On Saturday, “The Book of Mormon” became the 11th longest-running show in Broadway history with its 5,124th performance, replacing “Rent.”
In recognition of the achievement and in honor of “Rent,” the cast of “The Book of Mormon” sang the “Rent” anthem “Seasons of Love” at curtain call. Cast members Jacques C. Smith and John Eric Parker, who made their Broadway debuts in “Rent,” introduced the song.
The 10 longest-running Broadway shows now include, in order, “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Chicago,” “The Lion King,” “Wicked,” “Cats,” “Les Miz,” “A Chorus Line,” “Oh, Calcutta!,” “Mamma Mia!,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Cynthia Erivo confirmed as Tony Awards host
Cynthia Erivo, who won a Tony Award for her performance in “The Color Purple” in 2016 before becoming a major film star in “Wicked” last year, will host the 2025 Tony Awards, which will be held at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 8.
This will mark the first Tony Awards to be held at Radio City since 2022, following ceremonies at the United Palace in 2023 and Lincoln Center in 2024.
As is typically the case, March and April will be packed with Broadway openings in advance of the eligibility cutoff for this year’s Tony Awards. The Tony Award Nominations will be announced on May 1.
Duncan Sheik writing manga musical
Duncan Sheik (“Spring Awakening”) is at work on a musical adaptation of “Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen,” a manga graphic novel by Moyoco Anno. Technically speaking, this would not be the first musical based on a manga property. Frank Wildhorn previously wrote the music for “Death Note: The Musical,” which has played Tokyo and Seoul.
While not technically manga, the best-known musical based on a graphic work is “Fun Home,” which won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical.
Sutton Foster attached to Loretta Lynn musical
Sutton Foster is attached to “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” a new Broadway musical adaptation of country singer Loretta Lynn’s 1980 film and 1976 autobiography.
It will feature songs from Lynn’s career, with music production by Jeanine Tesori and direction by Sam Gold (who worked together on “Fun Home”).
Lynn died in 2022 at the age of 90. Her daughter, Patsy Lynn, will serve as a consulting producer on the musical.
Joy Mangano musical to play Off-Broadway
“Joy,” a new musical about Miracle Mop inventor Joy Mangano, will receive an eight-week Off-Broadway run this summer at the Laura Pels Theatre. Betsy Wolfe (“& Juliet”) will play Joy.
“Betsy radiates joy in every way, and I’m honored she’s going to be the driving force of inspiring others with my story in this production,” Mangano said in a statement.
The musical does not appear to be related to the 2015 bio film “Joy,” in which Joy was played by Jennifer Lawrence. A concept album of its songs, titled “The Shape of Things: Songs from Joy the Musical,” is available for streaming.
Metropolitan Opera announces new season
The Metropolitan Opera’s 2025-26 season, which was officially announced last week, will include six new productions and 12 revivals. “In these uncertain times, we hope that our performances will provide solace for a world sorely in need of it,” general manager Peter Gelb said in a statement.
Met premieres include “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay,” “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego,” and “Innocence,” in addition to new productions of Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde,” Bellini’s “La Sonnambula,” and Bellini’s “I Puritani.”
