The Scene's Broadway Preview 2024
Discover the plays and musicals coming to Broadway in Winter/Spring 2024! We get you ready for the new "Mean Girls" movie! Plus, your weekly round-up of theatre news you may have missed!
Welcome to The Scene, your weekly round-up of theatre news you may have missed. Happy New Year! In this week's email, we preview the shows coming to Broadway this winter and spring of 2024. In addition, we catch you up on the week's most important theatre news and stories, including:
Sunset Boulevard with Nicole Scherzinger is returning to Broadway,
Discover what plays have been swept up in the latest Florida Book Bans,
5 Major Questions for The Theater in 2024 and Beyond,
Take a sneak peek at the trailer for the upcoming Mean Girls "Revenge Party" Movie, and as a special for our readers, learn how you can get 10% off all Mean Girls merchandise available from the Broadway Merchandise Shop.
All that and more in this week’s edition of The Scene.
Don’t forget to check out the video below to discover The Scene Premium!
Nicole Scherzinger-led ‘Sunset Boulevard’ will transfer to Broadway by Michael Abourizk, Broadway News |Tom Francis, Grace Hodgett-Young, and David Thaxton will also reprise their roles. Read...
Best Musical Winner Kimberly Akimbo Will End Great Broadway Adventure in April by Logan Culwell-Block, Playbill | The original cast will remain with the production through the final performance. Read...
‘The Book of Mormon’ becomes the 12th-longest-running show in Broadway history by Michael Abourizk, Broadway News | The Tony Award-winning musical recently eclipsed longtime titleholder “Jersey Boys.” Read...
The 8 Best Off-Broadway Shows of 2023 by Pete Hempstead, TheatreMania | These plays and musicals topped our list of shows from theaters around New York City. Read...
Check out the final trailer for the upcoming Mean Girls "Revenge Party" Movie.
AND DON’T FORGET! Keep reading below the trailer for 10% off all Mean Girls merchandise available from the Broadway Merchandise Shop.
Mean Girls Merchandise Special
Get ready for the film’s opening on January 12th with this special offer from our friends at Broadway Merchandise Shop. Use promo code FETCH10 at checkout for 10% off all Mean Girls merch through 01/12.
Click on the image or button below to check out all the Mean Girls merchandise available with your 10% Discount!
5 Major Questions for The Theater in 2024 and Beyond by Jonathan Mandell, New York Theatre | We can’t see the future clearly, of theater or anything else, but we can look at the recent past and wonder how things will play out. Read...
Dramatic Works Swept Up in Florida Book Bans by Howard Sherman, hesherman.com | In Orange County, Florida, students currently can’t read three Tony Award winners for Best Play, as well as a major work by a Pulitzer prize-winner, let alone a collection of plays by one of the earliest major dramatists in world history. Read...
Predictions for the Theater in 2024 by Zachary Stewart, David Gordon, and Pete Hempstead, TheatreMaina | TheaterMania’s writers look to the year ahead. Read...
The Big Idea
Broadway Preview: Winter/Spring 2024 Edition
by Zach Dulli, The Scene
Broadway's 2024 season is brimming with various shows spanning genres and themes, showcasing the talents of renowned actors and creative teams. These shows represent a mix of adaptations, revivals, and new works, each offering unique perspectives and storytelling. For educators and students in theatre, this lineup provides a rich tapestry of themes and styles to explore and be inspired by. For more detailed information on each show, click on the title of the show or the website link at the bottom. All information is subject to change.
