Broadway

The family's all here! Take a first look at [*Mother Play*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/31354-mother-play-on-broadway) on Broadway, a new [family drama](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/learn-about-all-the-family-dramas-on-broadway-this-season) starring [Jessica Lange](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/all-the-times-jessica-lange-did-theatre), [Jim...

See photos of Jessica Lange, Jim Parsons, Celia Keenan-Bolger in 'Mother Play'

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The world-premiere family drama by Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel is currently playing on Broadway at the Hayes Theater for a limited run through June 16.

Oh, Broadway! Following its critically acclaimed, extended run off Broadway this spring, [Cole Escola](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/cole-escola)’s [*Oh, Mary!*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/37743-oh-mary) will play a limited Broadway engagement this summer. Performances will run at the [Lyceum Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/lyceum-theatre-ny) from June 26 to September 15, with opening night on July 11.

*Oh, Mary!* is a wacky, largely...

‘Oh, Mary!’ to transfer to Broadway this summer

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The critically acclaimed play, written by and starring comedian Cole Escola, puts a humorous spin on the story of former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.

Every rom-com needs a great song list. In the Huey Lewis and the News jukebox musical [*The Heart of Rock and Roll*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/36584-the-heart-of-rock-and-roll), the band's hit songs from the '80s are seamlessly threaded into the lighthearted love story of coworkers Bobby (Corey Cott) and Cassandra (McKenzie Kurtz), who team up to make their dreams of success come true.

“The Power of Love,” “Stuck With You,” “If This Is It,” and more fan-favorite ear candy appears...

All the Huey Lewis songs in 'The Heart of Rock and Roll' on Broadway

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The critically acclaimed jukebox musical rom-com rocks with dozens of Huey Lewis and the News hits including "The Power of Love" and "Stuck With You."

April 23 is World Book Day, and Broadway is a feast for book lovers this season. There are numerous [new play and musical adaptations of novels](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/from-page-to-stage-how-bestselling-books-became-broadway-blockbusters) on stage this season: [*The Wiz*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/27115-the-wiz-tickets), [*The Great Gatsby*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/38749-the-great-gatsby-on-broadway), [*Water for...

Broadway shows to see based on your favorite book

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We're celebrating World Book Day by providing play and musical recommendations for fans of hot new bestsellers, classic novels, and popular authors.

Nominees for the 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards have been announced. The annual awards ceremony honors the best of both Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre, with both types of shows competing against each other in many categories.

The Off-Broadway musical *Dead Outlaw* received the most nominations with nine. Tied for second, with seven awards each, are the Off-Broadway musical *The Connector* and the currently running Broadway play...

2024 Outer Critics Circle nominations announced

Outer Critics Circle

The annual awards honor the best of both Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre from the previous years, and numerous currently running shows were recognized.

Step right up and see [*Water for Elephants*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/34684-water-for-elephants-on-broadway) on Broadway! Circus and theatre meet in the stage adaptation of Sara Gruen's bestselling historical romance novel, which captivated audiences on the page and screen and now does so live.

*The Flash*'s [Grant Gustin](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/grant-gustin) stars as Jacob Jankowski, who runs away with the Benzini Bros. Circus and falls in love with...

Everything you need to know about 'Water for Elephants' on Broadway

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Grant Gustin and Isabelle McCalla currently star in the critically acclaimed musical adaptation of Sara Gruen's bestselling circus-themed novel from 2006.

The circus is staying in town! *Water for Elephants* on Broadway has released a new block of tickets for performances through February 2, 2025 at the [Imperial Theatre](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/imperial-theatre). Get [*Water for Elephants* tickets](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/34684-water-for-elephants-on-broadway) now.

Adapted from the [bestselling 2006 book by Sara...

'Water for Elephants' tickets now on sale through February 2025

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The critically acclaimed, circus-themed Broadway musical, which stars *The Flash*'s Grant Gustin, is based on the bestselling 2006 novel by Sara Gruen.

Take a first look at [Rachel McAdams](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/rachel-mcadams) on Broadway! The Oscar-nominated actress known for films like [*The Notebook*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/33744-the-notebook-the-musical), *Mean Girls*, and *Spotlight* is making her Broadway debut in the title role of [*Mary Jane*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/6955-mary-jane-tickets), playing at the [Samuel J. Friedman...

See photos of Rachel McAdams and the cast of 'Mary Jane' on Broadway

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The Academy Award nominee makes her Broadway debut in the title role in Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award nominee Amy Herzog's drama about a single mother.

Discover where [Alicia Keys](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/all-the-times-alicia-keys-did-theatre)'s own dreams were made. The 16-time Grammy Award-winning musician has been working on the new Broadway musical [*Hell's Kitchen*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/37579-hells-kitchen-broadway) for over a decade, but its origins reach back to the '90s.

[Loosely inspired by her formative...

How 'Hell's Kitchen' reflects and differs from Alicia Keys' life

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Keys's song catalog makes up this new musical about a young girl coming of age in Manhattan — a story inspired by, but not identical to, Keys's own upbringing.

