Platt and Zegler to bring ‘L5Y’ to NY and LA, Broadway casting news, Off-Broadway Week shows announced

Every week, Matt Tamanini will bring you the biggest news from across the theatrical landscape and will prepare you for what’s ahead over the next seven days.

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Matt Tamanini: [email protected] | @BroadwayRadio

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For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

1) Ben Platt, Rachel Zegler to lead ‘The Last Five Years’ Concert in NYC, LA
https://deadline.com/2026/02/ben-platt-rachel-zegler-last-five-years-concert-1236707776/

2) Broadway show and casting news

Anika Noni Rose to replace Renée Elise Goldsberry in ‘The Balusters’
https://deadline.com/2026/02/anika-noni-rose-broadway-balusters-renee-elise-goldsberry-1236711103/

Lauren Patten, Madeline Brewer join ‘Becky Shaw’ on Broadway
https://deadline.com/2026/02/madeline-brewer-lauren-patten-broadway-becky-shaw-1236708792/

Full casting announced for ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ on Broadway
https://playbill.com/article/complete-casting-revealed-for-dog-day-afternoon-on-broadway

Olympic medalist Laurie Hernandez to make Broadway debut in ‘& Juliet’
https://www.broadwaynews.com/olympic-gold-medalist-laurie-hernandez-to-make-broadway-debut-in-juliet/

3) Off-Broadway news

Fisher, James, Karl to join ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Off-Broadway
https://playbill.com/article/jordan-fisher-nikki-m-james-andy-karl-will-join-little-shop-of-horrors-off-broadway

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ extends Off-Broadway
https://playbill.com/article/spelling-bee-revival-gets-another-extension-off-broadway

Johnson, Piser to star in ‘Heated Rivalry’ parody musical
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/HEATED-RIVALRY-Parody-Musical-to-Star-Jay-Armstrong-Johnson-Zachary-Piser-20260202

Shows announced for 2026 Off-Broadway Week
https://playbill.com/article/mexodus-data-the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee-more-included-in-off-broadway-week-ticket-deal

4) This week’s theatrical schedule

Wednesday, Feb. 11
Opening: ’11 to Midnight’ Off-Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre
https://www.11tomidnight.com/ 

Opening: ‘The Monsters’ Off-Broadway from Manhattan Theatre Club
https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/2025-26-season/the-monsters/ 

Previews: ‘BIGFOOT!’ Off-Broadway from Manhattan Theatre Club
https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/2025-26-season/bigfoot/ 

Watch a preview of ‘BIGFOOT!’
https://playbill.com/article/video-exclusive-the-cast-of-bigfoot-the-musical-perform-muddirt-introduced-by-amber-ruffin 

Previews: ‘Meat suit, or the shitshow of motherhood’ Off-Broadway at Signature Center
https://2st.com/shows/meat-suit 

Thursday, Feb. 12
Opening: ‘The Unknown’ Off-Broadway at Studio Seaview
https://studioseaview.com/show/the-unknown/ 

Previews: ‘You Got Older’ Off-Broadway at Cherry Lane Theatre
https://cherrylanetheatre.org/shows/ygo 

Friday, Feb. 13
Previews: ‘Blood/Love’ Off-Broadway at Theater 555
https://bloodlove.com/ 

Saturday, Feb. 14
Previews: ‘Night Side Songs’ Off-Broadway from Lincoln Center Theater
https://www.lct.org/shows/night-side-songs/ 

Opening: ‘The Tragedy of Coriolanus’ Off-Broadway at Theatre for a New Audience
https://tfana.org/events/the-tragedy-of-coriolanus-2026-02-08-730-pm 

Sunday, Feb. 15
Opening: ‘The Waterfall’ Off-Broadway from WP Theater
https://wptheater.org/show/the-waterfall/ 

Closing: ‘Marjorie Prime’ on Broadway
https://2st.com/shows/marjorie-prime 

Closing: ‘High Spirits’ at City Center Encores
https://www.nycitycenter.org/events-tickets/2026-encores-series

Closing: ‘The Honey Trap’ Off-Broadway Irish Rep
https://irishrep.org/whats-on/the-honey-trap 

Closing: ‘Watch Me Walk’ Off-Broadway from Playwrights Horizons
https://sohorep.org/shows/watch-me-walk/ 

James Marino and Michael Portantiere chat with Tim Weil about his new book “Making Rent: The Story Behind the Music that Changed Broadway”. Peter Filichia reviews Ivanov @ Royal Family Theater. Michael reviews Loewe & Behold @ Library of Congress, Love in a Plague @ Out/Play Series, Finding Dorothy Parker @ Laurie Beechman Theatre, and The Met Orchestra @ Carnegie Hall.

photo of Tim Weil credit: Michael Kushner

“This Week on Broadway” has been coming to you every week since 2009. It is the longest-running running Broadway and theatrical podcast with hundreds of shows giving thousands of reviews and interviews.

