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Big stars—veterans and theater newcomers—are flocking to Broadway stages this spring to test their mettle in what is often considered to be the most challenging of acting genre.
The star turns—a trend that’s become increasingly popular for producers seeking a quick (and big) return at the box office—mean that theater fans can see stars in a full range of plays and musicals.
Broadway veterans appearing this season include stars like Audra McDonald and Tyne Daly, both of whose careers have successfully straddled the theater and television worlds.
Other stars like Alan Cumming and Denzel Washington, made their careers in film but have also found increasing success in theater.
But the real news for this season is the number of Broadway newcomers appearing. They include Michelle Williams (“Cabaret”), Zach Braff (“Bullets Over Broadway”) and James Franco (“Of Mice and Men”).
Here’s a look at what’s new this spring on Broadway:
“Act One”
Lincoln Center – Vivian Beaumont Theatre, W. 65th St. off Broadway
In previews; Premieres April 17 for a two-month run
The word: Broadway royalty Andrea Martin and Tony Shalhoub along with Santino Fontana (“Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “Cinderella”) star in director James Lapine’s adaptation of Broadway playwright Moss Hart’s autobiography.
“Aladdin”
New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W. 432nd St.
Premiered March 20
The word: Disney’s latest musical, based on the 1992 Disney animated feature, has been universally praised by critics, especially the performance of James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie.
“All The Way”
Neil Simon Theatre, 250 W. 52nd St.
Premiered March 6
The word: Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) has won raves for his portrayal of Lyndon Johnson during the ‘60s.
“Bullets Over Broadway”
St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St.
In previews; Premieres April 10
The word: Zach Braff (“Scrubs”) makes his Broadway debut in the Broadway adaptation of this Woody Allen film classic directed and choreographed by Tony winner Susan Stroman.
“Cabaret”
Studio 54, 254 W. 54th St.
In previews; Premieres April 24
The word: Michelle Williams (“Brokeback Mountain”) makes her Broadway debut as Sally Bowles opposite Alan Cummings who will reprise his Tony Award–winning performance as the Emcee in this revival.
“Casa Valentina”
In previews; Premieres April 23; Closes June 15
The word: Harvey Fierstein’s play stars Patrick Page (“Spider Man: Turn Off The Dark”) as part of a group of men whose summers in the Catskills saw them live as cross dressers.
“The Cripple of Inishmaan”
Cort Theatre, 138 W. 48th St.
Begins previews April 12; Premieres April 20 for a three-month-long run
The word: Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe reprises his star turn in the Broadway transfer of this critically acclaimed play from London’s West End; written by Martin McDonagh.
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44th St.
In previews; Premieres April 22
The word: Neil Patrick Harris “How I Met Your Mother” stars in the revival of this edgy rock musical about a German singer’s life after a botched sex change operation.
“If/Then”
Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St.
Premiered March 30
The word: Idina Menzel (“Wicked”) stars in this original musical about a woman following two different paths. Menzel has earned raves; the show itself has been mostly panned.
“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill”
Circle in the Square, 235 W. 50th St.
In previews; Premieres April 13; Closes June 1
The word: Five time, Tony winner Audra McDonald stars in this musical play in which singer Billie Holiday recounts moments in her life during a concert performance shortly before her death.
“Les Miserables”
Imperial Theatre, 249 W. 45th St.
Premiered March 23
The word: This Broadway revival is based on the show’s recent touring production. In addition to more multi-cultural casting this time around (black actors as Javert and Eponine!), this production also does without the original’s famous turntable set.
“Mothers and Sons”
John Golden Theatre, 252 W. 45th St.
Premiered March 24
The word: Tony and Emmy Award–winning actress Tyne Daly has earned good to mixed reviews for her star turn in this new play by four-time Tony Award–winning playwright Terrence McNally.
“Of Mice and Men”
Longacre Theatre, 220 W. 48th St.
In Previews; Premieres April 16; Closes July 27
The word: When he’s not sending flirting texts to teen girls, movie star James Franco is making his Broadway debut in this revival of the John Steinbeck classic.
“A Raisin in the Sun”
Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St.
Premiered April 3; Closes June 15
The word: This revival of Lorraine Hansberry’s classic play has received rave reviews for star Denzel Washington as well as the play’s other leads—Anika Noni Rose, Sophie Okonedo, and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.
“Rocky”
Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway
Premiered March 13
The word: This Broadway musical version of the iconic movie franchise has received mixed reviews but its lead actors and the show’s final scene have earned universal praise.
“The Velocity of Autumn”
Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St.
In previews; premieres April 21
The word: This is a play by Eric Coble and starring Broadway favorite Estelle Parsons with Stephen Spinella.
—Karyn D. Collins
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