Month: September 2025

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Broadway's Best

Favorite NYC Restaurants Before You Enjoy Broadway

Your Broadway night deserves more than just a quick bite. Luckily, the theater district offers everything from glamorous institutions to tucked-away gems. To help you choose your pre-show dinner, we’ve grouped our favorites into categories so you can find the perfect match for your mood (and your Playbill).

The Glamorous Crowd-Pleasers

Red Eye Grill: Seafood With Star Power

Seafood towers that feel like stage props, sushi that sings, and a buzzing, art-filled space that’s as lively as the shows down the block.

Bond 45: Antipasto Takes Center Stage

Hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and that show-stopping antipasto bar make this Italian trattoria in the heart of Times Square a true headliner.

The Broadway Legends

Joe Allen: The Cast Party Classic

Unpretentious American fare, theater folks at every table, and the infamous “flop wall” of short-lived productions. A must for Broadway insiders.

Sardi’s: Where Legends Dine

Martinis, continental cuisine, and caricatures of Broadway’s best covering every inch of wall space. Tradition with a side of nostalgia.

Pasta, Wine & Comfort

Becco: Unlimited Ovations for Pasta

The all-you-can-eat pasta tasting menu is worth a standing ovation. Add a generous wine list and you’ve got fuel for an unforgettable Act Two.

Glass House Tavern: The Chic Ensemble Member

Modern American plates, a polished vibe, and cocktails that practically demand a toast, including a nitro espresso martini served tableside.

Hidden Gems & Insider Picks

Vida Verde: A Colorful Quick Hit

Casual Mexican plates, tacos that shine in the spotlight, and mural-filled walls that buzz with energy.

Danji: The Cozy Scene-Stealer

Modern Korean small plates served in an intimate setting with bold flavors in a low-key atmosphere just steps away from the neon lights.

Obao: Where East Meets West Side

A Thai-Vietnamese fusion spot with bold flavors and a stylish atmosphere. Think pad Thai with a twist, crispy duck, and cocktails that pack as much drama as a Broadway finale.

Nizza: Pasta’s Neighborhood Darling

A snug Italian bistro on 9th Avenue, Nizza serves rustic plates, house-made pastas, and thin Roman-style pizzas. Comforting, unfussy, and beloved by locals.

Sushi of Gari 46: A Hidden Hit

For sushi fans, this unassuming Midtown outpost delivers some of the city’s most creative omakase bites. Elegant, refined, and a perfect prelude to a sophisticated show.

Marseille: A French Accent on 9th Avenue

A charming brasserie blending French and Mediterranean flavors. Mussels, steak frites, and wine by the glass make it a pre-theater gem with European flair.

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Interviews

Inside the Art of Casting: A Conversation with Peter Van Dam

Jim Glaub sat down with Casting Director Peter Van Dam to talk about his journey from actor to casting, his philosophy on discovering talent, and how he’s reimagining classics like Chez Joey for a new generation.

Q: What first inspired you to pursue casting as a career?

Peter Van Dam: Growing up, I didn’t really know what a casting director did. I thought directors just picked the actors. But I was fascinated by theatre, listening to cast recordings, comparing different versions, and noticing how a single role could be transformed by different performers.

At 15, I went to Walnut Hill, a performing arts boarding school, and tried acting. I studied at NYU and then Boston Conservatory. But during senior year, when industry professionals came to speak, I realized I was more excited giving feedback to classmates than performing myself. 

That’s when it clicked.

I interned with Roundabout Theatre Company’s casting office, and being in that culture confirmed this was the right path. Later, I even worked as Lonny Price’s assistant — years later, I ended up casting his shows, which felt full-circle.

Q: Did your acting background make you a better casting director?

Van Dam: Absolutely. Having studied acting, voice, and dance gives me empathy for what actors go through and vocabulary to assess stamina and technique. Add to that my time with directors and talent agencies, and it’s made me understand the collaborative nature of the theatre industry of musicals from all angles.

