Broadway

The 65th annual Drama Desk Awards, which were postponed the morning of the event on May 31, will now air Saturday, June 13 at 7:30PM ET. Viewers can tune in to the ceremony on Spectrum News NY1 and stream on NY1.com and DramaDeskAwards.com.&nbsp;The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place at Town Hall in New York City, but was forced to move to a televised and streamed format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The telecast was then pre-recorded for its May 31 broadcast date, but then postponed to allow the network to continue its coverage of Black Lives Matter protests.&nbsp;The June 13 event will be hosted by Frank DiLella of "On Stage" on Spectrum News NY1, and will celebrate this season's outstanding achievements on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway. The ceremony will also introduce the Drama Desk Awards' first-ever lifetime achievement award, The Harold Prince Award, a celebration of the producer/director's contributions to the industry. For its inaugural year, it will be bestowed posthumously to Prince who passed away July 31, 2019 at the age of 91.&nbsp;The ceremony will feature stars of the stage and screen as well as decorated Drama Desk winners, including: Tituss Burgess, Drama Desk Award winner James Corden, two-time Drama Desk Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, Drama Desk Award winner Alan Cumming,Beanie Feldstein, two-time Drama Desk Award winner Santino Fontana, Drama Desk Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry, two-time Drama Desk Award winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson, two-time Drama Desk Award winner Jane Krakowski, three-time Drama Desk Award winner Patti LuPone, five-time Drama Desk Award winner Audra McDonald, Drama Desk Award winner Cynthia Nixon, two-time Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Park, Drama Desk Award nominee Andrew Rannells, Drama Desk Award winner Ali Stroker, and five-time Drama Desk Award winner Susan Stroman.The event will air on NY1 and will be available to stream at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ny1.com/" target="_blank">NY1.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dramadeskawards.com/" target="_blank">DramaDeskAwards.com</a>&nbsp;at 7:30PM ET on May 31.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/drama-desk-awards-2020-and-the-nominees-are">Check out the complete list of Drama Desk nominees here.&nbsp;</a>

The Drama Desk Awards will now air on June 13

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The awards were initially postponed in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests.

In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, 300 Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) theater artists cosigned a letter entitled "<a href="https://www.weseeyouwat.com/" target="_blank">We See You, White American Theater</a>" which demands a more equitable theater industry.&nbsp;The letter, which begins "Dear White American Theater" and invokes August Wilson's "The Ground Which I Stand," is punctuated throughout with the statement "we see you" as it enumerates the ways that white theatermakers have excluded and exploited artists of color.&nbsp;"This is a response to the Civic Unrest in our country," a <a href="https://www.weseeyouwat.com/" target="_blank">statement on the website reads</a>. "We all recognize that while our country is full of protests against racial injustice, we must also protest it in our own field.&nbsp; We are demanding a more equitable and safe space for all BIPOC communities in our nation and inside of the American Theatre."The letter outlines the lack of diversity in programming and on creative teams, as creatives are selected from "rosters of white theatermakers for white audiences, while relegating a token, if&nbsp; any, slot for a BIPOC play." It goes on to note that BIPOC works are hijacked to pander to white audiences and that there are no significant efforts to build relationships with BIPOC communities, despite boasting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion statements.&nbsp;The letter also notes the way BIPOC theatermakers are used to present an image of diversity on promotional materials, at galas, donor meetings, and in grants to secure funding despite never being a recipient of those funds. It also raises the racism in unions, which is "muting the authenticity of our culture and only reserving space for us to shine out front on your stages but never behind them."The letter concludes "About theatres, executive leaders, critics, casting directors, agents, unions, commercial producers, universities and training programs. You are all a part of this house of cards built on white fragility and supremacy. And this is a house that will not stand. This ends TODAY. We are about to introduce you...to yourself. Signed, The Ground We Stand On."The letter was co-signed by Leslie Odom Jr., Lynn Nottage, Cynthia Erivo, Katori Hall, Cody Renard Richard, Jeremy Pope, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Lauren Yee, Viola Davis and many more. The creators of the letter also made a public petition which can be viewed and signed <a href="https://www.change.org/p/white-american-theater-demand-change-for-bipoc-theatremakers" target="_blank">here</a>.

BIPOC theatre artists pen open letter to white American theatre

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Leslie Odom Jr., Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Lynn Nottage are among those who signed the letter.

Several awards season telecasts have been postponed indefinitely in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement. <a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/how-to-watch-the-drama-desk-awards-this-sunday-may-31-updated">The Drama Desk Awards</a>, the annual award show recognizing achievements on and off Broadway, was scheduled to take place on May 31 but was postponed to allow NY1 to continue its coverage of the protests. The Broadway League postponed its "<a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/broadway-on-demand-will-stream-tony-awards-celebration-on-june-7">Tony Award Celebration</a>," which was scheduled to take place on June 7.&nbsp;The 65th annual Drama Desk Awards, originally scheduled for May 31, was cancelled the morning of the event. The ceremony was to be broadcasted on the Spectrum network NY1 and in an online stream in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the network continued its coverage of the Black Lives Matter Movement.&nbsp;In a joint statement, Drama Desk co-presidents Charles Wright and David Barbour said: "As an organization committed to the principle that all voices must be heard, we stand with the global Black Lives Matter movement, decrying the racial injustice and violence in our nation and city. We are grateful to NY1 for its comprehensive news coverage at this painful moment."A new date for the Drama Desk Awards will be announced at a later time.&nbsp;In response to the 74th Annual Tony Awards being cancelled indefinitely due COVID-19, The Broadway League had originally scheduled a special "Tony Award Celebration" to be streamed on <a href="http://tonyawards.com/" target="_blank">TonyAwards.com</a> and <a href="http://broadwayondemand.com/" target="_blank">BroadwayOnDemand.com</a> on June 7. This steamed event will be postponed, according to a statement by Broadway on Demand CEO/President, Sean Cercone."We are collectively saddened and angered by the senseless murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor and disheartened by the ongoing racism and injustices that continue to permeate our society," Cercone said in a statement. "We at Broadway On Demand do not tolerate hate, racism, injustice or bigotry of any kind. The continued violence against Black Americans is inexcusable. We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. This is a pivotal moment in our nation's history and our priorities at this time are to listen, to engage in meaningful dialogue and to do our best to enact real change in our industry and in our nation. We truly believe theater has the power to educate, inspire, develop empathy, bridge cultural divides, and ultimately unite under the banner of humanity. Broadway On Demand recognizes that we have the power to influence and change the world through art. Our goal as an organization is to create a platform where underrepresented voices can be amplified and uplifted. That is why it is of the utmost importance that the programs we deliver adhere to these beliefs and reflect the world in which we live."A new date for the event will be announced at a later time.UPDATE: Broadway.com Tony Awards event, "Show of Shows: Broadway.com Salutes the Tonys," which was scheduled to air on Sunday, June 7 at 7PM ET has been postponed. The Obie Awards, which honor Off- and Off-Off-Broadway theatre, have also been postponed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tony Awards celebrations and Drama Desk Awards ceremony postponed

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The Broadway League and the Drama Desk Awards have postponed events in light of the protests taking place across the U.S.

