Podcast Summary: "Who We WANT to Win the Tony Awards | The Broadway Stars, Plays & Musicals We're Rooting for in 2025"
Released on May 26, 2025, by MickeyJoTheatre, this episode features Mickey Jo and his fiancé Maren James as they passionately discuss their personal choices for the upcoming Tony Awards. Instead of predicting winners, they focus on who they genuinely want to win, providing insightful commentary on various categories.
Introduction
Mickey Jo opens the episode with enthusiasm, welcoming listeners and setting the stage for an in-depth discussion about the 2025 Tony Awards. He emphasizes the difference between predicting winners and expressing heartfelt desires for certain nominees.
Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Today, what we're going to do, rather than give you our full predictions for who we think is going to win the Tonys, we're going to talk about who we want to win. Like, in our heart of hearts."
Maren James echoes the sentiment, acknowledging the challenging landscape of the current theatre season.
Maren James [02:02]: "This season's a nightmare."
Best New Musical
Nominees:
- Aaron James
- Buena Vista Social Club
- Dead Outlaw
- Death Becomes Her
- Happy Ending
- Operation Mincemeat
Choice: Happy Ending
Both hosts unanimously support "Happy Ending," praising its emotional depth and innovative approach.
Mickey Jo [02:37]: "Three, two, one. Maybe Happy Ending. We're on the same page."
Maren James [02:49]: "It's beautifully done... it's allowing a lot more musicals to be seen as Broadway shows."
They highlight the show's successful run and its capacity to resonate deeply with audiences.
Best New Play
Nominees:
- English Purpose
- John Proctor as the Villain
- O Mary
- Hills of California
Choice: John Proctor is the Villain
Mickey Jo and Maren select "John Proctor is the Villain," lauding its compelling narrative and emotional impact.
Mickey Jo [03:53]: "John Proctor is the villain. It's so good."
Maren James [04:18]: "It resonates with young audiences... It will excite them and represents the future of Broadway."
They discuss the play's unique position in the theatre landscape and its potential influence on younger demographics.
Best Revival of a Play
Nominees:
- Eureka Day
- Romeo and Juliet
- Our Town
- Yellowface
Choice: Romeo and Juliet
The hosts agree on reviving "Romeo and Juliet," appreciating its timeless storytelling and fresh interpretation.
Mickey Jo [05:01]: "We're then Juliet. Oh, it happened."
Maren James [05:37]: "It did a really good job of explaining different viewpoints... it's a clever way of writing."
They commend the revival for engaging young audiences and bringing classic narratives into contemporary relevance.
Best Revival of a Musical
Nominees:
- Gypsy
- Sunset Boulevard
- Floyd Collins
- Pirates. The Penzance Musical
Choice: Sunset Boulevard
"Sunset Boulevard" emerges as the clear favorite, celebrated for its production quality and directorial excellence.
Mickey Jo [06:44]: "Sunset, Sunset Boulevard. It's gotta be Sunset Boulevard."
Maren James [06:49]: "I will say if it's a musical that's been really well received and it's being revived, then I wanna know why now."
They discuss the revival's purpose and its transformative impact on the original material.
Best Direction of a Play
Nominees:
- Knud Adams for English
- Sam Mendes for the Hills of California
- Sam Pinkleton for O Mary
- Daniel Taymor for John Proctor is the Villain
- Kip Williams for The Picture of Dorian Gray
Choice: Knud Adams for English
The duo appreciates Adams's direction for its clarity and character development.
Mickey Jo [08:07]: "It's what I want."
Maren James [08:14]: "It's all to do with the accent work... explaining it so pertinently through that direction."
They highlight how Adams's direction enhances the play's communicative effectiveness.
Best Direction of a Musical
Nominees:
- Sahim Ali for Buena Vista Social Club
- Michael Arden for Maybe Happy Ending
- David Cromer for Dead Outlaw
- Christopher Gatelli for Death Becomes Her
- Jamie Lloyd for Sunset Boulevard
Choices:
- Maren James: Michael Arden for Maybe Happy Ending
- Mickey Jo: Torn between Jamie Lloyd and Michael Arden, ultimately favoring the emotional resonance of Arden's direction.
Maren James [09:35]: "This is the one that I would use it for."
Mickey Jo [10:05]: "I'm holding on to it. I don't know what for."
Their decision is influenced by the intimate and comedic strengths of "Maybe Happy Ending."
Best Choreography
Nominees:
- Joshua Begasse for Smash
- Camille A. Brown for Gypsy
- Christopher Gattelli for Def Becomes Her
- Jerry Mitchell for Boop for Musical
- Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck for Buena Vista Social Club
Choice: Christopher Gattelli for Def Becomes Her
Maren James selects Gattelli for his innovative and genderqueer choreography, while Mickey admires his impactful work.
Maren James [12:25]: "I was just like, for the gays is a moment and a half."
Mickey Jo [11:52]: "Christopher Gattelli. Death becomes her. I don't know at this moment if it's what I think or if I think Buena Vista or if I think Jerry Mitchell or if I think Smash even."
