My 2025 - 2026 Broadway Crushes
Every season, certain actors grab my attention and I devour everything I can find about them. What draws me to them? Well, mostly it's their talent and charisma. And then there's the "how did I never hear about this person before?" and the "I can't wait to see what they are in next!" feelings as they perform in front of me. There's also that "it" factor. You know, that intangible thing that you can't put your finger on, but just know they have it. And, of course, shallow or not, I find them pretty easy on the eyes. In short, I develop a star-struck crush.
This season, there are 5 such performers (in alphabetical order to avoid favoritism) that fit that bill:
Ali Louis Bourzgui - David in The Lost Boys He was fine the first time I saw him as Tommy in the revival of The Who's Tommy, and even then I knew he was going places. But this year, it was like seeing a whole new person! As David, he is smooth, suave and seductive, as any hot vampire would be. Hard rocking and dangerous with an undercurrent of pain, it would be impossible to resist his charms. But that's the character. The actor who plays the role is so sincere, humble and thoughtful about his success as a new Tony nominee. And even at such a young age, he speaks so eloquently about his craft, I can't help but admire him even more. 
Sydney James Harcourt - The Rum Tum Tugger in Cats: The Jellicle Ball Every time I walk down 44th Street past the Broadhurst these days, I always pause to take a look at the poster with him staring out at passersby. Truth is, even as a decades long fan of the feline phenomenon of Broadway, I've never been really into the curious cat like many are. But in this joyous revival, the Tugger is somehow more alluring to me. He's playful and mischievous as he will do, but he's also protective and caring. What more can you ask for from a frisky kitty? But it's the actor that makes it happen, flirting with the rest of the Pride and the audience (that curtain call move is seared in my brain), with abs for days, a dazzling smile and a strut that has the whole Ball purring. I didn't even realize I saw him in Hamilton! What I like best about him is enthusiasm for the work that he and company are doing, and mostly how he represents the LGBTQIA community. He's a role model, and that alone would make him crush-worthy.
Jasmine Amy Rogers - Queenie in The Wild Party After being completely mesmerized by her thrilling performance in The Wild Party, I kicked myself even harder for missing her Broadway debut in Boop! Somehow, all of the accolades and fan adoration of her seemed inadequate having finally seen her talents live. Her Queenie was a dazzling mix of contradictions: a tower of strength with many a weakness, an immense talent stifling in a nowhere world full of abuse and phony friends. By all accounts - and a wonderful social media presence, too - the actress is the real thing, a true triple-threat. I also hear that she's something else in her current role in the revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She's got my attention for sure! Constantine Rousouli - Jack Dawson in Titanique I first saw him some 14 years ago in the original cast of Ghost: The Musical, but to be honest I don't remember him specifically, though I remember finding the entire company to be terrific. Over the years, he's played two of Broadway's biggest heartthrobs: Fiyero in Wicked and Link Larkin in Hairspray. One can't have those roles without a natural charm and sex appeal, so it makes total sense that in the heightened reality of Titanique that those attributes explode and fill up the the vast space of the St. James Theatre! With his beautiful smile, giant muscly thighs that fill those impossibly tight Jack Dawson pants, and an amazing gift for comic timing, I struggled to see anything else on the stage. But I also find artists with a razor sharp sense of humor and an honest sense of gratitude for everything they've become truly intoxicating. This Tony-nominee (and Olivier Award-winner) has all of that (and more), a combination as rare as the Heart of the Ocean.
Sam Tutty - Dougal in Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) Okay, cards on the table. Gingers with a boyish smile and a British accent are my complete weakness. But the deeper truth is, all that gets my attention; it's everything else that keeps me interested. Like most people on this side of the Atlantic, I first came across him in clips from the West End Dear Evan Hansen, and even from just those videos, I knew I wanted to see him on Broadway. My wish was granted, and his utterly charming (and Tony-nominated) star turn as the endlessly optimistic burst of sunshine makes me smile every time I think about it. That magnetic presence definitely carries over in all of the interviews I've seen him give. May that cheeky grin with a voice that charms and ultra-positive attitude return to Broadway every chance he gets.
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