Aviator, Hollywood producer, tycoon and recluse, Howard Hughes gets a musical built as an unconventional love story, unfolding as he looks back from the end of his life at the one thing his fortune could never buy. The Stanley Drama Award winner has music by James Scully, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and Abby Church as Katharine Hepburn. With only a couple of weekends left in its run, this is a find for fans of new traditional musicals.
What to expect
A full-scale new musical running about two and a half hours with an intermission, with a 16-person cast moving through Hughes's childhood, Hollywood years and romances, including Katharine Hepburn. Projections by Adam J. Thompson help the story jump between eras and places.
Good to know
- Take the 6 to 77 St; the Theatre at St. Jean's is at 150 East 76th Street.
- Runs about 2 hours 30 minutes including intermission.
- Suits fans of classic-style book musicals and Old Hollywood history.
- The York Theatre offers a membership program; see its site for benefits.
Common questions
Who plays Howard Hughes?
Sean MacLaughlin, with Jill Paice as Allene Hughes and Abby Church as Katharine Hepburn.
When does it close?
The York Theatre lists the run through October 4, 2026.