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Fond Memories of Sardi's
For the time being, walking down 44th Street will feel a little more lonely. One of my favorite theater district traditions is closed for renovations in preparations for a 100th year re-opening soon (I hope). Sardi's Restaurant has been sold - to the Shuberts - and is now shuttered for kitchen and other internal upgrades. The new owners have vowed that the venerable institution will not change significantly in the front of house. How true that is remains to be seen, of course. But I look forward to once again be surrounded by caricatures of Broadway's biggest celebrities from the past century, eating some simple but elevated dishes, all while getting first-rate service as I scan the crowd to see who is there.
Over the years, I've been lucky enough to dine there several times. There's nothing like opening those heavy doors that kind of seal you in when they close, and stepping into what feels like a time gone by. Metropolitan elegance meets a hustle bustle that feels uniquely New York. No matter how busy they seem to be, the maitre d' always greeted us with a smile and a welcoming feel, acting as if we were the guests they were waiting to see all day. There is something extra nice in knowing that even folks from the suburbs got the same treatment as Tony winners, writers and directors.
And speaking of celebrities, I've seen Broadway favorites like Patti LuPone, Philip Bosco, and once, Neil Simon (a particular thrill for me). But my two favorite sightings were of all people Jo Ann Worley and Carol Channing. They were hard to miss. And even though I would never stare at anyone having a meal, and I would certainly never interrupt them for a picture or autograph, lots of people did. Well, these two dames embraced it. I doubt either of them had a single hot bite to eat. Ms. Channing signed and ate simultaneously, loudly announcing, "I learned to eat like this when I was in Dolly!" Ms. Worley invited her admirers to actually join her! And when she left, she cleared her throat, started twirling her long beaded necklace (a signature move), and announced to the room that she was leaving and we could resume talking to each other instead of talking to her! The room applauded, she laughed heartily and wished us a pleasant evening.
As fun as star gazing can be, the real stars at Sardi's is the staff. Each table gets a full compliment of servers who have mastered the art of being immediately available for your every need while not hovering. There's the water guy who seemed to keep my water glass full after every sip, mostly without me even noticing. There's the bread and butter server who always presented the beard basket to you as if he were presenting a newborn for your approval. The main waiter was always so cool, a tad aloof, mostly warm and always professional. Whether you were ordering a seafood specialty or a hamburger, each waiter acted like you were ordering the chef's special of the day. The entire entourage made you feel like you were the most important patron they ever served.
I have never had a meal or adult beverage there that I didn't love. A favorite memory of mine was the time my mother and I ducked in there during a blustery, snowy evening for a drink. We stepped into the dark bar immediately to the left of the door. It was like stepping into a time warp. The bartender called us "Sir" and "Madame" and treated my mom like a queen. But what I remember was the screwdriver I had, It was perfectly mixed and went down like water. I felt fine until I got off my bar stool and promptly fell on the floor! I had no idea I was drunk after just one drink, but there it was. The bartender came around and helped me up. Next thing I know, there's a basket of bread and butter and a large glass of water in front of me without even asking for it. What an experience!
Finally, over the years, menu items have come and gone, and I've enjoyed every meal, be it a turkey club or burger, a plate of spaghetti and meatballs or a steak. My all-time favorite things there, though, are the French onion soup and the Cannelloni au Gratin. Rich and delightful from first bite to last. Somehow, the food was the least of the experience. It is after all, a rite of passage for every serious Broadway lover.
I look forward to going back as soon as it opens. I hope it doesn't change too much.
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THIS WEEK'S ROUND OF THE SUMMER BRACKET GAME HERE!
The premise of Schmigadoon! intrigues me. Not that I'd ever want to be stuck there - a visit, sure. But forever? No way. I haven't seen it, but from what I've heard about Season 2 of the TV series, I think that might be a more interesting place to get stuck in. Anyway, that premise got me thinking about what musicals I wouldn't mind being stuck in for a while. Thus, today's Friday 5. (in order by show title)
Gander, Newfoundland - Come From Away
Don't get me wrong. I don't want to relive those fateful days in 2001. But I would love to visit a town where people come together without much thought to themselves. The very best of humanity was revealed there, and 25 years later, I sure would love a big dose of that! Plus, I would love to kiss that fish and become an honorary Gander-ite!
