The revival of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Our Town opened at the Barrymore Theatre this month. It is a cause for celebration! Often described as a cornerstone of American theater, this production as reimagined by director Kenny Leon, serves as a powerful reminder of why Wilder’s exploration of life, love, and death in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, remains a timeless classic. At its center, Wilder’s text is a tribute to the profound simplicity of life; a plea for all those listening to cherish each moment. From their delivery on stage, it is clear that this company cherishes this play. Jim Parsons delivers a masterful performance, infusing charm, humor, and gravitas into every line. Other notable performances include Zoey Deutch, whose portrayal of Emily Webb in the third act moved many audience members to tears. Small town living may not be for everyone, but Our Town’s exploration of humanity remains universal.
Thornton Wilder’s Our Town—starring Jim Parsons, Katie Holmes, Zoey Deutch, Ephraim Sykes, Billy Eugene Jones, Richard Thomas, Michelle Wilson, Julie Halston, Donald Webber Jr., and more—is in performances through January 19, 2025 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Thornton Wilder explored the search of finding the profound in the mundane.
As Our Town graces the Broadway stage once more, under the skilled direction of Kenny Leon and featuring the standout talent of Jim Parsons, we’re reminded of the timelessness of Thornton Wilder’s work. First premiered in 1938, Our Town has not only stood the test of time but has evolved into a quintessential American play, offering poignant reflections on life, love, and the human condition. The latest revival was dubbed “an Our Town for all of us” by The New York Times. Much like a beloved Broadway musical that brings together a diverse audience, this celebration of Wilder’s enduring legacy invites us to pause and appreciate the beauty in the everyday moments that make life truly spectacular.
Born on April 17, 1897, in Madison, Wisconsin, Thornton Wilder was a prolific writer whose literary career spanned novels, plays, and essays. His early exposure to literature and drama was significantly influenced by his family, particularly his mother, who encouraged his creative pursuits. Wilder attended Yale University and later spent time in Europe, where he absorbed the cultural tapestries of literary styles and philosophies that would inform his own writing.
Peterborough, NH
Wilder’s Our Town is set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, a reflection of his experiences in Peterborough, New Hampshire. The simplicity of small-town life, underscored by universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, makes Our Town a profound exploration of human existence. Wilder’s writing resonates with audiences, evoking both nostalgia and a deeper appreciation for the simple moments we often overlook: breakfast with the family, sharing weather patterns with a neighbor, and that ‘terrible moon.’ Wilder creates an intimate connection, drawing us into the heart of Grover’s Corners. The latest production’s cast even took a pilgrimage to Peterborough for inspiration, to find a connection between Wilder’s work and the town that inspired it (with a lot of snacks on the long bus ride to and fro).
Wilder’s influence extends far beyond his own works; he has inspired a generation of playwrights including Paula Vogel, Edward Albee, David Mamet, Donald Margulies, and even Gertrude Stein. These writers have drawn on Wilder’s ability to blend the profound with the mundane, shaping their narratives to explore complex human emotions and social realities. Many American essayists and journalists have hailed Thornton Wilder as the greatest American writer of our time, recognizing his ability to capture the essence of the human experience with grace and insight. His works are revived again and again on Broadway. Recently, The Tony-nominated The Skin of Our Teeth was reconceived with puppetry and trimmed for context, proving that the themes he tackled are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.
Beyond Our Town, Wilder’s literary contributions are vast and varied. His novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1928, exploring the interconnectedness of human lives through the story of a bridge collapse in Peru. This theme of connection reflects Wilder’s belief in the shared experiences that bind humanity together. His other notable play, The Matchmaker, showcases his knack for blending realism with fantasy, capturing the complexities of life with both humor and heart. It would later form the basis for the iconic musical Hello, Dolly!
Wilder’s legacy as a writer extends beyond his individual works. He is often credited with reshaping American theater by pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative forms. Wilder’s ability to weave humor into profound philosophical questions has influenced countless artists, making him a key figure in American literature.
