New York Theatre Summer/Fall 2008
Top Plays and Best Musicals On and Off Broadway in NYC This Season
Here are some suggestions for Adventurous Theatre in New York.
Notice not all the plays are new works. Some are classics and some are new classics: very bold, very brave. For theatre should be something that moves us and transforms us profoundly, staying with us as part of the human condition.
Here are the first three of Suite’s Top Ten Suggestions.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at The Broadhurst Theatre to June 22
This Tennessee Williams classic has a powerhouse African American cast who bring this classic American drama into a dazzling new dimension. Though Williams’ play takes place in the '50s, it’s the conflict of the characters, the richness of Williams’ text, and the fact that all humans have vices, all hearts want what they want, that’s timeless. Stars Terrence Howard, (Brick) Anika Noni Rose,(Maggie the Cat) Phylicia Rashad (Big Mama) and James Earl Jones as Big Daddy. Directed by Debbie Allen.
How Theater Failed America at The Barrow Street Theatre to June 22
Master storyteller Mike Daisey boldly goes where no “monologist” has gone before, exploring the Eco System or more aptly named Ego System of American theatre. Daisey skillfully seasons his no holds barred, one man show with a series of antidotes – his own raison d’etre for entering the world of theatre. For those who love theatre, for those who work in the theatre, and for audiences who are still trying to figure out what the hell theatre is or should really be, check this out. If theatre truly is discourse, you’ll be talking about this show long after the curtain falls.
Spring Awakening at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre
Frank Wedekind’s play is a musical? You’ve got to be effing kidding me. Nope. Not only that, but this once-banned coming-of-age vehicle which premiered in 2006 won many a Tony and is still getting rave reviews.
Yup – it's the same playwright who wrote the gut wrenching Lulu. Spring Awakening is a pulsing modern musical set in 1891 Germany, that some have compared to Dead Poet’s Society meets The Who’s Tommy for its teen angst/rock-and-roll flair. Scrubs star Zack Braff has even raved about it on his own website!
And students – listen up yo! There’s a discount price for rush tickets so your hormones can rage on along with the cast. Canadian musician Kyle Riabko (Instant Star) replaces former Melchior (Jonathan Groff ) in his Broadway debut. Watch for a national tour of Spring Awakening including Toronto’s Canon Theatre and a U.K premiere in 2009.
Part Two of Stage and the City – More NY shows that will stay with you long after the applause has died.
