Happy Pride 2025

Today is the last day of Pride Month 2025. So why wait until now to recognize it? To remind all of us that the month may end, but the fight continues today and every day.

Happy Pride, friends and allies!

Media Review: Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical on Disney+

Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical. Streaming on Disney+. Starring Samantha Barks, Laura Dawkes, Craig Gallivan, Jammu Kasongo, Oliver Ormson and Richard Frame. Directed for the Stage by Michael Grandage. Directed for film by Brett Sullivan. Filmed live at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the West End, London. 1 hour, 51 minutes.

Considering that the first pro-shot of a stage musical that played on Disney+ was the beautifully filmed Hamilton, it should be no surprise that their latest, Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical, is equally stunning to watch. While the fuller title certainly sets it apart from the animated version, it is a bit of a misnomer; the show wasn't really a Broadway hit, and the version presented here isn't the Broadway cast, but rather the London company. It is true that the West End production was more successful, though.

Featuring the complete Broadway creative team - designers, writers and direction, the film direction by Brett Sullivan has somehow captured a vision of the piece that seems much more vibrant, lavish and exciting than what I saw at the St. James a few years ago. Sure, some of that can be attributed to deft cutting and choice camera angles, but I have to admit there is just something, well, magical about this version. The best part of it all is that he has used the camera to also capture the feel of a live performance. There are fast glimpses of audience reactions, and there are also a few times that the camera is on stage with the actors, and we can see what they see at each performance. But it is also clear that the staging and some of the effects were upgraded for the London production, and I'm glad they were able to get this version on the record. Notably, the Act Two opener, "Hygge" has been revamped and re-choreographed, thank goodness. And Elsa's ice palace seems much more lavish than ever before. That said, the whole thing still comes off as a rather bland version of the film upon which is based. What worked in New York works here, what didn't work still doesn't.

As on Broadway, the West End version was blessed with a mostly excellent company, and here is proof that Frozen on stage is only as good as the cast that performs it. Solid performances all around come from the supporting cast, including charming turns by Ashley J. Daniels and Jacqui Sanchez as Elsa and Anna's parents, as well as mystical performances from the leaders of the Hidden Folk, Ben Irish (Pabbie) and Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (Bulda). Jak Skelly does what he can with the role of Oaken, saddled with "Hygge" and mostly sells it. Finally, Richard Frame makes an ideal Wesleton, so perfect is his imperious tone and sneer.

The main cast is also quite good, and I especially enjoyed the care with which the younger versions of Elsa (Elizabeth Lyons) and Anna (Martha Bailey Vine) were directed so as not to be sticky sweet, and to establish physical movements that their later adult counterparts mimicked. It really is the little things when performances are filmed. Sweet reindeer Sven (credited as both Ashley Birchall and Mikayla Jade) is simply adorable and always a welcome presence. I don't think Craig Gallivan's Olaf could be any cuddlier, and he really sells the beloved throw away number, "In Summer."

 

As a lovable, awkward goofball ice man, Kristoff, Jammy Kalongo shines, but really steps up with a nice bit of swagger as he becomes a hero to Anna. Conversely, watching Oliver Ormson strut around the stage with a suave and endearing bravado as Hans; when he reveals his true intentions is is actually chilling to watch (no pun intended)

Of course, the entire thing wouldn't work without solid acting from Elsa and Anna. Let me say straight away that I am a Samantha Barks fan, and had very high expectations for her as Elsa. And she wasn't bad. But I was kind of disappointed over all. I mean there's cold and distant and then there's icing out any connection to the audience. To be fair, you could see her really working at the inner torture she was feeling, and she was really superb in her 11 o'clock number, "Monster." But - and it's a big one - her big number, "Let It Go" was, well, efficient. Efficient, not spectacular. (She will inevitably be compared unfavorably to both Idina and Caissie.) On the other hand, Laura Dawkes' Anna nearly stole the show. An accomplished physical comedienne, and gorgeous character singer, she managed to evoke her animated counterpart and make the role entirely her own. She never overplayed her hand - no mugging, no exaggeration. She was just pure joy from start to finish, save for a few beautifully rendered dramatic moments. I'd love to see her do something on Broadway - I could always use such a jolt of joy.