Subscribe to BroadwayRadio in Apple Podcasts by CLICKING HERE.

Support BroadwayRadio on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

Patreon listeners get This Week on Broadway first, on Sunday afternoon before it is released to the general public on Sunday evening.

Panel:

Peter Filichia | [email protected] | Facebook
PETER FILICHIA is a playwright, journalist, and historian with a number of books. Peter’s new day-by-day desk calendar – A SHOW TUNE FOR TODAY – 366 Songs to Brighten Your Year – is available at finer retailers! Peter also has columns at Masterworks Broadway, Broadway Select, and many other places.

Showtune for Today:

Michael Portantiere | [email protected] | Facebook
MICHAEL PORTANTIERE is a theater reviewer and interviewer. The founder and editor of CastAlbumReviews.com. He is also a theatrical photographer whose photos have appeared in The New York Times and other publications, and he writes reviews of cabaret shows for NiteLifeExchange.com. Additionally, Michael is known as a producer and director of shows at 54 Below, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and other venues.

James Marino | [email protected] | Facebook
BroadwayStars

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Pre:

Jan Simpson’s Stagecraft: Matthew Libby on “Data” available this week for the general public

Last Week on Broadway: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026

Broadway Grosses Report: Feb. 4, 2026

Special Episode: Allison Bailey on life in the bubble and building her cabaret debut

Today on Broadway: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026: ‘Moulin Rouge’ to close in July

Guest: Tim Weil IBDB | BroadwayWorld | Playbill

Tim Weil is a musical director, composer, arranger, and orchestrator who has worked on more than one hundred productions in New York City and around the world, including Rent, Shrek the Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, and Sally Marr . . . and Her Escorts. His work in film includes Camp and The Marc Pease Experience and he composed songs for the children’s television shows Sheep in the Big City and Bear in the Big Blue House. Tim lives with his wife, the actor Randy Graff, in New Jersey.

Neil Patrick Harris is a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, director, and producer who has appeared on Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Assassins, and Proof. He starred as Mark Cohen in the 1997 National Tour of Rent and directed Rent at the Hollywood Bowl in 2010. He lives in New York City.

Jennifer Ashley Tepper is a musical theater historian and the author of Women Writing Musicals and The Untold Stories of Broadway. She conceived The Jonathan Larson Project, an off-Broadway musical showcasing previously unheard works by the late composer, and was the historian consultant on the Jonathan Larson biopic tick, tick… BOOM! She lives in New York City. [Apollo Publishers]

You can get Tim’s book here:

Bookshop.org

Drama Book Shop

Amazon

This Week on Broadway for February 2, 2014: Randy Graff

RENT AT NYU STEINHARDT, Feb. 12-15 at Frederick Loewe Theatre, 35 West 4th St.

Reviews:

PF: Ivanov @ Royal Family Theater

MP: Loewe & Behold @ Library of Congress
Ted Sperling, music director, host, and piano
Jonathan Christopher, voice
Bryonha Marie, voice,
John Riddle , voice
Scarlett Strallen , voice

Frederick Loewe’s legendary Broadway shows include “Brigadoon,” “Camelot,” and “My Fair Lady,” and his memorable songs like “I Could Have Danced All Night,” and “If Ever I Would Leave You” have become enduring classics. Tony Award-winning music director Ted Sperling brings a starry cast, including Scarlett Strallen, Bryonha Marie, Jonathan Christopher, and John Riddle, to showcase both the composer’s well-known works and rarities from the Library’s Loewe Collection that includes early German works, cut songs, and pieces written with various collaborators. Join for a pre-concert conversation with the artists at 6:30 p.m. in the Whittall Pavilion.

Made possible in part through the generous support of the Frederick Loewe Foundation.

