Looking Forward to Fall: September - November 2025

It's hard to believe another three months have passed. This summer is now past, and unlike other recent summers, Broadway was rather less than busy. Nonetheless, we still managed to get in a few shows, and all four were new! We loved them all for different reasons. Operation Mincemeat, the acclaimed West End transfer, was zany fun, and actually is one I've grown more fond of as time has passed. Jake Malone gave one of the most touching performances of the year. Buena Vista Social Club was thrilling to see live - especially Tony-winner Natalie Venetia Belcon and that band! The old fashioned feel good Real Women Have Curves was also pretty modern, and a sweet, feel good way to end the season of terrific new musicals. But the biggest and best thrill of the season for my money was John Proctor is the Villain, a marvelously entertaining, razor sharp, and tense nail-biter of a play. I saw it in June, and I'm still thinking about it. Summer may have been slower, but it certainly was a great one.

Looking Forward to Fall:

September - November 2025

We already have plans to see more this fall than all of summer. And we are excited for all of it! What a mix - a re-visit to a beloved show with a sensational new cast, a revival of an off-Broadway musical with two of our very favorite young actors, another off-Broadway revival of a show we've only ever heard about (and also full of actors we love), two brand new musicals that couldn't be more different, and two dazzling and long-awaited musical revivals.

Off-Broadway:

Bat Boy (Encores! at New York City Center): This little show has eluded me for decades. Quirky, off-beat shows are among my favorite musical sub-genres, and this is a title I hear about often in theater circles. What a great place to get my first taste of this one, too! And the cast... well, if you follow me regularly you know that Taylor Trensch is one of my favorites, and add in Kerry Butler? Heaven! Alex Newell and Andrew Durand are also names that I equate with "must see." But it is Mary Faber I can't wait to see - I've been smitten with her ever since Avenue Q!

Heathers: The Musical (New World Stages): Speaking of quirky, off-beat musicals and Kerry Butler... We saw this the first time this one played New World Stages. It was enjoyable enough, but getting to hear Casey Likes and Lorna Cortney sing "Seventeen" was enough to buy a ticket. That song is a Top 5 21st Century show tune to me, and both of them are two of the most exciting Broadway talents to come along this past decade or so.

Broadway Re-visit:

Hadestown (Walter Kerr Theatre): Ever since we saw the original cast around the time the show opened, we have vowed to return. One thing or another (new shows, cash flow, a pandemic) has kept us from coming back, but a dearth of new shows and an amazing new company had us clamoring for tickets. I am especially looking forward to seeing Jack Wolfe, who was mesmerizing in the West End Next to Normal, Morgan Dudley, who was wonderful in Jagged Little Pill, and two of may all-time favorite Broadway regulars, Rebecca Naomi Jones and Paolo Szot, neither of whom have ever been less than thrilling.

Broadway Revivals:

Chess (Imperial Theatre): Though over the years, this Broadway musical is second only to Merrily We Roll Along for seeing a flop in the most versions the most times! No matter what they do to the book, I will always count this among my favorite complete scores, and any chance to see it with a full orchestration and a company of accomplished actors is one I will not miss. All three of the announced leads are high on my list of favorite contemporary Broadway actors. I can't wait to hear Aaron tear into "Pity the Child" and Lea throw herself into "Nobody's Side."

Ragtime (Lincoln Center at the Vivian Beaumont Theater):  I have to admit that the cast recording of Ragtime is one that I absolutely adore, so much so, that when I saw the original production I was somehow disappointed. The staging left me cold even as the score had me in tears. Much like Chess, the opportunity to hear this score sung by an accomplished cast and played by the Lincoln Center orchestra is one that would be a crime to miss. I am excited, too, about the cast, particularly Joshua Henry and Caissie Levy who are both actors who can do no wrong in my book! (Brandon Uranowitz and Shaina Taub are no slouches, either...)

Broadway Premieres:

The Queen of Versailles (St. James Theatre): Okay, I know nothing at all about the subject matter of this show, but they had me at Kristin Chenoweth. How can you not love this beam of light in the darkness? But I am also excited to see F. Murray Abraham, who I have loved onstage in both Angels in America and Triumph of Love - talk about range! A new score by Stephen Schwartz is always cause for excitement, and I am happily sat for any production directed by Michael Arden. Will the 21st unique production I've seen at the St. James be a hit or miss? I can't wait to find out!

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) (Longacre Theatre): A brand-new musical by a brand-new writing team is a reason for musical theater lovers like me to rejoice! The premise sounds fun and the two-person cast intrigues me. West End star (and cutie patootie) Sam Tutty has been on my watch list for years since I heard him sing songs from Dear Evan Hansen. And I've been looking forward to seeing Christiana Pitts ever since she won me over in the ill-fated King Kong.

What are you seeing this fall? Let us know!

Broadway Pop Quiz: The Play's the Thing

It's Back to School time! So why not start with a little test? This one's all about plays on Broadway. Good luck!

Broadway Pop Quiz:

The Play's the Thing! 

    

1. TRUE or FALSE: The current Broadway revival of Art is playing in the same theater as the original Broadway production.

