West Side Story, New Faces at Frozen & More February Picks from the Broadway.com Staff

The cold never bothered us anyway—especially with so much great theater to cozy up to this February! The Broadway.com staff has got heart eyes for both Great White Way and intimate downtown offerings during the month of roses and chocolates. Searching for something to shake-up the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet? Look no farther than Ivo van Hove's innovative Broadway revival of West Side Story. Obsessed with debating the state of the sexual revolution? Head off-Broadway to watch two couples explore bedroom boundaries in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. Take a look at everything the Broadway.com staff is looking forward to during the month of February below!  

February 4 - Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice Opens Off-Broadway
Paul Mazursky’s Oscar-winning 1969 film receives the musical theater treatment from Spring Awakening's Tony-winning songwriter Duncan Sheik, Tony-nominated lyricist Amanda Green and playwright Jonathan Marc Sherman. The bittersweet comedy Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice stars Tony nominee Jennifer Damiano, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel favorite Michael Zegen, Ana Nogueira and Joél Pérez as two young couples whose world is turned upside down when they open their minds to the sexual revolution.

Editorial Assistant Michael Appler
"This movie is one of my favorites, and a searing satire of the sexual revolution is just what I’m needing right now. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Tony-winning team behind the show considers the boundaries of sexual freedom today—and who doesn’t love a bell-bottom and a go-go boot?"

February 18 - New Royals Arrive in Arendelle
We can't hold it back anymore! The Tony-nominated musical Frozen will welcome new talent after original stars Caissie Levy and Patti Murin take their final bows as sisters Elsa and Anna on February 16. Stage veteran Ciara Renée will play the role of Elsa, and newcomer McKenzie Kurtz is set to make her Great White Way debut as Anna. In addition, Wicked alum Ryan McCartan will join the cast as Hans upon Joe Carroll's exit from the Disney hit.

Content Producer Caitlin Moynihan
"I am so excited to see Frozen passed on to two new queens! I can’t wait to hear Ciara Renée’s take on the iconic 'Let It Go' and cheer on newcomer McKenzie Kurtz as she embarks on Anna's adventure. There’s no such thing as too much Disney magic."

February 19-23 - Mack & Mabel Runs at Encores!
Based on the tumultuous, real-life romance of Hollywood director Mack Sennett and silent film star Mabel Normand, this 1974 Tony-nominated musical comedy is set to glitter and gleam upon the City Center stage. Tony nominee Douglas Sills will co-star alongside Alexandra Socha in the production, which will be directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes.

Managing Editor Beth Stevens
“Who isn’t a sucker for glorious music and a tale of ill-fated love? Mack & Mabel has both. There’s a lot to love about this show, but I am most excited to hear the Encores! orchestra take on Jerry Herman’s dazzling score.”

February 20 - West Side Story Returns to Broadway
Something's coming here, and it's got audiences buzzing. Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents and Jerome Robbins' quintessential musical, West Side Story has been revamped for today by director Ivo van Hove and choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. The Sharks and Jets are comprised of fresh-faced triple threats led by Once On This Island charmer Isaac Powell as Tony and Juilliard senior Shereen Pimentel as Maria.

Content Producer Lindsey Sullivan
"West Side Story is no doubt a classic, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t benefit from a fresh set of eyes. I can’t imagine a more innovative director than the great Ivo van Hove to approach the beloved musical from a fresh perspective."

February 25 - Dana H. Opens Off-Broadway
Tony-nominated playwright Lucas Hnath's latest work Dana H. is set to intrigue audiences at the Vineyard Theatre. Adapted from actual interviews conducted by Steve Cosson with Hnath's mother, the solo play tells the true story of Dana, the former chaplain of a psych ward where she met a charismatic patient: an ex-convict searching for redemption who held her captive in several Florida motels for five months. Drama Desk winner Deirdre O'Connell stars in the play.

Features Editor Diep Tran
"When Lucas Hnath told me a couple of years ago that he was working on a play about that time his mother, a psychiatrist, got kidnapped by one of her patients, I’m pretty sure my reactions were simultaneously, 'That sounds batshit' and 'I’d watch that.' I’m excited to finally see Dana H., and I can’t imagine a better actor to play his mom than Deirdre O’Connell."

Other events to mark on your calendar this month:

February 2 - Reeve Carney at Green Room 42
February 7 - The Unsinkable Molly Brown begins off-Broadway
February 9 - Eden Espinosa at Green Room 42
February 10 - Darling Grenadine opens at Roundabout Underground
February 11 - Where We Stand opens off-Broadway
February 17 - Dracula and Frankenstein open at Classic Stage
February 24 - Cambodian Rock Band opens off-Broadway