Broadway Across America finally released its Boston lineup for 2009-2010 this week. There are a few shows I really want to see that we're not getting in Providence, (which isn't part of BAA) including August: Osage County.(But we are getting Xanadu in Providence, so life's a tradeoff. Sometime I would like to find out how these things work, how the producers decide which shows to put in which cities. For example, why is Little House on the Prairie bypassing the Northeast, except for the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey?)
Also coming to Boston are the national tours of In the Heights and Dreamgirls. They're both arriving in the winter, so let's hope it's a mild one.
I really enjoyed In the Heights on Broadway, the 2008 Tony winner for Best Musical. The story, set in a Latino neighborhood in New York City, is a joyous reminder of the vitality that immigrants bring to this country, along with their hopes and dreams. And it's got great music and choreography, too. In the Heights plays at the Opera House Jan. 12-24.
I've only seen the movie Dreamgirls, so I'm very interested in catching the stage version that tells the story of a Supremes-like singing group. The national tour is being launched at the Apollo Theater in November. Dreamgirls is playing at the Colonial Theatre Feb. 2-14.
Luckily, I won't have to worry about the weather by the time August: Osage County comes to the Colonial, from May 4-16. As I mentioned the other day, I only had a chance to see it once in New York so I'm looking forward to a return visit with the dysfunctional Weston family.
I can also recommend Fiddler on the Roof, which is coming to the Opera House from Nov. 3-15. It was a thrill to see the musical in Providence last February, with 73-year-old Chaim Topol as Tevye. Apparently his farewell tour is quite extensive. And he should keep doing it as long as he can - he's still terrific in the role.
There is one other musical coming to Boston that I'm kind of curious about: Cats, which will be at the Colonial April 13-18. I've never seen it and, truth be told, while I like cats I'm really much more of a dog person. If they ever make a musical called Dogs, I will be there.
Still, I'm kind of curious about a show that played 18 years on Broadway. And according to the Web site: "There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS."
8 comments:
Esther, love, when is Xanadu in Providence? I'm going to need to make a road trip.
I'd love to see Dreamgirls on stage. I, too, saw the movie and loved it. Cats was the first Broadway show I ever saw (in Phoenix in 1987). The story line was a little lost on me to be honest. Though I loved the costumes and Memories is one of my favorite songs. I wasn't too excited about Xanadu, but since you seem excited about it, I'm feeling better about it now.
A part of me wants to catch a train to Providence to see Xanadu since I missed it in Chicago and I don't think it's coming to Iowa. (It's not.)
Wait, is Topol going to be in "Fiddler on the Roof" when it comes to Boston?
Chris,
I would love it if you came to Providence for Xanadu. It'll be here Feb. 16-21. Bring some friends!
Hey Pam,
Well I agree that's a great song.
I never got to see Xanadu on Broadway and I don't know how the touring cast will be but fellow bloggers who saw it in New York thought it was a fun musical. Plus, actors on roller skates, that'll be cool. I'm really looking forward to it.
Hey Monica,
Well, as much as I'm looking forward to Xanadu, I'm not sure it would be worth coming all the way from Iowa by train to see it. But if you're up for a road trip, let me know!
And yes, Topol is in the midst of his farewell tour in Fiddler on the Roof. AFAIK he should be in Boston with it. He still has an incredible amount of energy and I really enjoyed it.
I would actually be living in Chicago by that point and a train ride from Chicago to Providence ranges from taking less than a day to a little longer than a day. I also have a friend that lives there. No offense to Providence, but there is nothing that would make the four hour drive I would have to take to just get to the train stations that are incomprehensibly placed in the southern portion of Iowa, away from the large metropolitan areas.
I did know that Topol was still in "Fiddler on the Roof" because the run of that show just started in Chicago. I just didn't know how long he'd still be in that show.
Hey Monica,
I think Topol "is" the show. It's billed as "Topol in Fiddler on the Roof Farewell Tour." (Not sure if this is true but I even read somewhere that he owns the costumes and props!)
If you've never been, you should definitely come visit your friend sometime and take in a little theater!
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