Review # 37: New York, New York

 Hello and welcome back to another Broadway review! I saw three incredible shows this past weekend, so  I am writing about the first show I saw which is New York, New York. So let's get to it!

Plot: I did not realize this before seeing the show but it's important to note that the musical is loosely based on the 1977 movie New, York, New York starring Robert De Niro and Liza Minnelli. This musical is different in a way because there is a main story, but there are also other stories happening as well. However, all of these stories are connected to each other and take place in 1946 after World War II. The main story is about Jimmy Doyle, a fellow New Yorker who is looking for the three 'major chords' in life: music, money, and love. Jimmy then meets Francine Evans, a young singer who is looking for a job. After hearing her sing, Jimmy knows that she is destined for greatness. Jimmy and Francine fall in love with each other as the seasons go by, but their relationship is tested by Jimmy's drinking problem and Francine's career. Other stories include Mateo, a man who wants to become a Latino musician and wants his mother to enjoy music again. Jesse, a marine who comes back to the city to become a musician, and Alex, a young man getting violin lessons from the famous violinist, Madame Veltri so he can get into Juilliard. Will all of these characters find music, money, and love? Find out in New York, New York. Personally, I found it very interesting that the musical incorporated so many stories into the show, kinda like the movies Love, Actually, or Valentine's Day. However, I do have to say the only thing I wished they could have done was to connect the stories a little bit more in act one and condense some aspects of the show especially since act one was very long. Other than that, the plot was very cute and enjoyable. 

Characters: Although I never saw the movie, I have to say I enjoyed the changes they made to the stage production such as including many people of color in the cast and telling their stories with characters such as Francine, Mateo, and Jesse. Francine is in an interracial relationship with Jimmy, which was something taboo during that time. You also got to see Francine work hard to find success. As you see in the musical, the music industry was an all-male, white-dominated field. So it was very comforting to see a woman of color during that time period rise to stardom. Mateo and Jesse's stories are also interesting because they both wanted a life that wasn't working in a restaurant and despite Mateo's music being labeled as different, Mateo did not care. He knew that his music was special. Other highlights in the show include  Jimmy, Tommy, and Madame Veltri. I especially enjoyed the playfulness and humor that Jimmy brought to the show and I adored his chemistry with Francine. If any of these characters intrigue you, then you should definitely see the show. 

Songs: New York, New York has many songs and instrumentals in the show. However, only a handful of songs stuck out to me such as "I Love Music", "Cheering for Me Now", "One of the Smart Ones", "Wine and Peaches", "Marry Me", and "Light". I also enjoyed songs that they included from the movie such as "But the World Goes Round" and the iconic song, "New York, New York". Although not all the songs in the show were hits in my opinion, I did enjoy the dancing and choreography that the actors did to these songs. 

Sets: The best thing about this show was the sets. I loved how at the beginning of the show they have a big light-up sign that says the title of the show. I also liked that how some of the sets look like actual apartment buildings where you can see the sun peeking out as the show goes into each new season. Even the smaller sets such as Jimmy's apartment were so fun and cool to see. So definitely go see this show if you like to see some amazing set design. 

Overall, New York, New York is a beautiful new musical that everyone needs to check out. The only thing I have to say is that some characters curse and they mention sex a few times. So if you don't want your child to be exposed to that then maybe see something else. Other than that, check out New York, New York!