Broadway Press Day with Ruthie Fierberg

Two-time Tony Award nominee Bobby Cannavale, Tony winner James Corden and Tony winner Neil Patrick Harris return to Broadway in the first revival of Yasmina Reza's Tony-winning play “Art.”A comedy about male friendship, “Art” begins when Serge buys a white painting for $300,000. The purchase creates a crack in his longtime friendship with Marc — how could Marc be friends with someone who values something so basic, boring and trendy? And how could Serge be friends with someone who thinks something he loves isn’t more than meets the eye? And whose side will their buddy Yvan take? In this episode, all three actors reveal why they said “yes” to the project, what they relish about their character and what the meaning is at the center of “Art.” You'll also hear from nine-time Tony-nominated director Scott Ellis about assembling the cast and more.Want to be the first to hear these chats? ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to broadwaynews.com⁠⁠⁠ today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes, many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway.

Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter became best buds 40 years ago when they starred in what would become the first movie of the “Bill & Ted” franchise. Now, the two are on Broadway together in the latest revival of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot.”As Reeves tells host Ruthie Fierberg, doing the play with Alex and director Jamie Lloyd was his idea. Here, Keanu explains why he reveres the play; Alex describes their long friendship; Jamie shares his vision and co-stars Brandon J. Dirden and Michael Patrick Thornton reveal what they are excited for audiences to experience.Want to be the first to hear these chats? ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to broadwaynews.com⁠⁠⁠ today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes, many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway.

After years of building Broadway back after the COVID-19 shutdown, the industry enjoyed a resurgent 2024-2025 season. But the business is also at a turning point. Those who work in entertainment know about the “crowded landscape” and the need to “break through the noise.” As Broadway turns toward a new chapter, Broadway News wanted to learn from the advertisers themselves. What are the challenges of advertising Broadway shows in 2025? What are the innovations to which industry mavens need to pay attention? Host Ruthie Fierberg chats with Liz Furze, chief executive officer of AKA NYC; Callie Goff, managing director and chief creative officer of SpotCo; Jeremy Kraus, managing partner of Situation; Ilene Rosen, founder of RPM; and Matt Upshaw, chief executive officer of Serino Coyne shared their expert perspectives on advertising in the biz. What ensued was a dynamic conversation that included 1) how they measure a successful campaign, 2) why every show needs to be a brand — or not, 3) what shows they think have created an effective brand, 4) what they’re concerned about with Broadway audiences, 5) what they think of budgets and more.Want to watch the video of this conversation? Click here.

In July 2011, 18-year-old Jacob Dunne was a renegade, running amok, selling drugs, partying and always looking for a fight. But one night, when he joined a brawl, he threw a single punch that killed James Hodgkinson. Jacob went to prison and, upon his release, nearly returned to the aggressive life he'd been living. But then James’ parents reached out with questions. What ensued was a restorative justice process between Jacob, David and Joan to repair the harm that was done. The true story is now dramatized in the play “Punch,” written by Tony Award-nominated playwright James Graham. The play premiered in 2024 at the Nottingham Playhouse in the U.K. and began Broadway performances on Sept. 9, 2025. In this episode, Graham, director Adam Penford and the cast of Manhattan Theatre Club’s new Broadway production tell host Ruthie Fierberg about what to expect from the drama and how they hope it will change the world.Want to be the first to hear these chats? ⁠⁠Subscribe to broadwaynews.com⁠⁠ today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes, many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway.

In 1999, “Mamma Mia!” debuted in London’s West End — and musical theater was never the same. It was the first show of the modern era to use a single artist’s catalog, namely pop sensation ABBA, to tell an original story that had nothing to do with those artists. “Mamma Mia!” became a massive hit and transferred to Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre in 2001.Today, “Mamma Mia!” has returned to the Winter Garden, where it is playing a six-month limited run.But the musical has evolved over the last 25 years. In this episode, host Ruthie Fierberg talks to the production’s supervising director, choreographer and music maven about the details embedded in this Broadway mounting. Plus, hear from the actors playing Donna, Tanya and Rosie about stepping into their characters and onto the Broadway stage.Want to be the first to hear these chats? ⁠⁠Subscribe to broadwaynews.com⁠⁠ today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes, many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway.

