The 2023 - 2024 Broadway Top 40 Voting Part 1

As we begin the new Broadway season, and now that we've all had a chance to get familiar with the new, original scores from last season, we are looking to create a countdown of your favorite songs of the 2023 - 2024 season!

The 23/24 Broadway Top 40 Part 1:

Here Lies Love, Back to the Future & Harmony

  

HOW IT WORKS: Over the next several weeks, we'll post surveys that list the songs from 3 shows, and you'll vote for up to five from each show. All original songs from last season will be eligible (no pre-existing songs!). After voting is completed for all of them, we'll compile a Top 40 Countdown, based on your most selected choices. Your vote will be counted as soon as you tap the "Submit" button!

NOTE:

• When you look at the poll below, you may see your email listed, with a hyperlink to the chance to change addresses. We cannot see your address, only you can, and we are NOT collecting any data on you.
• You may vote once per email address each week. 

This poll will end at 5 pm (Eastern) on Friday, September 6th.

Around the TheatreScene July/August 2024

Over the course of each month, we'll collect pictures and newsy tidbits from the "TheatreScene." We'll be scouring Twitter, Instagram and other social media for interesting items. And we'd love to share your love of theater, too! Send us your pics from your theater scene - local stuff, school shows, fan art, stage door encounters! Send them to: jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com (careful of the spelling!).

Around the TheatreScene

July/August 2024

Opened: Once Upon a Mattress

The season's first new musical rehearsed and opened this month at the Hudson Theatre! Micheal Urie posted some things from his "first day of school."

Closed: The Who's Tommy

It's the circle of life on Broadway. Shows open and close. This month saw the closing of The Who's Tommy. Sad as that is, a new show (Redwood) will soon take its place. And we suspect that this won't be the last we see of "Tommy," Ali Louis Bourzgui.

Coming Soon: Maybe Happy Ending

Rumors have been swirling since the first preview was postponed a month due to "supply chain issues" that this isn't happening. We choose to be optimistic. So does the Belasco Theatre.

Oh, Mary! Goes Glam and Has a Super Fan!

The hit of the season has had some glamour shots done. Has anything Lincoln-related ever had such luck in the boxes? Plus a certain Broadway Diva has become a big fan of Mary - she even did a commercial for the show!

 

Cole Escola (Mary)     Conrad Ricamora (Mary's Husband)

 

James Scully (Mary's Teacher)     Bianca Leigh (Mary's Chaperone)

 

Tony Macht (Mary's Husband's Assistant)     Peter Smith (Wonderstudy)

Hannah Solow (Wonderstudy)

📸: E. Madrid

Patti LuPone (Super Fan)

Fan of the Month

This fan of The Outsiders really wants to see it! More than 12 hours before the B.O. opens, she's in the rush line. Let's hope she got a seat! (We're having old-school Rent flashbacks...)

It's a Return!

One of our all-time favorites, Paulo Szot, is back at the Sondheim in & Juliet! 

Broadway Flashbacks

One of our Twitter pals, Burnside Gooch, really took us back with this O.G. Chicago pic. Imagine seeing this as you walked into the 46th Street Theatre!

Forty-nine-years ago tonight. pic.twitter.com/IE7GasN8O0

— Burnside Gooch (@akakarenwilson) August 8, 2024

And here's Mike Faist from his Broadway debut days in Newsies, signing at the stage door with a smile! (Circa 2012 - pre Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, West Side Story and Challengers on film.)

Broadway Beefcake

We are glad to see that these guys are staying in shape between shows! 

Our Story of the Month

Harmony and Funny Girl star Julie Benko took to X (fka Twitter) to make a big announcement for her and husband Jason Yeager! Congratulations, Julie and Jason!

Our Story of the Month

Broadway really does care! 

It was only a matter of time before Sasha Saynor made her Broadway debut and we were honored to be a part of it! Thanks to Make-A-Wish for making Sasha's dream a reality! 💙 pic.twitter.com/tMOuBSXfPL

— Back To The Future Broadway (@BTTFBway) July 31, 2024

 

Review: Back to the Future: The Musical

Review of the Saturday, September 9, 2023 matinee performance at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. Starring Roger Bart, Casey Likes, Hugh Coles, Nathaniel Hickmann, Liana Hunt, Jelani Remy, Merritt David Janes and Micaela Secada. Book by Bob Gale. Music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film. Designed by Tom Hatley. Lighting design by Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone. Video design by Finn Ross. Sound design by Gareth Owen. Illusion design by Chris Fisher. Choreography by Chris Bailey. Direction by John Rando. 2 hours, 35 minutes, including one intermission.

