Podcast Summary: "Which Broadway Shows Would Mickey-Jo See? (Next Week) | Ranking the New Plays and Musicals in New York"

Release Date: March 23, 2025
Host: Mickey Jo from MickeyJoTheatre

1. Introduction

In this episode, Mickey Jo, the passionate host of MickeyJoTheatre, delves into the bustling Broadway season, discussing the myriad of new plays and musicals that have captivated audiences. With his upcoming eighth trip to New York slated for the spring—a prime time coinciding with the Tony Awards—Mickey Jo shares his curated list of shows he plans to see, providing listeners with both his personal rankings and subjective recommendations.

Notable Quote:
"With so many new plays and musicals opening both on and off Broadway, as well as exciting new cast members going into pre-existing shows, I feel like it's never been harder to choose which shows you want to see in New York."
(00:00)

2. Broadway Season and Tony Awards Timing

Mickey Jo explains that the spring season is particularly busy for Broadway, aligning with the Tony Awards' eligibility period. This timing encourages a surge of new show openings, aiming to secure nominations and boost box office performance through potential Tony recognition.

Notable Quote:
"Because of Tony Awards eligibility, this is kind of the most prime timing for a show to open and stay fresh in the minds of Tony voters."
(00:00)

3. Shows Mickey Jo Plans to See

a. Purpose

• Description: A new play by Brandon Jacobs Jenkins at the Hayes Theatre, known for its intimate setting.
• Reason for Interest: Positive past experiences with Jenkins’ works, specifically "Appropriate," which garnered awards and intense acclaim.

Notable Quote:
"As soon as this was announced I was, I knew immediately that I had to go and see."
(04:25)

b. Buena Vista Social Club

• Description: An off-Broadway jukebox musical based on the documentary about the creation of the album "Buena Vista Social Club."
• Reason for Interest: Award-winning pre-Broadway life and potential Tony Award contention.

Notable Quote:
"I'm very intrigued and excited just because I've been hearing really great things."
(06:10)

c. The Last Five Years

• Description: A Broadway revival starring Adrian Warren and Nick Jonas, choreographed by the Cooperman brothers.
• Reason for Interest: Iconic status in contemporary musical theater and curiosity about the new production's interpretation.

Notable Quote:
"There's a lot of intrigue around this production and how it might be entirely different."
(08:45)

d. We Had a World

• Description: An off-Broadway play at New York City Center featuring Andrew Barth Feldman and Joanna Gleason, written by Joshua Harmon.
• Reason for Interest: Admiration for Joshua Harmon’s previous works and excitement for stellar performances.

Notable Quote:
"I love the way that he writes dialogue. I love the way that he tackles conversations head first."
(12:30)

4. Additional Exciting Shows

a. Boop

• Description: A Broadway show at the Broadhurst Theatre starring Jasmine Amy Rogers, potentially centered around Betty Boop.
• Reason for Interest: Familiar Broadway feel and intriguing elements like a dog character and merchandise.

Notable Quote:
"I think it seems like it's gonna be a lot of fun and I'm excited to go see Boop."
(14:00)

b. Smash

• Description: A Broadway revival of the musical, reigniting nostalgia and musical enthusiasm.
• Reason for Interest: Long-time fan of the original airing and excitement to relive the music.

Notable Quote:
"If we as a musical theater Internet community can't get behind that show, then what on earth are we doing?"
(15:20)

5. Cautiously Intrigued Shows

a. Redwood

• Description: A musical starring Idina Menzel at the Nederlander Theatre, thematically linked to "Rent."
• Reason for Caution: Lack of sufficient buzz despite star power and uncertainties about thematic depth.

Notable Quote:
"The buzz is not buzzing in the way that I would hope with Adina coming back to Broadway."
(20:10)

b. Good Night and Good Luck

• Description: George Clooney’s Broadway debut, a stage adaptation of a film he co-wrote.
• Reason for Caution: Mixed feelings about potential thematic relevance versus perceived backwardness.

Notable Quote:
"I worry it's gonna just be a lot of backward glancing."
(21:50)

c. Operation Mincemeat

• Description: Broadway adaptation with West End cast members bringing new elements.
• Reason for Interest: Familiarity with the show and interest in any Broadway-specific changes.

Notable Quote:
"I might re-review. I might re-review."
(22:40)

6. Shows Mickey Jo Is Planning Not to See

a. The Picture of Dorian Gray

• Description: A production starring Sarah Snook with heavy use of screens on stage.
• Reason for Decision: Negative past experience and feeling of déjà vu prevents revisiting.

Notable Quote:
"I don't think there's any world in which I go see this again and I change even one bit of my mind about it."
(25:30)

b. Stranger Things: The First Shadow

• Description: A play adaptation featuring Sadie Sink.
• Reason for Decision: Satisfied with previous viewing experiences and lack of fresh elements to entice a Broadway revisit.

Notable Quote:
"I don't feel like I need to go and see it on Broadway."
(27:15)

7. Future Considerations and Highly Anticipated Shows

• Jonathan Larson Project: An off-Broadway production revealing lost Jonathan Larson songs, poised to be a must-see.
• All The World's A Stage: A new musical with themes of connection and self-authenticity, receiving strong endorsements.
• Floyd Collins: An off-Broadway show that Mickey Jo is keen to explore to enhance his theater conversations.
• Old Friends by Stephen Sondheim: Considering a revisit primarily to witness Bernadette Peters’ performance.

Notable Quote:
"I could re review. I might re review."
(22:40)

8. Conclusion

Mickey Jo wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to share their Broadway recommendations and engage in discussions about upcoming shows. He emphasizes the dynamic nature of theater schedules and his commitment to providing reviews and vlog content from his imminent New York trip.

Notable Quote:
"Stay tuned, obviously, for all of the reviews as well as the vlog content coming from this upcoming trip."
(30:00)

Final Thoughts

Mickey Jo offers a comprehensive and personal look into his Broadway itinerary, balancing enthusiasm for new productions with thoughtful restraint based on past experiences. His insights provide valuable guidance for theater enthusiasts navigating the vibrant and competitive New York theater scene.

For more detailed reviews and updates from his trip, subscribers are encouraged to follow his YouTube channel and podcast platforms.

Note: All timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript.