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Broadway Breakdown: The Shows That Have Everyone’s Attention in 2020

February 17, 2020 by Max Leave a Comment

As Spring 2020 approaches, Broadway shows are starting to gear up through the end of the winter and into the warm weather! The theater season starts warming up in March and really gets hot in April, as many of the best Broadway shows jockey to open in time to be considered for the Tony Awards.

Between now and then, 18 productions are schedules to open on the Great White Way, including four transfers from recent Off Broadway runs. Here are some shows we’re most excited about in this upcoming play season! From revivals of beloved classics and musicals, to buzzworthy new works, this spring season on Broadway has a little something for everyone!

West Side Story – Tony Award winning director Ivo van Hove reimagines Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Jerome Robbins musical about star-crossed lovers divided in a turf war. This reimagined version of a classic musical remains one of our top picks this coming season!
The Minutes – The denizens of a fictional town in middle America taking part in local Government meetings. Tony winner Anna D. Shapiro directs. Preivews Feb. 25^th, opens March 15^th at the Cort Theatre!
Hamilton – The story of forgotten American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his ascent out of poverty and to power against the backdrop of the American’s war and plight for Independence – 250+ dates!
Company – The hit Marianne Elliot-directed Company is en route to Broadway! This version promises to be a bit more leaning on the feminist side, with the tradiotnally male character of Bobby now cast as a woman played by Tony winner Katrina Lenk!
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Edward Albee’s Tony-winning play was last on Broadway in 2002, and this new version stars Laurie Metcalf and Rupert Everett so it is sure to be a barn burner! Previews March 3^rd, Opens April 9^th at the Booth Theatre!

For tickets to any of the other popular Broadway shows in 2020, check out TicketNetwork’s complete collection of tickets here!

Hadestown is Set to Be the Hottest Musical on Broadway in 2019

July 26, 2019 by Nate

When the 2019 Tony nominations were announced on April 30, the Hadestown team was overwhelmed with joy. The Broadway musical received 14 nominations in just about every category including the nomination for Best Musical.

The show, a musical about the Greek underworld, ended up taking home that highly-coveted award, as well as sweeping seven other prizes that night. However, the journey from Hadestown’s conceptualization to its Broadway premiere in the spring of 2019 was anything but clear-cut.

Anaïs Mitchell, the author and composer of Hadestown, published her concept in 2010 with ulterior motives to bring it onto stage. Six years later, the musical premiered as an Off-Broadway show at the New York Theater Workshop. From there, Hadestown packed up and trekked from Edmonton, Canada to London, ultimately landing back in New York where it finally celebrated its Broadway premiere on April 17 at the Walter Kerr Theater.

Hadestown Plot

The hype about the musical is enormous, but what is Hadestown really all about? Hadestown tells the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a post-apocalyptic setting. Orpheus falls in love with Eurydice, but their blissful life together does not last long. Eurydice gets bitten by a snake and dies. To try and save her, Orpheus makes his way to the underworld, which is ruled by Hades, to beg Hades and his wife to bring Eurydice back.

Audiences will find the story’s content to be intense, and similarly the show’s music follows suit – Hadestown’s songs will stick with you. The showstopping first number “Road to Hell” sets the bar very high for the rest of the performance. Another viewer favorite is the toe-tapping, finger-snapping “Way Down Hadestown,” which instantly prompts spectators to get on their feet. The musical is almost completely sung through, and its music enraptures the audience. Fast rhythms alternate with melancholic sounds. Each tune is a memorable, catchy earworm, sticking with viewers for weeks to come.

In the second half of the musical, after almost two hours, the musical is heading for its peak, filling the theater with a special atmosphere permeated both by Orpheus’ hopes and dreams, as well as the lingering dread over the potential outcome of the story.

Filled with emotive highs and lows, Hadestown packs a vigorous punch, treating audiences to a high dose of theatrical drama. After the show’s final twenty minutes, audiences can’t help but strive to rewind the spectacle so as to experience its emotional roller coaster all over again.

