By Valerie Milano
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/15/26 – The stage reading at the Hudson Theatre in Hollywood of Millennials Are Killing Musicals today was one of those rare theater experiences that reminds you why live performance matters so deeply, and why musical theater, despite all predictions of its demise, is very much alive and evolving.
Written by Nico Juber, this show is sharp, funny, self-aware, and deeply respectful of the art form it playfully interrogates. From the first notes to the final moments, every facet of this production feels intentional, cohesive, and bursting with heart.
Let’s start with the writing. The script is intelligent and fearless, biting without being cruel, humorous without being hollow. It understands the generational conversation it’s invites the audience into it rather than lecturing them. The voices are confident and refreshingly authentic, striking a beautiful balance between satire and sincerity.
The music is equally compelling. Each song feels purposeful, advancing the story while standing strong on its own. The musicianship is exceptional, and there’s something especially moving about knowing that Nico’s father is part of the combo on stage, an intergenerational collaboration that quietly reinforces the show’s core themes. The live music doesn’t just support the performers; it becomes part of the storytelling itself.
Casting and performances across the board are spot-on. The actors are not only strong singers but deeply committed storytellers. Vocals soar where they should, but never at the expense of emotional truth. There is an ease and chemistry among the cast that makes the entire production feel alive, present, and wonderfully human.
What truly elevates Millennials Are Killing Musicals is its spirit. This is not a cynical takedown of tradition, it’s a loving, clever, and often laugh-out-loud conversation about how art grows, adapts, and survives. It honors musical theater’s legacy while making room for new voices, new sounds, and new perspectives.
On a personal note, it was especially meaningful to experience this work knowing Nico through Catherine Gray of She Angels and the Invest In Her community, a reminder of how powerful it is when creative voices are supported, championed, and given space to shine.
By the time the lights came up, I found myself smiling, not just because I had been entertained, but because I had been genuinely moved. I enjoyed every facet of this production: the writing, the music, the musicians, the casting, the singing, and the performances.
Millennials Are Killing Musicals doesn’t kill anything, it reinvigorates, reimagines, and reaffirms why musicals continue to matter. This is bold, joyful, thoughtful theater, and a must-see for anyone who loves the art form or is ready to fall back in love with it. See it in full in the Spring. We will have interviews with the Director and the Creator/Writer for you soon.
@Kristin Hanggi
@Millennials Are Killing Musicals
