Shrek Sings Again, Mamma Mia! Marks a Milestone & A Time to Kill Bows in This Week’s Datebook

So many shows, so little time! Whether you’re in the mood for a meaty drama or hankering to hear some perfectly delivered show tunes, our stage-centric Datebook has got everything you need for a week’s worth of great entertainment. Read on for Broadway openings, first performances, concerts and lots more.


MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
DISASTER! AWAITS, ‘70s STYLE
In the grand tradition of The Poseidon Adventure, Earthquake and the collected works of Arthur Hailey comes Disaster! A 1970s Disaster Movie…Musical, which begins performances at St. Luke’s Theatre. From the wonderfully warped mind of Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick comes a musical set to the hits of everyone’s favorite decade, including “I Am Woman,” “Hot Stuff” and more. We’re hauling out our disco ball!

ALSO: Broadway vet Emily Bergl sings about love and Tony winner Billy Porter, Matt Doyle & more sing the songs of Will Van Dyke at 54 Below.


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
SHREK COMES HOME ON DVD
Can you believe five years have passed since Shrek the Musical made its Broadway bow? Luckily, fans can let their freak flags fly with Dreamworks’ DVD release of show, which features a tuneful score by Tony nominees Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire. Join Brian d’Arcy James, Sutton Foster, Daniel Breaker and Christopher Sieber in Shrek’s big, bright beautiful world!

ALSO: Twelfth Night makes magic in its first preview at Broadway’s Belasco Theatre; Little Miss Sunshine musical begins performances at Second Stage; First Date stars celebrate their CD release at 54 Below; Rocky producer Sylvester Stallone chats with David Letterman; Michael C. Hall and Laura Bell Bundy visit Craig Ferguson.


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
FIVE YEARS IN FOUR NIGHTS
You’ve got four chances, beginning tonight, to savor The Last Five Years in Concert at 54 Below. Adam Kantor and Betsy Wolfe reprise their acclaimed performances as Jamie and Cathy, marking the release of a new cast recording of Jason Robert Brown’s beloved show. You can’t do better than snapping up tickets! (Click here to see Adam and Betsy's joint Ask a Star feature.)

ALSO: It’s a big night for Elizabeth Olsen, who opens in Romeo & Juliet at Classic Stage Company and on the big screen in Kill Your Darlings, co-starring Broadway vets Daniel Radcliffe and Michael C. Hall.


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
BOY, OH WINSLOW BOY
The ultimate British family drama, Terence Rattigan’s The Winslow Boy, opens tonight with a to-die-for cast led by Tony winner Roger Rees and film favorite Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Did young Ronnie Winslow really steal from his Naval Academy classmate? And will the family survive their attempt to clear his name? Head to the American Airlines Theatre to find out!

ALSO: Charles Busch is Ridin’ High in a new drag show at 54 Below.


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
AUDRA & JULIE TOAST GREAT PERFORMANCES
For four decades, theater has found a home on PBS’ Great Performances, and now stars express their appreciation in a 40th Anniversary Celebration concert taped at Lincoln Center last November. Highlights include a recap of the series from Julie Andrews, and five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald sings “Dear Friend” from She Loves Me.

ALSO: First preview for the jazzy Duke Ellington musical After Midnight at Broadway’s Brooks Atkinson Theatre.


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
MAMMA MIA!, HERE THEY GO
A day after celebrating its 12th anniversary on Broadway, Mamma Mia departs Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre, opening the way for Rocky. But never fear: You can catch the hit ABBA tuner at the slightly smaller Broadhurst Theatre beginning on November 2. We’ll miss that enormous bride billboard!

ALSO: Evil lurks at Broadway’s Belasco Theatre, where Mark Rylance begins performances in the title role of Richard III; How to be a New Yorker reopens at Planet Hollywood’s new Screening Room Theater.


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
A TIME TO KILL FACES B’WAY JURY
It’s the moment of truth for defense attorney Jake Brigance—and by that, we mean Sebastian Arcelus and his castmates, on opening night of A Time to Kill. Rupert Holmes’ adaptation of the John Grisham bestseller takes is official bow at Broadway’s Golden Theatre, featuring John Douglas Thompson, Tonya Pinkins, Tom Skerritt and more.

ALSO: Surprises are in store as top stars sing Sondheim Unplugged at 54 Below.