It’s clear that his works continue to inspire and provoke thought. In a world that often feels chaotic, Our Town serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty of our everyday lives. It encourages us to cherish the moments we often take for granted. The current Broadway revival not only highlights Wilder’s genius but also reinvigorates the conversation about the importance of community, love, and the shared human experience.
As we celebrate the success of Our Town on Broadway, let us remember the profound lessons embedded within his writing. His legacy endures not only in the pages of his plays but also in the hearts of those who continue to find meaning in his words.
The spotlight is burning brighter than ever this season on Broadway. With a busy season ahead, Broadway’s Best Shows is here to keep you up to date on where to find the biggest stars on Broadway this fall!
In The Roommate at the Booth Theatre
Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone star in this new comedy from Jen Silverman. Now in performances. More information and tickets are available HERE.
Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow (Matthew Murphy)
In McNeal at the Vivian Beaumont Theater
Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway debut in the new drama from Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar. Directed by Bartlett Sher, the cast also features Melora Hardin, Andrea Martin, and Ruthie Ann Miles. Now in performances. More information and tickets are available HERE.
The cast of Mcneal (Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman)
In Our Town at the Barrymore Theatre
You can see four-time Emmy Award winner Jim Parsons alongside Katie Holmes, Zoey Deutch, Billy Eugene-Jones, Ephraim Sykes, Richard Thomas, Michelle Wilson, Julie Halston, and more in this revival of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon. Now in performances. More information and tickets are available HERE.
Jim Parsons and the cast of Our Town (Daniel Rader)
In Left On Tenth at the James Earl Jones Theatre
Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher star in the new play by Delia Ephron. Based on her memoir, the romantic comedy about second chances is brought to life under the direction of five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman. Now in performances. More information and tickets are available HERE.
Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher (Mary Ellen Matthews)
In Romeo & Juliet (Circle in the Square Theatre)
“Heartstopper” star Kit Connors and “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler unite in a contemporary revival of Romeo & Juliet, directed by Sam Gold. Now in performances. More information and tickets are available HERE.
Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler (Sam Levy)
In Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theatre
Nicole Sherzinger stars in the upcoming Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard. Performances begin September 28th. More information and tickets are available HERE.
Nicole Scherzinger (Courtesy of DKC/O&M)
In Maybe Happy Ending at the Belasco Theater
You can see Emmy Award winner Darren Chriss alongside Helen J. Shen in the refreshing new musical, directed by Tony Award winner Michael Arden. Performances begin October 16th.
In Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre
Audra McDonald stars as the iconic Mama Rose in the upcoming revival of Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne, and Stephen Sondheim’s musical theatre classic, Gypsy. Performances begin November 21st. More information and tickets are available HERE.
Audra McDonald (Michaelah Reynolds)
In Cabaret at the August Wilson Theatre
Adam Lambert and Auli’i Cravalho have officially joined the Tony-nominated revival of Cabaret as the Emcee and Sally Bowls, respectively. Now in performances. More information and tickets are available HERE.
Adam Lambert and Auli’I Cravalho (Gina Manning)
In Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Al Hirschfeld Theatre
Pop star Jojo unites with Broadway leading man Aaron Tveit in the Tony Award-winning musical Moulin Rouge! Now in performances. More information and tickets available HERE.
Joanna “JoJo” Levesque and Aaron Tveit (Matthew Murphy)
When Cady Huffman was asked to direct Empire, the new Off-Broadway musical that focuses on the courageous workers who built the Empire State Building, the decision was a no-brainer. Huffman, who first participated in a workshop of the musical in 2011 as a performer and felt connected to the show’s message, jumped at the opportunity.
However, when Huffman got the call in December 2023, she never thought the show would be up and running at New World Stages by July, where it is currently playing.
“It was so fast and furious,” Huffman said. “The set was designed in a week and built in a week. It makes it super exciting to do it that way. And you have to make decisions real fast. I learned a lot, I learned a lot about myself, about what I can do.”