Colonial New York City - Hamilton
The colonial era of the United States has always been a favorite of mine to study. I grew up in Upstate New York, and you can't get away from the history there. But as they say in Hamilton, New York is the greatest city in the world. And as much as I love it today, I'd love to see what it looked like back then. Rubbing shoulders with passionate men and women, drinking out of pewter mugs, and wearing knickerbockers for a few days sounds like a blast. And I'd love to meet the Schuyler sisters (especially Peggy), and sneak a peek at the most famous duel in American History!
Jeju Island - Maybe Happy Ending
I bet it is beautiful there. And I think it would be fun to collect fireflies with two sweet HelperBots. The peace and quiet would be great, as long as I get to meet Hwaboon and at least see a hologram of Gil Brentley. Plus, I love a nice ferry ride!
Rural Australia - Priscilla Queen of the Desert
I've always wanted to see Australia, and what better way to do than a road trip!? Priscilla is all decked out and surely she can handle a 4th passenger. The clothes, the scenery and the music... what a way to go! G'day, mate! Outback, here I come!
Cloisterham - The Mystery of Edwin Drood
It's one of my favorite shows, and I love all things England, so it makes sense I'd like to spend a few days there. Maybe take the train to London and try Princess Puffer's opium den with John Jasper. And do a little repenting in the cathedral, followed by a ghost tour of the crypts. Of course, it might be fun to be an assistant to Dick Datchery...or a suspect!
Where is your Broadway Schmigadoon? Let us know for a future Friday 5!
Each summer, we play a Broadway themed bracket game using your votes on a particular topic. This year, the topic is 21st Century Musicals and their sources. Inspired by the relative lack of completely original musicals like Maybe Happy Ending and Two Strangers, we thought this summer we'd settle, for once and for all which musical from the last 25 years is the very best based on another source.
Summer Bracket 2026:
Musical Sources Round 2
(Film-based Musicals)
This week, we have 32 musicals based on films.
Select one show from each pair. Consider the entire production and how well it used its source material to create a new piece of art.
When you are done all of the pairs (all are required), be sure to tap the SUBMIT button at the end to record your vote.
The poll is 100% secure and no personal information is collected.
This week's round will close at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, June 30th.
Each summer, we play a Broadway themed bracket game using your votes on a particular topic. This year, the topic is 21st Century Musicals and their sources. Inspired by the relative lack of completely original musicals like Maybe Happy Ending and Two Strangers, we thought this summer we'd settle, for once and for all which musical from the last 25 years is the very best based on another source.
Summer Bracket 2026:
Musical Sources Round 1
(Books/Plays/TV Shows and Songbooks/Albums)
This week, we have 16 musicals based on books, plays or TV shows, and 16 musicals based on a single album or an artist's songbook.
Select one show from each pair. Consider the entire production and how well it used its source material to create a new piece of art.
When you are done all of the pairs (all are required), be sure to tap the SUBMIT button at the end to record your vote.
The poll is 100% secure and no personal information is collected.
This week's round will close at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, June 23rd.
Both headlines happened relatively recently. The fire at the home of The Book of Mormon caused significant damage to an upstairs lighting room, and canceled several weeks of performances, just as the show was set to celebrate 15 years on Broadway. Thank goodness it happened when the show was dark and no one was seriously injured.
Announcement of Pink as host of the 2026 Tony Awards
Meanwhile, you could hear the gasps all around the theater district and across the nation when it was announced that the pop star and non-Broadway celebrity would be hosting the industry's biggest night. Well, all that pearl clutching and snobbery against an "outsider" was for naught. She was spectacular, and the event was the best in years.
Best Showstopper
Chess: The Nicholas Christopher "Note"
No matter what you've read or seen on videos, nothing could ever replace seeing Christopher perform the entirety of the "Endgame" sequence live, with that note frequently causing spontaneous - and well-deserved - standing ovations. Spectacular in every sense of the word. People will say they were there for years to come.
Best Dance Number
Traditional number: Schmigadoon! "Schmigadoon!"
(Choreography by Christopher Gattelli)
Non-traditional: The vampire flying sequences in The Lost Boys
(Aerial choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant)
Best Pre-show
Verbal Announcement: Jim Parsons, Titanique
Non-Verbal: The sign girl, Becky Shaw
Both were hilarious - one intentionally, the other in mute testimony to the need for such instructions.
