Month: December 2025

New York politics has long provided fertile ground for the stage, where ambition, ego, idealism, and controversy naturally lend themselves to drama. This collection examines how Broadway and Off Broadway artists have transformed real New York leaders into compelling theatrical characters, using song, satire, and serious drama to explore the intersection of governance and performance in the city that thrives on both.

Mayor

Based on the memoirs of New York City Mayor Ed Koch, this musical with a book by Warren Leight and music and lyrics by Charles Strouse presents a brisk, satirical portrait of a single day in office. Blending humor with civic commentary, the show captures Koch’s unmistakable voice, outsized personality, and the constant push-and-pull between public service and political survival in 1980s New York. It began its live Off Broadway in 1985 and transferred to Broadway’s Latin Quarter later that year. There’s even a cast recording!

Fritz in Tammany Hall

This turn-of-the-century musical spoof takes aim at New York’s infamous Tammany Hall political machine, using romance and farce to expose the absurdities of corruption and patronage politics. While fictional in its characters, the show reflects very real anxieties and frustrations about city government in the early 1900s when political power often trumped public trust.

Fiorello!

A landmark of political musical theater, Fiorello! chronicles the rise of reform mayor Fiorello La Guardia, charting his battles against the corruption of Tammany Hall, his commitment to immigrant communities, and his relentless energy as a public servant. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and 3 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, it celebrates civic idealism while acknowledging the compromises of political life. Though not seen on Broadway since its original production in 1959, its last major New York production was at New York City Center’s Encores! in 2013.

Jimmy

This musical explores the rise and fall of New York City’s 97th mayor (1926-1932) Jimmy Walker, whose charm, wit, and Jazz Age glamour masked a tenure riddled with corruption and excess. Portrayed as both charismatic and deeply flawed, Walker’s story becomes a cautionary tale about power, celebrity, and the cost of governing by style instead of substance. The show enjoyed a brief run on Broadway in 1969 at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Bella Bella

A dynamic one-woman show set in 1976, Bella Bella brings to life the fierce voice and fearless presence of congresswoman Bella Abzug, who was the first woman to run for US Senate from the state of New York. Through humor, memory, and political reflection, the play celebrates Abzug’s activism, feminism, and unapologetic leadership, highlighting her lasting impact on both New York politics and the national stage. Written by and starring Harvey Fierstein, the show ran Off Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club in 2019.

Just Say No

Yes, there’s a second major theatrical piece about Ed Koch. Larry Kramer’s uncompromising political drama directly confronts Mayor Ed Koch and the Reagan administration for their response to the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Urgent and confrontational, the play uses real figures and real anger to challenge governmental indifference, marking one of the most pointed examples of New York political leadership being put on trial by the theater. Just Say No ran Off Broadway in 1988 and there have been other productions across the country: Chicago in 1999 and LA in 2007.

N/A

Set within the halls of Congress, N/A dramatizes a tense power struggle between two congresswomen, widely viewed as inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi. The play examines generational divides, political branding, and the shifting balance of power in modern politics, using the New York-born congresswoman as a symbol of change within a long-established system. The two-hander premiered Off Broadway at Lincoln Center in 2024 starring Holland Taylor and Ana Villafañe.

Sunrise at Campobello

Dore Schary’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play offers an intimate portrait of New York governor Franklin D. Roosevelt at a pivotal moment in his life, as he confronts the onset of polio while vacationing at Campobello Island. Set years before his presidency, the drama focuses on resilience, family, and political destiny, revealing how personal crisis shaped the leadership style of one of New York’s most influential political figures before he rose to national prominence. The play ran on Broadway at the Cort Theatre in 1958 and was made into a film in 1960.

New York politics have repeatedly proven to be irresistible theatrical material. Whether presented as musical satire, historical biography, or urgent political drama, each piece transforms public office into performance, inviting audiences to see leaders not just as officials, but as characters shaped by ambition, conviction, failure, and change. From reformers and firebrands to scandal-plagued mayors and modern disruptors, Broadway and Off Broadway continue to mine New York’s political history for stories that reflect the city itself: loud, contentious, idealistic, and endlessly dramatic.

