THE BEST OF BEST
BroadwayHD: Musicals From The Comfort Of Your Home
By Sara Wiesenfeld
With Broadway gradually opening to audiences, fans continue to be yearning for shows they can watch from home. Hail BroadwayHD! This streaming service aims to do just that with its library of high-quality, professionally filmed live theater performances from Broadway and beyond. For more information on BroadwayHD, visit broadwayhd.com. Here are some of the most popular musicals to catch in the next few months.
Inspired by actual events, the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier-winning musical Kinky Boots tells the story of two people with nothing in common—or so they think. Charlie (played by Olivier Award nominee Killian Donnelly) is a factory owner struggling to save his family business. Lola (played by Matt Henry, who won an Olivier Award) is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. But, with a bit of compassion and understanding, the unexpected pair learn to embrace their differences and create a line of sturdy stilettos, unlike any the world has ever seen! With music by the incomparable Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots is sure to raise you!
The spectacular, 25th Anniversary Gala Performance of this acclaimed new production of the global stage sensation was described as “the most thrilling, soaring and emotionally stirring musical with magnificent performances” by the Daily Telegraph and “the greatest musical of all time” by the Daily Mail. Starring Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada, the epic love story tells the tragic tale of young bar girl Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with American GI Chris—but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.
Come and meet those dancing feet! BroadwayHD filmed this incredible West End production of 42nd Street specifically for the streaming service with the late, great theater producing and directing visionary Mark Bramble directing for the screen. With the most extensive cast on the West End (50 actors) tapping in unison, the show tells the story of famed theater director Julian Marsh. The play depicts how he tries to mount a musical extravaganza at the height of the Great Depression with diva Dorothy Brock and fresh-faced chorus girl Peggy Sawyer.
Set in 1860s Bangkok, this gorgeous musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship between the King of Siam (played by Tony Award nominee Ken Watanabe) and Anna (played by Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara). In an imperialistic world, Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. With one of the finest scores ever written, including: “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Getting to Know You,” and “Shall We Dance,” and featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers, The King and I is a testament to the lavish heritage of gloriously romantic musical theater.
Inspired by the Oscar-winning MGM film, this breathtakingly beautiful Tony Award musical tells the vibrant story of discovering love in the City of Light. Featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin (including the classic hits “’S Wonderful” and “I Got Rhythm”), stunning designs, and show-stopping choreography. Jerry Mulligan is an American GI striving to succeed as a painter in a city suddenly bursting with hope and possibility. Following a chance encounter with a beautiful young dancer named Lise, the streets of Paris become the backdrop to a sensuous, modern romance of art, friendship, and love in the aftermath of war.
On June 30th, 2016, She Loves Me was the first Broadway musical ever to be live-streamed worldwide! With an incredible cast led by Zachary Levi, Laura Benanti, and Jane Krakowski, She Loves Me follows Amalia and Georg, two parfumerie clerks who aren’t quite the best of friends. Constantly bumping heads while on the job, the sparring coworkers can’t seem to find common ground. But little do they know the anonymous pen pals they have both been falling for happen to be each other! Will love blossom once their identities are finally revealed?
