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Who Will Win Best New Musical? A Look at This Season’s Contenders

Joanna Dugroo Student Contributor, Hofstra University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hofstra chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

With the Tony Awards fast approaching, many new musicals are headed to Broadway within the next few weeks. From highly anticipated debuts to transfers from other cities, this new season is looking very exciting, with theatre lovers having many shows to watch.

The Queen of Versailles

This new musical is based on the 2012 documentary that followed Jackie and David Siegel, a billionaire couple who attempted to build a mansion inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Kristen Chenoweth starred as Jackie, and the audience followed her journey from a modest upbringing to extreme fortune using satire and family drama for comedic effect. The Siegels’ life then began to unravel during the 2008 financial crisis. It relies heavily on themes of ambition and the illusion of success.

While it had large stars and an ambitious concept, the show has since closed, due to negative reviews and declining ticket sales. It ran for just a few weeks and closed in December. It had originally premiered in Boston in 2024.

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Two Strangers is a charming and funny, smaller musical that follows Dougal and Robin, two unlikely friends who end up exploring New York together. Dougal is an optimistic British man who has perceptions of New York from TV and movies, he finally gets to visit for his father’s wedding. Robin is the bride’s sister, a native New Yorker who doesn’t take any nonsense, and agrees to show him around the city. The show follows their friendship and journey as they carry a cake around the town. The humor, romance, and family dynamics make it a hit.

Despite there only being two people in the cast, Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts have done an exceptional job, with their banter resonating with audiences. This show is still running at the Longacre Theatre. It premiered in London and ran in Boston at ART.

Titanique

This over-the-top, campy musical parody of the classic film is now transferred from its off-Broadway run that ended last year. It’s unique because it’s told through the lens of Celine Dion, who recounts how it really happened. It reimagines the film in a new way, but instead of making you cry, it will make you laugh. Familiar characters are turned into exaggerated versions of themselves, and you can’t take it seriously, as it leans fully into its absurdity.

Titanique just started previews on March 26th at the St. James theatre, and has a 16-week limited engagement until July 12th. It stars Marla Mindelle as Celine, and other well-known actors, including Jim Parsons and Frankie Grande. It premiered in LA in 2017 and has since moved to the West End and off-Broadway.​

The Lost Boys

The Lost Boys is a brand-new musical adaptation of the cult classic 1987 film, bringing teen angst, humor, and supernatural vibes to the stage. It focuses on brothers Michael and Sam as they move to California and discover something is off about their new home. Michael ends up falling in with a mysterious group of bikers led by David, and he begins to change and grow closer to a world of vampires and rebellion. The blend of the 80s and darker, edgier turn leans into themes of identity and belonging.

The Lost Boys started previews on March 27 with an open-ended engagement. This is its world premiere, and many people are excited to see it because it’s never been seen before. Its stars include LJ Benet, making his Broadway debut, alongside Ali Louis Borgzui and Shoshanna Bean.

Beaches

Beaches is a new musical adaptation of the film that follows the friendship between Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White. From their first meeting as children to their different adult lives, this show traces their bond through success and struggles. Cee Cee is ambitious in the entertainment industry and Bertie grows up with privilege, but longs for something more. Their friendship and the sacrifices they make are the main focus of this story.

Beaches also started previously on March 27, with a limited engagement ending in September. It stars Kelli Barrett and Jessica Vosk, both well-known actresses. This musical premiered at Signature Theatre in 2014 and has finally made its way to Broadway.

Schmigadoon

Schmigadoon is a genre-bending musical based on the hit Apple TV+ movie series that follows Josh and Melissa, who are trapped in a picture-perfect musical town. As they attempt to escape, they soon realize that finding true love is the only way out. They then encounter musical numbers and larger-than-life, well-known characters. This musical is packed with catchy songs, visuals, and parodies of traditional musicals. It’s a celebration and satire of the genre, and appeals to theatre fans who recognize the references.

Schmigadoon started previews in the Nederlander Theatre on April 4th, starring Alex Brightman and Sara Chase, who are joined by other well-known Broadway performers. It originally premiered in DC at the Kennedy Center in 2025, with many of the original cast members returning.

This Broadway season is shaping up to be exciting, with heartfelt stories and new adaptations. Whether audiences are looking for an emotional, heartwarming story or an entertaining comedy, there is no shortage of options hitting the stage. It will be interesting to see which of these productions will stand out and win Best Musical at this year’s Tonys.

Joanna Dugroo

Hofstra '26

Joanna is a senior music business student studying at Hofstra University on Long Island. She has a passion for pop culture, music, reading, and theatre!