Broadway is the most famous theatre district in the world and productions here attract the most attention. Everyone wants a hit in this part of Manhattan and reputations are made and broken here. The popularity of musicals never seems to diminish, but plays on Broadway are just as much in demand. They are a terrific showcase for directors, actors and playwrights.
New productions as well as old classics abound and there is plenty of entertainment for all. New York City Broadway plays bring both comedy and drama and often result in many Tony Awards. There are currently a variety of productions waiting to open, to wet the appetite. The American Airlines Theater is showing a revival of Pygmalion for audiences opening October 2007. The classic story of My Fair Lady became a smash hit musical by George Bernard Shaw.
In contrast, the Cort Theatre is presenting a gritty drama by renowned writer Harold Pinter. It’s a production of The Homecoming and is scheduled to run from December 9th 2007 until April 13th 2008. Ian McShane, best known for the HBO series, Deadwood, takes the lead role of Teddy. The main story is about tensions in a working class family from London, and it is set in the 1960s. It is being revived for New York City Broadway productions and stars Raul Esparze who has performed in such classics as Rocky Horror Picture Show and musicals such as Sondheim.
Shakespeare works are also shown on Broadway often. Many of his plays have been produced as New York City Broadway plays with several memorable performances. Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater is showing Cymbeline from December 2007 through January 2008. The play offers romance, tragedy, and comedy while being set in England and Italy. The main characters are played by John Cullum as the King, Phylicia Rashad as the evil Queen, Jonathan Cake as the villain and Martha Plimpton as the King’s daughter and heroine of the piece.