Last weekend, pop culture geeks, Broadway fanatics, and everyone in between swarmed the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for the 20th annual New York Comic Con. Projected and reported at 250,000 attendees (making it North America’s most attended fan convention), and over 650 exhibitors and 500+ creators, the four-day event was jam packed with all-things fun.

Playbill was honored to attend for a fifth year, in partnership with NYCC, bringing star-studded Broadway panels to the convention, packed with Broadway and TV notables and celebrities. Here’s a look at the six panels and exciting takeaways from them!

Richie Ridge, Kaley Ann Voorhees, Kyle Scatliffe, Cesar Hawas at New York Comic Con 2026

The fun kicked off on Thursday with MASQUERADE. The immersive production hosted an incredible panel to celebrate The Phantom of the Opera’s 40th Anniversary. Theatre journalist Richie Ridge
moderated the discussion between Phantom actor Kyle Scatliffe, Christine actress Kaley Ann Voorhees, and Senior Producer Cesar Hawas. The group shared their experiences rehearsing and premiering MASQUERADE, some of their favorite audience interactions, and what makes MASQUERADE the premiere immersive theatrical production in New York. 

Bryan Campione, Cinco Paul, Alex Brightman, Max Clayton, Ann Harada at New York Comic Con 2026

Up next, Schmigadoon! creator Cinco Paul joined cast members Alex Brightman, Ann Harada, and Max Clayton for a behind-the-scenes look at bringing Schmigadoon! from screen to Broadway. Moderated by Playbill’s very own Bryan Campione, the lively conversation covered the 2026 Best Musical Tony winning show’s journey to the stage, including what was kept, what was cut, and how the team translated its signature comedic timing and musical comedy into a live theatrical experience. The panel also celebrated the show’s love letter to Broadway legends, with plenty of funny anecdotes and insights into the creative process along the way. From honoring classic musicals to building something entirely new for the stage, the conversation gave fans a fresh look at the creativity, collaboration, and comedy that make Schmigadoon! so special. 

Marcus Choi, Will Aronson, Clint Ramos, Dane Laffrey at New York Comic Con 2026

2025 Tony Award winner Maybe Happy Ending came next and brought its acclaimed blend of innovation and heart to NYCC with “Building a Maybe Happy Ending,” a behind-the-scenes conversation featuring composer and co-lyricist Will Aronson, scenic designer Dane Laffrey, costume designer Clint Ramos, and moderator Marcus Choi. The packed panel gave fans a deeper look into the creation of the Tony Award-winning musical, covering topics ranging from Aronson’s writing process and the integration of AAPI culture into the piece, to Laffrey’s film-like scenic design work, Ramos’ classic costume choices, and the technical craftsmanship that brings the show’s futuristic world to life. Audience members were highly engaged throughout the discussion, and the enthusiasm continued after the panel concluded, with the creative team spending additional time answering questions from fans, many of whom shared gifts and messages inspired by the show’s beloved “Helperbots.” The event highlighted the passionate community that has embraced Maybe Happy Ending while introducing new Comic Con audiences to the artistry behind the Broadway hit. 

Andrew Moerdyk, Jimin Moon, Anania, Jake Shears, Raven Snook at New York Comic Con 2026

The cast and creatives from The Rocky Horror Show on Broadway stopped by NYCC to chat with fans of the cult classic musical in a moderated panel conversation. To a standing-room-only crowded room, journalist Raven Snook led a conversation with Jake Shears (Frank-N-Furter), Jimin Moon (Rocky), Anania (Swing) and Andrew Moerdyk (part of the design collective, dots). They shared their first experiences with seeing The Rocky Horror Show (either the stage show or the film), surprising audience call outs, thoughts behind the design of the show, craziest places to find glitter and fun anecdotes for the room. 

Franke Grande, Justin Sargent, Hannah Solow, Bryan Campione, Harvey Guillen, Josh Rivera at New York Comic Con 2026

Each year Playbill has presented panels at NYCC, The Big Broadway Nerd Panel has been an absolute must for Broadway fans. This year’s “at room capacity” panel was also hosted by Campione, with panelists including Frankie Grande, Harvey Guillén, Josh Rivera, Justin Sargent, and Hannah Solow. Topics ranged from “what makes you a nerd?” to sharing personal stories of growing up with cosplay, as well as playing hysterical crowd-favorite games—including “The Ultimate Theme Park E-Ticket” (where panelists had to design their perfect theme park attraction using their resume), and the ever-popular “Pitch a Broadway Show” where panelists pitched the “audience of producers” on a show they would like to create. This year’s winning show was pitched by Solow, Sabrina! Sad Gay Girl and had the audience roaring with applause and laughter. We cannot wait to bring the panel back next year in 2027 with even more fun, laughter and nerddom.

Dave Quinn, T.R. Knight, Betsy Wolfe, Ethan Slater, Ellenore Scott, Christian McQueen at New York Comic Con 2026

The award-winning revival of Little Shop of Horrors closed out the weekend celebrating a record-setting milestone: becoming the longest-running production in the musical’s history, with 2,300 performances and counting! Panelists included Tony nominees Ethan Slater (Seymour), Betsy Wolfe (Audrey) and Ellenore Scott (Choreographer), as well as Christian McQueen (The Voice of Audrey II) and T.R. Knight (incoming Seymour). They were joined by moderator Dave Quinn (Deputy News Editor of PEOPLE) for a lively conversation about the musical’s enduring legacy and cross-generational staying power. The panelists shared exclusive stories from their experiences bringing the cult classic to life onstage in New York City, discussed the creative magic behind its lasting success, and reflected on the show’s deep roots in American theatre, film, and pop culture. More than four decades after its debut, the conversation celebrated what keeps audiences coming back for more, and why the world is still eager to answer the call to “Feed Me!” 

Also at New York Comic Con, guests attended panels and signings featuring Broadway notables that included Tony-winners Idina Menzel, B.D. Wong, Stephen Oremus, Bryan Carter and Charlie Rosen, Tony nominees Bryce Pinkham and Ethan Popp, Haven Burton Paschall, Grant Gustin, Kyle MacLachlan, Melissa Benoist, Paul Bettany, Peter Weller, Rainn Wilson, Rick Riordan, Sebastian Stan, Katie Spelman, and more.

Playbill would like to thank Camilla Di Persia, Chris D’Lando and the entire team at NYCC/ReedPop for their continued support and partnership. We would also like to thank, the teams at AKA NYC, The Pekoe Group, SPI Marketing, Polk & Co., Vivacity Media Group, and Elite Beats for their support with show participation, production and panel room support.