UPDATE: According to NY1 host <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fdilella/">Frank DiLella's Instagram</a>, the virtual ceremony has been postponed. "At this time, our country and the world is suffering in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. In New York and cities across the country and around the world, anger in the wake of his death has spurred protests that in some cases have been violent. I believe that it is important to step back and give time and space for the community's voices to be heard and amplified everywhere," DiLella wrote. A new date will be announced soon.&nbsp;The show must go online, and this Sunday May 31, the Drama Desk Awards will be livestreamed at 7:30PM ET in a ceremony hosted by NY1's Frank DiLella. The event will benefit The Actors&nbsp;Fund.The evening will feature an all-star cast of past award winners and nominees, including Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Alan Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth, Tituss Burgess, Beanie Feldstein, Cynthia Nixon, Ali Stroker, Andrew Rannells, Ashley Park, Santino Fontana, Renee Elise Goldsberry, and more.&nbsp;During the ceremony, the first Drama Desk Award for lifetime achievement will be awarded posthumously to producer and direct Hal Prince. A new awards statuette will also be revealed.The event will air on NY1 and will be available to stream at <a href="http://www.NY1.com" target="_blank">NY1.com</a> and <a href="http://www.DramaDeskAwards.com" target="_blank">DramaDeskAwards.com</a> at 7:30PM ET on May 31.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/drama-desk-awards-2020-and-the-nominees-are">Check out the complete list of Drama Desk nominees here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

How to watch the Drama Desk Awards this Sunday May 31 (Updated)

Hal Prince will receive the inaugural lifetime achievement award.

UPDATE: Broadway On Demand and The Broadway League have <a href="https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/tony-awards-celebration-and-drama-desk-awards-ceremony-postponed">postponed this event</a> in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. A new date will be announced at a later time.&nbsp;The Tony Awards may be postponed, but that doesn't mean the theater community can't (virtually) come together to celebrate. The new streaming service <a href="http://www.Broadwayondemand.com" target="_blank">Broadway On Demand</a> is teaming up with the coproducers of the Tony Awards, the American Theatre Wing, and The Broadway League to put on a live-streamed event on would-be Tony Sunday, June 7 at 6PM ET.&nbsp;The program will raise money for the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League, supporting the Wing's education and development programs to foster the next generation of theatremakers.&nbsp;"While the level of need within our community right now is overwhelming, so too is the generosity we continue to see every day," President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing Heather Hitchens said in a press release.&nbsp;"We are very grateful for Broadway On Demand for designing this wonderful opportunity for fans to celebrate Broadway and the Tony Awards while supporting the work we are doing to help those affected by this crisis."Tony nominee Lonny Price will direct the stream, which will be written by Tony nominee Karey Kirkpatrick, Steve Rosen, David Rossmer, Kate Weatherhead, and Lauren Yee. Jason Howland will provide music direction and supervision, and Sarah O'Gleby will choreograph.&nbsp;"Given all the devastating ways that this pandemic has affected our educational system, providing educational and training opportunities to those who otherwise might not have access feels more vital than ever before," President of The Broadway League Charlotte St. Martin said in a press release. "In these uncertain times, helping the next generation of artists flourish is the best way I can think of to remain optimistic about the future of Broadway!&nbsp;Thank you to everyone at Broadway On Demand for helping us realize our mission, and helping to celebrate our industry's biggest night - the Tony Awards."&nbsp;The one-hour event will be available to livestream on <a href="http://www.TonyAwards.com" target="_blank">TonyAwards.com</a> and <a href="http://www.BroadwayOnDemand.com" target="_blank">BroadwayOnDemand.com</a>.&nbsp;

Broadway On Demand will stream Tony Awards celebration on June 7 (Updated)

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The event will benefit the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League Foundation.

It's finally time to let them be your stars. On the heels of a livestream of the 2015 Bombshell concert, producers Steven Spielberg, Neil Meron, and Robert Greenblatt announced that <a href="/show/smash-a-new-musical">Smash: A New Musical</a> is finally ready for Broadway.The new production, which is inspired by the 2013 NBC behind-the-scenes drama, brings the series'&nbsp;songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the show's choreographer Joshua Bergasse, and new book writing team&nbsp;Rick Elice and Bob Martin. While concert productions of the shows within a show,&nbsp;Hit List and Bombshell,&nbsp;have been produced in the past and ignited speculation as to whether those musicals would come to Broadway, Smash: A New Musical is bringing the making-of&nbsp;story to the stage.&nbsp;The plot will follow the ups and downs of mounting the Marilyn Monroe musical Bombshell, and vying starlets Karen Carpenter and Ivy Lynn, along with songwriting team Julia and Tom, will be central to the story, but new details are under wraps at this time. Many of the original songs from the series, including "Let Me Be Your Star," will also be part of the show.&nbsp;"I am personally thrilled to be a part of this musical and its road to Broadway," producer Spielberg&nbsp;said in a press release. "Smash is near and dear to my heart, and it seems fitting that a new musical inspired by what we did on the show would eventually come to the stage. I'm beyond thrilled to be working with this incredible creative team and my producing partners, who began the 'Smash' journey with me over ten years ago."Producer Meron&nbsp;added: "Speaking for myself and Bob Greenblatt, our partner when he was running NBC, we're thrilled Steven wanted to embark on this musical with us. We've all felt that Shaiman and Wittman's incredible score for Smash&nbsp;belonged on Broadway."Development for the musical is in process, and no production dates have been announced at this time.&nbsp;

Smash: A New Musical, inspired by the television series, announces Broadway run

Megan Hilty in Smash

Smash, A New Musical - NYC

Smash, A New Musical

Songwriting team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will bring songs from their original score to the stage.

The planned stage musical of the 1959 Billy Wilder comedy <a href="/show/some-like-it-hot">Some Like It Hot</a> will now receive its world premiere on Broadway next year, it has been announced. The musical was previously reported to receive its world premiere in Chicago next year, however it will now open in New York in fall 2021.&nbsp;The musical will feature a book by Matthew Lopez, music by Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Casey Nicholaw will direct and choreograph Some Like It Hot.<a href="/show/some-like-it-hot">Some Like It Hot</a>&nbsp;follows Joe and Jerry, two jazz musicians who take it upon themselves to escape Prohibition-era Chicago and disguise themselves as women. Joining an all-female jazz band, they fall for the band's singer and ukulele player, Sugar.The twentieth-century romantic comedy starred Marilyn Monroe as Sugar, alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The movie went on to receive six Academy Award nominations and has been preserved by the United States Film Registry.The Broadway stage adaptation is produced by The Shubert Organization, Roy Furman, Robert Greenblatt and the Nederlander Organization.&nbsp;A venue, casting and performance schedule&nbsp;are to be confirmed, however the musical is expected to open in fall 2021.

