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Creative

“I don’t think I’ll ever think of it the old way again”: A Q&A with Emergence’s Patrick Olson

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Q&A with Patrick Olson of Emergence

By Broadway’s Best Shows Staff

The new show Emergence, now running at the Pershing Square Signature Center, knows it’s hard to describe – is it a musical? A concert? A scientific exploration? An acid trip? It’s a little bit of everything. In this interview with lead performer and composer Patrick Olson, we explore the creative process behind this idiosyncratic event, that’s a little bit David Byrne, a little bit Carl Sagan, and even a little bit Woodstock. 

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

Broadway’s Best Shows

Why write songs about huge philosophical questions?

Patrick Olson

You know, it may be less of a choice than just a simple response to how my mind is evolving, as I get older. I’ve tended to find that over time, whatever songs I’m writing at a given point in my life are reflective of the thought space that I carry around in that time. And maybe that’s not so surprising! I really think about these big questions, I really think about the implications of scientific insight. I really think about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing environment that we’re all in. And since I think about those things all the time, I think it’s natural that the music would reflect that.

BBS

Tell us about the songwriting process. I mean, it’s the cliche question, which comes first, the music or the lyrics, but…

PO

I normally start with just a baseline, and try to find some bass groove that feels right to me, and evokes some kind of specific emotion. The rhythm section of drums and bass constitute the spine of any song, so I like to start with the spine. And once that feels like it’s in a certain kind of pocket, then I just start noodling around the edges of that. Typically, the next thing [is] a basic portal structure that I would do on an acoustic piano, and figure out what kind of chord progressions feel right in relation to that baseline and those drums, and what sort of harmonic harmonic dimensions will come out of that. Lastly, I start to experiment with vocal ideas, which constitute the melody of any given song. 

Once all of that is in place, then I really like to give the music a week or two, to breathe on its own and develop its own sense of character. And so when writing lyrics and the song, the structure of the song, the tone of the song, the qualities that the instrumentals offer, they really shape what the emotional context of the lyrics is going to be in. Then it’s just a matter of linking that to whatever ideas seem to fit the best. And usually, there are scientific insights of one kind or another, and the song kind of comes together at that point.

BBS

How and why did your album Music for Scientists become a work of theater that’s now running at the Pershing Square Signature Center? That’s a really unusual journey. 

PO

Yeah! Writing and recording and producing that album was immense, fun, and really interesting. We really didn’t cut any corners. You know, we had a full orchestra that we recorded in Nashville. And this was during COVID, too, so that represented all of its own challenges, but we had I think a 50, 60, 70 piece orchestra with it. All of the songs on that album constitute the fertile soil that the next stage would grow out of. We really only used one song from that album, in the show Emergence, and that was “Moons of Jupiter.” I wrote nine new songs to constitute the show. But that album laid out the DNA for what the following songs would be and how they might constitute a different kind of experience, not just an isolated sonic experience, but a visual experience and a community experience of that theatrical experience.

BBS

That leads really nicely into my next question– what is the sort of emotional experience you’re  hoping to create for your audience?

PO

I would really love for people to just be plainly entertained, in the most superficial way. [And] I would hope people would experience some emotional movement. For them to be touched, or for them to have the music and the stage-theatrical experience, evoke an emotion from them. 

I’m really, really happy to report that, we go out into the lobby after every show and greet everyone as they’re leaving, and every single night, I get to hear people say [those] things: they feel it was so entertaining, and the show was really tight, and the choreo was great. And everything just kept moving, and they didn’t know what to expect next. And that there were periods of time in the show where people tell me they were really moved to tears. And it was just really beautiful. 

People tell me pretty regularly, “I never thought of this in that way. And I don’t think I’ll ever think of it the old way again. Now I see the world in this way.” So it’s not just my intention, but I really have the privilege of being able to have face to face contact with people as they’re leaving the theater. And they tell me [that] happens. And it’s wonderful! 

BBS

And you give them a tulip, which is also lovely. (Audience members are handed a tulip as they leave the theater.)

PO

They get a tulip as well! Which is sort of an emblem of the show in many ways. It’s referenced in the show and has scientific meaning as well as, you know, just kind of a nice little practical thing to give people to memorialize the experience.

BBS

So what do you see as the importance of an artist, such as yourself, communicating science? Why is that important to you? Why does that matter?