Q: What do people misunderstand most about casting?

Van Dam: Everyone asks, “So what do you do?” Some assume we pick the people, but we don’t. We build lists, organize auditions, and advise the team. Directors, choreographers, music supervisors, and producers all have different priorities — we’re the connective tissue helping balance them.

Q: Have you had moments where your instinct was proven right?

Van Dam: Casting Peppermint in Head Over Heels was one. The role was written as non-binary, and we reached out to the trans community. She sent in tapes, came into the room, and it was undeniable. It was groundbreaking — the first openly trans woman cast in a principal Broadway role — and the production’s celebration of diversity was something I’ll always be proud of.

Q: You also recently worked on Dead Outlaw. How did that process evolve?

Van Dam: That began as a workshop for what was then the “untitled Yazbek/Moses/Della Penna musical.” Because it was The Band’s Visit team, it was easy to get people in the room. But the material wasn’t traditional musical theatre — it was rock-folk. We needed versatile actors who could play multiple roles convincingly. Watching it grow from workshop to Broadway was incredibly rewarding.

Q: With Pal Joey (now Chez Joey) being reimagined, how do you approach casting a classic?

Van Dam: It starts with the re-imagined book — Joey as a Black jazz singer in Chicago, and the interracial relationship with Vera. Working with Savion Glover and Tony Goldwyn, auditions feel more like rehearsals. We have a jazz band in the room, and actors are encouraged to play, not just perform perfectly. That creative freedom makes the process thrilling.

Q: How has technology changed casting?

Van Dam: Self-tapes have always been around, but after the pandemic, virtual auditions and Zoom callbacks became common. It means we can work with actors in LA or abroad without flying them in. Virtual open calls also expand the net — like when we recast Phantom of the Opera’s Christine, we saw 4,000 submissions and discovered someone in Texas we never would’ve found otherwise.

But nothing replaces the energy of being in a room. Live theatre is about presence, and that’s something you only feel in person.

Q: Do you find talent on social media?

Van Dam: Constantly. I’m on YouTube and TikTok, and people send me links all the time. For Six, we found performers that way. If we only relied on agents’ submissions, we’d miss out. Discovery is part of the job.

Q: What advice do you give young actors?

Van Dam: Don’t walk in asking, “How am I doing?” Instead, ask, “What am I doing?” Be bold in your preparation and show what makes you unique. Forget “type” — focus on what makes you stand out.

Q: If you could go back and cast any show in history, which would it be?

Van Dam: The original A Chorus Line. The auditions for that must have been fascinating — casting a show about casting.

Q: Last fun one: what’s the audition song you never want to hear again?

Van Dam: Songs about the business. Unless it’s A Chorus Line or Smash, I want to see a human being, not just someone singing about showbiz. Otherwise, I don’t mind “overdone” songs — it’s about the take. Ultimately, what I’m looking for is the same as any audience member: to be moved.

Categories
Creative

Broadway’s Best Wedding Songs: For Your First Dance

Broadway weddings

There’s nothing quite like the first dance at a wedding. That magical moment when all eyes are on the couple, swaying together in a song that feels like it was written just for them. And what better place to draw inspiration than Broadway, where love stories have been told for decades. From golden age classics to contemporary favorites, Broadway has given us a soundtrack of romance that’s perfect for the dance floor.

Classic Golden Age Romance

For couples who love tradition and timeless melodies.

1. “Some Enchanted Evening” (South Pacific)
 Rodgers & Hammerstein at their most sweeping – a grand, cinematic ballad about love at first sight.

2. “’Til There Was You” (The Music Man)
 Sweet and understated, with just enough charm to melt hearts.

3. “If I Loved You” (Carousel)
 A lush duet, brimming with longing and romance.

4. “Sentimental Person” (Maybe Happy Ending)
 Elegant, dramatic, and perfect for a graceful waltz.