Some Like It Hot musical to receive world premiere on Broadway in 2021

Some Like It Hot Broadway

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

The musical will feature an original book by Matthew Lopez, based on the 1959 film.

Sad news for the citizens of Arendelle... In light of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Disney Theatrical has now confirmed that the Broadway premiere of <a href="/show/disneys-frozen">Frozen</a> will not be returning to Broadway when the current shutdown comes to an end. Therefore, the hit musical officially played its final performance at the <a href="/theatres/st-james-theatre">St. James Theatre</a> on March 11, 2020, and played a total of 26 previews and 825 regular Broadway performances.Thomas Schumacher, President &amp; Producer Disney Theatrical Productions commented: "In the summer of 2013 when Frozen began its road to Broadway two things were unimaginable: that we'd soon have five productions worldwide, and a global pandemic would so alter the world economy that running three Disney shows on Broadway would become untenable. The extraordinary contribution of Broadway's original company plus those who have joined more recently cannot be overstated. Frozen, like all shows, is wholly dependent on those who create and perform them but this was an uncommonly close and talented group and they'll be missed. Finally, I have to acknowledge our incredible audiences; night after night, the fans showed us how much they loved this show and we look forward to seeing them at Frozen around the world."The North American Tour of Disney's Frozen is still expected to resume performances at a yet-to-be confirmed date, whilst a <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/frozen" target="_blank">West End premiere</a> is currently scheduled to begin performances at the <a href="https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane" target="_blank">Theatre Royal Drury Lane</a> in October of this year. In addition, further international productions are set to open in Australia, Japan and Germany by next year.Disney's Frozen began previews at Broadway's St. James Theatre on February 22, 2018, and officially opened on March 22. Read our review <a href="/reviews/review-of-disneys-frozen-on-broadway">here</a>.Based on the Academy Award-winning animated classic, Frozen features a book by the film's writer and co-director Jennifer Lee, along with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who also penned the film's soundtrack.Synopsis: "Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen, the musical tells the story of fearless princess Anna who sets off on an epic journey alongside a rugged iceman, his loyal pet reindeer, and a naïve snowman to find her estranged sister Elsa, whose icy powers have inadvertently trapped the kingdom in eternal winter."The closing principal cast of Frozen included Ciara Renée (as Elsa), McKenzie Kurtz (as Anna), Noah J. Ricketts​ (as Kristoff), Ryann Redmond (as Olaf), Ryan McCartan (as Hans), Robert Creighton (as Duke of Weselton), Kevin Del Aguila (as Oaken), Donald Jones, Jr. (as Pabbie), Andrew Pirozzi and Adam Jepsen (alternating as Sven), Fiona Morgan Quinn and Charlie Tassone (alternating as Young Anna), and Anna Rae Haller and Suri Marrero (alternating as Young Elsa).Under the direction of Tony Award winner Michael Grandage, the creative team features choreography by Tony Award winner Rob Ashford, scenic and costume design by two-time Tony Award winner Christopher Oram, lighting design by five-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, sound design by four-time Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, music supervision and vocal &amp; incidental arrangements by two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus, orchestrations by Dave Metzger, music consultation by Chris Montan, music direction by Brian Usifer, video design by Tony Award winner Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, hair design by David Brian Brown, make-up design by Anne Ford-Coates and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick.(Photo by Mary Ellen Matthews)&nbsp;

Disney announces closure of Frozen on Broadway due to COVID-19 pandemic

Ciara Renée in Disney's Frozen

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Frozen on Broadway

The Broadway premiere of Frozen played its final performance at the St. James Theatre on March 11, 2020.

As we sadly now have to learn to let go of Disney's <a href="/show/disneys-frozen">Frozen</a> on Broadway, a casualty of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we're dedicating today's #QuaranTune to the hard-working cast and crew of the hit musical who will no longer be returning to Arendelle at the <a href="/theatres/st-james-theatre">St James Theatre</a>."Let It Go" is simply a global phenomenon, written by the husband-and-wife team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Originally performed by Tony Award winner Idina Menzel for the 2013 smash hit animated classic, the song went on to enchant the young and the young-at-heart across the world and would pick up the Academy Award for 'Best Original Song' in 2014 and the Grammy Award for 'Best Song Written for Visual Media' in 2015.The musical number was first performed on Broadway by Caissie Levy, who originated the role of Elsa on Broadway. Frozen began previews on February 22, 2018, officially opening on March 22, and played its final performance on March 11, 2020 as the Broadway shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak was enforced.Here's Ms. Levy in the stunning performance of "Let It Go" filmed on Broadway for "The View"...&nbsp;<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qofj8MKO6mk" width="100%"></iframe><blockquote>Let it go, let it go. That perfect girl is gone. (Elsa, Frozen)</blockquote>(Photo by Deen van Meer)&nbsp;

QuaranTune #33: "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen

Caissie Levy in Disney's Frozen

A show tune a day keeps the quarantine blues at bay...

When it comes to the much anticipated film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway musical In the Heights, fans may have to keep practicing a little "Paciencia y Fe" as the movie theater release date was pushed back to June 18, 2021 thanks to the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, we're bringing a Washington Heights-themed #QuaranTune today to lift their spirtis. Alabanza!"When You're Home," written by Miranda, was first performed on Broadway by original cast members Mandy Gonzalez and Tony Award nominee Christopher Jackson (who originated the roles of Nina and Benny, respectively). In the Heights played the <a href="/theatres/richard-rodgers-theatre">Richard Rodgers Theatre</a> from February 2008 through January 2011, winning four Tony Awards: 'Best Musical,' 'Best Original Score,' 'Best Orchestrations,' and 'Best Choreography.' It was also nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2009.Here's Ms. Gonzalez and Mr. Jackson from the original Broadway production...&nbsp;<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eKKQQlQpMh4" width="100%"></iframe>&nbsp;And just so we can look forward to better times, here's the official trailer for the sure-to-be smash hit movie adaptation...&nbsp;<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U0CL-ZSuCrQ" width="100%"></iframe><blockquote>Nina, everything is easier when you're home. The street's a little kinder when you're home. Can't you see that the day seems clearer, now that you are here... (Benny, In the Heights)</blockquote>(Photo by Joan Marcus)&nbsp;

QuaranTune #32: "When You're Home" from In the Heights

Mandy Gonzalez & Christopher Jackson in In the Heights

Hogwarts has some new faces in its halls! New cast members have joined [*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/13709-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-tickets) on Broadway at the [Lyric Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/lyric-theatre).