PO

It’s really fascinating because the word ‘science’ is loaded. It can mean so many different things to so many other people, you can say the word ‘science’ to someone on the street and who knows how they might react to that – it might be they have a sense of dread about physics exams that they had during college, or they feel like it’s really ‘mathy’ and something far away from them. Or it’s inscrutable, [like] “science is all about test tubes, and formulas and things I don’t understand.” 

I don’t think of science as any of that stuff. I think of science as the insight, the understanding into the nature of the universe. That’s what I care about. The scientific method and good research methodology lead to solid insights, but it’s the insights that I care about. And so when I think about science, what I think about is reality. That is our best human understanding of the nature of things. And science happens to be the most reliable tool for getting at that thing, but it’s that thing that I care about.

BBS

An element of the show that was really unique was Jordan Noltner’s lighting design. It had a sort of rock concert feel that I so rarely see onstage. And so I’d love to know how that unique visual was created. 

PO

There’s no question Jordan Noltner is a gifted lighting designer. It has to do with the DNA of the show… a big part of what we are is a musical concert, and any rock concert that you would go to for any popular musician, they have extensive and dramatic lighting, and we felt that that would be fitting for what we’re doing here as well.

BBS

So you come from the music world. How is the theater schedule treating you? What’s your routine to do this show? Because this is a big sing.

PO

Yeah, you know what I didn’t realize? Last night we finished our 62nd or 63rd show. And since a run of this length is very new to me, I did not understand just how taxing it is physically. I find I live a pretty quiet life outside of the show. And that’s necessary for me to summon all of the energy and explosive stuff that happens in the show. And then I go back home and recover and continue with my quiet life. So it does take a lot of sustained energy–I was surprised by how physically taxing a theatrical run like this is! But it is at the same time the most inspiring and most fun thing I think I’ve ever done in my life. So I will take the exertion, I’ll take all the beatings that come down the pipe, and I’ll keep doing this as long as we’re able to, because it is so exciting. And mostly it’s just about having contact with the audience after the show, when they can speak to me about their experience and that, more than anything else, just recharges my batteries for the next show.

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Creative

Where’s That Cast Now? Legally Blonde Edition

Photo by Joan Marcus

Following an out-of-town tryout in San Fransisco, Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin, and Heather Hack’s musical adaptation of the 2001 film Legally Blonde opened on Broadway in 2007. With a pro-shot that aired on MTV, the musical gained a cult following and became a favorite of theatergoers across the globe. Below, Broadway’s Best Shows explores the original cast members and where they’ve been in the more than 15 years since.

Shorts | So Much Better From Legally Blonde on Broadway (Laura Bell Bundy) - YouTube
Laura Bell Bundy in Legally Blonde. Photo by Marc J. Franklin.

Laura Bell Bundy (Elle Woods)

Following Legally Blonde, Bundy continued her career in theater and also ventured into television and film. Most recently back on Broadway in the new play The Cottage, she has also appeared in TV shows like “Hart of Dixie”, ”Anger Management”, and “How I Met Your Mother.” Since appearing as Elle Woods, Bundy has also ventured into country music, releasing the albums Achin’ & Shakin’, which debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Top Country Album chart, and Another Piece of Me.

//assets.playbill.com/editorial/33805ca58875cf23522a6e939c524e9e-Christian_Borle.jpg
Christian Borle in Legally Blonde. Photo by Marc J. Franklin.

Christian Borle (Emmett Forrest)

After originating the role of Emmett Forrest, Borle has won two Tony Awards for his roles in Peter and the Starcatcher and Something Rotten!. His other Broadway credits post Legally Blonde include Marry Poppins, Falsettos, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He also starred alongside Debra Messing, Katherine McPhee, and Megan Hilty in the NBC television series SMASH. 

In 2019, Borle appeared in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Borle is starring in the Tony-nominated musical Some Like It Hot, which plays at the Shubert Theatre until December 30th.

From Glinda to Dot: Take a Look at Annaleigh Ashford on the Stage | Playbill
Annaleigh Ashford in Kinky Boots. Photo by Matthew Murphy

Annaleigh Ashford (Margot)

Since her performance as Margot, Ashford has become a household name for theater lovers. In 2012, she appeared in the Off-Broadway in Dogfight alongside Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena. She originated the role of Lauren in the Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots. In 2014 she won a Tony Award for her performance in the revival of You Can’t Take It with You. She also starred in Sylvia and the revival of Sunday in the Park with George. Ashford recently received a Tony nomination for her performance as Mrs. Lovet in the revival of Sweeney Todd, alongside Josh Groban. Her final performance will be on January 14th, 2024. 

