoying something cold, head across the street for Some Like it Hot at the Shubert Theatre (225 W 44th Street). When two best friends disguise themselves as women to hide from a mob boss hot on their tails, they’re in for a life changing journey you won’t want to miss!
Wicked and Bibble and Sip
253 West 51st Street
The celebrated coffee house Bibble and Sip is an ideal stop for a pre-show treat or a post-matinee debrief with a friend. Lavender lattes, herbal teas, espresso, and cold brews are among the beverage options to accompany many baked goodies – but it’s their cream puffs that are particular standouts: Black Sesame Walnut and Earl Grey cream puffs are favorites. Try the delightfully green Matcha White Chocolate cream puffs to get you in the mood for a trip to the Emerald City and Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre (222 W 51st Street), where the Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz from a different angle.
SIX and Gayle’s Broadway Rose
228 West 47th Street.
Any Broadway lover will want to make a sojourn to Gayle’s Broadway Rose (located at Friedman’s At The Edison), where many of the waitstaff are aspiring performers who offer the extra of singing showtunes for the customers. If this isn’t enough, this eatery boasts one of best desserts to be enjoyed in the Theatre District: their glorious, overloaded milkshakes that come in flavors such as Chocolate Brownie Dream, S’mores, and Mint Chocolate Oreo. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Lena Horne Theatre (256 W 47th Street, where SIX is currently holding court), stop by for a pre-show treat fit for a Queen before heading to the see your favorite Ex-Wives who are divorced...beheaded...LIVE and ready for you to join in the histo-remix!
Spotlight: Harmony
Spotlight: Harmony
Composer Barry Manilow and librettist-lyricist Bruce Sussman have concocted a musical that has audiences and critics cheering. That new musical is Harmony and it draws on a fascinating true story that very few of us know. The musical follows the story of the Comedian Harmonists, a half-dozen young musicians who were elevated to popularity in late 1920s/early 1930s Germany. Superstardom appeared to be on the horizon for the group, but the rising antisemitism in Germany at the time cast the Comedian Harmonists into obscurity. The reason? They were including Jewish performers in their act.
The long-gestating musical Harmony received its first production in 1997 and its creators have spent over two decades fine-tuning it into the startling production that opens on Broadway on November 13, 2023. Under the guidance of director-choreographer Warren Carlyle (Hello, Dolly!, The Music Man), Harmony is an intriguing evening of musical theatre that reminds us of the not-so-distant history that feels as relevant today as it did one hundred years ago.
The Manilow/Susmann score for Harmony brims with thought-provoking numbers that deftly capture the time, place, characters, and situations that make this a story that needs to be told. This is not the Barry Manilow of the 1970s pop radio anthems, but rather a composer who has embraced the world of musical theater and found an ideal musical sound to tell the story of Harmony. Sussman’s lyrics are intelligently tethered to the characters that sing them, probing and revealing of their thoughts and challenges. Harmony features one of the most finely-textured scores in recent Broadway history.
Another must-see reason to catch Harmony on Broadway is to revel in the performance of Chip Zien. One of Broadway’s most beloved character actors, Zien is having a career high in Harmony as Rabbi, the current day version of one of the Harmonists. He originated the role Off-Broadway at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene and won a Drama Desk Award for his efforts. Audiences will remember Zien for playing the Baker in the original Into the Woods, as well as his storied career in other musicals such as Falsettos, Grand Hotel, The Boys from Syracuse, and It Shoulda Been You.
The cast also includes musical theatre favorite Sierra Boggess (The Little Mermaid, The Phantom of the Opera) and understudy-turned-star Julie Benko (Funny Girl). As the Comedian Harmonists, Sean Bell (A Bronx Tale: The Musical), Danny Kornfeld (Rent), Zal Owen (The Band’s Visit), Eric Peters (Motown: The Musical), Blake Roman (Newsies), and Steven Telsey (The Book of Mormon) ignite the stage with their comedic antics and magically melding vocals. They are supported by a versatile ensemble of Broadway stalwarts.
