As a former theater critic, the new season has received criticism from friends, relatives, friends, etc. Incoming means a barrage of suggestions on what to watch. Luckily, this fall is full of options, including shows starring some of the biggest celebrities in the world. Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr. She makes her Broadway debut and is accompanied by Mia Farrow, Katie Holmes and Rachel Zegler. When you factor in TV and pop music standouts like Jim Parsons, Julianna Margulies, Peter Gallagher, Nicole Scherzinger, and more, the season is not only promising, but a decidedly A-list roster. And that’s before you include the true Broadway royalty, with Patty LuPone, James Monroe Iglehart, and six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald taking on some of musical theatre’s most iconic characters. Need details? Here are 10 shows you need to buy tickets to right away.

“Roommate”

Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St., theroommatebway.com

New York Times he calls it “the most unexpected double act of the new Broadway season.” Mia Farrow returns to Broadway for the first time since 1979, when she was seen in “Romantic Comedy” (not counting the two-stage reading). And Patty LuPone is back anyway He leaves his equity card. in 2022 (apparently he’s still allowed to appear as long as the required fees are paid). Jen Silverman’s play explores the unlikely friendship between two middle-aged women who unexpectedly become roommates.

“McNeal”

Vivian Beaumont Theatre, Lincoln Center, 150 W. 65th St, mcnealbroadway.com

Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway debut as a famous writer who becomes obsessed with artificial intelligence in this new play from Ayad Akhtar (“Infamous”). The Academy Award winner shares the stage with Ruthie Ann Miles, Andrea Martin and, interestingly, her own digital likeness as the play explores the complexities of intellectual technology.

“Our Town”

Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St.; ourtownbroadway.com

Director Kenney Leon said Thornton Wilder’s play, about daily life in Grover’s Corners, N.H., “stands atop the Mount Rushmore of the great American theatre.” Hollywood Reporter. Jim Parsons stars in the series alongside Zoey Deutch and Katie Holmes for even more star power. This is the first revival of the play in nearly 25 years and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1938.

“Left on the Tenth”

James Earl Jones Theatre, 138 W. 48 St.; leftontenthbroadway.com

Two television actors take to the stage in this new play based on Delia Ephron’s bestselling memoir. Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife”) stars as a novelist and screenwriter who connects with a past love played by Peter Gallagher (“Gracie and Frankie”). As with any true story, it all turns out to be a bit complicated.

“Romeo + Juliet”

Circle on the Square, 235 W. 50th St.; romeoandjulietnyc.com

Rachel Zegler played Maria in the latest film version of “West Side Story.” Now he has the chance to explore the original material. She stars opposite Kit Connor (“Heartstopper”) in director Sam Gold’s new production of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. seriously impressive pull-ups at the show.

“Sunset Boulevard”

St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44 St., sunsetblvdbroadway.com

Fresh off a sweeping run at the Olivier Awards (The Brit’s Tonys) in London, former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger gives a dazzling performance as the consummate diva Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable musical. This is a bare-bones production, with no lavish sets or spiral staircases. Instead of hoovering up dresses and turbans, Scherzinger spends most of the play barefoot, wearing a simple black slip. In fact, she’s ready for her close-up.

“It’s a Wonderful World”

Studio 54, 254 W. 54 St., louisarmstrongmusical.com

James Monroe Iglehart (everyone’s favorite stage elf in “Aladdin”) stars as famed trumpeter Louis Armstrong, with behind-the-scenes support from producer Vanessa Williams and orchestrator Branford Marsalis. The biographical musical, which includes songs such as “When You’re Smiling”, is told by looking at the impact of his four wives on his life.

“Tammy Faye”

Palace Theatre, 160 W. 47 St., tammyfayebway.com

“Broadway is where the best stories are told, and Tammy Faye’s story was created for the stage,” says Elton John, who wrote the songs for the new musical. The series stars Katie Brayben as the late evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, and Christian Borle as her charismatic husband, preacher James Bakker.

“Death Happens to Him”

Lunt Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46 St., deathbecomesher.com

Based on the 1992 film starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, the series explores the relationship between two longtime enemies, an aspiring novelist (Jennifer Simard, “Company”) and the actress who stole her husband (Megan Hilty, “Smash”). Is looking younger the answer to both? The series has a lot of fun trying to answer this question.

“Gypsy”

Majestic Theatre, 245 W. 44 St.; gypsybway.com

Six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald portrays Mama Rose, one of Broadway’s most iconic characters; This role is one that many fans have been waiting to see for years. The Stephen Sondheim/Jules Styne classic, loosely based on the memoirs of stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, features some of Sondheim’s best-loved songs, including “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and the breathtaking “Rose’s Turn.”

Off Broadway

This season, one of the biggest names on the stage is making an off-Broadway debut. Academy Award winner Kenneth Branagh plays the title role in Shakespeare’s “King Lear” (October 26-December 15 at the Shed, theshed.org). Other big names include Adam Driver, who stars in Kenneth Lonergan’s “Hold On Me Darling” (Sept. 24-December 22, Lucille Lortel Theatre, holdontomedarling.com) and Jane Krakowski, Neil Patrick Harris and Debra Messing star in Robert O’Hara’s “Shit.Meet.Fan.” (10 October-17 November, MCC Theatre, mcctheater.org).