Broadway Press Day with Ruthie Fierberg

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  • PERFORMING ARTS

When a new show prepares to open on Broadway, the production typically takes a few hours out of rehearsal to host an event in which the cast and creative team members meet the press. Broadway News is giving you the inside track into the press room. Learn what to expect from new plays and musicals coming to Broadway with host Ruthie Fierberg.

  1. FEB 9

    The Advertiser’s Roundtable, Part 2

    In 2025, host Ruthie Fierberg gathered five leader of top-tier Broadway advertising and marketing firms for an advertiser roundtable. That foundational conversation raised even more questions and led to this Part 2. Fierberg chats with Liz Furze, chief executive officer of AKA NYC; Callie Goff, managing director and chief creative officer of SpotCo; Jeremy Kraus, managing partner of Situation; Ilene Rosen, founder of RPM; and Matt Upshaw, chief executive officer of Serino Coyne. They shared their expert insights and got into greater detail for the industry professionals out there. In this Part 2, they break down 1) what data they are paying attention to, how they use it and why it’s important, 2) what they wish clients better understood, 3) why moment-making is (or isn’t) useful to a campaign, 4) how they’re thinking about social media versus websites and 5) how AI can be used as a benefit to theater. Want to watch the video of this conversation? Click here.

    1h 18m

  2. JAN 2

    Introducing ‘Bug’ with Carrie Coon, Tracy Letts, Namir Smallwood and more

    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.” 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.

    34 min

  3. 11/22/2025

    Introducing ‘Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),’ an original musical

    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. 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.

    23 min

  4. 11/17/2025

    Introducing ‘Chess’ with Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher

    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.

    37 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Introducing ‘Liberation,’ a personal history play

    Tony Award-nominated playwright Bess Wohl ("Grand Horizons") and Tony-nominated director Whitney White ("Jaja's African Hair Braiding") each return to Broadway with the new play "Liberation." The ensemble play premiered Off-Broadway in the spring of 2025 and played a sold-out run with the Roundabout Theatre Company. Now, "Liberation" has transferred to Broadway for a limited engagement at the James Earl Jones Theatre. The production features the entire original ensemble in a groundbreaking work. The play toggles between present day and the 1970s as a woman named Lizzie imagines what her mother’s consciousness-raising group during feminism’s second wave might have been like. A theatrical piece on this topic could feel heavy, but Wohl’s script and its mounting have a glow and a lightness to it. In this latest episode: Wohl, White and members of the cast dive deep with host Ruthie Fierberg to discuss what audiences can expect from "Liberation" and the process behind making it.

    38 min

  6. 10/01/2025

    Introducing ‘Art’ with Neil Patrick Harris, James Corden and Bobby Cannavale

    Two-time Tony Award nominee Bobby Cannavale, Tony winner James Corden and Tony winner Neil Patrick Harris return to Broadway in the first revival of Yasmina Reza's Tony-winning play “Art.” A comedy about male friendship, “Art” begins when Serge buys a white painting for $300,000. The purchase creates a crack in his longtime friendship with Marc — how could Marc be friends with someone who values something so basic, boring and trendy? And how could Serge be friends with someone who thinks something he loves isn’t more than meets the eye? And whose side will their buddy Yvan take?  In this episode, all three actors reveal why they said “yes” to the project, what they relish about their character and what the meaning is at the center of “Art.” You'll also hear from nine-time Tony-nominated director Scott Ellis about assembling the cast and more. 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.

    22 min

  7. 09/26/2025

    Introducing ‘Waiting for Godot’ with Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter

    Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter became best buds 40 years ago when they starred in what would become the first movie of the “Bill & Ted” franchise. Now, the two are on Broadway together in the latest revival of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot.” As Reeves tells host Ruthie Fierberg, doing the play with Alex and director Jamie Lloyd was his idea. Here, Keanu explains why he reveres the play; Alex describes their long friendship; Jamie shares his vision and co-stars Brandon J. Dirden and Michael Patrick Thornton reveal what they are excited for audiences to experience. 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.

    28 min

  8. 09/14/2025

    The Advertisers’ Roundtable: 5 Broadway ad execs get honest

    After years of building Broadway back after the COVID-19 shutdown, the industry enjoyed a resurgent 2024-2025 season. But the business is also at a turning point. Those who work in entertainment know about the “crowded landscape” and the need to “break through the noise.” As Broadway turns toward a new chapter, Broadway News wanted to learn from the advertisers themselves. What are the challenges of advertising Broadway shows in 2025? What are the innovations to which industry mavens need to pay attention?  Host Ruthie Fierberg chats with Liz Furze, chief executive officer of AKA NYC; Callie Goff, managing director and chief creative officer of SpotCo; Jeremy Kraus, managing partner of Situation; Ilene Rosen, founder of RPM; and Matt Upshaw, chief executive officer of Serino Coyne shared their expert perspectives on advertising in the biz. What ensued was a dynamic conversation that included 1) how they measure a successful campaign, 2) why every show needs to be a brand — or not, 3) what shows they think have created an effective brand, 4) what they’re concerned about with Broadway audiences, 5) what they think of budgets and more. Want to watch the video of this conversation? Click here.

    59 min
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When a new show prepares to open on Broadway, the production typically takes a few hours out of rehearsal to host an event in which the cast and creative team members meet the press. Broadway News is giving you the inside track into the press room. Learn what to expect from new plays and musicals coming to Broadway with host Ruthie Fierberg.

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