Eye-Opening Political Theater, Carol Channing’s NYC Return & Rebecca Hall’s B’Way Breakdown Top This Week’s Editor’s Picks

Last updated January 20th, 2014 by Josh Ferri
 Eye-Opening Political Theater, Carol Channing’s NYC Return…

Each week, BroadwayBox editor Josh Ferri narrows down all the happenings in NYC to three can’t-miss events. This week, we are welcoming Broadway's original Dolly back to New York, learning about politics in Zimbabwe and applauding a brilliant Broadway debut.

3. Breakfast Menu Includes Post-Colonialism & Racism
Breakfast with Mugabe, the acclaimed and thrilling drama about Zimbabwean dictator Richard Mugabe who seeks a white psychiatrist to treat his depression, is back off-Broadway. The show was a smash in the U.K. and was raved about by New York critics,, and now it’s back at Theatre Row’s Lion Theatre through March 2 only. A stellar ensemble cast blends education and entertainment together seamlessly in a drama that directly addresses the post-colonial struggle of modern-day Africa. Each Wednesday includes a free post-show talkback immediately following the performance; this week’s headliner includes NY1 anchor Cheryl Wills. 2. Dolly Levi Turns 50 at Town Hall
Three-time Tony winner Carol Channing and downtown cabaret star Mx. Justin Vivian Bond share the stage at Town Hall on January 20 for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: An Intimate Evening with Carol Channing and Justin Vivian Bond, a special, one-night-only celebration of Hello, Dolly!’s 50th anniversary. The evening kicks off with a set of “love songs for Carol” performed by Bond, and then Channing takes the stage to share stories from her lifetime in show business. From just a little girl from Little Rock to the Queen of the Harmonia Gardens, chart Carol Channing’s unforgettable journey. 1. Rebecca Hall Is a Woman on the Verge
Golden Globe-nominee Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) is making one hell of a Broadway debut in Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of Machinal. It’s hard for audiences to take their eyes off the radiant star, who practically never leaves the stage, as she descends into madness, eventually killing her husband. The super-stylized production, featuring a beautiful, imposing set by Es Devlin and seamless direction by Lyndsey Turner, is a must-see for theater fans who enjoy non-traditional dramas and gripping performances.