Broadway

It's a hit! [*Merrily We Roll Along*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27417-merrily-we-roll-along-tickets)'s first Broadway revival will begin performances at the [Hudson Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/hudson-theatre) on September 19, and tickets are available now. Get *Merrily We Roll Along* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Jonathan Groff, [Daniel Radcliffe](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/daniel-radcliffe), and Lindsay Mendez star in *Merrily We Roll Along* as Frank, Charley, and Mary, a trio of friends whose bond fractures over the course of 20 years. The story of how fame and money break them apart is told in reverse chronological order.

The starry trio reprise their roles from a critically acclaimed 2022 Off-Broadway revival of the musical at New York Theatre Workshop, directed by Maria Friedman. [New York Theatre Guide's four-star review](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/merrily-we-roll-along-off-broadway-review-jonathan-groff-daniel-radcliffe-lindsay-mendez) calls the production "stirring" and reads, "The story’s consideration of the fragility of friendships stands out."

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's musical hasn't appeared on Broadway since 1981. A flop at the time, the show has since [underwent numerous revisions](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-merrily-we-roll-along-on-broadway) and become a celebrated classic featuring some of Sondheim's most famous songs, including "Not a Day Goes By" and "Good Thing Going."

*Merrily We Roll Along* Broadway tickets are available for the musical's limited 18-week engagement.

Get *Merrily We Roll Along* tickets now.

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'Merrily We Roll Along' Broadway tickets on sale now

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Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway - NYC

Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway

The first Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's classic musical will star Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez for a limited time only.

Razzle dazzle us! For 40 years, composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb worked side by side to create a brand of Broadway musicals packed with beauty and biting commentary. Their shows leave you singing and thinking – a case in point is [*Chicago*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/22-chicago-tickets), one of the longest-running shows in theatre history. 

The prolific duo is known for collaborations with various writers, directors, and actors, and their Broadway premieres continued even after Ebb’s death at age 76 in 2004. The latest is [*New York, New York*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26043-new-york-new-york-tickets), based loosely on Martin Scorsese’s same-named film, now playing at the [St. James Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/st-james-theatre). It’s a perfect time to look back through the team’s illustrious career – which includes three Tony Award-winning scores – and all the Kander and Ebb musicals on Broadway.

Get *New York, New York* tickets now.

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## 1965: *Flora, The Red Menace*

Kander and Ebb’s first Broadway collaboration is based on the novel *Love is Just Around the Corner*. Set in Depression-era New York, the romantically and politically charged musical lasted around three months. That was long enough for its star, Liza Minnelli, to win a Tony Award and begin a long collaboration with the pair.

## 1966: *Cabaret*

A ratty club in Germany amid the Third Reich’s rise to power seems an unlikely musical setting, but countless audiences came to the cabaret. Based on Christopher Isherwood’s stories and the play they inspired (John Van Druten’s *I Am A Camera*), the show is a masterwork that earned the duo their first Best Score Tony win.

The musical, directed by Harold Prince, opened in 1966 and ran for nearly three years, later Willkommen-ing audiences back to Broadway in 1987, 2004, and 2014 revivals. Plus, the *Cabaret* film starring Minnelli and Joel Grey, who reprised his Tony-winning role as the emcee, dropped in 1972 and has since become one of the most celebrated movie musicals in history. 

## 1968: *The Happy Time*

This bittersweet show starring Robert Goulet follows a globetrotting photographer who returns to his hometown in Canada to search for something missing in life. It earned Kander and Ebb a Tony nomination for Best Score, and the show’s happy time on Broadway ended after 286 performances. 

## 1968: *Zorba*

Two months after their previous show closed, this dark-streaked musical, adapted from the novel *Zorba the Greek*, launched its 305-performance run. The songwriting duo’s attraction to edgy material continues here, including in the song “Life Is.” It matter-of-factly states that "life is what you do while you’re waiting to die.” The show came back to life in a 1983 revival. 

## 1971: *70, Girls, 70* 

Ebb, who wrote the book and lyrics, and Kander were in a lighter mood for this work about senior citizens who steal and resell furs to finance the rescue of their retirement home. The show opened in April 1971 but made a quick getaway from Broadway, running for only 35 performances.

## 1975: *Chicago* 

Regarding celebrity criminals and the true crime craze, this story of merry man killers Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly – roles originated by Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera – was way ahead of its time. *Chicago* was up for 11 Tonys, including Best Score and Best Book (co-written by Ebb), but the show went home empty-handed. Nowadays, the six-time Tony-winning 1996 revival is the second longest-running show in Broadway history. 

Get *Chicago* tickets now.

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## 1977: *The Act*

Michelle Craig, a movie-star-turned Las Vegas performer played by Minnelli (who won a Tony), recalls her rocky career moves and romances in this show that opened in October 1977 and ran for 233 performances.