See Hadestown Live

Hadestown is hands-down the best musical to grace the Great White Way in a long time! The show succeeds in retelling an ancient myth for our modern times, as well as and raising political and social issues without losing sight of the individual fate of its main characters, with whom the audience certainly forges an incredible closeness. The characters portray human strengths and weaknesses, making them both authentic and extremely relatable. No character is boring, and no song is needless. Hadestown is quite simply one of the most well-loved musicals of the modern era. The audience feels entertained, surprised, moved, and never loses touch with a show which is guaranteed to make them laugh and inevitably cry – just don’t forget to bring a tissue! Hadestown is a prime example of musical theater in its absolute perfection.

After the curtain falls, you might not be able to put your thoughts in to words, and for weeks you might even find yourself humming along to the tunes of the musical. But don’t take our word for it – come experience the complexity of Hadestown in person yourself! The most popular show on Broadway was extended for another 200+ shows at the Walter Kerr Theatre! Find your Hadestown tickets on TicketNetwork.com or browse our complete selection of theater tickets to find a show near you!

Jeff Dunham’s Best Puppets: Don’t Pass on the Passively Aggressive Tour

September 26, 2017 by Nate

Fans of Jeff Dunham are laughing already. The renowned ventriloquist is dusting off the puppets and kicking off another tour. The Passively Aggressive Tour will visit 60 cities, making fans laugh hysterically across North America.

Jeff Dunham brings a rare form of comedy to the stage that has gone over well with fans for decades. Since eight years old, Dunham has been perfecting his craft of ventriloquism. With the aid of puppets, Dunham has hilarious conversations and even arguments with his puppets.

Over the years they have changed, evolved and been perfected by Dunham. The Passively Aggressive Tour stretches from September of 2017 well in to April of 2018. Fans from all over will have plenty of chances to their favorite comic live. This is coming off a tour that just recently ended, so Dunham’s work ethic cannot be questioned. Passively Aggressive Tour should feature all new material, as Perfectly Unbalanced was the name of his tour that recently ended.

However, Dunham is rarely the main attraction. His puppets have helped him reached a level of fame he never though imaginable. Here are the best puppets that fans will be able to see the next time they see Jeff Dunham live!

Walter

Every Jeff Dunham conversation starts and ends with Walter. This iconic Vietnam vet can only be described as a grumpy, old man. His outlook on life is so spot on that you are convinced his thoughts are his own. Dunham is able to infuse life in to Walter by making his statements so brash and unique.

He is notoriously unhappily married, and his worldviews are ancient yet funny. With the world in such an interesting state politically, I’m sure Walter will be keen on chiming in.

Due to his age and veteran status, Walter could very well be a Trump supporter. Dunham will weave his political views intricately with hilarious jokes, and Walter will be the star of the show.

Achmed the Dead Terrorist

Another mainstay of Dunham’s act, Achmed the Dead Terrorist goes over extremely well with fans. Although he is dead, Achmed always refers to his death as a flesh wound.

Achmed’s jokes usually center his time spent around the likes of Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. He died of “premature detonation,” but his sense of humor lived on.

He also focuses on his relationship with Dunham’s other puppets. Interestingly enough, he is deathly afraid of Walter, which is an interesting dynamic between the dead terrorist and Vietnam vet. Achmed is another side-splitting act that is a mainstay for Dunham.

Little Jeff

One of the newest additions to Jeff Dunham’s act needs no introduction. Say hello to Little Jeff.

This is one show you won’t want to miss. Jeff Dunham tickets are available now on TicketNetwork, but always sell fast. Be the first to see his new material on Passively Aggressive Tour by finding your tickets today!

Celebrating Early: Holiday Theater On-Sales in August

August 21, 2017 by Nate

Jack Frost? Is that you? No, no, don’t worry, summer time is still going strong. However, a recent run of holiday on-sales has winter on our minds. For many, the holiday season is the best time of year. Everyone is usually in a chipper mood. There are numerous occasions that call for celebration, and of course holiday themed-movies and theater events are all the rage!

