‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ ‘The Outsiders’ and ‘Tommy’ among ‘Broadway In Bryant Park’ 2024 lineup
NEW YORK — Theater lovers who can’t shell out the big bucks to see Broadway this summer will get a chance to catch performances from some of the most buzzed-about shows for free — in Bryant Park.
For the 24th year, radio personalities from 106.7 LITE FM will host the outdoor lunchtime “Broadway in Bryant Park” series, which offers a sampler of the best numbers from popular shows and gives a taste of the newer ones.
Beginning July 11 and every Thursday thereafter, casts of a batch of Broadway musicals will headline an open-air, hourlong concert beginning at 12:30 p.m.
“As Broadway in Bryant Park returns this year, the buzz of excitement is palpable,” the station’s program director Chris Conley said in Monday’s announcement. “Anticipation fills the air as we prepare for unforgettable performances and shared moments of joy under the summer sky. Get ready to be swept away by the magic of live theater!”
It’s only apropos that “Hell’s Kitchen” — Alicia Keys’ 13-time Tony Award-nominated musical set only a few blocks away from the park at Sixth Avenue between West 40th and West 42nd streets — will help kick off the four-week series.
Hosted by radio veteran Helen Little, the opener will include performances by the casts of “Back to the Future,” “The Who’s Tommy,” “The Wiz” and “Water for Elephants.” Students from AMDA College of the Performing Arts are booked for the preshow.
The season continues July 18 with morning hosts Cubby & Christine emceeing a “Disney on Broadway” theme with numbers from “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Frozen.”
On July 25, Rich Kaminski will play host to “Chicago,” “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” “The Book of Mormon,” “The Great Gatsby” and “The Notebook.”
Delilah closes the season out on Aug. 1 with “& Juliet,” “Wicked,” “Six The Musical” and “The Outsiders,” which took home the prize for best musical at the 2024 Tony Awards. Audiences will also get a first look (and listen) to a number from “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical” — the forthcoming musical chronicling the life of the jazz pioneer opening on Broadway this fall. Students of AMDA College of the Performing Arts will also perform “Mean Girls” for the preshow.
