New York City, aka the Big Apple, is a city most commonly know for its attractions. Such as The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grand Central Station, Central Park, etc. However it's also know for being the home for modern theatre. From Roger & Hammerstein to Andrew Lloyd Webber to Disney, almost everyone can probably name one musical that they've heard of or seen. With the Tony's coming up though, here's a countdown of must-see shows this season.
10. "A Bronx Tale"
Mirroring the gritty setting and finger-clicking music of fellow Big Apple musical Jersey Boys, "A Bronx Tale" takes place in the early 1960s, and follows the fortunes of a local Bronx kid who is drawn into the world of organized crime, much to the horror of his bus driver father. The story is based on actor Chazz Palminteri's one man show, which De Niro previously adapted for the big screen in 1993.
Why Should You See It?
If you like Jersey Boys or a show that depicts the 1960s, this show is for you. From the costumes to the music and story line to the set, there's always something that'll catch your eye with this musical. You can watch a sneak peak on YouTube.
9. "Miss Saigon"
Set in the final days of the Vietnam War, Miss Saigon charts the burgeoning romance of an American GI, Chris, and a vulnerable local girl, Kim, who works in a steamy Saigon go-go bar. From the moment they meet, Chris is immediately drawn to her, determined to protect her from the horror surrounding them.
After spending the night together, Chris and Kim realize they cannot ignore how strongly they both feel and pledge their love to each other. However, not even their love is enough to keep the Vietnam War at bay forever, and when Saigon falls, Chris is forced to flee the country. Kim awaits Chris' return for years - but he has since found a new wife back in America. Will Chris return to Kim, or abandon the life they created to the mercy of the Vietcong?
Why Should You See It?
This a beautiful that was revived on Broadway recently. Not only will you fall in love with the characters, but you will be amazed with the helicopter scene.
8. "Come From Away"
On September 11th 2001, as the full horror of the terror attacks became apparent, the US closed its airspace, grounding thousands of passenger jets. 38 of them were forced to land in Gander, a remote Newfoundland town with a population of just 9000 people.
Come From Away focuses on a set of passengers from one plane and the Gander residents who welcomed them into their homes. Among this diverse set of characters is American Airlines' first female pilot, a gay couple both called Colin, and an Egyptian chef, whose initial apprehensions about the reception he will receive proves unfounded. Weaving together all of their storylines, the show creates an affirming portrait of human connection in the most trying of circumstances.
Why Should You See It?
It's a very powerful show, that you don't want to miss.
7. "Hello, Dolly!"
In 1880's Yonkers a rich and cantankerous widower by the name of Horace Vandergelder is on the lookout for a wife. To help him on his quest he engages the services of professional matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi, but little does he know that Dolly has his perfect match in mind from their very first meeting - herself! Now all she has to do is make Horace realize it as well!
Why Should You See It?
It's such a beautiful show, especially if you love older Broadway show. Like Miss Saigon, this show is being revived. Also, the talented Bette Middler will be playing the talented Dolly Levi.
6. "Cats"
Once a year, a local tribe of street cats, all with their own distinct names and personalities, come together for the legendary "Jellicle Ball". Here they entertain each other, tell stories, and listen to wisdom given by their elderly and respected leader, Old Deuteronomy.
Halfway through, their gathering is interrupted by the tattered and torn Grizabella. Repulsed by her sorry state, the Jellicle Cats shun her and chase her off, despite the pleas of Old Deuteronomy to show compassion. But what happens when their beloved leader is catnapped by the dastardly master-cat of crime, MacAvity (think a feline version of Moriarty!)? Will the Jellicle cats be able to save him? And WHO is the mysterious Mr. Mistoffelees?
Why Should You See It?
If you're someone who loves dance numbers, this will be right up your alley. There are so many elaborate dances as well as beautiful songs to go with it. Don't worry if your allergic to felines because no cat hair was used for this production.
5. "Waitress"
Suffocated by both the small Southern town where she lives, and her controlling husband Earl, Jenna longs for escape. Her only solace comes from working in the local diner, where she can practice her passion for baking. Jenna's crumbly pastries and crinkly crusts are renowned the town over, and by a stroke of luck, they might just offer her an escape route! A pie-making contest is announced in a nearby town, with a potentially life-changing cash prize for first place. Jenna realizes this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity and is determined to grab it with both hands!
