One can dream, can't he? In an ideal world where chocolate is calorie free, peace is found in the Middle East, and Lindsay Lohan graduates from the Institut Villa Pierrefeu, Broadway would see the following over the course of next season.
(1) An Original Star Vehicle Show: Bring back the days where the most popular writers of the day were creating shows around Broadway star talent. If Judd Apatow could write a romantic comedy that paired Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl together, Pasek and Paul should be able to pen a new musical comedy for the ridiculously funny and talented Laura Benanti and James Corden! Jason Robert Brown recently wrote The Bridges of Madison County for Kelli O'Hara (who can do no wrong in my book). But in this case, popular material can often over-shadow the actress (even those delivering the most beautiful of performances, like Kelli did in Bridges) given the public's familiarity with the popular source material and/or film adaptation. Let's give these Broadway talents an opportunity to originate roles and define parts for this generation much in the same way Patti LuPone (Evita), Angela Lansbury (Mame), and Carol Channing (Hello Dolly!) did for our previous generations.
(2) A Musical Book Penned by Rachel Shukert: No one is funnier than Rachel Shukert. And no one has a more earnest love of musicals than she. Her mixture of observational humor, pop culture references, and absurdism has given her an original and refreshing comic voice. I continued to watch NBC's Smash through its second season merely to have the necessary foundation to laugh my a#% off while reading her show recaps on Vulture.com. With her insight into musical theater history and form, she has the knowledge and devotion to write the next great musical comedy. When I referenced this wish in a recent Twitter post, Shukert responded, "From your mouth to God's ears!" Let's make this happen, Rachel!
(3) A New Stephen Sondheim Musical: With his legendary stature, he only needs to write (or not) about what he wants to when he wants to. You know if and when he comes out with something new it will most likely be driven by passion and inspiration. Given this luxury and professional parameters, I can't think of anything I'd be more curious or excited to see.