After a doctor makes a discovery that threatens the livelihood of his small town, all hell breaks loose in An Enemy of the People, now playing at Circle in the Square Theater. Returning to Broadway in a new adaptation from Amy Herzog and directed by Sam Gold, Ibsen’s drama shines as a result of its ensemble, who powerfully evoke a community struggling with a terrible truth.
Jeremy Strong delivers an impassioned performance as Thomas Stockmann, a doctor steadfast in his pursuit of justice. Strong brings such commitment and pathos to the role that audiences can’t help but root for Dr. Stockmann in his battle for the truth, even when his methods are suspect. Michael Imperioli is wonderfully despicable as Peter Stockmann, the town mayor who condemns his own brother for exposing a secret that might cause the town’s ruin. The complexity with which Imperioli navigates his character’s loyalties as both Dr. Stockmann’s sibling and the town’s mayor makes his performance a pleasure to watch.
Another strength of the production is its faithfulness to the setting of Ibsen’s drama. The lighting design by Isabella Byrd and production design by dots effortlessly transport audiences to 19th century Scandinavia through rustic, candle-lit chandeliers and the blue and white Norwegian patterning in Dr. Stockmann’s home. The Norwegian folk music sung throughout the production gives the play a homey authenticity that invites audiences into Ibsen’s world.
With performances that illuminate the complex social dynamics at the heart of Ibsen’s melodrama, An Enemy of the People is as provocative and timely as ever.
It is an absolutely packed spring ahead on Broadway, with 18 new plays and musicals set to open in March and April ahead of the cutoff date for this year’s Tony Awards!
Here is Broadway’s best guide to all the first previews, opening nights, and closing nights in the near term:
This circus-centric musical, based on the best-selling novel, combines emotional highs and lows of musical theater with the literal highs and lows of trapeze and aerial stunts. Starring Grant Gustin and Isabella McCalla, with direction by Jessica Stone and music by PigPen Theatre Co. For more information, click here.
The Who’s Tommy
Where: Nederlander Theatre
Opening: March 28
The rock opera that changed music history. The Who’s Tommy arrives on Broadway, pushing the boundaries of musical theater to the tunes of ‘Pinball Wizard,’ ‘Amazing Journey,’ and more iconic classic rock. For more information, click here.
The Outsiders
Where: Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
Opening: April 11
The all-American tale comes to the stage. Set in 1967 Tulsa, this thrilling musical portrays the battle between the Greasers and the affluent Socs. A story of friendship, family, and self-discovery, with a Roots Rock-infused score by Jamestown Revival. For more information, click here.
Lempicka
Where: Longacre Theatre
Opening: April 14
A sweeping musical portrait of Polish artist Tamara de Lempicka, who changed art and culture forever. Directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin and starring Eden Espinosa as the title artist. For more information, click here.
The Wiz
Where: Marquis Theatre
Opening: April 17
A reimagined version of the beloved musical, following Dorothy’s journey through Oz. Soulful music, vibrant characters, and a fresh twist on a classic tale starring Wayne Brady and Nichelle Lewis. For more information, click here.
Suffs
Where: Music Box Theatre
Opening: April 18
A captivating exploration of the women’s suffrage movement, set against a backdrop of courage and determination. Written by and starring Shaina Taub, this historical retelling is transferring to Broadway following its sold-out run at Off-Broadway’s Public Theater (sounds familiar…). For more information, click here.
Stereophonic
Where: John Golden Theatre
Opening: April 19
Closing: July 7
Blending song and story in a totally new way, Stereophonic by David Adjmi chronicles the making of our central band’s new album. Very Fleetwood Mac/Daisy Jones & The Six-coded, the play is every music lover’s dream. A limited engagement, so catch it while you can! For more information, click here.
Hell’s Kitchen
Where: Shubert Theatre
Opening: April 20
A gritty, intense semi-autobiographical musical set in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, written by one of our biggest pop stars. Exploring loyalty, betrayal, and survival, Alicia Keys combines her hits with new music to tell her own story, in her own words. For more information, click here.
Cabaret
Where: August Wilson Theatre
Opening: April 21
The iconic Kander & Ebb musical set in pre-World War II Berlin, featuring memorable songs and captivating characters, is back on Broadway ten years after its latest revival. Starring Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee reviving the role following its run across the pond, Gayle Rakin joins as Sally Bowles for the Broadway transfer. For more information, click here.
The Heart of Rock and Roll
Where: James Earl Jones Theatre
Opening: April 22
A high-energy celebration of rock music, love, and chasing dreams, this brand new musical features the music of Huey Lewis and the News. For more information, click here.
Patriots
Where: Ethel Barrymore Theatre
Opening: April 22
Closing: June 23
Set in post-Soviet Russia, this history play portrays the power struggle between billionaire Boris Berezovsky and the rising politician Vladimir Putin. Tony and Emmy Award nominee Michael Stuhlbarg stars as Berezovsky, with direction by Rupert Goold. For more information, click here.
Mary Jane
Where: Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
Opening: April 23
Closing: June 2
Academy Award nominee Rachel McAdams leads this compassionate story of a single mother facing impossible family circumstances. Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog, it explores inner strength, friendship, and unflagging optimism. For more information, click here.
Uncle Vanya
Where: Vivian Beaumont Theater
Opening: April 24
Closing: June 16
Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece comes back to life in this new adaptation from Heidi Schreck, starring Steve Carrell alongside a who’s who of top-notch Broadway talent. It delves into unrequited love, aging, and disappointment. For more information, click here.
The Great Gatsby
Where: Broadway Theatre
Opening: April 25
Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, this new musical features music and lyrics by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, and stars Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada. Follow the impassioned tale of eccentric millionaire Jay Gatsby and his tragic pursuit of Daisy Buchanan. For more information, click here.
