Student Blog: April: My Month of Seeing New Theatre

I went into 2026 with one goal in mind: see new theatre. When 2025 was coming to an end, I looked at my show wrapped for the year and realized that I saw four of the same shows twice. As much as I love Chicago, Moulin Rouge, The Outsiders, and Hadestown, I knew there had to be a change. I asked myself: how could I grow as an artist if I am not experiencing new art? That is when I realized I want to challenge myself and go see shows I have never seen before. I want to be able to be active in conversations about new theatre, as well as be inspired by the incredible art that this theatre season holds. In the month of April, I saw three shows that I have never seen: Chess, BIGFOOT! A New Musical, and Ragtime. I want to share my thoughts on the shows themselves and how they inspired me as a performer.  

Chess:  

Chess with lyrics by Tim Rice, book by Danny Strong, and music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (of ABBA), starring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher, was not a show that I expected to love as much as I did. A world championship chess game twisting together with the tension between the United States and Soviet Union in a Cold War era all expressed through the lens of a mega musical is nothing short of pure entertainment. I was so impressed by the sheer power of this cast. The strength of this show’s ensemble is truly inspiring. From the moment the ensemble stepped on stage, I knew that this show was going to be fantastic. I am so inspired and, frankly, mystified by every person on stage being complete in sync with each other. It was one of those shows that as an audience member, I could feel the energy from the cast as they were performing, which made the experience all the more wonderful. Also, shoutout to Aaron Tveit for literally jumping into his pants during “One Night in Bangkok,” if you know, you know!  

BIGFOOT!:

BIGFOOT! A New Musical with lyrics by Amber Ruffin, book by Amber Ruffin and Kevin Sciretta, and music by David A. Schmoll and Amber Ruffin, starring Grey Henson as title character, was the surprising standout of the new shows I saw in April. Not only was it hilariously funny, but the heartwarming tale of Bigfoot wanting to live in the town of Muddirt with his mother, Francine, and the other citizens was nothing short of adorable. I think that this show knew exactly what it was and was not trying to be another more than that (positively, of course). It really felt like I was watching a band of misfit toys in a small-town work together for one goal. It is a show that feels like a warm hug and a huge belly laugh all in one. I genuinely did not stop laughing. I mean who would have thought that Bigfoot is a gay creature living in the forest who just wants to make his town happy? I certainly did not think so, but after seeing this show, whenever someone mentions Bigfoot, I will only think of that. This show was pure fun and camp, and I am so glad I got a chance to see it.  

Ragtime:  

Ragtime with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Terrence McNally, and music by Stephen Flaherty, starring Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz, is a perfect show. The intertwining stories of Black pianist Coalhouse Walker Jr and his lover Sarah, Jewish immigrants Tatah and his little girl, and a white family composed of a Mother, Father, Little Boy, Mother’s Younger Brother, and Grandfather, is a nothing short of musical theatre magic. From the moment young Coalhouse Walker III entered on stage, I was completely entranced by the beauty and magic that this show is. Writing this now, I am getting chills thinking about it. The way that every performer on that stage held themselves was just breathtaking. Every number and scene just got better and better as the show went on. One minutre I was smiling and the next I was tearing up from the beautiful story telling being done on that stage. You could tell that every person really took the time to study who their character is. It did not feel like I was simply watching a show, but instead, I was being immeresed into this world. I think that the story of Ragtime is such an important one to share and continue sharing in this day and age. The show itself is set in 1906, but every plot line continues to be relevent to us in 2026, one hundred and twenty years later. It is one of those shows that I keep thinking about and keep dystecting weeks after seeing it. I have already told so many of my friends and family members that if they get a chance to see one show, it must be Ragtime. There is truly nothing like this cast and production. I hope that one day I get the honor to be in something as beautiful, dynamic, and important as this show.  

I can honestly say that I am so grateful to my past self for making my 2026 goal to see new theatre because these three shows proved how important and magical it is to see. I can’t wait to experience more new art, and I hope that this has inspired you to go out and see something new too!