Well friends, the 2014-2015 Tony season is behind us and while big winners like Fun Home. King & I, and Curious Incident are reaping the benefits, many shows have closed. Such is the circle of life on Broadway, although we can't be completely upset because many new exciting shows are opening! I am here to preview some of the shows that I am most excited about. Disclaimer: These are not all the shows opening this fall/winter, but just those that we are particularly excited to see.
HAMILTON
Theatre: Richard Rodgers
Theatre: Richard Rodgers
Opening: August 8th
Why I'm Excited: This is perhaps the most anticipated Broadway production in years. I saw it front row at the Public. I am debating whether to see it again because it was just so perfect in that intimate setting, but if you didn't see it downtown and you want to see the 2016 TONY winner for Best Musical, get your tickets now!
SPRING AWAKENING
Theatre: Brooks Atkinson
Opening: September 27th
Why I'm Excited: I missed it the first time it was on Broadway but I did catch the national tour. Normally I would say that only 8 years later is too early for a revival, but this is a completely reimagined production by Deaf West that will be performed in American Sign Language as well as being spoken. This pieces will feature Oscar Winner Marlee Matlin as well as Broadway favorites Andy Mientus and Krysta Rodriguez.
The Gin Game
Theatre: Golden
Opening: October 13th
Why I'm Excited: James Earl Jones & Cicely Tyson.....enough said!
Dames at Sea
Theatre: Helen Hayes
Opening: October 22nd
Why I'm Excited: Every Broadway season needs an old school favorite and this is it! Plus, I love Mara Davi and haven't seen her on Broadway since A Chorus Line.
Sylvia
Theatre: Cort
Opening: October 27th
Why I'm Excited: Annaleigh Ashford is attending obedience school to prepare to play the role of a dog in this production.....are you intrigued yet? If not, Matthew Broderick and Julie White also star.
On Your Feet
Theatre: Marquis
Opening: November 5th
Why I'm Excited: We love Gloria! Sure, this may suffer the same fate as most jukebox musicals and lack a strong book, but even so, try to convince me you don't love the Conga!
Allegiance
Theatre: Longacre
Opening: November 8th
Why I'm Excited: George Takei stars in this new piece set in a Japanese Internment camp. This is new territory for a Broadway musical and also features Great White Way veteran Lea Salonga.
China Doll
Theatre: Schoenfeld
Opening: November 19th
Why I'm Excited: What goes together better than Mamet and Pacino? Just a word of advice, leave children and home as well as anyone who cringes at the drop of an f-bomb.
The Color Purple
Theatre: Jacobs
Opening: December 10th
Why I'm Excited: The original Broadway production had some bright moments, but overall it was clunky and too long. Luckily this production is helmed by John Doyle, the king of stripping down grandiose shows and presenting exactly what the audience needs to see. Jennifer Hudson will certainly sell enough tickets to keep this production afloat, though I suspect that Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black) will be the breakout star of the season. Can we say Best Featured Actress in a Musical??
Fiddler on the Roof
Theatre: Broadway
Opening: December 17th
Why I'm Excited: The Theatre Queens will kill me for this but I've never seen a full production of Fiddler. I love me some Danny Burstein, and although I don't feel we need yet another revival of this Bock & Harnick classic, I have faith that the visionary Bart Sher will reimagine this.
Noises Off
Theatre: American Airlines
Opening: January 14th
Why I'm Excited: This is my all time favorite plays! If you've not seen it before, prepare to get an ab workout from laughter. In the world of farce...this play is king, but it's the theatre so let's cal it queen. Andrea Martin, Megan Hilty, and Jeremy Shamos star.
