Some of the current listings on Broadway...
"Cry-Baby" is a musical version of the John Waters film based in the 1950s. John Waters is also responsible for the movie-turned musical-turned musical movie hit, "Hairspray." I haven't gotten the chance to see this one yet.
"Hairspray", "Lion King", "The Little Mermaid" (just opened in January), "Chicago", "Phantom of the Opera", "Mary Poppins", and "Wicked" are all still on Broadway. I've seen all of the above.
"Jersey Boys" and "Mamma Mia" are both "juke box" musicals - they take catalogs of older musical acts and turn it into a play. Both are highly entertaining.
"Spamalot" is good if you like the Monty Python movie, you'll like this musical take. I happened to think it was hilarious.
"Xanadu" is the musical version of the 1980s cult classic film of the same title. I thought it was entertaining; some of my friends think this is one of the best plays ever.
"Spring Awakening" won the Tony Award for best musical last year. It is a wonderful musical...but it deals with things like teenage sex, incest, rape. Not exactly lighthearted, but the music is amazing.
"Rent" is closing soon - now in September (originally slated for June). I've seen it a million and one times, and I must say, the production has lost its luster as of the recent years. But, if you've never seen it and love the music, seeing the play on broadway is basically considered a requirement.
"Legally Blonde" is also playing. It's not my cup of tea, but a lot of people do enjoy the ever-so-perky play.
"Gypsy" - I have not seen this yet, but Patti LuPone is supposed to be AMAZING in it. I have heard nothing but raves about this musical.
"Avenue Q" is similar to Spring Awakening, in the fact that it deals with taboo topics (porn, racism, and sexuality). Instead of being dark though, it's rather perky and funny. But again, not for everyone.
"South Pacific" is also making its first Broadway revival run soon...I know lots and lots of people are excited about this.
As for plays, if musicals are not your cup of tea...
"August: Osage County" is largely considered in Manhattan theatre circles, to be one of the greatest American plays in the last 30 years. It is a long production (about 3 hours, with two intermissions), but it is a truly remarkable play.
"Les Liasions Dangereuse" will be opening shortly, starring the absolutely amazing Laura Linney. For the Laura Linney factor alone, I am thrilled about seeing this.
"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is starring James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad (one of my own personal favorite Broadway actresses), Anika Noni Rose (a rising Broadway star), and Terrence Howard. I haven't gotten the opportunity to see this yet, but the play (and the movie version starring Elizabeth Taylor) are among my favorites.
"Macbeth" stars Patrick Stewart, and was a HUGE hit in Brooklyn earlier this year before making its Broadway run. I totally missed out on tickets during the first run, and have tickets soon to go see the Broadway version.
"Cry-Baby" is a musical version of the John Waters film based in the 1950s. John Waters is also responsible for the movie-turned musical-turned musical movie hit, "Hairspray." I haven't gotten the chance to see this one yet.
"Hairspray", "Lion King", "The Little Mermaid" (just opened in January), "Chicago", "Phantom of the Opera", "Mary Poppins", and "Wicked" are all still on Broadway. I've seen all of the above.
"Jersey Boys" and "Mamma Mia" are both "juke box" musicals - they take catalogs of older musical acts and turn it into a play. Both are highly entertaining.
"Spamalot" is good if you like the Monty Python movie, you'll like this musical take. I happened to think it was hilarious.
"Xanadu" is the musical version of the 1980s cult classic film of the same title. I thought it was entertaining; some of my friends think this is one of the best plays ever.
"Spring Awakening" won the Tony Award for best musical last year. It is a wonderful musical...but it deals with things like teenage sex, incest, rape. Not exactly lighthearted, but the music is amazing.
"Rent" is closing soon - now in September (originally slated for June). I've seen it a million and one times, and I must say, the production has lost its luster as of the recent years. But, if you've never seen it and love the music, seeing the play on broadway is basically considered a requirement.
"Legally Blonde" is also playing. It's not my cup of tea, but a lot of people do enjoy the ever-so-perky play.
"Gypsy" - I have not seen this yet, but Patti LuPone is supposed to be AMAZING in it. I have heard nothing but raves about this musical.
"Avenue Q" is similar to Spring Awakening, in the fact that it deals with taboo topics (porn, racism, and sexuality). Instead of being dark though, it's rather perky and funny. But again, not for everyone.
"South Pacific" is also making its first Broadway revival run soon...I know lots and lots of people are excited about this.
As for plays, if musicals are not your cup of tea...
"August: Osage County" is largely considered in Manhattan theatre circles, to be one of the greatest American plays in the last 30 years. It is a long production (about 3 hours, with two intermissions), but it is a truly remarkable play.
"Les Liasions Dangereuse" will be opening shortly, starring the absolutely amazing Laura Linney. For the Laura Linney factor alone, I am thrilled about seeing this.
"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is starring James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad (one of my own personal favorite Broadway actresses), Anika Noni Rose (a rising Broadway star), and Terrence Howard. I haven't gotten the opportunity to see this yet, but the play (and the movie version starring Elizabeth Taylor) are among my favorites.
"Macbeth" stars Patrick Stewart, and was a HUGE hit in Brooklyn earlier this year before making its Broadway run. I totally missed out on tickets during the first run, and have tickets soon to go see the Broadway version.