I cannot recall a year in recent memory when there was as many solid new musicals and plays as is the case in New York this year. Be assured that if you are in New York any time soon, there is a good variety of outstanding shows from which to choose. In the event you need some assistance, note the following.
There are three "don't miss," superlative new shows now playing on Broadway, two plays and one musical. The plays are the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning "Doubt" and the Royal National Theater production of "Pillowman." Both shows have ostensibly dark central elements (child sexual molestation and general child torture, respectively), but "Pillowman" is by far the darker, more disturbing and more challenging show. But unless you cannot handle a film like "The Silence of the Lambs," don't let that scare you off from seeing this unique, well acted, well directed, psychologically probing show. It provides a thrill ride in the form of a theater seat. Billy Crudup, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jeff Goldblum give especailly noteworthy performances.
If you cannot handle a film like "The Silence of the Lambs," then you may want to skip "Pillowman," but by all means catch the amazing production of "Doubt" at the Walter Kerr Theater. An extremely well written play, this production elicts earth shattering performances frm Cherry Jones and Brian O'Byrne that should not be missed by anyone who treasures great acting. "Doubt" has already turned a profit, and is playing to sold out audiences. Bravo!
The don't miss musical - "The Light In The Piazza" now playing at Lincon Center is perhaps the most beautifully staged musical I have seen. This show entirely transports viewers to Italy in the early 1950's with the captivating story of an American mother and daughter's travels in Florence and Rome. The book is filled with nuances rarely seen in musicals today and the score is ravishing in its beauty. The acting and singing is top notch by all, but the central and Tony winning performance of Victoria Clark left this viewer in awe. I cannot imagine this wonderful show ever being done as good as or better than what you will find on stage at Lincoln Center right now.
The above "don't miss" shows are a tad on the heavier side. For a refreshing and light sorbet-of-a-show, catch "Altar Boys" a Christian boy band satire that provides catchy lyrics, solid musical performances and many laughs. I have seen it twice and would not hestitate to head back to this Altar for another round.
In the category of nice shows that have their merits, but suffer from being highly overrated are this year's Tony winning best musical "Spamalot," and the mildly charming "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Most viewers will enjoy both shows, but trust me, a better time is being had by the viewers of the other four shows listed above. In the same category as these two shows, although not really overrated since it was not highly rated at tjhe outset, is "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."
Having said all of this, all of the shows listed above are better than most of what New York theater has had to offer in the recent past. Most years, New York offers one or two excellent new shows (if that), mixed in with mediocre to painfully poor productions. This year is an exception and theatergoers in New York are the lucky beneficiaries of this good fortune.
Ratings: "Doubt" ****
"Pillowman" ****
"The Light In The Piazza" ****
"Altar Boys" ***1/2
"Spamalot" ***
"25th Annual Putnam County Spellin Bee" ***
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" ***
Up next post ......a note from a Chicago "Dollhouse" and a Pasadena "Purlie"
