Well the year is almost over and you know what that means. It’s time to get ready for the second half of the Broadway season. Due to the unfortunate strike several shows that were scheduled to open this month have been pushed back. But we cannot and will not let that stop us from moving forward. The season is far from being over, and it is time to gear up for what looks to be an exciting second half. Here we go.
January 15 39 Steps, The -Fresh from a successful engagement in London, this award winning comedy from Alfred Hitchcock is being produced by The Roundabout Theatre Company. If the reviews are any indication this looks to be a strong contender in this year’s Tony race for best play.
January 17 November- Two time Tony Award winning actor Nathan Lane returns to Broadway as President Charles Smith in David Mamet’s latest play. Directed by Tony winner Joe Montello, November takes place days before the presidential election and deals with the issues of casinos, lesbians, Indians, and campaign contributions, all things that make America great right? You know with David Mamet there are sure to be plenty of surprises and controversy. I can’t wait.
January 24 Come Back, Little Sheba -S. Epatha Merkenson (Lt. Anita Van Buren on NBC’s Law and Order) reprises her acclaimed Los Angeles performance as Lola in William Ingo’s classic drama. I have been a big fan of hers for years and cannot wait to see her live on stage.
February 21 Sunday in the Park With George -I will be the first to admit that excluding Company I am not a big Sondheim fan. Yes some of his music is beautiful to listen to but on stage I just don’t feel anything. Maybe this will be the show to change my mind. Once again Roundabout Theatre has brought over another award winning production from London with its two leading stars intact. Will lighting strike twice? We will soon find out.
February 28 Passing Strange- This new musical tells the story about a young man from California and his journey from L.A. to Amsterdam, Berlin, and beyond who is searching to find his identity. This exciting new musical which features blues, rock and roll, gospel, and pop music was a big hit earlier this year at the Public Theatre. Being a musical composer myself, I am so excited to see something new and innovative, plus getting the chance to hear the type of music that I love live on a Broadway stage.
March 6 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof- You know the title. We all remember the movie starring Elizabeth Taylor as Maggie the Cat. For the first time Tennessee William’s classic will be performed with an all African American cast. Debbie Allen directs and if the casting rumors are true than this looks to be one of the biggest hits of the season. I will keep you posted.
March 9 In the Heights -After a successful run Off-Broadway, this award winning production arrives on Broadway this spring. I did not get the chance to see this show during its run, however those in my office who did see it raved about its music and originality. Set in Washington Heights over a period of three days, In the Heights tells the story of a tight-knit community at the top of the island of Manhattan. It was nominated for the 2007 Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Music and Lyrics and won the Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Musical. This looks to be a big crowd favorite.
April 3 South Pacific -Lincoln Center revives the Tony Award winning musical from Rodgers and Hammerstein. Starring Kelli O’Hara and Paulo Szot and directed by Bartlet Sher this beloved classic is already selling well, so don’t wait to get your tickets to what is sure to be one of the highlights of the season.
April 17 Catered Affair, A-This new musical based on the motion picture is poised to be the dark horse in this year’s Tony race for Best Musical. With music by Broadway newcomer John Bucchino and book by Harvey Fierstein this enchanting story is scheduled to open this spring after its successful run at The Old Globe Theatre.
April 20 Thurgood -This one man show starring Tony Award winner Laurence Fishburne tells the triumphant story of Thurgood Marshall who rose from the backstreets of Baltimore to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Now like most years there may be a few other shows to sneak in at the last minute. That is what makes New York theatre so unpredictable. Until next time.
J.
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