Catching a Broadway show is a definitive activity for anyone visiting the Big Apple, and this Spring, tourists will be delighted to know that a whole new crop of shows is making its way to Broadway. NYCtourist.com has compiled a list of the must-see shows of the new season.
Fun for the whole family - Matilda
Matilda the Musical is about to make its way across the pond for the first time, and this whimsical and imaginative show is certain to appeal to kids and parents alike. The children’s book by Roald Dahl, as well as the film adaptation, are about an extraordinary little girl and have made an impact on children who feel a little bit different for generations. The musical adaptation is already a massive hit with British audiences and critics, and it premieres on Broadway with the hopes of not only matching but surpassing that popularity.The song and dance numbers will add a new dimension to the already familiar story that explores themes of friendship and the triumph over adversity.
Celebrity Sightings - Lucky Guy and I’ll Eat You Last
Fancy spending an evening up close and personal with a celebrity? No, you don’t have to win a contest. Instead check out Lucky Guy at the Broadhurst, which stars Tom Hanks in his first Broadway appearance. This final play by the late Nora Ephron is a study of controversial New York Post journalist Mike McAlary and is set during 1980’s New York City which was rife with scandal, and offers audience members a chance to witness the two-time Oscar winner’s acting chops in person. Also premiering this Spring is I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers, which is a one-woman show starring Bette Middler. The actress and singer will mark her return to Broadway by portraying Sue Mengers, the notorious Hollywood super-agent whose influence extended to every corner of Tinseltown in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Gritty Musicals -Kinky Boots
Musicals are usually a form of escapism, and deeming that a show is a “realistic musical” might seem a bit oxymoronic. However, following the success of Once, a few new Broadway shows are appearing that can best be described as gritty with real-world themes. One such musical that explores the themes of financial woes and the decline of a family business is Kinky Boots. This show was created by Harvey Fierstein, and the peppy tunes were dreamed up by 80’s pop-star Cyndi Lauper.
Highly Anticipated - Motown and Breakfast at Tiffany’s
One of the most highly anticipated new Broadway shows is Motown - The Musical. It takes a look back at the storied hit factory, when such artists as Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and even Michael Jackson were being jettisoned to superstardom by the label founder, Berry Gordy. The music will include some of the most beloved hits of the 20th century, and Berry Gordy himself is sharing his first-hand knowledge as part of the creative team. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is finally coming to Broadway as a play, and it will be a more somber take on the Truman Capote novella than the classic movie starring Audrey Hepburn. Socialite Holly Golightly and struggling writer Fred will be depicted in 1940’s New York in more bracing and realistic fashion, but will still manage to charm audiences with their charisma and elegance.
