Fifteen years have passed since two-time Tony nominee Patrick Wilson (The Full Monty, Oklahoma!) has been in a Broadway musical. “Pathetic, isn’t it? Pathetic,” Wilson says with a sighing laugh.
Pathetic might not be the first word that comes to mind with regards to the actor who has led two massively successful horror film franchises, earned a Golden Globe nominee for Showtime’s Fargo, and guested on Barbra Streisand’s duet album Encores. Still, the theatre has missed him—and he the theatre.
Patrick Wilson Joan Marcus
And Wilson has chosen well for his homecoming party: Brigadoon directed and choreographed by Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon at New York City Center, co-starring Tony winner Kelli O’Hara and featuring three-time Tony nominee Stephanie J. Block, Aasif Mandvi, and Tony nominee Robert Fairchild. “When I’m staring at Kelli O’Hara and Stephanie and Aasif—who I did Oklahoma! together [with] 15 years ago—the people that I’ve known and have been watching for such a long time but we haven’t worked together, it feels right,” says Wilson.
It also feels hurried—as is the known obstacle with the quick mountings of City Center’s Encores!. (“As Peter Lawrence, our stage manager, said, ‘It’s like summerstock with professionals,’” jokes Wilson.) Fortunately, Wilson finds groundedness in his co-star. “There’s such a grace and a stillness with her and an honesty that—aside from the gorgeous voice—there’s a very calm partnership,” says Wilson of O’Hara. “It was, truthfully, a very easy chemistry.”
Chemistry is at the heart of the Lerner and Loewe love story. When two American tourists, Tommy and Jeff (played by Wilson and Mandvi) stumble upon an ethereal Scottish village that appears for a single day every 100 years, Tommy falls in love with Brigadoon’s Fiona (played by O’Hara). Conventionally a love story of ingénues, this incarnation offers a weightier take. “It’s also coming at a role north of 40 that is typically played by younger people,” says Wilson. “But I love that because we’re sort of using what it is now to be around 40 and single and can’t figure out why and so it’s not just the young couple in love.”
From O’Hara’s perspective: “Fiona is a stronger character than I remembered.” The actor actually performed in a summerstock production of Brigadoon years ago. “She’s chosen not to just marry anybody, but if she doesn’t find him—the right one—who she feels is right for her then she’s happy and pretty OK.
“But then when she does find him she’s unapologetic about it and I think it’s time for that, too. Being lucky enough to find that sort of thing is not something to be swept under the rug right now,” she continues. “There are things that are worth fighting for and there are things that are worth giving your heart and trust to.”
From The Light in the Piazza to South Pacific to The Bridges of Madison County, O’Hara has authentically inhabited some of musical theatre’s most romantic and sweeping love stories. How does she relinquish herself to it time and again onstage? “I don’t stand here and try to know what a person feels when love has not worked out, but I do have a good marriage and I believe in love. I think it’s easier for me to give into it and not be cynical about it,” she says. “There are reasons and times to trust. I’m not going to try to shy away from that.”
The beauty of Wheeldon’s vision (“The movement, the way he sees things, the picture’s just gorgeous,” says O’Hara) and the mellifluous voices (“When you’re singing opposite Kelli and you hear that voice, you want to match that voice,” says Wilson) will sweep audiences into the romance of Brigadoon.
After all, as O’Hara says, “How would you feel if I said there was a place right now that was beautiful and perfect and you could disappear in it?”
Inside Rehearsals for Brigadoon Starring Kelli O’Hara, Patrick Wilson, Stephanie J. Block, and More
The holiday season is upon New York City. More than hot cocoa and skating at Rockefeller Center, that means it’s also the most wonderful time of the year to catch cheery Christmas-themed entertainment. Whether you’re looking for the best in dance, classical music, Broadway, family theatre, or pop stars, this list of 13 experiences will be your guide to navigating the chaotic joy of Yuletide offerings.