For me, Frozen will never be what I dreamed it could have been as a stage musical - a different director and more Disney magic could help. But I am glad it was filmed and distributed so that maybe a new generation of theatergoers may be created.

Broadway Quiz: Best Musical Theaters

With its Best Musical Tony win, Maybe Happy Ending became the first Best Musical to open at the Belasco Theatre. You'll note that their ad announcing this achievement qualifies it by saying "Original Musical." That's because the original production of Ain't Misbehavin' played part of its Tony-winning run at the Belasco; it is a revue/jukebox musical. Still, that show didn't start there!

So, where did it open? What about the other Best Musicals? That's the stuff of this week's Broadway Quiz!

Broadway Quiz: Best Musical Theaters

DIRECTIONS: The correct answers are based on the original productions and the theater where they began their runs.

1. A Chorus Line

    A. The Imperial        B. The Schoenfeld    C. The Shubert    D. The Cort

2. Annie

    A. The Alvin    B. The Virginia    C. The Winter Garden    D. The Neil Simon

3. Evita

    A. The Marquis    B. The Winter Garden    C. The Broadway    D. The Broadhurst

4. The Wiz

    A. The Marquis    B. The Majestic    C. The Nederlander    D. The Palace

5. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!

    A. The Al Hirschfeld     B. The 46th Street    C. The Rodgers    D. The Booth

6. All of these Best Musicals opened at the St. James Theatre EXCEPT:

    A. Hello, Dolly!    

    B. Two Gentleman of Verona

    C. The King and I

    D. Sunset Boulevard

7. Which THREE currently running Best Musical and Best Musical from the past pairs below are correct?

    A. Sunset Blvd./The Producers

    B. The Book of Mormon/Big River

    C. Hamilton/Nine

    D. The Outsiders/Once

8. TRUE or FALSE: The entire original Broadway run of Thoroughly Modern Millie played the Marquis Theatre.

9. Two Sondheim Best Musicals opened at the Alvin Theatre (now known as the Neil Simon Theatre). They are:

    A. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

    B. Follies

    C. Passion

    D. Company

10. TRUE or FALSE: To date, the Booth Theatre has had only one Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo, but it has been home to two Pulitzer Prize-winning musicals.

***Ain't Misbehavin' opened at the Longacre Theatre, the first and only Best Musical to play there.

Summer is Closing Time on Broadway

Summer is Closing Time on Broadway

On Sunday, June 8th, Broadway celebrated a very successful season. Attendance was up, grosses were up and a huge number of shows opened. The headlines squawked about "Broadway is Back!" and pre-Covid levels, etc. And analysts talked about grosses being inflated due to certain ticket prices, movie stars, etc. The fact is there are many reasons behind the success of the 2024-2025 season.

Similarly, there are many reasons why there are just as many - if not more - reasons for the inevitable list of failures from the same season. And again, there are many reasons behind them. But it strikes me as interesting that theater fans and pundits alike are lighting up social media with shock and disbelief that there are so many impending closures. After all, this purge happens at the end of every season. For better or worse, that is part and parcel of a Broadway show's life cycle.

Between June 8th and August 31st this year, 16 Broadway shows will have closed, that we know of as of today. Some were never intended to run beyond a set time. Others just couldn't make ends meet long enough:

June 8th Closings:

Othello - Limited engagement

Good Night, and Good Luck - Limited engagement

June 22 Closings:

Floyd Collins - Scheduled closing/economics didn't indicate extension

The Last 5 Years - Limited engagement

SMASH - Economics

June 28 Closing:

Glengarry Glen Ross - Limited engagement

  

June 29 Closings:

Dead Outlaw - Economics

Real Women Have Curves  - Economics

Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends - Limited engagement/extended

The Picture of Dorian Gray - Limited engagement

July 13 Closing:

Boop! - Economics

July 20 Closing:

Sunset Blvd. - Limited engagement/twice extended

  

July 27 Closing:

Pirates! The Penzance Musical - Limited engagement/extended

August 17 Closing:

Call Me Izzy - Limited engagement

August 31 Closing:

John Proctor is the Villain - Limited engagement/extended

Purpose - Limited engagement/extended

So if you look at the list, save for four shows, none of these closures should be a surprise. Six of them were even extended! 

