15 Theater Plays to Try This Staycation When the temptation to travel fades, the comfort of a staycation offers the perfect opportunity to dive into the transformative world of theater from the comfort of your couch. Whether you are a seasoned theater-goer or a curious newcomer, watching a play can transport you to different worlds, eras, and emotional landscapes. Thanks to the rise of digital archives, streaming platforms, and filmed performances, an incredible array of performances is available at your fingertips. Here is a curated list of 15 theater plays to try this staycation, spanning classics, contemporary masterpieces, and musical triumphs. Groundbreaking Contemporary Dramas
Start your staycation with some of the most compelling modern plays that have redefined theater. The Inheritance by Matthew Lopez is a sweeping, two-part epic that reimagines E.M. Forster’s “Howards End” in modern New York, focusing on a generation of gay men navigating love and loss. It is a profound, deeply moving experience perfect for a long viewing session. For something tighter and equally intense, Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, which originated as a one-woman stage play, offers a hilarious yet heartbreaking look at grief and modern life. If you prefer high-stakes drama, The Lehman Trilogy, directed by Sam Mendes, offers a stunning look at capitalism through the lens of a single family, using clever staging to span over a century. For a masterclass in acting, try A Streetcar Named Desire, particularly the 2014 Young Vic production starring Gillian Anderson, which brings an raw intensity to Tennessee Williams’ classic. Unforgettable Musical Theater
If your staycation needs a boost of energy, turn to the world of musicals. Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda needs little introduction, but watching the filmed version on Disney+ allows you to catch the intricate lyrics and performances up close. It is a cultural phenomenon that deserves the hype. For a darker, more intimate musical experience, watch Company, especially the 2018 London revival starring Rosalie Craig, which breathes new life into Stephen Sondheim’s examination of marriage and commitment. Come From Away, which was filmed at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, tells the heartwarming, true story of a small Canadian town that housed thousands of stranded travelers after 9/11, offering a much-needed dose of empathy. For pure spectacle and emotional resonance, the 25th-anniversary performance of Les Misérables is a spectacular experience. Classic Plays Reimagined
Staycations are a great time to revisit the classics, but with a modern twist. Hamlet, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and filmed at the Barbican in London, is a fast-paced, visceral take on Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy. For a lighter touch, the National Theatre’s 2011 production of One Man, Two Guvnors, featuring a hilarious performance by James Corden, is a riotous comedy of errors that will leave you laughing out loud. Frankenstein, also from the National Theatre and directed by Danny Boyle, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternating roles as Victor and the Creature, is a technical and acting masterpiece. For a deeply intimate, chilling experience, Phaedra, starring Helen Mirren and produced by the National Theatre, showcases brilliant acting in a high-stakes Greek tragedy adaptation. Experimental and Unique Performances
Step outside the box with plays that push the boundaries of what theater can be. All About Eve, starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James, is a tense psychological drama that shines on screen. For something deeply intimate and experimental, try Blindness, an immersive sound installation play from London’s Donmar Warehouse that offers a unique, sensory experience of a dystopian world. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the National Theatre’s acclaimed production, utilizes incredible staging to bring the mind of a teenage boy with autism to life, creating a deeply moving, visually spectacular story. Finally, The Seagull, in an adaptation starring Emilia Clarke, provides a modern, accessible take on Chekhov’s masterpiece of longing and artistic jealousy.
Utilizing your staycation to explore these theatrical gems offers a rich alternative to traditional vacations, providing intellectual stimulation and emotional catharsis. By sampling a mix of comedies, tragedies, and musicals, you can transform your home into a front-row seat to some of the finest performances in the world. Whether it’s the raw emotion of a drama or the joyous escape of a musical, these 15 plays are guaranteed to make your time off unforgettable. Modern comedy/dramas Musical theater
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