Off-Broadway Productions Set Sail with Matthew Broderick and André DeShields; Anticipation Mounts for Romy & Michelle Musical Preview

Get ready, theater enthusiasts! The fall season in New York City promises a captivating array of productions that are sure to delight. Here's a sneak peek at some of the shows that are set to take the stage.

In October, the Off-Broadway Stage 42 will host the world premiere of "Romy & Michele: The Musical," based on the 1997 cult comedy "Romy & Michele's High School Reunion." Starring Laura Bell Bundy and Kara Lindsay, the musical promises to be a fun and energetic night out. Unfortunately, no information about the theater group presenting the production was found.

Meanwhile, over at Jazz at Lincoln Center, MasterVoices will present a concert staging of the rarely seen musical "Sweet Smell of Success" on Nov. 21-22. Raúl Esparza will play J.J. Hunsecker, a powerful New York gossip columnist, and singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine will portray his younger sister Susan. John Guare penned the book for the musical, while Marvin Hamlisch and Craig Carnelia composed the score. Ted Sperling conducts the 120-member MasterVoices chorus and orchestra for this concert production.

If you're a fan of Shakespeare, you won't want to miss "Playing Shylock," a play that focuses on an actor playing Shylock in a production of "The Merchant of Venice." Saul Rubinek will lead the production, which confronts audience members about prejudice, cancel culture, and theater's role in difficult conversations. "Playing Shylock" will be produced at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center, home of Theatre for a New Audience in Brooklyn, beginning on Oct. 16.

Two Off-Broadway revivals of "Tartuffe" are set to take place this fall. André De Shields will star in an immersive production at the House of the Redeemer, while Matthew Broderick and André DeShields will star in another production at the New York Theatre Workshop. "Tartuffe," a cornerstone of French classical theater, was first performed in French in 1664 and was quickly banned. Lucas Hnath has adapted the play for the New York Theatre Workshop production, which begins previews on Nov. 28.

Lastly, the ensemble for the New York Theatre Workshop production includes Matthew Broderick, David Cross, Bianca Del Rio, Amber Gray, Lisa Kron, and Francis Jue. Past productions by MasterVoices have included "Lady in the Dark," "Anyone Can Whistle," and "The Frogs."

So, mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic fall of theater in New York City!

Off-Broadway Productions Set Sail with Matthew Broderick and André DeShields; Anticipation Mounts for Romy & Michelle Musical Preview