Why all the doomsday talk? Is it short term memory - this happens every season? Is it lack of knowledge about scheduled closures? I think it is a little bit of both, but I also think this year's crop is a bit harder to take because most of these shows got excellent reviews and great word of mouth. And most of these shows have loud and proud fan bases, so it probably feels a bit personal. I get it. Whenever a favorite closes, whatever the reason, it hurts.

I won't go into the other factors that cause shows to close so fast. There are many and it is very complicated. But one thing remains true: sometimes, lousy shows will run and great shows will close fast. It has always been that way.

  

But there is a bright side to it all. There's a little show that was rumored to not even be opening at all - Maybe Happy Ending - which just won 6 Tonys, including the coveted Best Musical. And let's not forget Oh, Mary! which opened last summer for a "limited engagement," continues its sold out run, and is currently scheduled to close on January 4, 2026. You never can tell!

 

Friday 5: 5 Favorite One Act Musical Flops

5 Favorite One Act Musical Flops

5. Glory Days (2008 - 1 performance) Yes, I actually saw this show - prior to Broadway - and I really enjoyed it. The performances were solid, including that of Andrew C. Call, who I have enjoyed in several shows before and since Glory Days. Maybe it's a guy thing, but an impromptu high school reunion of old buddies hit me in all my feels.

4. 13 (2008 - 105 performances) Several of these youngsters have gone on to big things, so that alone makes having seen this one a thrill. Graham Phillips has grown up on several TV shows I've enjoyed, and has certainly come into his own on stage recently, including a current run in Little Shop of Horrors with 13 cast mate Elizabeth Gillies. Al Calderon  is currently on Days of Our Lives, Eamon Foley is making his mark as a director and choreographer, and Allie Trimm has a sustained Broadway career, including stints as Glinda in Wicked. But who knew I'd be maybe 20 feet from someone who is now one of the most famous people in the world, Ariana Grande? Oh, and the show was charming.

3. Swept Away (2024 - 48 performances) Dark and stormy, literally and figuratively, this show is one I'm so glad I got to see. It's a shame that the current Broadway economic climate allows so little wiggle room for gaining an audience. Still, it was an emotional and mental exercise definitely worth my time. Plus, a chance to see John Gallagher, Jr. and Stark Sands at the peak of their abilities was one not to be missed. 

2. The Story of My Life (2009 - 5 performances) I've often written about my love for this little, charming and devastating two-hander. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, and it remains one of my most cherished theater memories. "The Butterfly" is one of the best songs in all of the 21st century. It was so good, they made a book out of it!

1. The Scottsboro Boys (2010 - 49 performances) I could make a strong argument that this show (like so many of the Kander and Ebb oeuvre) was way ahead of its time, and history will show this to be one of the - if not the - greatest musicals of the first quarter of the century. Headed by Colman Domingo, John Cullum and Joshua Henry, the cast was flawless. The material was uncomfortable, but the show was energized and entertaining. In that way, it reminded me of Cabaret, Chicago and The Visit (another ahead of its time shows).

I am so grateful that I had the chance to see each of these. Each one expanded my view of what musicals could be. And I don't think it's the last we've seen of any of them, either. 

