AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Tracy Letts (Killer Joe, Bug), this grand, gripping new play tells the story of the Westons, a large extended clan that comes together at their rural Oklahoma homestead when the alcoholic patriarch disappears. Forced to confront unspoken truths and astonishing secrets, the family must also contend with their matriarch. Insight and humor, and a vivid portrait of a Midwestern family at a turning point. Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street, 212-239-6200
www.augustonbroadway.com

BILLY ELLIOT
Based on the enormously popular film, this new musical is the story of a boy who discovers he has a special talent for dance, while the boys all around him are more interested in boxing. An unprecedented smash in the West End, where it has broken UK box office records and continues to sell out nightly. Previews begin October 1st. Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street (between Broadway & 8th Ave.), 212-239-6200, www.billyelliotthemusical.com

BOEING-BOEING
Bradley Whitford and Christine Baranski star in this comic whirl of mayhem and matchmaking. This hilarious and fast-paced production comes direct from an acclaimed run in the West End where it received a 2008 Olivier Award nomination for Best Revival. The play originally ran in London from 1962 to 1969 and this reinvented stagng retains all of the breezy day-glo charm of that swinging, jet-set decade. Longacre Theatre, 220 West 48th Street (Broadway & 8th Ave.), 212-239-6200, www.boeingonbroadway.com

CHICAGO
Bob Fosse's slinky musical about celebrities gets a knockout revival, and it is a loving look back at vaudeville, a timely satire of the justice system, and a reminder of what great theater can be. Winner of six Tony® Awards and recently celebrated 10 years on Broadway. Ambassador Theatre, 219 West 49th Street (between Broadway and 8th Ave.), 212-239-6200, www.chicagothemusical.com

CIRQUE DREAMS: JUNGLE FANTASY
IThis is a theatrical, acrobatic and musical adventure inspired by nature’s unpredictable creations, brought to life by an international cast of 25 aerialists, contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. Closing August 24th. Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway (between West 52nd and 53rd Streets), 212-239-6200, www.cirquedreamsbroadway.com

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL "WINTUK"
A boy lives in a city where the arrival of winter has brought long shadows and intense cold – but no snow! Bursting with the energy of the city and the broad sweep of nature, this new show from Cirque Du Soleil weaves thrilling acrobatics, dazzling oversized marionettes, breathtaking theatrical effects and memorable songs together in a touching story line that resonates with the whole family. From October 30th, 2008 thru January 4th, 2009. Wamu Theater at Madison square Garden, 7th Ave., between 31st and 33rd sts., 212-239-6200, www.cirquedusoleil.com

EQUUS
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Richard Griffiths (History Boys) star in this Peter Shaffer's classic play about a seemingly normal 17 year old with a passion for horses. Then one night he blinds six of the beasts with a hoof pick. What drove him to it? Only his psychiatrist may be able to grasp the answer to this psychological puzzle. This production was staged in the West End last year, to enormous success. Previews begin September 5th. Broadhurst Theater, 235 W 44th Street (between Broadway & 8th Avenue), 212–239–6200, www.equusonbroadway.com

FOR COLORED GIRLS
Grammy-winning singer/songwriter India.Arie's role stars as one of seven women who, in monologues and movement, reveal themselves, their lives, loves, hardships, and ultimately their discovery of strength and love. Previews begin August 19th. Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway (between 52nd and 53rd Streets), 212-239-6200, www.forcoloredgirlsbway.com

GODSPELL
This classic musical by John Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz is being revived on Broadway for the first time, and it is a modern telling of the parables and Christ's story found in the Gospel of St. Matthew. Previews begin September 29th. Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 West 47th Street (between Broadway & 8th Avenue), 212-239-6200

GREASE
For this new production of the beloved musical, the stars Max Crumm and Laura Osnes were chosen on the NBC reality show You’re the One That I Want!. It essentially is a rock ‘n’ roll celebration of growin’ up, cruisin’ with friends and goin’ steady. Brooks Atkinson Theatre, 256 W. 47th St., 212-307-4100, www.greaseonbroadway.com

