Broadway’s 2026 Tony Race Takes Shape: Revivals, stars, and Early Contenders
The 2025-26 Broadway season is already generating notable buzz, with industry insiders beginning to forecast potential contenders for the 2026 Tony awards. Following a recent analysis by Gold Derby contributors Sam Eckmann and David Buchanan, a clear picture is emerging of a season poised to be dominated by revivals and powerhouse performances.
the conversation began just two weeks after the 2025 tonys, reflecting on predictions made a year prior. According to Buchanan, their earlier forecasts proved surprisingly accurate, especially in anticipating the competitive showdowns in the Best Musical Revival and Best Actress in a Musical categories between productions like Gypsy and Sunset Boulevard, and stars Audra McDonald and Nicole Scherzinger, respectively.
Revival Season: A Familiar Trend
The upcoming season appears to be continuing the trend of revivals taking centre stage. Several classic musicals are slated for remountings, including Ragtime, Chess, and The Rocky Horror show. Plays like Art, Waiting for Godot, and Fallen Angels are also set to return to Broadway. Buchanan questioned whether any of these productions possess the potential to emerge as winners.
Eckmann added Cats: The Jellicle Ball to the list of potential revival contenders.This reimagining of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic ditches the customary feline costumes in favor of a ballroom setting, and enjoyed a triumphant off-Broadway run. Should it transfer, Eckmann believes it would be an immediate frontrunner for Best Musical Revival. He also highlighted the appeal of Ragtime, Chess, and The Rocky horror Show, noting that these rarely-seen but beloved musicals could create an “epic showdown.”
New Musicals and Director Spotlight
While the field of new musicals remains somewhat uncertain,several projects are already generating excitement. Director Michael Arden,a two-time Tony winner for Parade and Maybe Happy Ending,is set to helm two new productions: The Queen of Versailles,starring Kristin Chenoweth,and a stage adaptation of The Lost boys. The question remains whether Arden can secure a third consecutive Tony Award.
Buchanan noted that Arden, along with Sam Pinkleton, could join an exclusive group of directors who have won back-to-back Tony Awards. He cautioned, however, that Queen of Versailles, based on early reviews, may be a stronger vehicle for Chenoweth and composer Stephen Schwartz than for Arden himself, despite its aspiring scope. The Lost Boys, a vampire musical, presents a greater risk, given the genre’s historically poor track record on Broadway, though the released song and Arden’s creative team offer encouraging signs.
The Race for Best Actress in a Musical Heats Up
The Best Actress in a Musical category is already shaping up to be fiercely competitive. Kristin Chenoweth’s performance as Jackie Siegel in The queen of Versailles is being hailed as the best of her career, but she will face stiff competition from Caissie Levy in Ragtime, and Lea Michele in Chess.
Eckmann emphasized the strength of these contenders, noting that nominations for Levy and Michele would represent career milestones. He highlighted Levy’s previous near-misses with Hair and Frozen, and Michele’s resurgence in popularity following her acclaimed performance in the Funny Girl revival. He also predicted strong competition from Michele’s Chess co-star, Nicholas Christopher, whom he described as a rising Broadway star.
Plays Take Center Stage in the Fall
The fall season is particularly strong for plays, offering a wealth of potential contenders.Jean Smart’s performance in Call me Izzy, the first production of the season, has already garnered critical acclaim. While the script itself may not be a long-term contender,Smart’s performance is expected to be remembered come Tony nomination time.
Other potential contenders include the revivals of Marjorie Prime and Little Bear Ridge,starring Laurie Metcalf. buchanan also expressed excitement about U.K. transfers of Oedipus,starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville,and punch,as well as Stephen Adly Guirgis’s stage adaptation of Dog Day Afternoon,featuring The Bear stars Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal.
A Competitive Best Actor Race Looms
The Best Actor in a Play race is also shaping up to be highly competitive, with Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter set to star in Waiting for godot, and Mark Strong leading the cast of Oedipus. Buchanan also pointed to the star power of Bobby Cannavale, Neil Patrick Harris, and James Corden in Yasmina Reza’s ART.He expressed particular enthusiasm for Strong’s potential to finally win a Tony Award, but acknowledged the possibility of surprises.
As the season unfolds, the race for the 2026 Tony Awards promises to be a thrilling one, filled with both established stars and emerging talent. The combination of highly anticipated revivals and ambitious new productions sets the stage for a year of captivating theatre and fierce competition.
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Beyond the Stage: The Wider Impact of the 2026 tony Season
The buzz around the 2026 Tony awards isn’t just about which shows will win. It’s also about the larger implications for the Broadway industry adn its audience. The selection of revivals, emerging talent, and bold new productions signals shifts in the cultural landscape and provides insights into evolving audience tastes. As we eagerly anticipate the awards, it’s worth considering the impact of this season beyond the shining lights and accolades.
The emphasis on revivals, as highlighted by Gold Derby contributors Sam Eckmann and David Buchanan, reflects a strategic move by producers.Revivals often have built-in audiences and lower financial risk due to established name recognition. This trend,even though potentially limiting creative innovation in terms of new material,
