BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Grace and Matt’s 2025 Theatre Predictions
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of BroadwayRadio, hosts Matt and Grace dive into their predictions for the theatrical landscape in 2025. They explore trends in show transfers, financial forecasts, and award predictions, offering insightful perspectives for Broadway enthusiasts.
New Year’s Traditions
The episode begins with a light-hearted discussion about Southern New Year’s Day traditions. Matt from BroadwayRadio asks Grace about customary Southern dishes, leading Grace to share:
“It's black-eyed peas and collard greens… it's like for good fortune.”
[00:27]
Grace elaborates on the cultural significance, comparing it to Irish traditions like corned beef and cabbage, and mentions that she usually celebrates these traditions with her mother.
Predictions for Broadway 2025
Off-Broadway to Broadway Transfers
Grace forecasts a resurgence in Off-Broadway shows transferring to Broadway, reversing the trend of the past couple of years where many shows didn’t intend to move to the main stage.
“We are going to be seeing a lot more one to one off Broadway transfers than we have in the past couple of years.”
[01:26]
She anticipates commercial theaters, such as the Lucille Lortel, leading this trend, emphasizing a shift back to testing successful shows before committing to Broadway runs.
Matt concurs, highlighting the success of stars in Off-Broadway productions as a catalyst for these transfers.
Gross Revenues and Ticket Prices
Matt shifts focus to the financial aspects of Broadway, predicting an increase in weekly grosses for top shows due to rising ticket prices.
“We are going to start seeing it be a more of a regular occurrence where we will have not one, but at least two shows grossing $2 million a week.”
[04:45]
He notes that while capacity remains strong, the primary driver for increased grosses will be higher ticket prices influenced by inflation and the cost of doing business. This trend, according to Matt, may make Broadway less accessible for some theatergoers.
Limited Runs and Business Models
Grace raises an interesting point about the potential shift towards limited runs as a risk mitigation strategy for producers.
“I am wondering if people… producers and Broadway houses are going to be more keen on ensuring limited runs.”
[07:10]
She suggests that producers might prefer guaranteeing a six-month run to minimize financial risk, although she admits uncertainty about how feasible this model would be from a business standpoint. Matt responds by contemplating the benefits of reduced risk for producers in such a scenario.
Tony Awards Predictions
Best Musical
Matt shares his predictions for the Best Musical category, listing several contenders and ultimately favoring Dead Outlaw for its strong track record and positive reception.
“I expect Dead Outlaw to win… I would go with Pirates.”
[05:50]
He discusses other nominees like Buena Vista Social Club, Happy Ending, and Operation Mincemeat, noting the diverse range of productions vying for the award.
Best Play
For Best Play, Matt tentatively nominates English, despite its scheduled closure, citing its critical acclaim and popularity.
“I'm going to say English. It’s a Pulitzer Prize winner… it's going to be closed but I think that show is so beloved.”
[12:50]
He also mentions other strong contenders such as Good Night and Good Luck and The Picture of Dorian Gray, expressing openness to changing his prediction closer to awards time.
Play Revivals
In the Play Revivals category, Matt introduces nominees like Othello, Romeo and Juliet, and Our Town, ultimately predicting an Othello win due to its ongoing success.
“I’m going with Othello… with the star power of it all.”
[12:50]
Grace adds her excitement for the diverse range of performances, emphasizing the potential for any of the nominees to shine based on their unique interpretations and the current theatrical climate.
“I think these are really good categories… a lot of people missed off Broadway or whatever.”
[13:26]
The Evolving Nature of Broadway Shows
Both hosts discuss the shift towards more unique and diverse subject matters in Broadway productions. Grace emphasizes the importance of diversity not just in casting but in storytelling and thematic exploration.
“There are now more unique and... a more diverse nature of the subject matters and a more diverse nature of tones.”
[16:21]
Matt reflects on the difference between traditional, IP-driven shows and the emerging trend of more artistically driven productions, appreciating the fresh and varied offerings for audiences.
“This season feels different to me than maybe some of the other ones have… more artistic.”
[16:21]
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Matt and Grace express excitement for the upcoming Broadway season, highlighting the promise of quality productions and the dynamic changes shaping the industry. They invite listeners to share their own predictions and remind them to tune in for future episodes.
“We are here to talk about the Tonys… it's going to be a really, really solid season with something for everybody.”
[14:09]
Join the Conversation
Have your own predictions for Broadway in 2025? Share them on social media and connect with the BroadwayRadio community!
This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing both a comprehensive overview and specific notable quotes to enrich the narrative.