With the plethora of entertainment options available in New York City, deciding on what to see can be overwhelming. Luckily, the well-known host of “On Stage,” Frank DiLella, has put together a list of top theater picks for the week, guiding audiences to the cream of the crop in Broadway, Off-Broadway, and beyond.
One of the highlighted shows is the Broadway revival of “Yellow Face,” featuring screen star Daniel Dae Kim. This production, written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Henry Hwang and directed by Leigh Silverman, delves into the controversy surrounding the casting of Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce in an Asian role during the New York premiere of “Miss Saigon” in 1990. “Yellow Face” is currently in previews at the Todd Haimes Theatre, with the opening night scheduled for October 1. For those interested in tickets, they can be purchased through roundabouttheatre.org.
For a unique Off-Broadway experience, theater enthusiasts are encouraged to check out the revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s “See What I Wanna See” at Christopher Street. This production, presented by Out of the Box Theatrics, explores themes of lust, murder, and redemption with an all-Asian American and Pacific Islander cast. Tickets can be obtained by visiting ootbtheatrics.com.
In the realm of cabaret, audiences won’t want to miss Broadway’s Karen Mason at Birdland Jazz Club in “Just in Styne: Karen Sings Jule” on Monday. Mason will be performing tunes made famous by legendary composer Jule Styne, including selections from “Gypsy” and “Funny Girl.” Reservations can be made through birdlandjazz.com.
Over at 54 Below, Tony Award-winner Santino Fontana will be taking song requests alongside some of his Broadway colleagues on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, Lionel Cole will be showcasing “The Beautiful Souls and Emotion” on September 17, featuring a fusion of music and culture from South Pacific soul to the streets of New York City. Information on both shows can be found at 54Below.org.
Adding to the lineup of talented performers, NY1 photojournalist Roberto Araujo will be taking the stage at The Green Room 42 on September 20 in the encore performance of “I Just Wanted You to Know.” This show weaves together Araujo’s personal stories, from his upbringing in Mexico City to his solo journey to New York City, accompanied by songs from Stephen Sondheim, David Yazbek, and more. For further details, interested individuals can visit thegreenroom42.com.
With these top theater picks curated by Frank DiLella, theater enthusiasts are sure to find a captivating and diverse array of shows to enjoy in New York City this week. Whether it’s a thought-provoking play, a soulful cabaret performance, or a musical journey through different cultures, there’s something for everyone on the stages of Broadway and beyond.
