A Practical Guide to the New Broadway Season

Broadway is one of America's most treasured attractions. Whether you are a tourist, a local student or just another theater lover who makes a special trip to Times Square to see the newest shows, this season has something for everyone.

Unfortunately, as ticket prices grow higher and higher, we all want to be sure we are seeing the best and brightest stars and the shows that everyone is talking about. Often I have wished I heard about the upcoming seasons sooner. And more and more people don't want to have to make a last-minute decision at the box office when there are only a few, very pricey, seats left for that day's performance. If only there could be some guarantee of getting in to see something we will like. After all, there is nothing worse than sitting in an $80 or $100 seat with buyer's remorse and the feeling that the second act is moving even slower than the first.

With that in mind, here is a quick look at what this Broadway season has to offer for musicals. It is grouped by association to other musicals that you might have already seen or at least be more familiar with so that you can easily find which new Broadway musical might be the one for you. Or which ones to avoid.

The Musical Comedy
If you enjoyed The Producers and Spamalot - go see Young Frankenstein.

This brand new adaptation from the Mel Brooks film of the same name stars stage and screen star Roger Bart, Tony Award winning sensation Sutton Foster and Megan Mullally, the actress best known for her comic role as Karen on Will and Grace. Playbill.com was one of many sources to report on their record breaking ticket prices, as high as $450.00! (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/109202.html) Whether you are willing to pay that much or opt for the cheap seats it a hot ticket, so you better reserve yours quick!

http://www.youngfrankensteinthemusical.com/

The Magical World of Disney on Broadway
If you enjoyed Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Tarzan or Aida - The Little Mermaid is a sure bet.

Known for lavish stage spectacles and the biggest budgets in high-tech theater design, Disney is bringing this swimming princess to the stage and many people are dying to know just how they plan on staging a musical with so many scenes taking place under water! Broadway newbie, Sierra Boggess stars as Ariel alongside stage veterans Norm Lewis as Triton and Sherie Rene Scott as Ursula, the Sea Witch. It is currently in previews, scheduled for a January 10th opening, but I've heard recent holiday tourists calling it the best family musical on Broadway.

http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelittlemermaid/index.html

Those Great Old Broadway Classics
If you own all those classic musicals on dvd such as Oklahoma and The Sound of Music - look out for the classic South Pacific opening in the Spring.

Although its still more than a few months in the distance, many people who miss "the Golden Age of Broadway" should be excited for South Pacific which will open at the famous Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in the Spring. Tony Award winning actress Kelli O'Hara is leading the cast. Previews will start March 1st, for an April 3rd opening.

http://www.lct.org/

New Twists on Legendary Sondheim
If you are a die-hard fan of all Sondheim musicals or enjoyed the recent revivals of Sweeney Todd, and Company - check out the revival of Sunday in the Park With George

This Winter, the Roundabout Theatre Company brings this production over the pond from London's West End. The London stars will reprise their roles in the first Broadway revival of this award winning musical. Previews start January 18 for a February 21st opening. Set for a limited engagement, it will be gone by late Spring, so be sure to get your tickets soon.

http://www.sundayintheparkonbroadway.com/

The Hollywood Transfers
If you liked Legally Blonde, Hairspray and other recent movie adaptations - Billy Elliott opens in the Fall.

Elton John and Lee Hall's original musical adaptation of the film Billy Elliott has been playing to crowds on London's West End since 2005 The story of a young British boy who wants to dance was a surprise hit in the indie world as a film and an award winning production in London. Auditions were held around the country last year to find a star and there is no word yet about the confirmed casting. Its one to look out for, to be sure.

http://www.billyelliotthemusical.com/

Lastly, if you found this guide helpful, look out for future articles along the same theme. In -the-works are more handy guides that will help you take a look at overlooked Broadway and Off-Broadway Shows that have been playing for a while, coming attractions for later this season and beyond, as well as some guides to picking which Broadway play to go see if you are not a fan of the musicals. Also, look out for other Associated Content articles about Broadway. A quick search will show you that there are several good ones, I especially love those that tell you how to get discounted and last-minute rush tickets!