Harmony is a musical with a heart, soul, and an important perspective. Audiences are sure to embrace it while they are simultaneously shocked that they are unaware of the Comedian Harmonists and their story. The musical reminds us of how important it is for us to hold to our truths and convictions. It also serves as a cautionary tale about how we as a society need to be vigilant against bigotry and hate. Harmony is a groundbreaking musical, and one you will not want to miss this season. Get yourself to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and see this singular and astonishing piece of theatre.
13 Celebrities to See on Broadway this Spring
13 Celebrities to See on Broadway this Spring
By Mark A. Robinson
We are always on the lookout for new opportunities to catch some of our favorite celebrities live and in person. In the coming months, Broadway is brimming with chances to do plenty of stargazing. Be sure to check out the following shows for a chance to see your favorite stars in action!
A Doll’s House – Jessica Chastain
Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain (Interstellar, The Help) makes her return to the Broadway stage in a revival of Henrik Ibsen’s 1979 play A Doll’s House. Chastain takes on the role of Nora, a housewife who refuses to accept conventionality and defies women’s limited prescribed roles in society and decides to go on a journey of self-fulfillment.
Parade – Ben Platt
Tony Award winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen) makes his triumphant return to the Broadway stage as Leo Frank in the eagerly-anticipated revival of Jason Robert Brown’s and Alfred Uhry’s Parade. The musical is based on the true story of the murder of a thirteen-year-old Georgia girl named Mary Phagan and the media circus surrounding the Jewish man who was convicted of the crime despite there being no concrete evidence that he committed it. Platt lends his exceptional voice to Leo Frank, the pivotal character at the center of this haunting tale.
Sweeney Todd – Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, Jordan Fisher & Gaten Matarazzo
You get a lot of celebrity bang for your buck with the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Not one, not two, not three, but FOUR huge names appear in the show. Multi-platinum recording artist Josh Groban takes on the title role of Sweeney Todd, the vengeful barber with a score to settle, joined by Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford (You Can’t Take It With You, TV’s Welcome to Chippendale’s) as the manipulative pie maker Mrs. Lovett. Jordan Fisher (TV’s Grease: Live!, Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie) plays the romantic sailor Anthony, and Gaten Matarazzo (TV’s Stranger Things) is the suspicious shop boy Tobias. One of the most anticipated shows of the season is the most star-studded as well!
Moulin Rouge – Aaron Tveit and Joanna “JoJo” Levesque
Aaron Tveit has returned to his Tony Award-winning role as the young Bohemian Christian in the Broadway musical spectacular Moulin Rouge!The Musical. Tveit, who is known for his roles on Broadway in Next to Normal and Catch Me If You Can as well as TV’s Schmigadoon, is a winning romantic lead, perfectly believable as the love interest of the nightclub’s main attraction, the beautiful Satine. Tveit will perform through April 9th, and beginning April 11th, pop star/actress Joanna “JoJo” Levesque joins the cast. Levesque, the youngest solo artist to have a number one single in the United States with 2004’s “Leave (Get Out)” has also been seen on both big and small screens, in movies such as Aquamarine and RV, as well as TV’s The Masked Singer (Levesque was the runner up in the 5th season as the Black Swan). The role of Moulin Rouge’s sparkling diamond Satine will be Levesque’s Broadway debut, and it’s sure to be a must see!
Little Shop of Horrors – Maude Apatow
The Off-Broadway revival of the perennial musical classic Little Shop of Horrors has featured some of theatre’s greatest talents in its lead roles. Currently in the role of the sweet but mistreated Audrey is Maude Apatow. Apatow is one of the stars of the critically acclaimed HBO drama Euphoria, and has also appeared in Hollywood, Other People, Assassination Nation and The King of Staten Island. Apatow will continue to yearn for “Somewhere That’s Green” through April 30th.