GYPSY
Set during the vaudeville era, this classic musical is about about a relentless stage mother, Rose, who travels the country with her two daughters, and, and their manager, Herbie. While June and Louise wish their mother would settle down and marry Herbie, Rose continues to pursue dreams of stardom for her girls. This wonderful revival stars Patti Lupone and is directed by the original book writer, Arthur Laurents.  St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th Street, 212-239-6200, www.gypsybroadway.com

HAIRSPRAY
Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart who has only one passion in life: to dance. She luckily wins a spot on the local TV dance program and is transformed over-night from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. Based upon the John Waters movie. Neil Simon Theatre, 250 W. 52nd St., 212-307-4100, http://hairspraythemusical.com/

IN THE HEIGHTS
A new musical about three days in the life of Washington Heights, a vibrant and tight-knit community at the top of the island of Manhattan. It's a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. Richard Rodgers, 226 West 46th Street (Broadway & 8th Avenue), 212-307-4100, www.intheheightsthemusical.com

JERSEY BOYS
A new musical based on the life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The show chronicles the lives of a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St., 212-239-6200, www.jerseyboysinfo.com

LEGALLY BLONDE
Fun musical that tells the story of an overachieving fashionista model, president of her sorority and sometimes model, who sets her eyes on conquering Harvard Law.  Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway (between 46th & 47th Sts.), 212-307-4100, www.legallyblondethemusical.com

THE LION KING
One of the most extraordinary and sought-after shows in town. Songs by Elton John & Tim Rice. Winner of six Tonys®, including Best Musical. Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St., (Broadway & 8th), 212-307-4747, www.disneyonbroadway.com

THE LITTLE MERMAID
A visionary team of theater artists from around the world has gathered together to bring this sparkling new Disney musical to breathtaking life: director Francesca Zambello, choreographer Stephen Mear, scenery by George Tsypin, costumes by Tatiana Noginova, lighting by Natasha Katz, with songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Glenn Slater. Based on one of the most beloved Disney films of all time and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street (between Broadway & 8th Ave.), 212-307-4747, www.disneyonbroadway.com

MAMMA MIA!
A huge hit in London and all over the world, this musical “"with a disco beat"” is filled with almost two dozen delicious hits from the pop sensation, ABBA. Book by Catherine Johnson. Great pop-culture nostalgia for the whole family. Cadillac Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway at 50th St., 212-239-6200, www.mamma-mia.com

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Frank Langella returns to Broadway for the first time since his Tony® Award-winning turn in Frost/Nixon, starring in the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of this timeless classic. Tony® Award winner Doug Hughes (Doubt) directs the first Broadway revival of Robert Bolt's Tony Award-winning play. Previews begin September 12th. American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42 Street (between 7th & 8th Avenue), 212-719-1300, www.roundabouttheatre.org

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Andrew Lloyd Webber's award winning musical set in 19th-century Paris featuring spectacular special effects. The longest running production in Broadway history, with more than 7,400 performances. Majestic The-atre, 247 W. 44th St. (Broadway & 8th Ave.), 212-239-6200, www.thephantomoftheopera.com

RENT
Rock musical based on Puccini's La Boheme. It tells the stories of various East Village characters and their sttrugles in everyday life. Closing September 7th! Nederlander Theatre, 208 West 41st Street (8th & 9th aves,) 212-307-4100, www.siteforrent.com

THE SEAGULL
Alan Cumming and Dianne Wiest in Anton Chekhov's classic 1896 work about the affairs of the heart and the demands of a life in the arts. The play masterly balances the comic, the lyric and the tragic. Previews begin September 16th. Classic Stage Company, 136 East 13th Street (between 3rd & 4th aves.), 212-352-3101, www.classicstage.org

SHREK - THE MUSICAL
This all-new production is based on Shrek's adventures in the classic William Steig book and Oscar-winning film. With more layers than ever and a completely original new score, the show proves that there's more to the story than meets the ears. Previews begin November 8th. Broadway theatre, 1681 Broadway (between 52nd & 53rd Streets), 212-239-6200, www.shrekthemusical.com