Leslie Kritzer (Serena)

Kritzer, after her run as the high-energy cheerleader Serena, has continued to work in the theater, appearing on and off Broadway including A Catered Affair, Sondheim on Sondheim, Closer Than Ever, Elf, and Something Rotten!. She gained notoriety for her portrayal of Delia and Miss Argentina in the Broadway production of Beetlejuice, and is currently in the Broadway revival of Spamalot alongside James Monroe Iglehart, Taran Killam, Michael Urie, Christopher Fitzgerald, and Ethan Slater.

Kate Shindle (Vivienne Kensington)

In 2011, Kate Shindle starred as the Mad Hatter in the Broadway production of Wonderland. In 2015, Shindle was elected President of the Actor’s Equity Association, which is a position she continues to hold. 

Orfeh (Paulette)

Following her beloved portrayal of Elle’s friend Paulette, Orfeh released her first album “What Do You Want From Me.” She is a frequent voiceover artist and has appeared across mediums, including the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In 2018, Orfeh returned to Broadway in the musical adaptation of the film Pretty Woman. 

The Broadway Love Story of Pretty Woman Stars Andy Karl and Orfeh | Broadway Direct
Orfeh and Andy Karl.

Andy Karl (Kyle the UPS Guy)

Karl has had continued success in theater after Legally Blonde, including Broadway appearances in 9 to 5, Wicked, Jersey Boys, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rocky the Musical, Waitress, On The Twentieth Century, Groundhog Day, Pretty Woman: The Musical, and most recently, Into the Woods. This spring, Karl recently reprised his Tony-nominated performance of Phil Connors in London, and will join the company for its Australian premiere in 2024. 

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Creative

The Broadway Career of Aaron Tveit

Photo by Matthew Murphy

Aaron Tveit, the multi-talented Tony-winning performer whose charm and charisma have graced screens and stages, big and small, has left an indelible mark on Broadway. While many recognize him from his television and film roles, including the suave Danny Zuko in “Grease Live!,” the enraged Enjrolas in the film adaptation of “Les Misérables,” or any number of shifty singers on Apple TV+’s “Schmigadoon,” Tveit’s roots in theater run deep. With the recent news that Tveit is set to succeed Josh Groban in the title role of the murderous barber in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Broadway’s Best Shows is taking a delightful stroll down the memory lane of his Broadway career, relishing each note, dance step, and standing ovation.

Hairspray (2006): The Broadway Debut that Sparked a Star

In 2006, Aaron Tveit burst onto the Broadway scene in the musical Hairspray. Tveit took over the role of the swooning and crooning love interest Link Larkin in July 2006 after playing the role on the musical’s long-running national tour. His infectious energy and standout performance must have caught the attention of audiences and industry insiders alike, since little did they know that they were witnessing the birth of a Broadway star. Tveit’s exceptional singing and dancing skills set the stage for what would become a remarkable career on stage and screen. He would later return to the role for a brief 2-week run in April 2008 before hopping into his next Broadway role just months later.

Wicked (2008-2009): Tveit Takes Flight as Fiyero

In the summer of 2008, Aaron Tveit soared to new heights when he stepped into the role of Fiyero in the Broadway production of Wicked. Taking on the part originated by Norbert Leo Butz, Tveit brought his own flair to the charismatic character, creating a Fiyero that was both charming and full of depth. His chemistry with the leading ladies, particularly in the fan-favorite number ‘As Long As You’re Mine,’ earned him praise from fans and critics. Adding this chapter to Tveit’s Broadway journey, Wicked became another feather in his cap, highlighting his adaptability and charm in a role that demands both vocal prowess and a magnetic stage presence. 

Next to Normal (2009): A Breakthrough Performance with Emotional Depth

Tveit’s next venture on Broadway was in the critically acclaimed Next to Normal in 2009, his first fore into originating a role of his own. He portrayed Gabe, the troubled son of Diana, originally played by Alice Ripley. Tveit’s ability to convey both vulnerability and strength in his performance earned him widespread recognition and a Drama Desk Award nomination. His rendition of “I’m Alive” left audiences in awe, showcasing his vocal prowess and emotional depth.

