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The 79th Tony Awards are the talk of the weekend, which means Broadway is having its moment in the spotlight. Since most of us can't exactly book a spontaneous flight to New York, here's how to make the most of it from the couch: the best movie musicals, the books that take you behind the curtain, and the TV shows that come closest to capturing the magic of live theater.
Curtain Call:
The Best Broadway Musicals on Film
A great stage musical and a great film are two different things. These are the rare cases where the movie earns its place alongside the original.
Chicago
A jazz-age story about two women who turn their murder charges into a publicity campaign and walk away as stars. Rob Marshall's adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical won Best Picture at the Oscars and is still the gold standard for Broadway-on-screen.
The full list:
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
The Knickerbocker
The Vibe: Where Rockefeller and Fitzgerald sipped martinis
The Location: New York, NY
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Historic details like Knickerbocker’s Beaux-Arts facade remain unchanged, allowing you to feel its landmark history that once hosted everyone from bigwig politicians to legendary actresses. But the 330 luxe rooms and suites drip with modern luxury, including bespoke furnishings, lavish marble bathrooms, and, of course, incredible views of Times Square’s iconic skyline. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a reservation that matches the views and Master Chef dining found at Charlie Palmer at The Knick. For a nightcap, head up to the St. Cloud Rooftop, a spot guaranteed to be your most-liked photo on IG.
Intermission:
The Best Books About Broadway
For anyone who's ever watched a Tony acceptance speech and wondered what their journey actually looked like.
Theater Kid
by Jeffrey Seller
The man behind Rent and Hamilton tells how a difficult childhood in Michigan led to a career that redefined what a Broadway show could be. Jeffrey Seller's memoir goes deep on both historic productions and the personal story built alongside them.
The full list:
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Romer Hell’s Kitchen
The Vibe: Make color cool again
The Location: New York City, NY
Instaworthy Accommodations:
All 295 rooms at Romer Hell’s Kitchen are designed with eclectic furniture pieces, urban chic amenities, and trendy artwork by alumni of the Fashion Institute of Technology, reflecting the colorful neighborhood. Just west of Broadway and a short walk to the waterfront, Romer Hell’s Kitchen is perfectly placed to access cozy restaurants, charming bakeries, indie theaters, and swoony jazz clubs. After a day of exploring, head back to the hotel for a night to remember at So & So’s, Romer’s vibey jazz bar with chic cocktails and bites.
TV Shows That Get Theater Right
Broadway doesn't translate easily to television. These shows found a way to capture what it actually feels like to be on stage.
Fosse/Verdon
The two people who defined modern Broadway were also in a decades-long romantic and creative partnership that nearly broke them both. Sam Rockwell plays Bob Fosse and Michelle Williams plays Gwen Verdon, tracing their work on Chicago, Pippin, and Sweet Charity alongside the affair, the divorce, and the creative partnership that outlasted both.
The full list:
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