Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Broadway Musical Logos: 2025-2026 Season: Schmigadoon!

 Broadway Musical Logos:
2025-2026 Season: 
Schmigadoon!

What I love about this logo is how true it is to the quaint Broadway traditions that Schmigadoon! so lovingly (bitingly?) sends up. It is bright and colorful. Heck, it's pretty!

The title, mounted on a ribbon banner, is in a font that immediately calls to mind the olden days - quaint turn of the last century. The yellow-orange color of the lettering, along with cream colored ribbon is definitely eye-catching, especially against the vibrant sky blue background.


The impossibly perfect background is augmented with fluffy, sun-tinged clouds over a perfectly manicured vibrant green grassy hill. And the key art's central image couldn't be more Americana if it tried! A picnic basket, complete with a red gingham napkin is about as wholesome as a Golden Age musical. 


It's the contents of that basket that intrigued and sells the show, though. Why would a modern day couple be running away from such an idyllic scene? A quaint town with the town folk gathered in the Square, the sun shining down, the bright white church looming large, dead center...and yet they are on the run!

Though I think the producers might be banking a little too heavily on the popularity of the title (Apple TV cancelled the show, and just how many of its 45 million subscribers want to shell out even more money for something they already paid to see?), enough theater lovers will probably help it get through its limited Broadway run.

The logo might just help, too.

Grade: A-

Monday, April 20, 2026

From Where We Sat: The Majestic Theatre

Today, we have the next in our series of seating articles based on many of your emails requests and questions, namely "how were your seats?" Sure, I'm aware of another website that provides a similar service that covers New York theaters, national theaters and concert and sporting venues. I hope to provide a bit more information and insight. That said, if there's anything more you'd like to know or want to share your own experiences please feel free to contact us on social media at JKsTheatreScene.

From Where We Sat:
The Majestic Theatre

The Theatre: 
  • 247 W. 44th Street
  • Current capacity: 1617 seats
  • Orchestra, Front Mezzanine and Rear Mezzanine seating

What We Saw There:
  • Beaches (review HERE)




Where We Sat: 
  • We sat in Orchestra Left Row P, Seats 7 & 9. The seating in this theater has tighter leg room. The seats themselves are small, close together and moderately uncomfortable and in new condition.
What We Paid: 
  • $100.00 (Show Discount) These seats, at the Box Office, are $149.00 each. 
The Location: 
  • Upon entering the theater, we were directed straight ahead to Aisle 2. We entered in the middle of the orchestra section. There are seats down to the stage and up from that point. We had to go up 4 steps.
  • Row P is the fourth row from the break aisle, and 16 rows from the stage.
Seat Amenities and Exiting the Theatre:
  • These seats are still new since the renovation following Phantom's departure, and the seats themselves are comfortable. That said, they apparently went for seat quantity over patron comfort. They are very tight. Further, there is not much legroom.
  • The rows of this part of the orchestra are stadium style and there was no trouble seeing in front of us. The seats are far enough back that the stage is fully visible.  
  • Exiting the theatre is not the easiest, though it depends on how you choose to exit. One way would require going back the way you enter, though for part of that way you are going against the flow of traffic, which mostly seems intent on going the way we chose to exit. We opted to cut across an aisle all the way across to an open door onto 44th Street.  
  • We were out of the theater and on our way in about 8-10 minutes post curtain call.


So how was the view
*?
  • The height of the deck is a non-issue from this point. 
  • These seats were an excellent view, though when the actors were further upstage, facial expressions were less clear.
  • Of note with this production as designed, people seated in the first few rows on the sides have an obstructed view, as there are sand dunes with sea grass on the sides and all the way down to the edge of the stage. Further, I have to imagine that all of the orchestra seating in the first 3 or 4 rows may have some trouble seeing all the way upstage - a fair amount of action takes place up there - as there is an "upper deck" to the stage, about 4 stair steps up. The stage itself is relatively high, too. I would not recommend sitting too close.
The bottom line:
  • I would probably get these seats again. Slight discomfort in exchange for a full, unobstructed view is worth it. (I might not choose them for a show the length of Les Miserables or Angels in America.)
* - Your seating preferences may vary, of course. And these seats may not be as ideal for a different production.