New principal cast members include Cara Ricketts as Hermione Granger, Daniel Fredrick as Ron Weasley, and Jane Bruce as Delphi Diggory. They join continuing cast members Steve Haggard as Harry Potter, Angela Reed as Ginny Potter, Joel Meyers as Albus Potter, Maya Jerome Thomas as Rose Granger-Weasley. Aaron Bartz as Draco Malfoy, and Erik Christopher Peterson as Scorpius Malfoy.

New ensemble members include John Alix, William Bednar, Eric Cheung, Jamyl Dobson, Eleasha Gamble, Kaléa Leverette, Kira Player, Gabrielle Reid, and Emily Schultheis.

They join continuing actors Chadd Alexander, Quinn Blades, Darby Breedlove, Ted Deasy, Irving Dyson Jr., Kira Fath, Gary-Kayi Fletcher, Logan James Hall, Abbi Hawk, Chance Marshaun Hill, Edward James Hyland, Nick Hyland, Jax Jackson, Jack Koenig, Erik Evan Olson, Alexandra Peter, William Rhem Jr., Stephen Spinella, Tom Stephens, and Karen Janes Woditsch.

*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* is the six-time Tony Award-winning stage sequel to J. K. Rowling's *Harry Potter* series. The show follows Harry's son, Albus, and and Draco's son, Scorpius, as they become friends at Hogwarts and go on an adventure through time. But when they mess with the past, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Draco must step in to save the Wizarding World once more.

[Learn more about *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* on Broadway.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-on-broadway)

Get [*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/13709-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-tickets) now.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/13709-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child-tickets)

*Photo credit: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)*

'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' sets new Broadway cast

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway - 13709 - NYC

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway

The six-time Tony Award-winning Best Play, now in its fifth year at the Lyric Theatre, continues the story of Harry Potter and the next generation of wizards.

Farewell, so long, goodbye. Will Swenson will play his final performance in [*A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24254-a-beautiful-noise-tickets) on Broadway on October 29.

Swenson currently leads the show at the [Broadhurst Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/broadhurst-theatre) as Neil Diamond - Then, a younger version of the singer-songwriter as an up-and-coming musician. The show follows Diamond as he looks back on his life and career, and his [greatest hits](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/all-the-songs-in-a-beautiful-noise-on-broadway) propel the story of how he went from a poor Brooklyn kid to an award-winning, globally bestselling musician.

Swenson has played Diamond since *A Beautiful Noise* opened in November 2022. The current cast, most of whom are also original members, also includes Mark Jacoby as Neil Diamond – Now, Robyn Hurder as Marcia, Shirine Babb as Doctor, Jessie Fisher as Jaye Posner, Michael McCormick as Fred Weintraub/ Tommy O’Rourke, Tom Alan Robbins as Bert Berns/Kieve Diamond, and Bri Sudia as Ellie Greenwich/Rose Diamond.

Replacement casting for Swenson has yet to be announced. Nick Fradiani currently serves as Swenson's alternate, playing Neil Diamond - Then for one performance a week; he will continue in this role.

Get [*A Beautiful Noise* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24254-a-beautiful-noise-tickets) now.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24254-a-beautiful-noise-tickets)

*Photo credit: Will Swenson and the cast of A Beautiful Noise. (Photo by Julieta Cervantes)*

Will Swenson to depart 'A Beautiful Noise' on Broadway

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Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical on Broadway - NYC

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical on Broadway

The actor originated the role of a young Neil Diamond in this musical at the Broadhurst Theatre about the Grammy Award-winning musician's life and career.

The heat is going away. [*Some Like It Hot*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24262-some-like-it-hot-tickets) has set a Broadway closing date of December 30 at the [Shubert Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/shubert-theatre).

The musical will have played for just over a year, having played 483 total performances since November 1, 2022.

*Some Like It Hot* is a musical adapted from the 1959 Billy Wilder comedy of the same name, in which two Prohibition-era jazz musicians, Joe and Jerry, flee the Chicago mob. While stowing away in disguise with an all-female swing band, they find love and learn more about their truest identities.

Matthew López and Amber Ruffin wrote the book, and songs are by Marc Shaiman (music and lyrics) and Scott Wittman (lyrics). Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs.

Our [four-star review calls *Some Like It Hot*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/some-like-it-hot-broadway-review) "a bracing, fizzy cocktail garnished with a winning cast... this [adaptation] scores points for not just tracing the source but turning up some fresh ideas of its own."

The show won Best Musical at the Drama League, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and it was nominated for 13 Tonys, including Best Musical. Among its four wins were Best Choreography and Best Leading Actor in a Musical for [J. Harrison Ghee](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/interviews/j-harrison-ghee-contains-multitudes-in-some-like-it-hot-on-broadway), one of the [first non-binary performers to ever win a Tony Award](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/alex-newell-j-harrison-ghee-become-first-non-binary-tony-winning-actors).

Alongside Ghee as Jerry, the *Some Like It Hot* Broadway cast includes [Christian Borle](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/christian-borle) as Joe, J. Harrison Ghee as Jerry, Adrianna Hicks as Sugar, Kevin Del Aguila as Osgood, NaTasha Yvette Williams as Sweet Sue, Adam Heller as Mulligan, Mark Lotito as Spats, and Angie Schworer as Minnie.

Get [*Some Like It Hot* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24262-some-like-it-hot-tickets) now.

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

'Some Like It Hot' sets Broadway closing date

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The musical adaptation of the 1959 Billy Wilder film at the Shubert Theatre. was the most Tony Award-nominated show of the 2022-23 season with 13 nods.

Sometimes the dividing line between a character and a playwright is a blurry one. So it is with Ossie Davis’s 1961 satirical comedy [*Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27642-purlie-victorious-tickets), now back on Broadway for the first time since its debut 62 years ago.

The story follows Purlie Victorious Judson, a Black self-made traveling preacher who returns to his segregated Georgia hometown with a mission to buy and rehab its derelict church, Big Bethel. As a Black man, that’s a tall order. The church, like the town, is in the grip of racist tyrant Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee.

Davis grew up in racially segregated Georgia. Like Purlie, Davis had first-hand experience with discrimination and bigotry, forces that inform the play and fueled his lifelong commitment to civil rights. In a pre-show voiceover, director Kenny Leon notes that the play began as an angry drama. But it evolved to become less autobiographical and funnier. Get people laughing, you get people’s attention. That’s powerful.

Learn more about the political and personal contexts – and the impact of 1960s-era influences – that shaped *Purlie Victorious* below. 

Get [*Purlie Victorious* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27642-purlie-victorious-tickets) now.

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## The politics of *Purlie Victorious*

Davis situated his play in Georgia in the late 1950s, a time when Jim Crow – which has been called “a racial caste system” – were in effect in the American South. Bottom line: Blacks were second-class citizens.

