Looking Forward to Summer: June - August 2026

Looking Forward to Summer:

June - August 2026

As we gear up for the 2026 Tony Awards, summer is upon us, and, theatrically at least, things slow down. Still we have things to look forward to as the temperatures rise! But before we get to that, let's review the spring season. It was pretty busy, and it was a mixed bag. The Broadway shows we loved included The Lost Boys, Schmigadoon!, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and Titanique. Off-Broadway, we loved The Wild Party. And regionally, we were very impressed with the Washington National Opera's West Side Story. Then there were shows that we were so-so about or really didn't care for. Regionally, that was a Baltimore production of Next to Normal, and on Broadway that was The Rocky Horror Show and Beaches. Interestingly, we agreed with the critics (and Tony nominators) on Beaches, and we completely disagreed with the critics (and Tony nominators) on The Rocky Horror Show. Onward we go!

This summer, we hope to get to...

Off-Broadway:

Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody (The Club)

Now that they've extended the run, we may actually get to see this one! We are, of course, part of the legions of fans of the series. And it seems we have never seen a parody we didn't like! (Xanadu, Silence! The Musical, Titanique, etc.) Add to it that the leads are two of our biggest favorites - Jay Armstrong Johnson for years, Jimin Moon ever since Sunset Boulevard. This should be a nice summer treat...

Broadway:

Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman (Winter Garden Theatre)

Hard to believe, but this is one American classic I've never seen on the stage. I have yet to see an Arthur Miller play I didn't like (both All My Sons and The Crucible are among my all-time favorites. With Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf at the lead, and new favorite Ben Ahlers in support, I don't see how we could pass this one up!

Becky Shaw (Hayes Theatre)

I know the least about this show of any on this list, but the buzz around this one put it right at the top of our list! I've loved the work of Linda Emond for some time, and I've been smitten with Lauren Patten since Fun Home. It'll be really cool to The Handmaid's Tales's Madeline Brewer performing live, and I understand Alden Ehrenreich is giving the debut performance of the season. Can't wait to see this one this weekend!

Just In Time (Circle in the Square)

I have to admit that curiosity has gotten the better of me with this one. While I've grown weary of bio-musicals, and I know little of Bobby Darin, I have heard nothing but great things about this. Now that tickets have gotten more reasonable, and that Jeremy Jordan is leading the company, I hope to splish splash my way to the Circle in the Square before the heat gets too overwhelming!

The Lost Boys (Palace Theatre) Return Visit!

I loved it. I'm obsessed with it. I must see it again. I want to catch everything I missed the first time - you can'y look everywhere all at once. And I want to savor some favorite moments all over again. Mostly, I look forward to hearing the stunning vocal harmonies performed live by this amazing company.