Hey theater junkies.
If you’ve been waiting with baited breath about what shows are coming to Boston this year from Broadway, well, here’s the scoop (the stuff in quotes is my take):
A CHORUS LINE – Longest-running American Broadway musical ever!
September 11 – October 5, 2008
The Opera House
In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It’s what they’ve worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed— to have the chance to dance. This is A CHORUS LINE, the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards®, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. Now A CHORUS LINE returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s best. “A CHORUS LINE is back, and it’s thrilling!” - John Lahr, The New Yorker.
I think the was the second Broadway musical I ever saw. I loved it instantly, though it’s weird experience seeing it at 13 with your parents.
BRIGADOON - World Premiere pre-Broadway Engagement
October 14 – November 9, 2008
The Colonial Theatre
One of the most fabled musicals in all Broadway history comes to startling new life this fall at The Colonial Theatre. BRIGADOON. Tony Award®-winner Rob Ashford (Thoroughly Modern Millie) directs and choreographs this powerfully danced, boldly re-imagined production, which features a revised book by Tony Award®-winner John Guare (Six Degrees of Separation) and some of the best-loved songs ever written by the legendary team of Lerner & Loewe. Don’t miss this world premiere pre-Broadway engagement, as a land that comes to life every hundred years will now come alive like never before. Lose yourself in BRIGADOON - and you may just find the love of your life.
They brought in some amazing, hunky dancers from New York to for a sneak peak. Have to tell you, I was wowed.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL
October 28 – November 9, 2008
The Opera House
It’s here, and it’s “AN ELLE OF A SHOW” (TIME Magazine). The hilarious MGM film is Broadway’s new smash hit musical, and now LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is coming to you. LEGALLY BLONDE follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. After turning Broadway and MTV hot pink, this “Feel-Good Song and Dance Juggernaut” (New York Magazine) is “The Best New Musical Around!” (WOR).
I love this movie, and from the show clips I saw, it looked pretty faithful — and hysterical. I have high hopes.
Harry Connick Jr. in NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, a new Gershwin musical
World Premiere pre-Broadway engagement
December 16, 2008 – January 11, 2009
The Colonial Theatre
HARRY CONNICK JR. stars as a Long Island playboy in this new musical comedy filled with bootleggers, gold diggers and some of the greatest songs from the legendary Gershwin catalog. This world premiere pre-Broadway engagement is directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall and features a hilarious book by Joe DiPietro (”All Shook Up”).
I love Harry Connick Jr. While I didn’t get to see him in the “Pajama Game” this show reunites him with the same director, and it’s Gershwin.
FROST/NIXON starring Stacy Keach
January 27 – February 8, 2009
The Colonial Theatre
FROST/NIXON tackles the question: How did David Frost, a famous British talk-show host with a playboy reputation, elicit the apology that the rest of the world was waiting to hear from former President Richard Nixon? Award-winning actor Stacy Keach leads a cast of 10 in this fast-paced Tony Award-nominated new play which shows the determination, conviction and cunning of two men as they square off in one of the most monumental television interviews of all time. FROST/NIXON is written by Peter Morgan, writer of “The Queen,” “The Last King of Scotland,” “The Other Boleyn Girl” and HBO’s “Longford,” and directed by Olivier Award-winner Michael Grandage.
They didn’t show any clips of this, just footage from the actually Frost/Nixon interview which looked tense and uncomfortable. I think it has great potential, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
DIRTY DANCING –
February 7 – March 15, 2009
The Opera House
“That was the summer of 1963, when everybody called me Baby, and it didn’t occur to me to mind…”
A movie seen by millions, with an unforgettable soundtrack and a story which touched the heart of a generation is now a record-breaking stage show. It is DIRTY DANCING - The Classic Story On Stage. Exploding with heart-pounding music, pure dance energy and breathtaking emotion, this timeless story of first love is a must-see for Dirty Dancing fans and newcomers alike. This hugely anticipated show features the hit songs from the best-selling movie soundtrack including; “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life,” “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby” and “Do You Love Me?” Experience all the excitement and romance as never before with brand new scenes written especially for the stage. Now with more Baby and Johnny, more sensational dancing and even more classic songs. – you’re sure to have “the time of your life!”
I loved this movie when I was a little girl. But as a fan who’s had her memories of it marred by both a substandard TV show and a “Havana Nights” fiasco, I have very low expectations of this show. However, they brought in two actor/dancers and a pair of singers to perform and they were both pretty great. (A reliable source also tells me the show is breaking box office records all over the place, which is another good sign.) But does anyone remember what happened with Footloose? What a nightmare!
A BRONX TALE starring Chazz Palminteri
March 31 – April 11, 2009
The Colonial Theatre
Academy Award-nominated actor returns to the stage in an unforgettable performance fresh from a successful run on Broadway, where it was praised by the critics and adored by the public. In A BRONX TALE, the celebrated play on which he based the legendary movie, Palminteri vividly depicts a young boy’s rough childhood in the 1960s-era Bronx and the unforgettable people he encountered. A classic coming-of-age story about reaching your true potential and trusting your heart, A BRONX TALE is directed by four-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks.
The person I was sitting with quipped that this looks like a Methuen tale. As a Methuenite, I was not offended. I do have a soft-spot for all plays involving the Italian experience. But I have only lukewarm interest in this one.
SPRING AWAKENING – Winner of 8 Tony Awards in 2007
April 28 – May 24, 2009
The Colonial Theatre
Broadway’s most talked about new musical is now the biggest Tony Award Winner in years. SPRING AWAKENING is the groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that has awakened Broadway like no other musical in years. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, SPRING AWAKENING celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy and a passion you will never forget. We agree with the NY Times “Broadway may never be the same again!” SPRING AWAKENING is a powerful coming of age story which deals with mature themes, sexual situations and contains strong language. Audiences and families are encouraged to learn more about this dynamic new production that is taking Broadway by storm and are welcome to visit http://www.springawakening.com. A Parent’s Guide for SPRING AWAKENING is available to help you determine whether SPRING AWAKENING is appropriate for your teenager at http://parents.springawakening.com/.
This show is supposed to be the best thing since ‘Rent.’ That is a pretty tall order for a musical based on something written in German in the late 19th century. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
SEASON TICKET INFORMATION:
Series Tickets are now on sale for the (6) show series that includes: Harry Connick in NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT: A NEW GERSHWIN MUSICAL, BRIGADOON, DIRTY DANCING – The Classic Story On Stage, LEGALLY BLONDE, SPRING AWAKENING and A CHORUS LINE. To order Season Tickets call 866-523-7469 or visit broadwayacrossamerica.com. Season specials include: A BRONX TALE and FROST/NIXON and are only available currently with the purchase of Season Tickets.
GROUP SALES INFORMATION:
For information on Group Sales please call 866-633-0194.
