2024 Broadway fall season preview of musicals: Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss, Audra McDonald to take the stage

A new Broadway season has begun, and there are currently seven productions of musicals (five new, two revivals) set to open this fall. Could any of them contend at next year’s Tony Awards? Below, find the plot description of each musical as well as the awards histories of its author, cast and director, plus the opening and (where applicable) closing date.

“Maybe Happy Ending” (previews begin September 18; opens October 17)

In this original musical by Will Aronson and Hue Park, inside a one-room apartment on the outskirts of Seoul, Oliver lives a happily quiet life, listening to jazz records and caring for his favorite plant. But what else is there to do when you’re a Helperbot 3, a robot that has long been retired and considered obsolete? When his fellow Helperbot neighbor Claire asks to borrow his charger, what starts as an awkward encounter leads to a unique friendship, a surprising adventure, and maybe even … love?

The production stars Emmy winner Darren Criss (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” 2018), Helen J. Shen, Dez Duron, and Marcus Choi. It is directed by Tony winner Michael Arden (“Parade,” 2023).

“Sunset Boulevard” (previews begin September 28; opens October 20)

In the second Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton‘s stage musical adaptation of Billy Wilder‘s 1950 Academy Award-winning film, Norma Desmond is a faded star of the silent screen era living in the past in her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street. When young screenwriter Joe Gillis accidentally crosses her path, she sees in him an opportunity to make her return to the big screen, with romance and tragedy to follow.

The original production starring Glenn Close won seven Tonys (including Best Musical) in 1995. This production comes in following a successful run in London’s West End, where it won seven Laurence Olivier Awards (including Best Musical Revival). The cast includes Grammy nominee Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Francis, Olivier winner David Thaxton (“Passion,” 2011) and Grace Hodgett-Young, all of whom are reprising their roles from the London production. It is helmed by two-time Tony-nominated director Jamie Lloyd (“Betrayal,” 2020; “A Doll’s House,” 2023).

“A Wonderful World” (previews begin October 16; opens November 11)

In this jukebox/biographical musical with a book by WGA nominee Aurin Squire (“This is Us,” 2017), Louis Armstrong’s incredible journey from New Orleans to worldwide fame comes to life. This full-scale musical features a rich tapestry of characters, including the extraordinary women who helped shape his remarkable life and career.

The production stars Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin,” 2014), Darlesia Cearcy (“How to Dance in Ohio,” 2024), Kim Exum, Dionne Figgins, Jennie Harney-Felming (daughter of Tony-winning actor Ben Harney), DeWitt Fleming Jr., Gavin Gregory and Jimmy Smagula (“Spamalot,” 2024). It is directed by Tony nominee Christopher Renshaw (“The King and I,” 1996).

“Tammy Faye” (previews begin October 19; opens November 14)

In this biographical musical with a book by Tony nominee James Graham (“Ink,” 2019) and score by EGOT champ Elton John and Jake Shears, as satellites broadcast brand-new cable programming into American homes in the 1970s, millions fall in love with Tammy Faye Bakker, the charismatic wife of pastor Jim Bakker. Together, they build a nationwide congregation that puts the fun back into faith. But even as Tammy dazzles on screen, jealous rivals plot behind the scenes, threatened by her determination to lead with love.

The production stars Katie Brayben (reprising a role that won her an Olivier), two-time Tony winner Christian Borle (“Peter and the Starcatcher,” 2012; “Something Rotten!,” 2015), two-time Tony winner Michael Cerveris (“Assassins,” 2004; “Fun Home,” 2015), Nick Bailey, Tony nominee Charl Brown (“Motown,” 2013), Mark Evans (“Mrs. Doubtfire,” 2022), SAG nominee Allison Guinn (“Only Murders in the Building,” 2024), Raymond J. Lee (“The Heart of Rock and Roll,” 2024) and Alana Pollard. It is directed by two-time Tony nominee Rupert Goold (“King Charles III,” 2016; “Ink,” 2019).

“Death Becomes Her” (previews begin October 23; opens November 21)

In this stage musical adaptation of Robert Zemeckis‘s 1992 Academy Award-winning film, Madeline Ashton is the most beautiful actress ever to grace the stage and screen. Helen Sharp is the long-suffering author who lives in her shadow. They have always been the best of frenemies … until Madeline steals Helen’s fiancé away. As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that’s to die for.

This project features a book by Emmy nominee Marco Pennette (“Ugly Betty,” 2007) and score by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey. The production stars Tony nominee Megan Hilty (“Noises Off,” 2016), two-time Tony nominee Jennifer Simard (“Disaster!,” 2016; “Company,” 2022), two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber (“Spamalot,” 2005; “Shrek,” 2009) and Grammy winner Michelle T. Williams. It is directed by Tony-winning choreographer Christopher Gattelli (“Newsies,” 2012).

“Swept Away” (previews begin October 29; opens November November 19)

In this jukebox musical utilizing the song catalog of The Avett Brothers, when a violent storm sinks their whaling ship off the coast of New Bedford, Massachusetts, four survivors face a reckoning: how far will they go to stay alive? And can they live with the consequences?

This project features a book by Tony-winning playwright John Logan (“Red,” 2010). The production stars Adrian Blake Enscoe, two-time Tony nominee Stark Sands (“Journey’s End,” 2007; “Kinky Boots,” 2013), Tony winner John Gallagher Jr. (“Spring Awakening,” 2007), and Wayne Duvall (cousin of Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall). It is directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening,” 2007).

“Gypsy” (previews begin November 21; opens December 19)

In the fifth Broadway revival of Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim‘s classic loosely adapted from Gypsy Rose Lee‘s 1957 memoirs, the story follows the dreams and efforts of Rose Havoc, who raises her two daughters to perform onstage and casts an affectionate eye on the hardships of show business life.

The original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins and starring Ethel Merman received eight Tony nominations (including Best Musical) in 1960. Previous re-mountings won Best Actress in a Musical Tonys for Angela Lansbury (in 1975), Tyne Daly (in 1990) and Patti LuPone (in 2008). This production stars six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald. It is helmed by two-time Tony-winning director George C. Wolfe (“Angels in America: Millennium Approaches,” 1993; “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk,” 1996).