The 300 Word Commentary: Broadway’s 2025-26 season was a success — and the Tonys finally proved it
If you listen to enough theater folks, you’ll hear how this past Broadway season was an abject failure. They’re mostly referring to the fact that only six new musicals opened — and of those, it’s hard to tell if any will make back their money, which, of course, is the true measure of success in commercial theater.
And yet, after watching last night’s Tony Awards, I’m convinced that Broadway is going to be fine.
There’s no denying the math is tough these days for the industry. Costs are sky high, with musicals easily running $15 million-plus. There’s also perpetual panic that audiences are becoming harder to woo, especially with so much competition from other forms of entertainment.
But if you believe that quality will always sell, then Broadway is on top of its game. Consider that this year’s race for best musical was arguably the tightest it’s been in years: All four contenders — “Two Strangers,” “The Lost Boys,” “Titanique“ and “Schmigadoon! — had their selling points, as their Tony showcases proved. I also know theater fans who made ardent cases for each. (I was on team “Lost Boys,” but was quite happy to see “Schmig” win.)
Then, add in a very tight best musical revival race — honestly, it was a coin flip between “Ragtime” and “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” And the plays? A real embarrassment of riches. I thought “Fear of 13” was a damn good drama and it wasn’t even nominated for best play.
Maybe P.T. Barnum was right in viewing audiences as suckers. But the theatergoing crowd is a discerning one: They won’t settle for less than quality, but they will also ultimately pay for it. After a heady Tony night, I’m more than willing to play the Broadway long game. Oh, and here’s to a great 2026-27 season. — Charles Passy
Published: June 8, 2026