Category: Stage

Start spreading the news. New York theater will be aglow again. Broadway is in reopening mode, with the main thrust coming this fall.

But…

I’m not, and I’m not certain you are either.

I’d take the direct flight to JFK, if I’m flying Hawaiian. Or if I opt for United, the destination is Newark.

Either way, NYC is on my radar now. But I am cautiously optimistic of a smooth reopening, but I likely will wait till spring 2022,

The newbie shows I’d love to see are:

* “Mrs. Doubtfire,” the comedy that starred Robin Williams on film, set to open Oct. 24 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York.

* “Music Man,” beginning Dec. 20, at the Winter Garden Theatre. This one features Hugh Jackman as Professor Harold Hill and Sutton Foster co-star.

But there might be  T-R-O-U-B-L-E ahead, borrowing the song from “Music Man.”

Why? Ticketing websites are already selling seats for the new shows and the perennial favorites, lined up like racehorses, for the opening bell. Since New York claims the theaters will be like the pre-pandemic days, there shouldn’t be open seats between patrons. What happens if protocols and rules change? Do you forfeit seats?  Who stays and who preys for open spaces, if that happens, and will you have wiggle room that fits into your hotel bookings?

Many wonderments. Not many precise details yet.

If you’re planning a fall visit, the marquees should be glowing with these attractions:

• “Hamilton,” beginning Sept. 14, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Now you can finally get your “shot.”

• “Wicked,” returning Sept. 14, at the Gershwin Theatre. Green will be the keen face color again.

• “The Lion King,” roaring in Sept. 14, at the Minskoff Theatre. Can you feel the love already?

• “Chicago,” starting Sept. 14, at the Ambassador Theatre. It’ll be razzle dazzle time, with all that jazz.

• “The Phantom of the Opera,” resuming Oct. 22, at the Majestic Theatre. Watch out for the falling chandelier and bask in the music of the night.

• “Diana,” premiering Dec. 1, at the Longacre Theatre. A musical about the beloved Princess of Wales.

• “Ain’t Too Proud,” opening Oct. 16, at the Imperial Theatre. Relieve Motown magic and music.

• “Jagged Little Pill,” returning in Oct. 21, at the Longacre Theatre. Music by Alanis Morissette.

• “Come From Away,” opening Sept. 1, at the Schoenfeld Theatre. The Canadian hospitality blooms again, post 911.

Curiously, two island theater stages will offer comedies focusing on lovelorn columnists in the weeks ahead.

• At Diamond Head Theatre, “The Lady With all the Answers,” premiers April 23. It’s a play by David Rambo, inspired by the newspaper column, “Dear Ann Landers,” that explored romance, heartbreak, and inquiries from singles and couples with a myriad problems, in search of resolution. Esther Pauline Lederer is the actual columnist whose pen name was Ann Landers, and she helped thousands of folks to sort out issues that plagued them in their daily lives, when, in fact, she was personally struggling with her own problems. The show runs through May 2. Tickets: $22.

Call 733-0174 or visit www.diamondheadtheatre.com

• At Manoa Valley. Theatre, “Tiny Beautiful Things,” about a struggling woman writer who takes an unpaid role as an advice columnist, debuts May 23. The play, by Cheryl Strayed, looks at a fictional writer trying to overcome problems big and small, attempting to resolve questions that have no immediate answers. The show will run through May 23. Tickets: $40 adults, $35 seniors and military, $22 youths 25 and younger. Call 988-6131 or visit manoavalleytheatre.com

At both theaters, social distancing procedures will be in place and face masks are required for admission.