This summer, theater lovers who can't shell out big bucks to go see a Broadway production will have the chance to see some of the most talked-about shows for free in Bryant Park.
Now in its 24th year, the 106.7 LITE FM radio personality will host the outdoor lunchtime “Broadway in Bryant Park” series, which will provide a sampling of the best numbers from popular shows and a taste of new shows.
Every Thursday starting July 11th, cast members from Broadway musicals will perform an hour-long outdoor concert starting at 12:30pm.
Mark J. Franklin
Broadway's “Hell's Kitchen” theater company. (Mark J. Franklin)
“This year, the buzz of excitement is palpable as Broadway in Bryant Park returns,” Chris Conley, the station's director of programming, said in a statement Monday. “A sense of anticipation fills the air as we prepare to share unforgettable performances and joyous moments beneath the summer skies. Prepare to be enchanted by the magic of live theater!”
It's only fitting that the four-week series kicks off with “Hell's Kitchen,” the musical by 13-time Tony nominee Alicia Keys, which opens on Sixth Avenue between West 40th and West 42nd Streets, just a few blocks from the park.
Hosted by radio veteran Helen Little, the opening night will feature performances by the casts of Back to the Future, Tommy from the Who, The Wiz and Water for Elephants. Students from AMDA College of Performing Arts will perform a pre-show.
Matthew Murphy
The hustle and bustle of The Outsiders on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
The season runs through July 18, with morning hosts Cubby and Christine performing songs from “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Frozen” under a “Disney on Broadway” theme.
On July 25, Rich Kaminsky will host Chicago, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Book of Mormon, The Great Gatsby and The Notebook.
Delilah will close out the season on August 1 with “& Juliet,” “Wicked,” “Six the Musical” and “The Outsiders,” which won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical. Audiences will also get to debut (and hear) numbers from “Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical,” a musical about the jazz pioneer's life that is set to open on Broadway this fall. Students from AMDA College of Performing Arts will also perform “Mean Girls” as a pre-show.