Rock on! And on! And on! Broadway currently sports three very different shows featuring rock music, a diverse and exciting genre that never gets old. Not to mention, the shows feature rock legends like Pete Townshend, Huey Lewis, and (sort of) Fleetwood Mac.

These shows include the new musical [*The Heart of Rock and Roll*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/36584-the-heart-of-rock-and-roll) at the [James Earl Jones...

Rock music takes the stage in three Broadway shows this spring

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Songs by rock bands The Who and Huey Lewis and The News appear in high-energy musicals alongside a new play with music inspired by the 1970s rock scene.

Manhattan Theatre Club has set the full cast for its Off-Broadway production of [*The Best We Could (a family tragedy)*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/25984-the-best-we-could-a-family-tragedy-tickets). The world-premiere play begins performances February 7 ahead of a March 1 opening night.

The full cast includes *Orange is the New Black* SAG Award winner Constance Shulman, Tony Award winner Frank Wood, Aya Cash, Brian D. Coats, and Maureen Sebastian.

The creative team has also been set, including set designer Lael Jellinek, costume designer Anita Yavich, lighting designer Matt Frey, and sound designer Kate Marvin.

Emily Feldman's play, directed by Daniel Aukin, centers on a father-daughter road trip that takes them on a journey across more than state lines. The show was initially scheduled to open in the 2019-2020 season before being postponed amid the pandemic.

*The Best We Could* will play at MTC's Stage I at [New York City Center](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatres/new-york-city-center).

Check back for information on *The Best We Could (a family tragedy)* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

'The Best We Could (a family tragedy)' sets Off-Broadway cast

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The Best We Could MTC Production Photos 2023 288 Final HR Credit Manhattan Theatre Club

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Manhattan Theatre Club presents the world premiere of *The Best We Could (a family tragedy)*, written by Emily Feldman and directed by Daniel Aukin. Get *The Best We Could (a family tragedy)* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

*The Best We Could* is a play about a father-daughter road trip across the country. The trip veers off course, however, as the pair learn new, surprising things about each other as they discuss the changing culture. Suddenly, their journey becomes not just an interstate one, but one that changes the path of their relationship.

The premiere of *The Best We Could* off Broadway was slated for 2020, but the pandemic forced its postponement. The 2023 production finally marks Feldman's Off-Broadway debut. Previously, *The Best We Could* was named to the 2019 Kilroys List, which recognizes excellent, unproduced work by non-male writers.

Feldman teams up with veteran director Aukin, who also directed *Catch as Catch Can* at Playwrights Horizons in the 2022-23 Off-Broadway season. Other recent credits include *Apologia* (starring Stockard Channing), *Skintight* (starring Idina Menzel), and the Pulitzer-nominated *4000 Miles*. He also directed and conceived the musical *The Fortress of Solitude*, which earned him Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations.

Get tickets to *The Best We Could* in New York.

The Best We Could (a family tragedy) - NYC - New York Theatre Guide

Get tickets to The Best We Could from the official New York Theatre Guide. Pack the car for this world-premiere drama about a family road trip gone awry.

The Best We Could Tickets | The Official NY Theatre Guide

A road trip goes off course in more ways than one in Emily Feldman's family drama. As a father and daughter converse during a cross-country road trip, they see each other in a new light, learning things they never knew and changing their relationship for good. Take a trip to New York City Center and get tickets to this new play.

Pack your bags and start the car! Go on a road trip with Emily Feldman's *The Best We Could (a family tragedy)*, Manhattan Theatre Club's latest Off-Broadway play. Get *The Best We Could* tickets on TodayTix.

*The Best We Could* is a play about a father-daughter road trip that takes them on much more than a physical journey. As they go cross-country and travel across state lines, they discuss the changing culture and the state of the world. Their conversations reveal things about each other that neither knew before, and their relationship will never be the same.

*The Best We Could* is directed by Daniel Aukin, a veteran Off-Broadway director whose credits include *Skintight* starring Idina Menzel, *Apologia* starring Stockard Channing, and *4000 Miles*, the Pulitzer-nominated play by Amy Herzog. He also received Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for directing and creating *The Fortress of Solitude*, an Off-Broadway musical.

Get *The Best We Could* theatre tickets on TodayTix now.

## What to Watch For

- Feldman makes her Off-Broadway debut with *The Best We Could* in New York.
- Aukin is staying booked and busy. He also directed another Off-Broadway play earlier this season: *Catch as Catch Can* at Playwrights Horizons.
- There's a pattern here! MTC's last Off-Broadway production, *Where the Mountain Meets the Sea*, has similar themes to *The Best We Could*. That show saw a father and son take the same road trip, in reverse, years apart.
- Better late than never! *The Best We Could* was set to premiere with MTC in 2020. Rehearsals were two weeks from starting when the pandemic forced the show's postponement.
- *The Best We Could* appeared on the 2019 Kilroys List, which honors outstanding little-known and unproduced plays by non-male writers.

