Random Thoughts on the 25-26 Season (Long)

[JT2030]

Posted: 5/1/26 at 8:34pm

As Tony-time approaches and the predictions all start, wanted to share some random thoughts I had about this season on a too-long train ride back home:

* Overall --- this season was certainly a bit of an odd one. But putting the legitimate questions about ticket prices / tourism to NY / overall economics of producing aside -- I'd grade it a very solid "B". I don't feel like we were starved for content, though I also would've liked to have seen more new musicals. But we had a number of big swings artistically, which I can always get behind even if I loved the finished product or not; a number of first-rate performances both from well-known outside of Broadway stars as well as theatre favorites; and one world-class performance for the ages that I feel like we'll be talking about for awhile (more on that a bit further down.)

* While they couldn't be more opposite in approach, having both incredible productions of Ragtime and Cats: The Jellicle Ball on the Main Stem reminded me that, whether a handsome production with a luxury cast of an already contemporary classic or a joyously creative realized new take of a title we all know, there are still discoveries to be made in the contemporary catalogue of late 20th century / early 21st century shows.

* Plays, both new and revival, were full of riches --- the challenge (and it's been happening frequently) in my opinion is an over-saturation of content. For me - the new production of Death of a Salesman was devastating in how constantly relevant it is, and Lane amazes me with his way to reinvent himself so frequently; the Icke Oedipus (and admittedly, I'm an admirer of his work) was one of those big swings that landed for me; Liberation was deserving of all the acclaim, and hopefully will be on the lists of my award-winners in the next few weeks / have a great touring and regional life; and Little Bear, Ridge Road was a gem that I think just got lost. I think it would've frankly benefitted from a non-profit theatre run. And speaking of:

* For the first time in quite a few years, I feel like all of the non-profits, perhaps a result of a new generation of Artistic Directors in charge, had very strong seasons. Fallen Angels is an absolute delight with a dream cast in a lesser-known Coward --- there was nothing in the 2nd Stage Hayes Season I didn't find something to appreciate, with both Marjorie Prime and Becky Shaw being total season highlights for me; and between a riveting new production of Bug and a very welcome return of David Lindsay-Abaire with The Balusters, MTC had strong season in what I presume was the last season of Lynne Meadow's main programming (and that's just Broadway --- The Monsters  was a highlight at City Center.) Here's hoping this continues - I'm already thrilled by both Roundabout's and MTC's 26-27 seasons.

* New musicals. Well.....again, weird season. Queen of Versailles seemed to me to be a 'sunk cost' concept - enough time and money had already been invested, they went through with it. I could write a post even longer than this wordy one about the show itself, but I went to one of Sherie's performances and was thrilled with what she did / to have her back onstage (no hate toward Cheno, truly.) I both loved Schmigadoon! on TV and at the venue formerly known as the Kennedy Center, so I was already in the tank to enjoy it (which I very much did). Lost Boys had a lot to admire technically but was a bit of a miss for me as a show itself, and made me wish out-of-towns were more cost-feasible, as I think one might've helped this one (thinking back to how much Wicked changed between California and NY.) 

* And IMO --- the world-class performance for the ages was Lesley Manville. I saw the show in November and can still recall many of her line readings, and being moved to tears by That Monologue. I hope she comes back to Broadway soon, but even if she doesn't, she offered stunning work that I dearly hope is remembered in the next few weeks.

Again all of this is my $0.02 and I'm sure I'm leaving things out, so please share yours / what you'd add and let's celebrate our big, weird but full of great stuff season that deserves being celebrated over the next few weeks.

Updated On: 5/1/26 at 08:34 PM