The city of Detroit, Michigan, has a relatively lively and popular broadway scene. With programs like “Broadway in Detroit”, they advertise all shows and performances coming to theatres like The Fisher Theatre, The Fox Theatre, or The Detroit Opera House. Michiganders who come to see these shows at the various theatres all have their opinions about which theatre has the best seating and sizes of the actual theatre, as it really is that serious. Sitting through a 2+ hour musical or play in 1 seat with minimal leg room can be a deal breaker for some audience members.
With the current Broadway season coming to a close rather soon once & Juliet and Suffs close out their time here, it will soon become time for the new season. We of course, can’t talk about the new season without talking about what was here this Broadway season. With the former season consisting of the shows: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Back to the Future, Hell’s Kitchen, Shucked, The Outsiders, & Juliet, and Suffs, with additional add-ons, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and Hamilton, we are saying goodbye to a truly stacked and talented group of national touring shows.
All good things must come to an end eventually, as better will follow. The next Broadway in Detroit season will start on September 22nd, with the following shows.
The Notebook: A musical adaptation of the famous romance movie, The Notebook. This story took audiences by storm when it hit Broadway in mid-March of 2024. With the very popular cast member, Joy Woods, who originated the role of Ally, singing the very popular song titled My Days, which started singing challenges across the nation, as this song was so vocally challenging.
Maybe Happy Ending: This Tony Award-winning musical consists of two retired help-bots on a path of discovery, adventure, and love in the big world. With two stars Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen, originating the roles of Oliver and Claire. Highlights from this show’s Tony season include Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Leading Actor in a Musical.
The Great Gatsby: This renowned musical is a book adaptation of the book The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The story follows Nick Carraway as he narrates the story of Jay Gatsby and his romantic pursuit towards Daisy Buchanan. With popular songs such as Roaring on, which was used at the Jimmy Awards in 2024 in the opening number, or New Money, sung by Samantha Pauly and Ensemble for its stellar ending choreography, and My Green Light, sung by Jeremy Jordan(Jay Gatsby) and Eva Noblezada(Daisy Buchanan).
Boop!: This story follows the wildly famous cartoon icon, Betty Boop, as she up and leaves her world of black-and-white, and explores NYC in bright and fabulous color. This musical takes on a lot of colorful outfits, dances, and was led by actress Jasmine Amy Rodgers. Fans of this musical created a very funny and humorous catchphrase from this musical, “WE COULD GO SEE BOOP?!”
Operation Mincemeat: This musical is a comedy that is portrayed by 5 actors, telling the story of the very unique WW2 MI5 mission, where they pretended to carry a dead body containing important files past Nazi lines. This is an Oliver Award-winning musical, and a Tony winning musical. Jak Malone recently won for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical.
Death Becomes Her: This show is based on the cult classic movie, Death Becomes Her. It follows famous actor Madelin Ashton and her frenemy Helen Sharp, which were originally played by Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, as they fight one another, steal husbands and boyfriends, and take magic potions to keep their youth intact. To keep her career together, Madelin sees someone who has A secret you would die for, played by Michelle Williams. Megan and Jennifer’s chemistry, connection, and raw humor on stage is what enticed all audiences across the country to go and see the show!
Oh, Mary!: This story follows former first lady, Mary Todd Lincoln, as she is reimagined as a cabaret loving performer who seemingly hates her husband. The shows follows the weeks leading up to the assassination of former president Abraham Lincoln. This show is also a play, not a musical, meaning there are no singing and dancing numbers within the play, all dialogeue. This show has won two Tony awards, including Best Leading Actor in a Play, won by Escola. Escola made his history with their win in the category, as the actor is non-binary.
Water For Elephants: This show follows main character, Jack, as he joins a traveling circus after the tragic death of both of his parents. He studies to gain knowledge that benefits him while performing in the circus, and in the process he falls in love with the star performer, who happens to be in a relationship with another man. This show had 7 Tony nominations in the 2024 season, yet won none of them.