Chicago – Jinkx Monsoon and Olivia Holt
Two-time winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Jinkx Monsoon has been bringing audiences to their feet as Matron Mama Morton in the long-running hit musical Chicago. A multi-faceted performer, Monsoon’s sass and larger-than-life audaciousness are perfect to bring new life to the showstopper “When You’re Good to Mama.” Monsoon is only in Chicago through March 26th, so don’t miss your chance to see her before she sashays away. Also joining the cast for a limited run (April 10-June 4) is former Disney star Olivia Holt. Holt, who also appeared in the TV series Cruel Summer, brings her sunny smile and excellent voice to the role of Roxie Hart, one of Chicago’s infamous merry murderesses.
Anthony Rapp’s Without You – Anthony Rapp
If you grew up in the 80s, perhaps you first fell in love with Anthony Rapp in the film Adventures in Babysitting as the smart-mouthed Daryl. Theatergoers, however, know him for his auspicious career on the stage, particularly for portraying filmmaker Mark in the original production of Rent. Now you can catch Rapp in the critically acclaimed one-man musical Without You, based on his memoir of the same name where he recounts his experiences working on that game-changing phenomenon.
Pictures from Home – Nathan Lane
Three-time Tony Award winner Nathan Lane (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Producers, Angels in America) is back on the boards this season with Pictures from Home, a new play by Sharr White, adapted from Larry Sultan’s photo memoir of a family and the visual record they created.Lane, who is equally adept at playing comedy and drama (as evidenced by his movie and TV work such as The Birdcage and American Crime Story), is joined by Danny Burstein and Zoë Wanamaker.
June 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
June 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
As the iconic Broadway showtune from the musical Carousel asserts, “June is bustin’ out all over,” and what better way to celebrate this time of year than with a trip to see a Broadway show? After all, June is the month of the Tony Awards, Broadway’s biggest night! The Great White Way is bustling with theater events, concerts, and of course, performances of plays and musicals. Here are a handful of shows guaranteed to add to the excitement.
MJ
The music of Michael Jackson has been an enduring sensation for decades. The musician produced hit song after hit song, ultimately (and rightfully) claiming the title of “King of Pop.” MJ is a musical biography that celebrates the career and music of this legend, using the superstar’s canon of iconic songs to tell his story. MJ is an evening of pure electricity and stunning choreography that gives the impression that the performers are taking flight!
Once Upon a One More Time
It’s the jukebox musical that you’ve all been waiting for! Once Upon a One More Time features the hit songs of pop music diva Britney Spears. In a land far, far away and once upon a time, some of our favorite storybook characters take a break from living happily ever after to gather for a book club meeting, where they are introduced to a new tome: The Feminine Mystique. Will our heroines follow the paths laid out for them, or will they be inspired to rewrite their stories into something new and all their own?
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Sometimes we just need a good laugh. If gut-busting laughter is the medicine you need this June, then Peter Pan Goes Wrong is definitely the show for you! When a theater company tries to put on a production of the classic J.M. Barrie tale of Peter Pan, it leads to a domino effect of disaster when literally anything that can go wrong, does go wrong!
Early Curtain Time Roundup: Get Your Broadway Fix Before Bedtime
Early Curtain Time Roundup: Get Your Broadway Fix Before Bedtime
By Mark A. Robinson
There is nothing quite as exhilarating or fulfilling as a trip to see a Broadway musical — it’s an unrivaled experience, without a doubt. The only drawback for some is the 8 p.m. curtain time that gets one home at a late hour, particularly on a weekday evening. For the “early-to-bed, early-to-rise” crowd, we are happy to report that there are some Broadway shows providing an earlier option to allow you to get your Broadway fix on a weeknight – with time to spare!
Hamilton
It’s hard to imagine anyone being too tired to make it through the patriotic firecracker of a musical that is Hamilton. Still, for those of us who start our days well before the dawn’s early light, an earlier curtain time makes it easier on us. Hamilton offers 7 p.m. performances on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Founding father Alexander Hamilton would approve!
Funny Girl
There is no need for us to rain on your parade because you can catch a performance of Funny Girl at a reasonable hour. At 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Lea Michele lights up the stage at the August Wilson Theatre playing comic genius Fanny Brice (there are also 7 p.m. performances on Thursdays, when Julie Benko performs the role!). Great music, big laughs and a manageable bedtime all rolled into one make us “the luckiest people in the world.”
