The idea of an Annie Part II had actually been floating around since 1982, while the original Annie was still on Broadway, and rather than a traditional sequel, the production was framed as a continuation of the original story, beginning six weeks after the events of Annie, with Miss Hannigan devising her revenge from prison. This continuing story was initially set to open on Broadway in 1983, just months after the original closed. However, it would take until June of 1989 before the show would finally announce an opening date, first in Washington, DC then on Broadway.

However, what started out as Miss Hannigan’s Revenge became a revenge of a different kind altogether. And the events that followed underscore a broader truth about Broadway (one that resonates throughout the episodes of this podcast): that even the most seasoned and award-winning of creators can still produce a flop. So was the tumultuous journey and hard-knocked life of Annie 2.

Click here to find a transcript for this episode and a full list of materials and resources used.

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Season 2 of Closing Night is finally here—the theater history podcast that takes you behind the curtain to uncover stories about famous and forgotten Broadway show that closed too soon. While season 1 focused on musicals that came and went from the Marquis Theatre, this season I’m tackling a whole new kind of theatrical heartbreak: shows that never actually opened on Broadway. 

These are the productions that fizzled out during out-of-town tryouts or preview performances, including Lone Star Love, The Little Prince and the Aviator, Lolita, My Love, Let My People Come, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, among others. Episodes start at the end of January and will drop once a month throughout the year, with the first episode being all about Annie 2: Miss Hannigan’s Revenge, which was actually slated to open at the Marquis Theatre but was canceled after a disastrous run in Washington, DC.

Make sure to follow Closing Night on your favorite podcast app and stay connected on Instagram at @closingnightpodcast.

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There’s a unique category of musicals that only come around once a year. And it is this annual tradition that makes Christmas musicals so special. They're not just a way to celebrate the holiday season—they tap into that universal feeling of nostalgia, warmth, and tradition. These shows bring people together in a way that few others can, offering an escape into a world of joy, wonder, and yes, a little bit of holiday magic. Whether it’s through music, story, or the sheer spectacle, Christmas on Broadway has a way of making the season feel even more magical.

From the big, iconic productions that have defined the Christmas season like White Christmas and Elf to lesser-known gems like Here's Love and Flahooley that still manage to capture the spirit of the holidays, we’re going to look at the shows that not only helped define what Christmas can mean on Broadway but also why they remain so beloved long after the final curtain falls.

Check out my episode on Patrick Stewart and and his one-man version of A Christmas Carol.

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Click here for a transcript and full list of the resources and materials used in this episode. Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media. I'm Patrick Oliver Jones, host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is editor and producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Theme music for Closing Night composed and created by Blake Stadnik. I’ll be back in the new year with season 2 of Closing Night. I know, it’s taken awhile, but I think you’ll find its been worth the wait when we talk about more shows as they head toward Closing Night.

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In this special video podcast combo between Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night, I’m joined by theater historian and author Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who has written a truly remarkable book - Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out. 

Jennifer’s work is the first comprehensive exploration of women who have shaped Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals over the last century and beyond. From Tin Pan Alley composers to protest writers of the 1970s, and the voices shaping today’s theater landscape, this book is a treasure trove of history and inspiration. Together, we explore the hurdles these women faced, their remarkable stories, and the profound ways they’ve shaped the art form. And Jennifer’s book resonates deeply with both podcasts:

In our conversation, we highlight trailblazers like Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins, a Black playwright and novelist whose multi-hyphenate career began in the late 1800s; then there’s Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford, the longest-running female duo in musical theater history that began in 1955 and continues today; and then Shaina Taub, the Tony Award-winning force behind the Broadway musical Suffs. These are just a few of the extraordinary women we discuss—names that, thanks to Jennifer's book, are finally getting their due.

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Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night are independent productions of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of these podcasts please subscribe or donate. Thank you! 

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Tickets are available for in-person attendance and via livestream on The Green Room 42 website.

Next month marks the 50th anniversary of The Little Prince, a musical film based on the classic children’s story and the final collaboration of Broadway writing duo Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. To celebrate this milestone The Green Room 42 presents “Lights, Camera, Lerner and Loewe” on November 5th at 9:30pm. And the special guest of the evening is Steven Warner, who was the child actor in the title role alongside Broadway luminaries like Richard Kiley, Bob Fosse, Donna McKechnie, and Gene Wilder.

Two other movie musicals also celebrating anniversaries this fall are Brigadoon, which has enchanted audiences for 70 years with its tale of love and a mystical village, as well as My Fair Lady, the timeless classic reaching its 60th anniversary. And each of these three musicals will be brought to life with some of the finest voices on and off Broadway.

