Mean Girls and other Broadway hits playing in Philly

ByTimothy Walton WPVI logo

Monday, December 2, 2019

2019-20 FYI Philly Broadway Philly preview

Tina Fey's hit movie is adapted for the stage and ready to hit the Broadway Philly page.

We take you backstage for the Broadway Philadelphia season. We meet the local lyricist Benj Pasek who helped create the Tony Award-winning show "Dear Evan Hansen." We go behind the scenes of Tina Fey's Broadway smash "Mean Girls." And we take a look at the inspiring story "Come From Away", which shows the best of human nature after one of the world's most devastating terrorist attacks. There are 14 shows in the 2019-2020 season that have collectively earned more than 40 Tony Awards.

Here's a round-up of all the shows that will visit Philadelphia's historic theaters.

Ring in the holidays with these great shows coming to the Broadway Philadelphia stage.

Season recap and Overview

If you enjoyed the popular Philadelphia Broadway showings Hamilton, Rent and Mean Girls, get ready for even more in the 2020 season. A fan favorite coming to town is The SpongeBob Musical, featuring musical numbers written by stars like John Legend and Panic at the Disco! Other upcoming favorites are Rain: A Tribute to the Beetles, Hello Dolly and Les Misérables.

If you thought this year was good, wait until you see what's on tap in 2020.

Holiday-themed Shows

Broadway Philadelphia is putting on two shows to celebrate the holidays.

The first is Cirque Dreams: Holidazed. With a story that touches on every winter Holiday from Thanksgiving to New Years, it's an unpredictable tale with high-flying tricks that will leave you in wonder and amazement. Songs include redone classics and fun originals.

For Easter, Jesus Christ Superstar is making its return to Philadelphia. The story centers around Jesus' final week leading up to his crucifiction, and features timeless music that still rocks right though it's 50th anniversary.

Broadway Philadelphia

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2019-20 Season Overview

Broadway Philadelphia takes center stage with another exciting season. Eight shows are making their local debut including Tony-winners "The Band's Visit", "Come From Away" and "Hello, Dolly!" There are shows to celebrate the holidays and a chance for a local actress to get on stage at the Broadway hit "Waitress". Karen Rogers takes us inside the upcoming season.

"Mean Girls" will make it's Philadelphia debut at the Academy of Music. The broadway adapation of Tina Fey's big screen hit is another success for the Upper Darby native.

Tina Fey's Mean Girls

Melissa Magee takes a look at the Broadway adaptation of Tina Fey's "Mean Girls." Tina and her husband, Jeff Richmond, collaborated on the show, updating the story from big screen to the stage. The story remains the same about a girl trying to navigate high school hierarchy without becoming the latest victim of the Burn Book. We'll go backstage to see how new technology is taking the show to a new generation.

"Dear Evan Hansen" is a powerful show with a great message for parents and kids.

Dear Evan Hansen

Benj Pasek grew up in Philadelphia, went to school at Friends Central in Wynnewood, Penn., and now he has an Oscar, a Grammy and a Tony. We'll meet the local lyricist who created "Dear Evan Hansen" and learn how the story is based on an experience from Benj's high school days at Friends Central.

Broadway shows are often defined by their music. We rounded up three that are coming to Philly headlined by music icons.

Big Musical Hits

Three of the shows coming for 2019-2020 feature music icons. "Summer" tells the story Donna Summer, her perseverance through troubling times told through her groundbreaking music. "Escape to Margaritaville" uses the legendary songs of Jimmy Buffet as the backbone for a fanciful romp. "Spongebob the Musical" showcases music from music stars like John Legend, Steven Tyler, Panic! At the Disco and Lady Antebellum. Jeannette Reyes has a preview.

"Come From Away" is a story based on true events following the 9/11 attacks and the humanity of a small town.

Come From Away

"Come From Away" is a story about the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks when 38 planes were diverted to a small town nearly doubling their population. The story shows how the people of Gander in Newfoundland embraced their unlikely visitors during a tragic and scary time. Karen Rogers has a preview.

We went in the kitchen with the official pie consultant for the Broadway hit "Waitress".

Meet Waitress' Pie Consultant

Pie is a big part of the hit Broadway show "Waitress". We visit with the official pie consultant for the show and see how she makes the experience authentic on stage and off.