SPRING AWAKENING
This musical celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget. It’s a groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll. Eugene O'Neill Theatre, 230 West 49th Street (between Broadway & 8th Avenue), 212-239-6200, www.springawakening.com

SOUTH PACIFIC
Kelli O’Hara stars in the first Broadway revival of this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, set on a tropical island in the Pacific during World War II, where a US Navy nurse falls in love with a local plantation owner. Meanwhile, a soldier has fallen in love with a young native girl. Both couples’ happiness is threatened by the realities of the war and by their own prejudices. Also on the island are dozens of locals and Navy, all of whom seem to break into glorious song and dance at just the right moments. Bartlett Sher directs this revival. The original production garnered extraordinary acclaim and countless awards including nine Tonys and a Pulitzer Prize. Vivian Beaumont Theater (at Lincoln Center), 150 W. 65th St., at Broadway, 212-239-6200, www.southpacificthemusical.com

 

A TALE OF TWO CITIES
One of the most beloved books of all time, this musical adaptation of Charles Dicken's sweeping epic comes to Broadway. Set against an epic backdrop of the French Revolution, the story is about injustice, vengeance and the redemptive power of love. The book has sold over 200 million copies in several languages, making it one of the most famous books in the history of fictional literature. Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 West 45th Street (Broadway & 8th Ave.), 212-239-6200, www.talemusical.com

 

THE 39 STEPS
The Alfred Hitchock masterpiece is adapted for the stage from the famous film and novel, with hilarious and thrilling results. Cort Theatre, 138 West 48th Street (between 6ht & 7th aves.), 212-239-6200, www.39stepsonbroadway.com

 

TITLE OF SHOW
Two struggling writers race to write a show for a theatre festival. Will they finish in time? Will their show be selected? Will they keep their beloved project - and their friendships - intact? Lyceum Theatre, 149 West 45th Street, 212-239-6200, www.titleofshow.com

 

TO BE OR NOT TO BE
Brian Murray stars in the world premiere of this beloved comedy, based on Ernst Lubitsch’s classic 1942 movie. This hilarious black comedy is an ingenious commentary on World War II and an inspired tribute to the joys of theatre. A Manhattan Theater Club production. Opens October 2nd. Biltmore Theatre, 261 West 47th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), 212-239-6200, www.mtc-nyc.org

WICKED
This new musical is about how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman and directed by Joe Mantello. Gershwin Theater, 222 West 51st Street, 212-307-4100,
www.wickedthemusical.com

XANADU
Put a bunch of smash pop songs, the Tony Award® nominee Douglas Carter Beane and the cutest couple in town into a Broadway blender, and what do you get? A roller-skating, disco-dancing, glow-stick-waving smash-hit musical!  Taking audiences back to 1980 California, this hilarious new musical follows the beautiful Kira, who travels to earth to inspire a struggling young artist named Sonny. A vision in leg warmers and wind-swept hair, she helps this hunky painter find his voice, discover true love and build the world’s first roller disco (not necessarily in that order). Starring Kerry Butler and Cheyenne Jackson, XANADU is the best-reviewed musical of the season. The New York Times cheers, “Heaven on earth… criminally funny.” The Daily News exclaims, “90 minutes of hilarity!” And the New Yorker calls it “the most fun you’ll have on Broadway.” Looking for a fabulous time? It’s XANADU, baby! Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 West 44th Street (between Broadway & 8th aves.), 212-239-6200, www.xanaduonbroadway.com

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
It's alive! Mel Brooks' wickedly funny twist on Mary Shelley's classic story comes to the Broadway stage. When Frederick Frankenstein, an esteemed New York brain surgeon and professor, inherits a castle and laboratory in Transylvania from his grandfather, deranged genius Victor Von Frankenstein, he faces a dilemma. Does he continue to run from his family's tortured past or does he stay in Transylvania to carry on his grandfather's mad experiments reanimating the dead and, in the process, fall in love with his sexy lab assistant Inga? Based on the hit 1974 film, and with a genius cast including Roger Bart, Sutton Foster, Megan Mullally and Andrea Martin. Hilton Theatre, 214 West 43rd Street, 212-307-4100, www.youngfrankensteinthemusical.com

