Podcast Summary: Will these West End shows go to Broadway? | Paddington, Hunger Games, Hercules, Evita & more...

Podcast: MickeyJoTheatre
Host: Mickey Jo
Episode Date: November 6, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Mickey Jo explores the prospects of several high-profile UK theatre productions transferring to Broadway. He discusses recent West End hits—including Evita, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Devil Wears Prada, Hercules, Paddington the Musical, and The Hunger Games—and breaks down the factors influencing their possible journeys across the Atlantic. Drawing on industry trends and his own experiences, Mickey Jo offers candid insight into transatlantic theatre culture, the unique challenges each show faces, and the broader implications for UK-to-US transfers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Shifting Transatlantic Theatre Trends (02:30)

• Increased high-profile West End productions spark new conversations: "The emerging question is quickly becoming is that West End show going to transfer to Broadway? Which is refreshing because for many years it's felt like we were more often than not asking the same question in reverse..." (02:30, Mickey Jo)
• Broadway remains the “true epicenter” for many, but the UK scene is now an origin point for global hits.

2. Deep Dive: Evita and the “Balcony Problem” (04:01)

• London Revival: Jamie Lloyd’s critically acclaimed production starred Rachel Zegler, whose iconic balcony performance drew crowds and went viral even before opening night.
• Broadway Transfer Challenges:
  • Maintaining the unique balcony staging is critical, adding logistical hurdles for finding a suitable Broadway theater.
  • "If Evita were to transfer to New York, director Jamie Lloyd has made it very clear that the balcony performance happening outdoors to a crowd on the street would have to remain intact." (06:00, Mickey Jo)
• Star Factor: Rachel Zegler’s celebrity amplifies concerns about crowd control and safety.
• Venue Speculation:
  • Discussion of potential theaters with feasible balconies (St. James, Palace, Walter Kerr).
  • "That's before we even get to the conversation about which theaters even have the balcony space to accommodate this... There's a big question mark." (07:30)
• Creators’ Perspectives:
  • Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber is reportedly reluctant, while Sir Tim Rice is eager for a New York run.
  • Financial and cultural buzz make transfer likely if problems can be solved.

Memorable Quote:
"Right now Evita is the most talked about show of the year, possibly on either side of the Atlantic. It really dominated conversation throughout the summer and I would be shocked if they aren't ongoingly trying to find a way to get this to Broadway." (12:40)

3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Keeping or Changing Its Roots? (13:02)

• Acclaimed, folk-style British musical set in Cornwall, winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
• Possible U.S. Transfer:
  • Rumors of “flipping” the narrative: Benjamin Button set in Maine, traveling to Cornwall, adapting for a U.S. audience.
  • Initial skepticism, but openness: “Whatever helps to endear this terrific, ultimately emotionally universal material to a culturally different audience is probably a good thing.” (14:47)
• Precedent: Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder workshop in New York relocated from England to Duluth, MN for American sensibility.
• Comparison with Operation Mincemeat—which kept its “Britishness” in its transfer to Broadway.

4. The Devil Wears Prada: Should It Return Home? (17:36)

• Premiered in Chicago, successful London reincarnation starring Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly.
• Transfer Prospects:
  • Cautionary tale: Broadway hasn't embraced film-to-musical adaptations as readily as London, where critical opinion and awards like the Tonys carry less sway.
  • Vanessa Williams’ star power could help, as could the impending Devil Wears Prada movie sequel.
  • Elton John (composer) is “unequivocal” in wanting a Broadway run, specifically for Vanessa Williams to win a Tony.
  • "Is it a little bit of a misguided idea to even try and take The Devil Wears Prada back to Broadway?... I just don't know if it would be embraced enough by the community to make it worth it." (21:22, Mickey Jo)

5. Disney’s Hercules: A London-First Strategy (23:29)

• After its New York and Germany tryouts, London hosted the show at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
• Unlikely Immediate Transfer:
  • Feels “not quite Broadway caliber” yet; Disney may be testing and refining before a possible New York launch.
  • Broadway audiences differ from those in London; Aladdin’s ongoing success suggests reluctance to replace it with Hercules.
• Disney’s Changing Approach:
  • More likely to perfect shows abroad before taking them to Broadway (as with Frozen).

