Broadway

It's a hit! Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's [*Merrily We Roll Along*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27417-merrily-we-roll-along-tickets) may have gotten off to a rocky start, but in the years since its ill-fated premiere in 1981, the show has become a bonafide classic that's celebrated for its gorgeous score and timeless themes of friendship and hope — and how money and fame can derail them.

In 2012, director Maria Friedman revived *Merrily We Roll Along* in London, reinventing the musical into a smashing success. Her production made its NYC debut in 2022 to sold-out crowds and now, it's transferring to Broadway with stars Jonathan Groff, [Daniel Radcliffe](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/daniel-radcliffe), and Lindsay Mendez.

Not a day goes by that we're not anticipating this revival — *Merrily*'s first on Broadway — going up this September. Learn more about the show's history of productions, transformations, and celebrity stars below, then grab your old friends and roll up to the Hudson Theatre.

[Check back for information on *Merrily We Roll Along* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27417-merrily-we-roll-along-tickets)

## What is *Merrily We Roll Along* about?

*Merrily We Roll Along* is set in the showbiz world of the 1950s to 1970s, centering on three friends: composer Frank Shepard, lyricist/playwright Charley Kringas, and theatre critic Mary Flynn. The show follows the disintegration of the trio's bond over 20 years, from when they meet as young, aspiring artists to when Frank has left theatre — and his friends — behind for a swanky life as a Hollywood producer.

*Merrily We Roll Along* tells this story in reverse chronological order, starting in 1976 and going back in time to 1957.

## Where is *Merrily We Roll Along* playing?

*Merrily We Roll Along* plays the [Hudson Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/hudson-theatre), located at 141 W 44th St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. The Hudson is simultaneously Broadway's oldest and newest theatre: The building first opened in 1903, but it was later used for non-Broadway purposes before being shut down and completely renovated. The Hudson as a Broadway theatre in 2017.

The Hudson has become a hub for celebrity-led, limited-run shows. Recent tenants include [*A Doll's House*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26989-a-dolls-house-tickets) starring Jessica Chastain and *Plaza Suite* starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick.

## How long is *Merrily We Roll Along*?

*Merrily We Roll Along* on Broadway runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission. This is a typical Broadway musical length; they run between 2 and 3 hours on average.

![1 merrily-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/7y643sHdMBwFglBOiM0Qve/425cdf1c53b187c6c8de9cbcea2e5788/1_merrily-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## What days is *Merrily We Roll Along* playing?

*Merrily We Roll Along* plays eight performances a week. For the most up-to-date weekly performance schedule, visit the [*Merrily We Roll Along* page](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27417-merrily-we-roll-along-tickets).

## When did *Merrily We Roll Along* premiere?

*Merrily We Roll Along* premiered directly on Broadway in 1981. That production didn't last long, but it was clear the creative team had a good thing going — the show just needed some adjusting. Discover a timeline of *Merrily We Roll Along*'s development below, up to its latest iteration.

- 1981: *Merrily We Roll Along* premieres on Broadway. Sondheim received praise for his score, but the show overall got negative reviews and closed after only 68 performances.
- 1983: *Merrily We Roll Along* premieres in the U.K. at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama. A year later, Manchester's Library Theatre Company put on the first professional U.K. production of the show.
- 1994: *Merrily We Roll Along* returns to New York, this time in an Off-Broadway revival directed by Susan H. Schulman. With Furth and Sondheim's blessing, Schulman streamlined the show, and this production's version of the plot is most commonly performed today.
- 2012: Maria Friedman directs a revival of *Merrily We Roll Along* in London. Her production received widespread critical acclaim, winning multiple awards. The show transferred to the West End and was filmed for cinemas a year later.
- 2022: Friedman directs an Off-Broadway revival of *Merrily We Roll Along* at [New York Theatre Workshop](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/new-york-theatre-workshop), based on her 2012 staging. It, too, receives widespread praise and buzz for its celebrity leads: Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez.
- 2023: Friedman's *Merrily We Roll Along* production transfers to Broadway's Hudson Theatre for a limited engagement beginning in September. The full principal cast from the 2022 production transfers, including Groff, Radcliffe, Mendez, Katie Rose Clarke (as Beth), Krystal Joy Brown (as Gussie), and Reg Rogers (as Joe).

## Who wrote *Merrily We Roll Along*?

The *Merrily We Roll Along* musical is based on a play of the same name written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The pair wrote multiple shows together, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning *You Can't Take It with You*.

George Furth adapted Kaufman and Hart's *Merrily We Roll Along* script into the musical's book, and Stephen Sondheim wrote music and lyrics. The duo also collaborated on the musical *Company*.

Sondheim, one of the most celebrated modern theatre composers, is known for composing multiple other celebrated musicals, including [*Sweeney Todd*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26216-sweeney-todd-on-broadway-tickets), *Sunday in the Park With George*, and *Into the Woods*.

![2 merrily-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3KociTscJG67KVh7xspF86/14d6fcd402ea6525a9628fabaa5a8cfb/2_merrily-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## *Merrily We Roll Along* characters

*Merrily We Roll Along* features a large ensemble, but only a handful of principal characters, all of whom are in showbiz. Learn more about the main characters of *Merrily We Roll Along* below.

- Franklin Shepard: A composer-turned-film producer. As he trades theatrical writing for Hollywood, he becomes elitist and loses his friends' respect. 
- Charley Kringas: A playwright and lyricist, and Frank's former writing partner. He dislikes Frank's commercial ambitions, preferring to write for art's sake.
- Mary Flynn: A wannabe novelist-turned-theatre critic. She meets Charley and Frank in their shared apartment building, but she sinks into alcoholism as her career flails and her love for Frank remains unrequited.
- Gussie Carnegie: A Broadway star and Frank's second wife. She seduces Frank while both are still married, and she introduces him to the glamorous world of fame.
- Beth Spencer: Frank's first wife, who he meets and marries young. She is a fellow performer and a part of Frank, Charley, and Mary's friend group before divorcing Frank.
- Joe Josephson: A Broadway producer and Gussie's first husband, who has a hard fall from grace — and wealth — after they split.

## *Merrily We Roll Along* songs

*Merrily We Roll Along* features one of Sondheim's most inventive scores, which includes beloved tunes like "Not a Day Goes By" and "Good Thing Going." As the show is told backwards, reprises of songs appear before their "originals," and repeated melodies surface throughout the show.