Among the tunes in the Tony-nominated score is “The Money Tree,” in which Michelle wises up about the guy in her life: “The day will come; he’ll come running to me the day the sun turns black and there’s a money tree.”

## 1981: *Woman of the Year*

The duo found creative inspiration for this Lauren Bacall star vehicle in the 1942 Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn comedy about rival reporters falling in and out of love. Bacall sings about that in the witty number “I Wrote the Book,” in which her character notes that she is up on everything – including how to lose a man.

Likewise, Kander and Ebb continued to show they wrote the book on songwriting, winning a Tony for their score. The show opened in March 1981 and closed after 770 performances in just under two years.  

## 1984: *The Rink*

The songwriting team notched another Tony nomination for this score. *The Rink* takes place at a decrepit roller rink, where a mom and daughter (played by Rivera and Minnelli) deal with various challenges, including each other. The show opened in August 1984 and rolled along for 204 performances before calling it a day. 

## 1992: *Kiss of the Spider Woman*

Based on the Manuel Puig novel about a prisoner in Latin America who escapes into a fantasy world, *Kiss of the Spider Woman* was adapted into an Oscar-winning movie before becoming a Tony-winning musical.

Kander and Ebb took home the Best Score Tony, one of seven prizes for the show, including Best Musical and Best Actress for Rivera in the title role. The show opened in May 1993 and had its last kiss in April 1995 after 904 performances.

## 1997: *Steel Pier*

Gritty settings and scenarios become Kander and Ebb. No wonder this show about lost souls in Depression-era Atlantic City appealed to them. Their score got a Tony nomination, but the show ran just 76 performances after its April 1997 premiere.

## 2006: *Curtains*

This backstage murder mystery musical comedy starring David Hyde Pierce opened in March 2007 – making it the duo’s first new show since Ebb’s death – and ran 511 performances. The Tony-nominated score featured “Show People,” an upbeat nod to theatre performers “who live in a world of their own” and who are “born every night at half-hour call.” Write what you know, they say – and Kander and Ebb knew actors.

## 2010: *The Scottsboro Boys* 

“How about a musical about racism, rape, and Jim Crow?” New York Theatre Guide noted in its [four-star review of *The Scottsboro Boys*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/the-scottsboro-boys-0). It added that “if anyone is going to handle” those topics, it’s Kander and Ebb, who are both credited for music and lyrics in their Tony-nominated score. The story recounts true events from 1931 Alabama, where nine young Black men were accused of raping two white women. The show, directed by Susan Stroman, was framed as a minstrel show, which inspired protests. It ran 49 performances.

## 2015: *The Visit*

A star vehicle for Rivera, this show about a scorned woman who engineers the ultimate revenge on her ex-lover is based on Friedrich Duerrenmatt's 1956 play. The show took 15 years of development to reach Broadway. *The Visit* was up for five Tonys but won none, and the musical closed after 61 performances. 

## 2023: *New York, New York* 

Listen up for Kander and Ebb hits including the title blockbuster and “But the World Goes Round” from Martin Scorsese’s 1977 film. The duo’s songs and the setting — 1946 New York — are the only carryovers from the screen, though. This musical features a new plot about artists seeking success in the city.

*New York, New York* also includes new songs by Kander and Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda, bridging old and new songwriting talents. You’ll want to be a part of this Kander and Ebb collaboration.

Get *New York, New York* tickets now.

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## Other Kander and Ebb Broadway credits

The above are the musicals the duo created together, but Kander and Ebb songs are so popular that they pop up in plenty of other Broadway shows. These include *Prince of Broadway*, a 2017 tribute to Harold Prince; *Come Fly Away*, a 2010 dance show built around Frank Sinatra hits; and *Liza*, a 1974 concert by Minnelli.

*Photo credit: Chicago on Broadway. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)*

A history of Kander and Ebb musicals on Broadway

Photo credit: Cast of Chicago (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

New York, New York on Broadway - NYC

New York, New York on Broadway

John Kander and Fred Ebb are the songwriting duo behind one of Broadway's longest-running shows and many other theatrical classics that often get revived.

Even if you don't know [*Peter Pan Goes Wrong*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27336-peter-pan-goes-wrong-tickets), you're likely familiar with the first part of that title. The story of the boy from Neverland who wouldn't grow up [first took flight in 1904 as a play by J.M. Barrie](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/all-the-peter-pan-adaptations-in-broadway-theatre) and continues to shape countless childhoods worldwide. 

In 2013, Mischief Theatre Company — a comedy theatre group led by British writer/performers Jonathan Sayer, Jonathan Lewis, and Henry Shields — followed up the success of their smash hit [*The Play That Goes Wrong*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/14790-the-play-that-goes-wrong-tickets) with their own take on that beloved tale. *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* is less of an adaptation and more of a play-within-a-play, as the fictional Cornley University Drama Society is actually putting on *Peter Pan*.

