Broadway is buzzing once more with exciting announcements about upcoming debuts and revivals this season. One of the most talked-about is actor Sean Astin's much-anticipated entry onto the hallowed New York stage. Best known for his roles as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, Astin will be stepping back in time as Santa Claus in the revival of Elf The Musical. Scheduled for the holiday season, the show will open at the Marquis Theatre with previews starting on November 9, and the official opening night slated for November 17. The limited engagement will run until January 4, 2025.
Astin expressed his excitement over this opportunity, stating, "It has been a lifelong dream to be on Broadway and I can’t think of a more delightful way to celebrate the season than by spreading Christmas cheer as Santa Claus." He humorously added, “Now my kids can say ‘Santa, I know him!’” Co-starring with Astin is Grey Henson, who is well-known for his performances in Mean Girls and Shucked, taking on the lead role of Buddy the Elf.
Produced by Temple Live Entertainment North America and Crossroads Live North America, Elf The Musical originally gained fame as the movie starring Will Ferrell and has since become a beloved holiday staple on stage. This current revival follows two successful holiday seasons at London’s West End.
Meanwhile, another exciting Broadway debut is on the horizon as Succession star Sarah Snook prepares to bring her acclaimed performance to the stage. Snook will star as Dorian Gray in The Picture of Dorian Gray at the Shubert Theatre, with previews beginning in March 2025. This innovative adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic tale integrates video technology and will see Snook portraying 26 characters throughout the show. Snook previously dazzled audiences with her role at the Sydney Theatre Company, earning praise and acclaim for her solo performance.
Snook celebrated her opportunity to grace Broadway stages by saying, “It was a singular privilege to bring The Picture of Dorian Gray to life in London and I am thrilled we will be able to share this astonishing production with audiences in New York.” Kip Williams, the director, echoed her sentiments, calling the piece transformative and reflecting Wilde's remarkable story's contemporary relevance.
Tickets for both Elf: The Musical and The Picture of Dorian Gray are generating buzz as theatergoers across the city can’t wait to see these adaptations come to life. The demand for the tickets for Snook’s show has already led to the establishment of a waitlist, showcasing the anticipation surrounding her Broadway debut.
Across the theater world, the excitement around Broadway's revival shows no signs of dulling. Productions with fresh takes on cherished classics are anticipated to draw large audiences, eager to embrace the joy of live performance once again. The upcoming holiday season, coupled with these notable debuts, promises to reignite the golden age of Broadway, making it more vibrant than ever.
The Broadway community is also celebrating other revivals this season, as iconic productions make their return to the stage. Notably, Whoopi Goldberg is set to share the spotlight as Miss Hannigan in the upcoming revival of Annie. With her rich experience and talent, Goldberg's portrayal is expected to mesmerize audiences and breathe new life back to the classic musical.
With these thrilling productions hitting the stage, it’s clear audiences can expect spectacular performances filled with humor, depth, and creativity. The return of Broadway's holiday offerings, bolstered by star-studded casts, is sure to keep theater doors swinging open.
Overall, this season promises to be filled with excitement, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments for theater lovers and casual attendees alike. Whether it's Sean Astin's charming take on Santa Claus or Sarah Snook's challenging multiple roles, attending any of these performances this season is bound to be magical.
For avid fans of Broadway, the blend of established actors and acclaimed productions is like music to the ears. The anticipation is high, and one thing is for sure: fans will not want to miss the chance to say they were part of this vibrant season.
