I love these musicals. They carry on the grand tradition of the Broadway Musical Comedy before the 2006-2007 season shocked everybody with German expressionism and kooky cat ladies. See Spicy Season for the lowdown on this past season’s Broadway Musicals for more information. In the meantime, read all about these semi-long runners that continue to delight audiences and shock them (a little).
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee -- Rating: 2 hearts; HIPSTER FRIENDLYMuch like the documentary Spellbound¸ this hilarious musical focuses on the contestants, or the semi-tortured children who make their way through a minefield of parental missed opportunities, personal neuroses and the pitfalls of adolescence on their way to spelling stardom. Be prepared for political quips and naughty word play. Adventurous souls can also become one of the guest spellers and sit on stage with the actors.
The spelling began on May 2, 2005 at the Circle in the Square Theatre, and it was nominated for six 2005 Tony Awards, winning two. For up to date casting information, visit www.spellingbeethemusical.com.
Avenue Q -- Rating: 3 hearts; HIPSTER FAVORITEI saw this gem of a musical when it first opened at the Vineyard Theatre downtown, and I must admit that I loved how it was all about perverted puppets. My friends and I were delighted to see a musical that spoke to our fears about settling in to the big city and new romances, our inability to always be politically correct and our secret desires to have Bert and Ernie come out of Sesame Street’s closet. After its transfer to Broadway, Avenue Q won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical and brought its creative team to instant prominence. This show is a blast!
It moved onto Broadway on July 31, 2003 at the Golden Theatre. For the most recent casting news, visit www.avenueq.com.
Hairspray -- Rating: 3 hearts; HIPSTER FRIENDLYYes, the new movie of the John Watters adaptation from the original movie is in theatres now, but if you haven’t seen it live – go! Like Rent, Hairspray brings in a rotating replacement cast from American Idol and the like to keep young audiences hooked. I personally found the energetic blend of dynamic music and campy good fun too much to resist.
Hairspray came onto the Broadway scene on August 15, 2002 and won the 2003 Tony Award for Best Musical. See who’s in the cast now at www.hairspraythemusical.com.
Most people in the 20-30 range get a kick out of these shows. Which one sounds good to you?
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