Shubert Theatre’s 2026-2027 Broadway SeriesShubert TheatreNew HavenApril 7, 2026 I found myself a star in my own right on Tuesday night. My friend and I were at the Shubert Theatre for the reveal of their 2026-2027 Broadway Series. To our horror and delight, the Shubert’s camera man tailed u s for a bit as we walked around, munching on the delicious free charcuterie and sipping on the blessedly free beverages. “Maybe he thinks we’re young college girls,” my friend Heather Saglimbeni giggled, doing her best to avoid eye contact with the lens. I laughed, then sucked my teeth. I wasn’t going to be fooled into the fantasy of feeling young again. I was ready for the fantasy of Broadway. The first performer took the stage with no introduction. His voice was angelic as he passionately sang “What Would I Do If I Could Feel?,” the Tin Man’s song from The Wiz. “Who is that?” someone whispered behind me. Heather and I were already trying to figure it out ourselves. (One of us, I won’t say who, may have developed a small crush.) I could cry/I could smile/I might like that for a while/tell me what/what would I do/if I could feel?, he belted, his voice swelling with longing. What would I do if I could reach inside me/and know how it feels/to say I like what I see/and I’d be glad/so glad/to share all that I have inside of me. Who knew just a man and a mic could be so arresting? He wasn’t even dressed as the Tin Man, but his performance evoked the character in such a way that there was no question he was the Tin Man. I was truly sucked into the fantasy of it all as I envisioned the richness of the full production. We later found out that his name is Phillip Johnson Richardson and he’s playing the Tin Man in the revival of The Wiz that will be playing at the Shubert Oct. 1 through Oct. 4. I definitely plan on being in the audience after witnessing that powerful performance. It was a fantastic opening to the presentation. “Wasn’t that a treat?” said Anthony McDonald, the Shubert Theatre’s executive director, as he walked on stage to introduce the other shows that would be coming to the theater. There was a large screen hanging above the stage, to his left, that showed scenes from the highly anticipated shows for the upcoming season. The Broadway lineup includes: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical: November 18–22, 2026 BEETLEJUICE: February 26–28, 2027 The Book of Mormon: April 30–May 2, 2027 Heathers The Musical: June 1–6, 2027 The Grinch himself made a mischievous appearance, dressed in full green garb, to put on a delightfully acerbic show that elicited laughs from the audience. “That was a huge inconvenience for me. And you’re welcome,” he said as he strutted off the stage. For her commanding performance of “I Say No” for Heathers The Musical, Sara Al-Bazali got a well-deserved standing ovation from people in the crowd. McDonald also unveiled a few more surprises, outside of Broadway, for the upcoming season. Here are the shows: Riverdance: January 22–23, 2027 Nrityagram Dance Ensemble performing KHAṄKHAṆĀ: the sound of dancing feet: October 10, 2026 ABT Studio Company (Junior company of American Ballet Theatre): November 7, 2026 Complexions Contemporary Ballet – Experience LOVE ROCKS: April 10, 2027 If Tuesday night was just the preview, the main event is going to be incredible. The Shubert isn’t just presenting a season – it’s setting the stage for something unforgettable. I’ll be there, gladly losing myself in it all. Visit the Shubert Theatre’s website to learn about all of their programming. Shubert Executive Director Anthony McDonald and board member Bill McAndrew Credit: Janday Wilson Photo A scene from Heathers The Musical Credit: Pamela Raith Photography The post A Taste of Broadway appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less