Top 10 Most Anticipated Stage Musicals & Plays of 2022
#10: “Paradise Square” Opening: March 20, 2022
Set in Lower Manhattan's Five Points neighborhood, this musical focuses on two communities living in coexistence, while Civil War ravages the country. Taking place at the local Paradise Square saloon, it recounts the exciting and energetic dance-offs between the Irish immigrant and Black communities who resided there. However, their harmonious lifestyle turns to turmoil in the aftermath of the New York Draft Riots of 1863. With a contemporary songbook and powerful story, this musical examines what it really means to be American. Told through affecting music and outstanding choreography, this is a beautiful story of togetherness in the most unlikely of times.
#9: “1776” Opening: Fall 2022
Approximately 46 years before “Hamilton”, another musical about the Declaration of Independence arrived on Broadway. Opening in 1969, the musical received three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This story is told from John Adams’ perspective as he persuades his Continental Congress colleagues to lead America to Independence. The revival has taken note from its successor, creating a cast that’s representative of the races, ethnicities, and genders that make up modern-day America. Also like “Hamilton”, it indulges in its fair share of creative license. Nevertheless, with direction by Diane Paulus and music by Sherman Edwards, it’s an engaging retelling of a pivotal time in American history.
#8: “American Buffalo” Opening: April 14, 2022
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After a two-year delay, David Mamet’s poignant play is finally opening on Broadway. Laurence Fishburne, Sam Rockwell, and Darren Criss play three small-town hustlers who will do whatever it takes to achieve their American Dream. When the show first premiered in 1977, it was met with critical acclaim. It received several Tony and Drama Desk awards nominations. It also won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best American Play. This revival is set for a limited 16-week run with previews beginning March 22. Due to its gripping and stirring content, this story hits just as hard today as ever before.
#7: “Plaza Suite” Opening: March 28, 2022
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Following an indefinite pause, the “Plaza Suite” revival will finally be checking into the Hudson Theater for a limited 17-week engagement. This three-act play follows a trio of stand-alone stories that unfold in Suite 719 of New York City’s Plaza Hotel. Written by Neil Simon, each act is a witty commentary on love and marriage in the contemporary age. This revival stars real-life couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. It also marks the pair’s first stage performance together since their marriage in 1997. We can’t wait to see what their love story brings to the show!
#6: “The Devil Wears Prada” Opening: July 19, 2022
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Yes, you heard correctly! Based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel and the 2006 movie, “The Devil Wears Prada” is getting a musical makeover. The show, which was originally set to open in 2021, features a book by Paul Rudnick and music by Elton John, with lyrics by Shaina Taub. Filling Meryl Streep’s Prada heels is Tony award winner Beth Level. And, following in Anne Hathaway’s footsteps will be Taylor Iman Jones as Andy. With so many iconic scenes, memorable characters, and quotable moments, this story is practically made for the stage. We can’t wait to see this popular flick’s fun, fresh, and fabulous transformation.
#5: “A Strange Loop” Opening: Spring 2022
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If you haven’t heard about this musical yet, get ready. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “A Strange Loop” promises to be one of the most meta theatre experiences in years. Michael R. Jackson follows Usher, who is, well, an usher for a Broadway show, who is writing a musical about someone writing a musical, who is… well, it rivals “Inception.” Usher, is backed the-Muses-from-“Hercules”-style by an all-Black-queer ensemble and proceeds to deconstruct the specific parts of his experience and the society in which he lives as a Black, gay writer. The music is so catchy and the message so poignant, both will stay long after you leave the theatre.
#4: “MJ: The Musical” Opening: Feb 1, 2022
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It’s a big year for Michael Jacksons on Broadway! Listen up Michael Jackson fans, because you don’t want to miss this! Taking place behind the scenes of MJ’s 1992 “Dangerous World Tour,” this biographical jukebox musical pays tribute to “The Man in the Mirror”. Set to 25 of his greatest hits, the show reflects on The King of Pop’s life and career. Director and choreographer, Christopher Wheeldon, said that he “intends to put quite a lot of Michael’s work in the show”. And we all know what a showman Jackson was. What can we say, this sounds like a “thriller” of a time!
#3: “Beetlejuice” Opening: April 8, 2022
Did someone say “Beetlejuice” three times, because this show has officially been brought back from the dead! Despite garnering a huge following, the musical unexpectedly announced its closure back in 2020. But thanks to its devoted fanbase, the show has found a new home in the Marquis Theatre. Based on Tim Burton’s 1988 black comedy of the same name, the stage adaptation dazzled audiences by recapturing the movie’s magic. With catchy songs, an entertaining story, and unbelievable special effects, we could not be more excited for its reopening this spring. In the meantime, we’ll be staying tuned for casting announcements!
#2: “The Music Man” Opening: February 10, 2022
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Opening at the Winter Garden Theatre, we don’t have long to wait now for this highly-anticipated revival. Theater icons Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster make their Broadway return in this American classic. An old-timey musical with show-stopping dance numbers, and elaborate set design, this is golden age Broadway at its finest. It’s a sweet and captivating story with plenty of romance, comedy, and an unforgettable soundtrack. And, when it first opened in 1957, it won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Every revival since has been beloved by audiences. If you’ve been feeling bereft of musical theater, then this is absolutely the show for you! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Macbeth” Opening: April 28, 2022 Shakespeare’s Famous Scottish Tragedy is Crossing The Pond “How I Learned To Drive” Opening: April 19, 2022 A Pulitzer-Prize Winning Play Following a Woman Coming To Terms with a Dark Relationship “Take Me Out” Opening: April 4, 2022 Jesse Tyler Ferguson Stars in This Tony-Winning Dramedy About a Baseball Player’s Coming Out “Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death” Opening: TBA A Series of Satirical Political Musical Monologues Exploring African-American Street Life “Sing Street” Opening: TBA An Adaptation of This Movie Musical Is on Its Way
#1: “Funny Girl” Opening: April 24, 2022
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Would you believe that it’s been 58 years since “Funny Girl” last played on Broadway? The musical chronicles Vaudevillian performer Fanny Brice’s rise to fame and her turbulent marriage. The much-anticipated return will see Beanie Feldstein in the role made famous by Barbara Streisand. Also joining the cast are Ramin Karimloo as Nicky Arnstein, Jared Grimes as Eddie Ryan, and Jane Lynch as Mrs. Brice. With songs by Jule Style and Bob Merrill, and a revised book by Harvey Firestein, there’s a lot to be excited about. We simply can’t wait to hear Beanie belt out classics like “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
