New York's Broadway Musical Getaways 2009 2010
Latest News About Top Selling Hit Broadway Shows in Manhattan
Oct 5, 2009
What better getaway is there than to see a Broadway musical in New York, especially if it takes audiences away into a world of true fantasy? Here are some of the most popular musical productions currently running in New York with out-of-this-world themes and settings.
The Lion King
This is of course the tale of the young lion cub destined to become King of the Jungle. Adapted from the Disney animated film, written by Elton John and Tim Rice, and directed by Julie Taymor, it has won more than 30 major theatre awards, including six Tonys, in part for its sensational carnival-style animal costumes. As of the beginning of October 2009, four young actors have joined the cast: Marquis Kofi Rodriguez and Alphonso Romero Jones II playing Young Simba, with Shereen Pimentel and Shannon Skye Tavarez as Young Nala. The Lion King plays at the Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45th Street).
Shrek the Musical
Once upon a time in the magical kingdom of Far Far Away, a green ogre with a Scottish accent won the heart of a not-so-fair princess named Fiona. The animated film version has since become a popular Broadway ticket. As of November 10, Shrek standby Ben Crawford takes over the role full-time from Brian d'Arcy James, who won a Tony in the role when the show opened. James will move to Time Stands Still at the Manhattan Theatre Club. Shrek the Musical runs at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway).
Mary Poppins
P.L. Travers wrote the original stories that introduced the practically-perfect nanny Mary Poppins, but these days Julie Andrews’ depiction in the Disney movie is better remembered than the storybook original. Now, with some old familiar songs and a few new ones, Mary returns to her charges on Cherry Tree Lane for a round of musical stage adventures. As of October 12, the Olivier-winning original London Mary, Laura Michelle Kelly, joins the Broadway cast. Kelly is also known to film audiences as Lucy in the Tim Burton version of Sweeney Todd starring Johnny Depp.
At the same time, Tony nominee Christian Borle from Legally Blonde and Spamalot arrives as Bert the Sweep. Also new to the cast are Jeff Binder of The Lion King (Mr. Banks), Jenny Galloway (Mrs. Brill) and Michael McCarty (Admiral Boom). Mary Poppins runs at the New Amsterdam Theatre (214 West 42nd Street).
The Phantom of the Opera
The quintessential romantic fantasy has become the longest currently running production on Broadway. Directed by Harold Prince, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, it tells the story of 19th-century Parisian opera singer Christine and her frighteningly passionate operatic mentor. This is the Show with the Chandelier and the best wigs on Broadway. No major cast changes have recently been announced for The Phantom of the Opera, which plays at the Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street).
Wicked
The Wizard of Oz, retold from the Wicked Witch’s point of view, is another of Broadway`s most beloved shows. Over the summer, Michelle Federer, who created the role of Nessarose on Broadway, returned to the cast, while Erin Mackey took over the role of Glinda from Alli Mauzey. Wicked runs at the Gershwin Theatre (222 West 51st Street).
At the time of writing, all these productions are currently open for an indefinite run, with no closing date yet announced, and it is possible to buy Broadway tickets online via the official New York travel information site Nycgo.com. Read on to find out the latest news about five more current Broadway musicals or Broadway musicals in Chicago or Toronto.
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