### Act 1

- Overture – Orchestra
- "Merrily We Roll Along" – Company
- "That Frank" – Franklin, Mary and Guests
- "First Transition" – Company
- "Old Friends" (Part I) – Mary and Charley
- "Like It Was" – Mary
- "Franklin Shepard, Inc." – Charley
- "Second Transition" – Company
- "Old Friends" (Part II) – Mary, Franklin, and Charley
- "Growing Up" – Franklin and Gussie
- "Third Transition" – Company
- "Not a Day Goes By" – Beth
- "Now You Know" – Mary and Company

### Act 2

- Entr'acte – Orchestra
- "Act Two Opening" – Gussie
- "It's a Hit" – Franklin, Charley, Mary, Joe, and Beth
- "Fourth Transition" – Company
- "The Blob" – Gussie and Company
- "Growing Up" (Part II) – Gussie
- "Good Thing Going" – Charley
- "The Blob" (Part II) – Company
- "Fifth Transition" – Company
- "Bobby and Jackie and Jack" – Charley, Beth, Franklin, and Pianist
- "Not a Day Goes By" (Reprise) – Beth, Franklin, and Mary
- "Sixth Transition" – Company
- "Opening Doors" – Franklin, Charley, Mary, Joe, and Beth
- "Seventh Transition" – Franklin Shepard Jr., Beth, and Mrs. Spencer
- "Our Time" – Franklin, Charley, Mary, and Company

![merrily-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2yx1aOJvSZ9vUyqiJlWT9o/e83a938e1cb175d24463211470423e21/merrily-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## What awards has *Merrily We Roll Along* won?

Even though *Merrily We Roll Along* was famously a flop upon its premiere, the show has earned numerous honors and nominations. Learn about the major awards *Merrily We Roll Along*'s productions have won.

- Tony Awards: Sondheim received a 1982 Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score. Whether the 2023 revival will earn nominations of its own has yet to be seen until spring 2024.
- Drama Desk Awards: The original *Merrily* Broadway production won Sondheim the award for Outstanding Lyrics and a nomination for Outstanding Music.
- Olivier Awards: *Merrily We Roll Along* was a much quicker hit across the pond. The 2001 premiere production won the Olivier for Best New Musical along with two acting awards, and the 2013 revival won Best Musical Revival.
- Evening Standard Theatre Award: The 2013 London revival won Best Musical at this ceremony.

## Celebrities who have starred in *Merrily We Roll Along*

The Broadway revival of *Merrily We Roll Along* is star-studded, and past productions have also featured big names in the leading roles. Learn more about the celebrity casts of *Merrily We Roll Along* on stage and screen.

- [Daniel Radcliffe](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/daniel-radcliffe): Radcliffe played Charley Kringas off Broadway in 2022 and reprises the role for the 2023 Broadway transfer. Radcliffe is best known for playing the title role in the *Harry Potter* series and has since played a diverse array of roles on stage and screen.
- Jonathan Groff: Groff plays Frank Shepard in *Merrily We Roll Along* opposite Radcliffe and Mendez. His best-known credits include *Glee* on screen and *Hamilton* and *Spring Awakening* on Broadway.
- Lindsay Mendez: Mendez rounds out the 2022-23 trio of *Merrily* stars as Mary Flynn. She is a Tony Award winner for playing Carrie Pipperidge in the 2018 revival of *Carousel*. 
- Jason Alexander: Alexander is best known for playing George Costanza on *Seinfeld*, but he's also a stage veteran who made his Broadway debut as Joe Josephson in the 1981 premiere production of *Merrily We Roll Along*.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Pulitzer-, Tony-, Grammy-, and Emmy-winning creator of *Hamilton* played Charley Kringas in the 2012 Encores! production of *Merrily We Roll Along*.
- [Victor Garber](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/victor-garber): Stage and screen star Garber starred as Frank in a 1990 production of the musical in D.C.
- Paul Mescal: Mescal will play Frank in the upcoming film adaptation of *Merrily We Roll Along*. He is known for his Emmy-nominated performance in the TV series *Normal People*.
- [Ben Platt](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/ben-platt): Platt, the Tony Award-winning star of *Dear Evan Hansen* and the 2023 Broadway revival of *Parade*, will play Charley in the *Merrily* movie.
- [Beanie Feldstein](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/beanie-feldstein): Feldstein will play Mary in the *Merrily* film. She is known for her film appearances in *Lady Bird*, *Booksmart*, and *Neighbors 2*, and for originating the role of Fanny Brice in the first Broadway revival of *Funny Girl*.

## Screen adaptations of *Merrily We Roll Along*

A film adaptation of *Merrily We Roll Along* is in the works, starring Paul Mescal as Frank, [Ben Platt](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/ben-platt) as Charley Kringas, and [Beanie Feldstein](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/beanie-feldstein) as Mary Flynn. Director Richard Linklater is filming the movie in real time over the course of 20 years, so the actors will actually age with their characters.

![3 merrily-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/6SQgChRVdeSLZnnjjwvw5Z/9ae0d0fe81d4394845463ba6849ebdcc/3_merrily-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## Major productions of *Merrily We Roll Along*

Through the years, *Merrily We Roll Along* has received various remounts since its 1981 premiere. As tweaks have been made, the show has morphed from a flop into a beloved classic. Learn more about *Merrily We Roll Along*'s production history below.

- 1981 Broadway premiere: The premiere production of *Merrily We Roll Along* featured a cast of teenage and young adult actors, who played the characters at all ages. This was director Harold Prince's idea, and though it didn't pay off commercially, the show kickstarted the careers of performers like Jason Alexander and Tonya Pinkins.
- 1983 U.K. premiere: The first U.K. production of *Merrily We Roll Along* was actually a college production at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Its professional U.K. premiere took place a year later.
- 1985 La Jolla production: James Lapine, who co-wrote multiple musicals with Sondheim, directed this production starring Chip Zien, Marin Mazzie, and John Rubinstein. Sondheim added in the song "Growing Up" for this production, and it's now one of the show's best-known tunes.
- 1994 Off-Broadway premiere: Susan H. Schulman's production of *Merrily* went up with [York Theatre Company](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/york-theatre-company). She streamlined the show's plot into the version that's most widely used today.
- 2002 reunion concert: The original *Merrily* Broadway cast reunited for one night only to perform a concert version of the show. Sondheim and Prince also attended.
- 2012 London revival: Actress/director Maria Friedman first staged *Merrily We Roll Along* in 2012 at London's Menier Chocolate Factory. Her production later transferred to the West End and is the basis for this year's New York staging.
- 2012 Encores! production: New York City Center's Encores! program, which presents limited runs of seldom revived musicals, included *Merrily We Roll Along* in its 2012 season. Colin Donnell, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Celia Keenan-Bolger starred.
- 2022 Off-Broadway revival: Friedman took her celebrated *Merrily* production stateside, bringing it to New York Theatre Workshop at the end of 2022. The show received instant buzz for its trio of stars — Daniel Radcliffe, Lindsay Mendez, and Jonathan Groff — and critical acclaim to boot.
- 2023 Broadway revival: Friedman's production, with Radcliffe, Groff, and Mendez in tow, is the first Broadway revival of *Merrily We Roll Along*. The show plays the Hudson Theatre for 18 weeks only.

## Fun facts about *Merrily We Roll Along*

Be even more prepared to roll up to this production with these additional fun facts about *Merrily We Roll Along*.

- The characters in the original *Merrily We Roll Along* play had different names. Richard Niles became Frank, Jonathan Crale became Charley, and Julia Glenn became Mary. Their jobs also changed: Richard was a playwright, Jonathan a painter, and Mary an author.
- Sondheim, Furth, and *Merrily*'s original director, Hal Prince, also all worked together on the Broadway premiere of *Company*.
- Director Maria Friedman played Mary in a 1992 London production of *Merrily* before going on to stage the musical herself.

