Broadway is back! It still feels surreal, after the shutdown in March 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Broadway has finally opened it’s theaters and audiences are flooding in more enthusiastic to be seeing live theater than ever before. This was the longest period in U.S. history that the theater district had been shut down and I for one, am so happy to say that it is finally over. Stepping into the theater for the first time since the world shut down felt nothing short of magical. I can’t wait to see the new shows coming to Broadway during the 2021-2022 season and I’m sure you cannot wait either! The season has officially begun and here are some upcoming shows hitting Broadway stages in the next few months:
Funny Girl
This spring, a revival of the classic musical Funny Girl is starting previews on March 26, 2022 and opens on April 24, 2022 at the August Wilson Theatre. The show will be starring iconic actresses Beanie Feldstein (known for her role as Monica Lewinsky on FX’s Impeachment) and Jane Lynch (known for her role as Sue Sylvester in Glee). The cast also includes Iranian Broadway star Ramin Karimloo, who is known for his work in musicals including Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Anastasia, and more. The show will be directed by Michael Mayer and features a revised book by Harvey Fierstein. With music written by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, and choreography by Ellenore Scott, this incredible revival is sure to score Tonys and high praise from critics this year.
The Music Man
One of the most highly-anticipated Broadway revivals is none other than The Music Man starring Broadway actress Sutton Foster and film star Hugh Jackman. Beginning previews at the historic Winter Garden theater on December 20, 2021 and opening on February 10, 2022, this revival will be directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Warren Carlyle. Featuring a book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Wilson, this revival is sure to be a smash hit and I can’t wait to see this Golden Age classic brought back to life!
Macbeth
An upcoming play that I can’t wait to see is the revival of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, Macbeth starring English James Bond star Daniel Craig and television actress Ruth Negga. Premiering at the Lyceum theater on April 28, 2022, the play is being directed by Sam Gold, known for his work directing the musical Fun Home in 2015.
Diana
The musical about the peoples’ Princess Diana of Wales, will finally premiere on Broadway on November 17, 2021 at the Longacre theater after being delayed due to COVID-19. Diana stars actors Jeanna de Waal, Roe Hartrampf, Erin Davie, and Judy Kaye. A recording of the musical was released on Netflix in September, 2021, and the show will now finally make its premiere on Broadway. The musical will be directed by Chirstopher Ashley and features a book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro. With choreography by Kelly Devine, this musical will remind everyone of why we loved Princess Diana and how her legacy will continue to shine.
Plaza Suite
After being delayed by the global pandemic, a revival of Neil Simon’s play Plaza Suite will premiere on Broadway on March 28, 2022 starring film and TV actors Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick (who also happen to be husband and wife). With direction by John Benjamin Hickey, this revival will bring back one of New York’s most iconic couples on the Broadway stage for the first time in 20 years.
Birthday Candles
Debra Messing (known for her work in Will & Grace and The Wedding Date) will star in the new Broadway play Birthday Candles with the Roundabout Theatre Company which will open on April 10, 2022 at the American Airlines theatre. This will be playwright Noah Haidle’s Broadway debut and will feature direction from Vivienne Benesch. You won’t want to miss seeing Messing take the stage and take hearts.
Take Me Out
The play Take Me Out starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson (known for his work on Modern Family) and Patrick J. Adams (known for his role in Suits) will premiere on Broadway on April 4, 2022 at the Helen Hayes theater. The play follows the story of a young basketball player who comes out as gay. The play will be directed by Scott Ellis and was written by playwright Richard Greenberg. You won’t want to miss seeing this epic play and having the chance to see Ferguson grace the stage.