What's New in Theatre?: Broadway Edition
While none were blockbusters the size of Hamilton or Hadestown, they all drew in steady crowds and decent reviews. Though we may never know exactly what brought the shows to a halt, we do know for a fact that with every closing comes a brand new opening. While many of these announcements are straight plays, a few musical openings are finally peeking through. Now that we have a clearer picture of what 2019-2020 will look like, here's what I'm most excited about.
* Tina: The Tina Turner Musical: It played to acclaim in London, and is finally making its way across the pond. From all accounts, Adrienne Warren is putting in the performance of her career, and is nailing every one of Tina's songs, and most importantly those moves. Tina Turner is one of the very first rocker women, and has been showing the world how to be strong, and kick ass in the music biz for over 40 years. The only question I have for this brand new bio-musical is, why did we have to wait so long to see it?! (Tina begins previews October 2019)
* Jagged Little Pill: Though I'm not an Alanis fan, I'm hearing so many good things about this show based on Alanis Morisette's music, that played in Boston before getting yet another lab, and finally making its way to Broadway. A friend who saw it in Boston, fell madly for it, so I'm excited to see it. I have no idea what to expect, and sometimes that's the best kind of show to see! (Jagged Little Pill begins previews November 2019)
* Present Laughter with Andrew Scott: Don't get too excited - this is a completely unsubstantiated rumor, that I'm just hoping will be true at some point. I saw this play with Kevin Kline a few years ago, and loved its wit and charm. Getting the chance to see Andrew Scott play the comic lead, after seeing his stellar dramatic turn in Hamlet in London, would be the best. Keeping my fingers and toes firmly crossed! (Nothing has been announced yet)
* Company: This is the reason my hopes are alive for Present Laughter. It played in London, and has been rumored to be coming to Broadway almost since the day of its announcement. The transfer was finally announced just last week. Company is one of those odd shows for me. The music is incredible, and so very sing-alongable, but something has sort of always been lost in translation. I can't wait to see the character of Bobby gender-swapped, and of course, to finally see Patti Lupone live on stage! (Company begins previews March 2020)
* Company: This is the reason my hopes are alive for Present Laughter. It played in London, and has been rumored to be coming to Broadway almost since the day of its announcement. The transfer was finally announced just last week. Company is one of those odd shows for me. The music is incredible, and so very sing-alongable, but something has sort of always been lost in translation. I can't wait to see the character of Bobby gender-swapped, and of course, to finally see Patti Lupone live on stage! (Company begins previews March 2020)
* Cinderella by Andrew Lloyd Weber: About 6 years ago, Cinderella played Broadway to much acclaim. I'm kind of confused as to why we need another retelling - even though this version includes a gay love story for Prince Charming, and Cinderella finding her own love. But I love me some Lord Lloyd Weber, and quite honestly I'll see whatever he creates, so count me in. Just one question, do you think he can get Laura Osnes and Santino Fontana to reprise their roles? (No dates or venue have been announced yet)
* Mrs. Doubtfire: This one is supposed to be heading to Broadway after its West Coast premiere this fall. That all depends on ratings of course, but they're already starting ahead in my book by casting Rob McClure as the classic character. He's the perfect combination of comedy and heart, and will do Robin Williams justice. I can't wait to see his take. (Mrs. Doubtfire plays Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre November 26 - December 29, 2019)
* The Music Man: Honestly, who doesn't want to see Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster make magic together on stage? And with the addition of Jayne Houdyshell, the stage will be positively overflowing with magnificent actors. I'm ecstatic about this one - as long as I can manage to snag a ticket without selling a kidney... (The Music Man begins previews September 2020)
* Take Me Out: I read this play years ago, and loved it. I'm excited to see a new take on it, when coming out is rightfully more accepted in today's world than it was when the show was first written. Also, Jesse Tyler Ferguson! (Take Me Out begins previews April 2020)
* Flying Over Sunset: This fictional account of Cary Grant, Aldous Huxley, and Clare Boothe Luce experimenting with LSD is one of the oddest musicals I've discovered. However, it's a brand new musical, which doesn't happen very often, so I'm totally in. Also, whoever cast Tony Yazbeck as Cary Grant, should get a very large raise. (Flying Over Sunset begins previews in March 2020)
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