Candice Marie Woods, Aaron Tveit and company in <i>Catch Me If You Can</i> on Broadway, 2011 HR

Catch Me If You Can (2011): A Smooth Criminal Takes Center Stage

In 2011, Tveit took on the challenging role of Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, a musical adaptation of the hit film based on the true story. Tveit’s charismatic portrayal of the young con artist showcased his versatility as an actor and cemented his status as a leading man on Broadway. His chemistry with co-star Norbert Leo Butz was a highlight of the production, earning them both Tony Award nominations.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2019-2020): A Spectacular Return to the Broadway Stage

The 2019 adaptation of “Moulin Rouge!” brought Tveit back to Broadway in the role of Christian, the penniless writer caught in a love triangle. This production showcased Tveit’s ability to embody the romantic allure of the bohemian world. His performances of hit songs like ‘Your Song’ and ‘Come What May’ captivated audiences, earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Aaron Tveit’s Broadway career is a testament to his immense talent, versatility, and dedication to the craft. From Baltimore to Oz to Paris and now onto Fleet Street, Tveit’s list of Broadway credits has taken him on an exhilarating journey through a diverse array of iconic settings and characters, proving his ability to seamlessly transition from one captivating world to another. Tveit has continually proven that he’s a force to be reckoned with on the Broadway stage.

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Creative

Broadway-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast

As Thanksgiving approaches, why not infuse a touch of Broadway magic into your familial feast? This year, we draw inspiration from Broadway’s currently running shows to create a menu that celebrates both the theatrical and the culinary arts.

Pheasant on the Bone from SIX: The Musical

Our culinary adventure begins with a twist on the traditional turkey; a regal dish inspired by the hit musical SIX. “Pheasant, keep it on the bone,” exclaims Anna of Cleves in her number ‘Get Down.’ Now, the dish takes center stage, mirroring the vibrant energy and historical flair of the show. In SIX, the six wives of Henry VIII reclaim their narratives, and this dish, rich and flavorful, symbolizes the opulence of the Tudor era.

Corn from Shucked

Transitioning from Tudor elegance, let’s take a comedic turn with the simplicity and humor found in the musical Shucked. The exclamation “Corn!” serves as a delightful reminder that sometimes, the most uncomplicated pleasures are the most enjoyable. Incorporate corn in your Thanksgiving menu, be it corn on the cob, cornbread, or a savory corn casserole, to bring a touch of Shucked‘s lighthearted charm to your festive table.

Spam from Spamalot

Now, over to Spamalot and the iconic canned meat, Spam… a lot. Embrace the quirkiness of Monty Python’s Spamalot by adding this unexpected delight to your Thanksgiving spread. Whether it’s incorporated into a festive appetizer or presented in all its Spam glory, this dish will undoubtedly add a comedic twist to your feast, ensuring that your guests will be talking about your unique Thanksgiving for years to come.

Meat Pies from Sweeney Todd

As we delve into the darker side of Broadway offerings with Sweeney Todd, we encounter the infamous “Meat Pies.” While we hope your version is entirely free of any unsavory ingredients, the essence of Mrs. Lovett’s culinary creations should not be lost. 

“Ali Baba Ganoush” from Aladdin

Now, let’s transport ourselves to the magical world of Aladdin with a delightful addition to our Broadway-inspired Thanksgiving feast – in ‘Friend Like Me,’ Genie conjures up “a lifetime supply of Ali Baba Ganoush.” This playful twist on baba ganoush pays homage to the exotic and vibrant atmosphere of Agrabah. Infused with Middle Eastern flavors, “Ali Baba Ganoush” is a creamy and smoky eggplant dip that adds a touch of Aladdin’s enchantment to your Thanksgiving spread. Serve it with warm pita bread, and let your guests savor the magic of Broadway in every bite.

Aunt Missy’s Sweet Potato Pie from Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

And for dessert, let’s bring a touch of Southern charm with “Aunt Missy’s Sweet Potato Pie” from Purlie Victorious. This scrumptious sweet pays homage to the play’s celebration of culture and family ties. Much like the message of Purlie Victorious, this pie brings people together, infusing your Thanksgiving with a sense of unity and the sweet taste of tradition.

Candy Necklaces from Kimberly Akimbo

In Kimberly Akimbo, a coming-of-age musical that combines humor with heart, the title character Kimberly finds solace in chewing on her candy necklace. Bring a touch of whimsy to your Thanksgiving dessert table with this playful treat. Candy necklaces not only add a burst of color but also embody the sweetness of familial bonds, mirroring the themes explored in Kimberly Akimbo.