Why Should You See It?
Once you hear the music, you will not want to turn it off. It is phenomenal and contains a powerful storyline.
4. "Bandstand"
Donny Novitski is back from the war and unsure what the future holds. His nights are restless, with visions of the battlefield running through his mind, but perhaps music holds the key to his recovery. A once promising jazz musician, Danny's interest is peaked by a national song competition on the radio, with the winning band bagging an appearance in an MGM movie! Donny sets about putting together a band of fellow veterans, determined that their terrible past experiences shouldn't hold them back from claiming a better future.
With the band improving, Donny's luck seems to have hit an even bigger break when he finds the beautiful and talented widow Julia to be their singer. A romance begins to blossom between the two, yet the band are heading into choppy waters. Their collective pasts can't be so easily forgotten, and the tension caused by all their underlying mental stresses is threatening to break the band apart. As the competition looms closer, they must rediscover their unity if they stand a shot at glory.
Why Should You See It?
You do NOT want to miss the talented Laura Osnes or Corey Cott perform this marvelous show. From watching swing dancing to hearing 1940s inspired music, you will want to join the cast.
3. "Kinky Boots"
Charlie Price has just moved into his new London flat when he gets the tragic news of his father's passing. Hurrying back home to the industrial city of Northampton, he's shocked to discover that he's inherited his father's ailing shoe factory, Price & Son. Near the point of bankruptcy, Price & Son's hard-wearing but not too stylish brand of footwear is going out of fashion fast, and the inexperienced Charlie is initially at a loss as to how to turn the company round. That is until he has a chance encounter with the whip-smart drag queen Lola, who is sporting a very fetching pair of high heels...
Under Lola's guidance, Charlie puts a new business plan into action. From now on, Price & Son will make custom women's shoes for men! It's a crazy plan, but it might just work...
Why Should You See It?
Now although it came out in 2013, Kinky Boots is a one of a kind show. No matter who or what you are, you are completely welcomed. There's no judgment, so you can watch the show and not be worried.
2. "Dear Evan Hansen"
With Ben Platt set to reprise his role for the Broadway transfer, Dear Evan Hansen is a cautionary tale about how a lie can spread across a community before the truth even has its running shoes on. The Evan of the story is an anxiety-ridden high school misfit who is desperate for any form of recognition from his peers. So much so, that when his classmate commits suicide after suffering depression, a mysterious suicide note appears in the weeks after, seemingly addressed to Evan.
Now infamous by association with the dead teen, Evan finally gains the spotlight that he craves. However, with a traumatized local community, not to mention his family, starts begging Evan for more clues about Connor's state of mind, Evan's world starts to unravel with frightening speed. With Connor's parents and sister Zoe (who just happens to be Evan's crush) finding solace in the note, it isn't long before the powers of social media start to question its validity, and Evan's own motives
Why Should You See It?
This show has one of the strongest messages that this society needs. It is beyond amazing, and you'd want to go back again and again. Though it is emotional, you'll leave the theater knowing that you're not alone.
1. "Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812"
Moscow glitters in the winter of 1812 as the decadence of the salons and opera houses continue to captivate the upper classes. War will soon be upon them, but the only battles to be fought for now are those of the heart. Into this twinkling chandelier paradise comes Natasha (Denee Benton), young, beautiful, engaged. Charged with spending the season with her Godmother, she and her cousin Sonya find the city to be most diverting and it is not long until Natasha is noticed by Anatole, roguish, handsome and very married. He steals her heart, taking her mind very far from her soldier fiance Andrey.
With a scandal on the horizon, Pierre (Groban), a wealthy young man on the verge of existential crisis, is drafted in by the Godmother to put a stop to any dishonor and save Natasha from social ruin. Without ever meeting the girl he sets out to help smooth things over, hoping to find himself a little bit of meaning on the way...
Why Should You See It?
This musical is absolutely magical! Every single cast member is enormously talented. The production will blow away- the choreography is brilliant, and the talent in the musical is among the some of the finest recently seen theatre productions. It's a magnificent display of Broadway and theater at its finest. You don't want to miss it!
So from shows that are historical to ones that touch with classic Broadway, there are so many you can choose from. Not to mention, these are only a few of the musicals in today's season. There's many more as well as the plays.
