By Genesis Taveras

October 1, 2009 - The Broadway season continues as more and more shows begin performances in October.

Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical comedy Brighton Beach Memoirs begins previews October 2 at the Nederlander Theatre. The play follows Eugene Jerome, a teen living in Brooklyn during the depression whose dreams and fantasies are continually fueled and obstructed by his family.

Chasing the American dream in an unusual manner, Finian's Rainbow follows the adventures of an Irishman and his daughter as they hope to strike it rich in America. The duo hopes to do so by using a pot of gold stolen from a leprechaun. Finian’s Rainbow begins previews on October 8 the St. James Theatre. Cheyenne Jackson stars.

Performances for the Kennedy Center revival of the musical Ragtime previews on October 23 at the Neil Simon Theatre. This much-loved musical explores themes ranging from immigration to racism and social unrest in the early 20th century.

Sarah Ruhl's new play will take the stage on October 22. Playing at the Lyceum Theatre In the Next Room (or the vibrator play) deals with issues concerning marriage, intimacy and technology.

Created by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel, Fela! explores the life of Nigerian artist, activist, and composer-performer Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela! begins performances on October 19 at the Eugene O’Neil Theatre.

Visit www.ilovenytheatre.com for more information.

In other theatre news, to celebrate Playbill’s 125th anniversary, NYC TV is going inside the theatrical publication’s storied history for a special look into the archives. Other segments will also examine how a Playbill is made and the allure of Playbill collecting. Conversations with Robert Viagas, Playbill Broadcast Editor; Richard Stoddard, Performing Arts Publications Dealer; Blake Ross, Playbill Editor; and others will also be highlighted. Tune in starting October 5 at 8pm. NYC TV can be seen on Channel 25 on Time Warner Cable, DirecTV, RCN and Verizon FiOS, Channel 22 on Cablevision, and Channel 25.1 on digital broadcast television.