Four Broadway musicals in four days, Yes Please!

 

Our fearless leader always has his finger on the pulse of all things Broadway and Touring, so he recently took a long weekend to hit Nashville and then NYC, seeing four Broadway musicals in four days. Of course, I’m talking about BTL’s Executive Director, Andrew Willmon. Upon his return I needed details on “Hellooooo Poppets”, disco pop on the dance floor, an old iconic DeLorean, and some good ‘ol backwards story-telling!

 

Show #1: MRS. DOUBTFIRE

Synopsis: Mrs. Doubtfire is based on the 1993 hit movie of the same name, starring Robin Williams. Daniel Hillard, a struggling, out-of-work actor, will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, Daniel creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now – one that proves we’re better together.

Andrew’s Quick Take: It was a lovely evening. Very nostalgic and it felt like wearing your favorite comfortable pajamas. Huge added bonus was seeing Rob McClure’s Tony-nominated performance in the title role of Mrs. Doubtfire which he is reprising for the national tour.

 

Show #2: HERE LIES LOVE

Synopsis: It is a groundbreaking musical about former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’ astonishing rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution. The Broadway Theatre has transformed into Club Millennium for this immersive theatrical experience where you can witness her rise and fall either in traditional seats or move on the dance floor. Concept and lyrics by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, with additional music by Fatboy Slim.

Andrew’s Quick Take: I opted to sit in traditional seats instead of on the dance floor, but it was still very immersive. At one point the actress playing Imelda Marcos was close enough that I could almost touch her and she sang directly to me.

 

Show #3: BACK TO THE FUTURE

Synopsis: A new musical adventure based on the 1985 blockbuster and pop culture phenomenon and is brought to the stage by the movie’s co-writers, Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis. Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown. But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

Andrew’s Quick Take: The technology was unreal! It was very exciting to see how much it had changed from 1955 to 2023. I saw the understudy for Doc Brown he was excellent. Turns out he played Sweeney Todd when it toured here with BTL in 2008.

 

Show #4: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Synopsis: Merrily spans three decades in the entertainment business and charts the turbulent relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends – writer Mary and lyricist and playwright Charley. It is the story of how a composer’s idealism and friendships were corrupted by success and is told backwards, starting with the disillusioned present, and ending with their optimistic college years in Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical.

Andrew’s Quick Take: This was THE show to see. Starring Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe, their chemistry was phenomenal. Currently the hottest ticket on Broadway and I see why. Added bonus, I was seated in close proximity to Sigourney Weaver and Gloria Steinum and that’s why you’ve got to love NYC!

 

It’s always thrilling to hear about what’s playing on Broadway right now and hopefully BTL will be presenting them here in Huntsville for y’all sooner than later. We’re all very excited when Andrew comes back from NYC to share this news with us. Of course, I would be MORE excited if he brought me along next time. Yes, I believe I have mastered the “Art of Subtlety”.