On and Off: NYC’s Other Broadway Week

This year, Jan. 28 through Feb. 10 will bookend Off-Broadway Week, a dramatic period where the powers that be offer two-for-one tickets for a plethora of  plays.

 

Here are some to check out:

 

1. Rain Pryor’s Fried Chicken & Latkes

    Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th Street

    Rainpryor.com

 

The flamboyant Rain Pryor (daughter of the late-comedic legend Richard Pryor) shows off her over-the-top, animated personality in her organically- funny one woman show. She playfully recalls her biracial upbringing in Beverly Hills, California, with a versatile range of endearing songs and characters including a must-see impression of her father. 

 

2. Bare The Musical (through Feb. 3)

    New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St. (Bet. 8th and 9th Ave.)

    Baremusicalnyc.com

 

This “contemporary rock musical” bares it all using an audacious, fevered story: a group of teenagers battling sexuality, identity and religion issues at a co-ed Catholic boarding school. Audiences will see how palpable the adolescence-to-adulthood transition can be in an emotional show punctuated by an electrifying rock music score. With esteemed director Stafford Arima, the show boosts a youthful cast including actress Missi Pyle.

 

3. In Acting Shakespeare (through Feb. 3)

    The Pearl Theatre Company, 555 West 42nd Street

    Pearltheatre.org

 

For thespians, acting out Shakespearian works are intrinsic to their training. Actor and playwright James DeVita details just how Shakespeare has captivated his inner being and life’s journey in this show. It is “fun and fervent” tribute to history’s most formative poet, interlacing Shakespeare’s life with DeVita’s days working as a classical actor and fisherman in Long Island, NY.

 

4. Perfect Crime

    The Snapple Theater Center, The Anne L. Bernstein Theater, 210 W.       

    50th Street

    Perfect-crime.com

 

Warren Manzi’s romantic, scintillating and witty thriller appeals to “whodunit mystery” theatre lovers. It has the distinction of being the longest-running play in the city’s history. The story burns with passion and intrigue, chronicling psychiatrist and prospective murderer Margaret Brent, her rich husband, a deranged patient, and a handsome detective who falls in love with Brent. The show stars Broadway veteran Catherine Russell, television actors Richard Shoberg, John Hillner and George McDaniel, and Broadway actor Patrick Robustelli.

 

 

5. STOMP

    Orpheum Theater, 126 2nd Avenue

    stomponline.com

 

Still a favorite, this fabled, dynamic medley of a myriad of instruments and talented performers commands attention. This UK-created percussion group uses everything from brooms to garbage lids to boxes of matches to make music. It is the perfect blend of sounds, movement and “physical comedy”, re-imaging what is traditional musical theatre. 

 

For tickets, visit www.nycgo.com/

 

 

 

By Clarissa Hamlin

 

Sources: nycgo.com, rainpryor.com, baremusicalnyc.com, pearltheatre.org, perfect-crime.com, stomponline.com