While I haven’t seen every show currently on Broadway, I’ve seen most of them. In this article, I’ll give you my honest opinion about the ones I’ve seen, but I’ll only include the news shows. I won’t discuss long-running shows like Hamilton or The Lion King. Here’s my rundown (I’ve given 6 of these “top pick” status, so there’s lot to see):
Boop! The Musical. *TOP PICK* If you want to see an old-fashioned style, big Broadway musical that makes you feel good, this is an excellent choice. I thoroughly enjoyed this show, even though it’s mostly frivolous with some nice feminist moments during the second act. Jasmine Amy Rogers, however, who plays Betty Boop, is a revelation, making a star turn in this role that earned her a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award nomination. The show was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, who brought us Kinky Boots. Highly recommended if you like pure entertainment, but it’s closing in mid-July. So hurry!
Buena Vista Social Club. *TOP PICK* I absolutely adored this show. There is a story (which is mostly true), but it’s more of a showcase for the singers, dancers, and musicians to perform the incredible vintage Cuban music that you’ll hear throughout. These are virtuoso performers (they’re even set to receive a special Tony award), and I can’t imagine that you won’t want to dance in your seat. I plan to see this one again.
Death Becomes Her. This hilarious show is loads of fun, but it wouldn’t be my top choice. Led by Broadway stars Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, who sing the hell out of the songs, I still can’t say I remembered more than one of the tunes. If you liked the movie and want to laugh hard, this might be the show for you, but I don’t quite understand why it received so many Tony nominations.
Gypsy. This revival of one of the best musicals ever written has been beautifully produced with Audra McDonald as Rose, Joy Woods as Louise, and Danny Burstein as Herbie. I had a great time, even if Audra’s voice isn’t what we’re used to hearing in the role of Rose. Nevertheless, she acts the hell out of this character, and Joy is a new star on Broadway who is showing herself to be worthy of sharing the stage with the greats.
Maybe Happy Ending. *TOP PICK* This new musical has been the surprise of the season. Starring Darren Criss of Glee and unknown Helen J. Chen, it’s nice to see Asian-American leads in a show that’s done so well. People didn’t know much about it when it started, but it has gotten great buzz – and rightly so. (The cast album is already available.) It’s a feel-good love story set in South Korea about two robots who become more and more human. A smaller musical with a lovely score, I highly recommend it and expect it to be a top contender for the Best Musical Tony Award.
Pirates! The Penzance Musical. *TOP PICK* This revival of Gilbert and Sulllivan’s The Pirates of Penzance stars David Hyde Pierce of Frazier and Broadway star Ramin Karimloo, along with Jinkx Monsoon from RuPaul’s Drag Race. It turns the classic musical on its head by setting it in New Orleans, but it’s a hoot and a half. If you’re looking for lighthearted fun, you’ll love this.
Just In Time. *TOP PICK* This is my favorite show of the season. Jonathan Groff (from “Spring Awakening,” “Hamilton,” and “Merrily We Roll Along”) is electrifying as 60s singing star, Bobby Darin. The energy on stage is second to none on Broadway, which is saying a lot. If you can get a ticket, run to this one!
There are more shows currently on Broadway that I haven’t seen but expect to see. These include Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salongo, straight play John Proctor is the Villain starring Sadie Sink from Stranger Things, straight play Call Me Izzy starring Jean Smart of Hacks, and straight play The Picture of Dorian Gray starring Sarah Snook of Succession (also nominated for a Tony for her performance).
There are others I don’t expect to see. These include Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal with ticket prices to match their notoriety; Glengarry Glen Ross starring Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk, and Bill Burr; Redwood starring Idina Menzel; The Last Five Years starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren; Operation Mincemeat, which transferred from London; straight play Purpose; and Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a stage version (not a musical) based on the TV series.
Melanie Votaw is the Publisher and Executive Travel Writer of LuxuryWeb Magazine. She has visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents and written for such magazines as Executive Travel, Just Luxe, Business Insider, South China Morning Post, Travel Mindset, and more. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, New York Travel Writers Association, and International Travel Writers Alliance. Melanie's photography has won awards, and she has also written 43 nonfiction books as either the author or ghostwriter.
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