The Smith Center just announced its 2018-19 Broadway Las Vegas season, and it’s full of Tony- and Grammy-winning hits. With 10 shows—up from nine in the 2017-18 season, and a record for the venue—there’s a musical for every ear. But how to pick? We’ve organized the shows by type to make the decision process a little easier. Then again, you can always choose them all by purchasing season tickets at thesmithcenter.com/broadway, where existing subscribers may renew now and new ones may register for future purchase. (Sales for individual productions will begin later in the year.)
The classics: The legendary Tony-winner Betty Buckley stars as the indefatigable matchmaker in the revival of Hello, Dolly! (March 19–24, 2019). The sun rises, the sun sets, and Fiddler on the Roof (June 4–9, 2019) remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time. This version is updated by Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter.
Movie adaptations: With a new score by the songwriters of Hairspray and old favorites such as “Pure Imagination,” Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (June 18–30, 2019) will be next summer’s golden ticket. Can a pie-baking contest save a small-town woman from her small-town life? Find out in the adaptation of Waitress (October 9–14), which features music by Sara Bareilles. And if you missed its residency at Mandalay Bay, make sure to see the Grammy-winning favorite Disney’s The Lion King (November 7-25).
The life-affirming: The Tonys bestowed Dear Evan Hansen (January 15–20, 2019) with the coveted 2017 Best Musical award. It also won the 2018 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Evan Hansen just wants to fit in—and since NBC News calls the show “an inspiring anthem,” perhaps the title character gets his wish. Come From Away (February 19–24, 2019) tells the true story of 7,000 passengers stranded in Newfoundland in the aftermath of September 11.
Pop productions: Andrew Lloyd Webber created 14 new songs for the Broadway adaptation of the hit movie School of Rock: The Musical (August 7–12). It tells the classic story of an aspiring rock star who teaches a bunch of kids how to shred. On Your Feet! (September 4-9) follows the triumphant life story of Cuban pop stars Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
Madcap comedy: The New York Times calls The Play That Goes Wrong (April 18– 24, 2019) a “gut-busting hit.” The play-within-a-play focuses on the hilariously disastrous opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor.