Here’s our list of special holiday engagements in chronological order of their opening:
The Radio City Rockettes
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular November 10–January 1 Radio City Music Hall No other holiday show is more iconic than the long-running Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes. Since 1933, the Spectacular has been an institution of singing, dancing, and Yuletide cheer. Though some routines are a staple (the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers”), the show presents a fresh story and new material each year. For tickets and information, click here.
The Ride: Holiday Edition November 16–January 7 New York City The Holiday Ride returns for its sixth year, giving a whole new meaning to the idea of a holiday sleigh. Celebrating the lights of Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanza, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the luxury motor coach turn New York City streets into a stage as passengers enjoy seasonal music and curated holiday-themed sidewalk performances timed to the bus route. For tickets and information, click here.
Home for the Holidays November 21–December 30 August Wilson Theatre For a special limited engagement, the winners of America’s top reality television singing competitions (Candice Glover of American Idol, Josh Kaufman of The Voice, and Bianca Ryan of America’s Got Talent) join together to celebrate the holidays in this concert extravaganza hosted by The Bachelorette’s Kaitlyn Bristowe. For tickets and information, click here.
Annie November 22–December 31 Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn, New Jersey Starring Tony winner Beth Leavel as Miss Hannigan and two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber as Daddy Warbucks, the beloved musical inspired by “Little Orphan Annie” comes to the Tony-winning regional theatre. Featuring songs like “Tomorrow,” “New Deal for Christmas,” “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here,” and more, Annie is the perfect first musical for new theatregoers and a cozy favorite to return to again and again. For tickets and information, click here.
The Nutcracker at City Ballet Photo by Paul Kolnik
The Nutcracker November 24–December 31 New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center The beautiful Company once again presents George Balanchine’s stunning choreography in its annual presentation of the classic ballet—featuring 90 dancers, 62 musicians, and 32 stagehands just to mount it. Dress in your holiday finest and watch the tale of young Clara as her dreams come to life onstage with marching toy soldiers, mischievous mice, glimmering snowflakes, and delightful desserts. For tickets and information, click here.
The Magic Flute November 25–December 9 Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center If you’re looking for grandiose yet groundbreaking art—that’s not necessarily holiday-themed—the Met Opera’s production of The Magic Flute is your number. Directed by Tony and Oscar winner Julie Taymor (The Lion King), the English-language production has been shortened to a high-energy 100 minutes. The story follows Prince Tamino, who was saved from a serpent’s wrath by the Queen of the Night and must repay her by rescuing her daughter with a magic flute. This production—and the libretto itself—is a great one for opera newbies. For tickets and information, click here.
Elf The Musical December 13–29 The Theatre at Madison Square Garden For lovers of the Will Ferrell movie of the same name—and those who love humor around the holidays—Elf The Musical returns to the Theatre at Madison Square Garden. The show first bowed on Broadway in 2010 and continues to deliver the flash, splash, and heart of its Main Stem roots and the spirit of the film. From the bubble “Sparkjollytwinklejingley” to the jazzy “Never Fall in Love,” the music and choreography will put a smile on your face. The extended run at MSG is just one stop on its national tour, so check to see if the production is playing in a city near you. For tickets and information, click here.
A Christmas Carol November 24–December 17 Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row In this production from MOD Theatre Company, seven actors play 57 characters of the classic Charles Dickens story. As grumpy Ebeneezer Scrooge rues Christmas, visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, turn his cold heart to loving one. For tickets and information, click here.
Kris Kringle the Musical November 24 The Town Hall Tony nominees Cathy Rigby (yes, that Cathy Rigby) and Pamela Myers, as well as Andrew Keenan-Bolger, will bow in this original holiday musical for two performances only. The story follows “starry-eyed toymaker Kris Kringle (Keenan-Bolger), who crosses paths with an evil New York City toy company CEO and finds himself wrapped up in a magical curse with the power to destroy Christmas. From the top of the world in the North Pole, Kris Kringle teams up with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the beautiful Evelyn Noel, a band of hilarious Apprentices and Elves, and magical Toys to remind us what Christmas is really about.” The performances benefit The Singing Angel, a charity dedicated to promoting youth culture through the arts. For tickets and information, click here.