Loewe & Behold: Revelations from the Frederick Loewe Collection
Monday, February 02, 2026
Thomas Jefferson Building – Coolidge Auditorium
10 1st Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
Part of Concerts from the Library of Congress

MP: Love in a Plague @ Out/Play Series

MP: Finding Dorothy Parker @ Laurie Beechman Theatre

Finding Dorothy Parker Sets 3rd Run at Laurie Beechman Theatre by Logan Culwell-Block
The performances will be the last chance to see original stars Ann Harada, Julie Halston, Jackie Hoffman, and Anika Larsen performing the legendary wit’s own words.

MP: The Met Orchestra @ Carnegie Hall, February 4, 2026
In 1934 at Carnegie Hall, Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony received its New York premiere, which was met with wild enthusiasm by audiences…

News:

Future Episodes:

Next week: Jan Simpson joins the panel

Peter’s Brainteaser:

This performer appeared on Broadway in a musical that was considered so bad that it closed during previews.

A bit more than six years later, the same performer appeared in a movie musical that did open, but was by and large considered as bad as that stage musical.

Hint! In the film, this performer and the character shared the same first name.

Who’s the performer and what are the properties?

Michael’s Musical Moments

Music Opener: “Rent”

Music Closer: “Finale B – “No Day But Today”

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‘Moulin Rouge’ announces a summer closing date; what could take the Hirschfeld next?

Patreon: BroadwayRadio
https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

On today’s episode, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with someone you very well might have seen in pink and blue dresses, descending from the sky in bubbles across the country and on Broadway, Allison Bailey. Not only is Allison currently in the midst of a two-week return to the “Wicked” tour, but she is also preparing for her solo cabaret debut at 54 Below later this month.

In their conversation, Allison tells Matt about how special being a part of the “Wicked” family has been for nearly a decade, especially during the release of the movies, and also how she is looking back at her life and career to piece together the set list for her concert.

Allison will be joined by friends Casey Cott, Lauren Paley, and Talia Suskauer in the show, and she gives Matt a little sneak peek at what those collaborations will look like.

Purchase tickets to see Allison Bailey at 54 Below on Monday, Feb. 23:
https://54below.org/events/allison-bailey/

Breaking down the Broadway grosses for the week ending Feb. 1, 2026

Patreon: BroadwayRadio
https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

Last week’s Broadway grosses:
https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson

The Stagecraft podcast is hosted by Jan Simpson. It is a series of interviews with playwrights (and musical book writers) of shows opening on Broadway and off-Broadway.

Matthew Libby’s new play DATA pulls back the curtain on Silicon Valley’s darkest ambitions. When a brilliant young programmer learns his own algorithm is the key to a massive AI surveillance project, he’s forced to challenge the tech world he once dreamt of joining. Confronting today’s most controversial headlines, this thriller follows the terrifying choices at our fingertips—and the high cost of disrupting a system that tracks your every move.

DATA, directed by Tyne Rafaeli (Weather Girl, Becoming Eve), stars Karan Brar (“Jessie”) reprising his role from the Arena Stage production, as Maneesh, as well as Brandon Flynn (“13 Reasons Why”) as Jonah, Sophia Lillis (“All Her Fault”) as Riley, and Justin H. Min (“The Umbrella Academy”) as Alex.

DATA at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher St.)
JAN 9 – MARCH 29, 2026

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

Jan Simpson | [email protected] | Facebook | Twitter
Broadway & Me
Jan Simpson is a theater journalist who writes the blog Broadway& Me and hosts the BroadwayRadio podcasts Stagecraft and All The Drama. She has thrice served as a Pulitzer Prize juror.

The Tonys are heading back to Radio City, ‘Rocky Horror’ finds phenomenal cast, could ‘Bug’ be on the move?

Every week, Matt Tamanini will bring you the biggest news from across the theatrical landscape and will prepare you for what’s ahead over the next seven days.

Any and all feedback is appreciated:
Matt Tamanini: [email protected] | @BroadwayRadio

Patreon: BroadwayRadio
https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

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1) 2026 Tony Awards sets official calendar
https://deadline.com/2026/01/tony-awards-2026-date-venue-1236696849/

2) Eclectic stars set for Broadway revival of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’
https://deadline.com/2026/01/rocky-horror-show-broadway-cast-rachel-dratch-juliette-lewis-1236700480/

3) ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ announces additional casting
https://www.broadwaynews.com/cats-the-jellicle-ball-announces-complete-broadway-cast/

4) Eva Noblezada delays ‘Great Gatsby’ return due to vocal injury
https://broadwaydirect.com/eva-noblezada-postpones-return-date-to-the-great-gatsby/