But there’s a key difference: The show gets derailed almost constantly by mile-a-minute slapstick in the form of crumbling sets, forgotten lines, offstage fights, and fly rigs that don't actually lift up the actors.

This physical comedy, plus the globally familiar, family-friendly nature of *Peter Pan*, makes Mischief's show — now premiering on Broadway at the [Barrymore Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/barrymore-theatre) — a treat for anybody. As performer Fred Gray described the play, "It just feels like you've been hugged."

"The show is pretty much language-independent," added performer Stephen James Anthony. "Folks who may not speak English well or first could probably still enjoy the show."

Hear more from *Peter Pan Goes Wrong*'s cast and creators about even more reasons to join them in Neverland through July 9.

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## *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* uses *The Play That Goes Wrong* playbook.

The two shows have the same creator, after all. *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* isn't an official sequel to *The Play That Goes Wrong*, but both center on the same Cornley troupe. Their murder mystery play in *The Play That Goes Wrong* was a bust, but the group decides to give it another go with *Peter Pan*.

"It's rare that you get to go see a different show with the characters that you love from a previous show, even though it's about a totally different plot," said understudy Ryan Vincent Anderson. "You're going get the lovable characters you like [from *The Play That Goes Wrong*], but you're also going to get the absolutely amazing story of *Peter Pan*."

Sure, Cornley's staging still goes awry, in part due to the characters' offstage squabbles: "You get a little bit more of a peek into the relationships going on between the cast of Cornley," Greg Tannahill, who plays Jonathan, explained. "You see... things going wrong and them not dealing with it in the best way, but you also get a little peek at them not dealing with each other in the best way."

Nonetheless, keen fans will notice growth in the familiar characters, like sound board operator Trevor, diva Sandra, and stage manager-turned-actress Annie.

"We've learned some things about how to produce better theatre," said understudy Brenann Stacker, referring to the Cornley troupe. "They're better actors, they're better scenic designers. They're actually growing as human beings."

## The cast members are friends on stage and off.

Multiple *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* actors met at drama school together. Chris Leask and Matt Cavendish — who play Trevor and Max, respectively — were in the same year. Sayer, Shields, and Lewis created Mischief as a group project during their time at university.

Plus, most of the principal cast members worked together on the show's premiere 10 years ago, and others have worked with Mischief in at least one production of *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* or *The Play That Goes Wrong* worldwide.

"It's not just a working relationship. We're all best mates, and we have been for the last 13 years, which is why Mischief came together in the first place," said Leask. "Everyone just enjoyed working together and creating theatre. The charm of Mischief is that we all know each other so well. We all just want to get out [there] every night and have fun and entertain our audience. You can see that relationship on stage between the actors."

In other words, *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* lets the actors goof off with their friends. What could be more fun than that?

## *Peter Pan* is a globally beloved story.

"We've done [*Peter Pan Goes Wrong*] in several different countries, and we keep thinking, how are we going to adapt it for this particular country?" said director Adam Meggio. "And in the end, you don't actually have to do that much with it because it's *Peter Pan*, which is a fairly universal story.

"People tend to know it," he continued. "And even if you don't know it, it doesn't matter, because you get it when you watch it." The nostalgic familiarity of *Peter Pan* and its characters — Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy, Captain Hook — is a major reason Mischief's version succeeded in multiple countries on both sides of the Atlantic.

## The play is rooted in a popular British theatre form.

"Back in the U.K., we have a big English tradition of the pantomime," Meggio explained. "The grand style of acting, the actor down in the footlights being a villain, puffs of smoke and people appear, old stage magic."

In short, pantomime is just a more exaggerated version of what comedic performing already is. The concept of pantomime may be uniquely British, but its old-fashioned, campy performance style is universal.

That said, the creators made some tweaks for American audiences, mainly vocabulary-wise. "Rather than white spirit, it's paint thinner," Sayer said. Added Shields: "We've changed the word interval to intermission... We also had to change the word polytechnic to university, which is fair because I don't think even British people really know what to call it."

## *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* takes flight — literally.

You can't follow the second star straight on 'till morning on foot. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell must fly, and that's only half the complex stage magic going on in this show. "There's loads of elaborate routines like flying and pirate ships and creating these incredible sets," described Shields. "That really is just fodder for us to tear everything apart."

In other words, expect lots of flying, but in the hands of the clueless Cornley company, expect lots of failed takeoffs and falling, too.

## We all have an inner Peter Pan.

Unlike Peter Pan, we're all growing up whether we like it or not. But at *Peter Pan Goes Wrong*, the actors and audience members can stop the clock for a few hours.