New York does the holidays bigger, brighter, and louder than just about anywhere else, and nowhere is that energy more dazzling than on stage. From champagne-soaked Broadway extravaganzas to time-honored seasonal traditions, this year’s holiday theatre lineup offers something for every festive mood. Whether you’re craving roaring-’20s excess, emerald-hued wonder, cozy romance, or classic yuletide grandeur, these shows deliver unforgettable ways to celebrate the season as the city sparkles its way toward the new year.

The Great Gatsby: A 24-Karat Seasonal Sparkle

If your holiday mood board is 50% sequins and 50% jazz, the Broadway Theatre is your North Star. This production is a maximalist’s dream; it’s a tidal wave of 1920s decadence that makes a standard New Year’s Eve party look like a quiet night in. Expect gold-leaf sets, high-octane choreography, and enough fringe to power the entire grid of Midtown. It’s the ultimate party of the century to ring in the end of the year with undeniable style.

For tickets: https://broadwaygatsby.com/

Death Becomes Her: The Immortal Holiday Gala

For those who find the typical family gathering a bit too permanent, the Lunt-Fontanne is hosting the ultimate undead cocktail hour. This show is a masterclass in high-gloss satire and Old Hollywood silhouettes. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants their holiday to feel like a fabulous, slightly cursed gala where the champagne never runs out and the leading ladies literally defy the laws of physics.

For tickets: https://deathbecomesher.com

Wicked: The Emerald City Tradition

The Gershwin Theatre remains the green-and-pink standard for a New York holiday tradition. It’s the theatrical equivalent of a warm coat and a hot chocolate—familiar, grand, and emotionally soaring. The spectacle of Oz feels particularly magical during the holidays, making it the ideal show for multi-generational families looking to experience that “Unlimited” Broadway wonder while navigating the winter crowds of Times Square.

For tickets: https://wickedthemusical.com

Maybe Happy Ending: The Cozy Winter Beat

If you’re looking for something that feels like a soft-glow candle in a snowy window, this musical at the Belasco is a gentle, futuristic romance. Telling the story of two robots discovering love in a retro-tech version of Seoul, it’s a quiet, intimate counter-program to the loud bustle of the city. It’s the perfect date-night show for the person who prefers a record player and a vintage scarf to a loud parade, offering a rare moment of technological sincerity.

For tickets: http://maybehappyending.com/

The Lion King: The Pride Lands Spectacle

For a holiday experience that feels as vast and breathtaking as the city itself, the Minskoff Theatre offers a masterclass in stagecraft. This show remains one of Broadway’s most visually stunning achievements, using puppetry and soaring vocals to create a world that feels both ancient and immediate. It is a celebratory, epic experience that reminds us of the larger cycles of life just as one year ends and another begins.

For tickets: https://lionking.com/

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Precision of the Season

No list of New York holiday opulence is complete without the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. This isn’t just a show; it’s a meticulously polished machine of glamour. From the legendary Parade of the Wooden Soldiers to the high-tech Dance of the Frost Fairies, the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall remains the pinnacle of holiday precision. It offers that rare, massive scale of performance that only Midtown can provide, turning a 90-minute show into a lifelong tradition.

For tickets: https://www.rockettes.com/

For those whose holiday spirit is less sugar-cookie-sweet and more dark, rich, single-barrel bourbon, Company XIV’s Nutcracker Rouge is the subversive antidote to tradition. This Off-Broadway classic in Bushwick explodes the familiar tale into an opulent mix of burlesque, opera, and breathtaking aerial acts. Ditch the polite theater seats and descend into a world of baroque excess, where the Sugar Plum Fairy is redefined with a wink and a corset. It is a hedonistic, high-art celebration designed strictly for the 21-and-over crowd.