5) ‘Bug’ extends on Broadway again; could a move be in the cards?
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BUG-on-Broadway-Starring-Carrie-Coon-Extends-for-a-Second-Time-20260126

6) Obie Awards announce 2025 winners
https://playbill.com/article/crystal-lucas-perry-sam-pinkleton-more-win-2026-obie-awards-see-the-full-list-of-winners

7) Malone, Rodriguez, Gravitte to lead ‘Starstruck’ world premiere
https://playbill.com/article/beth-malone-krysta-rodriguez-sam-gravitte-more-cast-in-world-premiere-of-starstruck-musical

8) ‘The Outsiders’ recoups on Broadway
https://deadline.com/2026/01/the-outsiders-broadway-recoup-1236698348/

9) Danya Taymor to direct ‘John Proctor Is the Villain’ movie
https://deadline.com/2026/01/john-proctor-is-the-villain-movie-universal-danya-taymor-1236702547/

10) Irish Rep to stream ‘Honey Trap’ this month
https://playbill.com/article/irish-reps-the-honey-trap-to-stream-on-demand

11) This week’s theatrical schedule

Tuesday, Feb. 3
Previews: ‘Mother Russia’ Off-Broadway from Signature Theatre
https://signaturetheatre.org/show/mother-russia/ 

Wednesday, Feb. 4
Performances: ‘High Spirits’ from New York City Center Encores
https://www.nycitycenter.org/events-tickets/2026-encores-series/ 

Previews: ‘The Dinosaurs’ Off-Broadway from Playwrights Horizons
https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/shows/production-history/2020s/2526/dinosaurs 

Previews: ‘What We Did Before Our Moth Days’ Off-Broadway at Greenwich House Theatre
https://mothdays.com/ 

Thursday, Feb. 5
Previews: ‘Chinese Republicans’ Off-Broadway from Roundabout Theatre Company
https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/get-tickets/2025-2026-season/chinese-republicans 

Previews: ‘Marcel on the Train’ Off-Broadway from Classic Stage Company
https://www.classicstage.org/marcel-on-the-train/ 

Previews: ‘The Reservoir’ Off-Broadway from Atlantic Theatre Company
https://atlantictheater.org/production/the-reservoir/ 

Sunday, Feb. 8
Closing: ‘Oedipus’ on Broadway
https://oedipustheplay.com/ 

Peter Filichia, James Marino, and Michael Portantiere review Data @ The Lucille Lortel Theatre, New Jersey Repertory Company’s The Bookstore @ 59e59, Newsies @ Argyle Theatre, Philosophy Productions — Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler @ Theatre Row, New York Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel at Radio City Music Hall, and Blackout Songs @ The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space.

Photo Caption: Arielle Goldman, Janet Zarish, Quentin Chisholm, and Ari Derambakhsh in THE BOOKSTORE Photo: Hunter Canning

“This Week on Broadway” has been coming to you every week since 2009. It is the longest-running running Broadway and theatrical podcast with hundreds of shows giving thousands of reviews and interviews.

Subscribe to BroadwayRadio in Apple Podcasts by CLICKING HERE.

Support BroadwayRadio on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

Patreon listeners get This Week on Broadway first, on Sunday afternoon before it is released to the general public on Sunday evening.

Panel:

Peter Filichia | [email protected] | Facebook
PETER FILICHIA is a playwright, journalist, and historian with a number of books. Peter’s new day-by-day desk calendar – A SHOW TUNE FOR TODAY – 366 Songs to Brighten Your Year – is available at finer retailers! Peter also has columns at Masterworks Broadway, Broadway Select, and many other places.

Showtune for Today: Freedom from Shenandoah

Michael Portantiere | [email protected] | Facebook
MICHAEL PORTANTIERE is a theater reviewer and interviewer. The founder and editor of CastAlbumReviews.com. He is also a theatrical photographer whose photos have appeared in The New York Times and other publications, and he writes reviews of cabaret shows for NiteLifeExchange.com. Additionally, Michael is known as a producer and director of shows at 54 Below, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and other venues.

James Marino | [email protected] | Facebook
BroadwayStars

Note: This week we had listeners join us while recording. These listeners are Patreon members who support BroadwayRadio. If you would like to join us in the future, become a supporter at Patreon.com/BroadwayRadio.

