High Cs on the High Seas: Four nights on The Broadway Cruise
Anything Went on a voyage of performances, panels, and pizzazz
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Shalom, Broadway lovers!
In today’s MARQUEE: The Broadway Maven’s Weekly Blast: A) a report from The Broadway Cruise; B) reviews of the shows aboard The Broadway Cruise; C) a Broadway Blast about Les Misérables and Miss Saigon; D) a Broadway Maven Piano Talk video about Dear Evan Hansen; and E) a Last Blast about Company.
ESSAY: Call it "Oy Ahoy."
Last week, The Broadway Maven hit the seas for a four-night voyage from Miami to Cozumel aboard the third installment of The Broadway Cruise. Alongside music educator and course co-host Mateo Chavez Lewis, I spent several days in the sun soaking up performances by major Broadway stars, including concerts by Brian Stokes Mitchell, Wayne Brady, and Shoshana Bean. There were also panel discussions, swimming with sea lions and manatees, and a "gangway gang" of fast friends with passionate Broadway fans from near and far.
I've been invited to be a presenter on next year's cruise, but this year I was a regular passenger, which helped me "get the lay of the land" (sea) while taking a much-needed vacation from my Broadway Maven work. It was the first time since the 1990s that I completely ignored my emails for four days straight.
Some highlights, beyond the performances (see Mateo's reviews below):
• "Name that Show Tune" with musical theater actor and TV personality Wayne Brady was a blast. There's a reason Brady is one of the greatest game show hosts in the history of television, and he had the audience busting their guts by the end of each round.
• Broadway celebrities mingling with the fans, whether it was in wine tastings or in line at the buffet. Anthony Rapp (Rent) hosted a poker tournament and Shoshana Bean, a whisky tasting. Neither activity was quite my style, but I appreciated how easy it was to interact with the stars. Corey Cott (whom I loved in Newsies) was particularly accessible, wandering around the ship and interacting with passengers.
• Near-constant (or so it seemed) poolside performances by the cruise's stars. When Caissie Levy sang "I Miss the Mountains" from Next to Normal (see my review of her London once-in-a-generation triumph here), I cried.
• A compelling "business of Broadway" panel by friend-of-the-Maven uber-producer Ken Davenport, who compared his work to being the CEO of a start-up, but reminded us that no one invests in Broadway without loving theater—and no one should. In addition, several panels coordinated by my fellow Substacker journalist Gordon Cox (Jaques), who covered everything from women in theater to social issues on stage to the art of Broadway revivals.
• There were several dozen options for shore excursions in Cozumel, Mexico. Mateo and I chose to swim with sea mammals, including getting wet kisses from both a manatee and a sea lion.
And, of course, it was a cruise, and we had good weather, so there were soothing views from our balcony, a spa, a casino, specialty restaurants, and a copious all-you-can-eat buffet that was included at no extra charge. Oh, and more than a little alcohol.
I'm hoping to arrange for a Broadway Maven cohort to attend next year's voyage, which would be a great chance to see our Zoom friends face-to-face. Should you wish to hit the high Cs with us next year, watch this space for details.
REVIEWS: Each night on the Broadway Cruise, David and I had the opportunity to take in a headliner's show at the glitzy Stardust Theatre on-board. Here are my reviews of each of the three headliners’ star turns. —Mateo Chavez Lewis
Brian Stokes Mitchell: I’ve heard this rich bass voice on cast recordings my entire life, but I’ve never had the privilege of watching him perform live. He was energetic and limber, flinging himself all around the stage; especially impressive when you learn he is no less than 67 years old. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that Mr. Mitchell was a last-minute booking: this performance slot was supposed to go to Annaleigh Ashford. When Ms. Ashford reported that she was feeling sick, Mr. Mitchell threw together a show with less than a day’s notice. His professionalism was superhuman!
