Monday, January 11, 2010

The Season Ahead Part 3

That's right theatre fans. It's time for Part three of my look at the remaining shows set to open this season. Let's take a look.

The Addams Family(April 8)One of the season's most anticipated shows. A few months ago it was the only new show expected to open so of course people were excited. Since then four new shows have been announced so what was once a sure fire hit isn't guaranteed. The show which features Tony Award winners Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth received mixed reviews from the Chicago critics. Evidently these reviews were enough to cause a major upheaval as four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks was brought in to fix the show. Although he is officially listed as "Creative Consultant' he has been assured by the producers that he the one in charge. Will he be enough to fix the show? Let's hope so.

Million Dollar Quartet(April 11)This new musical is based on the December 4, 1956 impromptu jam session between Elvis Presley,Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash which was called Million Dollar Quartet. Based on the talent involved I would say that it's an appropriate title. The show first premiered in Florida before moving to the Village Theatre is Seattle where it broke box office records. Following that run it played to in Chicago at the Goodman and Apollo Theatre. I for one am looking forward to this show very much. Previews begin on March 13 at the Nederlander Theatre.

La Cage Aux Folles(April 18)Let's face facts. It's only been five years since the last revival. Do we really need another one? This new production which is based on the critically acclaimed London production at Menier Chocolate Factory stars Douglas Hodge and Kelsey Grammar. While I enjoyed the last revival I wasn't blown away by it. Even though it won the Tony for Best Revival it lost it's entire investment and closed eight months into it's run.

American Idiot(April 20)Late last week I posted a blog about the show. Green Day on Broadway? Who would have thought that? I sure didn't. Based on the pictures I've seen of the show it reminds me a little of Pink Floyd's The Wall.A masterpiece in my opinion. I have to admit I'm only familiar with a few songs from the album but I loved those. The show is being directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer who gave us Spring Awakening four years ago. Will lighting strike twice? I don't know. I hope it does. It's already my pick for Best Musical but we shall see.

Sondheim On Sondheim(April 22)This new musical revue features live music and video interviews with Stephen Sondheim. There a lot of Sondheim fans out there. Will it be a hit? Who knows? Because it's being produced by the Roundabout Theater Company it already has a guaranteed audience due to it's large subscription base. Following years of critical blunders Roundabout could use a hit.

Well there we are. Later on this week I will highlight the remaining five shows set to open this Spring. Looks like an interesting season so far. Until next time theatre fans.



JWB
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Posted by James @ 12:13 PM