Take a closer look at the 19 shows coming to Broadway in Winter /Spring 2024:
Prayer for the French Republic by Joshua Harmon | About: Opening January 9th, Joshua Harmon's "Prayer for the French Republic," the 2022 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards recipient for Best New Off-Broadway Play, makes a triumphant leap to Broadway following its extended, sold-out Off-Broadway run at MTC. Directed by Tony Award® winner David Cromer, known for his work on "The Band's Visit," this piece by the esteemed author of "Bad Jews" and "Significant Other" is heralded by The New York Times as a blend of "thought-provoking, heart-wrenching and wickedly funny" elements. The play traverses the poignant saga of a Jewish family in Paris, starting from a couple in 1944 grappling with the unknown fate of their relatives. As the narrative unfolds over 70 years, it echoes through their great-grandchildren, who confront the perennial question: “Are we safe?” "Prayer for the French Republic" is a profound exploration of family, history, and the enduring impact of deep-seated prejudices. Theatre: MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theater | First Preview: December 19, 2023 | Opening Night: January 9th, 2024 | Website
Days of Wine and Roses by Craig Lucan and Adam Guettel | About: A captivating new musical set to open on January 28, the "Days of Wine and Roses" features the remarkable talents of Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James. Set in vibrant 1950s New York, this musical tells a couple's journey of love, struggle, and the quest to build a family amidst personal battles. Hailed as a "jazzy, aching new musical with wells of compassion!" by The New York Times, this production is already making waves. Adapted from JP Miller’s 1962 film and 1958 teleplay, the musical showcases the dynamic reunion of composer & lyricist Adam Guettel and playwright Craig Lucas, whose last collaboration produced the hit musical "The Light in the Piazza." The musical is directed by the acclaimed Broadway Director Michael Greif. | Theatre: Studio 54 | First Preview: January 6, 2024 | Opening Night: January 28, 2024 | Website
Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley | About: John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award®-winning Best Play returns to Broadway for the first time in nearly two decades. Starring Tony Award winners Tyne Daly and Liev Schreiber, Doubt: A Parable tells the story of Sister Aloysius (Daly), the exacting principal of a Catholic school in a working-class part of the Bronx. But when she suspects nefarious relations between the charismatic priest Father Flynn (Schreiber) and a student, she’s forced to wrestle with what’s fact, what’s fiction, and how much she’ll risk exposing the difference—all the while wrestling with her own doubts. Scott Ellis directs this revival production. | Theatre: Roundabout’s American Airlines Theatre | First Preview: February 2, 2024 | Opening Night: February 29, 2024 | Closing Night: April 14, 2024| Website
My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) by Rob Madge | About: The play My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) is a captivating one-person show by Rob Madge that delves into a family's journey of understanding and embracing their son's Queer identity and his love for Disney. The play humorously recounts Rob's childhood attempt to stage an elaborate Disney parade at home, complete with Rob impersonating iconic characters like Mary Poppins and Mickey Mouse, while his parents hilariously bungle their roles as stagehands. Despite the chaos, with misplaced costumes and mixed-up cues, the warmth and love within the family shine through. This autobiographical tale, told by social media sensation Madge, revisits that childhood parade, promising a heartwarming and humorous spectacle where, this time, nothing will dampen the spirit. | Theatre: Lyceum Theatre | First Preview: February 27, 2024 | Opening Night: March 12, 2024 | Closing Night: June 16, 2024 | Website
The Notebook by Bekah Brunstetter and Ingrid Michaelson | About: The Notebook, a new musical adaptation of the best-selling novel and iconic film, tells the captivating story of Allie and Noah, who, despite coming from different worlds, share a lifetime of love that withstands numerous challenges. This poignant exploration of love's enduring strength has garnered critical acclaim, with Chris Jones from The Chicago Tribune hailing it as “absolutely gorgeous – not to be missed!” and The Chicago Sun-Times praising it as “superb! A stage musical for the ages!” The production boasts a creative team of seasoned professionals, including directors Michael Greif ('Next to Normal,' 'RENT') and Schele Williams ('Aida,' 'The Wiz'), with music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. The team is further enhanced by playwright Bekah Brunstetter of NBC’s 'This Is Us' as the book writer and Katie Spelman handling the choreography. | Theatre: Schoenfeld Theatre | First Preview: February 6, 2024 | Opening Night: March 14, 2024 | Website
An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, New Version by Amy Herzog | About: Jeremy Strong, known for his role on the hit HBO show ‘Succession,’ returns to Broadway in a captivating revival of Henrik Ibsen's powerful play, An Enemy of the People. In this production, Strong portrays a doctor in a small town who prides himself on being an upright member of his tight-knit community. However, when he uncovers a dangerous situation that puts the lives of everyone in town at risk, he sounds the alarm. Despite his efforts to protect the town, he is faced with opposition from those in authority, including his own brother (played by Michael Imperioli, ‘The Sopranos’ & ‘The White Lotus'). This 16-week engagement features a new adaptation by Tony® Award nominee Amy Herzog and is directed by Tony Award winner Sam Gold, the same team behind last season's well-received reimagining of Ibsen's A Doll's House. | Theatre: Circle in the Square | First Preview: February 27, 2024 | Opening Night: March 18, 2024 | Website