The Best We Could - NYC - TodayTix

It's been said that one should never reveal weighty secrets during a car ride — if the other person reacts badly, there's no escape. The characters in Emily Feldman's [*The Best We Could (a family tragedy)*](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/25984-the-best-we-could-a-family-tragedy-tickets) abide by this rule, but a cross-country drive nonetheless puts one family on a road to ruin.

Thirty-six-year-old Ella (Aya Cash) is an L.A.-based, cynical serial quitter at various arts jobs. Her parents — friendly-to-a-fault Lou (Frank Wood) and high-strung Peg (Constance Shulman) — are reluctant retirees in New Jersey. "It might be kind of a waste, but it's something to do" is their unofficial motto, as both would rather work but can't seem to hack it anymore.

They can't even live vicariously through their daughter, who doesn't live up to their definition of success. At least they have a dog to occupy them — but when he dies, Lou travels to rescue another from out of state, accompanied by Ella. The road trip, Peg insists, will make for a refreshing switch from both their listless lives.

The expected U.S. landmark-gawking, father-daughter bonding, and well-meaning parental nagging all happen. But the title forewarns us these interactions will build to a tragedy. An omniscient, emcee-like character known only as Maps (a commanding Maureen Sebastian) subtly amps up the foreboding tone, matter-of-factly dictating the characters' movements and actions as though only she can control their fates.

Lou and Ella learn a lot about each other on the road, and while some of their ensuing debates are benign (like Lou's insistence that college honor societies are more important than she thinks), others reveal larger, potentially insurmountable, gaps between who each thought the other was and who they actually are.

Two major revelations come out in *The Best We Could* that fully upend the already strained family. The first concerns Ella, and it lays the groundwork for the play's wrenching finale. One can infer the second — a revelation about Lou — if they pay attention to the clues, which Feldman weaves into his character throughout.

Toward the end, I thought of *Downstate*, an Off-Broadway play from October that interrogates the limits of punishment for those who have done harm. Feldman's play has vastly different subject matter (*Downstate* centers on formerly imprisoned sex offenders), but it tackles similar themes. We're a lot more inclined to empathize, Feldman suggests, when it's our loved ones in question. Because we're affected by the consequences if we don't.

It's a thorny yet sentimental idea, which stands in sharp contrast to the bare-bones staging, with no set but chairs in a nondescript rehearsal room. But that's part of the reason why it works. Neither Feldman nor director Daniel Aukin manufacture affection for the characters with sweet dialogue or warm, beautiful settings. If we feel for this family, it's a testament to the actors and also, perhaps, our own sense of familial love.

Plus, the staging is ironic — *The Best We Could* makes us hyperaware of its theatricality, but the premise isn't fantastical. It's painfully plausible. It takes emotions and experiences we as humans champion — connection, family, integrity — and flips them on their head.

[*The Best We Could* is at New York City Center through March 26. Get *The Best We Could* tickets on New York Theatre Guide.](https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/show/25984-the-best-we-could-a-family-tragedy-tickets)

*Photo credit: Frank Wood and Aya Cash in The Best We Could. (Photo by Marc J. Franklin)*

'The Best We Could' review — a ride on the road to ruin

Read our four-star review of *The Best We Could (a family tragedy)*, a new Off-Broadway play by Emily Feldman running at New York City Center through March 26.

Architect Harry P. Knowles designed New York City Center, which was built by Clinton and Russell in 1923 for the Shriners under the name of The Mecca Temple. Amid the financial crash of 1929, the building became city property after the Shriners were unable to keep up with tax payments.

Former Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and New York City Council President Newbold Morris decided to convert the temple into Manhattan’s first performing arts center. The building opened as a theatre in December 1943.

New York City Center is known for its annual Encores! productions since 1994, which restage seldom revived American musicals in concert or semi-staged incarnations. The venue received a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre in 2000.

Since its launch, New York City Center has become one of the city’s prime venues for dance.

In addition to the 2,557-seat mainstage, the facility houses two smaller theatres — Stage I and Stage II, where Manhattan Theatre Club has hosted its Off-Broadway productions since 1984 — and four studios.

## How to get to New York City Center

New York City Center is closest to the 57th Street station on the N, Q, R, and W lines and the 7th Avenue station on the E, B, and D lines. The nearest bus stops are 6 Av./W 55 St. on the Q2, Q3, Q4, and Q20 lines; and 6 Av./56 St. on the Q10, Q12, and Q24 lines.

## Restaurants near New York City Center

Popular restaurants near New York City Center include Redeye Grill (American), Pazza Notte (Italian), Estiatorio Milos (Greek), Rue 57 (French), and Benihana (Japanese).

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The new play begins performances in February with Manhattan Theatre Club.

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Succession's Jeremy Strong returns to Broadway for the first time since 2008 in Ibsen's drama about small-town scandal. A doctor publicizes poison in the water and is punished for daring to threaten the town's prosperity. Find out more about tickets to this thrilling revival.

An Enemy of the People on Broadway

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'The Best We Could (a family tragedy)' sets Off-Broadway cast

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