Broadway is back and stronger than ever! From new, original productions to revivals, there is much to see following the industry's triumphant return last year. Furthermore, there is a palpable sense of relief and excitement in the air as people rush to the Great White Way to see the season's most talked-about shows.
As with any period of transition, Broadway has seen some changes as well. We've recently had to come to terms with saying goodbye to a few outstanding productions, including Girl from the North Country, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Phantom of the Opera, which recently announced it would be closing after a record-setting 35 years on Broadway.
Nevertheless, there are several exciting new shows on the horizon, while plenty of beloved standbys remain. To help narrow down your picks for the current season, we spoke with two Brown Harris Stevens Agents who happen to be theatre aficionados: Marsi Gardiner, a multiple Tony-winning Broadway Producer, and George DeMarco, a prominent Broadway investor and producer of several Off-Broadway productions. Here are their recommendations.
Death of a Salesman
Recommended by Marsi Gardiner
Arthur Miller's classic, Pulitzer Prize-winning play is for the first time being retold from the perspective of African Americans—adding an additional layer of depth and meaning to the timeless story of a family's pursuit of the American Dream. Previously staged in the UK to critical acclaim, the new production is coming to Broadway for a strictly limited engagement. Starring Tony-Winner Andre De Shields of "Hadestown" (more on that below), as well as Olivier Award-winner and Tony nominee Sharon D. Clarke, the play is currently in previews with the official opening night set for October 9. It will run through January 15, 2023. Purchase tickets to Death of a Salesman here.
Leopoldstadt
Recommended by Marsi Gardiner
A play that many are hailing as playwright Tom Stoppard's definitive work, "Leopoldstadt" tells the story of the secular-Jewish Merz family's life across six decades. It was inspired by Stoppard's own family, many of whom were killed during the Holocaust.
"The play provides a striking perspective on generational identity and social stigma. It also acts as a tribute to those who have suffered discrimination and hatred throughout history. — Marsi Gardiner
Leopoldstadt showcases a cast of 38 talented performers, 24 of whom are making their Broadway debuts. It opened September 14 and will run through January 29, 2023. You can purchase tickets to Leopoldstadt here.
Funny Girl
Recommended by George DeMarco
Easily one of the most provocative and buzzed-about productions of the season, Funny Girl garnered publicity after its leading star, Beanie Feldstein—popular for her roles in American Crime Story and Lady Bird—was replaced with Lea Michele, who had sung several of the musical's songs in her starring role on Glee.
However, understudy Julie Benko, whom George DeMarco had the pleasure of seeing live, was "The Greatest Star" of the production. She took on the lead role of Fanny Brice amid Feldstein's departure, showcasing her jazzy vocals while embodying Fanny with a sense of uncanny authenticity that continued to draw crowds amid the show's casting changes. Benko now plays the role every Thursday night—undoubtedly a tribute to her world-class performance.
"I saw Funny Girl on a Wednesday with four other friends. I had never seen a production of the show, so I didn’t know what to expect. Sure, I knew many of the standards like “People” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” but I was really, really, happy I saw this particular cast! Everything about the show was top-notch, and Ms. Benko was a knockout. It's a real star turn for her, and I am completely confident we will be seeing a lot more of her on Broadway if TV or Movies don’t steal her from the stage." — George DeMarco
DeMarco also lauded the rest of the cast, giving a special shout-out to Ramin Kariloo, who plays leading heartthrob Nick Arnstein, and Jared Grimes' "outstanding" tap dancing. He also commended Jane Lynch's understudy, Liz McCartney. "Never underestimate the talent of an understudy or standby," DeMarco said. "They [Julie and Liz] have real acting chops and, by many accounts, are even better than those originally cast." ,Purchase tickets to Funny Girl here.
SIX
Recommended by Marsi Gardiner
"I had the pleasure of seeing SIX, and it really brought a smile to my face. It was such a unique show in terms of concept, costume, and set—truly unlike anything I've ever seen on Broadway. I can see why the production and its music have garnered such a loyal fan following." —