Dramatic Showstoppers

Big voices, big orchestrations, and first dances that feel like opening night.

5. “All I Ask of You” (The Phantom of the Opera)
 A Broadway power duet that soars with passion.

6. “Somewhere” (West Side Story)
 Yearning and hopeful, with a grandeur that fills the room.

7. “What I Did for Love” (A Chorus Line)
 Heartfelt and emotional, a declaration of commitment beyond the spotlight.

Modern Favorites

For couples who want Broadway’s newer ballads to define their love story.

8. “Falling Slowly” (Once)
Intimate and contemporary, with quiet emotion that builds beautifully.

9. “You Matter to Me” (Waitress)
 Sara Bareilles’ tender duet – modern, personal, and full of warmth.

10. “I Choose You” (The Bridges of Madison County)
 Jason Robert Brown’s soaring ballad of devotion feels tailor-made for weddings.

Sweet & Quirky Picks

11. “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” (Crazy for You)
A Gershwin gem that’s equal parts classy and charming – perfect for couples who want timeless elegance with a wink.

12. “Do You Love Me?” (Fiddler on the Roof)
Gentle, sweet, and slightly playful – a duet that captures the humor and tenderness of lasting love.

13. “You’re the Top” (Anything Goes)

Cole Porter’s witty wordplay brings sophistication with a dash of humor – an upbeat and charming choice.

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Creative

Cast Comebacks: Actors Returning to Broadway in 2025

Broadway is preparing for a season of homecomings. A parade of celebrated actors are returning to its stages, bringing new works, long‑delayed premieres and high‑profile revivals. The 2025 calendar shows why New York’s theatre scene remain a magnet for stars who could easily continue working in film or television. Many performers talk about the unique intimacy of the theatre and the chance to inhabit a character night after night, building energy with an audience. After pandemic disruptions and time spent in Hollywood, these artists are choosing to reconnect with their stage roots in a year that promises both nostalgia and novelty.

The season’s most talked‑about reunion pairs Kristin Chenoweth with F. Murray Abraham in The Queen of Versailles. Adapted from Lauren Greenfield’s documentary, the musical charts the saga of Jackie and David Siegel, time‑share moguls whose lavish dream home became a symbol of overreach. A Boston tryout confirmed that the show captures the couple’s ambition and downfall, and the Broadway production will begin previews at the St. James Theatre on October 8, 2025. Chenoweth will tackle Jackie while Abraham plays David.

Just down the block at the Booth Theatre, Laurie Metcalf will anchor the Broadway premiere of Little Bear Ridge Road. The one‑act, written by Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Joe Mantello, centers on a razor‑tongued aunt and the nephew who returns to help sell her crumbling Idaho home. Previews begin October 7, and the play’s combination of wry humor and emotional candour seems tailor‑made for Metcalf’s talents.

Comedy is taking center stage with Bobby Cannavale and James Corden team with Neil Patrick Harris in Yasmina Reza’s Art. The modern classic, which first opened in 1994, follows three friends whose relationship is threatened when one of them buys an expensive white painting. The new revival began previews August 28 and runs through December 21, 2025. Cannavale, Corden and Harris could make this a standout in a season full of drama.

Broadway fans are buzzing as Lea Michele and Aaron Tveit prepare to make their return to the stage in the first-ever Broadway revival of Chess. Set to play at the Imperial Theatre, the production begins previews on October 15 with an official opening on November 16.

Kelli O’Hara will headline Noël Coward’s Fallen Angels at Roundabout’s newly renovated Todd Haimes Theatre. The 1925 farce about two wives awaiting the return of an old flame has rarely been seen on Broadway, and this production pairs O’Hara with Emmy‑nominated Rose Byrne.

