Broadway 2017: 5 Fall Picks

Ranging from splashy musicals to celebrities on the stage and the page, this Broadway season an intriguing variety of shows are coming your way. Broadway 2017 is closing out with a bang, from revivals to shows that address current socio-political issues, there’s truly something for everyone.

Broadway 2017: Latin History For Morons

Force of nature John Leguizamo is back on Broadway with another one man show, and he’s not pulling any punches. We wouldn’t expect anything less!

The show was inspired by Leguizamo’s realization that Latino contributions have been more or less erased from the history books. Leguizamo catches us up from Aztec history to the present with his signature audacity, hilarious characters and smarts. We’re excited to get simultaneously schooled and entertained!

“Latin History For Morons” comes to Broadway via a critically acclaimed run at The Public and will be a limited run.

First Preview: October 19

Opening: November 15

Broadway 2017: Meteor Shower

Steve Martin returns to Broadway as a playwright with “Meteor Shower,” which also stars the comedian Amy Schumer in her Broadway debut. Schumer has performed Martin’s work before, having appeared in a production of his “Picasso at The Lapine Agile,” and we assume that the two make for a powerful duo of comedy chops.

This marital comedy is set in the 90’s, when Martin wrote the play, in Ojai, California. Two couples meet for an evening of star gazing and celestial hijinx ensue. With veteran Broadway director Jerry Zacks at the helm, this is sure to be an entertaining evening.

First Preview: November 1

Opening: November 27

Broadway 2017: The Parisian Woman

Uma Thurman brings Hollywood glamour to Broadway this season in her Broadway Debut, “The Parisian Woman.” The play is set in Washington, D.C., where powerful friends are the only kind worth having, especially after the 2016 election. At the center is Chloe, a socialite armed with charm and wit, coming to terms with politics, her past, her marriage and an uncertain future. Dark humor and drama collide at the pivotal moment in Chloe’s life, and in our nation’s.

The play, based on the 19th century French farce “La Parisienne,” by Francois Becque, was written by Beau Willimon, the creator of  the Netflix show “House of Cards.” Political intrigue is right up his ally and Thurman seems like a natural fit in that world.

First Preview: November 7

Opening Night: November 30

Broadway 2017: Once On This Island

This revival of a 1990 musical should be an inspiring night. Set in the Caribbean, the story follows a peasant girl and her star crossed romance with a boy from the wealthy side of the island. If you’re a sucker for a good love story, this should be a pretty dreamy night for you!

This remounting is notable for its much-talked about new sound. Rather than relying on the traditional orchestra pit, orchestrator Michael Starobin is utilizing all kinds of functional objects to create a soundscape unlike any other currently on Broadway. Think trash bins and piping. We love it when artists take these kinds of risks and look forward to hearing the beautiful score reimagined.

Cast includes Hailey Kilgore making her Broadway debut, and Lea Solanga, the Tony Award winner for “Miss Saigon.”

First Preview: November 9

Opening Night: December 3

Broadway 2017: Spongebob Squarepants

Some ideas are so crazy that they’re genius. Turning Spongebob Squarepants into a musical? What?? We’re in!!!

This musical adaptation of the Nickelodeon cartoon had its try out in Chicago and was met with nothing but enthusiasm. When a dream team that includes Tina Landau directing and the design team from Fun Home, Hedwig and Spring Awakening meets some of the greatest pop and rock stars providing music, it’s not surprising that something truly visionary is the result.

The score includes music from Steven Tyler, Cyndi Lauper, They Might Be Giants, John Legend, Lady Antebellum, Sara Bareilles, David Bowie, The Flaming Lips and more. This is not going to be a boring night and should be a crowd pleaser for all ages.

First Preview: November 6

Opening Night: December 4

What else are you excited to see this season?