Ari Graynor Is an American Hero, B'way Stars Serve Up Some Hamlisch and More Cross-Country Highlights
Broadway.com is hitting the road to bring you the best regional theater offerings from across the country. This week, we’ve gathered five can’t-miss productions, including a world premiere comedy starring Ari Graynor, a gripping thriller from a Mad Men writer and a starry tribute to one of theater’s most beloved composers. Check it all out in our Countrywide Guide!
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA
ARI GRAYNOR SWAPS SEX FOR SANDWICHES
Set in an unnamed sandwich franchise somewhere in America, the new comedy American Hero (starring The Performers standout Ari Graynor) follows a misfit team of “sandwich artists” as they struggle to improvise after the store’s owner mysteriously disappears. Written by Bess Wohl and directed by Leigh Silverman, this world premiere runs at Williamstown Theatre Festival from June 26 through July 7—and the whole thing is under 400 calories!
EAST HADDAM, CT
SHE’S STILL GLOWIN’, SHE’S STILL CROWIN’
Put on your Sunday clothes for the Goodspeed Opera House’s sparkly mounting of the Jerry Herman classic Hello, Dolly!, directed by Daniel Goldstein (Godspell). The June 28 through September 8 engagement stars Broadway favorites Tony Sheldon, Ashley Brown, and Klea Blackhurst in the title role as the meddling matchmaker. Dolly’s overjoyed and overwhelmed and over par. Hey ladies, better line up!
CHICAGO, IL
ROSS IS THE BOSS!
Keith Huff—one of the writers of Mad Men and House of Cards, as well as the Broadway drama A Steady Rain—is bringing his new thriller Big Lake Big City to Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre. The gritty modern noir is directed by company co-founder David Schwimmer (yes, that David Schwimmer) and features an eclectic mix of shady characters. Check out this Big open run, right in the heart of the Windy City!
LOS ANGELES, CA
GRAB LIFE BY THE POKÉBALLS
One of the kookiest projects at the Hollywood Fringe Festival is also one of its biggest hits. The adult-aimed spoof The Pokémusical has earned critical praise for its “lovingly satirical” send-up of the popular 1990s kids’ franchise, although the show (dreamed up by two college kids) is decidedly more for the nostalgic twentysomething crowd. Catch it through June 28, and bring out your best campy dress-up for the late-night shows.
DENNIS, MA
WHAM, BAM, THANK YOU HAM(LISCH)
The late, great composer Marvin Hamlisch is the man behind the music performed in the tribute show They’re Playing His Songs, a celebration of Hamlisch’s Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Oscar-winning tunes. The Cape Playhouse presents the show, directed by David Zippel and starring folks like Tony winner Karen Ziemba and Tony nominee Christiane Noll. Unlike Dreamgirls, this isn’t one night only—the show runs through July 6!
