Three Playhouse Square Broadway Shows Not To Miss
We pick our three most anticipated musicals from Playhouse Square's just-announced 2019-2020 Broadway Series lineup.
The Band's Visit
Nov. 5-24, 2019
This moving, intimate production boasts a Cleveland connection thanks to University School grad and producer Orin Wolf and is one of only four musicals to win the Tony Awards' "Big Six" (Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical and Best Direction). Its rich storytelling proves why. Based on a 2007 Israeli film, the musical follows an Israeli police band inadvertently furloughed in the isolated Egyptian town of Bet Hatikva, thanks to a mix-up at the train station. Stranded for one night, the band makes surprising, stirring connections with the locals, pondering almost-romance and quiet, devastating regrets. The cultural gulf they imagined between them vanishes over the course of one delicate, magic night, thanks to a swirling score from David Yazbek indebted to Middle Eastern music and a tender script from Itamar Moses. In a climate so often focused on our brash, glaring differences, The Band's Visit examines our timeless grasp for human connection, even in the most forgotten corners of the world.
Mean Girls
Dec. 3-22, 2019
Mean Girls is sorry if you're jealous of it, but it can't help it if its popular. Or something. Based on the iconically sardonic teen classic, the musical adaptation of the 2004 film was written by Tina Fey and composed by her husband, Garrettsville native Jeff Richmond. Expect burn books, pink polos and more Kevin G than probably anyone asked for (sit down Kevin) in this surprisingly touching show, which traces the familiar story of a new girl falling in with the less-than-savory popular clique, and turns the cliche on its head with biting dialogue, inside jokes, and a fair dose of Fey-brand absurdity. Cady plans to take down "The Plastics," from within — until she realizes she might kinda like being queen? Tony-nominated and energetically paced, this musical is like so totally — well, we'll stop trying to make that word happen.
Frozen
July 15-Aug. 16, 2020
Try to resist the ice-dipped juggernaut that is Frozen, and find your resolve melted like so much winter snow. The massive Disney hit made its transition to Broadway last year to extreme audience delight, bringing with it an additional 12 songs, grand special effects (get ready for that freezing the castle scene), earworm anthems and intricate, dazzling costumes. While its roots may be in animation, this is a musical with all the grandeur and glitz of a Broadway standard. Bring the kids (or just, you know, yourself) along for the tale of two sister princesses struggling with self-acceptance....and icy superpowers. Good luck letting it go.
See the full lineup below:
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical: Oct. 8-27, 2019
The Band's Visit: Nov. 5-24, 2019
Mean Girls: Dec. 3-22, 2019
Anastasia: Feb. 4-23, 2020
Jesus Christ Superstar: Mar.10-29, 2020
My Fair Lady: April 28-May 17, 2020
Frozen: July 15-Aug. 16, 2020
