Critic Picks 4 Tony Front-Runners for 2026 Awards as Broadway Sees Fewer New Musicals
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 17
Critic Picks 4 Tony Front-Runners for 2026 Awards as Broadway Sees Fewer New Musicals
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 17
Four top-category predictions in the latest Tony forecast back “Giant” for Best Play, “The Lost Boys” for Best Musical, “Death of a Salesman” for Best Play Revival and “Ragtime” for Best Musical Revival.
The outlook argues voters may favor topical heft, Broadway-scale spectacle and prestige revivals, with “Giant” called the most direct play and “The Lost Boys” seen as a rallying point for faith in Broadway.
“Death of a Salesman” is framed as the category juggernaut despite possible hesitation around producer Scott Rudin, while “Ragtime” is expected to benefit from its seriousness and lush staging.
The critic’s personal picks diverge in key races, favoring “Liberation,” “Schmigadoon!” and “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” underscoring a season portrayed as richer in revivals than in new musicals.
That split reflects the broader 2025-26 Broadway picture: less turnover and fewer new musicals, with revivals carrying much of the season’s awards momentum.
Will spectacle and nostalgia triumph over originality in this year's heated race for Best Musical?
Will Tony voters reward a classic revival's message or a bold, revolutionary reimagining?
Can a brilliant production win big despite the controversial return of its infamous producer?