Four New York theatre shows you need to see this winter

There are plenty of things that attract people to New York. From sightseeing to fashion, sport, food and business – there’s something to appeal to pretty much everyone. Yet, no matter what draws you to the Big Apple, one thing that you really ought to put on your bucket list is Broadway. It’s home to a host of world-class productions that are guaranteed to deliver quality entertainment to add to your New York visit.

If you’ve not yet checked in on classics such as The Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King, then now is the time to tick them off the bucket list. However, there are also plenty of fresh choices open right now that are well worth your time. These four shows are our top picks to consider if you’re heading to New York this winter.

Waitress

Five-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles has come up with the music and lyrics for Waitress, which is based on the 2007 Adrienne Shelly film. Bareilles’ work, along with the direction of Tony Award winner Diane Paulus makes for a winning combination and justifies putting tickets to Waitress on your Broadway bucket list. The story itself follows the character of Jenna, a waitress who’s stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage who gets a rare chance to make a break for freedom thanks to a baking contest. It’s a fun and moving tale that has captured the imagination of audiences.

Time and the Conways

Downton Abbey’s Elizabeth McGovern stars in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of the time-jumping tale from JB Priestley. Set partly in the aftermath of the First World War and partly on the cusp of the Second World War, this is an intriguing tale that follows the fortunes of the Conway family and challenges what we think about luck and life. The current run – directed by Tony winner Rebecca Taichman – ends on 26^th November, so book soon to avoid missing out.

War Paint

Ever since it opened in March, War Paint has attracted critical acclaim – with praise for Tony Award-winners Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole and their magnificent portrayal of a pair of rival cosmetic business icons (Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden). Writing for the Hollywood Reporter, David Rooney said: “I found it thoroughly compelling and masterfully entertaining throughout. It’s an intelligent, character-driven musical about two innovators motivated as much by their own exacting standards as by the spirit of fierce competition between them. And it’s been given a suitably deluxe production co-piloted by two star turns for the ages.” Why not see what the fuss is all about for yourself?

Miss Saigon

Cameron Mackintosh’s fresh take on the classic Boublil and Schönberg musical Miss Saigon landed on Broadway in March after a successful stint in London and, unsurprisingly, has earned rave reviews. The story follows the relationship between an American GI and Vietnamese woman in the last days of the American occupation of Saigon, and features stunning performances from stars Eva Noblezada and Jon Jon Briones.

Do any of these take your fancy? Be sure to check them out while you’re in New York for a visit you won’t forget.

The editorial unit
Photo: Joan Marcus