An American Institution,
The Broadway Musical reminds
That hope and optimism
Are alive in daunting times

The Tonys are just days away
But trophies set aside
Here’s a celebration
Of this year’s magic ride

It’s been a thrilling season
Packed with drama, dance and songs
Dolly Levi’s scaled the stairs again:
Bette’s back where she belongs

With Groundhog Day that furry friend
Has finally shown his head
And in place of weeks of winter
We get Andy Karl instead

Falsettos reasserted
That family’s many things
It’s the people who stand by you,
And who love you without strings

A Bronx Tale proved (once again)
The joy of a Menken tune
And Motown made a second stop
Then left us far too soon

The helicopter landed,
The heat is back on in Saigon.
Holiday Inn had toes-a-tapping
Limited engagement: now it’s gone

A return of the Glenn “Close”- up,
Sunset Boulevard has shown
That the lady is a treasure,
Norma’s hers, and hers alone

The hairballs and the “Memory”
Are alive and well at Cats
While Willy Wonka and Amelie
Rolled out their welcome mats

Anastasia journeyed to the past
Traveling from the screen to stage
Dear Evan Hansen’s proved that
Hope and heart are all the rage

The cast and crew at Bandstand
Has us dancing in full “swing”
In Transit brought tight harmonies
Making a cappella sing

The Great Comet soared across the sky
As did Natasha and Pierre
While Ms. Patti and Ms. Ebersole
“Make up” War Paint’s diva pair

And if inspiration can be found
In a tragic, hopeless day
The resolve of our humanity
Emerges in Come From Away

And though the curtain has come down
On this most exciting year
We’ve been gifted many musicals
For which to stand and cheer

A musical season is more than just
The shows of here and now
It’s a part of a greater legacy
So, Broadway, take your bow

Please follow me on Twitter at @theatreguy22 or on my Facebook page Mark Robinson Writes.