New for 2014, The Broadway Blog’s editor Matthew Wexler offers three picks at the beginning of each month: what’s opening on Broadway and beyond and why you shouldn’t miss them.
BROADWAY
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
“You make me feel like a natural woman.” — at least that’s what Tony Award-nominee Jessie Mueller hopes as she takes on the iconic singer/songwriter in this latest attempt at a musical memoire. If anyone has the chops, it’s Mueller, who was the saving grace in a recent revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever as well as standout performances in Into the Woods in Central Park and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Our prediction is another Tony nomination for Mueller and if Douglas McGrath’s book holds up to the Carole King songbook, a win.
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Opening night: January 12
LONDON
King Lear
For those of us stateside with a penchant for iambic pentameter, Frank Langella takes on the title role in King Lear at BAM beginning January 7, but it is the National Theatre’s production in London that has us screaming “come not between the dragon and his wrath.” The production, directed by Sam Mendes and starring Simon Russell Beale, is so hotly anticipated that you can’t even get a ticket until March. If you’re not heading across the pond this spring, mark your calendar for May 1, when the production will be broadcast live throughout the world as part of National Theatre Live.
King Lear
Opening night: January 14
BOSTON
Venus in Fur
If you didn’t catch the Broadway production of this sexually charged play by David Ives, head to Beantown where Huntington Theatre Company’s (winner of the 2013 Tony Award for best regional theater) production opens on January 8. “This savage, sexy, smart, and funny new play took my breath away. Director Daniel Goldstein set our stage on fire with God of Carnage, and I know he will make our new production the hottest date night in Boston,” says artistic director Peter Dubois. Hear what he has to say…
Venus in Fur
Opening night: January 8