Well, I’m excited.
Excited that we’ve got two Jason Robert Brown musicals coming down the pipe this season? Nope. Excited that Stroman has two shows on the way? Nope. How about that we’ve got revivals of both Les Miserables and Cabaret waiting in the wings. Nope, not at all.
Alright. I lied. All those things THRILL me! The vast smorgasbord that the Broadway gods are serving up in the 2013-14 Season gives me more energy than the ungodly amount of Pumpkin Spice Lattes that Manhattan consumes each fall. Still, that’s not the main reason I’m excited. Nope. No thanks to all that exposition, here’s the simple point: I’m excited for the incredible performances we’re sure to see this season. As we all know, a show can sink or swim based on one performer alone. Lucky for us, it’s looking like we’re going to have some floaters this year- too many to choose from! But, alas, I chose. Here’s ten performances to watch out for; performances that might just merit Tony nods come spring…
Cherry Jones in The Glass Menagerie
When I think of Cherry Jones, I think intensity. Whether it’s focus or passion, Cherry Jones brings it to every piece she graces. She’s mesmerizing, and beyond believable. I simply can’t wait to take in what I’ve been told is bound to be another award-winning performance from Ms. Jones in Tennessee Williams’ classic play.
Norbert Leo Butz in Big Fish
You already know how much I adore NLB if you read this. Well… You know what? That about covers it. Just read that.
Neil Patrick Harris in Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Well, duh.
Jessie Mueller in Beautiful
Unlike the hoards of people who claim they witnessed Carrie in 1988, I actually did see the super-short-lived-Harry-Connick-Jr.-driven-completely-confusing-and-psychedelic-gender-bending-revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. It was… interesting. Yet, Jessie Mueller rose above and gave us show-stopping romance that has kept her working on Broadway ever since. Now, as Carole King in Beautiful? Trust me. There’s gonna be a lot of show-stopping over at the Stephen Sondheim.
The Cast of If/Then
I really should have picked one person… But how could I? Idina Menzel can’t take all the credit here. This killer ensemble paired with enthralling new material from Next to Normal‘s team? I smell Tony nominations! Plus, this cast has Chaplin‘s Jenn Colella, who, as we all know, was unfairly snubbed during last year’s nominations. I’m still working through that with my therapist.
Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen in No Man’s Land & Waiting for Godot
Forget about the fact that you have two brilliant classics running in rep. You’ve got two of the greatest actors alive! It seems too perfect to be true. Forget about awards. I’m buying tickets purely for the nightly master class!
Andy Karl in Rocky
It’s about time we see Karl originate a leading role in a musical, and the casting is perfect! There’s no doubt, he’s got quite a show to carry on his back. But, I’m putting my faith in Karl. I’m willing to bet he’s got some raw emotion hidden up his sleeve… or boxing glove.
Condola Rashad in Romeo and Juliet
Sure, Orlando Bloom is causing the all-to0-necessary hoopla surrounding this high profile revival. But, Condola Rashad is the one I’m going to see. The fact is, I love Romeo and Juliet on paper. But, I’ve never been satisfied with it on stage. Why? Partly due to the fact that most Juliets are a bit too lovestruck-annoying-teenager for my liking. We’re supposed to be upset that she dies… right? Well, you get the point. But, Rashad is a pro that’s genial and grounded. She might be just what the play needs!
Zachary Levi in First Date
Simply put, Levi is THE reason to see First Date. He’s quirky. He’s charming. He’s exactly who the Tony voters should remember next spring.
Sebastian Arcelus in A Time to Kill
Arcelus as a lawyer? In a new play by Rupert Holmes? Sign me up. Arcelus is under-appreciated, having managed to elevate a significant amount of not-so-good material on Broadway over the years. I can’t wait to see him take on this meaty role. Let the appreciation begin!
Alan Cumming in Cabaret
If you’ve suffered through all of my banter, and have payed any attention to how many people I’ve discussed, you then know that I’m cheating. This is, in fact, number eleven. Well, say whatever you want, but I had to include Alan Cumming! He’s reprising the role that won him a Tony… the role that introduced this genius to Broadway audiences… the role that many use to define his stage career… the role that… you get the picture. To get back to the beginning and all that indulgent exposition: I’m excited.