Sponsor:

Pre:

Jan Simpson’s Stagecraft: Matthew Libby on “Data” available for Patreon, later this week for the general public

In Review: ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ National Tour at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando

Reviews:

MP: Data @ The Lucille Lortel Theatre, through March 29, 2026
The new play, directed by Tyne Rafaeli (Weather Girl, Becoming Eve), stars Karan Brar (“Jessie”) reprising his role from the Arena Stage production, as Maneesh, as well as Brandon Flynn (“13 Reasons Why”) as Jonah, Sophia Lillis (“All Her Fault”) as Riley, and Justin H. Min (“The Umbrella Academy”) as Alex. Rishi Golani and Lexi Lapp join the company as understudies.

Peter reviewed Data last week

Photo Caption: Arielle Goldman, Janet Zarish, and Ari Derambakhsh in THE BOOKSTORE Photo: Hunter Canning

PF: New Jersey Repertory Company’s The Bookstore @ 59e59, through February 15, 2026
By Michael Walek
Directed by William Carden

With Quentin Chisholm, Ari Derambakhsh, Arielle Goldman, and Janet Zarish

“When God closes a door, she opens a bookstore.”

Indie bookstore owner Carey has a special gift for recommending the perfect book.

While trying to survive in New York City, she has created a found family of coworkers who unite over their passion for literature – and a glass of wine. This band of misfits turn the pages of their lives and learn to navigate the plot twists that are thrown their way.

A love letter to small bookstores and the bibliophiles who make them a home.

NJRep Website

New Jersey Repertory Company
NJ Rep’s mission is to develop and produce new plays and to make a lasting contribution to the American Stage, and to act as a catalyst for the revitalization and redevelopment of our community.

MP: Newsies @ Argyle Theatre, through March 22, 2026

Seizing the day in spectacular fashion, Long Island’s largest year-round professional theatrical venue The Argyle Theatre (Mark and Dylan Perlman, Executive Producers & Managing Partners; Evan Pappas, Artistic Director) is thrilled to announce the stars of their upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies, directed by Tommy Ranieri, choreographed by Trent Soyster, with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. Performances begin Thursday, January 29, 2026, and run through March 22, 2026.

Joining the previously announced cast of Mason Ballard (Regional: Bonnie & Clyde) as Jack Kelly, Cara Rose DiPietro (Regional: Little Shop of Horrors) as Katherine Plumber, Keyon Pickett ( Hallmarks’s “A Christmas Love Story”) as Davey, Jeremy DerMovsesian (Regional: Saturday Night Fever) as Crutchie, Arielle Faye Beane (Argyle’s Mary Poppins) as Medda Larkin, and Andrew Foote (National Tour: Jekyll & Hyde) as Joseph Pulitzer are Sean Joseph Condenzio, Shea Curran (Regional: MEMPHIS), Kevin Dennis (Broadway: Paradise Square Argyle’s Rock of Ages), Mikey LoBalsamo (Regional: Murder on the Orient Express), Chris Donovan (Regional: Come From Away Argyle’s Music Man), Michael Di Leo (Regional: La Cage aux Folles), Sam O’Neill (Regional: Rock of Ages), Leroy Thompson, Immanuel Amalio Rodriguez (Regional: Gypsy), Garrison Hunt (Regional: Come From Away Argyle’s Music Man), Cole Hong Sisser (Regional: Jagged Little Pill ), Maclain Rhine (Regional: Grease), Errol Service Jr. (Regional: Pretty Woman), Ryan Wong (Regional: The King and I), Carson P. Zoch (National Tour: Shrek the Musical), Noah Lytle (National Tour: The Addams Family), Ryan Schaefer (NYC: Bodas de Blood), Jillian Reef (Regional: Young Frankenstein), Zoë Lewis-McLean (Regional: Waitress) with Swings: Rhagan Carter (Regional: White Christmas), Jacob Lill (Regional: On the Town), Nathaniel Dickson (Film: Dear Dad)

Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenage “newsies.” When powerful publishing titans raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.

Based on the 1992 Disney film and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act), lyrics by Jack Feldman, and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring beloved songs such as “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills, breathtaking choreography, and a powerful, uplifting message—making it the perfect show for audiences of all ages.

“This cast is stacked with powerhouse performers and fearless storytellers,” said Evan Pappas, Artistic Director of The Argyle Theatre. “Together, they embody the passion, grit, and sense of community that makes Newsies such an enduring and exhilarating theatrical experience.”