Broadway Eats: Serendipity 3

 Every once in a while, we do something "touristy."  That includes eating, and we really went for it with lunch at Serendipity 3, a New York institution since 1954. We visited their Times Square location for a pre-matinee Sunday lunch. Located kitty corner from the new Palace Theatre entrance on West 47th Street, it is a perfect location for theater-goers. We went early enough that the reservation we made really wasn't necessary, but by the time we left, there was a small line. Reservations are simple through their website.

Broadway Eats:

Serendipity 3 - Times Square

So was it worth our time and expense?

LOCATION	Theater District/Times Square: 157 West 47th Street Phone: (646) 455-0467
CLOSEST THEATERS	Palace, Lyceum, James Earl Jones
HOURS	8 am - 12 am, Monday - Sunday
WEBSITE	https://serendipity3.com/
MEALS SERVED	Brunch, Lunch and Dinner
BAR	Full bar - Small bar with seating; specialty cocktails and standard menu
OUTDOOR SEATING	No

The Menu:

As you can see from the picture above (Tap to enlarge) they have a fairly large menu with a variety foods. I'd probably describe it as "elevated American diner" cuisine. with various styles of burgers, foot longs, mac and cheese, and standard issue entrees of chicken, salmon and salads. They do have a few specialties, including a Sunday Dinner Sunday, which is chicken strips, fries and mashed potatoes covered in gravy and arranged to look like an ice cream sundae. I actually saw one, and it did look as advertised, but I have to admit it didn't look too appetizing. They also serve a small brunch menu, and have cocktails and a full bar. Serendipity is probably most famous for its desserts and "Frrrozen Hot Chocolate." 

The Place:

We were seated at the first booth for two just inside the dining room entrance (you can see it peeking out in the top left photo above), so I didn't really get to see much of the dining room, bur as you can see, the decor is similar throughout. In person, you can see that great pains were taken to make the space what may best be described as deliberate kitsch. It's just slightly too well-matched and purposely organized. That said, it is comfortable and fun. To a person, every guest that was ushered past us, grew wide-eyed and smiled as they looked ahead to their destination. In the lobby, there is a small gift shop and a bar with about ten seats that functions as a bar but looks like an ice cream shop. Definitely a tourist trap kind of set up, but a fun one, and it is obvious it works. 70 years in business is no small accomplishment.

 

Our Order:

We both decided on foot long hot dogs for lunch. Mike got the Classic Dog ($19.95) dressed in Gulden's mustard and served on a hearty roll with fries. I opted for the Chili Cheese Dog ($22.95), which was piled high with a mildly spicy, very meaty chili and plenty of shredded cheese. Mine also came with fries. The hot dog was fine, but the roll and toppings really made the sandwich great. The portion of fries was big, and they were hot and crispy and perfectly salted, too. Neither of us completely cleaned our plates. We were pretty full, but had to have dessert. I had a "Drug Store Sundae" which came with three scoops of ice cream and I chose hot fudge as my topping with one scoop of chocolate and two of vanilla. They have several flavors and several toppings and you can order it as you like it. Topped with a whipped topping that looked like a picture, but was not really whipped cream, and a cherry, this treat was $18.95. Mike went with their signature Frrrozen Hot Chocolate with peanut butter chips, also $18.95. He enjoyed it, saying it was quite chocolate-y, but not overly sweet, and that he'd order it again if we ever returned. My sundae was delicious, too, and I'm not sure how they did it, but the ice cream was so cold, it did not melt from the first bite to the last. One down side to that is that the hot fudge - very tasty - was also pretty close to frozen to the glass and took a bit of scraping to get it all. We both had refillable soft drinks at $6.95 each. Though the portions were large and the food was all delicious it was a pretty expensive lunch coming in at just about $120 for two after tip.

The Service:

Our waiter was very attentive at first, quick with the drinks and taking our order. As the meal went on, he returned less frequently. We had to ask for refills and to order dessert. At the end, we waited several minutes to get the check. I'm glad we weren't really rushing for a show.

The Verdict:

It was fine, and I'm glad we did it. Does it live up to the hype? Not really. Would we go there again? Maybe - when we have plenty of extra money. Still there were several things on the menu I'd like to try - I love Belgian waffles, and the burgers I saw looked pretty amazing, too.