Best known as Comedy Central’s “roastmaster,” comedian Jeff Ross will make his Broadway debut with his show “Take a Banana for the Ride.” The show begins performances on Aug. 5, 2025, at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre. Here, Ross speaks with Broadway News executive editor Ruthie Fierberg about what to expect from “Take a Banana for the Ride,” why it’s different from his usual roasting and what inspired him to come to Broadway. Want to be the first to hear these chats? ⁠Subscribe to broadwaynews.com⁠ today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes, many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, located at Lincoln Center in New York City, opened in 1965. It houses collections like the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, Music and Recorded Sound Division, Billy Rose Theatre Division as well as a circulating collection. According to the branch’s executive director, Roberta Pereira, it houses the largest known collection of theater photography in the world.This year, as the institution celebrates its 70th year, the Tony Awards have granted the library a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. Host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News, spoke to Pereira about what makes the library special and what programs and exhibits to expect in the coming months.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Roberta Pereira; photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

Each year, the Tony Awards recognizes outstanding achievements on Broadway with special Tony Awards. This year, one of those was bestowed upon the illusions and visual effects team of Broadway’s new sci-fi thriller “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”To watch “The First Shadow” is to witness innovation in design and technical theater — in addition to its dramaturgical and performance accomplishments. “The First Shadow” leveraged the talents of illusions and visual effects designers Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, technical director Gary Beestone and scenic design supervisor Edward Pierce.Harrison, Fisher, Beestone and Pierce are the recipients of the special Tony for creating battleships that disappear in a flash, mind flayers that descend from the heavens, levitating actors and much more. Here, Pierce delves into the team’s approach to the stage magic, a secret of the mind flayer and the most complex task he had to accomplish for the Broadway production in a conversation with host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Edward Pierce, photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions

The Muny opened its first production on June 16, 1919. This year, 106 years later, the Muny received the 2025 Regional Theatre Tony Award.Current artistic director and executive producer Mike Isaacson joined the Muny in 2011, launching his first season in 2012. Isaacson is only the third person to lead the Muny in its history. Here, Isaacson talks about what makes the Muny special, how the theater has become a St. Louis institution and how the venue puts on a new production every week for seven weeks each summer for over 300,000 audience members.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Mike Isaacson; photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions

“Sunset Boulevard” opened at Broadway’s St. James Theatre on TK, after a successful run in London’s West End. The four principal actors from the London production transferred to Broadway: Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Francis, David Thaxton, Grace Hodgett Young. Scherzinger and Francis are nominated for Tony Awards for their individual performances and “Sunset Boulevard” is nominated for Best Revival of a Musical.The four actors told host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News, about their fresh perspectives on their characters, the skills they honed to act onstage and on camera simultaneously (in this unique multimedia revival) and more.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.

Costume designer Holly Pierson made her Broadway debut this season with the runaway comedy hit “Oh, Mary!” by Cole Escola. Prior to Broadway, Pierson designed for television, including the comedy series “At Home with Amy Sedaris.” Learn how Pierson designed character through costume for “Oh, Mary!” in this chat with host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Holly Pierson; photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions

After making his Broadway debut with “English,” Knud Adams earned his first Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Play. Sanaz Toossi’s play started Off-Broadway and won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.Hear more of the director’s insights, including counsel for directors taking on the work in this conversation with host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Knud Adams; photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions

Actor Kara Young has been nominated for four Tony Awards in four consecutive years — and is the first Black actor (and only the second overall) to do so. Young currently appears in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Purpose” as Aziza.Here, Young tells host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News, about her history-making moment, the essence of her character and the change in her from performing “Purpose.”Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Kara Young; photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions

Cartoon character Betty Boop is known quite literally for her image. Costume designer Gregg Barnes used the illustration for the foundation of the look for “Boop! The Musical!”’s titular character to create multiple styles for her. In addition to Betty herself, Barnes created two distinct worlds in which the musical lives: a black-and-white cartoon land and multicolored New York City. The worlds collide in the number “Where Is Betty?” as you can see in this video. Now, Barnes is nominated for a Tony Award for his “Boop!” creations. Learn how Barnes designed every outfit in this chat with host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Gregg Barnes; photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions

Marco Pennette has spent much of his career as a television writer, so he knows how to write “down to the second,” as he put it. Those skills served him as he adapted the movie “Death Becomes Her” into a stage musical. Pennette packs a wallop in his Tony Award-nominated book for the musical, making room for the story the movie-lovers know, new twists, additional character development and joke after joke.Listen to the latest episode of “5 minutes with a Tony nominee” hosted by Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News, to hear directly from Pennette about putting a fresh take on the story for the stage and penning a new ending.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Marco Pennette; photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions

During the curtain call of “The Hills of California,” numerous audience members could be caught looking around for a “missing” actor. But there was no one missing. Actor Laura Donnelly played the dual roles of Veronica/Joan. But her complete embodiment of the two characters led many to believe that two different actors had played them.Donnelly is nominated for a 2025 Tony Award for her performance. In this latest episode, Donnelly describes her process of creating each character, her re-envisioning of Joan after major rewrites and her creation of an emotional climax night after night.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Laura Donnelly; photo by Lee Malone

Marsha Ginsberg is a longtime scenic designer in the theater and opera worlds. She has such experience, in fact, that she is an associate arts professor at New York University in Abu Dhabi. But, until this season, Ginsberg had not designed on Broadway. That changed with “English”; and Ginsberg earned her first Tony Award nomination for her design of Sanaz Toossi’s play.Here, Ginsberg details why designing a simple-looking Iranian classroom was actually a fun challenge and how her time in Abu Dhabi paid off for “English.”Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Marsha Ginsberg; photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions

“Maybe Happy Ending” has been nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Will Aronson and Hue Park, Best Original Score Written for the Theater for Aronson (music and lyrics) and Park (lyrics) and Best Orchestrations for Aronson. “Maybe Happy Ending” imagines a future in which humans rely on human-like robots called helperbots. Two helperbots, Oliver and Claire, now live in the retired helperbot yards. But they decide to go on an adventure, which yields an unlikely friendship and maybe even love.In this “5 minutes with a Tony nominee” chat, Aronson and Park tell host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of Broadway News, about the development of characters Oliver and Claire and the technical music choices they made for a specific emotional response.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: (L-R) Will Aronson and Hue Park; photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

Looking at James Monroe Iglehart, one wouldn’t exactly characterize him as a doppleganger for famed singer and trumpeter Louis Armstrong. And yet, when Iglehart took the stage as Armstrong in “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical,” the actor transformed and became Armstrong’s spitting image.Now nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Armstrong, Iglehart talks to host Ruthie Fierberg, executive editor of  Broadway News. The actor reveals some of his strategies for building the character physically, vocally and psychologically.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: James Monroe Iglehart; photo courtesy of the Press Room

Broadway’s “Death Becomes Her” is the musical adaptation of Robert Zemeckis’ film, which starred Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. But when Universal Theatrical Group (UTG), the Universal Pictures division that develops the studio’s titles for Broadway, considered adapting “Death Becomes Her,” they wanted the stage musical to distinguish itself from its source.Lowe Cunningham is vice president of production and creative development for UTG. In this conversation, Cunningham describes why she thought “Death Becomes Her” would make a perfect Broadway musical, how she helped put the creative team together and more.Want to be the first to hear these chats? Subscribe to broadwaynews.com today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes and many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway and the Tony Awards.Photo credit: Lowe Cunningham; photo by Mike Coppola for Getty Images/Tony Awards Productions