## How to get *Merrily We Roll Along* tickets

*Merrily We Roll Along* doesn't roll along often. Don't miss this rare chance to see this Sondheim classic – and to see Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez sharing the Broadway stage. Their characters' friendship might worsen with time, but *Merrily We Roll Along* has only gotten better.

[Check back for information on *Merrily We Roll Along* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27417-merrily-we-roll-along-tickets)

*Photo credit: Merrily We Roll Along at New York Theatre Workshop. (Photos by Joan Marcus)*

Everything you need to know about 'Merrily We Roll Along' on Broadway

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Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway - NYC

Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway

Read our complete guide to the first Broadway revival of this classic Stephen Sondheim musical starring Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez.

Two musicians on the run find romance, misadventure, and, most significantly, their true selves in [*Some Like It Hot*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24262-some-like-it-hot-tickets) on Broadway. Based on the classic Billy Wilder big-screen comedy, the musical gets a fresh coat of paint thanks to bookwriters Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin, plus a score that makes it all sing.

The songs are by Marc Shaiman (music and lyrics) and Scott Wittman (lyrics), who are “pros at matching showtunes to a particular period,” as noted in New York Theatre Guide’s [four-star *Some Like It Hot* review](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/some-like-it-hot-broadway-review). Just as they summoned the ’60s in the Tony Award-winning *Hairspray*, the team welcomes audiences to the ’30s in *Some Like It Hot*, which sees its lead characters stow away with a swing big band. Learn more about the jazzy, brassy songs playing at the [Shubert Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/shubert-theatre).

Get *Some Like It Hot* tickets now.

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## “What Are You Thirsty For?”

Between the Depression and Prohibition, times were doubly tough in 1933. Bandleader Sweet Sue (NaTasha Yvette Williams) sets the scene lickety-split in the lively opening number in a Chicago speakeasy. In a winking lyric that easily speaks to any era, Sue belts, “At times like these, we could all certainly use a drink.” 

## “You Can’t Have Me (If You Don’t Have Him)”

Jobs are scarce for musicians. But saxophonist Joe ([Christian Borle](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/christian-borle)) and bassist Jerry (J. Harrison Ghee) are also nimble hoofers. When Joe’s twinkle-toed tapping lands him a gig, he refuses to take it without Jerry, who is initially snubbed because he is Black.

“You can’t have proper without the prim, and you can’t have me if you don’t have him!” Joe sings. The plan – and the duo’s fancy footwork – works.

![5 some like it hot-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/4xXLSOfbiq73wS9e3skTJH/db46491d33d6e9170c91cff7be6a26a0/5_some_like_it_hot-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## “Vamp!”

This high-spirited number earns its exclamation point. After Joe and Jerry witness a mob execution, they hatch a quick scheme to save their lives. “Time to improvise,” they sing, donning wigs and frocks and reinventing themselves as women. Joe becomes Josephine, and Jerry morphs into Geraldine, which he later changes to Daphne.

## “I’m California Bound”

Intent on escaping into Mexico, the masquerading musicians join Sweet Sue’s all-girl band, the Society Syncopators, headed to San Diego. Also on board is singer Sugar Kane (Adrianna Hicks), who’s had it with men chasing her. “Hey ladies, all aboard, whether you’re running away or running toward!” porters sing in the big number.

## “A Darker Shade of Blue”

Everybody’s got their romantic kryptonite. For Sugar, it’s men who play sax – even though they always disappoint. “When a saxophone starts crying,” she says in the torch song, “that’s when night takes its cue to turn a darker shade of blue.”

![2 some like it hot-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2Tw6BBa1k8OK21tSASJS5Z/940b9a1a33392e8a89336dc34aecc1f3/2_some_like_it_hot-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## “Take It Up a Step”

When Sue demands her band polish their act, Sugar, Josephine, and Daphne take the lead on this song. The title lyric is a metaphor for how you must shift into high gear to get what you want.

## “Zee Bap”

This novelty number sees Sue, Josephine, and Daphne let loose with high-energy scatting. They educate fellow bandmates on how to deal with men behaving like creeps: Shut them down by saying, “Zee bag zah bootalee atta feet bam-bam.” Silly and fun? You bet.

## “At the Old Majestic Nickel Matinee”

In this beautiful and bittersweet solo, Sugar, reconceived for the musical as a Black woman, shares that movies offered a world beyond her rural, segregated one. “Up there on the screen, there was romance, and the make-believe carried me away,” Sugar sings, revealing her dreams to be a movie star someday. “Because no one I’d ever seen were like the stars up on the screen.”

![1 some like it hot-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/60bl9xOY63DGZIq7srVBNo/cde27655be206d00abb379cb8539a5de/1_some_like_it_hot-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## “Poor Little Millionaire”

This fizzy, doo-wop-laced song introduces goofy Osgood (Kevin del Aguila), who’s been drowning in money since his father invented root beer. However, he laments, his love life is “all at sea.” Then he sees Daphne, and he's immediately smitten.

## “Some Like It Hot” 

Shaiman and Wittman fire on all cylinders in this irresistible first-act finale that leads to a pre-intermission cliffhanger. “So ladies, Hades is the spot to be what angels sure are not,” everyone sings. “Some like it hot, and hot is what I got for you!” 

## “Let’s Be Bad”

Fans of the TV series *Smash* will recognize this song, as Shaiman and Wittman wrote it ten years ago for that show about the making of a Marilyn Monroe musical. Osgood, Daphne, and the Syncopators girls sing a reimagined version here as the root beer baron whisks them away for a night out in Mexico.

![4 some like it hot-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/21NCzYg5BDRB6leVTF45Xd/92494463ce6fdd47120ffda5dbfa46bb/4_some_like_it_hot-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## “Dance the World Away”

Joe adopts another disguise, as a Hollywood screenwriter named Kip, to win over Sugar. It works as they share this old-school, swoon-worthy song while dancing a romantic waltz.

## “Fly, Mariposa, Fly”

*Some Like It Hot* is about transformation and personal identity, and Osgood’s song underscores that idea. He shares a childhood story about a butterfly’s life stages, a tale he finds comforting when he's confused about who he is. It’s a smart song that gets bonus points for the clever rhyme “Mother’s Nature’s kiss” and “metamorphosis.” 

## “You Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather”

Daphne’s song is about the surprise of self-discovery and embracing one’s true being, as the character realizes Jerry and Daphne are two equally important sides of their truest identity. “I know that Daphne is the best part of me. Oh, yeah! Daphne is who I want to be!” Daphne sings. That Ghee is nonbinary adds to the song’s impact.

## “He Lied When He Said Hello”

Joe’s feelings for Sugar inspire him to come clean about his identity – and it isn’t Josephine or Kip. He breaks off "Kip's" relationship with Sugar with a letter and sings, “We’re through with pretending. It’s time to do right. I’m gonna have a happy ending.”

![some like it hot 6-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3ptHd9hlTqkeO6cMSAPKEp/a7c116d4beda9885cd60194fa8cebe6c/some_like_it_hot_6-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## “Ride Out the Storm”

“I thought that I had found shelter — someone to brighten the day. But now comes the rain, so I welcome the rain… to wash all my sorrow away.” A heartbroken Sugar bares her soul in this 11 o'clock number that uses the time-honored metaphor of stormy weather to symbolize romantic trouble. 