They emphasize the emotional and inclusive aspects of Gattelli's choreography.
Best Orchestrations
Nominees:
- Andrew Resnick and Michael Thurber for Just in Time
- Will Aronson for Maybe Happy Ending
- Bruce Coughlin for Floyd Collins
- Marco Paguilla for Buena Vista Social Club
- David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber for Sunset Boulevard
Choice: Marco Paguilla for Buena Vista Social Club
Both hosts choose Paguilla for his exceptional musicianship and the show's distinctive orchestration.
Maren James [13:11]: "Bundetti has a social club."
Mickey Jo [13:13]: "I think it's one of the few shows this season that talks about its orchestrations."
They appreciate the intricate and purposeful orchestration that enhances the show's narrative.
Best Original Score
Nominees:
- Dead Outlaw
- Death Becomes Her
- Maybe Happy Ending
- Operation Mincemeat
- Real Women Have Curves
Choice: Maybe Happy Ending
The hosts are torn but ultimately lean towards "Maybe Happy Ending" for its clever and impactful score.
Mickey Jo [15:09]: "I just want Spit Lip to win one of their categories."
Maren James [15:20]: "My heart is with maybe happy endings."
They discuss the emotional depth and lyrical sophistication of the score.
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Nominees:
- Marcia Ginsburg for English
- Rob Howell for The Hills of California
- Marge Howell and David Bergman for The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Miriam Buford and 59 for Stranger Things for First Shadow
- Scott Pask for Good Night and Good Luck
Choice: The Hills of California
Appreciation for the show's innovative set design, particularly the iconic staircase.
Maren James [19:13]: "The stairs was just iconic."
Mickey Jo [19:14]: "The Hills of California is another one..."
They emphasize the immersive and realistic craftsmanship of the set.
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Nominees:
- Rachel Hawke for Swept Away
- Dane Laffrey and George Reeve for Maybe Happy Ending
- Arnulfo Maldonado for Buena Vista Social Club
- Derek McLean for Death Becomes Her
- Derek McLean for Justin Time
Choice: Swept Away
The duo is impressed by the innovative and memorable set design of "Swept Away."
Maren James [20:15]: "The set design was so innovative."
Mickey Jo [20:17]: "I was shocked by the boat set."
Best Costume Design of a Play
Nominees:
- Brenda Abandonedolo for Good Night and Good Luck
- Marge Hallwell for The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Rob Howell for The Hills of California
- Holly Pearson for O Mary
- Brigitte Riefenstruhl for Stranger Things for First Shadow
Choice: Death Becomes Her
Both hosts are captivated by the costume design, highlighting its glamour and innovation.
Mickey Jo [23:12]: "It has to happen."
Maren James [23:15]: "I love a show where the ensemble all have iconic looks."
They admire how the costumes contribute to character development and visual storytelling.
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Nominees:
- DDI Tay for Buena Vista Social Club
- Greg Barnes for Boop
- Clint Ramos for Maybe Happy Ending
- Paul Tazwell for Death Becomes Her
- Catherine Zuber for Just in Time
Choice: Death Becomes Her
The hosts favor the transformative and gender-aware costume designs that enhance the musical's themes.
Mickey Jo [23:34]: "Divas have it all and the gowns are stunning."
Maren James [23:35]: "It's very genderqueer. Very valid."
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Nominees:
- Natasha Chivers for The Hills of California
- John Clark for Stranger Things, The First Shadow
- Heather Gilbert and David Bengali for Good Night and Good Luck
- Natasha Katz and Hannah Wasileski for John Proctor as the Villain
- Nick Schleiper for The Picture of Dorian Gray
Choice: John Proctor is the Villain
Maren James [25:00]: "I think they have great lighting moments."
Mickey Jo [24:53]: "I agree."
They appreciate the lighting's role in enhancing dramatic effect and character presence.
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Nominees:
- Jack Knowles for Sunset Boulevard
- Tyler Michelo for Buena Vista Social Club
- Scott Zielinski and Ray Hornsoon for Floyd Collins
- Ben Stanton for Maybe Happy Ending
- Justin Townsend for Death Becomes Her
Choice: Sunset Boulevard
Both hosts are enamored with the lighting design, particularly the "fireflies" effect and its seamless integration with the orchestra.
Mickey Jo [25:40]: "Sunset Boulevard... the lighting makes up for a lot of the fact that there's no set."
Maren James [26:17]: "I wanted it to win in my heart because then I know that people are voting for innovation."
Best Performer Categories
Leading Actor in a Musical
Nominees:
- Darren Criss for Maybe Happy Ending
- Andrew Durand for Dead Outlaw
- Tom Francis for Sunset Boulevard
- Jonathan Groff for Just in Time
- James Monroe Iglehart for A Wonderful World
- Jeremy Jordan for Floyd Collins
Choice: Darren Criss
Mickey Jo champions Darren Criss for his positivity and community impact, while Maren appreciates his dedication as a producer.
