THE BROADWAY BEAT – DOCTOR’S ORDERS: FOUR MUST-SEE SHOWS THIS WINTER
This fall we saw several incredible productions grace the Broadway stage. Though the winter is not scheduled to be as jam-packed with Broadway openings, there are a few productions this winter that I would consider "must sees."
Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) makes his Broadway debut in a revival of Eugene O’Neill’s Hughie, last on Broadway 20 years ago in a production led by Al Pacino. Tony winner Frank Wood stars alongside Whitaker, and Tony Award winner Michael Grandage directs.
Is there a doctor in the house? Yes. Forrest Whitaker played Dr. Sid Handleman alongside Ray Liotta and Kiefer Sutherland in the 1992 medical drama, Article 99.
One of this falls best-reviewed off-Broadway plays, The Humans, transfers to Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theatre this winter. The play takes place during a Thanksgiving dinner that brings family tensions to a boiling point. The original off-Broadway cast, which includes Tony Award nominees Reed Birney and Jayne Houdyshell, returns for the Broadway engagement.
Is there a doctor in the house? Well, close enough. Jayne Houdyshell recently played the nurse in Romeo and Juliet.
Bright Star is a new musical that technically does not open until a few days into spring, though it starts performances in February. It is written by Academy, Grammy, & Emmy Award winner Steve Martin, and Grammy Award winner Eddie Brickell. The production will be directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie (Chicago).
Is there a doctor in the house? As long as it’s a dental issue. Writer Steve Martin played Dentist Orin Scrivello in the 1986 movie version of Little Shop of Horrors.
Fiddler on the Roof opened on December 20th, 2015 to rave reviews. The revival is directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The King and I) and stars five time Tony Award nominee Danny Burstein and Tony Nominee Jessica Hect. Fiddler marks Burstein’s 16th Broadway credit.
Is there a doctor in the house? You bet. Fiddler on the Roof plays at the Broadway Theater, which last housed the musical Doctor Zhivago.
Bonus:
Off-Broadway Happenings
Straight begins performances on February 9th, 2016 at the Acorn Theatre. I am part of the producing team for Straight which stars "Degrassi" and Beautiful: The Carol King Musical actor, Jake Epstein. It follows 26-year-old investment banker, Ben (Epstein), as he navigates his relationships with his girlfriend, Emily, and his...other “friend,” (aka romantic interest) Chris.
Is there a doctor in the house? There will be. Ben's girlfriend Emily is a PhD candidate in bioinformatics (whatever that is), so give her a year.
Regional Happenings
A Bronx Tale, based on the 1993 movie of the same name, is headed to New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse this winter. It has a star studded cast and creative team including directors Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks (Guys and Dolls), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Invisible Thread), a book by Chazz Palminteri (The Usual Suspects), music by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), and lyrics by Glenn Slater (School of Rock). The cast includes Tony Award nominee Nick Cordero (Bullets over Broadway).
Is there a Doctor in the House? Well, no. But if I left A Bronx Tale off of this list, I should be sent to an institution.
Oliver Roth
Oliver Roth is the founder and CEO of OHenry Productions, a theatrical production company based in New York City.