In the summer of 2023, Broadway witnessed a surge of productions celebrating unconventional characters and queer sensibilities. This trend has continued into 2024, with shows reimagining classic tales and historical figures, challenging social norms, and embracing individuality.
One standout production is the new adaptation of "Once Upon a Mattress," based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Princess and the Pea." Amy Sherman-Palladino, creator of "Gilmore Girls," has breathed new life into this classic. The show features Sutton Foster as Princess Winnifred, a character who defies traditional feminine ideals.
"I'm in love with a girl named Fred!"
This line encapsulates the show's celebration of unconventional love and identity. Mary Rodgers' music and the original book by Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson, and Dean Fuller provide a solid foundation for this quirky tale.
Another production pushing boundaries is "Oh, Mary!," written by and starring Cole Escola. This outlandish reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln as a cabaret-obsessed alcoholic and Abraham Lincoln as a closeted figure challenges historical narratives. Escola's performance draws inspiration from drag theater legends like Charles Ludlam and Charles Busch.
The reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats" as "The Jellicle Ball" transforms the enigmatic musical into a fierce ballroom competition. This adaptation, running at the Perelman Performing Arts Center until September 8, 2024, brilliantly merges the original T.S. Eliot-inspired narrative with the vibrant LGBTQ+ ballroom subculture of New York City.
These productions share a common thread: they use familiar stories or historical figures as a springboard for exploring queer themes and celebrating individuality. By doing so, they offer audiences a fresh perspective on well-known narratives.
The success of these shows highlights the theater community's growing embrace of diverse voices and unconventional storytelling. As the upcoming Broadway season promises a mix of celebrity-driven revivals, including Katie Holmes in "Our Town," the impact of these boundary-pushing productions serves as a reminder of the value of unique perspectives in theater.
As these shows demonstrate, there's inherent value in challenging conventions and celebrating one's authentic self. In the words of a character from "Oh, Mary!," quoting "Sesame Street": "Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear, just sing, sing a song." This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of these productions, encouraging artists and audiences alike to embrace their individuality and "fly their freak flags high."