An award-winning theatre producer and Brown Harris Stevens agent, George DeMarco is no stranger to the Great White Way. When not mounting his own shows, he makes a point to explore the NYC theatre scene and experience all the talent Broadway and Off-Broadway productions have to offer. Here are two of his current recommendations.
"The fall Broadway season is in full swing with many anticipated shows planning to light up the great white way. I caught one of the new musicals, ALMOST FAMOUS, based on the semi-autobiographical 2000 Cameron Crowe movie, which starred Kate Hudson & Billy Crudup." -- George DeMarco
The musical, which had been in development for a few years, features a book and lyrics by Cameron Crowe and lyrics by Tom Kitt, who wrote the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning hit, Next to Normal.
"'Almost Famous' had an initial run in San Diego in 2019, and its creative team then continued to work on the project while theaters were shut down by the coronavirus pandemic," DeMarco said.
The production tells of Cameron Crowe's time as an aspiring rock journalist in the 1970s. Defying his mom’s wishes, he hops a tour bus, joining the fictional band Stillwater on tour as his first assignment for "Rolling Stone" magazine.
"Tom Kitt’s original score is seamlessly interwoven with many classic 1970s songs, including Elton John’s 'Tiny Dancer,' which the ensemble sings in one of the strongest numbers of the evening. The show is an interesting and pleasant mix of 1970s musical nostalgia snippets woven between 20 or so original songs." --- George DeMarco
"The Manhattan Theater Club has brought back COST OF LIVING, a 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning play that premiered in Williamstown in 2016 and had a limited off-Broadway run at MTC in 2017. It’s been a week since I saw this play and I continue to discuss it because of its many provocative themes. --- George DeMarco
The play tells the story of its central characters' struggles with disabilities. Its message acts as a reminder to consider the varying forms of suffering people can undergo while also exploring themes like human connection, resiliency, and compassion. The result is a comprehensive piece that speaks to several audiences and generations.
"In the end, it felt hopeful and offered up the idea that sheer human resiliency, and the care we offer to each other, can help us get through any form of adversity," said DeMarco.
Be sure to see Cost of Living before it ends its run November 6. Purchase tickets here.