Off-Broadway Performances to Watch in August
August is a month filled with captivating performances on Off-Broadway, offering a diverse range of shows that delve into various themes such as loss, identity, historical figures, and contemporary culture. Here's a roundup of some of the most exciting productions gracing the stages this month.
Dramatic Plays and Musicals
House of McQueen
Beginning performances on August 19 at The Mansion at Hudson Yards, Darrah Cloud's new play, House of McQueen, focuses on the life of the late designer Lee Alexander McQueen and his mother Joyce McQueen. The production stars Emily Skinner and Luke Newton, known for his role in Bridgerton.
The Animals Speak
Cameron Darwin Bossert's play, The Animals Speak, is part of a trilogy about Disney. This production follows a depressed Walt Disney in 1941 on a goodwill tour with his wife and crew in South America during WWII. The play ran from August 5 to 17 at Thirdwing at The Wild Project.
well, i’ll let you go
Bubba Weiler's deeply emotional play, well, i’ll let you go, is a haunting elegy about ordinary lives and grief, meditating on loss and community. The production is staged at the Space at Irondale in Brooklyn.
Lili/Darwin
Lili/Darwin, a one-woman show by Darwin Del Fabro, examines the transition of Danish painter Lili Elbe, one of the first people to have sex reassignment surgery, alongside the narrator's own transition.
Innovative One-Person Shows
UNSEX'd
UNSEX'd, a new comedy premiering Off-Off-Broadway at Under St. Marks Theater, runs from August 2 to 17. This production promises to challenge gender norms and stereotypes with its fresh and humorous take on sexuality.
JOSH SHARP’S TA-DA!
JOSH SHARP’S TA-DA!, running at Greenwich House Theater, Off Broadway, is described as a modern reinterpretation of stand-up targeted to the PowerPoint age. Comedian Josh Sharp's one-man show features 2,000 rapid-fire PowerPoint slides and personal stories about grief, family, and more, running until Sept. 11.
Digital Theater
The Fairest
The Fairest, a digital drama about the women animators of Snow White, runs in early August. This innovative production offers a unique perspective on the history of animation and the women who played a crucial role in its early development.
Musicals and Parodies
Rolling Thunder
Rolling Thunder, a jukebox musical that revisits the Vietnam War, is running at New World Stages until Sept. 7.
Ginger Twinsies
An 80-minute parody of the 1998 film "The Parent Trap" called "Ginger Twinsies" is running at the Orpheum Theatre until Oct. 25.
Special Performances
Amaze
British magician Jamie Allan makes his New York debut with a narrative-driven magic show at New World Stages titled 'Amaze'.
Gene & Gilda
Jordan Kai Burnett and Jonathan Randell Silver portray Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder in Cary Gitter's play "Gene & Gilda", running until Sept. 7 at 59E59.
The Day I Accidentally Went to War
Bill Posley presents a solo piece titled 'The Day I Accidentally Went to War' at Soho Playhouse, detailing his own military service experiences.
Can I Be Frank?
Morgan Bassichis performs a 70-minute solo show titled 'Can I Be Frank?' at Soho Playhouse, channeling the late queer comic Frank Maya, directed by Tony winner Sam Pinkleton.
Ava: The Secret Conversations
Elizabeth McGovern appears in 'Ava: The Secret Conversations' at City Center, a stage adaptation of Ava Gardner's late-in-life interviews with writer Peter Evans.
These Off-Broadway productions offer a rich and diverse array of performances, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy this August. For more information and ticket bookings, visit the respective production websites listed.
Entertainment abounds in Off-Broadway this August with a wide selection of captivating performances. From the emotionally charged play 'well, i’ll let you go' to the modern reinterpretation of stand-up comedy in 'JOSH SHARP’S TA-DA!', these productions cater to various tastes and offer unique perspectives on topics such as identity, loss, and historical figures. Don't miss out on these exciting Off-Broadway offerings catering to diverse interests.
