Unfortunately for the three of you who read this blog, the semester as come to an end and with it my supply of previously seen musicals. Alas, I have no personal experiences to offer you this week, but as a final blog, I’d like to share a number of shows I’d like to see sometime soon.
Peter and the Starcatcher: Tony Performance
Though this show does contain music and musical numbers, it’s actually considered a play. Starring Christian Borle and Adam Chanler-Berat, this performance depicts the life of a British orphan who would grow up into Peter Pan. The cast of pirates in the show is supposedly very funny, while the show touches on serious ideas of identity and duty.
Newsies: Tony Performance
I’ve seen the movie Newsies several times thanks to a high school chorus teacher with a love of the story, but the Broadway production seems phenomenal. The musical portrays the lives of Jack Kelly and other poor news boys in New York City who go on strike after the paper’s publisher hurts them by raising prices. While the Disney movie is much beloved, one of the highlights of this show is the incredible dancing (see video). All the performers are very talented dancers, and dance routines always make shows more fun. I think this would be a very entertaining show to see. I just have to say though, it’s not fair how that many guys can kick up to their heads while I can’t touch my toes.
Matilda: Clips from the Show, Oliver Awards
I have no idea how it was possible to turn this book/movie into a musical, but it’s been done in England and the show is coming to Broadway in the Spring! From what I can tell, the familiar story of Matilda has been transformed into a slightly more modernized musical with many high-energy performances. It would seem to cut out the narration in favor of Matilda and the other characters expressing their thoughts through songs. The characters look hysterically exaggerated though, and I’m pretty sure that Ms. Trunchbull is played by a man. Matilda has always been one of my favorite stories, so I’m excited to potentially see this show.
There are many other shows that I’d like to see eventually, but these productions look like they could be amazing. Hopefully you’d enjoy them too.