Do you know the way to off-Broadway, where this has been one of the best seasons ever? Theaters are easy to find, and off-Broadway has everything Broadway has, including (as a rule, but not always) uncomfortable seats and stages that are (often but not always) smaller. However, OB also offers tickets that are definitely cheaper. Two of the best and most nominated shows are big hits, and two potential hits have just arrived.
Here Lies Love, David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s Drama Desk-nominated musical at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street, one block north of Broadway and West Eighth Street), follows the rise and fall of Philippines’ dictator Ferdinand Marcos and wife Imelda. It boasts a large and excellent cast, especially Ruthie Ann Miles as Mrs. Marcos. The show is innovatively-staged and submersive, which means most of the audience stands for 90 minutes (no intermission) and the very long “pre-show” of booming disco beats, move with the scenery, and are asked to dance.
Advisory: wear comfortable shoes. For tickets, visit www.publictheater.org.
Also innovatively staged, is Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, at the Kazino (West 13th Street at Washington Street, adjacent to the High Line Park, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, Greenwich Village), an elaborate, tented, dinner-theater venue. The “electropop opera,” the 2013 Richard Rodgers Award winner for Musical Theater and recipient of five Drama Desk nominations, is set just before Napoleon’s ill-fated invasion of Russia. It tackles a slice of Tolstoy’s epic “War and Peace” novel, focusing on the love triangle between Natasha, stunningly portrayed by Phillipa Soo; her fiancé Andrey, who’s off to war; and Anatole, a notorious married scamp who’s also handsome and pumped with charm. As vodka flows and passions ignite, Pierre, a slothful aristocrat, observes the goings-on and philosophically comments on them.
Admission includes a complimentary toast, pre-show, full Russian-themed dinner and desserts. Doors open one to two-and-a-half hours before the show, with cash bar and for food service from an extremely courteous and accommodating staff.
Advisory: Seating is tight. Best viewing is from room center and tables on upper tiers (especially the Washington Street end of the tent). For tickets, visit www.thegreatcometof1812.com. Pre- and post-show, food and beverage service is available in the Public lobby and The Library.
More hits abound. One new kid on the block is Playwrights Horizons’ acclaimed mainstage premiere of Far from Heaven, a musical adaptation of Todd Haynes’ 2002 film by the award-winning Grey Gardens team of Richard Greenberg, Scott Frankel and Michael Korie. Four-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara (Nice Work If You Can Get it, South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza) is a picture-perfect, `50s Connecticut housewife living in suburban bliss whose world is turned upside-down by her husband’s secret gay life and her interracial affair. Stephen Pasquale and Isaiah Johnson co-star. Three-time Tony nominee Michael Greif (Rent) directs. For tickets, visit www.playwrightshorizons.org. Playwrights Horizons also makes productions affordable to those 30 and under with I.D: $25 rush HOTtix, one hour before show, day of performance, one ticket per person.
Potted Harry: the Unauthorized Harry Experience, the international hit and Olivier Award-nominated parody by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, has returned. This winning, zany, and magical parody plays at the jewel-box Little Shubert Theater (422 West 42nd Street). It makes good on the ultimate challenge: Condensing, or “potting,” as the Brits say, all seven Harry Potter books into 70 madcap minutes, aided only by mayhem, multiple costume changes, songs, ridiculous props, “and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic.” Audiences engage in a real game of Quidditch, played according to Clarkson and Turner’s unique set of rules. Critics Pick: The New York Times, New York Magazine. and Time Out London. Suitable for ages six to Dumbledore, whether or not you know the difference between a Horcrux and a Hufflepuff. For more information, visit www.pottedharry.com; for tickets, www.Telecharge.com.
This upcoming weekend is big, with the Tony Awards telecast Sunday from Radio City Music Hall, but it’s also your last chance to squeeze in of the season’s absolute Off Broadway delights: the 2013 Drama Desk winner for Outstanding Revue and the Lortel Award-winning Alternative Theatrical Experience, Old Hats at the Pershing Square Signature Theater Center (480 West 42nd Street). This unique and hilarious vaudeville combines the comic talents of clown geniuses Bill Irwin and David Shiner with music by Nellie McKay. For tickets and more information, visit www.signaturetheatre.org.
At the Signature, it’s not just about what’s onstage in their theaters [and there’s plenty]. Have lunch, dinner, or dessert at the spacious lobby café and enjoy specialty cocktails, with service until midnight. It’s convenient to Playwrights Horizons, Second Stage, Roundabout’s American Airlines Theatre, Westside Arts and Broadway.
New World Stages (340 West 50th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues) is host to two of the best transfers of Broadway hits to off-Broadway. Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), is the hilarious and imaginative prequel to the story of “Peter Pan,” based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s novel about an orphan who heads to a faraway land, where he finds love, friendship and, ultimately, himself. It’s directed by Tony winner Roger Rees and Tony and Drama Desk nominee Alex Timbers (Bloody, Bloody, Andrew Jackson; Here Lies Love). All ages.
New World Stages’ long-run champ is Avenue Q, the delightfully bawdy, saucy, insightful laugh-out-loud musical mix of puppets and humans. College grad Princeton moves to an East Village apartment, where he meets Kate, the girl next door; Rod, not exactly the boy next door, and, among others, Lucy, a woman of questionable morals (who, as an actress, gives Miss Piggy competition). Its quirky satire set to infectious songs. You may blush while you roar with laughter. Parental discretion advised. For tickets for both shows, visit www.telecharge.com.
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pictured: Natasha and Pierre..., Old Hats.