2. TRUE or FALSE: The three stars of the Art revival have all been a part of various Stephen Sondheim projects over the years.

3. On September 1st, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will:

    A. close after 2,388 Broadway performances.

    B. begin performing a new, even shorter version of the show.

    C. become the 3rd longest-running play in Broadway history.

    D. will welcome Rupert Grint to the cast, playing the same role he played in the films.

4. TRUE or FALSE: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is the first playwright in the 21st century to win both the Pulitzer Prize for drama AND the Tony Award for the same play.

5. TRUE or FALSE: Purpose is the only Best Play to play at the Hayes.

6.  A major Hollywood star is headlining this season in each of these plays EXCEPT:

    A. Waiting for Godot

    B. Punch

    C. Bug

    D. Oedipus

7. Which star of Marjorie Prime has also appeared in a musical on Broadway?

    A. June Squibb

    B. Cynthia Nixon

    C. Christopher Lowell

8. Which of the following is NOT true about Bug star Carrie Coon?

    A. She is married to the play's author.

    B. She currently stars in HBO's The Gilded Age.

    C. She made her Broadway debut in a Tennessee Williams play, co-starring her then future husband.

    D. She will be making her Manhattan Theatre Club debut in this play.

9. TRUE or FALSE: John Proctor is the Villain is not only the Broadway debut of playwright Kimberly Belflower, but it is the only play she has written.

10. Which female pop artist has a song, "Green Light," that figures prominently in the action of the play John Proctor is the Villain?

    A. Taylor Swift

    B. Selena Gomez

    C. Cardi B

    D. Lorde

Broadway 3-peats: Bonnie Milligan

In hockey, three goals in a single game is called a "hat-trick," and three strikes in a row is called a "turkey." When a team wins a championship three times in a row, they call it a "three-peat."

While it might be feasible to call a Broadway performer with three great performances a "hat-trick" - particularly a dancer, I suppose, it is only a negative to call anything Broadway related a "turkey." And so, I've settled on calling a run of three terrific performances a "3-peat." 

First up: Tony Award-winner Bonnie Milligan.

Broadway 3-peats:

Bonnie Milligan

Role #1: Pamela in Head Over Heels (2018)

As an unconventional princess in an unconventional jukebox musical, Bonnie bowled me over with her belty "Beautiful," bringing body positivity into the Broadway conversation, and a great new talent into the spotlight. I've been a smitten fan ever since. Of her Broadway debut, I wrote, "That newbie is the positively smashing Bonnie Milligan, who is everything you've read and heard about, and so much more. She's one of those people who you just know was born to be on stage. She is charming, alarming and an absolute joy to watch. Whether she's singing an ode to her own beauty or throwing an epic temper tantrum, she is a marvel of what comes off as spontaneity, and her line delivery is impeccable. The gal is going places and I can't wait to see more." Even then I knew she was something special.

She was honored with a 2019 Theatre World Award for her performance.

Role #2: Aunt Debra in Kimberly Akimbo (2022)

As the felonious Aunt Debra, Milligan had us howling as she taught the fine art of mail fraud to a group of teens. And, of course, she once again stopped the show with her signature belt and fiery delivery in the number, "Better." The first time we saw the show, I wrote, "Kimberly's family is a hot mess, almost making her debilitating and tragic sickness the least of her worries. Hilariously and pitifully white-trash, each are perfectly cast... Bonnie Milligan, the larger than life aunt, and so bad the family moves around just to get away from her. They are all by turns bat-shit crazy, morally appalling, and complex in ways that are surprisingly heartwarming. Each has stand out moments, with Ms. Milligan blowing the roof off the theater with what has become the riotous breakout song from the show, "Better."

Ms. Milligan won the 2023 Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical Tony Award.

Role #3: Alice Beane in Titanic (2024)

In a small role in the epic musical, Bonnie once again captivated the enthralled audiences at Encores! presentation of the rarely performed show. In a fun twist, she played 2nd Class passenger (and rabid social climber) Alice Beane, the role her Kimberly Akimbo co-star, Victoria Clark, originated on Broadway! In my review, I said, "Soon to be Broadway royalty Drew Gehling and Bonnie Milligan as Edgar and Alice Beane, 2nd class, offer up many of the show's comic moments as she attempts to social climb, while he, completely smitten, tries to keep her in her place. Their separation in the final moments is a heartbreaking thing."

Three roles, three powerful performances. Critical acclaim and awards! And she's only getting started!

Let us know of another "3-peat" Broadway performer you'd like to see us honor.

At This Theatre: The Ambassador

There are a few Broadway theaters that have had shows run so long in them, that those shows are the only ones that have played there during many theater-goers' lifetime. Until recently, there was a generation or more who only knew the Majestic as the home of The Phantom of the Opera. Even today, people know the same for the Gershwin (Wicked) and the Minskoff (The Lion King).

Such is the case with The Ambassador Theatre, which has been host to Broadway's longest-running American musical, Chicago, since January 29, 2003. During its run there, a host of established stars from all walks of the entertainment world - from film, TV, music, and, of course, Broadway, have trod the boards here. Many up and coming performers, including future Tony nominees and award-winning dancers got their start here as well.

