After the immense success of Hamilton in 2016, Broadway had a strong surge of original musicals in the 2016-2017 season. These five original shows stuck out amid a sea of talent, and are absolutely worth looking into for a new Broadway obsession.
1. Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812
Written by Dave Malloy and directed by Rachel Chavkin, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 is inspired by a "70 page slice" of War and Peace. The musical focuses on the minor characters Natasha Rostova and Pierre Bezukhov, following their stories as their paths cross.
The musical is dynamic, engaging, and completely engrossing in an inventive staging that completely surrounds the audience and sucks them right into Moscow, 1812. The show received 12 Tony nominations, winning two: Best Scenic Design, and Best Lighting Design in a Musical. Watch their invigorating performance on Today here.
2. Dear Evan Hansen
Written by Pasek and Paul and directed by Michael Grief, Dear Evan Hansen was the breakout star of the 2017 season. The story follows a high school senior with social anxiety that finds himself in the middle of a tragedy in his school.
Scoring nine Tony nominations and winning six, Dear Evan Hansen has wowed critics and fans alike with its honesty and relatability. Ben Platt, playing the title role, is the youngest winner ever of the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and absolutely deserves it. Listen to Ben and Laura Dreyfuss perform "Waving Through a Window" on Late Night with Seth Meyers here.
3. Come From Away
Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by Christopher Ashley, Come From Away is set one week after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and tells the true story of Operation Yellow Ribbon. The characters are based on real Gander, Newfoundland residents, who helped house and feed nearly 7,000 passengers grounded after US airspace was closed due to the terrorist attacks.
The show received seven Tony nominations, winning one for Best Direction of a Musical. Watch the cast perform "Welcome to the Rock" here.
4. Bandstand
Bandstand was written by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor, and directed by Andy Blankenbuehler. Bandstand is about several World War II veterans returning home and struggling to fit back into their old lives. They form a band comprised of veterans to compete in a national radio contest in New York City, while working together to overcome their personal struggles.
The show was nominated for two Tonys, winning one for Best Choreography. Watch Bandstand on Good Morning America here.
5. Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day was written by Tim Minchin and Danny Rubin, and directed by Matthew Warchus. The show is based on the 1993 film starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, where a Pittsburg weatherman finds himself repeating the same day over and over again.
The show was nominated for seven Tony awards, but has been mostly overlooked. Groundhog Day proves itself as a witty, insightful show, with phenomenal performances by Andy Karl and Barrett Doss. Watch the cast perform on Today here.
