(Last Minute) Holiday Gift Ideas for the Broadway Lover (Updated 2013)

Happy Holidays to all of my followers!  It's been a while since I've blogged, but I'm back- just in time for the holidays! Shopping for the die-hard Broadway fan is about to get a whole lot easier. Just keep reading below as I suggest lots of unique gift ideas that theatre fans will be sure to love! If you would like to read my (longer list of) suggestions from last year (2012), click here.

1.) The Wicked 10th Anniversary World Souvenir Program

For the die-hard Wicked fan, there is never enough Wicked memorabilia to be collected. Here is a brand new souvenir program in celebration of the hit musical's 10th anniversary. Congratulotions, Wicked! Click here to check it out! 

2.) The Sound of Music Live

Despite the recent Internet controversy resulting from NBC's airing of The Sound of Music with Carrie Underwood as Maria, any true theatre fan will appreciate the value of a major television network devoting a three-hour time slot to live theatre. The cast recording or DVD of the live event would make a lovely holiday gift for many Sound of Music fans. 

                 

3.)  Staged by Ruby Preston

Last year, I recommended Ruby Preston's Broadway mystery novel, Showbiz. Staged is the highly anticipated sequel to Showbiz, which continues the story of Scarlett Savoy. Wouldn't you like to know what happens next?

4.) Broadway Tails by Bill Berloni

Animals are some of Broadway's most beloved "actors." Recent Broadway revivals of "Annie" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" have boasted the talents of cats and dogs. Broadway Tails is the story of Bill Berloni, Broadway's go-to animal trainer. This book is a great read for any Broadway fan or animal lover.



5.) Carols for a Cure

Shop for a great cause! Carols for Cure is a compilation of holiday tunes sung by the casts of your favorite Broadway musicals to support BC/EFA. I look forward to this CD every year-- therefore, it will always have a place on my list of holiday gift recommendations!

6.) Movie tickets to Saving Mr. Banks

Mary Poppins may have ended its Broadway run, but the practically perfect nanny lives on in this new movie about the making of the beloved movie (starring Broadway's Tom Hanks). Check out the movie's trailer below.

7.) Felicia Ricci's Belt Your Face Off

This former Elphaba Standby and author of the hilarious book, Unnaturally Green, has created her own online belting course (click here for a description). Since many theatre fans are also aspiring singers, what better gift than the gift of music? If you are unconvinced, check out Broadway Spotted's review of the Felicia's course.

8.) Tickets to see the U.S. Tour of The Phantom of the Opera

I saw the newly staged version of this long-running hit musical a few weeks ago at the Providence Performing Arts Center (blog to come soon…). Seeing the show for the third time reminded me of how truly awesome it is. The familiar musical phrases, the massive orchestra, the eerie chandelier dangling from the ceiling, the special effects. This is the musical production that I am recommending this holiday season!  

9.) Sheet music!

For the musically-inclined theatre lover, sheet music makes a great gift!  This year, I'm recommending the sheet music from Kinky Boots, which won Cyndi Lauper her first Tony Award for Best Score. 

10.) A subscription to Playbill magazine

The gift that keeps on giving all year 'round.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!  

20 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Broadway Lover

It's that time of year again! Having trouble coming up with the perfect gift idea for a die-hard Broadway fan?  Here are some ideas that I hope will be helpful to you! Happy Holidays!

1.) 2013 Playbill Wall Calendar 

Everyone needs a new calendar to start the new year! 

2.) The 2011-2012 Broadway Playbill Yearbook

Read about more than 70 Broadway musicals and plays from the 2011-2012 season and learn behind-the-scenes anecdotes from cast and crew members. 

3.) Be A Broadway Star Board Game
An interactive board game for Broadway lovers of all ages. Performing is required! 

4.) Playbill Binder

This is a must-have for any playbill-collecting theatre lover!
Can be found on playbillstore.com

5.) Broadway’s Carols for a Cure
Every year, the Broadway community comes together to create a Holiday Album to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with holiday music that goes toward a good cause? Check out this year's edition here!

6.) The Broadway Musicals Quiz Book

7.) Movie tickets to see Les Miserables on Christmas Day! Check out the movie trailer below! 

8.) Tickets to see Cinderella on Broadway, opening in previews on January 24, 2013. Check out their performance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! 

9.) Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Celebration- at the Royal Albert Hall
This year, The Phantom of the Opera celebrated its 25th anniversary with this special performance at Royal Albert Hall!

10.) Memphis the Musical on DVD
Tony Award winning Memphis closed this past August after a very successful almost-three year run at the Shubert Theatre, but not before releasing this film of the Broadway production. For more info, click here. 

11.) “Show Biz, a novel”
An entertaining mystery novel set in the midst of Broadway scandal and told through the eyes of a young Broadway producer.  A must-read for the Broadway lover. 

12.) “Unnaturally Green”
A must-read for the Wicked fan! Written by former Elphaba stand-by, Felicia Ricci, this entertaining and hilarious memoir shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it is to be "green" in a show like Wicked. Read my review here! 

13.) The Broadway Cares Collection
If you want to buy a unique Broadway-themed gift while also donating to a great charity, you should check out the Broadway Cares Collection, which benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This Broadway-themed collection includes: holiday ornaments, tote bags, coffee mugs, shower curtains, T-shirts, snow globes, stationery, and many other unique items. Check it out here. 

14.) Green For Good Tote Bag 
Give the gift of being “green” with this Wicked-themed bag that may be used as an alternative to plastic shopping bags. 

15.) Smash, Season 1 on DVD
The new hit show, Smash, will release Season 1 on 1/8/13 (on Amazon). This might make a great belated holiday gift!

 

16.) Laura Osnes, “Dream A Little Dream, Live at the Cafe Carlyle”
This is one of my favorite solo albums released in 2012. Check out my review for more information! 

17.) The Book of Mormon Companion Book

To be released on 12/4/12. 

18.) Gift Certificate for a Broadway show
For more information, click here. 

19.) Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project
An ideal gift for a baby or young child, this is a collection of lullabies performed by various Broadway singers. 

20.) Once Sheet Music
For the musically-inclined Broadway lover, sheet music from the 2012 Tony Award winner, Once, may be a greatly appreciated gift.