Grade: A-

I say this all the time, but it bears repeating: I've grown weary of blockbuster films being turned into Broadway musicals. Recent history is littered with them (Pretty Woman, Mean Girls, etc.), and I can admit that they do offer certain charms and are generally entertaining. But occasionally, they surprise me by being really good adaptations, like Legally Blonde, where they take the familiar and actually acknowledge that musical theater has different parameters and characteristics. In short, embracing the art form they are creating instead of simply recreating the film's story and adding song and dance can make for a fun evening of theater. Back to the Future: The Musical happily belongs in the latter category. Part nostalgia, part thrill ride, this show entertains from start to finish, and takes the beloved film to new heights - literally and figuratively.

The book by Bob Gale (who also co-wrote the film) includes all of the fan favorite lines and scenes, but also deepens the characters - particularly Doc Brown. There are big laughs, cool surprises (no spoilers here!), fantastic meta moments, and some very sweet tenderness, too. The score, mainly written by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, and including a few songs from the film, has some terrific songs, like "Gotta Start Somewhere," "Something About That Boy," and "21st Century," rousing toe-tappers, all. The more introspective songs are somewhat less successful, often dragging down the otherwise fast pace. There is, however, one such song, "For the Dreamers," that is wonderful and explains a lot about who Doc Brown is under all that creative chaos. 

None of that would even matter without a solid principal cast and an energetic, all-in-on-the-joke ensemble. All 22 cast members (and 5 swings) contribute full-out - their enthusiasm is infectious and led me to feel remarkably invested in them all, despite knowing how it would all play out. Among the ensemblists who really stand out are Amber Ardolino and Daryl Tofa as Marty's sister and brother, and other bit parts, as well as Jonalyn Saxer as the beloved "Save the Clock Tower!" lady. Contributing with a sweet bookend of girlfriend scenes is Mikaela Secada, making her debut with a sweet voice and inspiring energy. As far as the principal roles go, Liana Hunt does a nice job with the role of Lorraine, Marty's mom who has a major crush on him; there's nothing icky here as she leans into 50's teenage innocence. Nathaniel Hackmann makes a fair impression of the film version of oafish bully Biff. His is a character that has benefited from the musical treatment and the actor thrives when called upon to sing and dance. Perhaps the best of the supporting cast is Jelani Remy as the going places Goldie Wilson, whose soaring vocals and charisma draws well-earned cheers of delight every time he opens his mouth. (I already look forward to seeing what he does next!)

Any version of Back to the Future's success will surely hinge on how good the actors are in the triumvirate of central roles: crazy scientist Doc Brown, teen Marty McFly, and his dad, George McFly. This original cast is in excellent hands with all three roles. Yes, they recall the beloved portrayals from the film, but, happily, none of the Broadway actors are doing simple impressions. Hugh Coles, as George McFly, probably runs closest to the film at first - his nervous ticks and bizarre laugh are immediately recognizable. As the story goes on, though, he really makes the role his own in all the right ways. Tony winner Roger Bart, contrary to online chit chat, is not doing a Christopher Lloyd impression (okay, when he shouts "Great Scott!" he sounds like Lloyd), instead going with a manic interpretation of rapid fire line readings, and an endearing, albeit quirky, delivery of multiple voice changes - often within the same sentence - that reveals a mind in constant not-really-mad scientist mode. Brilliant. 

Finally, there's Casey Likes, one of the best new Broadway talents in years, who made me feel sympathetic exhaustion from watching his lighting in a bottle star turn as Marty McFly. He also starts the show doing a pretty spot on Michael J. Fox take on the role. In retrospect, it makes sense - let the audience get comfortable before unleashing his wondrous version. He has a great young voice, charisma for days, and a star quality that dares you not to watch him exclusively. For my money, he's now two for two in successfully heading big Broadway musicals. 

I know I'm not the only one who has seen or will see the show who has wondered how they'd pull off the special effects that the story demands. Any worries I had were wasted time on my part, because they are all spectacular. I caught myself sitting there literally jaw-dropped and stunned more than once, and several times delighted at how wonderfully theatrical the effects were. Despite some intense visuals and projections (thrillingly designed by Finn Ross), it never feels like watching a film. It feels very live. Just as exciting is the spectacular lighting designed by Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone and the very detailed settings and period-perfect costumes (designed by Tim Hatley) all of which instantly and effectively transports us from the 80s to the 50s and back again. Technically, there is only one quibble I had - and it wasn't throughout the entire performance - and that was the sound balance between the orchestra and the cast. I couldn't make out a single word of the first song, for example, and that Gareth Owen (one of my favorite sound designers) designed it is a bit disappointing.

