Summary of Podcast Episode: "Mickey-Jo and Aaron James' 2025 Tony Awards Predictions | Which Broadway Plays and Musicals Will Win?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host/Author: MickeyJoTheatre
• Description: Join Mickey-Jo from MickeyJoTheatre as he reviews the latest shows from the West End, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-West End, Edinburgh Fringe, and across the globe. As a leading voice in theatre criticism on social platforms, Mickey-Jo pioneers a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel, MickeyJoTheatre, boasts over 60,000 subscribers and is the largest worldwide dedicated to theatre criticism, featuring reviews, news, interviews, and lifestyle content.
• Episode: Mickey-Jo and Aaron James' 2025 Tony Awards Predictions | Which Broadway Plays and Musicals Will Win?
• Release Date: June 7, 2025

Introduction

In this exciting episode, Mickey-Jo teams up with Aaron James to delve into the predictions for the 78th Tony Awards, highlighting the best of the 2024-2025 Broadway theatre season. The hosts aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the nominated shows, creative teams, and outstanding performances, offering listeners a detailed preview of what to expect at the awards ceremony.

Overview of the 78th Tony Awards

Mickey-Jo begins by setting the stage for their discussion:

Mickey-Jo ([00:49]): "The 78th annual Tony Awards, aka the 2025 Tony Awards, is an annual celebration of the best and most acclaimed productions from the past year of Broadway theatre in New York."

He lists the nominated shows across various categories:

• Best New Musical: Maybe Happy Ending, Dead Outlaw, Buena Vista Social Club, Operation Mincemeat
• Musical Revivals: Gypsy, Sunset Boulevard
• Best New Play: Oh Mary, John Proctor is a Villain, Purpose, English, the Hills of California
• Play Revivals: Romeo and Juliet, Eureka Day, Yellowface

Both hosts have watched nearly all the performances, with a few exceptions, ensuring they are well-prepared to make informed predictions.

Predictions for Major Categories

1. Best New Musical

Nominated Shows:

• Maybe Happy Ending
• Dead Outlaw
• Buena Vista Social Club
• Operation Mincemeat

Predicted Winner: Maybe Happy Ending

Key Points:

• Maybe Happy Ending has garnered significant accolades at the Drama Desks, indicating strong support.
• The announcement of a tour increased its appeal among regional voters, a crucial demographic for Tony voters.

Aaron James ([04:44]): "If it won the best new musical, that's like a very good indicator that it is likely to win."

Mickey-Jo ([04:09]): "Maybe Happy Ending is a solid frontrunner because this is a show that nearly didn't open."

2. Best New Play

Nominated Shows:

• Oh Mary
• John Proctor is a Villain
• Purpose
• English, the Hills of California

Predicted Winner: Oh Mary

Key Points:

• Oh Mary transferred successfully from Off-Broadway, gaining momentum and commercial acclaim.
• It was a Pulitzer finalist, enhancing its prestige and likelihood of winning.

Aaron James ([06:07]): "I think it's just been such a success... I see it going that way."

Mickey-Jo ([06:23]): "O Mary has that commercial appeal. It's been such a surprising and delightful success."

3. Best Musical Revival

Nominated Shows:

• Gypsy
• Sunset Boulevard
• Floyd Collins
• Pirates, the Penzance Musical

Predicted Winner: Sunset Boulevard

Key Points:

• Sunset Boulevard has received favorable nominations, including Best Director for Jamie Lloyd.
• Despite mixed feedback at the Drama Desks, its industry support remains strong.

Mickey-Jo ([07:04]): "I think Sunset Boulevard maybe takes this, but did I even write that down?"

Aaron James ([07:32]): "It feels like it leans one way already."

4. Best Play Revival

Nominated Shows:

• Eureka Day
• Thornton Wilder's Our Town
• Romeo and Juliet
• Yellowface

Predicted Winner: Eureka Day

Key Points:

• Eureka Day stands out as a modern revival with fresh perspectives, aligning with contemporary themes.
• Its success in initial performances and recognition makes it a strong contender.

Aaron James ([08:25]): "Eureka Day is an outlier... it’s a great play."

Mickey-Jo ([08:32]): "It has a lot of quality that feels like it belongs in a new play category."

Creative Team Categories

5. Best Director of a Musical

Nominated Directors:

• Sahim Ali (Buena Vista Social Club)
• Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending)
• David Cromer (Dead Outlaw)
• Christopher Gattelli (Death Becomes Her)
• Jamie Lloyd (Sunset Boulevard)

Predicted Winner: Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending)

Key Points:

• Michael Arden's direction has been instrumental in the sweeping success of Maybe Happy Ending.
• His vision aligns with the show's critical and commercial triumphs.