## “Tip Tap Trouble”

Doors are slamming. Gangsters are chasing. Everybody’s running — and dancing — as fast as they can. The whole cast gets in on this fast-paced farce sequence where the police hunt for murderous mobster Spats, Spats hunts for Joe and Jerry, and everyone else is just trying to escape alive.

## “Baby, Let’s Get Good”

The last line of Wilder's film – “Nobody’s perfect” – is woven into the show's rousing finale. What’s perfect is that at this point, Prohibition has lifted, and the good times will roll. Similarly, good times will come your way at *Some Like It Hot*.

Get *Some Like It Hot* tickets now.

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*Photo credit: Some Like It Hot on Broadway. (Photos by Marc J. Franklin and Matthew Murphy)*

All the songs in ‘Some Like It Hot’ on Broadway

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Recommended for 12 + Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

Some Like It Hot on Broadway - NYC

Some Like It Hot on Broadway

Read our A-to-Z guide of the tunes in this big-band musical comedy based on the classic comedy film, from "At the Old Majestic Nickel Matinee" to "Zee Bap."

It's too good, at least! A new block of tickets has been released for *Sweeney Todd* on Broadway, with seats now available to performances through January 14, 2024. [Get *Sweeney Todd* tickets now.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26216-sweeney-todd-on-broadway-tickets)

The current revival of *Sweeney Todd* began performances at the [Lunt-Fontanne Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/lunt-fontanne-theatre) on February 26 and officially opens on March 26. It is the third Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's musical, which won eight Tony Awards for its 1979 premiere.

Grammy Award nominee Josh Groban plays the title character of *Sweeney Todd*, a barber who swears vengeance — and death — on a judge who wronged him. Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford stars opposite Groban as Mrs. Lovett, Todd's accomplice as his revenge plot turns into a murder spree.

The show features popular show tunes including "A Little Priest," "Johanna," and "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd."

Get *Sweeney Todd* tickets now.

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'Sweeney Todd' Broadway tickets on sale through January 2024

sweeney todd new-1200x600-NYTG

Sweeney Todd on Broadway - NYC

Sweeney Todd on Broadway

Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford star in the latest revival of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's musical thriller, which plays the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Women’s History Month is underway, and there are countless ways to celebrate with theatre. Women currently lead several Broadway shows on stage and off, collectively representing a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. Several incredible plays and musicals on Broadway showcase talented female actors and creators.

Below are the best Broadway shows in New York with female characters at the forefront. Whether you’re in the mood for a somber drama, a heart-pounding romance, or an empowering retelling of a classic tale, you’ll find it in these women-led Broadway shows.

[Hear from Broadway actresses about what Women's History Month means to them.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/broadway-actresses-celebrate-womens-history-month)

Get tickets to a Broadway show on New York Theatre Guide.

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## *A Doll’s House*

Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking play starring [Jessica Chastain](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/jessica-chastain) will keep you captivated with a story about a woman taking control of her life despite difficult circumstances. Written in 1879, *A Doll’s House* tackles themes ahead of its time, even drawing backlash for challenging gender norms and expectations of mothers and wives. A female writer, Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog, updated Ibsen’s script for this revival.

The lead character, Nora Helmer, questions her marriage while harboring a secret from her husband, wishing to leave and live an independent life. *A Doll’s House* made history as an early work featuring a strong female lead who wants more than society has allowed her.

Get *A Doll's House* tickets now.

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## *& Juliet*

If you think Juliet deserved a better ending than the one she got in *Romeo & Juliet*, check out this new jukebox musical. *& Juliet* features the music catalog of Max Martin, the songwriter behind hits from NSYNC, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, and many other pop sensations.

*& Juliet* centers two strong-willed female characters: Juliet and Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway. After reading her husband’s play, Anne imagines a new ending for the heroine, where she escapes Verona in search of her own destiny. The musical follows the two as Anne creates a different path for Juliet, who gets to live a new life.

Get *& Juliet* tickets now.

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## *Bad Cinderella*

Interested in another heroine who could use more agency in her own story? See Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Bad Cinderella*, which retells the classic tale in a way where Cinderella isn’t looking for Prince Charming. (In fact, he’s dead.)

Instead of a soft-natured Cinderella who quietly accepts her fate until the Fairy Godmother arrives, this “bad” Cinderella is a rebel raging against her cruel stepmother, stepsisters, and the town that rejects her. Although she finds a happily ever after, the joy comes from accepting exactly how she is — not from suddenly becoming a beautiful princess. 

Get *Bad Cinderella* tickets now.

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## *Chicago*

There’s no doubt about the sheer female power in *Chicago*, a jazzy musical that’s run on Broadway continuously since 1996. *Chicago* features a majority-female principal cast led by Roxie Hart, who rises to celebrity status during her murder trial. In 2023, drag queen Jinkx Monsoon made history playing Matron “Mama” Morton, the warden at Roxie's jail.

The show features powerful vocals and showstopping numbers like “All That Jazz” and “Nowadays.” If you’ve only seen the famous movie version starring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, you’ll want to check out the musical to get a taste of all that jazz live.

Get *Chicago* tickets now.

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## *Wicked*

Adapted from the Gregory Maguire novel, *Wicked* has been a Broadway mainstay for two decades, wowing audiences with incredible music and celebrating the power of female friendship. Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, later known as Glinda the Good, initially start as enemies while roommates at Shiz University, but a friendship soon blossoms between the two.

The headstrong Elphaba risks everything to expose corruption in Oz, ultimately standing up for what’s right against all odds. You’ll be blown away by the incredible vocals in the women’s iconic songs like “Defying Gravity,” “For Good,” and “Popular.”

Get *Wicked* tickets now.

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## *Kimberly Akimbo*

Thought high school was hard enough? Imagine being Kimberly, a 16-year-old who looks like she’s 72 due to a rare condition that has accelerated her aging. And to top it off, she’s also dealing with a dysfunctional family — and yet, trying to find happiness through it all in this funny yet poignant musical, which has received near-universal acclaim.

Not only does *Kimberly Akimbo* have a unique and bold female lead (plus a fan-favorite supporting character in Kimberly’s Aunt Deb), but two of the show’s lead creatives are women: composer/lyricist Jeanine Tesori and director Jessica Stone.

Get *Kimberly Akimbo* tickets now.

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## *Moulin Rouge! The Musical*

Based on the cult classic Baz Luhrmann film, *Moulin Rouge! The Musical* transports audiences to Paris’s bohemian Montmartre district at the turn of the 20th century. The leading man is Christian, an American writer who has just arrived in Paris, but Satine — the sparkling diamond at the Moulin Rouge nightclub — steals the show.

Although she’s promised to the Duke of Monroth to save the club, the independent and closed-off Satine falls into a whirlwind romance with Christian. In the end, it’s Satine who learns to love and be loved in return.

Get *Moulin Rouge! The Musical* tickets now.