One of the most exciting parts of Huffman’s process of working on Empire as a director was helping writers Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull from a dramaturgical standpoint. Empire goes back and forth in time between New York of the late 20s and early 30s, and the city in 1976, where a woman named Sylvie reflects on her father who died during building the Empire State Building. In addition to the character of Sylvie, since Huffman first worked on the show, the writers added Rudy, a Mohawk woman who disguises herself as a man to be an ironworker during the building of the iconic New York monument.. For Huffman, showcasing Rudy and other Mohawk characters was critical, allowing her and the writers to shine light on an often overlooked piece of history.
“That’s the most thrilling thing for me,” Huffman said. “The legendary Mohawk ironworkers, I can’t believe how few people know that story. So that’s what I got really excited about developing. We did a lot of dramaturgy. And a lot of trying to combine these two worlds, because it was previously a much more traditional musical than it is now.”
Photo by Matthew Murphy
When it comes to her work on Empire, Huffman’s directorial ethos comes not only from her experience as an actor but from the great directors she had the privilege to work with as a performer.
“I auditioned for Bob Fosse at an open call with 1,000 people on stage,” Huffman told Broadway’s Best Shows. “When he broke us out into groups, he walked up to every single person and thanked us for coming in. Every single person got that bit of respect from him. So every person who walks into my audition room, I walk up and I shake their hand and introduce myself.”
Having been on the other side of the table, Huffman understands the unique pressures and anxieties that come with being an actor. Following in the footsteps of the directors who came before her, Huffman understands that leading from a place of friendliness and empathy is what encourages performers to be the best they can be.
In Empire, what stands out most about the production is the palpable level of camaraderie and among the cast. The kinsmanship among the members of the company emerges in part because Empire is a show about community, about people from different cultures coming together and persevering despite the obstacles in their way. However, it is also a testament to Huffman’s ability to nurture talent and to forge strong working relationships in the rehearsal room.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
An experience that has shaped Huffman’s approach to directing came early in her career. In 1991, Huffman took on her first major role on Broadway as Ziegfield’s Favorite in The Will Rogers Follies. She recalls standing in front of Tommy Tune, 25 and terrified, uncertain of how to approach her big scene during rehearsal.
“Tommy Tune comes up to me and gives me the best direction I’ve ever gotten,” Huffman said. “He says, ‘Well, Cady, do something.’ I threw everything into that speech …kicks, cartwheels, splits, turns, everything, my ears were on fire. And I just put much too much into it, and he goes, ‘Great, now we can start.’ Come in with ideas. Because it’s much easier for me, as a director, to say ‘do less’ than it is to try to pull energy out of somebody.”
As a director, Huffman values this spirit of play and improvisation because it allows the rehearsal room to be a space of collaboration. While she can show performers how she would approach certain beats as an actor, Huffman is far more interested in what performers come up with organically.
“When I have allowed talented young people to do something, they always do something better than I would do and more creative than I would do,” Huffman explained. “My experiences have always been to allow people to do what they do well, and then I can always give notes and I can always say no. But mostly people are going to surprise me with their vision.”
Expanding on her ethos as a director, Huffman borrows from an unlikely source: John Wooden, the former head coach of the UCLA Bruins.
“John Wooden has this great book about not creating great basketball players, but creating great scholars and gentlemen,” Huffman said. “And I would much rather approach life like that. I can teach you how to sing, dance, act, I can tell you all the technical stuff. But really, I want to enjoy being in the room with you. I want to help you understand the joy of rehearsals, the joy of finding it.”
From historical dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, portrayals of real-life politicians abound on Broadway. Whether they take artistic liberties with their depiction of historical figures or closely adhere to history, for theatre audiences these representations entertain and provide insight into well-known politicians. Major political figures are lighting up the New York theater boards this summer with N/A, Suffs, Oh Mary!, alongside the continued run of Hamilton. Here’s a look at some of the more impactful representations of politicians on the Broadway stage.
Fiorello La Guardia, Fiorello!
