How The Smith Center Chose a Season of Broadway Blockbusters

No doubt about it, Broadway is truly back.

After nearly two years of programming chaos from the pandemic, the theater industry finally stabilized – allowing The Smith Center to present a robust and dazzling lineup for its 2022-2023 Broadway Las Vegas® Series.

Packed with Tony-winning blockbusters, this new season offers 11 shows that include new titles fresh from Broadway, as well as timeless classics.

“I consider this our strongest season yet,” says Paul Beard, Smith Center programming advisor.

The season’s hit shows include anticipated productions that never made it to the stage in the 2019-2020 season, due to the center’s forced temporary closure. Beard takes pride in rescheduling them now.

“They’re great shows that deserve to be seen,” he says. “It feels wonderful. Theater is back.”

Read below about why The Smith Center selected these thrilling productions.

Synopsis: Four Broadway actors seeking to get back in the spotlight visit a conservative Indiana town to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to high school prom.

Paul’s Take: “This has become a very well-established musical, after Netflix released a film version starring Meryl Streep in 2020. But it’s a whole different experience to see this live. It has spirited, large-scale musical numbers — and its greatest asset by far is its humor. At its heart, this show has a beautiful message of inclusion that will be very meaningful for audiences.”

Synopsis: Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2019, this contemporary retelling of ancient Greek myths follows Orpheus traveling to the underworld to free his wife.

Paul’s Take: “This is a show where every production element came together just right. Singer-songwriter-playwright Anaïs Mitchell had been working on this for years as a concept album, and it evolved into a robust score mixing folk, jazz, blues, and Americana. As a musical, it all comes alive with dynamic choreography and lavish sets. It’s both emotionally and intellectually satisfying, a beautifully realized show.”

Synopsis: A family experiences pain, healing and empowerment, portrayed through songs from Alanis Morissette’s album “Jagged Little Pill,” which sold 33 million copies worldwide.

Paul’s Take: “First you have the talent of Anaïs Mitchell behind ‘Hadestown,’ and then you get the talent of music icon Alanis Morissette behind ‘Jagged Little Pill.’ It’s a well-told story with contemporary issues. Of course the songs are great, as the album inspiring this musical won two Grammys. And for anyone who doesn’t know Alanis’ music well, the show is a great narrative that will hold your interest – especially because it was written by Diablo Cody, who’s famous for writing smartly funny movies like ‘Juno.’”

Synopsis: The six wives of Henry VIII take the spotlight to give a modern, empowering retelling of their lives, presented as a pop concert.

Paul’s Take: “This musical was a sensation on the West End, and it has already gotten huge acclaim on Broadway. The show mixes highenergy music with female empowerment that couldn’t feel more relevant.”

Synopsis: This musical phenomenon portrays the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton.

Paul’s Take: “We couldn’t come close to meeting demand when we presented this musical in 2018, and we’re thrilled to give more Southern Nevadans the chance to experience it. Those who see it again will only discover more to enjoy. This is one of the few shows I love watching again and again because everything — the book, the music, the set design, the choreography — is at the genius level.”

Synopsis: A spunky orphan girl finds a home with a New York millionaire during the Depression.

Paul’s Take: “We chose this specifically because it makes for such a perfect holiday show. Audiences can bring their whole family and make happy memories together. The fact that the show stars children makes it perfect as a first theatrical show for kids to see. It also has a heartwarming message that gets people into the holiday spirit.”

Synopsis: Written by “West Wing” creator Aaron Sorkin, this adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel follows a widowed lawyer standing up to racism in 1930s Alabama.

Paul’s Take: “There’s good reason this production broke the record for the highestgrossing play in Broadway history. It’s not only thought-provoking and highly relevant for our time with strong social justice themes, but it’s also very entertaining. It’s a compelling show that audiences will find very satisfying.”

Synopsis: The 2021 Tony winner for Best Musical, this adaptation of the hit film starring Nicole Kidman portrays a penniless writer falling in love with a singer at the Moulin Rouge.

Paul’s Take: “This is an unrestrained spectacle of a show. The creators ran with all the elements that made the film so original, infusing a love story with rollicking pop tunes and dazzling visuals. This will surprise fans of the movie with new song selections.”

Plot: Based on the hit Disney movie, two sisters are pulled apart by a mysterious secret and embark on adventures to bring their family together.

Paul’s Take: “This is among Disney’s best theatrical work. It’s a well-crafted show with high production values. It has groundbreaking set design and a solid story that will entertain adults, while also providing a great chance to introduce younger generations to theater. It will please fans of the movie and offers a fresh take with many new songs.”

Synopsis: This adaptation of the hit comedy film by “Saturday Night Live” alumnus Tina Fey tells the coming-of-age story of a teen who moves to the suburbs and takes on a pack of popular girls.

Paul’s Take: “This show is strong because it actually departs from the movie to keep the story fresh and relevant. Director Casey Nicholaw, who also gave us the hilarious musical ‘Something Rotten,’ shaped this live production into something wonderful, with clever dialogue and a message that aligns with social movements today. Whether or not you liked the film – and even if you’ve never seen it – this show is worth your time.”

Synopsis: This jukebox musical depicts Tina Turner’s journey in defying racism, sexism, ageism and an abusive marriage to become a rock ‘n’ roll icon.

Paul’s Take: “When I first saw this show, I knew Southern Nevada audiences would love it. The story of Tina Turner’s life is heart-rending and moving, and there is so much great music in this show to sustain and build the dramatic progression of her life. There have been many musicals about famous entertainers, but this is one of the best. Its focused writing and powerhouse musical numbers sustain it beautifully.”