The New Year marks the midpoint of the Broadway 2014-2015 season. We have seen some beautiful productions so far this season (The Elephant Man, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, On the Town, just to name a few). Let’s take a look at the more highly anticipated musicals of the second half of the season.
The Public Theater’s production of Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron’s Fun Home was probably the most buzzed about last season, but a Broadway transfer was never guaranteed for this edgy coming-of-age story. Squeaking in right before the Tony deadline, the show will reunite the Public cast (including Judy Kuhn and Michael Cerveris), thus setting itself up for big awards season potential. Fun Home opens on April 19.
A hysterical musical, beloved by musical theater buffs, the true coup of the upcoming Roundabout production of On the Twentieth Century is Kristin Chenoweth. Playing one of the few female soprano tour de force comedy roles (one originated by Madeleine Kahn), Chenoweth is in her element and is sure to shine. Throw in Peter Gallagher and Mary Louise Wilson and the show promises to be a destination for anyone craving the comedy in musical comedy come March 12.
After their previously successful collaborations on Bridges of Madison County and South Pacific, this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic seems like the obvious choice for director Bartlett Sher and actress Kelli O’Hara. Boasting an exceedingly talented supporting cast, if this King and I can maintain a fraction of the beauty in South Pacific (or an orchestra slightly as lush), it is sure to be a highlight of the upcoming season when it opens April 16.
A timeless movie with songs that have stood the test of time, it is surprising that it has taken so long for an adaptation of An American in Paris to jete its way on to the Great White Way. Though there will be On the Town comparisons for sure, the out of town tryout in Paris (at the Theatre du Chatelet) looks beautiful. The design elements and dancing look captivating and audiences will surely flock to the show on Gene Kelly nostalgia alone. The Gershwin classic opens April 12.
Peter Pan has done wonders on Broadway, and Finding Neverland seems rife for a musical adaptation. Despite a few changes along the way (including a few shake-ups in cast and writing teams), producers have finally paved the way for this one to fly to Broadway on April 15!
It would be a mistake not to mention a few other shows slated for this season. Though perhaps less is known about them, they could actually be the most intriguing prospects headed to Broadway. It Shoulda Been You (opening April 14) has a powerhouse cast including Tyne Daly and boasts music from some of the best up and coming musical theater songwriters. Living on Love, a play with some music, will feature the Broadway debut of opera star Renee Fleming in an over-the-top comedy opening April 20. Lastly, Something Rotten! (March 23) is directed by the creative spark-plug that is Casey Nicholaw, and promises to be quirky Shakespearean romp. Perhaps one (or all) of these will grace the top of everyone’s “Best of” list next year.
