I’ve spent quite my share of time at the theater this season, and am so excited to share with you five shows that you should positively, without a doubt, no questions asked, get to Broadway to see this season! Whether you leave the theater high-kicking and singing at the top of your lungs, or a ball of emotions, the important thing is they all make you feel…a lot. And isn’t that what theater is all about?
Newsies
Ever since I saw the Disney movie version as a kid, ohh, about 573 times, I always wished and hoped for the day it would come to the stage…there was just no way this wouldn’t be a complete hit! Sure enough, it’s come to the Great White Way with a bang!
Newsies is set in NYC at the turn of the 20th century, and tells the tale of newsboys who dream of a better life away from the rough and tumble streets. The dream gets set in motion when publishing power horses Hearst and Pulitzer raise the price of newspapers at the newsboys’ expense. The boys go on strike, and the show is set into motion.
You’ll love this if: If you saw the movie and loved it, go, go, GO! Even if you missed out on being a film groupie (it was kind of a cult in the early 90′s!), you’ll love this if you’re a fan of stunning choreography, fantastic dancers, and catchy songs with a Brooklyn twang. Plus, it definitely goes without saying that this is one that’s fun for the whole family.
A Time To Kill
An emotional courtroom drama, this play is based off of John Grisham’s popular novel that many of you probably gobbled up during beach reading a few summers back. Set in the deep south, an idealistic lawyer defends a black man after he takes the law into his own hands following an awful crime committed against his young daughter.
There will be goosebumps. There will be tears. But as an audience member, you truly feel part of the jury, and are rooting for the vote to swing your way.
You’ll love this if: You are a Law & Order fan, you love a good Grisham novel, and you appreciate a drama that leaves you talking long after the curtains have closed.
Annie
Leaping lizards, this one’s a must! Also set in NYC, circa 1930ish, this is the classic tale of little orphan Annie ending up going from the orphanage with crazy Miss Hannigan to the lap of luxury with Depression-era billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Not to play favorites, but this is definitely one of mine.
You’ll love this if: You appreciate a feel-good musical, with recognizable songs such as “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life”. The costumes and set are top-notch, too, my friends.
Cinderella
The sweetest fairytale we all know and love, complete with princes and fairy godmothers AND glass slippers…not to mention a host of romantic Rodgers & Hammerstein songs you’ll love to hum along to!
You’ll love this if: You are a girl between the ages of 5 and 105, or a guy that wants to make his favorite girl really, really happy!
A Night With Janis Joplin
Okay, I’ll be honest: before heading to the theater I wasn’t prepared to love this show. I mean, I didn’t know any Joplin songs (gasp! I know!), nor did I particularly love that time period.
However.
This show was A.MA.ZING. The music was soulful in the kind of way that just creeps into your bones, so good I went home and instantly made Pandora stations out of the songs. The plot doesn’t really focus on her untimely death or anything that would make it too depressing, rather those things and people that inspired her throughout her life.
You’ll love this if: Obviously, if you love Janis. But if you’re into the blues, rock history, and a show with a lot of soul, you’ll definitely appreciate it. Maybe not the best show for young kids.
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
