11 Shows to Look Forward to This Summer

Summer is nearly here, and with the change of season comes a plethora of exciting new theatrical productions to look forward to. From epic revivals to thought-provoking plays and thrilling musicals, here are 11 shows that you won't want to miss this summer.

1. Maggie Siff in "Sorry, Thank You" at Second Stage Theatre from June 4th Siff, known for her stunning performance as Rachel Menken in the HBO series "The Sopranos," returns to the stage in this new play by Alexis Scheer. The story follows a war correspondent who returns home but finds herself craving the thrill of the battlefield.
2. Summerworks at Wild Project from May 16th Clubbed Thumb's Summerworks is back this year with a fantastic lineup of new plays. See T. Adamson's "Usus," about six Franciscan friars in 1318, Bailey Williams' "Coach Coach," set at a weekend retreat for life coaches, and Crystal Finn's "Find Me Here," which follows three sisters after the death of their father.
3. "Therapy" at Atlantic Theater from June 12th Directed by Sarah Benson and starring Sandra Oh, "Therapy" is a compelling play that explores justice and domestic labor in 1759 England. Oh plays a midwife central to a tense courtroom drama unfolding in front of her.
4. "Second Passport" at Theater for a New Audience from June 5th This new play by Shayan Lotfi explores the repercussions of a family splintering apart during the Iranian Revolution. The stellar duo of Rosalind Chao and BD Wong, and Shohreh Aghdashloo and Tony Shalhoub, will take turns starring in this must-see show.
5. "Home" at Harlem Stage from June 7th Written by Samm-Art Williams and originally produced by the Negro Ensemble Company in 1979, this Broadway classic follows a young man's journey through the Civil Rights Movement of the late 20th century. Directed by Kenny Leon, it's a must-see this summer.
6. "Dark Noon" at New York City Center from June 11th This exhilarating collaboration between Danish director Tue Biering and South African choreographer Nhlanhla Mahlangu premiered at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival to great acclaim. Reenacting the American West with a cast of South African actors, this production is sure to be electrifying.
7. "Cats" at The Perelman Center from June 13th While the idea of a Cats revival may be controversial, the Perelman Center's inaugural season ends with a unique take on the musical. Set within the world of New York's ballroom culture, this refreshed version promises to bring new life to the classic.
8. "Ulysses" at Bard Summerscape from June 20th Elevator Repair Service is taking on James Joyce's "Ulysses" this summer, and it's sure to be a transformative experience. Don't miss this daring and debaucherous adaptation of one of literature's most celebrated novels.
9. "Oh, Mary!" at Hudson Theatre from August 12th After a successful run off-Broadway, Cole Escola's "Oh, Mary!" is transferring to a larger venue. With Escola and Sam Pinkleton at the helm, this delirious musical imagines a boozy, ahistorical Mary Todd Lincoln obsessed with getting back into the spotlight.
10. "Mattress" at New York City Center from August 11th Another Encores! revival, "Mattress," is a fantastical farce about a group of adults at a summer camp who dream up a musical about discovering romance and escaping their inhibitions. With Lear deBessonet at the helm and Sutton Foster leading the cast, this is one to watch.
11. "How to Survive" at Hayes Theatre from July 11th Written and performed by Daysha Veronica Rae, "How to Survive" is a solo show that explores the trials and tribulations of being a queer person of color in the world. Rae's raw and potent storytelling will undoubtedly leave audiences captivated.

These exciting productions offer something for everyone, from thought-provoking drama to exhilarating musicals. So make sure to mark your calendars and grab tickets while you can!