Opening on Broadway in 1959, Fiorello! the life of New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia. The musical chronicles the mayor’s rise to political power and how he weakened the influence of Tammany Hall, a Democratic political machine that was a major source of corruption in New York City.
The Founding Fathers, 1776
1776 opened on Broadway in 1969. In many ways a predecessor to Hamilton, 1776 depicts the events preceding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, including John Addams attempts to convince the Founding Fathers to vote for independence. The musical was most recently revived in 2023, with a cast consisting of female, trans, and nonbinary actors.
Eva and Juan Perón, Evita
When Evita premiered on Broadway in 1979, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice turned Eva Perón into one of musical theatre’s great divas. Evita focuses on the Argentinian political leader’s early life, her rise to power and marriage to president Juan Perón, and her untimely death from cancer. The original Broadway production starred Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin, who both won Tony Awards for portraying Eva and Juan Perón.
Andrew Jackson, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Michael Friedman and Alex Timbers transformed the life of Andrew Jackson into a rock concert with Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, which opened on Broadway in 2010. The musical satirizes the life and politics of Andrew Jackson, in the show as an emo rock star, exploring the establishment of the Democratic Party, the Indian Removal Act, and Jackson’s embrace of populism.
Ann Richards in Ann
Holland Taylor both wrote and starred in Ann, a one woman show with Taylor as former Texas governor Ann Richards. A character study of Richards’ person and political life while she was in office, Ann is based mostly on anecdotes Taylor collected from those close to the former governor. For her portrayal of Richards, Taylor was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play.
Lyndon B. Johnson, All the Way and The Great Society
Playwright Robert Schenkkan explored the political career of Lyndon B. Johnson in All the Way and The Great Society, the former of which saw Bryan Cranston star as LBJ, and the latter with Brian Cox in the presidential shoes. All the Way, which premiered on Broadway in 2014, follows Johnson assuming the presidency and his campaign to pass The Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Great Society focuses on the events following Johnson’s re-election, including the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, the heightening of the Vietnam War, and the assassinations of MLK Jr. and Robert Kennedy.
Alexander Hamilton, Hamilton
Based on the 2004 book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, Hamilton opened on Broadway in 2015. This cultural phenomenon dramatizes the life of first U.S secretary of the treasury Alexander Hamilton, exploring his role in the American Revolution, his marriage to Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, and his political rivalry with Aaron Burr. The original Broadway cast included Lin Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, and Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton.
Imelda Marcos, Here Lies Love
In Here Lies Love, David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim transport audience members to a Studio 54-inspired disco hall to bring the story of former Filipina first lady Imelda Marcos to life. This immersive disco musical traces the trajectory of Marcos’ life from her early beginnings, her rise to power and dictatorship alongside husband President Ferdinand Marcos, and later downfall at the hands of the People Power Revolution. The original Broadway production starred Arielle Jacobs as Imelda Marcos, Jose Llana as Ferdinand Marcos, and Conrad Ricamora as opposition leader Ninoy Aquino.
Woodrow Wilson, Suffs
In Shaina Taub’s Suffs, former President Woodrow serves as an intractable symbol of male power in the fight for female suffrage. Woodrow, played by Grace McLean, appears as a sly, cartoonish gatekeeper who refuses to give in to the demands made by the ensemble’s dedicated band of suffragists. Other politicians represented in Suffs are Dudley Malone, Wilson’s Third Assistant Secretary of State, and Harry T. Burn, a member of the Tennessee State Assembly who delivered a decisive vote allowing for the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Abraham Lincoln, Oh, Mary!
Written by Cole Escola, Broadway hit Oh, Mary! is a delightful spoof on the lives of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln and President Abraham Lincoln. Playing fast and loose with the facts of history, the play shows Conrad Ricamora’s President Lincoln desperately trying to reign in his wife’s alcoholism, while conducting an affair with Mary’s Teacher behind closed doors.
