Our Favorite Theater in 2016

These days when people think of theater, they think of Broadway’s smash hit Hamilton. However, there has been a lot of ambitious, stellar, and emotional theater that was performed in 2016. From dramas to comedies to musicals, we’ve seen a lot of theater so, without further ado, here are our five favorite shows from 2016:

Bright Star

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Bright Star was a refreshingly new musical. The bluegrass music by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell was delightful. The cast, led by a wonderful Carmen Cusack, was engaging. It was a show that made you laugh, made you cry, and made your heart full. —Taraneh

Dear Evan Hansen

Photo Credit: Matt Murphy

Dear Evan Hansen opened Off-Broadway on May 1st and took New York by storm. It transferred to Broadway a few months later and everyone fell in love with Ben Platt (rightfully so) and composing super-duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It’s cathartic, heart-wrenching and painfully beautiful. —Diane

I’m sure 9/10 people would tell you it’s Hamilton, but 2017 will be all about Dear Evan Hansen. With it’s infectious musical numbers, a group of very gifted newcomers, and a stand out lead performance by Ben Platt, this musical is definitely worth your time and money. It will also make you feel a little less self-conscious if you ever find yourself wearing a cast. —Lauren

Eclipsed

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Eclipsed was an incredibly powerful and moving play about young women who became “wives” of warlords during the Liberian civil war. The acting was superb. —Taraneh

Hairspray Live

Photo Credit: Justin Lubin/NBC

NBC did an exceptional job with bringing Hairspray to the live television world with a genius cast, stunning sets and a wonderful way to ring in the 2016 holiday season. This has been my favorite of the live musicals NBC has produced. —Anthony

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

Photo Credit: Chad Batka

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 shows that Hamilton does not have the final word in innovative, fresh theatrical experiences. —Parissa

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy