Our Summer on Broadway
DS managing editor Rachel Zar and I love musicals—a lot. (Rachel even participated in a family musical every year growing up!) So whenever we have the opportunity to see a Broadway show, we make a mad dash for the Great White Way and eagerly scramble to our seats. From old favorites to the danciest new musicals, here’s what we thought of the shows we’ve seen this summer.
Nice Work If You Can Get It
This show surprised us with its fun plot, kooky characters and complex (often hilarious) dance numbers. Plus, nothing beats seeing Matthew Broderick at home on the Broadway stage. It was hard not to sing along to the recognizable Gershwin tunes (“Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “ ‘S Wonderful” and “Fascinating Rhythm” were a few of our faves).
Memphis
There’s a reason that Memphis has won four Tony’s including Best Musical. We think that reason is the dancing. Packed with a ridiculously talented cast, this tale of a radio DJ who’s fighting against segregation in the 50s will keep you grooving in your seat the whole time.
Ghost
While the musical is very dance heavy, we weren’t in love with it. It could just be the extremely distracting digital set. That said, leading man Richard Fleeshman is a major hunk and totally kept us entertained. Plus, there are some fabulous dancers—like Afra Hines!—that we know you’ll love.
We’re sure you’ve figured it out by now, but we’re obsessed with this show! It is, after all, the danciest musical currently on Broadway. Christopher Gattelli’s Best Choreography Tony Award was more than deserved and the dancers do not disappoint. We grinned like fools throughout the entire show. If you can only see one musical this summer, make it Newsies.
Shows we’re dying to see:
Bring It On: The Musical, directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler!
Once, the 2012 Tony Award winner for Best Musical.
