6 touring theater productions to catch this winter
These shows are unmissable for theater lovers
This collection of touring theater productions is a mix of Broadway success stories and a pre-Broadway production of a beloved musical-theater classic that has been away from the Great White Way for far too long.
1. Company
Phone rings; door chimes; in comes Marianne Elliott's gender-bent production of the landmark Stephen Sondheim and George Furth musical. This lauded revival began its life in London, before taking over Broadway. The U.S. tour continues the production's celebrated role reversal, with Britney Coleman playing Bobbie in lieu of the usual male Bobby. See for yourself why — and how — "Company" shattered musical theater norms.
2. The Cher Show
The life of Cher, being the powerhouse she is, requires not one but three women to tell her story, at least in this biographical musical. Her youngest self, Babe, is played by Ella Perez; her next iteration, Lady, is performed by Catherine Ariale; and Star, her apotheosis, is embodied by Morgan Scott. Hits such as "Half-Breed," "Believe" and "Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves" all make appearances. And, of course, so too does Sonny Bono.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
3. Hadestown
Composer Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin have taken the Eurydice and Orpheus myth, merged it with Hades' and Persephone's myth and thrown in some Hermes for good measure. It's a Greek-mythology gallimaufry sung to a folksy score, and Lana Gordon's performance as the drowsy, booze-swilling Persephone is alone worth the price of admission.
4. Jagged Little Pill
A family struggles to survive, all to the tune of an Alanis Morissette catalog and vibrant, contemporary movements staged by choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Expect Jade McLeod as Jo to bring the house to its feet with their raucous, vengeful take on "You Oughta Know" during Act 1.
5. The Wiz
It has been nearly 50 years since this revolutionary Black telling of "The Wizard of Oz" debuted on Broadway. Well, this touring production isn't on Broadway yet, but it opens on the Great White Way after it finishes its pre-Broadway wanderings across the States — so you can say you were there first if you snag a ticket for the remaining stops over the next few months. Rumor has it the talent in this cast, including Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow and Melody Betts as Aunt Em/Evillene, is off the charts.
6. Six
King Henry VIII's six wives and their singular life stories come to pop-rock life in this musical by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Predictably, the show started in England, but it has since taken over Broadway and now the rest of the U.S. Part biography, part girl band rock concert, part lively hagiography, an evening — or afternoon — at "Six" is a delirious, high-energy hoot.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Scott Hocker is an award-winning freelance writer and editor at The Week Digital. He has written food, travel, culture and lifestyle stories for local, national and international publications for more than 20 years. Scott also has more than 15 years of experience creating, implementing and managing content initiatives while working across departments to grow companies. His most recent editorial post was as editor-in-chief of Liquor.com. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief of Tasting Table and a senior editor at San Francisco magazine.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 23, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - qualifications, tax cuts, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
4 tips for hosting an ecofriendly Thanksgiving
The Week Recommends Coming together for the holidays typically produces a ton of waste, but with proper preparation, you can have an environmentally friendly gathering.
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Mary Poppins tour: 'humdinger' of a show kicks off at Bristol Hippodrome
The Week Recommends Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers are 'true triple threats' as Mary and Bert in 'timeless' production
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
These 7 touring theater productions are ready to carry you through the holidays and into the new year
The Week Recommends Your favorite movie-turned-musical might be coming to a city near you
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
Kimpton Everly Hotel: the perfect base to explore Hollywood
The Week Recommends Escape the bustle of LA at this laidback bolthole
By Caroline Dolby Published
-
The best TV spy thrillers
The Week Recommends Brilliant espionage series, packed with plot twists to keep you hooked until the end
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Magnificent Tudor castles and stately homes to visit this year
The Week Recommends The return of 'Wolf Hall' has sparked an uptick in visits to Britain's Tudor palaces
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Vegetable cocktails are having a moment
The Week Recommends Wild carrot margarita? Mung bean old-fashioned? 'Allotment-inspired' tipples are appearing on drinks menus
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published