The first month of 2016 has been a busy month for Broadway fans all across the country. Openings, closings, new cast additions and exciting announcements have rendered theater fans everywhere eager for more. Here are six things that Broadway fans can't wait for.
1. "Grease: Live!"
With NBC's revolutionary invention of airing live musicals such as Peter Pan or, most recently, The Wiz, FOX has decided to do a little toe-tapping of their own. Grease: Live! is one of the most highly anticipated live television musicals, starring actors favored by both Broadway and TV fans, such as Aaron Tveit, Julianne Hough, Vanessa Hudgens, Carly Rae Jepsen and Keke Palmer. It's been reported that this version of the beloved boy-meets-girl tale will be a very special one, combining elements from both the 1978 film and the original 1971 musical. It airs on January 31 at 7:00 P.M. on FOX.
2. Waitress
Starring Tony winner and Beautiful star Jessie Mueller, Waitress is one of the most anticipated musicals of 2016. Broadway fans are ready to open their heart to Jenna, a waitress and master pie-maker who is stuck in her small town and an emotionally disappointing marriage. With Jenna's sweet story about finding courage and Sara Bareilles' infectious music and lyrics, this is sure to be a hit when previews start on March 25th at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
3. Tony Yazbeck
On the Town alum and Tony nominee Tony Yazbeck took over Matthew Morrison's role of J.M. Barrie in Finding Neverland on January 26th. Barrie was the creator of the beloved character and story of Peter Pan and this fun, poignant musical takes a look at the inspiration behind it all. While Matt Morrison was wonderful in the role, we're excited to see Yazbeck take it on.
4. Hamilton documentary
Fans who are "ham for Ham" rejoiced earlier this month when PBS announced they would be releasing a documentary about the new hit musical Hamilton later this fall. Filmmakers have been following the biographical, hip-hop production's creative process since 2013, two years before its Broadway debut. Needless to say, fans are excited to "be in the room where it happens" and find out more about the "ten dollar founding father without a father" and the musical which transformed him into a pop icon.
5. 2017 tours announced
Staying on the topic of Hamilton, it was also announced that the show will be hitting the road for a national 2017 tour. In addition, Deaf West's Spring Awakening, which recently closed on January 24, will also be taking their beloved production on a national tour in 2017. Fans across the country are undoubtedly excited to be able to see their favorite shows through a medium other than a YouTube video.
6. Tony nominations
Although Tony nominations are set to be announced on April 29, live from the Big Apple, the Hollywood awards season has Broadway fans anxious to hear which of their favorite shows are up for the prestigious award. The 70th Annual Tony Awards air on June 12 on CBS.
It is truly an exciting time to be a theater fan!