Best Overture
TIE: Cats: The Jellicle Ball and Chess
Both revivals had great overtures. Cats mirrored the concept of the show: the complete original overture, staged with a passing of the torch of the original production to a new, exciting concept. Chess, which featured a new book, also featured a new-for-the-revival overture. A nice touch.
Best Special Effects
The Lost Boys: The Bridge Scene
Best Elevator Since SweetCharity
TheLostBoys: The Orchestra Pit
Check out the mosh pit that rises from the orchestra pit during The Lost Boys concert as they sing "Have to Have You." An amazing visual! Dane Laffery's set design includes several elevators that create even more space for this enormous undertaking. Space to jump from a bridge, lifting entire sets to allow even more to happen beneath it. Elevators sure have come a long way on Broadway!
Best Surprise
The Skimbleshanks Voice-over: Cats: The Jellicle Ball
For the Jellicle Ball, everyone's favorite railway cat (Emma Sofia) has moved to the New York Subway. Who wouldn't love to see this sassy kitty on the A Train? No spoilers here, but something really fun happens mid-song when a familiar voice rings out across the runway!
Best Costume Change Award
Chess: Aaron Tveit from skivvies to a suit in "One Night in Bangkok"
I mean, who doesn't love the chance to see Aaron in his undies? We still haven't gotten over those scenes in Next to Normal! But watching his costume change during "One Night in Bangkok" is next level. Fun, sexy and cleverly choreographed, how great was that?
Sorry We Missed It Award
Liberation
I could name half a dozen mostly lame excuses as to why we didn't see this Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play. None are really good enough, and I am still kicking myself for not witnessing this important work.
"I'm Still Here" Award
June Squibb in Marjorie Prime
At 96, June Squibb shows no sign of stopping. And why should she? On Broadway alone, her career spans 66 years of plays and musicals. She wasn't lying when she told us she slayed every role - the ultimate Leading Lady Marmalade!
Six Award for Playing Real Life People
Parody: Marla Mindelle as Celine Dion, Frankie Grande as Victor Garber
and Deborah Cox as The Unsinkable Molly Brown in Titanique
Sincerity: Anna Grace Barlow as Evelyn Nesbit,
Rodd Cyrus as Harry Houdini and Shaina Taub as Emma Goldmanin Ragtime
This season, Six means six! In Titanique, funny takes on beloved figures from history, music and stage and screen was the order of the day. Over at Ragtime, genuine American historical figures were powerfully brought to life as entertainment and activism intertwined.
One Actor/Two Roles Award
Tonya Pinkins in The Wild Party: 2000: as Kate and 2026: as Dolores
I'm probably among the few who can say they saw both the 2000 Broadway production and the 2026 Encores productions of LaChiusa's The Wild Party. What a treat it was to see Tonya Pinkins absolutely slay in two different roles. What a great actress!
Suffs Empowerment Awards
Cats: The Jellicle Ball
The Jellicle Ball is a lot of things to a lot of people. Perhaps the most important thing is that it brings a whole culture to the main stream, bringing joy and opening minds in the process. That is a beautiful thing, indeed.
John Riddle in Titanique
I read an interview with John Riddle where he discusses how Titanique allows him to tap into his authentic queer self. That he feels that way is wonderful for him, of course, and he's such an amazing guy, but it also is wonderful that he stands up on that stage as a queer role model, too.
Best Entrance
Cast: Ragtime
They rise up from below like ghosts from history. Thrilling every time I think about it. Goose bumps and happy sighs.
Individual: Andre de Shields as Old Deuteronomy in Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Munkustrap stops the show. He announces the arrival of Old Deuteronomy. Unsatisfied with our reaction, he commands, "All rise!" And we all did without question. Maybe the most deserved standing ovation of the year. That is how you make an entrance!
Non-living: The suitcase in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
That lone piece of luggage spinning around the set on a turntable. It never said or sang a word, but it started the show. Part of Broadway history, like the Dr. Zhivago table and Maybe Happy Ending's Hwaboon...
Best Exit
"Tempress" Chastity Moore as Grizabella in Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Grizabella's ascension to the Heavyside Layer has always been a moment of spectacle. Her tire has been replaced by an elegant spiral staircase, but it is no less breathtaking - especially since Griz goes up in a tight floor length gown, boa and very tall heels!
Grin and Bear It Award
TIE: The casts of Beaches and TheQueenofVersailles
The companies of these two resounding flops get all my respect. Huge theaters with mostly empty seats, knowing the critics and audiences largely didn't like you, and they still gave 100% for each remaining performance.