Mickey-Jo ([10:01]): "I think Michael Arden is gonna win."

Aaron James ([10:26]): "They're sweeping. Maybe Happy Ending swept everything."

6. Best Director of a Play

Nominated Directors:

• Knut Adams (English)
• Sam Mendes (The Hills of California)
• Sam Pinkleton (O Mary)
• Danya Taymor (John Proctor is a Villain)
• Kip William (The Picture of Dorian Gray)

Predicted Winner: Sam Pinkleton (O Mary)

Key Points:

• Sam Pinkleton’s direction of O Mary is expected to receive acclaim, complementing the play's success.
• The split between outstanding play and exceptional direction might see dual recognition.

Aaron James ([11:58]): "I think play will go to O Mary. Director will go for Danya Taymor."

Mickey-Jo ([12:05]): "Let us know down below if we are wrong."

7. Best Choreographer

Nominated Choreographers:

• Joshua Vegas (Smash)
• Camille A. Brown (Gypsy)
• Christopher Gattelli (Death Becomes Her)
• Jerry Mitchell (Boop!)
• Patricia Delgado & Justin Peck (Buena Vista Social Club)

Predicted Winner: Jerry Mitchell (Boop!)

Key Points:

• Jerry Mitchell’s choreography for Boop! has been highly praised and awarded at the Drama Desks.
• His legendary status and industry respect make him a favorite.

Mickey-Jo ([13:29]): "Jerry Mitchell for Boop!"

Aaron James ([14:06]): "He's a legendary choreographer... won't be disappointed."

Technical Categories

8. Best Original Score, Music and/or Lyrics

Nominated Shows:

• Maybe Happy Ending (Will Aronson & Hugh Parker)
• Dead Outlaw (Eric Della Penna & David Yazbeck)
• Buena Vista Social Club (Marco Ramirez)
• Operation Mincemeat (David Cumming, Felix Harga, Natasha Hodgson & Zoe Roberts)
• Death Becomes Her (Noel Carey & Julia Mattison)

Predicted Winner: Maybe Happy Ending

Key Points:

• The score of Maybe Happy Ending is seen as integral to its success, with rich compositions appealing to both audiences and critics.
• Their sweeping influence across multiple categories boosts their likelihood of winning.

Mickey-Jo ([15:07]): "Definitely Maybe Happy Ending."

Aaron James ([15:12]): "I think Maybe Happy Ending is the winner."

9. Best Book of a Musical

Nominated Shows:

• Maybe Happy Ending (Will Aronson & Hugh Parker)
• Operation Mincemeat (David Cumming, Felix Hagen, Natasha Hodgson & Zoe Roberts)
• Dead Outlaw (Itamar Moses)
• Death Becomes Her (Margot Panetti)
• Buena Vista Social Club (Marco Ramirez)

Predicted Winner: Maybe Happy Ending

Key Points:

• The strong narrative and cohesive storytelling of Maybe Happy Ending position it well for this category.
• The interconnectedness of book and score in the show's overall appeal enhances its chances.

Aaron James ([17:15]): "I just see it going to Maybe Happy Ending."

Mickey-Jo ([17:37]): "Death Becomes Her is not to be underestimated."

10. Best Orchestrations

Nominated Orchestrators:

• Will Aronson (Maybe Happy Ending)
• Bruce Coughlin (Floyd Collins)
• David Cullen & Andrew Lloyd Webber (Sunset Boulevard)
• Marco Paguilla (Buena Vista Social Club)
• Andrew Resnick & Michael Ferber (In Time)

Predicted Winner: Maybe Happy Ending

Key Points:

• The orchestration of Maybe Happy Ending is expected to receive widespread acclaim, complementing its strong score.
• Although Buena Vista Social Club is a contender, Maybe Happy Ending holds the edge.

Mickey-Jo ([19:00]): "Maybe Happy Ending."

11. Best Scenic Design of a Play

Nominated Scenic Designers:

• David Bergman & Marge Horwell (The Picture of Dorian Gray)
• Miriam Buther & 59 Productions (Stranger Things, the First Shadow)
• Marsha Ginsburg (English)
• Rob Howell (The Hills of California)
• Scott Pask (Good Night and Good Luck)

Predicted Winner: Stranger Things, the First Shadow

Key Points:

• The ambitious and visually stunning set of Stranger Things stands out, emphasizing its unique production scale.
• Its prior accolades, including an Olivier award, bolster its chances.

Mickey-Jo ([20:50]): "Stranger Things is doing so much more than almost any of the other nominees."

Aaron James ([21:00]): "Netflix knows how to petition."

12. Best Costume Design of a Play

Nominated Costume Designers:

• Brenda Abadandolo (Good Night and Good Luck)
• Marge Horwell (The Picture of Dorian Gray)
• Rob Howell (The Hills of California)
• Holly Pearson (Oh Mary)
• Brigitte Riefenstuhl (Stranger Things, the First Shadow)

Predicted Winner: The Picture of Dorian Gray (Marge Horwell)

Key Points:

• Marge Horwell's Oscar-winning designs for The Picture of Dorian Gray are expected to translate well to Broadway, showcasing intricate and stylish costumes.
• The strategic and androgynous costume elements enhance the character portrayals, making her a strong contender.

Mickey-Jo ([24:25]): "Dorian Gray with how..."

Aaron James ([24:37]): "Marge Horwell won the Olivier for it."

13. Best Costume Design of a Musical

Nominated Costume Designers:

• Didi Aita (Buena Vista Social Club)
• Greg Barnes (Boop!)
• Clint Ramos (Maybe Happy Ending)
• Paul Tazewell (Death Becomes Her)
• Kathryn Zuber (Just In Time)

Predicted Winner: Paul Tazewell (Death Becomes Her)

Key Points:

• Paul Tazewell's visionary costume work has been acclaimed, especially following his recent Academy Award win for Wicked.
• His designs for Death Becomes Her are both innovative and respectful of character dynamics, ensuring a win.

Aaron James ([25:36]): "Paul Tazewell won the Academy Award recently for Wicked... he's very likely to win."

Mickey-Jo ([25:44]): "He's been attached to some visually iconic productions."

14. Best Lighting Design of a Play

Nominated Lighting Designers:

• David Bengali & Heather Gilbert (Good Night and Good Luck)
• Natasha Chivers (The Hills of California)
• John Clark (Stranger Things, the First Shadow)
• Natasha Katz & Hannah Wasileski (John Proctor as the villain)
• Nick Schleiper (The Picture of Dorian Gray)

Predicted Winner: Stranger Things, the First Shadow

Key Points:

• The intricate and dynamic lighting design of Stranger Things is crucial for its narrative, particularly its fantasy and magical elements.
• Its prior accolades and Netflix's influence likely contribute to its edge.

Mickey-Jo ([27:14]): "It's going Stranger Things way."

Aaron James ([27:35]): "It needs to rely so much on lighting."

15. Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Nominated Lighting Designers:

• Jack Knowles (Sunset Boulevard)
• Tyler Micolow (Buena Vista Social Club)
• Ben Stanton (Maybe Happy Ending)
• Roy Hongsson (Floyd Collins)
• Justin Townsend (Death Becomes Her)

Predicted Winner: Sunset Boulevard (Jack Knowles)

Key Points:

• Jack Knowles' exceptional lighting work on Sunset Boulevard adds emotional depth and enhances the narrative, making it a frontrunner.

Mickey-Jo ([28:34]): "Sunset Boulevard."

Aaron James ([28:51]): "Memorable moments of lighting."

16. Best Sound Design of a Play

Nominated Sound Designers:

• Paul Arditi (Stranger Things, the First Shadow)
• Palmer Hefferan (John Proctor as the villain)
• Daniel Kluger (Good Night and Good Luck)
• Nick Powell (The Hills of California)
• Clements Williams (The Picture of Dorian Gray)

Predicted Winner: Stranger Things, the First Shadow

Key Points:

• The complex soundscapes and integration of multimedia elements make Stranger Things a standout in sound design.

Aaron James ([30:38]): "Stranger Things, the First Shadow."

Mickey-Jo ([30:40]): "It's doing a lot with its sound."

17. Best Sound Design of a Musical

Nominated Sound Designers:

• Jonathan Deans (Buena Vista Social Club)
• Adam Fisher (Sunset Boulevard)
• Peter Hellensky (Just In Time)
• Peter Hellensky (Maybe Happy Ending)
• Dan Moses Schreier (Floyd Collins)

Predicted Winner: Sunset Boulevard (Adam Fisher)

Key Points:

• Adam Fisher’s sound design enhances the dramatic and musical elements of Sunset Boulevard, making it a strong contender.

Mickey-Jo ([31:59]): "Sunset Boulevard - Adam Fisher."

Aaron James ([32:12]): "Adam Fisher will get this award."

Performance Categories

18. Best Leading Actor in a Play

Nominated Actors:

• George Clooney (Good Night and Good Luck)
• Kola Scola (O Mary)
• John Michael Hill (Purpose)
• Daniel Dae Kim (Yellowface)
• Harry Lennox (Purpose)
• Louis McCartney (Stranger Things, the First Shadow)

Predicted Winner: Kola Scola (O Mary)

Key Points:

• Kola Scola’s portrayal in O Mary has captured significant industry attention and acclaim.
• His dedicated campaign and standout performance make him a frontrunner.

Aaron James ([41:44]): "Kola Scola is gonna win."

Mickey-Jo ([41:58]): "This is O Mary’s most confident category."

19. Best Leading Actress in a Play

Nominated Actresses:

• Laura Donnelly (The Hills of California)
• Mia Farrow (The Roommate)
• Latonya Richardson (Purpose)
• Sadie Sink (John Proctor as the villain)
• Sarah Snook (The Picture of Dorian Gray)

Predicted Winner: Sarah Snook (The Picture of Dorian Gray)

Key Points:

• Sarah Snook’s innovative and multi-faceted performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray has garnered significant praise and is expected to dominate this category.
• Her unique approach and critical acclaim make her the favorite.

Mickey-Jo ([43:29]): "Sarah Snook’s performance is unprecedented."

Aaron James ([44:09]): "Sarah Snook is extraordinary."

20. Best Leading Actor in a Musical

Nominated Actors:

• Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending)
• Andrew Durand (Dead Outlaw)
• Tom Francis (Sunset Boulevard)
• Jonathan Groff (Just In Time)
• James Monroe Iglehart (A Wonderful World)
• Jeremy Jordan (Floyd Collins)

Predicted Winner: Jonathan Groff (Just In Time)

Key Points:

• Jonathan Groff’s charismatic and dynamic performance in Just In Time stands out, making him a top contender despite having won the previous year.
• His versatile acting and strong stage presence are key factors.

Mickey-Jo ([46:07]): "Jonathan groff is the bright shining star of Just In Time."

Aaron James ([46:13]): "He owns the room."

21. Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Nominated Actresses:

• Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard)
• Audra McDonald (Gypsy)
• Jasmine Rogers (Boop!)
• Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her)
• Jennifer Simard (Death Becomes Her)

Predicted Winner: Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard)

Key Points:

• Nicole Scherzinger is anticipated to make history as possibly the second AA and HPI female winner in Tony Awards history.
• Her impactful performance and the significance of her win add to her favorability.

Mickey-Jo ([48:17]): "Nicole Scherzinger is poised to make history."

Aaron James ([49:10]): "Nicole's win would mean so much for future generations."

Final Thoughts

Mickey-Jo and Aaron James conclude their episode with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. They reiterate their predictions, highlighting strong contenders like Maybe Happy Ending, O Mary, Sunset Boulevard, and Stranger Things. The hosts invite listeners to share their own predictions and engage in the discussion, emphasizing the collaborative and community-driven nature of theatre criticism.

Mickey-Jo ([52:13]): "We're going to hear what you think... comment down below with your predictions."

Aaron James ([54:04]): "Happy Tony's weekend."

Both hosts express their excitement for the upcoming awards and encourage their audience to stay tuned for more coverage, including guides and vlogs related to the Tony Awards.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mickey-Jo ([04:09]): "Maybe Happy Ending is a solid frontrunner because this is a show that nearly didn't open."
• Aaron James ([05:06]): "It's a very good indication that it is likely to win."
• Mickey-Jo ([07:04]): "I think Sunset Boulevard maybe takes this."
• Aaron James ([08:25]): "Eureka Day is an outlier... it’s a great play."
• Aaron James ([10:26]): "I think Michael Arden is gonna win."
• Aaron James ([12:05]): "I think play will go to O Mary. Director will go for Danya Taymor."
• Mickey-Jo ([13:29]): "Jerry Mitchell for Boop!"
• Aaron James ([17:15]): "I just see it going to Maybe Happy Ending."
• Mickey-Jo ([24:25]): "Dorian Gray with how..."
• Aaron James ([25:36]): "Paul Tazewell won the Academy Award recently for Wicked... he's very likely to win."
• Mickey-Jo ([28:34]): "Sunset Boulevard."
• Aaron James ([41:44]): "Kola Scola is gonna win."
• Mickey-Jo ([43:29]): "Sarah Snook’s performance is unprecedented."
• Mickey-Jo ([46:07]): "Jonathan groff is the bright shining star of Just In Time."
• Aaron James ([49:10]): "Nicole's win would mean so much for future generations."

Conclusion

This episode of MickeyJoTheatre provides an in-depth and engaging analysis of the 78th Tony Awards nominees, offering a blend of informed predictions and passionate theatre critique. Mickey-Jo and Aaron James effectively guide listeners through the complexities of each category, supported by their extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for Broadway theatre. Whether you're a seasoned theatre-goer or a casual enthusiast, this podcast serves as a valuable resource for understanding and anticipating the outcomes of one of theatre's most prestigious award ceremonies.