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Catch 'Em Before They're Gone! Finishing the Year on Broadway

The New Year will soon be upon us, and while it brings about a new slew of theatrical attractions (hello, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! How you doin’, Groundhog Day?!), it also signals its fair share of closings…Yes, the early days of 2017, unfortunately, mark the final hours for some of Broadway’s greatest recent hits.

Here’s our roundup of shows celebrating final days in the early weeks of the New Year. If you’re in town to ring in 2017, why not check out one of these stellar productions?! It’s your last chance…so get tickets now, or face a missed opportunity…forever.

Fiddler on the Roof Joan Marcus

(l-r) Jessica Vosk, Lori Wilner, Jessica Hecht, Alix Korey, Tess Primack and Jennifer Zetlan. Photo: Joan Marcus 

Fiddler on the RoofTo love! To life! L’chaim! This uplifting celebration of family and faith centers around poor milkman Tevye (Danny Burstein) as he struggles to cope with his three older daughters and their decision to marry for love — which strongly goes against his deep-rooted religious beliefs. As outside influences continue to enrcroach upon his family’s lives, Tevye faces the difficult decision of risking his commitment to tradition in order to give his daughters the life they truly want and deserve. With an unforgettable score by Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock — featuring earworms like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” this timeless classic aims (and succeeds!) at bringing its gut-wrenchingly relevant themes to the forefront for a new generation, in an utterly gorgeous new production. Fun Home’s Judy Kuhn also stars. Closes Dec. 31. Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway; fiddlermusical.com.

Matilda: The Musical —To get what you want, sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty… and no one knows that better than Matilda Wormwood! This 2013 Tony-winning spectacular, based, of course, on the YA novel by Roald Dahl, follows the titular mischievous bookworm, who — armed with her colorful imagination and sharp wit — takes a stand against those who’ve wronged her, fights back against the bullies, and ultimately changes her own destiny. Filled with gorgeous sets, an infectious, toe-tapping score, and a message that warms the heart, this brilliant production breathes new life into the classic story you know and love, reminding moms, dads, and children of all ages that even if you’re little…you can do a lot! Original cast member Lesli Margherita has returned for the last weeks of the show’s run. Closes Jan. 1. Shubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th St.; us.matildathemusical.com.

Something Rotten

Something Rotten! A hilarious tale of two up-and-coming Elizabethan playwrights who attempt to beat William Shakespeare (yes, that one!) at his own game by devising the world’s first musical, Something Rotten! is a good old-fashioned musical comedy that harkens back to the splashy, flashy Broadway shows of old. There are bright lights, big sets, extravagant musical numbers, and catchy, hummable melodies — which sucker-punch with the poignant (and period-appropriate) message of “To thine own self be true.” It’s such a delight, there’s nothing quite like this musical! Broadway favorites Rob McClure, Josh Grisetti, and Adam Pascal star. Closes Jan. 1. St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St.; rottenbroadway.com.

The Color Purple She’s beautiful and she’s here… for now, so catch her while you can. 2016 Tony-winning phenomenon Cynthia Erivo headlines the powerful production— an import from the West End’s Menier Chocolate Factory — that is simply (no pun intended) too beautiful for words. The story, based off of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning-novel, follows Celie (Erivo) and her life in the American South, as she journeys from childhood joy, despair, anguish and hope to discover the true power of love and life. Equally thrilling Tony winner Jennifer Holliday also stars. Closes Jan. 8. Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45th St.; colorpurple.com.

 Falsettos

Falsettos — The Tony-winning musical from the team of William Finn and James Lapine has returned for a limited run! Amidst a cavalcade of monumental life changes, Marvin (Tony winner Christian Borle) struggles to create a “tight-knit family” out of his eclectic array of core relationships, which include his ex-wife, his new boyfriend, and his adolescent son, among several others. As the show goes on and the effect of these relationships become more and more meaningful, Marvin’s forced to face his own views on love, responsibility, and, ultimately, what it means to be a man. Tony nominees Andrew Rannells, Stephanie J. Block, and Brandon Uranowitz also star. Limited run; closes Jan. 8. Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 W. 48th St.; falsettosbroadway.com.

Jersey Boys — Oh, what a night you’ll have at this smash hit Tony-winning Best Musical, which ends its record-breaking, decade-long run this winter. Based on the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the musical features such fantastic numbers as “Sherry,” “My Eyes Adored You,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — and all the prizes and pitfalls in between — you’re sure to fall in love with Frankie and the gang all over again… and discover for yourself why this “rags to riches” fairy tale is simply “too good to be true.” Closes Jan. 15; August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St.; JerseyBoysBroadway.com.

But… if you’d prefer to send out 2016 with a different type of theatrical flair… we’ve got you covered there, too! These fab and festive events play exclusively on Dec. 31 — get your tickets now…and prepare to party hard!

Charles Busch’s New Year’s Eve Show — Legendary drag queen, Tony nominee, and two-time MAC Award winner Charles Busch returns to the intimate Feinstein’s/54 Below for a New Year’s celebration like no other! Accompanied by his stellar long-time friend and musical director Tom Judson, Busch presents a show that thoroughly delivers in humor and heart, mixing stories of personal experiences, celebrity encounters, and past concert hijinks with the dulcet tones of his golden voice as he soars through the American Songbook. What better way to ring in 2017? Dec. 31; Feinstein’s/54 Below; 254 W. 54th St., 646-476-3551, 54below.com.

Annaleigh Ashford

Annaleigh Ashford: New Year’s Magic — Following Charles Busch’s early-evening extravaganza, this 2015 Tony winner (next to be seen on Broadway as Dot in Sunday in the Park with George) will ring in the year in style with a brand new spectacular evening of her own! Armed with an eclectic mix of songs, stories, and “sort-of impressive magic tricks,” Ashford and the Whiskey 5 (accompanied by music director extraordinaire Will Van Dyke) will keep you dancing and singing right up until the clock strikes 12! (No, really. The tables and chairs in the front of the dining area will be whisked away at midnight, creating an open-area dance arena for patrons to shake, rattle, and roll into the wee hours of the morning). Executive Chef Lynn Bound will prepare two courses for all ticket-holders. Dessert buffet and open bar also included. Dec. 31; Feinstein’s/54 Below; 254 W. 54th St., 646-476-3551, 54below.com.

About the Author

Matt Smith is a writer and theatre enthusiast based in New York. His work has appeared within a wide variety of theatrical publications, including Playbill.com, BroadwayWorld.com, TheaterPizzazz.com, and StageBuddy.com. For more information or further inquiry, including additional writing samples, please visit www.mattsmiththeatre.com.

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