Whether it be a book or movie, holiday adaptations come to life on the stage. On-screen or text can only spark the imagination so much. The whole family can get in the holiday spirit by seeing a show in person. Let’s start with everyone’s favorite elf.

Elf – The Musical

For the life of an elf, every day feels like Christmas. For Buddy the Elf, every day is Christmas. His affectionate personality takes some getting used to, but he brings the best out of everyone, especially around the holidays.

The story revolves around Buddy’s realization that he isn’t really an elf. He was an orphan that traveled to the North Pole only to grow up and realize it wasn’t where he truly belonged.

Can he mend his relationship with his estranged father while saving Christmas? Elf – The Musical is a show for fans of all ages. A story centered around family, love, faith and Christmas is a slam dunk around the holidays! The parents get a night filled with laughter while the kids get the best seat in the house to see Buddy the Elf and Santa Claus work their Christmas magic.

With Elf – The Musical appearing in theaters across the country from November 7th to January 7th, there will be plenty of opportunities to see this cheerful story unfold live on stage.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

One of the best children’s holiday tales of all-time, A Charlie Brown Christmas will be a great show for the whole family. Focused on family, friends, hope and kindess, the lessons A Charlie Brown Christmas teaches are endless.

Debuting in 1965 on ABC, everyone from toddlers to grandparents can relate to this show. For some, it brings out a Christmas joy and a feeling of being a kid forever surprised on Christmas morning. For others, the memories it sparks are priceless.

With great music and witty humor, A Charlie Brown Christmas is must-see.

Stretching from mid-November to the end of December, fans across the country will have an opportunity to see A Charlie Brown Christmas live!

The Nutcracker (various companies)

Written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1892, The Nutcracker is one of the most classic Christmas stories ever written. The narrative is centered around a children’s excitement on Christmas Eve, the roller coaster of emotions, and the magic that is possible if you believe in it.

A young girl receives a few presents on Christmas Eve, but is particularly drawn to one her grandfather hand crafted for her. Before all the children go to bed the nutcracker soldier gets broken, and the little girl is devastated. She waits for everyone to go to bed before repairing the nutcracker, and then the magic begins.

The Nutcracker is an amazing show for the whole family. Mostly performed by ballet companies these days, the intricate dance moves and elegant music have been staples of The Nutcracker since its inception.

The Nutcracker impressively weaves the art of storytelling and creativity. For this reason, the show is appropriate for theater fans of all ages.

This holiday season, the musical is being performed by one of the most talented ballet companies, Moscow Ballet. Other companies picking up the show include: Minnesota Ballet, Balllet San Antonio, Boston Ballet and many more.

View the complete selection of The Nutcracker tickets here.

Dave Chappelle – Top Five Characters That Changed Sketch Comedy

August 16, 2017 by Nate

Dave Chappelle’s return to the comedy stage was welcomed by many fans. His legendary run on Chappelle’s Show is some of the most entertaining sketch comedy the world has ever seen.

Chappelle is also a phenomenal stand-up comedian. His run of shows at Radio City Music Hall is getting rave reviews. He has recruited some of the best young talent in hip-hop and comedy to supplement his shows. The laundry list of young talent includes Chance The Rapper, Trevor Noah, Ali Wong and Solange.

Although he isn’t actively performing his Chappelle’s Show character, their impact on the comedic culture lives on. Here is our Top 5 characters from his classic show.

A Moment in the Life of Lil Jon

Dave Chappelle’s impersonation of Lil Jon is spot on. What?! Dave Chappelle’s impersonation of Lil Jon is spot on. Okay!!

Chappelle took a stab at many pop culture icons during his run on the Chappelle’s show. Here he delves in to the plight that Lil Jon has to go through on a daily basis. The rapper is known for his ad-libs, “What?!” “Yeah!” and “Okay.” All of these quotes are essential to who Lil Jon is as a rapper.

