ELYSE FETHERMAN
Entertainment Editor

Now that the spring semester is half over, students and faculty are surely feeling burnt out. Fortunately, upcoming Broadway shows promise to help with the mid-semester slump. Upcoming shows include new musicals and new plays, but some of the most exciting shows coming into New York are revivals.
The most interesting new musical headed to the Great White Way is “The Addams Family,” which is based on the famous comic strip by Charles Addams. According to the show’s official Web site, the show had an out-of-town tryout at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre. Dedicated theater fans will not be surprised to learn that Tony Award winner Bebe Neuwirth, best known for her Emmy-winning role of Lilith on “Cheers,” will star as Morticia. The rest of the cast includes Tony winner Nathan Lane as Gomez, as well as Broadway veterans Carolee Carmello, Terrence Mann, Jackie Hoffman and Kevin Chamberlin. Though the word-of-mouth has not been positive on theater message boards, it is difficult to believe that a show with so many gifted performers could be worthless.
The other new musicals coming to Broadway are all jukebox musicals. As reported by playbill.com, “Come Fly Away” uses the music of Frank Sinatra and the choreography of Twyla Tharp to tell the story of four couples. “American Idiot” is a new musical that was inspired by and features the music of Green Day. John Gallagher Jr., who won a Tony Award for his performance in “Spring Awakening,” is set to star.
Roundabout Theatre Company’s “Sondheim on Sondheim” is perhaps the most promising new musical coming in this spring. According to the Roundabout’s Web site, the show will use both well-known and obscure Sondheim songs to tell Sondheim’s personal story. The cast includes Broadway legend Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams of “Ugly Betty” and Broadway veteran Tom Wopat.
While the new musicals headed to Broadway are intriguing, the most exciting musical coming to New York is the revival of “Promises, Promises.” According to broadway.com, the musical is based on the 1960s film, “The Apartment.” It tells the story of the ambitious Chuck Baxter, who allows the executives at his office to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs. Complications arise when Chuck falls in love with waitress Fran Kubelik, who has romantic problems of her own. The score of “Promises, Promises” is by Burt Bacharach and contains hits such as “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “Turkey Lurkey Time.” The show stars Tony and Emmy winner, Kristin Chenoweth, who never disappoints, and Sean Hayes of “Will and Grace” fame.
For those who do not enjoy musicals, there are plenty of non-musical plays coming to Broadway. “Collected Stories” by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies, is slated to begin previews on April 9, according Manhattan Theatre Club’s Web site. The play follows a story of a young writer and her mentor. It promises to be funny, moving and ultimately, shocking. Linda Lavin, best known for her work as Alice on the sitcom of the same name, and Sarah Paulson are set to star.
“Lend Me a Tenor,” the beloved comedy about a star who is missing on the day of his opera debut, is set to start previews March 12, according to playbill.com. Stanley Tucci, the wonderful film actor, is making his Broadway directing debut with the show. Jan Maxwell, who was seen earlier this season in a Tony Award deserving performance in MTC’s “The Royal Family,” will star.
For more information on any of the Broadway shows, be sure to check out broadway.com for ticket prices and the latest updates.