It’s Showtime!
Fall marks the official start of the new theatre season in NYC! There are SO many shows to discuss and anticipate. Last season had so much magic. Also, the theatre world continues to struggle from the effects of the shutdown, so I just want to remind you that your presence makes a difference. If you love theatre, or the performing arts, go out and see something locally, as well as in the big cities. You matter, you really do!
Because there is so much to see, instead of providing you with a comprehensive list (you can find an amazing list HERE) I thought I’d share what I am most looking forward to in the coming months. My personal to-see list for you to peruse! As always, I would delight in hearing what’s on YOUR list! Want a recommendation based on shows you’ve loved in the past? Feel free to ask!
Musicals
Kimberly Akimbo by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori
This original musical tells the story of a young girl (played by Victoria Clark) with a condition that ages her prematurely, and follows her though a year of navigating high school and her wild family. I saw it during its sold-out run at Atlantic Theater Company and loved it. It is unexpected, funny, tender and soul-filling. The cast was absolute perfection! Lucky for us, they are all coming along to Broadway!
Broadway. Starts in October at The Booth Theatre
Only Gold Music & Lyrics by Kate Nash, Book by Andy Blankenbuehler and Ted Malawer
This is a brand new “electrifying dance musical” directed, choreographed and co-written by Andy Blankenbuehler of Hamilton fame. It feels like a bit since I’ve seen a musical that really features dance so I’m all in. Plus MCC is fast becoming one of my favorite Off-Broadway spaces. Sign me up!
Off-Broadway. Starts October at MCC
1776 by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone
If I’m honest this 1969 musical about the founding fathers has never appealed to me. But this new production is a true re-imagining, and features an all female, trans, and non-binary cast. I’m intrigued!
Broadway. Starts Sept 16 at Roundabout Theatre
Almost Famous by Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt
Full disclosure: I don’t tend to seek out musicals adapted from hit movies. While I understand the commercial appeal, and I love the jobs that these productions create, I really, really wish more original musicals were being produced. Having said that, I have enjoyed several such adaptations, especially where music is already a feature of the story (Once and Moulin Rouge come to mind). Almost Famous fits that bill and has the added bonus of being written by the film’s creator, Cameron Crowe, with an original score by Tom Kitt (Next to Normal, Flying Over Sunset) I’m a fan of both of their work, so it’s a yes for me!
Broadway. Starts October 3rd at Bernard Jacobs Theatre
Once may Not Be Enough….
Musicals I want to see AGAIN this Fall:
Do check out the revival of Into the Woods (now extended to January 8th), it made me swoon!
Whether or not you’ve seen Hadestown already, Lillias White has taken over the role of Hermes and that is a GREAT reason to see it!
Plays
Revivals
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
I’ve read and studied Death of a Salesman but I have never seen it! Now is the time with this Olivier award winning production centering an African American family and starring Wendell Pierce and Sharon D. Clarke. I will do a refresher read-through (which I love to do ahead of seeing a classic) and get myself there!
Broadway. Through January 15th at Hudson Theatre
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Hansberry’s classic American play is another one I have shamefully never seen. That will be quickly remedied as I already have my ticket. Thrilled as always for a reason to visit The Public.
Off Broadway. Starts Sept 27th at The Public Theatre
Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks
Suzan-Lori Parks is an innovative, exciting playwright and I’m thrilled to get the chance to see this Pulitzer Prize winner that The NY Times named as the greatest American play in the last 25 years. It is a dark comedy about two brothers named Lincoln and Booth.
Broadway. Starts Sept 27th at Golden Theatre
Also: Take Me Out is reviving its own revival starring Tony winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Jesse Williams. If you missed it this past spring, now is your chance!
Broadway. Starts Oct 27th at Schoenfeld Theatre
So Many Plays!!
Here is a rapid-fire list of my must-sees for the Fall. A mélange of dramas, light and heavy, covering a wide range of subject matter – thus the beauty of theatre!
Cost of Living by Martyna Majok
About the “complexity of caring and being cared for.” This 2018 Pulitzer winner gets its Broadway debut.
Running through Oct. 30th at Manhattan Theatre Club
I’m Revolting by Grace Gardner
A comedy set in a skin cancer clinic? Ok then!
Running through Oct 16th at Atlantic Theatre Company
Leopoldstadt by Tom Stoppard
I appreciate Stoppard’s unique point of view as a playwright. This new play, touted as being his most personal, takes place in Vienna and spans 50 years. It won the 2020 Olivier award for best play.
In previews, opens Oct 2nd at Longacre Theatre
You Will Get Sick by Noah Diaz
A life-changing diagnosis leads to an unexpected relationship as the young man seeks out help to break the news to his family. Starring Linda Lavin.
Starts Oct 14th at Roundabout Theatre
Straight Line Crazy by David Hare
This new play explores the life and work of the influential, and controversial, urban planner Robert Moses, and his impact on New York City. Starring Ralph Fiennes. Starts Oct 18th at The Shed
Camp Siegfried by Bess Wohl
One of my favorite playwrights tells the story of a camp with a sinister mission: fascism. Based on true events in 1930s America.
Starts Oct 25th at Second Stage Theater
My Broken Language by Quaira Alegria Hudes
Based on her memoir of growing up in a Philadelphia barrio, and told through artful vignettes.
Starts Oct 18th at Signature Theatre
Ohio State Murders by Adrienne Kennedy
Kennedy is a highly acclaimed playwright whose work has been influential for decades. This revival of the suspense-filled Ohio State Murders marks her Broadway debut and stars Audra MacDonald, so yes it is a must-see!
Starts November at the newly named James Earl Jones Theatre
The Collaboration by Anthony McCarten
Warhol and Basquiat work together on an art exhibit in 1984. What might that collaboration have looked like? I want to know!
Starts Nov 29th at Manhattan Theatre Club
Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis
A recent widower and his son try to hold onto a rent-stabilized apartment. I was already interested in this because of the playwright, but then they announced that Common joined the cast, so now I’m more excited!
Starts Nov 30th at Second Stage
For Something Unique
Mike Birbiglia is one of my favorite storytellers. He is a comedian whose shows have a true narrative and he also hosts my favorite podcast Working it Out where comedians discuss their craft and work on material. I love him. It was JUST announced that his new show, The Old Man and the Pool is coming to Broadway and I can’t wait!!
Starts Oct 28th at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre
This is a multi-media original musical about the worldwide musical phenomenon KPOP. It had a successful Off Broadway run and features true KPOP stars alongside Broadway performers. It is sure to be electric. I am personally excited for it because one my former dance colleagues, MJ Choi, is the associate choreographer! So cool!
Starts Oct 13th at Circle in the Square Theatre
A Final Recommendation…
Do yourself a favor and get a subscription or membership to an Off Broadway theatre. See shows that may never have otherwise crossed your radar! Support theatre and get so, so much in return. ANY of these theatre institutions have consistently high quality, diverse work. This season I’m especially excited for Signature Theatre, MCC, Second Stage and The Public.
But also Atlantic Theater Company, The New Group, Playwrights Horizons, New York Theatre Workshop … you get the idea!
Happy viewing! Hope to see you in the seats ☺
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