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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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Creative

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! 

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Creative

Where’s That Cast Now? Hamilton Edition

Photo by Joan Marcus

When Hamilton opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in the summer of 2015 it set Broadway ablaze, triggering a cultural phenomenon not seen in the theater for quite some time before then (or since). Given the musical’s zeitgeisty success, it also skyrocketed the profiles of its leading players, many of whom have launched top-notch careers in the years since, both on and off the stage. Here’s our recap of what those original cast members have been up to since starring in Hamilton, one of Broadway’s Best Shows.

Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Lin-Manuel Miranda

The Pulitzer and Tony-winning writer-star of Hamilton has been exceptionally busy since departing the Broadway cast of his hit show. Miranda has lent his talents to several film & TV projects, both on and off screen, having written songs for Moana, Mary Poppins Returns, Vivo, Encanto, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, 2023’s The Little Mermaid remake, and more! He made his feature film directorial debut with Tick, Tick… Boom!, the adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s rock monologue musical. He also appeared onscreen in the Mary Poppins sequel, His Dark Materials, as well as in guest appearances on several long-running TV series. The proshot of Hamilton landed on Disney+ in 2020, featuring the full original cast, and his first Broadway musical, In the Heights, was adapted into a film in 2021 (he even made a cameo appearance!). His freestyle group, Freestyle Love Supreme, had a Broadway run at the Booth Theatre, for which he made multiple guest appearances. He made his Broadway writing return in the spring of 2022, contributing additional for the musical New York, New York, alongside iconic composer John Kander, based on the songs of Kander and his longtime collaborator Fred Ebb. 

Leslie Odom, Jr.

Leslie’s star has been on the rise in the years since Hamilton, appearing in several films including Knives Out: Glass Onion, One Night in Miami (for which he was nominated for an Academy Award), and the upcoming reboot of The Exorcist. He has also made television appearances in hit shows Central Park, Abbott Elementary, and more! Six years later, he has made his grand return to Broadway in the titular role of the first ever Broadway revival of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis.

Phillipa Soo

After making her Broadway debut as Eliza in the original Broadway cast, Soo has appeared in four Broadway productions, including the play The Parisian Woman, and musicals Amélie, Into the Woods, and most recently, Camelot. She has also appeared onscreen recently in TV series Dopesick and Shining Girls. 

Girls5Eva.

Renée Elise Goldsberry

Goldsberry has not yet made a Broadway return since playing Angelica in Hamilton, but appeared on the New York stage in the summer of 2023 leading the Public Theater’s musical adaptation of The Tempest at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. She has also starred in several television series, including Peacock’s Girls5Eva, and Marvel’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

Wonder.

Daveed Diggs

The actor, rapper, writer, and producer has also been busy since his Hamilton days, appearing in films like Wonder, Ferdinand, The Little Mermaid, Soul, and Blindspotting (which he also wrote alongside collaborator Rafael Casal). He has also had recurring roles in Apple TV+’s Central Park, Netflix’s The Get Down, TNT’s Snowpiercer, and ABC’s Black-Ish, among cameos and guest spots on several series. 

Anthony Ramos

Ramos led the 2021 adaptation of In the Heights as Usnavi, appeared as Lady Gaga’s best friend in A Star is Born, and has since become the face of the blockbuster Transformers franchise, starring in its latest installment, Rise of the Beasts. Also a burgeoning recording artist, Ramos has released two albums, and a slew of singles in the years since his Broadway run. 

Photo by Emilio Madrid.

Okieriete Onaodowan

“Oak” has been on Broadway twice since Hamilton, with a brief run as Pierre in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, and more recently, a supporting role in the 2023 revival of A Doll’s House alongside Jessica Chastain under his belt. Onscreen, he is a lead of the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off series Station 19, and appears in the fourth season of Amazon Prime’s action series Jack Ryan. 

Photo by Jose Corella.

Jasmine Cephas-Jones

Cephas-Jones has mostly turned her attention to film and television, appearing with her Hamilton co-star Daveed Diggs in his film Blindspotting, and in the television series based on the film. She also appeared in Marriage Story, Mrs. Fletcher, and #Freerayshawn, for which she won an Emmy in 2020. As a recording artist, she released her EP Blue Bird in 2020. She will next be seen in Ava DuVernay’s upcoming film Origin, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival to rave reviews in September 2023. A wide release date has not been set. 

Spring Awakening Reunion Concert. Photo by Sarah Shatz.

