The Twelve Days of Broadway
Twelve Showtunes Wooing
South Pacific
Leaving out reprises and overtures, you’re basically left with “A Cockeyed Optimist,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Bloody Mary,” “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” “Bali Ha’i,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “A Wonderful Guy,” “Younger Than Springtime,” “Happy Talk,” “Honey Bun,” “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” and “This Nearly Was Mine.” A dozen bona-fide classics, all in one glorious show. Nirvana awaits!
Eleven O’Clock Belting
Gypsy
Eleven o'clock number, the term for a showstopping final song, could have been coined especially for “Rose’s Turn” in Gypsy. It's a primal musical scream delivered by everyone’s favorite diva, Tony winner Patti LuPone. Technically, the term is outdated, since it was coined when showtime was 8:30PM. But when we’re talking about Momma Rose’s lament for the stardom that should have been hers, calling it a “10:30 number” just doesn’t cut it!
Ten Nice Kids Dancing
Hairspray
Forget counting reindeer. Count kids: there’s Amber and Brad and Fender and Tammy. Brenda and Sketch and Lou Ann and Shelley. Add Link and IQ and— presto—it’s the nicest kids in Baltimore, shimmying and shaking on Corny Collins Show in Hairspray! And no, we don’t count Tracy. We already know she’s nice, and by the final curtain, she’s a force not to be messed with.
Nine Shows a Weekend
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Talk about a kicking weekend! An essential stop for anyone in town between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, Radio City’s annual extravaganza plays up to 29 shows ! a week when the holiday season’s at full throttle. That's a lot of high-stepping from the iconic Rockettes, who are the true stars of the latest edition of this crowd-pleasing show. It just wouldn't be Christmas in New York without them.
Eight Years of ABBA
Mamma Mia!
Now in its eighth year on the Great White Way, Mamma Mia! has surpassed My Fair Lady and Hello, Dolly! to become Broadway’s 16th longest-running musical. No surprise, really, for a show that never fails to get the entire Winter Garden Theatre up on its feet. So you spent the afternoon shopping in the rain without an umbrella? Donna and her trusty Dynamos will dry you off and cheer you up with an ABBA-rific time.
Seven Sisters Swimming
The Little Mermaid
Also known as the daughters of Triton, king of the sea and lover of names that begin with the letter A: Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, Alana and, last but not least, that flame-haired rebel Ariel. Think of them as a seven-headed chorus designed to enchant the youngest Broadway theatergoers. And those cool-looking Heelies they zoom around in? Don’t be surprised if they end up on your Christmas list.
Six Horses Stamping
Equus
Think of the revival of this gripping play as Law & Order or Columbo. Even at two hours and 40 minutes, this psychological mystery—featuring a smashing star turn by Daniel Radcliffe alongside six human equines wearing wire horse heads—flies by like an episode of your favorite TV whodunit. Looking to escape the holiday hubbub? Hoof it to the Broadhurst Theatre.
Five Cool T-Birds
Grease
It’s been almost 37 years since Danny Zuko and his four T-Bird pals originally debuted on Broadway, and the gang’s as cool and slick as ever in the hit revival. They still wow the ladies, fill out a leather jacket like nobody's business and can turn a heap of junk into a set of wheels worthy of the song "Greased Lightning." Who wouldn't want to stay out past curfew with these bad boys?
Four Guys from Jersey
Jersey Boys
Seeing the fantastic true-life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons—including the amazing first-act montage of their original hits—is a treat no matter what time of year it is. But seeing it in the midst of a week filled with your office's dreadful holiday party and the mad dash for the hot toy of the season? That’s like bathing in warm water and bubbles. Jersey Boys, take us away!
Three Boys Named Billy
Billy Elliot
Blessed with a trio of young and super-talented lead performers David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish, Billy Elliot’s got everything you hope to see in a musical: great singing, incredible dancing and triumph against all odds. As the old cliche says, you'll laugh, you'll cry... In this case, laughter + tears + a boy hero who can fly in his dreams = Broadway bliss.
Two Lovebirds Belching
Shrek the Musical
No matter how mature you think you are, the simple truth remains: Bodily noises still make you giggle as much now as they did when you were five years old. Hence Broadway’s latest movie-to-musical blockbuster is a lot like romper room for grownups. To heck with putting on airs and discussing the classics: bring on Shrek and Princess Fiona for holiday happiness!
And the One and only Liza with a ‘Z’
Liza’s at the Palace...
Seriously, could you ask for a better gift? Back on Broadway for the first time in nine years, the icon delivers two acts of classic Liza, only wiser and happier. For stocking stuffers, she tells tales about her childhood and her godmother, Kay Thompson. Not to mention it’s all happening in the Palace Theatre, where mom Judy Garland reigned. Have yourself a merry little Christmas, indeed.