The college years are an incredibly formative and intellectual period for young minds. Students and faculty alike can develop and learn valuable life lessons in what can often be intense and consequential situations. Fitting then for higher education institutions to serve as the setting for many plays and musicals across Broadway history. As the school year starts up again, let’s take a look at some of Broadway’s Best Shows set on college campus.
The Male Animal
Written by James Thurber and Elliot Nugent, The Male Animal, opened on Broadway in 1940, and starred the Nugent himself alongside Ruth Matteson and Leon Ames. This comedy follows an English teacher at Midwestern University as he struggles with what to do when not allowed to express his worldview sentiments to his class. In the midst of his struggle for his defense of free speech, his wife’s former boyfriend, a football legend, arrives to complicate matters. In 1942 the show was adapted into a screenplay that starred Henry Fonda, Olivia de Havilland and Jake Carson. The show was revived in 1952 once again starring the writer Nugent, with Robert Preston and Martha Scott.
Photo by Joan Marcus
Wicked
With a now iconic score by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, Wicked opened on Broadway in 2003. One of the longest-running shows on Broadway, it follows the story of a young witch, Elphaba, and the unlikely friendship that forms with her schoolmate Glinda before the events of The Wizard of Oz. Mainly taking place at Shiz University, the original cast starred Kristen Chenoweth as Glinda, Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero. The show was nominated for 11 Tonys, winning three of them. It also won six drama Desk awards, including Outstanding New Musical. The modern classic continues to be one of the most popular shows on Broadway. A new movie adaption is set to release November 2024, starring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey.
Legally Blonde
Written by Laurene O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin with a book by Heather Hatch, Legally Blonde opened on Broadway in 2007. Based on the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Coolidge, Matthew Davis and Luke Wilson, the show follows Valley girl, Elle Woods, as she goes to Harvard Law in order to win back her ex boyfriend, while still staying true to herself. The musical starred Laura Bell Bundy, Richard H. Blake, Orfeh Christian Borle, Michael Ruper and Kate Shindle. The show was nominated for seven Tony Awards and ten Drama Desk Awards.
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Seminar
Written by Theresa Rebeck, Seminar opened on Broadway in 2011. It starred Alan Rickman, Hamish Linklater, Jerry O’Connell, Hettienne Park and Lily Rabe. This comedy follows four young writers and their professor during a ten week writing seminar. Rickman’s performance awed viewers and made the show a success.
Photo by Richard Termine
Ohio State Murders
Ohio State Murders opened on Broadway in 2022, marking the Broadway debut of playwright Adrienne Kennedy, who penned the play in 1991. The show focuses on college student Suzanne Alexander at Ohio State University in 1950. As a renowned black author, she goes back to speak about her experience there and the murders of her daughters. The show starred Audra McDonald (Tony Nominee), Bryce Pinkham, Mister Fitzgerald, Lizan Mitchell and Abigail Stephenson.
Photo by Michael Brosilow
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Written by Edward Albee, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf premiered on Broadway in 1962. The original cast starred Uta Hagen, Arthur Hill, Melinda Dillon and George Grizzard. The play follows the marriage of Martha and George, who, after a university faculty party, drag a younger couple, Nick and Honey, into their relationship issues. The show won four Tony awards in 1963 including Best Play. Due to the unusually long length of the show, three hours, a separate matinee cast had to be formed, performing twice a week. The play was revived three times, in 1976, 2005 and in 2012, with a planned revival in 2020 that was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent production starred Tracy Letts, Amy Morton, Carrie Coon and Madison Dirks. It won three Tonys and three Drama Desk Awards, including Best Revival of a Play in 2013. A film adaption was created in 1966 and it starred Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal and Sandy Dennis.
In the weeks leading up to the 77th Annual Tonys, Broadway’s Best Shows ran a series exploring the Broadway careers of this past season’s nominees. However, there was a wealth of excellent performances in the last season that were overlooked in this past season’s awards circuit that are just as deserving of recognition. As we head into a very busy 2024-2025 Broadway season, we want to take a moment to celebrate the work of these fine performers. In honor of these actors and their onstage contributions, here are some of Broadway’s great unsung performances from the 2023-2024 season.