“Jim Crow was more than a series of rigid anti-black laws. It was a way of life,” according to the [Jim Crow Museum](https://jimcrowmuseum.ferris.edu/), a resource to tell the story of African American resiliency. Jim Crow bolstered the lie that Blacks were inferior to whites. 

Davis shrewdly creates Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee to be the flesh-and-blood manifestation of Jim Crow, a man dressed head to toe in white who won’t hesitate to say he reveres “all that is white and holy” – and that doesn’t include African Americans. He sums the philosophy up in a chilling line: "My ol' Confederate father told me on his deathbed: Feed the Negras first - after the horses and cattle."

Cotchipee is quick to reach for his bullwhip, but he takes a shine to Purlie’s brother Gitlow (that name is no accident), an “Uncle Tom” who’s content being subservient and keeping to the old-plantation-day ways. 

But Davis leaves room for hope. Cotchipee’s liberal-minded son Charlie has had it with his father’s bigoted ways – and that ultimately leads the way for Purlie to get the last laugh.

## The real-life partnership of *Purlie Victorious*

Purlie’s plan to take ownership of Big Bethel requires a secret weapon – Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins, a follower and love interest of Purlie's who’s game for anything. Ossie Davis played the title role in the comedy’s Broadway premiere, so naturally, his wife, Ruby Dee, played Lutiebelle. 

The couple, who were married for 57 years, previously shared a Broadway stage in 1946 in *Jeb* and 1959 in *A Raisin in the Sun*. *Purlie Victorious* gave them a chance to chomp into two juicy roles together onstage. And their involvement in the show didn't end with the original production: Dee later played the supporting role of Idella in a 2002 reading.

They frequently worked together throughout their careers until he died in 2005 at 87; she died in 2014 at 91. But *Purlie Victorious* gave them a unique chance to shine a bright spotlight on the struggle for equality.

## Famous *Purlie Victorious* reviews

Suffice it to say that the social influencers of 1961 took notice of what Purlie Victorious was preaching. Fellow reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. saw the show. So did Malcolm X. According to Davis, [X said](http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ccbh/mxp/davis.html), “Black folks laughing at White folks was revolutionary — the highest kind of struggle he could imagine.” 

Eleanor Roosevelt also attended. She laughed, and then she [wrote about the experience](https://www2.gwu.edu/~erpapers/myday/displaydoc.cfm?_y=1962&_f=md005050). “Mixed with the humor there is intelligent, incisive commentary on segregation, discrimination, and the slow pace of integration,” she wrote.

“I think it is well for you as an American citizen to see it,” she added, “and ponder our racial problem… as a question affecting our standing and our real sincerity among the peoples of the world.”

Call that a *Purlie* of wisdom.

Get [*Purlie Victorious* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27642-purlie-victorious-tickets) now.

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*Photo credit: Kara Young, Heather Alicia Simms, Leslie Odom, Jr., Vanessa Bell Calloway, Billy Eugene Jones, and Noah Robbins in Purlie Victorious. (Photo by Marc J. Franklin)*

The real history behind ‘Purlie Victorious’ on Broadway

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12+ is recommended. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted.

Purlie Victorious on Broadway - NYC

Purlie Victorious on Broadway

Discover how real-life people, places, and politics shaped Ossie Davis’s uproarious comedy from 1961, which remains just as fresh and relevant in 2023.

For anyone planning on paying a visit to the Emerald City by seeing [*Wicked*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/1-wicked-musical-tickets) on Broadway, there are tons of ways to turn your entire day into an epic adventure Elphaba herself would approve of. There are many different activities to plan a *Wicked*-themed day in New York City, from learning more about the Gershwin, the theatre where the musical plays (in fact, the 20th anniversary is October 30, 2023), to spending time with another famous green woman. 

We’ve selected a few wickedly exciting activities you can take part in across the city, with ideas for Ozians of all ages. Then, make sure you buy your tickets to see *Wicked* at the [Gershwin Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/gershwin-theatre), and experience the story of *The Wizard of Oz* like never before.

Get [*Wicked* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/1-wicked-musical-tickets) now.

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## Museum of Broadway

Any theatre lover will enjoy a few hours at the Museum of Broadway, which features tons of costumes, set pieces, and props on display from famous performances. You'll also discover fascinating information about the history of the Great White Way and all the people it takes to put on a Broadway show.

*Wicked* fans in particular will love the five-foot scale model of the Gershwin, which shows off just how many people it takes to make the magic happen on stage and what the venue looks like behind the scenes.

Get [Museum of Broadway tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27223-the-museum-of-broadway) now.

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## Behind the Emerald Curtain

If you’ve ever wondered how Elphaba goes green every night or flies through the air, you’ll want to go on the Behind the Emerald Curtain tour. Cast members lead this 90-minute special behind-the-scenes tour through the *Wicked* museum, which includes special costumes, set pieces, props, scale models and more.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the experience, however, is that guests get to enjoy a candid Q&A with some cast members to ask their burning questions about being in *Wicked* and life as a Broadway performer. Tours operate on select dates only.

## Enchantments

Are you more intrigued by the witchy side of *Wicked*? Pay a visit to Enchantments, the oldest occult store in New York City. Located in the East Village, this store has tons of goodies for anyone trying to get into the magical spirit, with tarot cards, incense, cauldrons, and customized candles tailored toward whatever you hope to manifest. You can also get yourself a talisman to wear to the show and make sure any energy coming toward you is anything but wicked!

## The Statue of Liberty

Spend the day with another famous woman who is green from head to toe: the Statue of Liberty. A trip to this beloved monument (which is actually made of copper!) starts with a ferry ride to Liberty Island. Once there, you can visit the museum to learn more about Lady Liberty or climb up to her crown for an amazing view of the city’s skyline (but you’ll have to book tickets in advance). With [Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Round Trip Ferry tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31071-statue-of-liberty-and-ellis-island-round-trip-ferry-with-tour-guide), you can also go over to Ellis Island and visit the National Museum of Immigration afterwards.

If you don't want to go out to the island, New York Theatre Guide has tickets to multiple boat cruises that let you get a picturesque view of the statue while you sail by and enjoying onboard drinks and treats. Take a [daytime](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/29471-daytime-statue-of-liberty-and-city-lights-sails-aboard-the-clipper-city-tall-ship) or [evening harbor cruise](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/29469-sunset-sail-aboard-the-clipper-city-tall-ship) on a historic clipper ship, or go on a [60-minute sightseeing cruise](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/30978-statue-of-liberty-&-ellis-island-60-minute-sightseeing-cruise) if you're on a time crunch.

Get [Statue of Liberty tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31071-statue-of-liberty-and-ellis-island-round-trip-ferry-with-tour-guide) now.

