With the many entertainment choices New York City has to offer, it can be difficult to decide what to see. Look no further. “On Stage” host Frank DiLella has curated a list of must-see shows this week, guiding you to the best of Broadway, off-Broadway and beyond.
The countdown is on for Broadway’s biggest night.
The 2025 Tony Awards are set to take place this Sunday at Radio City Music Hall.
For this week’s picks, “On Stage” host Frank DiLella’s favorite Tony nominated shows from the season.
“Sunset Blvd.”
First up “Sunset Blvd.,” starring Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis.
“When I read the script, I just got Norma. I really empathized with her. I was like, oh, yes, this is very complex, like me. And then I listened to the music and I fell madly in love with her. Are you kidding me? I’ll be back where I was born to be? Oh, I’m sorry. Was this a role actually written for me?” Scherzinger said.
“Oh, Mary!”
Next up is “Oh, Mary!,” written by and starring Cole Escola.
“Do you remember back being introduced to Broadway and having that a-ha moment thinking, ‘You know what? That’s something I would love to do,’?” DiLella asked.
“It just never occurred to me that it would actually be possible,” Escola said.
“Was there a specific moment where you’re like, oh my, my life is completely changed?” DiLella asked.
“I mean, just the fact that I’m on Broadway, I mean. That’s … it’s crazy. I can’t believe it. I’m really I’m… I could cry, but I won’t. You’re not going to get me there,” Escola said.
“Maybe Happy Ending”
Another is “Maybe Happy Ending,” featuring Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen.
“What it is about is much, I think, heavier, no heavier, I think, which is much more profound. Things which are what do we do with our shelf life? And why do we choose to do the things that we do with said shelf life?” Criss said.
“Why do we decide to go out of the house? Why do we decide to continue talking to each other and connecting with people and putting ourselves out there with the potential of loss and the potential of pain?” Shen said.
“Purpose”
Finally “Purpose,” with LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Harry Lenox.
“My character, Solomon Jasper, married to his wife, Claudine Jasper, has sired these two boys to kind of take over the mantle of leading either in a spiritual way or leading in a political way. Both of them have questions, and some pushback about whether that’s what they want to do and how they should go about doing it,” Lennix said.
“I am grateful and I am overwhelmed. To be back on Broadway with this cast is an incredible gift to me,” Jackson said.
Be sure to tune in to Spectrum News NY1 on Sunday, starting at 5 p.m. for the annual live red carpet special.
DiLella will be joined by “Hell’s Kitchen” star Jessica Vosk. They will talk to the nominees and presenters as they make their way into Radio City Music Hall for the 78th annual Tony Awards.
→ Continue reading at Spectrum News NY1
