They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway; they say there’s always magic in the air. But who needs neon lights, magic and the big city when you can experience Broadway in your backyard? OK, maybe not your backyard, but a short drive or Metro ride away.

Though it may be easier to navigate Times Square than the Washington area, who wants to go all the way to New York when you can get the same satisfaction (and at a lower cost) at one of the area’s historic theaters? With a mix of classic and newer shows, the fall season looks to be prime for showtune lovers young and old, and guys, it makes a great long-forgotten date.

Diversions highlights some of the must-see touring shows from Broadway and just off-Broadway hitting the Washington area this fall, saving you a trip to the Big Apple.

dnhan@umd.edu

Broadway: Three Generations

Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. to Oct. 5

Kennedy Center

Get three shows for the price of one in this celebration of some of Broadway’s most renowned composers. Hosted by Shirley Jones of The Partridge Family fame, Broadway: Three Generations features abridged versions of Girl Crazy, Bye Bye Birdie and Side Show. Here’s hoping Jones breaks into an impromptu “C’mon Get Happy” for all the Partridge fans in attendance. Likely? No. Would it be awesome? Of course.

Altar Boyz

Oct. 8, 8 p.m. to Nov. 2

Bethesda Theatre

What do you get when you combine four Christians, a Jew, singing and dancing? You get Altar Boyz, a musical about five members of a Christian boy band with their hearts set on making it big in New York City. Follow the hilarious tale of Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham from their beginnings in a small-town to the hope-filled bright lights of the big city. It’s like the Jonas Brothers, minus Disney.

The Wizard of Oz

Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. to Dec. 7

Warner Theatre

With her sparkling red shoes, modest gingham dress and faithful dog Toto, Dorothy really isn’t in Kansas anymore – she’s at the Warner Theatre, and she’s ready to charm her way into the heart of Washington. An adaptation of the movie that put Judy Garland on the map, The Wizard of Oz is a tale of finding one’s heart, courage and mind all the while teaching you that there really is no place like home. Plus, who doesn’t want to see a full-on reenactment of “Over the Rainbow?”

West Side Story

Dec. 15, 8 p.m. to Jan. 17, 2009

National Theatre

The musical twist on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is back – synchronized snaps, choreographed dances, gang fights and all. The popular story of forbidden teenage love is all but tired, yet remains a favorite among romantics. Tony, co-founder of the gang the Jets, falls for Maria, who has been promised to Chino from rival gang the Sharks. Riveting song-and-dance numbers follow as Tony and Maria attempt to break through the odds and teach everyone a valuable lesson about getting along – complete with the finest in ’50s threads.

Legally Blonde the Musical

Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. to Jan. 11, 2009

Kennedy Center

No, Reese Witherspoon isn’t coming to Washington, but the movie that pushed Witherspoon to her famous blond bombshell status is. The first national tour of the movie-turned-Broadway hit is making a stop at the Kennedy Center where you, too, can appreciate Elle Woods, the Delta Nu sorority member. Elle enrolls in Harvard Law School in pursuit of her boyfriend and ends up finding more than just love at the Ivy League school. It’s a storyline that’s highly illogical, barely tolerable and yet oh-so-addictive. It also gives fans of MTV’s Legally Blonde the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods, the chance to see a full-fleshed version of what those girls were working so hard for. And while you won’t see show winner Bailey Hanks as Elle (she’s currently on Broadway), former Broadway understudy Becky Gulsvig should suffice.