🥄🥄🥄 1/2🥄 out of 5

The 2025 JKTS Awards: Editors' Choice Part Two

 Editors' Choice, Part Two

Yesterday, we presented the first part of our 2025 JKTS  Awards honoring those theater people - new faces and familiar faces - that made the 2024-2025 Broadway season the special one that it was. Today, we offer more fun recognition for the lighter side of the season.

Spotlight Awards

  

Best Logos: 

• Musical: Swept Away 
• Play: Our Town

Both are visually interesting, and both perfectly captures the content, mood and themes of the shows they represent.

Extra! Extra! Broadway's Biggest Headline:

• The Rise of Gen Z - Romeo + Juliet, John Proctor is the Villain

The youth came in droves to see both. Many came to see their favorite TV stars, but I'll bet most of them came away with much more than a stage door autograph and a photo op for social media. They got to see, in both productions, sublime acting and shows that spoke to them. As an "old guy," I loved the energy the audiences brought, and the relief that the future of Broadway is in good hands.  

Best Showstopper:

• "Rose's Turn," Gypsy

Seeing this live in the theater is an experience I will never forget. Audra is more than an icon, she is living Broadway history. 

Best Special Effects Sequence (TIE):

• The Memories, Maybe Happy Ending
• The "Opening Credits," Sunset Blvd.

When I say my jaw dropped when the HelperBots connected and memories were read, I mean my mouth was actually agape. I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing.

Like many of you, as I was watching the Jamie Lloyd bare bones approach to Sunset Blvd., I was wondering how they'd do the car chase scene. Would they even do it? Well, they did, and it was a clever way to show us what we were really seeing: a movie in Norma's mind.

Sorry We Missed It: 

• Boop!

Maybe I'm saying this prematurely, but I have a feeling I won't get to see Broadway's next big thing: Jasmine Amy Rogers. And every clip I see and hear from it makes me smile. These days, that is a big loss.

 

"I'm Still Here" Award for Longevity: 

• Jeb Brown, Dead Outlaw
• Bonnie Langford, Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends

Both of these outstanding performers made their Broadway debuts 51 years ago, in 1974! Brown made his debut as The Child in a revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Langford made her debut as Baby June in the Angela Lansbury-led revival of Gypsy. How wonderful that half a century later, she's back in another Sondheim show, singing "I'm Still Here."

Best Non-musical Dance Number: 

• Final Scene John Proctor is the Villain

When Sadie Sink and Amalia Yoo began their presentation about The Crucible, the tension was palpable, and you could hear a pin drop. As it escalated into an all out dance, and more cast members joined in, the shock and awe of it all was a cathartic burst of energy on both sides of the proscenium.

Six Award for Best Actors Playing Real-life Characters: 

• Andrew Durand as Elmer McCurdy, Dead Outlaw
• Natasha Hodgson as Ewen Montagu, Operation Mincemeat
• Jak Malone as Hester Leggatt, Operation Mincemeat
• Taylor Trensch as Skeets Miller, Floyd Collins
• Joy Woods as Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy 

Brilliance all the way around! I would hope that somehow the people they were playing would heartily approve.

One Actor/Two Roles Award:

• Tommy Dorfman as Tybalt and the Nurse, Romeo + Juliet

If I didn't see it actually happening right in front of me, I'd never believe it. They were amazing in both roles - both in type and gender. Come back soon and often, Tommy.

 

Mother Nature Award: 

• Beauty: Redwood 
• Wrath: Storm and shipwreck, Swept Away

Hana S. Kim's stunning video work and Jason Ardizzone-West's cutting edge scenery brought the majestic beauty of the titular trees to jaw-dropping life.

The extreme weather event that was the impetus for the events of Swept Away were a true group effort on the part of Rachel Hauck's Tony-nominated scenic design, Kevin Adam's lighting and John Shiver's sound design. If you didn't see it, you really missed something.

