Student Blog: My Broadway Wishlist

As someone who studies and plans to work professionally in theatre, you might assume that the magic of live performance would eventually wear off for me. After all, I spend so much time learning the mechanics, analyzing the design choices, and understanding the backstage secrets that bring a show to life. I know the cues, the tricks, the problem-solving that happens in the wings, and the careful planning that makes every moment appear effortless to an audience. But surprisingly, the opposite is true. The more intimately I work in theatre, the more my appreciation for it grows. Seeing the collaboration between artists, the precision behind every technical element, and the passion poured into each rehearsal has only deepened my respect for the craft. 

Right now on Broadway, there are dozens of talented humans putting on productions, and there’s more than a handful that I’m dying to see. Let’s start with the musicals. 

First is Hadestown. While I’ve seen the touring production in my hometown of Atlanta, I’m still thinking about this show and would love an opportunity to see it again. Not only that, but Broadway's current cast is so phenomenal. Jack Wolfe as Orpheus is something I don’t want to miss. I fell in love with his performance in Next to Normal after watching the Great Performances recording on PBS. His vocals are on another level, and I think he’s perfect for the role. Additionally, Rebecca Naomi Jones as Persephone is another fantastic casting choice. Her performance in the original cast of American Idiot is one of my favorites. Hadestown as a whole is an incredibly strong and compelling show, and I would feel grateful to see it in such an intimate setting as the Walter Kerr Theatre. 

I am also really excited about the idea of seeing Chess on Broadway. This is the first time the musical has been on Broadway since 1988! I’ve listened to Chess live in concert several times, and the music is show-stopping. I can only imagine how, combined with the next-level cast (Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher), this show will certainly be a musical hit. 

Moving on to plays. While I love the spectacle and grandiosity of a Broadway musical, I’m always more drawn to plays. There’s something intimate and immediate about them. Plays rely less on visual flourish and more on raw human emotion, which makes every moment feel more personal and resonant. For me, that storytelling style creates a deeper, longer-lasting connection with the audience.

Oh, Mary! is on my Broadway wishlist because it offers a wonderfully strange and original theatrical experience. I’m fascinated by its offbeat take on Mary Todd Lincoln and how it blends historical inspiration with sharp, modern comedy. I love shows that take risks and push boundaries, and this play seems to do exactly that. Its daring humor makes it the kind of production I can’t wait to experience live.

The new Broadway production of Oedipus is intriguing to me because it revitalizes a timeless classic with contemporary relevance. I’m drawn to how this reinterpretation promises emotional insight. I love when Greek tragedy feels immediate and alive, and this production seems poised to deliver a powerful, resonant experience I don’t want to miss.

Overall, there’s so much great stuff on Broadway at the moment, and this just scratches the surface. Hoping I can make it into New York and catch some shows soon!