Pop-Culturalist.com

After a summer lull, fall on Broadway is always something to look forward to. A plethora of new plays and musicals begin popping up, and we’ve combed through them and found five productions that we’re especially excited to see. Mark your calendars for these smart, fun, sure-to-be well-done productions.

Junk, Previews begin October 5
While the financial world does not particularly hold my interest, Ayad Akhtar does. His last play, Disgraced, garnered well-deserved praise (and a Pulitzer Prize for Akhtar) and made audiences really think. I have no doubt the same thing will occur with this production about a man (played by one of our favorites, Steven Pasquale) in 1985 who changes the way America thinks about and deals with money.

The Band’s Visit, Previews begin October 7
The hit off-Broadway show about an Egyptian police band (led by the brilliant Tony Shalhoub) that finds themselves stranded in Israel is one of those that I missed the first time around and sorely regret. It won a slew of awards (OBIE, Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics to name a few) so I’m sure the Broadway production will be just as sweeping. This is my most must-see of the fall season.

Meteor Shower, Previews begin November 1 
Based on the cast alone, this play is on the top of a lot of must-see lists. It’s a comic play by–and starring–Steve Martin. The rest of the cast? Keegan-Michael Key, Amy Schumer, and (another favorite of ours) Laura Benanti.

Once On This Island, Previews begin November 9
I will admit that while this is an ever-popular musical, I have never seen it. That’s why I am so eager to see this revival production. It’s about a peasant girl who saves (and falls in love with) a young wealthy boy. Also, Lea Salonga is in the cast, and it’s impossible to pass up hearing her voice in person.

Farinelli and the King, Previews begin December 5
Mark Rylance. The man is a great actor so that should be reason enough to see this play (it also happens to be written by his wife, Claire van Kampen). Fresh from a West End run that got rave reviews, this play with music is about an 18th century castrato Farinelli. Intriguingly, it’s also a true story.