Fall theater season in New York is one of Broadway’s major launching pads, with wave after wave of new shows, new stars, and new audiences. We're excited about Bruce Willis in his Broadway debut, the return of Al Pacino, and the premiere of School of Rock—The Musical.

Image: Timmy Blupe

FALL THEATER SEASON NEW YORK: OPENINGS

Among the openings coming to New York over the next few weeks are King Charles III, an Olivier-winning London import featuring Downton Abbey’s Tim Pigott-Smith in the title role as an elevated Prince Charles; Misery, a recently minted stage version of the Stephen King thriller starring Bruce Willis in his Broadway debut along with Laurie Metcalf, known in recent years for playing Sheldon Cooper’s mom on The Big Bang Theory; and China Doll, marking the latest collaboration between playwright David Mamet and actor Al Pacino.

Two already established shows are also generating serious buzz, cast-wise.  On November 3^rd, former Full House star Bob Saget takes over the role of Pastor Greg from Marc Kudisch in the Tony-nominated Hand to God. Saget, who is gearing up for the Netflix series Fuller House, will remain with the diabolical comedy through its closing date, January 3^rd. Additionally, the Tony–winning musical Kinky Boots will get a new Lola come November 20^th. Wayne Brady, host of Let’s Make a Deal and an Emmy winner for his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway, will step into the crimson thigh-high stiletto boots vacated by Billy Porter, who strutted his way to a Tony in 2013.

On the high camp front, check out Ruthless!, the acclaimed revival of the award-winning musical that served as a launching pad for then-child actors Britney Spears and Natalie Portman. With a send-up ratio in the stratosphere, this grown-up tale of tot ambition gone wild deserves a prime spot on your Off-Broadway docket!

FALL THEATER SEASON NEW YORK: KID STUFF

Meanwhile on Broadway, appealing to both kids and adults is de rigueur, and the checklist of shows with overtly multi-generational pull includes Aladdin, Finding Neverland, The Lion King, Matilda, Wicked, and, most recently, School of Rock—The Musical. And, of course, there is no shortage of non-kid-specific productions that have attracted young theatregoers, i.e. Kinky Boots, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The King and I, and Something Rotten! Add to this a category of shows with emotional and/or societal learning curves—Allegiance, The Color Purple, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Fun Home, Hamilton, and Spring Awakening, and the final tally shows close to half of Broadway gives off a definite family-centric vibe. (Although note that most shows have a built-in “No one under the age of four will be admitted” caveat.)

Spring Awakening, photo by Joan Marcus

FALL THEATER SEASON NEW YORK: ADULTS ONLY

Despite its fairy-tale credentials (it is based on the original by fairy tale forefather Charles Perrault, after all) Cinderella in the hands of the notoriously provocative and accomplished Company XIV is a big fat kinder no-no. Grown-ups who embrace erotic fantasies played out on a theatrical dreamscape, however, will relish every delectably decadent moment. And do not despair when Cinderella closes on 11/15... ten days later (11/25 to 1/17) the troupe returns with Nutcracker Rouge!