Special Reports

Glenda Jackson and Shoshana Bean Star in Shows From Our Critics' Weekly Top 5 Faves

This week we spotlight two Broadway musicals: one a daring revival, the other a currently running favorite.

With so much great theater in New York City, you might need a little help deciding what to see this week. We've got you covered!

Here you'll find a list of standout shows that our TM critics consider especially worth your time. They're all top productions that you definitely won't want to miss.

Click on the title of a show to learn more and purchase tickets.


Ain't No Mo'

Fedna Jacquet, Ebony Marshall-Oliver, Marchánt Davis, Simone Recasner, and Crystal Lucas-Perry star in Jordan E. Cooper's Ain't No Mo'  at the Public Theater.
Fedna Jacquet, Ebony Marshall-Oliver, Marchánt Davis, Simone Recasner, and Crystal Lucas-Perry star in Jordan E. Cooper's Ain't No Mo' at the Public Theater.
(© Joan Marcus)

"Everything in the production is heightened, from Montana Levi Blanco's stereotype-leaning costumes to Kimie Nishikawa's whimsical set design (including a cartoonish airport against which Peaches's bright pink wig can pop). However, by laying such an extreme premise within a slightly fantastical world, [Jordan E.] Cooper allows for one of the most nuanced and illuminating dissections of African-American identity I've seen on a stage." Read Hayley Levitt's full review here.


King Lear

Glenda Jackson stars in the title role of King Lear, now playing at the Cort Theatre.
Glenda Jackson stars in the title role of King Lear, now playing at the Cort Theatre.
(© Brigitte Lacombe)

"Eighty-two-year-old Glenda Jackson in the title role is the main attraction here, and her ferocious energy unbelievably never sags once during the show's three-and-a-half hours." Read David Gordon's full review here.


Mrs. Murray's Menagerie

The Mad Ones and the rest of the cast of Mrs. Murray's Menagerie.
The Mad Ones and the rest of the cast of Mrs. Murray's Menagerie.
(© Ben Arons Photography)

"The Mad Ones revealed an uncommon gift for depicting passive-aggression in their last play, Miles for Mary, about a group of Ohio high school teachers organizing a charity telethon. Under the thorough ensemble-centric direction of Lila Neugebauer, that gift remains as rewarding as ever as we chart the dagger glances and strained voices in the room." Read Zachary Stewart's full review here.


Oklahoma!

Damon Daunno and Rebecca Naomi Jones star in Oklahoma! at Circle in the Square Theatre.
Damon Daunno and Rebecca Naomi Jones star in Oklahoma! at Circle in the Square Theatre.
(© Little Fang Photo)

"On Broadway, Daniel Fish's Oklahoma! has reached its full potential. Sitting with rapt attention for three hours, I felt as though I was watching a brand-new musical, not one that just turned 76. It's one of the best revivals I've ever seen. And it's just so sexy." Read David Gordon's full review here.


Waitress

Shoshana Bean currently stars as Jenna in Waitress on Broadway.
Shoshana Bean recently joined the cast of Waitress on Broadway.
(© Matthew Murphy)

"The cast and creative team behind Waitress pulls off a rare feat: They give us a big, happy musical comedy that simultaneously manages to push the form in exciting ways." Read Zachary Stewart's full review here.


For more suggestions, visit our Broadway listings page here and our off-Broadway listings page here.

Featured In This Story

Waitress

Closed: January 5, 2020