MTG's
Across The Way

Now that we are well into Melbourne’s winter, some of us might be turning our attention to the warmer climates of the northern hemisphere for a well-earned break. Luckily, this is home to one of greatest theatre precincts in the world– on a highway to the most prestigious awards season in the theatre industry.

MTG is proud to bring you this snapshot of what the Broadway scene looks like, right before the Tony Awards kick off on June 16.

Best Musical Nominees

The Outsiders has made its mark on Broadway with its stellar adaptation of the 1983 film. Presented with the most unique set design–a stage floor covered in rubble– this production is a favourite to sweep the Tony’s for its artistic flair in the exploration of heavy topics. Nominated for 12 awards– a particular favourite for best choreography (which they use to depict the rumbles) – and already set for a North American tour, this is one to keep an eye out for.

Find more images from this production here.

Up for Best Musical among five other nominations, Suffs is the enduring tale of women’s fight for the right to vote in 1913 America. An important story to be retold– and one that continues to be relevant– we follow the true story of the founding members of the suffragette movement from its beginning to their legalised ability to partake in elections. Until the cast album arrives on June 7, this cast composed entirely of female and non-binary actors continues to win audiences over on the stage.

Find more images from this production here.

Another Best Musical nominee (and six additional nominations), Water For Elephants is the tale of a young man who leaps onto a train and into the unknown to outrun his pain after learning his parents passed away in a car crash. Based upon the 2006 novel and 2011 film, audiences are transported to the impeccably designed circus (topped with puppetry for the animals,) as described by our lead’s older self. Along the way, we learn that strength and love can come from the most unexpected places.

Find more images from this production here.

Ironically, the most nominated production has been much less popular in the media, and we didn’t know a lot about it until it was nominated. Regardless, with 13 nominations we have Hell’s Kitchen, the semi-autobiographical musical with music by Alicia Keys, loosely based on her upbringing. While it doesn't particularly strike out as an award-winner on plot alone, it has swept the categories this season and builds a suspense over who will reign supreme.

Find more images from this production here.

Also in the running, we have Illinoise– inspired by Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 album– which depicts a group of friends sharing stories of life over a campfire. Audiences are taken on a journey of one man's journey to self-discovery and a deeper understanding of life. This particular show boasts the title of "dance musical", setting it apart from the others with movement as the key storyteller.

Find more images from this production here.

Our Honourable Mentions

Loved by fans and loathed by critics this year, The Notebook’s musical adaptation is earning accolades and condemnation for its transformation into song. With the film and Nicholas Sparks novel both inspiring this production, audiences see the story of Noah and Allie played out through six different actors representing the young, adult and older counterparts of their characters. Together, they weave together a tale of heartache and enduring love across generations. Currently, the internet is going wild over Allie’s song “My Days”, performed stunningly by Joy Woods (somehow not a Tony nominee among the production's three nominations), which is definitely worth checking out.

Find more images from this production here.

Fervently fast-tracked by theatre fans from Off-Broadway to Broadway, The Great Gatsby is running at The Broadway Theatre and brought to life with superstars Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Bonnie and Clyde) and Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, Miss Saigon) leading the cast. With a cast recording set to drop on the 21st of June, you’ll be able to join in on this swinging party even on the other side of the world. The show has racked up only one nomination for Best Costume Design, but has captured audiences' hearts nonetheless!

Find more images from this production here.

Up for Best Revival of A Musical with six other nominations under its belt is Sondheim favourite Merrily We Roll Along, garnering popularity with its star-studded cast. Featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez– who all boast extensive careers across the theatre and screen–  this musical has been the perfect way for Broadway to pay tribute to one of its most famous writers. Since Sondheim passed away in 2021, his memory has been immortalised in the shows he has written that continue to play on The Great White Way, and it’s thrilling that his work continues to crop up in awards season.

Find more images from this production here.

One of the most anticipated movie musical adaptations since its debut on the West End in 2021, Back to the Future has only come away with two nominations, but still promises a fun night out! Bringing the iconic 1985 movie to life, audiences follow the story of Marty McFly as he’s sent back in time to 1955 and encounters his parents in high school. Complete with the inspired incorporation of an already iconic soundtrack– and a time-travelling DeLorean– this is one where we’d advise that the critics aren’t always right!

Find more images from this production here.

The Great White Way shines a light on an exceptional amount of talent that definitely can’t be constrained to one article. So while this is a glimpse into the current shows and what the awards season will look like, there is still so much to explore in what Broadway has to offer! 

But, for now, this has been MTG’s Across The Way!

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