"There's something really universal about not growing up, right?" said Anthony. "Life gets serious and difficult, especially in these past few years, and who doesn't want to go back to a place of childlike wonder and simple pleasures?"

Added Anderson: "Our inner child just withers away sometimes. We kind of have to, to get through life, but then to come to a show like this and just experience childlike joy, it's amazing."

## Everyone loves when things go wrong.

No one likes embarrassing themselves, but when others do it, it's comedy. When asked why this phenomenon is so universal, the *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* cast had quick answers.

"Comedy is mostly about status and status transactions: people thinking that they're better than they are, and then getting their comeuppance and being knocked down a peg or two," Meggio said. "Those sorts of things tend to be very human."

Anthony had just the word: "Schadenfreude. There's something delicious about watching someone get defeated by a prop, or, despite their best efforts to be very respectable, they end up looking like an absolute fool." We might usually feel bad for laughing, but at *Peter Pan Goes Wrong*, it's not only okay, but encouraged.

## The play isn't just funny — it's heartfelt.

Despite facing setbacks at every turn, the actors are determined to make it through their play. *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* sincerely celebrates resilience and teamwork, which one might not expect from a show bursting with gags.

Harry Kershaw, who plays Francis, made this point by comparing *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* to *The Office*. "[In] the English *Office*... the most successful thing that's happened is that Ricky Gervais has told someone to fuck off," he said. "That's the win, whereas the American *Office* ends on a more upbeat note, with Michael Scott being a hero.

"In this show, there's more of a sense of everyone who's managed to finish the show is a hero," Kershaw continued. "There's a wonderful sense of achievement."

That warm feeling, plus all the joy from the comedy leading up to it, makes this trip to Neverland worthwhile.

Get *Peter Pan Goes Wrong* tickets now.

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*Responses have been condensed and edited for length and clarity.*

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

Why 'Peter Pan Goes Wrong' has universal comedic appeal

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Peter Pan Goes Wrong on Broadway - NYC

Peter Pan Goes Wrong on Broadway

The show's Broadway cast, many of whom have performed in it or *The Play That Goes Wrong* before, shares what makes this show that goes wrong so hilariously right.

Great Scott! The complete [*Back to the Future*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26018-back-to-the-future-tickets) Broadway cast has been set. The show will fly into the [Winter Garden Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/winter-garden-theatre) on June 30 ahead of an August 3 opening.

*Back to the Future* is based on the hit 1985 film of the same name about Marty McFly, a teenager who almost stops his parents from meeting when he travels back in time to 1955. With the help of scientist Doc Brown, he must figure out how to fix the past to save his future.

The *Back to the Future* musical premiered in London in 2020 and won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2022.

## Who is in the *Back to the Future* Broadway cast?

Rounding out the principal cast are Liana Hunt as Lorraine Baines, Jelani Remy as Goldie Wilson/Marvin Berry, and Nathaniel Hackmann as Biff Tannen. They join previously announced leads Roger Bart as Doc Brown, Casey Likes as Marty McFly, and Hugh Coles as George McFly. Bart and Coles reprise their roles from London.

The newly announced ensemble cast includes Merritt David Janes as Strickland, Mikaela Secada as Jennifer Parker, Amber Ardolino, Will Branner, Victoria Byrd, Brendon Chan, Kevin Curtis, Nick Drake, Samuel Gerber, Marc Heitzman, Kimberly Immanuel, Joshua Kenneth Allen Johnson, Hannah Kevitt, JJ Niemann, Becca Petersen, Emma Pittman, Jonalyn Saxer, Blakely Slaybaugh, Gabi Stapula, and Daryl Tofa.

The creative team is led by director John Rando. The book is by Bob Gale, who co-wrote the *Back to the Future* film trilogy's screenplays, and music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri (who composed the film's score) and Glen Ballard. Additional songs from the film including “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” also appear in the stage musical.

Check back for information on *Back to the Future* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

*Photo credit: Casey Likes and Roger Bart. (Photo by Hugo Glendinning)*

'Back to the Future' sets complete Broadway cast

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Back to the Future on Broadway - NYC

Back to the Future on Broadway

Find out who is joining Casey Likes, Roger Bart, and Hugh Coles in the New York premiere of this musical based on the cult classic 1985 sci-fi comedy film.

This is a bombshell! The new musical [*Smash*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24261-smash-a-new-musical-tickets), based on the hit TV drama series of the same name, will come to Broadway during the 2024-2025 season.

The *Smash* TV show ran on NBC for two seasons from 2012-2013. It centered on the road to Broadway for *Bombshell*, a fictional musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe.

Key characters included Karen ([Katharine McPhee](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/katharine-mcphee)) and Ivy (Megan Hilty), two actresses vying to play Marilyn; Julia ([Debra Messing](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/debra-messing)) and Tom ([Christian Borle](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/christian-borle)), the writers of *Bombshell*; and Derek (Jack Davenport), the director of *Bombshell*.

