Be in the room with your favorite Hollywood actors! ~ by Luisa Tanno
You’ve heard me say it before, but I’ll say it again. There are SOOO many reasons to see theatre. Different things draw people in, and there truly is something for everyone. One undeniable truth is that when movie and TV stars come to the stage, it garners attention. And ticket sales :). I have personally been star-struck many times seeing a favorite TV or film actor onstage. Sitting front row watching Ethan Hawke in Hurlyburly may be one of my greatest theatre memories (he was breathtakingly good). That production was also my introduction to Bobby Cannavale, whose work makes me swoon. I have memories of my Dad and I laughing until there were tears streaming down our faces watching Nathan Lane in A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum, Martin Short in Fame Becomes Me, and Alan Arkin in Power Plays. Then there was the cast of Gore Vidal’s The Best Man that featured James Earl Jones, Candice Bergen, Angela Lansbury, Eric McCormack and John Larroquette. I mean …
Recently seeing the likes of Sean Hayes, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Sarah Bareilles, Laura Linney, Common, William Jackson Harper, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, and Billy Crystal live on stage has wowed me. Here are some exciting productions starring big names of film and TV (including Oscar and Emmy winners!) that you may want to add your list!
Transferring form The West End, we have another take on the iconic Kander & Ebb musical Cabaret. This time starring Eddie Redmayne (Oscar winner for The Theory of Everything). I last saw him onstage alongside Alfred Molina in Red in 2010 before he was the known entity he has become. Stage and TV royalty Bebe Neuwirth also stars! August Wilson Theatre, Starts April 1
Of course Tyne Daly is known for Cagney & Lacey and Judge Amy on TV, but if you haven’t seen her on stage, you’re missing out. She is a force and will take on the role of Sister Aloysius with tenacity, I am sure. If you need more star power in a single play, don’t worry. Movie stars Liev Schreiber and Zoe Kazan also star. Roundabout at American Airlines Theatre, starts Feb 2
Steve Carell makes his Broadway debut at Lincoln Center in a revival of Chekov’s Uncle Vanya. That would be headline enough to pique anyone’s interest, but there’s more! It also features Alfred Molina, William Jackson Harper, Alison Pill, Anika Noni Rose, and Jane Houdyshell., all of whom have extensive film, television, and stage credits. Plus it is a new translation by Heidi Schreck (What the Constitution Means to Me). It’s a hot ticket! Vivian Beaumont Theater, Previews begin April 2nd
Beloved film star Rachel McAdams (The Notebook) stars as a single mom facing an “impossible family situation” in Mary Jane a play by Amy Herzog whose recent adaptation of A Doll’s House (starring Oscar winner Jessica Chastain) earned high praise. Manhattan Theatre Club at The Friedman Theater, starts April 2
Pssttt … here’s a potential sleeper hit Off-Broadway that you should also check out from Manhattan Theatre Club! Cecily Strong of SNL and Schmigadoon fame is starring in Brooklyn Laundry, a world premiere by John Patrick Shanley (Doubt, Moonstruck). Starts February 6th at New York City Center
I have already highlighted Merrily as a “show-to-see” but have I mentioned that it stars Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe? If that has your attention I will also say that Radcliffe is a theatre actor tried and true, both here and in London. Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, Hamilton) and Lindsey Mendez (Tony winner for Carousel) join him in this acclaimed Sondheim revival about friendship. Hudson Theatre, currently playing
Oscar Winner Jessica Lange stars in Mother Play a world premiere by Paul Vogel. Also starring Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) and Celia Keenan-Bolger (Tony Winner for To Kill a Mockingbird). The cast and the playwright boast some serious star power. Second Stage at the Hayes Theater, starts in April
Pop Stars are Bringing It to The Stage!
Music sensations Alicia Keys and Ingrid Michaelson have new musicals coming to the Broadway this season! They follow in the footsteps of pop stars Sarah Bareilles (Waitress), Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening), and Barry Manilow (Harmony) in bringing their talents as composers and songwriters to the stage!
Hell’s Kitchen tells the story of a teenager finding a way to flourish and be herself in NYC. Music & lyrics by Alicia Keys starts March 28th at the Shubert Theater.
A musical adaptation of the best-selling novel The Notebook features original music by Ingrid Michaelson. Starts February 2nd at the Schoenfeld Theater.
I hope you find your way to feeling star-struck and inspired at the theatre soon! As always, we’d love to hear what (and who!) you’re looking forward to seeing!
So far, I have tix for Uncle Vanya and Cabaret, and in the meantime, I watch the National Theatre Live showings at the Quick Center. They all have well-known actors (and terrific acting, of course)
I agree, Gabi! The NT Live broadcasts at the Quick Center are fantastic – what a great way to see amazing actors and plays from the West End locally! Glad you have your tix secured for a couple of must-sees coming up too 🙂