Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominee Carrie Coon returns to Broadway for the first time since 2013 with “Bug,” a psychological thriller by Pulitzer Prize and Tony winner Tracy Letts.

In this episode, host Ruthie Fierberg talks to Coon about her “Bug” character, Agnes, and the differences between Agnes and her famous characters from “The Gilded Age” and “The White Lotus.” Plus, Coon declares “Bug” is the art we need right now. You'll also hear from Letts, who shares the genesis of the play; director David Cromer, who reveals the key to the play's ending; Coon's co-star Namir Smallwood, who offers thoughts about building his character; as well as supporting actors Randall Arney, Jennifer Engstrom and Steve Key.

Ruthie admits that, based on the description of the show, she's excited but also nervous to see the play. If you share the same fear, this episode is a must to understand what you can expect in this 2026 Broadway mounting of “Bug.”

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A new, original musical has arrived on Broadway: “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).” Book writer and lyricist Kit Buchan and composer Jim Barne have brought their musical romcom to the Longacre Theatre — inspired by movies like “When Harry Met Sally,” “Crossing Delancey” and Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy.

“Two Strangers” started in the U.K. before coming to America. It follows a young Brit (played by Sam Tutty) who has dreamt of New York City and comes for the first time for his estranged father’s wedding. Retrieving him from the airport is a native New Yorker (Christiani Pitts) and the sister of the bride.

In this episode, Buchan and Barne reveal how they invented the story of “Two Strangers,” how they found their pop sound and how they balance the reality and fantasy of NYC. Director Tim Jackson also talks with host Ruthie Fierberg about his vision for the show and getting deep into these two characters. Finally, Tutty and Pitts share how they’ve built their characters and what people can expect from the musical.

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Nearly 40 years since “Chess” debuted on Broadway, a revival of the musical by Sir Tim Rice (“Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Evita”) and Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (ABBA) has opened on Broadway. But this “Chess” is more a revisal — It features the songs of the original (albeit in a different order) and a brand new book by Emmy Award winner Danny Strong (“Game Change,” “Dopesick”).

In this episode of “Broadway Press Day,” host Ruthie Fierberg talks to Strong about rewriting the known “problem musical” to give it a plot that makes sense and clear characters we can root for. Set during the Cold War, Aaron Tveit plays American chess champion Freddie Trumper. He and his strategist (and lover) Florence, played by Lea Michele, are prepared to face off against the Russian champion Anatoly Sergievsky, played by Nicholas Christopher. But chess is more than a board game — it’s the game these three are playing with their hearts, and it’s the game the KGB and CIA are playing with nuclear weapons.

Stars Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher (the actors playing out this sexy love triangle) describe their characters and why they said yes to the project. Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer offers up what to expect from the experience; music supervisor Brian Usifer and choreographer Lorin Latarro give a preview of the orchestral sound and high-flying dance; while the supporting cast (Bryce Pinkham, Bradley Dean, Hannah Cruz and Sean Allan Krill) all share secret insights about the Cold War musical.

Want to be the first to hear these chats? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to broadwaynews.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ today, starting at only $1 per month, and get early access to these episodes, many more exclusive interviews and breaking news stories on Broadway.