A note from the editor: Hollywood.com had a thrilling year from fun opportunities and more HollyGood content. This year, we’d like to take a look at all of our biggest moments in content about Broadway in 2022. From reviews, breaking news, interviews, and more, we’re taking a look at 10 of our favorite moments from this year.
Biggest Moments for Broadway 2022
Funny Girl with Lea Michele
The new Funny Girl revival went through many twists and turns this year. Initially, Beanie Feldstein led the cast as Fanny Brice with Jane Lynch playing her mother. At the end of July, Feldstein announced her departure, with Jane Lynch following soon after. Lea Michele took over the role of Fanny Brice (with Julie Benko playing the part on Thursdays), while Tovah Feldshuh plays the role of Mrs. Brice.
Our review of the Broadway show emphasizes the star quality of Lea Michele, as Fanny Brice is a role she was destined to play.
“While Michele was not the first actress to star as Fanny in the revival, she brings a new beginning to the role. There’s no question her voice transcends; each song she effortlessly belts with no sign of voice exhaustion. For a Glee fan like myself, seeing Lea Michele step into a role that I saw her perform on screen, feels very meta. Life imitates art.”
Hollywood stars crossing over into Broadway
2022 saw many Hollywood stars try out the stage. Lucky Broadway audiences got the chance to see Billy Crystal in Mr. Saturday Night or Hugh Jackman in The Music Man. Even Pamela Anderson took the stage as Roxie in Chicago. For some, these productions were their Broadway debut, like transgender actress Angelica Ross. She becomes the first openly trans woman to play a leading role on Broadway
Back to the Future the Musical
Wait a minute Doc? Is there a Back to the Future musical coming to Broadway? Yes, yes there is. In June of 2023, Back to the Future The Musical will be heading to New York. The musical adaptation began its roots in London. With a plot like the movie but a modern touch to staging, this musical adaptation will give all the ’80s fans the nostalgia they need. Catch the time machine when it heads to Broadway this coming summer!
An interview with Hangmen’s Andy Nyman
Theatre, film, and TV actor Andy Nyman sat down with Hollywood.com and gave us a glimpse into the acting and performer world. During this interview, Nyman starred as Syd in the Broadway show Hangmen (now closed). The play followed 1965 England, and what happens for talented hangmen Harry when hanging is abolished.
As Nyman walked through his career, he shared the importance of handling extreme characters with a lot of care. “If you’re operating on that knife-edge, you can achieve things that become unforgettable,” he explained. “Extremes hopefully work because somehow you Bostill just sort of believe it as an audience.”
Tony Awards 2022
We couldn’t forget the biggest moment of the Broadway world, The Tony Awards. During the 2022 Tony Awards, Hollywood.com followed the live results. Big winners included A Strange Loop for Best Musical, Myles Frost for Best Actor in a Musical for MJ, and Patti LuPone for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Company. The revival of Company and The Lehman Trilogy both tied, winning 5 awards each.
Wicked for the screen
For the first time, we feel Wicked! The beloved Broadway show is heading for the screen and Hollywood.com has everything you need to know about the upcoming blockbuster. Wicked the move will be directed by Jon Chu, with Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Recently, reports announced that Jonathan Bailey will play Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum will play the Wizard, and Michelle Yoeh will play Madam Morrible.
The film is set to drop in 2 parts, with the first movie coming out on Christmas Day 2024.
25th Anniversary of The Lion King on Broadway
It’s the circle of life as The Lion King on Broadway celebrated 25 years. To celebrate, Good Morning America invited Elton John and the Broadway cast to perform November 10, 2022. The musical also hosted a talkback for audiences on November 11.
Hollywood.com followed the legacy of the show and its success as the third-longest-running show on Broadway. The musical has traveled to different countries and continents. All in all, the Disney musical adaptation continues to shine bright on Broadway
Saying premature goodbyes to some shows
Unfortunately in 2022, we had to say goodbye to some shows on Broadway. KPop closed on December 11, after only officially opening on November 27. Ain’t No Mo also closed significantly early on December 23, only having 2 weeks of official performances. While Hollywood stars like Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attempted to give the show more time by buying out a performance, the play ended before the new year.
A First Time Seeing Chicago On Broadway
In 2022, Hollywood.com had many firsts. One of those firsts included Danielle Hurst seeing Chicago the musical for the first time.
“My favorite performance was Tom Hewitt’s tongue-in-cheek version of Billy Flynn’s ‘Razzle Dazzle,’ Danielle wrote in her review. “I absolutely love how this theater number and the real world blend together so seamlessly. Women fanned Billy Flynn with feathers, and glitter fell from the ceiling, all while alluding to the concept of Billy turning a trial into a three-ringed-circus. It’s absolutely genius. The entire performance was so intimate, and for a second, I felt like I was a part of the production.”
A Christmas Carol
The London favorite, A Christmas Carol, made its way to Broadway for the 2022 holiday season. The show only has 1 actor, Jefferson Mays, act out all the roles, which for many is a real treat. Based on the book by Charles Dickens this wows audiences every year with its almost magic feel. Hopefully, it will return to Broadway again next year.
Hollywood.com thanks our readers for sticking by this year and reading our content. We can’t wait to bring you even more Broadway content in the new year.