ABSINTHE
Take a night time saunter through the strangest, most sultry circus in town. Absinthe smashes together fairground attractions with torch songs and spectacle within the elegant, sumptuous surrounds of the Spiegel tent. Featuring brand new outlandish and sensual acts performed by deliciously seductive men and women who present amazing feats of strength, balance, danger and unfathomable flexibility—this season's Absinthe is destined to take variety to new heights. 89 South St., Pier 17, Fulton Fish Market’s South Street, 212-279-4200, www.spiegelworld.com

ALTAR BOYZ
This hilarious brand-new musical comedy follows none other than a struggling Christian 5-members boy-band riding on the wave of America's fascination with religion. Dodger Stages, 340 W. 50th St. (Eighth & Ninth aves.), 212-239-6200, www.altarboyz.com

ARIAS WITH A TWIST
Drag chanteuse Joey Arias and puppeteer Basil Twist collaborate on this delirious revue, full of eye-popping, delightful transgressive lysergic fantasia.  Sixth Avenue, between Broom and Spring Sts., 212-352-3101

THE AWESOME 80'S PROM
Dig out your best 80's outfit, mousse up your hair and get ready to vote for the King and Queen, because you have been invited to this fun interactive show. Set at Wanaget High's Senior Prom in 1989, all of your favorite 80's movie characters are represented., and they will all be competing to be this year's Prom King and Queen. Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street (at 3rd Ave.), 212-352-3101,
www.awesome80sprom.com

BASH'D
The GLADD award-winning gay rap opera Bash'd, created and performed by Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow, features music by Aaron Macri and is directed by Ron Jenkins.Bash'd chronicles the tale of Jack and Dillon; two star-crossed lovers who must cope with the reality of hatred when one is brutally beaten. It is told entirely through rap, spoken word and poetry, turning the often-homophobic musical genre on its ear. Even though the topic is serious, the musical is high energy, irreverent, and provocative.  336 West 37th Street, 212- 352-3101, www.BashdTheMusical.com

BLUE MAN GROUP
This trio of “"postmodern clowns"” brazenly stretches, in this long-running East Village hit, the limits of comic performance art with outrageous innovations of art and sound. Astor Place Theater, 434 Lafayette St. (4th St. & Astor Place), 212-254-4370, www.blueman.com

DESIR
A story of mystery, lust and betrayal filled with intimate spectacle and sensual desire. Before Moulin Rouge, before Folies Bergere, there was Desir, the jewel of Paris. The producers of Absinthe present the world premiere of a theatrical circus experience that takes you backstage at the greatest nightclub the world has ever seen. A meeting place for showgirls and soldiers, bejeweled courtesans and Maharajahs; it's a fantastical setting where desire meets clever seduction, lavish gifts, passion, deceit and breathtaking displays of acrobatic wonder. 89 South St., Pier 17, Fulton Fish Market’s South Street, 212-279-4200, www.spiegelworld.com

DIVIDING THE ESTATE
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Horton Foote returns to Primary Stages with the New York premiere of his play ,described as a 12-character human comedy about a family that must confront its past as it prepares for its future. Primary Stages at 59E 59 Theaters - 59 East 59th Street (between Madison & Park aves.), 212-307-4100, www.primarystages.com

EAST 14TH STREET
Hysterical one-man show chronicling Don Reed's true coming-of-age story in 1970s Oakland. From being forced to deliver the gospel door to door, to living on "Ho Row", Don Reed takes you down a road you'll never forget. At times moving and poignant, but always funny to the core. New World Stages, 340 W. 50th Street, (between 8th & 9th aves.) 212-239-6200, www.east14th.com

THE FANTASTICKS
The world's longest-running musical returns to New York. A quintessential celebration of love in all its gorgeous simplicity and heartbreaking complexities. Snapple Theater Center, 210 50th Street at Broadway, 212-307-4100, www.fantasticksonbroadway.com

