Five New Musical Shows
A doomed Parisian romance explodes in a spectacular new musical sung to snippets of more than 70 pop songs. Directed by Broadway titan Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! is a lavish, spare-no-expense spectacle that plays through Dec. 17.
The rags-to-riches story of the Comedian Harmonists gets a fresh take with a sensational Broadway cast led by Sierra Boggess and Julie Benko. The jukebox musical is based on the Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman songbook. (Through Nov. 27 at the St. James Theatre).
The Gershwins’ “Sweet Charity”
The rags-to-royalty Cinderella story gets a new twist in this headstrong and grungy version of the tale by Emerald Fennell. It has played productions Off-Broadway and in Boston.
Gwen Verdon was a triple-threat Broadway star before she began playing Charity, the hard-luck dance hall hostess in this Bob Fosse-directed musical based on Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria. She is well cast alongside Kyle Blair as the buttoned-up claustrophobe she meets in a stalled elevator.
“The Threepenny Opera”
Threepenny Opera is one of the most challenging musicals ever to take the stage. Its biting satire and Kurt Weill’s jazzy music make it almost impossible for theatergoers to ignore its dark undercurrents of hypocrisy and corruption.
When Polly Peachum elopes with debonair crime lord Macheath (Mack the Knife), her parents unleash a dizzying manhunt. Blackmail and bribery collide with moments of shock patriotism.
“Roxie Hart: The Musical”
Angelica Ross, a screen star and human rights advocate, made Broadway history as the first openly transgender actress to play Roxie Hart. She replaces Amy Spanger in the Tony Award winning musical.
The Pose and American Horror Story actress is playing an eight-week engagement until June 4. The production features seasoned veterans Wright as the delusional flapper who seduces the media and public with her sensational murder trial, and Logan Floyd as her rival vaudevillian Velma Kelly.
“The Wizard of Oz”
The classic 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film about Dorothy and her friends has become a symbol of women’s liberation. But it’s also a story about American society.
At first, the Wizard (Frank Morgan) won’t welcome them in — until they spruce up: a new wig for Dorothy and her friends, medals of courage for the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman and fresh straw stuffing for the Lion.
“Ain’t Misbehavin’”
Winner of the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical, this sizzling celebration of jazz legend Thomas “Fats” Waller evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy that made him an international star. Five dynamic performers present an evening of songs that encapsulate the moods of this exuberant, joyful time in Black history.
Front Porch Arts Collective co-founder Maurice Parent directs. Ain’t Misbehavin’ runs through May 29 at Central Square Theater.
“Hello Dolly!”
The 1964 musical was an instant hit starring Carol Channing. It is based on Thornton Wilder’s 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, which was revised and retitled The Matchmaker in 1955.
Jerry Herman’s energetic score and iconic songs include “Before the Parade Passes By,” “It Only Takes a Moment” and “Put on Your Sunday Clothes.” Pearl Bailey performed the role of Dolly Levi until the original Broadway run closed in 1970.
“The Book of Mormon”
The rollicking Broadway comedy satire of mismatched Mormon missionaries on their way to Uganda has been entertaining audiences and critics since 2011. The Book of Mormon features music and lyrics by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and music by Robert Lopez, whose work includes Avenue Q.
The show is directed by Tony nominee Casey Nicholaw and stars Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad, both of whom received Tony nominations for their work.
“Rent”
Broadway’s “most sensational new musical” (Time Out New York) catapults a young woman to fame, excess, and intoxicating power in Club Millennium, where the beat goes on. “A theatrical experience like no other” (Variety). Featuring music by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and DJ Fatboy Slim. Presented at the Neil Simon Theatre. Running time: 2 hours and 45 minutes. Tickets available now.
“Dear Evan Hansen”
The 2023 Tony winner centers on a high-school outsider with social anxiety. His therapist recommends that he write letters to himself about why each day will be good. But his letters fall into the hands of a bully, Connor.
Platt made his Broadway debut in the role, and has won critical raves for his vocal range and physically taxing open-wound performance. The show’s creators based it in part on their own experiences with grief.
“Hamilton”
This sung-through musical combines hip-hop, rap, R&B and traditional show tunes in a story about the Founding Father’s life. Its racially diverse cast has made it a global phenomenon.
Hamilton tells the story of America then, as told by Americans now. It features a dazzling cast led by Daveed Diggs, Leslie Odom Jr. and Jonathan Groff. Other roles include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.