Casting for the Broadway production has yet to be announced, but multiple major names are attached on the creative side. Directing is five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman, who's known for staging musicals including *The Producers*, *Contact*, *Show Boat*, and *Crazy for You*. She also directs and choreographs [*New York, New York*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26043-new-york-new-york-tickets) on Broadway this season.

Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman wrote original songs for the *Smash* TV series, and many of those songs will appear in the musical alongside new material from the duo. They're behind this season's [*Some Like It Hot*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24262-some-like-it-hot-tickets) musical and the Tony-winning *Hairspray*.\

The book for *Smash* is by Tony winner Bob Martin (*The Prom*, *The Drowsy Chaperone*) and Tony nominee Rick Elice (*Jersey Boys*, *Peter and the Starcatcher*).

Joshua Bergasse, who choreographed the TV show, returns to direct the *Smash* musical. Additionally, producing is Steven Spielberg, who came up with the original concept for the TV show, alongside Robert Greenblatt and Neil Meron.

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

'Smash' to premiere on Broadway in 2024-25 season

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Smash, A New Musical - NYC

Smash, A New Musical

The new musical comedy is based off the hit TV series about the creation of a fictional Marilyn Monroe musical, which aired on NBC from 2012 to 2013.

It’s showtime, folks! Typical Broadway musicals come with stories that have a beginning, a middle, and an end. [*Bob Fosse’s Dancin’*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24249-bob-fosses-dancin-tickets) doesn’t follow that template, and it wastes no time letting audiences know that. “What you are about to see is an almost plotless musical,” a performer says in the show’s opening moment. 

True enough. Then again, in this exuberant musical revue celebrating the singular, groundbreaking work of choreographer Bob Fosse, every dancer's movement – from goofy, vulnerable knock knees to hypnotizing, frisky finger wags — tells an eloquent, and often provocative, story. 

Director Wayne Cilento’s revival of the 1978 Tony-winning Best Musical, then simply called *Dancin’*, preserves Fosse’s original choreography and interpolates a wide sweep of numbers, including rarely performed pieces and Fosse classics. Look for them to shimmy, shuffle, and leap across the stage. 

But perhaps you don't know what "classic Fosse" looks like or why his legacy warrants a two-hour musical. No worries — you're in the right place to find out the basics of his dance style, what you'll see on stage in *Dancin'*, and all that jazz. Learn more about this Broadway superstar and his sexy fancy footwork, and then check it out at the [Music Box Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/music-box-theatre).

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## Who is Bob Fosse?

Bob Fosse was a choreographer, director, performer, and visionary changemaker in the theatre world. Beginning in the 1950s, he reshaped Broadway dancing with his innovative and influential choreography that was as precise as it was sensual. His moves set several of musical theatre’s most famous shows in motion, and the dancing is now just as iconic as the songs and stories. 

## What musicals is Bob Fosse known for?

By the time of his death at age 60 in 1987, Fosse had won eight Tony Awards for *The Pajama Game*, *Damn Yankees*, *Redhead*, *Little Me*, *Sweet Charity*, *Pippin*, *Dancin’*, and *Big Deal*. Among his most popular and iconic dance numbers from these shows are the sultry [“Steam Heat”](https://youtu.be/eQdyDlSie0Q) from *Pajama Game*, in which he used his now-trademark bowler hats; the sexy bump-and-grinding [“Big Spender”](https://youtu.be/iG3VfKlfDEk) from *Sweet Charity*; and the mesmerizing [“Magic to Do”](https://youtu.be/ADeU6qz37B4) from *Pippin*, with sharp jazz hands in the spotlight. Look for bits of these on stage at *Bob Fosse’s Dancin’*.

Fosse also co-wrote, directed, and choreographed John Kander and Fred Ebb’s 1975 Broadway premiere of [*Chicago*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/22-chicago-tickets) — he's a triple threat and then some. The musical's 1996 revival, which Ann Reinking meticulously choreographed in Fosse's style, is now the second-longest running show in Broadway history.

## What is Fosse known for beyond Broadway?

Fosse generally gravitated to works with a sexy edge, a dark side, or both. He directed the films *Sweet Charity*, *Lenny*, *All That Jazz*, and *Star 80*. But most notably, he won an Oscar for his direction of 1972 film version of Kander and Ebb’s *Cabaret*, which he also choreographed.

Fosse wasn't involved with the musical's Broadway premiere, but the film indelibly linked Fosse's name with *Cabaret*. A number in *Bob Fosse’s Dancin’*, "Spring Chicken," features Fosse's choreography from that film's song ["Mein Herr."](https://youtu.be/lxmz3RcNNBE)

In addition, a number of film and TV projects portray Fosse's own life story — he was a fascinating character on stage and off. In the semi-autobiographical 1979 movie *All That Jazz*, Fosse directed Roy Scheider as his alter ego Joe Gideon, a manic moviemaker who has a fatal cardiac event. Fosse died of a heart attack in 1987; leave it to him to call the steps on his own demise.