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## *Funny Girl*

Who told you you’re allowed to rain on her parade? If anyone is willing to go after exactly what she wants without hesitation, it’s *Funny Girl*’s Fanny Brice. Based on the true story of Ziegfeld Follies showgirl and comedian Fanny Brice, the musical follows her upbringing in an immigrant Jewish family with big dreams of stardom and her success as a comedic actress in the Follies.

You’ll not only hear [Lea Michele](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/lea-michele) sing the famous showstopper “Don’t Rain on My Parade” at *Funny Girl* on Broadway, but you’ll also learn about a pioneering female comedian who paved the way for other “funny girls” who came after her.

Get *Funny Girl* tickets now.

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## *Summer, 1976*

*Summer, 1976* celebrates female bonds as two women navigate motherhood, ambition, and independence amid societal expectations for women. The play follows naive housewife Alice and nonconformist artist Diana, who strike up a friendship one summer that changes their lives. Not only does this play focus on women’s resilience and independence, but it also stars two powerhouse actresses: [Laura Linney](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/laura-linney) and Jessica Hecht. 

Get *Summer, 1976* tickets now.

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## *Six*

Listen up and let them tell you a story. *Six* is the musical sensation that has taken Broadway by storm since premiering in 2020, featuring the six wives of Henry VIII — except this time, you get to hear about their lives in their own words. The show flips the script by allowing these women, historically known as little more than wives, to make their voices heard, independent of the king.

You’ll have a blast at this high-octane musical that mimics a pop concert, and you’ll also learn history about these women and the parts of their lives often left out of textbooks.

Get *Six* tickets now.

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## *Once Upon a One More Time*

This women-powered jukebox musical takes the songs of Britney Spears and sets them to a new story about fairytale princesses you know and love. They realize they have the power to create their own happily ever afters — no princes required.

In the vein of *Bad Cinderella* and *& Juliet*, this new musical retells the stories of famous female characters, creating more empowering paths than those in their original narratives. In other words, they’re stronger than yesterday, and now there’s nothing in their way.

[Check back for information on *Once Upon a One More Time* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27127-once-upon-a-one-more-time-on-broadway)

The best Broadway shows to see for Women’s History Month

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women-s history month-1200x400-NYTG

Check out these plays and musicals in New York led by women on stage, as various historic and fictional characters, and off stage as writers and directors.

Wonder what the king is doing tonight? Then hightail it to [*Camelot*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/25210-camelot-tickets), the 1960 musical by Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe that packs enough royal romance and drama to fill the [Vivian Beaumont Theater](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/vivian-beaumont-theater), which houses the show's latest revival.

The show is based on the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Nearly 63 years after premiering on Broadway, *Camelot* has carved its rightful place as a beloved classic. Credit a gem-packed score plus the enduring meaning of Camelot beyond the stage. Find out more about how *Camelot* looks to history and proves its lasting relevance, plus other compelling reasons to put this revival on your must-see list.

Get *Camelot* tickets now.

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## Aaron Sorkin updated the story.

This revival is not your grandmother’s *Camelot*. Since the beginning, the show’s sprawling story has been challenging to tell coherently. Director Bartlett Sher tapped Aaron Sorkin to update the book. Sorkin, who won an Oscar for writing *The Social Network*, a contemporary drama of power plays, brings the musical’s story down to earth while maintaining its epic sweep.

Sorkin scrapped *Camelot*'s supernatural elements, so the stakes are all on a human level, and you can’t get higher than that. Plus, Sorkin situated the story on the eve of the Enlightenment. The poetic richness of that era speaks for itself, but this change also means Arthur is no longer in a fantasy bubble. His story now affects an actual period of history.

## *Camelot* has a timeless takeaway.

Camelot is the mythical title kingdom that shone brightly, if briefly. Arthur goes from an idealistic young monarch who dreams of a just, democratic society to a despairing ruler who realizes his utopian visions have imploded.

A downer? Maybe. But Camelot’s brief rise is reason to rejoice – and to hope again for “a fleeting wisp of glory,” as the show famously says. Right now, a dose of optimism – and the reminder that greatness may be in anyone’s grasp – could do us some good.

## *Camelot* is symbolic of the Kennedys.

One way to measure the reach of a musical is to look beyond the stage to its impact on pop culture. *Camelot* debuted on Broadway as John F. Kennedy was en route to becoming president. In the same way people know Arthur and his knights as chivalrous, they romanticize the Kennedy administration as a period of optimism. 

“The Kennedys saw the show, and Jack loved it," Sorkin has said. "Jackie started calling their White House ‘Camelot.’” Today, it’s uncertain if that’s 100% true. But it’s the stuff of legend – and that’s what this musical is about. 

## *Camelot* showcases dramas of the heart and sword.

Love triangles and power battles are storytelling staples that don’t get old, and both are at the heart of *Camelot*. Despite her marriage to Arthur, Queen Guenevere becomes increasingly unable to resist her feelings for Sir Lancelot. That’s going to hurt. The king’s illegitimate son, Mordred, plots to overtake the throne. Ditto. These two events thread together and contribute to the demise of Arthur’s dream.

## *Camelot* has a vibrant, celebrated cast.

The show’s principal roles now belong to a trio of proven Broadway talents. A Tony Award winner for *The Inheritance*, Andrew Burnap plays the idealistic Arthur. [*Hamilton*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/384-hamilton-tickets) Tony nominee Phillipa Soo is the conflicted Guenevere, and *My Fair Lady* alum Jordan Donica heats things up as Lancelot. Richard Burton, Julie Andrews, and Robert Goulet originated the three juicy roles.

## Royal rubbernecking never gets old.

Royal intrigue is forever fascinating. The show offers this reminder on stage, and the coronation of England’s King Charles III in the lusty month of May (the 3rd, to be specific) provides one in the real world.

## The musical’s songs are royal treats.

Lerner and Loewe’s score has many crown jewels. Among them are the buoyant title song and the jaunty “The Lusty Month of May.” “If Ever I Would Leave You” is hard to beat for sheer swoon appeal. Various artists like Aretha Franklin and Il Divo have covered the song. 

## You’ll hear an orchestra with oomph.

A royal epic deserves a lush background. This new production boasts a 30-piece orchestra and the show’s original orchestrations. When you have such beautiful songs, showcase them to the max.

## The director is in his element.

Director Bartlett Sher, who previously collaborated with Sorkin on the Broadway play *To Kill a Mockingbird*, has lots of experience making classic musicals shine anew on stage at the Beaumont in Lincoln Center. He’s previously guided hit revivals of *South Pacific*, *The King and I*, and *My Fair Lady* on that grand stage. 

## *Camelot* is a Broadway time machine.

*Camelot* debuted in 1960 during the Golden Age of Broadway. Now, a new generation of theatregoers experiences the show with fresh eyes and ears. Today’s audiences get the best of both worlds: the pleasing nostalgia of a classic musical and a script by a celebrated contemporary writer. Together, they remind us that *Camelot*’s messages of hope, honor, and love outlast any kingdom.

Get *Camelot* tickets now.

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How the 'Camelot' Broadway revival is reinventing the roundtable

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Camelot on Broadway - NYC

Camelot on Broadway

See why Lerner and Loewe's classic musical about an ancient mythical kingdom still speaks to modern times, thanks to updates by Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin.