This one-night-only concert features Grammy Award nominee Mykal Kilgore (Motown, Hair), Tony Award nominee Jane Summerhays (Me and My Girl, A Chorus Line), Tony Award Honoree Ben Davis (Once Upon a Mattress, La Boheme), E. Clayton Cornelious (Ain’t Too Proud), and Ellis Gage (White Rose, James & the Giant Peach).

Warner will reprise songs he sang in The Little Prince. Performers from recent Broadway revivals of Lerner & Loewe musicals are among the singers as well, including Rachel Fairbanks (Camelot), Michael Halling (My Fair Lady), and Valerie Torres-Rosario (Camelot). The associate conductor for both Camelot and My Fair Lady, Will Curry, will provide music direction and violin along with Megan Smythe (The Great Gatsby) on piano.

Relive the magic of Lerner and Loewe’s cinematic masterpieces through an evening of soaring melodies, romance, and nostalgia. The Green Room 42 is located at 570 Tenth Avenue inside YOTEL in New York City.

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Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph.

Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the challenges faced during out-of-town tryouts, the unwavering determination to overcome them, and the celebration of reaching over a decade on Broadway – a remarkable feat in the world of musical theatre.

This captivating series features exclusive conversations with the original cast and creative team behind ALADDIN including Alan Menken, Casey Nicholaw, James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs, Courtney Reed, Sonya Balsara, Adi Roy and more as they recount their experiences with the show.

Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan, a theatre enthusiast, or simply captivated by the magic of storytelling, this series is a must-listen. Unveil the untold story of ALADDIN and discover the passion, resilience, and drive that created a Broadway sensation.

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Last month, Closing Night went live at 54 Below here in New York City, exploring the songs and stories of the Marquis Theatre with Broadway performers and singers—many of whom have performed in shows at the Marquis and some of them even joined us this past podcast season.

And so I wanted to let you hear these stories and songs for yourself. You can also watch the concert on YouTube.

Follow Closing Night on Instagram @closingnightpodcast

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The second season of Closing Night is set to premiere this June. But while we all eagerly await the curtain rising on our next act, here's a story about a show that famously closed on its opening night. There are actual plans to do a future season about Broadway productions that only lasted one performance. But now there's one show to take off the list of potential episodes, all because of the podcast being sharing today, a podcast that feels like a time machine, whisking us away to different eras, and immersing us in captivating stories of yesteryear.

It’s called History Daily, but it isn't your average history podcast. It's a real treasure trove of tales from the past, delivered straight to your ears every weekday. From monumental battles to the quirkiest fashion trends, from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to the drama of politics, sports, and even theater—History Daily covers it all.

Now, back in December, the host Lindsay Graham and his production team over at History Daily featured an episode from this podcast (remember the one all about Andrew Lloyd Webber's short-lived Broadway production of The Woman in White?). Lindsay talked about that production and shared the episode with his listeners. So now it's my turn to share one of their episodes.

Much like Closing Night, History Daily is more than just a recounting of dates and names—it's about the lives, the struggles, and the triumphs of those who came before us. And you're about to hear a tale so legendary in the world of theater that it's become synonymous with failure: a play called Moose Murders.

So let's journey back to February 22, 1983, as we unravel the mystery behind one of Broadway's biggest flops. It's a reminder that even the darkest nights in theater history have a story worth telling.

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Get ready for a night of Broadway magic as 54 Below Celebrates the Marquis Theatre on March 19th! The concert will feature performances by those who were there at the Marquis, like Tony Award nominee Kate Baldwin from Thoroughly Modern Millie, Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr. from Nick & Nora, E. Clayton Cornelious from Wonderland, Leah Horowitz from The Woman in White, and Lisa Howard from 9 to 5 and Escape to Margaritaville.

Patrick Oliver Jones will be hosting as well as singing that night, which just happens to be his birthday, so you don't miss this exclusive one-night-only event on March 19th, where tickets start at just $35. Visit the website 54below.com to secure your seat for this fun-filled evening, whether in person or via livestream online!

**Use code MTHEATRE5 for $5 OFF Main Dining Room and Bar Rail cover charge.**

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Five years ago, the enchanting musical The Band's Visit closed on Broadway (April 7, 2019) after capturing hearts with its simplicity and profound storytelling. Composed by David Yazbek and written by Itamar Moses, it emerged as a masterpiece in the 2017-2018 season, transcending contemporary Broadway norms. At the 2018 Tony Awards, this gem earned 11 nominations and secured 10 wins, including Best Musical, triumphing over big blockbuster shows like SpongeBob Squarepants, Mean Girls, and Frozen, and running for 598 performances.

Amidst current Middle East tensions, The Band's Visit stands out as a show that explores human connection and shows how music can bridges the divides between us. So enjoy an encore presentation of my 2018 interview with Jeff Theiss, associate conductor of The Band's Visit. We delve into the musical's score, its unique storytelling, and how it transcends political divisions to focus on our shared human experiences, reminding us of our profound commonality.

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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer.

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