After a strange couple of Broadway seasons full of productions being shut down due to the coronavirus, the theater has finally returned to some point of normalcy. Bringing its fans new shows and old favorites, this theatrical season is off to an exhilarating start. However, with the plethora of shows out there, it can be difficult to make a decision. Here are my recommendations (in no particular order) for the Broadway musicals and plays to watch this autumn.
1. Six: The Musical
“Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.” – SIX
Don’t miss these queens on the stage! As a reimagining of the story of King Henry VIII’s six wives, this show is definitely on my radar for the fall. Six is a story of female empowerment that you are sure to lose your head over. Not to mention the songs such as “Ex-Wives,” “Haus of Holbein,” and “All You Wanna Do” will be on repeat for weeks after.
2. Beetlejuice
Legend says that if you say his name three times in a row that Beetlejuice—the centuries-old ghost—will materialize before you. Based on the Tim Burton film, this supernatural gothic show is perfect for the Halloween season. Make sure to see Lydia Deetz, the deceased Maitland couple, and the stripe-loving demon before they play their final performance on January 8, 2023.
3. Hadestown
Whether you are a fan of Greek mythology or just want to enjoy a haunting story, Hadestown is for you. In order to save his betrothed, Eurydice, Orpheus ventures into the underworld. Here, he meets the beloved couple, Hades and Persephone. Playing award-winning scores, this show will take you on a journey to the underworld and back.
4. the Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera is the longest running show in Broadway history, and for good reason. It tells the story of a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé as she becomes the obsession of a masked musical genius, dwelling deep beneath the Paris Opéra House. The production is a tour de force for my fellow dark academia aficionados.
5. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Perhaps you have already seen the Phantom of the Opera or the melodramatic style isn’t your cup of tea. Then, I present you with Moulin Rouge! This jukebox musical is another production set in Paris, but at the turn of the 20th century. It depicts the story of Satine, the star performer of the Moulin Rouge, who also finds herself with an admirer in the form of a young English composer, Christian. This electrifying, romantic tale is sure to knock your fuzzy socks right off.
6. WICKED
Witches. Potions. Spells. What more must I say? Putting a twist on The Wizard of Oz, Wicked challenges our knowledge of good and evil as the bubbly and popular Glinda becomes unconventional friends with the ostracized and green-skinned Elphaba. Join the show, through story and song, to find out the true origin of the Wicked Witch of the West.
7. Hamilton
From renowned composer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, witness the gut-wrenching story of Alexander Hamilton as he goes from “bastard, orphan, and son of a wh***” to America’s first Secretary of the Treasury. Winner of eleven Tony awards, this musical has truly made history.
8. The Lion King
Dive straight into the world of the 1994 Disney film and follow Simba along with his hilarious companions, Timon and Pumbaa, as he assumes his place as king. Featuring inventive costumes and six indigenous African languages sung and spoken throughout, The Lion King is a must-watch. Remember the meaning of hakuna matata as you enjoy the show and let your worries drift away.
Whichever of these shows you end up choosing, you are sure to be amazed. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to New York City this fall, and snag your tickets before they are gone.