Carrie Coon, last seen on Broadway more than a decade ago, returns in Tracy Letts’s psychological thriller Bug. The Manhattan Theatre Club production, opening December 18, 2025 with an official opening  January 8, 2026, follows a waitress who becomes consumed by conspiracy theories and delusions after meeting a disturbed Gulf War veteran. Coon’s penchant for inhabiting complex characters should bring new life to Letts’s unsettling play.

Tragedy will not be neglected. Studio 54 will host the U.S. transfer of Robert Icke’s adaptation of Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville. Critics hailed the London production for turning Sophocles’ classic into a political thriller set on election night. The American engagement begins October 30, 2025 and will run for a limited fourteen‑week engagement.

Other notable comebacks include Leslie Odom, Jr.‘s return to his Tony winning role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Betsy Aidem as Margie in Liberation by Bess Wohl, and Broadway Stalwart Danny Burstein, who is set to take on the role of Jon in the upcoming production of Marjorie Prime at the Hayes Theater.

Categories
Creative

What Classic Novels Could Be the Next Hit Musicals?

Broadway has always drawn inspiration from the written word. From Les Misérables to The Color Purple, some of theatre’s most beloved scores have literary roots. The current pipeline of novel-to-musical adaptations shows this trend is stronger than ever.

Novels Already Heading to Broadway

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil – John Berendt’s Savannah-set bestseller offers a Southern Gothic blend of mystery, magic, and scandal. With Jason Robert Brown and Taylor Mac at the helm, this adaptation promises to be one of Broadway’s most original projects in years.

Beaches: The Musical – Iris Rainer Dart’s emotional tale (immortalized in the Bette Midler film) has been circling Broadway for years. After workshops and regional productions, it’s finally approaching Broadway with Lonny Price as director. Expect soaring ballads and plenty of emotional moments.

Anne of Green Gables – Lucy Maud Montgomery’s spirited heroine is making the journey from Prince Edward Island to Broadway. Anne’s story of belonging, imagination, and coming-of-age seems perfectly suited for a heartfelt musical score.

These join recent literary adaptations like The Great Gatsby, The Notebook, and Water for Elephants, proving Broadway’s appetite for book-based material.

The Next Hit Musical?

Some classic novels would make for great musicals. We experimented with some titles for your enjoyment.

Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn’s psychological thriller could translate into a noir-pop musical with unreliable narrators and dueling perspectives. Think Chicago meets Next to Normal with a contemporary edge. In a Broadway landscape that has embraced Parade, The Outsiders and Sweeney Todd, there’s room for darker material.

Mark Twain’s Catalog – Beyond Big River (Roger Miller’s take on Huckleberry Finn), Twain’s works offer untapped potential. The Prince and the Pauper could become a family-friendly spectacle.

The Catcher in the Rye – Holden Caulfield navigating New York with an alternative rock score could be the next Spring Awakening. The obstacle? J.D. Salinger’s estate has historically blocked adaptations. But if permissions were ever granted, it could electrify audiences.

Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier’s gothic masterpiece attempted a Broadway run in the 2010s but was derailed by legal and financial troubles. The source material remains compelling: a haunted estate, a menacing housekeeper, and a romance that ends in flames. The right creative team could finally bring this sweeping, operatic story to life. Maybe even a modern twist?

Lord of the Flies – Golding’s survival tale reimagined with choral harmonies and primal rhythms could be a daring new musical. The challenge? Making savagery sing without losing its edge.

The Exorcist – A rock-opera showdown of faith versus possession, complete with theatrical spectacle, could thrill Broadway. The risk? Special effects must serve the story, not swamp it.

The Scarlet Letter – Hawthorne’s tale of shame and resilience could soar with sweeping ballads and lush ensembles. The hurdle? Turning Puritan austerity into riveting stage drama.

Literature provides the emotional intensity that musicals require —love, loss, betrayal, triumph, and transformation. The best novel-to-musical adaptations don’t just retell stories; they find the songs hidden within the text.

With several literary adaptations currently in development, the next great novel-to-musical hit might already be sitting on your bookshelf, waiting for the right creative team to discover its hidden melodies.

