Summer Bracket 2026: Where Do 21st Century Broadway Musicals Come From? The Final 4

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

The Final 4 

You can see from the bracket above which shows on the left side moved on to this round. This week, we have 4 musicals, all of which are worthy to make it to next week's Championship! May the best musical adaptation win

• 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, August 4th. (Haven't voted before? No worries! Join the fun this week!)

Thanks for playing along this summer!   

At This Theatre: The New Amsterdam

At This Theatre:

The New Amsterdam

  

Currently in what might be called its "Disney Era," the New Amsterdam Theatre has been entertaining theater-goers on 42nd Street since it first opened in 1903. Over the years, just like the street it lives on, the space has undergone many changes, including a dark period of decay. Most obviously, its famous facade that has included its iconic art deco with clock marquee since the 1930s, didn't always look like that. 
As you can see from the far right photo above, the entrance looked quite different!

Some 123 years ago, this stunning house opened with a revival of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and over the century was home to a wide variety of plays, operettas and musicals. Among them were productions of Ivan the Terrible (4 or 5 times!), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (5 or 6 times), Beau Brummell (many, many times). The huge stage space was perfect for its most famous era, when it played host to 13 editions of the Ziegfeld Follies. It survived the Great Depression, but ceased operations as a legitimate theater in 1937, and didn't reopen until Disney refurbished it to its former state of grandeur and opened with a 1997 concert version of the Tim Rice-Alan Menken musical, King David. It never materialized a fully produced show, but both writers would find much success there with The Lion King and Aladdin, respectively. Other than some one night only concerts of classic musicals, since 1997, the stage has been home only to Disney Broadway productions. I feel very fortunate to have seen all three.

SHOWS WE'VE SEEN THERE: 3

The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Aladdin

    

The Lion King Whole books have been written about this spectacular musical; I'm not sure what I can add to the discourse. But I will say that I sat through most of it with my mouth agape. The theatricality of each panoramic scene was stunning, and thrilling as each unfolded in a unique way. Director Julie Taymor's vision brought the African plains to vivid life, and brought the father-son dynamic to touching levels. But all the charm and delight of the Disney film upon which is based.

 

Mary Poppins Like The Lion King before it, Mary Poppins kept much of the charm of the beloved film, while expanding upon it, and bringing all of it to life in ways that theater can and a movie can not. I will never forget watching Mary take flight and exit over the audience. The dance lover in me thrilled to Gavin Lee's Bert tap dancing literally upside down on the proscenium, and the technician in me marveled at the three story Victorian home that rose up from the stage. It was breathtaking.

 

Aladdin Thanks to a continued long run, I have not been back to the New Amsterdam since we saw an early preview of this show in more than a decade! But it is a hard one to forget. From the cavalcade of costumes and pageantry of "Prince Ali," to the show-stopping "Friend Like Me," stage magic rules the production. But it is true Disney Magic that brought the flying carpet to life in "A Whole New World." I am sure both Howard Ashman and Robin Williams would be pleased that their legacy lives on.

Broadway Games: Name That Show!

 Broadway Games:

Name That Show!

How well do you know musicals, contemporary AND classic?

DIRECTIONS: Name the musical using the 3 given clues from their original Broadway run.

1. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "Tribulation"
• One character in the show is: Florence Menlove
• The theater where this show opened is: The Nederlander

2. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "Everything's Alright"
• One character in the show is: Annas
• The theater where this show opened is: The Mark Hellinger

3. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "Great Expectations"
• One character in the show is: Two-Bit 
• The theater where this show opened is: The Bernard B. Jacobs

4. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "All Choked Up"
• One character in the show is: Sandy Dumbrowski
• The theater where this show opened is: The Eden

5. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "The Hangover Duet"
• One character in the show is: Robin
• The theater where this show opened is: The Longacre

6. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "Take Back Your Mink"
• One character in the show is: Benny Southstreet
• The theater where this show opened is: The 46th Street

7. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "Changing My Major"
• One character in the show is: Joan
• The theater where this show opened is: The Circle in the Square

8. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "Baby Dream Your Dream"
• One character in the show is: Oscar Lindquist
• The theater where this show opened is: The Palace

9. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "Breathe"
• One character in the show is: Graffiti Pete
• The theater where this show opened is: The Richard Rodgers

10. What show am I?

• One of the songs in the show is: "And..."
• One character in the show is: Paul
• The theater where this show opened is: The Shubert

Summer Bracket 2026: Where Do 21st Century Broadway Musicals Come From? The Elite 8

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

The Elite 8   

You can see from the bracket above which shows on the left side moved on to this round. This week, we have 8 musicals, all of which are worthy to make it to next week's Final 4! Tough choices this time around!

• 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 28th. (Haven't voted before? No worries! Join the fun this week!)