Mickey Jo [30:08]: "He's such a beacon of joy in the community."
Maren James [30:20]: "He's put so much into this show to try and get this theatre to succeed."
Leading Actor in a Play
Nominees:
- George Clooney for Goodnight and Good Luck
- Cola Scola for O Mary
- John Michael Hill for Purpose
- Daniel Dae Kim for Yellowface
- Harry Lennox for Purpose
- Louis McCartney for Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Choice: Cola Scola for O Mary
Mickey Jo [31:00]: "We’re going to say the same thing."
Maren James [31:11]: "It would be fantastic."
They laud Cola Scola's comedic genius and charismatic stage presence.
Leading Actress in a Play
Nominees:
- Laura Donnelly for The Hills of California
- Mia Farrow for The Roommate
- Latanya Richardson Jackson for Purpose
- Sadie Sink for John Proctor as the Villain
- Sarah Snook for The Picture of Dorian Gray
Choice: Laura Donnelly for The Hills of California
Laura Donnelly is praised for her dual performance and captivating stage presence.
Mickey Jo [31:57]: "John Proctor is the villain."
Maren James [32:09]: "She's so captivating."
Leading Actress in a Musical
Nominees:
- Megan Hilty for Death Becomes Her
- Audra McDonald for Gypsy Jasmine
- Amy Rogers for Boop
- Nicole Scherzinger for Sunset Boulevard
- Jennifer Simard for Death Becomes Her
Choice: Amy Rogers for Boop
Maren and Mickey are drawn to Rogers' mesmerizing performance and star power.
Mickey Jo [33:12]: "It's mesmerizing... it's just star power."
Maren James [33:21]: "I feel like we're having psychic conversations."
Featured Actor in a Musical
Nominees:
- Brooks for Shmankas for Smash
- Jeb Brown for Dead Outlaw
- Danny Burstein for Gypsy
- Jack Malone for Operation Mincemeat
- Taylor Trench for Floyd Collins
Choice: Jack Malone for Operation Mincemeat
Mickey Jo [34:34]: "Jack Malone for Operation Mincemeat."
They express hope that Malone's win will bring recognition to his outstanding performance.
Featured Actor in a Play
Nominees:
- Glen Davis for Purpose
- Gabriel Ebert for John Proctor as the Villain
- Francis Jew for Yellowface
- Bob Odenkirk for Glengarry Glen Ross
- Conrad Rickamora for O Mary
Choice: Francis Jew for Yellowface
Maren James [35:45]: "It's a brilliant performance."
Mickey Jo [35:51]: "Thrilled to see the nomination again."
Their admiration focuses on Francis Jew's impactful portrayal.
Best Featured Actress in a Play
Nominees:
- Tala Ash for English
- Jessica Hecht for Eureka Day
- Marjane Neshat for English
- Finostrasa for John Proctor as the Villain
- Karioung for Purpose
Choice: Jessica Hecht for Eureka Day
The hosts choose Jessica Hecht for her compelling performance that deeply connects with the audience.
Mickey Jo [37:14]: "They would both make me really happy."
Maren James [37:21]: "I love Jessica Hecht's performance."
Featured Actress in a Musical
Nominees:
- Natalie Venetia Belcon for Buena Vista Social Club
- Julia Knightle for Dead Outlaw
- Gracie Lawrence for Just In Time
- Justina Machado for Real Women Have Curves
- Joy Woods for Gypsy
Choice: Natalie Venetia Belcon for Buena Vista Social Club
Maren James [38:33]: "Natalie's just a force."
Mickey Jo [38:37]: "She hasn't had the recognition... this should be career-defining."
They commend her powerful and delicate performance that leaves a lasting impression.
Conclusion
Mickey Jo and Maren James wrap up the episode by inviting listeners to share their preferences and engage in the conversation about the Tony Awards. They reiterate that their selections reflect their personal desires rather than definitive predictions.
Mickey Jo [39:36]: "That is what we want to happen next month at the Tony Awards."
Maren James [40:05]: "Have a stagey day."
They encourage the audience to subscribe for more coverage and express gratitude for their support.
Notable Quotes:
- Mickey Jo [02:37]: "Maybe Happy Ending. We're on the same page."
- Maren James [03:53]: "John Proctor is the villain. It's so good."
- Mickey Jo [06:44]: "Sunset, Sunset Boulevard. It's gotta be Sunset Boulevard."
- Mickey Jo [08:07]: "It's what I want."
- Maren James [09:35]: "This is the one that I would use it for."
- Mickey Jo [12:25]: "Christopher Gattelli. Death becomes her. I don't know at this moment..."
- Miken Jo [14:27]: "I was a clarinet."
- Mickey Jo [25:40]: "Sunset Boulevard... the lighting makes up for a lot of the fact that there's no set."
- Maren James [30:20]: "He's put so much into this show to try and get this theatre to succeed."
This episode of MickeyJoTheatre provides a heartfelt and detailed exploration of the hosts' Tony Award preferences, showcasing their deep passion and knowledge of the theatre landscape.