Categories
Creative

Where’s That Cast Now? The Book of Mormon Edition

Book of Mormon

When The Book of Mormon opened at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in March 2011, it was an instant cultural earthquake—raucous, irreverent, and packed with a powerhouse cast. Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez’s satirical masterpiece took home nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and cemented its place in Broadway history. But what happened to the original cast after they bid farewell to Uganda? Let’s check in.

Andrew Rannells (Elder Price)

The breakout star of The Book of Mormon, Rannells earned a Tony nomination for his pristine comedic timing and powerhouse vocals. After leaving the show, he jumped to HBO’s Girls as Elijah, a role that made him a TV fan favorite. He’s also appeared in The New Normal, Black Monday, and the film adaptation of The Prom. On Broadway, he returned in Falsettos (another Tony nomination), The Boys in the Band, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He’s now an established multi-hyphenate—actor, singer, and author (Too Much Is Not Enough), and came back to Broadway most recently in 2023 in Gutenberg! The Musical! opposite Mormon castmate Josh Gad.

Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham)

Josh Gad left The Book of Mormon with a Tony nomination and a rocket strapped to his career. He became a household name as the voice of Olaf in Disney’s Frozen franchise, starred in films like Beauty and the Beast as LeFou, Artemis Fowl, and Murder on the Orient Express, and fronted series like Central Park and Avenue 5. Recently, he co-created and starred in the Apple TV+ series Wolf Like Me. He returned to the stage in Gutenberg! The Musical! in 2023 and Broadway fans are eagerly awaiting his next project.

Nikki M. James (Nabulungi)

James earned a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her luminous performance as Nabulungi. Since then, she’s built a wide-ranging career spanning stage and screen. She appeared in Les Misérables (2014 revival), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and received a Tony Award nomination for playing Ida B. Wells in Suffs. On TV, she’s had recurring roles in BrainDead, The Good Wife, Severance, Daredevil: Born Again, and Proven Innocent. She continues to be a beloved Broadway presence and versatile performer.

Rory O’Malley (Elder McKinley)

O’Malley’s hilarious, scene-stealing “Turn It Off” won him a Tony nomination. After Mormon, he starred in Hamilton as King George III on Broadway and on the road, and has appeared in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and American Princess. Beyond acting, he co-founded Broadway Impact, an organization advocating for marriage equality. He remains a champion for social causes and LGBTQ+ rights within the theatre community.

Michael Potts (Mafala Hatimbi)

Potts has built a robust career in both theatre and television. He starred in the Tony-winning revival of The Iceman Cometh alongside Denzel Washington and earned acclaim for The Piano Lesson on Broadway. TV fans know him from The Wire (Brother Mouzone), True Detective, and Show Me a Hero. His career continues to balance powerful stage work with scene-stealing screen roles.

Lewis Cleale (Price’s Dad / Mission President)

A Broadway veteran before Mormon, Cleale has continued working steadily, appearing in The Book of Mormon for several years and in productions like The Fantasticks. He’s also lent his voice to recordings and is a respected name in the theatre community.

Brian Tyree Henry (The General)

An Emmy-nominated American actor best known for his role as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles on Atlanta, Henry has appeared in acclaimed films including If Beale Street Could Talk, Widows, and Bullet Train, earning praise for his versatility and depth.

Categories
Creative

From Stage to Screen: Broadway Stars Who Made It in Hollywood

Broadway has always been a training ground for some of the world’s greatest performers. The discipline, stamina, and craft demanded by the stage often translate beautifully to the camera. Some actors find themselves moving seamlessly between the two worlds, carrying the essence of live performance into their screen roles. Here’s a look at a few who have successfully built careers in both Broadway and Hollywood.

Carrie Coon

Known for her searing stage work in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (for which she earned a Tony nomination), Carrie Coon quickly caught the attention of television and film audiences with The White Lotus, The Leftovers, Fargo, and The Gilded Age. Her ability to bring quiet intensity to both stage and screen has made her one of the most versatile actors of her generation.