Jay O. Sanders
One of Purlie Victorious’ undeniable highlights was Jay O. Sanders. In the production, Sanders played Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee, a tyrannical plantation owner who believes he treats his workers well but weighs them down with debt. Critics and audiences alike enjoyed Sanders’ performance for its humor and intensity.
Noah Ricketts
While The Great Gatsby was largely overlooked during awards season, Noah Ricketts emerged as one of the show’s bright stars. Audience members and critics praised his commanding portrayal of Nick Caraway, who provides an outsider’s perspective into Gatsby’s lavish world.
Anika Noni Rose
Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose turned in another brilliant performance in Uncle Vanya. Stepping into Chekhov’s world, Rose showcases her versatility as an actress, revealing the vulnerabilities that lie beneath Elena’s confident exterior.
Chip Zien
An actor who has originated iconic roles such as The Baker in Into the Woods, Chip Zien most recently returned to Broadway in Harmony. Zien’s performance as Rabbi Josef Roman Cycowski, the last surviving member of a German singing group broken apart by the Nazis, was well-liked by audience members and critics like Jesse Greene, who celebrated Zien’s “forceful” onstage presence.
Billy Eugene Jones
Billy Eugue Jones gave a standout performance in Purlie Victorious as Gitlow Judson, Purlie’s brother and one of Cotchipee’s sharecroppers. A key player in Lutiebelle’s scheme to win back a $500 inheritance, Jones gave a performance which New York Magazinecalled “extraordinarily committed, gutsy, and delicate.”
Izzy McCalla
Another memorable performance from this season came from Izzy McCalla, who played star circus performer and love interest Elena in Water for Elephants. Critics praised McCalla in particular for her graceful and nuanced portrayal of a survivor of domestic abuse. According to Frank Rizzo of Variety, in McCalla’s capable hands, Elena is not a victim but “an ever-resilient wife walking the tightrope of fidelity, fear and desperation.”
Michael Urie
Michael Urie garnered critical acclaim for his impassioned performance as Sir Robin in Spamalot. Critics such as Charles Isherwood and Jesse Greene commended Urie for the infectious energy and comic sensibility he brought to the role originated by Eric Idle and later by David Hyde Pierce in the original Broadway production.
Brittany Adebumola
Brittany Adebumola turned in another standout performance this season as Miriam in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Critics and audiences relished Adebumola’s portrayal of a girl-next-door door hair braider who, while timid on the surface, reveals her true feistiness throughout the show. While she wasn’t nominated for a Tony, Adebumola received a well-deserved nomination from the Drama Desk awards
In April, it was announced that Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will be returning to Broadway. Directed by Kenny Leon, the revival, which will feature stars such as Jim Parsons, Zoey Deutch, Ephraim Sykes, and Katie Holmes, begins performances at The Ethel Barrymore Theatre on September 17th. In anticipation of its opening, let’s take a look at the history behind this classic play.
Written by Thornton Wilder, Our Town premiered on Broadway in 1938. A play-within-a-play, Our Town depicts the everyday lives of citizens living in a fictional small town in New Hampshire, honing in on the relationship between George Gibbs and Emily Webb, two childhood friends who fall in love and get married. The play’s main character, the Stage Manager, provides commentary on the inhabitants of the town Grover’s Corners, breaking the fourth wall to address the audience.
Upon its original opening in the 1930s, Our Town received widespread acclaim, going on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Considered one of the greatest plays in American theatre, Our Town is also one of the most popular, remaining a perennial favorite for high school productions since its inception. It is consistently produced by theaters at every level, be they professional, community, or school groups. No matter where or when it is staged, Our Town remains an unmissable American masterpiece.
The 1938 Broadway production of Our Town.
Following its 1938 Broadway premiere, Our Town was revived in 1944, starring Montgomery Clift as George Gibbs, Martha Scott as Emily Gibbs, and Thomas W. Ross as Mr. Webb.