FELA
A new musical based on the life of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti.  Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award winner Bill T. Jones and featuring Kuti’s rousing music performed live onstage by Antibalas and other members of the New York Afrobeat community.  37 Arts , 450 West 37th Street (at 10th Avenue), 212-560-8912, www.felaonbroadway.com

FLAMINGO COURT
Jamie Farr (M*A*S*H) and Anita Gillette (They're Playing Our Song) take on multiple roles in this three-act comedy featuring the loopy and endearing residents of Flamingo Court, a South Florida apartment complex. Each floor is another story with a lesson to learn. Sex after sixty's no sin. Where there's a will, there's a way (for your kids to fight over the inheritance). And love, at any age, can be a new and beautiful thing. New World Stages, 340 W. 50th Street, (between 8th & 9th aves.) 212-239-6200, www.FlamingoCourt.com

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: DANCING WITH THE STARS
The latest version of Gerard Alessandrini’s long running spoof of past and recent Broadway hits. Featuring a gifted and hilarious cast and incredible costumes by Alvin Colt. Recipient of the 2006 Honor for excellence in the Theatre. 47th Street Theatre, 304 West 47th Street (between 8th & 9th avenues), 212-239-6200, www.forbiddenbroadway.com

FUERZABRUTA
A dazzling new theatrical experience from the creators of the international sensation De La Guarda. This heart-pounding, 70-minute event – which has already taken Europe and South America by storm – comes to NYC's Daryl Roth Theatre, where De La Guarda thrilled audiences for 7 mesmerizing years! Fuerzabruta (literally, “brute force”) floods the senses with a nonstop collision of dynamic music, visceral emotion, and kinetic aerial imagery. And best of all, you are at the center of the action: the magic of the show happens so close, you can actually touch it. Daryl Roth Theatre, 20 Union Square East, 212-239-6200, www.fuerzabruta.net

GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW
The first and only interactive stage production of its kind, complete with fantastic light effects, lasers, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry. This unforgettable experience is not to be missed, using soap bubbles as a new medium. Featuring Fan Yang, who holds 13 Guinness World records. New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street (between 8th & 9th avesnues), 212-239-6200, www.gazillionbubbleshow.com

THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE & BOO
A dark comedy that takes a look at three decades of marriage, divorce, alcoholism, nervous breakdowns and death - all blended in a unique mix of irony, humor and farce. Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, 111 W. 46th St, (Broadway & 6th Ave.), 212-719-1300, www.roundabouttheatre.org

MY FIRST TIME
A new play in the style of The Vagina Monologues featuring four actors in hysterical and heartbreaking stories about first sexual experiences written by real people, selected from a website where since 1998 became an instant phenomenon as over 40,000 stories poured in from around the globe that were silly, sweet, absurd, funny, heterosexual, homosexual, awkward, shy, sexy and everything in between. New York Stages, 340 West 50th Street (8th & 9th aves.), 212-239-6200, www.myfirsttimetheplay.com

NAKED BOYS SINGING
Celebrating 10 years, this fun show has been delighting audiences for several years, delivering musical numbers and nudity with humor and sophistication. New World Stages, 340 W. 50th Street, (8th & 9th aves), 212-239-6200, www.nakedboyssinging.com

PERFECT CRIME
This play makes “history” every day it remains open. It is the longest running non-musical play in the history of New York theatre, On or Off Broadway. Still going strong after 18 years, this is a wonderfully puzzling and crackling thriller. Snapple Theater Center, 210 50th Street at Broadway, 212-307-4100, www.perfect-crime.com

STOMP
Derived from the underground music clubs of Britain and influenced by its urban streets, the eight-member cast conjures up rhythms out of stiff bristle brooms, dustbins, plastic bags and garbage cans. Orpheum Theatre, 126 2nd Ave. (btwn. 7th St. & Saint Mark's Place),212-307-4100, www.stomponline.com

TONY & TINA'S WEDDING
Get invited to the wedding of the decade in this fun interactive dinner theatre experience, where you join the happy couple as they tie the knot. Vinnie Blacks Colisseum, 221 W. 46th St. (8th & 9th aves.), 212-352-3101,
www.tonyandtinanewyork.com