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Many of us envision romance as a magical, nighttime affair. Not all of us, however, have the stamina to stay out all night at a nightclub like the Moulin Rouge to find that romance. The same can be said about staying up late for the musical Moulin Rouge! On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, one can catch a 7 p.m. performance of this jukebox musical sensation and still be home before the clock strikes twelve.
Once Upon a One More Time
You don’t need a fairy godmother to wave her wand to make magic happen. The storytellers at Once Upon a One More Time know that a fairy tale needs to conclude early so that no one turns into a pumpkin at midnight. The new musical that puts a modern twist on some classic fairy tales set to music made famous by the Princess of Pop Britney Spears features 7 p.m. curtain times on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. And they all lived (and slept) happily ever after.
Good Night, Oscar
Though Sean Hayes’ Tony-winning performance as the titular character in the comedy-drama Good Night, Oscar is worth the trip no matter what time you’ll get home, it is nice to know you have the chance to enjoy it at a decent hour. Thursdays and Fridays, one can leave work and pop into the theater for 7 p.m. performance, and on Wednesdays you have an extra half hour to grab a quick dinner and be in your seat for a 7:30 curtain.
Hadestown
To get to hell and back, one is going to need their rest to endure the trip. As the tale of a young couple who journey to Hades’ realm and back unfolds, the audience can feel comforted that accompanying them on such a harrowing journey will not result in a super-late bedtime. With 7 p.m. performances on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, now you can go to the underworld and back and still be in bed by the 11 o’clock news!
New York, New York
The title song may celebrate “the city that doesn’t sleep,” but some of us do need to get up at 6 a.m. for work and we need our shut-eye. Fortunately, New York, New York has a 7 p.m. curtain on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, giving those who need their eight hours a fighting chance. And there is no need to worry about nodding off while you’re there – the catchy music and explosive dance will keep you in sublime alertness through the curtain call.
Broadway on a Budget: Tickets Under $100
Broadway on a Budget: Tickets Under $100
We’re always on the lookout for a great deal, and there’s no exception when it comes to Broadway tickets. While you could argue that the experience of seeing a Broadway show is priceless, tickets can add up, especially when there are so many great shows to choose from. For those who like some bang for their buck, here are some exceptional Broadway shows that offer Orchestra seating at an exceptional price – under $100! With prices like these, feel free to treat yourself and add an extra show to your itinerary!
Spectacle, splendor, and family fun can be found right on 42nd Street with the Disney Theatricals production of Aladdin. The animated classic magically lifts off of the screen and takes three-dimensional, live-action form with this Broadway musical adaptation that augments the original score with additional songs, more dancing, and plenty of laughs. A young street urchin doesn’t realize that he’s a “Diamond in the rough”, but with the aid of some devoted friends and an over-the-top, laugh-a-minute genie, he soon gains the confidence to win the heart of a princess and defeat a dastardly villain. Grab a magic carpet and ride to Aladdin at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre.
"Good times never seemed so good” as they do at A Beautiful Noise, Broadway’s hit musical that explores the life of rock icon and national treasure Neil Diamond. Delight in a barrage of pop classics as Diamond’s tunes are employed to underscore the story of his trials and tribulations. American Idol winner Nick Fradiani portrays Diamond, lending his talent to the boundless energy and excitement at the Broadhurst Theatre.
The hypnotic twirl of the red windmill that spins romance and intrigue at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre promises an unforgettable night of musical theatre. Moulin Rouge! won the 2021 Tony Award for Best Musical and has continued to delight audiences with its parade of pop and rock standards that compose its score. This jukebox musical amongst jukebox musicals features over 40 song standards, relentlessly stunning choreography, and a tragic love story about a young writer and a nightclub chanteuse who fall in love with Bohemian Paris as a backdrop. Moulin Rouge! is the perfect show for the romantic in us all!
