Mario Lopez Joins the Cast of "A Chorus Line" on Broadway!

That's right, Mario Lopez, best known for his roles in "Saved by the Bell" and his performances on "Dancing with the Stars," has officially joined the cast of the Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line." For those of you wondering whether Mr. Lopez has the singing abilities to match his dancing capabilities, well you're out of luck. Mario will be playing Zach who although doesn't sing, offers up some pretty intense dancing. I watched a preview of Lopez's performance on Broadway.com (http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Video.aspx?ci=563874) and I have to say that I was not extremely impressed. I think that the star cameo will add to the revenue for the show but as for adding to the quality, I'm not so sure. Luckily Zach is not an integral enough part for producer Paul Wontorek to necessarily be risking anything by adding Lopez to the cast.

Wondering what else Broadway has to offer for 2008? Well here are my recommendations, both new and old, of all the must sees this spring.

Spring Awakening - Eugene O'Neill Theater

Open for just over a year this musical has slowly become one of my all time favorites. The driving rock beat with the folksy violin and cello adds a contemporary feel to this 19^th century play that's unforgettable. After you see it you will know why it was banned from performance for over 70 years with its strong sexual references, but I feel it truly does address the issues that our younger generation is facing. The choreography is a little different, and I felt distracting from the show itself but the strong emotions played out by the characters and the story overwhelmingly made up for any weak points this show may have.

Disney's The Little Mermaid - Lunt-Fontaine Theater

After successful crossovers of "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King" Disney is at it again with "The Little Mermaid." All I have to say is, when are we going to get Aladdin the Broadway musical? Just a suggestion...Aladdin rocked my socks off. Though the effects are pretty incredible in this show, I don't feel they are as realistic as the producers would like us to believe, or to the hype that's been advertised. However, Sierra Boggess does a phenomenal job of sticking to the original character of Ariel from the Movie. However, I was not impressed with Sherie Rene Scott who took on the role of Ursela. Don't get me wrong, she was not booing horrible, but I feel she could have played the part a lot more over the top than what she did. It's hard to live up to the original though and I was overall disappointed in the choices for players of most of the characters including Sebastian who seemed like a whiney boy going through puberty. Not my favorite, but still worth taking the kids to.

Rent - Nederlander Theatre

Yes, the rumors are true. Rent is closing this September on a well deserved long run for an incredible show. There is not much to say about this show other than, wow. It was the first show that got me involved in real musical theater and has influenced me greatly over the years. Documenting the struggle with Aids, this musical is something that you just can't miss before it ends its Broadway run.

Glory Days - Circle in the Square Theater

This show just opened previews this week and officially starts its run on May 6^th. I haven't had a chance to see it, but from the videos and reviews it looks like something I would dig. The story is about four friends who unite a year after high school and realize how different they have all become in such a short time. The show goes through the process of how they reunite and try to understand each other's choices. With another rockin' score and some great ballads as well, I'm excited to see where this show goes.

Crybaby - Marquis Theatre

Another musical that I have yet to see, the preview videos look like this show is not going to disappoint. A show from freak/mastermind John Waters (creator of Hairspray) this musical takes us back to the 50's...at least the 50's in John Waters mind. It's too bad Johnny Depp is not coming back to reprise his role from the film version of this cult classic, but newcomer James Snieder has the chops from the little bits and pieces of him that I've seen, so I have no doubt that he will get the job done.

Avenue Q - Golden Theater

This was my first real experience with live Broadway Theater, and quite infamously the most unforgettable for me. Labeled by many as "Sesame Street for adults" this musical is full of surprises that will cause your face to turn red both from laughter and embarrassment, usually at the same time. If you want to feel naughty, this is the show for you to go see.

(Warning: This show is not family friendly despite the fact that it is done with puppets)

Honorable Mentions

Xanadu - Helen Hayes Theatre

Not my favorite show, but it stars Cheyenne Jackson who played Joseph in my first Musical Theater role in the children's chorus of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". He pretty much inspired me to go as far as I have with theater. So go support him...even if the shows story and music does suck...just my personal opinion.

In the Heights - Richard Rodgers Theater

A totally different take on musical theater, this show takes rap, culture, and some smoking hot dance moves and combines them into a show that will move you to your feet...or just encourage you to want to take salsa lessons.

Wicked - Gershwin Theatre

Not that it doesn't deserve to make my top list, but it's been out for a while and doesn't look like it's closing any time soon. I still recommend seeing this show. It's been running for this long and this well for a reason.

Coming Soon

Billy Elliot - Imperial Theatre

Billy Elliot is a funny, heart-warming and feel-good celebration of one young boy's dream in a gripping tale of triumph over adversity. Based on the enormously popular film, this powerful new musical is the story of a boy who discovers he has a special talent for dance, while the boys all around him are more interested in boxing.
Currently running on the West End London, opens on Broadway in October 2008

A Tale of Two Cities - Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Set against an epic backdrop of the French Revolution, A Tale of Two Cities is a musical about injustice, vengeance and the redemptive power of love. When Dr. Manette is released from the French Bastille after 17 years, he must be resurrected from the brink of madness by his daughter, Lucie. In England they meet two very different men: the exiled French aristocrat, Charles Darnay, whom Lucie marries, and the drunken cynic, Sydney Carton. Soon family secrets and political intrigue combine to draw Lucie and her family back and the musical finds an unlikely hero in Carton.
Coming off a successful run in Florida opens on Broadway September 2008

Shrek the musical! - Broadway Theatre

Based on William Steig's novel and Dreamworks' popular animated film, Shrek the Musical follows the adventures of Shrek, a lovable swamp-dwelling ogre; his wisecracking sidekick, Donkey; the lovely Princess Fiona; Lord Farquaad and a chorus of everybody's favorite fractured fairytale creatures. With more layers than ever and a completely original new score, Shrek the Musical proves that there's more to the story than meets the ears.
Opens in November 2008

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy - Broadway Theatre

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is an exotic encounter inspired by nature's unpredictable creations. They are brought to life by an international cast of 25 soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. The astounding feats performed in this action packed Cirque Dream are enhanced with over 150 spectacular costumes and set in a fantastical jungle ignited by striking visual effects.
Opens in June 2008

For more information check out www.broadway.com
Plot Lines for "coming soon" musicals courtesy of broadway.com