Broadway ‘s biggest stars got themselves out of bed bright and early on a coveted day off for Variety’s annual Business of Broadway, presented by City National Bank, a celebration of new plays, musicals and revivals — or as host Cole Escola put it: “the only event in the whole entertainment industry that’s brave enough to combine Jim Parsons and eggs.” Parson, who portrays the Stage Manager in Kenny Leon’s reimagining of “Our Town,” was joined by cast members Zoey Deutch, Michelle Wilson, and Ephraim Sykes for a wide-ranging discussion about bringing Thornton Wilder’s oft-revived classic back to Broadway. The event featured conversations with “Sunset Boulevard” star and director Nicole Scherzinger and Jamie Lloyd, as well as Daniel Dae Kim and David Henry Hwang of “Yellow Face.
” In addition to some of the performers and creators, a panel of top producers from “Gypsy,” “Job” and “Redwood” talked candidly about the challenges of attracting audiences at a time when Broadway has never faced more competition...
or been more expensive. Escola, whose brainchild “Oh, Mary!” was recently extended into 2025 due to popular demand, concluded the morning’s festivities with a note of gratitude for the event’s sponsor. “On a personal note, ‘Oh, Mary!’ is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” they said from the stage.
“And it wouldn’t be possible, I mean, it really wouldn’t be possible without money.” Here are four takea.