The 2019 miniseries *Fosse/Verdon* focused on his personal and working relationship with Gwen Verdon, his wife and the star of multiple of his projects.

## What is the Fosse dance style?

Fosse’s full-bodied signature jazz choreography created a style and a language that speaks for itself. Movements, and stillness, are meticulous. His signature jazz moves include curved shoulders, hip rolls and thrusts, turned-in knees and toes, sideways shuffling, insistent finger snaps, and the famous jazz hands. Hats, particularly bowlers, are a classic Fosse tool to make the dance more dynamic.

## What dance styles are in *Bob Fosse's Dancin’*?

Fosse is best known as a jazz choreographer, but *Bob Fosse’s Dancin’* shows he has a much wider range. He was fluent in classical, jazz, pop, and tap, and all those styles and others are on view.

“Percussion” is a four-part piece that showcases Fosse’s appreciation for the precision and rigor of traditional ballet, but through characters such as boxers. “Big City Mime” is a mini-ballet set in a seedy urban sexscape. “Sing Sing Sing” – set to the Benny Goodman classic – bursts with energy as dancers leap and tap across the stage. A bit of the iconic [“Manson Trio”](https://youtu.be/V3b40WGwPuw?t=220) from *Pippin* gets its place at center stage. 

## Where is *Bob Fosse’s Dancin’* playing?

*Bob Fosse’s Dancin’* is at the Music Box Theatre. Director Wayne Cilento, who was nominated for a Best Featured Actor Tony for the original 1978 production and won a Best Choreography Tony for *The Who’s Tommy*, said he wants “to introduce Fosse to a new generation of audiences.” He’s doing that – one hip pop at a time.

Get *Bob Fosse’s Dancin’* tickets now.

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*Photo credit: The company of Bob Fosse's Dancin' on Broadway. (Photo by Julieta Cervantes)*

What to know about the legendary namesake of ‘Bob Fosse’s Dancin’’ on Broadway

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Bob Fosse's Dancin' on Broadway - NYC

Bob Fosse's Dancin' on Broadway

The choreographer behind *Chicago*, *Cabaret*, *Pippin*, and more is known for jazz hands and black hats, but there’s much more to his style — learn more here.

Be a part of it! [*New York, New York*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26043-new-york-new-york-tickets) will offer rush and lottery tickets for its Broadway run, which begins performances March 24 at the [St. James Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/st-james-theatre). Opening night is April 26.

*New York, New York* offers $35 tickets via a digital lottery. Lottery entries are accepted until 10:30 a.m. the day before the performance, and winners are notified by email and text shortly afterward at 11 a.m. Each person can request up to two tickets.

*New York, New York* also offers $30 rush tickets in person at the St. James box office. Rush tickets are available beginning when the box office opens at 10 a.m. each day except Sunday, when it opens at 11 a.m. Each person can purchase up to two tickets for that day's performance. Rush tickets are subject to availability.

Loosely based on the 1977 Martin Scorsese film of the same name, *New York, New York* follows a group of artists trying to make it big in the city in 1946. The show features songs from the film, including the iconic title theme, by John Kander and Fred Ebb. New songs composed for the musical are by Kander and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Colton Ryan and Anna Uzele star, and five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman directs.

Get *New York, New York* tickets now.

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'New York, New York' to offer Broadway lottery and rush tickets

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Come join the cookout! The Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway play [*Fat Ham*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27141-fat-ham-tickets) is offering digital rush tickets via TodayTix for its entire Broadway run. Performances began last night ahead of an April 12 opening, and the play is at the [American Airlines Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/american-airlines-theatre) until June 25 only.

Rush tickets will be available for $39 [on the TodayTix app](https://www.todaytix.com/nyc/shows/27141-fat-ham-on-broadway). Beginning at 9 a.m. each performance day, users can purchase up to two tickets for that day's performance on a first-come, first-served basis. Users can set an alert to be notified when tickets become available each day.

## What is *Fat Ham* about?

*Fat Ham* takes Shakespeare's classic tragedy *Hamlet* and [sets the action at a Southern barbecue](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/the-differences-and-similarities-between-fat-ham-and-shakespeares-hamlet). But Juicy, the Hamlet figure, is a queer, Black college student with second thoughts about murdering his uncle to avenge his father.