Other seating at The Majestic Theatre
  • We have seen several productions at this theater and we've sat in various locations in the orchestra and mezzanine areas. 
  • Aside from obvious view differences, the lower orchestra section seating offers slightly more leg room, while the back part of the orchestra section offers a fuller view. The front mezzanine offers a full view that doesn't feel very far away. The drawback up there is the stairs going up. They are steep! The rear mezzanine offers a fair view, though it seems farther away mostly due to the rake of that seating section. They are, however, usually budget friendly.
 

Friday, April 17, 2026

Broadway Games: A Great State Fair

Broadway Games:
A Great State Fair 


Thirty years ago, the stage adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's film State Fair opened on Broadway. It was a show I really enjoyed - the cast was amazing, the score was beautifully rendered, and the production was old-fashioned and lavish in all the right ways. How much do you know about this show?

1. What state fair is the subject of State Fair?
    A. Kansas    B. Nebraska    C. Ohio    D. Iowa

2. In what year does State Fair take place?
    A. 1846    B. 1946    C. 1996    D. 1876

3. What is the name of the family that goes to the state fair?
    A. Frakes    B. Williams    C. Franklin    D. Davidson

4. Margy hopes to get a prize for her...
    A. strawberry preserves    B. blueberry pie    
    C. canned peaches            D. pickles

5. The family has entered which animal in the fair for judging?
    A. Their prized cow        B. Their prized bull
    C. Their prized pig         D. Their prized horse

6. TRUE or FALSE: State Fair was considered a revival at the Tony Awards.

7. TRUE or FALSE: Rodgers and Hammerstein were nominated for a Best Score Tony Award.


8. Which original A Chorus Line star was a featured actress in State Fair?
    A. Donna McKechnie    B. Priscilla Lopez
    C. Kelly Bishop             D. Baayork Lee

9. The woman who played the mother in State Fair was married in real life to...
    A. Frank Sinatra            B. John Davidson
    C. Bing Crosby             D. Andy Williams

10. Ben Wright played the son in State Fair. What role is he probably best known for playing on Broadway?
    A. Young Buddy in the first revival of Follies
    B. Jack in Into the Woods
    C. Tobias in Sweeney Todd
    D. State Fair was his Broadway debut

11. Which song is from State Fair?
    A. "Younger Than Spring Time"
    B. "June is Bustin' Out All Over"
    C. "It Might As Well Be Spring"
    D. "The Lonely Goatherd"

12. The same season State Fair opened, all of these musicals opened EXCEPT:
    A. Rent    B. Swinging on a Star    C. Victor/Victoria    D. Big

13. State Fair played in which theater?
    A. The Barrymore        B. The Broadhurst
    C. The Music Box        D. The Imperial

14. One of the stars of State Fair was Andrea McArdle. She has appeared on Broadway in all of the following EXCEPT:
    A. Starlight Express        B. Cabaret
    D. Annie                           D. Beauty and the Beast

15. TRUE or FALSE: State Fair arrived on Broadway following a National Tour.

Thursday, April 16, 2026

From Where We Sat: Studio 54

Today, we have the next in our series of seating articles based on many of your emails requests and questions, namely "how were your seats?" Sure, I'm aware of another website that provides a similar service that covers New York theaters, national theaters and concert and sporting venues. I hope to provide a bit more information and insight. That said, if there's anything more you'd like to know or want to share your own experiences please feel free to contact us on social media at JKsTheatreScene.

