BWW Blog: Miranda Jackel - The Top Shows for Teens Fall 2016

Pumpkin spice lattes, candy corn, apple pie-what do these things make you think of? First and foremost, YAAASSS (obvi), but also...fall! As I struggle to get back into the swing of school, there's one thing that keeps me going: my superhumanly high level of excitement for THE FALL 2016 THEATER SEASON!!! (*fireworks*) There are so many truly incredible offerings this year for audiences of all ages...but, for now, let's focus on what's out there for teens! So, now, I present to you (*drumroll)* My Top 5 Picks for Teens Fall 2016 (*confetti explosion*)!

Dead Poets Society (Off Broadway)

Classic Stage Company-Oct. 11-Dec. 11

Beloved by teens for decades, this classic coming-of-age story is getting the stage treatment! The play takes place at a boarding school for boys, and follows the students and their unorthodox English teacher, John Keating (former SNL favorite Jason Sudeikis). From inspirational life lessons to major laughs, this is the perfect pick for teens, especially those who may prefer a non-musical.

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

The Imperial Theatre-Oct. 18- (open ended run)

After a wildly successful Off-Broadway run, 19th century Russia is coming to the Great White Way in this incredible new musical. The show follows 19-year-old Natasha, who, while waiting for her fiancé, Andrey, falls in love with bad boy Anatole, and has only one person to help her: the awkward and lonely Pierre. SO SCANDY!!! Ok, I know what you're thinking. A musical based on a section of War & Peace??? Not exactly an obvious choice for teens. But this brilliant new musical has a marvelous score, mixing every genre of music you can imagine, plus an intense love story for all you hopeless romantics. And the GORGEOUS voice of Grammy-nominee Josh Groban, making his Broadway debut, alongside an amazing cast of Bway newbies! Woohoo!!!

Ride the Cyclone

MCC Theater-Nov. 9-Dec. 18

What are the best shows for teens?! Shows ABOUT teens!! This new musical, often described as a cross between two teen favorites, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Spring Awakening (YES PLEASE!!!), is making its New York Premiere this fall after incredible reception across Canada and in Chicago. This 100% original musical follows a high school choir who is killed in a roller coaster accident, and given the chance to compete to come back to life...but there can only be one winner. And you thought The Bachelor was competitive. This new musical sounds like something truly special, and I've definitely got my eye on tix!

In Transit

Circle in the Square Theatre-Nov. 10- (open ended run)

A capella is all the rage these days, and now it's Broadway-bound! In Transit, the first a capella musical ever to hit the Great White Way follows a group of New Yorkers as they navigate life in the Concrete Jungle. The show's creators include members of the teams behind Pitch Perfect and Frozen-what teen theater geek doesn't love those two flicks?! The cast includes American vice-beatbox champion Steven Cantor (aka HeaveN Beatbox) American Idol runner-up Justin Guarini, Glee's Telly Leung, and a host of other Broadway faves! I can't wait!

Dear Evan Hansen

Music Box Theatre-Nov. 14- (open ended run)

Fresh from its sold-out Off Broadway run, this fantastic new musical is about to take Broadway by storm. Evan Hansen has lived all his life a lonely, awkward outsider. But after tragedy strikes, all that could change. With an amazing cast led by Pitch Perfect's Ben Platt (OMG HE IS SO GOOD LITERALLY GOALS), I can't say enough about what an important show this is for young people-I could practically write a whole article about it (and I will ;) ). All I'm saying is, tissues and waterproof mascara are a must-have for this one-it's a real tear-jerker!