Hello, YAWP readers! This is the start of a new section here at the YAWP–the Broadway News Network. Each month, I’ll be bringing you information about the new shows that have opened on Broadway. Let’s pull the curtain open!
Freestyle Love Supreme at the Booth Theatre
Thomas Kail, the director of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of Hamilton, and Anthony Veneziale have come together to bring this production to Broadway. Each performance of the show is different when guests come on stage to join recurring cast members in a hip-hop show powered by audience suggestions.
Derren Brown: Secret at the Cort Theatre
Derren Brown has not one, but two, Olivier Awards, and is famous in the United Kingdom for his ability to psychologically manipulate others. Full of audience participation, Brown’s show is like no other. If you would like a sneak peek of his work, be sure to check out his three Netflix specials.
The Rose Tattoo at Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre
The famous playwright Tennessee Williams, known best for his plays The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire, also wrote this “little” play. Marisa Tomei plays alongside Emun Elliot as a widow who embarks on a romantic journey in New Orleans. The production is directed by Trip Cullman, who most recently directed the acclaimed run of Choir Boy.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at the Longacre Theatre
Based on the popular book series, this musical began performances as a national tour. Now, the entire cast of the tour has made the transition to Broadway, led by Chris McCarrell in the title role. The production is directed by Stephen Brackett, who recently directed the popular Be More Chill. The choreographer of The Band’s Visit, Patrick McCollum, serves as the dance director. In addition, the musical has music and lyrics by Broadway newcomer Rob Rokicki and a book by Joe Tracz, who may be best known for his scripts for A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix) and Be More Chill.
The Sound Inside at Lincoln Center Theater’s Studio 54
This play is written by Adam Rapp, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and directed by David Cromer, who directed the Tony-winning production of The Band’s Visit. Mary-Louise Parker and Will Hochman star in this two-person play about the complicated relationship between an Ivy League professor and her student. Interestingly enough, Parker initially turned down the role, but after reading the script, she was hooked.
American Son on Netflix
Last season on Broadway, American Son, written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Kenny Leon, wowed both critics and audiences with its 21st-century themes. Don’t worry if you didn’t get a chance to see it. Kerry Washington (who actually graduated from the George Washington University), Stephen Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan, and Eugene Lee will be reprising their performances on Netflix. The movie will come out on November 1st, and you can catch the trailer here.
Theater Quote of the Month
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. You can do this.”
Tune in to next month’s edition to find out what show this quote is from! I hope this new feature of our newspaper inspires you to experience the magic of live theater if you haven’t yet already.
Happy theatergoing, everyone!
All information is obtained from Playbill.com.
