Pam MacKinnon is a prolific New York theater artist, with years of directorial experience on Broadway and off, as well as across the country. With a certain proclivity for the works of Edward Albee, she has directed A Delicate Balance and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? on Broadway (winning a Tony Award for the latter), as well as world premiere productions of Peter and Jerry and Occupant (the latter of which is further discussed below). Other Broadway credits include Clybourne Park, The Heidi Chronicles, China Doll, Amélie, and The Parisian Woman.
MacKinnon gave a unique answer when Broadway’s Best Shows asked which, of all her many productions to date, she considers to have been the most challenging. Rather than discussing the dark themes of a particular piece, she is shining a light on the sometimes hectic nature of being a top working director in New York City, when an unfortunate turn of events had her multitasking beyond her wildest dreams… Here is Pam MacKinnon on her most challenging project(s) yet:
Putting up a great show is always full of joy and hard work. Always.
As a lucky, in-demand freelance artist, I sometimes found myself with as many as seven productions in a season. It’s a hustle that both feeds and interferes with the art. Schedules are beyond our control.
There was one week in the spring of 2008 with my production of Itamar Moses’ THE FOUR OF US up and running at Manhattan Theatre Club, as I was already starting tech of Edward Albee’s OCCUPANT at Signature Theatre. Two amazing projects; beautiful plays with glorious acting companies. After many years working out of town I was about to have two shows off-Broadway.
Blue skies. What could go wrong?
Well.
We got word with a couple of weeks to go in the MTC run that Sony Music had finally gotten around to answering our rights query about some transition music that had been central to our many transitions. Lightning out of a blue sky. Their answer was no. We were facing an immediate cease and desist. I was suddenly teching lights and sound for two shows! One from 8 am-11 am. The other from 12 noon to midnight. Designers were already onto their next gigs. Associates who had not been involved with THE FOUR OF US were my new collaborators, brought in to make it all seem seamless. We had one understudy covering both roles in the two-hander, he came in those three mornings to help with the crucial timing.
And I peddled my bike to and fro City Center and the old Signature space—could it have been any further west?!!—avoiding Times Square at all costs, feeling very fortunate to be living the dream, angry with Sony, and very very sleepy by my next Monday day off.
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.
While “Broadway” refers to a specific set of Tony-eligible theatres located in midtown Manhattan, the term is metonymic of an entire industry. To theatergoers around the country and world, “Broadway” translates to high-quality musicals and plays performed by world-class artists; overall top-notch theatre.
Since not everyone can make it to New York City, the magic of Broadway is brought to audiences across North America through touring productions. With the holidays approaching, these special productions can also serve as great family activities, or even just a great gift for your theatre-loving-loved-ones. Here’s a glimpse into some of Broadway’s best touring shows that are currently captivating audiences from coast to coast (and beyond).
Beetlejuice
Based on Tim Burton’s iconic film, Beetlejuice brings the afterlife to the stage with humor, irreverence, and spectacular special effects. After two Broadway runs, pre- and post-shutdown, the show has gone out across the country, where it continues to make headlines, both for what’s happening onstage and off…
The Lion King
Disney’s The Lion King continues its reign as a theatrical masterpiece, both on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre and in touring houses all over. Since opening on Broadway in 1997 and launching its first tour in 2002, the modern classic has had several national and international tour companies bringing Simba’s story far and wide. The latest tour launched in 2017 and is still going strong, with dates scheduled through summer 2024.
The Wiz
Ease on down the road with The Wiz, a soulful and energetic retelling of “The Wizard of Oz.” Set to hit Broadway in spring 2024 with Schele Williams at the helm and Wayne Brady in the title role following the tour, this production promises to bring a fresh and vibrant perspective to the beloved tale.
Mamma Mia
ABBA’s hits take center stage in Mamma Mia, now back on the road celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. Since opening on Broadway in 2001, the jukebox musical has had many touring and international engagements, as well as two film installments (to date), becoming a global cultural phenomenon. You now have your shot to get in on the fun; the new tour kicked off in Elmira, NY in October 2023 and is scheduled to travel the country through at least summer 2024.
Funny Girl
After a bountiful Broadway run with Lea Michele in the leading role, the revival has hit the road. The classic musical Funny Girl tells the story of Fanny Brice, a legendary Ziegfeld Follies star. With a blend of humor, romance, and unforgettable music, this production showcases the indomitable spirit of a woman who dared to follow her dreams. Michael Mayer’s direction alongside choreography by Ellenore Scott is now on view in theatres around the country.
Wicked
Wicked has cast its spell on audiences for over 20 years as it explores the untold story of the Witches of Oz. This visually stunning production, featuring iconic songs like ‘Defying Gravity,’ ‘Popular,’ ‘For Good,’ and more, continues to captivate with its imaginative storytelling and powerful performances. The tour continues to make stops all over North America, with several international productions having played all over the world over the years. Even more theatre enthusiasts will also get to experience the magic of Wicked when Jon M. Chu’s two-part film adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande hits movie theatres in 2024 and 2025.
Company
Britney Coleman leads the cast of this national tour as Bobbie. Following its 2021-2022 Tony-winning Broadway run, this Sondheim revival is traveling the country, with stops scheduled into late summer of 2024. In Marianne Elliot’s updated take on the classic concept musical, Bobbie is a 35-year-old woman reckoning with her love life as well as those of her mostly married friends, and haunted by the pressures of living in 21st century New York City.
Girl From the North Country
Playwright Conor McPherson’s narrative spin on the song catalog of Bob Dylan launched a cross-country tour in October 2023, kicking things off in Minneapolis. The folk musical played two separate engagements at the Belasco Theatre, closing in June 2022. The tour currently has stops scheduled into mid-2024 with more to be announced!
Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary musical Hamilton remains a cultural phenomenon. This hip-hop-infused tale of Alexander Hamilton’s life has become a must-see for theater enthusiasts, and good thing then that there are so many opportunities to see it, with as many as three separate touring companies having launched, sometimes playing different ends of the country at the same time.
Hadestown
Hadestown offers a unique and mesmerizing take on the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus & Eurydice and Hades & Persephone. This Tony Award-winning Best Musical combines folk, jazz, and blues music to sing this “old song” again and again and again. With short stints through the United States on offer until May 2024, don’t miss catching Anaïs Mitchell’s hauntingly beautiful score and lyrics while you can!
Broadway enthusiasts can catch so many more sensational productions currently on tour, including Aladdin, MJ The Musical, To Kill a Mockingbird, Moulin Rouge!, Mrs. Doubtfire, SIX, and more!
Broadway’s best touring shows offer a taste of the magic and excitement that define the New York City theater scene. Whether it’s a timeless classic, a contemporary hit, or a reimagined tale, these productions bring the thrill of Broadway to audiences across North America and around the world. So, grab your tickets, sit back, and let the enchantment unfold in a city near you!
