A musical extravaganza will set the tone for the Five Star Bank 2024-25 Broadway Season at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. Based on the famed 1959 comedy film, “Some Like It Hot” follows a pair of musicians who disguise themselves and flee Prohibition-era Chicago and to avoid mobsters. Romance and hilarity follow.
The show—which has won acclaim and awards for choreography, costumes, lyrics and orchestration—will run Sept. 24-29. “Some Like It Hot” lives up to its billing as ‘Broadway’s great big musical comedy,’ according to Kim Boyle, Shea’s VP of marketing and communications.
“They’ve modernized the story and the sets, but you’re getting a big, old-school musical with fancy costumes, and the dancing is top-notch,” Boyle says. “It’s just fun.”
Last season had the highest attendance in recent years, and Shea’s is already seeing this season’s subscriptions climb. “There’s definitely buzz about the shows we’re bringing in,” Boyle says.
The singing and dancing continues with:
& Juliet (Nov. 19-24)
What if Juliet chose to live without Romeo? That’s the question posed by William Shakespeare’s wife in this jukebox musical. Pop hits from “I Want It That Way” to “Since U Been Gone” express deep desires and newfound joy in a hopeful reimagining of the tragic tale.
Disney’s The Lion King(Dec. 18-Jan. 5)
Memorable songs from Elton John and Tim Rice, paired with Julie Taymor’s creative vision, make this groundbreaking show a favorite for all ages. The show returns to Shea’s for a fourth time, allowing audience members who witnessed Simba’s coming of age as youngsters in 2005 to share the magic and majesty with their own children.
The Wiz (March 4-9)
This Tony Award-winning take on Dorothy’s adventures in Oz features soul, gospel, funk and rock. Back on stage for the first time in four decades, the revival features new material by Emmy-nominated comedian Amber Ruffin, choreography by JaQuel Knight of “Single Ladies” fame, eye-catching costumes and a dynamic combination of ballet, jazz, and modern pop dance numbers.
Shucked (March 25-30)
When the corn crop starts to wither, Maizy heads to the big city for help and her hometown in Cob County will never be the same. Fresh-picked from Broadway, this new musical is overflowing with corny jokes and puns. "There is a reason the Wall Street Journal calls it 'flat out hilarious,'" says Boyle. "This corn-fed, American musical brings a message of unity and love."
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (April 8-13)
From his start as a shy Brooklyn boy to the bright lights of a world tour, this musical memoir follows the journey of the famed singer-songwriter. Featured hits include “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show” and—of course— “Sweet Caroline.”
Back to the Future: The Musical (June 24-29)
Marty McFly’s time-traveling adventure hits the stage at 88 miles per hour! When Doc Brown’s DeLorean leaves him stranded in 1955, Marty needs to dodge trouble and set up his own parents before he misses his chance to go back to the future. This adaptation features original music by Grammy-winning writers as well as favorites from the iconic film.
Special Subscriber Add-On: Hamilton (Oct. 15-27)
The blockbuster historical musical returns to Shea’s as a subscriber add-on. Lin Manuel Miranda’s retelling brings Alexander Hamilton’s legacy to life. The tale of the ‘Ten Dollar Founding Father’ has captivated audiences across America. Everyone will want to be in “The Room Where It Happens.”