The creative team includes Tommy Ranieri (Director), Trent Soyster (Choreographer), Jonathan Brenner (Musical Director), Christian Fleming (Scenic Design), Cameron Filepas (Lighting Design), Amanda Scanze (Costume Design), Kimberly S. O’Loughlin (Sound Design), Holly Romero (Hair/Wig/Makeup Design), Callie Hester (Props Design), and Russ Brown (Music Coordinator). The production team includes Daniel Vaughn (Production Stage Manager), Gabrielle P. Guagenti (Assistant Stage Manager), and Pat Downes (Technical Director). Casting Director is Michael Cassara, CSA.

Up next: The Prince of Egypt April 16 – June 7, 2026

PF: Philosophy Productions — Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler @ Theatre Row, through February 22, 2026

Based on a remarkable true story, Hans Litten centers on the brilliant young Jewish lawyer who, in 1931, did the seemingly impossible: he called Adolf Hitler to the witness stand and publicly exposed the future dictator’s embrace of political violence—two years before Hitler rose to power. It remains one of the most audacious legal confrontations of the 20th century.

The play moves from the charged atmosphere of Berlin courtrooms to the brutal reality of Nazi concentration camps, tracing Litten’s unwavering commitment to justice, reason, and human dignity. Refusing to remain silent in the face of rising authoritarianism, Litten risks—and ultimately sacrifices—his life for the rule of law.

At once intellectually thrilling and emotionally devastating, Hans Litten: The Jew Who Cross-Examined Hitler is a powerful reminder of how fragile democracy can be, and how profound the impact of individual moral courage remains. As questions of justice, truth, and authoritarianism reverberate across the modern world, Litten’s story feels not only urgent—but essential.

MP: New York Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel at Radio City Music Hall, Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Due to the winter storm, this performance has been rescheduled to Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Current ticketholders’ tickets will be valid for the rescheduled performance and no action is required. For further inquiries, current attendees may call 1-800-653-800 for assistance.

For the first time, the New York Philharmonic will perform live at Radio City Music Hall, the first concert to utilize the iconic venue’s groundbreaking new audio system — Sphere Immersive Sound. Gustavo Dudamel — Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music & Artistic Director Designate — will conduct wide-ranging works including Gershwin’s An American in Paris, a waltz from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Strauss’s Blue Danube, the Overture from Bernstein’s Wonderful Town, and Jessie Montgomery’s Strum.

MP: Blackout Songs @ The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space, through February 28, 2026

The U.S. premiere of Olivier-nominated play Blackout Songs, which introduces American audiences to two-time Olivier-nominated writer Joe White. Running Jan 15 – Feb 28, with an opening set for Jan 27, Blackout Songs also marks the American stage debut of Abbey Lee (Mad Max: Fury Road, Netflix’s Black Rabbit) and the New York stage debut of Owen Teague (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Eileen) who star in this unflinching study of love, addiction, and memory. Directed by Rory McGregor (The Wasp, Tender Napalm), this strictly limited 6-week engagement runs at The Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater in The Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space (511 W 52nd St).

Blackout Songs is an achingly intimate portrait of two people in love, addicted, and bound to each other. After a chance encounter at an AA meeting, a decade-long affair blazes through ecstasy, relapse, and recovery – chasing the impossible hope that the same person who breaks you might also be the one that saves you.

Blackout Songs is the most recent production of Regular People whose accomplishments include the New York Times critic’s pick production of Bubba Weiler’s Well, I’ll Let You Go and the two-time Drama Desk Award-winning production of Ken Urban’s Danger and Opportunity.

News:

Apr 26, 2026: 2025-2026 Tony Awards Eligibility Cut-Off
Apr 26, 2026: Drama Desk Cut-Off
Apr 29, 2026: Drama Desk Nominations
May 05, 2026: 2025-2026 Tony Awards Nominations Announced
May 17, 2026: The 70th Drama Desk Awards – The Town Hall
June 02, 2026 (Tuesday afternoon) The Theatre World Awards
Jun 07, 2026: 79th Annual Tony Awards – Radio City Music Hall

Tony Awards Schedule and Venue

Drama Desk Schedule and Venue

From All That Chat — Liberation @ James Earl Jones Theatre house management unable to get ticket holders into seats before curtain

Melania: The Musical not far behind the movie?

Future Episodes:

Peter’s Brainteaser:

On November 7, 2025, the result of a game in the National Hockey League could be said to somewhat describe – somewhat describe — what happened in a very famous Tony-losing Broadway musical.