Do you love to laugh? Who doesn’t? If walking out of the theatre with a stitch in your side and a huge smile on your face is your idea of a night well spent, then you will want to mount your steed and gallop to the St. James Theatre for that Holy Grail of musical comedies, Spamalot. Yes, the Tony-winning musical is back on Broadway in an all-new hilarious production. Inspired by (and adapted from) the cult film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they go on a quest to find the treasured Biblical vessel.
Changing the past can be a complicated endeavor, especially when you are responsible for making sure your own parents fall in love to ensure your own existence. The musical Back to the Future, based on the 1985 hit film of the same name, takes us back to the 1950s where Marty McFly must serve as Cupid for his mom and dad. Things become even messier when the time machine he’s using for travel breaks down. Can the help of a kooky mad scientist return Marty to his present?
April 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
April 2023: Top Broadway Shows to See this Month
By Mark A. Robinson
Spring’s here and with it comes a new Broadway season brimming with compelling entertainment options. This April, we have some exciting recommendations on what shows you will most-assuredly want to see as we patiently wait for that “Lusty Month of May” (sung about in one of this season’s eagerly anticipated offerings, Camelot) to drive out the April showers.
Aladdin
Are you in search of a show that has something for everyone? Rub that magic lamp and look no further than Disney’s Aladdin. This musical is a mix of high adventure, dazzling spectacle, romance, humor and nail-biting drama. Want an infectious melody? Check. Do you enjoy mesmerizing choreography? It’s there! The story of a street rat who goes on the journey of a lifetime and finds his self-worth along the way speaks to the hopes and dreams in all of us.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Generations have reveled in getting lost in the epic stories found within the pages of the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. There is something about the idea of a secret world of magic where good triumphs over evil and where the bonds of friendship are everlasting that makes us wish to be transported there. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the continuing story of the beloved series, introducing a whole new generation of witches and wizards who join a parade of our favorite characters with magic around every turn.
Kimberly Akimbo
What would life be like if you looked like an old lady, but you were really a teenager? Kimberly has a disorder where her body ages at a rapid pace, but inside she is still a high schooler navigating life’s biggest challenges: peer pressure, dysfunctional families and falling in love. One of the most unconventional yet undeniably excellent musicals to open this season, Kimberly Akimbo has music by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home) and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek: The Musical), with a book based on Lindsay-Abaire’s play of the same name. Critics and audiences alike are raving about the heart and humor of Kimberly Akimbo.
New York, New York
Whether it’s Liza Minnelli’s or Frank Sinatra’s version, the Kander and Ebb song “New York, New York” remains a pop culture staple, a beacon of hope that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. It is 1946 and an aspiring musician and a young singer meet, fall in love, and together they strive to “make it big,” all with the Big Apple serving as the backdrop to their journey. Featuring an exhilarating new score by the incomparable John Kander & Fred Ebb (with additional lyrics by Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda), this new musical stars Colton Ryan (Girl From the North Country) and Anna Uzele (Once On This Island).
Camelot
A musical with a time-honored score by Lerner and Loewe (My Fair Lady) and a story based on the enduring legend of King Arthur, the Lincoln Center Theatre revival of Camelot is now in performances. Equal parts witty comedy, passionate love triangle and heartbreaking tragedy, Camelot first appeared on Broadway in 1960. This new production features a revised book by Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men) and direction by Lincoln Center’s musical Merlin, Bartlett Sher (The King and I, The Light in the Piazza). Be sure to get your ticket for a seat at “The Round Table” and witness first-hand the rise and fall of mythology’s most-celebrated kingdom.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bad Cinderella
This may not be the “Cinderella” of your childhood, but it is definitely a unique spin on a timeless classic. Musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock) and lyricist David Zippel (City of Angels, Disney’s Hercules) have concocted an original concept for the beloved tale. In Bad Cinderella, the Prince is an awkward introvert whose only friend is the title character – an opinionated misfit disliked by most of the town for her non-conformist ways. When the crafty Queen determines her son needs to be wed...and quickly...is their love story doomed from the beginning, or will they find their “happily ever after” could be achieved simply by being true to themselves all along?
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