Now that fall is here, to me, it really marks the beginning of a new theatrical season. Although the season technically starts in June after the Tony Awards, the start of the school year just feels like the start of something new for me. And with the start of school comes a handful of shows coming to Broadway.
Here are the ones I’m most excited about:
1) Big Fish
I have been following the progression of this show for awhile now. Having done an out of town tryout in Chicago, it has just started Previews this past Friday here in New York. Surprising for some, the major reason why I am excited about this show is because of Andrew Lippa. Not many people are fans of his scores, but I really have found a connection to everything he has composed. I thought his scores for The Wild Party and The Addams Family were fantastic. Big Fish also has some of Broadway’s finest actors in it, including the amazing Norbert Leo Butz and the gorgeous Kate Bladwin. Being a fan of the movie, I’m really looking forward to grabbing a rush ticket this week hopefully.
2) The Glass Menagerie
How many fabulous actors can we fit into one show? I am a bad theatre nerd and have never read this play, but I have following this show for awhile as well, after it’s production at A.R.T. this past Spring. Cherry Jones, Zachary Quinto, Celia Keenan-Bolger? YES PLEASE.
3) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
I really feel that this show is going to be the knockout of the season, and for one reason: Jessie Mueller. If have been following her career for a little while now – I first saw her in the Public’s INTO THE WOODS in Central Park last summer, where she played Cinderella. I then caught her fantastic performance in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, but was unable to see Nice Work If You Can Get It when she replaced Kelli O’Hara. If you take a moment to think about it, this actress is able to play Cinderella, but then also an Sri Lankan Woman, and then a role usually played by Kelli O’Hara?… DAMN. She is easily one of the most versatile performers on Broadway today, and now she is playing Carole King. I’m going to be ALL OVER THIS.
4) Betrayal
I’ll keep this one short – Daniel Craig. Rachel Weisz. In a Harold Pinter play? This is going to be talked about for sure.
5) The Snow Geese
Mary-Louise Parker is making her return to the stage, and I have always been a huge fan of hers. Also, Victoria Clarke of The Light In The Piazza and Cinderella fame is in this as well. I always find it fascinating when actors who are known for doing musicals, do a play. This is going to be fantastic.
Out of all the fall shows, these are the ones I am most excited for. If you’re planning to visit the city anytime between now and January 1st, I highly recommend trying to grab tickets to one of these shows (if they are open when you are here). Of course, seeing The Phantom Of The Opera can be exciting, but there is SO MUCH MORE happening theatrically that deserves to be noticed. Hopefully this sparked some interest!
OMG It's Jake 