From Where We Sat:
Studio 54

The Theatre: 
  • 254 W. 54th Street
  • Current capacity: 990 seats
  • Orchestra, Front and Rear Mezzanine seating

What We Saw There:
  • The Rocky Horror Show (review HERE)




Where We Sat: 
  • We sat in Orchestra Right Row H, Seats 10 & 12. The seating in this theater has above average leg room. The seats themselves were comfortable and in average condition.
What We Paid: 
  • $129.00 (Show Discount) These seats, at the Box Office, are $179.00 each. 
The Location: 
  • Upon entering the theater, we were directed straight ahead to Aisle 3. Our seats were roughly two-thirds of the way down the far side aisle.
  • Row H is the eighth row from the stage on the house right side section.
Seat Amenities and Exiting the Theatre:
  • These seats are fairly well maintained for their age and are comfortable.
  • The rows of the orchestra are on a fair rake, and it was not difficult to see in front of us. The seats are far enough back that the stage is fully visible.  
  • Exiting the theatre is particularly easy and simple from here. Back up the aisle, a quick left, and immediately out onto 53rd Street.  
  • We were out of the theater and on our way in less than 3 minutes post curtain call.



So how was the view
*?
  • The height of the deck is a non-issue as the stage is very low. 
  • The seats in Row H allowed an excellent view, though I couldn't see the upstage left corner. I don't really feel I missed much there, as most of the action takes place downstage.
The bottom line:
  • I would definitely get these seats again, though maybe a couple of seats over toward center.
* - Your seating preferences may vary, of course. And these seats may not be as ideal for a different production.

Other seating at Studio 54:
  • We have seen several productions at this theater and we've sat in various locations in the orchestra and mezzanine areas. 
  • Aside from obvious view differences, the orchestra section seating offers much more leg room, while even the back row of the rear mezzanine offers a full view that feels pretty far away. An advantage to the mezzanine is that the seats are virtually stadium style so seeing over and/or around people in front of you is mostly a non-issue. 
  • The legroom in the rear mezzanine is literally painful. Those seats are more wallet-friendly. That said, the very first row of the rear mezzanine section is great: excellent view and plenty of legroom, with only a rail curtain in front of you. If I can't get decently priced orchestra seats, those are my favorites.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The JKTS Fan Playlist: The 2022-2023 Broadway Season Finals!

The JKTS Broadway Fan Playlist:
2022 - 2023 Season
The Finals!

After 5 rounds and hundreds of votes cast, here are your final nominees to make The JKTS Broadway Fans Playlist: 2022-2023

Below is the final ballot. 
  • Complete the survey by selecting one song from each show. When you are done, you must tap the SUBMIT button for it to count.
  • PLEASE NOTE: It may ask you for an email address to verify you are a real person, but it is NOT collecting your data
  • If you would rather, you can email us: jktheatrescene@yahoo.com. Put Playlist Round 3 in the subject line. Then name the show and each of your choices.
This poll will close on April 21st at 11 PM Eastern time. Have fun and thank you for playing!



Monday, April 13, 2026

Broadway Musical Logos: 2025-2026 Season: The Lost Boys

Broadway Musical Logos:
2025-2026 Season: 
The Lost Boys

The best show logos, in my opinion, peak your interest by being catchy to look at and provoke an emotional response. The logo for the new musical The Lost Boys does just that for me. In its evolution pre-opening, my favorable opinion has only increased, and that is definitely a plus in such a relatively weak season of shows and show art!


The title font is really cool, and I think it looks great on the related show merch. The way the letters are a little faded/blurry on the edges makes it look almost like glowing embers, suggesting something sinister, aided by the foreboding black background. The way the "L" in "lost" and the "S" in "boys" looks like it is aflame, or perhaps a glowing orange smoke, adds to the sinister feel of the whole thing.


That wispy orange style carries over the key art's main image, a beckoning hand. That beckoning hand appears from out of the darkness, a ruffled sleeve? bracelet? just visible. That image is especially interesting in conjunction with the tagline, "Become One Of Us." Lost boys - even in the context of its allusion to Peter Pan - isn't a group you want to join, but rather, you join to belong to something, anything to feel less lost. All of this darkness and glowing seems even much more so with that glimpse of blue sky in the upper left corner. Is it hope? Heaven? Or is the darkness overtaking the light, which is soon to be swallowed up. Either way I am intrigued, and I think others will be, too. And intrigue = ticket sales.


