This Week's Picks! Study Genetics with Jonathan Groff, See an Amazing New Musical & More

Hey, you, waiting on line for the artisanal ice cream truck. You’ve been standing like a chump for hours and your boss is waiting for that spreadsheet. Besides you only have enough change for ice chips. It’s time to do something different, Broadway-style! Luckily, we have options. There’s Jonathan Groff at Encores!, the debut of Amazing Grace, and Shakespeare on the big screen. Get ready for this week’s picks!


Enjoy Some Cinematic Shakespeare
June 22, check movie listings
We’d see Julie Taymor (The Lion King, Grounded) direct an elementary school production of Grease in a mall food court. Luckily, you don’t have to go to such extremes—just a nearby movie theater. For one night only, Taymor’s 2014 acclaimed production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Theatre For A New Audience, Polonsky Shakespeare Center, will play on the big screen in select locations nationwide. Click for tickets!


Party with the Pageant Contestants
June 22 at 54 Below
Work parties typically suck: terrible eats, terrible banter, and a lame soundtrack to accompany your soul slowly dying. We have one you can safely attend. The “ladies” of the 2014 revival of Pageant are holding a launch concert to celebrate the original cast recording. Expect popular numbers such as “Natural Born Females” and “Something Extra” as well as performances from folks like Nick Cearley and John Bolton. Click for tickets!


Check out Jonathan Groff’s New Brain
Begins June 24 at New York City Center
Summer is the perfect time to visit with old friends—and not just Seven-Beer Steve or No Pants Linda! Through June 27, A New Brain, William Finn’s 1998 semi-autobiographical musical is being staged as part of the Encores! Off-Center season. Jonathan Groff plays a struggling composer who, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, must deal with his personal and professional life. Ana Gasteyer, Dan Fogler, and Aaron Lazar co-star. Click for tickets!


Find Yourself at Amazing Grace
Begins June 25 at Nederlander Theatre
It’s time for the first new Broadway musical of the season! Amazing Grace tells the story of John Newton (Josh Young), a brave and musically talented young Englishman whose journey ignited a historic wave of change that led to the abolitionist movement. Don’t worry. The entire score isn’t just the beloved hymn played on a loop—we think. Erin Mackey and Chuck Cooper co-star. Click for tickets!


See a Ruthless Backstage Story
Begins June 25 at St. Luke’s Theatre
Lots of stuff is happening off-Broadway these days, but you can handle one more morsel of awesomeness, right? Good! An updated revival of Ruthless! The Musical starts previews today, so get reacquainted with malicious eight-year-old Tina Denmark (Tori Murray) as she does whatever it takes to get the lead in her school play. Keep your eyes on Murray. Britney Spears, Natalie Portman, and Laura Bell Bundy all got their start played Tina. Click for tickets!