Water for Elephants by Rick Elice and PigPen Theatre Company, based on the Sara Gruen novel | About: The new musical adaptation of Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel, "Water for Elephants," debuts on Broadway as a visually stunning spectacle. It narrates the tale of a young man who, after a significant personal loss, embarks on an unexpected journey by jumping onto a moving train, leading him to the extraordinary world of a traveling circus. Here, he discovers a life filled with love and possibilities beyond his imagination. This poignant story reflected through the eyes of his older self, becomes a powerful testament to the idea that life can start anew at any age if one embraces the journey. Under the direction of Tony Award®️ nominee Jessica Stone (known for "Kimberly Akimbo"), with a book by Rick Elice, a three-time Tony nominee (for works like "Jersey Boys" and "Peter and the Starcatcher"), and featuring a captivating score by PigPen Theatre Co., " Water for Elephants" brings together exceptional Broadway talent and innovative stagecraft, offering a profoundly touching and immersive theatrical experience that encourages embracing the unknown. | Theatre: Imperial Theatre | First Preview: February 21, 2024 | Opening Night: March 21, 2024 | Website
The Who’s Tommy by Pete Townsend and Des McAnuff | About: In 1969, The Who revolutionized music history with their groundbreaking rock opera, a pioneering feat that would echo through the decades. This legacy continued in 1993 when "The Who’s Tommy" made its Broadway debut, capturing five Tony Awards® and redefining the boundaries of musical theatre. Now, in a spectacular new incarnation, "The Who’s Tommy" returns to Broadway, fresh from a sold-out, record-breaking, and award-winning premiere in Chicago. This production, directed by Des McAnuff, showcases the iconic music and lyrics of Pete Townsend, along with a compelling book co-written by Townsend and McAnuff. This dazzling production tells the story of young Tommy Walker, whose life transforms from a withdrawn teenager to a celebrated savior through his extraordinary pinball skills, set against unforgettable tunes like “See Me, Feel Me,” “Sensation,” and “Pinball Wizard.” Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune hailed it as "visually and sonically overwhelming," a "prescient masterpiece of a rock opera" unlike anything currently on Broadway or anticipated in the upcoming season. | Theatre: Nederlander Theater | First Preview: March 8, 2024 | Opening Night: March 28, 2024 | Website
The Outsiders by Adam Rapp, Justin Levine, & Jamestown Revival, based on S.E. Hinton's novel | About: The Outsiders, a transformative musical set in 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma, revisits the compelling journey of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their 'outsider' brethren as they grapple with survival and the search for meaning in a world reluctant to accept them. This dynamic adaptation of S.E. Hinton's classic novel and Francis Ford Coppola's film breathes new life into a narrative of brotherhood, aspiration, and social divides. The production boasts a creative collaboration of talents: a book by Adam Rapp and Justin Levine, soul-stirring music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine. Choreographed by Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman and under the direction of Danya Taymor, this groundbreaking musical redefines a generation-defining story. | Theatre: Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre | First Preview: March 16, 2024 | Opening Night: April 11, 2024 | Website
LEMPICKA by Carson Kreitzer and Matt Gould | About: LEMPICKA, the sweeping musical portrait of a revolutionary artist, ascends to Broadway's grand stage after triumphant runs at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and La Jolla Playhouse. Helmed by the Tony Award®-winning director of "Hadestown" and starring the electrifying Eden Espinosa, this New York Times Critic’s Pick captures the essence of a woman who forever transformed art and culture. Set against a backdrop of political and personal upheaval and brought to life through a vibrant, pop-infused score, "LEMPICKA" is a bold exploration of an era's contradictions and the enduring legacy of an artist (Tamara de Lempicka) whose time has finally arrived. Acclaimed by The New York Times for Eden Espinosa's "high-voltage talent" and lauded by The Los Angeles Times for its "singular boldness," "LEMPICKA" is a theatrical masterpiece not to be missed. | Theatre: Longacre Theatre | First Preview: March 19, 2024 | Opening Night: April 11, 2024 | Website