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Where’s That Cast Now? Spamalot Edition

Photo by Joan Marcus

With Spamalot having returned to Broadway 18 years after its debut, readers may be curious about what the original 2005 cast is up to now. Below, Broadway’s Best Shows is celebrating the original cast of the spoof-filled musical and the careers they’ve enjoyed since.

Hank Azaria

A voice acting legend for his 30+ years of work on The Simpsons, Azaria made his Broadway debut as Sir Lancelot in Spamalot. He later appeared in the 2007 Aaron Sorkin play The Farnsworth Invention on Broadway and has appeared in many TV shows and movies, most recently starring in Brockmire and The Idol, while continuing on The Simpsons.

SNL alum Taran Killam plays Lancelot in 2023, with Beetlejuice’s Alex Brightman set to take over the part in January 2024.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Christian Borle

Borle had maybe the craziest track in a show where everyone played 2-5 characters. In the program, he was listed as “Historian, Not Dead Fred, French Guard, Minstrel, Prince Herbert.” He went on to Legally Blonde, and Falsettos, two performances seen far and wide after they were recorded for television, and has two Tonys, for Peter and the Starcatcher and Something Rotten. He was nominated again for 2023’s Some Like It Hot. Oh yes, and he was on Smash. 

Spongebob’s erstwhile simple sponge Ethan Slater steps into the track in 2023. 

Photo by Joan Marcus

David Hyde Pierce

Pierce was possibly the most famous actor coming into Spamalot, after eleven years on Frasier. While he had acted on Broadway before, he learned to sing and dance for the production. After his turn at the Round Table, he won a Tony for his performance in Curtains, appeared in Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike, and worked opposite Bette Midler in Hello, Dolly! He can currently be seen at The Shed in the final Sondheim musical Here We Are, and on the MAX series Julia. 

Michael Urie plays his role in the 2023 production. 

Photo by Joan Marcus

Sara Ramirez

Ramirez has recently reentered the zeitgeist with their attention-grabbing role as Che Diaz on And Just Like That, but theater fans know them as the Tony-winning Lady of the Lake in Spamalot. In the intervening period, they worked on eleven seasons of Grey’s Anatomy as Callie Torres, breaking barriers for queer representation in television. 

Beetlejuice’s Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer steps into the part for 2023. 

Photo by Joan Marcus

Christopher Sieber

After his Tony-nominated stint as Sir Galahad in the original Spamalot, Sieber did a series of impressive physical comedy roles, including originating the role of Lord Farquaad in Shrek, garnering another Tony nom, replacing as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda, and rolling around the floor of the Jacobs doing martial arts with Jennifer Simard in 2022’s Company revival. The role of Trent Oliver in The Prom was written specifically for him.

Broadway stalwart Nik Walker takes over the role in 2023.

Tim Curry

Tim Curry made his fourth Broadway appearance, as King Arthur, in Spamalot. His post-Spamalot work is sadly limited, due to a stroke in 2012, although he did make a winning turn narrating the 2016 Rocky Horror Picture Show remake. He has also worked extensively as a voice actor, including in the critically acclaimed animated series Over the Garden Wall.

James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin, Hamilton) plays the part in 2023.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Michael McGrath

McGrath, Spamalot’s loyal Patsy and a beloved New York character actor, appeared in an incredible nine Broadway shows afterward. Most recently he understudied Matthew Broderick in Plaza Suite, and starred as Ladislav Sipos in Roundabout’s 2016 revival of She Loves Me, among many other credits. Sadly, McGrath passed away in fall 2023.

Christopher Fitzgerald (Waitress) plays Patsy in 2023. 

And a special bonus…

Hannah Waddingham

Waddingham starred as the Lady of the Lake when the production moved to London, and also came to New York near the end of its run. In 2020, Waddingham vaulted to stardom as football club owner Rebecca Welton on Ted Lasso, winning an Emmy for her performance. She was also the “Shame Nun” on Game of Thrones and a helicopter parent on Sex Education. 

Waddingham is releasing a Christmas special on Apple TV, and an accompanying album, both out on November 22nd.

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Creative

The Broadway Guide to Watching the 2023 Thanksgiving Day Parade

When is the Thanksgiving Day Parade? 

