Broadway 2016 Picks
With Hamilton opening on Broadway earlier this week, there is plenty of buzz as the 2015/2016 season starts to heat up. It seems to be the year of the movie musical, with almost all the new musicals originating as a Hollywood blockbuster. Here are some of the most anticipated musical productions aiming to opening within the next few Broadway seasons.
Diner
The Gist: Based on the 1982 movie of the same name. Diner tells the story of a circle of male friends, who reunite for the wedding of one of their group.
Who: Book by Academy Award winning screenwriter and director Barry Levinson. Music and Lyrics by Sheryl Crow
First Seen: December 2014, Virginia’s Signature Theatre
Expected on Broadway: December 2016
Why I’m Excited: Sheryl Crow writing a musical? I’m interested to see her versatility within the musical theatre form. Derek Klena (Bridges of Madison County, Dogfight) will star in Diner and I’m excited to see him challenged in a starring role on Broadway.
Tuck Everlasting
The Gist: The new musical based on Natalie Babitt’s beloved best-selling novel of the same name.
Who: Book by Claudia Shear, Music and Lyrics by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen.
First Seen: February 2015, Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre
Expected on Broadway: March 2016
Why I’m Excited: Chris Miller & Nathan Tysen wrote the music for Fugitives, an indie folk song cycle (listen here). Their music has a unique sound and I’m intrigued to see their first large scale musical on a Broadway stage.
Waitress
The Gist: Based on the 2007 movie of the same name. Waitress follows the story of a small town waitress who dreams of making it big as she enters into a pie contest in a near by town.
Who: Book by Jessie Nelson. Music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. Based upon the Motion Picture wtieen by Adrienne Shelley. Staring Jessie Mueller
First seen: August 2 2015, American Repetory Theatre.
Expected on Broadway: 2016/2017 Season
Why I’m Excited: Sara Bareilles is fantastic, and I’m fascinated to see how her musical style will transfer to the stage. Also Jessie Mueller’s voice is perfection.
Beaches
The Gist: Based on the 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart (later adapted into the 1988 movie) Beaches follows the story of two friends from different backgrounds, whose friendship spans more than 30 years through childhood, love, and tragedy.
Who: Book by Iris Rainer Dart and Thom Thomas, lyrics by Iria Rainer Dart and music by David Austin. Shoshana Bean & Whitney Bashor will lead the cast.
First Seen: March 2014, Virginia’s Signature Theatre
Expected on Broadway: December 2016
Why I’m Excited: Shoshana Bean & Whitney Bashor are two of my favourite Broadway Belters. I can’t wait to hear them duet together. Listen to Shoshanna Bean kill this Hair number. See what I mean?
School of Rock
The Gist: Based on the film of the same name, School of Rock—The Musical tells the story of wannabe rock star Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school.
Who: The stage musical is produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber who has composed 12 new songs for the new musical.
First Seen: June 2015, Gramercy Theatre
Expected on Broadway: November 2015
Why I’m Excited: This piece didn’t get a proper out of town try-out so we’ll get a chance to what Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber can still do.
American Psycho
The Gist: A new musical from the writers of Spring Awakening and the TV show Glee, based on the movie of the same name.
Who: Written by Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Starring Benjamin Walker. Directed by Rupert Goold.
First Seen: December 2013, Almeida Theatre in London.
Expected on Broadway: February of 2016
Why I’m Excited: Duncan Sheik is becoming one of the most talked about Contemporary Broadway writers. He seems to have an eye for dark musical theatre so this piece seems perfectly matched for his writing style.
Falsettos
The Gist: A revival of the William Finn and James Lapine musical.
Who: Directed by James Lapine. Produced by Jordan Roth.
Premiere: First played on Broadway in 1992.
Expected on Broadway: Spring of 2016.
Preview: 1992 Tony Performance
Why I’m Excited: It’s no surprise that Acting Up loves William Finn, but I’m intrigued to see this piece re-done under the direction of one of its creators. I always feel a new sense of discovery when I’m watching someone direct their own work. You’re getting a rare inside look at the piece through the creator’s eye.
She Loves Me
The Gist: A revival of the Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joe Masteroff musical.
Who: Starring Josh Radnor, Laura Benanti, Jane Krakowski, and Gavin Creel. Directed by Scott Ellis.
Premiere: First played on Broadway in 1963, revived in 1993.
Expected on Broadway: Spring of 2016.
Preview: Musical Soundtrack
Why I’m Excited: THAT CAST!
Spring Awakening
The Gist: Deaf West Theatre production to be staged on Broadway. The company centers itself around re-imagining theatre productions using a mix of hearing, deaf, and hard-of-hearing actors to perform shows.
Who: Music by Duncan Sheik, book and lyrics by Steven Sater
First Seen: Opened on Broadway December 2006, Deaf West production opened December 2014
Expected on Broadway: September 2015
Why I’m Excited: I love the show and can’t wait to see such a unique take on an already remarkable musical. Check out our blog on the new revival.
What are you most excited to see? Did we miss one on your list? Let us know in the comments below!