Shows I’m excited about as the curtain opens on 2025
by Luisa Tanno, Book Nation Theatre Advisor
Settling into my seat and watching a theatre fill-up is one of my favorite experiences. I like to take in my surroundings, vibe with my fellow theatre-goers, eavesdrop a bit (so much theatre talk, it’s delicious), and … anticipate. Then the lights dim and all of that disappears. My focus shifts to the stage, fully present and ready. But there is something so sweet about the anticipation!
Here are some of the shows I am eagerly anticipating as we enter a New Year.
NEW, ORIGINAL MUSICALS!
Along with many musical theatre lovers, I often lament the scarcity of new original musicals on Broadway. They get lost amidst revivals, juke box musicals, and stage adaptations of movies (some of which are fabulous, of course). But I am thrilled to report that there several new musicals in store for us this season!
I’ve seen it so I can confidently say: go see this completely original, heartfelt, deeper-than-it seems musical. There is so much beauty in the story, the performances, the set design, the music! If you need to smile, laugh, fall in love, or feel some hopeful melancholy in your soul, get yourself a ticket.
Currently running at the Belasco Theatre
There is a lot of buzz around this Idina Menzel vehicle. People are excited about her return to the stage and enthusiastic about the score and the set deign of this new musical! It is indeed set in the Redwood forest of California and finds our protagonist Jesse (Menzel) on a soul-searching journey. Coming to Broadway after a successful run at La Jolla Playhouse.
Starts Jan. 24th at the Nederlander Theatre
Because of the plot, I initially brushed this one aside when it ran off-broadway last year. But then I kept hearing about it’s inventiveness, and seeing clips on IG which resulted in major FOMO. I couldn’t get in to see it before it closed but lucky for me, and you, it is coming to Broadway. It weaves a dark, comedic, and true tale of Elmer McCurdy who became more famous as a corpse than he was when he was alive. How, you ask? Let’s find out!
Starts April 12th at Longacre Theatre
LET’S GET LITERARY
These are shows about literary works, or about language itself but the themes go further and deeper. I love literary analysis, a peak into creative process, and language. As book lovers and readers these might appeal to you too!
A new play that imagines a night with Marlon Brando and Tennessee Williams as a masterpiece- in-progress, A Streetcar Named Desire, comes together. Anything to do with Williams has my attention and getting a fly-on-the-wall view of the development of a classic work sounds wonderfully theatrical, fraught, and interesting!
Starts Jan. 12th at The Duke on 42nd Street
I saw this Pulitzer Prize winner by Sanaz Toossi at Atlantic Theater Company and it has stayed with me as a quietly moving peak into the identity of language. The original cast and creative team are intact for this Broadway run and I would recommend it without reservation. Toossi’s Wish You Were Here is also superb and can be seen regionally.
Starts March 2nd at the Todd Haines Theatre
This highly anticipated new play by Kimberly Belflower is a biting inquiry into Arthur Miller’s The Crucible by a group of students in rural Georgia. I’m excited by it’s young cast and literary deep dive on a classic play that has earned some re-examining. Starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things, The Whale) and directed by Danya Taymor (The Outsiders).
Starts Mar. 20th at the Booth Theatre
YES, I’VE SEEN IT BEFORE, BUT I’M READY FOR MORE!
These are the revivals and stage adaptations I was lamenting above … BUT, as I said many are fabulous. I am really looking forward to these re-imaginings of prior works.
I’m going to make it a point to go because A) Audra McDonald, B) Director George C. Wolfe and choreographer Camille A. Brown, and C) My friend Jason did some of the orchestrations! There are other good reasons too, of course. If you’ve never seen Gypsy, go! It is a seminal show in the cannon. If you, like me, have seen it many times and are tempted to skip it, I hear you. Please see A, B, and C above.
Open run at the Majestic Theatre
No, I’m not always a fan of stage adaptations of films, but this one has my intrigue. Not only because I thought the film was excellent, and not only because I am interested in seeing George Clooney up close, but also because I think this story is as timely as ever and I am curious to see how Clooney and co-writer Grant Heslov have reworked it for the stage. Directed by David Cromer (who also directs Dead Outlaw this season – he’s quite prolific!)
Starts March 12th a the Winter Garden Theatre
So many people have been yearning for the theatre version of this popular TV series that I can’t help but feel some excitement on their behalf. It is the story of dueling divas doing their best to win the role of Marilyn Monroe in a fictional new musical. This “Comedy About at Musical” has plenty of offstage drama to sink your teeth into. I hope it brings joy to all who have been waiting!
Starts April 10th at The Imperial Theatre
FAMILY DRAMA
It is always tantalizing to engage with family drama when its not your own. But inherently we can relate to what it means to be a family, and all of the complexity and love that abounds. Here are some talent-packed examples of said drama.
This cast: Amber Gray, Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin! This director: Anna B. Shapiro (August Osage County)! This venue: Manhattan Theatre Club! And a Broadway Debut for playwright Jonathan Spector? Sounds promising so I’ve already got my ticket to see this play about a private elementary school trying to navigate their vaccine policy following a mumps outbreak (it was written pre-covid which makes it even more intriguing).
Through Feb. 15th at Manhattan Theatre Club
This new play by Samuel D. Hunter is about a reunion, as two estranged half-brothers come together to care for their ailing mother. Hunter writes engaging, realistic dialogue and I’m excited to see this at my former workplace and perpetual favorite space, Signature Theatre.
Starts Feb. 4th at Signature Theatre
A bevy of Tony Winners and nominees come together to tell the story of the fictional Jasper family, pillars of Black American Politics, by the always thrilling Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (who’s Appropriate took the Tony for best Revival last season). Come for Jacobs-Jenkins dynamic storytelling, and stay for stars Kara Young, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and director Phylicia Rashad.
Starts Feb. 25th at Helen Hayes Theater
FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
These aren’t traditional plays or musicals, but they are definitely theatrical happenings and I’m inclined to go!
This is a series of vignettes about love, dating, and the toils of relationships. It features a rotating all-star cast, many of them familiar faces on SNL (Jimmy Fallon, John Mulaney, Aidy Bryant, Fred Armisen). This comedy features some live music too. It is billed as “everything you want in a night out.” Sounds good to me!
Through Feb 16th at Hudson Theatre
I really appreciate and enjoy Gulman’s sensibilities and smarts (he’s so smart!). He is a comedian, but his shows have a arc or through line that makes them feel more like solo theatre, which has my affection and attention of late.
Through Feb. 8th at the Lucille Lortel Theatre
This is a labor of love that celebrates the seldom-heard, undiscovered music of the late Jonathan Larson. It showcases songs that were cut from Rent and Tick, tick … boom as well as other hidden gems. The cast includes personal favorites Lauren Marcus and Jason Tam.
Starts Feb. 17th at the Orpheum Theatre
Chain Theatre One Act Festival
Want to see emerging playwrights and actors alongside seasoned pros? Want to venture into a night of theatre that is unexpected? Check this out. This festival has been around for years (they do a film festival too!) and has recently featured work by John Patrick Shanley, Jesse Eisenberg, and David Rabe. This year it also features work by me. So yes, a shameless plug, but for a worthy event! 25 blocks of plays to choose from (my play is in #4).
Feb. 6 through Mar. 2nd at Chain Theatre
I hope to vibe with you in a theatre soon!!
Follow Luisa Tanno on Instragram at @luisatanno
