The 2026-27 Broadway roster
Variety announced the 2026 edition of its annual “10 Broadway Stars to Watch” list, highlighting actors, composers, librettists, and playwrights working on upcoming productions. The honorees are connected to shows including “Purple Rain,” “Warriors,” “Spring Awakening,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and “Wanted.”
The selections will be honored at the annual Business of Broadway Breakfast, hosted by Tom Felton. The October 5 event features conversations surrounding productions such as “Evita,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Dolly: A True Original Musical.”
Featured artists and productions
The individuals recognized on Variety’s list for the 2026-27 season include:
- Jethro Compton, writer and director bringing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to the United States following its West End run.
- Peter Duchan, librettist making his Broadway debut with the stage adaptation of Prince’s Purple Rain alongside work on Practical Magic.
- Aneesa Folds, actress and improviser reuniting with Lin-Manuel Miranda on the musical adaptation Warriors.
- Ethan Gruska and Carly Rae Jepsen, who are composing the music for Lena Dunham and Jessica Huang’s stage adaptation of 10 Things I Hate About You.
- Ryo Kamibayashi, Ashlyn Maddox, Tyler Jordan Wesley, and Amalia Yoo, who emerged from open casting calls to lead an Off Broadway revival of Spring Awakening.
- Liisi LaFontaine, starring as Martha in the Western musical Wanted about biracial sisters in 1893 Texas.
- Whitney Leavitt, reality television personality and dancer following her run in Chicago with a role as Sandra Dee in the Bobby Darin musical Just in Time.
- Nathan Levy, marking his fifth Broadway appearance originating a role in The Fantasticks.
Celebration and preview events
The Broadway preview events include discussions with creative teams and cast members, featuring figures such as Rachel Zegler, Diego Rodriguez, James Olivas, Aaron Sorkin, Bradley Whitford, Tom Blyth, Krysta Rodriguez, Michael Arden, Bartlett Sher, and Adam Speers.
