In this episode of Broadway Buzz, Pierce dives into the week’s hottest—and most controversial—Broadway news. From the Maybe Happy Ending team officially announcing Andrew Barth Feldman as the new Oliver, the backlash they've faced and their response. Then we discuss the not-so-positive audience reactions to Billy Porter’s Cabaret performance. Plus, we talk rumors of Cole Escola stepping into the 2026 Off-Broadway production of The Rocky Horror Show and unpack the backlash Cynthia Erivo is facing over her upcoming role as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.

This week on Broadway Buzz, we’re talking major returns, historic casting, vampire solo acts, and Tony Award robberies that still sting.

Jeremy Jordan is stepping back into that white suit as Jay Gatsby this fall, and fan hype is real. Plus, we’re celebrating Aisha Jackson joining The Great Gatsby as Daisy.

Across the pond, Cynthia Erivo is taking on Dracula — as everyone. 23 characters. One actress. One wild night in London theatre. We’ll break down Kip Williams’ “cine-theatre” style and why this production could redefine live performance.

And finally, let’s get into the Broadway heartbreaks that still haunt us — from Wicked losing to Avenue Q to Old Friends being completely shut out of the 2025 Tony noms.

Plus: our Quote of the Episode comes straight from Cynthia Erivo:

“I don’t need to be a star. I want to be a light.”

Me too Cynthia, me too.

Hit play and let’s get into the drama — both onstage and off.

The 2024 Tony Award nominations are out—and not everyone’s feeling the love. In this episode, we dive into the biggest surprises, the major snubs, and what this could mean for some shows' futures. We also discuss Real Women Have Curves, Redwood and Smash, Audra McDonald and Kara Young making Tony history, and why the nominations shift ticket sales. Plus, I share this week’s quote from the iconic André De Shields: “Slowly is the fastest way to get where you want to be.”

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0:00:00 Introduction and welcome

0:00:57 Quote of the day (André De Shields)

0:01:19 2025 Tony Award voter breakdown

0:02:42 Real Women Have Curves, Redwood & Smash

0:08:00 Nominations

0:21:00 Audra McDonald

0:23:00 Closing remarks and social media reminders