For tickets: https://companyxiv.com/about/shows/nutcracker-rouge/

Cirque du Soleil: ‘Twas the Night Before…: A Kinetic Classic

For those who prefer their holiday spirit with a side of gravity-defying wonder, Cirque du Soleil’s festive residency at The Theater at Madison Square Garden is essential. This production takes the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem and explodes it into a flurry of acrobatic storytelling and reimagined holiday hits. It is a high-energy, visual feast that replaces traditional carols with breathtaking stunts, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a modern, high-octane twist on the spirit of the season.

For tickets: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/new-york/twas-the-night-before/buy-tickets

A Christmas Carol: The Essential Spirit of the Season

For the ultimate theatrical grounding of the holiday season, this production offers a timeless reminder of generosity and change. Staged at the new Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) in downtown Manhattan, this is the essential classic that contrasts the glitz of Broadway with a poignant, powerful, and often strikingly dramatic story of redemption.

For tickets: https://pacnyc.org/whats-on/a-christmas-carol/

Musical theatre is full of shows that faded into obscurity while one unforgettable number managed to break free and take on a life of its own. These songs, lifted from short-lived runs, cult favorites, and rarely produced gems, have become staples in audition rooms, cabarets, and recordings despite the modest reputations of the musicals that introduced them. Each one is a reminder that even the most fleeting or overlooked productions can contain moments of brilliance that resonate long after the curtain falls.

“I Remember” from Evening Primrose

Sondheim’s Evening Primrose is almost never seen today, but “I Remember” endures as one of his most delicate, haunting ballads. It’s sung by a woman who has lived hidden away for years and longs for the beauty of the outside world. Sondheim’s lyrics paint vivid, nostalgic images, making the piece a favorite for its emotional depth and quiet ache. The song stands out from the obscure 1966 television musical that birthed it.

“Never Will I Marry” from Greenwillow

“Never Will I Marry,” is one of Broadway’s great gems to emerge from a true flop. Though the show closed after just 95 performances and has rarely been revived, this soaring ballad took on a life of its own, becoming a jazz and cabaret standard recorded by everyone from Nancy Wilson to Barbra Streisand and Linda Ronstadt. Greenwillow may have faded quickly, but “Never Will I Marry” endures as the show’s lasting legacy—proof that even Broadway’s briefest failures can produce unforgettable music.

“Meadowlark” from The Baker’s Wife

This soaring ballad has become a musical theatre staple, even though The Baker’s Wife famously never made it to Broadway. “Meadowlark” is a sweeping storytelling song in which Geneviève debates whether to stay in a stagnant marriage or chase a passionate new life. The song uses a fable-like metaphor to explore courage, desire, and the cost of change, making it one of Stephen Schwartz’s most performed stand-alone pieces.

“Stars and the Moon” from Songs for a New World

Though Jason Robert Brown’s song cycle has a devoted niche following, this piece became a breakout hit all its own. “Stars and the Moon” is a reflective solo in which a woman recounts turning down love in pursuit of wealth and status, only to realize too late that she sacrificed true happiness. Its wry, confessional storytelling helped “Stars and the Moon” become a cabaret standard, eclipsing the obscurity of the show that introduced it. Jason Robert Brown pairs conversational storytelling with deep emotional resonance, making it a modern musical theatre classic.

“Loving You” from Passion

Though Passion was one of Stephen Sondheim’s more polarizing and lesser-attended works, “Loving You” emerged as the breakout gem—an unexpected standard from an otherwise challenging show. Sung by Fosca, the ballad distills the musical’s intense themes into something starkly beautiful and universally resonant. Its simplicity, emotional clarity, and haunting melody helped the song live far beyond the production itself, becoming a favorite in concerts, cabarets, and recordings. “Loving You” proves that even from Broadway’s most uncompromising shows, a classic can rise.