Memorable Quote:
"Honestly, a lot about the design and the writing of Hercules doesn't really feel like Broadway caliber material. It feels a lot like when shows such as The Little Mermaid originally opened on Broadway." (25:18)

• The Greatest Showman seems next in line for Drury Lane, potentially heading to Broadway if successful in London.

6. Paddington the Musical: Is the Bear Too British? (27:49)

• Previews just opened; huge UK buzz already due to the beloved status of Paddington.
• Transferring Prospects:
  • Co-producer Sonia Friedman is adept at crossing the Atlantic and says Paddington’s universal story might suit Broadway.
  • Financial practicalities and cultural resonance are big hurdles: "Would it enjoy the same success if it went to New York?... Paddington is so beloved [in the UK], I anticipate this being, regardless of the material, a really, really sizable hit... But I just don't know whether it would feel like the same kind of smash hit over there." (29:55)
  • Broadway cost structure may make recoupment difficult.
  • Could follow the Matilda model—become an iconic “London destination” show rather than a Broadway export.

7. The Hunger Games: Can a Custom Venue Cross the Pond? (33:21)

• Stage adaptation opened at the Troubadour Theatre, a purpose-built, in-the-round space.
• Broadway Challenges:
  • “You could not pick up, fly across the Atlantic and put [this production] down in any kind of a traditional Broadway house.” (36:12)
  • Rumors of a floating theater being constructed on Manhattan’s west side—specifically for immersive pieces like this—are unconfirmed.
  • The Hunger Games is not UK-specific and has a broad built-in U.S. fanbase, so the demand exists if obstacles can be overcome.

8. Noteworthy Plays & Other Musicals with Broadway Buzz (33:21)

• Kyoto (Lincoln Center, NYC) praised and recommended for wider U.S. exposure.
• The Years and Inter Alia have potential or ongoing plans for New York transfers.
• Cynthia Erivo’s Dracula and My Neighbor Totoro touted as deserving wider audiences, possibly via global tours rather than Broadway alone.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Evita’s Staging Challenge:
  "You have to take with a pinch of salt all of the naysayers who are suspicious of whether or not Evita could even work in New York." (05:10, Mickey Jo)

• On Broadway Costs:
  “We also know that the same show mounted on Broadway rather than in the West End costs perhaps three to five times as much simply to capitalize. This in particular being one of the reasons why so many new musicals have struggled to recoup their initial investments over the last few years.” (29:38)

• On Sony Friedman:
  "Sonia has a real insight into what will work with audiences in each of those places. She said to me that the real reason that she became involved with Stereophonic before it had transferred to Broadway... was that she wanted to be the London partner." (28:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:30] – Shift in West End-to-Broadway transfer culture, intro to hot UK shows
• [04:01] – Evita: London success, challenges of replicating balcony performance in NYC
• [13:02] – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's possible future and adaptation issues
• [17:36] – The Devil Wears Prada: past U.S. failure, UK success, and Elton John's Broadway hope
• [23:29] – Hercules: London strategy, Disney’s approach, "not Broadway caliber” concerns
• [27:49] – Paddington: enormous UK love vs. uncertain U.S. cultural penetration
• [33:21] – The Hunger Games: custom staging, venue obstacles, U.S. market readiness
• [36:50] – Brief notes on Kyoto, The Years, Inter Alia, Dracula, and My Neighbor Totoro as transfer candidates

Final Thoughts & Outlook

Mickey Jo concludes that while UK-to-US transfers remain vibrant, every show faces unique creative, commercial, and practical challenges. Plays tend to transfer more quickly and easily than musicals; cultural translation, venue logistics, and financial realities all play defining roles in determining what makes the leap. He encourages feedback and questions about other shows and reminds listeners that the “cultural exchange of theatrical productions continues to be alive and well across the Atlantic and long may it continue.”

For more in-depth theatre news, reviews, and previews, follow Mickey Jo on his YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform.

“I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey day.” (39:15, Mickey Jo)