Exciting Musicals for 2010

Looking forward towards a new year of musical theater is a pleasant thought these days. There's so much to be excited for in the coming year. I thought a great way to kick off this new year would be to talk about a few musicals that I am excited to see. What follows is a description of the piece, taken from the press (in quotations), as well as my own thoughts.

1. The Burnt Part Boys -
Book by Mariana Elder
Lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Music by Chris Miller

"The Burnt Part Boys is set in West Virginia in 1962. The musical follows a group of teenagers whose fathers were killed ten years earlier in a tragic coal mining accident. When they learn that the mine will be reopened, they set out secretly in the hopes of seeing the site, and keeping it closed. A deeply moving and powerful odyssey, The Burnt Part Boys is an unforgettable coming of age tale, set to a haunting and distinctive bluegrass and pop inspired score."

This musical has been in development for a while and cannot wait to see the outcome of all that hard work. You have to appreciate a musical that is co-produced by three non-profit theaters (NY Stage & Film, Vineyard, & Playwrights Horizons).

2. The Kid -
Book by Michael Zam
Lyrics by Jack Lechner
Music by Andy Monroe

"This musical is based on the true story of what happens when sex columnist Dan Savage and his boyfriend decide to start a family. Winner of the 2009 Jerry Bock Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre, The Kid is The New Group’s first musical since 2004’s Tony-winning production of Avenue Q. Winner of the 2009 BMI Foundation Jerry Bock Award for Outstanding New Musical, The Kid is The New Group's first musical since 2004's Tony-winning production of Avenue Q."

It's very exciting that the New Group has taken the challenge of producing this musical. So many wonderful musicals are written at the BMI Workshop and I'm looking forward to supporting the work of new musical theatre writers.

3. The Scottsboro Boys
Book by David Thompson
Music & Lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb

"From the legendary songwriting team of KANDER & EBB (CABARET, CHICAGO, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN), THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS is a stirring new musical that explores the infamous 1930’s ‘Scottsboro Case’, in which a group of innocent African-American teenagers are falsely accused of a terrible crime — ultimately provoking a national outrage that sparked the American Civil Rights movement. With a book by DAVID THOMPSON (STEEL PIER), Tony Award-winner SUSAN STROMAN (THE PRODUCERS) directs and choreographs a stellar cast led by Tony-winner JOHN CULLUM (URINETOWN), BRANDON VICTOR DIXON (THE COLOR PURPLE), and COLMAN DOMINGO (PASSING STRANGE) on The Vineyard’s intimate stage. Do not miss your chance to see the next major American musical from the Tony Award-winning VINEYARD THEATRE."

Just when you thought there weren't anymore new Kander and Ebb musicals, The Scottsboro Boys provides their canon with a very different entry. I'm very curious to see what Susan Stroman creates this spring. Kudos to the Vineyard Theatre for developing this piece and giving it a home in New York.

4. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Written by Alex Timbers
Music & Lyrics by Michael Friedman

"Following a sold-out run at last year’s Public LAB, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON returns! BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON audaciously redefines America’s seventh president, the man who invented the Democratic Party and doubled the size of our nation, with a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and an infectious emo rock score. "

After a successful development production of the musical, I'm ecstatic that the Public chose to produce a full production. The writers, who frequently work with The Civilians, have created a musical that is destined to have a cult following. I really hope that this becomes a hot ticket downtown.

5. Million Dollar Quartet
Written by Colin Escot and Floyd Mutrux

“MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the new smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "That's All Right," "Sixteen Tons," "Great Balls of Fire," "Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Who Do You Love?," "Matchbox," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hound Dog" and more.”

This musical was a smash hit out in Chicago and begins its Broadway run this spring at the Nederlander Theater. In my eyes, this musical will either be a huge smash or might not find its audience. It also might be overshadowed by the fact that Memphis has many similar attributes. At the same time, I'm really looking forward to seeing what the book writers did to create a story that uses these great songs to elevate the circumstances of the plot.

6. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
Book by Julie Taymor and Glen Berger
Music & Lyrics by Bono and The Edge

"Drawing from over 40 years of Marvel comic books for inspiration, Spider-Man spins a new take on the mythic tale of a young man propelled from a modest rowhouse in Queens to the sky-scraping spire of the Chrysler Building, the bustling offices of the Daily Bugle, through the dizzying canyons of Manhattan, to new vistas never before seen. The musical follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down — literally — when he's bitten by a genetically altered spider and wakes up the next morning clinging to his bedroom ceiling. This bullied science-geek — suddenly endowed with astonishing powers — soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains test not only his physical strength but also his strength of character. Spider-Man's battles will hurtle the audience through an origin story both recognizable and unexpected — yielding new characters as well as familiar faces — until a final surprising confrontation casts a startling new light on this hero's journey."

It doesn't get anymore of a toss up than this webbed musical. Of course, by now you've probably read about all of the troubles this musical has gone through this year. For me, I'm just happy they now have a plan to move forward and get this piece onto the stage of the Hilton Theater. If there is one thing on this earth that is true, it is that whatever Julie Taymor touches is always interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing this piece come to life.

7. In Transit -
Written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, James-Allen Ford, Russ Kaplan and Sara Wordsworth

"In this fresh take on the modern musical, seven performers take on multiple roles and create every note with their own voices for a rich theatrical experience unlike anything you've ever seen (or heard) on stage before. Inspired by the rhythms and sounds of life on the subway, In Transit follows an aspiring actress, a fledgling financier, a street-savvy beatboxer, a cab driver, and others as they find their way in New York City. The result is a vivid tapestry of characters and music in the City that never stands still."

I cannot tell you how excited I am that this musical is getting a New York City Premiere! It has all the elements to be a successful fan favorite Off-Broadway. This story, told through a capella music and a beat boxer, weaves a wonderful tapestry about New Yorkers that is original and full of fun and heart.

8. American Idiot -

Book by Billy Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer
Lyrics by Billy Joe Armstrong
Music by Green Day

"Green Day won two Grammys for its multi-platinum album American Idiot, which sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. Now those searing songs seize the stage with the director behind Spring Awakening, the groundbreaking musical that earned eight Tony Awards and enthralled audiences around the world. American Idiot follows working-class characters from the suburbs to the city to the Middle East, as they seek redemption in a world filled with frustration. This high-octane show features every track from the album, plus several new tunes from Green Day’s newest release, 21st Century Breakdown. With an on-stage band and a cast of 19, American Idiot will take you on an exhilarating journey borne along by Green Day’s electrifying songs."

Since this project started its development, I have been camped out for its inevitable New York Premiere. One of my biggest hopes for the musical theatre is that popular music artists will have a story to tell on the musical stage. Paired with collaborators from the theatre world, I think this type of storytelling can be electric. We've seen through pieces like Passing Strange and Spring Awakening that there are stories that are meant to be told on the stage by people who aren't your typical writers. There's a place for all of these pieces in the canon. I'm so excited that Billy Joe Armstrong decided to be bold and work with Michael Mayer and Tom Kitt to bring their story to the stage.

So that is what I'm excited for this year. What excites YOU about the musical theatre for the new year? Leave your comments and vote on the poll.