Wayne Brady: I knew Wayne Brady was funny – but I didn’t know he could sing like that! Compared to your average TV personality turned Broadway stunt cast, Wayne Brady is no schmuck. My favorite gimmick of the night was when he invited singers from the audience to come up and sing back-up for him. He didn’t bring me up onstage, which is too bad… you know I would have laid down that tenor part like nobody’s business...
Shoshana Bean: This was my personal favorite. Unlike the other headliners, who stopped for lengthy stories between songs, Shoshana kept the music flowing. Her setlist was perfect: she included intimate solos, re-imagined mens’ songs, and even an A Cappella “request” section where she sang any song the audience yelled out at her. Most importantly, her genuine passion for singing came through; you could tell her years in the industry haven’t jaded her spirit, and I’d say that’s worth a million high C’s.
BROADWAY BLAST: In both Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, Boublil & Schönberg turn survivor’s guilt into a devastating refrain. "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" finds Marius mourning his fallen friends, trapped in a café where revolution died with them. "Bui Doi" shifts that grief toward the living—John sings not for the dead, but for the children war left behind, abandoned by their fathers and shunned by their country. One song aches for those who didn’t make it; the other pleads for those who did. But in both, the message is clear: history doesn’t just create ghosts—it leaves behind those who have to live with them.
BROADWAY MAVEN YouTube GEM: How do the chords of Dear Evan Hansen mirror the title character's emotional journey? Broadway Maven co-host and music educator Mateo Chavez Lewis explained how in last Monday's FREE class, which was recorded in full and is found here:
ANNOUNCEMENT: Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 Broadway Maven Scholars program for full-time students ages 16-26. The curriculum involves an in-depth look at Broadway history and structure, with intense exploration of both the musical and the lyrical side of song construction. Students will participate in discussions, presentations, and a final project, making a video that will appear in MARQUEE. Those who complete the program (for which there's no application fee) get $500, four invitations to Broadway shows, and a certificate of achievement. Perfect for the theater kids and budding scholars in your life. Apply at the button below.
Save the Dates: David is hard at work preparing The Broadway Institute, an all-new eight-week Broadway appreciation course, with special attention to Broadway history and lyrics. It meets every Monday in May and June (except June 2). The course will move chronologically but also have sessions devoted to Stephen Sondheim, Jewish Broadway, and “Broadway and Society.” First Week FREE; First Month FREE for New Members. Registration opens soon.
Note: A full calendar of upcoming classes is always available at TheBroadwayMaven.com.
• April 8-19 PASSOVER VACATION
• Sunday, April 20 Noon and 7 pm ET Trivia Parties (Members only)
• Monday, April 21 Noon ET Time capsule: September 1925 with David Armstrong (Members only)
• Tuesday, April 22 Noon ET Assassins with Gail Leondar-Wright (Members only)
• Monday, April 28 Noon and 7 pm ET The Wizard of Oz (Members only)
• Monday, May 5 Noon and 7 pm ET The Broadway Institute Week One: FREE (Registration opens soon)
• Tuesday, May 6 Noon ET Sondheim Academy (Members only)
LAST BLAST: Company isn’t just about someone afraid of commitment—it’s a musical that refuses to commit. Instead of a traditional plot, it jumps through Bobby’s life in fragmented scenes, never settling into a clear narrative. Sondheim’s score reinforces this—songs interrupt each other, repeat in different contexts, and resist easy conclusions. Just like Bobby, Company keeps its options open, proving through its very structure that fear of commitment isn’t just a theme—it’s the show’s DNA.
The Broadway Maven is a vibrant educational community that helps its members think more deeply about musical theater. Every month, members may attend 5-15 expert-led classes and innovative Broadway experiences, all for just $18. We also foster enthusiasm for Broadway through the FREE weekly Substack newsletter MARQUEE and host an expansive YouTube channel. It's your home for Broadway appreciation. Contact The Broadway Maven at DavidBenkof@gmail.com.
I was there! It was like Broadway Con on drugs! Hope to see you on the cruise next time!
I had seen this advertised and might be interested in the future. The TCM movie cruise also looks promising