Broadway audiences were treated to a dazzling debut on June 19, 2025, as “The Golden Hour” premiered at the Majestic Theatre to a sold-out crowd. The highly anticipated musical tells the story of America’s first female disc jockey, set against the backdrop of 1940s radio culture. With 1,500 theatergoers in attendance, the evening marked a major milestone for a production already generating industry buzz.
Directed by acclaimed Tony Award-winner David Levine, “The Golden Hour” masterfully blends nostalgia with modern flair. The show is anchored by rising Broadway sensation Mia Torres, whose portrayal of lead character Evelyn Chase—a determined woman navigating the male-dominated world of radio broadcasting—has already won critical acclaim. Her performance was described by The New York Times as a “mesmerizing stage presence,” with many noting her capacity to carry the emotional weight and comedic timing the role demands.
The musical’s score, composed by jazz pianist and newcomer Clara Wu, captures the spirit of 1940s swing with a fresh twist. Songs such as “On the Air” and “Spin the Dial” bring vintage energy to the stage while infusing modern vocal arrangements that resonate with today’s audiences. Early reviews praise the music as both “infectious” and “surprisingly poignant,” highlighting its role in advancing the plot and deepening character arcs.
Beyond its artistic merits, the production offers a timely message about women breaking barriers in media and entertainment. Set in an era when few women were allowed behind a microphone, the show sheds light on a pioneer whose fictionalized story mirrors real-life figures like Mary Dee Dudley and Dorothy Brunson, early trailblazers in radio broadcasting. In interviews, director Levine described the project as a tribute to “voices that were once silenced but ultimately helped shape the sound of America.”
Choreography by Tony-nominated duo Jackson & Mira delivers high-energy dance numbers that elevate the musical’s vintage ambiance. From jitterbug-inspired routines to elegant ballads, the visual storytelling matches the score’s energy and complements the show’s design, which features period-authentic sets and costumes crafted by Broadway veteran Lin Chen.
Following the glowing reception on opening night, producers confirmed plans for a national tour to begin in early 2026. The tour is expected to launch in Chicago before traveling to Los Angeles, Atlanta, and several other major markets, making “The Golden Hour” one of the first major musicals of the post-pandemic Broadway resurgence to commit to a wide-reaching tour.
Industry insiders have noted the show’s potential to earn multiple nominations in the upcoming Tony Awards season, citing strong performances, innovative staging, and a resonant storyline. Broadway box office trackers also report that advance ticket sales have surged, with many performances already close to capacity through August.
For audiences and critics alike, “The Golden Hour” appears poised to become a breakout success. Combining historical inspiration with show-stopping entertainment, it stands as a vibrant testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring appeal of musical theater.