“Life of the Party” from The Wild Party (Lippa)

Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party enjoys cult status more than commercial fame, yet “Life of the Party” has become a go-to showcase for dynamic belters. Its electric energy has helped it escape the shadow of the rarely produced show it hails from. A bold, brassy showcase sung by Kate as she revels in attention, charisma, and the intoxicating thrill of being irresistible. It’s a high-energy, vocally demanding number that captures the show’s decadent, dangerous atmosphere.

“The Spark of Creation” from Children of Eden

Children of Eden is rarely produced at a large scale, but this song is universally beloved. Eve’s driving declaration of curiosity and courage has made “The Spark of Creation” one of Stephen Schwartz’s most enduring numbers, far outliving its little-known show. It’s an anthem of curiosity and self-discovery, often embraced for its inspirational message and soaring melody.

“Astonishing” from Little Women

While Little Women didn’t leave a major mark on Broadway, “Astonishing” soared beyond it. Jo March’s fierce declaration of ambition and refusal to settle for an ordinary life turned into a modern empowerment anthem, becoming far more famous than the short-lived musical that introduced it. The song builds from introspection to a belt-driven climax, becoming a signature anthem for strong, determined heroines.

“Goodbye” from Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can came and went quickly, but “Goodbye” gained a second life as a stunning pop-theatre standard. A breakout ballad in which Frank Jr. confronts his lies, regrets, and the consequences of his runaway lifestyle. It’s a powerful, bittersweet farewell that combines pop-rock sensibilities with genuine vulnerability. Its emotional punch and contemporary style have made it a favorite among performers.

When The Lion King roared onto Broadway in 1997, Julie Taymor’s visionary production redefined what musical theatre could be. Its original company helped build one of Broadway’s most iconic productions. Nearly three decades later, here’s where those groundbreaking performers are now.

Jason Raize (Simba)

Jason Raize became an overnight Broadway star as the original Simba, earning acclaim for his powerful voice and presence. After leaving the show, he pursued recording projects, voiceover work, including Denahi in another Disney project Brother Bear, and environmental advocacy with the United Nations Environment Programme. His life ended tragically in 2004, but his legacy as Simba remains a cherished part of Broadway history.

Heather Headley (Nala)

Heather Headley’s Broadway debut as Nala launched a remarkable career. She went on to win a Tony Award for Aida, release several studio albums (winning one Grammy), star on the small screen in Chicago Med and She’s Gotta Have It, and lead the West End production of The Bodyguard. Most recently she made her long awaited return to Broadway in the 2016 revival of The Color Purple and 2022 revival of Into the Woods. Today she continues to balance concert tours, acting roles, and family life while remaining one of theatre’s most celebrated vocalists.

Tsidii Le Loka (Rafiki)

Tsidii Le Loka originated Rafiki and played the role for nearly two years, earning a Tony nomination for her electrifying performance and contributing original musical material that helped shape the show’s sound. After The Lion King, she continued performing in the US and internationally, composing new works, and championing African arts education and cultural heritage. In 2018, NYC Mayor de Blasio named September 26th as Tsidii Le Loka day in honor of her work as an artist an humanitarian. Her groundbreaking portrayal remains one of the most celebrated elements of the original production.

Samuel E. Wright (Mufasa)

Already beloved as the voice of Sebastian in The Little Mermaid film, voicing “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” Samuel E. Wright brought warmth and gravitas to Mufasa. After his Broadway run, he founded an arts academy in upstate New York. Wright passed away in 2021, leaving behind a lasting impact on generations of young performers.

John Vickery (Scar)

John Vickery originated Scar with a sophisticated, razor-sharp performance. In the years that followed, he appeared in Wicked, multiple regional productions, and television series including several Star Trek installments. He remains active in stage work and voice acting.

Christopher Jackson (Ensemble / Simba Understudy → Simba)

Christopher Jackson began in the original company as an ensemble member and Simba understudy, eventually taking over the role full-time. He went on to originate Benny in In the Heights and George Washington in Hamilton, earning a Tony nomination. Today he is a celebrated stage and screen actor and an Emmy-winning composer for television.