Friday, March 18, 2011

Broadway Buzz: Spring Openings on Broadway


When one show closes on Broadway, it makes room for another to open. I have to admit that some goodbyes are sad, but I am extremely excited for the fresh new arrivals. This spring there is a wide variety of plays and musicals, both new works and revivals. Join me in welcoming (and welcoming back!) the Broadway spring openings!
The Importance of Being Earnest– Opened: January 13 
Oscar Wilde’s comedic masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnestis educating audiences on class and name-dropping for its eighth Broadway revival. The original play opened in April 22, 1895 and has been charming audiences for over a century. What makes the comedy so great is actor Brian Bedford proving gender is no obstacle as he plays the imposing Lady Bracknell. Isn’t he stunning in red?
Good People – Opened: March 3 
Frances McDormand stars as Margie Walsh, an inhabitant of the poor Boston neighborhood known as Southie. She just lost her job and is trying to catch a break. This play is all about taking risks and trying to get a fresh start. Check out great opening night video and meet some of the talented cast here.
That Championship Season – Opened: March 6 
If you don’t recognize the title, you may recognize actors. The Tony® Award and Pulitzer Prize winning drama That Championship Seasonreturns to Broadway with an all-star ensemble, starring Jim Gaffigan, Chris Noth, Jason Patric, Brian Cox and Keifer Sutherland. Previous high school champions reunite at their coach’s home when wisecracks and reminiscing turn to unexpected honesty that stirs up a long-buried secret that has potential to destroy the best moment of their lives.
Kathy Griffin Wants a Tony– Opened: March 11 
The title says it all! Kathy Griffin is taking her stand-up comedy show to Broadway. Dishing on pop culture and sharing her hilarious observations and run-ins with celebrities, Broadway will never be the same again. Check out what Kathy’s “reviewers” are saying.

Arcadia– Opened: March 17 
Following a sold out run in London, Arcadia is coming to Broadway to share a story that spans 200 years. From a startling theory proposed in 1809 to two academics piecing together puzzling clues in 2009, the story is full of misunderstanding and the quest for knowledge.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical– Opened: March 20 
Road trip! Dazzling costumes and dance-floor favorites help bring this funny new musical to the heart of fabulous. Based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla is an uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus in search of love and friendship. Actor Tony Sheldon originated the role of Bernadette, a past-her-prime transsexual, nearly five years ago and is bringing his headdress and heels to Broadway this spring.
Ghetto Klown– Opens: March 22 
One man show Ghetto Klown is the next chapter in actor John Lequizamo’s popular personal and professional story. Leguizamo explains, “Ghetto Klown is all the things I say to my therapist and my manager, but would NEVER want the general public to know. It’s cheaper than a lawsuit, and I get to take a bow at the end.” 

The Book of Mormon – Opens: March 24 
Not your average trip to church, The Book of Mormon is an all new musical about a pair of mismatched Mormon boys sent on a mission. From Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of “South Park,” with collaboration from the writer of Avenue Q, this new musical is a sure bet for some laughs that the “New York Post” claims will offend everybody.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – Opens: March 27 
“Harry Potter” actor Daniel Radcliffe on the stage? I’m there! Starring as wily window washer J. Pierrepont Finch in the Broadway revival, Radcliffe uses a trusty self-help book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” to rise the corporate ladder. This show is being added to my shows to see wish list, and maybe I should get a copy of that book too!
Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo – Opens: March 31 
Robin Williams, welcome to Broadway! Making his Broadway debut, Robin Williams stars in a deeply affecting play set in present day Baghdad about the absurdities of war. Playing none other than the tiger himself, Williams encounters Americans and Iraqis searching for friendship, redemption and a toilet seat made of gold.
Check back in early April for a continued list of spring openings in Broadway Buzz!

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