I fly out to New York tomorrow to check out the latest Broadway shows in a busy spring before the Tony Awards deadline.
My week begins with the latest revival of Gypsy, starring Audra McDonald, said to be the front runner for her seventh Tony, which would break her own record.
Next is a new musical based on Smash, the TV series about the making of a Marilyn Monroe musical, with songs by Marc Shaiman (Hairspray). He will probably be competing with David Yarbrough, composer of Dead Outlaw, a Western musical not based on a movie, his usual source for shows.
Then I’m seeing Boop!, a musical based on the kewpie doll of early 20th century animation. Sounds silly, but the reviews were quite positive.
Then a play, Purpose, by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, whose Appropriate set a new standard for dysfunctional family drama. And my week ends with Real Women Have Curves, a Latina empowerment musical based on a 2002 movie.
Wish me luck.
Regards, Hap