All these years of reviewing Broadway productions followed by first national tours of the same title have taught me that the casts that take to the road often are the better of the two.

Why? First, because musicals on Broadway have to worry too much about stars, Instagram followings and a host of other political factors, as well as the artistry. Second, because directors and casting directors typically don’t know who is really right, or wrong, for a role until after the production is up and running. And, third, because Broadway shows have ensemble members and understudies who not only study the show night after night and figure out its artistry and mechanics but often were always better than the leads anyway. When they move up on a tour, they can be quite astonishing.

I’m only talking ab

See Full Page