Handel’s “Messiah” December 12–16 New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center The annual performance of the classical opus will play David Geffen Hall. Conducted by Gary Thor Wedow, the Orchestra performs the masterpiece that first debuted in Dublin circa 1742. For tickets and information, click here.
A Middle Eastern Christmas December 13 Carnegie Hall Renowned Lebanese-American tenor Amine J. Hachem presents a program dipping into an array of styles—from Latin to jazz to American pop to European classical. Along with Christmas favorites, Hachem will sing tunes influenced by great operatic tenors and rock icons. For tickets and information, click here.
Hip Hop Nutcracker December 14 United Palace Theatre For an edgier take on the classic tale, the Hip Hop Nutcracker is the pump of adrenaline you’ve been waiting for. The modern take has earned acclaim from the New York Times, CBS, and Elle Magazine, which calls it a “one-of-a-kind experience filled with high-powered choreography.” So if you’re ready for a revamp, this has your name written all over it. (Plus, check out the national tour schedule here.) For tickets and information, click here.
The Snow Queen December 30–January 7 New Ohio Theatre $25 Award-winning theatre company Blessed Unrest presents this take on Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of a young woman trying to save her friend from “a frozen world devoid of feelings, featuring the troupe’s signature physicality, magical transformations, extravagant costumes, and modern humor.” Recommended for kids age 7 and up, the show by Matt Opatrny was written with families in mind. For tickets and information, click here.
Sharone Sayegh, Katrina Lenk, Jonathan Raviv, Tony Shalhoub, and Andrew Polk Matthew Murphy
The David Yazbek–Itamar Moses musical The Band’s Visit officially opened on Broadway November 9 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The musical transferred uptown following an acclaimed Off-Broadway world-premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company last year.
Based on the 2007 film by Eran Kolirin, the show follows Egyptian police band, who, after a mix-up at the border, find themselves in a remote village in the middle of the Israeli desert. Over the course of an evening, the band members are led into unlikely friendships with some of the locals, causing their lives to intertwine and change irreversibly.
The cast is made up of Katrina Lenk, Tony nominees Tony Shalhoub and John Cariani, George Abud, Andrew Polk, Bill Army, Adam Kantor, Rachel Prather, Jonathan Raviv, Sharone Sayegh, Ari’el Stachel, Kristen Sieh, Etai Benson, and Alok Tewari.
The Band’s Visit features music and lyrics by Yazbek, a book by Moses, and direction by David Cromer. Patrick McCollum choreographs. Broadway previews began October 7.
Musicians include Andrea Grody, Alexandra Eckhardt, Ossama Farouk, Philip Mayer, Sam Sadigursky, Jeff Theiss, Harvey Valdes, and David Garo Yellin.
The creative team also includes Scott Pask (set design), Sarah Laux (costume design), Tyler Micoleau (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design), Maya Ciarrocchi (projection design), Charles G. LaPointe (hair designer), Jamshied Sharifi (orchestrations), Andrea Grody (music supervisor, music director and additional arrangements) and Dean Sharenow (music supervisor and music coordinator).
What is the difference between Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway? This question is one that echoes among casual theatregoers theatre fanatics alike. Misconceptions abound about the difference between the three categories of theatre. There are quality productions at every level; the tiered system is not a ranking of quality or talent. Yes, budgets vary—with Broadway typically having the largest investments.
But the bare-bones answer is much more simple than many believe: It comes down to the number of seats in the theatre and geography. Playbill put together a fact sheet about the three tiers of New York City theatre to help you navigate the definition—and then drop some theatre knowledge the next time someone asks.
Broadway history is littered with ups and downs. There’s little to match the high of an opening night, and not much to meet the low of a show’s final performance. But what about when both of those come on the same day?
Since Oklahoma! re-defined the modern musical in 1943, there have been 22 musicals that have closed on opening night, and we’re taking a look back at each one.