Jonathan Groff

Groff returns to Broadway in fall 2023 in the revival of Merrily We Roll Along, opposite Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez. Immediately post-Hamilton, he starred in David Fincher’s Netflix series Mindhunter for two seasons. He returned to voice Kristoff in 2019’s Frozen 2, and played one of the villains in 2021’s The Matrix: Resurrections. On the stage, he was the original Seymour in the still-running 2019 revival of Little Shop of Horrors off-Broadway. 

Photo by Kevin Mazur.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose appeared in the ensemble of Hamilton as “The Bullet,” the dance soloist during the duel scenes. She graduated to Broadway principal status in 2018’s Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, but her huge break came when Steven Spielberg cast her as Anita in his West Side Story redux. She became the second Latina ever to win an acting Oscar in 2022 for that role, and hosted the Tony Awards in 2022 and 2023. She also voices the main character in Disney’s animated 2023 film Wish, and will appear in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film in 2024. 

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Creative

Broadway’s Best Shows About the Labor Movement

By Katie Devin Orenstein

As Labor Day approaches, when we acknowledge and honor organized labor’s contributions to this country, Broadway’s Best Shows is looking back at stories of the labor movement onstage, of which there are many. Perhaps it’s only natural that Broadway feature union stories, since so much of the industry is unionized – actors and stage managers, directors, designers, and stagehands each have their own unions. And what could be more dramatic than a union showdown? It’s ample fodder for storytelling, given its high stakes and everyman heroes. 

Newsies

“Now is the time to seize the day…” In 2012, Alan Menken turned his Disney movie about the newsboy’s strike of 1899 into a stage musical. Its young, energetic cast performed high-flying choreography from Christopher Gatelli, and it turned Jeremy Jordan into a star. It developed a passionate fanbase, which meant thousands of teenage girls now know about the union-busting tactics of William Randolph Hearst. The rousing songs, particularly “Seize the Day,” have even been sung on the picket lines for the 2023 Writer’s Guild strike. 

Waiting for Lefty

A parable about workers on the verge of strike that captured the anger and anxiety of workers during the Depression, Waiting for Lefty by Clifford Odets is one of the most important plays of the 20th century. It had a ripped-from-the-headlines immediacy, as New Yorkers were still processing the 1934 taxicab drivers’ strike, the ensuing rioting, and Mayor LaGuardia’s staunchly pro-labor position. It premiered at Broadway’s Longacre Theatre in 1935. Odets directed the production, and performed in the role of Dr. Benjamin. While Odets’ other plays Awake and Sing, Golden Boy, and Country Girl have each been revived multiple times on Broadway, Waiting for Lefty was performed at hundreds of theaters across America during the Depression, but has not yet been revived for Broadway. 

Source: New York Public Library

I Can Get It for You Wholesale

I Can Get It For You Wholesale is a fascinating text about intracommunity conflict and labor actions by garment workers in Depression era New York. The plot kicks off when protagonist Harry Bogen tries to scab around striking workers. Streisand stole the show as Harry’s overworked receptionist Miss Marmelstein. I Can Get It For You Wholesale will be produced in New York in fall 2023, directed by Trip Cullman downtown at Classic Stage Company and starring a stacked cast, including Santino Fontana, Judy Kuhn, Joy Woods, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Sarah Steele, and Adam Chanler Berat, with Julia Lester as Miss Marmelstein. 

The Pajama Game

This classic Golden Age musical takes a lighthearted look at unionized garment workers in Iowa. Its central romance is two star-crossed lovers on opposite sides of a strike–the head of the Union Grievance Committee, Babe Williams, and Sid Sorokin, the new management. The show is notable for being Bob Fosse’s choreography debut. His legendary choreography for “Steam Heat” takes place at the Union rally! 

Ragtime

Ahrens’ and Flaherty’s 1997 historical-fiction musical, with a book by Terrence McNally adapting E.L. Doctorow’s novel, touches on nearly every hot button issue in America–racism, sexism, xenophobia and anti-immigrant hatred, and religious tension–and through its sweeping scale, demonstrates how these different issues are connected, and how the political debates and social problems of 1900 connect to today. Audience members are often surprised by the world of 1900s New York the show portrays, especially the militant, mobilized, and very large labor union movement. Two of the show’s protagonists, wealthy Mother’s Younger Brother and impoverished Jewish immigrant Tateh, have their lives turned upside down by strikes and radical ideas, personified in the show by radical anarchist Emma Goldman.