The play premiered off Broadway in 2022 at The Public Theater, and the [whole cast of that production](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/meet-the-cast-of-fat-ham-on-broadway) reprises their roles on Broadway. They include Nikki Crawford as Tedra, Chris Herbie Holland as Tio, Billy Eugene Jones as Rev/Pap, Adrianna Mitchell as Opal, Calvin Leon Smith as Larry, Marcel Spears as Juicy, and Benja Kay Thomas as Rabby. Saheem Ali directs.

A [four-star review of *Fat Ham*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/reviews/fat-ham-off-broadway-review) off Broadway calls the show "hilarious, chaotic and weirdly lovely... This slice of life leans hard into comedy, not tragedy, as it ponders big things that matter: personal identity, sexuality, transparency, living out loud."

[Learn more about *Fat Ham* on Broadway.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/why-you-should-see-the-pulitzer-prize-winning-play-fat-ham)

Get *Fat Ham* tickets now.

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*Photo credit: The cast of Fat Ham on Broadway. (Photo by Marc J. Franklin)*

'Fat Ham' offering rush tickets on TodayTix

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Fat Ham on Broadway - NYC

Fat Ham on Broadway

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play that modernizes Shakespeare's *Hamlet* will offer a limited number of same-day tickets to each performance of its limited run.

Puppetry is for more than just kids' shows. [*The Lion King*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/42-the-lion-king-tickets) proved that on Broadway in 1997, bringing African animals to life with groundbreaking (and Tony Award-winning) designs. In 2012, *War Horse* galloped onto Broadway with life-size horse puppets that won their designers various awards. Now, in 2023, animal puppetry takes center stage again for [*Life of Pi.*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/26712-life-of-pi-tickets)

Adapted from Yann Martel's bestselling adventure book of the same name, *Life of Pi* sees the title teenager fight for survival following a shipwreck. His only companions on a tiny lifeboat in the ocean are a zebra, orangutan, hyena, and Bengal tiger.

The stage adaptation comes to New York from London, where the animal puppets captivated audiences — and awards committees. The seven puppeteers who played Richard Parker, the tiger puppet, made history by jointly winning a Best Supporting Actor prize, a first at the Olivier Awards. Two of them, along with fellow Olivier winner Hiran Abeysekera as Pi, now bring their talents stateside. You might swear you somehow arrived at the zoo when you see these animals before you.

Learn more about how these actors, and puppet designers, Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, bring the wilderness alive on the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre stage. Then get tickets to *Life of Pi* on Broadway, and prepare to be swept up in their epic journey.

Get *Life of Pi* tickets now.

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![life of pi puppets 4-1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/37kjOUuzH47izI5ZhIgsDi/b03d00e4f4a0fe1636261f369701c29f/life_of_pi_puppets_4-1200x600.jpg)

## The puppetry originally looked more like *The Lion King*'s.

*The Lion King*'s puppetry takes many different forms, from small birds on handheld poles to life-size elephant puppets with a performer in each leg. That show also incorporates masks, showcasing the actor in traditional clothing while maintaining an animal element.

Barnes and Caldwell initially designed puppets and masks to represent *Life of Pi*'s animals, testing what would work best. Intricate puppets best captured the animals' dangerous, primal nature and most realistic movements. Making the animals feel different from the humans — and keeping the audience on the edge of their seat, wondering who could become prey — is key to the thrill of *Life of Pi*.

## The puppets are designed to look like wreckage.

All four animal puppets are painted to look like they're made of driftwood, calling to the shipwreck they all endured. The puppets are lifelike, but not entirely naturalistic — the puppeteers are visible beneath missing bits and pieces of the animals' anatomy, similar to how a boat breaks apart during a wreck.

In addition, the *Life of Pi* play takes place mainly in flashbacks — Pi recounts his adventures to fellow hospital patients after being rescued. The driftwood-like puppet design points to the link between the shipwreck and the animals in Pi's memory.

![life of pi puppets 3-1200x600](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/1OApXFTwrRgdKGJz4RlGNs/d189d8b5308961005afe79c5b6775d41/life_of_pi_puppets_3-1200x600.jpg)

## The tiger puppet's anatomy resembles an actual tiger's.

Just as a real animal's bones and joints are made of different types of bodily matter, the tiger puppet is, too. The "skeleton" comprises plywood, aluminum, and nylon, and the "joints" are made from elastic bungee cords. A foam-like material called Plastazote is molded and painted to cover this framework like "skin."

## The tiger puppet takes over 300 hours to make.

The London puppet took 345 hours — that's more than 14 days! Sanding down the raw materials for painting is a bulk of the job, and painting every nook and cranny also takes a substantial amount of time. Five to six people work on each puppet from start to finish — sanding, painting, sculpting each piece, and assembling them all.

