Spring on Broadway: A look at this season’s new show openings
‘Evita’
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice are having a bit of a moment this spring: In addition to “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the long-awaited “Evita” revival has finally arrived as only the second incarnation since 1979. And unsurprisingly, it came with controversy – this time about unknown actress Elena Roger in the pivotal part of Eva Peron. Thankfully, Ricky Martin will serve as the show’s requisite name-check as the brooding and silver-tongued Che.
Previews begin March 12; opening April 5. www.evitaonbroadway.com
‘Death of a Salesman’
Philip Seymour Hoffman brings dramatic clout to this Arthur Miller classic as Willy Loman, while Andrew Garfield will pull in the younger crowds as the handsomely angsting Biff. The cast also includes Linda Edmond and John Glover. With a tight ensemble balancing varying shades of eminent talent, this show may have a seasoned heritage but it promises to be anything but stale.
Now in previews; opening March 15. www.deathofasalesmanbroadway.com
‘Newsies’
Another movie-musical adaptation for the stage, “Newsies” revisits the story of plucky newsboys with the heart and gall to stand up (and sing and dance) and strike in 1899. Wow, has it really been 20 years since we first sang along to our 1992 VHS? Also: Is it too much to ask for a Christian Bale cameo? Look for six brand-new songs in addition to the ones you already know by heart (c’mon, you know you do).
Previews begin March 15; opening March 29. www.newsiesthemusical.com
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
The 1971 gospel rock concert by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is injected with new life and revamped for a modern retelling of J.C.’s electric youth. The cast lacks a heavyweight name (aside from, perhaps, director Des McAnuff) — but what name do you need other than the titular superstar? We just wonder how tourists will be able to choose between this and “Godspell.”
Now in previews; opening March 22. www.superstaronbroadway.com
‘Peter and the Starcatcher’
Don’t worry, “Newsies” is fulfilling the Disney-on-Broadway quota — and this isn’t just a children’s theater adaptation of “Peter Pan.” Billed as “the Neverland you never knew,” this retelling is an adventurous origins story of the boy who won’t grow up. A dozen actors play more than 100 imaginative roles in a show that’s suggested for ages 10 and up.
Previews begin March 28; opening April 15. www.peterandthestarcatcher.com
‘Once’
You may remember this title from when it was called at the Academy Awards for Best Original Song in 2008. The hit musical film about love and art under pressure, by breakout duo Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, has been adapted for the stage. This time, the young lovers are played by Steve Kazee and Cristin Millioti – and yes, they play their own instruments. Now in previews;
opening March 18. www.oncemusical.com
