Broadway is home to the cream of the crop for theatre, and dozens of shows get to call Broadway home. However, that does not last forever. Shows sometimes have to say goodbye, and this can be a popular occurrence at the beginning of the year.
This month, 12 shows are set to close, 6 musicals and 5 plays. They are all one of a kind and create distinctive theatrical experiences. So if you were planning to come to Broadway soon, check out these shows before they are gone.
1. 1776 (Genderbent Broadway)
Before there was Hamilton, another musical told the story of the founding fathers. 1776 is about the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence but told in song. The musical originally premiered in 1969 and played for three years. The musical came back in 2022, but with a twist. In this revival, women/those who are gender non-conforming play all of the parts. This modern presentation received mixed reviews and is closing on January 8th after a few months. Despite the feedback, this revival is one of a kind and full of excitement. Try to catch it before it’s gone.
2. Almost Famous (Music Film to Musical)
In 2000, Cameron Crowe made his semi-autobiographical film Almost Famous. This film told the story of a young music journalist trying to write a great article while on tour with a rock band. 22 years later, this film got the musical theatre treatment and made its debut on Broadway. It seemed fitting that a movie about music becomes an actual musical. Unfortunately, the film’s success did not translate well enough to the stage. The show is closing on January 8th after only three months on Broadway. There were not many kinds of reviews for this show, but if you are curious about how this show translates to the theatre world, give it a shot.
3. Beetlejuice (A Comedic Horror Adventure)
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, BEETLEJUICE. This classic horror comedy film captured movie theater audiences back in 1988. In 2019, it began to capture and dazzle Broadway audiences. It became quite a spectacle and brought a lot of energy to the stage. It received eight nominations and has given young people a love for a decades-old comedy. While this show has come back from almost closing in the past, this show is set to go on January 8th. If you want an elaborate set and comedic performances, check out this musical right away.
4. The Collaboration: (Two Artists Joining Forces)
Andy Warhol was one of the most revolutionary artists of his time. Jean-Michel Basquiat was a brilliant visionary that had so much to give. In The Collaboration, people can see the artistic connection that these two shared. In 2022. production transferred over from West End, with Paul Bettany and Jeremy Pope as Warhol and Basquiat respectively. While the Broadway production has received mixed reviews, the lead performances have been highly praised. The show closes January 29th, but there have been talks of a movie adaptation soon. You can’t beat the magic of live theatre though so take the chance to see it live while you can.
5. Death of a Salesman: (A Tragic Broadway Classic)
It seems that for every decade on Broadway, there is a Death of a Salesman Broadway revival. This streak continued into the 2020s. In 2022, the fifth revival of the famed Arthur Miller tragedy premiered on Broadway. The cast of this production had Wendell Pierce in the starring role, with an esteemed cast including Sharon D Clarke and Andre De Shields. This revival received a positive reception but will be closing on January 15th. While you will probably get a chance to see this play on Broadway again in a couple of years, appreciate the magic of this production now.
6. Into the Woods: (A Magical Fairytale Blend)
When the world lost Stephen Sondheim at the end of 2021, it was the loss of a legend. Sondheim has written numerous successful Broadway musicals and his legacy will last forever. In fact, his legacy continued into 2022 with the revival of the 1987 musical Into the Woods. This is a story that combines the stories of many classic fairy tales into an exciting musical tale. This originally premiered as a part of New York City Center’s popular “Encores!” series, before heading to Broadway. This revival is very successful and after many extensions, it is officially closing on January 8th. The production is going on tour next year with some of the revival’s cast, but it can be hard to beat Broadway. Go see what all of the fuss is about and catch this fantastical tale.
7. Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and the Pool (One Man’s Reflection on Life)
In 2018, comedian Mike Birbiglia brought his one-man autobiographical show The New One to Broadway. In 2022, he had a new story to tell. Mike Birbiglia: the Old Man and the Pool is a new contemplation on the comedian’s life. His story is able to combine comedy with deep reflection. This is a show with positive reviews, but one-man shows usually don’t last too long. This production is closing on January 15th. Even if you had never heard of Birbiglia, this is a unique theatre experience, so check it out for some humorous deep thoughts.
8. The Music Man (Hugh Jackman Taking Broadway by Storm)
Hugh Jackman is one of the most popular actors out there, as he has captured audiences across the world. While many people may only know him for his superhero acting, he is quite accomplished in musical theatre. That is what led to him starring in a revival of the 1967 musical The Music Man. Starting in 2022, Jackman wowed Broadway audiences by playing the titular charismatic con man. There were generally nice reviews for this show, but there was no way it was going to continue without Jackman. Once he is out, the show ends, which is why it is closing on January 15th. So if you want to breathe the same air as Jackman, or at least see an entertaining story, this could be the Broadway show for you.
9. Ohio State Murders (A Past Seen in the Present)
With six Tony awards, Audra McDonald holds the record for most Tonys for acting. She has wowed audiences in both musicals and plays, and she has received a lot of recognition for it. In 2022, she came back to impress audiences once again. This time, she is starring in a Broadway production of Ohio State Murders. This play tells the story of who goes back to her alma mater to speak, which leads to her confronting the violence of her past. Of course, McDonald gives a captivating performance, which might lead to another Tony. However, that was not enough to keep the show on. It was recently announced that the play would close on January 15th. You shouldn’t waste the opportunity to see McDonald perform in person, so see her at her current Broadway venture.
10. The Piano Lesson (Samuel L. Jackson and a Family Story)
Many theatre historians consider August Wilson to be one of the greatest playwrights of modern times. His plays have proven to be big successes with their reflections on race and family. The Piano Lesson is a notable example of those themes. Originally premiering in 1990, this play was recently revived in 2022. This production stars acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson. Also, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson’s wife, is directing the show. The reviews for this show were middle of the road, but there was a lot of praise for the acting. This revival is officially closing January 29th. If you want a night of great performances and a family story, this could be a play to check out.
11. A Strange Loop (The Struggles of Broadway On Stage)
Making it in the Broadway world can be difficult. This can be especially true if you black, gay, and overweight. A Strange Loop fully explores this concept. This musical is about an usher writing a musical, and so on. This show won the Tony Award for Best Musical at the most recent Tony Awards. Unfortunately, despite that momentum and great reviews, this musical is unfortunately closing on January 15th. This is an absolutely unique musical with a very progressive message, so try to see it before it is gone.
12. Topdog/Underdog (Complications of Brotherhood)
In 2001, Suzan-Lori Parks won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play Topdog/Underdog. This made her the first African American woman to win the award she was over 80 years old at the time. The show played for several months on Broadway at the time, and the current revival premiered in 2022. This play tells the story of two brothers and the struggles they face with the world and each other. It is a two-man show, with the brothers being the only characters. The story that this dark comedy tells and the actors have received a lot of praise. This is an intended limited run, with January 18th being the official date of closing. There is a lot to appreciate about this play, so try to see it if possible.