Twenty five years later, Our Town was revived once again, starring Henry Fonda as Stage Manager and Elizabeth Hamilton as Emily Webb. Also included among the cast were Ed Begley and Margaret Hamilton, famous for her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film version of The Wizard of Oz.
The 1988 Lincoln Center Theater production of Our Town.
Our Town was revived again in 1988, this time with Spalding Gray as Stage Manager, Frances Conroy as Mrs. Gibbs, Penelope Ann Miller as Emily Webb, and Eric Stoltz as George Gibbs. The production was nominated for five Tony Awards, winning for Best Revival.
Our Town was last revived in 2002, starring Paul Newman as Stage Manager in what would be his final onstage performance. Alongside Newman, Jayne Atksinon played Mrs. Gibbs while Jane Curtin played Mrs. Webb. This production was immortalized with a PBS Masterpiece Theatre filmed adaptation, still part of the PBS live theatre catalog today.
The 2002 Broadway revival of Our Town, later released in 2003 as a TV Movie on PBS.
Shoshana Bean has been a Broadway lovers’ household name for about two decades now. While she’s currently appearing in “Hell’s Kitchen” in a role for which she earned her second Tony nomination, here’s a breakdown of the Broadway roles that got her there:
Hairspray (2002)
Bean made her Broadway debut in the original company of Hairspray as Shelly, one of Corny Collins’ Council Members. Bean also served as the understudy for Tracy Turnblad, Prudy Pingleton, and Velma Von Tussle in this musical based on John Waters’ classic film.
Wicked (2004)
Bean was next on Broadway in Wicked as a replacement standby for Elphaba, taking over the role full time following Idina Menzel’s departure from the production. Due to Bean’s powerhouse vocals and dynamic onstage presence, theatre aficionados often rank Bean as one of the best Elphabas appearing in Wicked throughout its Broadway run.
Waitress (2019)
In 2019, Bean joined the cast of Waitress as Jenna, a woman who finds solace from her abusive marriage in baking. Bean starred opposite Jeremy Jordan as Dr. Pomatter, together performing the music of Sara Bareilles.
Mr. Saturday Night (2022)
Bean next appeared on Broadway in Mr. Saturday Night, a musical that follows an older comedian making a last ditch effort at fame. Playing opposite Billy Crystal and Randy Graff, Bean starred as the comedian’s estranged daughter Susan. For her performance in the role, Bean garnered her first Tony nomination.
Hell’s Kitchen (2024)
Bean is currently on Broadway opposite Maleah Joi Moon and Brandon Victor Dixon in Hell’s Kitchen, an original musical inspired by the life of Alicia Keys. In this coming-of-age musical , Bean plays Jersey, the overprotective mother of a young artist growing up in Hell’s Kitchen in the 90s. For her feisty presence and unforgettable vocals, Bean earned her second Tony nomination.
Throughout the history of Broadway, the school setting has been a very popular background for stories about young people to thrive. Shows with kid characters, such as School of Rock and Matilda, have hit Broadway and been major successes, and others that focus on slightly older students and take place within the chaos of high school are exceedingly popular as well. Catching the attention of many younger viewers, these shows have captured the hearts of many as they reflect universal themes of growing up and finding your way among your peers. Let’s take a look at some of Broadway’s Best Shows that take place in high school.
Joan Marcus
Mean Girls
Mean Girls opened on Broadway in 2017. Written by Tina Fey based on her 2005 movie of the same name, the plot follows a young girl when she moves from Africa, having to navigate American high school and finding herself when she joins the mean girls clique. Originally starring Erika Henningsen as Cady, Taylor Louderman as Regina, and Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis, the show was nominated for twelve Tonys.In 2024, a movie musical adaptation was made starring Angourie Rice, Renee Rapp and Auli’i Cravalho.