Chris Bailey's detailed choreography is the perfect blend of 80s and 50s moves and modern Broadway dance styles. Great care was clearly taken to evoke the time period of each scene. Tony winner (for Urinetown) John Rando has done a terrific job delivering not only BTTF fans expect, but also creating a fully theatrical experience for musical fans. Sometimes, though, it feels like he's pushing for laughs at the expense of focus. There's a cafeteria scene with physical comedy bit, for example, that goes on way too long, and causes the audience to react to it while dialogue between two main characters is where our attention should be. I don't like being taken out of the action like that.

All in all, this is one movie-to-Broadway that is worth your time and money. It's not Sondheim, but it is a whole lot of fun. These days, I welcome the break from reality.

📸: M. Murphy, E. Zimmerman

2023 - 2024 Broadway Musical Logos: Back to the Future

2023 - 2024 Broadway Musical Logo:
>>>>Back to the Future: The Musical<<<<

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? 

The Back to the Future logo is nearly as iconic as the film it comes from. So, it's a smart move to keep it mostly as is - the only variation being a necessary addition of "The Musical." That distinction is an important one when using a film logo, so that crowds of theater fans, fans of the film, and various tourists will enter the Winter Garden Theatre prepared for live people telling this tale through song and dance.

I haven't seen it yet, aside from production stills and a few short videos (that ad that has Casey Likes entering the deLorean as his character from Almost Famous, and emerging in full Marty McFly mode is genius!). But from all of that, it is easy to glean that the musical is a lot like the film on which it is based. This show art codifies that the film you love will likely also earn your love as a musical. And Broadway stars as recognizable beloved characters (Likes and Roger Bart as Marty and Doc Brown) also pull the theater crowd.

Personally, the minute I see it, it takes me back to my late teens - the mid-80's were a blast. I am flooded with memories of seeing it in a packed movie theater, several times. Then waiting for those agonizing months waiting for it to come out on video or cable. It was torture, but looking back on it, there's a lot to be said for not having nearly instant gratification like we have these days.

I suspect that nostalgia is exactly what the production is hoping will draw lots of people from my generation, and that we will bring our kids and (gulp!) grand kids. Of course, I understand that BTTF is like The Wizard of Oz and other classic popular films. Generations now love this film.

I, for one, am excited to see it. You'll probably see me in a show shirt with this logo soon.

Grade: A+

Looking Forward to Summer: June - August 2023

Hard to believe it's already summer, isn't it? For us Broadway fans, this summer has shaped up to be a busy one. Usually, the post-Tony Awards months are pretty dry. This year, however, two shows began previews (one of those, Grey House, has opened), and several others are gearing up to do the same.  

Before we dive into what we are looking forward to, though, as always we look back. During the spring months, we saw six Broadway shows and two regional productions. In the D.C. area, we caught Pacific Overtures (A+) and Spamalot (B), while we saw Life of Pi (A+), Bad Cinderella (B+), Bob Fosse's Dancin' (A), Shucked (A+), Camelot (C-), and Sweeney Todd (A+) on the Main Stem. That's a solid A average. Not bad!

Looking Forward to Summer:
June - August 2023

Regional:

The Play That Goes Wrong (Kennedy Center)
After hearing so much about this over the years from friends and readers, when the chance came up to add this to our subscription, it was a no-brainer. I look forward to my sides hurting from laughing so hard.

Broadway:

Parade (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre)

One of two shows we have left to see from last season (but still before the Tonys!), I think I'm most looking forward to this one. The score alone is worth seeing it for, but the casting is just as thrilling. Can't wait to see Micaela Diamond, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and the wonderful Howard McGillin.

New York, New York (St. James Theatre)

The other last season holdover, this one will complete our "see every new musical this season" list. Looking forward to a Kander & Ebb score, seeing some great Susan Stroman choreography, and witnessing some new generation talent in Tony nominee Colton Ryan.

Once Upon a One More Time (Marquis Theatre)

I like Britney Spears okay enough, though the fractured fairy tales sub-genre is starting to wear thin. Still, what looks to be some amazing choreography, Justin Guarini and Jennifer Simard are enough to make our list. My low expectations are tempered by the hope that this will, at the very least, be a fun evening.

Here Lies Love (Broadway Theatre)

We loved this when we saw it at the Public a few years ago, and we are looking forward to see it in this new environment, along with seeing some great original cast members and exciting new ones! Controversy aside, I'm excited to revisit this one!

Back to the Future (Winter Garden Theatre)

Great Scott! Casey Likes and Roger Bart are reason enough to put this one on our list. And while we are growing weary of film to stage musicals like most of you, this title is one of my all-time favorite films (I'm a Gen-Xer, after all), and I'm excited to see just how they do it.

Off-Broadway:

The Light in the Piazza (City Center - Encores!)

A gorgeous score played by a full orchestra, and a beautiful show that goes with it is all it takes to make it on our "must see" list. But add to that an opportunity to see the always miraculous Ruthie Ann Miles? We can't get there fast enough!