Cultural Preview: Kravis on Broadway

The King and I

November 7-12

This musical by Rodgers & Hammerstein is probably best remembered for its 1956 film adaptation. The King and I follows British teacher Anna Leonowens, who travels to Bangkok to tutor the king’s children and wives. Set against the backdrop of 1860s Siam, it depicts the relationship that develops between Anna and the king during a time of social and political unrest. Biggest Hit: “Getting to Know You” is the earworm that keeps on giving. Why You Should See It: This production honors the essence of the classic mid-century musical, featuring dance numbers inspired by Jerome Robbins’ original choreography.

The Book of Mormon

November 21-26

Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the demented duo behind South Park, joined forces with Robert Lopez (of Avenue Q and Frozen fame) to pen this dark musical. Two Mormon missionaries head to Uganda and quickly encounter the country’s turmoil. Undeterred, they befriend the village chief and his daughter while trying to spread the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Biggest Hit: “Hasa Diga Eebowai” puts a twisted spin on The Lion King’s “Hakuna Matata.” Why You Should See It: If you couldn’t snag a ticket when Mormon first appeared at the Kravis in 2014, now’s your chance to get right with the Lord.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Finding Neverland

January 2-7

This magical musical borrows its plot from the 2004 movie of the same name, illustrating author J.M. Barrie’s quest to pen a play inspired by a widowed mother and her sons, one of whom is named Peter. During his process, Barrie grapples with the wonder of childhood and the responsibility of adulthood. Biggest Hit: The heart-touching “When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” duet between Barrie and Peter captures the show’s main themes. Why You Should See It: Another chapter in the book of Peter Pan, Finding Neverland adds a more nuanced layer of whimsy to the beloved tale.

Cabaret

February 6-11

A fixture on the musical circuit since 1966, Cabaret takes place in Berlin between 1929 and 1930. Cliff, an American writer, stumbles into the seedy Kit Kat Klub, where he becomes enamored with starlet Sally Bowles. Sally and Cliff’s romance quickly turns from a dream to a nightmare thanks to an increasingly dangerous Germany and Sally’s unwillingness to leave life at the cabaret behind. Biggest Hit: The musical’s namesake song is one of Broadway’s all-time greatest numbers. Why You Should See It: Anyone who fancies himself a musical connoisseur needs to see Cabaret at least once.

The Illusionists: Live from Broadway

March 6-11

Do you ever wish magic was more like Marvel? Then you’ll love The Illusionists: Live from Broadway, a showcase of some of the best magicians on Earth. Each performer works under a moniker that expresses his specific skill set, such as The Deductionist or The Trickster. Combined, they produce one of the most thrilling theatrical experiences on tour today. Why You Should See It: Magic done right is, well, just plain awesome.

Dying to know more? PBI recently sat down with Kevin James, better known as The Inventor, to discuss the art of the illusion. Click here to read more.

The Bodyguard

April 10-15

Synopsis: The Bodyguard is the musical incarnation of the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent, is hired to protect singer Rachel Marron from a stalker. Despite butting heads, Rachel and Frank find love—and safety—in each other’s arms. Biggest Hit: “I Will Always Love You” is guaranteed to give you chills every time. Why You Should See It: The Kravis on Broadway series is no stranger to movie-inspired musicals, and The Bodyguard delivers with stunning solos and tear-jerking romance.

Something Rotten!

May 1-6

Something Rotten! takes place in 1590s London, where Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but feel overshadowed by a certain William Shakespeare. When a soothsayer named Nostradamus (not the famous one, but his nephew) advises the Bottom brothers that musicals are the future of theater, they set out to write the first one ever. Biggest Hit: “God, I hate Shakespeare” encapsulates Nick and Nigel’s detestation for the Bard of Avon. Why You Should See It: For all its irreverence, Something Rotten! is a sincere celebration of the art of the musical, one packed with references theater nerds will adore.

For tickets: (561-832-7469, kravis.org)

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