The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is well known for its live performances from Broadway shows. Yesterday, theater goers were treated to performances from five shows including four currently running on Broadway and one that is due to open this spring on the NBC Channel Four presentation. All of them took place in front of the Macy’s flagship 34th Street store as soon as the broadcast began at 9:00 a.m. and were finished by 10:00 a.m.
First up was Newsies. Fresh off a very successful run in NJ’s Papermill Playhouse, this Disney production is scheduled to open in Spring, 2012. The show centers on a group of child newspaper sellers who go on strike. Newsies showcased a large chorus of tap dancing young men in true song and dance fashion. If first impressions hold true, look for this show to do well on Broadway.
Sister Act opened earlier this year. It is based on the movie of the same name. A large, well choreographed number was selected for the Parade presentation which featured the song, “Spread the Love.” The nuns appeared in habits decked out in sequins and the star of the show, Patina Miller, provided some fine solo moments. This show presented a very positive, upbeat, performance with good music.
John Larroquette won a Tony Award this year as for his role in the revival show of the classic How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying which gave the next performance. Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe stars in this show and after seeing his performance from just this one song, it’s no surprise that he has been such a hit in the show. In fact, one might wonder why he was not given a Tony Nomination. The song, "Brotherhood of Man," was a good chance to see the strength of young Radcliff as a live performer as well as a strong chorus of dancers and singers.
The Bette Midler production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, was next on the agenda. The show is well known for its big, somewhat gaudy, but always “fantastic” costumes, wigs, and shoes. Two of the show’s main players, Will Swenson and Nick Adams, were in regular male clothing which contrasted nicely with the rest of the cast in full garb. They all sang “I Love the Night Life” and “I Will Survive” in full upbeat mode.
The final Broadway show performance was Spider-Man Turn off the Dark. Reeve Carney who portrays the superhero Spider Man was a part of a medley of songs from the show which displayed many of the characters including the monsters who are part of the action of this show. The music written by Bono and the Edge puts a definite stamp of recognition on the songs. Viewers of this performance got a chance to see a nice variety of what makes this show so unique even without the high aerial flying that takes place at the theater.
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