Curious about the performers who light up Broadway and the Tony Awards? Ready to catch up on what’s trending theatrically in the Big Apple? Allow me to be your guide to the best of New York City theatre as we head into summer!
THREE FOR THE SHOW
Photo: Matthew Murphy
Stacking the deck for the summer, After Midnight has pulled off a once-in-a-lifetime casting coup. Musical legends Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Natalie Cole have all signed on for the role of “Special Guest Star” in the Jazz Age-inspired revue. Just so you can get your calendar in order, here’s their scheduled playing dates at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre: Ms. LaBelle will appear June 10th through June 29th; Ms. Knight, from July 8th through August 3rd; and Ms. Cole (in her Broadway debut), August 5th through the 31st.
Billy Porter. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Thank goodness — and gent-size stiletto footwear — for 2013’s Best Musical, Kinky Boots. Even more thanks go out to its Tony-winning lead, Billy Porter, who has continued to electrify theatregoers for over a year. And while he does spend a good portion of the show dressed in wildly flamboyant drag, he notes that “the heart and humanity” of his character comes through the strongest when, dressed as a man, he has sings “I’m Not My Father’s Son.” Both powerful and touching, the number is a showstopper.
As for the musical overall, Porter is quick to reassure anyone who thinks it’s about sex, that “it’s actually a family show with ‘kinky’ meaning fun.”
And in Kinky Boots you’re assured that fun is a fierce commodity throughout – as are mega production numbers set to Cyndi Lauper’s first (but hopefully not last) musical score.
ALL EYEZ ON THE PALACE
Fact: June, July and August are not exactly prime time for new Broadway shows. That said, early summer 2014 has bragging rights to at least one highly anticipated new musical: Holler If Ya Hear Me, a show spotlighting Tupac Shakur’s hip-hop and poetic legacy, is opening June 19th (previews from the 2nd) at the Palace Theatre. Penned by Todd Kreidler (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner) and directed by Kenny Leon — whose most recent Broadway triumph is A Raisin in the Sun starring Denzel Washington (at the Barrymore Theatre through June 15th) — the show is not by any means a Shakur biography, but rather an original story about the realities of inner city life and survival.
Tony winner Tonya Pinkins (Jelly’s Last Jam; Caroline, or Change) stars alongside award-winning slam poet/actor/singer/musician Saul Williams, who co-wrote and starred in the groundbreaking film Slam. Also in the cast are three alumni of currently running Broadway hits: Christopher Jackson (After Midnight), Saycon Sengbloh (Motown the Musical) and Ben Thompson (Matilda), all of whom share the spotlight with Tony nominee John Earl Jelks (Radio Golf).
TOP SUMMER FAMILY PICKS
Aladdin (Broadway)
Photo: Deen van Meer
Disney’s super-spectacular latest with lots of cool guy stuff, a beautiful (and spunky) heroine, plus a Genie (James Monroe Iglehart) with all the right stuff — and then some.]
Blue Man Group (Off-Broadway)
It’s been running at downtown’s Astor Place Theatre life forever, and not by accident. In short, it’s a foolproof thumbs-up for anyone up for a good, old-fashioned cutting-edge romp — with flying paint and other messy goodies.
Cinderella (Broadway) - Pop star Carly Rae Jepsen and sitcom diva Fran Drescher (The Nanny), who have been playing the title character and her evil stepmother, respectively, will be leaving the cast on June 8th. Worth noting: even after this dynamic duo flies the Broadway coop, the breathtaking Rodgers & Hammerstein musical will retain its magical touch. And who’s to say who the producers aren’t busy courting for future happy endings?
iLuminate (Off-Broadway) - An original in every way possible, this fascinating, eye-popping show gives a whole new meaning to “dancing in the dark.” Filled with masterful contemporary and classical dance moves, the show’s special effects (mostly generated via special light suits) are mind-blowing. Definitely a family and friends must-share.
Matilda (Broadway)
A whole new quartet of Matildas are gleefully (in rotation) tormenting beefy, bun-headed Headmistress Agnes Trunchbull – a role recently assumed by Christopher Sieber, who’s no stranger to fairy-tale villains (he played Lord Farquaad in Broadway’s Shrek The Musical a few years back).
Piggy Nation the Musical (Off-Broadway) - Every Sunday at 11am, the Snapple Theater Center welcomes dozens of little ones (ages three and up, but precocious two-year-olds will love it as well) to this outstanding little musical with a giant-sized heart. Directed to enthrall even adult companions, the show gleefully (and gently) promotes sharing and generosity. Two thumbs (or hooves) up!