Suffs Empowerment Moment:

• "Real Women Have Curves" Solidarity Strip, Real Women Have Curves

Somehow, people find issue with this. I found it delightful and empowering, and deserving of its mid-show ovation.

 

Death Warmed Over Award:

• Group: The Immortals, Death Becomes Her
  
• Individual: Andrew Durand, Dead Outlaw

Death was a big theme in a lot of shows this year - the word appears in the titles of TWO shows! Was immortality ever sexier and more appealing than in Death Becomes Her? And no one plays dead better than Andrew Durand in an iconic performance.

 

Best Entrance (TIE): 

• Joe Gillis (Tom Francis) in a body bag, Sunset Blvd.
• Princess Winnifred (Sutton Foster), Once Upon a Mattress
  

Emerging from a body bag? Another thing you had to see to believe. A stunning start to a stunning show.

When the princess finally makes her entrance, drenched after swimming a moat, and coming all the way from her swamp kingdom, the litany of things that emerged from her gown and hair was a joy to behold. Sutton was perfection.

Best Place to Spot a Diva: 

• 44th Street

Come on! Audra, Joy and Tyson (not to mention Lesli) at the Majestic. Jasmine making a storied debut at the Broadhurst. Nicole in a Tony-winning turn at the St. James. And LaTanya and Kara at the Hayes. A historic embarrassment of riches.

Best Kiss of the Season:

• Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler, Romeo + Juliet

Probably the most illegally photographed smooch in Broadway history, it was also sexy AF. 

 

Bloody, Bloody Broadway (There Will Be Blood):

• Juliet, Romeo + Juliet
• Joe Gillis and Norma Desmond, Sunset Blvd.

Oh, happy dagger!

Oh, violent death...she kisses his mouth...

The Kimberly Akimbo Award for Best Aging: 

• "Millicent's Song," sung by Julia Knitel in Dead Outlaw

I loved this song, both revealing and blisteringly funny, she went from young child to grown woman in a matter of minutes. 

 

The Thenardier Award for Most Suffering Spouse:

• Play: Mary's Husband, played by Conrad Ricamora in Oh, Mary!
• Musical: Helen's Husband, Ernest Menville, played by Christopher Sieber in Death Becomes Her

I think the photos above say more than I could possibly come up with.

Best Abs in a Musical: 

• Leading Role: Tom, Diego and Jimin, Sunset Blvd. 
• Supporting Role: Jacob Dickey, Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends

I mean if you are going to die in your underwear, why not look hot doing it?

And a sexy wolf? Of course. But bare-chested in a tuxedo jacket? Woof, indeed! 

Grin and Bear It Award: 

• The Cast of Real Women Have Curves

The hard working ladies and the men who love them are not being seen by enough people. Why??? Easily a top three musical in a crowded season of great shows, people need to see it!

 

Grin and Bare It Award: 

• The Strippers from Gypsy: Mylinda Hull, Lesli Margherita, Lili Thomas
• The Strippers from Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends:Beth Leavel, Bernadette Peters, Joanna Riding

Two takes on the same song in the same season (not as rare as it once was), and both hilarious for different reasons. Stopped the show at both the Friedman and the Majestic, and rightly so.

The Final 2025 JKTS Awards Tally

Between your Readers' Choice Awards and our Editors' Choice Awards, we honored 19 shows that opened this season with a whopping 79 awards!

Sunset Blvd. - 17

Maybe Happy Ending - 11

Romeo + Juliet - 6

Floyd Collins - 5

Dead Outlaw - 4

Gypsy - 4

John Proctor is the Villain - 4

Operation Mincemeat - 4

Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends - 4

Boop! - 3

Real Women Have Curves - 3

Swept Away - 3

Death Becomes Her - 2

Oh, Mary! - 2

Once Upon a Mattress - 2

Our Town - 2

Buena Vista Social Club - 1

Purpose - 1

Redwood - 1