Here it is! The new Stephen Sondheim musical [*Here We Are*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/28147-here-we-are-tickets) will have its world premiere this September at [The Shed](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/the-griffin-theater-at-the-shed), with exact dates to be announced.

Sondheim and bookwriter David Ives based *Here We Are* on two films by Luis Buñuel: 1972's *The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie*, about six middle-class urbanites whose dinner party is constantly interrupted, and 1962's *The Exterminating Angel*, about wealthy guests trapped at a dinner party of their own.

Sondheim and Ives's adaptation was originally called *Square One*, and various private workshops have taken place since news of the musical first broke in 2014.

Directing *Here We Are* off Broadway is Joe Mantello, a two-time Tony Award winner for *Assassins* and *Take Me Out*. He is also known for directing shows including [*Wicked*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/1-wicked-musical-tickets), *The Humans*, and this spring's *Grey House*, a new play starring Laurie Metcalf.

Additional creative team and cast announcements for *Here We Are* have yet to come.

*Here We Are* is the final show Stephen Sondheim composed before his death in 2021. A string of Sondheim shows have appeared in New York since then: *Company*, *Into the Woods*, and the currently running [*Sweeney Todd*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26216-sweeney-todd-on-broadway-tickets) on Broadway, and *Assassins* and [*Merrily We Roll Along*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27417-merrily-we-roll-along-tickets) off Broadway. The latter is transferring to Broadway this fall.

Check back for information on *Here We Are* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

New Stephen Sondheim musical 'Here We Are' to premiere off Broadway

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Here We Are - NYC

Here We Are

This new show, based on two films by Luis Buñuel, will play at The Shed and is the final musical Stephen Sondheim composed before his death in 2021.

The new play [*Room*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27517-room-on-broadway) has postponed its Broadway premiere indefinitely. The show, starring [Adrienne Warren](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/adrienne-warren), was set to play a limited engagement at the [James Earl Jones Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/james-earl-jones-theatre) from April 3 to September 17.

“In the midst of our rehearsals we were informed by one of our Lead Producers that due to personal reasons, they did not intend to fulfill their obligations to the production," producer Hunter Arnold said in a statement about the postponement.

"Since being notified, the rest of the producing team has exhausted all possible avenues to keep the show on track, but the narrow timeline and economic shortfall created by this series of events has proven to be insurmountable."

The current production is shut down as of March 16.

*Room* is based on the same-named book and movie about a woman and her young son facing the outside world after years of being held in captivity. Emma Donoghue wrote the novel, screenplay, and the script for the stage adaptation. Cora Bissett and Kathryn Joseph wrote songs for the show, and Bissett was set to direct.

'Room' postpones Broadway premiere indefinitely

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Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

Room on Broadway Starring Adrienne Warren - NYC

Room on Broadway Starring Adrienne Warren

The new play, based on Emma Donoghue's book and movie of the same name, was scheduled to begin performances at the James Earl Jones Theatre on April 3.

This is your ticket to Neverland! [*Peter Pan Goes Wrong*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27336-peter-pan-goes-wrong-tickets) will offer rush and lottery tickets for its 16-week Broadway run. Performances begin March 17 ahead of an April 19 opening at the [Barrymore Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/barrymore-theatre).

*Peter Pan Goes Wrong* will offer $40 tickets via a digital lottery. The lottery is open for entries from midnight to 3 p.m. the day before each performance, and winners are drawn at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Winners may purchase up to two tickets for the next day's performance.

The show will also have in-person rush tickets available for $45. Each person can purchase up to two tickets for that day's performance at the Barrymore Theatre box office, beginning at 10 a.m. each day. Rush tickets are subject to availability.

In *Peter Pan Goes Wrong*, an amateur college theatre troupe attempts to stage [J. M. Barrie's classic *Peter Pan* play](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/all-the-peter-pan-adaptations-in-broadway-theatre), but they encounter mishaps with their sets, props, and fellow actors at every turn. This slapstick comedy show is from Mischief Theatre Company, who also created [*The Play That Goes Wrong*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/14790-the-play-that-goes-wrong-tickets), which has played in New York since 2019.

Get *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* tickets now.

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*Photo credit: The cast of Peter Pan Goes Wrong in London in 2015. (Photo by Alastair Muir)*

'Peter Pan Goes Wrong' to offer Broadway lottery and rush tickets

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Peter Pan Goes Wrong on Broadway - NYC

Peter Pan Goes Wrong on Broadway

The comedy from Mischief Theatre Company, the creator of *The Play That Goes Wrong*, makes its New York debut at the Barrymore Theatre for 16 weeks only.

Scream and shout! Two new cast members have been set for [*Once Upon a One More Time*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27127-once-upon-a-one-more-time-on-broadway) on Broadway. The musical begins performances at the [Marquis Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/marquis-theatre) on May 13 ahead of a June 22 opening night.

Newly announced cast members include two-time Tony Award nominees Jennifer Simard as Stepmother and Adam Godley as the Narrator. Simard is known for her acclaimed performances in *Company* and *Mean Girls* on Broadway, and Godley for *The Lehman Trilogy* and *Anything Goes*. 

They join the previously announced Briga Heelan as Cinderella, Justin Guarini as Prince Charming, and Aisha Jackson as Snow White.

Additional casting has yet to be announced.

The creative team includes creative consultant David Leveaux, scenic designer Anna Fleischle, costume designer Loren Elstein, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, sound designer Andrew Keister, projection designer Sven Ortel, and wig designer Nikiya Mathis.

## What is *Once Upon a One More Time* about?

*Once Upon a One More Time* features an original story by Jon Hartmere set to the chart-topping songs of Britney Spears. When a fairy godmother presents Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and more with *The Feminine Mystique* at their book club, the women learn they can write their own happily ever afters.

Spears songs featured include "...Baby One More Time," "Womanizer," "Oops!...I Did It Again," "Circus," and "Stronger," plus more than a dozen others.

Check back for information on *Once Upon a One More Time* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

*Photo credit: Jennifer Simard and Adam Godley. (Photos courtesy of production; Simard photo by Sarah Jenkins)*

Jennifer Simard, Adam Godley join 'Once Upon a One More Time' Broadway cast

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Once Upon A One More Time on Broadway - NYC

Once Upon A One More Time on Broadway

Both actors were Tony Award nominees in 2022, and they now join the cast of the new Britney Spears musical beginning performances at the Marquis Theatre in May.

He's gonna be startin' somethin'! Elijah Rhea Johnson will make his Broadway debut as Michael Jackson in [*MJ The Musical*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/23379-mj-the-musical-tickets) on Broadway this spring. He begins performances at the [Neil Simon Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/neil-simon-theatre) on April 4.

Johnson makes his Broadway debut in the role; however, this isn't his first time with *MJ*. He played the role of a younger Michael Jackson in pre-Broadway workshops of *MJ*, and he also starred in touring and Las Vegas productions of *The Lion King* as a child.

Johnson takes over the role from Myles Frost, who departs *MJ The Musical* on April 2. Frost made history in 2022 as the youngest solo actor to win the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical at 22 years old.