Cynthia Nixon

Long before Sex and the City made her a household name, Cynthia Nixon was a Broadway regular—making her debut at age 14 in The Philadelphia Story and famously performing in two Broadway shows simultaneously at age 18 (Hurlyburly and The Real Thing). She later won a Tony Award for Rabbit Hole and continues to balance stage roles with a thriving screen career, most recently on The Gilded Age and reprising Miranda in And Just Like That.

Natalie Portman

Portman made her stage debut in The Diary of Anne Frank on Broadway as a teenager, showcasing early on the depth that would define her film work. While she’s best known for Black Swan (for which she won an Oscar), Jackie, and Star Wars, her theatre roots reflect the training and presence that ground her screen career.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Before she became Carrie Bradshaw, Parker was a Broadway baby, starring in Annie at age 14 and later in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Once Upon a Mattress. Though television cemented her pop-culture status, she frequently returns to the stage, most recently co-starring with Matthew Broderick in Plaza Suite—a reminder that her stage chops remain as sharp as ever.

Meryl Streep

Often hailed as the greatest living actress, Streep began her career in the theatre, including Shakespeare in the Park and Broadway roles before her meteoric rise in film. She has periodically returned to the stage while dominating cinema with performances in Sophie’s Choice, Doubt, The Devil Wears Prada, and August: Osage County—all roles that draw heavily from her stage training.

Denzel Washington

Washington’s towering presence on screen (Training Day, The Book of Eli, Glory) has always been matched by his stage work. He’s taken on some of theatre’s most iconic roles, including Julius Caesar, A Raisin in the Sun, and The Iceman Cometh, and most recently Othello in 2025. His Tony-winning turn in Fences exemplifies how he bridges the worlds of Broadway and Hollywood with equal force.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington, who appeared on Broadway in Race before her breakout television role on Scandal, is set to return to Off-Broadway in The Whoopi Monologues, a production by Whoopi Goldberg at Lincoln Center Theater’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater in July 2026.

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For these performers, the theatre is more than just a career stepping stone—it’s an artistic home. The immediacy of a live audience, the rigor of nightly performance, and the intimacy of the stage all inform their film and television work. As Broadway and Hollywood continue to overlap, these actors prove that great storytelling transcends medium.

Categories
Creative

Broadway Love Triangles Ranked

Hamilton

Nothing stirs the pot in musical theatre quite like a good love triangle. The genre thrives on heightened stakes, soaring voices, and impossible choices – and when romance enters in threes, the drama practically writes itself. Some triangles are tragic, some are messy, some are swoon-worthy, but all are unforgettable when paired with powerhouse vocals.

Here’s a ranking of Broadway’s most iconic love triangles, judged by three criteria: dramatic tension (how badly do we want to know what happens?), vocal fireworks (who belts the house down in the process?), and cultural impact (how much staying power does this triangle have?).

10. Dear Evan Hansen

The unconventional triangle of Evan, the deceased Connor, and Zoe creates a uniquely modern dilemma built on deception and grief. While the stakes are emotionally high – Evan’s lies spiral out of control as he falls for his “best friend’s” sister – the resolution feels more therapeutic than romantic. “For Forever” and “You Will Be Found” showcase contemporary musical theatre vocals, but the triangle itself serves the larger themes of mental health and social media rather than classic romantic tension.

9. Chez Joey (formerly “Pal Joey”)

In Rodgers and Hart’s Pal Joey, Joey Evans (a charming heel) juggles relationships with socialite Vera and ingénue Linda. The “triangle” is less about true romance and more about social climbing, but it sets the template for morally ambiguous Broadway love plots. While the stakes are lighter compared to modern mega-musicals, the songs are lush, jazzy, and sly. “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” remains one of the all-time great torch songs.