This year’s parade broadcast is on Thursday, November 23rd and starts at 8:30 am ET, a half hour earlier than usual. The event will end at 12 pm noon.

How do I watch the parade (especially the Broadway shows in the parade)?

NBC is the primary broadcaster for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you don’t have a TV but you have a cable provider login information, you can watch on NBC.com. Alternatively, you can sign up for Peacock for $5.99/month. (Peacock does not offer free trials, but, note to our younger readers – they offer a student plan for $1.99/month.)

CBS will also broadcast the parade starting at 9 am. Similarly, you can log in on CBS.com with your cable provider, or you can stream on Paramount+ for $5.99/month after a one-week free trial. 

What Broadway shows will be in this year’s parade? 

Eight Broadway shows will perform as part of the parade this year, five on NBC and three on CBS. The five shows performing live on NBC are & Juliet, Back to the Future, Shucked, How to Dance In Ohio, and Spamalot. Performances from Broadway shows take place at the parade end point at Macy’s Herald Square. Macy’s does not announce precisely when each show will perform, but they always occur during the first 90 minutes of the broadcast, while the parade itself meanders from the Upper West Side to Macy’s. So make sure to wake up early if you want to catch your favorite shows!

Purlie Victorious star Leslie Odom, Jr. and Gutenberg duo Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad will also stop by the parade route to chat with the NBC hosts, and Mean Girls star Ashley Park will be on the Sesame Street float. Expect to see Leslie, Andrew and Josh, between 8:45 am and 10 am, and Ashley between 11 am and 12 pm.

The CBS broadcast will include exclusive pre-taped performances from Chicago, Aladdin, and A Beautiful Noise. Chicago will feature ‘The Hot Honey Rag,’ performed by current Velma Kelly Kimberly Marable, and a unique appearance by CBS newscaster and former Rockette Keltie Knight. Expect these three performances to be spread out across the three-hour broadcast. 

Due to copyright restrictions, the performances won’t be on YouTube after. If there’s a particular show you don’t want to miss, check the show’s social media pages the morning of Thanksgiving – sometimes they’ll offer hints as to when exactly the show goes on TV. 

More Helpful Info

The parade features many exciting performers beyond Broadway, including 11 university and high school marching bands, Bhangra, Salsa, and tap dance troupes, the Big Apple Circus, and this year’s Miss America, a nuclear physicist and classical violinist from Wisconsin. 

If you’re interested in viewing the parade in person, the 2.5-mile parade route starts at the Natural History Museum on 77th and Central Park West, curves East on 59th St, and travels down 6th Avenue from 59th to 34th. 

On Wednesday, November 22nd from 12-6pm, New Yorkers can view the massive balloons as they get filled with helium outside the Natural History Museum on 77th and Central Park West. The entrance and security check are down on 72nd st and Columbus.

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Creative

The Most Anticipated Off-Broadway Shows This Fall

The fall theater season in New York City is full of gems. From new Broadway productions like Jaja’s African Hair Braiding and Purlie Victorious to long-running Off-Broadway hits like Little Shop of Horrors and Titanique, there is something onstage for everyone. Here, we are breaking down the top five most exciting new works coming to the Off-Broadway stage in the next couple of months!

Pal Joey

For one week only in November, New York City Center Encores! will present a reimagined take on the 1941 Rodgers & Hart musical as part of their annual gala. The musical is directed by Tony Goldwyn and Savion Glover, and stars Ephraim Sykes, Elizabeth Stanley, Aisha Jackson, Loretta Devine, Brooks Ashmanskas, and more. With an all-new book, jazzy arrangements of classics pulled from across the Rodgers & Hart catalog, and percussive tap choreography by the legendary Savion Glover, this one is not to be missed.

Photo by Chelcie Parry

Stereophonic

The latest play from David Adjmi is set entirely inside a recording studio, taking its inspiration from 1970s rock acts like Fleetwood Mac, where tempers, egos, and love affairs threaten to destroy, or maybe enhance, musical genius. The production features original music by Will Butler of the band Arcade Fire, and actors such as Will Brill and Juliana Canfield will be playing their musical instruments live on stage.

I Can Get It For You Wholesale

Classic Stage Company presents a revival of this rarely-seen musical about 1930s Jewish garment workers. In 1961 it gave Barbra Streisand her Broadway debut and her first Tony nom at age 19 for a featured role as a beleaguered secretary. Directed by Trip Cullman and with a revised book by John Weidman (Assassins, Pacific Overtures), the cast features Santina Fontana, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Julia Lester, Adam Chanler-Berat, Judy Kuhn, Sarah Steele, and Joy Woods.