Flip through photos of the 22 shows below:
22 Broadway Musicals That Closed on Opening Night
22 Broadway Musicals That Closed on Opening Night
All of these shows only played one official performance on Broadway.
38 PHOTOS
Glory Days
Andrew C. Call, Jesse JP Johnson, Adam Halpin, and Steven Booth in Glory DaysScott Suchman
Take Me Along
Kurt Knudson and Beth Fowler
Dance a Little Closer
Len Cariou with Diane Pennington, Cheryl Howard, and Alyson Reed in Dance a Little Closer
Cleavage
Daniel David, Tom Elias, and Mark File in Cleavage
Play Me a Country Song
Kenneth Ames, Reed Jones, René Clemente, and Louisa Flaningam in Play Me a Country Song
War Paint, the new Broadway musical starring Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole as rival cosmetics giants Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden, respectively, ends its run November 5 at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street).
The musical was originally scheduled to close December 30; the earlier date allows two-time Tony winner LuPone to have necessary and immediate hip replacement surgery. Upon closing, the musical will have played 33 previews 236 regular performances at the Nederlander.
“It is with great sadness that I must leave War Paint to undergo hip replacement surgery. For several months I have been performing in a great deal of pain. My producers David Stone and Marc Platt have provided an incredible team who, through physical therapy, chiropractic and acupuncture, have enabled me to continue on stage,” said LuPone in an earlier statement. “But the pain has now become too intense and I have no other choice but to leave Christine, John, Doug, and this wonderfully supportive company of actors, who I’ve had the great privilege to work with for over a year. I will miss them more than I can express.“
“We had all hoped—no-one more than Patti—that we would be able to continue until our scheduled final performance on December 30,” added producers David Stone and Marc Platt. “We all know Patti is strong, and she has proven to have even more strength than we imagined. At this point, however, she needs to have hip replacement surgery sooner rather than later. Therefore, we have to move up our final performance to November 5. On behalf of Christine and the entire company and crew, we wish her a speedy recovery.”
LuPone is slated to star as Joanne in the upcoming London production of Company. She’ll reprise her performance after taking on the role in the New York Philharmonic’s 2011 staging.
War Paint officially opened on Broadway April 6 after previews began March 7. Prior to Broadway, War Paint had a sold-out run at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in summer 2016.
Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Both LuPone and Ebersole received Tony nominations for their performances. The production also received nods for Best Costume and Best Scenic Design.
The new musical reunites Scott Frankel and Michael Korie—the songwriting team of Grey Gardens and Far From Heaven—with Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright (Grey Gardens, I Am My Own Wife, The Little Mermaid) and director Michael Greif (Grey Gardens, Next to Normal). Choreography is by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli. The show is inspired by Lindy Woodhead’s book War Paint and the documentary film The Powder & the Glory by Ann Carol Grossman and Arnie Reisman.
Douglas Sills, who created the role of Harry Fleming (Helena Rubinstein’s clubby confidante and faithful ally), departed the production last month and was succeeded by ensemble member and understudy Chris Hoch. His Broadway credits include Amazing Grace, Matilda, Shrek, La Cage aux Folles, and Beauty and the Beast.
The Broadway company also features Tony nominee John Dossett as Tommy Lewis, Arden’s husband and chief marketing officer.
The ensemble comprises Barbara Jo Bednarczuk, Patti Cohenour, Mary Ernster, Tom Galantich, David Girolmo, Joanna Glushak, Mary Claire King, Steffanie Leigh, Erik Liberman, Barbara Marineau, Donna Migliaccio, Stephanie Jae Park, Jennifer Rias, Angel Reda, Tally Sessions, and Bart Shatto.
The musical was produced on Broadway by Stone, Platt, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo, Marcia Goldberg, Universal Stage Productions, Independent Presenters Network, and the Goodman Theatre.
The creative team included scenic designer David Korins, costume designer Catherine Zuber, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, sound designer Brian Ronan, orchestrator Bruce Coughlin, and music director Lawrence Yurman. Casting was by Telsey + Co.
(Tickets sold for performances after November 5 can be refunded at their point of purchase.)
