For the first time since 2019 [i.e., the year before Covid hit] this past year saw theater produced all 12 months of the year. Accordingly, I am resuming my end of year top 10 list of favorite theatrical productions, which has been on hiatus since 2019. In order of preference my 10 best shows of 2022, comprised of 7 new works (including 4 new musicals) and 3 revivals, were:
1. KIMBERLY AKIMBO [Broadway]
2. FAT HAM [Public]
3. COST OF LIVING [Broadway]
4. INTO THE WOODS [Broadway]
5. TOPDOG/ UNDERDOG [Broadway]
6. STRANGE LOOP [Broadway]
7. CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD [Signature Theatre]
8. CYRANO DE BERGERAC [BAM]
9. SUFFS [Public]
10. SOME LIKE IT HOT [Broadway]
Honorable Mentions: DOWNSTATE [Playwrights Horizons]; MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG [NYTW]; PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC [Manhattan Theater Club]; CONFEDERATES [Signature Theatre]; RAISIN IN THE SUN [Public]
Among the things that stood out for me this year were a series of remarkable acting duos rendering expertly synchronized performances that yielded astounding stage chemistry. Prime examples of this were the performances of Kimberly Clark & Justin Cooley in "Kimberly Akimbo"; Corey Hawkins & Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in "Topdog/ Underdog"; Katy Sullivan & David Zayas in "Cost of Living"; Jonathan Groff & Daniel Radcliff in "Merrily We Roll Along"; and Gavin Creel & Joshua Henry as the Princes in "Into The Woods."
And a special word about my favorite show of 2022- the musical "Kimberly Akimbo." I cannot praise this show enough, although I will be the first to confess that it hits the personal sweet spot for me in terms of a musical. It is sweet, without being saccharine; sports a beautiful score with several songs conveying the interior thoughts of characters that reduced me to tears each of the 3 times I have seen this show, and remains hopeful and life-affirming without ignoring the darker aspects of life. For me, this is the rare show that I venture I will never get tired of seeing, and one that I suspect will ultimately be among my favorite musicals of all time.
