-
Les Miserabels Became a Musical
"Les Miserabels" is a musical adaption of Victor Hugo's novel of the same name, published in 1862. "Les Miserabels" explores themes of justice and democracy, and how it can often times be extremely unfair. Convict Jean Valjean seeks redemption after spending nineteen years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. The musical ends joyfully, and the hope for a better world is expressed. -
The Phantom of the Opera opened
Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical adaption of "The Phantom of the Opera" became extremely popular when it made news in the mid-1980s. Following its popularity, it quickly recieved many positive reviews, and critical acclaim. It had a large budget to cover an elaborate production that included a replica of
the Paris Opera House (Laemmle). The musical remains so popular because of how it portrays the Phantom's isolation, and the attraction Christine has for him. -
The Comedy of Errors
Written by William Shakesphere, "The Comedy of Errors" was one of his shortest plays. The comedy focuses on two sets of identical twins and their nonsensical misadventures. The play develops many dramatic ironies, flattering the audience via its superior knowledge to the personae on stage (Richmond 16). -
Killer Joe
"Killer Joe" first premiered at the Next Lab Theater in Chicago in 1993 (Concord Theatre). Pulitzer Prize winning Tracy Letts is the author, the play explores "white trash stereotypes." New York Daily News describes the play, stating "it's pulp fiction which has it both ways, deriving humor from dirty realism. It's slick, it's well constructed, it knows exactly where it's going." -
Rent
A rock musical by Jonathan Larson, "Rent" won a Pulitzer Prize in 1996. The play explores things from the HIV/AIDS crisis to drug addiction, taking place in New York City. "Rent" is divided into two acts, features forty-two musical numbers, and covers a year in the characters lives. -
Ragtime
Directed by Paul David Bryant, "Ragtime" tells a story of "the experience of immigrants, African-Americans, and a wealthy family in the suburbs of New York." These families lives becomes intertwined and they must learn to accept eachother and progress towards a future of equality. -
Topdog/Underdog and Suzan Lori Parks
Suzan Lori Parks became the first female African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for drama for her play "Topdog/Underdog." In 2018 it was New York Time's number one pick in “The 25 Best American Plays Since Angels in America.” Broadway World described it as “an overwhelming piece of riveting drama that is raw, deeply emotional, and must be experienced to be appreciated." -
Wicked
The musical "Wicked" was first viewd in October of 2003 and became a huge success. Produced by Marc Platt, the play was based off the novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" (Internet Broadway Database). The play has had 6,873 preformances as of October 17th, 2021. -
Ruined
Lynn Nottage's play "Ruined" explores a mother's courage and is set in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Character Mama Nadi serves as a comfort for the men in war in order to keep her daughters safe. Themes of how society views women as ruined due to human violence is explored. -
Theatres Reopening
In 2020 the pandemic hit and most theatres were forced to close down and lost a good deal of their funding. Due to Covid-19, large gatherings in playhouses were not allowed and hundreds of shows were canclled or postponed. Now in 2021, productions are starting to come back, and people can go back to enjoying the arts and all they have to offer.