BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary
Episode: Grace and Matt’s Top Theatre of 2024
Host/Author: BroadwayRadio
Release Date: December 30, 2024
Introduction
As the curtain falls on 2024, Grace and Matt take center stage on BroadwayRadio to reflect on the year's standout theatrical productions. With enthusiasm and insightful commentary, they delve into a diverse array of shows that captivated their hearts and minds. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for theater enthusiasts, highlighting regional gems, Broadway sensations, and innovative off-Broadway performances.
Regional Highlights: "Beautiful" Takes the Stage
Matt:
"I saw a production of Beautiful over at the Malta Jupiter Theater that happened just a little over a year ago...[00:45]...regional productions of Beautiful were high on my list last year."
Grace acknowledges the widespread appeal of "Beautiful," noting its strong sales and enduring popularity.
Grace:
"But they all sell well. They always sell well. So, yeah, Jersey Boys is good. [02:57]"
Shining Spotlight: "Cats" Reimagined
Grace shares her newfound appreciation for Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic, Cats, highlighting a specific downtown production.
Grace:
"I saw downtown at the Pac of Cats, the Jellicle Ball, was extraordinary...[03:16]...it was such an amazing way to experience that piece for the first time. And now I don't want anybody else to do it. It's definitive."
Matt concurs, emphasizing the exceptional nature of this rendition.
Matt:
"Yeah, Cats was also one of the highlights of my year as well."
Innovative Musicals: "Three Houses" – A Pandemic Reflection
Matt introduces a unique musical, Three Houses, praising its distinct narrative structure and thematic depth.
Matt:
"It's called Three Houses and it was at Signature...[02:57]...it is mesmerizing. It is certainly a unique piece of theater that I don't think we see anything like we've ever seen anything like before."
He encourages listeners to explore the cast album for a deeper experience.
Heartfelt Rock: "Heart of Rock and Roll"
Grace reminisces about Heart of Rock and Roll, celebrating its emotional resonance and strong performances.
Grace:
"I laughed and cried and clapped every single time I went to see it...[06:03]...USA Today said Heart of Rock and Roll was in the top 10 shows of the year."
Matt highlights the show's critical acclaim and anticipates future performances.
Matt:
"Love that. And correct me if I'm wrong, I feel like we're gonna get an opportunity to hear F sing some Huey Lewis in another show coming up, Right? [07:37]"
Returning Favorites: "Hadestown" and "Teeth"
Matt reflects on his repeated viewings of Hadestown, praising the talented cast, and introduces Teeth, commending its off-Broadway charm.
Matt:
"I loved Hadestown again a couple times this year...[06:03]...I loved Teeth. Like, I was late to the party and didn't see it at Playwrights. Saw it off Broadway. Loved Teeth."
Broadway Sensation: "Sunset Boulevard"
Matt delves into his top Broadway pick, Sunset Boulevard, marveling at its electrifying atmosphere and stellar performances.
Matt:
"It is just such a special and unique experience that it's something that I'm going to remember and treasure for a long time...[03:16]...Nicole Scherzinger on Sunset Boulevard is not dissimilar from what people felt when they were sitting in a big stadium ahead of the ERAS tour."
He shares a personal anecdote about his excitement and the premiere buzz at the St. James Theater.
Off-Broadway Excellence: "Stereophonic" and Intimate Spaces
Grace and Matt discuss the impact of Stereophonic, applauding its magical storytelling and exceptional performances.
Grace:
"If you look at my Spotify wrapped, you'll see that three of my top five songs are from Stereophonic...[10:07]...the performances were spectacular."
Matt:
"Yeah, that was undoubtedly on my list as well. So Stereophonic, you said it. It's great. I saw it both off Broadway and on Broadway and it is a magical piece of theater."
Intimate Drama: "Animal Kingdom" and "Pre-existing Condition"
Matt explores the realm of intimate theater with two compelling productions: Animal Kingdom and Pre-existing Condition. He lauds the power of small spaces in enhancing emotional depth and actor performance.
Matt:
"Animal Kingdom had to do with a family going through family therapy...[10:28]. But the other show... Pre-existing Condition was my number one show of 2024...[14:26]...it was just very powerful."
Grace adds her appreciation for the evolving landscape of theater comedies, noting a resurgence in quality and humor.
Grace:
"I really love where we are with comedies...[14:26]...I have a lot of hope now because of some of these shows."
Comedy Revival: A Fresh Take on Humor
Grace celebrates the positive shift in comedic productions, highlighting shows like Oh Mary, On My Way, and Happy Ending which reinvigorate the genre.
Grace:
"I really like where we are with some of these comedies. There was a while where I was like, I don't think we're funny anymore. But you know what? I have a lot of hope now because of some of these shows."
Matt echoes this sentiment, mentioning additional comedies that stood out throughout the year.
Matt:
"Oh Mary was just on the outside of my list...[14:55]...so Jonah, I want to mention Jonah as well, which is an off Broadway show that I thought was spectacular."
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to 2025
As the episode wraps up, Grace and Matt express their excitement for the upcoming year, anticipating more groundbreaking and enthralling productions. They invite listeners to share their own favorite shows from 2024 and hint at even greater theatrical experiences to come in 2025.
Matt:
"It was a very, very good year for theater and I appreciate everyone, like following along and listening to our thoughts on it...[15:00]...we'll have just as much excitement over everything that we've seen in 2025 as we do for 2024."
Grace concludes with a heartfelt hope for continued laughter and joy in future comedic offerings.
Grace:
"I have a lot of hope now because of some of these shows."
Notable Quotes
- Matt [00:45]: "We are just a couple days away from 2025, so, Grace, you and I are going to look back at some of our favorite theater of the past year."
- Grace [03:16]: "I don't need to see your actor piece on, you know, the Alexander method of you being a cat."
- Matt [07:26]: "I saw Hadestown again a couple times this year, but I loved the cast with Maya Rafico and Jordan Fisher and Philip Boykin."
- Grace [10:07]: "If you look at my Spotify wrapped, you'll see that three of my top five songs are from Stereophonic. I would be insane to not say Stereophonic."
Final Thoughts
Grace and Matt's heartfelt and comprehensive review offers listeners a rich tapestry of 2024's theatrical triumphs. From intimate off-Broadway productions to grand Broadway shows, their insights provide valuable guidance for theater lovers seeking their next unforgettable experience. As BroadwayRadio bids farewell to the year, it sets the stage for an even more exciting 2025 in the world of theater.