Monday, January 13, 2025

At This Theatre: The Broadhurst

At This Theatre:
The Broadhurst

Since it opened in 1917, the Broadhurst has rarely been without a booking. It opened on September 27th of that year with the original production of George Bernard Shaw's Misalliance. Named for George Broadhurst, a theater manager, producer and playwright, the theater opened within days of the Plymouth. They sit back-to-back on 44th and 45th Streets, and their facades are the mirror image of each other. Over the years, 6 different productions penned by its namesake played there. Among the significant productions that played there are: Twentieth Century, the celebrated flop musical Flahooley, Victoria Regina, Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, Auntie Mame, Fiorello!, No Strings, Cabaret, The Tap Dance Kid, Dancin', and Amadeus. Here's hoping that its newest tenant, Boop! The Musical, continues the Broadhurst's outstanding long-run record!


Number of Shows We've Seen Here: 12
A Beautiful Noise, Aspects of Love, Baby It's You, Broadway Bound, Fosse, Getting Away With Murder, Into the Woods (2002), Jagged Little Pill, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Lucky Guy, Mamma Mia!, Tuck Everlasting


The 5 Shows We Enjoyed the Most at the Broadhurst:


5. Getting Away With Murder:
Stephen Sondheim's only play did not enjoy a long run, but I'm sure glad I got to see it. It was smart, witty and pretty intense. Not surprisingly, it was an intricate puzzle and a crafty whodunit, as only Sondheim could create. It also gave theatergoers the rare opportunity to see its three leads - John Rubenstein, Terrence Mann and Christine Ebersole - in non-musical roles.

4. Broadway Bound:
As a huge Neil Simon fan, there was no way I was going to miss the third play in his "B" trilogy. And the chance to see Linda Lavin live? I got a center orchestra seat! Part comedy, part drama, this memory play was easy, yet profound and thought-provoking. Its universality only endeared it even more. From her stunning 16 page monologue, her masterclass in table polishing, and iconic dance with Jonathan Silverman, it was a Tony-winning performance for the ages. Of course, getting to see John Randolph and Phyllis Newman was also a privilege. But it's really cool to have seen a pre-Seinfeld Jason Alexander. too.

3. Fosse:
If you've followed this blog at all, you know how much I idolize the late, great Bob Fosse. With the equally great Gwen Verdon supervising, and Ann Reinking choreographing, this Best Musical was like watching a living history. It was breathtaking. I was lucky to have seen it several times, including seeing the original company, as well as with "guest stars" Reinking, Bebe Neuwirth and Ben Vereen. The "Sing Sing Sing" sequence is one I'll never forget.

2. Jagged Little Pill:
Sure, I knew and loved Alanis Morissette's legendary album, but I was dubious about it being turned into yet another jukebox musical. I've never been so glad to be wrong! The "Broadway-fication" of the songs (by Tom Kitt) not only didn't lessen their impact, they actually amplified it. A powerful book by Tony-winner Diablo Cody, ingenious choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and tight direction by Diane Paulus, combined to make a thrilling evening of theater. Oh, and the cast was impeccable, too.

1. Kiss of the Spider Woman:
This was one of those shows where I sat there mouth agape and holding my breath the entire time. I was captivated from the first notes of the opening number through the final tragic, yet uplifting, finale. As with all of Kander and Ebb's shows, it was entertaining on first listen, and relentless in its pursuit of my thoughts for months later. Seeing it several times (5 or 6...), my love for it just grew. Over those times, I was thrilled by the stunning performances of Chita Rivera, Brent Carver, Anthony Crivello, Jeff Hyslop, Vanessa Williams, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Howard McGillin.

What are your favorite memories at the Broadhurst? Let us know!

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