By Raphael Sugarman, From the Footlights
When the TimesLedger premiered the From the Footlights column five years ago, the primary goal was to encourage Queens residents to support Broadway and Manhattan's other cultural institutions. In the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, attendance at Broadway productions from residents of Queens and other outer boroughs seemed to have diminished. A longtime supporter of Queens' many fine local theater groups, the TimesLedger wanted to encourage its readers to also support the city's broader, professional theater.
Since 2003, From the Footlights has featured a great variety of Queens residents who have played a role — either on stage or behind the scenes — in a Broadway or Off Broadway production. We have also featured stars of the Metropolitan Opera and acclaimed musicians with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Many of these artists have gone out of their way to praise their home borough for providing them the repose and inspiration to do their work.
Each month, the column also includes a section called “Worth the Trip,” in which we recommend the productions we liked most.
With the new season about to commence, here is a sampling of some of the Broadway and Off Broadway shows you should consider this fall. Next week, we feature music, opera and other productions.
Musicals:
A Tale of Two Cities: If out-of-town previews are any indication, the producers of the musical adaptation to Charles Dickens' classic tale should expect only the best of times this fall. Several Broadway veterans bring their talents to this romantic French Revolution epic, including baritone James Barbour, who plays Sydney Carton, the conflicted hero. Michael Hayward-Jones, a cast member of the original production of “Evita,” plays Jarvis Lorry. Natalie Toro, who starred in the original Broadway of “Les Miserables,” stars as Madame Therese Defarge. Currently in preview, with opening night Sept. 18, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45 St.
13: Parents looking for an evocative production for their children of a certain age would do well to consider this new musical by Dan Elish and Jason Robert Brown. It centers on a teenager who is displaced from his old life and has to make new friends and cope with a new high school. Directed by Jeremy Sams, “13” promises to be a strong statement to both teens and adults about what it feels like to be popular or an outsider. Previews begin Sept. 16, with opening night scheduled for Oct. 5, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45 St.
Billy Elliot: The blockbuster from London's West End finally comes to Broadway. Based on the film, this production “is the story of a boy who discovers he has a special talent for dance, while all the boys around him are more interested in boxing.” Music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall. Previews begin Oct. 1; opens Nov. 13, at the Imperial Theater, 249 W. 45 St.
Shrek: Stage version of movie about warm-hearted green ogre. Music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Pulitzer-Prize winner David Linsay-Abaire, and directed by Jason Moore. Cast includes reigning Broadway princess Sutton Foster, who is now staring in “Young Frankenstein.” Previews begin Nov. 8; opens Dec. 14, at the Broadway Theater, 1681 Broadway.
Pal Joey: Nearly 70 years after it first premiered on Broadway, “Pal Joey” returns this fall, in a limited engagement. The cast for the Roundabout Theatre Company production includes Stockard Channing, Martha Plimpton and Christian Hoff as Joey Evans, a brash performer with dreams of owning his own club. Set in Chicago in the late 1930s. Previews begin Nov. 14, with the show to open Dec. 11; through Feb. 15, at Studio 54, 254 W. 54 St.
The Marvelous Wonderettes: For a fun evening of music and memories from the 1950s, try this “pop musical,” which just completed a record-setting 19th month run at a theater in North Hollywood. The play follows the dreams of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, four girls at Springfield High School. Soundtrack includes such classic songs as “It's My Party” and “Stupid Cupid.” In preview, with opening night Sept. 14, at the Westside Theatre, 407 W. 43 St.
[title of show]: Perhaps Broadway's most entertaining show opened this past summer. Two longtime friends and aspiring writers attempt to write a show for an upcoming theater festival. Will their show be selected? Enormously entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny. At the Lyceum Theatre, 149 W. 45 St.
Dramas:
American Buffalo: Written by David Mamet, the play tells the story of a failed coin collection heist of a by a trio of ne'er-do-wells, but it is also a metaphor for American business and politics. Heading the cast will be Cedric the Entertainer and John Leguizamo. Directed by Robert Falls, previews will begin Oct. 31, with opening night scheduled for Nov. 17, at the Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44 St.
Speed-The-Plow: Another Mamet classic celebrates a revival this fall, 20 years after it first appeared on Broadway. Popular actor Raúl Esparza plays producer Charlie Fox, Jeremy Piven plays Bobby Gould, Elisabeth Moss plays the role of Karen and Neil Pepe will direct. “Speed-The-Plow” is Mamet's “scathing portrait of the film industry and the people who are willing to sell their souls for sex, fame and fortune.” Previews begin Oct. 3; opens Oct. 26 at the Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44 St.
The Seagull: The highly regarded Royal Court Theatre production of Anton Chekhov's “The Seagull” will come to Broadway for a 14-week run this fall. Kristin Scott Thomas will play Arkadina and Peter Sarsgaard, Trigorin. Scott Thomas won the 2007 Olivier Award for best actress for her performance in the Royal Court's best-selling production in its 50-year history. Previews Sept. 16; opens Oct. 1, at the Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 W. 48. St.
A Man For All Seasons: Three-time Tony Award-winner Frank Langella stars as Sir Thomas More in a new Roundabout Theatre Company production of Robert Bolt's “A Man for All Seasons,” directed by Doug Hughes. The drama tells the gripping true story of More's moral objection to King Henry VIII's plan to leave the Catholic Church. Previews Sept. 12, opens Oct. 7, at the American Airlines Theatre, 227 W. 42 St.
All My Sons: John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Patrick Wilson and Katie Holmes star in Arthur Miller's “first successful play,” about a successful businessman who knowingly sold the government defective airplane parts during the Second World War. The play ran for more than 300 performances on Broadway and won Miller the Tony in 1947. Previews Sept. 18, opens Oct. 16, for a limited engagement at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45 St.
Saturn Returns: The planet Saturn returns to its orbital position at the moment of a person's birth every 30 years. This phenomenon is the jumping off point for playwright Noah Haidle to look at the life of one man, his character Gustin, who will be played at different stages of his life by Robert Eli, John McMartin and James Rebhorn. During these pivotal, 30-year increments, Gustin confronts the three women in his life, all played by Rosie Benton. A Lincoln Center Theater production. Scheduled to run from Oct. 16 to Jan. 4 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, 150 W. 65 St.
In Conflict: Based on Yvone Latty's book of the same name, “In Conflict” captures the voices and experiences of 17 Iraq War veterans. Featuring soldiers from all branches of the service, Republican and Democrat, straight and gay, immigrants and natives, hailing from all parts of the country, these remarkable veterans represent America and its complexity. Previews begin Sept. 18, opens Sept. 24, at the Barrow St. Theatre, 27 Barrow St.
Three Changes: Playwrights Horizons presents this new play by Nicky Silver, starring Dylan McDermott, Maura Tierney, Scott Cohen, Aya Cash and Brian J. Smith. “Three Changes” tells the story of an Upper West Side couple whose life is turned upside down when the husband's brother arrives from Hollywood. “A funny and darkly suspenseful look at the joy of family, and how far we'll go to get it.” In previews, with opening night Sept. 16, at Playwrights Horizons, 416 W. 42 St.
For a taste of the Broadway season, we encourage you to attend “Broadway on Broadway 2008,” on Sunday Sept. 14, at 11:30 a.m. Hosted by Drew Lachey, the outdoor event features performances from current and upcoming Broadway productions. Produced by the Broadway League and the Times Square Alliance, the show is held in Times Square, between 43rd and 47th streets.