Thanks for playing along this summer!

Broadway 3-peat: Score Edition: The Lost Boys

Our Broadway 3-peat series continues with a look at three songs in a row - no skipping from a new score. This week, in honor of the July 24 release of their Original Broadway Cast Recording, we take a look at three great tunes that close out act one of The Lost Boys. To be honest, this score is so packed with excellent songs, it was hard to pick which three we'd name!

Broadway 3-peats:

Score Edition: The Lost Boys

The Tony-nominated score by The Rescues runs the gamut of edgy Broadway show tunes, soaring ballads and indy-rock bangers. All pay homage to the variety of 80s sounds so beloved of the time period, while sounding accessibly contemporary. Other favorites include the gorgeous duet "Wild," the fun and empowering "Superpower", and the breathtaking finale, "If We Make It Through the Night."

But these three represent the baring of the main character's soul, the seductive allure of danger, and the immediate consequences of giving in to temptation. What a close to a spine-tingling act!

Song 1: "My Heart With You" - David, Star, Marko, Dwayne, Paul and the Ensemble

Who wouldn't be seduced by those tight harmonies that sound almost like a religious call to action? Michael has accepted the offer to join their family and drinks the blood. They have convinced him that they have everything he is missing.

Song 2: "Belong to Someone" - Michael, David, Marko, Dwayne, Paul and the Ensemble

From the rite of passage to the iconic bridge scene, Michael is initiated and given a taste of what life will be like as part of the clan. He flies for the first time, and must face his fears by joining the Lost Boys in a jump from the train bridge. The soaring ballad matches the grandeur of the moment and the ache of loneliness met with the awakening of belonging. 

Song 3: "Secret Comes Out" - Michael, Star, The Lost Boys, and the Ensemble

As the best Broadway act one finales do, all of the plot elements converge in a cliff-hanging climax. Here, Michael tries to reckon with what he is praying was some sort of dream, his mother pursues a new relationship, and his brother begins to realize that his worst fears are coming true. Meanwhile, The Lost Boys perform once again bringing the young people of Santa Carla to a frenzy as they fall under their spell. The harmonies here are breathtaking, especially the ominous final seconds of the track.

I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on this recording! Of course, we'll do a full review in the coming weeks!

The Friday 5: Favorite Current Broadway Bit Players

5 Favorite Current Broadway Bit Players

They aren't above the title, and they aren't really supporting characters. But the shows they are in just wouldn't be the same without them! They are on. Then they are off. Then they blend back into the ensemble. Short time. Big impact. Here are 5 that we love that are currently brightening up the Broadway boards.

5. The Alien Showgirls from The Rocky Horror Show

Played by The Phantoms - What do you get when you cross a Vegas showgirl outfit with a one-eyed alien? A sign toting late night sci-fi hostess! They carry signs that warn us not to be assholes, and even told some audiences it was Knicks in 5! Just a first in a long line of zany costumes in a crazy revival. You may or may not agree with their signs say, but don't shoot the messenger!

4. Henry Ford from Ragtime

Played by Jason Forbach - He gets one of the catchier songs in the score - one of the few I wish was a bit longer. I love how it's the perfect sound for an assembly line, and has all the pompous bluster of an arrogant American. A small gem of a part, in a tapestry full of them.

3. The Sax Guy from The Lost Boys

Played by Cameron Loyal - This guy is an icon from the movie, and I can't imagine the musical without him. Thank goodness I didn't have to! The body, the oil, the smooth jazz... is it any wonder Sam has a sexual awakening when he sees him! And he sure can play!

2. Pete from Schmigadoon!

Played by Jess LeProtto - The goofy, clumsy guy who seems to appear in every Golden Age musical would naturally live in Schmigadoon, too, right? And in the hands of Jess, he's charming, sweet and pops up in fun and unexpected ways. For all his clumsiness, isn't it great that he can dance so well?

1. Sillabub from Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Played by Teddy Wilson, Jr. - This adaptation of the classic musical really clarified and deepened a lot of things in an otherwise light as a feather plot. One of the nicest surprises and most heartfelt things of that ilk is the sweet kitten Sillabub, who looks to Grizabella as a role model and mentor. Not only does it give the kitty more to do, but adds some weight to Grizabella's backstory; best of all is the deepening of Sillabub's verses in "Memory." Oh, how I'll miss this revival...

Summer Bracket 2026: Where Do 21st Century Broadway Musicals Come From? The Sweet 16

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 is The Sweet 16! You'll be voting to name the shows that will move on to next week's Elite 8 round!

Summer Bracket 2026:

Musical Sources 

The Sweet 16  

You can see from the bracket above which shows on the left side moved on to this round. This week, we have 16 musicals, all 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, July 21st. (Haven't voted before? No worries! Join the fun this week!)

Thanks for playing along this summer!