*MJ The Musical* recounts the life and career of Michael Jackson through all his hit songs. When an MTV camera crew arrives at tour rehearsals to film a documentary about Jackson, he and audiences look back through his most formative memories and career highlights.

Director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon won the Best Choreography Tony Award for *MJ*, and the script is by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage.

## Who is in the *MJ The Musical* Broadway cast?

In addition to Johnson as Michael Jackson, the principal cast of *MJ The Musical* also includes Tavon Olds-Sample, Bane Griffith, Christian Wilson, Quentin Earl Darrington, Whitney Bashor, Gabriel Ruiz, Antoine L. Smith, Joey Sorge, Ayana George, Apollo Levine, John Edwards, Lamont Walker II, and Zelig Williams.

Get *MJ The Musical* tickets now.

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*Photo credit: Elijah Rhea Johnson. (Photo by Drew Elhamalawy)*

Elijah Rhea Johnson to star in 'MJ The Musical' on Broadway

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MJ The Musical on Broadway [23379]

MJ The Musical on Broadway

He will assume the role of Michael Jackson from Myles Frost, who won a 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor for his performance, in April at the Neil Simon Theatre.

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Avenue Q [13]

Genre: Musical (US and AUS)

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Avenue Q

[Poster] Avenue Q 13

Bubble lovers of all ages are delighted with an unbubblievable experience, awashed with a bubble tide, and perhaps even find themselves inside a bubble. (2+)

New World Stages

Gazillion Bubble Show [13514]

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Gazillion Bubble Show

[Poster] Gazillion Bubble Show 13514

Located beneath the Worldwide Plaza between Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen, New World Stages is a modern performing arts complex with five theatres for Off-Broadway productions.

The building was constructed in 1994 on the site of the third Madison Square Garden. It first opened as a Loews Cineplex Entertainment multiplex cinema, which closed in 2001.

For the next three years, the building underwent substantial renovations and finally reopened as Dodger Stages in 2004, designed by architects Beyer, Blinder, and Belle. The theatre complex was renamed New World Stages on March 16, 2006, and Stage Entertainment assumed sole ownership of the property. The Shubert Organization took over ownership and operation on November 17, 2017.

All five spaces have between 100 and 500 seats, officially deeming New World Stages an Off-Broadway venue. Stage 1 and Stage 3 are the largest theatres in the complex with 499 seats. Stages 2 and 4 offer a 350-seat capacity. Stage 5 is the smallest venue with 199 seats. The Green Room is the official bar and lounge for New World Stages, but it can also be a performance space.

## How to get to New World Stages off Broadway

New World Stages is closest to the 50th St. subway stop on the C and E lines. The nearest bus stop is 9 Av./W 50 St. on the M11 line.

## Where is *The Play That Goes Wrong* playing?

*The Play That Goes Wrong* is at New World Stages' Stage 4. The comedy play made its Broadway debut in 2017, and after running there for two years, it transferred off Broadway.

Previous productions that enjoyed long Off-Broadway runs at New World Stages after closing on Broadway are *Jersey Boys* and *Avenue Q*.

New World Stages - NYC

The Play That Goes Wrong [14790] (USE THIS 2021) 

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The Play That Goes Wrong

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Halfway through the first act of the hilarious off-Broadway staging of <a href="/show/the-play-that-goes-wrong">The Play That Goes Wrong</a>, an actor who has grown wildly frustrated because of a missing prop turns to the audience and says, "Stop laughing! This isn't television, I can see you." The demand, naturally, only makes the audience laugh harder. And that is an impressive feat given that the chuckles had been pouring forth relentlessly from the production's opening moments and, indeed, carry through to the final madcap meltdown, with the scenery seemingly in a race with the performers to see which will tip over first. If it is cliché to say that a show has non-stop laughs, then this show is cliché in the extreme. If it is pat to say that this play lives up to its title, rarely have a talented crew of actors and technicians so seamlessly joined forces to make a ridiculously wrong piece of theater feel so very right.The script, by a trio of gents who trained at the London Academy of Music &amp; Dramatic Art, actually has a rather complicated exoskeleton. It is a play within a play, with actors portraying other actors who, in turn, are portraying characters in a murder mystery. It is an Agatha Christie type of an affair where one dead body turns into two, then back into one, then into several, while siblings, friends, a love interest and, of course, the butler, are all scrutinized by an intrepid inspector (a game for anything Matt Harrington). But none of this matters in the least. It is merely an excuse for two hours of well-timed spit takes, killer pratfalls, silly antics by men with serious British accents, pyrotechnics of both the literal and metaphorical variety, purposefully egregious over-acting and death defying moments of scenic design by Tony Award winner Nigel Hook. Director Matt DiCarlo, either a genius or a fool, pulls it all together with the nerves of a demolition expert handling a bomb with a dozen different triggers.Beyond the simple joys of a man running face-first into a pole, there are recognizable pleasures to be had for anyone who has ever been in a play, amateur or professional, on stage or in the wings. There are cascading prop failures, sound cues with a mind of their own, and misdelivered dialogue that leads to one scene getting stuck in an endless loop. An ensemble of eight perform the tricky task of bashing each other while making sure their antics are safely executed. Bartley Booz, as the confused thespian, Dennis, has his lines written on his hands but still manages to mispronounce everything as he tries to create a believable butler. Matt Walker, as Max, intentionally steals every scene he is in by making devilish eye contact with the audience, much more concerned with showing off than with actual acting. Ashley Reyes handles the ingénue duties with aplomb, gamely being thrown out the window when not torn between two lovers. Ryan Vincent Anderson and Bianca Horn are two stagehands who get dragged into the action with predictably bruising results while Chris Lanceley and Brent Bateman portray friends with stiff upper lips and quivering legs.Having ended its successful Broadway run in January, the play has found a happy home at <a href="/theatres/new-world-stages">New World Stages</a>, joining fellow transfers <a href="/show/avenue-q">Avenue Q</a> and <a href="/show/jersey-boys">Jersey Boys</a> in the underground complex which originally housed a discount multiplex cinema. This cramped stage feels more in keeping with the ruse that the production is presented by a dysfunctional British drama society. The smaller proscenium makes it seem all the more big-hearted.(Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

Review of The Play That Goes Wrong at New World Stages

May be inappropriate for 12 and under.  Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

Anthony Rapp’s Without You - NYC

Anthony Rapp’s Without You

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"Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes..."

The immediately recognizable "Seasons of Love" appropriately kicks off [*Without You*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26814-without-you-tickets), the theatrical memoir of Anthony Rapp, who originated the lead role of Mark in Jonathan Larson's groundbreaking rock musical *Rent*. To Rapp's credit, he makes what could be a painfully cliche opening feel genuine, as though the song was written only yesterday. It's a freshness that only an original *Rent* star could give a 30-year-old tune.

That's also the vibe of *Without You* at large. The show is adapted from Rapp's same-named 2006 memoir about events that happened in the mid-90s: his rapid rise from Starbucks barista to Broadway star, which coincided with the loss of Larson and, miles from New York, Rapp's mother. He delivers this story with such passion — signaled, at times, by visible tears on his cheeks — that you'd think it all just happened.

