I wouldn’t classify myself as a Melissa Etheridge fan. Sure, I’ve heard her music on the radio and enjoy the songs I’ve heard, but I didn’t know much about her beyond My Window and I Want to Come Over. I did, however, have a family member who really enjoyed her music and was disappointed when we learned about her Off-Broadway show about a day before its sold-out final performance. When I saw it was announced that Etheridge would be bringing her show to Broadway, I immediately started on the hunt for good tickets to bring my family member for her birthday. Neither one of us really knew what to expect going in other than some singing and life stories, but by the time we were walking out of the theatre, neither one of us could believe how strong the performance was.
Melissa Etheridge: My Window is an autobiographical narrative concert featuring Etheridge’s greatest hits. It is a solo show, featuring a “Roadie” who assists Etheridge with costume, prop, and instrument changes on-stage. Etheridge weaves her life stories and her songs together in an effortless way and just as seamlessly is able to bring up much larger relevant topics including her queer identity, interaction with psychedelics, and spiritual enlightenment. While her music may be mostly familiar to a slightly older audience, all of the themes she brings up are timeless and resonate just as strongly with today’s youth. Despite the serious and sometimes heavy topics raised, the show itself is quite funny. In addition to her dynamic stage presence, Etheridge has really delightful comedic timing that gives the show a relaxed edge. As you’re listening along, it almost feels like you’re in her living room just listening to her life and songs; every single creative choice comes from such genuine and authentic intentions.
In terms of a theatrical experience, Melissa Etheridge: My Window absolutely delivers. The projection and lighting design in particular is nothing short of impressive (major shoutouts to Oliva Sebesky and Abigal Rosen Holmes for their work). From gorgeous scene transitions to projections on Etheridge’s jackets and guitars, the show is just as fun to watch as it is to listen to. One of the standout elements, though, was the live mixing in the show. Etheridge is the only musical performer in the show, but over the course of the story, plays multiple guitars, drums, a clarinet, and the piano. If looping over herself wasn’t impressive enough, Etheridge is still able to add a narrative element to all of the sequences to make it feel like a full scene rather than only a demonstration of musical talent.
If you’re interested in seeing the show and concerned about tickets, the theatre Etheridge and her team selected couldn’t have been a better fit. Circle in the Square is one of two theatres in the round in NYC and a perfect setup for an intimate concert. There’s never a bad seat in this house in particular, but with the current seating arrangement, the house is much longer than it is wider (but even the furthest seats aren’t that far from the stage, and Etheridge does come into the audience seating area at least twice during the show). I’ve actually seen the show twice now (first preview and opening night) and was seated in the first few rows of Section A both times (house left/stage right), right near where the audience meets the stage. The seats closest to the stage are best for those looking for the most intimate concert experience, while the seats further back give a better view of the full stage design.
And while it doesn’t really impact the experience of the show, I do feel compelled to share that the merchandise was some of the best I’ve ever seen at a Broadway show. It was very clearly influenced by designs you’d typically see on a tour (yes, there was a tour-style t-shirt too), but even the souvenir program mirrored the production value as a whole by combining the artist’s story with production elements.
Overall, Melissa Etheridge: My Window is a masterful and deeply impactful production that feels as personal and intimate as you could possibly get in a concert-style environment. As an added bonus, the production does a spectacular job highlighting the work of women in creative roles that are often male-dominated. It is truly a unique Broadway experience for an audience that reaches far beyond simply her existing audience. At its core, it is a show about the human experience, personal growth, and self-love – themes we could all learn from.
And in case you were curious, I do now classify myself as a Melissa Etheridge fan and hope to come over again (to hell with the… financial… consequence).
Have a terrific day!
