Interesting months January and February in Theatreville, NYC. Early on you’ve got your roster of closings – limited run adieus, surprise exits, hit shows hitting the road – but if you look closely you’ll notice this is the time of year when “turnabout” is all about fair play(s)... and musicals. In 2015, for instance, theatregoers can bask in the marquee glow of all kinds of new stars sparkling their way into established Broadway runs. The transition is already in progress... all over the Great White Way!
Who’s Who in the Here & Now
In the sublime long-running Fosse musical Chicago, that velvet-tongued shyster Billy Flynn is currently being played by John O’Hurley (aka J. Peterman in Seinfeld reruns). He’ll be with the show through January 18th. Then beginning February 2nd, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Jennifer Nettles steps into the femme nefarious shoes of Roxie Hart (through March 29th only).
Over at The Book of Mormon, January 6th marks the date two-time Tony-nominee Gavin Creel recreates his Olivier Award-winning performance as Elder Price in the record-breaking hit musical created by those South Park bad boys Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Photo: Frank Ockenfels
Music superstar Sting has extended his performance engagement in The Last Ship through January 24th. The 16-time Grammy Award winner portrays shipyard foreman Jackie White, in this groundbreaking musical boasting his music and lyrics. The show’s book is by Tony winner John Logan and Pulitzer Prize winner Brian Yorkey. Finally, in the comedy sector, two hit shows are welcoming new celebrity blood.
At You Can’t Take It With You, the critically lauded Kaufman and Hart revival, both Rose Byrne (Alice Sycamore) and Mark Linn-Baker as her father Paul, leave the cast on January 4th, to be replaced two days later by Anna Chlumsky (HBO’s Veep) in her Broadway debut, and Emmy winner Richard Thomas (The Waltons) respectively.
Meanwhile, Terrence McNally’s exuberant farce It’s Only A Play, has a trio of newcomers to announce – all set to step in early January. Replacing Nathan Lane is Tony winner Martin Short, while two-time Tony winner Katie Finneran will move into the role of the neophyte producer originated by Megan Mullally last fall. Also leaving the cast is British actor Rupert Grint (known for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films). Stepping into his playwright character is Maulik Pancholy, a familiar presence from the shows Weeds and 30 Rock. – GM