Believe it or not, this rock expert is quite fond of theater. I like the velvet seats, the overpriced drinks, the excited chatter and the smell of a million different perfumes and colognes; and it’s always exciting to get all dolled up and hurry out to a show. Luckily, it’s a new season and there are certainly more than enough plays and musicals to keep anyone interested. It can be a little daunting to pick out a show out of the hundreds so I decided to throw together a quick list of most anticipated for you.
Previews begin March 26th
Why I love it: I grew up on gangster films and have a thing for dry, rather sardonic humor (bet you couldn’t tell). Shia Labeouf drama aside, Orphans is kind of a combo of those two elements. Starring Alec Baldwin, Ben Foster, and Tom Sturridge, this is a darkly comedic story of two thieving orphan brothers who kidnap gangster Harold (Baldwin). With Baldwin’s dry humor and a cool story line like this, this show is bound to be a fun one.
Website: https://www.orphansonbroadway.com/
Previews begin March 21st
Why I love it: Nathan Lane was a household name for me thanks to my grandmother’s penchant for the 1996 movie The Birdcage so anything with him in it kind of automatically gets my vote. Playwright Douglas Carter Beane, with some humor, creates a story about a homosexual, cross-dressing burlesque performer in the 1930s whose outrageous antics on stage are in stark contrast to his chaotic offstage life.
Website: https://www.lct.org/showMain.htm?id=219
Opening night April 4th
Why I love it: I love love love Cyndi Lauper, so when I found out she had written the music and lyrics for a new Broadway Musical, I was a little excited (a little meaning listening to her discography on repeat for a week). The story is about Charlie Price who inherits his father’s failing shoe making factory (and immediately I think of Jumanji). He has to turn it around and finds inspiration in Lola, an entertainer who needs stilettos. The two of them become close and learn from each other, helping to turn Charlie’s business around. The music is supposed to be outstanding (duh, Cyndi Lauper wrote it) and the choreography stellar so this is definitely one that you should find yourself at.
Website: https://www.kinkybootsthemusical.com/index.html
Opening night April 1
Why I love it: I’m just going to say Tom Hanks is in it and that’s that. No? Alright, more info (if I must). This is scandal and graffiti ridden 1980s NYC through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning, tabloid columnist Mike McAlary. Enjoy the nit and grit of New York City through the eyes of the guy who rose to fame for reporting on NY Police corruption, fell because of a libel lawsuit, and then rose again and won a Pulitzer Prize when he reported on the Abner Louima case. This should even intrigue your Broadway-hating date.
Website: https://www.luckyguyplay.com/
Opened March 3rd
Why I love it: Because it’s Cinderella. It’s every girl’s dream. You’re cleaning one day and with just the flick of your fairy godmother’s wand, you’re a princess. (So, fairy godmother of mine, I hear Prince Harry is still available. Care to make that happen?). Anywho, it’s a Rodger’s & Hammerstein production and it’s Cinderella. That should be enough for you.
Website: https://www.cinderellaonbroadway.com/tickets
Opening night April 11
Why I love it: Matilda was my favorite Roald Dahl book and a movie I watched over and over as a kid. The story itself is charming, focusing on a rather gifted young girl (telekinesis, my friends; it’s a beautiful thing) who just wants to learn. She faces the obstacles of sleazy parents and a tyrannical headmistress (Miss Trunchbull was the sole reason I was afraid to go to my headmistress run high school) and stands up to them in order to become the person she wants to be. This is going to be a fun musical for anyone and is probably my favorite on this list.
Website: https://us.matildathemusical.com/
Keep in mind that this is just a taste of the shows opening in NYC this spring. There are tons more and quite a few intriguing smaller shows that I might just write about for you. For now, check these out and enjoy a more sophisticated night on the town.- TB
(Originally on Stagebuddy.Tumblr.Com)