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## Trapeze class

One of the most jaw-dropping moments in *Wicked* is when Elphaba takes flight. If you want to get a taste of what it feels like to soar through the air, you can take a flying trapeze class. The Trapeze School of New York at Hudson River Park, for example, teaches you how to hang by your knees, fly through the air, and do a “catch” (when someone on another trapeze bar catches you) all in your first class.

You can also try other gravity-defying activities, like trampoline classes and aerial hoop classes (also known as Lyra). It’s certainly a thrilling way to prepare for *Wicked*!

## *Wicked*

No *Wicked* day would be complete without seeing the iconic musical itself. Learn the history of Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, long before Dorothy arrives in Oz. Despite being roommates at Shiz University, they're bitter enemies and polar opposites until they ultimately settle their differences and become fierce friends.

Their union is tested, however, when Elphaba falls from the Wizard's good graces, while Glinda is torn between supporting her or tarnishing her image among the people of Oz. *Wicked* a story of the power of female friendship, standing up for what’s right, and finding strength in what makes you different.

Get [*Wicked* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/1-wicked-musical-tickets) now.

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*Photo credit: Wicked on Broadway. (Photo courtesy of production)*

Make a day out of ‘Wicked’ in New York City

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Wicked on Broadway [1]

Wicked on Broadway

From exploring Gershwin Theatre history to defying gravity just like Elphaba does, these activities are a great way to spend one short day *Wicked*-style.

Fall is underway and it's time to fall in love with some new theatre — or fall in love with your favorite shows all over again. [Broadway's long-running favorites](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/see-these-long-running-shows-on-broadway-right-now) are still going strong, but they're joined by plenty of new Broadway plays and musicals, including world-premiere Off-Broadway shows and many offerings with starry casts.

Check out our list of theatre to see in October 2023, and see our list of [New York shows that started in September](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/new-york-theatre-to-see-in-september) for even more new theatre you can still catch.

## Broadway shows in October

Noteworthy musicals and plays start performances on Broadway this month, including exciting revivals and new shows by award-winning artists. Be sure to check out these widely celebrated shows, many with celebrities in the cast.

[Get tickets to a Broadway show on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/whats-on/broadway-shows)

### *Merrily We Roll Along*

Stephen Sondheim’s famous flop-turned-fan favorite about a friendship shattered by showbiz greed and ambition is back on Broadway for the first time since its 1981 premiere. [Daniel Radcliffe](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/daniel-radcliffe), Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez star as a trio of pals whose relationships fall apart as the days go by in director Maria Friedman’s acclaimed staging.

Get [*Merrily We Roll Along* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27417-merrily-we-roll-along-tickets) now.

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### *I Need That*

[Danny DeVito](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/danny-devito), an Emmy winner for *Taxi* and a Tony nominee for *The Price*, stars as Sam, a hoarder ordered by government officials to clean up his cluttered home – or else he’s out on his ear. Count on playwright Theresa Rebeck (*Bernhardt/Hamlet*) to sort out the humor and humanity in the Roundabout Theatre Company production co-starring Lucy DeVito (the star’s daughter) and Ray Anthony Thomas.

Get [*I Need That* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/28198-i-need-that-on-broadway) now.

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### *Spamalot* 

Oh, what a knight! Arthurian legend gets soundly spoofed in this Tony-winning Best Musical by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, based on the 1975 comedy film *Monty Python and the Holy Grail*. Back on Broadway for the first time since its 2005 premiere, the show has a stacked cast including Taran Killam as Lancelot, James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur, and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as the Lady of the Lake.

Get [*Spamalot* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/33129-spamalot-tickets) now.

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### *Harmony*

During the 1920s and 1930s, the Comedian Harmonists, a German sextet known for their freewheeling stage frolics and tight harmonies, ascended to popularity that spanned the globe. But when the Nazis rose to power, the group, which included three Jewish men, broke apart and fell into obscurity. Barry Manilow (music) and Bruce Sussman (book and lyrics) reclaim the group’s place in history in this show directed by Warren Carlyle. 

[Check back for information on *Harmony* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24995-harmony-tickets)

## Off-Broadway shows in October

Off-Broadway theatres have it all this month: innovative new plays, comedy shows, and more. Whatever your taste in theatre, you’ll find it off Broadway, so check out these shows starting New York performances this month and find one that's best for you.

[Get tickets to an Off-Broadway show on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/whats-on/off-broadway-shows)

### *All the Devils Are Here*

Tony nominee Patrick Page is at his best when his characters are at their worst — such as Hades in [*Hadestown*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/14748-hadestown-tickets) and Scar in [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets). In this 80-minute solo show subtitled *How Shakespeare Invented the Villain*, author and actor Page inhabits a dozen of the Bard’s notorious baddies – including Macbeth, Richard II, and more.

Get [*All the Devils Are Here* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/34163-all-the-devils-are-here) now.

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### *Covenant*

Did a struggling musician make some sort of devilish deal to make it big in the biz? That’s a burning question throughout York Walker’s play about the power of suspicion and half-truths making its world premiere in a [Roundabout Theatre Company](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/harold-and-miriam-steinberg-center-for-theatre) presentation. 

Get [*Covenant* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/33127-the-covenant) now.

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### *Danny and the Deep Blue Sea*

[Aubrey Plaza](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/aubrey-plaza) (*Parks and Recreation*) and [Christopher Abbott](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/christopher-abbott) (*Girls*) star in this new production of this emotionally charged 1984 two-hander by John Patrick Shanley, the Oscar-winning writer of *Moonstruck*. The revival at the [Lucille Lortel Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/lucille-lortel-theatre) follows down-and-outers who meet at a bar in the Bronx and maybe – just maybe – make the kind of deep connection that could change their lives.  

Get [*Danny and the Deep Blue Sea* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/32606-danny-and-the-deep-blue-sea) now.

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### *Hell’s Kitchen*

Grammy winner [Alicia Keys](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/hear-the-music-of-alicia-keys-in-the-hells-kitchen-musical) makes her Off-Broadway debut at The [Public Theater](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/public-theater) in her semi-autobiographical coming-of-age musical set in her home neighborhood in Manhattan.  Michael Greif (*Rent*, *Dear Evan Hansen*) directs the show, which features a mix of new songs and familiar hits by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz about a 17-year-old girl named Ali, who’s considering life, love, and the future. 

Get [*Hell’s Kitchen* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31750-hells-kitchen) now.

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### *Here We Are*

A Sondheim premiere? We’re there. The final musical from the late, great composer-lyricist, created with writer David Ives (*Venus in Fur*) and directed by Joe Mantello (*Wicked*) is drawn from two Luis Buñuel films – *The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie* (1972) and *The Exterminating Angel* (1962) – with dinner parties that go sideways. Tony winners David Hyde Pierce, Rachel Bay Jones, and Denis O’Hare are just a taste of the delicious cast.

