The holiday season will soon be upon us and if you are tired of giving your relatives gifts that get sent to the back of the closet, why not give tickets to a Broadway play or musical? Right now the theaters are filled with television and film stars giving the audience a chance to see a favorite performer up close and personal. And don’t forget you can stop by the stage door after the curtain comes down to take photos and get an autograph. Here are some plays to consider:
After Miss Julie (above)
At the preview we attended, the audience was filled with twenty-something women out to see a play about a scandal starring Sienna Miller, herself no stranger to scandal. (She had a well-publicized affair with Jude Law and then left him when she discovered he was having an affair with his children’s nanny). This is not a play for the faint of heart. The action is intense, with only three actors taking on the challenge. At 90 minutes, without an intermission, it’s a breathless ride.
American Airlines Theatre
227 West 42nd Street
212-719-1300
Now in previews
Opens October 22, 2009
Hamlet
Speaking of Jude Law, he’s taking on Hamlet two blocks north of 42nd Street. Law is winning raves for his athletic performance as the tortured Danish prince. Ben Brantley, theater reviewer for the New York Times wrote, “Mr. Law’s undeniable charisma and gender-crossing sex appeal may captivate Broadway theatergoers who wouldn’t normally attend productions of Shakespeare.” This might be the ticket for that Shakespeare shy young person who loves Jude Law.
Broadhurst Theatre
235 West 44th Street
212-239-6200
Closes December 6, 2009
Bye Bye Birdie
Young people on your list may not remember Ed Sullivan, but they probably grew up watching John Stamos on Full House as a surrogate father to the Olsen twins or later as a sexy doctor on ER. Stamos tackles the role of Albert Peterson, played on stage and in the film by Dick Van Dyke. Gina Gershon, whose first speaking role was in the cult John Hughes film, Pretty in Pink, has appeared in many films, including Cocktail opposite Tom Cruise and The Insider with Al Pacino. She steps into Rose Alvarez’s shoes occupied on stage by Chita Rivera and in film by Janet Leigh.
Henry Miller’s Theatre
124 West 43rd Street
212-239-6200
Now in previews
Opens October 15, 2009
God of Carnage
With probably the strongest ensemble cast on Broadway, God of Carnage has four television and film veterans chewing up (and throwing) the scenery. James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels, Marcia Gay Harden, and Hope Davis give the audience the ride of a lifetime The dialogue is smart, the action non-stop, and the acting superb. The play won the 2009 Tony Award for best play, and Harden, who won an Academy Award for her role in Pollack, won the 2009 Tony Award for best actress. It runs 90 minutes with no intermission.
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
242 West 45th Street
212-239-6200
Finian’s Rainbow
Cheyenne Jackson (above, center) is probably better known as a Broadway actor, but he has been a frequent face on TV, appearing in The Lipstick Jungle, Life on Mars, and Ugly Betty. He appeared in the Oscar-nominated United 93. Openly gay with a loyal gay following, Jackson’s matinee good looks—blue eyes, black hair—get hearts thumping all over the auditorium. This musical, a wonderful family event, could be the must ticket of the season.
St. James Theatre
246 West 44th Street
212-239-6200
Now in previews
Oleanna
Bill Pullman (Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping) plays a forty-something college professor confronted by one of his students, Julia Stiles (The Bourne Trilogy, Mona Lisa Smile). The play is classic David Mamet, with intelligent dialogue and an ending sure to keep that dialogue going.
Golden Theatre
252 West 45th Street
212-239-6200
Wishful Drinking
Carrie Fisher, the daughter of Hollywood royalty, takes the audience on a painful albeit humorous journey through her life. Not for young fans of Star Wars (Fisher was Princess Leia), older fans may blanch at some of Fisher’s revelations and her caustic manner of tossing off her comments. But they will remember when Eddie left Debbie for Elizabeth, just as this young generation will forever recall how Brad left Jennifer for Angelina. In Hollywood, the more things change, the more they remain the same.
Studio 54
254 West 54th Street
212-719-1300
