DECEMBER 15 • 2022 | 69
A
fter the long
Broadway shutdown
and last-minute pro-
duction closings due to COVID,
New York City theaters are
starting to thrive again. Long-
running shows are back, and
new musicals and plays are
debuting.
While theaters have lifted
the vaccine mandate, the mask
requirements vary. If you are
planning a trip to NYC over the
holidays, here are some new
shows with a Jewish connection:
BROADWAY
& Juliet imagines a new life for
Juliet after Romeo. This roman-
tic comedy is a jukebox musical
that includes some of the big-
gest hits by Katy Perry, Britney
Spears and Ariana Grande. Ben
Jackson Walker plays Romeo
and Lorna Courtney plays
Juliet — both are University of
Michigan grads. Book by David
West Read (writer for Schitt’s
Creek), music and lyrics by
Max Martin, music supervision
orchestration and arranging
by Bill Sherman. Masks are
“urged” not mandated.
At the Stephen Sondheim
Theatre, 124. W
. 43rd St. (833)
274-8497.
A Beautiful Noise, the Neil
Diamond Musical tells the
story of music legend Neil
Diamond, a poor Jewish boy
from Brooklyn who became
universally revered.
His first break into songwrit-
ing was in the 1960s, and this
energetic show highlights his
disappointments, successes and
rise to stardom. Will Swenson
and Mark Jacoby both play
Neil, but at different ages.
Direction is by Michael Mayer.
The musical score features
the singer’s most beloved hits,
including “Sweet Caroline”
and “Cracklin’ Rose.
” Masks are
suggested.
At the Broadhurst Theatre,
235 W
. 44th St. (800) 447-7400.
Almost Famous, based on
the 2000 film with the same
name, focuses on the sex, drugs
and rock and roll culture of the
1970s. With book and lyrics by
Cameron Crowe and music and
lyrics by Tom Kitt, it’s the story
of William Miller, a 15-year-old
aspiring music journalist/rock
critic. Rolling Stone Magazine
asks Miller to go on the road
with an up-and-coming band,
and he meets unforgettable
characters along the way. He
sees firsthand the dangers that
can arise for the musicians and
their groupies. Starring Chris
Wood (The Vampire Diaries)
and Anika Larsen (Beautiful: the
Carole King Musical,) it’s direct-
ed by Jeremy Herrin. Masks
recommended, not required.
At the Bernard B. Jacobs
Theatre, 242 West 45th St. (212)
239-6200.
Death of a Salesman, the
Arthur Miller classic about
trying to achieve the American
dream, is given a new per-
spective. In this production,
Willie Loman and his family
are all played by black actors.
Although Miller’s words were
not rewritten, it brings what’s
on the pages to a new level.
Death of a Salesman debuted
on Broadway in 1949, and
Miller, who graduated from the
University of Michigan, had
won the Pulitzer Prize for the
play. The show closes Jan. 15.
Masks are “encouraged.
”
At the Hudson Theatre, 139-
141 W
. 44th St. (855) 801-5876.
Funny Girl tells the bit-
tersweet story of New York
Jewish girl Fanny Brice, who
had a unique vocal talent and
persevered to become one of
the most famous performers
in history. She had a tempes-
tuous relationship with gam-
bler Nicky Arnstein, which
is explored in the musical.
Starring Lea Michele (her father
is a Sephardic Jew, and her
mother is Catholic) and Tovah
Feldshuh. Revised book by
Harvey Fierstein and direction
is by Michael Mayer. Masks are
optional but encouraged.
At the August Wilson
Theatre, 245 W
. 52nd St. (888)
985-9421.
Kimberly Akimbo, a smart
and funny New Jersey teen,
suffers from an aging disease
that makes her look like a
72-year-old woman. With
many obstacles in her way, she’s
determined to find happiness
in a world where time is not on
her side. Starring Victoria Clark
as Kimberly, one of the show’s
understudies is Sky Alyssa
Friedman. Book by David
Lindsay-Abaire, directed by
Jessica Stone. Masks optional.
At the Booth Theatre, 222 W
.
45th St. (212) 239-6200.
KPOP transferred from Off-
Broadway to the Broadway
stage. Presented as a mocku-
mentary and with the energy
of a stadium concert, it’s about
an upcoming American tour
for a globally popular Korean
musical group. KPOP is the first
Broadway musical to celebrate
continued on page 70
Mark Jacoby as
Neil Diamond
(now) and
Linda Powell
as Doctor in A
Beautiful Noise
Stark Sands
and Betsy
Wofle in &Juliet
MATTHEW MURPHY
JULIETA CERVANTES