8. Sweeney Todd

The twisted triangle of Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Lovett, and his deceased wife Lucy creates one of Broadway’s darkest romantic dynamics. Mrs. Lovett’s obsessive devotion to Sweeney, built on her lie about Lucy’s fate, drives much of the musical’s horror. “By the Sea” reveals Mrs. Lovett’s delusional domestic fantasies, while Sweeney’s “Lucy” shows his haunted devotion. It’s less traditional romance and more psychological thriller, but the vocal demands and Sondheim’s brilliant writing make it unforgettable.

7. Next to Normal

Diana’s struggle with bipolar disorder creates a complex triangle between her, husband Dan, and her idealized psychiatrist Dr. Madden (representing her various doctors and treatments). The “romance” here is really about Diana choosing between the fantasy of a quick fix and the hard work of real healing. “I Am the One” showcases the pull between Dan’s patient love and the seductive promise of medical solutions. While the vocals are more contemporary pop than traditional Broadway belting, the emotional stakes couldn’t be higher.

6. Wicked

The green girl vs. the blonde girl for the same prince. The triangle of Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero is less about romance and more about identity and friendship, but the “drama” of who Fiyero truly belongs with (spoiler: the green one) still keeps audiences invested. What cements Wicked’s placement here are the vocals: “Defying Gravity,” “As Long As You’re Mine,” and “I’m Not That Girl” are showstoppers that have launched countless careers. Few musicals can match the combined belting power required here. The cultural impact is undeniable – this show has redefined what Broadway blockbusters can be.

5. Hamilton

This is a triangle that pulses with both history and heartbreak: Alexander Hamilton, his wife Eliza, and her sister Angelica. It’s less a scandalous tug-of-war and more a portrait of missed opportunities, emotional restraint, and devastating betrayal. Angelica’s “Satisfied” reframes Eliza’s “Helpless” in one of the most ingenious bits of musical storytelling in the 21st century. Add Hamilton’s ultimate lapse with Maria Reynolds, and you’ve got not just a triangle but a full love web that ends in ruin. The vocals – rap, R&B, and Broadway balladry – are uniformly killer, and the cultural impact of Hamilton’s revolutionary approach to casting and music cannot be overstated.

4. Phantom of the Opera

Broadway’s former longest-running show is built entirely on one triangle: Christine torn between childhood sweetheart Raoul and tortured genius Erik, the Phantom. The stakes? Love, freedom, sanity, and sometimes life itself. Phantom thrives on gothic melodrama, with Christine’s “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” and the Phantom’s “Music of the Night” providing vocal catharsis. While the Phantom’s obsession can feel more sinister than romantic to modern audiences—sparking important conversations about consent and toxic relationships—there’s no denying the triangle’s grip on audiences for over three decades.

3. Chess

A Cold War chessboard becomes the backdrop for one of Broadway’s most intense triangles: Florence torn between American champion Freddie and Soviet rival Anatoly. Here, love and politics intersect, and the stakes feel monumental with personal relationships become metaphors for global tensions. Vocally, the score is among the most demanding in the canon: “Nobody’s Side,” “Pity the Child,” and “Anthem” test singers to their absolute limits (Not to mention “I Know Him So Well”). Though Chess has always struggled with its book and has had limited Broadway runs, the combination of high-stakes drama and vocal fireworks should be a must-see for the upcoming revival.

2. Miss Saigon

Kim, Chris, and Ellen form one of the most gut-wrenching Broadway triangles. Kim’s devotion to Chris, Chris’s conflicted love between past and present, and Ellen’s rightful claim as his wife create impossible choices with devastating consequences. “I Still Believe” is practically a masterclass in duet-writing, and Kim’s “I’d Give My Life for You” guarantees tears night after night. The sheer dramatic weight and operatic vocals make this unforgettable, though modern revivals have grappled with questions about cultural representation and the “white savior” narrative that somewhat complicate its legacy.