What was it?

Michael’s Musical Moments

Music Opener: Wonderful Town overture, conducted by Lehman Engel

Music Closer: On the Town, “Times Square Ballet,” Leonard Bernstein/New York Philharmonic

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Matt reviews the national tour of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ in Orlando, Florida

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For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

On Wednesday, Jan. 28, BroadwayRadio’s Matt Tamanini attended the opening night of the “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” national tour at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida.

The show will play Orlando through Sunday, Feb. 15. To purchase tickets to see the show at the Dr. Phillips Center, click here:
https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2026/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child/
Using the promo code POTTER10, guests can receive 10% off tickets at checkout.

Breaking down the Broadway grosses for the week ending Jan. 25, 2026

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For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

Last week’s Broadway grosses:
https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/

Jeremy Jordan to replace Groff, ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ reveals seating, tons of star-studded show and casting news

Every week, Matt Tamanini will bring you the biggest news from across the theatrical landscape and will prepare you for what’s ahead over the next seven days.

Any and all feedback is appreciated:
Matt Tamanini: [email protected] | @BroadwayRadio

Patreon: BroadwayRadio
https://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the episode name.

1) Jeremy Jordan to succeed Jonathan Groff in ‘Just in Time’
https://www.broadwaynews.com/jeremy-jordan-to-take-over-the-role-of-bobby-darin-in-just-in-time-on-broadway/

2) Mark Consuelos, Tracee Chimo, Christopher Fitzgerald, Aasif Mandvi join ‘Fallen Angels’ on Broadway
https://deadline.com/2026/01/fallen-angels-broadway-cast-mark-consuelos-1236691468/

3) ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ reveals seating arrangements
https://www.omdkc.com/runway-seating-for-cats-the-jellicle-ball-on-broadway-on-sale-now/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DTvvL1RglyP/?hl=en&img_index=2

4) ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ announces additional casting
https://playbill.com/article/john-ortiz-jessica-hecht-spencer-garrett-join-broadways-dog-day-afternoon

5) Jasmine Forsberg to return to ‘SIX’
https://www.broadwaynews.com/jasmine-forsberg-to-return-to-six-the-musical-on-broadway-as-jane-seymour/

Producers condemn online buying following Dylan Mulvaney casting announcement
https://deadline.com/2026/01/dylan-mulvaney-six-broadway-1236691816/

6) ‘Oh, Mary!’ to launch national tour this fall
https://deadline.com/2026/01/oh-mary-broadway-national-tour-1236691625/

7) Mykal Kilgore, Greg Hildreth, more to join ‘Chicago’ on Broadway
https://www.theatermania.com/news/chicago-to-welcome-nearly-a-dozen-new-cast-members-this-winter_1821269/

8) ‘Mexodus’ to return Off-Broadway this spring
https://www.broadway.com/buzz/206602/mexodus-to-return-for-limited-engagement-off-broadway-this-spring/

9) ‘Music City’ to return Off-Broadway this spring
https://deadline.com/2026/01/music-city-off-broadway-j-t-harding-1236690521/

10) ‘Magic Mike Live’ to debut in New York this fall
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/channing-tatum-magic-mike-live-comes-to-new-york-1236478454/

11) Testa, de Jesus to lead ‘Night Side Songs’ Off-Broadway at LCT
https://playbill.com/article/robin-de-jesus-jonathan-raviv-mary-testa-more-will-lead-night-side-songs-off-broadway-for-lct

12) ‘Masquerade’ announces 14-week extension, new casting additions
https://www.broadway.com/buzz/206617/a-chance-to-dream-again-masquerade-announces-14-week-extension-new-casting/

13) This week’s theatrical schedule

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Previews: ’11 to Midnight’ Off-Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre
https://www.11tomidnight.com/ 

Opening: ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando
https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2026/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child/ 

Sunday, Feb. 1

Previews: ‘The Tragedy of Coriolanus’ Off-Broadway at Theatre for a New Audience
https://tfana.org/events/the-tragedy-of-coriolanus-2026-02-01-730-pm 

Closing: ‘Liberation’ on Broadway
https://liberationbway.com/ 

Closing: ‘Mamma Mia!’ on Broadway
https://mammamiabway.com/ 

Closing: ‘Anna Christie’ Off-Broadway at St. Ann’s Warehouse
https://stannswarehouse.org/show/anna-christie/