Photo by Emilio Madrid

Here We Are

You can now see the final work of Stephen Sondheim onstage at The Shed. Information about the show remains sparse, but we know it’s based on two surrealist Luis Buñuel films that satirize the upper class. It features direction by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello and a murderer’s row of theater stars, including Francois Battiste, Tracie Bennett, Bobby Cannavale, Micaela Diamond, Amber Gray, Jin Ha, Rachel Bay Jones, Denis O’Hare, Steven Pasquale, David Hyde Pierce, and Jeremy Shamos. 

Danny and the Deep Blue Sea

Aubrey Plaza is set to star in this new production of John Patrick Shanley’s 1984 romance, directed by Jeff Ward. The Parks & Recreation and White Lotus star makes her stage debut opposite Girls’ Christopher Abbott. Playing for 10 weeks only beginning October 30 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, rumor has it this won’t be the last we see of this production on the island of Manhattan…

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Creative

Off-Broadway’s Best Shows This Fall

Already seen everything Broadway has to offer? Ahead of this year’s autumn equinox, here’s Broadway’s Best Shows’ picks for what you should catch around New York City this fall. These shows are currently running, and some only have a few performances left, so grab your tickets now!

Little Shop of Horrors

The long-running hit revival of Alan Menken & Howard Ashman’s horror-comedy-musical at the Westside Theatre is still going strong. With the introduction of new stars Corbin Bleu and Constance Wu as Seymour and Audrey, respectively, now is a great time to catch the show, or even return for a repeat viewing!

Photo by Ahron R. Foster.

Infinite Life

Atlantic Theatre Company presents Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker’s latest work, Infinite Life. The dramedy, which was extended through October 14, is set at a water-fasting retreat in Northern California where a group of women of a certain age are hoping to cure their bodily pains and disorders.

Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

If you’re looking for a laugh that will also get you in the Halloween spirit, this monstrous farce now running at New World Stages ought to do the trick. In a fresh and sexy take on the classic vampiric tale, James Daly stars as the fabled foe alongside Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Jordan Boatman, Arnie Burton, and Ellen Harvey. The new play by Steve Rosen (The Other Josh Cohen) and Gordon Greenberg–who also directs–is now making its New York debut after regional productions at Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Florida, Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, and Segal Centre for Performing Arts in Montreal.

Photo by Emilio Madrid.

Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Show

From the creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, this new musical comedy looks death squarely in the eye. Don’t let her “everybody pretend it’s 2019” top of show message fool you–Bloom brings her signature brand of intelligent, raunchy, thoughtful comedy to tackle pandemic grief and confusion. The strictly limited run ends September 30 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. 

Titanique

Céline Dion (as homaged by a roster of mostly former Elphabas) continues to sail through the story of the Titanic at the Daryl Roth Theatre! In this gay fantasia, which opened at Asylum NYC in June 2022 before moving to its current home, Céline uses her own discography to conjure her memory of the iconic ship, confusing fact with James Cameron’s fictional filmic telling.

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Creative

Celebrating Latinx Artists on Broadway

(R-L) Brent Carver, Chita Rivera and Anthony Crivello in a scene from the Broadway production of the musical "Kiss Of The Spiderwoman".

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs September 15 to October 15, we’re taking a look at the history of Hispanic and Latinx theater artists on Broadway, both onstage and off, including some lesser-known projects beyond beloved hits like In The Heights and On Your Feet!

Kiss of the Spider Woman 

Manuel Puig, a queer Argentinian writer and dissident, grew up obsessed with the glamor of Hollywood leading ladies. He turned these experiences into his 1976 novel El beso de la mujer araña, or The Kiss of the Spider Woman. Terrence McNally collaborated with Kander and Ebb to turn it into a dark, sensual musical set in an Argentine prison, with Latina trailblazer Chita Rivera as the fantastical Spiderwoman. It won 6 Tonys in 1994, and rumors continue to circulate about a possible revival. 