Mother Play
Where: Hayes Theater
Opening: April 25
Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel brings her latest to Broadway in a new production for the non-profit Second Stage. The memory play stars Jessica Lange, Jim Parsons, and Celia Keenan-Bolger for this limited run. For more information, click here.
After the first Broadway opening of 2024, “Prayer for the French Republic” at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on January 9, Broadway’s winter theater season is off to a strong start. To keep the celebration alive, Broadway’s Best Shows presents a peek at some of the most anticipated shows set to grace the stage between now and the spring equinox on March 19, 2024. From romance-centered musicals to intense classic dramas and one-person spectacles, the next couple of months promise a diverse roster of new Broadway offerings.
Photo by Ahron R. Foster
Days of Wine & Roses
Where: Studio 54
Opening: January 28
Following its world premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company last year, “Days of Wine & Roses” brings its poignant tale of love and struggle to Studio 54, with powerhouse performances by Brian D’Arcy James and Kelli O’Hara and an original score by Adam Guettel (“The Light in the Piazza”) in tow. For more information, click here.
Doubt
Where: American Airlines Theatre (soon to be renamed the Todd Haimes Theatre)
Opening: February 29
Roundabout Theatre Company presents a revival of “Doubt” with powerhouse duo Tyne Daly and Liev Schreiber taking center stage. Off-Broadway stalwarts Zoe Kazan and Quincy Tyler Bernstine (Mr Burns: A Post-Electric Play) round out the cast. This is the first revival of John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning 2005 play. For more information, click here.
Photo by Mark Senior
My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)
Where: Lyceum Theatre
Opening: March 12
Direct from a critically acclaimed London premiere, Rob Madge makes a splash on Broadway with their one-person show My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?). Madge’s compelling storytelling and charismatic stage presence promise an evening of laughter, tears, and a celebration of love and acceptance. For more information, click here.
The Notebook
Where: Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
Opening: March 14
As iconic as the beloved novel and film, “The Notebook” takes a new form as a musical at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. With music by songstress Ingrid Michaelson, get ready for a romantic and emotional journey as three pairs of performers play lovers Noah and Allie at different stages of their lives. For more information, click here.
An Enemy of the People
Where: Circle in the Square Theatre
Opening: March 18
Directed by Sam Gold and featuring Jeremy Strong (“Succession”) and Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos”), the latest revival of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People features a new adaptation by Amy Herzog (of last season’s A Doll’s House). Strong plays a doctor who uncovers corruption and pollution in a close-knit vacation spa town. For more information, click here.
Shining a spotlight on the best all-around productions Broadway had to offer this year. And who better to make the top 10 picks than the site titled Broadway’s Best Shows? Keep an eye out for our listing of the year’s best performances!
A Doll’s House
Henrik Ibsen’s timeless classic took center stage once again, its 14th Broadway production but the first since 1997. The play’s 1889 exploration of the complexities of marriage, misogyny, and societal expectations remains as relevant as ever. With Jessica Chastain starring in a new barebones adaptation by Amy Herzog, this Jamie Lloyd-helmed production brought a fresh eye to this masterpiece. The revival ran at the Hudson Theatre in the spring.
Fat Ham
Shakespeare met hip-hop in ‘Fat Ham,’ a Pulitzer prize-winning bold reimagining of ‘Hamlet’ from writer James Ijames that electrified the stage of the American Airlines Theatre with its innovative fusion of classic and contemporary, after premiering at the Public Theater.
Here Lies Love
Immersive and pulsating with energy, ‘Here Lies Love’ was the unique theatrical experience that explored the life of Imelda Marcos. The show dazzled audiences with its interior transformation of the Broadway Theatre, inventive staging and infectious music from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim.
Photo by Joan Marcus
Merrily We Roll Along
Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ finally gets its due, as superstars Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe endure the deterioration of friendship and creative partnership nightly at the Hudson Theatre. The revival, the first since the production’s infamous initial flop, captures the conflict between friendship and ambition among artists, set to a particularly melodic Sondheim score.
Parade
Based on a true story, ‘Parade’ weaves a haunting tale of injustice and redemption in the American South. Starring Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, the Broadway transfer of New York City Center’s 2022 gala production, brought the gripping narrative to life at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre with powerful staging from Michael Arden and Jason Robert Brown’s stirring score.
Prima Facie
The drama of the courtroom took center stage as this new play, on Broadway last spring from across the pond, tackles issues of justice and gender. Jodie Comer won a Tony Award for her compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of finding justice or healing for sexual assault survivors from within the legal system.
Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
A celebration of African-American culture and resilience, ‘Purlie Victorious’ is a jubilant comedy that remains relevant and uplifting 62 years after its original Broadway bow. Ossie Davis’s essential words are brought to resounding life by Leslie Odom, Jr., Kara Young, and the rest of the pitch-perfect cast under the direction of Kenny Leon. The revival runs at the Music Box Theatre through February 4, 2024.
Photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Stephen Sondheim’s macabre masterpiece continues to thrill audiences with its chilling tale of revenge and obsession. Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford give two of the great musical theatre performances of our times at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, with Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster taking over the leads in early 2024.
Summer, 1976
Manhattan Theatre Club’s ‘Summer, 1976’ captured the essence of a generation in a nostalgic journey. Theatrical perennials Laura Linney and Jessica Hecht starred in this new play presentation at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
The Thanksgiving Play
In the comedic exploration of political correctness, Larissa Fasthorse’s ‘The Thanksgiving Play’ satirizes the challenges of creating an inclusive holiday celebration. Finally premiering on Broadway after a 2018 off-Broadway premiere, the play tickled audiences at the Helen Hayes Theatre with standout turns from Chris Sullivan and D’Arcy Carden.
