It's hard to believe fall is just a month away, especially while concealed under a giant umbrella somewhere along the Mediterranean. But the end of summer also means the anticipation of London and New York theater season that brings with it some hotly anticipated debuts from David Mamet, Andrew Lloyd Webber and a Central Park concert you won't want to miss.
In London, McQueen follows the life of designer Alexander McQueen in a West End run at the Royal Haymarket Theater through November. His life is explored through an unexpected friend that traces his relationship with fashion icons from Isabella Blow to Philip Treacy. Andrew Lloyd-Weber gets another marquee with the return of CATS, the latest musical revival from the star-composer that follows last year's successful reworking of Miss Saigon. Perhaps the biggest opening of the season is Sheridan Smith headlining in Funny Girl that trumpets the tale of Fanny Brice with a modern twist.
In New York, Harold Pinter's Old Times gets a new face with Clive Owen and music by Tom Yorke in an unsettling drama of desire and blurred realities. Yorke's first stage production, the music brings the brilliance of Radiohead to one of drama's great writers. King Charles III transfers from its London success to Broadway for a look at what the future might hold for England's Prince Charles once he ascends to the throne. Sylvia brings Mathew Broderick back to stage with marital woes brought on by a dog while Al Pacino headlines China Doll - a new play by David Mamet. As for the critic's favorite, The Gin Game puts Cicely Tyson opposite James Earl Jones at the end of life and beginning of love whilst playing rummy. A bit more mainstream but not to be missed, Global Citizen New York merges a good cause with great performers as Beyonce and Coldplay headline along Great Lawn Central Park in one of the best outdoor concerts of the year.