Get [*Here We Are* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/28147-here-we-are-tickets) now.

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### *Little Shop of Horrors*

Boy meets girl – and a man-eating plant with a killer appetite. So it goes in this hit revival at the Westside Theatre of the Alan Menken and Howard Ashman cult fave musical that's perfect for Halloween season. [Corbin Bleu](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/corbin-bleu) and Constance Wu currently star as the adorable lovebirds Seymour and Audrey who pour out their hearts in great songs like “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Suddenly Seymour.”

Get [*Little Shop of Horrors* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24608-little-shop-of-horrors-tickets) now.

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### *Daphne*

Soon after Daphne says goodbye to the city to live with her girlfriend in a woodsy setting, she finds herself confronting a thicket of unsettling events that make her question what’s real and what’s not. Boundaries blur and realities emerge in Renae Simone Jarrett’s play at Lincoln Center.

Check back for information on *Daphne* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

### *The Gardens of Anuncia*

Michael John LaChiusa seizes inspiration for his tango-infused musical at Lincoln Center from the early life of choreographer and director Graciela Danielle, one of his frequent collaborators. In the lead role, Tony winner Priscilla Lopez looks back at her girlhood in Argentina and marvels at the women in her life who helped her become an artist. 

Check back for information on *The Gardens of Anuncia* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

### *Merry Me*

There’s something about *Merry* – and then some. Restoration comedy shakes it up with Greek drama in a trippy work at [New York Theatre Workshop](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/new-york-theatre-workshop) by Hansol Jung (*Wolf Play*) directed by Leigh Silverman that promises to be “an intoxicating queer cocktail.” The setting is a Navy base, where libidos race, an angel descends with an arresting prophecy, and humanity hangs in the balance. 

Check back for information on *Merry Me* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

### *Stereophonic*

David Adjmi (*3C*, *Elective Affinities*) flashes back to the groovy, gritty mid-1970s, where a rock band recording its latest studio album is poised to make a quantum leap into the the big leagues. Will they seize the moment for superstardom – or crack like vinyl under the pressure? Original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler headlines this Playwrights Horizons presentation.

Check back for information on *Stereophonic* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

### *I Can Get It for You Wholesale*

Antihero, anyone? *Tootsie* Tony winner Santino Fontana stars as Harry Bogen, an eager-beaver shipping clerk in 1937 New York City whose ambition is rivaled only by his unscrupulousness. This [Classic Stage Company](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/classic-stage-company) production marks the first revival of the 1962 musical in 30 years and is a bit of a family affair. Revisions to Jerome Weidman’s original book, based on his novel, are by his son, John Weidman. Songs are by Harold Rome.

Check back for information on *I Can Get It for You Wholesale* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

*Photo credit: Spamalot. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)*

Top theatre to see in New York in October

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Discover our top picks for Broadway shows and Off-Broadway shows to see this month, including new shows premiering and last-chance shows closing this month.

Top theatre to see in New York in October | New York Theatre Guide

Check out our guide to must-see Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre in October 2023, a popular month for the openings of buzzy new Broadway plays and musicals.

They're hitting the dance floor! The new Broadway musical [*How to Dance in Ohio*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/32763-how-to-dance-in-ohio-tickets) has set its complete Broadway cast ahead of its first performance on November 15. Opening night is December 10.

*How to Dance in Ohio* is a musical adaptation of the same-named documentary by Alexandra Shiva. The show follows a group of autistic young adults who come of age and experience newfound love, stress, confidence, and change as they prepare for a formal dance at their group counseling center.

The show comes to Broadway's [Belasco Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/belasco-theatre) after a 2022 world premiere in Syracuse, with multiple cast members returning.

## Who is in the *How to Dance in Ohio* Broadway cast?

Newly announced *How to Dance in Ohio* cast members include Caesar Samayoa as psychologist Dr. Emilio Amigo, Cristina Sastre as Ashley Amigo, and ensemble members Jean Christian Barry, Collin Hancock, Hunter Hollingsworth, Marina Jansen, Ayanna Thomas, and Marina Pires.

They join seven [previously announced cast members](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/new-musical-how-to-dance-in-ohio-to-premiere-on-broadway-this-fall) making their Broadway debuts: Desmond Luis Edwards as Remy, Amelia Fei (Yi-Hsuan Fei) as Caroline, Madison Kopec as Marideth, Liam Pearce as Drew, Imani Russell as Mel, Conor Tague as Tommy, and Ashley Wool as Jessica. All are autistic actors reprising their roles from Syracuse as the autistic adults in the show.

Other previously announced cast members include Haven Burton as Terry, Darlesia Cearcy as Johanna, Carlos L Encinias, Nick Gaswirth, Melina Kalomas, and Martín Solá.

Check back for information on *How to Dance in Ohio* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

*Photo credit: Amelia Fei, Ashley Wool, Conor Tague, Desmond Edwards, Imani Russell, Liam Pearce, and Madison Kopec. (Photos courtesy of production)*

'How to Dance in Ohio' completes Broadway cast

how to dance in ohio-1200x600-NYTG

How to Dance in Ohio on Broadway - NYC

How to Dance in Ohio on Broadway

The new musical, based on Alexandra Shiva's Peabody Award-winning documentary about autistic adults, begins performances at the Belasco Theatre in November.

Their name is Lancelot! Taran Killam and Alex Brightman join the cast of the upcoming [*Spamalot*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/33129-spamalot-tickets) Broadway revival, playing at the [St. James Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/st-james-theatre) from October 31. Opening night is November 16.

Killam returns to Broadway after playing King George III in [*Hamilton*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/384-hamilton-tickets) in 2017. He is better known, however, for his onscreen comedy performances on *madTV* and *Saturday Night Live*, in addition to multiple sitcoms. He will play Lancelot through January 7 only.

Brightman will step into the role from January 9. He is currently starring as Richard Dreyfuss in [*The Shark Is Broken*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/28737-the-shark-is-broken-tickets) on Broadway, and he is also known for leading the Broadway musical adaptations of *Beetlejuice* and *School of Rock*. Brightman also played Lancelot at the Kennedy Center, where this *Spamalot* revival production premiered earlier this year under director/choreographer Josh Rhodes.

As [previously announced](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/spamalot-sets-broadway-cast-and-creative-team), multiple other cast members from that production will also return for the Broadway transfer: Christopher Fitzgerald as Patsy, James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as The Lady of the Lake, Jimmy Smagula as Sir Bedevere, Michael Urie as Sir Robin, and Nik Walker as Sir Galahad. Ethan Slater also stars as The Historian/Prince Herbert.

*Spamalot* is the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of *Monty Python and the Holy Grail*, written by John Du Prez and founding Monty Python member Eric Idle. The show is an irreverent sendup of Arthurian legends.

