Jonathan Groff is proving to be Broadway’s MVP.  During his vacation last week, grosses for Just in Time plummeted by over 60%!  With his final show scheduled for March 29^th, producers were frantically negotiating with several big names.  After several declined, director Alex Timbers revealed their choice: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Jeremy Jordan to Just in Time – his talent, charisma, and emotional fearlessness make him the perfect artist to step into the role of Bobby Darin.  We’re excited to tailor the show to Jeremy’s many gifts and make a version of the show unique to him.  Watching Jeremy bring Bobby’s swagger, vulnerability, and musical brilliance to life on Broadway is going to be electric, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”

A casting change for Broadway musical Six is less smooth.  Starting on February 16^th, Dylan Mulvaney is taking on the role of Anne Boleyn.  As was the case with the historical queen in question, the reaction to Dylan’s casting has been decidedly mixed.  While many are applauding the hiring of a transgender actress, many others are attacking Dylan and the show.  As a result, the producers made their Twitter account private, and issued the following statement: “While we welcome passionate engagement with the show, aggressive, threatening or abusive behaviour is never acceptable.  As a production, we unequivocally condemn bullying in all its forms and remain committed to fostering a respectful, supportive environment for everyone involved.”

Since we’re talking Broadway, let’s go to this week’s Ask Billy question.  Victor in New Jersey asks,  “What ever happened to Magic Mike Live?  I saw it in Vegas and loved the reality show.  Is it ever coming to New York?”

Can I be honest with you, dear readers?  Victor’s question didn’t just come in – it hit my mailbox three months ago.  Back then, I didn’t have any details.  So, I dangled him along, as I’ve done to so many men before him.  I’m now happy to provide an answer.  Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Live is poised to hit Times Square next fall in a new venue called Greenlight, located on 47^th and 8^th Avenue.  Those of you who know the area will recognize it as the last home of the infamous Copacabana (yes, of Lola the showgirl, when they used to have a show).  Magic Mike Live is described as “a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular, with jaw-dropping dance moves, hilarious moments, and bold, immersive production design.  Ninety minutes of unforgettable entertainment, equal parts empowering and exhilarating.”  I notice the lack of the word nudity.  You had me, then you lost me.

When Channing’s boys can leave their clothes on, it’s definitely time to end another column.  Yes, I realize I didn’t mention anything about the Oscars.  What can I say – I’m a bit nonplussed.  But maybe it’s because every time I hear the name Ryan Coogler, I expect someone to come out with puppets.  If you get that, you’re just old enough to enjoy www.BillyMasters.com – the site that caters kids of all ages.  As always, you can send your questions along to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Antoni is cast as Lola in Magic Mike Live (with a dress cut down to there).  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.