Every year, the long Labor Day weekend inspires Quebecers and draws many of them to New York and its quintessential artery, Broadway. But in front of all these illuminated canopies, some people find it difficult to find their way around. What show is there to see? Follow the leader.
Peeled off
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Do you like corn? do you love it That’s good, the musical Shucked promises to take you to the American country of Cob, where good old corn is the greatest wealth. But when the harvest begins to fail, a young woman named Maizy must travel to the big city to find a solution to a problem that is overwhelming the entire population of her hometown.
Not only is the result frankly hilarious and cleverly written, it is also supported by outstanding vocal performances, particularly from Alex Newell, winner of the Best Supporting Actor title at the last Tony Awards. For fans of shows like The Book of Mormon and Avenue Q.
- To be seen at the Nederlander Theater.
SIX
Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus
We know their names as well as the main lines of their history. But today, the six wives of King Henry VIII – namely Catherine D’Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne de Clèves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr – take the floor to tell their story in their own way.
On stage, six performers with extraordinary voices reshuffle the story at will and add a good dose of catchy pop rhythms and humor. Running at 80 well-packed minutes, SIX is perfect entertainment for a busy morning or the ideal program for those who want to catch a show in the evening while still having time to explore the Big Apple’s attractions at dusk.
- To be seen at the Lena Horne Theatre.
- Little Shop of Horrors
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
After Jonathan Groff and then Matt Doyle, it’s Jeremy Jordan’s turn to star in the new installment of the legendary Little Shop of Horrors series. Inspired by the classic film of the same name, this musical follows the needs of a florist… and his carnivorous plant that thirsts for blood and human flesh.
With its rock ‘n’ roll sounds, Motown influences and portrayal of a formidable murderous creature, Little Shop of Horrors contrasts nicely with the usual Broadway offerings.
- Presented at the Westside Theater.
Back to the Future
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Doc and Marty are back. And this time, they will sing and dance in an attempt to take a journey back in time with the musical comedy inspired by the cult film Back to the Future. The series premiered in London in 2020 and only made it to the Big Apple two months ago, where it received a muted critical reception.
Still, nostalgics tear themselves away from the cards, especially since the original songs are signed by Glen Ballard, frequent collaborator with Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette, Aerosmith and Van Halen, to name a few.
- See it at the Winter Garden Theatre.
Sweeney Todd
Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Thanks to the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s all-time classic Sweeney Todd, Josh Groban now takes on the role of the famous – and demonic – barber on Fleet Street. But beware, the premise is particularly grim; The singer does indeed embody a man with a troubled past who arrives in London driven by an unquenchable thirst for revenge.
The singer joins forces with Annaleigh Ashford and Gaten Matarazzo (yes, the Dustin Henderson from Stranger Things) to revive this dark work that promises to evoke strong emotions in viewers.
- To be seen at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater.