Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre Episode - "Mickey-Jo is Coming Back to Broadway, What Should He See? | Rankings of Shows to See This Month in New York"

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey-Jo)
• Episode Title: Mickey-Jo is Coming Back to Broadway, What Should He See? | Rankings of Shows to See This Month in New York
• Release Date: April 3, 2024
• Description: Mickey-Jo reviews the latest shows from Broadway and around the world, sharing insights, rankings, and recommendations for theatre enthusiasts.

Introduction and Excitement About Returning to Broadway

Mickey-Jo opens the episode with a nostalgic reference to a scene from the second season of Smash, highlighting his deep-rooted passion for theatre. He excitedly announces his return to Broadway:

[00:00] Mickey Jo Theatre: "...I, Mickey Jo Theatre, am coming back to Broadway way this season... in less than two weeks."

Background and Previous Broadway Experiences

Mickey-Jo shares his journey as an international theatre critic and content creator, detailing his previous trips to New York and the shows he has reviewed:

[02:30] Mickey Jo Theatre: "Last year, I made my first trip to New York to see Broadway shows like Chicago, Funny Girl, and Sweeney Todd. The experience was magical and life-changing."

He mentions his subsequent visits with his fiancé, Erin James, where they attended shows such as Pearly, Victorious, Monty Python's Spamalot, and Harmony and How to Dance in Ohio. Mickey-Jo emphasizes the significance of the Tony Awards cutoff at the end of April, prompting the influx of new shows:

[04:15] Mickey Jo Theatre: "The Tony Awards are a huge deal and a financial boost to any show that secures nominations or wins."

Plans for the Upcoming Broadway Trip

Detailing his upcoming trip, Mickey-Jo outlines his schedule, including attending the Olivier Awards in London and flying to New York on April 15th:

[05:45] Mickey Jo Theatre: "We are going to the Olivier Awards on the 14th and then flying to New York on the 15th."

He shares his excitement about exploring New York's culinary scene, planning to indulge in local favorites like Magnolia Bakery and Bond45's chocolate mousse.

Show Prioritization Strategy

Mickey-Jo elaborates on his methodology for selecting which Broadway shows to attend during his two-week trip. He categorizes the shows into different tiers based on priority:

1. Shows He Likely Won't See Again on Broadway

Mickey-Jo explains why certain shows are off his list, despite their popularity:

• Appropriate: Already seen at Helen Hayes Theatre; no intention to revisit.

  [08:00] Mickey Jo Theatre: "It's one of the plays of the year... but we don't feel the need to return."

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Rejects support due to controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling.

  [09:30] Mickey Jo Theatre: "I will never be endorsing or encouraging anyone to see it."

• MJ the Musical: Satisfied with the West End production; no desire to see the Broadway version.

• The Lion King: Prefers international productions over Broadway.

• Moulin Rouge: Disappointed by previous Broadway experiences; prefers London production.

2. Shows He Might Consider Seeing

These are shows that pique his interest but aren't top priorities:

• Patriot: Mixed feelings based on West End experience; might reconsider.

• Six: Tempted by new cast members like Jasmine Forsberg.

• A Beautiful Noise: Intrigued by performer Robin Herder and Amber Ardellino's posts.

• Kimberly Akimbo: Close to closing but previously enjoyed; potential for a revisit.

• Hadestown: Growing admiration for the show; plans to see it again with different cast members.

3. Must-See Shows

These are high-priority shows that Mickey-Jo is determined to attend:

• Sweeney Todd: Excited about stars like Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit.

  [15:20] Mickey Jo Theatre: "I'm a huge fan of both Sutton and Aaron... I need to see Sweeney Todd."

• The Outsiders: Anticipated Tony contender; firmly placed on his must-see list.

• Lempicka: Drawn by performances from Eden Espinosa and Beth Leavel.

• Suffragettes (Suffs): Highly anticipated arrival on Broadway with an incredible cast.

• Water for Elephants: Enthusiastic about puppetry and circus elements.

• The Outsiders: Positive buzz and strong recommendations from peers.

4. Confirmed Shows to Attend

Mickey-Jo has already secured tickets for the following performances:

• The Notebook: Excited about the adaptation of the book and positive reviews.

• Lempicka: Enthusiastic about the cast and previews.

• The Great Gatsby: Intent on reviewing this production after seeing it post-preview performances.

Engagement with the Audience

Throughout the episode, Mickey-Jo encourages audience interaction, seeking recommendations, meetup opportunities, and suggestions for shows to prioritize:

[29:10] Mickey Jo Theatre: "Let me know in the comments if you're going to be in town... I'd love to meet up."

He also invites listeners to share restaurant recommendations and other theatre-related advice to enhance his New York experience.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mickey-Jo wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to his viewers for supporting his Broadway ventures, motivating him to continue his theatre criticism journey:

[35:00] Mickey Jo Theatre: "Thank you so much for watching this video and I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey day."

He signs off with his signature sign-off, maintaining his personable and engaging style.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Announcement of Broadway Return:

  [00:00] Mickey Jo Theatre: "...I, Mickey Jo Theatre, am coming back to Broadway way this season..."

• On Tony Awards Influence:

  [04:15] Mickey Jo Theatre: "The Tony Awards are a huge deal and a financial boost to any show that secures nominations or wins."

• Rejecting Harry Potter Support:

  [09:30] Mickey Jo Theatre: "I will never be endorsing or encouraging anyone to see it."

• Excitement for Sweeney Todd:

  [15:20] Mickey Jo Theatre: "I'm a huge fan of both Sutton and Aaron... I need to see Sweeney Todd."

• Audience Engagement:

  [29:10] Mickey Jo Theatre: "Let me know in the comments if you're going to be in town... I'd love to meet up."

• Closing Remarks:

  [35:00] Mickey Jo Theatre: "Thank you so much for watching this video and I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey day."

Final Thoughts:

In this episode, Mickey-Jo provides a comprehensive overview of his upcoming Broadway trip, detailing the shows he plans to see, those he has ruled out, and the intriguing options he remains open to. His methodical approach to show selection, combined with personal anecdotes and a genuine passion for theatre, offers listeners valuable insights into the dynamic Broadway landscape. Additionally, his interactive approach fosters a sense of community among theatre enthusiasts, inviting them to engage and contribute to his journey.

Whether you're a seasoned Broadway aficionado or new to the theatre scene, Mickey-Jo's thoughtful rankings and enthusiastic demeanor make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the latest offerings on New York's iconic stage.