The King's Critique

The King's Critique is a musical comedy with an original story, and it has its world premiere Off-Broadway in 2026. Jordan Fisher Theatrics and Art Lab Productions are the producing partners, Lisa Dozier Shacket is the executive producer, and the run is a limited engagement. Performances take place at the Pershing Square Signature Center on West 42nd Street.

Nat Zegree wrote the music and shares the lyrics with Eric Holmes, who also wrote the book. The story is not adapted from a novel, film or older play, so there is no source material to read first.

The setup is simple and a little absurd, in keeping with a musical comedy. King Benjamin has decreed that women may not perform onstage. Josephine refuses to accept that rule and works out a plan to overturn it, with help from a tenor named Sebastian.

Zegree composed the score and is credited with the orchestrations alongside Ian Chan. TheaterMania also lists him as the music director. Holmes writes lyrics as well.

Joy Machine Records has released a concept recording that contains five of the show's songs, available on streaming services. The official site calls it the Original Concept Recording and links to it, so you can hear the writers' songs ahead of time.

Paul Tate dePoo III designs the scenery and Emily Rebholz the costumes. Cory Pattak handles the lighting, and Jessica Paz the sound.

As of October 2026, Taylor Iman Jones plays Josephine and Sky Lakota-Lynch plays Sebastian. Justin Collette plays the King, and Donna Lynne Champlin plays Cora. Matthew Patrick Quinn is Horrace, and Bridget Beirne plays Lady Comden. Casts can change during a run, so confirm the lineup on the official website before you buy.

Meg Fofonoff leads Art Lab Productions, which developed the musical before the Off-Broadway run was announced. A private industry reading was held in Manhattan, and the concept recording was released ahead of the announcement.

The first preview is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with the official opening on November 12, 2026.