Recently, the logo has evolved with the addition of show photos. Colorful and telling, the two together further show the contrast between light and dark, innocence and danger. And yet, the light/innocence also shows a certain strength, while the darkness/danger shows a certain allure. The costumes, the background (especially the orange-ish glow), the overall look of both of them adds to the mystery of the whole thing.

I really love the show art for this, and for the first time this season, a logo has me excited for the show!

Grade: A+

Friday, April 10, 2026

From Where We Sat: The Broadhurst Theatre

Today, we have the next in our series of seating articles based on many of your emails requests and questions, namely "how were your seats?" Sure, I'm aware of another website that provides a similar service that covers New York theaters, national theaters and concert and sporting venues. I hope to provide a bit more information and insight. That said, if there's anything more you'd like to know or want to share your own experiences please feel free to contact us on social media at JKsTheatreScene.

From Where We Sat:
The Broadhurst Theatre

The Theatre: 
  • 235 W. 44th Street
  • Current capacity: 1160 seats
  • Orchestra, Mezzanine, Boxes and On Stage seating

What We Saw There:
  • Cats: The Jellicle Ball (review HERE)



Where We Sat: 
  • I sat in Orchestra Right Row H, Seat 16. Mike sat in Orchestra Right Row L, Seat 18. The seating in this theater has average leg room. The seats themselves were comfortable and in above average condition.
What We Paid: 
  • $118.50 (Show Discount) These seats, at the Box Office, are $159.00 each. 
The Location: 
  • Upon entering the theater, we were directed straight ahead to Aisle 3. My seat in Row H was roughly two-thirds of the way down the far side aisle, while Mike's seat in Row L was just past half way down that same aisle.
  • Row H is the sixth row from the stage on the house right side section; Row L is the ninth row from the stage on the house right side section.
Seat Amenities and Exiting the Theatre:
  • These seats are well maintained and comfortable, if a little tight depending on who sits next to you.
  • The rows of the orchestra are on a fair rake, and it was not difficult to see in front of us. The seats are far enough back that the stage is fully visible.  
  • Exiting the theatre is particularly easy and simple from here. Back up the aisle, a quick left, and immediately into the side alley which leads out onto 44th Street.  
  • We were out of the theater and on our way in less than 5 minutes post curtain call.

The view from H16


The view from L18

So how was the view
*?
  • The height of the deck is a non-issue from this point. 
  • The seat H16, where I sat, was an excellent view, though I couldn't see the upstage left corner. I don't really feel I missed much there, as that's where the onstage seating was, and I could see the same seating configuration across the way. Mike, who sat in L18, had a very similar experience.
  • It should be noted that seating for this production is not typical for the Broadhurst, at least down stairs. As staged, I don't think there's any seat where 100% of the action is visible at all times. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, as it felt like we were really a part of the event. We were close enough to see facial expressions and set and costume details were crystal clear. We were also far enough back to appreciate the entire staging, especially the lighting, video and projection elements.
The bottom line:
  • I would definitely get these seats again. In fact, if anyone were to ask, I'd say house right orchestra is ideal. The upstage judges table/Old Deuteronomy's throne is fully in view at all times. Action directly in front of that is also fully in view. I suspect seeing it straight on would make seeing all of that at the same time would be nearly impossible. Also, by seeing the runway at an angle not only allows you to see all of the competitions, but also the reactions/moves of the cats also watching the action. Finally, from this side, you have a perfect view of DJ Griddlebone's booth and everything that happens there.
* - Your seating preferences may vary, of course. And these seats may not be as ideal for a different production.

Other seating at The Broadhurst Theatre
  • We have seen several productions at this theater and we've sat in various locations in the orchestra and mezzanine areas. 
  • Aside from obvious view differences, the orchestra section seating offers slightly more leg room, while even the back row of the mezzanine offers a full view that doesn't feel very far away. An advantage to the mezzanine is that the seats are virtually stadium style so seeing over and/or around people in front of you is mostly a non-issue.
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