The Ghost "Molly, You in Danger, Girl" Award
Beaches Conductor, Paul Staroba
It was the moment we were all waiting for: Jessica Vosk is singing "Wind Beneath My Wings." All of a sudden, the stage starts to move toward the audience, and it doesn't look like it is going to stop. And it is heading right for the conductor's head. It's all I'm paying attention to now, and the biggest thing I remember from the whole show.
Prop of the Year Award
The Cake, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
and The Heart of the Ocean, Titanique
One is so important to the plot, it is part of the title. The other is part of a cultural touchstone. Has a piece of cake ever created a 1,000 person gasp before this? Has a piece of fictional jewelry ever garnered so many laughs?
The Final 2026 JKTS Awards Tally
Between your Readers' Choice Awards and our Editors' Choice Awards, we honored 17 shows that opened this season with a whopping 78 awards!
With the Tony Awards safely behind us for another year, it is generally to the benefit of the show that takes the coveted Best Musical. I'm sure it will generate some extra buzz for Schmigadoon!. But not to worry, The Lost Boys! Many times, a show that doesn't win that award goes on to a lengthy, and profitable, run.
The Biggest Musicals That Didn't
Win the Best Musical Tony Award
There are currently 5 musicals running that have outrun their season's Best Musical. As of June 14, 2026, here are the current performance numbers, the Best Musical of that season and their performance total, plus the current percentage of how much the runner-up surpassed the champ. (Percentage rounded to the nearest whole percent.)
&Juliet - 1491 performances. 2023 Best Musical KimberlyAkimbo - 612 performances. 144% more and growing!
MJ - 1797 performances. 2022 Best Musical A Strange Loop - 293 performances. 513% more and growing!
Six - 1921 performances. 2022 Best Musical A Strange Loop - 293 performances. 556% more and growing!
Aladdin - 4421 performances. 2014 Best Musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder- 905 performances. 389% more and growing!
Wicked - 8795 performances. 2004 Best Musical Avenue Q - 2534 Broadway performances. 247% more and growing!
It is really interesting to look at the historical list of Broadway's Longest-Running Shows, and see how many shows bested their season's Best Musical. The highest ranking musical on the list that isn't eligible for this list is the pre-Tonys classic, Oklahoma!with a then unheard of run of 2212 performances! And of course, we aren't including revivals, even though several have outrun their original productions (Chesscomfortably passed its original run recently!) But we'd be remiss not to mention Chicagowhich is the longest currently running show. Not only did they beat the performance total of their original production, but it also has surpassed the show that was the Best Musical of the original's season, A Chorus Line! (Sorry for the word salad there...)
Here are the 10 longest-running shows of all time that played more performances than their season's Best Musical:
10. The Magic Show (not even nominated for Best Musical!) - 1920 performances. 1975 Best Musical The Wiz - 1672 performances. 15% more!
9. Pippin - 1944 performances. 1973 Best Musical A Little Night Music - 601 performances. 223% more!
7. Rock of Ages - 2328 performances. 2009 Best Musical Billy Elliot - 1312 performances. 77% more!
6. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical - 2416 performances. 2014 Best Musical AGentleman's Guide to Love and Murder - 905 performances. 167% more!
5. Mary Poppins - 2619 performances. 2007 Best Musical Spring Awakening - 859 performances. 205% more!
4. Grease - 3388 performances. 1972 Best Musical Two Gentlemen of Verona - 614 performances. 323% more!
3. Miss Saigon - 4092 performances. 1991 Best Musical The Will Rogers Follies - 981 performances. 317% more!
2. Beauty and the Beast - 5461 performances. 1994 Best Musical Passion - 280 performances. 1850% more!
1. Mamma Mia! - 5758 performances. 2002 Best Musical Thoroughly Modern Millie - 903 performances. 538% more!
Looks like Stephen Schwartz knows a thing or two about writing popular shows. Three of his shows outran the winners of their season! And there's A Gentleman's Guide, which may have won the big prize, but TWO of that year's shows outlasted it by a wide margin - one is still running!
The Tonys help, but don't guarantee a bigger hit. What does help is a show that develops a strong fan base no matter who is in it, and no matter what the critics may have to say. Mostly, you need a show that people will recommend and will see more than once. Will any of 2026's shows do as well? Time will tell.
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