Get [*Spamalot* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/33129-spamalot-tickets) now.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/33129-spamalot-tickets)

*Photo credit: Taran Killam and Alex Brightman. (Photos courtesy of production)*

Taran Killam, Alex Brightman join 'Spamalot' Broadway cast

lancelots-1200x600-NYTG

Spamalot on Broadway - NYC

Spamalot on Broadway

The actors join a cast that also includes Broadway favorites James Monroe Iglehart, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Ethan Slater, and more at the St. James Theatre.

Ease on down to Broadway! A revival of [*The Wiz*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27115-the-wiz-tickets) will begin performances this spring at the [Marquis Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/marquis-theatre). The first performance is March 29, and opening night is April 17.

The announcement of the New York production comes as *The Wiz* opened its pre-Broadway national tour in Baltimore, Maryland — where the Tony Award-winning original 1975 production premiered — last night.

*The Wiz* is an all-Black retelling of *The Wizard of Oz*, infusing it with jazz, pop, ballet, and Black cultural influences. The show features a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls and others, including Luther Vandross. The 2023 revival features additional material by Amber Ruffin, also represented on Broadway with *Some Like It Hot*.

Schele Williams directs the 2023 production, which features choreography by JaQuel Knight, scenic design by Hannah Beachler; costume design by Sharen Davis; lighting design by Ryan J. O’Gara; sound design by Jon Weston; projection design by Daniel Brodie; wig design by Charles LaPointe; makeup design by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche; music supervision, orchestrations, and music arrangements by Joseph Joubert; vocal and music arrangements by Allen René Louis; and dance music arrangements by Adam Blackstone.

## Who is in *The Wiz* Broadway cast?

As [previously announced](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/complete-cast-set-for-broadway-bound-the-wiz-revival), the Broadway cast of *The Wiz* stars [Wayne Brady](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/wayne-brady) as The Wiz alongside Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.

The ensemble includes Maya Bowles, Shayla Alayre Caldwell, Jay Copeland, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Judith Franklin, Michael Samarie George, Collin Heyward, Amber Jackson, Olivia Jackson, Christina Jones, Polanco Jones, Kolby Kindle, Mariah Lyttle, Kareem Marsh, Anthony Murphy, Cristina Rae, Matthew Sims Jr, Avilon Trust Tate, Keenan D. Washington, and Timothy Wilson.

*The Wiz* Broadway cast carries over from the national tour.

Check back for information on *The Wiz* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

*Photo credit: The Wiz in Baltimore. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)*

'The Wiz' to open on Broadway in March

the wiz-1200x600-NYTG

The Wiz on Broadway - NYC

The Wiz on Broadway

Wayne Brady will star in the latest revival of the seven-time Tony Award-winning musical, which just launched a national tour prior to its New York opening.

The career paths of Josh Gad and [Andrew Rannells](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/andrew-rannells) happily keep on colliding – and paralleling. Right now, they’re at the [James Earl Jones Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/james-earl-jones-theatre) in [*Gutenberg! The Musical!*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31399-gutenberg-the-musical-tickets), a show with two actors and just as many exclamation points. The comic duo play musical theatre composers writing a show about the inventor of the printing press.

Out there? Sure. Then again, the story of misbegotten Mormon missionaries in Uganda is also wacky. That’s what the long-running, Tony Award-winning musical [*The Book of Mormon*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/127-the-book-of-mormon-tickets), in which Gad and Rannells first performed together, is about.

Even when they haven’t shared a stage, their theatre careers have overlapped in various ways. Find out more about the duo’s careers in our timeline below.

Get [*Gutenberg! The Musical!* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31399-gutenberg-the-musical-tickets) now.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31399-gutenberg-the-musical-tickets)

## 2005 and 2006: Broadway debuts

In January 2005, Rannells took over as high school student Fender in *Hairspray*. Like a ’60s beehive hairdo, the actor ascended high to the lead role of teenage heartthrob Link Larkin. Rannells has stepped into key roles in other Broadway shows including Bob Gaudio in *Jersey Boys*, the title role in *Hedwig and the Angry Inch*, and King George in [*Hamilton*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/384-hamilton-tickets). 

A year later, in January 2006, the musical *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee* introduced Gad to Broadway audiences. He took over the role of allergy-prone William Barfee, a kid who uses his “magic foot” to write out words before spelling them.

![gad rannells mormon-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/2wabPKWHjEvZjHR3cwfnyN/fe6243997f341e93bba3320f9ea06708/gad_rannells_mormon-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## 2011: *The Book of Mormon*

In 2011, Rannells and Gad landed the lead roles in the irreverent, sometimes profane musical by Robert Lopez (*Frozen, Avenue Q*) and *South Park* creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Rannells and Gad starred as Elders Price and Cunningham: Mormon missionaries in Uganda who are young, eager, in over their head, and making things up as they go along. Both got Best Actor Tony nominations for the still-running hit at the [Eugene O’Neill Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/eugene-o-neill-theatre). 

Get [*The Book of Mormon* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/127-the-book-of-mormon-tickets) now.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/127-the-book-of-mormon-tickets)

## 2006 and 2016: The William Finn connection

Gad belted the kicky tune “Magic Foot” by William Finn in his Broadway debut in *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee*. Rannells earned his second Tony nomination – Best Actor in a Supporting Role, as the ailing Whizzer – in the 2016 revival of *Falsettos*, a show with music, lyrics, and a book by Finn.

## 2013 and 2016: The Disney connection

Beyond the stage, Disney is common ground for the pair. For episodes of the animated TV series *Sofia the First*, Rannells voiced Morris, a goblin. Meanwhile, Gad voiced Olaf, the fan-fave snowman in the *Frozen* film franchise.

## 2023: *Gutenberg! The Musical!*

As Bud and Doug in this musical by Scott Brown and Anthony King, the actors wear a lot of hats – and that’s not a metaphor. They play the authors of a show about Johannes Gutenberg, which they pitch to potential investors with the means to finance the project. They act out the show playing characters whose names are on baseball caps.

See how it all goes down through January 28 only. Who knows when Rannells and Gad will share the stage next?

Get [*Gutenberg! The Musical!* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31399-gutenberg-the-musical-tickets) now.

[![Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/3qAtGOdQq9x3k1WcHlaJnw/90ece91bbe47ed07e142c2e43c7a7a3f/BookTickets-250.png)](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31399-gutenberg-the-musical-tickets)

Learn about the careers of 'Gutenberg! The Musical!' stars Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells

gutenberg-1200x600-NYTG

Recommended for 12+. Children under 4 not admitted.

Gutenberg! The Musical on Broadway - NYC

Gutenberg! The Musical on Broadway

The acclaimed comic theatre actors made their names with *The Book of Mormon* more than a decade ago, and they now share the stage for the first time since.

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