January 7, 2019 | Culture
The lights on Broadway are shining extra bright these days with a season of high-profile shows and ongoing favorites. Here, we share six reasons to head to the theater.
“The show really shows not just the goodness from that day, but the opposite of evil,” star Chad Kimball told us about Come From Away, a true and touching story of a post-9/11 world. And while the subject may seem sacred, the story of the kindness of strangers in the town of Gander in Newfoundland who welcomed thousands of stranded travelers following the terrorist attacks, is an uplifting and impactful one. You’ll likely want to see this one more than once. Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St., comefromaway.com
Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Kerry Washington’s tour de force performance will stay with you long after the curtains close. The theme of the play is a timely one—more than just a statement on racial injustice, American Son delves into themes of family struggles, love, loss and, perhaps most importantly, identity. You’ll want to act fast, as American Son takes its final bow on Broadway on January 27. Booth Theatre, 22 W. 45th St., americansonplay.com
The Cher Show highlights the illustrious life of the legendary singer and actress in three parts: starting out as a young girl, through pop music stardom, and ultimately becoming the icon she is today. And while the three actresses who star as Cher shine in the musical, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off the stage costumes, designed by longtime Cher collaborator Bob Mackie. The beat goes on well after the lights go down. Neil Simon Theatre, 250 W. 52nd St., thechershowbroadway.com
Harper Lee’s iconic 1960 debut novel takes the Broadway stage for the first time ever with an adapted screenplay by noted screenwriter/director/producer Aaron Sorkin and Jeff Daniels in the role one of America’s most memorable characters, Atticus Finch. Already breaking box office records and having quickly become one of the most coveted and hard to get tickets on Broadway, To Kill a Mockingbird brings to life the classic tale of justice and tolerance in the American South. Try and get your hands on tickets now, before the play collects what will likely be numerous Tonys. Schubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th St., tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com
The 2018 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, The Band’s Visit tells the story of a group of Egyptian musicians who arrive in Israel and leave a lasting impression on the residents they encounter. The story truly comes to life through the show’s original score, showing us how music affects and changes our lives. Even Aaron Sorkin had to see what all the chatter was about, as he was spotted at a recent showing of the musical. The Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St., thebandsvisitmusical.com
Head back to high school with Tina Fey as she adapts her cult classic film for the stage. Equal parts bitchy and kitschy, the musical revisits the naïve Cady Heron as she’s thrust into the whirlwind life of The Plastics. While Lindsay Lohan dances her way through Mykonos, you’ll be dancing and singing along to this witty musical. August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St., meangirlsonbroadway.com