Moments like Rapp's vivid reenactment of *Rent*'s very first performance — a concert-style tribute to Larson, who passed away that morning — even feel like they're happening for the first time right there at [New World Stages](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/new-world-stages). (Indeed, *Without You*'s official opening tonight is the 27th anniversary of that performance.) Rapp's singular look behind the scenes of the beloved musical is not only the show's biggest draw, but its greatest strength.

He breaks out all the hits — "One Song Glory," "Rent," "La Vie Boheme," "No Day But Today" — and recalls his conversations with people like Larson, director Michael Greif, and castmates Adam Pascal and Daphne Rubin-Vega, skillfully mimicking all their voices. Images of various *Rent*-related objects and actual behind-the-scenes photos are projected collage-style on the walls behind him throughout, echoing the look of *Rent*'s original show poster.

But half of *Without You* dispenses with *Rent* as Rapp recalls his relationship with his on-and-off sickly mother in her last years. It's impossible for such a story not to strike an emotional chord, but theatrically, the show loses momentum in these sections and reminds us of its origin as a book.

Rapp doesn't quite succeed in integrating his two throughlines, making *Without You* feel like two separate shows at once. There's a chasm between the rollicking energy of the *Rent* sections, punctuated by Larson's tunes at both joyous and sorrowful moments, and the mellow straightforwardness of the family sections, scored by Rapp's easygoing original songs. (A live five-piece band supports all of Rapp's vocals.) There's little consistency between the two, both musically and visually — the carefully curated, stylized *Rent*-inspired projections give way to generic art as Rapp sings his own music. And a country-inspired tune about a cancerous tumor dubbed "Wild Bill" stands out as particularly bizarre, not quite matching either section's tone.

Rapp's effortlessly affable persona, however, keeps *Without You* largely entertaining nonetheless. And there is one consistent through line: "Seasons of Love." The song bookends the show and pops up a few times in between. It's the first number Rapp learned at the first *Rent* rehearsal — the symbol of a new beginning — and a key moment in *Rent*'s first performance after Larson's passing — the symbol of an end, "as if Jonathan had written his own memorial," as Rapp puts it. In other words, that one song ties together all of *Without You*'s themes of life and love and loss, with no trace of its time-acquired banality.

Mrs. Rapp loved any chance Rapp got to sing, he says. She, and Larson, would be proud.

[*Without You* is at New World Stages through April 30. Get *Without You* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26814-without-you-tickets)

*Photo credit: Anthony Rapp in Without You. (Photo by Russ Rowland)*

'Without You' review — Anthony Rapp measures a life in love and loss

Katsura Sunshine's Rakugo - NYC

Katsura Sunshine's Rakugo

Rakugo

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We at the New York Theatre Guide appreciate that theater fans are going through hard times at the moment due to the temporary&nbsp;<a href="/news-features/the-broadway-league-confirms-month-long-broadway-shutdown-due-to-covid-19">closure</a> of both the Broadway and Off-Broadway scenes, so we've decided to bring you all daily doses of our favorite show tunes to remind us all of better days and to get us through the quarantine of self-isolation.So, for our first "QuaranTune," we're going with a fan favorite from the 2004 Tony Award-winning 'Best Musical'&nbsp;<a href="/show/avenue-q">Avenue Q</a>... because we are firm believers that this current COVID-19 pandemic is only "For Now"!&nbsp;<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uUjMRAii9C0" width="100%"></iframe><blockquote>Everything in life is only for now. (Princeton, Avenue Q)</blockquote>(Header photo by Carol Rosegg)&nbsp;

QuaranTune #1: "For Now" from Avenue Q

Welcome to our daily Show Tune dose to chase away the quarantine blues...

The New York Theatre Guide last reviewed the New York production of Avenue Q seven years ago, so we thought it was high time we re-visited Princeton, Kate Monster and co. at New World Stages to see if that fur-covered musical magic is still alive and well. I'm happy to report that Avenue Q is still right up my (Sesame) street!In 2003, this musical comedy from the creative genius of Jeff Whitty, Jeff Marx and the now EGOT-winner Robert Lopez defied all conventions and broke the mold of modern musical theatre. Shows that followed, including The Book of Mormon, tip their hats in appreciation for these brave puppets, who paved the way. Its snowballing success from the original 2003 production at the Vineyard Theatre swiftly led to a Broadway transfer to the John Golden Theatre, where it played an impressive total of 2,556 performance over more than six years. After closing on Broadway, it reopened the off-Broadway New World Stages venue in October 2009 and it is still entertaining crowds at that same venue today.The beauty of Avenue Q is the fact that every single person in the audience on any given evening will relate to something on stage. Most of us are familiar to a certain extent with "Sesame Street" and will appreciate the obvious parodies, especially the short pieces of animation played on the screens at either side of the stage. Gone are the cartoons about simple mathematical sums, however, as we find ourselves chuckling at videos about 'one night stands.' And seeing humans living in harmony (or disharmony) together on the same street joyously awakens the child within. But then, you are reminded how adult you have become, absorbing musical numbers about pornography, homosexuality, racism and that quest we all undertake on a daily basis - finding your purpose in life.This clever cast of characters are ticking every box, we might be struggling with in our own lives. Whether it be unemployment, being single, or coming to terms with your sexuality, the chances are you will leave the theatre having completely identified with another human... or a puppet (and how often can you say that?!)Although the show is over 13 years old by now, its essence refuses to grow thin over time, providing you have a talented cast to carry the script's humour and belt out those cheeky, politically incorrect tunes. In the case of the New World Stage cast, they certainly hit the mark.A special mention goes to Elizabeth Ann Berg and Grace Choi for their performances as Kate Monster / Lucy the Slut and Christmas Eve, respectively. Although the ensemble cast has great chemistry and comic timing, these two performers were vocally on top notch last night, bringing the house down with the power ballad "The More You Ruv Someone" and the heart-warming "There's a Fine, Fine Line."Simply put, this show is a perfect choice for visitors in town, who would like a sample of New York 'real' life, led by the not-so-real neighbours of Avenue Q. We may all be wondering how the hell we got to this point in our lives and constantly questioning what our purpose is? But for now, I'm happy that a single evening's purpose is well spent just to sit back, laugh and rejoice at the marvel of this modern-day musical.(Photo by Carol Rosegg)<hr />"They may have no legs of their own, but darned if those fuzzy creatures aren't still standing, long after more full-bodied competition has bitten the dust." Ben Brantley for the New York Times"Avenue Q is still one of the hippest theatrical destinations in New York" David Sheward for Back Stage"Returning to its Off Broadway origins, the 2004 Tony winner shows no discernible signs of downsizing and no loss of heart." David Rooney for Variety<a href="http://theater.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/theater/reviews/22avenue.html?ref=theater" target="Top">New York Times</a> - <a href="http://www.backstage.com/bso/reviews-ny-theatre-off-broadway/ny-review-avenue-q-1004029391.story" target="Top">Back Stage</a> - <a href="http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117941426.html?categoryid=33&amp;cs=1" target="Top">Variety</a>

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QuaranTune #1: "For Now" from Avenue Q