A Chorus Line 

You’re probably familiar with this 1975 mega-hit musical. You might not know how the show, with a cast reflecting the diversity of New York City, has important connections to the Latino community. Puerto Rican New Yorker Nicholas Dante co-wrote the book with James Kirkwood Jr., making him both the first Latino to write a Broadway musical and the first Latino to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Fellow Nuyorican Priscilla Lopez was Tony-nominated for her role as Diana Morales. While there were many Latino dancers and performers in New York at the time, there were very few roles specifically written for them outside of West Side Story (and, a widespread practice of casting non-Latinos in that show, including in the 1961 movie.) Morales’ identity was prevalent in the storytelling (“hey, they don’t have bobsleds in San Juan”), but it was not her only character trait, and she wasn’t the sole Latinx person onstage. Equally groundbreaking was the character of Paul, a queer Puerto Rican who worked on Broadway and as a drag queen, closely based on Nicholas Dante’s own life. 

The Film adaptation of Short Eyes.

Short Eyes

Premiering at the Vivian Beaumont in 1974, Short Eyes was the first Broadway play by a Latino playwright. An indictment of the racial injustices in New York’s prison system, it was written by Miguel Piñero during his sentence at Sing Sing. Joseph Papp shepherded the production first to the Public Theater and then to Broadway, where it was nominated for the Tony for Best Play. 

Latin History for Morons

Colombian-American comedian and actor John Leguizamo turned his own frustrations and lack of knowledge of his own history into a one-man Broadway show, which premiered at the Public Theater downtown in 2017 before moving to Broadway. Sparked by his son getting bullied for being Latino, Leguizamo parses through forgotten history and unkind stereotypes to find role models and heroes. The show was also filmed as a Netflix special, and Leguisamo received a Special Tony Award.

Anna in the Tropics 

Cuban-American Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece premiered on Broadway in 2003. The original production starred Jimmy Smits, Priscilla Lopez, and Daphne Ruben-Vega as workers in a cigar factory in Tampa. Smits’ character Juan Julian reads Anna Karenina to the workers as they roll cigars, and the drama of the novel bleeds into their own lives. It was also nominated for Best Play at the Tonys. 

Zoot Suit 

Starring Edward James Olmos, Zoot Suit was the first Latino-written and -directed musical on Broadway. The title refers to the wide-lapelled suits popular among young Chicanos in the 1940s. It had a wildly successful run at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles in 1979, where it told the true story of the World War II era L.A. Chicano community, including the famous ‘Zoot Suit’ riots of 1943. While its Broadway run in 1980 was short-lived, Olmos was nominated for his first Tony award for it. 

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Creative

Jewish New Year On & Off Broadway

This weekend we welcome the Jewish New Year and kick off the High Holiday season! In celebration, we are bringing you a list of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows that you can see this year featuring Jewish stories and themes. Here’s to a sweet year of theater-going ahead!

Harmony

This new musical from Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman premiered last season Off-Broadway at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s home theater in the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Now it’s getting its Broadway debut at the Barrymore Theatre this fall, with Broadway favorites Chip Zien and Sierra Boggess reprising their roles, and Julie Benko (of Fanny Brice standby fame) joining the cast! The show follows the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a group of singers, some of them Jewish, as they rose to prominence and toured Europe during the rise of Nazism in the early 1930’s.

Prayer for the French Republic

Also a transfer from a successful Off-Broadway run, Prayer for the French Republic is playwright Joshua Harmon’s (Bad Jews, Significant Other) latest examination of modern Jewish themes. Manhattan Theatre Club presents the play at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre beginning in December 2023, with David Cromer back at the helm. The play covers several generations of a Jewish family in France, moving between two distinct eras of Jewish/French history in an exploration of everlasting antisemitism and questions of Jewish identity and its place in the world.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

The story of the life and career of singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, famously a nice Jewish boy from Flatbush, is retold in this bio-musical using his own catalog of hits. Stereotypical parents, Yiddish slang, and reference to his Eastern European family’s “coming to America” give this Broadway musical a nice Jewish flair. Will Swenson plays the music icon, with Shirine Babb set to join the company in the role of Diamond’s psychiatrist, who helps him recount the story.

I Can Get It For You Wholesale

Classic Stage Company will present a revival of this 1962 musical Off-Broadway this Fall, with Santino Fontana, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Adam Chanler-Berat, Judy Kuhn, Joy Woods, and more in the cast. Set in 1930s New York, in the Jewish-dominated garment industry, nearly every character in the show is Jewish, and the score is inflected with klezmer melodies. Julia Lester plays Miss Marmelstein, the role in which Barbra Streisand made her Broadway debut!