(l to r) Teal Wicks, Stephanie J. Block, and Micaela Diamond in ‘The Cher Show.’ (Photo: Joan Marcus)
Why are so many Broadway shows closing? Well, there’s no easy answer, but it’s been a rough road for the five musicals slated to play their last performances this August, even in spite of some Tony wins! Here’s a snapshot of what critics thought and whether we believe it’s “see it or skip it.”
George Salazar in ‘Be More Chill.’ (Photo: Maria Baranova)
Be More Chill
“Iconis and Joe Tracz deftly package these themes in a palatable oeuvre of musical theater, but director Stephen Brackett and choreographer Chase Brock’s hit-or-miss staging still can’t seem to find its groove…Roland and Salazar have found deeper roots since last summer’s Off-Broadway production…The chameleon-like ensemble keeps the action moving at a brisk pace… I’d say Be More Chill, in spite of its directorial inconsistencies, is a pill worth swallowing.” — The Broadway Blog
See it!
(l to r) Isabelle McCalla and Caitlin Kinnunen in ‘The Prom.’ (Photo: Deen van Meer)
The Prom
Much of ‘The Prom’s’ giddy success comes from its razor-sharp writing team… The Prom teaches lessons of tolerance and acceptance through laughter, and the troupe’s narcissism eventually gives way to empathy with the help of the story’s unassuming heroine. Ms. Kinnunen is refreshingly honest, carrying herself with heartfelt Gen Z awkwardness while also possessing Broadway vocal chops that will have audiences on their feet.” — The Broadway Blog
See it!
‘King Kong’ (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
King Kong
“King Kong’s greatest accomplishment is in its most intimate moments when we can revel in the animatronic wonder of Kong’s facial expressions. Those larger-than-life sad eyes will melt your heart, a reminder of what King Kong has long represented…racism and oppression. But when Kong has to run…no amount of technology or actors can…make it believable. Instead, he lumbers along, as if he’s stumbled out of Rudy’s dive bar…after one too many…wishing, like us, that this was all a dream.” — The Broadway Blog
Skip It 🙁
Stephanie J. Block and the Company of ‘The Cher Show.’ (Photo: Joan Marcus)
The Cher Show
“All of the time Cher spends talking to herself might be better utilized in deepening the relationships with those who impacted her life… The Cher Show rarely takes itself too seriously, but when it does, the musical offers a captivating glance into Cher’s evolution from shy outsider to multi-faceted star…Director Jason Moore keeps things moving swiftly amid the suggestive scenic design, which offers cinematic appeal and stadium-like theatrics for some of the flashier production numbers.”
See It (and Stephanie J. Block’s Tony Award-winning performance)!
(l to r) Andy Karl and Samantha Barks in ‘Pretty Woman.’ (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
Pretty Woman
“No one should have had to step into that red dress again… A facsimile of that red dress — and of many of the other outfits worn by Ms. Roberts, including her skimpy hooker clothes — show up in “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” which lowers the already ground-scraping bar for literal-minded adaptations of film to stage.” – The New York Times
Skip It 🙁
Out with the old and in with the new. What are the top Broadway shows that everyone is clamoring (and paying top dollar) for? Hadestown snagged Best New Musical, Oklahoma! won Best Musical Revival, and Moulin Rouge! opens at the end of July.