![life of pi puppets 2-1200x600-NYTG](//images.ctfassets.net/6pezt69ih962/Z2FLwaRpICs4rAL9kQYpm/08955cd17b3a6c9dc40986c2da8502ce/life_of_pi_puppets_2-1200x600-NYTG.jpg)

## The *Life of Pi* cast includes experienced and new puppeteers.

Some actors that come aboard *Life of Pi* have experience working with puppets, but others learn as they go. In London, the puppeteers had a whole week of puppetry training before actual rehearsals. This time let everyone familiarize themselves with the puppet and learn to do basic movements inside it, like running, sitting, and jumping.

By the time they get to the stage, the performers make animal movements look easy — and since they're partially inside the puppet, you might forget they're even there.

## Staging the puppets is like choreographing a dance.

Suppose you've marveled at a group of dancers changing formations and artfully performing their moves without colliding. In that case, you'll be just as amazed by how the puppeteers seamlessly move as one to make the puppets run and jump in creative ways — all without leaving the lifeboat. 

Most *Life of Pi* puppets each have multiple puppeteers operating their various limbs at once. The range of motion the puppets achieve within these confines is something to behold. They're just one element of the inventive stagecraft that makes *Life of Pi* such a unique play. They take on a life of their own, and they capture audiences' emotions as much as any other living actor.

Get *Life of Pi* tickets now.

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*Photo credit: Life of Pi on Broadway. (Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)*

How the 'Life of Pi' Broadway puppets make animals come alive 

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life of pi puppets 1-1200x600-NYTG

Learn fun facts about the puppets featured in this show adapted from Yann Martel's bestselling book, which won awards in London for its inventive stagecraft.

They're the greatest stars! Paolo Montalban and Anne L. Nathan will join the [*Funny Girl*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/24232-funny-girl-tickets) Broadway cast beginning March 28. The first revival of the classic musical is playing at the [August Wilson Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/august-wilson-theatre) through September 3.

Montalban and Nathan will step into the roles of Florenz Ziegfeld and Mrs. Strakosh, respectively. They replace Peter Francis James and Toni DiBuono, who play their final shows on March 26.

Montalban is known for starring in the TV movie *Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella*, opposite Brandy, and for Broadway appearances in *Pacific Overtures* and *The King and I*. *Funny Girl* marks his first return to Broadway in 10 years, since 2013's *Breakfast at Tiffany's*.

Nathan has appeared in seven previous Broadway shows including *Once*, *Sunday in the Park with George*, *Assassins*, and *Thoroughly Modern Millie*.

## Who is in the *Funny Girl* Broadway cast?

In addition to Montalban and Nathan, the *Funny Girl* cast features [Lea Michele](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/lea-michele) as Fanny Brice, Julie Benko as the Fanny Brice alternate, [Ramin Karimloo](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/ramin-karimloo) as Nick Arnstein, Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan, Tovah Feldshuh as Mrs. Rosie Brice, Ephie Aardema as Emma and Mrs. Nadler, Debra Cardona as Mrs. Meeker, and Martin Moran as Tom Keeney.

*Funny Girl* is [based on the real life of Fanny Brice](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/learn-about-the-showbiz-history-that-inspired-funny-girl-on-broadway), who defied the odds to become a Ziegfeld Follies star. However, she risks it all for a romance with gambler Nick Arnstein. The classic musical features a new book by Harvey Fierstein and classic songs by Jule Styne including "Don't Rain on My Parade."

Get *Funny Girl* tickets now.

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Paolo Montalban, Anne L. Nathan join 'Funny Girl' Broadway cast

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funny girl new-1200x600-NYTG

Funny Girl on Broadway - NYC

Funny Girl on Broadway

Prophecy Productions presents Business as Usual, a dark comedy by Mark Souza, at the Access Theaterï¿½s Gallery Space from 6 - 16 Dec 2007. Meet Steve, the Actor. A James Dean wannabe heartthrob who no one wants to work withï¿½ Alex, the Agent. A low level everything who needs Steve to make itï¿½ And finally Katherine, the mystery woman. A savvy entrepreneur who unwittingly finds herself in the middle of their pathetic moral dilemmas. Sex. Scandal. Intrigue. In Hollywood 2007, theyï¿½re all Business as Usual. Directed by Edwin Hansen-Nelson, Business as Usual features Michael Mraz, Corey Ann Haydu and Steven Todd Smith. The creative team features Jessie Moore (sets), Campbell Ringel (costumes) and Daniel Waldron (lighting).

Business as Usual at Access Theaterï¿½s Gallery Space

Off-Broadway, Business as Usual, by Mark Souza, directed by Edwin Hansen-Nelson, presented by Prophecy Productions, Access Theater&#239;&#191;&#189;s Gallery Space, New York Theatre tickets with Broadway theatre listings and Broadway musicals and reviews

Off-Broadway, Business as Usual, by Mark Souza, at Access Theater&#239;&#191;&#189;s Gallery Space from 6 - 16 Dec 2007

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