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If you’ve been enchanted by “Hamilton” on Broadway, you may be looking for other shows that have similar appeal. You’re not alone; a wildly successful show like “Hamilton” can drive audiences to Broadway, and New York works hard to satisfy their thirst for great theater. Here are some shows that are delighting other “Hamilton” fans.
Bandstand
Image via Flickr by Xiaozhuli
If you loved the choreography in “Hamilton,” Broadway has a treat for you. “Bandstand” is a tightly written musical about a jazz band set in the post-World War II era. Andy Blankenbuehler, who was the choreographer for “Hamilton,” directed and choreographed the show, which features original music played live by the onstage band, an unusually realistic touch for the theater. The show is earning rave reviews, in part because of Blankenbuehler has choreographed it with “fast-paced, freeform movement that heightens the tensions of the storyline without turning into a distraction,” which makes the show look and feel a lot like “Hamilton.”
The Great Comet
If you want to witness more history coming to life on the Broadway stage, you will probably love “The Great Comet.” The show is an adaptation of a portion of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The story is set in 1812 Moscow, just before Napoleon invaded Russia. The composer has described the show as an “electropop opera,” and the score blends Russian classical and folk music with indie rock and electronica. The show also offers lush period costumes, young love, and Josh Groban in his first Broadway musical, making it a perfect choice for a romantic date night with your spouse.
Anastasia
Another option for history buffs is “Anastasia,” which is also set in Russia. This show adapts the 1997 film for the stage, with some additional characters and 16 new musical numbers. The 2017 production has already been nominated for two Tony awards: Best Featured Actress in a Musical and Best Costume Design in a Musical. This show combines fantasy with history to create a delightful stage experience as it tracks the past from the final gasps of the Russian Empire to the Roaring Twenties in Paris.
Amélie
If you loved Phillipa Soo in “Hamilton,” you’ll be pleased to know she’s recently returned to Broadway in the title role of “Amelie.” Amélie is a young woman in Paris who delights strangers with her deliberate acts of kindness, and she must learn to speak her truth to find love and happiness. “Amelie” has drawn mixed notices, with some reviewers complaining that it doesn’t capture the full charm of the film, but that might be setting the bar a bit high since the film was nominated for five Academy Awards. If you just want to enjoy some great music and dance with a compelling story, you will enjoy “Amélie.”
You’ll never be able to perfectly recapture your first “Hamilton” audience experience, of course. But if you keep your mind open to new shows, you will have a wonderful time at any of these four exciting new Broadway musicals. Lush scores, rich costuming, and creative set designs bring these dramatic stories to life in dreamlike sequences that will not disappoint you.