The Wiz by William F. Brown, Charlie Smalls, and Amber Ruffin | About: Get ready to revisit the magic of Oz with a fresh twist! "THE WIZ," the groundbreaking 1975 Tony Award®-winning musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz featuring an all-Black cast, is making a much-anticipated return. This Broadway-bound revival, launched with a Pre-Broadway National Tour in Baltimore – the original show's birthplace 50 years ago – promises to enchant a new generation. Under the direction of Schele Williams, alongside an acclaimed creative team including JaQuel Knight, William F. Brown, and Charlie Smalls, this production reimagines a classic with a vibrant, contemporary energy. The team is bolstered by industry luminaries such as Hannah Beachler and Sharen Davis, guaranteeing a visually stunning and sonically rich experience that honors its celebrated legacy. | Theatre: Marquis Theater | First Preview: March 29, 2024 | Opening Night: April 17, 2024 | Website
Suffs by Shaina Taub | About: This critically acclaimed musical from the creative genius of Shaina Taub is set to captivate Broadway audiences next spring following its triumphant run at The Public Theater. Set in the vibrant era of 1913, this epic narrative delves into the tumultuous journey of the women's suffrage movement in America. Known as "Suffs," these tenacious suffragists span generations, races, and social classes, uniting in their unwavering quest for voting rights. The musical celebrates their historic victory with the Nineteenth Amendment and prompts a reflective look at how far we've come and the strides still needed for true equality. "Suffs" is a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of this fight, weaving a tale that's both entertaining and profoundly inspiring, urging us to stride into the future boldly. | Theatre: Music Box Theatre | First Preview: March 26, 2024 | Opening Night: April 18, 2024 | Website
Hell’s Kitchen by Kristoffer Diaz and Alicia Keys | About: Immerse yourself in "Hell's Kitchen," the latest Broadway sensation created by 15-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys. Set in the vibrant heart of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen during the mid-90s, this exhilarating coming-of-age musical follows 17-year-old Ali. Living in an apartment overlooking the bustling streets, Ali is drawn to the symphony of life outside, defying her mother's cautious words. Guided by a sagacious piano teacher, she discovers her voice, carving out her identity amidst the city's relentless energy. This joyful story of dreams, love, and self-discovery, directed by four-time Tony Award® nominee Michael Greif and choreographed by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown, boasts a powerful script by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz. Featuring Alicia Keys's original songs and iconic anthems, "Hell's Kitchen" is a tribute to New York's grit and the power of finding one's voice, inspired by Keys's own experiences. Opening this spring on Broadway, it promises to refresh the Broadway experience with its authentic New York spirit. | Theatre: Shubert Theater | First Preview: March 28, 2024 | Opening Night: April 20, 2024 | Website
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club by John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Joe Masteroff is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. | About: Prepare to be immersed in the sinfully dreamlike world of "Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.” This innovative production, with a new title, is still set in Nazi Germany and centered around the American Sally Bowles. This production brings an intimate and electrifying experience to the August Wilson Theatre, now transformed into an in-the-round auditorium. Before the show, guests are invited to explore the Kit Kat Club's decadent spaces, enjoying pre-show entertainment, drinks, and dining. Starring Academy and Tony Award winner Eddie Redmayne, reprising his Olivier Award-winning role as the Emcee and introducing Gayle Rankin as Sally Bowles, this captivating rendition of "Cabaret" features the acclaimed music of John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. London's most sought-after show is now Broadway's must-see this Spring. | Theatre: August Wilson Theater | First Preview: April 1, 2024 | Opening Night(s): April 20 and 21, 2024 | Website
The Heart Of Rock And Roll by Jonathan A. Abrams, Tyler Mitchell, and Huey Lewis and the News | About: "The Heart of Rock and Roll" brings a high-voltage Broadway experience, electrified by the iconic tunes of Huey Lewis and The News. It's a rollercoaster ride back to the electric era where dreams were as big as the hair, and dive bars were the launchpads for platinum careers. This rom-com musical swirls around thirty-somethings navigating the unpredictable currents of life and love, learning that sometimes the unexpected is exactly what they need. With Huey Lewis megahits as its soundtrack, the show promises a toe-tapping, heart-thumping journey that's both nostalgically sweet and irresistibly fun. It's a tale of love, friendship, and the timeless power of rock and roll that will leave audiences dancing long after the curtain falls. Don’t miss "The Heart of Rock and Roll," Broadway’s latest feel-great musical extravaganza. | Theatre: James Earl Jones | First Preview: March 29, 2024 | Opening Night: April 22, 2024 | Website
Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov, in a new translation by Heidi Schreck | About: In the upcoming Lincoln Center Theater's production of "Uncle Vanya," directed by Lila Neugebauer, audiences are treated to a fresh translation by Heidi Schreck of Chekhov's classic. The play features a dynamic cast including Alison Pill as Sonya and Steve Carell as her uncle Vanya, who grapple with upheaval when Sonya's ailing father (Alfred Molina) and his captivating wife (Anika Noni Rose) arrive at their secluded family farm. Set against a sweltering summer backdrop, this tale of unrequited love, simmering resentments, and existential turmoil explores the haunting impact of unfulfilled dreams and the complexity of family dynamics. | Theatre: Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater | First Preview: April 2, 2024 | Opening Night: April 24, 2024 | Website
