From sweeping period romances to a moving portrait of an influential artist, these five upcoming musicals are ones to look out for.
The year is off to a promising start with a strong line-up of upcoming Broadway musicals in the coming months. As such, both theater fans who are heading to the Big Apple should consider seeing at least one show. Many of these new productions offer intriguing premises and noteworthy performances from some of the industry’s finest talents.
Below are five particular musicals that will likely leave audiences captivated well after the curtainfall:
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The Outsiders
The Outsiders presents a timeless coming-of-age tale that delves into themes of belonging and the oppressive nature of class structures. The musical is an adaptation of the acclaimed book by S.E. Hinton, who published it at the tender age of 18. Its narrative was so moving that Francis Ford Coppola was compelled to adapt it for the silver screen in 1983. The Broadway production features fresh, contemporary songs like “Great Expectations” and a reinvigorated story for the theater stage.
The musical takes place in 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma, focusing on outcasts Ponyboy Curtis and his best friend Johnny Cade. Conflicts arise as their Greaser family butts heads with their affluent rivals, the Socs. The Outsiders “navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them,” writes production’s official website.
Brody Grant stars as Ponyboy Curtis, with Sky Lakota-Lynch as Johnny Cade, Joshua Boone as Dallas Winston, Brent Comer as Darrel Curtis, Jason Schmidt as Sodapop Curtis, and Emma Pittman as Cherry Valance. Danya Taymor directs the upcoming musical, which features a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, and choreography by Rick Kuperman & Jeff Kuperman.
Previews of The Outsiders will begin on March 16, 2024.
Lempicka
Tamara de Lempicka is arguably one of the most influential female artists in history. One can’t paint a complete picture of the Jazz Age without her recognizable Art Deco paintings. These stylized and unapologetically sensual portraits featured affluent members of society and other influential people of the time.
Broadway’s Lempicka sheds light on this complex woman, painting a vibrant portrait of the artist like never before. “Spanning decades of political and personal turmoil and told through a thrilling, pop-infused score, Lempicka boldly explores the contradictions of a world in crisis, a woman ahead of her era, and an artist whose time has finally come,” writes the musical’s official website.
The inimitable Eden Espinosa will be performing as the creative visionary. The performer blew audiences away with her unforgettable vocal range as Elphaba from Wicked on Broadway, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The control and emotional breadth of her voice comes in full force as she sings Lempicka’s “Woman Is.”
Other cast members include Amber Iman as Rafaela, Andrew Samonsky as Tadeusz Lempicki, George Abud as Marinetti, Natalie Joy Johnson as Suzy Solidor, and Zoe Glick as Kizette. Rachel Chavkin directs the musical. Meanwhile, Carson Kreitzer is behind its book and lyrics, as well as Matt Gould for its book and music. It features choreography by Raja Feather Kelly and costume design by Paloma Young.
Lempicka arrives on the Broadway stage on March 19, 2024.
Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants joins the growing list of Broadway musical adaptations with a grand and sparkling production based on Sara Guen’s critically-acclaimed book of the same name. At the center of the musical’s story is Jacob Jankowski. His journey to becoming a veterinarian comes to an abrupt halt when a terrible tragedy strikes. The young man leaves school and joins a circus as its resident animal caretaker. In the process, he finds community and true love among its ragtag team of misfits.
The musical weaves through the past and present in a series of flashbacks. It promises a spectacle with actors performing stunts on stage while belting heart-thumping musical numbers. Grant Gustin stars as a young Jacob Jankowski. Meanwhile, Isabelle McCalla plays Marlena Rosenbluth, the circus performer Jankowski falls head over heels for.
Cast members include Gregg Edelman as an older Jankowski, Paul Alexander Nolan as August Rosenbluth, Stan Brown as Camel, and Joe de Paul as Walter. Based on official previews, the production’s music features country-inspired songs like “The Road Don’t Make You Young” and “Wild.”
Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo) directs the musical. It features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys and Peter and the Starcatcher), and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.
Water for Elephants’ first preview will take place on February 24, 2024, while the musical officially opens on March 21.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal work is coming to Broadway with The Great Gatsby musical, which will likely be as fun as the rollicking era it depicts. The musical experienced an incredible sold-out run at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Its performances are sure to be phenomenal with Jeremy Jordan (Newsies and Bonnie & Clyde) as leading man Jay Gatsby and Eva Noblezada (Hadestown and Miss Saigon) as his great love Daisy Buchanan.
The show’s official rehearsal footage reveals a catchy dance number called “Roaring On.” There’s also a preview of a heart-melting duet between Jordan and Noblezada, “My Green Light,” which showcases the harmony of their powerful dulcet tones.
Acclaimed Korean musical producer Chunsoo Shin is the mind behind the upcoming production. It features a book by Kait Kerrigan, music by Jason Howlan, lyrics by Nathan Tysen, choreography by Dominique Kelley, and direction by Marc Bruni.
Performances for The Great Gatsby will begin on March 29, 2024.
Suffs
“If there isn’t a trail, blaze one,” is the tagline of the musical Suffs, which tells the story of the life-changing suffrage movement. In a time where men made all the decisions, a number of brave and intelligent women—who referred to themselves as “suffragettes”—fought for their right to vote.
The show-stopping musical’s official website writes: “It’s 1913 and the women’s movement is heating up in America, anchored by the suffragists […] and their relentless pursuit of the right to vote. Reaching across and against generational, racial, and class divides, these brilliant, flawed women entertain and inspire us with the story of their hard-won victory in an ongoing fight.”
Suffs stars Shaina Taub as leading lady Alice Paul, Nikki M. James as Ida B. Wells, Jenn Colella as Carrie Chapman Catt, and Grace McLean as President Woodrow Wilson. Shaina Taub provided viewers with a sneak peek of the musical through “Keep Marching,”a hopeful song reminiscent of Rent’s “Seasons of Love.” Jill Furman and Rachel Sussman are the producers behind the show, with Malala Yousafzai and Hillary Clinton sharing co-producer credits. Leight Silverman directs the musical, which features choreography by Mayte Natalio and costume designs by Paul Tazewell.
Previews for Suffs begin on March 26, 2024, with an opening night on April 18.
Banner photo by Jeremy Daniel via Instagram @papermillplayhouse.
