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Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 8, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Here are a few top cabaret shows and concerts to consider in NYC this week including Sandra Bernhard, Matthew Morrison (Glee, Hairspray original Broadway cast), drag, holiday jazz shows and more.

The 8th '42e Rue Fait Son Show' just dropped on @francemusique – 'La Vie d'Artiste' celebrates the highs & dreams of performers with stars like Sabine Devieilhe, Rosemary Standley, Lily Kerhoas, and a world premiere of MAGIC HÔTEL! Brass, tap, glitter, and that unbeatable live orchestra energy. It only gets better every year! 🔥 Listen now: https://www.radiofrance.fr/francemusique/podcasts/42e-rue/42e-rue-fait-son-show-8eme-edition-la-vie-d-artiste-6639153 #ComedieMusicale #42eRuedio France?

Titanic… An Immersive Experience. The Exhibit has opened at Union Station for a multi-month run through April of 2026.   The key word is “Immersive.”  “Immersion” means that audience members are meant to feel like they are part of the experience.  The Titanic Immersion Voyage is the next logical step towards achieving what it must have been like to have been aboard the RMS Titanic on that cold April night in back 1912, 400 miles east of Newfoundland when she struck an iceberg, foundered, and lost 1500 of her passengers and crew to the icy north Atlantic while on her maiden voyage to New York.

While different tryout theaters have different relationships to the development of new shows, it’s worth looking at both which commercial rental theaters and which non-profit theaters have had the most Best Musical Tony Award winners come from their stages.

Caroline O'Connor, Silvie Paladino, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Georgia Wilkinson, Denis Walter and Claire Lyon are among the star-studded line-up set to perform at Hamer Hall as part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s 2026 Morning Melodies program.

Jennifer Lopez is making her movie musical debut in the new film version of Kiss of the Spider Woman. Since childhood, the superstar has loved musical theater and recalled some of her early Broadway memories during a recent visit to Live with Kelly and Mark. Check out the interview now.

John Bolton, a Tony Award nominee for A CHRISTMAS STORY, has joined the cast of ROMERO & JULIET in Concert as Uncle Larry (aka Friar Lawrence.)

Chad Marge and Delilah Jane Dunn will star as Romero and Juliet, alongside Tony nominee Steven Skybell as Uncle Larry (Friar Lawrence) in a concert presentation of the new zombie rock musical ROMERO & JULIET in Concert at the Cutting Room NYC.

Charles Kirsch is the 17-year-old host of the theater podcast Backstage Babble, where he has conducted over 250 in-depth interviews with some of Broadway’s best. In “Stage Direction,” he will be using material from the podcast and additional interviews to chronicle the career and impact of some of the most influential theater directors. 

Renowned pianist Philip Fortenberry and singer Elisa Fiorillo will star in The Classics with Class at Myron’s at The Smith Center on Aug. 20.

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Beth Leavel, Casey Likes, Joe Iconis and more. See the full month of programming here! 

Which Best Musical and Best Play nominees will take home the ultimate prize? BroadwayWorld has rounded up the winners of the Tony Awards, the Drama Desk Awards, the Drama League Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the last fifty years to compare winners year by year.

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Tracie Thoms, Jenn Colella and more. See the full lineup here!

Final casting has been confirmed for the Australian leg of LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR! Due to demand, extra performances were recently added in Australia.

The 25/26 Broadway at the Eccles season will feature eight shows including seven premiere engagements to Salt Lake City, and the eagerly awaited return of a favorite to the magnificent Eccles Theater. Learn more!

The 2025/26 Broadway at the Eccles season has been announced, which includes eight shows, with seven premiere engagements to Salt Lake City, as well as the return of a fan favorite. Learn more about the season lineup here!

Due to demand, extra performances have been added in Australia for LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR! The World Tour arrives at the ICC Sydney Theatre on 30 April 2025.

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers, music directors and lead designers whose creative visions will bring the theatre’s bold 2025 season to life. Learn more about the upcoming season!

Tickets for LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR have gone on sale today. Learn more about where the production will be touring to across Australia and find out how to get tickets!

Long Beach Opera announced its 2025 season featuring works by Pauline Oliveros, highlighting site-specific performances. Discover how these innovative productions will transform traditional opera experiences.

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts has announced another selection of iconic shows and curated special events during its 2024/2025 season!  From Broadway legends BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL and DAVIS GAINES, to country superstars PAM TILLIS & LORRIE MORGAN, this is going to be a Fall, Winter, and Spring to remember!  

LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR has set its full Australian Tour schedule. The show is coming to the ICC Theatre Sydney on 30 April 2025, to be followed by Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne from 14 May 2025 and then Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 28 May 2025 for strictly limited performances.

With the fifth season now airing, we compiled a list of the Broadway stars who appear across the five seasons of Only Murders in the Building and how you might know them on the stage.