The death of the theatre has long been predicted, and there have been plenty of occasions on which people have started to believe that the world would soon be devoid of plays, musicals, and other live performances. But that hasn’t happened – and recent analysis has shown that Broadway musicals are rising in popularity again, down in part to the popularity of the recent smash-hit sell-out Hamilton.
With Broadway back in vogue, plenty of time and energy has been invested by production teams and casts into developing a top-quality program of amazing performances. It’s, therefore, time to take a look at what the best musicals and plays on Broadway are right now. This article will look at some of the best shows on stage at the moment.
Fiddler on the Roof
This is a classic favorite musical which has been enjoyed throughout the decades. It was written by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joseph Stein, and has since been brought back to Broadway where it was produced by Louise Gund. The most recent iteration of the musical, which covers the story of a Jewish man who lives in Russia and is attempting to preserve his heritage and historical background, is now playing across the country in cities like Minneapolis and Tampa after a successful Broadway run.
According to reviewers from New York Magazine, it’s “a reason for celebration! Entirely fresh, funny and gorgeous”. If nothing else, it contains some of the finest songs ever produced in the musical theatre tradition: from “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” to “Sunrise, Sunset”, there are tunes which anyone who has spent time in the world of musicals will know.
Dear Evan Hansen
While this modern musical might not be quite as much of a famous classic as counterparts such as Fiddler on the Roof, this Tony Award-winning show has taken Broadway by storm in recent months. It tells the tale of the title character, a young man who faces a number of hurdles in his quest for friendship, acceptance and more. His goal, to fit in, is thwarted at a number of opportunities – but he perseveres, creating a heart-warming story in the process.
The musical has already generated a wide range of famous songs that have taken the musical world by storm, including Waving Through A Window. Reviewers have made much of the story’s ability to connect both past and present, with Susanna Schrobsdorff from Time magazine making this point eloquently. “This heart-scorching musical about the struggle to connect feels like a hallmark of this particular moment in history,” she said.
Wicked
When it comes to modern bestsellers, Wicked is the sort of music that seems now to be unlikely to ever go out of fashion. Telling the tale of two witches and the experiences they go through, this musical draws clear inspiration from the much-loved classic book and film The Wizard of Oz – meaning that it is likely to keep the whole family inspired and engaged. And this is also the kind of musical which has developed a famous score full of classic tunes, including Defying Gravity and other big numbers.
Reviewers have raved about Wicked in all sorts of forums, and it’s cemented its place in the collective psyche of theatre-goers as a real smash-hit. Variety called it “a cultural phenomenon”, for example. And according to Time magazine: “If every musical had the brains, heart and courage of Wicked, Broadway really would be a magical place”. It’s worth noting that the nature of the musical means that it is primarily suitable for those aged eight and older, and that kids who are under five will not be allowed in. However, this is still a great family classic for older children – and one that is likely to keep the flame of theatre burning bright for at least the next generation or two.
With the so-called “Hamilton effect” now well and truly kicking in, Broadway musicals are back in business. The age of television and on-demand services has not put the nails in the coffin of live theatre just yet. From Fiddler on the Roof to Dear Evan Hansen, there’s a show for everyone in the modern Broadway age – and it’s worth doing your research to find out which one you might want to go to next time you hit up Manhattan for an evening at the theatre.
