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