Friday 5: 5 Favorite Hamilton Moments

With the nation's 250th birthday tomorrow, it seems only appropriate to acknowledge the occasion with a look at current Broadway phenomenon, Hamilton. I suppose 1776 would have been a little too on the nose. But as mildly subversive as that gem is, Hamilton is the more appropriate given the current state of affairs in the USA. The modern twist in content and the on point casting of multicultural actors really is what the country should be about.

Favorite Hamilton Moments

I'll be honest. The show is one I appreciate more than I love. The concept and staging are brilliant. but I find it more a marvel of precision than an emotional juggernaut. That said, there are several stand out moments that I absolutely adore. Between Lin-Manuel Miranda's often catchy score and thought-provoking book, Thomas Kail's often eye-popping staging, and Andy Blankenbuehler's electrifying choreography, it was difficult to limit myself to just a Friday 5.

Here they are, in the order they occur in the show. You'll probably notice a commonality in my choices!

"The Schuyler Sisters" - Angelica, Eliza, Peggy, Burr & Company

Here is the first real point, for me anyway, in the show that slows down enough to let us catch our breath from the barrage of intense staging and extremely dense lyrics. It helps that there's the "and Peggy" joke and that the three captivating women caught my eye. I knew then that these divas, not the posturing parade of masculinity that will surround them until the final bows, would be what I pay the most attention to!

"You'll Be Back" - King George III & Company

The pomposity of the crazy king coupled with deliciously funny lyrics create a fun moment with a serious toned after taste. A pointed reminder that leaders can destroy themselves, but not before taking as many lives as possible down with them. A cautionary tale with a reality check for today's audiences. Plus Jonathan Groff was a gem.

"Helpless/Satisfied" - Eliza, Angelica, Hamilton, Laurens & Company

Is it a cheat to count two songs as one moment? Not really. They happen back-to-back, and are impossibly catchy toe-tappers. I've been in love with "Hopeless" ever since the cast created a video using Zoom calls to sing the song during Covid, and "Satisfied" contains one of the two most ingenious bits of staging/choreography in the whole show. No spoilers, but I bet you know what I am referring to - no small feat considering that the entirety of the performance is staged with a mind-numbing precision and intensity.

"Ten Duel Commandments" - Laurens, Hamilton, Lee, Burr & Company

I always love when a song cleverly loads a bunch of explanation/exposition into a simple ear-worm of a tune coupled with clever, smart lyrics, and a dynamic yet simple staging. Not since A Chorus Line's "I Hope I Get It" has a number like this been as good!

"Burn" - Eliza

The rare (and maybe the only) moment in the whole show that allows emotion to permeate the entire theater. A beautiful example of Miranda's ability to stir up all the feelings in simple terms and lovely musicality. I always leave his shows - and particularly this one - wishing there were more like it. Bonus: the absolute thrill of watching Phillipa Soo just be. (Big fan of hers here...)

Bonus: "The DeBose Track" - Ariana DeBose

Today, after many articles written on the topic, and the meteoric rise of Ms. DeBose, this seems an obvious choice. But back when I first saw the show, when it was still brand new, I knew from the minute I saw her she was going to be big. And, frankly, she was what I looked at whenever the ensemble was doing the work. It is the way she is used as the harbinger of death, and especially as "the bullet" that solidified it as one of the two staging triumphs of the production (thank you,Tommy Kail and Andy Blankenbeuhler).

"Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" During the victory celebration, she shakes hands with John Laurens who dies almost immediately after.

"Blow Us All Away" She flirts with Philip Hamilton and points him in the direction of George Eacker, who takes the young Hamilton's life in a duel.

"The World was Wide Enough (The Final Duel)" Maybe the most clever bit of staging in the whole show, everything turns into slow motion, with DeBose "taking" the bullet from Burr's gun and carrying it across the stage to Hamilton. Gives me chills at the the thought of it!

Summer Bracket 2026: Where Do 21st Century Broadway Musicals Come From? Round 3

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. 

This week, you'll be voting to name the 8 shows on this side of the bracket that will move on to the Sweet 16 in a couple of weeks!

Summer Bracket 2026:

Musical Sources Round 3

(Literature/TV and Songbook-based Musicals) 

You can see from the bracket above which shows on the left side moved on to this round. This week, we have 16 musicals: 8 based on TV shows, books and plays, plus 8 based on songbooks!

• 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, July 7th. (Haven't voted before? No worries! Join the fun this week!)

Thanks for playing along this summer!

Fond Memories of Sardi's

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THIS WEEK'S ROUND OF THE SUMMER BRACKET GAME HERE!

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.

Friday 5: 5 Broadway Locales I'd Love to Visit

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!

Summer Bracket 2026: Where Do 21st Century Broadway Musicals Come From? Round 2

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.

Thanks for playing along this summer!

Broadway Games: Places, Please!

Broadway Games:

Places, Please!

DIRECTIONS: Match the setting with the show that takes place there.

1. Agrabah                                          a. American Idiot

2. The Paris Opera House                 b. Cabaret

3. Havana                                            c. Fiddler on the Roof

4. River City                                        d. Les Miserables

5. West Egg                                       e. The Phantom of the Opera                             

 

6. Anatevka                                        f. The Outsiders

7. Jeju Island                                      g. South Pacific

8. Santa Carla                                     h. Parade

9. Tulsa                                                i. The Great Gatsby

10. Buenos Aires                                j. Buena Vista Social Club 

11. Jingletown                                    k. Come From Away

12. Gethsemane                                 l. Jesus Christ Superstar

13. Gander                                         m. Maybe Happy Ending

14. Montfermeil                                  n. The Music Man

15. Skid Row                                      o. The Lost Boys

16. Hill Valley                                     p. My Fair Lady

17. Bali Hai                                        q. Little Shop of Horrors

18. Marietta                                        r. Evita

19. Berlin                                           s. Back to the Future

20. Covent Garden                           t. Aladdin 

STOP SCROLLING NOW

unless you are ready to see the answers!

1. Agrabah      t. Aladdin                                      

2. The Paris Opera House     e. The Phantom of the Opera             

3. Havana    j. Buena Vista Social Club                                          

4. River City    n. The Music Man                                     

5. West Egg      i. The Great Gatsby                                    

6. Anatevka    c. Fiddler on the Roof                                     

7. Jeju Island      m. Maybe Happy Ending                               

8. Santa Carla    o. The Lost Boys                                 

9. Tulsa     f. The Outsiders                                          

10. Buenos Aires    r. Evita                           

11. Jingletown     a. American Idiot                               

12. Gethsemane   l. Jesus Christ Superstar                              

13. Gander     k. Come From Away                                    

14. Montfermeil     d. Les Miserables                             

15. Skid Row     q. Little Shop of Horrors                                 

16. Hill Valley     s. Back to the Future                                

17. Bali Hai    g. South Pacific                                     

18. Marietta    h. Parade                                    

19. Berlin   b. Cabaret                                        

20. Covent Garden     p. My Fair Lady                      

Summer Bracket 2026: Where Do 21st Century Broadway Musicals Come From? Round 1

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.

Thanks for playing along this summer!