There’s nothing like the anticipation of a new show coming
to Broadway!! And already it looks like we’re getting some pretty great ones!
In this blog I will be going through the musicals that are set to come to
Broadway! Just to be clear, some of these shows do not have a set theatre and
are only eyeing a 2014-2015 opening. I will make this clear in the synopsis
below the shows. These are only shows who I believe will make it in time for a
2014-2015 release. Also, when I say when a show “opens”, I mean they start
previews on that date.
Original Productions:
Finding Neverland
The musical that is based on the film which is based on the
author of Peter Pan’s life. Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde) plays
Barrie, a struggling playwright who creates a special bond with a family when
one of his plays flops. The original production opened to mixed reviews in
England and since then, the entire creative team has been replaced with Diane
Paulus (Pippin, 2013) directing and featuring James Graham, the author of the
book and the composers Gary Barlow and Elliot Kennedy. Right now, it’s playing
at American Repertory Theatre and it has just been announced that it will make
the transfer in the spring. This is a show to watch for, expect great things to
come to this one. If you’re interested and want to listen more, look up Jennifer
Hudson singing one of the songs in last year’s Tony awards on YouTube.
The Last Ship
The story about a young man who travels and returns home to
find his love engaged to another man. With music written by Sting and the book
written by Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal) and John Logan (Gladiator, Skyfall),
this musical opened to pretty decent reviews in its Chicago tryout, which had
critics praising the score and the cast, but had some faults with the plot. The
show will open on Broadway September 29 at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Honeymoon in Vegas
This new musical with music written by Jason Robert Brown
(Last 5 Years, Bridges of Madison County) and a book written by Andrew Bergman,
who wrote the screenplay of the movie of the same, tells the story of a man named
Jack who is afraid of commitment with his girlfriend, Betsy, and a man who
falls in love with Betsy! This show is set to open in November at the
Nederlander Theatre on Broadway after a try out at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
Definitely expect a Tony nom for JRB for this one.
Fun Home
Just recently announced, this musical just closed
off-Broadway and I’m so excited that it’s making the transfer. The musical is based
on the graphic novel of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel which in turn is based
on Alison’s relationship with her father as she comes out as a lesbian and
their struggles with sexuality together. With a powerful book and lyrics by
Lisa Kron and a fantastic score written by Jeanine Tesori, this musical was
nominated for several awards, including the Pulitzer Prize. This show will open
at the Circle in the Square Theatre on April 4, right before Tony deadlines.
Sound familiar? Yeah, that’s what the Pippin revival did. Look where it got
now. Smart move, Fun Home.
Not many original works have been announced. Sad. Because there’s
a massive amount of revivals heading our way. Let’s take a look at some of
them!
Revivals:
On the Town
The classic story that spawned the fantastic Gene Kelly and
Frank Sinatra movie returns to Broadway this fall in October at the Lyric
Theatre. Hopefully this will prove to be a great revival and not just a rehash.
Directed by John Rando.
An American in Paris
Hey look, another classic Gene Kelly movie-musical.
Wonderful. Already it seems like the revival category might be overcrowded by
Golden Age musicals. Although the cast has been announced and an opening set for
March 2015, no theatre has been set. Directed by Christopher Wheeldon.
The King and I
Now this, I am looking forward to. Kelli O’Hara (Bridges of
Madison County) and Ken Watanabe (Inception) lead this production with Tony
award winning director Bartlett Sher taking the helm. Expect definite Tony noms
for this one. Opens March 12 at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre.
On The Twentieth Century
Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked) and Peter Gallagher (Guys and Dolls) return to Broadway! Directed
by Scott Ellis, the story of a Broadway producer trying to convince a former
love to return to his life while on board a luxury train comes back onto the
stage! Will open February 12 at the American Airlines Theatre.
Side Show
This new reimagining of one of my favorite shows is coming
to Broadway! The original musical featured Alice Ripley and Norm Lewis, and
while it was nominated for Tony awards, did not receive that much acclaim but
this new reimagining is apparently fantastic! Featuring a reimagined new score
as well, this darker take on the story will certainly be in the running for
Tonys. This revival will open October 28 at the St. James theatre and is
directed by Bill Condon.
Sorry for it being this late, but this took a while! Have
any comments on my picks? Have any questions about any other planned shows?
Comment below!
Andrew
No comments:
Post a Comment