Mother Play by Paula Vogel | About: In her latest play, Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel delivers a sharply humorous and strikingly candid exploration of family dynamics and the unexpected revelations of the past. Set in 1962 near Washington D.C., the narrative revolves around the formidable matriarch Phyllis, portrayed by Jessica Lange, as she navigates the challenges of moving into a new apartment with her teenage children, Carl (played by Jim Parsons) and Martha (Celia Keenan-Bolger). Phyllis's unwavering expectations for her children's success sets the stage for a tumultuous journey through personal ambitions and societal pressures. Infused with a unique blend of theatrical inventiveness, surreal comedic elements, and heartfelt emotion, Vogel's play is a vivid emotional roller coaster that delves into the complexities of love, family ties, and the path to forgiveness. | Theatre: Hayes Theatre | First Preview: April 2, 2024 | Opening: April 25, 2024 | Website
Mary Jane by Amy Herzog | About: “Mary Jane,” a play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog and directed by the acclaimed Anne Kauffman, makes its Broadway debut at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Starring Academy Award nominee Rachel McAdams, this captivating and compassionate play delves into the life of a single mother navigating an impossible family situation. With her unwavering optimism and humor, Mary Jane leans on the wisdom of a makeshift family of women, questioning whether her inner strength and these newfound friendships will suffice to overcome her challenges. Lauded by The New York Times as Herzog's 'most profound' work and celebrated by The New Yorker for its beauty and remarkability, “Mary Jane” promises to be an insightful and stirring theatrical experience. | Theatre: Samuel J. Friedman Theatre | First Preview: April 2, 2024 | Opening Night: April 23 2024 | Website
Home by Samm-Art Williams | About: This Tony Award®-nominated play offers a poignant and melodic exploration of Cephus Miles' journey. Miles, a Southern farmer, grapples with love and loss as his sweetheart, Pattie Mae, leaves for college and finds a new life. His opposition to the Vietnam draft leads to imprisonment, and his subsequent move to the North only intensifies his challenges. Originally presented by the Negro Ensemble Company in 1979 and reinvigorated in Roundabout’s Refocus Project, this coming-of-age story, under the skillful direction of Kenny Leon, captures the resilient spirit of Americans striving for a sense of belonging. "Home" is a powerful testament to the enduring comfort of home and family amid life's tumultuous journey. | Theatre: American Airlines / Todd Haimes Theatre | First Preview: May 17, 2024 | Opening Night: May TBD, 2024 | Closing Night: July 28, 2024 | Website
Priscilla Queen of the Desert Will Be Transformed Into Immersive Priscilla the Party! in London by Meg Masseron, Playbill | The new production turns the Olivier-winning musical into a dance party, with dining options, a bar, and more. Read...
See Who's Joining Michael Sheen in New Tim Price Play Nye at London's National by Logan Culwell-Block, Playbill | Charting the creation of Britain's National Health Service, the work will be directed by Rufus Norris. Read...
Get a Look at the Live Aid–Inspired Musical Just for One Day in Rehearsal by Margaret Hall, Playbill |The London musical will feature songs by David Bowie, The Who, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, and more. Read...
See Who's Starring in A Noise Within Staging of Sweeney Todd by Meg Masseron, Playbill | Julia Rodriguez-Elliott will direct the Stephen Sondheim favorite at the Los Angeles venue. Read...
Lend Me a Soprano, a Gender-Flipped Production of Ken Ludwig's Play, Sets Dates at Olney Theatre Center by Margaret Hall, Playbill | Casting is complete for the Eleanor Holdridge-directed production. Read...
Sasha Hutchings, James T. Lane, Angela Birchett, and more join After Midnight at Paper Mill Playhouse by Logan Culwell-Block, Playbill | Full casting and creative team have been revealed for the upcoming New Jersey production. Read...
Read entire plays for free! Free Reads titles are perfect for your theatre, school, and competition performances. Click on the Play’s title or image to be taken to the Play’s page; once you are there, click the "READ NOW" button and enjoy!
Free Read of the Week:
The Bookstore by Adam Szymkowicz
THE STORY: The future of a whimsical, almost magical bookstore is uncertain after the owner dies and leaves the shop to her niece, Rachel. Rachel has a job in New York City that doesn't pay her enough and a fiancé that won't stop calling. She doesn't have the time or patience to run a bookstore, so when real estate magnate Max Brewer offers her more money than she can imagine to turn the store into an apartment complex, her choice seems like a no-brainer. But as the shop works its magic on her and she gets to know the eccentric employees and clientele, she starts to wonder: Can you really put a price on a beloved community bookstore?
Comedy/Drama | 80 - 90 Minutes | 3 W, 3 M, (6-28 Actors Possible: 3-16 W, 3-17 M) | Set: Flexible - A Bookstore, Minimally Implied.
This newsletter is so informative. Saw Camelot on Broadway last year. Loved it! Looking forward to another trip to NYC. Thanks for guiding me in the right direction...