1. Les Misérables

The gold standard: Marius torn between the ethereal Cosette and the tragically overlooked Éponine. While some argue the outcome is predictable, the tension comes from Éponine’s unrequited devotion and her iconic solo “On My Own” – a song that has become an anthem for anyone who’s ever loved from the sidelines. The love triangle plays against the sweeping backdrop of revolution, amplifying every emotion. Add in Cosette and Marius’s soaring “A Heart Full of Love,” and you have the perfect balance of youthful idealism, heartbreak, and musical brilliance. Les Mis proves that when love triangles are set to powerhouse vocals and universal themes, they can become cultural touchstones that transcend generations.

Categories
Creative

September Broadway Astrology Guide

broadway astrology guide


This month is a character shift. A wardrobe change. An emotional reprise. You’re stepping into autumn with vintage flair and fresh clarity. The past has a few encores left, but the next act is all yours!

Let’s dig into the vault. From Golden Age gems to cult favorites for a retro astrology take. September is all about transition, reflection, and reclaiming your spotlight.

Aries (Mar 21–Apr 19)

Damn Yankees
You’re going all in for the win this month. September’s energy has you tempted by ambition, speed, and a shot at glory. But be careful what you bargain away. Sometimes the game isn’t worth the soul contract.

Taurus (Apr 20–May 20)

She Loves Me
You’re craving romance, routine, and just the right amount of chaos. September feels like a handwritten love letter you weren’t expecting. Don’t rush it. The beauty is in the slow unfolding.

Gemini (May 21–Jun 20)

Company
This month, you’re balancing connection and independence. You’re the friend, the flirt, the questioner. September has you asking: Should I get married? Should I stay single? Should I book a flight to Barcelona? You don’t need answers, just better questions.

Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 22)

Follies
Memory is your scene partner this month. You’re walking through the ruins of old dreams, asking if they still matter. September brings nostalgia, beauty, and a little heartbreak. Let the past perform, but don’t let it direct.

Leo (Jul 23–Aug 22)

Gypsy
It’s time to grab the spotlight and strut. September wants you in full-blown star mode. Just remember: you can razzle-dazzle without steamrolling your ensemble. Lead with heart, not just sequins.

Virgo (Aug 23–Sep 22)

A Chorus Line
It’s audition season in your soul. You’re assessing what fits, what doesn’t, and who gets a callback in your life. September is all about precision, purpose, and figuring out what you really want. God, you hope you get it.

Libra (Sep 23–Oct 22)

My Fair Lady
This month is a glow-up arc. You’re refining your image, polishing your presence, and maybe coaching others in the art of grace. Just be careful not to lose yourself in the transformation. You’re the flower, not just the project.

Scorpio (Oct 23–Nov 21)

Sweeney Todd
Your intensity is showing, and September is the perfect month to sharpen your instincts. Something needs to be cut—just be sure it’s not the people who care about you. Revenge is satisfying. Healing is harder.

Sagittarius (Nov 22–Dec 21)

Pippin
You’re on a quest for meaning again, and September gives you plenty of paths to explore. Don’t let flashy distractions pull you off course. You don’t need a grand finale to prove your worth. Sometimes the simple life is the most extraordinary.

Capricorn (Dec 22–Jan 19)

Sunday in the Park with George
You’re building something beautiful this month; layer by layer, dot by dot. September asks you to trust the process, even when it feels like no one sees the bigger picture. Keep going. You are the art and the artist.

Aquarius (Jan 20–Feb 18)

Hair
You’re channeling the revolution. September wants you wild, expressive, and unapologetically free. You’re not here to play by the rules. You’re here to rewrite the game entirely. Let the sun shine in…and let your weird flag fly.

Pisces (Feb 19–Mar 20)

Carousel
You’re deep in your romantic haze this month, dancing between dreams and disillusionment. September wants you to find beauty in the bittersweet. Don’t wait for a miracle. Be the one who brings it.