Although it is impossible to predict exactly which shows will receive critical acclaim or be audience favorites, below are 10 shows that definitely worth looking forward to in 2014.
1. "All the Way" — Just months after the epic series finale of "Breaking Bad," Bryan Cranston (aka Walter White) will play President Lyndon B. Johnson in Robert Schenkkan’s new biographical drama. At the Neil Simon Theatre starting Feb. 10.
2. "Rocky" — Coproduced by Sylvester Stallone, this musical version of the classic boxing film features an original score alongside the hit songs"Eye of the Tiger" and "Gonna Fly Now." Andy Karl ("Jersey Boys," "Legally Blonde") is Rocky Balboa. At the winter Garden Theatre starting Feb. 11.
3. "A Raisin in the Sun" — Denzel Washington, who made a splash on Broadway four years ago in "Fences," returns in a revival of "A Raisin in the Sun."" While he is a bit old to be playing Walter Lee, that can be overlooked. At the Barrymore Theatre starting March 8.
4. "Bullets Over Broadway" — Directed by Susan Stroman ("The Producers") with a book by Woody Allen himself, this adaptation of his 1994 film about the backstage turmoil surrounding a new play in 1920s New York will star Zach Braff and Marin Mazzie. At the St. James Theatre starting March 11.
5. "Aladdin" — Disney strikes again with a stage adaptation of one of its best animated films of the early 1990s. Casey Nicholaw ("The Book of Mormon") directs. At the New Amsterdam Theatre starting March 18.
6. "Cabaret" — Alan Cumming, who shot to fame 15 years ago for his Tony-winning turn as the Emcee, will return to Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall’s sexy and sinister revival. He will be joined by Michelle Williams as Sally Bowles. At Studio 54 starting March 21.
7. "Violet" — Two-time Tony-winner Sutton Foster will come back to Broadway in Jeanine Tesori’s musical about the cross-country journey of a young woman with a prominent facial scar. At the American Airlines Theatre starting March 28.
8. "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" — Frequent Tony Awards host Neil Patrick Harris headlines the first-ever Broadway staging of this cult rock musical, which originally starred John Cameron Mitchell and ran for two years in the West Village. At the Belasco Theatre starting March 29.
9. "The Most Happy Fella" — One of the finest musicals ever, this City Center Encores! revival will star Laura Benanti and Shuler Hensley as an unlikely couple brought together through a bit of deception, with Cheyenne Jackson as the heartthrob standing in their way. At City Center starting April 2.
10. "Macbeth" – Following back-to-back disappointing revivals of the Shakespeare tragedy, including Alan Cumming’s one-man rendition and Lincoln Center Theater’s bloated staging with Ethan Hawke, now comes an acclaimed London production with Kenneth Branagh. Let’s hope third time’s a charm. At the Park Avenue Armory starting May 31.