At This Theatre: The Ambassador

Built in 1921, the Ambassador has been a legitimate theater, a TV studio, a small movie house, and even a radio studio. Its current tenant not withstanding, this house has been a largely unsuccessful one. Many a flop has played here, but it has been the home to the end of runs of some hits, like the original productions of Godspell and Dancin'. Some well-regarded revivals played here, like Ain't Misbehavin', Dreamgirls and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, with Kristin Chenoweth in her Tony-winning turn as Sally Brown. Prior to its current tenant, arguably the most successful show to play here was Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk.

We haven't been inside the Ambassador in some 15 years since we caught Ruthie Henshall and Matthew Settle in the show. Prior to that, I had only been there once before, to see the short-lived musical, A Class Act.

NUMBER OF SHOWS WE'VE SEEN THERE: 2

A Class Act, Chicago

 

A Class Act (March 11, 2001 - June 10, 2001): A musical about the life of one of the writers of my beloved favorite A Chorus Line? There was now way I was missing that! It starred Lonny Price of Merrily We Roll Along fame and another favorite, Randy Graff (Les Miserables, City of Angels) and featured a score filled with Edward Kleban's songs. It was a delight from start to finish, and an artistic, if not financial, success. It spawned one of my all-time favorite show tunes, "Under Separate Cover."

Chicago (January 29, 2003 - present): One of my favorite shows, I had seen this revival at the Shubert, and had to return here to catch the West End star Ruthie Henshall as Roxie Hart. In looking over my Playbills, I found that I actually saw this revival here another time, with Tom Wopat as Billy Flynn. As the show approaches it's 30th Broadway anniversary and no end in sight, it seems likely that we'll probably return to this odd little theater with no lobby.

Broadway Games: A New Mash-up!

 Broadway Games:

A New Mash-up!

This is what happens when two award-winning shows collide. Figure out each word based on the given clues, then rearrange the "red" letters to win the game!

____ ____ ____ ____   ____ ____ 

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____   ____ ____

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

HINT: It's what happens when film noir meets 80s epidemic.

Star of HBO’s The Gilded Age and soon-to-be star of Bug.  

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Former home of Tammy Faye, future home of The Lost Boys.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Tony-winner Jak Malone’s show, Operation _____.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Oliver’s roommate at the HelperBot Yards.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

One of the Side Show twins.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

He shined the spotlight on Norma Desmond when she returned to Paramount Studios.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Broadway’s premier theater magazine.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Director of the most recent Gypsy revival.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

He wrote In the Heights and Hamilton.

___ ___ ___

John Proctor is the Villain headliner Sadie.

___ ___ ___ ___

STOP SCROLLING NOW

(unless you are ready for the answers!)

Star of HBO’s The Gilded Age and soon-to-be star of Bug.  

C A R R I E C O O N

Former home of Tammy Faye, future home of The Lost Boys.

P A L A C E

Tony-winner Jak Malone’s show, Operation _____.

M I N C E M E A T

Oliver’s roommate at the HelperBot Yards.

H W A B O O N

One of the Side Show twins.

D A I S Y

He shined the spotlight on Norma Desmond when she returned to Paramount Studios.

H O G E Y E

Broadway’s premier theater magazine.

P L A Y B I L L

Director of the most recent Gypsy revival.

W O L F E

He wrote In the Heights and Hamilton.

L I N

John Proctor is the Villain headliner Sadie.

S I N K

ANSWER:

C I T Y O F A N G E L S

I N A M E R I C A

Social Media Survey: Jeff's Broadway Version (2015-2025)

Social Media Survey:

Jeff's Broadway Version (2015-2025)

Every so often, one of these surveys pops up on social media. I'm sure you've seen them - maybe you've even posted your responses to one. They all follow the same basic format, though the topic may be somewhat different. Maybe the subject is concerts or film, Taylor Swift albums, or as I found earlier this week, Broadway.

I always enjoy reading them. It's fun to see what other people's experiences are, what they love or dislike, and to see how their opinions compare to my own. It's especially interesting to me when someone young and new to the theater scene responds to these things. I often wonder what I'd have said in the mid-eighties. I suspect the Jeff of then versus the Jeff of today would be vastly different. To that end, today, I'm going to fill this out considering only shows from the last 10 years. Who knows what I'll say in another 10 years!

First Show I Saw:

Honeymoon in Vegas

Last Show I Saw:

Operation Mincemeat

Favorite Musical:

Hadestown/Kimberly Akimbo/Maybe Happy Ending

Favorite Play:

John Proctor is the Villain

Favorite Revival:

Spring Awakening

Least Favorite Show:

Once Upon a One More Time

Most Surprising Show:

Illinoise

Show I'd Love to See Again:

John Proctor is the Villain/The Outsiders

Favorite Theater (House):

The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

Favorite Theater (Lobby):

The refurbished James Earl Jones Theatre

Show I Want to See:

MJ: The Musical

Next Show:

Ragtime

What would make your list from the last decade? Let us know in the comments or on social media (@jkstheatrescene)!