At a doctor’s visit, Chappelle runs through these lines on repeat while a frustrated doctor tries to deliver a diagnosis. In another sketch, Chappelle actually phones Lil Jon. The two have an interesting back-and-forth conversation in which those lines are used to take the phone call down a hilarious path.

Silky Johnson at the Playa Haters Ball

My personal favorite. One of the most diabolical haters in the country, Silky Johnson taking over the Playa Haters Ball is one of the most memorable skits.

His cocky attitude and disregard for the other characters are top notch on this one. The one-liners and shade these characters throw at each other are still remembered today by true fans of Chappelle’s show. Another aspect of the sketch that makes it stand out is that Silky Johnson is good at what he does: hate.

He comes home with the Playa Hater of the Year award in 2002 and 2003, beating the likes of Pitbull (Patrice O’ Neal), Buc Nasty (Charlie Murphy) and Beautiful (Donnell Rawlings).

After accepting the award, Johnson reminds every one why he is the best hater around.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go home and put some water in Buc Nasty’s mama’s dish.”

True Hollywood Story: Prince

Some of the best sketches in Chappelle’s Show history came from Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Story. The legendary comedian was an impressive story teller. He recounts numerous occasions where he ran into other celebrities that made his night much more memorable. One of the funniest was the time he met Prince out at a night club.

Prince, portrayed by Chappelle, was joined by his entourage while running in to Murphy. Prince insisted he was bored, and after a while challenged Charlie Murphy and his friends to a game of basketball. After a good laugh, Murphy happily accepts as he thinks he will get an easy win. His team changes back at Prince’s house. However, Prince and his team strut out in the same clothes they wore to the club.

Once the game starts, Murphy realizes Prince can ball. The embarrassing defeat is one Murphy tries to forget, but the night was so comical from start to finish that it was a story that needed to be told.

Prince ends the game on a reverse slam, and an serves up one of the most memorable quotes of the show:

True Hollywood Story: Rick James

In another epic edition of True Hollywood Story, Murphy once again details a few different occasions where he meets musician Rick James. This is usually in the debate for Chappelle’s best character ever, as he is once again the one portraying Murphy’s adversary in the story.

Rick James takes jabs at Charlie Murphy every chance he gets. Just because he is Rick James, he thinks he can say anything he wants to Murphy without upsetting him.

Whether it be at Studio 54 or Eddie Murphy’s brand new crib, Rick James is always nuisance. A particular nickname that true Chappelle fans will know, also sets off Murphy.

After having enough of Rick James getting his dirty cowboy boots all over a new coach, Charlie Murphy started punching him in the legs.

“His legs was like linguine,” Murphy recalls.

From start to finish this sketch makes you laugh. A cameo from the real Rick James himself only adds to it.

Tyrone Biggums

Everyone’s favorite junkie, Tyrone Biggums had one of the longest runs as a character on Chappelle’s Show. Throughout the course of the show, Biggums finds himself in a variety of situations thanks to his addiction.

Whether it be on Fear Factor, a classroom full of students or at an intervention, Biggums never disappoints when it comes to making fans laugh. His red beanie, white lips and constant neck scratching are staples of one Chappelle’s best characters. His high-pitched voice is the final piece of the puzzle that makes him such a memorable character.

Only someone like Tyrone could fail so badly at drug awareness. Trying to tell kids to stay away from drugs, Tyrone actually makes it sound appealing.

On Fear Factor, he excels due to all the nasty things he has had to endure in his addiction filled life. The hilarious back-and-forth between Chappelle and host Joe Rogan is one of the best parts of the sketch. Biggums will always be remembered as one of Chappelle’s best characters, and he still lives on today. All of his best characters made an appearance on Chappelle’s recent hosting of Saturday Night Live, and it was one of the most memorable parts of the episode.

If you need a little bit more Dave Chappelle in your life then you’re in the right spot. His run of shows at Radio City Music Hall is in town until August 24th before his act heads west.

All videos courtesy of YouTube.