Paul Kolnik
Hairspray
Hairspray opened in 2002, written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Based on the 1988 John Waters movie, the show follows Tracy Turnblad, a highschooler in Baltimore in the 1960s, as she works to achieve her dream of being on the Corny Collins Show. Starring Marissa Jaret Winokur as Tracy (who won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Laura Bell Bundy as Amber, Kerry Butler as Penny, Harvey Fierstein as Mrs. Turnblad (Best Actor in a Musical winner), Matthew Morrison as Link and Dick Latessa as Mr. Turnblad (Best Featured Actor in a Musical winner). The new musical won eight Tonys in total that year, including Best Musical. A 2007 movie musical starred John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky and Zack Effron. In 2016, NBC broadcasted Hairspray Live, which starred Ariana Grande, Harvey Fierstein, Maddie Baillis, Dove Cameron, Garett Clayton and Kristin Chenoweth. Hairspray is enduring as a modern classic musical over two decades later!
Grease
Grease opened on Broadway in 1972. Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the show, taking place in the 1950s, follows Sandy, an Australian exchange student and Danny, as their romance causes issues amongst the high school cliques. Starring Barry Bostwick and Carole Demas, the show had seven Tony nominations. In 1978, the creators made the movie Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, which is the iconic version known best to audiences around the world. The musical has had two Broadway revivals, the most recent in 2007, starring Max Crumm and Laura Osnes.
Be More Chill
Written by Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz, Be More Chill premiered off Broadway in 2018 and opened on Broadway in 2019. Based on the 2004 Novel by Ned Vizzini, the show follows a high school outcast, Jeremy Heere as he signs up for the school play in order to be with his crush. Wanting to be cooler to gain her attention, he takes a SQUIP pill. This show starred Will Roland, Stephanie Hsu, Jason Tam, George Salazar and Gerard Canonico, and was a catalyst for welcoming young audiences into the theatre.
Deen van Meer
The Prom
Written by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, The Prom premiered on Broadway in 2018. The musical follows four Broadway actors as they make it their mission to help a high school girl in Indiana bring her girlfriend to prom, after same sex coupling at the event is banned. Starring Brooks Ashmanskas, Beth Leavel, Angie Schworer, Caitlin Kinnunen and Christopher Sieber, the show was nominated for six Tony awards and won the Drama Desk award for Outstanding Musical. A starry Netflix film adaptation featuring Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, James Corden, Ariana DeBose, and Andrew Rannells was released in 2020 following the show’s Broadway run.
Matthew Murphy
Dear Evan Hansen
Dear Evan Hansen opened on Broadway in 2016. With a book by Steven Levenson and music & lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, the show follows a high school boy, Evan Hansen, as he struggles with what to do when a letter he wrote to himself is found in the hands of a couple who have just lost their son due to him taking his own life. Starring Ben Platt as Evan, who won a Tony Award for the performance, Will Roland, Mike Feist, Laura Dreyfuss and Rachel Bay Jones, who also won a Tony for her role. The show won a total of six Tonys including Best Musical and in 2021 it was made into a movie musical with Ben Platt reprising his role as Evan.
Monique Carboni
Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening opened on Broadway in 2006. Written by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik as an adaptation of the original German play, it’s a coming of age rock musical that takes place in 1800s Germany, following a group of students and their journey to find themselves. It starred Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, Skylar Astin, Lilli Cooper, John Gallagher,. The show won eight Tonys including Best Musical. It was revived in 2015 in a new production directed by Michael Arden, which featured both Deaf and hearing actors.
Heathers
Written by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, Heathers premiered off Broadway in 2014 and has yet to make its Broadway debut. Based on the 1989 cult classic movie by the same name, it follows high school student Veronica when she is invited to join the Heathers, the most popular girls in the school, but with a dark twist. The show starred Barrett Wilbert Weed as Veronica, Ryan McCarten as JD, and Alice Lee, Jessica Keenen Wynn and Elle McLemore as the Heathers. The Original Cast Recording became wildly popular amongst younger viewers, and the musical has been staged several times across the pond in London.
