A few weeks ago we talked about what plays are coming to Broadway this season, but now lets turn our attention to the slightly more glamorous side of the Great White Way. If I could, I would see every show on this list, because I am a Musical Junkie. Alas, it’s unlikely I’ll be in NYC any time soon. Even so, lets take a look at what people can expect to see running in Time Square this Fall (and next Spring). As always, this information can be found in more detail on Playbill.com
On the Town
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Book and Lyrics: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Conceived by Jerome Robbins
Previews: September 20
Opens: October 16
Synopsis:
Set in wartime 1944, On the Town chronicles the adventures of three sailors on a 24-hour shore leave in New York City. Their fabulous day-long journey is spurred by a search for sailor Gabey’s dream girl, ‘Miss Turnstiles.’ Along the way, each sailor falls in love with a woman, and with New York City itself.
I am DYING to see this show. The video previews look amazing. I’ve never seen it, but it’s golden age which means beautiful music, romance, great dance numbers…As far as I know, this is definitely a top contender for the Tony for Best Revival.
The Last Ship
Music and Lyrics: Sting
Book: Brian Yorkey and John Jogan
Previews: September 30, 2014
Opening: October 26
Synopsis:
Life in the English seafaring town of Wallsend has always revolved around the local shipyard. But Gideon Fletcher (Esper) dreams of a different future, and travels the world, leaving his life — and his love — behind. When he returns home fourteen years later, Gideon finds the shipyard’s future in grave danger and his childhood sweetheart engaged to someone else.
I don’t know much about this show, but the song Sting sang on this years Tony Awards as a preview was really nice. Sounds more low-key, so not many big flashy song and dance numbers.
Side Show
Music: Henry Krieger
Book and Lyrics: Bill Russell
Previews: October 28
Opens: November 17
Synopsis:
The remarkable true story of the Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, who were legends in their time and the highest paid performers on the vaudeville circuit. Side Show is their heartwarming search for first love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame and scrutiny under the spotlight.
Another revival? I know this has been previously done, and I’m pretty sure it was on Broadway. Another one I don’t know much about, though some of the music is awesome.
Honeymoon in Vegas
Music and Lyrics: Jason Robert Brown
Book: Andrew Bergman
Previews: November 18
Opens: January 15
Synopsis:
Based on the classic 1992 film comedy, Honeymoon In Vegas tells the story of commitment-phobe Jack Singer, his not-so-patient girlfriend Betsy, and a professional gambler named Tommy Korman who hasn’t gotten over his wife’s death. It’s also the story of a Hawaiian show-tune queen, a Las Vegas icon, a guy named Foccaccia and a team of flying Elvises.
Sounds hilarious. Plus, it’s JASON ROBERT BROWN. So the music is bound to be amazing. Probably lots of glittery, flashy dance numbers. Cause, you know, Vegas.
On the Twentieth Century
Music: Cy Coleman
Book and Lyrics: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Previews: February 12
Opens: March 12
Synopsis:
A struggling Broadway producer tries to get a former lover, now a Hollywood star, to sign a contract to star in his latest (and as yet un-conceived) play as they travel on the luxury train Twentieth Century Limited from Chicago to New York.
So many revivals this season! Kristin Chenoweth is starring in this one; I saw her in Promises, Promises and she was adorable. The only song I know from this is “Never”, and I’m sure plenty of sopranos are lamenting the fact that once this opens they should remove it from their audition book (since everyone and their mother will be singing it).
The King and I
Music: Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II
Previews: March 12
Opens: April 16
Synopsis:
In 1860s Siam, Anna, a British schoolteacher, is hired as part of King Mongkut’s drive to modernize his country.
Are there ANY new musicals this season? Good grief, it’s going to be a bloody battle for that Best Revival Tony. Kelli O’Hara and Ken Watanabe star in this show that I will cry myself to sleep because I probably won’t get to see it. If nothing else, the set and costumes and Kelli O’Hara will be beautiful.
An American in Paris
Music and Lyrics: George and Ira Gerswhin
Book: Craig Lucas
Previews: March 13
Opens: April 12
Synopsis:
Hoping to start a new life, World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan chooses newly-liberated Paris as the place to make a name for himself as a painter. But Jerry’s life becomes complicated when he meets Lise, a young Parisian shop girl with her own secret – and realizes he is not her only suitor. A classic American film about young souls in Paris is re-imagined for the Broadway stage.
I haven’t seen this movie (oops) so I don’t know anything about it, but anything with Gerswhin music is gonna be amazing.
Finding Neverland
Music and Lyrics: Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy
Book: James Graham
Original Play: Allan Knee
Previews: March
Opens: April
Synopsis:
J.M. Barrie’s last play was an abysmal failure and his career is threatened by crippling writers block. But then a chance meeting in a London park with a woman and her spirited young boys provides just the inspiration he needs.
If I had to choose one show from this list to see, it would be Finding Neverland. I love the movie, Diane Paulus is directing it, and Jeremy Jordan and Laura Michelle Kelley are supposedly headlining the cast. I mean, could it be more perfect?
It Shoulda Been You
Music: Barbara Anselmi
Book and Lyrics: Brian Hargrove
Target Opening: March
Synopsis:
The bride is Jewish. The groom is Catholic. Her mother is a force of nature, his mother is a tempest in a cocktail shaker. And when the bride’s ex-boyfriend shows up, the perfect wedding starts to unravel faster than you can whistle “Here Comes the Bride!”
I know nothing. It’s directed by David Hyde Pierce. Probably will be funny.
Fun Home
Music and Lyrics: Jeanine Tesori
Book: Lisa Kron
Graphic Novel: Alison Bechdel
Previews: April 4
Opens: April 22
Synopsis:
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.
This sounds violently depressing. It was off-broadway this past year and I saw the main girl perform a song from it on the Drama Desk Awards. Not something I’m really interested in seeing, though I usually like Jeanine Tesori’s music.
So fun! You never know where you will be as an actor; you might get to see some of these on an audition trip!