The Best of Broadway
As Broadway transitions from one season to another we find ourselves between a series of strong shows still wooing audiences and an impressive list of new shows waiting to take their first bow. Among the heaviest hitters this season and still running strong are:

The Drowsy Chaperone Sutton Foster the talented stage star who made her mark in 2002 in Broadway's Thoroughly Modern Millie returned in 2005 to play Jo in Little Women. Each performance earned her a Tony Award nomination. Today, a sure-shot box office magnet, Sutton finds herself once again in the limelight in this season's musical hit, The Drowsy Chaperone, the story of a stereotypical starlet who gives up her stage career for marriage. her ability to act, dance and sing plus her charismatic personality, which is well employed in every character she plays has, once again, earned her a Tony Award nomination. For song, dance and well done light-hearted entertainment head out to The Drowsy Chaperone.

The Color Purple In the mid 80's readers and television audiences were glued to the riveting and emotional saga of Alice Walker's novel, The Color Purple. The story follows the trying life of a woman who, through love, overcomes adversity. Successfully adapted for the stage, The Color Purple opened on Broadway as a large scale musical and features gospel, jazz, ragtime and blues. Its beautiful musical score, colorful costumes, collection of talented actors, actresses direction and production team have earned The Color Purple eleven Tony Award nominations.

Awake and Sing An American classic by playwright Clifford Odets, depicts the struggles of Jewish immigrants in the Bronx that has fallen on hard times during the depression era. This Lincoln Center production will be staged at The Belasco Theatre. Cast members include Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose and Ben Gazzara Historically, Broadway has never left theater goers waiting long for new productions to arrive. In coming months we will witness new dramas, musicals and comedies offering an impressive line-up of celebrity talent: Nathan Lane, Vanessa Redgrave, Julianne Moore, Rebecca Luker and Martin Short. From comedy to musicals to drama. . . start making your theater plans now. Belasco Theater 111 West 44th Street (212) 239-6200.

A Chorus Line Scheduled to open at the Schoenfeld Theatre on October 5, 2006 This new production of the Pulitzer Prize and tony Award winning musical heads back to Broadway for one more singular sensation. Every move that they make will be directed by Bob Avian one of the show's original choreographers.

Les Miserables Scheduled to open at the Broadhurst Theatre on November 9, 2006 as part of a world-wide anniversary tour. Victor Hugošs immortal tale of 19th century France amidst an infamous revolution that forever changed society thrilled packed theaters throughout the world. This stage spectacular, musical adaptation has showcased countless musical talents male and female, young and mature. This fall, in an encore presentation, Broadway audiences will once again witness this beloved production.

Mary Poppins Scheduled to open at the New Amsterdam theatre on November 16, 2006 After an extensive run at The New Amsterdam Theatre, Disney's beloved hit, The Lion King will move to the Richard Rogers Theater. The New Amsterdam Theater owned by the Disney Company, will become home to Disney's newest contribution to the family friendly stage, Mary Poppins. The lively tale of a London household turned upside down by the arrival of a very inventive and amusing nanny is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film by the same name. In addition to the original score written for the Disney movie some new tunes have been added. Recently, Rebecca Luker known for her work in Nine, The Sound of Music, Showboat and The Music Man was cast in the role of Mrs. Banks.