Four Broadway hits will be coming to Hawaiʻi and the Neil S. Blaisdell Center in the next 18 months. (Photo by Cameron Enomoto)

By Cameron Enomoto | Staff Writer

Get ready for Broadway in Hawai‘i with four shows coming in 2022 and 2023. In previous years, the Neil S. Blaisdell concert hall has seen “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Rent,” leaving many people wanting more performances. Due to COVID-19, these shows were postponed for a year, but tickets are finally available for purchase. 

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” will be at the Blaisdell from April 19-24. This musical has been acknowledged as an inspirational story, following the events of one woman’s journey from a teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Beautiful was awarded two Tony awards in 2014 and won the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album at the Grammy Awards in 2015. The entirety of the story will feature over two dozen pop classics, including “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman.” View the trailer here.

The “Jersey Boys” started out as just that, four regular guys from Jersey. Though with their first note, it was apparent to all who listened that their sound was different from anything ever heard before. While their stage performances were near perfect, what went on behind the scenes was another story. Follow Frankie, Bob, Tommy, and Nick as they rise to international stardom and discover the highs and lows of fame. According to Broadway in Hawai’i, the show is recommended for viewers age 12 and older due to its “profane, authentic Jersey” language. The show also has moments where smoking, strobe lights, and gunshots are used. Jersey Boys will be shown at the Blaisdell from Sept. 13-17. View the trailer here.

One of the most popular performances, “Hamilton”, will be performed from Dec. 7, 2022, through Jan. 29, 2023. A story of America in the past created a game-changing moment in theater as one of the first musicals to have a huge impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin Manuel-Miranda, Hamilton has won Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. The musical is based on the biography of Ron Chernow and features many well-known historical figures. View the trailer here.

Set to show from June 13-18 in 2023, “Cats” is a record-breaking musical with an astounding plot. The story focuses on a tribe of cats called the Jellicles, as they come together for the annual Jellicle Ball. On this night they collectively choose a cat to ascend to the Heaviside layer and come back to a new life. The musical features an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber who is also known for his works in The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, and Sunset Boulevard. View the trailer here.

To reserve seats and learn more, visit the Broadway in Hawai‘i website. The Blaisdell requires all patrons to show a valid ID and proof of vaccination in order to enter the concert hall. Upon purchase of tickets, patrons will receive a “Know Before You Go” email that outlines the latest guidelines for attending each Broadway in Hawai‘i event.